36th Year
Hotspots magazine is published alternate Thursdays (26 issues/year).
Jeff Sterling Chief Executive Officer Scott Holland VP - Operations/Associate Publisher ADMINISTRATION VP - Development | Jamie Forsythe Business Manager | Alyson omas Administrative Assistant | Ryan Isom DIGITAL & TV VP - TV & Digital | Darren Loli Digital Manager | Troy Maillis Special Digital Projects | Austin Rahn Events Manager | Jameer Baptiste ART & DESIGN Art Director | Frank Mendez Designer | Maria Espinal ADVERTISING Account Executives Anthony Verrico — (754) 333-0886 Joshua Duke — (754) 220-1581 Dale Stine — (305) 761-3253 Nicole Covar — (754) 333-0889 NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media, 212-242-6863 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Azzopardi | Tom Bonanti Maria Espinal | S. Elfman Mike Jeknavorian | Andreus Quinones CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Cedric Roberson | Dale Stine | Dennis Dean | Robert Hadley CELEBRITY HOST Shawn Palacious (“Kitty Meow”) LOGISTICS Cedric Roberson Copyright 2022, WMEG Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission by the Publisher is prohibited. Publication of the name or photograph or any person, living or dead, is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organizations.
HOW TO REACH US MAIN OFFICE The Sterling Building 2435 N Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Phone (754) 200-2979 CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Call (754) 200-2979 x 625 or e-mail Classifieds@HotspotsMedia.com DISPLAY ADVERTISING Call (754) 200-2979 x 605 or e-mail Ads@HotspotsMedia.com
WHO WE ARE
WMEG Inc., is a Community Marketing and Events organization incorporating Hotspots magazine and Happening Out Television Network. Our mission as a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit is to promote South Florida, and especially Wilton Manors,as a welcoming LGBTQ+ destination through marketing and events. WMEG produces about 50 events a year, including the annual Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival in Wilton Manors. Other events include Art Walk on Wilton Drive and Vibes On The Drive. Visit WMEG.org for more info. WMEG also manages the Sculpture Walk project which is responsible for the installation of sculptures in public spaces in Wilton Manors.
Watch Queer News Tonight streaming live Monday through Thursdays at 7 p.m. at HappeningOut.com
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Issue 09 - April 28 - May 11, 2022
O N T H E INSIDE
Cover
Cover photographed by: Dennis Dean DennisDean.com @DennisDeanImages
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Feature: Upgrade & Maintain Your Space | Pix: Sunserve 20th Anniversary Gala Feature: Outshine Film Festival Miami Final Week | Feature: Pretty Woman The Musical Pix: Bearsurrection Pool Party | Feature: Sierra Robotic Hair Institute Pix: Miami Beach Pride VIP Party | Out with Scott / What’s Hot | Scott Holland’s Guide to Events Pix: Pride Skate Night • Pix: Miami Beach Pride Parade and Festival • Hot Eats Feature: Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus 35th Anniversary • Feature: Four LGBT Home Stars • Hot Places Deep Inside Hollywood • Hot Bodies • Pix: Art Walk Wilton Manors • Hot Advice
MARKETPLACE ON PAGE 113
Miami Beach Pride
VIP Party
Photos: Dale Stine
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April s Pride Skate Night
at Xtreme Action Park
Photos: Scott Holland
Upgrade & Maintain Your Space By S. Elfman
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I sat down with David Mayer who has been in the home design, painting and renovation business for 25+ years to ask him what's his advice on upgrading your space and maintaining what you already have. Here are a few small ways to upgrade your space:
Add an accent wall
“If you just want a small change, just one accent wall can be a great way to change things up,” said David Mayer, of Decorative David Designs. “It's a great thing to do if you want a pop of something.” You can choose colorful paint or a bold removable wallpaper – to make things easier for the next time you want a change.
New drawer pulls, knobs
Changing out hardware on furniture and cabinetry can give a whole new look. “When you do new hardware, don't necessarily go with everything everyone has. Pick something unique. Then it will be a conversation piece,” Mayer advised.
Paint your furniture
Perhaps you have a great piece of furniture in desperate need of an update. Paint it with chalk paint. “Chalk paint is easy to use,” Mayer said. “It has a sort of weathered-finish and is not expensive.”
Install new switch plates
Yes, white switch plates go with everything and keep the look of your walls consistent, but sometimes a bold, patterned switch plate is just the perfect thing you need for an easy, subtle way to change up the look of a space.
Change your decor seasonally
“You can switch things up seasonally and get a whole new vibe,” said Mayer. He suggests storing your decor under your bed and changing it out for a satisfying new look. “Take things and put them in different groupings so your home can look refreshed and different,” he said.
Plants
Add some new flowers or plants to your home – inside, outside or both. You can use beautiful, decorative flower pots to add oomph to your space. “It's a wonderful way to feel a fresh lively feeling,” Mayer said. HotspotsMagazine.com | 25
When it comes to home improvement tasks, there are things you can do vs. the things you need to do to keep your home in tiptop shape. Keeping up with home maintenance will have less impact on your wallet and allow those other projects to happen. And here David suggests, the home maintenance chores you should already be doing:
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Caulking around your bathtub and plumbing areas Make sure to check for cracks and to caulk around your tub. “If you don't, you can end up with seepage or mold,” said David Mayer of Decorative David. Mayer said you need to use a silicone-based mold because it's waterproof. “A lot of caulks aren't watertight,” he said. Give TLC to your A/C Every Floridian knows how important their air conditioner is. There are two major things you can do to keep it happy. First, change your filters on a regular basis. “It is a little bit of a confusing topic,” said Mayer. “The rule used to be every 30 days, but there are a lot of new filters that say they last longer. You have to know what works for you.” Mayer said that if you have issues with dust or are a pet owner, you will definitely want to change the filter more often. It helps to check the filter for dust build up, especially if you notice any changes in temperature. The other thing you need to do is to get your a/c serviced. “It's something most people never ever do,” Mayer said. Air conditioners clog up often. You don't know there's a problem until you have a major leak or a backup,” Mayer said. He said that he has a company come out twice a year to service his. “It saves you a fortune in the long run,” he said. 26 | HotspotsMagazine.com
Pressure clean your roof In the rest of the world, you can get away with pressure cleaning your roof every two years, but here in Florida, it needs to be done more often because of our frequent storms. “When you see there's a lot of discoloration and plaque, you should do it. It will prevent problems down the line,” said Mayer. Combat rust stains See those yellow stains on the pavement on your patio area? That's from rust and it won't go away on its own. To keep these areas looking nice and clean, there are many products on the market that treat these issues. Be sure to do your research. Mayer said he uses Rust Aid. “I just spray it on and it's like a miracle,” he said. This is a common issue because of the hard water in Florida. Maintain your plants “A lot of people plant plants and don't do anything else,” Mayer said. “Plants need love.” Your greenery needs to be pruned, watered and given attention to flourish. “Otherwise, you're going to end up with sad plants.” Let's try to keep everyone happy - give your plants some love. For more info on David Mayer, you can reach him at 954-803-9417 or visit his website at decorativedavid.com
SunServe
20th Anniversary Gala at The Venue
Photos: SunServe
OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Miami, internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, will close its 24th edition with the film Cop Secret. Sunday, May 1; 6pm; Sandrell Rivers Theater (6103 NW 7th Ave, Miami); 98 minutes; In Icelandic with English subtitles; Genre: Action, Comedy, Gay, Romance; East Coast Premiere. Whereas the opening night film, “B-Boy Blues,” was a powerful film with a serious message, the closing night film, Cop Secret, is a satire of every cop buddy film you have ever seen; however, this one has a homoerotic subplot. Now you can't go into this movie with a serious mind, you must go in as you would to a Mel Brooks movie. If you do, I promise you will laugh and enjoy just as the actors did. In addition, the leads are very sexy, so keep your eyes peeled! The closing night film and party is $35 and features an Open Bar by Bacardi, Lite Bites & DJ Hottpants!
Some of the other films showing this weekend are:
24th Edition Final Week
Through May 1st By Scott Holland
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FRIDAY, APRIL 29 All Our Fears • 7pm at Regal Cinemas South Beach (1120 Lincoln Rd Mall) - 94 minutes; In Polish with English subtitles; Drama, Lesbian, Slice of Life; U.S. Premiere – Also streaming on Outshine at home April 30-May 2. Daniel is a very well-respected young artist torn between his small village community, urban art galleries, the Catholic church, and his gay identity. When his lesbian friend commits suicide after suffering from homophobic heckling, Daniel's life mission becomes to redeem his community with an ultimate work of art -- as well as not to lose Olek, a local man he loves despite him not being able to embrace his sexuality. Based on real events, All Our Fears is a moving story of an artist raised in the countryside and very engaged in the activities of the Catholic Church that refuses to accept him and others like him.
sexual power game orchestrated by the strict schoolmaster, who is tortured by memories from a time long before the erotic acceptance that currently prevails at the boarding school. When the competition for the prestigious singing event tightens, friendships crack and the utopian existence begins to fall apart piece by piece. Based on a novel and inspired by high school films and gay porn, The Schoolmaster Games illustrates a world where sexuality is free, but power games simmer beneath the surface.
The Schoolmaster Games • 9:30pm at Regal Cinemas South Beach - 82 minutes; In Swedish with English subtitles; Drama, Gay, Romance; Southeast Premiere; Also streaming on Outshine at home April 30-May 2. The school year at St. Sebastian, exclusively populated by queer guys, has just started. The much-desired Charles enters a secret
SATURDAY, APRIL 30 Men's Spotlight Film: Lonesome • 7pm at Regal Cinemas South Beach - 95 minutes; English; from Australia; Genre: Drama, Gay, Romance; East Coast Premiere. Casey, a hot, hunky young man from the countryside running from a small-town scandal, finds himself down and out in the big city of Sydney. When he meets Tib, a young city lad, struggling with his own scars of isolation, there's chemistry, not only sexually but also emotionally as both men find something they have been missing. Can they overcome their own insecurities and let the other in or are the walls they have built too strong to knockdown? Lonesome takes
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audiences on a thrilling, hedonistic, erotic journey, depicting two characters, who not only seek sexual fulfillment but also acceptance and a meaningful bond. Everything Of Value (Alles Van Waarde) • 9:15pm at Regal Cinemas South Beach - 92 minutes; In Dutch with English subtitles; Drama, Gay, Romance; North American Premiere; Also streaming on Outshine at home April 30-May 2. Documentary, fiction and making-of intertwine in this associative tale about a violent incident in a close-knit village, where many things are best left unsaid. Two men are beaten up by a group of youngsters, for their alleged sexual orientation, which later is confirmed to be a gay bashing. But why do the victims refuse to report the crime? When the conservative church community in the village plays a major role the filmmaker, uses interviews and reconstructions, to find
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out what actually happened. Everything of Value is an insightful film on the role of religion and community and the effect on combating or perpetuating homophobia. Towards Happiness (Fino Ad Essere Felici) 9:30pm at Regal Cinemas South Beach - 94 minutes; In Italian with English subtitles; Comedy, Drama, Gay, Romance; North American Premiere; Also streaming on Outshine at home May 1-3. Andrea is a forty-year-old labor consultant with a nice job, who lives an apparent ordinary life with his wife Lucia and elevenyear-old son Tommaso. Their marriage is
winding down, crushed by a suffocating routine. But not everything is as it seems. Andrea has a profound secret; at night he transforms into a fabulous drag queen performing at a Naples bar. While this seems to be the art form of a gay man, Andrea is still dealing with his own sexual identity. Add the presence of the ambiguous figure Ciro, Andrea's best friend, the question of Andrea's sexuality is even more complex. SUNDAY, MAY 1 Framing Agnes • 12:45pm at Regal Cinemas South Beach - 75 minutes; English; From Canada; Genre: Documentary, Historical, Trans; Also streaming on Outshine at home May 2-4. In 1958, a young trans woman named Agnes
entered a study about sex disorders at UCLA to get the gender-affirming care she needed, by any means necessary. Her story was long considered to be exceptional until never-before-seen case files of other patients were found in 2017. Directed by Chase Joynt (No Ordinary Man) and featuring an all-star cast of transgender artists and performers, Framing Agnes uses re-enactment and genre-blurring storytelling techniques to breathe new life into previously unknown people who redefined gender in the midcentury.
For a full list of the films showing, more information, or to purchase tickets go to: Outshinefilm.com
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Miami Beach Pride
Parade and Festival
Photos: Cedric Roberson
By Maria Espinal
Fendi Caffé 160 NE 40th St. • Miami, FL 33137 786.953.7620 • otlmia.com • Mon – Sat 9am-6pm • Sun 9am-6pm In the Miami Design Disrict, embrace the playful spirit and confident femininity of the '70s in the heart of the Miami Design District with the return of the Fendi Caffè at OTL. Visit the caffè through May 1st to enjoy a fusion of local and Italian favorites against a backdrop of FF prints and colorful graphics inspired by legendary fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez. Definitely a hot spot for a quick and fun meal, like cappuccino, teas, beer or wine, coldpressed juices, all day breakfast, sandwiches and the special offerings like angel pasta, special omelette or shrimp + crab louie. The Melting Pot 10374 W Sample Rd. • Coral Springs, FL 33065 954.755.6368 • meltingpot.com Mon-Thur 4pm – 9pm • Fri-Sat 4pm – 10pm • Sun 3pm – 9pm Looking for a fun and romantic date under low lights? The Melting Pot wins with their fondues! On "Thursdate," romance is served…with rose pedals and all. Their romance-infused Thursdate four-course menu begins with your choice of handcrafted cheese fondue, followed by a fresh salad course and an entrée including tender filet mignon, Atlantic salmon, savory teriyaki steak, and more. You must order their "Love Martini"! Want to go with friends? Every Wednesday is Friendsday with their Best Fondue Friends Forever menu. Enjoy a 3- and 4-course menu and drinks specials. Gluten-free options available. Sushi Sake 7750 Nova Drive • Davie, FL 33324 954.368.5846 • sushisakemiami.com/sushi-sake-davie Sun-Thu 11am-10pm • Fri-Sat 11am-12am A new location has opened in Davie! Sushi Sake's fun and creative approach to sushi is showcased through menu items such as the Bobby Salad, a flavorful spicy tuna, avocado and crab salad. Come in to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine that features an expansive menu of hibachi, teriyaki, sushi and sashimi, as well as homemade signature sauces and variety of Sake selections. Their signature Angel Roll is a must-try! Their daily specials, lunch and dinner menu that can be ordered through delivery or takeout. Enjoy! Ice Box Café 219 NE 3rd Street • Hallandale Beach, FL 33009 754.777.7255 • iceboxcafe.com • pet-friendly Mon–Fri 12pm-10pm • Sat 10am-10pm • Sun 10am-9pm Icebox Cafe's Hallandale Beach features an extraordinary and dynamic facility including a large dining room with art installations and murals, a greenhouse, plaza for outdoor entertainment and a large commercial kitchen to accommodate all types of special events. From their menu, their Spicy Thai-Style Coconut Soup is a must! There is also live music, comedy shows, latin, blues & jazz. 54 | HotspotsMagazine.com
Fort Lauderdale’s Gay Men’s Chorus 35th Anniversary Concert
Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus (FTLGMC) will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a special “Why We Sing” concert and retrospective exhibit on May 7 at United Church of Christ (2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale). Attendees will enjoy a sentimental selection of favorite songs from the vocal group's past and present repertoire plus an historical showcase comprised of banners, art, posters and other ephemera, costumes and photographs. Some “Why We Sing” concert selections will include “Walk Hand in Hand” by Andy Williams, “Sunday” by Steven Sondheim, "Somewhere Only We Know" by Keane, "Family" from Dreamgirls, the
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traditional sea shanty “What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor,” “Where the Boys Are” by Connie Francis and "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel. As a special treat, former members of the chorus will be invited onstage to join present voices for a rousing and uplifting finale. Funding for the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. Sponsors include OutClique, Community Foundation of Broward, HotSpots!, Truist, GPR | Goodman Public Relations, Google Ad Grants, ArtsProud ReSTART and ToggleDigitalMarketing.com. General admission tickets are $35; VIP tickets in the first five rows with priority seating are priced at $50, plus a small service fee, and include premium seating and a drink ticket with preintermission drink order option. For tickets or more information go to: fortlauderdalegaymenschorus.org or call 954-832-0060.
photo: bobbyberk.com
Bobby Berk’s Outdoor Dinning Collection
David Bromstad
Here is some background information on some of your favorite LGBT home stars
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photo: instagram.com
Four LGBT Home Stars
This 48-year-old gay designer won HGTV Design Star in its debut season in 2006. Since then, he has hosted several home improvements shows, including Color Splash, Beach Flip, Design Stars All Stars and is currently the host of My Lottery Dream Home and just starred on HGTV's new competition show Rock the Block. Last year, he starred in the special My Lottery Dream Home: David's Dream Home. The
Floridian went to Ringling College of Art and Design in Sarasota, lived in Miami for several years and has a home in Orlando.
Nate Berkus
photo: instagram.com
Berkus, 50, is the son of famous HGTV and DIY home designer Nancy Golden. A designer in his own right, he has written many books and has appeared, sharing his expertise on Oprah's Big Give and hosted The Nate Berkus Show. He also created a line for Target and has his own lines of stationery and fabric. Later shows include American Dream Builders and a TLC show with his husband and fellow interior designer, Jeremiah Brent, titled Nate and Jeremiah by Design. The couple, who married in 2014 in NYC, have two children – Poppy Brent-Berkus and Oskar Michael Brent-Berkus. They also star on the HGTV show The Nate and Jeremiah Home Project.
Bobby Berk
photo: instagram.com
Queer Eye home designer Bobby Berk started off in the business without any formal training. He worked his way up at home stores including Restoration Hardware, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Portico, until opening his own home business in Soho in 2007. The 40-year-old now has his own line of wallpaper, furniture, and art. The Texas native is married to surgeon Dewey Do and the couple lives in Los Angeles, Calif.
These new HGTV stars co-host Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas together and are partners in real life. They star in Bargain Block and recently appeared on HGTV's new competition show Rock the Block. Bynum is a home renovation expert and designer, and Thomas is a builder and carpenter. The couple live and work in Detroit.
photo: instagram.com
Keith Bynum and Evan Thomas
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“Pretty Woman: The Musical”
Comes to Broward Center May 4-15 By Scott Holland
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The Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Broadway Across America presents Pretty Woman: The Musical from May 4 – May 15. Pretty Woman: The Musical, based on one of Hollywood's most beloved romantic stories of all time, stars Broadway superstar and Tony Award-nominee Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and rising star Olivia Valli as the charming and charismatic Vivian Ward. Pretty Woman: The Musical springs to life with a powerhouse creative team led by two-time Tony Award-winning director and choreographer Jerry Mitchell (Hairspray, Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde). Featured in the musical is Roy Orbison and Bill Dee's international smash hit song “Oh, Pretty Woman,” which inspired one of the most beloved romantic comedy films of all time. Pretty Woman the film was an international smash hit when it was released in 1990. Now, 30 years later, Pretty Woman: The Musical is “Big romance and big fun!” (Broadway.com). “Irresistible! A romantic fantasy. A contemporary fairy tale,” says The Hollywood Reporter. Pretty Woman: The Musical delivers on all the iconic moments you remember. Get ready to experience
this dazzling theatrical take on a love story for the ages. Are you ready to fall in love all over again? It was a pleasure to sit down with Em Haddick for this exclusive Hotspots interview.
theater. It had the sweetest music and was the favorite character I have ever played. It was really fulfilling. What's your fantasy role (a role you haven't played but want to)? Medium Alyson in Fun Home. It is one that got away, but I must snatch it before I age out of it. What did you do/accomplish during the Quarantine part of the pandemic? I got my certification in Yoga, and I took online Theater classes. Is there additional pressure performing in this show since it's such an iconic movie? I am a swing, so I go on when people are
At what age did you begin performing? I started dance lessons when I was 2 and I did my first community theater production when I was 6. What was your first paid gig? The first theater gig I was paid for was when I was 19, and it was a summer stock in Ohio for the show “A Chorus Line.” When did you know performing would be your career? I would say halfway through High School. I have always done performing, but I did a theater Camp in my Junior year and that's where I really thought this could be my life. Other than this show, what has been your favorite show or role so far? Daddy Long Legs which I did at a dinner
By Em Haddick
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sick or on vacation. In other words, we are the shows insurance policy. Therefore, I don't feel a lot of pressure, but I am sure our leads do. Describe yourself in 3 words? Gay, goofy, and girl-boss What do you do for fun? I watch a lot of TV; I am a connoisseur of Television. I also like to go on walks. What's the best and worst things about being on the road? The best is exploring new places. Like googling best breakfast near me and see what you find. The worst is living out of a suitcase and going on a lot of planes. What should our readers expect from this touring company of “Pretty Woman: The Musical”? Well, I always say the best parts of the movie we do on stage. In addition, we have incredible vocalist performing this fairy tale live right in front of you.
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For more information on Em, go to Emhaddick.com or on Instagram.com/Emhadick. Tickets for “Pretty Woman” The Musical are available at the Broward Center AutoNation Box Office, 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, BrowardCenter.org or by calling 954.462.0222. For more information visit: PrettyWomanTheMusical.com
Ed Lugo Resort
Bearsurrection Pool Party
Photos: Cedric Roberson
By Maria Espinal
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1. Bowlero 1841 Way Pointe Place • Dania Beach, FL 33004 954.374.1935 • bowlero.com Mon-Thu 5pm – 12am • Fri 4pm – 1am • Sat 12pm – 1am • Sun 12 - 12am You can't go wrong about having fun at Bowlero, where it all comes together. It's the bowling/dining/nightlife experience that's packed with amusing throwbacks and ready to amaze. Bowlero is a blacklight bowling, retroinspired hangout powered by interactive arcade games, signature cocktails, an outrageous menu of oversized and yummy shareables. With locations at the Dolphin Mall in Miami, Davie, Sawgrass and Boca Raton, this is definitely a hot places to visit with friends and family for unforgettable day or night! 2. Cocowalk 3015 Grand Avenue • Coconut Grove, FL 33133 305.444.0777 • cocowalk.com Daily 10am - 12 midnight With a 21st century image, CocoWalk is definetly hot and a diferent kind of space. Inspired by tropical gardens and our lush surroundings, Cocowalk is designed to discover, explore and even make new things. Places to shop, places to eat, movie theater, barbershop, live music, art festivals, parking garage and pet-friendly in the heart of Coconut Grove. Have fun, it is a nice place all around and close to a park! 82 | HotspotsMagazine.com
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3. Food in Motion, Peter Feldman Park 310 NE 6 street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 954.785.7475 • flaglerfoodinmotion@gmail.com An absolute outdoor fun, Food In Motion is a monthly after dark, artisan food market happening every second Friday of the month, 5pm-11pm, in Peter Feldman Park in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Event Highlights include Artisan Food Market, Fresh Produce, Food Trucks, Live Music, Vegan Options, Gourmet Baked Goods, Locally Made Products & More. Leashed pups welcome. The next event is Friday, May 13th; follow them on social media for upcoming dates. 4. The Garden Shoppe 700 South Rosemary Avenue • West Palm Beach, FL 561.410.6632 • pbfarmyards.org • Daily 11am - 9pm A pop-up concept for plant lovers by Palm Beach Farmyards, it’s retail garden shop at The Square West Palm that offers locally grown produce, edible plants, and weekly workshops and events, all curated and run by Master Gardener Mike Kane. You will find houseplants, orchids, succulents and of course, veggies and herbs. Besides their store, Palm Beach Farways offers landscape design, installation, and maintenance services throughout Palm Beach County and beyond, specializing in raised-bed annual gardens and fruit trees.
By Romeo San Vicente
Photo: wikimedia.com
that's where Broadway musical comedy comes in: there's always a happy ending there, or so we hear. We miss “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” so this can't come quickly enough. Do you still not have Hulu (or at least a friend's password)? That's where it'll stream when it's ready, so get ready yourself.
Mae Whitman Sings “Up Here” Pansexual “Good Girls” star Mae Whitman has a new series in the works now that that underappreciated comedy-crime series has come to an end. It's called “Up Here” and it's a musical, just in case you needed even more innately queer television in your life (note: you do). The series has some heavy-hitters on the creative side: “Dear Evan Hansen” 84 | HotspotsMagazine.com
writer Steven Levenson and Danielle SanchezWitzel (“The Carmichael Show”), with Thomas Kail (“Hamilton”) to direct and music from the “Frozen” team of Kristen AndersonLopez and Robert Lopez. Set in 1999, Whitman plays another “good girl” who falls in love. That's the easy part. The hard part is keeping it going, and
'INTERVIEW WITH THE VAMPIRE' GETS A SERIES DO-OVER Buffy, we live in a postvampire world. After “Twilight,” “True Blood” and “Only Lovers Left Alive,” it feels sometimes like the sitcom “What We Do In The Shadows” could be the most accurate accounting of what the pansexual undead really have to put up with. But we recall our first love, the 1994 film “Interview With the Vampire,” which was fraught with tension over whether a man wanting to bite another man's neck would make him look gay. Well, the cast is set for AMC's series reboot of the iconic Anne Rice novel. Australian actor Sam Reid (“The Newsreader”), Jacob Anderson (“Game of Thrones”), Bailey Bass (the upcoming “Avatar 2”) and American theater institution Eric Bogosian (“Uncut Gems”) will retell the tale as old as time. Creator, executive producer and showrunner Rolin Jones is taking the lead
MARGARET CHO WILL BE YOUR DREAM GUIDANCE COUNSELOR IN 'PROM PACT' We confess we don't quite understand what has happened to the tradition of prom. We're thrilled for the strides queer students have made in breaking into the formerly discriminatory institution, but the trend of promposals seems like it was created by stunt queens and — ohhhh wait, now we get it, queer kids took it over all the way. Now that that's settled, we're pleased to report that one of our all-time favorite queer queens, Margaret Cho, has been cast as a guidance counselor in the Disney+ original film “Prom Pact.” Of course, the actual
“And Just Like That”
star of the project is rising mega-teen Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Disney royalty thanks to her leads on both “Andi Mack” and “Doogie Kameāloha, M.D.” Lee stars as a collegeobsessed girl who, along with her best friend, played by Milo Manheim (Disney's “Zombies” and “Zombies 2”), plans to avoid prom. This is, obviously, the opposite of what's going to happen. But we're looking forward to hearing some suitably anti-heteronormative wisdom from Cho on the way to a traditional happy ending, regardless of the nature of the prom date. Look for it to pop the question later this year on Disney+. 'AND JUST LIKE THAT…' COMES AGAIN Loved it, hated it, hatewatched it, whatever you did when “And Just Like That…” dropped its magically post-COVID earnestness and fresh
Photo: twitter
with Mark Johnson, Christopher Rice and the late Anne Rice executive producing, as well. Exciting news for those of us who can't get enough of bloodthirsty night creatures, the show drops on AMC sometime later this year.
Margaret Cho Balenciaga bags into your life, well, you'll get to do it all over again when the series returns for a second season. It turns out we all want to see why Miranda has lost her mind over the comedy concerts of Che Diaz and whether or not Carrie's hip replacement will take. OK, that's not really true. But we truly are fully in love with Sarita Choudhury's character Seema and the last-minute introduction of Rabbi Jen, played by trans actress Hari Nef, and we'd like one or both of them to take over the entire show. But whatever the reasons you're hanging in there for this decidedly different chapter in the lives of at least three of your favorite “Sex and the City” sisters, HBO isn't going to leave you hanging. There's no timeline for any of it yet; according to Michael Patrick King the creative discussions haven't taken place. But we're going to guess that another December rollout feels possible? Just don't hold your breath for Samantha. Romeo San Vicente is Team Cattrall and Team SJP. HotspotsMagazine.com | 85
By Tom Bonanti
TRAINING FOREARMS? MAYBE NOT NECESSARY
I enjoy training arms tremendously. Yet only on occasion do I insert special forearm exercises into my biceps and triceps regime. I find that heavy biceps curls and triceps pushdowns ultimately work lower arms and give them nice size and definition. Gripping the weights with extreme pressure, keeping excellent form throughout the movement, and performing multiple sets and reps of curls and extensions helps to enhance size and bring out vascularity not only in bi's and 94 | HotspotsMagazine.com
tri's, but forearms as well. As with every muscle group, there is not a great deal you can do with the natural shape of the forearms. Your genetic blueprint dictates the number and shape of your muscle fibers. But great workouts and sound nutrition can help you increase the size and strength of these babies and sculpt them beautifully. Here are some exercises to add to your routine if your lower arms need a little catching up.
DUMBBELL HAMMER CURLS are my favorite biceps and forearms exercise. Stand with your feet planted firmly a foot or so apart. Start with your arms at your sides, palms facing the body (neutral grip). Contract the biceps and bring the arms towards the chest until they reach slightly above your “nips”. Make sure to keep the elbows slightly behind the shoulder joint to insure isolation of the biceps and utilization of the forearms. Slowly, without swinging or jerking, lower the arms to starting position and repeat. WRIST CURLS work the flexors (the belly) of the forearm. Perform them in a seated position, with your lower arms resting on top of your legs toward your knees (palms up) or on the top of a bench. Your hands must be free beyond
your knee or the edge of the bench. Keep your elbows comfortably apart – anything from 12-18 inches. Take a loaded barbell and moving only your wrist, curl the weight upwards until your forearm is fully contracted. Allow the barbell to lower under control and you may allow your fingers to “unroll” to some extent, but this is optional. REVERSE CURLS may be performed by standing erect and holding a barbell at slightly more than shoulder width. Allow your arms to hang down straight, elbows at your side, hands in a prone grip (knuckles up). As you curl the barbell, keep your wrists straight and level with your forearms and keep your elbows tucked in. Then lower and repeat.
You'll feel this exercise especially in the beefy part of the upper forearm near the elbow. Bulging biceps, tremendous triceps and fabulous forearms take hard work, sweat and dedication. Regardless of your genetics you can sculpt not only your arms, but your entire body into a work of priceless art. No more excuses for bad nutrition, too little time for the gym or too much stress in your life. Your hours of dedication in the gym will advance the quality of your life as well as add years to your lifetime.
Tom Bonanti is a certied tness trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one gym in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact trainertomb@aol.com with questions or to set up a free tness consultation. HotspotsMagazine.com | 95
Art Walk Wilton Manors
April
Photos: Robert Hadley
Sierra Robotic Institute “There is nothing better than listening to someone that has been feeling insecure, and in some cases even depressed, telling me that his or her life has radically improved...” By Scott Holland
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Dr. Sierra
Do you wish for the days where you felt good about your hair? Or just want to change up your look? Check out Sierra Robotic Hair Institute, which is a Robotic Hair Institute is a premier hair restoration medical office. They feature the ARTAS iX Robotic System, the first and only robotic hair transplant system in the world that uses state-of-the-art robotic technology to perform follicular unit extraction (FUE). They also offer non-surgical options and advanced medical protocols such as platelet rich plasma (PRP), nutritional supplements, medications, IV therapy, and more to help restore hair. It was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Sierra, board certified surgeon with over 18 years of surgical experience, for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
Dr. Sierra, tell me about your education, and what made you open this office? I went to Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México for medical school, completed an internship at the Sheba Medical Center in Tel Aviv, Israel, and then came to the US for my surgical residency at Tulane University in New Orleans. At Tulane, I had the opportunity to do research in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, which was in its infancy at that time. I've published multiple journal articles and presented at both national and international conferences as a result of my years of research. Once I finished my residency, I started using robotic technology very frequently in my practice. Since then, I have performed 1000's of advanced robotic surgeries for multiple diseases, including cancer surgery. Through the eyes of my patients, I realized how hair loss affected the selfesteem and sense of confidence in patients undergoing cancer treatment. Often, one of the first questions from these patients would be “Am I going to lose my hair?” This inspired me to bring my robotic surgical expertise into the field of hair restoration, driven by patient-first principles. Define hair transplantation?
Hair transplantation is a permanent solution to hair loss, where hair is moved from one area to another. It is a surgery that involves the removal of hair follicles from the scalp in the back of the head, referred to as the “donor site,” to a bald or balding part of the scalp, referred to as the “recipient site.” This procedure involves harvesting grafts that contain hair follicles (like the ones from the back of the head) which are genetically resistant to balding. These hair follicles are typically not prone to thinning due to resistance to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The harvested follicles from the donor site are transplanted to the desired region of the scalp or face (such as eyebrows, beard). This results in permanent hair growth in the recipient site. What is FUE vs FUT? There are two ways to remove a hair follicle during
a hair transplant to move it from the donor area to the recipient area. One way is FUE, which stands for Follicular Unit Extraction. FUE is the preferred method because it leaves no visible scar, it is not painful, and it allows for an extremely fast healing time. I use FUE at Sierra Robotic Hair Institute. It is hands down the most sensible method due to these advantages. The other and older method is called follicular unit transplant (FUT), also known as the “strip method.” FUT is much less desirable because it leaves a large linear scar, causes more pain, and has a much longer recovery time. You use ARTAS iX Robotic Hair Restoration, what is this? The ARTAS iX Robotic System is the first and only robotic hair transplant system in the world. It uses robotic and artificial
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intelligence technology to perform FUE. One of the problems with manual FUE is that it is prone to human error as physicians must remove thousands of grafts by hand during the procedure, which is tiresome causing errors and possible damage to the grafts. These errors and fatigue are nonexistent with the robotic method. The ARTAS iX robot is extremely accurate thanks to its multi-camera stereoscopic vision system with ultra-high resolution and seven-axis robotic arm. These features enable it to consistently and efficiently achieve the same superior quality of harvesting follicles with the greatest accuracy, without getting tired. This is important because the hair follicle should be as intact as possible in order to survive the transplant and produce hair once it is in the new location. Is it true you offer free consultations? Yes, I offer free initial consultations both in the office and virtually. During the consultation, I go over the patient's medical history and family history. A thorough examination is conducted to explore their options for hair loss treatment, including a free scalp analysis. I also draw the hairline that the patient hopes to achieve. This is also a good opportunity to ask questions regarding hair restoration. One thing I've heard about you is that
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you customize each patient's experience. What does that entail exactly? I take the time to get to know my patient's unique goals. Not every patient wants the same hair. That is why I listen to each patient and together we make an individualized plan that fits their needs and lifestyle. Whether it is a hair transplant plus nonsurgical strategies, or only non-surgical treatments, I give them a solution they are comfortable with. How quick can someone get their procedure done? It can be as early as one week, as long as there are no interfering medical problems, and our availability. How long does the surgery take? All sessions are done in one day! The length of the procedure varies depending on the size of the transplant, but usually takes between 5 to 10 hours. The patient arrives early in the morning, I go over the details of the procedure again to answer any final questions. Then, I draw the hair line and make sure that the patient is happy with the planned hair distribution. After we review the hair line/hair distribution, we give the patient a mild sedative and take him/her into the operating room. Once the patient is comfortably relaxing on the operating chair, I apply a local anesthetic and I begin harvesting the hair- this is the first stage of the procedure. While this is being done a hair technician is counting, cleaning, and evaluating the grafts under a microscope. Once harvesting is completed, we take a break for the patient to have lunch. After lunch we start the second stage, implantation. Usually patients like to watch tv or listen to music during this stage. I make tiny incisions in the recipient area, and the grafts are placed either robotically or by hand. At the end of the procedure the
patient gets a detailed printout of all the post operative instructions and a complimentary take home care kit. I follow up with a call the next day and then a few more calls during the first week to check on my patient. Most patients can go back to their normal lifestyle in 48 hours. How many follicles can you harvest during the procedure? The max number of follicles we can get in one session is around 2500, but don't forget each follicle can have between 1 and 5 hairs. Most people (99%) will be okay with one session. How expensive is this and do you offer financing? The price ranges from 6 to 20 thousand dollars for a hair transplant of the scalp, depending on the number of follicles (grafts) needed. Beards and eyebrows are less since it is a smaller size. We do offer financing options. What are the non-surgical hair restoration options? A person is a good candidate for non-surgical hair restoration if he or she is experiencing early stages of hair loss, or in conjunction to a hair transplantation. Nonsurgical options are meant
to slow down hair loss and improve the quality of hair that has not been lost. Some of these non-surgical options include Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT), Platelet Rich Plasma, Topical Solutions, Medications, and IV Vitamin
Therapy. Some patients also can benefit from Scalp Micro Pigmentation (SMP). SMP is an aesthetic procedure that gives the appearance of hair, similar to tattooing. Is there anything else you want our readers to know? Sure. The first thing is that Sierra Robotic Hair Institute is a medical practice exclusively dedicated to hair restoration. We know hair and we do it well! We are dedicated to providing amazing patient care. That's why we only do one surgery per day, that way
each patient has our undivided attention. I also pride myself in doing all aesthetic parts of the hair restoration surgery myself, instead of relying on technicians like many other hair restoration clinics do. I am there for my patient's surgery 100% of the time. We get patients that choose us for their hair restoration needs from all over the country and internationally as well. And I like to think of my practice as boutique concierge style, where each patient gets an individualized experience. From the moment they call our office for the first time, to the initial consultation, to the treatment plan, to helping them find hotels, golf courses, and arranging dining reservations! The best reward about what I do is seeing the positive impact a hair transplant or hair restoration treatment has on my patients. There is nothing better than listening to someone that has been feeling insecure, and in some cases even depressed, telling me that his or her life has radically improved, thanks to my help. That's why I do what I do.
Sierra Robotic Hair Institute • 2151 E Commercial Blvd. Suite 204, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.776.0830 • www.sierrarobotic.com HotspotsMagazine.com | 109
HOT PUZZLE LGBTQ+ Firsts on SNL DOWN
ACROSS
1 Circumcise clumsily, e.g. 5 Family group 9 Opposite of heads 14 Earthenware jar 15 First-rate 16 Shrek and others 17 “Brothers & Sisters” producer Ken 18 Tara portrayer Collette 19 Woody secretion 20 First out lesbian to join the cast 23 "Xanadu" band, for short 24 Home, to Dave Pallone 25 Lure into wrongdoing 29 Along the back 31 Hrs. in P-town 32 Charlottesville sch. 33 Hand, when measuring a stallion 34 First queer host
38 Kahlo's cash 40 Peter Rabbit's sisters 41 Phallic swimmers 42 Duck hunter's boots 44 Deviate 45 First queer musical guest 48 Sodom suffix 49 "Queen of Soul" Franklin 50 Lack of get-up-and-go 54 ___ tai (rum cocktail) 55 First out queer host 58 Breakfast staple 60 Dana of _MacGyver_ 61 Errol Flynn's “The Sun ___ Rises” 62 Nightlife district of London 63 Danes of “Romeo + Juliet” 64 Body passageway 65 Part of MIT (abbr.) 66 Rubbers on rims 67 What a computer may spit out
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1 Made a romantic connection 2 Irving Berlin song. 3 Projection a under the hood 4 Lucci in “All My Children” 5 "Boo!" from the stands, e.g. 6 They aren't everything 7 Lennox of the Eurythmics 8 "No" to a "lesbisch" 9 City of Glad Day Bookshop 10 One who often screws actors 11 Apr. 15 letters 12 Bloomers worn around the neck 13 Taxpayer's ID 21 CEO's degree 22 Chicken hawk pads 26 Twelve-inch stick 27 St. Teresa's town 28 Family flower? 30 "Oh, shut up!" 31 Bette Davis feature of song 35 Head output 36 Sad ending for love 37 Rita, in a Beatles song 39 Younger daughter of Michelle 43 Tongue that's a little different 44 Banana stalk 45 English king who was a queen 46 Home of Bloody Mary's mom 47 Sounds from a stallion 48 Accustoms 50 Words of empathy 51 ___-Whirl (amusement park ride) 52 Atlas blow-up 53 Place where a Greek would speak 56 Weight loss product 57 Home st. of Maupin 59 Karen Walker, perhaps
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By Andreus Quinones
“He told me that when the baby comes, that the responsibility is completely mine.”
Dear Andreus, Recently, my partner and I started going to couple's therapy. This is in response to a series of issues that we have been having in regard to intimacy and communication. The therapist that we are seeing, is someone that my partner has been seeing on his own for some years, and he suggested taking that route even though I felt as if we needed someone non-biased. We just had our fourth session, and I notice a kind of affection between them that makes me a bit uncomfortable. It also leads me to believe that maybe something deeper is going on. They also communicate outside of their sessions, and I am not sure if that is normal. How do I go about addressing this concern? Sincerely, Franklin P. Dear Franklin, Couple's therapy is a great option for working through relationship issues, and for that reason I am sorry to hear that you are experiencing discomfort in your current arrangement. If something is going on between them, it is certainly not professional or ethical by any means. The first thing you need to do is to confront the concern by asking them in your session where they are both present. It is possible that you could be misreading this situation because there is a familiarity that your partner has with the therapist that predates you. I do find it unusual though, that there is any communication between them outside of sessions. You could certainly ask why that is going on. If you are trying to improve your relationship, everything must be out in the open, so don't be afraid to ask – but be ready for any variety of answers. If 124 | HotspotsMagazine.com
there is something going on between them, you are within your right to take the necessary administrative action in order to address the situation properly. Dear Andreus, When my husband and I got married a couple years ago, I told him that I wanted kids. He was not exactly onboard, but he said okay. We recently got a surrogate, and she is pregnant and due in couple months. We have paid all of her medical bills, and everything has been finalized. Now that we are almost at the moment of truth, he says that he does not want this anymore. He told me that when the baby comes, that the responsibility is completely mine. Now, I am stuck because I really want this, and it is kind of too late to back out. I feel like I am left with a difficult decision as to whether I want to raise my child around someone who is not interested in being a parent. I love him, but I have always wanted a baby. Any thoughts? Sincerely, Nicolas R. Dear Nicolas, This is a very difficult situation to be in, and something I have touched on before. Probably, the first thing you need to discuss, sooner rather than later, is why he changed his mind. What is it about children that makes him not want to parent? Does he not want children, or is he apprehensive about parenting? Maybe you can come to some type of agreement or compromise that keeps him involved, but not as extensively as you are. Reassure him and let him know that you would be doing this together. You need to know the source of this change in direction. I would hope that this does not result in a choice between your husband and the child, at which point you certainly would have a difficult decision. You two need to talk, because ultimately the baby's future and well-being should be the most important thing right now.