A Day in South Florida

local name global coverage december 25, 2019 vol. 10 // issue 52

A Day In South Florida

GBT lives begins on page 9 SFGN’s Annual photo issue is a look into your local L

SouthFloridaGayNews @SFGN SFGN.com NEWS highlight SouthFloridaGayNews.com

@SFGN December 25, 2019 • Volume 10 • Issue 52 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 LGBT Truckers Hit The Road To Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Publisher • Norm Kent [email protected] CEO • Pier Angelo Guidugli Make a Difference in Tampa Bay [email protected] Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Ryan Williams-Jent [email protected] Watermark Editorial Art Director • Brendon Lies [email protected] Digital Content Director • Justin Musial [email protected] Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold [email protected] Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi [email protected] Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Sallie James HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis [email protected] Senior Features Correspondents The organization Jesse Monteagudo Correspondents has six core members Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod and represents more Contributing Columnists than 4,000 LGBTQ Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily • Terri Schlichenmeyer Associate Photographers and ally truckers Carina Mask • Steven Shires Sales & Marketing LGBT Truckers. Photos via LGBT and supporters Truckers, Facebook. For ad placement in SFGN, nationwide. contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse [email protected] GBT Truckers, an organization pageants, Miss New Face and Miss Florida within the LGBT community across the Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann dedicated to raising awareness about Trans Proud, and begin at 7 p.m. Entry is $5. nation,” LGBT Truckers VP and Marketing [email protected] Lthe growing diversity within the Each of the events will feature the group’s Director Bobby Coffey-Loy says. “We love Senior Advertising Associate • Clark Rogers trucking industry, is hitting the road in Rainbow Rider, a rig painted in the colors helping others and as the opportunity came [email protected] Tampa Bay to spread some holiday cheer. of the rainbow, marking the truck’s Florida about with Victoria, the VFW and Florida Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell The organization has six core members debut. Trans Proud, it certainly has created some Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid and represents more than 4,000 LGBTQ and “We’re taking steps to create outings excitement.” National Advertising ally truckers and supporters nationwide. Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 [email protected] They will team with the Pasco County-based, equality-focused Florida Trans Proud to host Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press a variety of events Dec. 25-28. Events begin with a “Meals for 18 Wheels” event in Dade City and an outing on Dec. 27 will follow at Busch Gardens Tampa. Organizers will close out 2019 with a year- end bash benefiting St. Petersburg’s VFW Post No. 39 led by Tampa Bay entertainer Victoria Michaels on Dec. 28. Michaels has SFGN Winner of worked throughout the year to restore the & 5 Florida Press Club Awards post’s 175-seat theater. And runner-up for The evening will feature two inaugural NLGJA Journalist of the Year

South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not Cover 1: at 11:42 a.m., Dale Lee, Joey, Wasabi, Lucy and Antonio Brito go for an afternoon stroll in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask. represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not Cover 2: at 3:45 p.m., Adrienne Foland, her wife Amy Waxman and their dog Luna enjoy their outdoor living room at home in Wilton Manors. Submitted photo. 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 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.

2 • 12.25.2019 HIVcare.org

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12.25.2019 • 3 Convictions Publisher's Editorial A Celebration of Us x Norm Kent [email protected]

of Steve McQueen’s 1969 Mustang from Who Should Get the 50-year-old San Francisco based police Norm Kent as he appears detective movie, Buliitt. on his radio show, The Person of the Year? Mc Queen was the best. Like so many of Norm Kent Show. First of all, Happy Hanukkah and Merry our own friends, he died too young. But after Christmas. seeing Ford vs Ferrari in the theaters this Our readers know that at the end of each weekend, I gotta have it. Great movie if you year, SFGN acknowledges and applauds love racing — even if you don’t. achievements in excellence within and for the Anyway, to the point of this column. Let’s LGBT community, national make this tenth anniversary figures and local champions. special. SFGN is a print We do not make our newspaper surviving, thanks selections based on singular SFGN is a print to you, in a digital age. No easy achievements within any newspaper task. We need your support calendar year, but rather by more than ever. Printing, saluting accomplishments surviving, creative, and distribution personally and professionally costs are rising constantly. So over a lifetime. thanks to you, let’s celebrate who we all are Our choices reward and what we have achieved community members whose in a digital age. together, while we can. lives have exhibited grace No easy task. Finally, feel free to email and dignity, voices and your suggestions for persons visionaries whose voyages We need your of the year, male and female, have withstood the test of ally of the year, and youth time. support more activist of the year. Many are They have been straight worthy. A few are special . I allies like Hillary Clinton and than ever. want to hear what you have respected journalists such as to say. Anderson Cooper. They could be conservative Get me the suggestions in or liberal, artists or authors, even politicians. the next week. Hope to see you January 15, or If you have a suggestion for next hear from you on the air any weekday from 3 week’s award winners, send it to me on to 5 p.m. on 1470 AM or wwnnradio.com. Facebook in my Norm KENT page, or to Thanks, and have a special holiday. [email protected]. Come January, our pages will salute local leaders for 2019. This will be particularly exciting in January, when SFGN celebrates its tenth anniversary — at a party you are all invited to. It will be held on January 15 at Greico Ford in Fort Lauderdale, and we expect over 350 guests. Please come. You are invited. We will open the doors, give away some awards, celebrate our successes, acknowledge failures, and maybe sell some cars. I want that recreation Norm Kent

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12.25.2019 • 5 in memoriam Nite Club Law In Memory Of John Hitchcoch If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us. SFGN Staff

ohn Hitchcoch, former owner of Cubby Hole and long-time sponsor of South JFlorida Amateur Athletic Association, died recently from cancer. Here are a few quotes from people remembering him.

“A true friend for 45 years... my mentor as a DJ who gave me my first break as a DJ. I will never forget him. I am sure those of you who knew him will not either.” — Kenny Silverman, Chairman of the SFAAA. Criminal Defense “John was a longtime sponsor of the gay “He blessed me with 26 wonderful years softball league as owner of Cubby Hole. together. He was the kindest and most He also had a deep passion for bowling Law Center unselfish person you could meet. John as he founded the Bear Bowl Invitational, a touched many people in his life and has league that competed on Sunday nights at many special friends. It’s the saddest day Manor Lanes. He also had a great passion 954.763.1900 I’ve ever experienced.” for cats, politics and a cold beer. While he — Jay Jones, Hitchcoch’s Partner. has been laying low for the last few years, Norman Elliott Kent Russell Cormican the work he did as a business owner in “John always had a giving heart and did a South Florida should never be forgotten. He 2520 N Dixie Hwy 12 S.E. 7th Street, Suite 700 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 lot through his years in this community. Thank has dreams of buying property and retiring you for your commitment to our community in the mountains of North Carolina. But and league. Thoughts and prayers for all unfortunately he won’t be able to fulfill that www.NormKent.com those grieving from this loss.” dream.” — Rocky Bowell, member of the SFAAA. — Tim Martin, friend and former SFAAA Chair.

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6 • 12.25.2019 Last summer, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation presented the greater Fort Lauderdale community with a bold initiative to address the low-income housing crisis in the city. Partnering with a coalition of nonprofit organizations, including the United Way, AHF announced plans to break ground on a housing complex for low-income residents in Fort Lauderdale. SFGN saluted the effort then, and stands by it today. The LGBT community is a part of our city, not apart from it. There are gay and lesbian men and women in our midst who struggle to pay their rent and meet their needs. We are not all affluent. Our sunny shores radiate opportunity, but not everyone prospers and tans. Some of us get burnt. Nearly a year has past, and AHF should have been able to launch their project. But the city staff is blocking them, neighbors are blacklisting them, and city officials, including the mayor, are retreating inexcusably and unconscionably. We won’t have it. These are the toxic effects of the perverted “Not-In-My-Backyard-You-Won’t Syndrome,”— we love you, we love you, we love you — as long as you don’t move in next door. The truth is that this project is not even “next door.” The housing complex proposal is for a parcel of land near many other small apartments and office buildings, not far from the county courthouse, accessible to public transportation. Last week, the city attorney rendered an opinion that the new development should be classified as a ‘social services residential facility.’ This makes the complex a ‘non permitted use.’ I take exception to that finding. In my judgment, it is flawed. While there is a lot of legalese involved, we think it is subject to a broader interpretation, permissible under local zoning codes. In other words, the city attorney is playing with words to tie a noose around AHF’s neck. But what is being hung instead is Justice. One day, a vote will be cast in the public record. One day, our elected commissioners will have to put their money with their mouth is. They can’t speak out for hope and opportunity in one breath while denying it with the other. Over 789,000 Floridians spend more than half of their income on rent each month. There is little left over for health care and insurance needs. Low-income housing frees up money for financially challenged families to use on basic necessities. AHF is a leader in health care for our community. They understand good health starts with people having a good home, and a place to hang your hat; to be sheltered from the storm. Common sense dictates we move the project forward, not slow it down. A caring community should embrace the opportunity to create a place where less wealthy residents find and secure clean and safe housing. A concerned city commission would endorse the AHF proposal, not run from it. Over a history of decades, Fort Lauderdale officials disgraced themselves by subordinating the needs of its disenfranchised populations. We once even had a mayor who encouraged citizens to pour bleach in their garbage cans to discourage desperate people from poaching for food. In 2019, can we please move to a higher moral plateau? Across America, from NY to LA, we are witnessing a growing tide of homelessness in urban communities. Tent cities are being set up. We do not have to let this happen here. We can lead the way by providing modest accommodations for those who can afford low-income housing. The employable residents of this proposed complex would have easy access to mass transit and those scooters popping up on every corner of downtown. There will be downtown jobs in the hospitality industry and on the beach within their reach. The Fort Lauderdale project is specifically targeted to families, along with assisting low-income and chronically ill individuals, focusing on sustainable rental-to- ownership models. It is designed to be a home, not a hospital. This project will not hurt Rio Vista, but it will help those who can’t afford to live there. We can’t let the false concerns of the rich deny the legitimate concerns of those not so blessed with such good fortune. AHF has been working to address the housing needs of the chronically ill for 30 years. They were once in the forefront of advocating ADAP housing in Miami. This is not their first rodeo. They have fought this fight before. They should be applauded, not accosted. An affordable roof over your head creates and fosters self-esteem. No matter how small, it gives you something you can call your own. We are all but a step away from walking in soles that are torn. But let our souls be full, caring for those who need help. What is right is not always popular, and what is popular is not always right. The city commissioners and our mayor, particularly, should embrace this project. They cannot afford to do less. You can’t help but notice that the city of Fort Lauderdale is redoing its Andrews Avenue Bridge. Build one low-income families can cross as well. We bill ourselves as the Venice of America. Let’s make sure everyone has a gondola to row and paddle just above the tides, not to sink under them. Let’s make sure Mayors who drive Mercedes-Benz Maybachs do not forget the citizens who can’t afford scooters. They are his constituency as well. Don’t just give them your voice through lip service. Give them your vote. Editorial published in South Florida Gay News, September 25th, 2019.

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8 • 12.25.2019 Early Morning A Day In LGBT South Florida

On November 30, 2019, SFGN LGBT community is numerous and assigned its photographers to capture diverse. We like to play softball, walk one day in the life of South Florida’s our dogs, raise funds for charities, LGBT community. We also asked our shop, work, eat and play. readers to submit their own photos. These photos show the normality of Too often in the news we read about being LGBT. We are the same. All of the famous, the politicians, or the us. We do the same thing. We live and celebrities. Rarely do we hear about enjoy the same lives as our straight the people that actually make up the counterparts. LGBT community – from the bartenders, We all have more in common than waiters and hairdressers to the retirees we do apart. We are a part of each and drag queens. other. That’s why this issue celebrates the lives of the everyday LGBT person. Additional photos are available online These photos are a reminder that the at SFGN.com/LGBTDay2019.

2 a.m. - Sasha Lords performingManors. asPhoto Jennifer credit: Lopez J.R. onDavis. the Manor Stage in Wilton

1:30 a.m. - Chris and Eli welcoming everyone into Johnsons in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

12:30 a.m. - Victor and Albert out for their Saturday night walk down the Drive in Special Thanks to the Photographers Wilton Manors. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. Carina Mask J.R. Davis Charlie Fredrickson Steven Shires Stephen Lang ... and all of YOU!

12.25.2019 • 9 MORNING Greet the day.

7:12 a.m. - Front Runners Sal Anaya Lopez hugs Patrick Daly before starting their stretches and warm up at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

11:42 a.m. - Dale Lee, Joey, Wasabi, Lucy and Antonio Brito go for an afternoon stroll in 11:49 a.m. - Antonio Dumas poses with a Giant Haribo bear and Wilton Manors. Photo lollipop at To the Moon in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask. credit: Carina Mask.

10 • 12.25.2019 MORNING Rise and grind!

10:24 a.m. - Dana Merrill and Steve Martin drinking their coffees at Java Boys in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

10 a.m. - Joe Sayer relaxes and browses the SFGN web site for news, while by the pool of the Devonshire Condominium in Victoria Park. Photo credit: Chuck LaChance.

Rudy Galindo and Avion Goordeen at Java Boys sharing a cup of coffee. They traveled from West Palm Beach to join the Front Runners on their weekly Saturday morning run in Wilton Manors. Rudy and Avion are members of the Night Runners, the LGBT running group in West Palm Beach. Submitted photo.

12.25.2019 • 11 Morning Batter up!

The 25th annual Hurricane Showdown took place over Thanksgiving weekend at Mills Pond Park in Fort Lauderdale.

8:33 a.m. - Nick Duffey hits the ball so hard he losses his hat while sprinting to first base. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

8:55 a.m. - Orlando Voltage and Fort Lauderdale Noize give each other high fives after the game. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

8:30 a.m. - Charles Dunn of Primetime Elite from Atlanta settles right up to the plate to hit a homerun. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

8:03 a.m. - Terry McGeePhoto beams credit: a smile Carina as he M watchesask. his team hit the field.

12 • 12.25.2019 12.25.2019 • 13 MORNING Make the Most of Today!

9:29 a.m. - Theo launches his canoe into the Middle River on Saturday mornings. Photo credit: Carina Mask. 11:08 a.m. - Arianna Lint and her mother sitting next to each other at home. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

8:45 a.m. - Ray Struble, Lincoln and Brian McNaught having a lazy Saturday Associate Publisher Jason Parsley's cat, Juno, waking up from a morning in their home in Wilton Manors. Submitted photo. late morning nap with her daddy. Photo credit: Jason Parsley.

14 • 12.25.2019 On the move! morning

Front Runners and Walkers Fort Lauderdale. The LGBT running group meets Saturdays, Sundays and Wednesdays. For more info visit www.FRWFL.org. Submitted photo.

9:17 a.m. - Julie Carson poses next to her bike near Colohatchee Park. 7:42 a.m. - The Front runners start off their 6 mile run on Saturday Photo credit: Carina Mask. morning at the Pride Center. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

12.25.2019 • 15 MORNING

Jenni Martin gives great service to Michael Stockert. Photo credit: Steven Shires.

11:52 a.m. - Dennis St. Jean is shopping for gifts for his friends and family at To the Moon. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

9:32 a.m. - Lulu and her human dad go for morning strolls near Colohatchee Park in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

9:43 a.m. - A Wilton Manors resident, David Popov about to leave his home to take his sister out to lunch. Photo credit: Carina Mask. Collecting dreams...

16 • 12.25.2019 Get the news straight to your email... Never miss a gay headline. SFGN.COM/NEWSLETTER

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12.25.2019 • 17 MORNING The key to success

10:36 a.m. - Kyle Chavez at Ocean Liquor & Fine Wine in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

11 a.m. - Arianna Lint after a long day doing a garage sale to raise money for Arianna’s Center. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

11:35 a.m. - Julio washes his truck on a leisurely Saturday morning. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

10:33 a.m. - Timothy Christopher poses with a beach ball under his arm at Ball Sportswear in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask. 10:26 a.m. - James Beaudet is opening up Mix Menswear and prepares for Small Business Saturday sales, an annual shopping day held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to patronize businesses that are small and local. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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12.25.2019 • 19 AFTERNOON

Noon - Dennis Manning strums his guitar and sings songs from "Now 2:23 p.m. - Lisa, long time barista at Storks in Wilton Manors is and Then," a musical he and Ronnie Larsen, a local actor-director-play- brewing up a mean cappuccino. Photo credit: Carina Mask. wright-producer, created. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

3:56 p.m. - Chip eats ice cream from Dairy Queen. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

4:28 p.m. - Aspen Roberts strikes a pose at Hush Spa and Barber in Wilton On An Adventure! Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

20 • 12.25.2019 AFTERNOON

4:21 p.m. - Debbi Burke is preparing for a busy Small Business Saturday following the holidays. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

12.25.2019 • 21 AFTERNOON

Embrace the Wild

Orlando Unicorn'sPark A damin Fort Freedman Lauderdale. during Photo the credit: Hurricane Stephen Showdown Lang. at Mills Pond

4 p.m. - Carina Mask – captured! – stalking the Drive while looking for her own images for A Day in LGBT South Florida! Photo credit: Steven Shires.

Kelly Anderson & Ericha Lichter pop in Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar in Wilton Manors for a quick cocktail. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

The Angles haveManors. fun at Photo the park credit: at TheStephen Pride Lang. Center in Wilton Within Yourself

22 • 12.25.2019 12.25.2019 • 23 AFTERNOON Having a...

4:00 p.m. - Coco Alarcon Acosta walks around the parks in Wilton Manors looking for inspiration. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Maxwell with Armando Pazos & Kevin McPherson relaxing on Fort Lauderdale beach. Submitted photo.

"Special moment with my youngest, Charley, at home. Nothing but chores later." – Steven Rule. Submitted photo.

24 • 12.25.2019 AFTERNOON ... Pawesome day!

3:45 p.m. - Adrienne Foland with her wife Amy Waxman and their dog Luna at home in Wilton Manors enjoying their outdoor living room. Submitted photo.

This was a work-day around the house day for Ronald Farago in Oakland Park, who also did some pressure-cleaning for Post Pressure Cleaning. Here he took a moment to relax in his front yard with his dog Popi. Submitted photo. SFGN Publisher Norm crashes on his couch with an exhausted Chompers, Duke and Dusty after a swim Photoat the credit:Tiger Tail Norm Lake Kent. Dog Park in Dania Beach.

12.25.2019 • 25 AFTERNOON No ocean too deep...

Coconut Creek - Mitchell Grant and Cledson Faustino Grant trying on their "Xmas crowns."

5:45 p.m. - Trans Activist, actress, mystic, author, Submitted photo. and reality TV personality Rajee Narinesingh at home on a Saturday evening cooking dinner. Submitted photo.

"On the Rio Negro in the Amazon on our last day of vacation having a beach BBQ of fresh fish." – Michael Fowler with his partner, David Mittleman. Submitted photo.

26 • 12.25.2019 AFTERNOON No mountain too high.

4 p.m. - DJs Rick Braile and Paulo Fragoso spin the Matinee Pool Party in Miami.

5:48 p.m. - SFGN Art Director Brendon Lies (front), Sean, Ben and Dylan journey 3:30 p.m. - Thomas and J. Michael Heider getting ready to enter the together across Broward County in search of their next adventure. Photo credit: Brendon Lies. Circuit Miami Pool Party. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

12.25.2019 • 27 EVENING

Lake Worth Cultural Plaza. Back, left to right: Joe Cotler, Marisa Helton-Cotler, Chris Griffin, Robin Cotler. Front, left to right: Lee Keever, Julie Seaver, Kyle Whittaker, Dan Koenig. Submitted photo.

Ryan Meehan and Scott Velozo celebrating a birthday in West Palm Beach. Submitted photo.

Partners Dünny Potter and Mike Nemerof in New York City for Thanksgiving weekend. "We pause to wonder at our first time together at Times Square, bracing the cold arm in arm, warmed by the sight of so many lights and by the fire in our hearts." Submitted photo.

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12.25.2019 • 29 x

EVENING Show your ...

8 p.m. - Fort Lauderdale Artwalk, hosted by MASS District. The monthly event takes place on the last Saturday from 6-10 p.m. Photo credit: Steven Shires.

8:30 p.m. - Seen! Bonney and Peter Dekaj of Storks Bakery roaming and enjoying the evening. Photo credit: Steven Shires.

Daddy Danny (Larrimore) welcoming people in style at the 2019 Leather Masked Ball at Scandals in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

Patrick O'Connor & Joey White have fun on Wilton Drive barhopping. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

30 • 12.25.2019 x

EVENING ... true colors!

9:15 p.m. - Accomplished and popular artist Eric Estrada working on a new piece for a client at the Fort Lauderdale Artwalk. Photo credit: Steven Shires.

12.25.2019 • 31 EVENING

12:05 a.m. – Tony D’Amico and little Daisy enjoy a night at the Mad Hatter Lounge Aydin Koymen and SFGN Associate Publisher Jason Parsley enjoying dinner with in Lake Worth. Photo credit: Charlie Fredrickson. friends at Texas Roadhouse in Boynton Beach. Photo credit: Jason Parsley.

9:44 p.m. - Brendon Lies ends the night with a light treat at the Dairy Queen in Pompano Beach. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.

8 p.m. - Julie Seaver and Penny Johnson at the Christmas Tree Lighting at the The party continues downtown Lake Worth Beach Cultural Plaza. Submitted photo.

32 • 12.25.2019 12.25.2019 • 33 EVENING Raise your glasses.

Derek Dodge and Chris Dillon in their driveway in Middle River Terrace getting ready to go out for date night. Submitted photo.

8 p.m. - Fort Lauderdale Artwalk, hosted by MASS District. Photo credit: Steven Shires.

Above: 10:15 p.m. New York City - Husbands Wayne Pawlowski (left) and Ted Heath of Wilton Manors get out of part 2 of the Inheritance on Broadway...after seeing part 1 in the afternoon. 11 p.m. - Nick, Tad and Tim at the 14th Leather Masked Ball. Submitted photo. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

34 • 12.25.2019 EVENING

10:30 p.m. West Palm Beach - Roy Rodriguez celebrates his 50th birthday! Ira Katz, Ben Sunshine, Jeff Wolmietz, Aydin Koymen and Jason Parsley, eating Submitted photo. dinner at Texas Roadhouse in Boynton Beach. Photo credit: Jason Parsley.

Scot Blumbstein and partner Randy Lee have fun with their friends at the 2019 Leather Masked Ball at Scandals. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

L. John and barman Warren Hatch Woring at the Leather Masked Ball at Scandals in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

12.25.2019 • 35 All day But wait... There's More!

1 a.m. - Nickola working the crowds into The Manor. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. Casa Garten-Shires doing prep work, getting ready to deck the halls. "Happy Holidays!" Photo credit: Steven Shires. 8:10 a.m. - Saturday Morning Poolside. Submitted photo.

Hernan Valverde has fun hanging out with his boys Tyler & Zachery while visiting for the holidays. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

11 a.m. Port Everglades - SFGN freelancer Jesse Spencer enjoying the Atlantic Ocean (off Fort Monteagudo at work at the Port. Submitted photo. Lauderdale Beach). Submitted photo.

12:05 p.m. Oakland Park - William Brierly working on labeling, writing and sending holiday cards. Submitted photo.

2:05 p.m. - Robert Hansen and Steve Schneider, snowbirds from Chicago, by their boat "Where The Buoys Are" at their winter home in Coral Ridge, Fort Lauderdale. Submitted photo. 3 a.m. - Taran from Hunters meeting with his 2:30 a.m. - TP Lords working her friends Juno and Jake. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. performance for the Manor crowd. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

36 • 12.25.2019 All day

Midnight - Lugo coming home from a night out on the Drive. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. 4:15 p.m. - Trans Activist, actress, mystic, author, and reality TV personality Rajee Narinesingh at home reading "The of Deliberate Intent”A mazingby Esther Power & Jerry Hicks. Submitted photo. John Porter treating himself to brunch at Etaru in Hallandale Beach with Horacio, Shawn and Eber. Submitted photo.

Gary McCarthy captures a glimpse of the sunrise in 10:15 a.m. Coral Springs Fort Lauderdale. Submitted photo. - Marck Santee enjoys a morning swim at his pool. Submitted photo.

8 a.m. Boynton Beach - Dylan Brooks working his second job as a cardiac monitor tech for Bethesda. Submitted photo.

Joao Gomes having a great night and popping in DrYnk to check in on his friends. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

ourself Rianna Petrone gets ready to take the Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar's Drag Y to Brunch stage. Photo credit: Stephen Lang. 2 p.m. - The Aldi’s at Commercial and 18th was nearly empty, thanks to everyone’s stock of Thanksgiving leftovers at home. Photo credit: Steven Shires. Timothy Lyons and Mike VonderMeulen (from Fort Lauderdale) enjoying a Rum Flight at The Rum Bar in Key West. Submitted photo.

12.25.2019 • 37 Midnight ... Midnight We Made It!

Thanks for joining us this year for when you face the world one day at our feature of just a normal day in a time, there's always bound to be LGBT life! victory. There is no one experience that As we look forward to whatever defines our daily lives. No one face 2020 will bring, may we all remember represents us, and nothing holds us the good times spent together as well back. as look forward to the many everyday With 2020 on the way, many are adventures ahead! looking forward to a fresh new start in the decade to come. But these Don't forget to check out the rest photos are here to remind us that online at SFGN.com/LGBTDay2019.

1:40 a.m. – Bartenders Rolf Florexil and Mark Duarte in between slinging drinks at HG Roosters, West Palm Beach. Photo credit: Charlie Fredrickson.

1:20 a.m. – Kataleya Davenport Dupree, Miss Palm Beach Pride 2019, takes part in weekly Lip Sync challenge at HG Roosters, West Palm Beach. Photo credit: Charlie Fredrickson.

Midnight - Johan Crixus and Glenn finish the night at the Leather Masked Ball. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

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3 - 5 P.M. LISTINGS MONDAY - FRIDAY See past shows on youtube at All Souls Episcopal Church of our Savior, bit.ly/2OzWjlI Church MCC 4025 Pine Tree Drive. Miami Beach Church of Our Savior, MCC Sundays at 8am and 10:30am. 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. Live streaming • wwnnradio.com 305-520-5410 | allsoulsmb.org churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM Congregation Etz Chaim 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building Fountain of Love B), Wilton Manors Ministries 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org 5481 FL-7, Tamarac, FL 33319 A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH [email protected] 954-486-5959 Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. fountainofloveonline.org AND Pastor Dallas Walker-Green Holy Angels Catholic Worship: Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am Community PRIDE 2917 NE 6th Avenue St. Nicholas Episcopal Wilton Manors Church 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach Sunday Mass at 11AM 954-942-5887 - stnicholasfl.org ALL ARE [email protected] WELCOME Christ Lutheran Church Sundays 8:00AM & 10:30AM (9:30AM only 1955 E. Oakland Park Blvd., from Memorial Day through Labor Day) SFGN is here for you, no Ft. Lauderdale (954) 564-7673 - christlutheranfl.org First Congregational matter who — or what — [email protected] United Church of Christ keeps you going. Check Worship: Sunday 10:00am 1415 North K Street, Lake Worth out the Spirituality Section 561-582-6691 - fcclw.org each week to stay in touch DARSHAN CENTER FOR [email protected] with your local religious SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION Service Time: Sunday 10:30AM LGBT community. The only 1410 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, Fl 33305 United Church of Christ requirement? Be yourself. 917-579-3750 www. Fort Lauderdale darshancenterwiltonmanors.org 2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale [email protected] (954)563-4271 - uccftl.org Interfaith Spiritual Services on Sundays [email protected] SEE MORE ONLINE AT 6:30PM Spiritual Study Group Thursdays Service Times: Thursdays 10:30AM (Elliot SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION 7PM Hall) & Sundays 10:30AM (Sanctuary)

40 • 12.25.2019 FAITH & PRIDE spirituality All Souls’ Epi copal Church What’s In A Name? All Are Welcome! A Wish For The New Year CHRISTMAS EVE MASS All 4PM AND 10PM Souls’ Epi copal Rev. Mark Andrew Jones, BSG CHRISTMAS DAY MASS 10AM St. Nicholas Episcopal Church Church

4025 PINE TREE DRIVE, MIAMI BEACH 305-520-5410 | ALLSOULSMB.ORG

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC “Love without judgement” 2011 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Holy Angels National Catholic Church Wherever 2917 NE 6th Ave You Are On Wilton Manors, FL 33334 God’s LGBTQIA Rainbow, You Are Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL Welcome... www.HolyAngelsFL.org

SUNDAY SERVICE 10 A.M. 954-633-2987 Rev. Rick Rhen-Sosbe, Pastor 561-733-4000 Photo via PxHere. www.ChurchOfOurSaviorMCC.org A home for your spirit. hen I entered the Brotherhood could not see a person in need without MCC, Transforming Ourselves Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • of Saint Gregory and took helping. This is why St. Nicholas is the as We Transform The World Sunday 11:00 AM mass in English • All are welcome! Wa name-in-religion (“Mark patron saint of more causes than any other Andrew”), I was obligated by the time I took saint, ranging from children, young women my Vows to change my legal name to conform. and prostitutes, sailors, pawnbrokers, and Christ Lutheran Church 1955 East Oakland Park Blvd. I chose “Andrew” not because he was the first repentant thieves, to entire nations (e.g., Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 apostle to follow Jesus but, rather, because Russia and Greece). Furthermore, when St. he was completely overshadowed (then and Nicholas came to someone’s aid, he preferred www.christlutheranfl.org now) by his brother, Peter. It was Peter to to do so anonymously, eschewing the fame Sunday Service @ 10am whom Jesus said, “You are the rock on which and recognition people so often chase and Fellowship after Service I build my church.” It was Peter who seemed for which many trample on others. to be part of an inner circle around Jesus For me, all the good Andrew and (along with James and John). Nicholas did in their lives, their strength Whereas the scriptures leave the of character, their concern for impression that Peter was widely the needs of others, along recognized, Andrew was only with their modesty and identifiable when described humility, are summed as Peter’s brother. Yet, it was up in their names; such Andrew who first followed that whenever someone Jesus; and it was Andrew who addresses me as “Mark brought Peter to Jesus. Andrew” or mentions Andrew must have had the church community I great strength of character to serve, St. Nicholas, I am Join us for Shabbat service be a modest disciple who did given a mental image of Every Friday night at 8pm not receive any of the recognition my best self, of the person I he arguably deserved. By making would like to be. For my personal “Andrew” part of my name, I hoped it would New Year’s Resolution, I pray I might The 2nd Saturday of every month serve as a reminder to develop a similar live as Andrew and Nicholas lived – with $15 Door includes 7 games strong sense of character – one that is not strength of character, universal concern Specials 3 cards for $1 oversensitive to the views and perceptions for others, and modesty. I further pray that Food available for purchase: Hot dogs, drinks, chips of others but confident in a right ordering of individually and collectively as a country – Learn more about our many priorities and “the mission.” one nation under God – we might stop all Doors open 6:30pm/Play starts 7pm programs & events As good fortune would have it, I then was the fighting, regain our sense of honor and Cash only please www.EtzChaimFlorida.org called to St. Nicholas Episcopal Church. compassion, and be our best selves. Wishing Here I have learned about the character of you a Very Happy New Year! “Let’s hope it’s a Congregation Etz Chaim our patron, St. Nicholas. He was one who good one, without any fear.” 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus For more information: www.EtzChaimFlorida.org or 954Ͳ564Ͳ9232

12.25.2019 • 41 lifestyle two guys and a dog ‘You Needn’t Come Back’ Brian McNaught Photo via PxHere.

ith my hand on my heart, taking easy, deep breaths, I mentally chose a picture of my younger self, as Winstructed by my spiritual guide. Gramps sat smiling in his favorite Stickley chair, in front of the brick fireplace, in their camp on Pleasant Lake. I sat nearby, awkward in my skinny, teenage body. Sadly, I remembered the lost, lonely, very anxious high school student who kept secrets, and beat back fears by being bigger than life. I was smart, funny, good looking, and popular, but I was a failure in the world of peer-approved sexual thought and behavior. And, no one knew. I compassionately pulled my young self to me with great confidence, self-love, and assurance. “I am so sad,” I said, “that you had to go through this. You’re a lovely person, good outside and in, full of love for God, and the world, but hogtied by an unenlightened culture. You deserved so much better. I promise you that you’ll be happier than you can possibly imagine.” “Really?” my young self asked with some doubt. “You’re happy as a homosexual? I was smart, You’re not disowned by our parents, or our Church? Does everybody know? Will I be funny, good beat up? When will this happen? When will looking, and it get better?” We are now melded in our mutually strong popular, but I and intense embrace. He finds great comfort was a failure in my pride, my strength of purpose, and my sense of being totally loved. It’s a surprise to in the world of him. He had no idea. And then he saw more, peer-approved beneath the tough layers of healed wounds. He saw that he would come out to his parents sexual thought after college, feel accepted, but nevertheless and behavior. drink paint thinner and take pills. Why? He teenage boy. I had grown into a formidable lion, sought sympathy and understanding. saw that he would be fired for being gay, and And, no one and I wanted to protect him. What if my next guided imagery wasn’t spent as a mission publicly scorned. He saw hate mail and death “I know what you’re feeling,” he said to me as of mercy, visiting a young man I see as a victim, abused by threats, rejection from the Church hierarchy, knew. he slowly pulled away, and sat back down on the ignorance and intolerance? He says he’s okay, that I have to and even from many gay people. But, he sofa near Gramps. “You want to rescue me, but let him live out his life with the circumstances he inherited. wasn’t overwhelmed. you can’t, and you don’t need to. I need to go through this, I know that he’s strong enough. He is me. So maybe, in my My young, teenage self lingered long enough in our embrace and it sucks, but I’m okay. I’m strong, clever, and resilient. I own mind, at least, I should try to let go of my defensiveness to see Ray, and our 43 years of deep, abiding love. He saw a pile have what I need to withstand this fear and loneliness. And, of the drama. Is that possible? Is that not my identity, my of my books and DVDs, and watched me speak about being I need this experience to become you. I’m going through this reason for being? The part I play? gay to audiences around the world. so that you can write and speak about it. You needn’t come Maybe, I’ve been freed from my role of protector of the “They pay you to talk about being a homosexual?” he asked back to me again. story. But, if so, what will it be like to move forward as if in astonishment. “Yes, handsomely,” I replied. “Plus, you and But, how was this happening, and what did it mean to my past no longer needs my attention? Is it possible to fly I help a lot of people love themselves, and their gay, lesbian, be told by my teenage self that I needn’t mourn with anger unencumbered, trusting that what “was” doesn’t need fixing bisexual, transgender, and queer children.” and sadness the loneliness and fear I felt as an adolescent? in order for me to be let down the cautionary signs around “What’s ‘lesbian,’ and ‘transgender’?” he asked. “And why I’ve been relaying that story for 45 years, not as a victim my heart? I look forward to trying to walk the path with this would you ever use the word ‘queer’? I hate the word, ‘queer’.” anymore, but as a survivor and a thriver. Nevertheless, I heavy load left by the side of the road. “Trust me,” I whispered, my hand still on my heart, still breathing gently but deeply during this guided meditation. “You’ll understand, and be a champion on their behalf.” We were instructed to say “goodbye” to ourselves. I resisted. I had more to say, but I knew I could come back on my own Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has at any time. I felt so sad for myself when I looked at me as a 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.”

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12.25.2019 • 43 lifestyle food New Year’s Dining Rick Karlin Photo via DUNE, Facebook.

n New Year’s Eve, before you blow your horn or toss your confetti (both of which sound like a euphemism for something unseemly) it is traditional Oto enjoy an upscale meal. Here are some places to consider for your celebratory repast.

Tropics will be hopping on New Year’s fruit; white sturgeon caviar with blini, Eve especially since it’s offering one of the creme fraiche, chive and smoked wahoo best deals in town. For $49.95 (tax and tip tostada; followed by wakame salad with not included) enjoy a four-course meal with swordfish crudo and aguachile negro. The a choice of oysters Rockefeller or shrimp main course choices include poached lobster cocktail then move on to lobster bisque or tail or grilled langoustine. For carnivores a Caprese salad. Entrée options include beef the Land menu offers a different amuse — Wellington, lamb chop, Chilean sea bass foie gras with brioche before moving on to or osso bucco, with a choice of side dish. braised oxtail croquette or a chicory salad Dessert selections include cannoli, apple with beef carpaccio. The entrée options are crisp and tira misu. In addition to coffee, Wagyu strip loin or rib-eye. Dessert for all tea or iced tea, unlimited champagne will be is a Black Forest chocolate namelaka served served. Seating times are at 6, 8 with mascarpone, guava and and 10 p.m. banana flambé. The French Mark Your Calendar Horn Collective, a five-piece Tropics will Just because the New Year has passed, that’s no reason to slow down. Check Diners at Dune can enjoy band, will entertain guests out some of these charitable dining-related events. a five-course, prix-fixe menu; be hopping until midnight, and there will the 6-7 p.m. seating is $135 be a DJ on the patio from 9 per person and the 9-10 p.m. on New Year’s p.m. until closing. There will Island City Stage holds its gala in the penthouse of the Royal Sonesta seating is $175 per person. be a Moet Champagne toast at on Sunrise and AIA on Saturday, Feb. 29 with special guest performer, the Guests can choose between Eve especially midnight and a Veuve Clicquot woman of 1000 voices, Sirius XM’s Christine Pedi! The evening includes bountiful hors d’oeuvres, decadent desserts, signature drinks, silent and live the Land or Sea menus. Those Champagne Wall as well as since it’s auctions. It’s sure to be a spectacular evening of entertainment (and eating). choosing the pescatarian plenty of fun party favors. Tickets are $160 and $200 for VIP (which includes a meet and greet with option can start with a “tease” offering one There is also an open bar option Christine Pedi). of Kusshi oyster with passion from 9 p.m. until closing, for of the best $100 per person. For information check out islandcitystage.org/4th-annual-signature-cabaret.

deals in town. The Pub will be offering The Junior League of Boca Raton will hold Flavors 2020, one of its regular menu but will also South Florida’s top culinary events Thursday, Feb. 6 at The Addison. Thirty have a NYE special for $25. It of South Florida’s restaurants, including The Addison, Harvest Seasonal includes haddock Florentine with lobster Grill, Kapow Noodle Bar, Loch Bar, M.E.A.T Eatery & Taproom, Ramen Lab Eatery and Sammy J’s will provide savory tastings. Attendees will enjoy an Newberg sauce or stuffed chicken breast. open bar, along with live music and entertainment performances, raffles and Both dinners include soup or salad and a side a live auction. General admission tickets are $85 and include admission at dish. 6:30 p.m. and an open bar. VIP admission tickets are $150 and include early admission at 6 p.m., a swag bag, and a designated VIP Lounge area Elisabetta’s Ristorante, the hottest with a private open bar and private restrooms. spot in Delray will offer special dishes, To purchase tickets, call 561-620-2553 or visit JLBR.org. available à la carte and wine pairings will be available, as well. The selection includes; foie gras terrine, raviolo stuffed with ricotta and soft egg yolk, lobster in black truffle butter and duck breast with confit leg. Hungry for more?  Visit SFGN.com/FOOD! Special dessert preparations include souffle grappa and golden olive oil gelato. The kitchen will be open until midnight. The bar Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. Photo via Elisabetta’s, Facebook. will stay open until 2 a.m. Guests will receive Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary complimentary party favors. tip to share? Email Rick at [email protected].

44 • 12.25.2019 Support our journalism with a year end gift.

SFGN’s reporting has been supported by tens of thousands of readers in South Florida. Now we’re asking for your support. Please help us continue giving you news everyday. Every contribution is valuable – even $1.

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12.25.2019 • 45 SFGNITES FOR THE WEEK OF December 26, 2019 - December 31, 2019

J.W. Arnold [email protected] Mostly Naughty and a Little Nice THU 12/26 holiday In Britain, the day after Christmas is also a holiday, Boxing Day. (Look it up!) In the U.S., it’s more like Armageddon Day as throngs of shoppers flood the malls and big box stores to return and exchange gifts. Who knows what today will be like in the age of Amazon, but certainly a drink is in order, if you survived. The many bars along Wilton Drive and beyond are happy to help you quench your thirst tonight. FRI 12/27 comedy “Forbidden Broadway” returns to the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, tonight through Dec. 31 with a new generation of musical comedians. Enjoy spoofs of the newest Broadway drag shows, including “Moulin Rouge,” the saturday 12/28 all-Yiddish “Fiddler on the Roof,” Murray and Peter present “A Drag Queen Christmas: The Naughty Tour,” tonight at 8 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, 707 “Hadestown” and this season’s dark N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. All your favorite girls have flown in to town with Santa for this unforgettable holiday event. “Oklahoma!” revival, along with Nina West hosts, with appearances by Latrice Royale, Thorgy Thor, Lady Bunny, Manila Luzon, Shuga Cain and Scarlet “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Tootsie,” Envy. Due to “dynamic pricing,” the remaining tickets are $157.56 each, so you’d better cash in all those gift Christmas “Beetlejuice” and more. Tickets start at $39 at Kravis.org. cards. Tickets and more information at DragFans.com. Photo Credit: Murray & Peter. SAT 12/28 SUN 12/29 MON 12/30 TUE 12/31 concert dance film concert Ring in the new year with classic R&B Love ballet but suffering from a “Star Wars: Rise of Skywalker” was It’s New Year’s Eve and we can’t and soul hits tonight at 6:30 p.m. at the little “Nutcracker” fatigue? The 55 the blockbuster of the holiday season think of a more fitting show to get us Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, dancers of the National Ballet of and “Cats” was, well, a cat-astrophe pumped up for 2020 than “Arrival featuring three legendary groups: Odessa, Ukraine, are performing to of epic proportions, but there is one from Sweden,” the ABBA tribute New Stylistics (“Betcha By Golly Tchaikovsky’s “other” famous ballet other film worth on Movie Monday: band performing tonight at 8 p.m. Wow,” “You Make Me Feel Brand suite, “Swan Lake,” this afternoon Greta Gerwig’s “Little Women.” It’s at the Kravis Center in West Palm New”), Chi-Lites (“Oh Girl,” “Have at 3 p.m. at the Parker Playhouse, not only for girls, gay boys will find Beach. Yes, we’re moving forward by You Seen Her”) and Harold Melvin’s 707 N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. it just as entertaining with an A-list turning back the clock for an evening Blue Notes (“If You Don’t Know Me And it’s not more Balanchine, either, cast, including the adorable Timothée of optimistic, light-hearted hits from By Now,” “Don’t Leave Me This with choreography after Marius Chalamet (“Call Me by Your Name”). the world-famous foursome from Way”). Tickets start at $39.50 at Petipa and Lev Ivanov. Tickets start at Check local listings for theaters and Stockholm who defined an era. Tickets BrowardCenter.org. $38.69 at ParkerPlayhouse.com. show times. start at $29 at Kravis.org.

46 • 12.25.2019 SFGN-postevent_4.875x5.45.pdf 1 9/20/19 2:43 PM

PRESENTS

PATRICIA & PHILLIP FROST ART MUSEUM FIU September 14, 2019 — January 5, 2020

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K SUN, JAN 19 / 6PM MAIN STAGE Prepare for full-frontal illusions, awesome physiques, and laughing until your face hurts. Hunky Australian duo Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne (motto “good magicians don’t need sleeves, and great magicians don’t need pants”) unveil the boisterous R-rated magic show that has left millions of fans gasping from Las Vegas to London’s West End. Diana Davies, Untitled (Marsha P. Johnson Hands Out Flyers for Support of Gay Students At N.Y.U.), C. 1970, Digital print, 11 x 14 inches, Photo by Diana Davies/© The New York Public Library/Art Resource, NY Recommended for mature audiences

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12.25.2019 • 47 SAME OWNERS SINCE '96! ALL NEW STAFF! A&E film

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ny bona fide theater queen has already It’s true, Hooper locked down top stars for made their way to the cineplex for Tom his film: Judi Dench, Ian McKellen, Jennifer AHooper’s adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Hudson, Idris Elba, Rebel Wilson, James Webber’s groundbreaking 1981 musical, Cordon and Taylor Swift. I’ll just point out “Cats.” that somehow Tom Cruise survived his But for those you who may have been descent into “Labyrinth” (1986), pointy elf on the fence about forking over $10 for a ears and all. movie in a theater already crowded with Then there’s the odd CGI effects: The “Star Wars” fans—and despite the generally cats have digital fur, ears and tails, but creepy trailers—here’s a quick roundup of human mouths and teeth, and five-fingered the reviews. hands. Last time I checked, female cats also This is a generally rare approach from had multiple “boobs,” for lack of a better SFGN, but honestly, the critics from the term. Nobody told Taylor Swift, whose dailies and industry news sites beat me to mammaries are actually accentuated by the ALL the best clichés and puns about the digital editing. Accident? I wonder. story of a community of London felines And, I’m not even going to weigh in on vying for a trip to the Heavyside Layer, a sort the dancing mice and cockroaches with of cat heaven where they will be reborn as a childrens’ faces superimposed or what younger, hotter cat. eventually happens to them. There’s an I’m resorting to a dog pun, but tell me, are ick factor at work that simply cannot be they being “bitchy”? overlooked. Louis Bayard of the New York Times The Los Angeles Times: “‘Cats’ is the cat-astrophe resorted to creating a “Cats” drinking game: we can’t stop talking about.” “A sip of a Black Cat vodka cocktail every time Rolling Stone: “A Broadway musical adaptation one kitty sweetly nuzzles another.” Forget straight out of the litter box…this disaster of a movie the rules and just start drinking (or perhaps shouldn’t happen to a dog.” try stronger mind-altering substances). It’s also okay to nuzzle any nearby creature in Seattle Times: “This is one weird furball of a story.” the room. The Sun: “One to furget.” That all said, “Cats” may enjoy another life as a campy cult favorite. It’s happened Wall Street Journal: “Artistically, it’s a hairball.” before: “Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Detroit News: “…the biggest disaster of the decade, Factory” (1971), “The Rocky Horror Picture and possibly thus far in the millennium. It’s ‘Battlefield Show” (1975) and “Showgirls” (1995). History Earth’ with whiskers.” (and cable television) will be the ultimate Creative Loafing: “Pussy galore, and quite the bore.” arbiter. The film didn’t fare well at the box office Variety: “Nine may not be enough lives for some of the on opening weekend, but if nothing else, stars to live down their involvement in this poorly conceived it will always offer an excuse to shake up a and exected adaptation…” cocktail (see above).

“Cats” is currently in nationwide release. Check local listings for theaters and show times.

48 • 12.25.2019 12.25.2019 • 49 WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes Bookkeeping IRS Issues Small Business Accounting Advising

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