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03-10-2016 Issue 329 PUBLISHER
Kevin Hopper EDITORIAL
Alexander Kacala - Coordinating Editor Jameer Baptiste - Features Editor
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CONTENTS MARCH 10, 2016 | VOL 329
22. COMING OUT AS AN IDOL With the final season of American Idol underway, we look back on some of the most notable gay contestants from the reality show – most of whom were forced to stay closeted during the competition. From Lambert to Davis to Aiken, we round up the coming out stories of 10 gay Idols.
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THE NEXUS 13. Gay D.D. 14. The Week in Photos 17. What's Next | Drag: Marti Gould Cummings 18. What's Next | Film: Daddy 72. Shot in the Dark | Winter Party
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FEATURES 30. Nicole T. Phillips 38. 3D Fashions 44. Nightlife: The 23rd Annual Shelley Novak Awards NEXT STEPS 50. Travel: Tel Aviv 54. Fitness: Fuel Your Ferocity 64. Dining: 7 Ways To Brunch NEXT WEEK 68. Calendar of Events
On the Cover
Adam Lambert performs Saturday, March 12 at the Seminole Hard Rock and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Photo By David Roemer
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THE
VISIT THE NEXUS ON NEXTMAGAZINE.COM FOR YOUR DAILY DOSE OF GAY GOSSIP, PARTY PHOTOS, AND MORE.
COLORING OUTSIDE THE LINES
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PROJECT PUBLICITY
Marti Gould Cummings takes drag to a whole new level PG.17
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COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAARCO PNGS(DEMI LOVATO), ZAC BOTEGA MONSTER(GAGA), BUZZ FEED (STEVE GRAND), DRAG RACE MANIAC (RUPAUL)
“I don’t need to see this. It just brings down the level of the show. It’s now a porn show,” Andy Cohen’s mother, Evelyn Cohen, on his show Watch What Happens Live!
GAY D.D.
Will Daddy Trump quit Twitter or order a chicken sandwich instead?
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#Twinks4Trump on Twitter sees Donald Trump as the ultimate daddy.
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Director Ariel Gardner produced a Chick-Fil-A commercial featuring a lesbian couple gushing over chicken. Not sure if it is really for the historically anti-gay company, but either way – it is cute as hell.
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Dr. David Knox stunned the gay community when he shared his findings in a case of a man who tested HIV-positive despite being on PrEP. “Because we’ve always suspected that this potentially could happen, and now we’ve shown that it can happen, people need this information to make decisions about their sexual health that feel right for them,” Knox told Gawker’s Rich Juzwiak. “The more information, the better. And that’s the bottom line.”
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Singer Steve Grand hunked it up on camera with douchey gym moments we
all know too well. It’s sort of a pointless five-minute video except that he and his workout partner look really hot.
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At this year’s GLAAD Media Awards, Demi Lovato will be honored with the Vanguard Award for her commitment to supporting LGBT youth. The 27th annual GLAAD Media Awards will be held at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles on April 2.
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Kris Jenner agreed with Ellen on her show that Caitlyn Jenner's new dating preferences are ‘confusing.” They are referring to Jenner’s recent statements agreeing, “She would be open to the idea for a man to take care of things.” Wouldn’t we all.
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The fiercest thing about the last GOP debate was Megyn Kelly’s lashes. The FOX correspondent looked like she was about to compete on the next season of Drag Race will those window dressings.
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Speaking of Drag Race, a new RuPaul show is coming to a TV set near you. Logo has set the premiere date for Gay for Play Game Show Starring RuPaul, which tests contestants’ entertainment IQs on the hottest pop culture moments, for Monday, April 11 at 10 p.m.
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Post Oscars glory, Gaga Instagrammed some love for her man Taylor Kinney, writing, “I never thought anyone would ever love me because I felt like my body was ruined by my abuser. But he loves the survivor in me. He’s stood by me all night proud and unashamedly. THAT'S a real man.”
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In their new promo video “Faster Than Ordering A Pizza,” Manhunt proves just how easy it is to hookup in 30 minutes or less on their gay dating app. I mean - if it weren’t for Manhunt, we would have never gotten laid at 18 years old.
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PHOTO BY JAMEER BAPTISTE
THE WEEK IN PHOTOS
WINTER PARTY PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DAVIS
A GREAT TIME AMONG FRIENDS Osmany Caballero, James Davis, the man behind Elaine Lancaster, and Lior Halabi at the Shelley Novak Awards.
Ruff Ryders Executive Director Liam Brown catches come sun with Ricky Hamilton at the Winter Party Festival's Beach Party in South Beach on Sunday, March 6.
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Official Winter Party Festival dancers cool down between sets at the Under One Sun Pool Party on Saturday, March 5
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WHAT’S DRAG
Coloring Outside The Lines Marti Gould Cummings takes drag to a whole new level
PHOTOS COURTESY OF PROJECT PUBLICITY
BY ALEXANDER KACALA Like it or not, drag is everywhere these days. This has a lot do with the success of RuPaul’s Drag Race, a LOGO series that just started its eighth season. The drag scene of South Florida has long been recognized as one of the best in the nation. From pageant queens to dance hall queens, we have it all – and a weekly audience to fill seats in front of the stage. Queens are flocking from the Big Apple to become part of our community’s scene. Cue Marti Gould Cummings, a gender bending singing comedy queen who offends audiences weekly at Therapy, Pieces, G Lounge, and Bottoms Up in New York City. Cummings is also a regular performer makeup was terrible a year ago!” he laughs. at Village Pub Wilton Manors, coming back “It is about learning and growing. And talking for one night only on Friday, March 11 at to other queens and asking what they do 11:00pm. The show is titled Marti’s March and using what works for you.” Madness and promises to ‘take drag to a Cummings is extremely androgynous, whole new level.’ channeling a skinnier version of Liza Minelli. “I perform at the Village Pub a few times So much so that famed gossip columnist a year and always have the best time,” Michael Musto labeled him as “the love Cummings told me when we recently child of Liza Minnelli and Johnny Weir." chatted. “The audiences in South Florida His style is unique. When most queens are so welcoming and receptive. It is a true tend to be hyper feminine and “fishy," a honor to get to come down and do my term used to describe drag queens who whacky brand of drag for them.” can easily pass as a woman, Cummings Marti Gould Cummings grew up on a lives in the gray between man and woman. farm in Maryland but had another city in “I never intended to be the 'androgynous mind for his dreams. “I started performing drag queen',” he explains. “It just happened. when I was five-years-old and then moved I just roll with it. But the great thing is one to New York City when I was 17 to be a day I can be an androgynous lady boy and Broadway performer,“ he said. “It didn’t really the next day I can throw a wig on and be a end up working out. I was in an off-Broadway woman. I am able to change it up more and musical. I played Charlie in Twist, an S&M that is what makes it so much fun.” version of Oliver Twist. That is what got me This is a new normal. “My goal was not started in drag. I just started from there. That to be a female impersonator,” he confidently led to one gig and that led to another gig. reminds me. “My goal was to make people It sort of just evolved from there. Five years laugh and have a good time and feel later, I am a professional drag queen.” something. Drag for me is about being an During that process, Cummings learned entertainer and that is why I do it. When a lot, especially from his peers and fellow doing drag, my palette is very broad for performers. “What I looked like five years my self-expression. There is no box to stay ago is certainly not what I look like now. inside of. You can color outside of the lines My makeup was terrible when I started. My and that is totally fine.”
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WHAT’S FILM
BY GREGG SHAPIRO
PHOTO: FACEBOOK.COM/DADDY
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he aptly named Daddy (M-Appeal) takes the audience places few LGBT film-fest hits have dared to go. Set in Pittsburgh, Daddy introduces us to the hot, fit and silver-bearded title character Colin (Gerald McCullouch, who also directed), a gay newspaper columnist who also represents the “wacked out lefty perspective” on a political talk show. Colin’s nerdy gay best friend since college, law professor Stewart (Dan Via), is also his neighbor in the adjoining loft. They’re the kind of friends who attend family funerals together and remind each other about things they did in the past, such as Colin earning extra money while a student by being a sperm donor. At Colin’s office, his boss Shar (Tamlyn Tomita) secures a college intern for him. The intern, Tee (Jaime Cepero), is a shy gay kid from the South who is eager to please. Raised by religious fanatic grandparents, Tee appears to be struggling with his sexuality. However, that doesn’t stop him from pursuing and beginning a relationship with Colin. Meanwhile, Stewart is looking at the possibility of a job at UCLA, meaning that he and Colin could potentially be living far
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apart from each other for the first time in 15 years. Just as things seem to be going well for the old friends, a series of conflicts arise that threatens their lengthy friendship, including the revelation that Colin and Tee are sleeping together. But wait, there’s more! We are led to believe that Tee is also freaking out and unable to sleep possibly because of feeling conflicted about being gay or maybe because he’s in a relationship with Colin. But oh no, it’s much more serious than that. However, to say anything more would be to spoil the movie’s big reveal. For an indie feature starring both the director AND the writer, Daddy is remarkably well-done and doesn’t smack of being a vanity project. The performances are decent and the shocking surprise, while somewhat prolonged, combine to make Daddy a better than average queer flick. [Daddy is being screened in advance of the April 22 opening of MiFo LGBT Film Festival (www.MiFoFilm.com) in Miami on March 17 at 7 p.m. at O Cinema Wynwood, followed by actress/co-producer Mia Matthews leading a Q & A with the audience.]
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TECH SAVVY
SHOES THAT THINK
A shoe you can control with your phone $450 – digitsole.com
According to the latest rumors, Apple will switch to nextgeneration OLED display for iPhone, iPad released in 2016.
OLED DESKTOPS
Future Technology Desktop Computers In 2020
HEADSETS
LG Tone+ Bluetooth Stereo Headset to Launch at CES 2016
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VR HANDSET
The Project Morpheus VR headset for PlayStation 4 by Sony will launch in the first half of 2016.
DRONE
The most futuristic looking drone yet.
THE STYLE GUY
MR. GYM READY WORKOUT IN STYLE WITH 2016 HOTTEST TRENDS
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"The gym is more social now," says Matt Taylor, cofounder and CEO of the athletic line Track-smith. "Women have raised their style game, and it's time for guys to catch up."
8.
2.
THE RUNDOWN
3. 4. 9. 5. 6. 10.
1. Dri-FIT Knit Tank by Nike Running 2. Stretch-Cotton Briefs by Dolce&Gabbana 3. Drawstring Sweat Shorts by Rag&Bone 4. Hooded Logo Sweatshirt by PRPS 5. Internationalist Sneakers by Nike 6. Bertrand Duel Bag by Moncler 7. Jump Rope for Cardio by King Athletic 8. Cotton-Blend Sweatbands by Lacoste 9. Sport Luxe Fleece Pants by Adidas 10. M Vest ZHDY by Adidas 21
COMING OUT AS AN IDOL:
10 AMERICAN IDOL COMING OUT STORIES BY ALEXANDER KACALA
WITH ITS FLAMBOYANT CONTESTANTS, SAPPY SONGS, AND METROSEXUAL HOST, AMERICAN IDOL IS THE CAMPIEST THING ON TV, BUT IT HASNʼT BEEN OFFICIALLY THE GAYEST. WITH THE FINAL SEASON UNDERWAY, WE LOOK BACK ON SOME OF THE MOST NOTABLE GAY CONTESTANTS FROM THE REALITY SHOW – MOST OF WHOM WERE FORCED TO STAY CLOSETED DURING THE COMPETITION. FROM LAMBERT TO DAVIS TO AIKEN, WE ROUND UP THE COMING OUT STORIES OF TEN GAY IDOLS. 22
COVER STORY
JIM VERRAROS — AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 1
American Idol Season 1 finalist Jim Verraros came out in an article for The Advocate in 2007. Two years later, he married his boyfriend Bill Brennan in Illinois in 2009, and legalized their union in New York in 2011. He is currently the Executive Vice President for the Luxury Bridal Expo in Milwaukee and Chicago.
FRENCHIE DAVIS — AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 2
Frenchie Davis, a veteran of both American Idol and The Voice, revealed she is bisexual and dating a woman in an interview with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2012. In 2013, she was the featured performer at the National LGBT Task Force’s 25th National Conference on LGBT Equality: Creating Change in Atlanta, Georgia. "It's so wonderful to see all the young people here. You all are the reason that I chose to be out,” she explained. “Because it is important that you see people in the public eye who are not ashamed of who they are. It is OK to be true to you."
CLAY AIKEN — AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 2
American Idol Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken came out as gay in an interview with People magazine in 2008. Since then, he unsuccessfully ran for Congress in home state of North Carolina, had a baby with the sister of record producer David Foster, and started a charity. These days, his charity, the National Inclusion Project (NIP), takes up most of his time. NIP works to bridge the gap that exists between young people with disabilities and the world around them. NIP partners with communities and inclusive programs to create awareness about the possibilities that inclusion can bring and to help facilitate those possibilities.
DAVID HERNANDEZ — AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7
While American Idol Season 7 contestant David Hernandez was on the show, his past as a stripper at a gay club called Dick’s Cabaret in Phoenix, Arizona leaked to the Internet. However, David refused to come out despite being questioned repeatedly about his orientation during the competition. Since Idol, Hernandez is out and proud, performing regularly at pride events and supporting LGBT charities like the Human Rights Campaign.
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ADAM LAMBERT —SEASON 8
DANNY NORIEGA — AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 7
American Idol Season 7 contestant Danny Noriega outed himself in a video posted to YouTube where he rapped about being gay. He never denied it while being on the show, but he never admitted it either. Following American Idol, Noriega became a YouTube personality, performing skits as himself, in drag as Adore Delano, or as his other character, Angel Baby. After seeing RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Raven perform at the nightclub Micky's in West Hollywood, Noriega was inspired to enter a drag competition at the club, later winning it. Following the win, Noriega started performing in Southern California as Adore Delano. He then competed on the sixth season of Drag Race, making it all the way to the final three with Courtney Act and winner Bianca Del Rio. Now, he about to release his second studio album as Delano titled After Party on March 11, 2016.
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NATHANIEL MARSHALL — SEASON 8
Nathaniel Marshall is not only out, he's gone on to have a career in gay porn under the name Jadyn Daniels. Marshall speaks openly about his career change, citing illegal music downloading as one of the reasons he opted to get out of the music industry. In 2013, he told The Sword, “To any fans I have I’d say thanks for being as open minded as I am. To anyone else who has an opinion I’d say this: When I look back on my life I don’t want to see what I didn’t or shouldn’t have done hindering my chances of happiness. I want to live a life full of laughter and good times. If my life choices bother you, then that is fine. You are allowed to your opinion as well as I am allowed mine.”
Adam Lambert, runnerup in Season 8, is right up there with Clay Aiken as one of American Idol's most famous and wellknown gay finalists. He came out not long after being on the show in a cover interview with Rolling Stone. Since Idol, Lambert has established himself has a successful musician. In 2012, Lambert released his second studio album, Trespassing. The album premiered at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, making him the first openly gay artist to top the album charts. In 2015, Lambert released his third album, The Original High, which debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200. Lambert climbed to the top of Forbes list for the first time, pulling in a career-high of $10 million in 2015. Forbes wrote, “Lambert’s earnings were buoyed by cash accumulated while playing arena shows as the frontman of legendary glam rock band Queen.” “Adam used the launching pad of American Idol very well to have a successful recording career,” his co-manager Martin Kirkup told Forbes. “I think the main part of his career still lies ahead of him.”
JAIDAH CHRISTINA DAVILA —SEASON 12
Back in American Idol season 12, Josh ‘JDA’ Davila was one of the show’s most prominent out contestants, making it as far as the semi-finals. Now, Josh has come out as transgender and has become Jaidah Christina Davila. She also has found a new love and landed a dream job singing at Chicago’s biggest transfriendly nightclub. “I don’t even recognize the person that I used to be on Idol. I am not just cross dressing anymore,” she told TheTVPage.com in 2015. “I am not this gay, feminine boy. I am actually now on hormone replacement therapy. I have been for a year and a half.”
KEITH LONDON – SEASON 13
On the 13th season of American Idol in 2014, contestant Keith London revealed his sexual identity by refusing to amend the pronouns in Beyoncé’s “If I Was a Boy.” Billed as the first out competitor on the hit reality series, the boy next door was soon eliminated, not making it as far as he hoped. Currently, London is making his way across the country, developing his social media and stage presence. “I really am just the boy next door," he told us earlier this year. “My gayness is a secondary thing. I’m me. There is nothing really different when it comes to that.”
M.K NOBILETTE – SEASON 13
It took 13 seasons, but American Idol finally had its first openly gay contestant make the Top 30. M.K. Nobilette made Idol history by publicly coming out as gay while waiting to hear her fate from judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban. "I think with you it was kind of difficult because we all fell in love with your voice and your style, but you're not the typical American Idol," Lopez said. Nobilette responded, “I'm very obviously gay, and there are always going to be people in America and everywhere else who are definitely going to hate me. But I think in the last two years there have been a lot of things that have really changed that, and have made it a positive thing."
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Nicole T. P hillips Takes Center Stage
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ENTERTAINMENT
T
he selfless Nicole T. Phillips has been supporting and helping her family and friends win pageants all her life as an entertainer. But now, it’s her turn to step into the spotlight. In the last few months, Phillips has immersed herself in all things pageant to take home the crown of Miss Florida F.I. at Large. Take some time with us as we learn more about Phillips and her journey to pageantry. WORDS BY JAMEER BAPTISTE PHOTOS BY DENNIS DEAN
JAMEER BAPTISTE: Is this your first Pageant? NICOLE T. PHILLIPS: No, last time I’ve done a pageant was 2005, Miss North Carolina Continental Plus. Champagne Bordeaux and I drove up to Myrtle Beach. It was so shady; they really let me have it. I didn’t place at all. My first pageant was Miss Fort Lauderdale at Large 2003 at the Copa. I got second runner up. I never won one. BAPTISTE: Why did you stop doing pageant? PHILLIPS: Working--and I didn’t have any inspiration or drive to do one. I was caught up in other things. Life stopped me. But now I know I’m ready this time. It’s time. It’s been a long time and I’m much more seasoned now. I wasn’t deterred by the other pageants. It just wasn’t a priority of mine at the time. BAPTISTE: Why are you choosing to do pageants again? PHILLIPS: I lost the energy to do a pageant. But it is fun and it refreshes your career. It really puts you back on your “A” game. It keeps you refreshed and on your toes. A lot of the new girls come along and when you are an older girl, you have
to step your game up, especially when you do it as a career. It’s not an easy job. BAPTISTE: How long have you been a showgirl? PHILLIPS: I started in 1998 in Montgomery, Alabama. It’s very cliché. I got dressed up for Halloween and my neighbors upstairs said they would put me in drag. So I got in drag and I thought I was real pretty, so I kept on doing it. Well, I stopped for a while, and then I met (drag star) Regine Phillips who started me back up. She taught me a lot. She is very well put together. She was a tough cookie. She was my drag mom but she never handed me anything. Everything I had she made me work hard for. She is in Chicago, Illinois, now at The Baton Show Lounge. We kind of drafted apart. We aren’t as close as we use to be, but we still talk occasionally. BAPTISTE: What does this pageant mean to you? PHILLIPS: It’s a very emotional ride. It means a lot to me because first and foremost, it hasn’t been held in eight years. It hasn’t been held since 2007. This is the rebirth of this pageant. Whoever the winner is of this pageant has a lot of work to do to rebuild the name and integrity of the pageant. Miss Florida F.I. and Miss
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PHOTO BY MICHAEL SEGAL PHOTOGRAPHY 32
ENTERTAINMENT Florida F.I. at Large were two prestigious pageants that will get back to what it use to be. It was considered a national pageant. Girls from all over use to come to win the crown. TP Lords is the current Miss Florida F.I. at Large since 2007 and she will be finally giving it up this year. BAPTISTE: What does rebuilding the name and integrity mean to you? PHILLIPS: It means the world to me. I am now a Floridian of 16 years. I love pageantry and I love Florida. I want to be part of the pageant family and I know with hard work and determination I will be. And there needs to be a person representing the big girls. This pageant has always been a dream of mine. I’ve always had a dream of winning pageants but this one in particular always makes me think of were I was in my career and how I’ve became. And I know in my heart it’s time. I want to bring this pageant back to life. I want to continue the legacy.
BAPTISTE: What’s next after the pageant? PHILLIPS: I don’t know what the future holds. Definitely more pageants. When I win the title – just putting it out in the universe – I will start planting seeds in different cities and building up preliminaries for the upcoming year. I'm looking forward to meeting new people, and being in new places. I congratulate my sister TP Lords on a great reign. She has done a remarkable job holding the crown and I just want to further the legacy.
BAPTISTE: What are you doing to prepare for the pageant? PHILLIPS: A lot. I’m rehearsing, getting my outfits ready, doing fittings and going through each category making sure I’m on point. But I’m also preparing mentally for the ride ahead. I mentally prepare by praying and keeping my mind clear and keeping my eyes on the prize. I have cutback on going out and continually try to keep myself positive. People come at you with different ideas of what you should do, so you have to make sure that you want to keep yourself right where you want to be. It’s very stressful and not easy at all. But you can’t give up; you just have to keep on going. BAPTISTE: What is the easiest part about pageants? PHILLIPS: There is no easy part. Well, I don’t believe there is. It’s all hard but I don’t want it to be easy because then it’s no fun. Once you see everything that you worked hard for come to life, it is fulfilling. The end results make it worthwhile. I put my heart, soul and sweat into this. All these months and you finally get to see what you have and what you’ve been working at. The exhale comes out after every category. The relief comes when the shoes come off.
Support Nicole T. Phillips, Next South Florida magazine’s Entertainer of the Year, at Miss Florida F.I. at Large on April 18 at the Parliament House (410 North Orange Blossom Trail Orlando Florida 32805; 407-425-7571). Tickets sales available starting March 21, visit Missfloridafipageant.com then for more information.
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Just When You Thought Fashion Was Boring
LOCAL BUSINESS
I
magine being able to print your clothes from home, the office or on vacation. The innovative concept is here and Israeli designer Danit Peleg is leading the charge with the latest in printing technology. The ingenious young fashion designer has turned 3D printers into garment machines making everything from shirts to jackets. Explore her futuristic style with us as we ask her how she does it.
How long did it take you to prefect the 3D printing method of making clothes? As of now, it still takes a long time to produce clothes. It takes about 400 hours per outfit. My favorite piece, the red jacket, took 300 hours to make. The whole process costs around $2,500 but I got sponsored for most of my materials by Recreus, the company who does FilaFlex, and also by a local 3D printing store called TechFactoryPlus. I noticed that each garment has spaces between the different pieces. How do you create the garments to not be transparent (see-through)? It’s all about the pattern of the textiles. I can print and design whatever I want whether the textiles be transparent or not transparent. Take the Black dress for example. There is minimal space to expose the whole body. What can someone expect to experience when they try on your garments? It’s a completely different experience. My clothes feel like nothing you’ve felt before. The garments feel like rubber and you can bend with ease or be flexible about it. In the future, you will see this material made from cotton or polyester, materials that are more common in fashion. Do you think that 3D printing garments are the wave of the future and will replace traditional clothes one day? If the technology does improve, then yes, this could be the future of the fashion industry. The advantages are huge. There will be less shipping costs and most importantly, the design method will allow for anyone to design their own clothes and print them out at their own home.
How many collections have you produced thus far? Just one so far, my "Liberty Leading the People" collection, which I started in October of 2014. There are 5 outfits in the whole collection including shoes and accessories. I’m working on a swimsuit line now. What is the price range of your garments? The collection I have now is not for sale. However, the Liberty Jacket is around $3000 because it takes 300 hours. What makes it so expensive is the time it takes to make it. Are you based out of the United States? I am Israeli and based in Tel Aviv. I’m not in America, but I do travel to America to present my collection. And I did do a fashion internship in New York four months. What is your hope for the future? I plan to keep exploring 3D printing and fashion. I may do custom pieces and maybe later my own line. I think we will see more and more of 3D printed fashion, but it will look a lot different than today. How can people purchase your items? You can go to my website (danitpeleg. com) to check out the clothes. You can also sign up to the newsletter on my website. And I will soon open an online store so please stay tuned! Now, the most important question we all are dying to know. Do you make men’s apparel? I made a shirt for my dog but not for men yet, but in the future I’m planning to expand into men’s apparel.
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The 23rd Annual Shelley Novak Awards WORDS & PHOTOS BY JAMEER BAPTISTE
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NIGHTLIFE
O
n Monday, February 28, the fun and wild personas of Florida's LGBT community came out to cheer on the winners of the 23rd Annual Shelly Novak Awards. The quirky long running award show that was hosted at Score Nightclub honors the South Florida Queens in the most creative and humorous way. The night was filled with stellar performances, over-the-top drag and of course the usual laugh-outloud commentary by host Shelley Novak. Winners of the award show received the coveted gold-painted barbie doll statue. Here is a list of all the winners for each category: BEST EMCEE: Athena Dion BEST FORT LAUDERDALE DIVA: Sasha Lords BEST HAIR: Poison Ivy 1ST LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: House of Infinity BEST MAKEUP: Haus of Piss 2ND LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD: Joanna Mills BEST LATIN DIVA: Adora MOST RACHET: Miss Toto HERO AWARD: Elaine Lancaster BEST COSTUMES: Wildchild BEST DRAG VENUE: Electric Sheep @ Score Nightclub BEST NIGHT OR 1 OF PERFORMANCE: (Tie) ComingOutCuba Max Selene & Queef Latina MOST GLAMOROUS: (Tie) Athena Dion & Joanna James BEST NEW ARTIST: Queef Latina and all the rest
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ADULT TRENDS
70%
of men ages 18 - 34 visit an adult site in a typical month.
40 Million
US adults regularly visit adult entertainment websites.
28,258
internet users are viewing adult entertainment every second.
EVERY
$3,075.64
39 Minutes
a new adult video is being created in the is being spent on adult United States. entertainment every second.
$10 - $14 Billion is spent annually on adult entertainment.
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12 Minutes
is the average time an adult movie is watched.
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TRAVEL • FITNESS • DINING
DESTINATION:
TURNON
TEL AVIV
Where to EAT, STAY, PARTY & PLAY in the NON-STOP city of the Middle East. BY ALEXANDER KACALA
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If
you are looking for a husband, all you have to do is update your passport and hop on a flight to Tel Aviv, Israel. There, you are sure to find him. On every corner and at every cafe, there are bronzed and buff specimens with deep blue eyes that rival the waves of the Mediterranean. Maybe it’s the heat or the mandatory army service; whatever it is, the men are worth the trip. But enough about husband searching. Not only do gorgeous men await you in Israel, but also an overwhelmingly accepting culture whose arms are wide open to the LGBT community. Tel Aviv is a cosmopolitan city that never sleeps. With the beautiful Mediterranean touching its immaculate beaches, this international city with non-stop nightlife is one destination not to be overlooked. So let’s talk about Tel Aviv. STAY Situated in the heart of Tel Aviv, The Norman (23-25 Nachmani St; +972 3-543-5555; thenorman.com) brings unprecedented sophistication and boutique character to the historic Mediterranean city. The boutique hotel redefines the art of hospitality, capturing the timeless elegance of the 1920’s matched with the comforts of a world class luxury hotel. If the Norman is out of your price range, then opt for the Cinema Hotel (Zamenhoff St 1; +972 3-520-7100; atlas.co.il/cinemahotel-tel-aviv) set in a Bauhaus building overlooking Dizengoff Square. This upscale hotel is a fifteen minute walk from the beach and offers a rooftop terrace and quaint cocktail lounge. Since 2001, it has been a prominent destination in the heart of the city.
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EAT Orna and Ella (33 Sheinkin St; +972 3 620-4753; ornaandella.com/en) is a contemporary yet time-honored culinary institution on Sheinkin Street. A longtime favorite with a devoted clientele, it’s famous for sweet-potato pancakes, delicious cheesecakes, pastries, and brioche, but there are also sandwiches, salads, pastas, and main courses like Moroccan fish cakes and kebab with tahini over quinoa. It’s both intimate and energetic, and the waiters are charming and quintessentially Israeli. Book a seat at the chef’s table – in their actual home. Eat With (eatwith. com) lets visitors’ book intimate dining experiences with local home chefs who open their homes for dinner parties. Lesbian couple Yael and Habanot invite guests to enjoy an easy-going dinner with lots of dishes to share, made with fresh
TRAVEL vegetables, seafood, fish and meat. Or eat with celebrity chef Nurit, who also hosts culinary tours of the Carmel market. To imbibe with friends old and new under the stars, stop by trendy spot Bicicletta (29 Nahalat Binyamin; 053-936-7950; bicicletta.rest.co.il). The highlight of this restaurant and bar is a large garden with a giant mulberry tree at the center. Inside, the open kitchen invites curious diners to grab a place alongside the burning pans and chat with the passionate and talented chefs at the helm. PLAY Just north of the Hilton Hotel, a statue of an eagle marks the unofficial gay beach known as Hilton Beach. All of the beaches of Tel Aviv are littered with bronzed and buff specimens, and here is no different. The atmosphere is lively and fun. Fit men donning tight bathing suits check each other out, chat and make plans for the weekend. Here you will able to get to know tourists, locals and learn about the best parties happening that week.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DENNIS DEANt
Tel Aviv’s vibrant street art and graffiti is garnering national attention – street artists from all over the world are visiting Tel Aviv and making their mark, literally. Tour the bohemian neighborhood of Florentin with expert guide Guy Sharett of Streetwise Hebrew (streetwisehebrew.com.) He is able to show and explain unique pieces of
street art – both big and very, very small. He also provides some simple Hebrew lessons via his handy dry erase board. PARTY Live like a local and check out the website and app Atraf (atraf.com) to find out where to meet up with locals. It has also great listings for all the fabulous parties happening every night of the week you are in town. The best parties are weekly and usually happen at straight spots. Two parties especially worth checking out are College (college-telaviv.com) and Dreck (drecktlv. com). They change venues frequently, so make sure to check out their websites or Atraf for updated info. The renewed Shpagat (43 Nahalt Binyamin; +972 9 723-3560175; facebook. com/shpagatlv) is open daily at 10:00am and offers visitors a pleasant atmosphere as a coffee house in morning and into the afternoon. At night, the energy picks up when the space transforms into a crowded bar where locals gather over good wine and beer. Well known among the natives and a must stop for tourists, Evita Bar (31 Yavne St. (between Rothschild Blvd +Yehuda HaLevi); +972 3 569-9559; evita.co.il/en) is a center for the LGBT community in Tel Aviv. Open since 2004, the dance hall is filled with sexy bartenders, new friends and is a meeting point for anyone who visits Tel Aviv’s famous gay nightlife.
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Fuel Your Ferocity! BY TOM BONANTI
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FITNESS
Y
ou’ve every intention of rising before dawn for a run, but when the alarm sounds, you’re so tired that you roll over and toss your way through another hour of restless sleep. Exercising after work always seems like an invigorating prospect, but once again, you sail on home, passing the gym, too exhausted to even contemplate treadmills or dumbbells. The outcomes of the above scenarios could’ve been much more active and successful if only you had paid more attention to how you fuel your body. Whether you approach workouts like a ferocious tiger or a spunky pup, you simply have to know how to eat to achieve peak performance. If you want to exercise early in the morning, fuel yourself the evening before at supper with whole grain pasta, brown rice, salad and a lean protein entrée. The energy from these foods will be ready to be released by morning. Don’t exercise on an empty stomach, instead, have a piece of fruit, or a smoothie and some water 30 minutes before you run or lift. After exercising, make sure to enjoy a healthy breakfast about half an hour after stretching and cooling down. Breakfast should be the most significant meal of your day. Your first feeding will determine how much energy you have for everything you do for the rest of the day. Skipping breakfast is a recipe for disaster. Without the proper fuel, your body will go into a fat storage mode and your metabolism will plummet causing you to be lethargic and cranky (low blood sugar). Opt for a meal of 3 parts complex carbs, 2 parts lean protein, and 1 part mono or polyunsaturated fat. Oatmeal or granola, whole grain cereals and breads, fresh fruit, chicken breast or turkey and low fat dairy are excellent selections. Getting these high energy foods early gives your body time to process them
steadily and successfully throughout the day. If you plan to hit the gym after work, eat protein at lunch and keep the meal moderately small. You can’t exercise on a full stomach. Wait at least an hour after a big meal to give your body a chance to digest the food. If you work out too soon after feeding, your energy will lag as blood is diverted to your digestive track. You’ll also risk cramping. Have a small snack an hour to 90 minutes before your workout to enhance your performance and fat-burning potential. Low-fat whole grain crackers, half a baked potato, half a banana or a tablespoon of peanut butter can rev up your engine as you drive to the gym. Your post-workout meal should include a careful blend of protein and carbohydrates. Protein is needed for muscle recovery and growth; carbs are required to replace lost glycogen stores and help your body to assimilate protein. Chicken, turkey, low-fat milk and cheeses are great post-workout foods. Before, during and after your workouts stay lubed by drinking plenty of water. Sports drinks are often loaded with sugar and extra unwanted calories, so avoid them. H2O alone will regulate your electrolytes, hydrate you and keep you alert on the gym floor. Try a big glass of water (8-10 ounces) before exercising, 2 more glasses during workouts, and another big chug as you cool off and leave the gym.
Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and licensed massage therapist with his own gym and studio, Pump’n Inc. www.pumpnincgym.com at 1271 NE 9th Avenue in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. 33304. Contact Tom TrainerTomB@aol.com with all questions or set up a free consultation by calling him at (954) 557-1119.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
massage
therapy
hair cutting
body waxing
joel
montgomery 954.630.2336
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HEALTH & FITNESS
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7 Ways To Brunch In South Florida BY JAMEER BAPTISTE
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DINING
T
he most important meal of the day has been replaced with a more laidback fun version. Brunch, the combination meal of breakfast and lunch, has taken over with more and more restaurants creating innovative dishes and amusing concepts to attract their Sunday best. Check out our seven picks for a satisfying brunch experience in Fort Lauderdale and Miami.
Lips Restaurant (1421 E Oakland Park Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL 33334; 954-567-0987). Start your day in the holy grace of the Dragalicious Gospel Brunch. The Sisters of Sequins not only entertain patrons with a fabulous multi-performance drag show, they also serve guests an unbeatable brunch package that includes unlimited champagne and mimosas with a complete entrée for only $21.95.
Rosie’s Bar and Grill (2449 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-563-0123). The name says it all, Sunday Funday Brunch! Every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Rosie’s Bar and Grill serves up their award-winning breakfast comfort food options while entertaining patrons on their tropical patio with a live DJ and enticing drink specials.
Big City Tavern (609 E Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale FL 33301; 954-727-0307). Spend a relaxing Saturday and Sunday afternoon people watching on the main drive of Las Olas downtown while you dine alfresco at one of the city’s most adored restaurants. From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, patrons can enjoy an extensive brunch menu that includes over 30 entrees and endless mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Palace (1200 Ocean Drive Miami Beach FL 33139; 305-531-7234). The location and suprerb street entertainment is what separates Palace from the rest. Dine right across the street from the beautiful, sandy Miami Beach at the only restaurant in South Beach that offers the ultimate drag extravaganza while you brunch. The experience is pure excitement and delight.
Miam Café & Boutique (2750 NW 3rd Avenue Suite 21 Miami Florida 33127; 786-703-1451). Miam, the French equivalent to yum, is in Miami’s beloved art district Wynwood. The café is a simple delight of fresh and natural homemade cuisine. Their two unusual traditions are that the chef prepares a unique dish everyday and brunch last all week - weekdays from 8:00 am to noon and weekends from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Thirteen Restaurant and Bar (2390 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305; 954-566-5950). Explore Thirteen’s creative side every Sunday between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm as they dish out their homemade brunch creations like Eggs Benedict placed on arepas (a Columbian unleavened maze patty) instead of English Muffins. Or their special Bloody Mary mix topped with blue cheese stuffed olives, apple wood bacon and pickled okra. It’s a foodie’s dream!
R House Wynwood (2727 NW 2nd Avenue Wynwood FL 33127; 305-576-0201). R House’s Sunday Sauce Brunch Party is wrapped up in a neat and tidy bow for you. From 11:30 am to 4:00 pm, patrons can enjoy unlimited brunch appetizers and one main entree for just $35. Add bottomless brunch drinks for a total of $55. Expect a special performance every first Sunday of the month at their Drag Brunch Experience.
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DINING
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WEEK
WHAT TO SEE & WHERE TO BE MARCH 10 THROUGH MARCH 17
CONTACT JAMEERBAPTISTE@WIRLD.COM IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE LISTED. LISTINGS ARE FREE AND SUBJECT TO EDITORIAL DISCRETION.
SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER
PHOTO: LALGBTCENTER.ORG
Vision of Change presents Hilarity for Charity at the Manor Complex
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FRIDAY MARCH 11 VISION OF CHANGE PRESENTS HILARITY FOR CHARITY MANOR. Complex 2345 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-626-0082, themanorcomplex.com. Manor Complex host a night of laughs with celebrity comedian Suzanne Westenhoefer. The event is a fundraiser in support of the Vision of Change organization’s efforts to save children’s lives. Doors open at 7:00 pm and there will be an after party immediately following the event.
THE LAB SCORE BAR 1437 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 305-535-1111, scorebar. net. Get ready to experience a night of fun and dancing. Athena Dion in association with Score Bar light up the night and the stage with nothing less than a wildly entertaining night with hot dancers and drag performances by well-known and uber talented entertainers. Doors open at 10:00 pm.
MARTI CUMMING’S MARCH MADNESS VILLAGE PUB 2283 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 754-200-5244, villagepubwm.com. NYC’s well-known drag comedian Marti Gould Cummings will be live doing what she knows best for one night only. Don’t miss it! Showcase starts at 11:00 pm.
SATURDAY MARCH 12 HAUS SATURDAY HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB. 2232 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-6303556, huntersftlauderdale. com. Hunters Nightclub is transforming into the only haus on the drive with world-renown DJ Marco at the helm. Hot haus dancers will be on deck jamming to the international dance music. Doors open at 9:00 pm.
JENNIFER MCCLAIN LIVE GEORGIE’S ALIBI. 2266 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-565-2526, alibiwiltonmanors.com. The vocal diva Jennifer McClain will be live in the Manchester Room. Sing along with her during her three showcases. McClain will be onstage at 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm and 10:00 pm.
SATURDAY NIGHTS STARRING TP LORDS LE BOY. 1243 NE 11th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 248-918-6632, leboytonight.com. TP Lords turns up the heat with the Le Boy gogo dancers at her feet starting at 10:00 pm. Expect to see some of her best choreographed performances as see twirls, whips and shakes down the house.
SUNDAY MARCH 13 ELECTRIC SHEEP SUNDAYS. Score Bar 1437 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 305-535-1111, scorebar.net. Promoter Dustin Reffca in association with Score Bar revs up Miami partygoers with a nightclub experience that include the best and latest music. And not to mention, some of the best local performers will be entertaining the crowd with their over-the-top looks and impeccable performances.
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PUSILLA’S UNDERWEAR CONTEST. Twist South Beach 1057 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-53-TWIST, twistsobe.com. Get out you best pair of undies because at 1:00 am in the Bungalow room of Twist you have the chance to go home with $100 big ones in you pocket. Be daring and shake your rump to the sounds of DJ Paulie for your chance to win.
YARD SALE AND CAR WASH SCANDALS SALOON. 3073 NE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-567-2432, scandalsfla.com. From 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence is in the house to wash your cars for donations. Or you can bring unwanted items to donate. All proceeds go to benefit Animal Aid, Inc.
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MONDAY MARCH 14 COUNTRY QUEENS SCANDALS SALOON. 3073 NE 6th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-567-2432, scandalsfla.com. At 8:00 pm the Country Queens (Gretchen W., Chi Chi Royale, Mitzi and Agatha) come out of the barn to entertain the herd at Scandals Saloon.
FOOD-TRUCK RALLY. Hollywood ArtsPark 1 Young Circle Hollywood, FL 33020 954-921-3500, visithollywoodfl.org. Make a pit stop in Hollywood and try as much food as your heart is content from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
TUESDAY MARCH 15 TUESDAY’S GLOBOY. Twist South Beach 1057 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 305-53-TWIST, twistsobe. com. Dance to DJ Carlos G beats as you enjoy $5 Fireball shots. Gaeity has
hot boys dancing in the bungalow bar. VJ Nathan does 80's & 90's videos in the Frolic Lounge.
WEDNESDAY MARCH 16 LIP SERVICE WEDNESDAY. Progress Bar 2440 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-533-4916, progressbarsouthflorida. com. Let loose and lip sync in the spotlight at Wilton Manor’s only Wednesday night lip-sync battle. Performances by fierce drag queens and hosted by Amanda Austin.
BITCHY BINGO. Lips Restaurant 1421 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-567-0987, fladragshow.com. Enjoy dinner, drinks, drag performances and bingo all in just one night.
THURSDAY MARCH 17 GAYMER NIGHT, MARCH MADNESS LATINOS SALUD 2330 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954765-6239, latinossalud.org. Every third Thursday of the month join the HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention non-profit for their gaymer’s night. Feel free to bring
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your games, systems or controllers.
HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY. Boardwalk Bar 1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33311 954-463-6969, boardwalkbar. com. Starting at 9:00 pm raise a glass with the Boardwalk Boys with $20 all you can drink and corn beef and cabbage meal for $19.95
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IN 路THE
SHOT DARK PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DAVIS
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POOL PARTY - WINTER FESTIVAL
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IN 路THE
SHOT DARK PHOTOS BY MICHAEL DAVIS
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BEACH PARTY - WINTER FESTIVAL
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IN 路THE
SHOT DARK PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA CORTEZ
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HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB
REAL ESTATE
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IN 路THE
SHOT DARK PHOTOS BY ADRIANNA CORTEZ
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QUEENDOM AT THE MANOR
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