OutClique Magazine December 2020

Volume 5, Issue 1 December 2020

Alejandro Kalaf III & Constantine Patsimas

Miss BouvèÊ Pride Center Residences

AHF in Nigeria Mental Health Miniseries

by Abercrombie & Fitch

Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher and Editor in Chief Steven@OutClique.com

Arthur Wood III

Associate Editor Arthur@OutClique.com

Connie Evans

Chief Copy Editor Mother of the Publisher

Sach AD Group

Director of Graphic Design

Mike Ritzi

Executive Director of Sales

Chander Scott

Director of Social Media & Assistant to the Publisher

Chris Lodge

Director of Special Projects Assistant to the Publisher

Irv Scott

Sales Manager

Rivendell Media

National Advertising

Gregg Shapiro

Senior Entertainment Writer

Denny Patterson

Senior Lifestyle Writer

Contributing Writers

Andy Armano, Rod Davis, Fr. Jamie Forsythe, John M. Hayden, Marty Kiar, On Mekahel, Patrick Rogers, Eric Noel Roman, Cory Sanders, Fr. Rich Vitale

Distribution

Robby Wagenseil, Miami-Dade

A publication of OutClique, LLC (954) 998-6429 www.OutClique.com www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique@gmail.com OutClique, LLC is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed in advertisements or articles.

Letter from the Publisher

Photo by Michael Murphy Photographic

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

H

appy Holidays!

It’s hard to believe that we are almost to the end of 2020. This year has been one of the most difficult for much of our nation and world. Ironically, 20/20 vision is defined as clarity.

However, the year of 2020 has been one of uncertainty, division, and isolation.

We have almost made it to the end, and we will continue to make it. Remember, “whatever doesn’t kill us, can only make us stronger.”

The holidays are usually a time of laughter and cheer. Let us continue that tradition this year, despite the challenges we have had or what may be to come. We can control only our thoughts, feelings, and actions.

Let us take this time to reflect on what blessings we do have. Simple things like clean drinking water, a phone to call a friend from, a special song that cheers us up, or our favorite movie are all things to be thankful for.

Remember, YOLO, “You Only Live Once.” Make it count for you and those around you. Give that as your gift this holiday season. May happiness be abounding.1

As quoted from and in memory of Dr. Angela Easterday-Holder, former Chair and Professor of Music at Carson-Newman University.

1

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THE BIGGEST, QUEEREST WEDDING OF THE YEAR

By Denny Patterson

Photos Courtesy of Danielle Lawson, Natural Nerd Designs

C

haya Milchtein and JodyAnne Morgan (who goes by her surname) rented out an empty Airbnb in Indianapolis a couple months ago for their wedding.

Although no friends or family were physically present due to COVID-19 safety concerns, thousands of people worldwide watched the beautiful ceremony live on Facebook. Besides the queer couple, the only people in attendance were their officiant L.S. Quinn, a queer, plus size artist who traveled from Ohio to marry them, and queer, black, and plus size vendors including photographer Danielle Lawson from Natural Nerd Designs, Indigo & Birch Floral Company, Aesthetic Artist Agency, and Originails Salon and Spa. Milchtein, an automotive educator, writer, and speaker from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, met Morgan, a security worker in New York, four years ago. OutClique had the opportunity to chat more with Milchtein about the wedding and why it was such a beautiful and unique experience.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Chaya! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me. Let me begin by asking, how did you and Morgan meet?

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Chaya Milchtein: [Laughs] It’s a funny story. We met at the circus. I was getting my nails done at a salon in Brooklyn, and a customer came in to talk to my nail tech, Richard. They said to him, “Hey, I have this ticket to Barclays Center. Are you interested in going? It’s for tonight, somebody dropped out, and it’s a really good suite.” Richard was like, “No, I’m working.” I asked what the ticket was for, and they said the circus. I was like, “I have never been to the circus; I would be interested in going.” I was raised in a Hasidic Jewish home, and that was not something you would go to. So, I went and thought nothing of it. It was an interesting experience, and I went home. A few days later, I got a Facebook message from Morgan who asked me if I had been at the circus a few days before that. She had seen me and liked my dress. Apparently, my queer self stuck out like a sore thumb. I was wearing a short red and black sweater dress and thigh high boots. Anyhow, it was an experience. She has seen me in a queer Facebook group and recognized me at the circus, so she reached out.

DP CM

Why did you decide to get married in Indiana?

We got married in Indiana for a couple of reasons.

One, we love to travel, and this was the only place we could go during the (COVID-19) pandemic. The cases were also much lower there. From the start of the planning of the wedding, it was incredibly important for us to make sure that we did not in any way endanger anyone’s life. That just defeats the purpose. We decided on Indiana for that reason, but also because it is very easy to get married in Indiana. Like, it is considered the elopement capital of the Midwest. We went to Indianapolis. You can do the whole wedding license process virtually right now, and you can get a wedding license the same day you get married.

There is no need for witnesses, so it is very easy to do.

DP CM

How did the empty Airbnb come into play?

Well, I think a lot of people get married at Airbnbs!

The fact that it was empty was only because we did not have any guests. Part of being COVID-19 safe meant that we had a completely virtual wedding and the only people that were at the Airbnb were the vendors that were helping us. They were masked during the time that they were helping us. We initially picked a hotel in downtown Indianapolis, but it didn’t work out because I needed to have the wedding earlier in the day than we would have checked in. My siblings live all over the world, and I wanted them to have the opportunity to be able to watch the wedding. Like, I have a sister in Paris, a sister in the Netherlands, and a sister in Israel. So, the wedding had to be a time where they could watch. I started looking for other places to do it, and it made sense to do it at an Airbnb since it was just a tiny wedding for the two of us. I

found this Airbnb that butted up right to the White River. It was a beautiful location, and so much nicer than the hotel would have ever been.

DP

Over 10,000 people tuned in to watch your wedding live on Facebook. How did it feel to know that so many were watching?

CM

It was amazing! I posted our wedding invitation publicly, and I always expected that there would be a lot of people, but certainly nothing to that extent, and certainly not to the incredibly warm reception we got from people of all different kinds of backgrounds. I recently wrote a viral tweet about the New York Times cooking community, and the funny thing is, I got into the New York Times cooking community surrounding the events of my wedding. I posted about my wedding, venue, and all of that, and this community of people who I did not expect to have any passion for two queer women just showed up in every single way possible. Everything from gifts, messages, everything you can think of. It was pretty incredible, and we wanted the wedding to be an opportunity for people to see and be a part of our joy.

DP CM

Any plans for a honeymoon?

After we were featured in Metro UK, Airbnb got in touch and gifted us $10,000 in vouchers towards our honeymoon. It was incredible. However, we have not planned the honeymoon because of COVID-19.

There is no way that we are going to risk people’s lives just so we can have a vacation. So, we decided to have our honeymoon in August of next year for our one-year anniversary; fingers crossed. Hopefully COVID-19 will be over long enough before then that we can make a plan.

To stay up to date with Milchtein, visit her official website, www.MechanicShopFemme.com.

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Photos Courtesy of Bar Rita Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

954-990-6658 1401 South Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale FL 33316

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

SEMINOLE HARD ROCK AND ITS GUITAR HOTEL WIN TOP GLOBAL GAMING AWARDS Article and Images Courtesy of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

S

eminole Hard Rock and its Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood won two top honors at the Global Gaming Awards 2020 held in conjunction with G2E in Las Vegas. This year’s virtual ceremony marked the seventh annual Global Gaming Awards program.

Commenting on the awards, Chairman of Hard Rock International (HRI) and Seminole Gaming CEO Jim Allen said, “We’re excited about the acknowledgement and on behalf of our 50,000 employees around the world, we sincerely appreciate it, especially with so many great companies being considered.”

Seminole Hard Rock scored top honors as Land-Based Operator of the Year, winning the first-place award over nine other finalists, all leading casino operators from around the world. In addition, the Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood won first place as Property of the Year. Seminole Hard Rock opened the $1.5 billion Guitar Hotel expansion of its flagship Hard Rock branded integrated resort a little more than one year ago. It honors the company that has gone above and beyond to create the best possible customer experience.

Allen was also a finalist in the American Executive of the Year category of the Global Gaming Awards. Regarding the Guitar Hotel winning the Property of the Year Award, Allen said, “It’s an amazing project and there’s no other building like it in the world. We’re happy with its early results.”

This year, HRI was named a finalist for the Responsible Company of the Year and Online Casino Awards. As part of the 2018 Global Gaming Awards, HRI also earned the title of Land-Based Operator of the Year.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship casino resort of HRI, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This worldrenowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion on Oct. 24, 2019. New offerings include 638 upscale guestrooms in the first-ever Guitar Hotel, 168 luxury guestrooms and unique swim-up suites in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, and 465 newly redesigned guestrooms in Hard Rock Hotel for a combined room count of 1,271 guestrooms throughout the resort. Additional amenities include the lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon; a 13.5-acre recreational water experience for swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding; 19 dining outlets and 20 bars and lounges; an expansive gaming floor with 3,100 slots, 195 table games, and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space including a 38,000 square-foot, carpeted exhibition hall; and The Shoppes at the Guitar Hotel, a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. The highly anticipated Hard Rock Live entertainment venue with a 7,000-person capacity, will showcase A-list entertainers, comedy acts, Broadway performances, sporting events, and live broadcast productions. The integrated resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441), and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com, call (800) 937-0010, or follow us at www.Facebook.com/ SeminoleHardRockHollywood, www.Twitter.com/HardRockHolly, and www.Instagram.com/HardRockHolly.

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The Staff

dean

jason

dan

tommy

THE PUB

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

For more photos of this event, visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/outclique.

Want to submit photos? | Contact us! OutClique@gmail.com OutClique.com | 25

MISS BOUVÈÉ COMES TO SOUTH FLORIDA

Photos Courtesy of Miss Bouvèé

M

iss Bouvèé is the drag persona of Detroit, Michigan native Eric Swanson. Eric is a lifetime performer having toured for over a decade in various shows, cabaret acts like the Dynamic Duo, and national tours. Eric recently relocated to the Fort Lauderdale area and is wasting no time getting to work as a solo cabaret performer! OutClique sat down with Miss Bouvèé for our December 2020 issue.

OutClique: Tell us about you, Miss Minnie Bouvèé?

Miss Bouvèé: I am a New Orleans drag queen that sings LIVE, baby! No lip syncing here, love. Being from N’awlins, my nature is to entertain you! I love doing dinner and happy hour shows. It is NOLA culture to eat and drink, love, all while enjoying the sounds of music!

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OCQ MB

What can people expect at your shows?

Music with any type of show at my show!

Whether it is trivia, bingo, or my all request dragaret, there will definitely be music. In almost all the types of shows I do, people can feel free to make a request. With trivia, I bring out really cool themes when I host like Schitt’s Creek, Sex and the City, or Broadway; they’re topics that teams can really get into! For bingo, it will certainly NOT be your old school bingo! There will be prizes, music, straight lines, not-so-straight lines, drinks, and fun! If it is my dragaret (drag + cabaret) titled “Booze with Bouvèé,” it will be all music and all requests. People can expect to hear Disney, pop, and Broadway!

OCQ MB

Can people sing at your shows?

OCQ MB

How did you get started?

I always encourage people to sing along! I will certainly be welcoming some friends of mine as guest singers onto the stage though. The cabaret culture is so rich here in South Florida. How could I not share the stage with some of the best talent in the country?

I grew up on the stage, baby! Miss Bouvèé found her heels this past March just before the pandemic shut downs. I had a run of my one woman show “An Evening with Miss Bouvèé” in Detroit, but my tour to San Francisco and month long run in Chicago was cut short. I hope to work with a theatre here in Fort Lauderdale to safely produce the one woman show again!

In the quarantine, I started making music videos and broadcasting weekly via Facebook Live. That pushed me to play with my looks, expand my repertoire, and really helped me build my audience even more! And now, I use those videos as a part of my all request show!

OCQ MB

How has the global pandemic impacted you and your career?

It has both helped and hurt me professionally.

While I did use the time to learn new songs, build the brand, develop looks, and virtually broaden my horizons, several venues I have worked with before have now closed. Venues I was booked at in the fall of 2020 are struggling financially and have to pause all entertainment.

Tourism is down and venues are struggling to afford hiring entertainment. Some venues, though, know that we, entertainers, may not always pull in a massive audience, but we keep them there! We keep them eating, drinking, and spending money in their venues. Thankfully several venues have also committed to keeping us, and the patrons, safe by wholeheartedly complying by the best known CDC safety practices.

OCQ MB

How does it feel to be back performing live?

OCQ MB

What is your favorite food and drink?

OCQ MB

What is the most requested song? What is your favorite song to sing?

OCQ MB

Where can we catch one of your shows?

[Darn] good. I said what I said! I thought I was going to waste away there for a few weeks in the shutdown. That’s why I started broadcasting live on Facebook. I need to laugh with people. I need to sing for people. I love the thrill of a live show. I do think we will see only single and duo type shows for a while, though, until we can safely rehearse larger scaled shows without risk.

Single performer shows seem to be finding, and leading, the way!

You can never go wrong with a gumbo. I mean it’s almost everything but the kitchen sink in a nice roux! When it comes to cocktails, I would say hurricane, but know thy audience! Florida, New Orleans plus a hurricane is not a great combo! So, I am afraid I have to say I am pretty basic; Tito’s and cran for me, baby!

I can’t believe I am going to disclose this but, “W.A.P.” over and over again! I will say, I will sing it if the tip is high enough. HA! But, without a doubt, my favorite song to sing by request right now is “Into the Unknown” from Frozen 2, or I love me some “Alone” by Heart!

That depends on your city sugar! I play in Key West at Alexander’s Guesthouse every Saturday, I call bingo at The Eagle Wilton Manors every Sunday, and I have special engagements all over in Naples, Melbourne, and other venues in Wilton Manors, like Matty’s! You can always check my Instagram (@MissBouvee) or my website (www.MissBouvee.com) for show and/or booking info!

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THE EAGLE Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

For more photos of this event, visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/outclique.

Want to submit photos? | Contact us! OutClique@gmail.com 30 | OutClique.com

An Insure Thing with WE Insure

By John M. Hayden Photos by Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com Cover Photo by Andy Armano 34 | OutClique.com

I

nsurance. We all need it, we want the best price, and we hope never have to use it. In a year that’s seen one unexpected crisis after another, insurance has never been so important to have and, at the same time, a part of the budget you think about cutting while crossing your fingers and hoping for the best. There are ways to both save money and stay protected.

The local branch of WE Insure Group was founded by Alejandro Kalaf III and Constantine Patsimas, and has been working with our community for years. They, along with their dedicated staff, don’t work for any one particular insurance company. Instead, they sift through all the options offered by all the companies in the Florida marketplace to mix and match the best policies to best fit your needs. Think of it as having your own personal shoppers for some of the biggest expenses in your life.

The team just finished moving from their office on A1A to Island City Plaza in Wilton Manors. “Since a good portion of our clientele and referrals are based out of Wilton Manors and the surrounding area, we wanted to have more of a presence in the community,” Alejandro explained. “This will give our current and future clients an opportunity to stop by the office and be able to conduct business in person to create that personal touch.” WE Insure Group isn’t an insurance carrier. They work with all insurance companies to match a client’s needs with the right policy. Searching on your own can be challenging and complicated. Between home, auto, and business insurance, there are so many options and combinations it’s

easy to let your eyes glaze over, and just give up and call whichever company has the most clever commercials that week.

“We believe in educating our clients, which is the key to helping them understand their options,” Constantine said. “This year so many of us have had to tighten our budgets. Insurance is something that we can always take a second look at if you want to cut costs but keep quality coverage. During the pandemic, while the South Florida community has been home looking for ways they could lower their expenses, one of the areas they looked into was their home and auto insurance policies. Insurance premiums have continued to rise, requiring us to take a closer look at our clients portfolios and be proactive in reshopping our current clients policies, while still saving new clients money. This has allowed us to continue to provide and maintain a busy work day while still offering excellent customer service.”

WE Insure Group may have a new office, but they aren’t new to the community. This branch has been around for seven years, and has risen to the top of their game, becoming the company’s number one office in Broward County and among the top nationally, a goal that they knew was attainable. “This achievement hasn’t come easily. It came from hard work and determination to be the best at what we do in our county and within the company. It was something we have been working towards for the last five years. We had come close a few times, but 2019 was our year!” exclaimed Alejandro.

He said they work hard to stay there. “All

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of our associates have worked diligently to gain the trust of clients, title companies, realtors, mortgage brokers, and, of course, their friends and family to refer us their business.

But, as you know, once you’re on top there is always someone looking to take your spot. That just means we have to continue to work harder and not take what we have accomplished for granted.”

WE Insure Group finds policies for home, auto, and business coverage.

Different companies look at the same risk and rate it differently.

For instance, when it comes to auto insurance they take into account the safety features in your car, driving record, and other factors such as where you live, age, employment, and education. Constantine says each carrier evaluates the data points differently. “It’s all about analytics, what risks they are willing to take on, and what risks they will not accept. Some companies will take drivers with some blemishes on their record at a slightly higher premium, and others will decline the driver due to the higher risk. On the other hand, drivers with a clean record, college degree, and a vehicle with more safety options will enjoy lower premiums.”

Alejandro believes being a South Florida native lets him understand the anxieties of our community.

“Living in Fort Lauderdale for the last 20 years, doing the Smart 36 | OutClique.com

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Ride, and participating in other local charities and events, I have fostered relationships in the gay community, which have led to our success here with We Insure Group.”

More specifically, it’s knowing the local LGBTQ+ community. “There’s a real comfort in being able to talk to someone who understands you and your insurance needs. While being part of the gay community is important, we are an equal opportunity insurer.

Insurance can be personal and we truly care.”

The phrase “We’re all in this together,” has never been more true than with the Fort Lauderdale WE Insure team.

“While our move to Wilton Manors was during challenging times, we knew that our staff was also our family.

When things got tough we stuck it out together,” Alejandro reflected.

“This allowed us to keep all of our employees while still growing our business by taking on a new sales associate to further serve the needs of our clients. We are very proud of what we accomplished together as a team. We work hard to treat our clients the way we would want to be treated, with honesty, trust and respect.”

You can learn more about how the WE Insure Group team can work for you by checking out their website, www.WeInsureFtLaud.com, call them at (954) 903-7529, or pop into their new office at 1428 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors, FL 33305.

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BBB TIPS

GETTING THE BEST ROOF FOR YOUR HOME

By Rod Davis BBB serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean

I

n Florida our roofs take a pounding. Rain, wind, and heat combine to make selecting the best roofing option and the best company an important decision for every homeowner and business owner. I spent some time with Louis Toledo, the CEO of T & S Roofing, to get some answers that will help you make a good decision about your roof.

Rod Davis: Louis, what are the different types of roofing options available to Florida homeowners (e.g. tile, shingle, metal)?

Louis Toledo: Tile, shingle, and metal on sloped roofs, and asphaltic, thermoplastic, and coatings on flat roofs.

RD

What are the benefits of each type of roofing available in Florida and how do they compare for cost, longevity, and maintenance?

LT

On sloped roofs, shingles are the most affordable. The cost of a metal roof is slightly higher than a tile roof and there is much debate on which is better. Although they both have pros and cons, we recommend selecting the style that best matches the architecture of the home.

RD

If I have a certain style roof, does it impact the type of roof you recommend (e.g. a roof with several dormers or peaks)?

LT

The type of roof that best matches depends on the architectural features of the home. A good rule of thumb is if the windows have a square border, then metal or a flat tile will be the best fit. If there are arches or round borders around the windows, then a round tile will match best. Also, if the house has columns on the front entry, squared columns best match with metal or flat tile, and round columns best OutClique.com | 45

match round tiles.

RD

If I am thinking about getting a new roof, are there other upkeep items I should consider at the same time?

LT

Most roofing contractors will complete the project with a “rough finish.” This means you will need a painter to follow for touch ups or a complete paint job on wall areas and chimneys. Also, a handyman will be needed to hang any wires or accessories that were removed in order to perform the roof work.

RD

What is the biggest mistake that you see Florida homeowners make when putting on a new roof?

LT

The biggest and most costly mistake that we see homeowners make is not confirming who is the qualifier of the company. The qualifier is the individual who is licensed with the State of Florida, and it is required by law for the qualifier to be an owner of the company. The qualifier is also the person whose name will be on the roofing permit. It is illegal for an unlicensed roofing company to pay for a qualifier to obtain the permit on behalf of the company, and it is a

practice that we see too often. Many times this results in the homeowner having no recourse if the roofing company fails to meet its obligations with the owner.

RD

Are there any roofing products or solutions that are better for keeping a home cool during our Florida summers?

LT

Attic insulation is the best option if the home has an attic. If there is no attic or there’s only a small crawl space, roofing insulation can be installed for an extra cost at the time the roof is being installed.

Attic insulation and roofing insulation not only keep the home cool in the summer, but also warm in the winter, and it reduces noise coming from outside of the home.

RD

Any final suggestion to help consumers make a smart decision when picking a product and

a roofer?

LT

Consider a company’s years in business, reviews online from real customers, and most importantly, follow your intuition. Trust and confidence should be the greatest measure when selecting the company. Always get at least three quotes and be wary of quotes below 10% of the average price.

BBB always recommends that you look at your neighbors experience by visiting www.BBB.org/Self to find a quality roofer. BBB makes it easy to get three quotes from BBB Accredited Businesses so you get the best value for your hard earned dollars.

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DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP ASPIRING. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

Watch Dimitri’s story at BIKTARVY.com

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds.

It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:

(bik-TAR-vee)

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “teacolored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.

 Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

 Changes in your immune system.

Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. Continued on next page.

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings, continued on the next page and at BIKTARVY.com.

REAL

BIKTARVY

PAT I E N T S

ZACH

D’EVA

HUGO

CHAD

NIKKI

DIMITRI

Meet a few of the extraordinary people who take BIKTARVY.

Watch their stories at BIKTARVY.com Featured patients compensated by Gilead.

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® (CONTINUED) BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

 BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:

 This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

 Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

 Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5

Please see Important Facts, including important warnings above and at BIKTARVY.com.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2020 © 2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0247 05/20

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CHOOSING RESILIENCE IN ENDING THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC THIS WORLD AIDS DAY, SEEK TESTING, PREVENTIVE CARE, AND TREATMENT (Images and Content Courtesy of Care Resource)

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ecember 1 is World AIDS Day and the theme for the 2020 observance is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact.”

Care Resource remains committed to ending the HIV epidemic through prevention, testing, and treatment, and continues to work toward the national and collective effort of ending HIV. The health center realizes that although HIV may not be in the headlines right now, the epidemic is far from over.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Care Resource served as a lifeline for those seeking consistent and quality HIV/AIDS healthcare, as well as general care, while addressing the specific challenges of the pandemic.

The health center continued to provide access to HIV/AIDS prevention methods, including PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) and PEP (postexposure prophylaxis). Additionally, Care Resource implemented specific hotlines so individuals could directly connect with navigators to discuss their next steps. When needed, patients received emergency transportation to the health center via Uber Health.

Care Resource also established an at-home HIV testing program open to residents of Broward and Miami-Dade counties, in collaboration with local county health departments. Through this program, individuals could opt to receive their HIV testing kit at home and access a full counseling and testing session virtually.

To support community members in the case of a reactive result, testing clients had the opportunity to access behavioral health services via telehealth. Care Resource’s compassionate and supportive team of counselors, linkage coordinators, and medical providers created a solid network for individuals who tested, providing essential access to a myriad of no-cost health screenings and quality linkage to care.

These tools enable Care Resource to remain on the front line against COVID-19 and HIV/AIDS, prioritize wellness, and ensure access to essential care.

This World AIDS Day, we encourage our community members to remain resilient, get tested for HIV, know their status, and reach out to Care Resource for HIV prevention, treatment, and educational services.

Scan the QR code for more information and delivery options for a no-cost at-home HIV test kit.

About Care Resource Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. For more information visit www.CareResource.org.

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FOOD INSECURITY IN PALM BEACH COUNTY

FROM THE DESK OF PALM BEACH COUNTY VICE MAYOR WEINROTH

Article and Images Courtesy of Palm Beach County Commission

F

ood insecurity is part of the daily life for 20% of Palm Beach County residents. Helping these individuals and families is a daunting task necessitating a long-term comprehensive plan. This is an issue we cannot afford to ignore and a war we cannot lose.

Back in 2015, Palm Beach County, in partnership with the United Way of Palm Beach County, launched a comprehensive Hunger Relief Plan. It established a strategy for a comprehensive campaign to raise awareness of the extent of hunger in our community.

Coordination and collaboration are keys for the success of the Hunger Relief Plan. Prior to the pandemic, progress was being made. The number of food insecure individuals in the county had fallen from 200,000 residents (including 64,000 children) in 2015 to 184,000 residents (including 53,000 children) in 2019.

Nobody was taking a victory lap over these numbers, but it was clear the initiatives were fruitful.

One of the goals of the Hunger Relief Plan has been to provide all children in Palm Beach County with access to the nutritious food they need to build healthy bodies and strong minds. The childhood hunger working group focused on three areas: after-school meals, summer break spots, and weekend backpacks. Another goal of the Hunger Relief Plan has been to ensure low-income older county residents have balanced nutritional diets.

A five-year plan to end senior hunger, “Senior Hunger Solutions,” was developed. Its key elements included SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the expansion of congregate and home-delivered meals.

The pandemic has resulted in the most vulnerable in our community, living close to the edge, with savings depleted, bills accumulating, and no means to afford the cost of housing and nutrition. Many of these at-risk individuals are the working poor, who are struggling to stay above water, but now find themselves pushed into

a financial abyss. The county and its many nonprofit partners have redoubled their effort to mitigate the misery endured by over 300,000 of our residents. Along with the Palm Beach County Food Bank, Farmshare, and Feeding South Florida, the county continues to deploy resources. The county received $263 million in CARES Act Recovery funds from the federal government. Of that, over $32 million has been budgeted for emergency food distribution (food distribution exceeding normal base expenses and community food programs identified in the county’s emergency feeding program).

Just a reminder that the county’s mask mandate remains in place, and everyone is encouraged to remain vigilant with social distancing, avoid large crowds, and use proper sanitization measures such as handwashing.

Please contact my office if you need assistance at (561) 276-1220 or email me at RWeinroth@PBCgov.org.

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HIV ADVOCACY = SWEEPING LEGISLATION CHANGE IN NEPAL

By Julie Pascault (Courtesy of AHF) Photos Courtesy of AHF

C

ombined efforts of many partners across several years of committed work has resulted in a massive advocacy success for people living with HIV (PLHIV) in Nepal – with HIV finally being recognized as a chronic disease in the country. That historic change allows PLHIV and up to four family members to be covered under insurance plans provided by the government.

Private life insurance companies have also begun offering policies to PLHIV, something that was unheard of prior to recent advocacy efforts.

The addition of PLHIV into government-paid health insurance plans was solidified following two national conferences in 2018 and 2019 which were organized by AHF Nepal, the National Association of PLHIV in Nepal (NAP+N), and other partners.

Key parliamentarians and insurance officials were presented with real-life profiles of PLHIV and how access to equitable health services allows them to be productive members of their communities and lead fulfilling, healthy lives.

“These conferences brought to light the hardships, both economic and health-related, that [PLHIV] face on a daily basis when they aren’t considered equal in the eyes of society,” said Deepak Dhungel, Country Program Manager for AHF Nepal. “With the government recognizing that HIV is a chronic yet

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HIV advocates speak at the 2018 conference in support of health insurance for PLHIV

treatable and preventable disease, they have gone a long way towards destigmatizing HIV and putting [PLHIV] on the right path towards successful and healthy futures.”

Longtime HIV advocate and NAP+N President Rajesh Didiya was diagnosed with HIV in 2003 and presented himself as a living example at the conferences. “This campaign has shown that when government and civil society work together, we can achieve great things that save lives,” said Didiya. “The signing of a memorandum of understanding between NAP+N and a key life insurance company is a step in the right direction towards added protections for [PLHIV], but we will continue our advocacy – much still remains to be accomplished.”

HOW ARK OF FREEDOM ALLIANCE IS COMBATING

THE SEX TRAFFICKING OF LGBTQ+ YOUTH

By Nathan Earl & Stephen Ferrante

E

very year, youth and adults are compelled into sex trafficking across South Florida. While anyone can be exploited, traffickers regularly target young people who lack strong support networks, are financially burdened, have experienced violence in the past, or who are marginalized by society. Without meaningful community support, young people who identify as LGBTQ+ may be at particular risk for sexual exploitation and/or trafficking. Youth not identifying as LGBTQ+, or straight/heterosexual, are also sexually exploited and trafficked.

Sex traffickers use violence, threats, lies, and other forms of coercion to compel individuals to engage in sexual activities against their will or because they lack other options. Some examples of sexual activities include posing for nude images or video, intercourse (anal, oral, and vaginal), dancing, and stripping. Some victims become romantically involved with someone who then forces or manipulates them into sex work.

Some are controlled or coerced once under the influence of illicit drugs, like crystal meth. Others are lured in with false promises of a job, such as modeling or dancing. Some are forced to sell or trade sex by family members, while other are kicked out by their families, placing them in stressful financial situations in which they must trade shelter, drugs, hormones, food, and other things of value to survive.

Ark of Freedom Alliance (AFA) is a federally-funded 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to prevent violence and exploitation by utilizing a public

health approach to co-create equitable, inclusive, and empowered communities. We do this through advocacy, community mobilization, and the coordinated delivery of evidence-based education, intervention, and survivor-care. As a survivor-led human rights and services organization, AFA is particularly focused on historically underserved male-identifying young adults, including black, brown, and Native American LGBTQ+ individuals who are at risk of human trafficking because of homelessness, substance misuse, mental health challenges, unresolved trauma, family dysfunction, and criminal justice involvement.

AFA offers professional training, conducts outreach, and provides comprehensive case management and direct assistance with unmet basic needs; connection with health and behavioral health care; advocacy for victims’ services and rights; educational, employment, and other income related linkages; family reunification; and peer support.

Visit www.AOfAlliance.org to learn more about human trafficking and the many ways you can support AFA prevent the exploitation of LGBTQ+ youth. To report suspected cases of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at (888) 373-7888. To make a local referral or to coordinate an organizational training on human trafficking, call (954) 778-2871.

Please consider AFA when selecting an impactful organization to benefit from your holiday, end-of-year charitable giving (CH52787, EIN: 82-2572698).

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ARK OF FREEDOM ALLIANCE AND PROJECT GOLD ALIGN TO EXPAND HUMAN TRAFFICKING SERVICES TO LGBTQ+ YOUTH

By Nathan Earl & Stephen Ferrante

K

risti House, in partnership with Ark of Freedom Alliance (AFA), was awarded a major three year grant from the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families.

Kristi House’s program for sex trafficked girls, Project GOLD, will partner with AFA to expand services to males, LGBTQ+ individuals, and labor trafficking survivors in this new initiative, called Project TEAM (Trafficking & Exploitation Advancing the Movement).

Established in 2018, AFA is a nonprofit organization addressing violence and exploitation, as well as sex and labor trafficking in males and LGBTQ+ identifying youth and young adults. Their work involves outreach, case management, housing linkages, and community mobilization in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. AFA operates out of the FLITE Center of Broward County and Quest Workspaces Fort Lauderdale.

Kristi House operates Project GOLD, the first and longest-running program in Miami-Dade County, dedicated to child sex trafficking. The program is based at the Project GOLD Drop-In Center, the first such site in Florida developed exclusively for underage girls overcoming trafficking.

Together this partnership combines the means and expertise to expand and enhance services to young trafficking victims for whom services are currently scarce or highly limited. The goal is to provide the wraparound services needed to facilitate survivors’ stability

and resilience, and end their exploitation and trauma.

Domestic trafficking victims up to 24 years old will be served by Project TEAM. “This project, and our partnership with Ark of Freedom Alliance, will enable us to provide the much needed, specialized services to trafficked males and LGBTQ+ individuals in our community,” CEO Amanda Altman said.

“We are very excited to be forging on this path as we know of the tremendous needs of trafficking victims, particularly for these highly vulnerable populations.”

AFA’s CEO Nathan Earl expressed adding, “…awe and gratitude at this historic partnership between true counter-trafficking pioneers against some of the worst injustices that exist in the form of human slavery through labor and sexual exploitation. This alliance provides the resources needed to identify and assist historically underidentified male and LGBTQ+ victims.”

To learn more, please contact:

• • •

•

Call (954) 778-2871 FLITE Center of Broward County 5201 NW 33rd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Screening, referral, and intake Eric Hendrix, Project TEAM Case Manager, at Eric.Hendrix@AOfAlliance.org Aytia Tarpley, Project TEAM Survivor-Mentor, at Aytia. Tarpley@AOfAlliance.org Volunteering and financial support Nathan Earl, CEO, at Nathan.Earl@AOfAlliance.org OutClique.com | 67

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH LAUNCHES NEW MINISERIES

World Champion soccer player, Megan Rapinoe | Photo Courtesy of A&F Management Co.

Focused on Mental Health, Hosted by World Champion Soccer Player Megan Rapinoe (Provided Courtesy of Abercrombie & Fitch Co.)

A

bercrombie & Fitch (A&F), a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF), is proud to announce a new seven-part Instagram miniseries dedicated to mental health and wellness. Hosted by World Champion soccer player and activist Megan Rapinoe, the IGTV series will feature in-depth discussions with members of A&F’s 2020 “Fierce Family.” This initiative builds on “A&F Conversations,” an existing video series focused on honest conversations about social justice and other topics that are important to A&F’s customers, communities, and partners. The “A&F Conversations x Megan Rapinoe” miniseries will build on that by diving into topics like coming out, intersectionality, racial identity, trans rights, self-love, body acceptance, overcoming adversity, disability representation, and more.

The series was announced on A&F’s Instagram on Saturday, October 10, 2020, coinciding with World Mental Health Day. The first episode, which features Rapinoe and Olympic skier and LGBTQIA+ activist Gus Kenworthy sharing their stories of coming out, was subsequently released on National Coming Out Day. In the episode, Kenworthy details his mental health challenges and experiences as a gay man in the hypermasculine world of men’s sports.

“Through this series, we are incredibly proud to bring conversations about mental health to the forefront, as it is a topic that is extremely important to us and our customers,” said Carey Krug, SVP of Marketing at Abercrombie & Fitch. “These conversations explore the unique journey each member of our Fierce Family has

taken, while also highlighting unifying threads of selflove and acceptance, their remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, and their courage to share their stories in an effort to tackle the cultural stigma associated with mental health.”

The remaining six episodes were released throughout October and featured heartfelt conversations between Rapinoe and other members of A&F’s 2020 Fierce Family, including model and trans rights activist, Leyna Bloom; Paralympian and activist, Scout Bassett; former NFL player and poet, Ryan Russell; cowboy, community trailblazer, and founding member of the Compton Cowboys, Randy Savvy; model, singer, actor, and LGBTQIA+ activist, Laith Ashley; and influencer and self-love advocate, Halle Hathaway.

To view the A&F Conversations series, including the latest A&F Conversations x Megan Rapinoe episode, visit and follow A&F on Instagram at www.Instagram.com/Abercrombie. To learn more about A&F’s other campaigns and initiatives, visit www.Abercrombie.com/Shop/US/About-Us. About Abercrombie & Fitch Abercrombie & Fitch believes every day should feel as exceptional as the start of the long weekend. Since 1892, the brand has been a specialty retailer of quality apparel, accessories and fragrance – designed to inspire our global customers to feel confident, be comfortable and face their Fierce. Abercrombie & Fitch is the namesake brand of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF), and is sold through more than 300 stores (includes Abercrombie Kids) worldwide and www.Abercrombie.com globally.

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First Residents Move Into The Residences at Equality Park

Affordable Housing Community in Wilton Manors, FL

Photo credit: Behar Font & Partners, P.A.

The new 48-unit development represents Florida’s first affordable housing project with supportive services for LGBTQ+ seniors.

T

he first residents now have moved into The Residences at Equality Park. South Florida is witnessing the incredible realization of a multiyear process of community assessment and strategic planning coming to fruition. This residential community will provide permanent affordable housing and supportive services for senior adults living with disabling conditions, such as physical illnesses or disabilities due to complications from diseases including HIV/AIDS, with a special focus on members of the LGBTQ+ community.

This means one of South Florida’s most overlooked populations (aging members of the LGBTQ+ community) now will have a new affordable housing option in Broward County. The Pride Center at Equality Park (one of the nation’s largest nonprofit LGBTQ+ community centers) teamed up with Miami-based Carrfour Supportive Housing (Florida’s largest nonprofit affordable housing developer) to develop The Residences at Equality Park.

Located in the City of Wilton Manors at 2040 North Dixie Highway on The Pride Center’s Equality Park campus, The Residences represents Florida’s very first affordable housing community with customized support services for LGBTQ+ seniors.

Groundbreaking on this exciting project took place in

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the summer of 2019, and construction progressed quickly over the following year. As development neared completion, The Pride Center and Carrfour Supportive Housing hosted a virtual lottery drawing in July of 2020 with Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich and Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Tom Green to select applicants from the more than 1,500 applications received from individuals eager to live at The Residences at Equality Park.

“Throughout construction, there wasn’t a week that went by when I didn’t receive multiple phone calls from community members wanting to know how they could become a resident,” said Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center. “The Pride Center started this journey eight years ago. The Residences at Equality Park is the culmination of an intense, exciting journey where we’re responding to direct, community-requested, prioritized need. We have the opportunity to help meet this great need of affordable housing for our Active Agers. Our work will decrease isolation, promote aging in place, and increase the overall quality of life for LGBTQ+ older adults in South Florida. We have many reasons to celebrate.”

Nearly half of LGBTQ+ seniors in the United States live with a disabling condition, according to the Institute for Multigenerational Health. According to both SAGE USA

For the passionate staff, board, and volunteers of The Pride Center at Equality Park, this powerful and inspiring milestone of residents moving in brings new meaning to the mission of providing a welcoming, safe space; an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures, and empowers the LGBTQ+ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida. More than ever, there is an incredible need for affordable housing in South Florida and The Pride Center is humbled to have witnessed the transformation of its campus as their capacity to positively impact the lives of the community continues to evolve and grow.

Photo credit: Behar Font & Partners, P.A.

Situated on The Pride Center’s five-acre Equality Park campus, the four-story apartment building will offer amenities such as a fitness center, library, computer room, and community room. The Residences, coupled with The Pride Center’s growing seniors programming – one of the largest LGBTQ+ seniors’ programs nationwide – will give residents a permanent, safe place to live and customized, culturally proficient support services they need to age in place.

Photo credit: The Pride Center

The Residences at Equality Park includes 48 units ranging in size from studios to two-bedroom apartments – 34 of which are set aside as permanent supportive housing for low-income seniors ages 55+ with a disabling condition who need on-site supportive services in order to maintain their housing. 43 units were available to residents earning 60% or less of Broward County’s Area Median Income (AMI) – which would equate to a maximum annual income of about $35,400 per year for a one-person household, and about $40,400 per year for a two-person household. The remaining five units were available to those earning 33% or less of the AMI – which would equate to a maximum annual income of about $17,700 per year for a one-person household, and about $20,200 per year for a two-person household.

Photo credit: The Pride Center

and The Equal Rights Center, older LGBTQ+ adults in particular face a variety of unique challenges in securing housing with higher rates of discrimination, bias, and sometimes even hostile treatment from landlords as well as fellow tenants.

About Carrfour Supportive Housing Carrfour Supportive Housing is a nonprofit organization established in 1993 by the Homeless Committee of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce.

Carrfour develops, operates, and manages innovative housing communities for individuals and families in need through a unique approach combining affordable housing with comprehensive, on-site supportive services. As the leading not-for-profit provider of supportive housing in Florida, Carrfour has supplied homes for more than 10,000 formerly homeless men, women, and children since its founding. Learn more at www.Carrfour.org.

About The Pride Center The Pride Center at Equality Park celebrated 27 years of service in 2020. Our mission is: “We provide a welcoming, safe space – an inclusive home – that celebrates, nurtures, and empowers the LGBTQ+ communities and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” Learn more at www.PrideCenterFlorida.org.

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Oakland Park Fire Rescue Promotes City’s First Female Battalion Chief

Monica Maldonado

(Content and Images Courtesy of City of Oakland Park)

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akland Park Fire Rescue Chief Stephen Krivjanik proudly announces the recent promotion of Monica Maldonado, the City’s first female Captain to Battalion Chief.

Battalion Chief Monica Maldonado (Haitian/Lebanese and Puerto Rican) began her career with the Oakland Park Fire Department in 2006. She rose in the ranks as Rescue Supervisor, Lieutenant, EMS & Professional Development Captain (Oakland Park Fire Rescue’s First Female Captain), and now Battalion Chief.

Chief Maldonado’s new badge was officially pinned to her uniform by her father with her family on hand for the promotional ceremony.

Her achievements also include a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Barry University and acceptance in their Master’s Program (first in her family to receive a college education). She is certified as both Fire Officer II and Fire Instructor II, and she is a Live Fire Instructor, ALS, and BLS Instructor, and a member of the faculty at Broward Fire Academy.

The American Red Cross awarded Chief Maldonado its National Humanitarian Award for her relief efforts to the

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Florida Keys and Bahamas after Hurricane Irma in 2017.

“I am incredibly proud of the achievements of Battalion Chief Maldonado and Chief Krivjanik’s commitment to equality and diversity among his rank and file,” said City Manager David Hebert. “Taking a moment to celebrate true accomplishments and achievement is something we long for.”

“Congratulations to the City of Oakland Park to ensure you have diversity and inclusion in your Fire Department,” added Broward County Mayor Dale Holness.

Broward County Commissioner Lamar Fisher attended the ceremony and remarked he was “honored to be able to witness history.”

Representatives from the cities of Fort Lauderdale and Margate were also in attendance.

According to “Women in Fire,” approximately 6,200 women currently work as full-time firefighters and officers in the United States. Several hundred hold the rank of lieutenant or captain, and only about 150 are district chiefs, battalion chiefs, division chiefs, or assistant chiefs.

THE LEGEND: SANDY “MAMA” REINHARDT

By Cory David, Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors 2020 / 2021

W

ith this holiday season, I’d like to showcase an amazing person whose focus is in giving to others. Sandy “Mama” Reinhardt has been a pillar of the leather community for decades. Mama’s family was created over cocktails at Phoenix, a bar in the Castro. Robert Sastini and Ernestine, a popular drag persona, were the first to call her Mama.

Photo credit: Sabino Paulicelli Photography

There a legacy was unleashed, with thousands that have received Mama’s family pins. Her philanthropic drive and passion for her community influenced the family to do the same and acknowledge those individuals that stand out with passion for their charity and a positive attitude in their contributions.

Those that align with her mission and platform “do it from the heart, with manners and respect.” These attributes put you in Mama’s radar for the distinguished pinning.

The phrase “they should be Mama’s” became synonymous with those showing these outstanding attributes, identified by a family member. A name would be agreed to and presented in a pinning ceremony. Since the beginning, Mama’s family has grown to almost 3,000 family members strong with over 200 members that include title holders, politicians, and famous writers, including the best groups of the leather and fetish LGBTQ+ community.

Mama has received international recognition, awards, and honors of distinction for her work. Her philanthropic leadership has influenced our community to always drive forward, never give up, and demand a better world.

She has judged well over 150 contests, including the inaugural Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors 2020, where I finally had the honor of meeting the legend herself; I was inspired. Mama’s love, passion, and joy of life shines deep from her energetic spirit.

On night one, as a contestant, and with points to capture from raffle ticket sales, I made my way to Mama, tickets and a Jägermeister shot in hand, and only my baby blues and passion of our community to share. She greeted me with a hug and said, “Thank you, honey Cory. Now let Mama get another shot for you.” I responded, “No drinking; rules.” She made it clear, saying, “Get Cory a shot. I am a judge and I want him to have a shot with me!” Well, I fell hard in love with Mama after that. Who wouldn’t?

Mama’s passion for her community is evident when 82 | OutClique.com

you meet her. Through individual fundraising and volunteerism, Mama’s family has been a part of raising over $2M annually. They’ve helped over 300 organizations with proceeds for their causes. Mama’s mission statement: “In leather, we are family. No one can do everything. Still everyone can do something.

Together, we can do anything!”

Toys for Tots is a holiday passion for her, but this pandemic year has depleted not-for-profit funding.

Please, let’s bring some joy to the children and assist Sandy Mama and her holiday charity.

“What can I do?” you might ask. If you are able, a $25+ Target gift card would go a long way! I have a donation box in the Eagle Wilton Manors store, or you can mail to: Eagle Wilton Manors, Attn: Mr. Eagle Cory David, 2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. Collection date is December 18, 2020 at the latest, so I can get the entire package mailed to her. Call me for any questions or to pick up local donations at (954) 873-4339.

Photo Courtesy of Marty Kiar’s office

2021 HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

A

ll qualified Florida residents are eligible to receive a Homestead Exemption on their homes, condominiums, co-op apartments, and certain mobile home lots. To qualify for Homestead Exemption, you must own and make the property your permanent residence on January 1 of the year for which you are applying for this valuable exemption. Pursuant to Florida law, all assessments and exemptions are based upon the status of the property on January 1. If you purchased and/or made the property your permanent residence in 2020 and have not applied for Homestead Exemption, you can apply for 2021 exemptions at any time – there is no need to wait until 2021 to file your exemption application with the Property Appraiser’s Office. You can easily apply online at https://Web.BCPA.net.

The timely deadline to file for all 2021 exemptions is March 1, 2021.

You must make the property your permanent residence by January 1, 2021 in order to qualify; however, you have until March 1 to timely file your application with the property appraiser’s office.

The late filing deadline for all 2021 exemptions is

September 20, 2021. For information about all the other exemptions available to qualified applicants, please visit the “Exemptions & Classifications” page on our website https://Web.BCPA.net/ BCPAClient/#/Homestead.

Once approved, your Homestead Exemption automatically renews each year provided there is no change in the ownership or use of the property. If you have already applied and been approved for Homestead Exemption at your current property, you do not need to reapply for this exemption. You will receive a Homestead Exemption renewal card next month to keep for your records.

If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact me directly at (954) 357-6904 or by email at MartyKiar@BCPA.net.

Take care, Marty Kiar, CFA

Marty Kiar is the Broward County Property Appraiser and longtime advocate for LGBTQ equality.

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office is located at 115 S Andrews Avenue, Room # 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Follow our office at: facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA 84 | OutClique.com

Come Home for Christmas!

United Church of Christ

Fort Lauderdale

Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDIV. Pastor

2501 NE 30 Street Fort Lauderdale FL 33306 www.uccftl.org • info@uccftl.org www.facebook.com/uccftl 954-563-4271

David C. Dunlap Director of Music

Christmas Eve

Thursday, December 24, 8:00 pm Candlelight service with carols NOTE: In these difficult times with Covid-19, we are observant of all safety guidelines. At this printing, we are planning on a Christmas Eve service, but please refer to our website — www.uccftl.org — for any updates.

HOLIDAY CHEER

By Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.

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s a pastor of a local mainstream Christian church, I will share with you where I go when I want to learn more about and experience hospitality, generosity, and love. I find these three beautiful and divine gifts when I read the Bible. I find all three also in our congregation. I experience them in our church’s outreach ministries. And, I also I find these three divine gifts at the gay bars in Wilton Manors: radical hospitality, generosity, and love! Yes, hospitality, generosity, and love in a gay bar! The gay bars in our community set the example from which most churches throughout our world could learn!

One of the most memorable examples came out of the COVID-19 crisis. Once a week, in the parking lot in front of Hunters Nightclub, boxes of food were given out to those who were hungry. Everyone from the community was welcome. There was no discrimination according to sexual orientation and hospitality was extended to all. No judgment was made. Everyone who attended received a generous, full box of food in abundant supply.

And the best part of all, each person who attended were received and treated with compassion and love. If only churches could be so generous. If grace could only flow so freely through all churches and communities of faith.

Our world would be a better place!

Another “church of a different kind” on Wilton Drive is The Pub Wilton Manors. They host many of the events of the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida (ISCOAF) which is a non-profit whose mission is to help LGBTQ+ youth, women, animal rights/rescue organizations, and others. Each year in the past, The Pub has hosted an annual Thanksgiving meal where everyone is welcome and there is no cost for the meal. It is a way to ensure that everyone receives a holiday meal and an event for the bar owners and staff to express their gratitude and love for our community. Before COVID-19, The Pub was known for their monthly Gospel Jubilee drag shows and would be standing room only for the monthly Sunday night church(ish) service! I loved going there and singing my favorite hymns and look forward to the

Gospel Jubiliee’s return. And even after the pandemic struck our nation and so many places were limited to opening, The Pub donated a significant portion of their restaurant revenue to financially support their dedicated staff and employees. Again, a place filled with hospitality, generosity, and love.

Scandals Saloon has also been known in the past for their complimentary Thanksgiving meal. Many people who I know would annually go to their biological relatives homes for the obligatory Thanksgiving meal, but then would venture to Scandals immediately afterwards because there they would experience with no judgment the gifts of hospitality, generosity, and love. The gay bar is a place where they could be and feel comfortable, be themselves, relax, and have a great time!

Every year, Smarty Pants Bar donates 10-12 turkeys to our church’s Ruth Ministry program, which provides meals for people who are hungry. Even in this time of COVID-19, after their bar had been closed for months (and finally reopened) they continued their commitment to those in our community who are less fortunate. What an incredible example of loving your neighbor!

I am grateful for our gay bars in Wilton Manors. They are places that continue to teach me the importance of what church should be. Happy Holidays to you and may your life be FILLED with hospitality, generosity, and LOVE!

Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv. – Community Activist and Senior Pastor at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale Photo Courtesy of Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.

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FINDING NEW MEANING IN THE HOLIDAYS IN 2020

By Fr. Rich Vitale

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This season is nothing if not a holiday disrupted, but we also know that positive change and growth often come on the back of such disruptions. Perhaps this is a chance for us to find new meaning in a too-often-rote tradition. For me, I view this as an opportunity to go back to the source material of this most magical time of the year and see what it has to say.

For Christians we are all familiar with the tale of Mary and Joseph, who traveled 90 miles on the back of a donkey to Bethlehem in Judea for a census, the child Jesus growing in the womb of The Blessed Mother. The Christ Child is born in a stable and lain in a manger, when there was no available room at the inn, even for a pregnant mother. Three Magi come from the east to honor The Child as Priest, Prophet, and King, but leave in the knowledge that cruel King Herod, the regional ruler appointed by Caesar Augustus, wishes the child dead.

The story of Chanukah has a similar tone and feel to it.

The Greek Empire has conquered and profaned the Temple of God. They’ve constructed an altar to Zeus and are sacrificing pigs there, an animal the Hebrews consider unclean and an affront. The valiant Maccabees cast out the invaders and restore the Temple, and a single day’s worth of all important Menorah oil miraculously lasts for

Photo Courtesy of DuHon Photography

he holiday season is upon us, but much to our disappointment, COVID-19 remains an unwanted party guest as a year steeped in trauma begins its concluding chapter. While my heart has managed to find some measure of holiday cheer, the joy is tempered by the various woes of our day. Our traditions are upended, travel plans cancelled, and the holiday might be a little leaner as we contend with continued financial hardships. Many of us are questioning whether or not we should gather with family and friends, and if we do get together with those we love, those encounters come with a certain level of uneasiness and guilt, with conversations centering around the pandemic, politics, and the litany of other tragedies the year has brought.

8 nights until a new reserve can be found.

When these stories are retold today, they often have a very happy, pastoral, and joyful tone to them. We imagine children in their little bathrobes and pillowcase cowls playing the parts, with smiling sheep looking on.

But, if we really stop and think about it, the stories are anything but blissful. They are stories about overcoming oppression, poverty, inhospitality, brutishness, and danger. Rings a bell, doesn’t it?

As such, I’m choosing this year to add a new facet to the spirit of the season, namely bravery. Surviving 2020 has not been for the faint of heart, just like the events of the stories we commemorate. Our heroes were above all else brave in the face of extraordinary adversity, trusting in the beauty of their cause.

So, let us remember that all along this was never meant to be a season of unhinged consumerism, but of poverty of spirit. It was not meant to be a season of royal feasts, but of humble celebration. It was meant to be a time of joy, but only in as much as that joy came from within and above, not because of perfect circumstances or the certainty of a secure future. So this year, let it be a time of bravery as we work together to overcome the relentlessly unfair circumstances of a less than banner year.

Fr. Rich Vitale is the Associate Pastor of Community Outreach of Holy Angels National Catholic Church.

He lives in Wilton Manors with his husband Sean, and his Cat, Miss Kitty.

Follow Rich at www.Facebook.com/Richard.Vitale1 and www.Instagram.com/AModernSpirit.

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POPE FRANCIS ENDORSES SAME-SEX UNIONS

By Fr. Jamie Forsythe

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hat was the big news that shook the Catholic world. As you would expect, it was met with enthusiasm from some and cries of heresy from others. Either the Church is moving forward into a broader understanding of God’s love, or it is turning away from God and being led by the Prince of the World.

But in reality, it is neither new news nor really good news.

In 2010 when Francis was the Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Francis advocated for civil unions. In a 2014 interview, he explained that states “want to justify civil unions to regulate different situations of coexistence, driven by the need to regulate economic aspects between people, such as ensuring healthcare. These are coexistence agreements of various kinds, of which I cannot list the different forms.” So, Francis’ recognition is not new for him, but it is the first time that a pope has supported the need for civil unions for same-sex couples, so that is good.

“Homosexual people have the right to be in a family. They are children of God and have a right to a family. Nobody should be thrown out or be made miserable over it. What we have to have is a civil union law – that way they are legally covered. I supported that.” While Francis stated that this is good news, the motive behind the sentiment is not. Francis sees supporting civil unions as a means to preserve the sanctity of marriage as between a man and a woman. Francis supports same-sex unions as a

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means to deny same-sex marriage. While on a state level the two may be similar, in the church world they are drastically different.

For the Church, marriage is a sacrament, instituted

by Christ to instill grace. In Roman Catholic theology, Jesus becomes intimately involved in the union of the married partners. There is a special grace and presence bestowed by the sacrament. A civil union does not, in the view of the Church, bestow that sacramental presence.

While the state recognizes the union, God does not.

In the National Catholic Church of North America, of which Holy Angels is the mother church, we have held for over 10 years that the union of any two Christian persons is a sacrament. We believe that Jesus desires, and is, a part of that union. We believe that God blesses the couple and promises them special graces so that they may grow deeper together in the bond of love, the bonds of God’s love.

The statement by Francis is indeed a major step forward from the Roman Church. Let us hope and pray that it is the first step of our journey to a fuller understanding of God’s love over Dogma!

May God’s richest blessings be yours, may the Holy Angels watch over and protect you.

Fr. Jamie and Holy Angels

RELATIONSHIPS AND WHAT’S UNDERNEATH

Photogrpher: Julien LB

By On Mekahel

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here is the passion? How are we supposed to keep the spark alive? Both are questions that are thought about infinitely more than they are spoken out loud to our partner or others. This is a problem in and of itself as it’s impossible to nurture something if we aren’t taught that it needs nurturing. With few long term relationships (LTRs) under our personal belts, both individually and collectively as a couple, is something that we have talked about since day one of our relationship. The fact is that the chemically induced honeymoon will end, and we will just be left with us and who we really are. Depending on how one approaches that statement, it can be a less than pleasant one.

Instead, the exact opposite occurs. You no longer find him or her attractive, because this person is not just an extension of you, but rather, a true, safe punching bag of a family member. Not this exotic, mysterious, alluring creature that you can’t keep your hands off of who doesn’t need you, but instead wants you and chooses you. So, what changed? The inability to see your partner as the complete and utter individual that you first met.

It opened up a line of communication based not just in reality, but also on vulnerability. We were two people saying, “Hey, we might feel like this isn’t enough, but let’s talk about how it can be.” In other words, when this stops being exciting, just because, we are going to have to put that work in. Laying the trackwork for open communication is essential so that communication can grow organically with the issues at hand in the relationship. Outside of honest dialogue also lies the necessity to see your partner for the individual they truly are. One word – autonomy – can be such a sexy word. Everyone deserves it and we all need it, but that’s not always the case. So often, we find ourselves inside of our relationships with the constant expectation that our partners should agree with us or at least bend for the sake of compromise. This in turn (more than most of us have) creates what can become a suffocating, overwhelming, and unhealthy pattern of codependency, which does nothing to help you have more orgasms with your mate.

In our relationship, On is Dave’s European delight. The fantasy that Dave inserts into the mix is a re-tracing of the mental pathways, placing the idea of On back into the frame of reference from Dave’s most personal sexual fantasies. When it comes to On, Dave fulfills his rough and tumble, corn-fed American dream. These sorts of feelings that propel everyone’s lust and desire aren’t so easily found when your frame of reference for your “bae” lies within the home you share. Step outside that mental box and reposition it, both literally and figuratively.

Time travel is key here. Those erotic feelings coupled with hair raising excitement, and just a dash of fear to arouse the senses, are all things that your partner handled for you at one time.

Honor the individual in front of you and start sharing.

Ask questions. The beauty of a LTR is that you have the time to practice and figure out every minute, every angle of your sex. Despite this being a double edged sword, if both parties keep their expectation levels grounded and realize that a relationship is like a roller coaster, not a ski lift, then the fruits of the communication and mental labor behind the fantasy will truly turn that spark into fireworks!

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EQUALITY GARDEN CLUB DONATES TO

OAKLAND PARK’S STUNSON NATURE TRAIL PARADE OF ORCHIDS

Photos Courtesy of City of Oakland Park

From L to R: Carl Shearer, Marjory Meechan, Pat Ellison, Van Gosselin, Jon Albee, Linda Gordon, Mario Rios, Mayor Matt Sparks, Rich Ackerman, Commissioner Tim Longergan

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he Equality Garden Club (EGC) donated $1,000 to Oakland Park’s Stunson Nature Trail’s Parade of Orchids, as part of the Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden’s “The Million Orchid Project.” This project is to reintroduce millions of native orchids to South Florida’s urban landscapes. South Florida’s native orchids currently exist in such small numbers that they have little hope of recovering without programs such as Oakland Park’s Million Orchid Project (MOP). Fairchild is propagating millions of native orchids for reintroduction into South Florida’s urban landscapes. The new Micropropagation Laboratory at Fairchild will generate a limitless supply of young native orchid plants.

The City of Oakland Park has created this trail in appreciation for the many public servants, friends, medical professional, religious and civic leaders, and everyone who has been of service during these challenging times with this “Parade of Orchids” at Stunson Nature Trail. The City of Oakland Park would like to thank the Equality Garden Club for the generous donation to the “Parade of Orchids” at Stunson Nature Trail.

Members of the Equality Garden Club, Urban Farming Institute, Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society, Oakland Park’s Community Volunteer Corps, and City Commissioners were on hand for the ceremonial check presentation

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and the unveiling of a new informational kiosk that helps explain the significance of the Parade of Orchids and includes photos of some of the thousands of beautiful native orchids that volunteers have planted along the Stunson Nature Trail at Royal Palm Park.

“The Equality Garden Club is thrilled to be a part of the “Parade of Orchids” initiative, not only from a financial aspect, but as committed partners in seeing this successfully completed,” says Equality Garden Club Treasurer and Chairman of the club’s orchid project, Mario Rios. “Furthering our efforts to encourage environmental sustainability and beautify our communities, the EGC Board engaged in extensive review of Fairchild Botanical Garden’s [MOP] which plans to bring indigenous orchids back into Southeast Florida. We are pleased to be able to donate to this wonderful project in Oakland Park.”

“This project will create a beautiful and harmonious space of reflection,” added Oakland Park Mayor Matthew Sparks. “We envision the orchids as a stunning tribute to the first responders, medical professionals, and Oakland Park employees whose commitment to serving our community has never wavered.”

South Florida was once an orchid paradise, with a rich variety of tropical orchids growing naturally on the branches of every tree. In the late 1800s, as the Florida

East Coast Railroad extended southward, orchids were among the first natural resources to be exploited. Flowering orchids were ripped from the trees and packed into railroad cars, destined to be sold as disposable potted plants in northern flower shops. Orchid populations dwindled rapidly, and now our iconic native orchids exist in such small numbers that they have little hope of recovering on their own.

To learn more about the Parade of Orchids at Stunson Nature Trail and make a donation of one or more orchids, please go to www.OaklandParkFL.gov/626/ Parade-of-Orchids-at-Stunson-Nature-Trail. View photos of the ceremonial planting of the first 100 orchid plants at Stunson Nature Trail at https://bit. ly/OPStunsonOrchids. View MOP’s Outplanting Tutorial at www.YouTube.com/ FairchildChallenge.

About Equality Garden Club Equality Garden Club is a 501(c)3, non-profit garden club, based in Wilton Manors, Florida. The club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:00PM in the Wilton Manors Hagen Park Community Center, providing world-class speakers to educate and entertain the membership. Currently the Club is providing these as virtual meetings via Facebook Live and Zoom. Additionally the club sponsors the popular annual Tropical Plant Fair in March at Richardson Park, in Wilton Manors, along with The Green Initiative and by providing grants to local gardening related projects and organizations.

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WHAT MAKES US CLIQUE

CHARISMA ADORE Makeup Artist and Singer

Written and photographed by Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com Makeup: Charisma Adore and Hayley Meagher. Makeup Assistants: Liz Scott and CeCelia Baughn 96 | OutClique.com

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his series focuses on individuals who give to our community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Often it is through our personal adversities that we discover who we are and transform the challenges into strength.

Charisma Adore is a makeup artist and singer.

She has released five singles (some under the name Chris Dissario). In addition, Charisma has developed a dedicated following on social media for drag makeup. A teacher at Cosmix Makeup School of Artistry, Charisma is deeply engaged with developing new talent and nurturing open minds and hearts.

Andy Armano: I know you are a drag artist, makeup artist, and singer. Which came first?

Charisma Adore: Singing. As a kid, I have a vivid memory of being 12 years old watching American Idol. There was a moment when a contestant named Diana DeGarmo was performing her very last solo song before they announced the winner.

All of a sudden there was this eruption energy and power from her that surged through me. And in that moment, I remember I looked at my dad and said, “I want to be a singer, and I want to do this for the rest of my life.” So, then from there I started singing as much as I possibly could to anyone who would listen.

AA CA

Was your family supportive?

My dad was. He raised me right, and he showed me what love is and how to love someone else. He was a great guy. He was my best friend growing up.

AA

How has your drag helped you evolve creatively? What did you find out about yourself?

CA

Drag transformed my performing. I’ll be very honest, for a long time I didn’t want to do it because I wanted to be taken seriously as an artist. I thought to myself, “No one’s ever going to take me seriously if I do drag.” But, one day I was asked to do the Pink Nail Society event at Georgie’s Alibi to raise money for prostate cancer by my friend, Steven. I had lost my dad to prostate cancer, so it came to me – it felt like my dad was telling me, “Hey, it’s time to get into it.” It was almost like the universe was telling me something and I needed to listen. So, I decided to listen.

AA CA

How was that first drag performance received?

The reaction was so powerful. As I sang live in drag, it ignited something in me. I had that same feeling that I had when I had first watched Diana DeGarmo sing. From that day, I decided to really hone my craft and I decided to go to school for makeup. I now get to teach drag makeup, which is really exciting.

AA CA

What did you find out about yourself as a person when you began drag?

Drag, for me, was very game changing because I’m not a very confident person in general, but when I put on drag I feel like it’s like armor. It feels like when a superhero puts on the cape and mask; they feel that strength and that power. That’s exactly how I feel. I feel like when I’m in drag no one can push me down.

AA

We all know social media drives the celebrity engine now, and we know beauty is huge on those platforms. When did you start developing your following on social media?

CA

My following did not start immediately for me. It wasn’t until earlier this year OutClique.com | 97

that I went on an app called Likee that I started actually getting significant attention. The very first day that I went on the app, I went live in full drag as Charisma, and I was singing for them. I got 59,000 likes on that day. And, I have been building it ever since. Currently, I have about 35,000 fans on the app that are constantly watching me. I have, I think, a little over a million views on the app as well, which is exciting.

AA

I know you and I have talked about what you get out of teaching at Cosmix. You are such a generous, giving spirit. Tell me a little about that.

CA

It’s so funny how teaching started because I wasn’t sure that I would like teaching, actually.

But, I wanted to give it a shot. I had done little things here or there with teaching voice lessons. After I graduated from Cosmix Makeup School of Artistry, I had just randomly asked them one day, because we had chatted in the past about it, about me bringing a drag class; [nothing] official. Then after I graduated, I went to the CEO, Kathleen. I just asked her one day, “You know what? Remember we had chatted about a drag class. Would you be interested? She said, “Yeah.”

We decided to do a trial run and see what would happen. We did the first class, which was only one day. All of a sudden it was just such a major success, but it wasn’t right away that I thought I was going to end up loving it. Now, I’ve gotten to the point where

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I’m absolutely in love with teaching them because these kids really, really want to learn. They really want to understand and be great at the craft.

I think that the one thing that I bring to them, as one of my students, Sam, told me the other day that she really appreciates that I am my authentic self in front of them because when we’re doing class I’ll sing and dance.

I just genuinely try to give them a very fun and unique experience when they’re with me. I feel like everyone learns so differently. Sometimes you just need a little bit of a reality check. You need a bit of calmness and comfort while you’re learning because it allows you to really excel. They did that. My last class that I just had did a photo shoot and everything. I was completely blown away. They were absolutely wonderful.

AA

Wow. It’s such an amazing thing to learn to live as your authentic self, and then for you to be passing that experience on to other people is really laudable. Speaking of being your authentic self, sometimes that is a struggle.

CA

There’s a reason that I’m working this hard, and there’s a reason that I was given all of this ability and gifts. I really think that I could also bring other people through with me, if that makes any sense.

AA

Yes, it does. I really admire how you want to lift others up.

Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

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EMPOWERED GIRLS = BRIGHTER FUTURE!

By Julie Pascault (Content and Images Courtesy of AHF)

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here’s no better time than on International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) to honor girls by working to keep them healthy and help them succeed – and even amid COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, AHF country teams held virtual and socially-distanced live events where possible to support girls from around the globe!

presented officials with high priority issues affecting young women and girls, including adequate water and restroom facilities in schools, free sanitary pads, and the need for legislation to lower the age of consent to provide more girls with increased access to sexual and reproductive health services.

Three Girls Act members from the Abuja chapter

Elsewhere in Africa, girl leaders from a school in Malawi attended discussions on female empowerment and staying safe within their communities – the Girls Act team also created an impactful video that was shared throughout the country. Young women and girls in Sierra Leone took to the airwaves and relayed important messages as panelists and studio guests on the country’s flagship

AHF Nigeria staff and Girls Act members meet with parliament on pressing issues affecting young women and girls.

Girls Act peer leader Farida Omenge reiterates to members of parliament the tie between access to reusable sanitary pads and keeping girls in school.

AHF Nigeria kicked things off early for IDGC 2020 by organizing an advocacy session with parliament that resulted in a partnership with the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, TB, and Malaria Control.

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TV and radio programs – and in Uganda, a virtual session on gender-based violence against attracted 67 participants across five districts.

In Asia, multifaceted events organized with a partner in China consisted of highlighting HIV-positive girls and their fight to end stigma and discrimination, a lecture on HIV prevention for girls from a local school, and an event where medical staff presented girls with information on HIV. A local ART center was the site for an IDGC event with a partner in Nepal where girls received information on adherence to treatment and school supplies. And in Cambodia, girls attended workshops to create messages for key stakeholders on neglected issues related to health, education, stigma, and discrimination.

Exciting events were also held across Latin America and the Caribbean! In Haiti, more than 120 girls attended a lively debate moderated by an expert panel which was followed by a music concert and the creation of inspiring murals.

Workshops on empowerment, girls’ rights, and succeeding in the future were held in Argentina and the Dominican Republic, and teams with partners in Brazil and Jamaica highlighted strong girl ambassadors with touching advocacy messages via videos. And girls in Guatemala took to the virtual realm where they learned about their rights on sexual and reproductive health, including preventing HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies – as well as, staying safe from sexual violence and human trafficking.

Girls Act 2020 - Brasil (https://youtu.be/6KyNFyPhTxo)

Girls Act 2020 - Jamaica (Eve for Life) (https://youtu.be/HeNQe4YvsFE)

Girls Act 2020 - Malawi (https://youtu.be/d8shSxlFi2s)

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SPOIL ME, BABY!

By Eric Noel Roman

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he holiday season is upon us. It is time to be grateful for everything you have, and then it is time to show your loved ones how much you love them. There are many ways to express your affection.

You can buy gifts, cook a meal, or write a note (obviously there are tons of ways). However, there is one person that cannot be forgotten. This person requires the most attention of all.

Throughout the year we work hard on our lives. All of our time is spent learning new topics, or new hobbies in order to lead an interesting life with interesting people.

It is time consuming, tedious, and at times can cause us to feel down about our discoveries or abilities. Creating our personalities requires quite a bit of hard work. I try everyday to wake up and learn a new word, or try to see things presented to me from multiple perspectives.

There are times where I work hard to learn a new magic trick (or science trick) to show my friends and entertain them. I try my best to always bring forward a positive addition to my environment. There are occasions that I need to remove myself from my social creations to remind myself of something very important. These are

the times where I have lost focus on the most important person in my world. I have a tendency to get down on myself because I forget to nurture this relationship. This year, however, has been a bit different because of the isolation. I have spent quite a bit of time contemplating how to create happiness without groups of people. Then a light turns on in my head.

After so many times of cooking dinners for friends, going to social gatherings others have organized, changing my plans to accommodate a friend, or just buying a simple gift, I realized I have spent quite a bit of time and energy helping others. This year I plan on spoiling the one person who matters most. I already was thankful to have GREAT friends and family members. I spent time going out and socializing (responsibly, of course). I sacrificed enough for others. This holiday season is all about me.

As you wrap up your next gift, or seal your next envelope, remember that the next person to send something special to, is you. It could be anything; write a note, take yourself out to a special meal, a spa day, buy yourself a gift. Just take the time to make yourself smile.

Eric Noel Roman DJ, obstacle racer, motivational writer from North Miami Beach, living life one day at a time, and making a difference one person at a time.

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INDELIBLE ART AND TATTOO

By Denny Patterson

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ndelible Art and Tattoo, owned by husbands Richard and Antonio, is a premier tattoo studio and local art gallery that opened its doors on September 1, 2020 at 2416 Wilton Drive, next to Sidelines Sports Bar and across the street from Rosie’s. Offering free personal consultations and all styles of custom, high quality, innovative tattoos, Antonio has more than 20 years of experience with focus on the highest standards of professionalism, health, and safety in a relaxed environment. Originally from the east coast of Italy, Antonio is accomplished in several styles including American traditional, Japanese style, artisanal fonts, tribal, and realistic portraits. Additionally, the shop has an art gallery that will feature local artists from Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale, Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, and all of Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Customers can currently see the work of award-winning nature and travel photographer Carlos Lopez. Self-taught and based in Fort Lauderdale, he strives to capture the beauty found in everyday local life and nature. Richard handles the business side of Indelible Art and Tattoo, and he was able to take a few minutes to chat with OutClique.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Richard! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me about Indelible Art and Tattoo. Can you begin by telling us how it started?

Richard Meyerson: I have been with my husband for a few years, and he is a very accomplished tattoo artist from Italy. He was doing it in Europe as more of a hobby.

Since he has gotten here, we sort of toyed with the idea of opening his own shop. He is that good. He has worked in a couple different studios that just weren’t a fit for the type of artistry and talent that he has.

They were looking for somebody to sit there and watch the door for walk-ins. So, prior to COVID, we played with the idea and the timing just wasn’t right, but now, thanks to COVID, things kind of changed a little bit and we started to see a few places and locations open up that we never dreamed that we would be able to afford. Since we are in the middle of a pandemic, are we crazy to do this? Around the beginning of July, people started to feel a little bit safer to go out, so we felt good enough, and the benefits outweigh the risks.

We were willing to take the chance. It was a modest investment to get started, that is if we had to walk away from it, we could.

DP

The shop also includes an art gallery?

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RM

Yes. We have this space that was like 600 square feet with wide open space and high ceilings. I said, “We have to do something in here.” It was too big of a space to just have Antonio in. So, the art gallery was born. I have a few local friends that are very accomplished artists that do it more as a hobby than selling their work for a living. One photographer in particular, Carlos Lopez, I have been a fan of his work, and I just approached him asking if we could showcase him and his work.

DP RM

How did you and Antonio meet?

DP RM

Has Antonio always had a passion for tattoo artistry?

DP RM

How do you prepare for a tattoo session?

We met at a New Year’s Day pool party through mutual friends about four years ago. I’m 63, he’s 43, and it just felt right. Over time throughout that year, he came back and visited a bunch of times, and I went to visit him. It was just a good fit. Timing is everything in life.

Yes. He has been doing it for over 20 years.

He was living in the eastern part of Italy, that is where his family is. He had his own apartment, and he worked in a car factory for his main job, and then he would come home and have tattoos scheduled from the time he got off his shift. He was doing it every day.

Well, the type of tattoo artist he is, it is very unusual for somebody to just walk in and say this is what I want. Basically, Antonio meets with them two or three times, and they give him ideas. Antonio is an artist first and foremost, so he will execute it. After he gets the customer’s approval, they go back and forth, and it is usually at least three meetings where they actually sit down and do it. Just make sure to hydrate yourself and come rested. Obviously, we are being COVID aware and compliant. Wear masks, he wears gloves, and we take people’s temperature. People feel safe, they have done their homework, and they know the proper precautions.

DP

That was going to be my next question.

What other COVID safety measures are you implementing?

RM

It’s just basic cleanliness. There’s no magic.

As I am sure you have seen when going out, people are trying to be compliant, but their mask is halfway down their face, so it really just comes down to making sure we are doing what we are supposed to be doing. That is the best way to minimize the possibility.

Also, it is usually just Antonio and the customer. It’s not like there are a ton of people around each other.

Somebody can walk in during the day if he’s doing a tattoo, but that does not happen often.

DP RM

How does Indelible Art and Tattoo stand out, and why should one patronize your business?

Hm, that is a good question. I think we stand out, as far as the tattoo shop goes, because of his artistry. There is a lot of competition, and another tattoo shop just opened up on The Drive. My career was basically selling real estate in San Francisco for 25 years, and in some ways, it is the same type of concept as far as how to stand out. Realtors are a dime a dozen, but if you are good at what you do and people trust you, then it becomes that word of mouth referral thing. You

can market all you want, which you still have to, but it comes down to the marketing is not enough. There must be referrals and word of mouth. People are pleased with Antonio, and then they tell their friends. I think he stands out because of his artistry and personality. He is very charming, and a hard worker.

DP

Before we wrap up, what are some goals and accomplishments you would like the business to achieve within the next year?

RM

Well, survive [laughs]. I think my main goal for my side of it is just to be able to get the word out and get people to see Carlos’s photography. I have told a few friends; I know I do not know anything about opening an art gallery. It is not something I have ever thought about, but I do know I can sell what I believe in. I believe in what Carlos does. So, that is my personal goal. To be able to connect his work with people. It is a very limited group of people that I know, so for me, it is a matter of being able to reach out to the community.

As far as Antonio, is it just staying on course and doing what he is doing.

For more information about Indelible Art and Tattoo, visit www.IndelibleArtAndTattoo.com or call (954) 383-8933. Also, make sure to like and follow them at www.Facebook.com/IndelibleArtAndTattoo.

AHF STAMPS OUT THIRST IN RURAL NIGERIA

By Julie Pascault (Courtesy of AHF) Photos Courtesy of AHF

Community leaders hold a ceremony to officially open the water well.

T

housands of rural Nigerians now have access to safe drinking water following the construction of an AHF-commissioned borehole (water well) for the Agan community in Benue – a state in north-central Nigeria.

Prior to the installation of the more centralized well, the entire population of Agan, roughly 6,000 people, had only one source of safe drinking water—a restored well at AHF’s community clinic. Those who lived far from the facility had to travel great distances for clean water or get water from streams and rivers.

“It is impossible to maintain your health without access to safe, clean water. For a total cost of a little more than one dollar per community member, I’m happy to report that we went beyond building a simple borehole that would benefit only a few people,” said Dr. Echey Ijezie, AHF Nigeria Country Program Director.

“Instead, we installed a borehole, water tank, and a water pump with solar panels as backup for electricity—all of which benefits the entire Agan community.”

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Agan community members help each other access water from the borehole. It is common to see rural Nigerians without face masks and foregoing the observance of social distancing measures.

According to UNICEF, children under age 5 are, on average, 20 times more likely to die from diarrheal diseases associated with poor water, sanitation, and hygiene than from violence in conflict. Water and sanitation-related diseases are one of the leading causes of death in children under 5 years old.

Acting Executive Secretary of the Benue State AIDS Control Agency Dr. Awodi Jacob officially declared the borehole open for use on October 12, 2020. “We thank and appreciate AHF, and we will always see you as our partner in progress in Benue state.” He also applauded AHF for its efforts, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Community Head, Zaki Chief Utume also expressed the joy of the entire community, as the borehole means their women and children will not have to walk long distances in search of water.

AHF has been working in Nigeria since 2011 and provides HIV care and treatment to 22,285 registered clients, including 10,735 in Benue State and 1,036 served through AHF’s Agan clinic.

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“NEON” GLOW AN INTERVIEW WITH JAIME WYATT

Photo By Magdalena Wosinska

By Gregg Shapiro

O

ne thing’s for certain, Nashville’s not what it used to be. While there have probably always been LGBTQ+ folks in Music City, with each passing year (or maybe even minute), that community is becoming increasingly visible, thanks in part to artists such as the newly out singer/songwriter Jaime Wyatt. A distinguished artist whose hard scrabble life has led to sobriety and embracing her queer identity.

She addresses these subjects on her exceptional new album, Neon Cross (New West), and earns her rightful place among the current crop of reigning country divas. Wyatt, who premiered a new music video for her song “Rattlesnake Girl” via GLAAD and Billboard Pride in October 2020, was good enough to answer a few questions about Neon Cross.

Gregg Shapiro: With the exception of “Demon Tied to a Chair in my Brain,” you wrote or co-wrote all of the songs on Neon Cross. What can you tell the readers about your songwriting process and how you think it’s evolved over the years?

Jaime Wyatt: I’ve been writing songs since I was four or five years old. I was always making up my own

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melodies and phrases and stuff. There was a period when I learned to play guitar that I played to the guitar. But, I got back to my roots and the dreamy quality of writing where I write the melody and the words and the hook in my head, and then bring it to the instrument. Going back to where it originally came from, when I was a child, has been successful for me.

I follow the muse rather than making the muse fit inside some sort of box. My life has shown, in every way, that I don’t fit in a box. Why should art? It has form; don’t get me wrong. I’m not necessarily avant garde. I’m not reinventing the wheel. This is country pop. But, I’m happy that I’ve been able to go back to an organic process, especially in sobriety. It was much easier when I was in my 20s just to smoke a joint and [snaps her fingers] get there. Now I’ve worked for it. I have different ways to get there; meditation and a lot of journaling and a lot of reading and learning how to be with myself and go inward.

GS

The album features a couple of guest vocalists including Jessi Colter, the mother of producer Shooter Jennings, on “Just A Woman.” Is that how that collaboration came to be?

That’s absolutely right. I’ve got this song and I feel like I wrote it for my mother and other people’s moms. I feel like I’m trying to imagine what Tammy Wynette would have said if she could have vocalized some pain in the limitations of being a woman during that time or during this time. I thought, “Who can we have on there?” Then I asked, “Shooter, can we hire your mother?” And he said, “Absolutely!” I’ve met her a few times. She knew who I was and had heard my voice and was happy to do it. It was a huge honor.

GS

One of my favorite songs on the album is the wonderful and subtly queer “Rattlesnake Girl.”

The song contains the lines, “I see my sweet friends on the weekends, they all look happy and gay, they keep their secrets all covered in sequins.” It made me wonder, what would it mean to you if there was a drag queen somewhere out there getting ready to include a Jaime Wyatt song in her act?

JW

Oh, man, if I knew that was happening, I would cry tears of joy. A drag queen getting ready for a performance, which is a holy ritual, that makes everyone feel visible and understood and accepted, I would cry because I think it would be lovely!

GS

While things have changed in recent years, being out in Nashville is still something of a challenge. Country music listeners turned their backs on Chely Wright and Ty Herndon after they came out, but in the interim have embraced people from Mary Gauthier to Brandy Clark. Can you please say something about how you see your role as an out country artist?

JW

That’s a good question. I hope I can articulate this enough because it’s very important to be out and well-studied at country music.

Thankfully, I’m surrounded by artists that push the envelope. That’s important because art is supposed to challenge our perspectives. My role being out and being a country singer is important to change the perception of what country music is often associated with. I’ve heard people say that country music is white, racist, and homophobic. I want to change that.

I want it to be inclusive. I want to be a part of that movement celebrating country music with everyone!

That beautiful American tradition. By the same token, people who have considered it to be only traditional and have used it to exclude LGBTQ+ people, or people of color, or people who didn’t fit in this little box, if they’ve used it for that, they’re sorely mistaken as well. I want to be a voice and a figure to represent the diversity that is American and country music is American. We should all be able to enjoy this.

GS JW

With live performance on the back burner for the near future, how are you reaching your fans?

We, and I say “we” because my label is helping me greatly, are partnering with magazines and music publications to live stream on social media, mainly Instagram and Facebook. We’re also in the process of making a mini documentary about some of the causes I believe in, such as feminism and visibility of the LGBTQ+ community in country music. I’m working on developing a series on current causes, as well as music, and to open up conversations online.

Photo By Magdalena Wosinska

JW

OutClique.com | 117

Our Fund Foundation Announces $300,000

in Additional COVID-19 Resilience Fund Emergency Grants Benefiting 30 LGBTQ+ Non-Profits in South Florida (Provided Courtesy of Our Fund) Photos Courtesy of Pierson Grant

O

ur Fund Foundation, South Florida’s only LGBTQ+ community foundation, announced it will donate a second round of Resilience Fund grants, providing $300,00 in frontline emergency financial aid for 30 LGBTQ+ organizations whose operations continue to be devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

All monies will be distributed immediately to agencies throughout the tri-county area to help support essential needs while also positioning them to have the greatest impact in the future.

“The LGBTQ+ community has overcome devastation brought on by a pandemic in the past and we can do it again, together,” said David Jobin, president and CEO of Our Fund Foundation. “We are humbled to be able to provide critical support for these 30 deserving LGBTQ+ agencies which in turn aid thousands in our community.”

Our Fund Foundation created the Resilience Fund to help support LGBTQ+ non-profit agencies in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties. Through a simple, low-barrier application process, the non-profit continues to be a lifeline, providing crucial financial aid and emergency assistance to dozens of South Florida’s LGBTQ+ community organizations.

“Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen a 60% surge in the number of South Florida neighbors living in poverty and experiencing food insecurity for the first time,” said Thomas Pietrogallo, CEO of The Poverello Center. “To meet these challenges, we’ve had to expand our services to include online grocery shopping and deliveries to homebound clients. The Resilience Fund grant will help stock our food pantry, enable our social workers to educate clients on how to apply for supplemental food programs, and allow us to meet people’s basic needs while we care for those with compromised immune systems, such as HIV.” At the start of the pandemic, Our Fund Foundation took immediate action and created the Resilience Fund which raised and distributed $310,000 in funds. It also

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pledged $150,000 from its board-restricted fund as a 1:1 match to galvanize donors, the first time the nonprofit has done so in its almost decade-long history.

“Cancelling our signature fundraiser, Transinclusive’s LGBTQ+ Prom, greatly impacted our financial resources, so we are especially grateful to receive the Our Fund Resilience grant,” said Tatiana Williams, co-founder and executive director of Transinclusive Group. “This grant will help us stay connected to our transgender community members via our virtual platforms, subsidize emergency funds for food, prescriptions, ride share assistance, and vouchers for temporary hotel stays to avert homelessness, all of which have been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

Commenting on the need to confront racial inequality and health disparities in the black community and the unjustifiable stigma of HIV, Dr. Réquel Lopes, executive director of the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, said, “Before [COVID-19] upended our world, we were pacing very well. We took this challenge as an opportunity to reevaluate our programs and found virtual platforms to engage in meaningful conversations, like our weekly Facebook Live spotlight series which features people from all walks of life talking about HIV from their perspective. We are honored to again receive funding from Our Fund, which will allow us to expand educational programing and collaborations within the LGBTQ+ community.”

The Our Fund Resilience Fund is providing emergency aid

Poverello Center

to 30 local community agencies, with varying levels of financial support between $5,000 to $20,000. Grants to [*] agencies were made possible by the Tuesday’s Angels Donor Advisory Group at Our Fund Foundation.

The deserving LGBTQ+ non-profits include:

David Jobin President & CEO Our Fund Foundation

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Poverello * Broward House * The Pride Center at Equality Park SunServe * Latinos Salud * Legal Aid Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus Sunshine Cathedral Compass Community Center Equality Florida Freedom Fund Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Island City Stage Lambda Living OUTShine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Pet Project for Pets * SAVE SmartRide South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble Stonewall National Museum & Archives World AIDS Museum YES Institute Church of the Holy Spirit Song Humanity Project Red Hispana Thinking Cap Theatre Thou Art Woman Transinclusive Group Miami Gay Men’s Chorus MAVEN

Donations continue to be gratefully accepted. Please visit www.Our-Fund.org/Response.

About Our Fund Foundation Established in 2011, Our Fund Foundation has grown into the third largest LGBT foundation in the nation. As South Florida’s only LGBT community foundation, Our Fund promotes a culture of philanthropy by uniting donors with organizations advancing LGBT issues in Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach Counties and supporting causes within the LGBT community.For more information on Our Fund Foundation, visit www.Our-Fund.org or call (954) 565-1090.

OutClique.com | 119

A Virtual Evening With

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DEC 5

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Family photos • Robot Santa • Holiday treats • Festive tunes • Live music

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DEC 30

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Join us for a LIVE socially distanced outdoor concert full of holiday music.

We all need some holiday cheer and FTLGMC is here to provide it in a safe way. Distanced, assigned, outdoor lawn seating areas and vehicle parking spaces will be available to view the concert.

Guest Artist International Israeli Star Ricky Pen

Sunday, December 13, 2020 • 7pm Outdoors at All Saints Episcopal Church 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Information and Ticket Pricing available at FTLGMC.org call 954-832-0060

Hamish’s Fund at Our Fund Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council

2020/21 Virtual Season BRING THE CONCERT HALL TO YOUR HOME WITH ALL-NEW MASTERWORKS CONCERTS

Masterworks II | Dec. 5, 2020 V I VA L D I T H E F O U R S E AS O N S | B AC H FEATURING LARA ST. JOHN, VIOLIN

Masterworks III | Jan. 16, 2021

Lara St. John

S H O S TA K O V I C H | M E N D E L S S O H N FEATURING ZUILL BAILEY, CELLO

Masterworks IV | Feb. 27, 2021

Zuill Bailey

B E E T H OV E N | S T R AV I N S K Y | B AC H SYM PH O N Y N O. 7, PU LC I N E L L A S U I T E

Masterworks V | March 27, 2021 G I N AS T E R A | R AV E L | E L G A R FEATURING VARIACIONES CONCERTANTES

Svetlana Smolina

Masterworks VI | April 24, 2021 S H O S TA K O V I C H | TC H A I K O V S K Y FEATURING SVETLANA SMOLINA , PIANO

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Dates and programming are subject to change.