OutClique Magazine January 2020

Volume 4, Issue 2 January 2020

Latrice Royale brings "Here's to Life" home Coco Peru

Stonewall National Museum & Archives

Lewis Black

Belinda Davids

as Whitney Houston

Pride of the Americas

HIVcare.org

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TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 4, Issue 2 | January 2020

Cover Story 20

LATRICE ROYALE BRINGS

"HERE'S TO LIFE" HOME

Photos by The Drag Photographer Erika Wagner

5 Bars & Clubs 32 Lodging & Dining 44 Realtors & Brokers

Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher and Editor in Chief OutClique@gmail.com

Arthur Wood III

Associate Editor Arthur.OutClique@gmail.com

Sach AD Group

Director of Graphic Design

Mike Ritzi

Executive Director of Sales

Cindy Curtis Irv Scott

58 Professional Services

Sales Managers

94 Retail & Shopping

Connie Evans

108 Health, Wellness, & Fitness 125 Events, Shows & Entertainment

Chief Copyeditor

Tom Pence

Distribution Manager

Rivendell Media

National Advertising

Gregg Shapiro

Senior Entertainment Writer

Denny Patterson

Senior Lifestyle Writer

Contributing Writers

Tony Adams, Andy Armano, Rod Davis, Michael Ferrara, John Hayden, Marty Kiar, Patrick Rogers, Eric Noel Roman

Distribution

Robby Wagenseil & Luis Eduardo, Miami-Dade

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

THIS IS 2020

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

F

“

irst, Happy New Year! I have always admired the life and career of Barbara Walters. Her biography is about 20 CDs, and well worth the listen. Well, now she can finally say with truth, “This is 2020.”

It’s been a joy to work with the people of our LGBTQA+ South Florida community. One of the reasons I started OutClique magazine was to create an ethnographic picture of the individuals making a difference. I recently received the email below from one of my readers, and I wanted to share it with you, as we ring in the New Year.

“Dear OutClique, Thank you very much for a very nice article about Michael Walters and the Dame Edna show.

It’s a well-deserved tribute to someone who has really tried to make a difference in the community with wit and laughter and fun.

Not many entertainers have the fortitude or longevity in Wilton Manors, and we are happy that he is here.

In today’s world we need all the laughter we can get.

Thank you very much!”

[Submitted with name] So, I ask you again as I did in last month’s Letter from the Publisher, “Is happiness abounding” in your life?

All of us at OutClique wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2020.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with story ideas, suggestions, if you’d like to get involved with the magazine, or ways that we could maybe help our community. OutClique@gmail.com Steven O. Evans, PhD Publisher & Editor in Chief

OutClique.com | 05

SANTA COMES TO MATTY'S Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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WREATH AUCTION AT THE PUB Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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Photo by The Drag Photographer Erika Wagner

The Royale T

AN INTERVIEW WITH LATRICE ROYALE 22 | OutClique.com

By Gregg Shapiro

I

n her own words, Latrice Royale (aka Timothy Wilcots) is “large and in charge, chunky yet funky, bold, and beautiful," and no one else could have put it better. Remembered for her appearances on season four of RuPaul’s Drag Race and the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, Latrice Royale is here to stay. The Compton, California native and South Florida transplant, paid dearly “for some bad choices” that resulted in her incarceration in the early 2000s. Compelled to remake herself “into a stronger, more dedicated individual," a decade after her release, through her strength and determination she is showing the world who she is in her personal, one-woman show Here’s To Life, playing February 1, 2020 at Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, at which she will be accompanied on piano by her husband Christopher Hamblin. Latrice was gracious enough to take time from her busy schedule to answer a few questions for OutClique.

Gregg Shapiro: Latrice, you have been living in South Florida for 20 years. What was it that brought you to the area?

GS

It’s been a couple of years since the closing of the Palace Bar on Ocean Drive in South Beach where, according to the Miami Herald, you were the “bar’s reigning queen." What is your single fondest memory of the Palace?

LR

[Laughs] well, now. I was the reigning queen of the Palace? That is news to me, but thank you [laughs]. I have the most wonderful memories of our Christmas times at the Palace. It was magical. We were such a family. We would really come together and have a staff Christmas party. We exchanged gifts, laughed, ate, and shared stories. It was just magical, and I really, really miss that. It was the first time I’ve ever been a part of the cast and felt like a family.

GS

As a past winner of the Mr. & Miss Pride South Florida Pageant, what’s the best piece of advice you were given regarding competing for the title, and what advice would you offer someone who wanted to compete?

Latrice Royale: I have been in South Florida for 28 years. I initially moved here to pursue my passion of color guard. I came to South Florida to audition for a world class team called "The Alliance of Miami" and that was in 1992. One of my best friends, Daniel, had asked me to come spin with him and I promised I would, and "aged out" with him, so I moved to Florida.

LR

GS LR

GS

For those not in the know, how did the name Latrice Royale come to be?

Well, Latrice, was a childhood friend of mine and she was a beautiful little black girl who had the most perfect hair. It was wavy and long. She was really pretty; she was my little bestie. So, when I went to do my first drag show, they asked me my name and I just said, "Latrice," and they were like, "Latrice, what?" and I didn't have a last name. But my friend Matt was with me at the time and he gave me my last name. He was like, "What about Royale? Like fudge Royale?

You're chocolatey." And so [that’s how] Latrice Royale had came to be. God bless, Matt.

I was told by a very wise woman, don't tell anyone that I was competing and to show up, and do me. Just give them me, one hundred percent. At that time, I was having a hard time with pageantry because I was kind of more of a club kid, so when I brought that full force into "Miss Pride South Florida" it really served me well and I won. That was 2004.

You were recently performing in New York and Provincetown. What were those experiences like for you?

LR

I had an amazing time in New York and Provincetown. I actually got my cabaret legs in New York City at the Laurie Beechman Theatre, so it was nice to return and try out some new material and get the band back together. I just felt at home and it was wonderful. It was my debut in Provincetown and I didn't know what to expect because it was a different culture than I'm used to and a different rhythm than I'm used to, but we adapted pretty well; and the shows were amazing. Considering the time of year that we OutClique.com | 23

played, we did remarkably well and were well received. They've already invited us to come back. They were both lovely experiences. I can't wait to share and bring this show home and really showcase how far it’s come since the workshop that we did in Fort Lauderdale a few years ago.

GS

What can you tell me about your onewoman show Here’s To Life, which you describe as your “other musical adventure," and which you will be performing here in South Florida?

LR

This show is a real labor of love.

It really is where it all began, and that's here in South Florida. That's where Latrice was born, so my whole entire adult life has been here. So, there's a lot of history and it will be a lot of fun to reminisce and really connect the dots. To landmark where they are and recognize that I am where I am because of where I come from. The show is really healing; it’s so necessary, especially in these times because we need to really be more in touch with who we are and what our purpose is here on this earth. It's a wonderful way to connect and get some closure on some things. New understanding on things and feeling like you can conquer the world. If I can do it, you can do it.

You have both a personal and professional relationship with your

LR

This is all about balance, communication, and love. We work really hard on trying to maintain that balance, boundaries, and knowing where we're coming from at all times, so there's no misunderstandings. If there are questions, we ask the questions and talk about things so that’s number one, key. You have to keep those lines open. It's not always easy and you're not always in the mood but you have to do it. That's what makes us work.

GS

In addition to performing, you also created L.R.I. Talent & Management.

Please say something about the necessity of doing that and what it’s like to be working from that side of the business.

LR

I'm old-school and I am self-taught.

I've always been a firm believer that you need to own everything with your name on it. I really created L.R.I. out of the fear of being taken advantage of and people just doing me wrong and having everything I've worked hard for taken away from me. I wanted to protect myself. There were other girls like me, who also needed and felt the need to be protected and that’s what I did it for. I know I'm an honest person and I'm always the one that's been fighting for the

Photo by The Drag Photographer Erika Wagner

GS

husband and musical accompanist Christopher. What’s the secret to making both these aspects work for you and him?

24 | OutClique.com

girls and making sure they’re treated fairly and getting our just desserts.

GS

In February of 2019, an interview with you ran in USA Today in which you talked about your experience as an exfelon and your work in the restoration of voting rights for former felons. Please say something about your dedication to the cause and what the results have been.

LR

Obviously, this is very near and dear to my heart, because I was affected by this law and during that time I didn't have a voice of my own. The only thing I could do was ask others to advocate for me and speak for me. Make something happen, make change happen. My dedication to just being myself and speaking out. I made a post and people heard me and so I don't want to say that I was the cause, but I feel like I did my part in that it made a difference.

And that felt great but it's only the beginning.

Now I'm awaiting to see if I'm a registered voter.

GS

How would you rate the impact of a show such as FX’s Pose, as well as Billy Porter’s win at the Emmys on September 22, 2019, on you personally and the culture at large?

LR

Photo by The Drag Photographer Erika Wagner

Billy's win was a win for us all. It's just amazing.

It's his time. Kudos and congratulations.

He really is the heart and soul and the heartbeat of that show. I've never seen him better. As far as the impact that the show has had on the community is so necessary and has been such a welcome thing to happen because now these young people who had no clue of where we've come from and what we've been through [now know]. They're now seeing it live and reliving it. Some of it’s hard to watch for those who've been through it. However, it is so necessary for these young kids to see what it used to be like and the reason why they are where they are, is because we've been fighting all these years for equality and to feel like human beings.

For ticket information on Here’s To Life go to www.BrowardCenter.org.

February 1, 2020, Aventura Arts and Cultural Center.

OutClique.com | 25

THINK OF GOALS

By Eric Noel Roman

D

id you know that "being a nicer person," and "learning something new," are some of the top resolutions for the new year. Alongside the obvious "lose weight," and "save money," all resolutions seem to involve some sort of self improvement. Each year rolls out "the list," and each year the list slowly becomes a memory. Resolutions are always an important role in day to day life. Distractions pull us away from reaching the state of accomplishment in resolving our issues.

A few years back I set a resolution to be less stressed and more easy going in life. Over time, the resolution evolved to become, "be happy by helping others." This led to less stress, a happier outlook on my day, and most importantly my happiness. I set out to find a way to make people smile. I discovered that I can change the world by just changing one frown a day. This had a positive impact on my everyday life.

Just one year ago, I wrote a column that said resolutions were not positive. I still believe that to an extent. My mindset has not changed. By setting a resolution, a person is looking to resolve a problem. There is still

negative language. I do believe that wording is important to reaching goals. In turn, I am using the term "resolution" only as a common word.

Even though I dislike resolutions, I use goal setting regularly.

Positive thoughts lead to positive actions.

Keeping things on the right track while avoiding as much negativity as possible and reversing negative thoughts by finding the proverbial silver lining has led me to a path where my goals are being met. Every aspect of life began by switching language. By finding a better way of describing issues to yourself, is the key that will take the thought process through a positive sequence that will end in success. If one takes the negative road the language is set up for failure.

This is not a task that can easily be done.

It takes reprogramming, and learning a new inner dialogue. Each person is different and every situation is unique. Once your puzzle is coming together and you learn how to flip the bad to good within your situation, life becomes happier and goals are reached faster.

Resolve nothing. Reach your goals instead.

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.

36 | OutClique.com

OUTCLIQUE MAGAZINE TAKES THE BRIGHTLINE

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YOU WON’T SEE THIS ON HGTV®

By Kip Reynolds

Y

ou wake one morning, look out your window, and think; “Gosh, I want to buy my own home.” So you head over to Zillow and start to swipe and swipe and suddenly it’s there! You’ve found it. You call an agent and get right inside that morning and of course it’s everything you ever wanted. Luckily you brought your wallet and after a quick bite you call the agent to submit an offer. There’s a bit of back and forth and perhaps a tiny bit of intrigue. Low and behold your offer is accepted and magically, some time passes, and you’re settled in your new home. Heaven.

Unfortunately the reality of the situation is nothing like a TV show. Television has a way of bringing fantasy to life. Often expectations are disappointments to the facts of the work and energy necessary to purchase that dream property, but nothing is impossible. The truth is that few things in life are easily achieved.

You’ll need a sizeable down payment with a bit more for cushion. Rainy days happen so be prepared. You’ll also need trustworthy players to help guide you along the road. A road that can be full of twists and turns.

No matter how much work has gone into your purchase, the whole thing can crumble if the lender isn’t secure in repayment of the loan.

This can even occur just before closing for a myriad of reasons. The lending process takes time, and during this time, your credit score can change. Your debt-to-income ratio can go from one extreme to another. Be conscientious of every major purchase, every credit balance, every household bill, and even if your schedule changes at work. Things that affect your credit score include new purchases, new credit inquiries, new credit or collections

accounts, and even fraud protection programs.

Things that affect your debt-to-income ratio are monthly household bills, utility increases, decreases in work hours, unemployment, and even new employment.

It isn’t just the lender who can back out. You and the seller may have come to terms, but those terms can change for many reasons. A big one is if the appraisal comes back lower than the agreed price. Although a lender relies on an appraisal to determine value, the appraisal is performed by a third party. Usually the buyer and seller come to terms, but it takes negotiation.

The seller could back out involuntary if they cannot legally transfer clear title to the home.

For instance, if there is a large lien against the property or if they don’t hold complete legal ownership and cannot sell. If the seller can’t “cure” the defects the closing will not proceed.

Furniture is often left behind, damage is sometimes discovered, even weather can play a role in derailing the process. Often these issues are minor and can be mitigated through your Realtor, but it’s not likely to experience these issues from the HGTV® vantagepoint. The process of renegotiation, speaking with the players, and just generally holding the game together to closing is a reality that few know how to navigate. While buyers and sellers look to the finish line, the Realtor works the checkpoints along the way, making sure everything goes according to plan.

When it doesn’t, they have the experience to navigate the process and close. Thus the dream is achieved and you can enjoy that new home for many years to come.

Kip Reynolds PA ABR CRS BPOR RealtorⓇ serving the Fort Lauderdale area since 2005 Atlantic Properties International Inc (954)854-3048 42 | OutClique.com

AN APARTMENT

COMMUNITY

Photo Courtesy of Marty Kiar’s office

DOES MY HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION AUTOMATICALLY RENEW?

A

fter your initial application for Homestead Exemption has been made and the exemption approved by our office, it automatically renews each year unless there is a change of ownership or eligible use of the property. Each January, our office mails a Homestead Renewal Notice and “Change-Card” to all Homesteaded properties.

Florida law requires the property owner to notify the Property Appraiser of any change of property use or ownership status, and this Change Order Card provides an efficient way to communicate important changes to our office.

If there are NO changes to the use and/or ownership of the property, simply keep the card as your receipt verifying you were automatically renewed for another year. However, if there are changes, please mark the Change Card accordingly and return it to our office.

If you are a surviving spouse or otherwise believe you are entitled to an exemption, you must file your own Homestead Exemption application to receive the benefit. If you have any questions relating to the death of the owner, the Change Card or need assistance in filing for Homestead or other tax-saving exemptions, please visit our website at www.BCPA.net or contact our Customer Service Department at (954) 357-6830.

There are other tax-saving exemptions available to qualified individuals. These exemptions and the specific requirements are available on our website at www.BCPA.net/Homestead.asp.

Where did my portability savings go?

A portability deduction is only posted to your property record page the first year you receive your new Homestead Exemption. The portability savings from the first year form the basis of your new Save Our Homes value on a going forward basis and, in subsequent years, will rise or fall based upon market just value changes and the 3% cap, as your new Save Our Homes value has incorporated your portability savings. When our website is updated to display subsequent year property values, your portability deduction is no longer shown independently because it is already factored into your new Save Our Homes value.

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

Take care, Marty Kiar, CFA

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

The Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office is located at 115 S Andrews Avenue, Room # 111, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Follow our office at: facebook.com/MartyKiarBCPA and twitter.com/MartyKiarBCPA 46 | OutClique.com

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DRAG FOR FUN & PHILANTHROPY

By John M. Hayden

A

"We go in and help others raise money one dollar at a time,” Kendall told me, while talking about the charities they chose for the year. "We tried to select a variety of different organizations, including kids (back to school drive and Toys for Tots), pets, seniors, Transgender Youth Camp, Hurricane Relief, TransSocial, The SMART Ride, IGNITE Women SF, and Compass Community Center that are near and dear for me and my Emperor." One month they worked with Bridge Outreach, an organization that helps teach sign language to families where some members are deaf. "They teach the kids sign language and the parents sign language. Then there's communication at home." That was chosen because the reigning Emperor, John Walters, was raised in that type of family. In December they worked with Pet Project, which helps care for pets when their owners get sick.

Candy and the Court members do a two hour FUNdraiser show every month at The Pub. You don’t have to do drag to join, the Sun Court has a wealth of queens, and Kendall says that makes their job more entertaining, and easier. "We are fortunate to have a lot of drag 56 | OutClique.com

Photo by Ron Comstock | Courtesy of Imperial Sun Court

ll rise and pay respect to your Imperial Sun Court’s Reigning Empress, Miss Candy Cox. A fixture in the South Florida drag community for a decade, these days she reigns over the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida, our state’s chapter in the International Court System. Haven’t heard of it? That’s okay.

Our chapter just formed early in 2018. The Court selects its Emperor, Empress or Emprex, who then picks charities to benefit over their year long reign. Candy Cox, aka Kendall Shoffner, talked with me about the challenges of starting the chapter, and how it’s already making a difference in South Florida. entertainers, because some courts don't have that, so they have to resort to garage sales and bake sales and car washes." This past year we also have had a yard sale, a Progressive Dinner, and a Night in Rome Pasta dinner, all were successful fundraisers.

The International Court System was formed in San Francisco in 1965 by the fabulous drag queen Jose Sarria. Florida is the newest Court, # 70 and it’s growing and already big on pomp and pageantry. We have doubled our membership this year. When the Empress and Emperor were announced, they had a third party accounting firm come out with the results in an envelope at Coronation. Up until that point only the accounting firm knows who is elected. They aren’t messing around with their elections. "My role as Empress of the Court is to grow the membership, FUNdraising and, if we see Court members who are interested in becoming a leader and take on this role, we have to start mentoring them and help them along the way."

Candy Cox was well prepared to be Empress, but how she came into existence is a story

unto itself. "Candy Cox started on a dare." It goes back to Scandals Saloon. "They had a country fair every October. They decided each country fair had to have a Queen, so they went with Corn Queen." Friends wanted Kendall to compete, but he wasn’t sure about the idea.

They persisted. "They said as a kid, trick or treating, did you like candy corn? I said yes I did, of course. They said you're Candy Cornhole.”

This was a full-on competition. “I entered the contest, but it wasn't about lip syncing. We had to dress hay-wear for day-wear, farmerwear for formal-wear, and I didn't have a lot of stuff." Kendall wasn’t liking Candy’s chances.

Then came the surprise of the night: a talent competition. "A timed event of shucking corn, and the second talent was pig calling.

Well I was raised in North Carolina, my dad's a country boy, so I beat everybody out on pig calling. So I was Candy Cornhole and I was the first Corn Queen."

Now, as the Imperial Sun Court marks its second anniversary, Candy and Kendall prepare to pass the title of Empress to someone new but will continue to help grow the chapter and the organization. This year we have four awesome candidates that are campaigning for Emperor and Empress. The new Monarchs will be announced on January 25, 2020 at Coronation 2, Hollywood - Glitz and Glam. And Kendall says anyone who joins can feel that they are a part of something bigger. "New friendships, the sense of family, camaraderie.

But ultimately, our purpose is charity and giving to the community. It's a lot of hours, a lot of hard work. But you get a sense of accomplishment."

Photo by Ron Comstock | Courtesy of Imperial Sun Court

The victory soon led to Candy hosting a night of Bingo for over five years. "It's about making

them laugh and making them have fun at Bingo." Candy Cornhole eventually transformed into the Candy Cox we know and love today, but her first incarnation lives on. "The Cornhole will not go away. I can walk into a bar and hear 'Hi Miss Corn! Hi Miss Hole!' It won't go away, but it's okay. You can't forget your past or where you started."

If you want to learn more about the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida, check out their website at www.ImperialSunCourtFL.org.

OutClique.com | 57

Photo Courtesy of WE Insure Group

Michael Schilling at

M

ichael Schilling was born and raised in Alexandria, VA, a suburb of Washington, D.C. He moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2009. While he is a 5th generation Alexandrian, with deep family roots there, he now considers Florida home.

Michael’s previous experience in real estate, financial planning, and retail management

have prepared him well for his role as Licensed Customer Service Agent. He joined the WE Insure team in April of 2019.

In his free time Michael enjoys thrift shopping, shooting pool, hosting movie nights with friends, and cycling to the beach.

He is the proud father of 2 kitties, Samantha and Nathan.

Contact Kim at Kim.Colquitt@WEInsureGroup.com or (954) 903-7519. Kim and the WE Insure office are located at 3415 Galt Ocean Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308.

Stop by and talk to them in person. LGBT owned and operated.

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TIMOTHY HART AND THE 2019 SMART RIDE

By Denny Patterson

This year was R3 Accounting CEO Timothy Hart’s fifth time participating with the SMART Ride. “First, I love participating because I have a passion for HIV/AIDS causes, and the SMART Ride identifies with that,” he said. “Second, I love the fact that they give back 100% of everything that is raised and every single one of the seven benefiting agencies do great work. They deserve our effort.”

This year’s primary beneficiaries were AH (AIDS Help) of Monroe County, Broward House, Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (Broward), Compass Community Center of Palm Beach, Metro Inclusive Health (serving Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties), Miracle of Love (serving Central Florida), and Pridelines in Miami-Dade.

“My team was the World AIDS Museum, which isn’t one of the seven charities, but I would say that the charity I identify the most with would be the Broward House,” Hart said.

SMART Ride participants come from across the state of Florida, including Key West, 68 | OutClique.com

Photos Courtesy of Tim Hart

B

ack on November 15-16, 2019, 500 cyclists embarked on a two-day, 165-mile journey from Miami to Key West in the 16th Annual SMART Ride charity event, the nation’s second largest AIDS bike ride. They, along with 250 volunteers, raised $1,325,427 in support of seven HIV/AIDS service organizations across Florida. 100% of that money is guaranteed to be given back to the organizations so they may provide services at no cost to individuals in need. Over $10.5 million has been raised since the SMART Ride’s inception.

Jacksonville, Tampa, and Palm Beach. Some have come from far as Hawaii to as close as Georgia. This event attracts between 400-500 participants and range in age from 18-73.

Hart says there is no experience like participating in the SMART Ride. “Being involved with the SMART Ride is awesome.

The ride itself this year was extremely difficult because the weather was not our friend, so that made the physical part of the experience difficult, but the overall experience is just incredible. With 500 riders and 250 crew members assisting, it is almost like we are one big family. I happen to know a number of the participants and have been friends with a number of the participants, so it is a wonderful experience to spend the weekend participating with the SMART Ride.”

Primary reasons why one participates in the SMART Ride is because they are HIV positive, they know someone who is living with HIV/ AIDS, have lost someone to HIV/AIDS, or they believe this event is beneficial. Hart believes the SMART Ride is a very beneficial charity

event. “I think the money these agencies get from the SMART Ride is meaningful money.

It makes a difference to those particular agencies. I know for a fact the money that goes to the Broward House makes a difference. This is an incredible event that does a world of good.”

To prepare for the SMART Ride, Hart says he does a couple of things. “First, I aggressively begin fundraising in the summer.

There is a minimum amount of money you have to raise in order to participate and I get that over quickly in the summer. Two, I get my equipment in good shape. I have a number of bikes that I practice with, so I get them tuned up and I get my equipment ready. I then begin a training program that starts in July and it increases all the way through November. I ride with a number of people usually on Saturday and Sunday mornings and we ride up and down the beach. I would say I rode almost 2,000 miles to get ready.” And once Hart finishes the ride, he says he feels a tremendous sense of pride and accomplishment.

Photos Courtesy of Tim Hart

In addition to the SMART Ride, Hart is involved with several other LGBTQ causes and organizations throughout the city. He was the recipient of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce (GLBX) Business Community Ally’s Advocate Award because of his hard work and dedication. “That came as a complete shock to me,” he said. “Andy Rogow, Artistic Director of Island City Stage, nominated me for this award. I was thrilled, and it came as an extreme surprise. This is one of GLBX’s biggest events of the year, and it was an honor to share the stage with some of the other people who got awards, like Mayor Dean Trantalis. It was quite a thrill.”

For more information about the SMART Ride, visit www.TheSmartRide.org.

Registration for SMART Ride 17 is now open and will take place on November 20-21, 2020.

OutClique.com | 69

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A CLEAN START IN 2020

By Rod Davis CEO, BBB Serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean

A

fter the holidays, I always try to do something good for myself. One of the best decisions I made a few years ago was to hire a cleaning company for my home.

Finding the right cleaning business for you will take a little time, but by following these steps, you will succeed.

1. Do Your Research. It's a good practice to interview at least three companies to get an estimate before selecting one to hire.

Check out the businesses through bbb.org/ sefl to read reviews/complaints on them.

Beware of businesses with poor reviews and multiple complaints, more importantly see how they address them. Always look for the BBB Accredited Business Seal to know these companies are screened, approved, and monitored. Some cleaning companies will provide the cleaning products while others will ask you to do so. You may also want to ask

about the type of products used (e.g. organic or natural) and include your preference to identify potential businesses to interview.

2. Interview Candidates. Interview multiple candidates to determine if you would rather hire a large cleaning business or an individual cleaning person. During the interview you should be able to meet with someone from the cleaning business, as well as with the person who will actually be cleaning your home. During the interview process, find someone you feel comfortable with since they will be working in your home. A large business can more readily provide service even if your cleaner/cleaning crew are sick or otherwise not available, but a smaller business or individual permits you to know the people coming into your home.

3. Check Credentials & References. Any individual or business you hire should be OutClique.com | 79

registered,* bonded, and insured to work in your home. This will protect you in the event something is broken, stolen, or if someone gets injured on the job. Some businesses will provide background checks on the individuals coming into your home. You should ask about this with any hire and you may want to conduct a background check on the individuals selected for your home to give yourself peace of mind. As part of your interview, you may also want to ask for references you can call to ask about the work of a potential hire.

what the cleaners in your home will be doing.

It should also set a reasonable time limit for the tasks to be done each day the cleaners come to work.

4. Discuss Cost. Determine whether you will need to hire a cleaning service for a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly visit and ask about their pricing. Find out exactly what is included in their services and make sure it encompasses everything you wish to have cleaned. If you want something specific, communicate that up front so the cleaning company is prepared to accommodate your request. Since I hated cleaning windows, finding a service that makes windows shine was a top priority for me.

7. Include a Post Cleaning Review. After the first cleaning is done, conduct a review and share that information with the head person for the company you selected. Let them know you will be doing this when you hire them so they know to expect it. Many businesses will include a survey to you after the first cleaning to make sure they are meeting your expectations.

The business should walk through your home before giving you an estimate. Be sure to find out if the cleaning business provides their own cleaning supplies, if not the cost of the services should be less expensive.

5. Get Everything in Writing. When you decide on the company to hire, make sure you have a written agreement that spells out clearly

6. Prepare for the Services. Before the cleaning business arrives at your home, it’s important to put away any clutter, but this does not mean you need to clean before they arrive. Put away jewelry and other valuables and warn the cleaning business about pets living in your home.

Get a copy of the company's bond and obtain the name of its insurance agent, then call to verify that the cleaning service's bond and policies are in effect. Note the dollar values and coverage limits. Is the dollar value on the bond or policy high enough to cover your house? Also check to see that the company has its own workers compensation insurance policy. If they do not, and a cleaner is injured while working in your home, they could sue you and your homeowner’s insurance policy.

*Note: "Bonded and insured" are absolutely crucial words when you hire a cleaning service. Do not take anyone's word for it. Verify each one. A bond is a form of insurance that protects you from any dishonest or criminal acts by the people who will come into your home to clean it. Insurance protects you if the cleaning people cause an accident, such as forgetting to shut off a faucet or losing a key.

OutClique.com | 81

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your What is the most important information healthcare provider right away if you ® I should know about BIKTARVY ? get these symptoms: skin or the white BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects: } Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking BIKTARVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

Who should not take BIKTARVY? Do not take BIKTARVY if you take: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

What are the other possible side effects of BIKTARVY? Serious side effects of BIKTARVY may also include: } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. 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.

part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomacharea pain.

The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY? } All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection. } All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements. BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all of your other medicines. } If you 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. } If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed.

HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

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.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

Please Please see see Important Important Facts Facts about about BIKTARVY, BIKTARVY, including including important important warnings, warnings, on the on following the following page. page.

KEEP EMPOWERING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

What is BIKTARVY? BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. 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.

BIKTARVY.COM

IMPORTANT FACTS (bik-TAR-vee)

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. 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

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider all your medical conditions, including if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

• Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you have HIV-1 because of the risk of passing HIV-1 to your baby.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • 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.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.

• Changes in your immune system.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• 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 “tea-colored” 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 (5%), 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. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

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

GET MORE INFORMATION

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

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

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

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: February 2018 © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0051 06/18

A SENIOR MOMENT DD’S SENIOR SANCTUARY

By John M. Hayden

Photos Courtesy of Robert Miller

D

ogs come into our lives tails wagging, tongues slobbering, eyes excited. I say dogs, not puppies. Because even as dogs move from the prime of life into their senior years, they still bring their best, even when their human doesn’t give them the best in return. Luckily for the dogs, and us, DD’s Senior Sanctuary is in South Florida to help.

find his companion, Desi. It was a rough life for the boy, but his last few months would be like none other. “He was broken beyond any creature I had ever met,” Robert told us.

“His body had been through hell. He had open wounds and huge calluses all over from the rough life he had lived. We thought him to be about 12-13 years old.”

It’s mission is to make sure dogs and cats are able to spend their last days and months surrounded by the love they deserve, even if their longtime humans decide they aren’t going to be there for them. Sometimes people move and don’t want to bring them to a new location.

A trip to the vet confirmed that the situation was dire. “Some of his teeth were broken and he had arthritis so severe it was difficult for him to walk.” But despite his limited time left, Robert was ready to make the most of it for Desi. “My intention was to foster him for a few weeks to show him love from a human he never had. Little did I know I needed him more than he needed me.”

Maybe they decide an aging animal is too much time and work, so they decide to move on without them. People give a lot of excuses.

But DDs is there to pick up the pieces.

Robert Miller works with the rescue and shared with OutClique his story of how he came to 86 | OutClique.com

But as it turned out, what “little” time he had left was a lot longer. It’s amazing what a little love and attention can do. “I had fostered others but there was something about this old man that grabbed my heart. He began

to thrive. I started treating his arthritis and managed his pain. He was with me for 2 1/2 years. He was the sweetest and most kind creature I had ever met. We formed a close bond and I loved him to the moon and back. The arthritis and bone spurs eventually could not be managed and the pain became too much.”

Puppies and kittens are great, even awesome!

We get them knowing, way deep in the back of our minds, that we will probably have to part with them. But it’s easy to shove that knowledge away because that’s years down the line. But seniors bring a special quality with them, if not a great quantity of time. “My thought is that the seniors and the terminally ill are the ones that need us the most. There is a sense of gratitude you get from rescuing one of these broken babies. Unfortunately too many times instead of managing their diseases with proper vetting they are dumped and abandoned.”

Robert says a little TLC on our part goes a long way. “It’s our mission to let these in-themost-of-need to not die on a cold metal table with strangers. That’s no way for a companion animal to go. Since they have no voice we

become their voice. There have been many of these seniors that have been adopted and are living their best life no matter what time they have left. Some have passed on but they were with someone who loved them and cared for them. We hold them and love on them until their last breath. We should all be so lucky to have this when its our time.”

“It’s not an easy job, but nothing truly worth accomplishing ever is. “It’s a large commitment, he told us, “but one that is filled with a greater good. We provide all vetting that is needed and any food that is required.

All we ask is that the foster/fawspice provide the love and warm home. There is a growing movement in the U.S. to take care of these seniors. My thought for DDs is that its Karma on our side so that when it’s our time we will be rewarded with the same compassion and kindness to transition.”

Robert’s inspiration and dedication all goes back to his friend and companion. Long gone, but never forgotten. “This is all in honor of Desi the broken baby who came back from the brink and lived as if he was a puppy again and saved a human. Me.”

To learn more about adopting a senior dog or how you could help in other ways, please go to www.DDsSeniorSanctuary.com.

OutClique.com | 87

FINDING YOUR VOICE

By Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.

I

Photo Courtesy of Mikah Meyer

t’s the beginning of the year and time for the annual practice called “New Year’s Resolutions”! A time of reflection and we ask ourselves how we can improve our lives. It’s the time of year when serious commitments are made!

On Sunday, January 5, 2020, Mikah Meyer and his commitment and testimony will be heard at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale during the 10:30AM worship service. Mikah knows a great deal about commitment.

His father passed away when Mikah was 19 years old. His father had served as a Lutheran minister. Mikah’s father always had a passion for the open road. Mikah is now 32 years old and back on April 19, 2019 completed a 3-year journey visiting every one of our country’s 419 national parks. The journey was a tribute to his father’s love of travel and also set a world record.

Mikah traveled and lived in a van during the 3 year journey! He was featured on NBC’s “Today Show” and shared that the trip had been his way to experience the splendor of God’s creation. This “road trip” turned in to a ministry for Mikah Meyer. To help fund the 3-year journey Mikah, used his God-given

talent of singing and he performed at churches for “love offerings.”

The ministry Mikah also shared and currently shares at church engagements is his personal testimony of how he reconciled and built a “bridge” between his faith and sexual orientation. Mikah is gay. He helped and also currently helps build bridges at churches across the land. His voice is powerful! And his unique voice is like none other!

Mikah’s commitment teaches us to follow our dreams. Maybe we can convince him to sing “The Impossible Dream” when he visits.

He can remind us to follow our dreams and follow that star!

You may learn more about Mikah Meyer by visiting his website at: www.MikahMeyer.com.

For more information about Mikah Meyer’s visit to Fort Lauderdale go to www.UCCFTL.org.

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

88 | OutClique.com

THE WINTER OF OUR CONTENTMENT

By Fr. Jamie Forsythe

Pastor, Holy Angels National Catholic Church

W

inter! The bleak season of the year.

It’s cold. It’s unpleasant and lasts way too long. People either lock themselves in their homes or spend months thousands of miles away from their homes in response to the cold. It is the “Winter of Discontent.” Then there are those who look forward to winter, who rush out into the cold, who feast in the nakedness of winter, when all the trees are bare. It is for them the most delightful of seasons. They are content. As with most things in life, the reality is what we make it.

The phrase “winter of our discontent” was first used in the play Richard III by William Shakespeare. While many who hear the phrase interpret it as a lament referring to the gloom of winter. Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression that many suffer during the winter months. For Shakespeare, the phrase was not a lament, but rather it is a forwardthinking statement of hope. Like the seasons, the tough times that happen in life will pass.

There will always be struggles in life, some even of our own choosing.

devastating, but it can also be a motivation to reach a new understanding of the spiritual power possessed by the children of God. The spirit can become stronger when the trials and tribulations faced are seen as weights in the gym or resistance levels on the treadmill.

When viewed as challenges and not obstacles, when faced head on and not surrendered to in defeat, the spirit grows stronger and the spiritual stamina triumphs. Just as a personal trainer can guide you in the gym, find a spiritual trainer to guide you on your spiritual journey.

Check out a gym sometime and see how many people are pushing resistance to the maximum in order to improve their strength and stamina.

The thrill of victory erases the temporary discomfort. Everyone determines the affect and the outcome.

January is often considered the dead of winter, but it is the first month of the year; it’s a new beginning. In January the days are once again getting longer, and nature is preparing for a new cycle of life. In January resolutions are made that will improve the quality of daily living. January is the perfect time to make spiritual resolutions, to resolve to accept the challenges of life as invitations to grow.

To resolve to let hope and faith be our daily workout. Calling upon the strength of God’s love, winter can be a season of complete contentment.

The winter of discontent can also express our spiritual, as well as our emotional condition.

There may be times when God is viewed as cold and bitter, when hope isn’t even a remote possibility. Saint John of the cross termed it “the dark night of the soul.” God is nowhere to be found, all hope is lost, and all effort is futile. Depression on the spiritual level can be 89 | OutClique.com

God bless!

SOURCE EVENTS MEET & GREET

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SMART RIDE 2019 Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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TASTE OF THE ISLAND 2019

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GENESIS HEALTH INSTITUTE & PET RESCUE DAY

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CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS!

WHERE TO BE AND WHAT TO DO IN LGBTQ SOUTH FLORIDA January 2020

Klassic Coffee Klatch

All but 1st Skolnick Community Center Saturday 1st & 3rd Gulfstream Brewery Tuesday Various Dates La Te Da (Key West)

Drag Queen Bingo, hosted by Nicole Halliwell Randy Roberts Live!

Charlie & the Chocolate Factory

1

Arsht Center

Gavin Creel

3

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

Broadway Concert Series: Kelli O'Hara with Seth Rudetsky

3

Parker Playhouse

Demetri Martin

4

Parker Playhouse

Romeo & Juliet

4

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Gold Coast Jazz - Jazz in the Key of Swing

8

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Wilton Manors Oakland Park Social, hosted by Joe Bermingham

8

Tropics Grille

Broadway in Fort Lauderdale: Disney's Aladdin

8-19

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Full Moon Blackout Party

10

Eagle Bar

Chris MacDonald: Memories of Elvis Rockin’ Birthday Bash

11

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

The Righteous Brothers

12

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Diego & Drew Cast Party with Jennifer McClain

13

Tropics Grille

14-24

Source Events

Antarctica Luxury Voyage Masterworks II - Bruckner, Nardi, Borenstein South Florida Symphony Orchestra

15

Tennessee Williams Theater (Key West)

Masterworks II - Bruckner, Nardi, Borenstein South Florida Symphony Orchestra

16

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Altar Boyz

Jan 16-Feb 16

Island City Stage

Evita

Jan 16-Feb 23

Wick Theatre & Costume Museum

Crime Junkie Podcast

17

Parker Playhouse

MLK Celebration: Motown Magic

17

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Le Boy's 5th Year Anniversary with Ashton Summers from Helix Studios Masterworks II - Bruckner, Nardi, Borenstein South Florida Symphony Orchestra

17-19 18

Temple Israel of Greater Miami

Madame Butterfly - Florida Grand Opera

18-26

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Speaking Volumes - Book Exhibit

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118 | OutClique.com

Jan 18-Feb 8

Le Boy

Art Gallery 21

OutClique@gmail.com | 954-998-6429

January 2020 All Gay Travel to Ecuador

18

Ecuador Gay Travel

That Golden Girls Show

19

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

The Greatest Love of All: the Whitney Houston Show

23

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Engelbert Humperdinck

23

Parker Playhouse

Jan 23-Feb 9

Kinky Boots

Lauderhill Performing Arts Center

Daddy Issues

25

Eagle Bar

Expedition: Dinosaur

25

Museum of Discovery & Science

Jan 30-Feb 1 Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Madame Butterfly - Florida Grand Opera The Tap Pack

31

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Jan 31-Feb 16 Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Groundhog Day: The Musical - Slowburn Theatre

February 2020 Mr. Eagle

1

Eagle

Latrice Royale - Here's to Life

1

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

Live from Laurel Canyon

2

Parker Playhouse

Michael Walters in What a Character

4

Wick Theatre & Costume Museum

Lucinda Williams and Buick 6

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Parker Playhouse

Lewis Black

6

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Diego & Drew Say I Do

6-16

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Miranda Sings

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Parker Playhouse

Beethoven 250th - South Florida Symphony Orchestra

7

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Latinos Salud Anniversary Gala

8

DCOTA

Pompano Stand-Up LIVE: Jimmie "JJ" Walker & Michael Winslow

8

Pompano Beach Cultural Center

Tapestry: The Carole King Songbook

8

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Full Moon Blackout Party

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Eagle Bar

Beethoven 250th - South Florida Symphony Orchestra

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Tennessee Williams Theater

Lillias White

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Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players: Pirates of Penzance

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Ultimate Disco Cruise Gold Coast Jazz - John Pizzarelli Trio

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10-15 12

Miami, Key West, Bahamas Broward Center for the Performing Arts

OutClique@gmail.com | 954-998-6429 OutClique.com | 119

February 2020 Don Felder - Formerly of the Eagles

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Parker Playhouse

Mandy Patinkin

12

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Jersey Boys

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Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Bel Biv DeVoe & En Vogue

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Yacht Rock Valentine's Fling

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Coconut Grove Arts Festival

14-17

Peacock Park (Miami)

Masters of Illusion

15

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

ABBA Mania

16

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Russian State Symphony Orchestra

16

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Betty Buckley

19

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Black Violin

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

The Berach Boys

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Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Dave Fogerty

22

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Broadway Concert Series: Stephanie J. Block with Seth Rudetsky

22

Parker Playhouse

Stonewall National Musume & Achrives Gala with Coco Peru

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Conrad Fort Lauderdale Beach

Che Malambo

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Parker Playhouse

The Rocket Man

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Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Wild Kratts LIVE

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Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Russian National Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

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Broadway in Fort Lauderdale: Mean Girls

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Masterworks III - Zwilich, Mendelssohn, Beethoven

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Kenny G

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Parker Playhouse

Masterworks III - Zwilich, Mendelssohn, Beethoven

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Temple Israel of Greater Miami

Hits of the Brits: Music of the Beatles and Rolling Stones

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Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Masterworks III - Zwilich, Mendelssohn, Beethoven

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Tennessee Williams Theater

Broadway Concert Series: Melissa Errico with Seth Rudetsky

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Full Moon Blackout Party

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Eagle Bar

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Kravis Center

March 2020

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120 | OutClique.com

OutClique@gmail.com | 954-998-6429

March 2020 Tommy Tune

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Gold Coast Jazz - Terell Stafford Quintet

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Art Garfunkel

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A Chorus Line

Mar 12-Apr 12

Wick Theatre & Costume Museum

The Australian Bee Gees Show: A Tribute to the Bee Gees

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Pee-wee's Big Adventure

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Paul Anka

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Vic Dibitetto

19

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Chior of Man

20

Parker Playhouse

Mar 20-Apr 5 Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Ragtime: The Musical - Slow Burn Theatre Paula Poundstone

21

Parker Playhouse

An Intimate Evening of Songs and Stories with Graham Nash

21

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Christine Pedi

24

Wick Theatre & Costume Museum

The Music of Cream

25

Parker Playhouse

Bobby Collins

27

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Mar 28-Apr 5 Adrienne Arsht Center for the

Rigoletto - Florida Grand Opera

Performing Arts

April 2020 Lucie Arnaz

1

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

Broadway Concert Series: Satino Fontana with Seth Rudetsky

3

Parker Playhouse

11th Annual Miami Pride Cruise

6-11

Source Events

Full Moon Blackout Party

8

Eagle Bar

A Celebration of Music, Comedy, and the Iconic Las Vegas

11

Kravis Center

Cody Ko & Noel Miller: Tiny Meat Gang

12

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

Gold Coast Jazz - Tony DeSare Jazz Pianist/Vocalist

15

Karvis Center

Masterworks IV - Stravinksy, Beethoven, Delius - South Florida Sympyhony Orchestra

16

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Masterworks IV - Stravinksy, Beethoven, Delius - South Florida Sympyhony Orchestra

17

Tennessee Williams Theater

Wonders of China

17-28

Masterworks IV - Stravinksy, Beethoven, Delius - South Florida Sympyhony Orchestra

Want to get listed? Contact us!

18

Source Events Temple Israel of Greater Miami

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HAROLD DIOQUINO

By Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com

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Photo by Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com

WHAT MAKES US CLIQUE

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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.

Harold Dioquino, the Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, infuses his work with his vision to share the arts to as broad an audience as possible. His is the great American success story: an immigrant to the United States, he enriches all our lives with his dedication, spirit, and talent.

Andy Armano: Before we discuss your work as the Artistic Director of the chorus, tell me a little bit about your background, where you came from, and your education.

HH

In the Philippines, especially 20 years ago, I had to hide that I was gay. Some of my friends knew and I had gay friends as well, but since my upbringing was in that conservative Baptist tradition, I had the fear of telling my family. Also, as a school teacher in a Catholic private school, you had to be very careful of being gay.

When I moved here, that's when I really got the freedom to be myself and really let go, so it was easier for me to come out here in the United States. I kept it really like a secret from my family that I was gay. It took me a while to tell my parents about it.

AA HH

How did your parents handle it?

You are very involved with the arts, I know. Tell me about your artistic endeavors.

They were very accepting about my coming out. Parents always have this sixth sense and they kind of know what's going on with you. I think they were just waiting for me, even though they're really religious people. They understood, you know?

Mine is a boring coming out story. There's no drama like those stories on TV. My relatives accepted it as well, so it wasn't a struggle in my case.

HH

AA

Harold Dioquino: I came from the Philippines.

I've been here in the United States for about 20 years. I had my education in the Philippines.

I majored in piano, but my heart has always been in choral music.

AA

I have two jobs right now. I’m the musical director of the Church by the Sea in Bal Harbor. And I am the artistic director and conductor of the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida.

You’ve had great success as the Artistic Director of the chorus. What goals have you brought to the chorus?

HH

AA HH

Was music and singing part of your childhood?

Yeah, I grew up as a Baptist. My grandfather was a minister at our church, so I’ve been deeply rooted in religious music. But also, I love pop music and Broadway music. I really enjoy those three kinds of music.

My job really is to handle all the musical aspects of the chorus.

Our mission and vision is always to change hearts and minds. My goal, all the time, is to make sure that our programs are relevant.

I want people to come to our program and get something out of it. I want people to go home with an energy or an idea of our message of what we were trying to say for the program.

AA

How did you find being gay with the church and what was your evolution?

AA

The Chorus is coming up on an anniversary, right?

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This year is our ten-year anniversary, so one of my proposals to the group is we'll do ten community service concerts.

We've been laying this out since last year and this year, and we're starting the first of these community services concerts.

AA HH

Ten community service concerts in a year! That's a big commitment.

The wonderful thing is we've been bombarded with even new invites.

Especially around December because that's when everybody wants us to do performances.

We are going to perform at an organization called ETC, Exceptional Theater Company.

We collaborated with them before, on one of their presentations, and now we're doing a full presentation to them of our guys singing to them. We're looking forward to going to an elderly home, and next year, we are performing

for gay veterans. Those are a few of the places that we're going to go and perform. Some of these people have never been to our concerts, so we want to share our music with them.

AA

The arts have such an important function to nurture hearts and minds.

It’s amazing your chorus reaches out to those who might not otherwise be able to experience it.

HH

Starting the last two years when I became the conductor, we share our music through more community service in addition to our regular concerts. It’s part of the long-term goal to be part of the community, to increase the visibility of the community, and to do whatever we can to help change the hearts of the people through our music. I feel it’s especially important now with our current situation in this country.

For more information on the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida visit www.GayMensChorusOfSouthFlorida.org.

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Photo by Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com

HH

A NEW YEAR & NEW AMBITIONS

AT THE BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

By John M. Hayden

Photo Courtesy of Doug Castanedo

W

hen Broadway sings and dances its way into Fort Lauderdale, the first stop is usually the impressive Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

There’s more to the venue’s calendar than Broadway, and there’s more to the venue than the showcase Au-Rene Theater. OutClique recently got inside for a behind-the-scenes tour and some inside scoops on what to expect next.

We talked with the President and CEO, Kelley Shanley, and Jan Goodheart, the Vice President of External Affairs.

"There are a lot of busy people at the Broward Center,” Kelley told us. “We've got a great

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team here that's really good at what they do. They're really dedicated to it and they do it well." Many in our community flock to the big room for the big Broadway productions.

The season kicked off with an amazing Les Miserables touring company. We were nearly run over as a rack filled with costumes moved down the hall. Plus the wigs, makeup, and lighting. To go behind-the-scenes hours before opening night is an experience in well organized chaos.

"What's easy for us to do and what yields quick positive financial results is to put Broadway on the stage,” Kelley told us. “That audience is typically less diverse than our population here in Broward County. Yes, it's

popular and it brings in a lot of people and it is very successful financially, but there's people that aren't interested in that." As hard as that is to believe, it’s true. So once Broadway is booked, Kelley and company turn their attention to filling out the rest of the schedule. "We want to be for everybody. So we have to figure out a lot of different markets and try to serve those constituencies in a variety of different ways. There are a lot of different things here and that's by design."

That means bringing in shows as diverse as our area. "We've been putting things on stage that appeal to Caribbean audiences, Hispanic audiences, African-American audiences; all up and down. Ultimately we're here to match audiences with artists. We're going out to find artists and match them up with an audience, put 'em together, and get out of the way."

That means working with smaller, niche theater troupes, like Slow Burn Theater Co. They’ve made the Amaturo Theater their home. It sits right next to the main Au-Rene entrance. It seats about a quarter of the big room, and is a great venue for smaller productions that may have a more limited audience. "That's still a bit of an undiscovered gem for a lot of people,” Kelley said. Slow Burn wowed crowds over the summer with their take on the legendary drag road trip movie, Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The day we were there, they were meeting up for the first table read of Shrek, which just concluded its run in the Amaturo Theater.

Kelley couldn’t stop gushing about their success. “An organization that was doing some quality work out of a high school auditorium up in Boca Raton. Our programming folks saw their shows and recognized the potential that it had to reach bigger

Kelley Shanley Photo Courtesy of Jason Nuttle

Photo Courtesy of Anton Grassl Esto

Photo Courtesy of Ian Ibbetson

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Photo Courtesy of Doug Castanedo

Photo Courtesy of Anton Grassl Esto

Photo Courtesy of Doug Castanedo

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audiences and we got them in here.” For the Broward Center team, it’s about matching talent with resources. “We're witnessing this gradual growth of a quality organization with the support of the Broward Center behind it.

What we find out is there's a lot of people who do a really good job of producing and performing art. They don't have the resources or skill sets to make themselves successful as presenters of art, to build an audience; to make sure they're doing things efficiently and effectively on the production side, save money on costs while still producing quality.

Those are the things that we can offer. That's how we built our relationship with Slow Burn."

While the Au-Rene and Amaturo theaters get most of the attention, there’s a whole series of small rooms and stages out of the spotlight, but taking center stage for the next generation of actors, musicians, and theater lovers. “[We] meet a need that is not being met in the community. A lot of this comes from our work in education. Broward County schools and the Broward Center are at the table almost constantly thinking about education and their needs, and how we can use art as a tool to achieve academic objectives."

Photo Courtesy of Keith Douglas

This includes the Rose Miniaci Arts Education Center and the JM Family Studio theater that seats a couple hundred audience members. There’s also the Harlow Classroom, Thomas Learning Suites, and the Boys & Girls Club Coaching Studio.

These smaller classroom-sized theaters let classes and young acting troupes come in to learn about every aspect of the process. Jan says these experiences will leave an impact even if the students don’t pursue a future in the arts. “Not only to see a show, but also actually learn about how art can help heal, how art can make a political statement, and how we as a society can use art to promote change."

Photo Courtesy of Kara Starzyk

From school kids to Broadway fanatics to indie lovers of the off-beat, Kelley and his team try to reach everyone. When I asked who is underserved by the arts community, he had an answer that’s not easy to reach.

"I'm trying desperately to make sure the answer is nobody."

To check out what’s coming up this season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and its other theaters, head over to their website at www.BrowardCenter.org.

Photo Courtesy of Gonzalo Villota

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amatuRo theateR bRowaRd CeNteR FoR the PeRFoRmiNg aRtS

January 8, 2020 | 7:45pm

Veronica Swift & Shelly Berg trio Jazz in the Key of Swing

Swift is “an adept lyrical interpreter… tremendous tonal command” – Jazz Times Berg is “a whirlwind of motion on the piano bench who never sounds a dull note” – Bill Kohlhasse, LA Times

February 12, 2020 | 7:45pm

John Pizzarelli trio

For Centennial Reasons: 100 Year Salute to Nat King Cole “The genial genius of the guitar” – Toronto Star “a rare entertainer of the old school” – Seattle Times

bRowaRdCeNteR.oRg | 954.462.0222 | goldCoaStJazz.oRg

ROARING INTO MODS JANUARY 25, 2020

TRAVEL BACK IN TIME!

Presented by

This exhibit combines engaging interactive life-like animatronic dinosaurs and exciting educational content. Visitors will learn about a wide variety of dinosaur species and the adaptations that allowed them to survive. Step into the shoes of an early paleontologist to discover how fossils were unearthed and see examples of today’s cutting-edge technology. The exhibit also features replicas, artifacts and interactive displays.

Free with Museum admission

401 SW Second Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312• 954.467.6637 Created by

Official Transportation Partner

SOUTH FLORIDA WELCOMES IRMINA TRYNKOS

By Denny Patterson

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ailed as an intense and charismatic star with phenomenal talent, violinist Irmina Trynkos excited to make her debut with the South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) for its Masterworks II series. Scheduled for January 15-16 & 18, 2020, Trynkos will be playing Nimrod Borenstein’s Concerto for violin and orchestra. Audiences are in for a glorious display of unique orchestra colors. Since her breakout performance, some of Trynkos’ career highlights include performing at the Berliner Philharmonie, Slovak Philharmonic, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Toronto Centre for the Arts, and Shanghai Concert Hall. Recently, she performed at the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam where she received no less than six standing ovations. Additionally, Trynkos is a best-selling recording artist whose CD reached the Top 20 Specialist Classical Charts. Her recordings are broadcasted on international radios. I had the pleasure of chatting more with Trynkos about her upcoming performance with the SFSO. Denny Patterson: Hi, Irmina! Why don’t you begin by telling us what audiences can expect from your upcoming performance with the SFSO. Irmina Trynkos: We will have a fantastic time!

I am performing Borenstein’s Concerto, and this is a very special piece to me as Maestra Sebrina chose it herself. This will be the American premiere of this concert which is also very exciting. The music is amazing, it’s so energetic. It literally takes you off your feet. I hope everybody enjoys it as much as I have enjoyed playing it.

DP about?

Since this is your debut concert with the SFSO, what are you most excited

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Photo Courtesy of Irmina Trynkos

IT

I have never played with this orchestra, so I am excited to see new people and see how they react to the music. I have heard amazing things about the musicians, and of course, Sebrina is such an amazing and accomplished musician. So, for me, it’s going to be a huge pleasure. To share new music with people who have never heard it.

DP IT

Have you always had a passion for the violin?

Yes! It’s funny, I do not come from a musical family. Literally everybody was against me becoming a musician, so it was a little hard to get through that, but I am an only child and I am stubborn. When I was three years old, I would listen to a lot of concerts because at that time, we only had the TV. I come from a non-musical city, no orchestra, no performances, and a tiny music school.

At some point, somebody jokes by saying I’m going to play with the orchestra, and I said no, I plan to be the person in front with a pretty dress. I was serious. This is what I was going to do, and nobody could take it away from me.

My parents had to give up at some point. No one knows why or where this passion came from. It’s a mystery.

DP IT

What would you say is the best part of being a professional violinist?

Everybody will say traveling because that’s great and meeting new people, but I think what’s amazing about being a violinist is the influence that you have on people from the moment you step out on stage. There are different types of performers and some people are shyer. I used to be a very shy child and I would literally do anything I could not to talk to anybody and violin was my way to communicate with the world. So, I would go on stage and be playful, but once I went offstage, I would hardly talk to anybody. Obviously, the violin was a way to communicate and it gave

me an understanding how important it is to connect with the audience. I play about something and obviously I don’t say what I am thinking about because every single time it’s something different. I always play different. Some of my coworkers say I am a dangerous player in a way because I never play the same [laughs]. The most important thing is connecting with the audience because you see their faces during your performance when you are on stage. I am one of those curious people who look at people’s faces when I’m playing because I love engaging. It can be magical. Of course, you should be as perfect as humanly possible, but the most important part is what you did and how you influenced the audience. When they listen, it’s priceless.

DP IT

What do you hope audiences take away from this performance?

DP

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout

Well, I hope if this is someone’s first time to a concert, they will become more curious and this performance will give them a love for classical music. If I can introduce this piece in the right way, I am sure we will have a lot of fun. There is nothing more joyful than the audience, performers, and musicians all coming together to have fun. We are on this ride together and it’s exciting! I hope everyone will have as much enjoyment as possible.

for?

IT

I will be going back soon after to Europe because I am playing concerts there.

I am playing in Poland, Romania, London, basically everywhere in Europe. Shortly after that, I will be in China for a tour. So, I am all over the place [laughs]. While doing all of that, I am trying to squeeze in my next recording project. I cannot talk too much about that just yet, it’s still a secret, but hopefully the next time I come to Florida, it will be official!

For more information and ticket prices, visit www.SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

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Photo Courtesy of Island City Stage

TAKE A SEAT, LITERALLY! SPONSOR A SEAT AT ISLAND CITY STAGE

A

s Island City Stage begins Season Eight, they are continuing renovations to make your local theater experience even better with the installation of new and more comfortable seats – now on display in their lobby. This is your opportunity to put your name on one (or more) of them!

Your Take A Seat Contribution is also the ideal way to honor your special someone, family member, or favorite theater lover. All sponsored seats will include a personalized

name placard on the armrest showcasing the sponsor and your designated honorees.

Your contribution will also be acknowledged publicly in the stage’s programs throughout the year.

Picking your seat to sponsor is as easy as purchasing a ticket. Simply select the seat you wish to sponsor and check out on the stage’s website. All donations are tax deductible. Act quickly! Once they’re all named, there will be no more!

To claim your own seat, contact Island City Stage at (954) 928-9800. Or, go online at www.IslandCityStage.org/Donate/Take-A-Seat.

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Tickets and Flexpasses are available online at

www.islandcitystage.org or by calling

954-928-9800

Sponsored by Jim Laird

Jan 16-Feb 16, 2020

Use promo code “OCQ� for a 10% discount.

Group and non-profit rates available. All performances at Wilton Theater Factory, Main Stage, , 2304 N Dixie HWY, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

BRIAN VARELA TAKES US TO CHURCH IN ALTAR BOYZ

By Denny Patterson

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Denny Patterson: Hi, Brian! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me. What can audiences expect from this upcoming production of Altar Boyz?

Brian Varela: Altar Boyz is a long-standing OffBroadway show and it’s about a Christian boy band that is on their final leg of their nationwide tour. They are on this journey together, and there are five boys. Matthew, Mark, Luke, Juan, and Abraham, which the show will tell you is the Jewish guy. So, it is all religious satire. All the jokes are for anyone who is even remotely religious, has religious friends, everyone can crack a smile and joke about this religious satire. It’s all in good taste, nothing too disrespectful. You can bring your mom and she will enjoy it.

DP BV

Fantastic. And you are playing Juan?

DP

What do you enjoy the most about playing Juan?

Yes. There is always that one Latino character in each boy band. He’s the womanizer of the group.

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Photo courtesy of Brian Varela

et ready to sing the praises! Island City Stage is proud to present the OffBroadway sensation Altar Boyz January 16 - February 6, 2020. This musical comedy centers on a fictitious Christian boy band from Ohio and satirizes, among other things, the phenomenon of boy bands and the popularity of Christian-themed music in contemporary American culture. As the ninth longest running Off-Broadway musical of all time, Altar Boyz is filled with angelic voices and sinfully spectacular dancing. OutClique had the opportunity to chat more with Brian Varela who plays the feature role of Juan. We spoke more about the show itself and how Altar Boyz will be a stepping stone in his performance career.

BV

I am Latino and my family hails from Mexico, so it is fun to play a character that is ethnically appropriate for myself.

However, playing a character that is specifically Latino, you have to add in a little bit of flair.

Sometimes a little bit of ethnic stereotypes.

Like, how can I differentiate him from the other characters. So, listening to his songs and reading the script, you have to heighten it, so it has been fun to dive into my own culture experiences, my own cultural family and having to put that into this character that is all satire, all fun, but not make it offensive. Juan is a comical character and it is nice to pay homage to my cultural background with this role.

DP BV

Why did you want to be in Altar Boyz?

I was approached to do Altar Boyz by Andy Rogow. I was in a show in Boca Raton, and he invited me to the audition. Some of my friends are choreographing the show, so going in, I knew that good people were at the helm of the show. I have yet to work with Island City Stage. I’ve done lots of work recently throughout south Florida working at a lot of the equity houses, but I have yet to

work with this local company. They have done such good work, and it will be fun because they are such a small theatre. I am very comfortable working with big theatre spaces. It will be nice to tone it down and be kind of face-to-face with your audience. I also wanted the chance to be a more feature character because I am known as a dancer. To be featured as one of the five boys has been a big selling point, and this is an opportunity for the community to know that I can also act and sing.

DP BV

Have you always had a passion for performing?

Oh, absolutely. Growing up in a conservative Christian house in California, I went to religious schools and we would sing all the time in our classrooms. Just with our teachers. So, I always loved singing.

I would come back home and wail these Christian songs at the top of my lungs. My parents would encourage me while my brother would tell me to shut up. So, I always loved to sing, but I didn’t tap into it as a talent until later. I knew I was musically gifted. I was in the band, I picked up choir very quickly, I did piano and trombone lessons on the side, and I knew how to read music. It didn’t become a big deal until I moved to Florida for high school and joined an actual choir program. Public high school is way different that Christian school, so there were a lot more secular and nonreligious material. Then I joined the theatre and auditioned for the fall musical which was a showcase of songs instead of an actual show.

Ever since I did my first show, I was hooked.

DP BV

Do you think Altar Boyz will be challenging for you?

I think so. It’s a challenge not only as like going from an ensemble role to a feature role, but also just vocally because most of the show is tight harmony. It’s boy band harmony without the autotune, so we have to sing all the parts and that can be challenging itself. If you’re tight with your unit,

it could fall apart. I know Andy Rogow has put together a great group of guys, and that is going to be important. It is going to be a challenge to learn all this music in such a short amount of time and making sure that it all works.

DP BV

What do you hope to learn by being in Altar Boyz?

DP BV

What are some of your interests outside of performing and dancing?

DP BV

Do you have anything lined up after Altar Boyz?

That’s a great question because I always do take something away from my experiences in each show. Whether you know it or not, you grow. Like I said, I am known for my dancing career and not for my acting and singing. So, I hope to learn a bit more of myself as an actor.

I am a full-time personal trainer and group fitness coach. I coach at many different gyms throughout south Florida, and I currently coach at Crossfit Fort Lauderdale and Roar Station. So, I fill my weeks with probably like 20-30 classes a week. Then I also supplement that with my personal training with my personal gym called Hot Box Fitness and Training and that’s more for individual and small groups. So, I keep very busy when I’m not doing a show. Luckily, I have great relations with my gyms so when I do book a show, I am able to take a small leave and return whenever I am done with the show. It’s hard to do both at the same time.

You know, right now, this is all I have because I am in the works of opening my own business. I hope to take this time to focus on the show and give my 100 percent, but on my downtime, definitely focus on my business.

It’s nice because once I own my own business, I am my own boss so then I can continue to audition for shows and make it happen and be able to take time off when I need to.

For more information and tickets, visit www.IslandCityStage.org.

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F L O R I D A

G R A N D

O P E R A

P R E S E N T S

Giacomo Puccini’s

JAN 18 THRU

FEB 1 p E R F o R m A N c E s AT

Adrienne Arsht Center & Broward Center

Breathtaking Beauty, Heartbreaking Drama!

A thrilling story of cultures clashing and life-shattering decisions. An American sailor marries a naive young geisha. For him, it’s a flight of fancy, for her, it is true love, the result of which is truely heart-wrenching.

Among one of the most popular operas (and the inspiration for the Broadway musical Miss Saigon), Madama Butterfly contains some of opera’s most famous music and features powerful drama from beginning to end.

1.800.741.1010 www.FGo.oRG Photo: Madama Butterfly © Daniel Azoulay for Florida Grand Opera.

GIRLS SCOUT

AN INTERVIEW WITH KRISTIN CHENOWETH

By Gregg Shapiro

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Gregg Shapiro: Kristin, the presence of Linda Ronstadt can be felt throughout your new album For The Girls, especially on songs she covered such as “Desperado,” “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” “Crazy,” and “I Will Always Love You.” In terms of your personal music influences, where would you place Linda?

Kristin Chenoweth: I’ve got to say that she’s going to be up there with Dolly Parton. She’s going to be up there with Judy Garland. That’s where I place her. Also, I remember when I was growing up, Linda had those Nelson Riddle albums that I wore out. She can do any song there is, and sing like that, and also do Pirates of Penzance. I was impressed with that. It was a career that I’ve always thought, “I want to be like that!” I think I’m lucky because I can do a lot of things and so can she.

GS

Speaking of “I Will Always Love You,” you are joined on that song

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Photos by Gian Andrea Di Stefano

ony and Emmy Award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth could potentially have a Grammy Award in her sights with her new album For The Girls (Concord). On her most contemporary pop-oriented studio album in nearly 10 years, Chenoweth pays tribute to several of her musical icons including Judy Garland, Eydie Gorme, Barbra Streisand, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt and Dolly Parton. Parton herself joins Chenoweth on a roof-raising rendition of the Dixie diva’s “I Will Always Love You.” Other guests joining Chenoweth on the album include Jennifer Hudson, Reba McEntire and Ariana Grande. A longtime friend and supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, Chenoweth was kind enough to answer a few questions about the album. by the woman who wrote it, and whom you mentioned, Dolly Parton. What was it like to sing with Dolly?

KC

Just that I could retire now [laughs].

It made my musical life very complete.

Honestly, since I was a little kid, it was Dolly Parton. Mainly because I felt like I kind of sounded like her, even the way she talks, and I know she’s petite and from the South.

There were a lot of things about her that I understood. I’m also honored to know her not only as an artist but also as a businesswoman.

I’ve watched her and learned from her. She does not sell any of the songs she writes! She owns them. When Whitney Houston did “I Will Always Love You” in The Bodyguard – which was an amazing version as well, a real barn burner – you go back to the original source and you listen to that. That’s what I connected with the most. And she’s never sold her music.

She’s a smart lady!

GS

She is a true genius. In addition to the Dolly duet, you are joined by Ariana Grande on “You Don’t Own Me” and Jennifer Hudson and Reba McEntire on “I’m A Woman.”

How did those collaborations come to be?

KC

Basically, I picked my favorite singers alive today and asked them to do it [laughs]. Reba and I have become closer over the past several years through our work with the Andrea Bocelli Foundation and Celebrity Fight Night. Singing with Reba and Andrea has been a real high for me. She’s also a fellow Oklahoman.

GS KC

When did you first meet Reba?

I met her when I was 19, working at Opryland USA. On my night off, they asked me if I wanted to hand out candy at this event where Reba McEntire was being honored.

I said, “Yes! I want to do that.” I met her and I couldn’t speak. I teased her and said, “Do you remember the girl who went mute?” She said, “Yes, I do!” I said, “That was me [laughs]!”

GS KC

What does it mean to you to be able to sing with Reba?

Of course, it’s cool to get to collaborate with great singers like Reba, who has her own stamp when she sings a song. As does Jennifer! There’s no confusion there. When you hear their voices, you know that’s Reba and you know that’s JHud. I think Jennifer has one of the best voices around today. I also appreciate the fact that both Reba and Jennifer have done Broadway, as well. I always love that. It makes you feel like you’re in a club. With Ari, I just watched her grow up. She came backstage with her mom and grandma at Wicked and I gave her a wand.

She said, “I want to be a singer, too!” I thought, “Well, isn’t that sweet?” And as the years have gone by and I’ve watched her grow and evolve into the biggest pop star there is, I’ve been so very proud of her.

GS KC

And you and Jennifer and Ariana also did Hairspray (on NBC) together.

Yes! I hadn’t met Jennifer before, but I knew Ariana. And Dove Cameron and I have worked together a lot. I kind of view myself as a mama bear, taking care of those girls like Ariana and Dove. I want to make sure they know they’re loved. Not just for their talent, although that’s the aspect that drew us together, but for who they are. And Jennifer just blew me away with her voice!

GS

You mentioned Judy Garland and 2019 was a big year for Judy. It’s the 50th anniversary of her passing and the 80th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz. Does that have anything to do with why you chose to include “The Man That Got Away” from A Star Is Born?

KC

Yes. Obviously, she’s another woman that I understand what she’s doing.

When I was a little girl, I said, “That’s me!

I’m her!” The same with Julia Andrews. When you’re a young artist you look at other artists and you say, “I understand that.” I always understood her. Gaga had such a big success with her version of A Star Is Born, for which I was extremely proud of her. I think it’s nice to show that it started with Judy and “The Man That Got Away” in A Star Is Born, and then it went to Barbra and then it went to Gaga. I think it’s important to show how things can change, but still stay the same. I went back to the original source. In a way, I did it as an homage to Barbra and Gaga, too. But it would have never even mattered if Judy hadn’t done it.

GS KC

Kind of like you and Dolly on “I Will Always Love You.”

Yes! When it first starts, you think, “Is that Kristin or Dolly?” Eventually when she comes in and starts singing and then as the song goes on, she really starts wailing, I thought, “Wow! She’s outdone herself on her own song!” I was so honored, honestly.

Kristin Chenoweth performs on January 25, 2020 at Tennessee Williams Theatre in Key West, FL. For more information about the show, visit www.KeysTix.com.

OutClique.com | 143

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR ENTERTAINING THE CITY OF LAUDERHILL AND PRATHER PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS KINKY BOOTS

By John M. Hayden

I

nstant Classic. The phrase was created for a work of art like Kinky Boots, and now those boots are kicking their way to the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (LPAC).

South Florida’s coolest new venue is hosting the most fun, heartfelt show to come off Broadway in years.

Two incredible gay icons came together to make this production happen. Harvey Fierstein wrote the story, and the still-so-unusual Cyndi Lauper did the music. With songs like “Hold Me In Your Heart,” “Not My Father’s Son,” and the iconic and quotable “Sex Is In The Heel,” Kinky Boots brings a message that reaches across generations and sexual orientations, class and gender.

Carrie Bradshaw and the ladies of Sex & the City.

Kinky Boots is a story with heart. A very generous heart for anyone open to experiencing it. The play is about learning that what we think we want, and what we really want, can be two very different things. It’s about family. The family we have and the family we create around us, but mostly, it’s about love.

Nurturing the love already in our lives and learning to open ourselves up to love from the unknown.

And, of course, there’s the boots! The costuming in this production is fierce, fab, and flawless.

The story is set in a struggling shoe factory in England, where a son, Charlie, inherits the family business of making plain, old, uncreatively dependable footwear. The situation is too dark to imagine, when a ray of light enters his life in the form of Lola, a fabulous drag queen in need of sturdy stilettos. Charlie quickly learns what we have long known: that fabulous drag queens always make the situation better!

Cyndi once told me she just wants to make people happy. She has a reputation for being fiercely devoted to her family as well as her fans. Cyndi’s ability to connect one on one with people even when standing on stage in an arena is amazing. She can go from being sassy to bringing tears to your eyes and back to sassy without missing a beat, and that’s just when she’s talking with people in the audience. That kind of genuineness comes through in her music for Kinky Boots.

Charlie decides to retool the factory and start making exotic and erotic footwear. And while the factory’s long time employees, many of whom have known Charlie since he was a kid, aren’t sure about the ideas. They quickly realize that their futures are riding on this as well. While boots are in the title, this is not a love letter to footwear. We can leave that to

LPAC is bringing in Lola and company via Broadway World. The new building, with its state of the art facilities, is perfect for hosting a world class touring company. A show like Kinky Boots is a natural fit for this venue.

Small enough so even the far away seats feel close enough that you feel like you’re intimately intertwined with the story.

For tickets or more information about Kinky Boots or any of the other events coming to LPAC, check out their website: www.LPACFL.com or call (954) 777-2055.

144 | OutClique.com

1 DRAMA DESK AWARD • 1 DRAMA LEAGUE AWARD 3 OUTER CRITICS CIRCLE AWARDS • 1 GRAMMY AWARD

EXCLUSIVE

JANUARY 23 - FEBRUARY 9, 2020

M A R K C O R TA L E P R E S E N T S S E T H R U D E T S KY ’ S

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STEPHANIE J. BLOCK The Cher Show, Wicked, The Boy From OZ

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SANTINO FONTANA Tootsie, Billy Elliot, Hello Dolly!

APRIL 3 HOST SETH

RUDETSKY

Seth Rudetsky is back! The Sirius/XM Radio star, whom the New York Times dubbed “The Mayor of Broadway,” returns to Parker Playhouse with three intimate evenings of incredible music and hilarious conversations with powerhouse talents Kelli O’Hara, Stephanie J. Block and Santino Fontana.

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The Parker Playhouse 2019-2020 season is presented by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.

Follow us:

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CORAL SPRINGS WELCOMES BACK LEWIS BLACK

By Denny Patterson

L

ewis Black, also known as the king of the rant, will be performing at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts on Thursday, February 6, 2020. Using his trademark style of comedic yelling and animated finger pointing to skewer anything and anyone that gets under his skin, Black’s comedic brilliance lies in his ability to make people laugh at the absurdities of life, with topics that include current events, social media, politics and anything else that exposes the hypocrisy and madness he sees in the world. Best known for his “Back in Black” segment on The Daily Show, Black has received critical acclaim as a stand-up comedian, actor, and author who has performed for audiences across the world. In 2004, he was voted 51st in Comedy Central’s 100 greatest stand-up comedians of all time.

OutClique had the pleasure of chatting more with Black about his upcoming South Florida performance and style of comedy.

Photo by Clay McBride

Denny Patterson: Hi, Lewis! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me today. Why don’t you start off by telling us what audiences can expect at your upcoming performance at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts.

time coming to Coral Springs, so I like to wander around the beach for a little bit. A lot of times we roll into towns later, so I only have enough time to take a quick nap, work on some stuff, then do the show.

Lewis Black: Oh, you know, the same happy go lucky comedy. Upbeat, positive, smiley, lots of giggles, kind of silly. I do a lot of prop work now [laughs]. No, who knows what we can expect?

Where we are today to where I’ll be then, wow, anything can happen. We could all be in the Coral Springs jail. I think I will be doing the same thing I have been doing over and over during the last 40 years of my comedy life, but constantly finding ways to make it funnier.

DP

DP LB

Awesome. What do you look forward to the most about every performance?

I really look forward to the after-show dinner, but if I’m lucky, I will get to wander around a little. This is my fifth or sixth

You are best known for your angry demeanor and belligerent comedic style. How did you find out that this type of humor was your niche?

LB

A friend of mine and I were doing stand up and I wasn’t committed to it at the time. I was just doing it for fun. I was writing plays and such and we were in this space where we would have comedy shows from time to time. I was opening for every show, and my friend would say that every time I’m onstage, I get angry and I shouldn’t be yelling.

So, I stopped doing that. Then another friend told me the same thing and I should keep yelling. So, I went back to that. What I really discovered is that I am at my funniest when OutClique.com | 149

I’m angry. It’s silly to say, but I found my comedic voice. And let’s not forget sarcasm. I got that from my mother.

DP

DP LB

LB

What do you do to prepare yourself before going out onstage?

I really wish I could say I do stuff, but I don’t do anything. I literally just look over my notes. I have never really written out an act. I write down notes, random stuff I thought of throughout the day. What I do now, I do a live feed called “The Rant Is Due” after every show.

I did it once at Coral Springs, and it has evolved over the years. We have over 150 hours of this and it literally goes throughout the world.

When I’m doing a show, I’ll do a 60-70 minute performance, leave the stage for about 30 seconds, then come back onstage and do the live feed in front of the same audience. People down the street can watch the live feed on their cell phones. People in Uganda can watch it on their laptops, iPads, whatever pad they have. The audience will be given instructions about the live feed and if they got a rant they want me to do, they write it down. It doesn’t have to be Coral Springs related, but if they want me to rant about Coral Springs or Florida, I will.

DP LB

To you, what makes a good comedian?

Point of view. Certain comics, their point of views are silly and goofy. They look at life in a funny way. Then you go to the other end of the spectrum with the comics like John Oliver and Trevor Noah who look at society from a slightly skewed point of view.

Either way, as long as its funny. The only thing that’s ever bothered me are the comics who wander around thinking they are funny when they’re not, but they act so confident that the audience laugh because they feel they should.

Humor is tough.

Are you still doing your “Back in Black” commentary segment on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah?

Yes. I was supposed to do it this week, but because so much is happening with the impeachment, they bumped me. I’m doing more with it than I have in a long time.

DP

For those who are not familiar with “Back in Black,” can you tell us what it’s about?

LB

It’s basically a segment that has evolved over time. It’s about all sorts of different things. When it was The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Jon thought it was better to talk about certain things when they came from my mouth instead of his. Now that it’s Trevor’s show, Trevor can talk about a topic a certain way and I can talk about it another way. Trevor gets my writing and Trevor gets that I’m funny.

Some of the producers initially with Jon didn’t understand or get a grip on that. They would cut lines of my joke and I never fought with them. Other writers who worked on the piece knew it would get a laugh because they knew me.

DP for?

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout

LB

You can always go to my website, www.LewisBlack.com, to see what’s going on. You can sign up for email updates and I have some wonderful merchandise, like the bobblehead that swears. It’s really funny and all the money goes to charity. If you don’t want the emails, you can get these rants that come on each week for free. I am also fooling around with some guest spots in certain shows.

For more on this article, go to www.OutClique.com

For more information and tickets, visit www.TheCenterCS.com.

OutClique.com | 151

Feb. 7 Broward Center, Ft. Lauderdale

Feb. 9 Glynn R. Archer Center, Key West BEETHOVEN: Symphony No. 9 SCHUMANN: Piano Concerto in A Minor

BEETHOVEN 250TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Featuring Neil Nelson, bass-baritone (from Porgy and Bess); Robyn Lamp, soprano; Mabel Ledo, mezzosoprano; Edgar Miguel Abréu, tenor; and the South Florida Symphony Festival Choir, lead by Dr. Giselle Elgarresta Rios, chorus director, and Dr. Alan Mason,chorus pianist

Neil Nelson, bass-baritone

Robyn Lamp, soprano

Mabel Ledo, mezzosoprano

“Classical Music Standout of the Season” Miami Herald

Edgar Miguel Abréu, tenor

Dr. Giselle Elgarresta Rios, choir director

Dr. Alan Mason choir pianist

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Al McKay Allstars performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire

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WHY WE COME TOGETHER

By Stephen Fallon, PhD

W

hat’s the difference between circuit parties and the gala fundraising event circuit? If you traveled the circuit parties in your youth, you probably starved yourself for weeks, and punished yourself in the gym for months, all so you’d look your best on the dancefloor in the tightest (or least) clothing possible. Some time deep into the night, in the humid glow of sweat and cologne, you may have felt a kinetic spark of community connection, so potent that it became almost visible, like an EKG of happiness following the dance beat.

Just as often, you may have grabbed a representative from this circuit party band of brothers, and brought him back to your room, more out of an impulse to code the night’s happiness into memory than out of any purposeful act of lust.

Today, your circuit party days may be behind you, or you may still make it to one or two, as a token to nostalgia. Now, though, you mainly travel the Gala fundraising event circuit. You still put extra thought into selecting just the right, festive outfit, one that makes a statement, and testifies to style. While once, you have starved yourself for circuit parties, you now get to indulge in exotic hors d’oeuvres. Loud circuit party music has given way to conversations and recollections.

All of this is in service of a cause: your entry fee to each Gala fundraising event helps support one of the LGBT non-profits that make

South Florida a safer, healthier, more ennobling place for all of us. You reconnect with seasonal friends, share a knowing wink with past flings, and perhaps find yourself surprised when a familiar stirring comes.

Maybe it comes when you meet some young advocates, working for that non-profit. Maybe it’s when you hear that client’s touching story, and remember your own times of struggles or fears. Maybe you first notice it during one of the speeches, with its rousing call to action.

The feeling that stirs is the same one you used to chase from coast to coast, on the sunlit wings of flights to circuit parties.

You’ve found it again here at a Gala event. It doesn’t crackle like a spark; it warms like a glow. But it’s that same spirit of community and connection.

Whether you’re now in your 30s, 40s, or a bit more seasoned, you’ve made it to a certain place in your life. And now you’re giving back, to a younger version of yourself, or a less secure version, or perhaps a version that doesn’t look at all like you, but is part of this vibrant community you call home.

All of us at Latinos Salud want to personally invite you to join us on Saturday, February 8, 2020 for our 11th Anniversary Gala event, and to thank you for coming together once again.

We hope you’ll attend our gala, and others this season. You’ll support the community. And in doing so, we hope you’ll feel that pulse of the community connection once again.

We’ve arranged some special early bird discounts to our event. Please visit our website, www.LatinosSalud.org or email Events@LatinosSalud.org or call (954) 765-6239 extension 207, and let them know that you’ll be joining us, in support of the community.

154 | OutClique.com

WHITNEY HOUSTON COMES TO SOUTH FLORIDA

AN INTERVIEW WITH BELINDA DAVIDS

G

et ready to dance with somebody!

Showtime Australia is proud to present “The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show.” Featuring the breathtaking vocals of South African songstress Belinda Davids accompanied by a 6-piece live band and dancers, this critically acclaimed and beautifully crafted live concert honoring the talent, music, and memory of the legendary singer will be performed at the Au-Rene Theatre at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Thursday, January 23. 2020. Audiences are invited to embark on a heartfelt musical journey celebrating one of the music industry’s biggest icons. This two-hour production will fill you with joy, nostalgia, and wonderment.

OutClique had the opportunity to chat more with Davids about the show and embracing Whitney Houston.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Belinda! Thank you so much for taking the time to chat with me.

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Photo Courtesy of Showtime Australia

By Denny Patterson

Let’s begin by talking more about “The Whitney Houston Show.” What can audiences expect?

Belinda Davids: We do all her number one hits from the beginning right up until the end and replicate her onstage style. It’s truly a spectacular show. With the team that we have, we give an amazing show. This is exactly what it was when she would do a concert.

DP BD

Fabulous. Has this show been to South Florida before?

DP BD

What do you look forward to with every performance?

Yes, I believe we were there last year.

As matter of fact, I think we started in Florida last year.

I look forward to the whole thing, really. I tell you that because it is

quite a spectacular thing. With the costume changes and the fact that we don’t take more than 30 seconds to go from one change to the next, that’s all a part of it. So, I look forward to the whole thing, especially doing her great hits. And now the dancing, we have choreography in the show, and they are making me dance, so that’s great.

DP BD

What kind of impact do you think Whitney made in the world?

DP BD

And what do you think she would be doing today if she were still with us?

Oh my goodness, I think she has made such an impact that people still want her to be here today. They still miss her, and they want her to be here. She’s a legend. I mean, think about it. How many artists today, from this generation and the previous generation still go, “my idol, Whitney Houston?” She loved everybody. Her friends, the LGBTQ community, everybody.

I think she would, let’s say she had to make another album, she would have been a little more chilled in the album. I think she would have been grown, because you know when you grow up, your voice changes as well. So, I think she would have been a lot more chilled.

DP BD

Did you ever have the chance to meet the real Whitney?

No, I did not. I think maybe for a reason because, you know, at some point in both of our lives we were at opposites ends in the world and the opportunity never came. I also believe that maybe it was not meant to happen.

DP

Tell us more about you. Have you always had a passion for singing and performing?

BD DP BD DP BD

Yes, I have. Since the age of five.

DP BD

Do you have any pre-show rituals?

DP

Besides “The Whitney Houston Show,” do you have any other projects in the

What specifically Whitney?

drew

you

to

I could relate to everything that she was singing about.

How challenging is it to play an iconic legend like Whitney Houston?

Very challenging. As a matter of fact, I was reminded of the challenge today. Doing this show and performing 24 songs, you need a lot of rest. You caught me at a time when I was just getting up from a nap because I have been up since 4:30 this morning doing nothing but media in South Africa because we are in Cape Town right now doing the show here. It’s been insane. I will then have to jump on and do a photoshoot then after that is a soundcheck. Then I have to get ready for a show. I know I’ll be fine once I get to showtime, but I always think I’m not going to be that great tonight, and then when I get onstage and start the show, everything is fine. So, this is the challenge.

anxious.

works?

Literally five minutes before the show, I mediate. I have to because I get so

BD

I just released my Christmas album on the same opening night as we did here in Cape Town on November 20, 2019. It’s available on all digital platforms, and this is definitely a prelude to an original album that’s coming in the future.

For more information and tickets, visit www.BrowardCenter.org.

OutClique.com | 161

SWEET AS CAN BE AN INTERVIEW WITH COCO PERU

By Gregg Shapiro

O

Photo By Peter Palladino

ver the years, I’ve had the opportunity to interview a wide variety of drag performers. I have to say, in all that time, I’ve never come across one who is as warm, intelligent and down-to-earth as Coco Peru (although Lady Bunny runs a close second!). No tea, no shade. Maybe that’s why Coco Peru has had such a long and illustrious career. From To Wong Foo… to Trick to her appearances on Will & Grace to her live shows, Coco Peru is a treasure and, as I found out when we spoke, a pleasure to interview.

Coco Peru provides the entertainment at “Looking Back Moving Forward,” the 7th Annual Stonewall National Museum & Archives Gala, on February 23, 2020 at the Conrad Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach. For more information visit

www.SWShop.Stonewall-Museum.org/Gala-2020.

Gregg Shapiro: Your website reads “Spreading the word of Coco since 1991”. For those not in the know, what were you doing prior to 1991?

Coco Peru: I had gone to college (Adelphi University) for theater with dreams of being in the theater and playing all sorts of different characters. In the late `80s, I had written one cabaret show as myself. In college, I had done cabaret shows with Jonathan Larson, who ended up writing Rent. I was the original Angel in his first production to raise money.

Then I got inspired by the gay movement and the AIDS activists and wanted to find my voice as a gay man. When I was a theater major in college, all of that was suppressed. I was told to butch it up. That I was never going to make it. I went to Peru and saw a drag queen who was very popular in the mainstream. I thought, “Wow! Such a Catholic country. How is it possible that this gay guy who does drag is so popular?” I realized there is a power in accepting 100% of who you are and going right 164 | OutClique.com

to the edge and showing people who you are.

So I started thinking about drag, that Coco would be one of the many characters that I would do. But she resonated with the gay community and those that supported us at that time. I just stuck with her.

GS

What can you tell me about the genesis of your catchphrase, “That bothers me,” for which you have become wellknown?

CP

That was just by accident. I was making those videos, not realizing that I say “That bothers me”. All of a sudden, my fans started creating these memes with “That bothers me” and I realized that I do say that. They noticed and it’s actually my fans that made the catchphrase popular.

GS

I recently saw you in the new Bluray reissue of To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar. Do you have a

specific memory from making that movie that you’d like to share with the readers?

CP

I loved Patrick Swayze. He was such an interesting person. He was a dancer, yet very macho. He really dove into the whole drag thing. He respected us and wanted to understand our lives. He would call me at home and ask me lots of questions. He came to see my show. He treated all of us as equals. There was one night where we were in his restaurant and he was having a party.

He pulled me over and I sat in his lap. I think that photo was in the Daily News [laughs]. I was so thrilled that I was sitting on Patrick Swayze’s lap!

GS

Your amazing monologue in the 1999’s Jim Fall film Trick established you as a force with which to be reckoned.

Can you please say a few words about the experience of making Trick?

CP

I wasn’t supposed to be in it. Jim Fall had asked me, as a friend, to help him audition people for the first reading. I was reading all of these different parts against the actors. When the auditions were all over, he turned to me and said, “Why don’t you play the part of Katherine, because you’re funny doing this?” In the first reading, I played the part that Tori Spelling would later play. One of the responses that everyone gave after the reading was, “You should have Coco Peru play that part.” It didn’t make any sense for me to play a woman. So, they wrote me a scene. They had to convince the producers that I could pull off a monologue in the middle of a movie. That little moment where I said yes to a favor changed my whole life. I could have easily said no [laughs].

GS

We’re glad you said yes! According to the IMDb, there is a Trick 2 in the works. Are there plans for you to return in the sequel?

CP

Oh, yes. We had a reading of the script last summer. I think they’re trying to work out the final details. Hopefully it will happen. In this business, you never know.

GS

You’ve had the distinction of appearing in both the first and rebooted seasons of Will & Grace. In fact, you played the officiant at Jack and Estefan’s wedding in a recent episode. What does a show such as Will & Grace mean to you as an actor?

CP

When I first created Coco, that was one of my goals. I wanted to be visible. I didn’t want to have to hide myself.

My mom kept saying, “Why don’t you write straight material?” I said, “Because I’m a gay man. I want straight people to see who I am.

My life, my experience, and to realize it’s all the same experience. We all want love. We all want everything. It’s all equal. When Will & Grace came on, I thought it was a real gamechanger. It was everything I’d been working for. Not that I had anything to do with Will & Grace being made, but I feel like there was a movement of people who felt the same way I did. It was time for us to be seen. What was wonderful about being invited back was I felt like in this reboot they were able to push the envelope even more so that a character like mine could come on and not only is there a gay wedding, but a drag queen is officiating. That wouldn’t have happened in the first run of Will & Grace, but it could happen in the second run.

I see it all evolving and it was a part of how I wanted to be seen. I finally feel like all my hard work is coming to fruition for the community as a whole. We’ve all pushed forward. Some of us have been a little more courageous than others…[laughs]. Having said that, I think it’s wonderful to see us all pushing for equality.

For more on this article, go to www.OutClique.com

Coco Peru provides the entertainment at “Looking Back Moving Forward,” the 7th Annual Stonewall National Museum & Archives Gala, on February 23, 2020 at the Conrad Hotel Fort Lauderdale Beach.

For more information visit www.SWShop.Stonewall-Museum.org/Gala-2020.

OutClique.com | 165

CELEBRATE YOU Two continents. Over 53 nations. One love.

Greater Fort Lauderdale invites everyone under the sun to the very first Pride of the Americas.

Join hundreds of thousands of individuals who together will bring global attention to LGBT+ advocacy. All are welcome to fly your flag high, make an impact and radiate life – because who you are is worth celebrating.

Make your plans at sunny.org/PrideAmericas

April 21-26

WORLD CLASS PRIDE

Photo Courtesy of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

By John M. Hayden

F

rom Alberta to Argentina, Puerto Rico to Puerto Vallarta, the LGBTQ+ community is booking their travel now to celebrate Pride of the Americas (POTA) in greater Fort Lauderdale, April 19-26, 2020. Pride down on the beach has already become a major event over the past few years. This year it’s going into overdrive as we prepare to welcome members of the gay community from all over the western hemisphere and at least 53 countries are expected to be represented.

The event has never been held before, anywhere. Given Fort Lauderdale’s status as a hub for visitors from Central and South America as well as the Caribbean, it’s a natural place to launch a party of global proportions.

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“It just fit perfectly for Fort Lauderdale to host the inaugural POTA, because of our location, where we are in South Florida,” said Richard Gray, the Senior Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB).

Richard talked with us about the planning, build up, and goals of the event. When you’re the first, you set the template for future cities to follow. The GFLCVB isn’t in charge of the event, but is an integral part of the support system to pull it all together, and there is a lot to pull together.

POTA will highlight the best of Broward County by highlighting the best and breadth of our community. “This is who Fort Lauderdale is,”

Richard told us. “What I tell most people is it’s a sea of diversity and inclusion.” That means a showcase opportunity for all the different groups that make up our community. There will be a gathering for gay businesses to share thoughts and ideas. There will be seminars for trans people, gay youth, and seniors. The marketing campaign has gays, lesbians, drag queens, and people of color and different ethnicities, but it also features gay people with disabilities, something you don’t see that often. Like Richard said, inclusion is the key.

“Diversity and inclusion is very much a part of our DNA here in greater Fort Lauderdale.” All the inclusion will combine in a whole lot of parties.

The opening ceremony goes down at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and the Museum of Discovery and Science will also be hosting events. Also, the fashion show is back at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. Richard expects it to build on last year’s success and reach an entirely new level of fierceness. He hopes to have everything nailed down soon. “We’re just fine tuning the schedule of events. There’s a big volunteer commitment to get this right, to be successful.

There’s a big hotel component attached to it with guests staying all over the county.”

On Friday night, April 24, 2020 will be Night on the Drive. Every other night from Tuesday, April 21 - 26, 2020 will close out with official after parties or circuit parties. It’s a lot to take in so if you plan to hit morning events like the Day of Service and kill it at the parties, take plenty of vitamin C and try to plan a nap!

Of course, the main event is the party down on the beach on Saturday and Sunday. Like prides over the past few years, POTA will set up shop towards the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach. This time Richard expects it’s going to be massive. “Pride Fort Lauderdale has never put on an event of this size. We’re expecting hundreds of thousands of people to attend.”

The parade will march down A1A on Saturday

morning, April 25, 2020, followed by a couple of massive beach days. While the main concert’s headliner has yet to be released, Richard expects to make the announcement soon.

POTA goes down the weekend after the Tortuga Music Festival, and while it won’t take up as much space as the massive concert, it will be slightly bigger than Prides of recent years.

It’s the beach setting that makes Pride Fort Lauderdale unique in any year and especially perfect to host this first international event.

“It’s the only Pride in the United States on the beach [and] our first Pride of the year.” It’s worth noting that this year the party has been moved from late February to late April. That’s to help make the stay more affordable for the tens of thousands of people expected from out of town. “We all know hotel rates are super pricey in late February, and drop a lot after Easter, so moving Pride this year helps make the trip a lot easier for a lot of people.” Richard says a lot of hotels on the beach are already working to accommodate the travelers.

You could decide to stay at the center of the action that weekend and book a hotel room or suite, but if you decide to commute in you have options. Details are still being finalized, but expect shuttles to run from the beach to several drop-off/parking locations, including Wilton Manors. Parking is always an issue down there even when there’s not a mega international event going on, so plan ahead and let someone else deal with the traffic while you sit back and ride.

With about three months to go until kick-off, a lot of the POTA details are still being worked out, and final announcements will be coming soon.

One thing is for sure, this year POTA will start an event that will continue on in other cities, other countries, and other continents. That is a source of pride. Richard added, “It’s a little bit more than a traditional Pride. Is it a Pride?

Of course. It’s colors, it’s celebrating who you are, and being comfortable in that.”

For more information on the upcoming POTA, visit www.Sunny.org/PrideAmericas and follow them at www.Facebook.com/PrideOfAmericas.

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Celebrating 18 Years of Gay Luxury Travel Around the World

All-Gay Dreams of Tahiti Cruise October 8-15, 2020

Private Charter of Windstar’s Wind Spirit

Papeete - Moorea - Raiatea - Taha’a - Bora Bora - Huahine

New Zealand Adventure

Treasures of Egypt

October 17-24, 2020

December 1-10, 2020

Queenstown - Milford Sound - Franz Josef Glacier

Cairo - Nile River Cruise - Abu Simbel

(Tahiti Cruise Extension or Stand-Alone Vacation!)

Visit SourceEvents.com for information on all of our journeys.

For more details and to reserve, call us at 305-672-9779 or email us at Reservations@SourceEvents.com Mention OutClique at the time of booking for special savings.

WHO TO CALL ACCOUNTING

Coss Bookkeeping & Accounting (754) 223-2969 www.CossBookkeeping.com R3 Accounting (954) 202-9770 www.R3Accounting.com Schultz Tax & Financial Services (954) 300-3829 www.SchultzTFS.com

ADDICTION RECOVERY

Beachcomber (954) 615-4003

www.BeachComberOutpatient.com

AIR CONDITIONING

A&H Air Conditioning (954) 850-9480 BrowardAC@aol.com

ARTS, ENTERTAINMENT, & ACTIVITIES

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (305) 949-6722 www.ArshtCenter.org

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center (877) 311-7469 www.AventuraCenter.org Broward Center for the Performing Arts (954) 462-0222 www.BrowardCenter.org A Celebration of Friends, Inc. www.CelebrationOfFriends.org Coconut Grove Arts Festival (305) 447-0401 www.CGAF.com Coral Springs Center for the Arts (954) 344-5990 www.TheCenterCS.com Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) (954) 763-2266 www.GayMensChorusOfSouthFlorida.org

Gold Coast Jazz Society (954) 524-0805 www.GoldCoastJazz.org Island City Stage (954) 928-9800 www.IslandCityStage.org Key West Business Guild (305) 294-4603 www.GayKeyWestFL.com Kravis Center (561) 832-7469 www.Kravis.org

Ken Keechl Law (954) 271-0667 www.KenKeechlLaw.com Parafinczuk Wolf Susen (954) 462-6700 www.PWSLawFirm.com

BAKERIES

Wilton Dough Online bakery! 50% OFF First Order!

Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (954) 777-2055 www.LPACFL.com

(954) 663-7739 www.WiltonDough.com

Museum of Discovery & Science (954) 467-6637 www.MODS.org

Bourbon Street Pub (Key West) www.BourbonStPub.com

Nova Singers (954) 683-8866 www.Nova.edu/NovaSingers Outlandish www.OutlandishFL.com Parker Playhouse (954) 462-0222 www.ParkerPlayhouse.com

BARS & CLUBS

Club Fort Lauderdale (954) 525-3344 www.TheClubs.com Eagle Wilton Manors (954) 818-2803 www.EagleBarWM.com Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar (954) 565-2526 www.Alibi.LGBT

Pride of the Americas www.Sunny.org/PrideAmericas

Gulf Stream Brewing Company (954) 766-4842 www.GulfStreamBeer.com

Randy Roberts La Te Da (Key West) www.LaTeDa.com/Randy-Roberts

Le Boy (954) 368-8786 www.LeBoyTonight.com

Slow Burn Theatre Company (954) 323-7884 www.SlowBurnTheatre.org

Mattys Wilton Park (954) 900-3973 www.MattysWP.com

South Florida Symphony Orchestra (954) 522-8445 www.SouthFloridaSymphony.org

The Pub (754) 200-5244 www.ThePubWM.com

Wick Theatre & Costume Museum (561) 995-2333 www.TheWick.org

Scandals Saloon (954) 567-2432 www.ScandalsFla.com

Want to get listed? Contact us!

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ATTORNEYS & LAW OFFICES

John D. Mooney, PA (954) 449-2671 www.JohnDMooneyPA.com

OutClique@gmail.com | 954-998-6429

Smarty Pants (954) 561-1724 www.SmartyPantsBar.com

CAR WASHES

Majestic Car Wash (954) 568-9450 www.MajesticCarWashFlorida.com

ELECTRICAL

R.T.S. Electrical 24 Hour Service & Free Estimates Home Inspection, Residential & Commercial 19 yrs of Quality Service (954) 257-9509

FINANCIAL SERVICES

CATERING & PERSONAL CHEFS The Truth About Lending, LLC (888) 76-TRUTH Brandon Porpst Melinda@TTAL.info (347) 702-1586 www.TheTruthAboutLending.com www.TheGoGoChef.com

CHIROPRACTICS

Handcraft Chiropractic Daniel J. Lewis, D.C. (954) 507-9380 www.HandcraftChiro.com

Umbrella Credit Services Individual/Business Credit Repair/Building

Club Fort Lauderdale (954) 525-3344 www.TheClubs.com G21 (954) 440-4915 www.G21Fitness.com

HANDYMAN & REPAIR SERVICES

www.WiltonManorsHandymen.com

Your trusted home renovation partner.

Partner with us for home perfection.

We're reliable, accountable, & insured!

Painting, tiling, drywall, & remodels

Call (954) 302-1913 for FREE estimate!

Free Consultation & Credit Analysis HEALTH & WELLNESS UmbrellaCreditServices.com BeWell MedSpa (888) 218-6040 (954) 530-5203 www.BeWellMedSpa.com

FOR RENT CHURCHES & SYNAGOGUES Wilton House Apartments

Holy Angels Catholic Church (954) 633-2987 www.HolyAngelsFL.net

(954) 306-6812

info@WiltonHouseApartments.com

Genesis Health Institute (954) 561-3175 www.GHInstitute.com

Sunshine Cathedral (954) 462-2004 www.SunshineCathedral.org

Wilton Metropolitan Apartments (855) 780-0946 www.WiltonMetro.com

Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics: Will Richardson, M.D. (954) 537-4106 www.NaturaDermatology.com

Sts. Francis & Clare Mass: Saturday 5:00PM and Sunday 10:30AM www.StsFrancisAndClare.com

YourFinalPlan.com Julie LaMontague

United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale (954) 563-4271 www.UCCFTL.org

CLEANING SERVICES

House One Call Tim House (954) 515-7615 Tim Adams (954) 515-2736

CONSUMER SERVICES

www.WiltonHouseApartments.com

FUNERAL SERVICES

Independent Final Expense Specialist

(954) 547-1619 YourFinalPlan@gmail.com

GLASSES & EYEWEAR

Chic Optique (954) 567-3937 www.ChicOptique.net

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Sach Design Group (954) 647-3063 www.SachAdGroup.com

Better Business Bureau of Southeast Florida & the Caribbean (561) 842-1918 www.BBB.org/SEFL

GYMS & WORKOUT FACILITIES 13th Street Gym (954) 533-6762 www.13thStreetFitness.com

DENTAL

Bodytek Multiple locations to best fit you!

(954) 661-6696 www.BodytekFitness.com

Florida Smiles Dental (954) 627-1365 info@FloridaSmilesDental.com

Want to get listed? Contact us!

HELP WANTED

The Grand Resort & Spa Full-time Housekeeper All-male, clothing optional resort Weekends & holidays required Hotel/resort experience and references jobs@grandresort.net (No calls)

HIV & AIDS SERVICES / TESTING

AIDS Health Foundation (AHF) Healthcare Centers (954) 767-0273 www.AIDSHealth.org

Downtown Fort Lauderdale 700 SE 3rd Avenue, Ste 301 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 (954) 767-0887

Kinder (South Miami)

3661 S Miami Avenue, Ste 806 Miami, FL 33133 (786) 497-4000

Miami (Jackson North)

100 NW 170th Street, Ste 208 North Miami Beach, FL 33169 (305) 405-0045

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Northpoint

6405 N Federal Highway, Ste 205 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308 (954) 772-2411

Oakland Park

1164 E Oakland Park Boulevard, Floor 3 Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 561-6900

South Beach

Landscape Solutions MEDICAL (954) 525-5855 Florida Medical Center www.LandscapeSolutionsFlorida.com (954) 735-6000 www.FloridaMedCTR.com

LODGING

The Big Coconut Guesthouse (954) 712-9600 www.TheBigCoconutGuesthouse.com

4308 Alton Road, Ste 950 Miami, FL 33140 (305) 538-1400

Equator Resort Key West (305) 294-7775 www.EquatorResort.com

Latinos Salud (954) 765-6239 www.LatinosSalud.org

The Grand Resort and Spa (954) 630-3000 www.GrandResort.net

Out of the Closet (954) 358-5580 www.OutOfTheCloset.org

Island House Key West (305) 294-6284 www.IslandHouseKeyWest.com

The Pride Center at Equality Park (954) 463-9005 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

New Orleans House (305) 293-9800 www.NewOrleansHouseKW.com

HOME DECOR

Southern Sands Design (954) 500-7263 www.SouthernSandsDesign.com

HOME STAGING

Elite Home Staging (754) 312-5745 www.EliteStagers.com

INSURANCE

Diversity Insurance Group Health Insurance & Medicare Do you qualify for free or low cost health coverage? Call now for a FREE consultation (954) 990-9979 Pallant Insurance Agency (954) 522-3800 www.PallantInsurance.com We Insure (954) 903-7519 www.WeInsureFtLaud.com

MASSAGE & SPA SERVICES

J. Cohen’s Day Spa 3045 N Federal Highway, Ste 42 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 (754) 206-4687 www.JimmyCohensDaySpa.com Massage by Jim (954) 600-5843 www.MassageByJim.com

Relax in Peace Massage John-Michael Gordon, LMT (954) 649-4287 www.Facebook.com/JMGMassage

ORIENTAL MEDICINE

Dr. David Webb, DOM (954) 289-8901 www.DavidWebbDOM.com

PAINTING

Gregg’s Painting Interiors & exteriors, great rates & reliability!

(617) 306-5694 GManBenn44@gmail.com

PERSONAL TRAINERS

Erick Alvarez (954) 880-5100 MyWorkoutPartner@gmail.com www.ErickAlvarez.com Miguel Gonzales (954) 873-3129 Fit4LifeMG@iCloud.com

POOL SERVICES

Skimmer Pools (954) 367-7007 www.SkimmersPools.com

REALTORS & BROKERS

Bill the Condo Guy ReMax Experience (954) 235-5578 Bill@BillDesautels.com

Spa Cabanas (954) 565-2307 Spa@TheCabanasGuesthouse.com www.TheCabanasGuesthouse.com Cory Sanders ONE Sotheby’s International Realty Spa Signature, Inc. (954) 873-4339 (954) 261-9797 Cory.Sanders@SothebysRealty.com

LAWN MAINTENANCE & DESIGN Wilton Manors Massage Integrity Landscape Service Chris Tunkus John Machonis (954) 812-5434 Text or Call (954) 258-8779 www.IntegrityLandscapeService.com www.WiltonManorsMassage.com

Want to get listed? Contact us!

176 | OutClique.com

MORTGAGE COMPANIES

The Truth About Lending, LLC Chad Scott, NMLS #1289622 (954) 275-1563 Chad@TTAL.info www.TheTruthAboutLending.com

Felipe Aragon Galleria International Realty (954) 588-5046 FAragon47@hotmail.com

OutClique@gmail.com | 954-998-6429

Henri Vezie ONE Sotheby’s International Realty (954) 465-6615 www.HenriFrank.com

Out of the Closet

Joe Bermingham Berkshire Hathaway Florida Realty (561) 703-0064 www.JoeBermingham.com

Miami

Steve Margolis Re/Max Experience (954) 684-7888 www.HomesBySteveFL.com

RESTAURANTS

Catfish Dewey's 4003 N Andrews Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 (954) 566-5333 www.CatfishDeweys.com Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar (954) 565-2526 www.Alibi.LGBT Mangia Mangia 900 Southard Street Key West, FL 33040 (305) 294-2469 www.Mangia-Mangia.com New York Grilled Cheese

Boca Raton

493 N. Federal Highway Boca Raton, FL 33432 (561) 277-0777

Wilton Manors

2207 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 564-6887 www.NewYorkGrilledCheese.com The Pub (754) 200-5244 www.ThePubWM.com Tropics Grille (954) 530-3361 www.TheGrilleOTD.com

RETAIL

LeatherWerks (954) 761-1236 www.LeatherWerks.com

Fort Lauderdale

Wilton Manors

1785 E Sunrise Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 (954) 462-9442

2330 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 765-6239 www.LatinosSalud.org

2900 Biscayne Boulevard Miami, FL 33137 (305) 764-3773

The Pride Center at Equality Park (954) 463-9005 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

Wilton Manors

2097 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 358-5580 Southern Sands Design (954) 500-7263 www.SouthernSandsDesign.com

SALONS & HAIR SERVICES

Dick’s Service Station (954) 353-5507 www.Dicks954.com Hush Spa & Barber David Sims (954) 873-3120 www.HushFL.com Transitions Hair (954) 742-4500 www.DinosHRC.com

SENIOR CARE SERVICES

Emerald Elite Senior Home Care (954) 629-1377 Ernest@EmeraldEliteCare.com Rainbow Care (954) 532-5451 RainbowServices@comcast.net The Pride Center at Equality Park (954) 463-9005 www.PrideCenterFlorida.org

SOCIAL & OUTREACH

Latinos Salud

Miami Beach

925 Arthur Godfrey Road, Ste 200 Miami Beach, FL 33140 (305) 397-8967

Miami Southwest

2760 SW 97th Avenue, Ste 103 Miami, FL 33165 (786) 801-1803

Want to get listed? Contact us!

SPIRITUALITY

Love & Light Spiritual Emporium 1419 E Commercial Boulevard, Ste B, Oakland Park, FL 33334 (954) 261-3878 www.LoveLightSpiritualEmporium.com

TITLE COMPANIES

Assure America Title Company Richard Mandel (561) 414-4057 Richard@AssureAmericaTitle.com www.AssureAmericaTitle.com

TRAVEL SERVICES

Freedom Travel (954) 565-2345 Rich@BookFreedomTravel.com www.BookFreedomTravel.com Joe’s River Cruise (561) 703-0064 CruiseOnly2@aol.com www.JoesRiverCruise.com Source Events (305) 672-9779 www.SourceEvents.com Universal Travel/American Express Tim DeLorge (954) 525-5000, ext 243 Tim@Universal-Travel.com

WEDDING SERVICES

Noble Weddings, LLC (954) 253-3547 NobleWeddings@yahoo.com www.NobleWeddings.org

WINE, BEER, & SPIRITS

Late Night Liquors (954) 368-8798 www.LateNightLiquors.com

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