Volume 5, Issue 3 February 2021
The Southern Charm of
Miss Bouvèé Michael Goodman
Black History, Black Future The Inbox
Mayim Bialik Light the Night In Remembrance of Jon Allen
Steven O. Evans, PhD
Publisher and Editor in Chief Steven@OutClique.com
Arthur Wood III
Senior 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
Chandler 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
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.
February The Month of Love Photo by Michael Murphy Photographic
By Steven O. Evans, PhD
A
s I am writing this, two milestones are finally here. First is our presidential inauguration. The change that so many have waited for is finally upon us. No matter what your beliefs or political affiliation, our nation will and must have its peaceful transfer of power.
The second is the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. The much anticipated “shot in the arm” is making its way across the nation and globe. But what have we learned during this past year and past four years? Has it made us a better people? Have we learned a higher level of love that does not envy, boast, or be proud? Have we learned not to dishonor others, be self-seeking, easily angered, or keep a record of wrongs? When I saw what happened at our nation’s capital, I was personally horrified. Before her retirement, my mother (also the magazine’s Chief Copy Editor), worked for the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Committee. Part of her job was to go to the capitol building in Frankfort and meet with the House and Senate legislators. When I watched the coverage on television and heard of staff having to hide under tables while the angry protestors banged on the door nearby, I thought to myself, “What if that was my mother on the floor, having to protect herself?” Think for a moment if you had a family member there that day. Imagine if your mother, father, sibling, child, or partner were in a building that was being overrun with violence. But, this is February, a month we celebrate love. Let us use this opportunity to move away from the anger and bitterness over the past few years. Because remember, love never fails. It always trusts, it always hopes, and it always perseveres. 1 Be the love you want to see in the world. All the best, Steven O. Evans, PhD 1
1 Corinthians 13:4-6
President Biden Signs Multiple Orders
Impacting LGBTQ and Other Diverse Communities On First Day in Office By Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force
Photo courtesy of National LGBTQ Task Force
“Today, we saw newly elected President Biden sign executive orders that exemplify the kind of leadership and breadth of understanding of what we face as a nation and as a community. From racial equity to fair immigration policies to specifically combating discrimination on the basis of gender identity or sexual orientation, the Biden-Harris administration clearly understands that there exist chasms of disparity for so many of us. These actions rightly begin to immediately address the overarching crises of the pandemic, the economy, and the clear and present danger of white supremacy, while leading the way to address the many ways diverse communities face disparities on every level. It is of great significance to the LGBTQ community that on their first day in office, this administration has made it clear that discrimination has no place in the federal government. The recent Supreme Court decision “Bostock v. Clayton County” was a tremendous step forward for LGBTQ Americans. Today’s executive order takes us a step further – building on the Bostock decision to ensure that these protections extend to all federal agencies. We look forward to the day when President Biden will sign the Equality Act, which will amend the Civil Rights Act to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, public accommodations, public education, federal funding, credit, and the jury system. These far-ranging executive orders are just the beginning of our work to restore democracy to its full potential and humanity to our government. The BidenHarris administration and we all must be focused on change, progress, bringing Americans together, and a determination to remain bold in our shared pursuit of a better, more just country. The LGBTQ+ community once again has a place at the table and offers us an opportunity for progress on all fronts and a commitment to leave no one behind. It is time to truly embrace the diversity and inclusion of 6 | OutClique.com
LGBTQ people in every aspect of our nation’s political, economic, racial and social fabric. Immigration is an LGBTQ issue. Racial equity and justice is an LGBTQ issue. Economic disparities are LGBTQ issues. Reversing the Muslim ban is an LGBTQ issue. Protecting DREAMers is an LGBTQ issue. From the nomination of Dr. Rachel Levine as assistant secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, and Pete Buttigieg as Secretary of Transportation, to the diverse staff appointments at all levels in the Biden-Harris administration, LGBTQ+ people will be bringing their talents and expertise to solving the challenges facing our country. The National LGBTQ Task Force looks forward to working with the administration to make progress for LGBTQ+ people and our families in all areas of our lives.” The National LGBTQ Task Force advances full freedom, justice, and equity for LGBTQ people. We are building a future where everyone can be free to be their entire selves in every aspect of their lives. Today, despite all the progress we’ve made to end discrimination, millions of LGBTQ people face barriers in every aspect of their lives: in housing, employment, healthcare, retirement, and basic human rights. For more information go to www.TheTaskForce.org.
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Remembering Jon Allen
The Gentleman of Island House Key West By Tony Adams
W
e are saddened to learn and announce that Jon Allen, owner of Island House Key West, has passed away. He leaves the Key West community and all who had the pleasure of his hospitality, feeling a profound loss. For two decades, Allen perfected the property, its amenities, and staff, providing the kind of excellent experience that he himself would hope to have when traveling. He succeeded beautifully, and in the process, he received a mountain of awards for community service, business leadership, tourism, and LGBTQ+ support. He also forged lasting friendships in Key West, FL. In a gentlemanly way, he was the embodiment of the “Close to Perfect, Far from Normal, One Human Family,” as Key West calls itself.
Portrait of Jon Allen. Photo credit: Christopher Turner
While Key West grew as a tourism destination, Island House grew as the premier choice for gay men visiting the city. Guests know that the Island House pool, café, happy hour, and exquisite amenities will provide them with good memories lasting a lifetime. After his husband Martin Kay died, Allen moved to an LGBT community in California, but Key West called him back. He married Bobi Lore who became co-owner of Island House. Together, they made a decision to keep, manage, and grow the business, much to the relief of their thousands of fiercely loyal guests. Under their careful guidance, Island House weathered the pandemic of 2020, keeping their doors open and their guests safe.
In December 2020, I sat down with Bobi Lore who was full of energy and optimism about the future of Island House. He says he would love to see it continue to welcome gay men for at least another twenty years. As Allen once noted, they share the same concept of gracious hospitality. Allen once told me, “In my workday, I am surrounded by happy, naked men and wonderful staff who know how to keep them that way from the moment they arrive to the moment they leave.” As a frequent guest who enjoyed the fruits of his workday, and as the recipient of his generous support for my annual SMART Ride, I thank him and Bobi for their hospitality at Island House, and I find it hard to imagine returning to Key West without Allen’s welcoming smile.
The photo above is the last photo taken of Jon Allen. Allen (R) is at Island House on Christmas with his husband (L) Bobi Lore. Photo Courtesy of Bobi Lore
12 | OutClique.com
e z O o B with a musical dragaret
@ Matty's 2100 2100 WILTON WILTON DRIVE DRIVE WILTON WILTON MANORS, MANORS, FL FL
Fridays 7:00 pm to 10: 00pm
The Pub
Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 16 | OutClique.com
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More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique
Photos Courtesy of Bar Rita Photos Courtesy of SRL Media
(954) 990 - 6658 1401 South Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
18 | OutClique.com
OutClique.com | 19 Photos Courtesy of SRL Media
The Staff
dean
jason
dan
tommy
The Eagle
Photos Courtesy of SRL Media
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More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique.com | 25
Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar
Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 30 | OutClique.com
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More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique
Photos Courtesy of SRL Media
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More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique OutClique.com | 31
South Florida’s Southern Belle of Drag,
Miss Bouvèé By Denny Patterson
Cover and article images by Michael Johns 32 | OutClique.com
A
New Orleans import, Miss Bouvèé is the drag persona of Michigan native Eric Swanson who moved to the Fort Lauderdale area due to work opportunities. A lifetime performer who has appeared in countless musical theatre productions and national tours, Swanson created Miss Bouvèé less than a year ago. Still relatively new to the drag scene, he wasted no time starting work as a solo cabaret artist. Miss Bouvèé is a southern belle who sings live and captivates audiences. Be prepared for a huge dose of southern hospitality. Swanson took some time to chat with OutClique about how Miss Bouvèé came to be, his passion for entertaining, how he has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and what he thinks the future of live drag shows will look like. Denny Patterson: Thank you for taking some time to chat with me! How have you been doing during these unprecedented times? Eric Swanson: Boy, that is a loaded question! I am doing okay. It was a very rough start. Like most of my friends who work in showbusiness, we were devastated, bored, and scared about what was next. I have friends who moved out of New York, Los Angeles, and left the industry for awhile because there are no opportunities for them. They cannot afford their rent, or their mortgages, so I consider myself fortunate that I am working. Michigan opened relatively early in July, and then I got to working with cabaret right away. It seems like single performer cabaret is what people are really biting at right now as far as bookings. It is also what people are comfortable with going to in many cases. I feel very blessed that I get to work. Two or three dozen of my friends have left the industry entirely.
DP ES
Can you tell us more about who Miss Bouvèé is and what she is all about?
The way I describe her, she is kind of a cup of Barbra Streisand, a cup of Judy Garland, and a cup of Carol Burnett. She is old school southern belle comedy. Miss Bouvèé also sings live. I lived in England for a while and live singing
queens are a huge thing in the U.K. It is almost a social norm. So, fast forward 15 years later, I am excited to bring that to the cabaret scene here.
DP ES
And Miss Bouvèé is from New Orleans?
DP ES
You are originally from Michigan. What brought you to South Florida?
DP ES
Have you always had passion for entertaining and singing?
Yes. My real-life husband and I love to travel! After dating for about five months, we took a long weekend to New Orleans. I always tell people that that trip is where I fell in love with him and the city of NOLA! . We just fell in love with the scene there, the food, the drinking, and I became friends with a queen there. I don’t call her my mother, but I created Miss Bouvèé sort of in her honor and placed her in New Orleans. New Orleans is a melting pot and the style is very welcoming. It’s the most European city in America. When you go to a show, you are going to eat and drink, and you are going to feel that southern welcome, that is also how I run my shows.
Truthfully, work. I have been working in Michigan for the last 16 years, and it’s closed once again. I knew they were going to close come the winter months, so I decided to move down south ahead of that.
Oh, girl, yes! It is who I am. I grew up on a stage and I am a Broadway baby by heart. I have been in countless musical theatre shows, regionals, and national tours; that’s my avenue. Entertaining an audience has never been foreign to me. It has been quite innate.
DP
When did you discover your love for drag, and when did you decide that this was a career you wanted to pursue?
ES
I think I am still discovering it. Miss Bouvèé actually did not get her premiere until March 7, 2020. I did a show, I wrote a one-woman OutClique.com | 33
show called An Evening with Miss Bouvèé, with a fabulous writer out of New York City. His name is Robert Leleux. Miss Bouvèé was always supposed to be a storybook sort of theatrical character, and so I had a run of the show scheduled in San Diego and Chicago, but then the shutdowns happened and nobody was able to uphold their bookings. So, I switched to broadcasting on Facebook Live every Friday. I was just doing live streaming as Miss Bouvèé. I called it Booze with Bouvèé, we would just get drunk and I would take song requests. I was very fortunate in the shutdown in that my husband has sort of a traditional 9-to-5 in the medical field. Even though I lost income, I was not destitute whereas a lot of my sisters and friends were. So, I donated all my tips to charities, local musicians, bar staff from bars I worked with, and over the course of 16 weeks of the shutdown we raised around $5,500. I think the live streams were how I got my chops. The audience changed every day, the requests changed every day, it forced me to change my looks and styles of Miss Bouvèé, and people fell in love with Miss Bouvèé. Some of my videos have 5,000 views and 45 shares, and some of them have like 300 views. They all chose their different avenues of love for her. Then I fell in love with her and “thought this could be something I could get to work with sooner than later” because I am not going to be getting theatre work. I am not going to get to teach voice. None of that is going to happen anytime soon. So, this was it, and it literally just fell into my lap; then I stepped into her heels.
DP ES
What more can audiences expect at a Miss Bouvèé show?
My wheelhouse is Broadway, Disney, and some popular top 40s like the divas: Cher, Celine Dion, and those kinds of top 40s. They can certainly expect to laugh and sing together. They should leave with a sense of community, we are all in this together, and I love when they all sing along because I do believe in that power of music. You should leave feeling better about life. I think people can expect to just have a traditional, down to earth, southern time.
DP
What would you say is the best part about transforming into drag?
34 | OutClique.com
ES
Miss Bouvèé teaches me something every time I put her on. Every time I put her on, I just find something new about myself as a performer, and changing up her looks is creatively fun. I have zero, and I mean zero, skills when it comes to drag design. I can’t do my own hair and I can’t sew my own costumes. Those queens in the bar are like goddesses to me. When I meet them, they are like, “I made this.” I’m like, “Yeah, I paid somebody on Etsy to make this.” I have no skills to do that at all. I just flew my hairdresser in from Detroit because all my wigs did not ship down here very well. They look like a ratchet mess, so he is here for a couple days sprucing them up. It is just not in my wheelhouse at all. I have complete trust in these artists that I work with, and you cannot go wrong if everybody is in their own lane and creating the same goal. I think that is beautiful. That is probably what I love most about her. I learn something new, creatively about myself, and then watching these amazing people do their craft.
DP ES
Where can one catch your performances at?
Right now, I am at Matty’s and the Eagle, which are on The Drive in Wilton Manors, and I will be teaming up with the amazing Bill Hallquist at The Pub WIlton Manors as well doing their Show Tunes Tuesday. Every Saturday, I am in Key West at Alexander’s Guesthouse, and then I do private engagements all over the place. I still go up to Detroit and do some events up there as well. I am a working girl! Thank God!
DP
This pandemic has changed so much. What do you think the future of live drag shows will look like?
ES
That is a really good question. I think it depends on the place you are in. It really just depends on the venues. For the most part, the venues I have worked with are very protective of the performers. So, I think the shows will have small casts. I think there will be a single performer to 3-4 girls at a time. You are not going to see these shows with 8-9 girls anymore, at least for a while. It will be a while before people feel comfortable coming out in mass groups again.
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Even when places are at full capacity, I still think people will prefer to sit on patios. People will have this sort of COVID-debris, as I call it, in their head. People will have this debris and fear, and I think it is going to be hard on performers because then you obviously have to reach a certain number of sales to keep entertainers employed. So, I would encourage people to go out as often as you can when you feel like you can. Once the vaccine is available in mass, do your research and see which one is the best match for you, but as quickly as you can please give business to small businesses, as it will help entertainers. Throughout this pandemic, you turned to Netflix, Pandora, SiriusXM, the arts, etc. Now you have the chance to see something live, and there is beauty in live performance. Come support live [entertainment] as quickly as you can when you feel like you can.
DP ES
Are you still doing live streaming performances?
I am on occasion. It has gotten a bit harder to do the busier I get. I have a following in Michigan who really supported me when I was getting started, and they all cannot go out to dinner right now. They are under a stay-at-home order. So, I try to do a Booze with Bouvèé on Wednesdays when and if I can.
DP ES
Do you plan to go back to Michigan once it reopens, or will you stay in Florida?
We are permanently relocating to Florida and don’t have any immediate plans to return. I am thinking in terms of years. The cabaret culture here before COVID was so rich and so abundant with a number of different styles of performers, and there were few, if any, signing queens in the Fort Lauderdale area. I am happy to fill that empty space, and hopefully see cabaret culture come back to that. You could walk down The Drive and have seen seven different shows happening at the same time. You could catch 20 minutes of this one, 30 minutes of that one, bar
hop, and support all these entertainers. Right now, there are like five venues programming.
DP
Do you have any interest in perfecting your drag craft and auditioning for reality competition shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race or America’s Got Talent?
ES
I have gotten a lot of pressure to do that from a lot of people. Of course, I think about it. Anybody who says they don’t is lying to you. I think it comes down to how much you want to put yourself out there. Reality TV is rarely about the talent, it is more about your story and how much you want to disclose. I have not had an amazing past, most artists haven’t, so what do you want to put out on TV? What are you comfortable with people knowing? That is what you have to ask yourself because that is what they are going to sell. Then your talent is what they monetize afterwards. You get your fame based on your story, and then your entertainment career happens afterwards. So, I don’t know. If I had to choose one, America’s Got Talent probably seems the best match. I am way out of my league on RuPaul’s Drag Race. The Voice would be interesting, but I think America’s Got Talent would be good for me. We’ll see.
DP
Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming projects you would like to mention or plug?
ES
I hope to be working with more theatres to do An Evening with Miss Bouvèé, my book show which is an 80 minute show about Miss B’s life. I also have a new book coming out. Robert Leleux, who wrote the script for An Evening with Miss Bouvèé, is writing it with me! The book will begin with me (Eric Swanson) starting on my first show, and then each chapter is anchored in a show I was in with a major life event. It ends with Miss Bouvèé. So, it is sort of like the birth of Miss Bouvèé and all these elements that sort of contributed to her rise. We hope to have it out by pride season!
To stay up-to-date, follow Miss Bouvèé on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/MissBouvee) and Instagram (www.Instagram.com/MissBouvee), or visit her official website, www.MissBouvee.com. OutClique.com | 37
Tax Tips from your BBB By Rod Davis
BBB serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean
F
or many people major life changes, business ownership, or simply a lack of knowledge about the ever-changing tax laws make finding a trustworthy tax preparer a good idea. Not all tax preparers have the same level of experience and training. Here are our tips for finding someone you can trust with your finances and sensitive personal information. Which Type of Tax Preparer is Right for You? First, it’s important to understand the different types of tax preparer and their qualifications. Only enrolled agents, certified public accountants, and attorneys may represent their clients to the IRS on matters such as audits, collection issues, and appeals. •
Enrolled Agent (EA): An EA is a tax preparer that has been approved by the IRS to represent taxpayers. An EA must either have prior qualifying employment with the IRS or pass an intensive two-day exam on federal taxation and complete a background check. To maintain EA status, they must complete a specified number of credit hours each year of continuing education in accounting methods and tax regulations. An EA may work independently
or as part of a firm and may specialize in specific areas of tax law. An EA is a good option if you have a more complex tax situation. However, you’ll want to make sure their area of expertise applies to your personal situation. Fees and availability may vary, but you can expect an EA to charge less than a CPA. An EA is also qualified to help you with financial planning and give you tips that could help you reduce your taxes in the future. •
Certified Public Accountants (CPA): CPAs have a college degree (or the equivalent in work experience). They are licensed after passing a state professional qualifying exam. They are highly skilled in accounting. This makes them good candidates for complex tax planning and preparation if they are experienced in handling tax matters and enrolled in continuing education programs that keep them abreast of the constant changes to tax laws. If your return is quite complex, a CPA may be your best choice for tax preparation, but keep in mind they will charge more than basic tax preparers.
•
Attorneys: Tax attorneys often charge the highest
OutClique.com | 41
fees as tax preparers. For taxpayers looking to legally shelter part of their income, or for those who need specialized advice on municipal bonds, estate planning, and the like, hiring a tax attorney may be the right choice for you. •
Non-Credentialed Tax Preparers: There are about
700,000 people who work as non-credentialed tax preparers in the United States. They often work part-time or only during the tax season. These preparers must have an active preparer tax identification number (PTIN) through the IRS, but beyond that, regulating tax preparers is done at the state level. In Florida, tax preparers must pass a training course, obtain a bond, obtain a PTIN, and be registered with the state.
likely to use shady tax preparation tactics. Some tax preparers offer “refund anticipation loans,” but in exchange for getting money up front you lose part of your return to commission fees. •
Get referrals from friends and family. One of the best ways to find a trustworthy tax preparer is to ask friends, family, or co-workers for recommendations. Once you have a few options, check www.BBB.org/ SEFL. Check other consumers’ reviews, complaint details, how long the person has been providing service, and if the business is BBB Accredited. The more positive the résumé, the more likely you will have a positive experience.
•
Think about availability. If the IRS finds errors in your tax forms or decides to perform an audit, will your tax preparer be available to help you with the details? Find out whether you can contact the tax preparer all year long or only during tax season.
•
Ask about fees ahead of time. Before you agree
•
If things don’t add up, find someone else. If a tax preparer can’t verify their credentials, has a record of bad reviews from previous clients, or their business practices don’t seem convincing, don’t do business with them. Keep in mind that if you hire them, this individual will handle your sensitive personal information – information you need to keep safe from corrupt or fraudulent tax preparers.
Most tax preparers are legitimate and competent, but it is important you conduct a thorough interview with the tax preparer before you hire them. How to Choose the Right Tax Preparer When it comes to choosing the right kind of tax preparer for you personally, much will depend on the complexity of your tax situation. After you’ve decided what qualifications your tax preparer needs, the following tips will help you choose someone who is trustworthy and competent: •
Review the tax preparer’s credentials. EAs, CPAs,
•
Be wary of spectacular promises. If a tax preparer
and tax attorneys are all qualified to represent their clients to the IRS on all matters. Other preparers can help you with forms and basic matters, but cannot represent you in case of an audit.
promises you larger refunds than the competition, this is a red flag. Many such tax preparers base their fees on the amount of your return and may be
to any services, read contracts carefully and understand how much the tax preparer charges. Ask about extra fees for e-filing state, federal, and local returns, as well as fees for any unexpected complications.
By filing early the IRS states you can lessen the chance for a scammer to scam you out of your refund!
OutClique.com | 43
CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT
KEEP CREATING. 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 Chad’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:
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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.
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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 CREATING, 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
SunServe Karaoke Contest
at Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors
Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 56 | OutClique.com
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Photos Courtesy of SRL Media
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Genesis Health Institute New Beginnings for a New Year
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By Steven O. Evans, PhD
ging gracefully. Yes, that is what life is about. There are things we can do to live a healthier and energetic life. I am starting a journey with Genesis Health Institute (www.GHInstitute.com) here in Wilton Manors, Florida. What makes for a lifestyle of wellness? A good night’s sleep, more energy, nutrition, exercise, hormonal balance, a positive self-image, good relationships, and an overall feeling of completeness are some of what come to mind. After the challenging year of 2020, I am excited to be working with Genesis Health Institute to improve some key areas of my life. I completed my initial blood work and meeting to review some of their many treatment options. What’s next? I’m anxious to begin a path of a healthier “me.” To learn more, visit www.GHInstitue.com or visit them in person at 1001 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305.
Care Resource Supports Your New Year’s Commitment to Wellness Heart-healthy practices to strengthen your resolve
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s we ring in the New Year, we can empower ourselves using the lessons from 2020. This past year, we sheltered in place in order to protect ourselves and communities from transmission of the COVID-19 virus. Although necessary, this decision marked the beginning of a sedentary lifestyle for many. Reduced physical activity can bring about many long-term consequences, including psychological and physiological effects. Developing a realistic exercise plan this year will enable you to strengthen your cardiovascular and mental health, as well as your immune system. In order to protect our heart health, we must prioritize healthy lifestyle choices. The World Health Organization (WHO) 2020 guidelines on physical activity recommend 50–300 minutes of moderate-intensity, or 75– 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity physical activity per week for adults. Among children and adolescents, an average of 60 minutes/day of moderate-tovigorous intensity aerobic physical activity across the week provides many health benefits. The guidelines recommend regular muscle-strengthening activity for all age groups. Additionally, reducing sedentary behaviors is recommended across all age groups and abilities. Adjusting our daily routine to include yoga or pilates is a simple first step that can have significant benefits. Virtual exercise classes provide a prime opportunity to connect with others and get moving. Those of us who live with others can invite them to exercise with us. It’s best as a group activity. In addition to its benefits for our body, exercise positively impacts our mental health, strengthening our resolve to eat responsibly and avoid overeating. Gloria Cabral, RD, LDN, Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist at Care Resource, explains, “As at any time of the year, you should be eating a healthy, balanced diet low in
saturated fat, moderate in carbohydrates and protein, and high in fruits and vegetables. Integrate heart-healthy foods into your diet, such as leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and berries. Your registered dietitian can tell you how many servings of carbohydrates you should be eating daily and you can stick to that. Although some carbohydrates are better for you than others, it’s the total number of carbohydrates that counts and not the form you’re eating them in. Fat should also be kept to a minimum.” Our medical providers can address primary care concerns, including cardiovascular health, and provide suggestions for staying healthy during this pandemic. In order to meet the needs of new and existing patients who are remaining at home, Care Resource is offering these services via telehealth. To make an appointment, please visit www.CareResource.org or call (305) 5761234 to pre-register. Let’s keep our eyes on the year ahead. Integrating exercise and nutritious food is a preventative health practice that protects our hearts and minds. With the support provided by Care Resource’s medical providers, our community can rest assured that we will get through this together.
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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The Art of Compromising On & Dave Mekahel Cederberg
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We both share in our abilities to compromise. On is oriented more towards stating out loud what he wants and not backing down until he gets it – a theme that is consistent within his professional and personal life as he has a plan and idea that he strives to adhere to. Simultaneously, On is quite good at compromise. A consistent example is the time and effort he puts into understanding without even having to ask. His intuition is freakishly impeccable. Dave is more passive and relaxed, a chill type that sometimes even finds solitude in not having to make a decision, as he can be overwhelmed with information and options. For him, simplicity is key. On the other hand, he also becomes super passionate and refuses to back down on issues that are near and dear to his heart – he definitely loves a good boundary. A favorite aspect of compromise for us is that it provides a chance for us to show our love, taking action on our words and feelings. It is easy to tell our partner how much we love and adore them, but when we engage in empathy and compassion, putting the other
Photo Credit: Julian LB
ompromise is something that we usually claim to know about a whole lot more than we put into practice in real life. Compromise not only involves listening, but actually hearing what is being said and tuning into the other person’s frequency. It provides an opportunity to show empathy and commitment when placing your partner’s wants and needs above yours. To the opposite effect, compromising also gives people the space to speak their mind and heart as their unique self. Opinion – the ability to compromise is a highly valuable skill that enriches your life. Fact – compromise is not just the decision to give in, but rather a form of communication; sometimes brief or extended dialogue that has the potential to strengthen relationships in different ways. We are firm believers that the great balancing act (the Spark Notes version of compromise) is what keeps our relationship solid and livelihoods in check. Whether we are compromising with ourselves or each other, the potential for growth can be priceless.
first, it strengthens the foundation of the relationship as it promotes security and trust. The “giver” and the “receiver” both end up winning through compromise when patience, consideration, and understanding unfold. As human beings, feeling like we are heard and understood is important to the well-being of a relationship. Closed mouths don’t get fed, so if you want to be heard, you gotta speak up. There is a reason why compromise is often referred to as an “art form.” This is because the dialogue that surrounds compromise is a push-and-pull, give-and-take song and dance that, when successful, lands somewhere delicately in the middle. This is not to say that every compromise will be a perfect conclusion, or that every solution involves compromise. As with any form of art, practice makes (almost) perfect. So, the next time 2021 brings you the chance to show your boo-bear/honey just how much you care, bust out the yoga mat because showing some flexibility with your approach might start the year off on the upward trend everyone is looking for. OutClique.com | 67
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1226 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33304 www.LeatherWerks.com
Valentine’s Day ‘Dinner and a Show’
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Photos Courtesy of The Gathering Plate and Broward Cultural Division
hether it’s Date-Night-In or Date-Night-Out, enjoy perfect Valentine’s Day plans with dinner and a show.
Looking for something safe for you and your loved one to do this Valentine’s Day weekend? Create your own “dinner and a show” night at home or pack a picnic from one of these local arts and entertainment experiences. For culinary inspiration and a step-by-step guide to create, check out these perfectly paired cheese and charcuterie boards brought to you by The Gathering Plate (www.GatheringPlate.com).
Benji Brown
Backlot Live at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Fort Lauderdale Enjoy a safe and socially distanced show at the new Backlot Live at the Broward Center. Located at the Lillian S. Wells Backstage Place, this new experience offers a one-of-a-kind evening of entertainment under the stars as you enjoy an in-person show with comedian Benji Brown. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 7:00PM and 9:30PM www.BrowardCenter.org
New York Stories
Florida Grand Opera, Miami Theater Center, Miami Shores 72 | OutClique.com
New York Stories opera presents three intimate vignettes based on real people’s experiences living in the Big Apple. The opera is musically conversational in three skits sung in English, hosted at the Miami Theater Center. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 8:00PM and Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 3:00PM www.FGO.org
Compensation
Island City Stage, Wilton Manors Tara, a young woman, drops out of college unbeknownst to her mother and becomes a surrogate for Gabriel and Elliott, a well-established gay couple. Suddenly, Tara finds herself carrying not only their future child, but a terrible secret as well. Saturday, February 13, 2021 8:00PM and Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 5:00PM www.IslandCityStage.org Ben Rosenblum Trio: A Jazz Valentine’s Celebration Arts Garage, Delray Beach Award-winning, NYC-based jazz pianist and accordionist Ben Rosenblum celebrates Valentine’s Day with a onenight only, special program of love songs and ballads from around the world. Together with his internationallytouring trio, Rosenblum revisits classic love songs from the Great American Songbook and beyond, weaving
together an eclectic selection of romantic numbers from the jazz and global music traditions. Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 7:00PM www.ArtsGarage.org
Easton Corbin
Old School Square, Delray Beach Easton Corbin croons in his distinctive Southern drawl and blends traditional instrumentation with modern day production alongside vivid country storytelling for a sound that is uniquely his. Hosted at the Old School Square in Delray Beach, tickets are priced per POD, which are clean and socially distanced bundled seating for up to four guests. Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 7:00PM www.OldSchoolSquare.org
VIRTUAL ENTERTAINMENT Creativity Exploration: Love Shrines
NSU Art Museum One of NSU Art Museum’s most popular education programs, Creativity Exploration promotes the development of creativity and self-expression through art-making and the practice of mindfulness. Join educator and mindfulness instructor Lark Keeler for a Zoom class inspired by the art of assemblage and
The Holiday Season Board by @thegatheringplate on Instagram.
artists Yolanda Lopez, Malia Landis, and Betye Saar, participants will construct a mixed media shrine in honor of a loved one. Reservations required. Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 12:00-1:30PM www.NSUArtMuseum.org
Serenade
Seraphic Fire This Valentine’s Day let Seraphic Fire serenade you and your loved ones. Associate Conductor James K. Bass will host a presentation of never-before-released archival recordings of Seraphic Fire love songs – a highlight reel of some of the sweetest and most tender performances throughout the years. The performance continues into the next week as a Seraphic Fire artist prepares a personalized video performance serving as a one-on-one love-song serenade. Video release: Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 4:00PM, pre-concert conversation at 3:30PM www.SeraphicFire.org
FLiFF On Demand
Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival Go to the cinema with FLiFF’s curated list of awardwinning movies available for streaming from the comfort of your own home. More information and movies available at www.FLiFF.com/OnDemand.
The Roasty Toasty Vegan Board by @thegatheringplate on Instagram.
For more entertainment options, visit www.ArtsCalendar.com. OutClique.com | 73
Love in the Time of COVID Photo Courtesy of Cassidy DuHon, DuHon Photography
By Fr. Richard J Vitale
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or years, as I surveyed my bevy of amazingly talented, successful, gorgeous, kindhearted friends, it seemed crazy to me that so many of them remained single despite expressing the earnest desire to find a partner. Then as the pandemic set in, as if by magic, one after another after another the “Guess what? I’ve got a boyfriend!” texts started coming in. I thought to myself, “How curious?! I wonder why that is.” The only conclusion I can come to is that social distancing and a slower pace of life caused us to limit our interactions to fewer people, in turn enabling us to reach deeper levels of intimacy with individual souls. I admit this is only anecdotal musing and not terribly scientific, but I think there may be some truth to it. There is, however, some neuroscience behind why the chaotic nature of the dating world over the last decade, fueled largely by its increased reliance on Grindr, Scruff, etc., collectively referred to as “The Apps,” may well be damaging our ability to form solid long-lasting relationships, contrary to their intended purpose. The digital world, especially as it exists in our smartphones, is rewiring our brains. The sights, sounds, and haptics of the apps release dopamine and other chemicals into the brain which we come to crave over time. FOMO (the fear of missing out) drives us to open the apps quickly whenever we receive a push notification and it takes our attention away from whatever we were doing before. That process damages our attentional and relational depth and causes our energies to be spread thinly over a great
many things and relationships instead. In other words, it causes us to be better at maintaining lots of casual partners, but makes it less likely we will enter deeply with a single individual. Brain imaging has actually shown this to be very true. The neural chains that govern our ability to multitask have gotten much stronger, and the neural chains that control our ability to pay attention to a single person, task, or idea have grown substantially weaker. So, what can we do? I recommend two things. First, consider turning off the push notifications on the apps. Then you will have control over when and how you use them rather than the apps controlling you. Remember, the apps’ only real goal is to get your subscription revenues and serve you paid advertising. The more you use it, the more money they make, so they want you checking them all day long. The second thing I recommend is at least ten minutes (preferably 20) of quiet meditation or centering prayer per day. Study after study shows that slowing down, unplugging, and focusing in a meditative state works wonders for our ability to maintain attentional control, reduces anxiety, boosts our immune system, and contributes to our overall wellness. Since we’re all supposed to be isolating anyway, there is no better time to start incorporating this practice into our lives. Perhaps if we take time each day to detach from our digital tether and the chaos energy that comes with it, we can finally focus ourselves on the people and things we truly desire.
Fr. Rich Vitale is the Associate Pastor of Community Outreach of Holy Angels National Catholic Church. He lives in Wilton Manors, FL, with his husband, Sean, and his Cat, Miss Kitty. Follow Him on Instagram @AModernSpirit or on Facebook www.Facebook.com/Richard.Vitale1. 74 | OutClique.com
1, 2 & 3 BEDROOM CITY FLATS & LOFTS IN DOWNTOWN FLAGLER VILLAGE
RESORT-STYLE POOL & SUNDECK TWO-STORY 24HR FITNESS CENTER YOGA, SPINNING, & AEROBIC STUDIO PRIVATE DOG PARK & PAW WASH
Bring Your Puppy!
440 NE 4th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 799-6000
liveataviah.com
Photo Courtesy of Marty Kiar’s office
Timeframe to Use Portability Extended
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ortability allows eligible Homesteaded property owners to pay less in property taxes on their new home by moving their Save Our Homes (SOH) savings (up to $500,000) from one Florida property to another Florida property when establishing Homestead Exemption on the new property. Beginning with property owners who establish a new Homestead Exemption for tax year 2021, applicants may now transfer portability savings from a Homestead Exemption held in any of the three immediate preceding tax years. To be eligible to move this SOH benefit, the new property must receive Homestead Exemption within three tax years, not calendar years, of the abandonment of the Homestead Exemption at the previous property. Note: Homestead Exemption and Portability do not automatically transfer. You must apply for Homestead Exemption on the new property and submit a Portability application. Portability does not require you sell your previous home, but merely for you to no longer receive the Homestead Exemption on it. Additional information about Portability can be found on our website at Web. BCPA.net.
exemption annually as it is an income-based exemption. To receive this valuable exemption for 2021, you must sign and return the yellow postcard renewal notice to our office by September 20, 2021. The signed copy of your renewal card can be emailed to Homestead@ BCPA.net, faxed to (954) 357-6188, or mailed to our office. You can also renew your Senior Exemption online at Web.BCPA.net/Renew. If you did not receive the Senior Exemption for 2020 and you believe you may qualify, please visit our website at Web.BCPA.net and click on the “Senior Exemption” icon to view this exemption and all the other exemptions available to qualified applicants. You can also apply online at Web.BCPA.net/BCPAClient/#/SeniorsAppForm. The deadline to apply for any 2021 exemption is September 20, 2021. Virtual Visits
If you prefer face-to-face communication, you can meet with one of our team members virtually. To schedule an appointment, please call (954) 357-5579 or email ExemptionExpress@BCPA.net. Take care,
Annual Senior Exemption Renewal
If you received the Senior Exemption in 2020, you will be receiving your Senior Exemption Renewal Card in the mail this month. Florida law requires you to renew this
Marty Kiar, CFA Broward County Property Appraiser
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 80 | OutClique.com
Influence of the Title
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By Cory David, Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors 2020/2021
wenty-five years ago I purchased my first leather harness at 501 Eagle Indianapolis. Twenty-five years ago I attended my first International Mr. Leather (IML) Competition. A force of awareness for common causes and contagious love from the leather community became embedded in my soul. With my philanthropy background in LGBTQ+ causes, HIV/AIDS, and community, I felt a higher leather calling. Roughly 25 years later on February 1, 2020, I would win the title and honor of Mr. Eagle Wilton Manors.
Always understanding a leather title competition is a very serious decision to take. A title win comes with a responsibility to represent your community, title sponsor, city, or state with the highest of standards. If you look at contestants most will have things in common, some a passion in community, others overcoming personal obstacles, and most making a difference in their community. Having a platform is necessary with a solid direction of how you will make a positive difference. Competition requires you to be the best in the categories of your precision to requirements, ability to explain your platform, and presence on stage. Now having a wide audience and opportunity to a community stage gives a voice for those that normally would not have one. Intrigued, my love for community service, and a leatherman, I started to wonder, “Could I do this? Do I have time? Do I have what it takes?” Pondering a leather title run for years, with my competitive nature and always a good sportsman, I decided I would start planning my title run. To me this needed to be a well planned action and with all good will in mind. Attending competitions for years, knowing titleholders, 82 | OutClique.com
Photo credit: Sabino Paulicelli Photography
At my first IML attendance, the term “Power of the Title” became clear to me. A title is less of an exercise in vanity, but a platform to reach a greater audience and take action on a shared common cause. It can take one individual voice, create a larger voice that otherwise may not have one of their own, and empowers a community into action.
event producers, one in particular inspired me. Liam Mathews, Mr. Indiana 2017, was a titleholder after they had a 21-year competition hiatus. Liam earned the reigns with limited direction, or influence, and only a belief in himself. He jumped in, boots first, and gave the title a life. His fundraisers, appearances, and community service proved the “Power of the Title.” Today he still continues to support his community and common causes. In competition, I knew I may not swim like Phelps, drive like Andretti, or throw like Manning. However, as a leatherman and a community activist I had something to say for those silent voices. My goal was and is to make a difference. 2020 was a rough year and everyone has done their best with their abilities. Now awarded a twoyear term, due to this unfortunate pandemic and very honored to continue my community efforts and represent Eagle Wilton Manors, I hope so far I have made you all proud.
Sawmill Camping Resort Grab Your Gear!
Road Trip of Discovery & Science By John M. Hayden Photos Courtesy of MODS
By Steven O. Evans, PhD
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ime to pitch a tent! Grab your gear and head on up north to Sawmill Camping Resort (www.FloridaGayCamping.com). Yes, even their website is gay. A few weeks ago, my boyfriend and I made our first trip to the infamous Sawmill Camping Resort. It lived up to all it’s expectations. Yes, the weather was a little cold, but we still had a fabulous trip. We actually stayed in a cabin (those of you who know me, knows I don’t really “camp”) with beds, heat, air conditioning, and a full bathroom. For you all that like to rough it, dry cabins without a bathroom, RV sites, and camp sites are available. On site are also volleyball courts, an outdoor smoking bar, a heated (and cooled in the hot summers) swimming pool, the showroom, and a second outdoor bar and food area. With a lake and lots of areas to run around and meet friends, Sawmill Camping Resort is the place to get away from it all. And, as a co-op many live there year round.
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outh Florida’s most hands-on and entertaining museum is hitting the road. For years, students on field trips and adults looking for fun have made a trek to the heart of Fort Lauderdale and spent a day at the Museum of Discovery & Science (MODS). Now, the Museum is going mobile and going to the community. They’re rolling out STEMobile, a museum on wheels, bringing a fun spin on education to schools. These STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) lessons pull kids out of the classroom and into the world for some fun. From learning to fly to learning to code, communing with nature to a robot petting zoo, people learn about the world around them in a way they’ll never forget. The kids don’t have all the fun. The STEMobile can be booked by the young at heart. MODS will roll out to corporate parties/team building, hotels, or private events like birthday parties. They provide tents, tables, and all the hands-on materials, and can set up inside or outside.
So, make your way up to Dade City, Florida, and see what gay camping is all about.
To learn more about MODS, the STEMobile, and about booking, check out their website www.MODS.org/STEMobile. 86 | OutClique.com
The Movie Studio, Inc.
A Bold Beginning After Anita Bryant
to Open at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale Including New Corporate Headquarters, Film Production, and Distribution Facility
Written by and image courtesy of Dr. Gary E. Keating
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he Movie Studio, Inc. (OTC: MVES), a motion picture production company focused on acquiring, developing, producing, and distributing independent content via subscription and video on demand (SVOD/AVOD), over the top (OTT) platforms, foreign sales, and various media devices, will move its headquarters and production operations to a new 6,400-square-foot studio facility at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. It is set to open in late February/early March 2021 near H&M and Powerhouse Gym. “We are excited about relocating The Movie Studio’s headquarters to The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale,” said Gordon Scott Venters, president and CEO of The Movie Studio. “We’re confident that this new, larger state-of-the-art studio facility will enable us to streamline operations and engage current and new strategic partners as we enter the launch phase of our exciting and disruptive business model in 2021.” When completed, The Movie Studio’s new space will house corporate and systems administration offices, content creation areas and editing/ voiceover suites. The facility will also house social media development, location and product placement, talent and wardrobe departments, and OTT platform suites. The production area will encompass a 15-foot-by-20-foot stage with projection backdrops, professional green screen, greenroom, and set production and equipment storage areas. The Movie Studio’s unique business model capitalizes on the global demand for film content through the production and distribution of its own films while also providing opportunities for direct viewer involvement in its content. For information about The Movie Studio, please call (954) 332-6600, visit www.TheMovieStudio.com, or email Info@TheMovieStudio.com.
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ecember 1985, New York City. Gary Keating was there to assist in deciding the acts for the following season for The Gusman Center/Olympia Theater. Accidentally he walked by Carnegie Hall where the following night the New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC) would perform and he bought tickets. It was one of the most moving musical moments of his life. Upon returning to Miami he contacted the conductor of NYCGMC and began the process of forming a gay men’s chorus in South Florida. Fortune happened – the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus came to Fort Lauderdale on February 7, 1986, and agreed to let Gary sign up other men who might be interested in singing. Gary got 76 names that night; quite a few still sing today! March 12, 1986 was the first rehearsal, and the first performance was a fundraising event at the Gusman in downtown Miami. The new board hoped for a couple hundred, but more than 800 guests showed up, with some, especially Jack Campbell and others, too, were incredibly generous. The first two concerts happened that December at both Gusman in Miami and the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale. Both halls were packed with above capacity audiences. James Roos, legendary music critic for the Miami Herald stated, “Move over! There is a new boy in town.” After Anita Bryant there were small pride festivals, very active MCC’s, and Congregation Etz Chaim, but nothing as public as the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF). It proved to be a little dangerous on occasion, but that is another story. OutClique.com | 87
The Salvation Army of Broward County Content and images courtesy of Goodman PR
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n a time of unprecedented health and employment challenges, the South Florida community stepped-up in a big way to help The Salvation Army of Broward County “Rescue Christmas” and provide hope and joy to thousands of underserved families. The Salvation Army had 288 Bell Ringers (188 employed; 100 volunteers) in 80 locations in Broward County and raised $320,215 – more than a 33% increase over the same period last year, in less than five weeks in November and December 2020. This effort was bolstered by a National Commander’s Red Kettle Walmart Challenge that brought out state and local government officials to assist with fundraising including State Representative Bobby DuBose, Fort Lauderdale City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, City of Fort Lauderdale’s Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr, PIO Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan, Cooper City District Fire Chief Bruce Caruso, and many other valued civil servants. Over 100 corporations and small businesses participated in the annual Angel Tree Initiative including Anda, Inc., City Furniture, Pediatric Associates, Bankers Health Group, and Comcast. The Salvation Army of
Broward County distributed 7,566 gifts to 1,114 families with 2,483 children at this year’s drive-through Holiday Toy Shop, assisted by Florida Panthers and Starbucks volunteers. “The Salvation Army’s call for help to ‘Rescue Christmas’ in 2020 was answered with unprecedented generosity by individuals and corporate partners this holiday season,” said Major Stephen Long, area commander for The Salvation Army of Broward County. “Despite the hardships that COVID-19 imposed, we were blessed to be able to meet the Broward community’s greater need without missing a beat. We are grateful to our loyal supporters and we look forward to continuing our mission to serve the community in 2021.” Even with social distancing requirements, The Salvation Army managed to assemble hundreds of free Thanksgiving takeaway meals for families with few resources and seasonal hardships. This is in addition to its ongoing weekly free food pantry and meals-to-go services that nourished thousands of residents, those experiencing homelessness, and other impoverished individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
About The Salvation Army The Salvation Army is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to “meeting human needs without discrimination.” Since 1926, The Salvation Army has been active in Broward County serving thousands of our most needy community members. Today, it offers a number of vital programs including its Economic Stability Program, the Open Door Project emergency shelter, a food pantry, transitional family housing, New Beginnings for pregnant homeless women and disaster services. For more information, visit www.SalvationArmyFlorida.org/FortLauderdale or call (954) 524-6991.
88 | OutClique.com
Love is Love By Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.
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Photo Courtesy of Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.
uring 2003, I filmed and produced a short film. The topic was “Long-Term LGBT Partners.” At the time, same-sex marriage wasn’t legal and my goal was to educate the viewer about the existence of long-term same sex couples. One couple I interviewed had been in a partnership celebrating 68 years together! They explained that while serving during World War II, they met during combat in a bunker on the battlefield. The couple told me an abbreviated version of their life together and suddenly one partner quickly left the room. He returned holding a black and white picture housed by a beautiful antique picture frame. The photograph was of the two of them on the beach in Fort Lauderdale. They were in their early twenties. I looked at the picture and responded, “You guys were hot!” At 88 years of age, one replied, “We still are!” The love between them glowed. Later in the discussion, they revealed that one of them had recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. I asked about any regrets about their life together. They responded with, “We fought for freedom in America. The only regret we have is that we could never marry legally.” Legal marriage never became a reality for them. It was twelve years later that samesex marriage became law. During the month of February, we celebrate Valentine’s Day. I always think of that interview. I knew that they were married in God’s heart. This year, choose to celebrate those 68 plus years together! Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv. – Community Activist and Senior Pastor at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale OutClique.com | 89
Cupid’s Arrow
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By Eric Noel Roman
n arrow shoots across the room and hits its target. Quickly follows a second shot and hits the second target almost simultaneously. The two targets see each other and it is love at first sight. Ah yes, another accurate shot, fired by yours truly, the forever cherub, and always dressed for the occasion, the one and only, Cupid. Every year I go around shooting couples with these special arrows, from my charmed bow. Like clockwork, the couples see each other and the enchantment begins. You cannot imagine how rewarding it is to see others loving each other. To have a day dedicated to spreading nothing but love. Every year, millions of people fall in love with each other. What a wonderful theme dedicated to me. With so many people falling in love with each other I cannot help but wonder if I am able to eventually find love myself. Living my love life is quite odd. You cannot imagine how hard it is to meet someone when your only outfit is a diaper. Seems like I might not have help changing it ever. Also, look at me, I am chubby, pale, and turn bright red for just about anything from sunburns to blushing. Would anyone want to really commit to a baby? That’s it, give me
my bow and arrow. I am going to do it. Time to self inflict this on me. I am pulling the arrow back and I am shooting myself with it. Oh my goodness! I just stuck myself with this arrow! How the heck is this a good feeling? I should go look at a mirror, make sure I didn’t do any serious damage. Oh man, who is that in the mirror? I see a gorgeous, plump, young guy wearing the cutest underwear. Hello, handsome! Love at first sight. Wait a second. That is my reflection. I love who I see. I feel great for what I am. Time to spread this love with everyone. How much more rewarding my job has now become. Since I have seen myself in the mirror and begun loving me, my duties have become more fulfilling. I have met a second cherub just like me and we go around doing our jobs way more efficient. Two arrows go out at once and we make a great team. People are much happier to see us, and we are more confident that our fashion, though maybe outdated, is ours. The moral? Love yourself before you love others. With self-love your beauty shines and attracts others to you.
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. 92 | OutClique.com
‘Pup-ular’ Poochfests at Mounts Dogs’ Day in the Garden is the Second Sunday of Each Month Through May 2021 Photo Courtesy of Mounts Botanical Garden
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alling all canine fur-babies – and their people parents, too! Mounts Botanical Garden is continuing its “pup-ular” Dogs’ Day in the Garden on the second Sunday of each month from 9:00AM to 3:00PM – February 14, March 14, April 11, and May 9 (Mother’s Day). This dog- and familyfriendly monthly event will be held throughout the Garden, and regular admission applies: $10 (general), $5 (children 5-12), and free for members. “Our guests really love being able to bring their dogs to the Garden for a relaxed stroll, which is why we decided to do this once per month,” says Rochelle Wolberg, Curator-Director at Mounts. “We have many great spots for photos and we encourage everyone to post online.”
Dogs’ Day Guidelines at Mounts Non-retractable leashes only; retractable leashes are not permitted. No more than one dog per adult will be admitted. Rabies vaccination must be current. Visitors should bring their own and water treats for the puppies. For all Dogs’ Day rules, please visit www.Mounts.org/Dogs-Day. About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County With a mission to inspire and educate through nature, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 14-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 2,000 species of tropical and subtropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic, and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads, and much more. Mounts Botanical is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.Mounts.org.
Remembering Mrs. Rogers By Denny Patterson
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oanne Rogers, the wife of beloved television host Mr. Fred Rogers, died on January 14, 2021 in Pittsburgh at the age of 92. An accomplished concert pianist, Rogers protected the legacy of her husband and helped spread his message of love and kindness after his death in 2003 from stomach cancer. Her death was announced by Fred Rogers Productions, which produces children’s programming for public television. No official cause of death was given. The company released a statement saying: “Fred Rogers Productions is deeply saddened by the passing of Joanne Rogers. The loving partner of Fred Rogers for more than 50 years, she continued their shared commitment to supporting children and families after his death as chair of the board of Fred Rogers Productions. Joanne was a brilliant and accomplished musician, a wonderful advocate for the arts, and a dear friend to everyone in our organization. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Joanne’s family and the thousands of people who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.” Born Sara Joanne Bryd in 1928, she met her future husband at Rollins College in Florida, and they later married in 1952. Friends say their marriage was just as loving and supportive as it looked. “They had their own language, so to speak,” said Bill Isler, president emeritus of Fred Rogers Productions. “You would be with them and they would have sayings all the time that they had from the time they were young.” After Fred’s passing, she helped develop the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at St. Vincent College in his hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Rogers was a supportive force behind her husband, who in 1968 began his critically acclaimed preschool television series, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. The show ran for 33 successful years and was praised for focusing on children’s emotional and physical concerns, such as death, racism, divorce, sibling rivalry, and war. The program ended in 2001. In 2019, Rogers received the George Romero Legacy Award at Steeltown Entertainment’s 2019 Elly Awards. Rogers is survived by two sons, James Byrd Rogers and John Rogers, and three grandsons. OutClique.com | 93
Call Her Rad Mayim Bialik By Gregg Shapiro Photos Courtesy of The Karpel Group 94 | OutClique.com
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hen it comes to recognizing and embracing promising talent, the gays have been at it longer than practically everyone else. Remember the Bette Midler/Barbara Hershey movie Beaches? Remember the opening sequence with the lead characters as children? That was a young Mayim Bialik in one of her earliest film roles, playing Midler’s C.C. Bloom as a kid. Ask any of us and we’ll tell you we knew she was going to be a star. Since then, Bialik has had her own hit network sitcom in the nineties as the titular Blossom and stole the show in every scene in which she appeared in the even more successful 21st century sitcom The Big Bang Theory as Amy Farrah Fowler. She also managed to find the time to earn a PhD in neuroscience from UCLA. In Call Me Kat, her first sitcom following the end of the long-running Big Bang Theory, Bialik plays Kat, the single and sassy owner of a Louisville cat café. I had the pleasure of speaking with Bialik in January 2021, shortly after the show debuted on Fox. Gregg Shapiro: Before signing on to do Call Me Kat, would you consider yourself a fan of Miranda Hart’s British sitcom Miranda, on which it’s based? Mayim Bialik: Honestly, I hadn’t seen it until Jim Parsons brought it to my attention towards the end of Big Bang Theory. So, I did not know about it until Jim said, “What do you think of this?” And I said, “I think it’s delightful.” He said, “No, I’m not asking your personal opinion; I’m asking for you to be part of it.” [Laughs], that was really the first that I heard of it. That’s how we got here [laughs].
GS
One of the first things the viewer sees in Call Me Kat is the breaking down of the fourth wall. Can you please say something about working in that mode?
MB
I think a lot of people don’t understand that we are literally motivated by our desire to honor the original Miranda for all the good that it has brought us. I was on Blossom when I was a teenager, and Blossom actually kept a video diary,
so I’m used to talking at the camera [laughs], to be honest. When we decided to keep that piece of Miranda, it seemed to make a lot of sense that this character is a woman who is not necessarily lonely, but she is alone a lot. In that sense, breaking the fourth wall is really her having the audience be part of her life. It’s the way that people who do spend a lot of time on their own often do have to be creative with picturing who’s listening and who cares about them. In this case, the audience cares about her as she sees it.
GS
Call Me Kat allows you to display other aspects of your talents including your skills as a physical comedian. You even got to do spit-takes in an episode.
MB GS MB
What do you like best about that kind of humor?
GS
I’m so glad you mentioned singing because you do get to sing on the show. Is it
[Big laugh.]
Keep in mind, not everything I do is stuff that I think is the funniest [laughs]. When I’m told to do a spit-take, I do a spit-take. That’s kind of how it works. I’ve always been a very physical person. I was a dancer from the time I was very young. I grew up watching Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Tracey Ullman, women who really all inhabited their bodies in a very specific and comedic way. For me, I think that Darlene Hunt, our showrunner and creator, just incorporated a lot of things about me. I am very physically flexible, so she’s capitalized on that. I like to say that if my mom, when I was 11 and started acting, could have designed a show for me, it would have been Call Me Kat because this show takes everything I can do and it puts it in there [laughs]. She can sing, she can dance, she’s funny with her body, and she can kick high [laughs]. That’s what it feels like.
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daunting or fun to sing with and in the presence of Cheyenne Jackson who plays Max?
MB
It’s absolutely terrifying! I specifically requested that I not have to sing in front of him for extended periods of time because, first of all, he’s absolutely incredible. He also is a person who, if you ask him to sing something 62 times, it’s going to sound amazing every single time. With me, you get about four takes out of me, and then my voice starts to suffer because I’m not a professional. It’s incredibly lovely how welcoming he is and how much support he gives me, but it really is standing in the presence of greatness to work with him and, especially, to sing in front of him [laughs].
GS
Kat has a secret crush on Max. Have you ever had a secret crush on someone, and if so, how did that turn out?
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MB
[Laughs] Well, they’re not usually secret. I usually post on social media about them [big laugh]. I don’t know if I’ve had a secret crush. Like I said, I feel like nothing’s secret anymore, thanks to the Internet.
GS
I’m also glad we started talking about Cheyenne because your queer fans will no doubt be delighted that he, as well as Leslie Jordan, are a couple of your Call Me Kat co-stars. Is it as much fun to work with them as it appears?
MB
Oh, absolutely! What I say about Leslie Jordan is, everything that you wish he’s like is what he’s like. That is no joke. Everything he says is a sound bite. We get to hear him be a little raunchier with his language because we get to see parts of him that other people don’t. He’s delightful, he’s hilarious. Everything he says is an unbelievable
story or joke. I did not know much about Cheyenne, to be honest, before getting to work with him. He’s just one of those people; his presence and his heart are so stunning. He’s goofy and playful. He’s adorable! We have a great time. I wouldn’t say that if it wasn’t true. I would just say, “Oh, he’s really nice to work with.”
had gay friends. I grew up seeing men as couples in our home, having dinner with us, and celebrating holidays with us. I have gay family members, as many of us do. I’m a happy liberal and loving ally. For sure the Bette Midler connection is a very specific thing, which I love to be part of.
GS
GS
MB
MB
Early in your acting career, you played the young version of Bette Midler’s character C.C. Bloom in Beaches. Did you develop a sense of a gay following after that? I was told that I did and I found that to be true. I was raised by two very liberal documentary filmmakers who lived in The Village and had gay friends when that was a scandalous thing to do. I was raised with a very strong love and appreciation for the gay community. My parents
Lainie Kazan played your mother in Beaches, Kathy Bates played your mother on The Big Bang Theory, and now Swoozie Kurtz is playing your mother on Call Me Kat. When it comes to playing a mother yourself, do you think you’ll look to the examples they set for inspiration?
[Big laugh] oh my God, that’s an amazing question! I’m probably most like Lainie Kazan. I don’t think I can avoid that. Actually, there’s a lot of my mom in the Swoozie Kurtz character, but my mom’s really the Bronx Jewish version. OutClique.com | 97
GS
Kat owns and operates a cat-themed café. Do you have any of your own pets, say a cat or a dog?
MB
I do. I have three cats. I had four and, unfortunately, I lost one of them during COVID. It was definitely a rough year in the cat department. But, I do have three fur babies, as we call them. Like Kat, I like to say, “I’m not a sad cat lady, I’m a rad cat lady.”
GS
Finally, what are you most looking forward to about being a guest host on Jeopardy! ?
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MB
Oh, my gosh. When I think of it, it feels like it’s going to be like a dream. I got to go to Egypt many years ago. I remember standing in front of the sphinx and the pyramids. I felt like I had walked into a postcard; it’s that iconic of an image. I guess I’m comparing the Jeopardy! set to the sphinx and the pyramids, but in terms of what I feel like it’s going to feel like, I’ve been placed into a postcard of Jeopardy! I can’t imagine it won’t feel that way. I’m beyond excited! It is one of the most iconic things I think I’m ever going to do in my career.
South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center SMDCAC presents an in-person performance from Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami. The outdoor performance will take place on Saturday, February 20, 2021
Content and images courtesy of Berber Silverstein Group and Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami
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fter 11 months of closure, the South MiamiDade Cultural Arts Center (SMDCAC) is excited to take the first step to re-opening its doors with a socially distanced, outdoor performance from Dimensions Dance Theatre of Miami (DDTM). The performance will take place on the Backyard Concert Lawn and Plaza on Saturday, February 20, 2021, at 4:00PM. Tickets are $45 per “pod,” which includes two seats. Seating will be limited to 180 guests. For their highly anticipated return to the SMDCAC stage, DDTM presents a program reflective of both the emotional trials and tribulations of 2020 and an enduring optimism for a better 2021. Company premieres include “Castles in the Air” by Yanis Eric Pikieris, a contemporary tour de force originally created for film during pandemic lockdowns, Gerald Arpino’s “RUTH, Ricordi per Due,” the iconic choreographer’s statement on remembrance, love, and loss, and the powerful, high spirited “Adiemus” by Yanis Pikieris and David Palmer. The program also includes Ariel Rose “Esferas,” originally commissioned by DDTM for development through the company’s first SMDCAC lab theater salon performance in 2017. In addition to the in-person performance, SMDCAC is hosting a FREE, virtual Dance Talk on Friday, February 12, 2021 at 7:00PM via the SMDCAC’s Facebook (www. Facebook.com/SMDCAC). In preparation for audience arrival, the SMDCAC has taken numerous precautions to ensure the health and
safety of its guests and employees. The following is list of measures being taken for a safe reopening following the guidelines put in place by the CDC, OSHA, and MiamiDade County’s New Normal Guide: •
Face mask coverings required
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Reduced audience capacity
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Hand sanitizer stations located at all entryways and high traffic areas
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Floor marking to assist in maintaining social distancing
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Outdoor seating “pods” spaced beyond the minimum 6’ requirements
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Daily COVID-19 testing of the dancers and artistic staff leading up to and including day-of performance
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Staff training conducted in advance on CDC and Miami-Dade County COVID-19 related protocols and procedures
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Enhanced cleaning procedures including disinfecting all high touch surfaces
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Touchless faucets, soap dispensers, and paper towel dispensers have been installed where possible
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Open lid garbage and recycle bins are in place
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Temporary reduction or elimination of concessions
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.SMDCAC.org/Events/Dimensions-Dance-Theatre-Miami-0. About South Miami-Dade Cultural Arts Center SMDCAC is managed by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, with funding support from the Office of the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners. SMDCAC is dedicated to presenting and supporting arts and culture and providing access to the arts to the entire Miami-Dade County community. More information about SMDCAC and its programs can be found at www.SMDCAC.org.
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Photo Courtesy of WOW Presents Plus
Christopher Hamblin
On His New Series All the Queens’ Men
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By Denny Patterson
he world was introduced to the large and in charge drag queen known as Latrice Royale in 2012 when she first sashayed into the “werk room” on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Dazzling audiences with her witty one-liners, stunning performances, and charming personality, Latrice went on to appear in two seasons of All Stars, firmly cementing her place as one of the show’s most beloved queens. Eight years ago, she met and started dating Tennessee musician, Christopher Hamblin, who would become her executive personal assistant and a pillar of support
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behind the scenes. Now married, Hamblin has become a permanent fixture within the Drag Race community. He recently launched a new program called All the Queens’ Men, which offers fans a fascinating look into the realities, perks, and challenges of being married, dating, or assisting a famous drag queen. Hamblin took some time to chat with OutClique about the show, what it is like being married to one of Drag Race’s biggest stars, and navigating life in the spotlight. Denny Patterson: Tell us about All the Queens’ Men.
DP CH
Why did you initially begin the Facebook group for husbands and boyfriends of drag queens?
I don’t mean to sound negative, but mainly for our own frustrations. I work with Latrice. We aren’t just married; I also serve as her executive personal assistant. Sometimes, my role is to be the bad cop, and there can be situations that I find myself in where it is inappropriate for me to post about them publicly on social media, but I want to be able to vent and tell somebody what I am going through. Latrice was in Season Four (RuPaul’s Drag Race), so I have been in this a minute. At that time, Sharon Needles was touring a lot, Alaska, Bianca Del Rio, Thorgy, so along with their
assistants, boyfriends, and husbands, we kind of started this group as a joke just to be able to complain about our respective partners, but it really did provide a little bit of a support group where we could tell someone about a shady promoter or ask for help if we were in a city where somebody’s luggage didn’t show up. We needed to know who we could call to get some tights and lashes quickly, or whatever. It became a way of communicating with each other, so that was kind of the inspiration. It is sort of a joke, but it is a brotherhood as well.
DP
Some guests on the show include Mic J Rez (Mr. Manila Luzon) and Ceejay Russell (Mr. Ginger Minj). Who else can we expect to see?
CH
Yes, I have Mr. Minj and Mr. Luzon. Episode Two, I believe, are the senior most couples in Drag Race herstory, Mr. Chad Michaels and Mr. Kasha Davis. They have both been together somewhere between 1317 years, something like that, and I loved getting to talk with them. Adam Magee makes all of Chad’s costumes, all those Cher replicas and Bob Mackie stuff. So, we get to go into his talents. Mr. Kasha Davis is a singer and has his own career, like an office job, so we get to learn more about that. Episode Three is Gilbert and Gus. Gilbert is Mr. Shuga Cain, and Gus Lanza is BenDeLaCreme’s partner who happens to be a trans man, and we actually get to sort of investigate and hear from him a little bit about his experience of being a trans person within the Drag Race franchise. We also get to meet their adorable pets; everybody has cute pets. Episode Four includes Ej Dohring, who is Mr. Jan Sport. Having him on the show was my first time meeting him. This is how I am
Photo credit: World of Wonder
Christopher Hamblin: The original concept came out of a Facebook group that I started, which is an anonymous group for husbands, boyfriends, and assistants of prominent drag queens. There may be around 35 people in that group now. When quarantine started, I began interviewing other drag husbands on my own social media, and from there, that concept came to the attention of World of Wonder (WOW) because my loving husband made a phone call and said, “Hey, are you guys looking for more content?” When COVID first hit, we were all at home and people were looking for online content, so it was good timing to bring them a new concept. They were kind enough to invest in it and produce four episodes of what is now called All the Queens’ Men. They were initially released on WOW Presents Plus (www.WowPresentsPlus.com), and now all four episodes should be available on YouTube streaming worldwide.
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meeting the husbands now because we are not on a tour or backstage. So, those are my first eight guests. Hopefully, we can expand on those stories and include some more guys in the future. What do you hope audiences take away from All the Queens’ Men?
I am so grateful for WOW and RuPaul’s Drag Race because they have told our stories in a way that I don’t think anybody else has. However, the more popular Drag Race becomes, I see a lot of young gay guys not necessarily knowing what to do other than drag in order to fit in with the community, especially in show business. I want people to take away that there are lots of different kinds of gay/queer folks that are a part of this. I want them to see that as glitzy and glamorous as our lives are and seem at times, we must work very hard to make that happen. None of these queens are a one-woman or one-person show. All the most successful drag queens in the world have somebody behind them pushing and helping with their careers. It is sometimes a lover, sometimes it is not, but I hope that people can see a different type of role model, different ways that relationships work, and how you can be in show business without having to wear a wig.
DP CH
You are also a musician. Do you have any projects in the works?
DP CH
Before we wrap up, is there anything else you would like to mention or plug?
I recently released my debut single called, “Give Me a Holler” which is kind of a bluegrass, Dolly Parton inspired tune. Dolly’s niece, Jada, and her songwriting partner, Barry J, sing with me on that track. Other than All the Queens’ Men, that was sort of my other quarantine baby. I also covered a song by Alaska Thunderf*** and Jeremy from their album Amethyst Journey called “So Far Gone.” I wanted to do it because I could not get the song out of my head, so I sat down and learned it, and I think it turned out great. I am also in the works of building up all the necessary components for my next full on music video for a piano ballad that I wrote called “Invisible.” I have a whole body painting vision for it. I am waiting until the time is right for that.
I think that is about it. I would just like to say, last year I did have a very successful show with OutClique doing my piano solos at home by the pool, and I had a blast doing that with you guys, so I really appreciate all of the help you provide in letting people know what I am up to.
Be honest, what is it truly like to be married to Latrice Royale?
It is a lot of things [laughs]. I think being married to Latrice is a unique experience because people who know Latrice, or even know about Latrice, know what she has been through in life and what she doesn’t tolerate around her. Jinkx Monsoon said to me one time kind of early on, “We love and trust Latrice so much, we automatically sort of apply that to you.” So, I feel like I get the good grace. Being vouched for in the world because Latrice is so respected, but that does come with a lot of pressure as well. I do feel very obligated to live up to the standard that Latrice has set for herself. I would never want to do anything to hurt our relationship or tarnish her brand. What she means to people is so deep and personal. I am just the lucky one she fell in love with.
Photo Courtesy of Chris Hamblin
DP CH
DP CH
All The Queens’ Men is available worldwide on our streaming platform, WOW Presents Plus. Make sure to follow both Hamblin and Latrice on Twitter and Instagram to stay up-to-date on their latest projects and news. 102 | OutClique.com
History Fort Lauderdale Spotlights
Black History Month with “Black History, Black Future” Fine Art Exhibit
Show and sale from Dillard Center for the Arts’ Advanced Placement Students featured at New River Inn from February 2-28, 2021
Content and images courtesy of Goodman PR
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istory Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, is proud to spotlight the creativity and contributions of Broward County’s African American community. In honor of Black History Month, History Fort Lauderdale will host Black History, Black Future, a fine art exhibit featuring works for show and sale from Dillard Center for the Arts’ Advanced Placement (AP) students, from February 2 28, 2021. The exhibit, curated by instructor Celestin Joseph, represents a contemporary view of Black History from the perspective of students at the very school that was instrumental in overturning segregation laws in the City of Fort Lauderdale 50 years ago. The exhibit will be open to the public at the New River Inn building of History Fort Lauderdale and will be accessible as a digital experience on History Fort Lauderdale’s YouTube channel. “History Fort Lauderdale is grateful to Dillard Center for the Arts’ Celestin Joseph and his efforts to enrich and enlighten our community through art and instruction,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “We’re looking forward to this year’s Black History Month installation of student creativity, perspectives and interpretations of how African American history and culture shapes our lives. We’re pleased to be able to offer this experience both in-person and online, digitally.”
Black History, Black Future will feature a variety of styles and mediums reflecting African American culture, arts, and entertainment and the ongoing struggle for equality. Featured pieces in the exhibition include works by Tayshaun Small and Mikayle Morrison, both currently AP studio art students mentored by Joseph, himself a Dillard alumnus. Joseph received his master’s in fine arts in painting from the University of Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor’s in fine arts, cum laude, from the University of Hartford as a painting major, with an art history minor, and concentrations in printmaking and graphic design studies. Joseph also received a prestigious Yale/Norfolk Art and Music Scholarship to further his studies. Currently, he is teaching AP studio art classes at his alma mater Dillard Center for the Arts where he has been strengthening the visual arts program since 1999.
Black History, Black Future is one of several insightful experiences at History Fort Lauderdale. Permanent exhibits include The Bryans of Fort Lauderdale which allows visitors to experience the story of the City of Fort Lauderdale as told through the pioneer family that shaped its development from an agricultural outpost in 1896 to a bustling city in the 1920s to its current status as a leading Metropolis, Juliette Lange: A Portrait of a Mezzo Soprano, a fashion and lifestyle glimpse of the socially prominent Fort Lauderdale resident with a lauded career as a star vocalist of musical comedy, plus Archaeology of the New River and a multitude of narratives and photos sharing the history of other founding families of Fort Lauderdale. The nonprofit museum also hosts a variety of yearly multicultural exhibits highlighting additional African American, Caribbean, Latin, and women artists sharing their views of history and an artists’ collective collaborative space. In compliance with local and state health guidelines, visitors to History Fort Lauderdale will be required to wear a mask, have a digital temperature reading, and practice safe social distancing of six feet apart. Hand sanitizer will be available at the front desk admission point and all surfaces will be thoroughly cleaned multiple times a day, per CDC guidelines. Additionally, guests will be asked to sign-in, daily, for contact tracing.
For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431 or visit us online at www.HistoryFortLauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FTLHistory and on Instagram @FTLHistory and subscribe to us on YouTube at www.YouTube.com/user/FTLHistory. OutClique.com | 103
What Makes Us Clique
Michael Goodman
GPR | Goodman Public Relations Written and photographed by Andrew Armano | www.AndyArmano.com 104 | 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. Michael Goodman is the owner-founder of GPR (Goodman Public Relations). He is recognized for his award-winning public relations and marketing work on behalf of past and present clients such as The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, Broward MPO, SFRTA/ Tri-Rail, History Fort Lauderdale, Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA), Miami Beach Community Health Center, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival, Pfizer, and Sawgrass Mills/Simon. His community involvement is as extensive as his career, having contributed significantly to numerous arts, business, and philanthropic organizations. Currently, he’s the board chair of the Florida Theatrical Association, a newly elected board member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, and an honorary board member of both Neighbors 4 Neighbors and Art & Culture Center Hollywood. He’s also served on the boards of ArtServe, Poverello, Junior Achievement of South Florida, and others. He created impactful annual events such as The Galleria’s Annual Men of Style, which benefits 12 charities. He has been honored many times during his career, most recently with the Arts Leader of the Year, Art & Culture Center Hollywood, and Leadership Broward Foundation’s “Profiles in Leadership.” Despite these high profile accomplishments, Goodman’s quiet, unassuming presence is a surprise. He recently sat down with OutClique to discuss the values that drive his work – the positive impact of connecting people to each other and nurturing good. In addition, he enjoys a side gig he usually keeps quiet about, but opens up to us about his successful stage presence as a Cher impersonator. Andy Armano: How did you get into public relations? Has it always been something you’ve wanted to do or was it something you, more or less, fell into? Michael Goodman: It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve grown from a green associate to making $5 an hour, to the owner of a company. I did not originally see myself as the owner of a PR firm. I always use this narrative when I talk to kids at colleges or schools; I
always say, “Anything is possible because you never know where your life’s going to take you.” I started in this field, more or less, by chance. While I was in college, I worked three jobs. One of my jobs was at a PR firm and I literally did make $5 an hour. My job was to track clips. Back then, there wasn’t social media or the internet, so we had to manually track clients, names, and mentions by reading publications from around the country. I would physically clip, paste, and create files. That was my job. Gradually, I left the nest to become an event manager at Macy’s. Next, I worked for Broward House for three years. That’s when my career really took off. I had the opportunity to get my feet wet being a volunteer coordinator, a communicator, and a fundraiser. I received a tremendous amount of recognition for the work I did there. That’s what really propelled my desire to do this long-term.
AA
You were lucky to have found your calling in public relations. What do you love about it the most?
MG
For me, it is the collaboration and the connecting. It all comes down to people and relationships. That is the most enduring. That said, I love everything about public relations and offering a well-rounded portfolio to our clients. My company is a full-service agency, so we offer clients traditional PR plus interactive social campaigns. We create TV and radio commercials, public service videos, social media plans, and more. We are attuned to online presence including websites, Facebook business, LinkedIn, Yelp, and Travelocity. We handle crisis communications. Event planning is also part of what I do, from fashion shows to black-tie events to awards presentations. I’ve just always had a very full-service approach. My client base has been pretty diverse over the years. So, yeah, I think part of my success comes from not being limited to one aspect. Even if a client doesn’t hire me to do all aspects, I’m able to give them direction for consistency. That’s the key to good campaigns. When I donate my time, I am grateful that I have skills to offer. For example, I support Diversity Honors, which is a partnership between The Pride Center at Equality Park and the Harvey Milk Foundation. I am a great team asset because I can execute PR, marketing, advertising, and event planning. OutClique.com | 105
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AA MG
How has the COVID-19 pandemic changed your work and life?
AA MG
Absolutely.
Pre-COVID, I could attend an event every night and always be out and about, but I definitely enjoy my alone time. That’s the best life lesson to learn – to enjoy time with yourself. Years ago, to be home on a Saturday night, by myself, was like a torture chamber. To get to the place in life where that’s a fun thing, where it’s exciting to have some dinner, have your dedicated place in front of the TV, enjoy great food, take in a movie … that’s a great thing! You don’t need someone to fulfill you.
I definitely think connections, emotional and physical connections, are important. If that becomes a crutch, then I don’t think that’s balanced. In the past it got me in trouble when I was dependent on others. It was a good life lesson to learn for me to learn to take care of myself, first. That way, I can give all day and help others. Then, I can put-up my hair and relax on the couch enjoying myself at home.
AA
I know we mentioned in our prior chats that you split your time between here and Palm Springs, CA, right?
MG
I do. I’m primarily here in Florida, but I do go back and forth. I was in a show there for two years and developed some wonderful friendships. Plus, I’m just in awe of the majestic mountains that are visible from every angle.
AA
Yes, I was surprised to see your Cher impersonation! I always conduct research on the individuals I speak with before sitting down with them. I had not come across that aspect of your life.
MG
Not too many people are aware of it. It’s not the focus of my life,
however, it’s fun and I’m just sharing with you to give you a full circle of my being. It’s definitely a part of me. I’m very lucky to be hired and booked to do Cher. At first, I was private and reluctant; I didn’t talk about it. No one knew. How would they? And then, little by little, more people started to acknowledge my performances. I did a show at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. A lot of my peers were there, and the word started to get out. For the most part, it was really positive, and it’s something that I cherish. Honestly, I spend a great deal of time honing my skills - from nuances to elaborately decorated costumes. Cher, herself, has given a thumbs-up. She hasn’t seen my shows, but she sees my pictures. When she was giving me kudos for it, it was sweet and humbling. Some of the top “Cher people” in the country have been very complimentary to me about my performances, so I’ve been very fortunate to add that to my life. It’s another great facet of my life that I’m grateful for.
AA MG
What’s the key to a successful Cher impersonation?
While working at a show in Palm Springs, CA for two years, a producer asked me to stay after the show. I was anxious and nervous. Basically, his message was clear and constructive, that I didn’t really have to overperform, to do less. He said I looked like her and had the perfect body type. That was when I turned the corner. My Cher became 100%. I learned not to over-exaggerate the mannerisms; just to trust in myself and my skills at illusion.
AA
That’s such a fascinating current metaphor in life itself, “Don’t try too hard.” In a weird way, the more you let go and relax the better you actually are. Thank you so much for talking with us and for everything you do to support the community. I don’t know how you find the time to do everything you do.
MG
Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am grateful for everything. OutClique.com | 107
Our Fund Foundation Offers Grants Through its 2021 LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund
O
Photos Courtesy of Our Fund Foundation
ur Fund Foundation announced the non-profit will provide $100,000 in grants and up to $20,000 per applicant, through its 2021 LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund (www.Our-Fund.org/ArtsCulture). “Our Fund believes that success for arts and culture agencies in the post-pandemic environment will be defined by their ability to pivot and cater to audience’s anticipated expectations around safety and social distancing that will be foreseen remnants of the pandemic for several years,” said Our Fund President & CEO David Jobin. “Priority in grant consideration will be given to agencies whose goal is not just return to normal, but return to a new normal that builds on new capabilities developed in the initial months of the pandemic.” Grants from the 2021 LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund will support costs incurred by organizations related to safety protocol, reduced audience size, increase in number of performances, costs associated with supporting virtual and live performances, and enhanced marketing. “Our Fund is not seeking to support new projects, but instead is interested in supporting new operating costs associated with developing and sustaining programming in a post-COVID-19 environment,” said Jobin. 2021 grants from the Arts & Culture Fund follow Our Fund’s previous program, Arts Proud, a campaign designed to support and sustain LGBTQ arts and cultural agencies that were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The coalition of Arts Proud LGBTQ cultural institutions includes the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Island City Stage, Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, OUTshine Film Festival, South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, Thinking Cap Theatre, Thou Art Woman, and the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. Grants from the LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund are made possible through contributions from The Jim Laird Hamish Fund at Our Fund, Our Fund Donor Advised Fundholders and Individual Donors, Our Fund’s Endowment Fund, and the support of philanthropic partners.
To be eligible, applicants must be either a LGBTQprimary non-profit, or a non-LGBTQ-primary non-profit organization that is seeking funding for a LGBTQ-specific program/project in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach Counties. Special consideration will be given to organizations and projects that are organized by, and work on behalf of, underserved populations within the LGBTQ community (including ethnicity, race, age, gender, gender identity, and physical and cognitive ability). Consideration will also given to organizations that offer proof of proactively addressing gaps in representation of underserved populations in regard to board, staff, audience, and user participation, and to programs that have limited appeal to traditional funding sources as well as to applications that leverage partnerships between similar-missioned agencies to reduce duplication of effort/resources and expand reach/services.
The deadline to submit a proposal is Friday, February 19, 2021. For more information or to apply, visit www.Our-Fund.org/ArtsCulture. OutClique.com | 109
NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale | Photo by Downtown Photo
Broward Cultural Division Distributes $2.5 Million in Relief Funding CARES Act Funding to Support Arts Jobs and Sustain Arts Organizations
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he Broward Cultural Division, working with local arts leaders, recently distributed more than $2.5 million in additional CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economical Security) funding to nonprofit arts organizations in Broward County. The funding will help preserve jobs and support organizations forced to limit operations due to the pandemic. In May, Broward Cultural Division also provided $428,000 in financial assistance to 38 Browardbased non-profit cultural organizations impacted by the COVID-19 crisis via one-time supplemental grants from its Broward Arts Relief Fund, bringing the Division’s total COVID relief funding to more than $3 million. The funding secured for this initial lifeline was
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made possible with sales proceeds from the Florida Arts License Plate Program. After first covering public health costs, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners, led by arts advocate and Broward Cultural Council member, Mayor Steve Geller, approved the CARES Act allocation for arts and culture nonprofit organizations. “This funding came at a crucial time for not only the organizations and institutions, but for the County’s tourism industry as well. The arts and culture sector is an essential component for our community’s public health and for our local economy,” said Mayor Steve Geller. “People look at support for arts and culture as an optional luxury, but it is so much more than that. This significant allocation solidifies the County’s ongoing support of
the impact of arts and culture in our community.”
“What has been a devastating year for the arts, has also been a time of opportunity as we’ve been able to reexamine the essential role of arts and culture in our community,” said Cultural Division Director Phil Dunlap.
Photos Courtesy of Broward County Cultural Division
Throughout this year, Broward Cultural Division worked with Mayor Geller as well as with local arts leaders who included NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale Director and Chief Curator, Bonnie Clearwater, Broward Center for the Performing Arts President/CEO, Kelley Shanley, and Museum of Discovery & Science President and CEO, Joseph P. Cox, who championed the effort that secured this funding. Cox stated, “As the Museum had to temporarily close our doors to the public for nearly eight months, the Broward Cultural Division CARES
Act grant allowed us to continue to provide virtual and offsite STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) programming and curriculum support for educators, students and families. This investment by Broward County allows us to deliver programming and continue to serve the needs of our community.”
A current list of the County’s reopened arts organizations can be found at www.ArtsCalendar.com/Reopening. Please check with individual organizations about their health and safety guidelines. About Broward Cultural Division The Broward Cultural Division advances arts and culture throughout greater Fort Lauderdale by investing in the creative sector and providing capacity building opportunities for artists, organizations and creative talent through events and activities that fuel Broward’s creative infrastructure. The Cultural Division includes the county’s Public Art & Design program, as well as grant programs that provide over $4.5 million in annual support for Broward-based cultural organizations and artists, and engages the community in education and advocacy initiatives that support arts education at the local, state, and federal levels. For more information on programs, grants, calls-to-artists and more, visit www.Broward.org/Arts.
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Daniel Ortiz’s Debut Book
The Inbox
By Denny Patterson
L
ooking for a book with thrills, chills, and more? Then we would highly recommend that you check out Daniel Ortiz’s debut book, The Inbox.
Following 23-year-old Devon Owens, he has no idea what to do with his life. However, everything changes when he receives an inoffensive message over the internet. What seems pretty innocent quickly turns into a sinister game.
OutClique had the opportunity to sit down and chat more with Ortiz about The Inbox. Denny Patterson: Hi, Daniel! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me about your new book, The Inbox. Without giving too much away, can you tell us more about it? Daniel Ortiz: The Inbox follows the story of a young 23-year-old who is trying to get his life together. At the same time, he still has a lot of growing up to do. So, he is stuck in between growing up and still being this young boy who has his mother taking care of him, looking after him, cooking for him. He is trying to grow out of that, and he is looking for a place to live away from home. He winds up searching for an apartment, he hops online, and comes across an odd inbox message offering him a place to stay. Things escalate from there. He winds up trapped in this inescapable nightmare, and he can’t seem to get out of it. He cannot convince his friends and family that he feels something is after him through his inbox message.
DP
The Inbox is part of a series?
DO DP
Yes. I am currently working on the second part, and it should be released sometime later this year.
You recently moved to the Fort Lauderdale area from Queens, New York. What brought you down here?
DO
My partner. He is a doctor at Holy Cross Hospital. He is doing his residency there right now, and we were doing long distance for quite a while. He was going through the process of a match, so he did not know where he was going to be. He applied to Chicago, Florida, and he had interviews in New York. Unfortunately, he did not get the one from New York or Chicago, and Florida was the one that accepted him. So, that is why we are here now. We decided to end the long distance. I said, wherever you are for residency, I will follow. I will be there and we can finally be together and not do the long distance stuff anymore.
DP DO
What do you hope readers take away from The Inbox?
Honestly, be careful who you trust online. Not everyone you think you know over the internet is who they say they are. There is no other way to put it.
DP
Besides the next part of The Inbox, do you have any other upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
DO
This is what I am sticking to at the moment. I want to get this series out, and from there, I honestly have a lot of projects on my mind. This is something that I wanted to get out there first.
Make sure to follow Ortiz on all social media platforms, and visit www.TheInboxBook.com for the latest news and updates. Copies are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble retail stores. To read the full interview, visit www.OutClique.com. OutClique.com | 113
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Ancient Caves
Photo Courtesy of MODS
At the Museum of Discovery & Science
A
ncient Caves brings science and adventure together as it follows paleoclimatologist Dr. Gina Moseley on a mission to unlock the secrets of the Earth’s climate in the most unlikely of places: caves. Until recently, scientists had no reliable way to accurately study the climate of Earth’s distant past. Moseley and her team of cave explorers travel the world exploring vast underground worlds in search of stalagmite samples - geologic “fingerprints” - that reveal clues about the planet’s climate history. Their quest leads them to some of the world’s most remote caves, both above and below the water, in France, Iceland, the Bahamas, the U.S. and Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, where they study how rapidly Earth’s climate can change, and how it has affected human civilization. Together, they go where very few humans will ever go, revealing the incredible lengths scientists will go to study the unknown. Ancient Caves is an Oceanic Research Group Films production produced with support from the Giant Dome Theater Consortium and presented by MacGillivray Freeman Films.
To purchase tickets, please visitthe Museum Box Office. OutClique.com | 117
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Light the Night to “Light Up” Fort Lauderdale’s Downtown Photos by Downtown Photo
G
et ready for Light the Night, when buildings in downtown Fort Lauderdale, FL will come alive with spectacular video projection displays the first week in March 2021. A collaboration of Broward Cultural Division’s Public Art & Design Program and the creative solutions firm MAD, Light the Night is the first event of its kind in Broward County, incorporating innovative 3D projection mapping technology to project new site-specific artworks by South Florida artists onto three buildings in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Featuring artworks by Agustina Woodgate, Jen Clay, Edison Peñafiel, and Monica Lopez de Victoria, Light the Night’s nightly activations of
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light, color, sound and motion, some spanning 10 stories high, will be displayed March 1-7, 2021, from 6:30-11:00PM on the facades of Broward County Government Center (115 South Andrews Avenue), NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (One East Las Olas Boulevard), and Society Las Olas (301 Southwest 1st Avenue). The buildings are located within walking distance of each other, providing a unique outdoor art experience for the public in a low-density and safe environment. Health and safety reminders will also be projected onto the buildings. The nighttime projections will also feature video art from the collections of NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and the Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz Collection at Girls’ Club.
Rather than using a conventional screen, projection mapping, also known as video mapping, uses a physical space or object as a surface for the projection. The pieces produced are adapted to each space, and are then mapped to its surfaces, giving the projection architectural dimensionality that transforms flat surfaces into dynamic art filled with moving patterns, lights, and animations. Broward Cultural Division Director Phillip Dunlap said, “Partnering with MAD enabled us to provide a unique
opportunity for local artists to learn how to use this cutting-edge technology and work with a creative team to expand their artistic practice. We look forward to presenting the results of their work to the public.” Light the Night was curated by Sofia Bastidas Vivar, who noted, “The creative mapping technology and workshop are not only a great way to showcase art throughout the community, but also serve as a new outlet for artists to see the city as a space where they can envision largescale projection artworks.”
For more information, visit www.ArtsCalendar.com/LightTheNight. About Broward County Cultural Division The Broward Cultural Division advances arts and culture throughout greater Fort Lauderdale by investing in the creative sector and providing capacity building opportunities for artists, organizations, and creative talent through events and activities that fuel Broward’s creative infrastructure. The Cultural Division includes the county’s Public Art & Design program, as well as grant programs that provide over $4.5M in annual support for Broward-based cultural organizations and artists, and engages the community in education and advocacy initiatives that support arts education at the local, state and federal levels. For more information on programs, grants, calls-to-artists and more, visit www.Broward.org/Arts or follow @BrowardArts on social media channels.
OutClique.com | 121
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