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on the inside
Central Florida Edition February 2020
Dr. Steve Yacovelli
Since he has recently released the book “Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ Leader”we thought it a good time to sit down and get to know him a bit better.
content:
• What’s Hot Central Florida • Hot Bodies • Hot Advice
this month’s features: • Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2020 • “Mean Girls” • Dr. Steve Yacovelli • Brandon Parsons • Drag Queen Casting Call
hot shots • Around Tampa Bay with Amy Demilo • Cristoph’s DILF Party • Quench’s Quencharilla • Incore’s Inspire Awards
What’s
HOT
...everything you need to plan your month
hot shots photos by peter clark
Incore
Inspire Awards
what’s hot By Scott Holland
everything you need to know
W
to plan your month
Welcome to the What’s Hot February 2020 column where we feature events happening all over Central Florida. Continue reading on to learn What's Hot this month.
Saturday, February 8
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall presents Lewis Black. Known as the king of the rant, Lewis Black returns to the Van Wezel with his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated fingerpointing, skewering anything and anyone that gets under his skin. His comedic brilliance lies in his ability to make people laugh at the
>>>> Feb 8 - Mar 5
absurdities of life, with topics that include current events, social media, politics and anything else that exposes the hypocrisy and madness he sees in the world. Tickets start at $52 at Vanwezel.org.
Sunday, February 9
Southern nights Tampa presents the 2020 Mr. and Miss Tampa Pride Pageant at 8pm. There is a $100 entry fee to compete, and registration at 4pm. Winners receive $500 cash. Categories of competition… Themed Presentation: “Passionate in Purple”, Evening Gown/Formal Wear, On-Stage Interview and Talent (seven minute maximum). Contestants are required to submit their own music for Presentation and Talent, only, on USB. If you have any questions, please contact Aries Mateo Kelly, Kenya M. Black, Victoria S.
Mateo or Esme Russell on Facebook or call them if you have their cell (I'm not giving them out and getting yelled at…LOL). The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Presents Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons. Frankie Valli is a true American legend. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles with unforgettable tunes like "Sherry," "Walk Like A Man," "Big Girls Don't Cry," "Rag Doll," "December '63 - Oh What A Night," "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" and of
Andrews and Kaija Adonis. DJ Jeff DLux Cowart & DJ Sledge Melvin spinning.
Friday, February 14
course, "Grease." His songs have been omnipresent in other iconic movies such as The Deer Hunter, Dirty Dancing, Mrs. Doubtfire, Conspiracy Theory and The Wanderers. Buy tickets at Vanwezel.org
Hamburger Mary's Clearwater presents, from season one of Ru Paul's Drag Race Ongina in her “Ongina Monologues” for one amazing night with two shows: 7:15 and 9:45 with the Divas of Hamburger Mary's (Antwanette, Jocelyn, Delores and Amanda). General
Thursday, February 13
Don't forget that every Thursday at Barcodes Orlando is Retro night with bartender Ryan. The night always features special video entertainment, music videos, commercials, TV and Movie clips, plus lots of men. As always, there is no cover at Barcodes, and plenty of free parking. Southern Nights Orlando presents their 6th Annual Pick a Trick 'A Valentine's Day Event.' Rules: See someone you like? Choose their # and write a secret note to them! There is no cover before 11pm 21+ or w/ College ID till 12am (18+ Welcomed). Freshmen Line Up at 10:30pm hosted by: Cara Cavalli, and show time at 12:30am hosted by Axel Andrews with Roxxxy
delivers this special Valentine's Day concert after his sold-out 2018 performance at Amalie Arena. Andrea Bocelli, hailed as one of the most romantic voices of our time, performs an evening of soaring arias, crossover hits and music from his No. 1 Billboard album Si perfectly designed to celebrate the day of love. Tickets start at $133 at Amaliearena.com. Southern Nights Orlando's #FlexFriday invites everyone to join them as they welcome Jinkx Monsoon RuPaul's Drag Race Season 5 winner. They also feature drag shows at 11pm & 12:30am featuring Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Sassy Devine, & Tashae Sherrington! If you can't see Jinkz tonight you can catch her tomorrow, Saturday, February 16 at Southern Nights Tampa.
Saturday, February 15
admission is $7.50 with VIP meet and greet $15. Make reservations now at 727.400.6996. Steam Fridays at the Honeypot presents “Amy's Matchmaker Game,” where everyone falls in love. The night will feature super sexy dancers all night, DJ Charles Machado, and a fabulous show by Amy DeMilo and cast. Doors open at 10pm with no cover for 21+ till 10:30pm and only $5 thereafter. Under 21 $10 all night. The Amalie Arena in conjunction with Opera Tampa present Andrea Bocelli in concert. The world's beloved tenor
Amor Event's Live Presents Valentine's Weekend Saturday February 15th the Love Ball. Doors Open at 9pm, with door diva Samantha Stone and no cover until 10pm and only $10 after. Show Time is at 12am with Yeisa Jovovich, Kiala Santi and Jeivy Lalique. This new venture features 3 Clubs, and 3 Vibes starring” Latin Club DJ Sergio Corderor, House Beats Club DJ Kraig Matthews, and Hip Hop Club DJ Ray Rivera with at 12am show by Angelica Michelle Jones. The Parliament House Orlando presents “Roaring 20's, the Party of the Decade.” They invite you to escape and unwind in the hidden speakeasy...if you can find it.
The night will feature Themed shows and entertainment, the footlight players and DJ Brianna. There will also be a dress to impress $300 costume contest.
Sunday, February 16
The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Presents Mandy Patinkin in Concert in Diaries. This show presents the acclaimed actor/singer/storyteller in his most electrifying role: concert performer. “Mandy Patinkin is in the business of
showstopping,” raves The New Yorker, and that's exactly what he does in this powerful, passionate evening of song. Diaries is a marriage of many of Mandy's favorite Broadway and classic American tunes, along with selections from his newest recordings on Nonesuch Records. From Randy Newman to Stephen Sondheim, and Harry Chapin to Rufus Wainwright, Patinkin takes you on a dazzling musical journey you'll never forget. Tickets start at $37 at Vanwezel.org.
Tuesday, February 18
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at 7:30pm. Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater grew from a nowfabled performance in March 1958 at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. Led by Alvin Ailey and a group of young African-American modern dancers, that performance changed forever the perception of American dance. The Ailey company has gone on to perform for an estimated 25 million people at theaters in 48 states and 71 countries on six continents – as well as millions more through television broadcasts, film screenings, and online platforms. Tickets start at $39.50 at Drphillipscenter.org Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls, which makes 2 stops In Central Florida, is the hilarious hit musical show from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Cady
Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naıv̈e newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina's reign, she learns the hard way that you can't cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. Catch Mean Girls at the Straz Center in Tampa from today through Sunday February 23 (StrazCenter.org) and then at the Dr. Phillips Center from Tuesday, February 25 to Sunday, March 1 (DrPhillipscenter.org)
Thursday, February 20
The Hard Rock Event Center at the Seminole Hard Rock Tampa presents Jeff Foxworth with two shows: 7
and 9:30pm. Jeff Foxworthy is one of the most respected and successful comedians in the country. He is the largest selling comedy-recording artist in history, a multiple GRAMMY Award nominee and best- selling author of more than 26 books. In 2014, he was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame. Widely known for his
Email WhatsHot@HotspotsMedia.com to have your event considered for “What’s Hot.”
redneck jokes, Jeff Foxworthy's act goes well beyond that to explore the humor in everyday family interactions and human nature, a style that has been compared to Mark Twain's. Must be at least 21 years old to attend, and tickets, which start at $70, are available at Ticketmaster.com and at Rock Shop store. The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents Il Volo: The Best of 10 Years at 8pm. From their debut in 2011 to the present day, the three young artists have performed over 300 concerts in 210 cities on 3 continents, mostly sold out, with plans for future tours throughout Asia, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. A total of over
Iglesias is one of a handful of comedians with the distinct honor to headline and sell out the Staples Center, Madison Square Garden and the Sydney Opera House. In addition to being one of America's most successful stand-up comedians, Iglesias is also one of the mostwatched comedians on YouTube with over 410,000,000 views and has over 14 million fans across social media. Tickets start at $41 at AmwayCenter.com
Friday, February 21
2.000,000 paying audience members have attended their concerts. The new album, 10 Years – The Best of, offers all the best of Il Volo's repertoire, from “O Sole Mio” to “My Way” to “Grande Amore.” The track list is comprised both by songs recorded in the studio and by new live recordings. Tickets start at $25 at Drphillipscenter.org. You can also catch them on Monday, February 24th at the Straz Center in Tampa. The Amway Center presents Gabriel Iglesias at 8pm in Beyond the Fluffy Tour.
The Tampa Imrov presents Michael Rapaport tonight and tomorrow, Saturday, February 22. Michael is an American actor and comedian. He has appeared in over sixty films since the early 1990s, and starred on the sitcom The War at Home. He also appeared in Boston Public, Friends, Prison Break, Justified and Atypical. Some of his notable film roles include True Romance, Higher Learning, Metro, Cop Land, Deep Blue Sea, The 6th Day, Dr. Dolittle 2, Big Fan, and The Heat. He also directed the award- winning
documentary Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest. He's also the host of the world wide phenomenon I Am Rapaport Stereo Podcast. Tickets are $25 at ImprovTampa.com The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents Willie Nelson & Family at 8pm. With a six-decade career and 200 plus albums, this iconic Texan is the creative genius behind the historic recordings of Crazy, Red Headed Stranger, and Stardust. Willie Nelson has earned every conceivable award as a musician and amassed reputable credentials as an author, actor, and activist. He continues to thrive as a relevant and progressive musical and cultural force. Tickets start at $39.50 at Drphillipscenter.org.
Saturday, February 22
The Parliament House Orlando presents “Go-Go Invasion” with Tegan Reigns, Carmelo, Jose and Tyrell. The night will also feature DJ Brianna till 3am and the Footlight Players at 10pm and 12am.
Sunday, February 23
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents Dancing with the Stars Live at 3 and 7pm. The all-new production will feature fanfavorite professional dancers wowing audiences with every type of dance style as seen on ABC's hit show Dancing with the Stars. The show continues its legacy of performing showstopping routines alongside new numbers choreographed just for the live show. The tour delivers a
spectacular night of dance performances from worldrenowned dancers including Val Chmerkovskiy, Jenna Johnson, Lindsay Arnold, Alan Bersten, Witney Carson, Sasha Farber, Emma Slater, Gleb Savchenko, Brandon Armstrong, Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach. Tickets start at $49.50 at Drphillipscenter.org
Wednesday, February 26
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents Che Malambo, the Powerhouse All-Male Dance Company From Argentina who performs in the South American cowboy (gaucho) tradition. Che Malambo's mission is to share the spellbinding strength, agility and power of gaucho physical art forms. The guys engage in
the malambo – a dance duel featuring the zapateo, a competition of furious footwork imitating horses' hooves. They drum with bombos and bring spinetingling performances with the boleadoras, throwing weapons of long cords with stones tied to the ends. Tickets start at $29 at StrazCenter.org The Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Presents Les Miserables, Cameron Mackintosh new production of Alain Boublil and ClaudeMichel Schö nberg's Tony Award-winning musical phenomenon, direct from its acclaimed Broadway return. Featuring the beloved songs “I Dreamed A Dream,” “On My Own,” “Stars," “Bring Him Home,” “One Day More,” and many more, this epic and uplifting story has become one of the most celebrated musicals in theatrical history. With its glorious new staging and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo, this breathtaking new production has left both audiences and critics awestruck. From today through Sunday March 1, with tickets starting at $82 at VanWezel.org
Friday, February 28
Southern Nights Orlando's #FlexFriday invites everyone to join them as they welcome Willam of RuPaul's Drag Race. They also feature drag shows at 11pm & 12:30am featuring Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Sassy Devine, & Tashae Sherrington! If you can't see Jinkz tonight you can catch her tomorrow, Saturday, February 29 at Southern Nights Tampa.
Wednesday, March 4
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents the iconic Gladys Knight at 8pm. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time
Grammy winner has enjoyed #1 hits in Pop, Gospel, R&B and Adult Contemporary, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. Tickets start at $39.50 at Drphillipscenter.org
Thursday, March 5
The Amway Center in association with Nick Cannon present MTV Wild 'N Out Live. Fans can expect stand-up routines by their favorite Wild 'N Out cast members including DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Emmanuel Hudson, Justina Valentine, Hit Man, Conceited, DJ D-Wreck and Pretty Vee (lineup varies by city), as well as live music performances by Saweetie (“My Type” and “Icy Grl” - Recording Industry of Association of America platinum-certified). Each night, Cannon and the cast will also invite members of the audience to join them for Wild 'N Out's most popular games. Tickets start at $19.50 at AmwayCenter.com
2017
2020 Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day
GIFT GUIDE
We do a few gift guides a year, but the Valentine's Day Gift Guide concentrates on items that you can give to and/or enjoy with your honey! by Scott Holland
Full-spectrum CBD Massage Oil $54.99 - Veritasfarms.com For an ultra-calming experience, gift Veritas Farms' Full-spectrum CBD massage oil to add to anyone's relaxation routine after a long day. Veritas Farms' 500mg Fullspectrum massage oil comes in an easy-touse pump-style bottle. This product c ontains .3% or less of THC, which is federally legal in all 50 states.
Flooid - a fragrance for all humans - $125 Nongenderspecific.com This fragrance is deliciously seductive, sweet, and warm with a fresh twist.A hymn to purity both in structure and experience, Flooid maintains deep characteristics to attract all genders. The top notes: yellow citrus, orange & grapefruit, with mid notes: warm amber & patchouli, and base notes: sweet cedarwood, pine bark & mossy undertones
Addicted - For a few years now, Addicted has not only been designing swimwear, but has also been expanding its collection. Every year new underwear, swimwear and sportswear ranges are presented. Nowadays, Addicted is a model brand within men's fashion, and more specifically, within the gay sector, one that comes to mind when thinking about gay men's fashion. Addictedusa.com Circles Swim Brief - $56 Concentric oval circles theme on the top with solid color on the bottom made of 80% polyamide and 20% elastane. Ad grey and transparent silicone logo on the front and lace and piping in contrasting color and a removable pack-up.
Crop Ad Top - $24 Cropped t-shirt is 50% Polyester 50% Viscose; V neck with AD logo silver on the chest, and ADDICTED printed on the back.
Valentine’s Day
GIFT GUIDE 2020
Pevonia - Pevonia.com Show off a stunning complexion in minutes. This flawless skin system will have you looking like a celebrity this Valentine's Day on social and in person!
Step 1: Polish your skin to a vibrant glow with the Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser; getting rid of dirt, pollutants, and oiliness without irritation or redness. $39 Step 2: Achieve a flawless look with YouthRenew Tinted Cream SPF 30 - $53.50. Super lightweight and ultra-hydrating, its subtle mineral tint really evens out skin tone. Infused with Collagen and Vitamin C, it also works to minimize lines/wrinkles and protect your skin from the sun. The best part…no clogged pores or breakouts – great for outdoor and indoor wear! Step 3: Wind down and let your skin hydrate and repair overnight with Pevonia's best-selling Marine Collagen Cream - $88 - and Evolutive Eye Cream - $74.50 - both loaded with de-agers.
Roederer Estate Brut Rosé (SRP $35) The Roederer Estate Brut Rosé is full and round with smooth flavors and fine persistent bubbles. The extra measure of chardonnay contributes elegance and austerity, which balance nicely with the delicate fruitiness of the pinot noir.
Alberto Nani Prosecco DOC Extra Dry Organic SRP $11-20) - Latordera.it This wine is produced without pesticides, insecticides and herbicides. This prosecco is pleasantly crisp with a floral bouquet, savory and complex on the palate with a mineral finish. The color is clear lemon yellow with intense, floral bouquet, and the taste is harmonic with a mineral finish. Pairings: Ideal as an aperitif, and also pairs well with appetizers and fish dishes.
Detoxelicious: Easy Soul Food Inspired 10-day Detox Cleanse Recipes and Fitness for Super Busy People Paperback - Paperback $32.30 Amazon.com Award-winning market researcher, health coach and certified yoga instructor Dena Dodd Perry has released her first book, a self-help food-fitness book that will assist readers make their food-fitness journey easier and delicious. In addition to plant-based recipes, DETOXELICIOUS provides readers with daily mindfulness exercises such as yoga movements and breath work.
Valentine’s Day
GIFT GUIDE 2020
Snoozies – $14.99 Buyersdirectonline.com For those of you who regularly read my gift Guides Snoozies have been in there quite a few times, as I just can't get enough of them and their special Valentines Snoozies have caught my eye again. Snoozies! are not socks and they're not slippers - sort of a crossover between the two and that's why we call them "foot coverings"!
Barefoot, which has been a proud ally to the LGBTQ+ community for more than 30 years, have a variety of perfectly pink options to bring to your Valentine's Day celebrations that range from bubbly to boxed and canned wines. Barefoot has a varietal for every setting whether you're enjoying an evening at home or on-the-go. Prices vary, available nationwide.
Saomì – BRUT - Prosecco DOC Treviso – (SRP $1120) - Latordera.it The color is bright, straw yellow with tinges of green, and the bouquet is fruity with notes of rennet apple and Mediterranean spices, vanilla and acacia from the Chardonnay grapes.The Flavor is a well-balanced, fresh wine in which the aromas of fruit are enhanced by a good liveliness and has an elegant aftertaste. Pairings: Ideal as aperitif, it also pairs perfectly with formal lunches and dinners, especially with fish-based and fresh pasta dishes with vegetables.
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Quencharilla
Quench Lounge
MAJOR CONFERENCE, PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY STRAW POLL, AND LEADERSHIP DINNER WITH EXCITING SPEAKERS
MORE PROGRAM INFO, REGISTRATION, HOTEL RESERVATIONS, AND DINNER TICKETS: WWW.LGBTQDEMS.ORG
M
Mean Girls will play the Straz Center for the Performing Arts Morsani Hall from February 18-23, and then at the Dr Phillips Center I for the Performing Arts in Orlando from Orlando February 25 through March 1. Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naıv̈e newbie
By Scott Holland falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina's reign, she learns the hard way that you can't cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. New York Magazine cheers, “Mean Girls delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside-jokery.” USA Today says, “We'll let you in on a little secret, because we're such good friends: GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!” The Show stars Eric Huffman (Damien Hubbard), Mary Kate Morrissey (Janis Sarkisian), Danielle Wade (Cady Heron), Gaelen Gilliland (Mrs. Heron, Ms. Norbury, Mrs George), Will Branner (Mr. Heron, Coach Carr, Mathletes Moderator), Kabir Bery (Kevin
Gnapoor), adante Carter (Aaron Samuels), Fernell Hogan II (Martin Jitla), Sky Flaherty (Tyler Kimble), Lawrence E. Street (Mr. Duvall), Mariah Rose Faith (Regina George), Megan Masako Haley (Gretchen Weiner), and Jonalyn Saxer (Karen Smith).
Eric Huffman
It was a pleasure to sit down with Eric Huffman for this exclusive HotSpots Interview:
Were you always a performer even as a child or when did it begin?
I started doing theater at 11, but as far back as I can remember I was always very attracted to the creative arts world.
What was your first professional role?
I did the role of Amahl in “Amahl in the Nights Visitor,” when I was 12 in Kansas City. I got paid $100 bucks for it and I thought I was rich.
“It's really cool to get to play an openly gay character...is not about his sexuality, he just happens to be gay.”
When did you know entertaining would be your career?
I was very serious about theater all through High school, but didn't intend it to be my career. However, when I got into my dream colleges I realized it would happen.
What was your favorite role to play?
I got to play Jekyll in Jekyll and Hyde my junior year in High School.
It was way out of my league but I loved it and did my best.
What is your fantasy role?
I want to play Fosca in Passion, as a man. She is one of Sondheim's most notorious character villains, and I know I would have a blast playing that role.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Kind, patient, and passionate
What do you do for fun?
I do a lot of puzzles, cooking and figure skating.
You are part of our community, do you have a boyfriend? If not what's the perfect guy for you?
I do not have a boyfriend and the perfect guy for me is someone intellectual with a steady 9 to 5 job that loves a good movie night.
What should our readers expect from this production of “Mean Girls?�
Obviously it's based on a beloved classic cult film. However things have progressed with social Media, so Tina Fey has breathed fresh material in to the storyline. And adding in musicals numbers doesn't hurt. Also, its 15 years later, and people are more willing to talk about issues that are addressed in the show.
It's really cool to get to play an openly gay character across the country. Especially a character that the plot is not about his sexuality, he just happens to be gay. For more information on Eric, you can follow him on Instagram.com/e.j.huffman Performances in Tampa are Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2 and 8pm, and Sunday at 2 and 7:30pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling 813.229.STAR (7827), in person at the Straz Center Ticket Sales Office or online at Strazcenter.org. Performances in Orlando are Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm and Sunday at 1pm and 6:30pm. Tickets may be purchased by calling 844.513.2014, in person at the Bill & Mary Darden Box Office or online at DrPhillips.org.
Dr. Steve Yacovelli The Gay
Leadership Dude By Scott Holland
Photo by J.D. Casto
D
Dr. Steve Yacovelli (“The Gay Leadership Dude”) is Owner & Principal of TopDog Learning Group, LLC, a learning and development, leadership, change management, and diversity and consulting firm based in Orlando, with affiliates across the globe. He's worked with Fortune 500 greats like The Walt Disney Company and Bayer, not-for-profits like The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and The American Library Association, large universities like The Ohio State University and The University of Central Florida, as well as small entrepreneurial rock stars like International Training & Development and GovMojo, Inc. Since Dr. Steve lives right here in our backyard, and he has recently released the book “Pride Leadership: Strategies for the
LGBTQ Leader”we thought it a good time to sit down and get to know him a bit better.
I think for me motivation comes from within, and my role is to bring to life what people have already in them and see it for themselves. So yes, it's always been part of my personality… I am really like the cheerleader on the side.
Photo by Dylan Todd/SFGN
Have you always been a motivator or when did that start?
What college did you go to and what was your major? Also where and what did you get your doctorate in?
I went to 3 universities Millersville in Pennsylvania, and I was a speech communication public relation major. Ohio state for my Masters in Educational Policy and Leadership, and my PHD was from Nova and it is in Instructional Technology and Distance Education.
Why did you start Top Dog Learning?
A colleague of mine and I started it while we were working at Disney. In late 2007 I found myself without a job. I had this part time infrastructure and I wanted to see if I could make a go of it full time, and it's what I have been doing ever since.
“...for me motivation comes from within, and my role is to bring to life what people have already in them and see it for themselves. So yes, it's always been part of my personality… I am really like the cheerleader on the side.”
You have worked with fortune 500 companies, what is your favorite story?
I worked for the Disney cruise line and I worked shore side as an internal leadership consultant. My clients were the folks on the ship and on their island. I got to see my coworkers in swimsuits a lot. One day when I was at the crew beach, they saw my Mickey Mouse tattoo on my back, and they asked me what it was. I pretended that I got it at orientation, because Disney saw that I was on the road to an executive and then asked them who else had one. They totally fell for my joke, and it's my favorite story.
You have recently written “Pride Leadership: Strategies for the LGBTQ Leader.” What made you write this? Are you happy with outcome?
I have written 3 books, but I never went down the path of writing what I consider to be a real book. This book has been in my
Photo by Clara Smith
head for 25 years and I wanted to get it out. The book was not supposed to originally be an LGBTQ book, but then, I decided to hone in on the Gay community and do research to see if Gay leaders are different. Through my research I found out it is different for LGBTQ leaders. I am really happy with the book, but I think I made it too verbose. I was targeting 200 pages and its over 300 pages.
How did you meet your hubby, how long have you been together and what makes him the perfect man for you?
I met Richard twice. Once when I was 25 and a kid in a candy store. He had seen me out around town, and finally introduced himself at Club Firestone, and honestly I was completely drunk at the time. We talked for a few minutes and I think he thought let me talk to him more the next time I see him when he is not so drunk. What he didn't know was that it was my going away party as I was moving to Ohio; hence the reason I was drunk. Two years letter, when I moved back, I was at Club Cactus and he re-introduced himself to me and we have been together ever since…22 years later. Richard is perfect for me as he is the opposite of me in many ways…I am extroverted, he is introverted. I love changing jobs and he has been at the same job for 31 years, etc. I always tell Richard “You are still my favorite,” After 22 years he is still my favorite person.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Silly, passionate and focused
What do you do for fun?
I love being active: working out,
“Through my research I found out it is different for LGBTQ leaders. I am really happy with the book, but I think I made it too verbose. I was targeting 200 pages and its over 300 pages.” yoga, paddle boarding. I love to hang with my hubby, drink wine and be with my puppies – 2 mini Labradoodles.
What does the future hold for you?
I'm doing a lot more public speaking about LGBTQ inclusivity and leadership. I am also launching an online training academy for our community and hopefully start hanging out with Ellen and Portia to talk leadership and make our world a little more inclusive. For more information on Dr. Steve, and his business, go to: Topdoglearning.biz21
I
It's always nice to sit down with Florida talent, and this time was especially nice because Brandon Parsons is a well-known singer\songwriter\musician who has traveled the world with his music. He has been on National TV, worked at Universal Studios, Howl at The Moon, many Cruise lines as a featured artist, including Carnival and Norwegian, and Disney just to name a few. It was a pleasure to get to know him as a friend a little better!
Were you always an entertainer even as a child or when did it begin?
I am all self-taught. I taught myself how to play piano at 12 years old and then I started singing shortly after that because I grew up in a very musical family. From there I started working in Coffee shops, bars, and events.
What was your first professional/paid Role? Probably when I was around 20 years old I sang at a corporate event. They paid me $100 to sing at their event, and at the time I remember thinking that was a lot of money for singing a few songs. Little did I know I would be traveling the world a few years later performing for a living!
When did you know entertaining would be your career?
By Scott Holland
Growing up I always thought that music would be a hobby as I wouldn't be able to pay my bills from it. However, when I got into Dueling Pianos a few years back in Baltimore Maryland, and it paid so well, I thought to myself maybe I can do what I love and make money from it.
What has been your favorite gig so far?
That is such a hard question because there have been amazing ones, but a very special one that sticks out to me was when I opened for the opening game for the NBA team “Orlando Magics” in the Amway center. I sang the song I wrote 2 years prior in memory of the Pulse victims “Forty-Nine Times.” It was unbelievable to sing a song written as an anthem for the gay community in a sports arena.
What is your fantasy gig?
Opening for someone like Kelly Clarkson and go on tour with her.
Speaking of Kelly Clarkson, you were on “American Idol” Season 10, how was that experience?
It was eye opening on how reality television works. Behind the scenes was nothing like you see on TV. I met some lasting relationships that I still keep in touch with today. I am happy I did it, but I wouldn't do it again.
You are also proficient in many instruments and have done a lot of Dueling Piano shows…tell me about that?
I play piano, drums, bass, and guitar. Dueling pianos is my main source of income and I travel around Florida doing corporate events, opening for bands, weddings, etc. Dueling is very unique as its all audience participation based. They request what they want us to play and we play it on the spot. Sometimes, they pick a song we don't know and we have to fake it, so we are on our toes all the time. I love the rush and excitement! Photo by Charles Wolf Photography
“I am a super fan of Sean Hayes who ran up to me and said ‘I love your
voice, I am a huge fan.’ It was one of the coolest moments of my life.” You have opened for many entertainers; do you have a favorite or a favorite story? I opened for Jennifer Hudson at Pittsburg pride, and she is amazing and a great vocalist. They wouldn't let anyone approach the stage during sound check, which was a little odd. However, I met her back stage and she was very nice.
So what does the future hold for you?
I would love to travel more and experience different cultures. I always find it interesting to see the effect music has on people everywhere I go. I am also working on an original album which should be available the end of this year.
As a fun twist, you are actually dating one of my friends, Marshall Welch, who owns and promotes the Miss Heart of Florida Pageant. How did you meet and what makes him the perfect guy for you?
We met through friends and hit it off. On our first date we went to Disney world, and it was Disney magic. I think that we mesh perfectly as I am more of the spur of the moment guy and he is more logical so we balance each other out very well.
What's the best thing Marshall has ever done for you?
Besides loving me unconditionally, we went to go see Will & Grace and he had been talking to Sean Hayes Husband, Scott, and we got a chance to go back stage and meet the cast. I am a super fan of Sean Hayes who ran up to me and said “I love your voice, I am a huge fan.” It was one of the coolest moments of my life.
For more information or for booking Brandon for your event you can email here: Contact@Brandonparsons.com or you can check him out on Social Media, Instagram: @BrandonParsonsofficial
around tampa bay by amy demilo
Onesie Party
Nothing like NY NY Pizza after a lot of liquor Jorge Orlando with Christopher at Steam Fridays
DJ Charles spinning outa control
Mikey striking a pose
Amber Douglas Ginger Manchester visiting Florida
hot bodies
By Tom Bonanti
Regular Exercise, It’s Not
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Just for the Body
Whether you're an exercise fanatic, or you've just begun to consider the option, you're probably aware that there are tangible results that come from doing cardio and lifting weights. But did you also know that exercise can improve the mind as well as the body? Vigorous physical activity relieves stress and pressure at work, helps you think like a creative genius and generally makes you feel more peaceful and secure? Studies have proven that regular cardio work can enhance the ability of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain to work faster. This higher ability won't replace a quality education or being generally street-smart, but it can help you to think clearer, quicker and more
creatively. Regular weight training has also been shown to ease excess tension and aggression and promote overall feelings of confidence and well-being. As a trainer, I find that clients who come in feeling anxious and stressed, over- worked, and generally depressed, report feeling energized and upbeat after early morning exercise. As a result, they are more relaxed and confident at work and seem to exhibit sharper, clearer mental processes all day long. For many practical reasons a lot of people can't work out before work, but those clients who do regular cardio and weight training at some point in the course of their busy day report similar increases in energy, mood and productivity. Do you come home from work and crash in exhaustion? Does your heart race when you're stuck in traffic or before a big presentation or meeting? You have the power to change this misery. Start doing cardio after work and don't forget to pump some iron while you are at it! You might think these activities would add to your overall fatigue,
but you are wrong. Psychologists say that a key element behind failing under pressure is physical fatigue. Regular cardio (running, biking or swimming) energizes you and it charges up your brain and body for tough situations – like a cranky boss and do- nothing colleagues who cause you huge amounts of stress. Throwing the weights around helps you to alleviate frustration and pent-up aggression as you build a gorgeous toned body in the process! If you have trouble sleeping, you're not alone. Instead of groping for another Ambien– go for the treadmill or pump a little iron instead. Regular exercise lowers your resting pulse rate, can lower blood pressure, revs up your metabolism, improves digestion, and biologically assists your brain in producing feel-good endorphins. Endorphins are your body's naturally produced painkillers that help you to
feel more relaxed and even elated in the face or stress and strain. Regular exercise will help you to produce these substances as you function better during the day and rest easier at night. Tom Bonanti is a certified personal trainer and massage therapist (MA#40288) with his own one on one facility www.pumpnincgym.com in Ft. Lauderdale. Contact trainertomb@aol.com or call Tom (954) 557-1119 to schedule a massage or training session today.
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Drag Queen Casting Call Fab! Flight Attendants
Who knows travel more than a flight attendant? The FabStayz Drag Flight Crew consisting of actual flight attendants by day. LGBT+Ally Host accommodations platform FabStayz launched in June 2019 with 100 FabHosts and has taken off ringing in the New Year with more than 1,000 properties worldwide. In need of additional Fab! Flight Crew Members for video, destination photoshoots and personal appearances, FabStayz is conducting a search for over the top fabulous queens. The first video will be shot on location at Tampa International Airport where the Fab! Flight Crew will demonstrate the platform in an upbeat campy production to be unveiled at technology conference Synapse Summit in Tampa, FL on February 12, 2020 Fab! Flight Crew Lead Attendant aka Liquor Mini, was photographed on location in Portland, Oregon as the first FabDestination location to be featured in partnership with visitor bureau Travel Portland. Liquor Mini is seen enjoying FabStayz in tiny homes and enjoying quintessential Portland experiences like visiting a donut shop and a food truck. Next, the Fab! Flight Crew are departing for FabDestination Greater Fort Lauderdale, FL, home of the inaugural event Pride 2020: Pride of the Americas taking place April 21-26. If you are interested in being part of the crew email them at: Hello@Fabstayz.com.
About FabStayz
FabStayz.com brings together LGBT+ travelers and exceptional LGBT+ Ally Hosts from vacation rental sites like Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and HomeAway. Featured FabHosts are allies supporting the FabStayz platform. They are eager to welcome members of the LGBT+ community and host their stay in a new destination. LGBT+Ally Hosts dotting the globe are applying to join the FabCommunity, elevating the guest and host experience. Community allies interested in listing their properties and LGBT+ travelers wanting to book on FabStayz for their next vacation can visit FabStayz.com.
/ miamibeachpride
www.miamibeachpride.com
MARCH 28 - APRIL 5, 2020
LET'S HAVE A BALL! Join us for a nine-day celebration featuring a two-day festival, parade, entertainment and much more.
BEACH PARTY & FESTIVAL | APRIL 4 & 5 PRIDE PARADE | APRIL 5
PRESENTED BY
WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE MIAMI BEACH VISITOR AND CONVENTION AUTHORITY. All confirmed sponsors as of December 16, 2019.
hot advice
By Andreus Quinones
Mom Visits & A Violent Relationship
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Dear Andreus, My fiancĂŠ and I live together as of two months ago now. His mother has a key to our place, since he was living there alone before. She comes by every so often and cooks and cleans, but she also moves things around and I am sure has seen a bit more of our belongings than what I am comfortable with. She is his world, but I feel like she should no longer have access to our place. How do I relay this to him without upsetting either of them? Sincerely, Jacob P. Dear Jacob, Whoa!! This is an area that you must tread very carefully. Clearly, he and his mother are very close if she is coming over to cook and clean. If this is something that you feel very strongly about, you must approach it delicately. Instead of telling him that you don't think that she should have keys or access anymore, maybe you can offer to do the things that she is doing. Then maybe suggest for the sake of privacy only the two of you having keys, and both visiting her frequently so that no one is left out. You might score extra points with them both, but you certainly don't want to get in between a man and his momma!
Dear Andreus, I have one brother and we are both gay. He has been in a horrible relationship for just about two years now. I am not sure what kind of hold his boyfriend has on him, but it is a violent situation. I don't know how many times I have seen my brother
with black eyes and busted lips. I have threatened to call the police, and he tells me to stay out of it. It hurts so bad to see my brother being abused, and I am so fearful for him. This guy is a monster. Why can't he see that this is not right? Sincerely, Roderick V. Dear Roderick. I am very sorry to hear that your brother is in an abusive relationship. Believe it or not, this happens all too often. The unfortunate thing is that people are usually unlikely to change their situation until they themselves become disgusted with it. You can talk until you're blue in the face, but that person must be ready to change their situation. If you have already expressed your concern, you can only continue to be supportive, try to get him some help, and pray that he leaves before it gets any worse than it already is.
hot shots photos by tony fowler
Cristoph’s DILF Party
CELEBRATE YOU
Seraiah they, them, theirs
Two continents. Over 53 nations. One love.
Greater Fort Lauderdale invites everyone under the sun to the very first Pride of the Americas. Join hundreds of thousands of individuals who together will bring global attention to LGBT+ advocacy. All are welcome to fly your flag high, make an impact and radiate life – because who you are is worth celebrating. Make your plans at sunny.org/PrideAmericas Beach Party & Parade • Arts Festival • Fashion Show • Business of the Americas Conference Transgender Summit • LGBT+ Health & Wellness Conference