Hotspots! January 2, 2020

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Fort Lauderdale 3699 N. Dixie Hwy. Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 568-3647 centralbarkfortlauderdale.com

CREDITS

01.02 ��� � Publisher Peter Clark

Peter@HotspotsMedia.com

Associate Publisher Scott Holland

Scott@HotspotsMedia.com

Business Manager Brian Burda

Brian@HotspotsMedia.com

Classifieds Manager Jim Nolen

Classifieds@HotspotsMedia.com

Art Director Frank Mendez

Frank@HotspotsMedia.com

Graphics

Graphics@HotspotsMedia.com

Maria Espinal

Digital Content Manager

Troy@HotspotsMedia.com

Troy Maillis Sales Team

Sales@HotspotsMedia.com

Senior Account Reps Anthony Verrico & Rich LoPrimo Tom Gatz-Nibbio National Advertising Rivendell Media

212-242-6863 • sales@rivendellmedia.com

Writers Carlos Marrero | Troy Maillis Scott Holland | Ian Maloney D'Anne Witkowski Chris Azzopardi | Oscar Ambulo Mikey Rox | Romeo San Vicente Photographers Stephen R. Lang | J.R. Davis Scott Holland | Juan Saco Mironoff Logistics Bobby Neal Furedi | Oscar Ambulo

Hotspots.LGBT | MarksList.LGBT 3500 N.E. 12th Avenue • Oakland Park, FL 33334 Broward Office: 954-928-1862 • Miami Office: 305-775-5265 • Central Florida Office: 813-253-9107 HotspotsMediaGroup.com • Facebook.com/HotspotsMag • Twitter.com/HotspotsFL

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January 2, 2020

O N T H E INSIDE

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24 MEN FROM IPANEMA Cover Photo: Lage 10 u 32 u 34 u 44 u 52 u 58 u 64 u 68 u 74 u 80 u 90 u

What’s Hot | Scott Holland’s Guide to Events in SoFla Deep Inside Hollywood Things that Make You Go Hmmm...

Food For Thought | Bona Italian Restaurant Feature | Guide to an Awesome New Year!

The Hot List | Top 10 Happenings in South Florida This Week Creep of the Week | Donald Trump Hot Bodies | Safeguard Yourself Against the Flu Bug of 2020!

Feature | Outlandish Returns for Fourth Season Hot Advice | Acceptance Genre Latino | Las Tablas PANAMA

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DIRECTORY OF LGBT AND LGBT-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES

HOT SHOTS:

Arts United • GFLGLCC • Hunters • Pride Skate

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The Woefully Straight Charlize Theron

WHAT’S HOT

By Scott Holland

What’s HOT

South Florida

L

ast Tuesday we went to Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar for their Fresh Faces: a special Christmas Eve show which starred Kat Wildnerness and Morphine Love and the sounds of DJ Bryan Reyes. This was a fun way to start our Christmas holiday.

On Friday, the Pub presented Ho, Ho, Ho, just one more holiday show starring the one

and only Electra.

ON Saturday night, Murray and Peter presented a magical (and hilarious) evening of holiday performances in A Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour at the Parker Playhouse.

The night featured some of your favorite contestants from Ru Paul's Drag Race including host Nina West as well as Thorgy Thor, Shuga Cain, Manila Luzon, Scarlet Envy and

A Drag Queen Christmas – The Naughty Tour

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hometown girl Latrice Royale along with the one and only Lady Bunny. The event was amazing and sold out!

On Sunday we started the day at Matty's

Wilton Park, which we haven't been to in a while and ran into a lot of friends including Rocky, the GM of Pride Factory.

After a few cocktails, we headed to Rosie's for some good food and as always Rosie's is packed on Sunday and filled with great energy!

Everything you need to plan your week

uTHURSDAY JAN 02 The Pride Factory is featuring 15% off clearance from today through January 8.

In Focus Tour to the BB&T Center at 9am. Oprah will bring a full day wellness

u FRIDAY JAN 03

Catch comedian Eddie Griffin at the Palm Beach Improv (550 S Rosemary Ave #250, West Palm Beach) tonight and tomorrow. Eddie is a popular comedian turned actor who started his career on-stage as a dare, funnyman Eddie has built an

ever-growing fan base since jumping onto the comedy scene in 1990. His life changed when one night his cousin dared him to go on stage at the local comedy club Sanford and Sons where he was told to do 3 minutes. He performed offthe-cuff for 45 minutes successfully. It was then that Griffin purchased a one-way ticket to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of becoming a stand up.

Tickets are $35-$45 at PalmBeachImprov.com u SATURDAY JAN 04

Oprah Winfrey brings her 2020 Vision: Your Life

event to South Florida joined by high profile guests, including Lady Gaga and Julianne Hough. Attendees will spend the day with Oprah as she shares the personal ups and downs of her wellness journey and guides them to develop their own 2020 action plan through motivating conversations, the latest in wellness research and insightful interactive workbook exercises. Tix are $126 at Thebbtcenter.com.

Coral Springs Center for the Arts (2855 Coral Springs Drive Coral Springs) presents Romeo & Juliet at 7:30pm. This is a full length Ballet in two acts; with choreography and production by M. Lavrovsky and Garry Sevoyan, and music by Sergei Prokofiev.

Playing Juliet is Prima Ballerina Olena Dobrianska and playing Romeo is Principal Dancer Sergii Dotsenko. This fullscale production is set to the music of Sergey Prokofiev and based on William Shakespeare's timeless tale

of tragic love. The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa, Ukraine bring 55 of Ukrainian talented and brightest Ballet stars to present the most passionate romantic tragedy of love.

Tickets start at $49 at Thecentercs.com.

The Ramrod presents Pig Dance #138 (first Saturday of every month) with this

month's special DJ Doug Jackson.

The Club Fort Lauderdale presents “Reserection: A Second Coming” (the first and third Sat of the month) at 10pm.

Noche Latina Saturdays inside the Windsor Dance Room and Lounge at The Manor Complex celebrates “Los 3 Reyes Magos” hosted

by Sasha Lords along with performances by Juliana Rivera (Miss Noche Latina 2019). The night also stars guest DJ Larry Larr and sexy Latin Go-Go Papi's.

Saturdays at the Manor are from 11pm to 4am and feature No Cover before midnight for FL Res. After Midnight admission is only $7 for members and $10 for non-members (18-20 - $12 Hotspots.LGBT | 11

all night).

u SUNDAY JAN 05

Flip Flops Dockside Eatery presents their monthly T Dance (first Sunday of every month) hosted by Amanda Austin with DJ Robert Lavalle and this month's special guests: TP Lords, Sharde Ross and Vanity Flair. uTUESDAY JAN 07

The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts presents “A Bronx Tale” from today through Sunday, January 12.

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This hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he'd love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doowop tunes A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family. Based on Academy Award nominee Chazz Palminteri's story, this streetwise musical has The New York Times hailing it as “A Critics' Pick! The kind of tale that makes you laugh and cry.”

HOT

u THIS IS

Pet Shop Boys new album Hotspot is out January 24 via x2 Records/Kobalt. The album will also be available to purchase on cassette and 2-disc deluxe CD, which includes an instrumental version of the full record on the second disc; pre-order at Petshopboysshop.co.uk/petshopboys/Albums/ “We've written much of our music over the last ten years in Berlin and it was an exciting experience to work on this album in the legendary Hansa studios there and add a new dimension to our sound,” Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe say of the album.

Hotspot was primarily written and recorded in Berlin and Los Angeles.

The album was produced and mixed by Stuart Price (marking the third PSB album Price has produced, following Super (2016) and Electric (2013).

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Tickets start at $44 at Kravis.org uWEDNESDAY JAN 08

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts presents Disney's Aladdin from today through Sunday, January 19. This hit Broadway musical, from the producer of The Lion King tells the timeless story of ALADDIN in a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. It's an

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extraordinary theatrical event where one lamp and three wishes make the possibilities infinite. Tickets start at $30 at BrowardCenter.org. u HOT STUFF

Georgie's Alibi/Monkey Bar's 2019 drink tokens will be valid until January 31, so use them or lose them. All new 2020 drink chips are coming.

Hotspot – Tracklist 1. Will-o-the-wisp 2. You are the one 3. Happy people 4. Dreamland (feat. Years & Years) 5. Hoping for a miracle

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6. I don't wanna 7. Monkey business 8. Only the dark 9. Burning the heather 10. Wedding in Berlin

uEmail WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your items considered for What’s Hot Hotspots.LGBT | 13

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HS/2020

24 MEN FROM IPANEMA At Tedds Art Works Jan 6-12 Photos by:Lage “24 Men from Ipanema” is an exhibit of male photos taken in Rio de Janeiro between 2005 and 2011. The men in this exhibit come from all walks of life. Lage (photographer) met them on the beach in Ipanema, and hustling on Avenida Atlantica. He also hired others through professional model agencies, and many we found at Club 117 in Gloria.

From the beginning he made it clear that the photos were for a book and exhibition celebrating the beauty of Brazilian men.

Winning their con idence was important since he was asking them to undress – their most frequent concern was that he would post their images online embarrassing them. Some of the men he photographed repeatedly year after year with his annual visits to Rio. Sometimes the men would bring others to the photo studio as well. Over time he was able to establish his credibility with the men making it easier to hire

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them and making the sessions more fun.

According to Lage: “The exhibit is timely as homophobia and transphobia have increased in Brazil with 420 LGBTQ linked deaths and suicides reported in 2018. Over a hundred queer Brazilians have been murdered in 2019. There is a dangerous gay environment in Rio today more so fueled by the extreme political rhetoric of President Jair Bolsonaro. In a sense these images record an earlier less dangerous time. I hope you enjoy their ephemeral beauty as much as I do.”

Lage's exhibit will be showing at Tedds ART Works (2422 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors) from January 6 – 12, with a party on January 10 from 7-10pm.

Normal Gallery hours are 11am - 6pm.

24 MEN FROM IPANEMA Hotspots.LGBT | 25

24 MEN FROM IPANEMA

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24 MEN FROM IPANEMA Hotspots.LGBT | 27

deep inside HOLLYWOOD

By Romeo San Vicente

Bad Hair's brush with terror In 2017 when we last spoke of Bad Hair, a horror comedy from Dear White People creator Justin Simien, there was only a goofy intention to create a film about a haunted hair weave that troubles the existence of an aspiring pop music singer in 1989 (peak New Jack Swing, and we have deep hopes for a Karyn Whitemeets-Keith Sweat soundtrack). Now there's a finished feature and it's hitting 2020's Sundance Film Festival.

It cannot hurt this movie's prospects that since 2017, the British film In Fabric, a horror comedy about a murderous red dress, has drawn praise from critics and paved the way for more entries in the cinematic subgenre of The Haunted Item. Loving the cast, too: Elle Lorraine (Insecure),

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Vanessa Williams, Jay Pharoah, Lena Waithe, Blair Underwood and Laverne Cox. We're extremely ready for this one to flip our wig.

knew that the image of very attractive male models wearing those clothes (especially the underwear, where no bulge was left on the editing room floor) was going to appeal to you in some spiritual way. Over three decades the IM catalog was, as much as any Calvin Klein underwear billboard, a window into queer male aesthetics. And now it's a film. All Man: The International Male Movie, currently in production, from directors Bryan Darling and Jesse Finley Reed, will explore just what it meant to be an iconic part of the male-on-male gaze's impact on mainstream culture.

Interview subjects so far: Carson Kressley, Jake Shears, and former IM models Brian Buzzini and Steve Lyon. We're sure more will follow. And we'll be following this project's progress until it's ready for its place in the horny nostalgic sun.

The International Male catalog will find you again

If you are, let's say, a younger queer Baby Boomer or any age in the Gen X spectrum, it is almost a certainty that you once (or many, many, many times) laid eyes on the International Male catalog. Before you ever had the nerve to come out, somehow that catalog found its way to your home. It knew your name. It knew what you wanted. Even if you never dared buy a mesh thong or fluffy pirate blouse or screaming orange jump suit, it

Romeo San Vicente wore the International Male mesh bikini brief because he wanted to and because he looked amazing in it.

Things That Make You Go

Hmmm…

By Troy Maillis

What’s Your Number?

These days it seems the sexuality scale is far-reaching, but State of Play

You’d think more liberal states like California, Massachusetts or New York would have lead the charge on sexual orientation protections in the work place. Pennsylvania (a swing state) became the first state to ban public sector employment discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1975 and Wisconsin (also a swing state) became the first state to ban both public and private sector employment discrimination based on sexual orientation in 1982.

Twenty one states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico have statutes that protect against both sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in employment in the public and private sector: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and Washington. Two states Michigan and Pennsylvania, have acquired such protections through executive orders, court rulings or binding decisions by their respective civil rights commissions.

Although Florida’s state law does not prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity, several cities and counties in Florida do prohibit these forms of discrimination.

Source: NOLO.com

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Kinsey saw it in simpler terms. A hallmark of Kinsey’s thought on sexuality was that sexual preference was not an absolute, and that most people were on a continuum between heterosexuality and homosexuality. As Kinsey put it: “The world is not to be divided into sheep and goats. It is a fundamental of taxonomy that nature rarely deals with discrete categories.” His scale placed “absolute” heterosexuality at 0, and “absolute” homosexuality at 6. Kinsey’s scale is still widely used today, though it has been supplanted with more nuanced models by more recent gender theorists like Judith Butler.

So where on the scale would a guy be if he only lets another guy send him a dick pic after two-and-a-half beers and two shots of top shelf tequila?

Source: Funtriva.com

Head Shot

Love can literally make us obsessed. MRI scans show that falling in love sends blood rushing to the pleasure centers of your brain - the same areas responsible for obsessive and compulsive behaviors. Love also lowers serotonin, which is a hormone that is also lower in people who have obsessive-compulsive disorders.

The way your brain is wired might also influence the number of sexual partners you have. Those whose brains showed more activity when shown a sexual image tended to have had the most sexual partners. Sexual motivation varies from individual to individual.

Source: Kinkly.com

The Woefully Straight Charlize Theron Bombshell actress on her LGBTQ activist origins, queerness in her lms and getting her daughter's pronouns right

O

h my god, you're gonna make me cry, stop it,�

Charlize Theron tells me at the end of our recent phone conversation, humbled. But I'm simply being honest when I express gratitude for her continued dedication in seeing that LGBTQ people are represented on screen.

Since her Oscar-winning portrayal of real-life murderous prostitute Aileen Wuornos in 2003's Monster, playing opposite Christina Ricci as her lover, the 44-year-old actress has been personally responsible and invested in portraying a cadre of queer and bisexual characters to aid in normalizing nonheterosexuality in ilm, allowing LGBTQ characters to exist beyond their identity alone.

In the 2018 Diablo Cody-written ilm Tully, Theron embodied an overworked mom named Marlo, her bisexuality casually revealed.

For her Sapphic action-thriller

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Photo: Hilary Bronwyn Gayle SMPSP

By Chris Azzopardi

You've been an ally for as long as I can remember, and you even have a GLAAD award – the Vanguard Award, which you won in 2006 – to prove it. When did LGBTQ causes irst become important to you?

I think I was always aware of it. I grew up in South Africa in this kind of farm community, and our neighbor had a gay son but nobody talked about it. He just always was hanging out with his “friend” and nobody wanted to admit it; it was something that was so unspoken. So, I think I've always had this awareness of like, “That's just really fucked up.”

How did you know he was gay?

Because my mom just one day said, “Yes, he's gay.” And I went, “Well, why is nobody

Photo: Hilary Bronwyn Gayle SMPSP

Atomic Blonde, Theron's agent character, Lorraine Broughton, shared a sex scene – no explanation necessary – with another female spy, played by So ia Boutella.

In Bombshell, which she executive produced, Theron hands off the queerness to costars Margot Robbie and Kate McKinnon.

Both work at Fox News and play, respectively, Kayla Pospisil, a queer, Christian associate producer new to the network, and Jess Carr, a closeted lesbian producer (and closeted Democrat) who's been with Fox long enough to know she can't be out. While their characters are composites of real Fox News employees, Theron inhabits a precise replica of polarizing network anchor Megyn Kelly, down to her husky voice and facial resemblance.

Before our near-tears epilogue, Theron spoke candidly about when she irst became aware of “really fucked up” anti-LGBTQ culture, how she chooses to stand against it with her ilm work, iguring out she was straight (“it's a little bit of a bummer”) and getting her trans daughter's pronouns right.

saying anything?” And there was this complicated conversation around, “Well, you know his father doesn't want to admit that, and it's just a weird thing.”

South Africa was just very conservative and religious, so from the age of 4 I can remember living there and next to this boy who was gay, and nobody wanting to talk about it.

And now you celebrate the LGBTQ community both in your work and in your own life. I saw you went to Pride this past June, and you wore what looked like a rainbow tutu and I still want it to be a rainbow tutu.

It is a rainbow tutu!

Do you make Pride an annual tradition?

Yes, we do. I try to always get my family to go and support, and these people live in my community and I love them, and so whenever I can support or be of support, of course I would be there.

At what point in your career did you realize that you had an LGBTQ following?

Oh, wow! I never really thought of that. (Laughs.) Yeah, listen, I try to live my life not compartmentalizing people. I am very aware that the world does that, so it's this kind of position that you wanna take where you just want to normalize everything and not talk about it in such a walled-off, labeled sense.

Hotspots.LGBT | 37

Though the mission is to normalize, in many parts of the world it's not normalized.

It can be easy to feel like we're living in a bubble.

I'm very vocal about what I believe is the right thing to do and how we should treat each other, and at the same time I feel like the thing that maybe I could bring to the table in moving all of this stuff forward is to just make sure that the stories that I tell and the characters that I play re lect the world, which is the gay and lesbian community, in a way where we're not asking a million questions around it. This is just how it should be.

But I know what you're saying, and so the advocacy part of it is, if I'm on a stage or if somebody asks me, I will, of course, always speak out. But I think my strength as an artist is that I can just play these characters and have nobody even ask a question about it. That is really what I want the world to be, and that maybe, hopefully, the more we see that, the

more we just don't ask so many questions anymore.

Based on your track record when it comes to queer characters in ilm, why do I have a hunch that you are responsible for giving us some queer ladies in Bombshell?

(Laughs.) No, I wish I could take credit for that, but no. It was something that was written in the script when I got it and I thought it was really interesting. And it is so interesting that people kind of go, like, “Wait, I don't understand.” I was like, “You can't understand that a conservative Jesus-loving girl could also love other women?” I'm like, isn't that so strange?

Listen, it was great that it was in there and it wasn't something that I brought up.

And we de initely wanted to make sure we

Photo: Hilary Bronwyn Gayle SMPSP

But I think my strength as an artist is that I can just play these characters and have nobody even ask a question about it.”

Have you challenged queer narratives in any of your past ilms?

No, I've been really lucky that I've worked with people who are very like-minded and want to explore those things.

I think the only one that I really kind of fought for that wasn't originally in the story was Atomic Blonde. I mean, she was never kind of bisexual or anything like that and that to me was just like, why not?

I mean, come on.

Even if the rest of Hollywood tends to shy away from portraying same-sex sex scenes as intimately as other sex scenes, you have not. Do you recognize a double standard in the treatment of heterosexual sex scenes versus same-sex sex scenes?

I mean, I think if you look at the sex scene in Atomic Blonde, we didn't cut away! (Laughs.) I feel like I just personally don't struggle with that: handling or treating it any different. For me, the bottom line is, you're playing real people and real human dynamics and that's where these things have to live and breathe, and when you start kind of thinking that one is different than the other, I don't really know what the point is, then. Then you should probably just not even touch it, you know? If you're not willing to be as accurate and

authentic as you possibly can, then just don't bother. It does a disservice, I think.

LGBTQ representation and authenticity in ilm is an ongoing conversation in the industry and among LGBTQ community members, and you've talked about going through a period of sexual exploration when you were younger. I wonder, because of those experiences, does it make it easier to access queerness in ilms?

No. I experimented and I did what I think every young person should do: feel brave enough and free enough in order to igure it out. It's not like the stuff is laid out on a piece of paper for us; we have to kind of go through a life, and until you have certain experiences you don't really know who you are. I was just lucky that I grew up in a house where my mom was never scared of those things. My mom always said, “Figure it out. I don't want you to be me. Go igure out what it is for you.” And I think it was because of that I got to share those things with her; when I did go on those explorations I had this person that I could share it with, that I felt safe with, who wasn't going to judge me or label me. But it turns out – ahh! – that I am straight. It's a little bit of a bummer.

For many women, yes, Charlize, it is.

(Laughs.) So I never had enough experience where I think it's like, “Oh, I feel like I'm working this out in my work.” It really is just more about honoring the story and the ilm and the character that you're playing and that what's right is right, and you want to take care of that and treat it empathetically and authentically.

Photo: Eric Charbonneau

handled it in a way that felt authentic. Again, to me, I always say, “Are we asking too many questions? Are we underlining things too much? Why can't this just live and breathe in its own space and just let it be?” And that's what I love about that relationship. We don't set up a lot of explanation as to why they end up sleeping together or whether she's gay or not; these are all things that I think you have to work within the nuance of all of that instead of underlining everything.

Hotspots.LGBT | 39

I get the impression you're the kind of mom who is incredibly conscious about the kind of world your children grow up in. I'm curious if having a daughter who happens to be transgender in luences your decisions when it comes to taking on the LGBTQ characters you do or, for that matter, don't.

Well, this is all pretty new for us, so it hasn't really kind of come into question. I don't really necessarily know if it will. My daughter's story is really her story, and one day, if she chooses, she'll tell her story. I feel like as her mother, for me, it was important to let the world know that I would appreciate it if they would use the right pronouns for her.

I think it became harder for us the older she got that people were still writing about her in

the wrong pronouns, and also I was still talking about her in the press using the wrong pronoun. It really hurt her feelings. I don't want to be that mom, and that was really why I said what I said a while back (in an interview with The Daily Mail earlier this year, Theron revealed that her eldest daughter, 7-year-old Jackson, told her at age 3, “I am not a boy!”).

I haven't really talked about it ever since, again, because outside of just asking that respectfully of the press – and the world, hopefully – the rest is really private and it's her story, and it's really up to her to decide if she wants to share that.

Photo: Hilary Bronwyn Gayle SMPSP

Have you had that same conversation your mom had with you with your own children?

They're a little too young, but we de initely have these conversations whenever they say, “I'm gonna get married” and I'm always like, “What is it gonna be? A boy or a girl? What is it gonna be?” I love that my kids just know that that's a normal question to ask. One of my daughters (4-year-old August) is convinced that she's gonna be married ive times and it's gonna be three boys and two girls, and I just love that she has the freedom to think that way. God knows what it's going to be, but I love that she feels safe enough to explore in her little-girl brain that anything is possible and that she's gonna go and discover that for herself.

As someone who has sought to normalize queerness in ilm, how far do you think the industry has come in doing that? Are you seeing progress?

I am! Listen, it's never enough. I think that we can't become complacent – that's a very dangerous place to get to – but I feel so hopeful and optimistic when I see shows like (HBO's queer-inclusive teen drama) Euphoria and I see the characters and the actors in that and, again, the normalization of it, the fact that nothing is underlined and nothing is being overly explained to you. You're kind of just being dropped into a world of real people living their lives and struggling with real things that people struggle with – especially that young people struggle with. I'm optimistic when I see stuff like that being generated in our industry. I want more of it, and I think we're always going to need more of it.

As editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBTQ wire service, Chris Azzopardi has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

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food for thought

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Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza has occupied the rotund storefront on the corner of Wilton Drive and NE 11th Avenue since 1979. Current owners Glen Weinzimer and Mark Byrd purchased the restaurant in 2015, investing blood, sweat and tears into this thriving business.

One visit to Bona brings up childhood memories of those old-school, family-run Italian restaurants your parents used to drag you to for dinner as a kid. The menu may be oldschool Italian, but Glen and

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Mark have certainly brought it into the new millennium with great service and a modern, chic décor. From delicious appetizers, to Bona’s house specialties, baked classics to pizza and subs…there is a little bit of everything for everybody!

The theme at Bona is “Giving Back” and it really shows in their corporate culture. Glen is highly regarded as the creator of the SMART Ride charity, a yearly bike ride from Miami to Key West, that has raised over $10

By Amanda Austin million helping people in Florida affected by and at risk for HIV/AIDS. Bona also continues its giving theme with “Give Back Mondays,” donating 10% of the sales that day to various local revolving charities.

Now for the food…I’ve been to Bona on numerous occasions and the food and service are always outstanding. This trip was no exception! I popped in on a Wednesday evening for this review, when they offer a complimentary glass

PHOTOS: Amanda Austin

Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza

Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza 2648 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, Florida.

Reservations are highly recommended, especially on the weekends and available at 954-565-7222

of wine with the purchase of every entrée… what a deal! Once we ordered and the wine was served, a basket of those beautiful, warm pesto-garlic butter knots was brought out, piping hot, to our table. It is hard to eat just one, but I managed since I knew there was a lot more to come!

Bona offers an ever changing “soup of the day” as well as the classic Italian chili Pasta Fagioli, a play on the traditional Caprese salad made with beets instead of tomatoes, Eggplant Rollatini, Mozzarella Sticks, Bacon Wrapped Scallops and Mussels Marinara among others as appetizer selections. After some serious contemplation, my dinner companion and I shared a half dozen stuffed Clams Oregantao ($11.95), seasoned and baked with a garlic oil sauce and the lightly breaded and Fried Calamari ($11.95), served with delicious homemade marinara sauce…both a treat!

For our main courses, both Glen and our waitress suggested the Chicken Cyriac ($20.95) … spicy blackened chicken with a decadent garlic cream sauce and roasted almonds, so we gave it a whirl! We also ordered the Veal Saltimbocca ($21.95) and I have to say it was one of the best veal dishes I’ve ever had! Tender veal lightly battered and topped with prosciutto and melted, gooey mozzarella and that delicious homemade marinara. Both were great and served over pasta with a choice of a complimentary house salad or cup of soup. I really have a new favorite in the veal dish!

Also recommend by the staff is the Fazzoletti ($21.95) …bitesize pasta filled with Fontina cheese and Prosciutto in a Carbonaro sauce with bacon, onion and peas. It must be very popular since they had run out by the time we ordered. I’ll be back again soon to sample one of the many pizzas, calzones, Stromboli and hot subs!

Although we had no room, you should feel free to top off your meal with one of four indulgent desserts...Tiramisu, NY-Style Cheesecake, Chocolate Mousse or Cannoli (all $6.95 each).

Thursdays are “Thirsty Thursdays” and bring half-off bottles of wine from a list of 30 plus selections. Bona also uses ten-inch pasta “straws” instead of those horrible environmentally friendly paper versions (did someone say ten inches?). After sipping on my water from it all evening, the inside became a little soft and it made a great treat to nibble on at the end of the meal…genius!

Bona is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday and dinner only on Saturdays and Sundays. Dine in, takeout and catering are all available. Bona Italian Restaurant and Pizza is located at 2648 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors, Florida. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on the weekends and available at 954-565-7222.

Visit their website at Bonaitalian.com for more information on the menu and their philanthropy.

Hotspots.LGBT | 45

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 15, 2020 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

1333 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

SPECIAL GUESTS SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS Join us in celebrating 10 years of illuminating the lives and loves of our LGBT community

KITTY MEOW

CHAMPAGNE BORDEAUX

FREE ENTRY • TICKETED EVENT • FREE PARKING SILENT AUCTION • 50/50 RAFFLE • FOOD • ENTERTAINMENT

Hosted by Grieco Ford of Fort Lauderdale

Event Emcee: Miss Bryan

Reserve Anniversary Party Tickets Online: bit.ly/2Q0hZbq Benefitting

Sponsors

Music by VJ Cliff R.

Guide to an Awesome

NEW YEAR!

By Andreus Quinones

1. Stop needing to always be right.

Sometimes it just doesn't matter who is right and who is wrong, especially not at the expense of losing friendships, relationships and family ties.

2. Give up your need for control. We often want to manage everything, particularly to

our speci ications. Let it be! Let people be them, you be you, and things will be less complicated. If you can't deal, stay to yourself.

3. Stop blaming….Don't blame everyone else for the things that are happening to you.

Sure, some things are unavoidable, or take us by surprise, but stand up and take responsibility for yourself and your demons.

4. Give up on self-degradation. If you don't think positively of yourself, no one else will. Work through your insecurities, and your need to “ it-in.” Be proud of the skin you are in; mind, body and soul.

5. Give up on the limitations of your beliefs. EVERYTHING is possible. No one and nothing can hold you back, except you.

Believing in yourself, is almost as powerful as

52 | Hotspots.LGBT

loving yourself.

6. Stop complaining! Complaining just fuels negative energy. Don't complain, ind the source and ix it. If you can't ix the issue, release it and move on. Complaining never solved anything!

7. Stop criticizing. Everyone is not like you.

Everyone does not think like you. We are all individuals. Do not criticize because someone else is different or has different ways of doing things. That is what makes us individuals.

8. Give up your need to impress other people. t the end of the day, it's not that serious. People will be more impressed with you effortlessly being you that you will shine in your individuality.

9. Stop resisting change.

Change is good. Change is necessary. Change means that you are growing and evolving.

10. Don't label. Stop labeling people just because they are different, or you don't understand them. That falls into judgement,

and since none of us are perfect, you have no right!

11. Release your fears.

Fear is the one thing that holds us back from accomplishing and receiving the most important and valuable things in life. You don't know unless you try.

Don't let fear keep you from love, success, happiness and growth.

12. Stop making excuses!

Excuses don't do anything but hold life up. They make you seem irresponsible, and certainly don't ix anything.

Accept whatever it is, and act accordingly.

13. Stop holding onto the past. You can't do anything about it. It's done, it's over. Don't hold onto people, death, failed love, or failures of any kind. Take a moment to grasp what you learned from the experience, and let it go.

14. Give up attachment. Anything that you cling to too hard, when it is gone, it can destroy you. Take things in stride, in increments. Enjoy the moment, in the moment. Especially don't hold on too tight to people, you can suocate them and your relationship with them.

15. Stop living life according to what you think others expect from you. YOU and only

you are responsible for your happiness. You will never be happy trying to live up to how someone else wants you to. If you do you, the people who are truly meant to be in your life will support you and will remain.

Hotspots.LGBT | 53

Bona Gallery

Arts United December Mixer

Photos: JR Davis

By Scott Holland

1 2 3 4 5

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>>>>> Jan 05 - Jan 11 ICON - BILLY JOEL Joel is one of the biggest concert draws in the world and continues this achievement with an impressive run of soldout consecutive stadium shows and concert arenas. Having sold 150 million records over the past quarter century, earning 33 consecutive Top 40 hits, Billy Joel ranks as one of most popular recording artists in history. Fri, January 10; 8pm; Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino Hollywood (1 Seminole Way, Hollywood); Tix: start at $109.

MUSICAL – DISNEY’S ALADDIN Discover a whole new world at Disney’s ALADDIN, the hit Broadway musical. From the producer of The Lion King comes the timeless story of ALADDIN, a thrilling new production filled with unforgettable beauty, magic, comedy and breathtaking spectacle. Wed, January 8 through Sun, January 19; Broward Center for the Performing Arts (201 Southwest 5th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale); Tix: Start at $30; BrowardCenter.org BROADWAY – A BRONX TALE This hit crowd-pleaser takes you to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s—where a young man is caught between the father he loves and the mob boss he’d love to be. Bursting with high-energy dance numbers and original doo-wop tunes A Bronx Tale is an unforgettable story of loyalty and family.

Tues, January 7 through Sun, January 12; Kravis Center for the performing Arts (701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach); Tix: Start at $44; Kravis.org COMEDIAN – JACKIE FABULOUS This America’s Got Talent Alumni form last season is a gut-busting, writer, producer, speaker, and headlining comedian who uses comedy to simultaneously entertain, encourage and empower audiences. Having survived her fair share of loves, tragedies, lessons and embarrassing moments, Jackie channels all of that energy into hilarious sets and inspiring keynotes. Fri and Sat, January 10 and 11; Boca Black Box (8221 Glades Road #10, Boca Raton); Tix: $35 and $45; Bocablackbox.com THEATER - AMERICAN SON Set in a South Florida police station in the middle of the night, two parents search for their missing teenage son, who happens to be African American. A gripping tale of two people caught in our national divide, with their worst fears hanging in the balance. Fresh from its highly successful Broadway run, Zoetic Stage will be one of the first regional theaters to present this important new work about race in America. Thurs, January 9 through Sun, January 26; Arsht Center for the Performing Arts (1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami); Tix: GA $50; ArshtCenter.org

6 7 8 9

COMEDIAN - SINBAD Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the “100 Greatest Standups of All Time,” Sinbad has had audiences laughing for over three decades. Throughout his incredibly successful career as a standup comedian, he has starred in two Comedy Central specials and four HBO comedy specials. As an actor, Sinbad has been featured in leading roles in such films as Jingle All The Way and Good Burger, and on the FX super series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Fri, January 10 through Sun, January 12; Miami Improv (3450 NW 83 Avenue, Suite 224, Doral); Tix: $27-$50; MiamiImprov.com.

SINGERS: AIR SUPPLY & POCO Air Supply has been blazing the charts since 1975! Russell Hitchcock’s soaring tenor voice and Graham Russell’s simple, yet majestic songs created the trademark sound that will forever be recognized. Their hits include “Here I Am,” “Making Love Out of Nothing at All,” “The Power of Love” and “All Out of Love.” The country rock pioneers, Poco gained platinum success early in their careers. The group continues to perform their chart-topping hits like “Heart Of The Night,” “Call It Love” and “Crazy Love” to venues across the country! Sat, January 11; 7pm; Magic City Casino (450 NW 37th Avenue, Miami); Tix: $25 to $199); magiccitycasino.com.

MOVIE – LIKE A BOSS Two female friends with very different ideals decide to start a beauty company together. One is more practical, while the other wants to earn her fortune and live a lavish lifestyle.

This Comedy stars Rose Byrne, Salma Hayek, Tiffany Haddish, and Jennifer Coolidge.

Premieres Friday, January 10; 83 minutes, Rated R MAGIC - ILLUSIONS & BEYOND This show takes you on a high-speed journey through the best in Las Vegas style variety acts presenting a magical evening of grand illusions, quick change, extreme stunts, hilarious comedy, aerial acrobatics, and cutting-edge dance choreography. Prepare for an Enchanting family experience!

Fri and Sat, January 10 & 11; 8pm; Township Center for Performing Arts (2452 Lyons Road Coconut Creek); Tix: $28; Townshipcoconutcreek.com/ live-upcoming-shows.

10

THE NIGHT GARDEN – LAST WEEK – DON’T MISS IT! The NightGarden is an immersive night attraction that blends innovation and entertainment, unique photoworthy moments, a variety of local food options and fun for all through a stunning experience created by leading sculptors and designers. The captivating new experience will boast a variety of highly interactive landscapes augmented by spectacular 360-degree lighting, illusions and special effects. Sun, January 5 through Sat, January 11; opens 6pm; Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden (10901 Old Cutler Rd, Miami); Tix: $22 to $29; Thenightgarden.com.

Hotspots.LGBT | 59

DONALD TRUMP

OF THE WEEK

BY D'ANNE WITKOWSKI

T

his impeachment stuff is stressing me out. Donald Trump keeps screaming that this whole thing is very bad for the country.

And he is right! Impeaching a president IS bad for the country. Duh. Obviously.

But even worse for a country is letting a corrupt and inept man keep leading it.

Trump has been complaining that the Democrats have wanted to impeach him since day one.

Again, he's right. But only because he gave every signal possible that he was a corrupt moron in his personal and business life, which led a lot of people to suspect he might be the same bad person in office.

Go figure.

Republicans are tripping over themselves to defend this jackass. He is indefensible. Full stop. But they don't care about having a leader with a heart or a brain.

Republicans are thrilled that they have a president willing to do all of the bad and awful things they've always wanted to do. Take health care away from people? Check. Roll back environmental regulations? Check. Discriminate against LGBTQ people? Check. Stack the court system with unqualified right-wingers who will uphold the terrible laws they pass? Check.

It's exhausting. I need a nap. Wake me up after November 2020.

I'm kidding. That just what Republicans want people to do. Get overwhelmed and discouraged and check out. Checking out is a luxury and we can't afford it. We really can't.

There are Nazis in the White House! White Supremacists are running the fucking show.

Everything you care about is on the line here.

I just watched a clip from Meet the Press

64 | Hotspots.LGBT

where Dante Chinni interviewed a group of Republicans in Kent County, Michigan, about impeachment. Do they care about it? No. Why? Because it's boring. OH HOW NICE FOR YOU WHITE UPPER MIDDLE CLASS BOOMERS. What's it like to never have to worry about your civil rights? What's it like to stare into the face of Nazis and yawn?

HOW BRAVE. Thanks for the focus group.

People who stand against Trump are accused of being hysterical. These same people who believed that Hillary Clinton was running a child sex ring in the basement of a D.C. pizza restaurant have no problem with Trump literally taking children away from their immigrant or asylumseeking parents and literally losing them in the system with no way for parents to ever see their babies again. It's not hysterical to think that is diabolical.

It is hysterical, however, to think that the impeachment is a “witch hunt” and some kind of Democratic coup. To think that this man is a good president. Trump is mean, dumb and petty.

How petty? Time magazine named climatechange activist Greta Thunberg as Person of the Year.

Trump's response? "So ridiculous," he Tweeted. "Greta must work on her Anger Management problem, then go to a good old fashioned movie with a friend! Chill Greta, Chill!”

Thunberg is, as you may well know, a 16year-old who is fighting like hell to get the goddamn grownups of this world to act on climate change so that she and other children

It's exhausting. I need a nap.

Wake me up after November 2020. might have a chance at a future. But Trump, who doesn't believe in global warming, thinks she should just “chill.”

In case you needed more evidence that Thunberg is amazing, in response to Trump's Tweet she changed her Twitter bio to read, "A teenager working on her anger management problem. Currently chilling and watching a good old fashioned movie with a friend.”

If you caught Thunberg on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" then you know that she doesn't see Trump as worthy of a meeting with her.

"I don't see what I could tell him that he hasn't already heard, and I just think it would be a waste of time, really,” she said.

Thunberg is inspiring. Trump is embarrassing.

His reelection campaign Tweeted out the Time magazine cover with Trump's head Photo shopped onto Thunberg's body. I mean, FFS. By the time this comes out the House will have no doubt voted on impeachment and will get a majority in favor of removing Trump. Then

it'll go to the Senate where Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has already said he fully intends to rig the process for Trump. Cool, cool.

There is a right side and a wrong side of history. When it comes to Trump you can either be someone who welcomed dictatorship or fought against it. Or you could just do nothing. Shrug your shoulders and call the impending end of American democracy a snooze fest. Though you should know, that puts you with the folks on the wrong side. The bad side.

Don't be a baddy. We already have enough of those.

D'Anne Witkowski is a poet, writer and comedian living in Michigan with her wife and son. She has been writing about LGBT politics for over a decade. Follow her on Twitter @MamaDWitkowski.

HOT BODIES by Tom Bonanti

Safeguard Yourself Against the Flu Bug of 2020!

I

f you are searching for a single new year's resolution that will bring you good health and peace of mind in 2020 you might consider getting a flu shot as soon as possible. Even the most robust and healthy people risk being brought to their knees by the nasty flu bug that began circulating last fall.

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can be mild to severe with symptoms that include fever, headache, fatigue, body aches, dry cough, sore

68 | Hotspots.LGBT

throat and runny nose. People with the flu may feel nauseous and have vomiting and diarrhea, although these symptoms are more common in children than adults. Flu can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses for people who are particularly vulnerable.

November through March is Flu Season in the United States. While a flu shot is the best protection against the virus, there are several other ways to help avoid the flu: • Try to avoid contact with people who are obviously sick.

• Stay home if you are sick. That means the gym too! Working out while you are sick will cause more harm than good.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

• Washing your hands often is the most effective way to avoid spreading germs.

• Avoid touching your nose, mouth or eyes to help keep germs from entering your body.

It is especially important for people who fall into one of the following high- risk categories outlined by the Centers for Disease Control to get a flu shot: • Children age 6-59 months and their household contacts and out of home care givers.

• Women who are pregnant.

• People aged 50 or older.

• People of any age who have certain chronic medical conditions including HIV. • People who live with or care for anyone at high risk.

• Health care workers.

space.

• Get adequate sleep (8-10 hours, uninterrupted) to give your body time to repair, replenish, and detoxify itself.

• Keep stress in check, as it can depress the immune system worse than any other single factor.

• Don't forget your workouts, stay consistent with the gym and doing cardio-vascular exercise: daily exercise helps to boost your immune system.

• Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to ensure proper hydration.

• Eat lots of brightly colored veggies and fruits loaded in vitamin “C” to help keep your immune system strong.

• Stay away from fast food and sugary junk foods, besides the extra fat and empty calories, these foods can drag your immune system down.

Those at high risk should contact their primary care physicians to discuss where and when to get the flu shot.

Some Healthy Measures to Ward Off the “Bug”.

• Get lots of fresh air. Take fresh air breaks at work and invest in some leafy plants for your work

Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one facility Pumpnincgym.com in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact trainertomb@aol.com with questions or to make an appointment today!

Hotspots.LGBT | 69

Outlandish Returns for Fourth Season At Sunshine Cathedral; Lineup includes: Alan Cumming, Margaret Cho Logo TV founder Matt Farber is bringing his Outlandish performance series back to South Florida for the fourth season this winter at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale.

The LGBT+ friendly series includes iconic comedians, cabaret superstars, drag legends, and the return of the high-energy acrobatic circus show AirOtic. (A special scaffolding will again be erected INSIDE the church to facilitate their high-flying act.)

“We are very excited about the diversity of this year’s lineup and there’s something for everyone” says Farber. “Alan Cumming and NPR’s Ari Shapiro will premiere their brand new cabaret show; Margaret Cho will make her Outlandish debut; ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ icons will star in a musical parody of iconic films; and fan favorites, including AirOtic, Jackie Hoffman, Miss Richfield 1981 and Varla Jean Merman, will return with new shows”

The 2020 Outlandish season includes:

Varla Jean Merman - “A Star Is Bored” Saturday, Jan. 18, 8pm.

After 25 years of slaving over a hot stove cooking up new songs and routines, Varla Jean Merman is…tired. Can she find inspiration from the queens that came before her and look to a new generation of Drag Race stars to find the strength to carry on? Filled with show-stopping costumes, skyscraping wigs, and a smidge of human emotion, Varla’s funny and heartfelt new show confronts her legacy.

Margaret Cho Saturday, Jan. 25, 8pm.

“Be it on-screen or on stage, Margaret Cho has been one of the most exciting, unpredictable stand-up comics working for some time, and that hasn’t changed in 2019. If anything, the Asian-American female comedian’s voice has become more valuable than ever, given today’s social climate, and Cho’s material remains just as compelling, thanks in part to—and sometimes in spite of—her unapologetic delivery.” - Chicago Tribune

Airotic Friday-Saturday, Jan. 31 - Feb. 1, Thursday - Saturday, Feb. 6 - 8, & Thursday-Friday Feb. 13 - 14, 8pm.

“AirOtic” is a high-level acrobatic circus show featuring physique, strength, burlesque. “Visual beauty, an atmosphere of fantasy, and seemingly effortless acrobatic feats… a triumph”—Provincetown Banner Jackie Hoffman - “Themeless” Saturday, Feb. 29, 8pm.

Best known for making an award-worthy scene after losing the Emmy for “Feud: Bette and Joan,” Jackie Hoffman continues her public downward spiral into oblivion with her unique combination of original music and monologues.

Miss Richfield - “Below The Belt” Saturday, March 7, 8pm.

Miss Richfield is coming out swinging and she’s ready for a fight in her all-new show, “Below the Belt.” Never shying away from a challenge, Miss R, will honor the fighting spirit that makes us great! With all-new music, videos, and lots of audience interaction, “Below the Belt” will leave your funny bone bruised and broken.

“The First Wives Fight Club” Saturday, March 21, 8pm.

Experience a live, musical parody mash-up of the now-cult-classic films, “First Wives Club” and “Fight Club.” You’ve never seen (or heard!) anything like it. Starring the gorgeous and indelible talents of Nina West and Brooke Lynn Hytes (fan favorites from “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 11), as well as Varla Jean Merman and Peaches Christ, the first rule of the First Wives Fight Club is to TELL EVERYBODY! Alan Cumming & Ari Shapiro “Och & Oy! A Considered Cabaret” Friday and Saturday, April 3 - 4, 8pm.

Alan Cumming (“Cabaret,” “The Good Wife”) and Ari Shapiro (NPR’s “All Things Considered,” “Pink Martini”) both transport audiences to other worlds through their stories. Now, they’re joining forces in song.

Witness the exclusive debut of their new evening of tunes and tall tales.

Discounted full series passes to see all shows are available, as well as a new “Pick 4” option to see any four shows. For tickets and more information, go to OutlandishFL.com.

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HOT ADVICE By Andreus Quinones

ACCEPTANCE

Dear Andreus, I have been dating a guy for over a year. Things are serious, and he has been talking about getting engaged. The problem is that he lives in a very straight world and comes from an intensely religious family. He keeps telling everyone that I am his best friend and roommate, but I don't feel like that is fair to me. I told him that if he cannot be honest about who I am, then we have no future. Am I wrong?

Sincerely,

Dear Andreus, I have been trying to get out of a toxic relationship for some time. Every time I make the attempt to leave, he threatens my privacy. I am not out to my family, and he says that if I leave him, he will tell them that I am gay. It would be devastating to say the least, because my family is not open-minded at all.

What can I do?

Sincerely,

Kyle M.

Jasper K.

Dear Kyle, I can only imagine how you must feel. One of the greatest things about being with someone is having pride in it. I agree that if you plan to have a future, especially marriage, that it is time for complete honesty and transparency. Only you know what you are willing to accept and at what cost. If you have not yet done so, you two need to sit down and figure out a way to remedy this situation. You deserve complete recognition, and he deserves tolerance at the least. We cannot force people to accept us, but we can live and speak our truths.

Dear Jasper, A relationship should never feel like a trap or be a prison. Love is the only reason to be in it. If you feel that this relationship has taken its course, then you have a right to decide to leave and do so. No one who truly loves you will try to hold you with threats. If this threat is a serious possibility, maybe you should talk to your family and get it over with, then leave. At least he has no more leverage, and you can kill two birds with one stone!

80 | Hotspots.LGBT

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Mark’s List Marketplace u HELP WANTED

THE GRAND RESORT AND SPA IS NOW HIRING!!!

Looking for a Full-Time and Part-Time Front Desk Associates and Housekeepers for this award-winning, men’s clothing optional, spa resort. Candidates must be able to work a flexible schedule, which will include weekends and holidays, have hotel/resort experience, and references. Candidates should be efficient, detailed and dependable. Send resumes to jobs@grandresort.net for consideration. No Phone Calls Please!

ADMIN. ASSIST/ACCTS REC

Broward County Marketing firm looking to fill entry level admin assist and Accts Rec. positions. Pleasant phone voice a must, exp with QB helpful, email resume to jeffrey@ rmkworldwide.com

ADVERTISE IN MARKS LIST MARKETPLACE

CLUB FORT LAUDERDALE NOW HIRING

Now Hiring Full time team members for a Private Men’s Club. Customer / Hospitality experience is a plus. We are open 24/7, so you must have a flexible schedule. We are looking for reliable, dependable team members. The position requires cleaning during your shift. We offer competitive wages. Submit application and resume to the front desk. 110 NW 5th Ave. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311. 954-525-3344 www.clubftl.com

WORTHINGTON RESORTS

Handyman needed to improve And maintain three hotels at beach. Knowledge and dependability a must. Apply in person @ 543 North Birch Rd. Or send to info@theworthington.com 954-563-6819

SPA POSITIONS

The Spa at The Grand Resort is looking for a Licensed Massage Therapist for our day spa. Also looking for a Licensed Full Specialist. Waxing, nails (no fills, acrylic) simply buff or clear coat and a variety of facials. We’ll train you on our products and services. The right therapist and specialists can do well in our spa. We’ve been in business for 18 years and have received many awards. All equipment and materials are provided.

We receive guests from the resort we are located in, along with clients from neighboring hotels and guesthouses. Commission and 100% of your gratuity. 3-4 days available for the right candidates. Email a resume to spa.director@ hotmail.com.

82 | Hotspots.LGBT

Call Jim at 954-928-1862 Ext. 14 or Email Jim@HotSpotsMedia.com

Mark’s List Marketplace

Meadowbrook Coral Ridge Look Homesites Cypress Harbor Plantation 2/2 Corner 3/2 Ocean Gardens 4/3 Country Club 3/2 Ocean Condo on lake 4/2.5 w/Pool.

Access Access. 1,310 Pool 2CG Impact Glass Full Solar $465k $175k 3,000 sqft. 900k sqft. $449k $359k Rent @ Hidden Harbor 2/2 $1,440/m. @ Coral Ridge 4/2.5 Pool House $6,500/m

Please call or text for a walk‐through video link to any of my listings.

First Atlantic Realty, Inc. 1881 NE 26th St Suite 212 Wilton Manors, Fl 33305 | Licensed Real Estate Brokerage Hotspots.LGBT | 83

Mark’s List Marketplace u FOR SALE - BROWARD

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Meadowbrook 2/2 1 mile from beach $175k. 2/2 Hidden Harbor Condo $1,450/mo. Coral Ridge Seasonal Pool House $6,500/m. See display ad in this issue. “Broker Joe” Grano, Realtor® 954-931-0031

u FOR SALE - OTHER SAN JOSE COSTA RICA - FOR SALE BY OWNER

Beautiful hill-top house in San Jose, Costa Rica, steps away from world famous Colours Oasis Resort.

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u RENTALS - FORT LAUDERDALE 3040 NE 21 AVE FT LAUDERDALE

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1 BEDROOM, 1.5 BATH CONDO, S CORAL RIDGE ON MIDDLE RIVER

Gay friendly, secure, swimming pool.Must be vetted, yearly rental $1550/M. 1st & Security. 978-994-0086

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2 bdrm 2 baths 3rd Floor Gated Community $1,350 per month first and last 954-801-4273

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GENRE LATINO / Conexiones

LAs tablas, panamá La provincia de Los Santos es considerada la cuna de una de las máximas expresiones del folclor panameño, en la península de Azuero.

con Oscar Ambulo

La ciudad de las Tabalas fue fundada el 19 de julio de 1671, por un grupo de castellanos que vivían en la ciudad de . Según historiadores ellos nos dicen que en el transcurso de viaje un viento recio empujó el navío en el que viajaban hacia las costas de la actual provincia de Los Santos. Si bien se ha señalado como destino final de los inmigrantes españoles a la Nueva Granada, Lima o Costa Rica: todos coinciden en que la nave encalló en la 90 | Hotspots.LGBT

desembocadura en la península de Azuero. Ante este desenlace y dado el mal estado del barco, los españoles decidieron desembarcar en la costa e ir en busca de poblados cercanos. Al estar en la faena de desembarco, por accidente una imagen de oro de la Virgen María, del tamaño de una persona, cayó a las aguas del río. Al ver el alboroto formado a causa de del incidente, el cacique de la tribu que vivía a orilla del río se tiró al agua con intención de recuperarla, pero el gesto fue en vano y

terminó por costarle la vida al cacique. En honor a este acto, los españoles llamaron al río Mensabé Hasta aquí, todas las leyendas e historia coinciden.

Sin embargo, en adelante, hay dos versiones populares que difieren sobre el origen del pueblo de Las Tablas. La vercion primera está estrechamente relacionada con su patrona: Santa Librada.

Cuentan los abuelos, que los recién llegados se dirigieron hacia el centro de lo que hoy es la península de Azuero en busca de algún poblado español; y en este punto me sirvo citar a Sergio Gonzáles Ruiz, uno de los grandes folcloristas tableños; En el centro de estas rocas, así adornada por los rayos del sol, con la cara bella y radiante, veíase la imagen de una santa. Los admirados españoles cayeron de rodillas, como movidos por un resorte, ante la sublime aparición. Pasada su turbación inicial, reconocieron en la bella estatua de piedra que tenían delante a la imagen de la joven mártir Santa Librada. Pensaron que era de buen agüero tal encuentro y, de común acuerdo, decidieron llevarse la estatua de piedra, que, por milagro de la providencia, allí habían encontrado, con la idea de poner la población, que iban a fundar, bajo la protección de la santa y de erigirle a ésta un templo en dicha población”.

Siguen contando los abuelos que los españoles se llevaron la imagen para su campamento, pero la imagen desapareció. Horrorizados, la buscaron por todas las áreas cercanas al campamento; pero no aparecía. Días después la volvieron a encontrar justo donde la habían hallado la primera vez. Nuevamente se

llevaron la imagen para el campamento, creyendo que había sido una broma. Sin embargo, cuál no seria su sorpresa al ver al día siguiente que no estaba. Una y otra vez la llevaron al campamento, y una y otra vez la imagen regresaba al montículo de piedra. Ante esto, los españoles entendieron que la santa quería que se establecieran en esa zona.

Los españoles estaban renuentes, puesto que si bien había una muy buena fuente de agua cercana (lo que hoy es la quebrada La Ermita), gran parte del terreno no era muy apto para la construcción, ya que la mayoría de la zona se tornaba pantanosa en los meses de lluvia intensa (salvo las tierras colindantes a donde esta la actual iglesia a Santa Librada y las cercanas a lo que hoy día es la farmacia del finado Elías Pérez) y porque cerca estaba la comunidad de La Ermita de la Santa Cruz de Mayo. Pero ante la insistencia de la imagen de Santa Librada por estar en esa zona, accedieron a mudar su campamento.

La provincia de Los Santos es considerada la cuna de una de las máximas expresiones del folclor panameño, en la península de Azuero. En esta zona, el papel que jugó el distrito de Las Tablas esta enrriquicidapor el numero imprecioneante de artesanos que han nacido y con su arte han reasaltodos con su talentos Lugares como Guararé, Santo Domingo, La Palma, San José, entre otros, son reconocidos por su laborioso trabajo en la confección del traje típico nacional, la pollera. También se elaboran con muy alta calidad camisillas, sombreros pintaos y cutarras, calzado usado por los campesinos. En esta zona del istmo panamaeno se realizan los mejores carnavales del país.

El distrito de Las Tablas es célebre por ser cuna y guardián de variados ritmos de música vernácula y sus categorías.

Algunos son: La cumbia panameña, el tamborito, cantos religiosos (salves e himnos que datan de la época de la Colonia española), la saloma (quiebre y juego de voces masculinas y femeninas), la décima, la murga, antiguos versos, coplas populares y otros géneros musicales.

Es tierra donde siempre se ha ejecutado con destreza el violín y la flauta, dando como resultados grandes joyas de la música popular panameña como los famosos danzones panameños, cumbias cerradas, atravesaos, denesas y puntos, por mencionar algunos. Estos eran los bailes de los lugareños. Los “tamboreros” del pueblo de Las Tablas gozan de gran prestigio, gracias a su destreza al redoblar con sus manos estos instrumentos de percusión, elaborados de modo artesanal en Las Tablas y en San José de las tablas.

La mujer tableña, como

símbolo de belleza, intelecto y fama, En el centro sur de la República de Panamá se encuentra un gran semillero de reinas: Las Tablas ha sido la cuna de esas mujeres que trascendieron con su belleza los pórticos de la fama. Por siglos se han celebrado los carnavales en esta zona istmeña, en los cuales se han coronado más de un centenar de hermosas mujeres.

Algunas internacionalizaron el nombre de Panamá, tales como : Emita Arosemena, Señorita Panamá 1953 - Semifinalista del concurso Miss Universe entre muchas mas.

The city of Tabalas was founded on July 19, 1671, by a group of Castilians who lived in the city of. According to historians they tell us that during the course of the trip a strong wind pushed the ship in which they were traveling towards the coasts of the current province of Los Santos.

Although it has been indicated

Hotspots.LGBT | 91

GENRE LATINO / Conexiones as the final destination of Spanish immigrants to Nueva Granada, Lima or Costa Rica: they all agree that the ship ran aground at the mouth of the Azuero peninsula. Given this outcome and given the poor state of the ship, the Spaniards decided to disembark on the coast and go in search of nearby towns. Being at the landing site, by accident a golden image of the Virgin Mary, the size of a person, fell into the waters of the river. Seeing the uproar formed because of the incident, the chief of the tribe who lived on the riverbank threw himself into the water with the intention of recovering it, but the gesture was in vain and ended up costing the cacique’s life. In honor of this act, the Spaniards called the river Mensabé. So far, all the

92 | Hotspots.LGBT

legends and history coincide.

However, from now on, there are two popular versions that differ on the origin of the town of Las Tablas. The first version is closely related to its employer: Santa Librada. The grandparents say that the newcomers went to the center of what is now the Azuero peninsula in search of some Spanish town; and at this point, it is useful to quote Sergio Gonzales Ruiz, one of the great folklorists from Tableño; In the center of these rocks, thus adorned by the sun’s rays, with the beautiful and radiant face, the image of a saint was seen. The admired Spaniards fell to their knees, as if moved by a spring, before the sublime appearance.

After their initial embarrassment, they recognized in the beautiful stone statue

in front of the image of the young martyr Santa Librada.

They thought that such meeting was a good omen and, by mutual agreement, they decided to take the stone statue, which, by miracle of providence, they had found there, with the idea of putting the population, which they were going to found, under the protection of the saint and to erect this one a temple in this population “.

The grandparents continue to tell that the Spaniards took the image for their camp, but the image disappeared. Horrified, they searched her for all the areas near the camp; But it did not appear. Days later they found her right where they had found her the first time.

Again they took the image to the camp, believing it had been a joke. However, what would not be his surprise to see the next day he was not.

Again and again they took her to the camp, and again and again the image returned to the stone mound.

Given this, the Spaniards understood that the saint wanted them to settle in that area. The Spaniards were reluctant, since although there was a very good source of water nearby (what is now the La Ermita creek), much of the land was not very suitable for construction, since most of the area became swampy in the months of heavy rain (except for the lands adjacent to the current church of Santa Librada and those close to what is now the pharmacy of the late

Elías Pérez) and because the community of La Ermita de la Santa Cruz de May. But at the insistence of the image of Santa Librada for being in that area, they agreed to move their camp.

The province of Los Santos is considered the cradle of one of the maximum expressions of Panamanian folklore, in the Azuero peninsula. In this area, the role played by the district of Las Tablas is enriched by the unpredictable number of artisans who have been born and with their art have re-emphasized with their talents Places such as Guararé, Santo Domingo, La Palma, San José, among others, are recognized for his laborious work in the preparation of the typical national costume, the pollera. They are also made with very high quality nightgowns, painted hats and cutarras, footwear worn by the peasants. In this area of the Panamanian isthmus the best carnivals in the country are made.

The Las Tablas district is famous for being the cradle and guardian of varied vernacular music rhythms and their cate-

gories. Some are: The Panamanian cumbia, the tamborito, religious songs (salves and hymns dating from the time of the Spanish Colony), the saloma (break and play of male and female voices), the tenth, the murga, ancient verses, couplets popular and other musical genres. It is land where violin and flute have always been deftly executed, resulting in great jewels of Panamanian folk music such as the famous Panamanian dances, closed cumbias, traverses, denesas and points, to name a few. These were the dances of the locals. The “drummers” of the town of Las Tablas enjoy great prestige, thanks to their skill to redouble with their hands these percussion instruments, handcrafted in Las Tablas and in San José de las tabla.

The woman tableña, as a symbol of beauty, intellect and fame, In the south central part of the Republic of Panama is a great hotbed of queens: Las Tablas has been the cradle of those women who transcended with their beauty the porches of fame. For centuries, carnivals have been celebrated in this area, in which more than a hundred beautiful women have been crowned. Some internationalized the name of Panama, such as: Emita Arosemena, Miss Panama 1953 - Semifinalist of the Miss Universe contest among many more.

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