OutClique Magazine June 2019

Volume 3, Issue 7 June 2019

AHF

FLOCKFEST BODYTEK LATINOS SALUD

MAKING AN IMPACT SAVING LIVES! A LOOK AT ALIBI TRANSGENDER ORDINATION

Florida's LGBTQ Lifestyle Magazine & Destination Guide

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 Zach Kane Astoria Nickerson Sales Managers

Connie Evans Chief Copyeditor

Tom Pence

Distribution Manager

National Advertising Rivendell Media

Senior Lifestyle Writer Denny Patterson

Senior Entertainment Writer Gregg Shapiro

Contributing Writers

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

Distribution

Jonathan Drolet, Key West

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.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Volume 3, Issue 7 | June 2019

36 Health & Wellness 76 Realtors & Brokers 84 Lodging

Cover Story 10

10

93 Spas 102 Events, Shows, and Entertainment

AHF

MAKING AN IMPACT, SAVING LIVES!

Photos By Sach | www.SachAdGroup.com

86

138 Key West

65

Brian had his HIV under control with medication. But smoking with HIV caused him to have serious health problems, including a stroke, a blood clot in his lungs and surgery on an artery in his neck. Smoking makes living with HIV much worse. You can quit.

CALL 1-800-QUIT-NOW.

#CDCTips

HIV alone didn’t cause the clogged artery in my neck.

Smoking with HIV did.

Brian, age 45, California

AHF

MAKING AN IMPACT, SAVING LIVES

By Imara Canady and Denny Patterson Photos By Sach | www.SachAdGroup.com

F

ounded in 1987, during the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has grown to become a global non-profit organization that provides cutting-edge medical care to over a million people across the globe.

Originally opened as the AIDS Hospice Foundation, AHF began in Los Angeles and quickly expanded its services, to now have a direct impact in 15 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 43 countries.

Leading the charge in addressing the current global HIV/AIDS epidemic, as the organization creates and implements new programs in communities across the U.S. and abroad, they expand the delivery of healthcare and influence over policy with the aim of saving more lives.

As the largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world, AHF generates new and

08 | OutClique.com

innovative ways of treatment and prevention.

This is the hallmark of their success. “Our core mission is to provide services to people who are affected by HIV,” stated Michael Kahane, AHF Southern Bureau Chief. “Whether they are already living with HIV or they are at risk, we provide services focusing on wellness, prevention, and treatment.”

AHF IN SOUTH FLORIDA In staying committed to its mission, AHF opened its southern bureau operations in Fort Lauderdale 20 years ago, and expanded its services, starting in South Florida and growing throughout the state. South Florida is the epicenter of HIV, leading the nation in regards to new HIV diagnoses. Through its healthcare centers, mobile testing units, and non-profit thrift stores, where you can also get free HIV testing, AHF has made a significant impact,

especially on communities like Wilton Manors, FL and its surrounding communities, highly populated by LGBTQ+ residents. “We test more people than any other organization in South Florida,” Kahane said. “We also link more people to the appropriate care and resources they need to stay alive.”

As the Southern Bureau Chief, Kahane oversees AHF operations in the southern part of the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Although the AIDS epidemic is still a serious issue, he believes it’s getting better in some ways. “I can say it is getting better because there are better treatment centers and living with HIV is no longer an automatic death sentence,” he said. “People living with HIV [and AIDS] are able to have much longer lifespans, and many more people are getting tested regularly to know their HIV status. More than ever in the past. Knowing your HIV status really is key.”

AHF ADVOCACY Originally founded to advocate against an inhumane proposition in 1986, and beyond providing its current cutting edge medical care, another key focus of AHF’s mission is advocacy. This aspect of AHF’s work continues to be a driving force within the organization today. In over 30 years of its service, AHF has never backed down from fighting for those in need. The organization is currently engaged in a number of ongoing initiatives and plans to expand and reinforce these efforts. Throughout its history, AHF has been committed to advocacy and it will always encourage people to be involved.

“Advocacy is a core part of the work of AHF, and we are standing up and addressing issues all across the nation,” stated Ebonni Chrispin, AHF Legislative Affairs & Community Engagement Manager (U.S.). “Through an array of events and several other education and awareness opportunities, you can find out what we are all about. We invite everyone to come and learn.”

“We need to continue having open discussions 10 | OutClique.com

about the spread of HIV and what we need to do in order to curb the issue,” Chrispin continued. “The epidemic is not only here in South Florida, but also in a lot of urban areas around the country.”

AHF’S COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY “When it comes to community engagement, we want to ensure that more people are educated about HIV/AIDS,” Chrispin said. “AHF is all about education and awareness, especially to younger generations. You would be surprised to know how many millennials think that HIV/ AIDS is no longer an issue. They will say, ‘That’s still a thing?’” HIV and AIDS is very much still a thing and we are living in the middle of an epidemic, especially in South Florida. This may be a tough topic for some, but AHF is committed to continue building strong partnerships with other organizations and government agencies throughout the community to overcome the strong presence of stigma and shame that permeates our community.

Over its three decade history, AHF has heightened its presence as a strong partner in the South Florida community and in local

communities across the nation. Throughout South Florida, AHF supports the work of numerous organizations like Latinos Salud, Poverello, and SunServe. Most recently AHF has broadened its outreach and has developed impactful partnerships with the Miami Dolphins, the Urban League of Broward County, the Museum of Discovery and Science, and many local public school systems. Deeply connected to the LGBTQ+ community, AHF continues to be a strong supporter of pride celebrations across the state like Miami Pride and the Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival. As a leading voice in bringing awareness around the fight against AIDS, for the last 14 years, AHF has also produced the annual AIDS Walk & Music Festival that has raised millions of dollars to support 10 organizations in the South Florida community that are working to address the AIDS epidemic locally. This year alone, this event raised close to $2 million.

AHF’s leadership in the community has also been exhibited by its rapid first-response to numerous countries impacted by lifethreatening natural disasters. “We helped a lot with the impacted areas of Haiti and Puerto

OutClique.com | 11

Rico,” Kahane said. “Wherever there is public health crisis, we will try our best to help out. We believe responses to these types of situations can be done much more quickly and efficiently and we will do what we can to help save lives.”

The impact of AHF in the community doesn’t just focus on the AIDS epidemic. Recognizing the negative impact of the affordable housing crisis that has crippled the nation, AHF recently launched the Healthy Housing Foundation (HHF) powered by AHF, a subsidiary of the organization, which provides decent housing units at an affordable cost to low-income individuals, including families with children, and those previously unsheltered or homeless.

The work of HHF was started in Los Angeles with the foundation providing hundreds of units to families dealing with homelessness, to its current project, a multi-unit, low-income apartment building being developed in the Fort Lauderdale community, addressing the dire need for low-income housing in South Florida.

“We believe housing is a human right,” Kahane said. “Obviously, many people do not have access to it, and we are trying our best to try and change that. This is an issue we are passionately working on.”

A GREAT PLACE TO WORK Not only does AHF impact and change the lives of many people suffering through hard times with HIV/AIDS and other circumstances, but also the organization has a positive impact on its staff. “It makes me feel so good to be involved and to support bigger issues greater than myself,” Chrispin said. “I passionately believe it is important for people to work together, even if you do not agree on the topic. I feel that passion about what it means for us to come together and make things happen. AHF talks about advocacy in so many ways, from healthcare to housing. To be able to work for an organization that literally and figuratively puts themselves on the line to help others, it is amazing.”

Kahane agrees. “To be honest, I was not sure if I initially wanted to be involved,” he said. “It was kind of a bunch of circumstances that illuminated the prospects for me. I saw the incredible work that AHF was doing and they were touching the lives of many people. To have such a positive impact, it really opened my eyes. Everyday I wake up feeling blessed to be able to do this job, and I never felt that way before. Working for AHF truly is a passion.”

To find out where you can get a free, confidential HIV test, please visit www.FreeHIVTest.net. For more information about AHF, visit www.AIDSHealth.org.

12 | OutClique.com

GEORGIE’S ALIBI & MONKEY BAR NOW, THEN, AND TO COME Photo Courtesy of Georgi's Alibi

By Denny Patterson

G

eorgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar is one of South Florida’s longest running and most successful LGBTQ hot spots located in the heart of Wilton Manors. Whether you are an area native or a visitor, this is a gem that is worth checking out. A restaurant, bar, and nightclub all rolled into one, Georgie’s Alibi is here for your year-round enjoyment. As one of the busiest venues in Florida with an exceptional staff, the club consists of the Main Bar, the Sports Bar, the Monkey Bar, and the Patio. Georgie’s Alibi has always been a staple in the Wilton Manors community. OutClique magazine had the pleasure of chatting more with the venue’s owner, Johnny Pak.

I think because Alibi was the original gay bar and restaurant that opened in Wilton Manors over 23 years ago, it has been instrumental in making Wilton Manors the popular travel destination it is today. It created an environment for anyone who appreciated being in a small town that concentrated on the locals and supported many things such as children in distress, animal shelters, parks for our pets, and the arts and entertainment district.

Are you the original owner of Alibi?

I am actually not the original owner of the club.

I am the third owner of Alibi, and by September 2019, I will have owned and operated it for five years.

Can you tell me a little bit about what Alibi was like back in the beginning, compared to today?

My only history is visiting Alibi back when it opened originally and when it was the only place to go in Wilton Manors. It was a great place then, and it still is today. Of course, we had to change with the times and now there are over 20 bars and restaurants on the drive.

We love change, and it makes us all want to do better.

Alibi is considered by many to be one of the anchor bars of Wilton Manors. Can you talk a little bit more as to why that is?

How big of an impact has Alibi made on the Wilton Manors community?

Alibi has always been an influence and

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motivating factor in the gay evolution that is Wilton Manors. The area, from what I heard, was run down and not desirable, and of course, inexpensive. Now you have milliondollar properties. There is a huge difference from what was here to what is here now. It has given the community a place where they can live, grow, be themselves, teach, and thrive.

This is their home.

How would you say Alibi stands out from the several other LGBTQ bars throughout Wilton Manors?

I will never compare Alibi with other places because every place is unique. As is Alibi. But, what I can say is that Alibi will always provide the warmth and generosity to help all and provide a place where people can congregate to have fun, bring their friends, and meet new people. Alibi is forever changing. The last five years alone, we have changed and continue to change to make it better and better for the community. We give back as much as we can.

What do you plan to do to ensure that Alibi continues to be the success it is today?

As long as I own Alibi, I will continue to make sure it is on top of its game. Food, drinks, bartenders, service, entertainment, events, charities, and community. Change is good, and to make sure we provide the best that we can is important.

What are some of the top reasons why one should check out Alibi?

Alibi provides free entertainment seven days and nights a week. From drag. to world-known DJs, to excellent food. That is very important to me as I am also a chef. I wear many hats.

What kind of impact has Alibi personally made on your life?

Alibi has shown me that community is important, and we give back as much as we can. I treat everyone like family. Staff, customers, that is what is important to me.

Alibi has brought so much joy to my life. When

I took over, it was dying, and I saved a lot of jobs. The lives of these people matter.

When it comes to owning and operating a bar, what is the biggest challenge?

Owning a bar/restaurant is like anything else.

You must be on top of it. Will it be perfect?

Never, but that is what makes it so interesting.

You have to know what you are doing, and you must always challenge yourself to make it better. I grew up in this kind of business.

I learned how to clean bathroom toilets and floors, then dishes, then I went on to food prep, and then cooking which I love. And let’s not forget cocktails! The challenge is always to keep up with what is next and to do it better.

What are some goals and accomplishments you would like Alibi to achieve within the next year?

Always do the best for the community and to be as good as we can be. As for long term goals, it is really to continue doing what we do now. Provide great drinks and great food at reasonable prices so you can dine with us day in and day out.

What kind of entertainment is Alibi known for?

Alibi is known for many facets of entertainment.

Broadway musicals with Jennifer McClain, Blues with Lenora Jay, more Broadway with Dame Edna, more Blues and today’s classics with Antonio Edwards, drag shows three nights a week, Saturday brunch with drag, karaoke once a week, great DJs from around the world and locally. We have tons of entertainment all the time.

It sounds like Alibi has always been quite the success.

Yes. All I wanted to do was to bring it to the future and make it better and keep it a success. Alibi will always be a place for everyone of all ages, and all are welcome. We will strive to be the best we can be, and we hope to expand and create more fun space for the community.

For more information, visit www.AlibiWiltonManors.com.

OutClique.com | 19

RICK & BRETT'S WEDDING PARTY AT THE PUB

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

Want to submit photos? | Contact us! OutClique@gmail.com 20 | OutClique.com

ELIZABETH “KITTY” A. DAVIS

By Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com

This 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.

Elizabeth “Kitty” A. Davis is a wellness coach and a deeply devoted community organizer.

She balances self-care with community service and has based her life on a set of enduring values passed down from her mother.

Andy Armano: Tell me a little bit about your 22 | OutClique.com

childhood and how that nurtured who you are today.

Elizabeth Davis: I believe that I was born with a social justice gene. I have spent most of my adult life as a community organizer- whether as a profession, as a volunteer, or part of my social life. All this was completely fostered by

Photo by Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com

WHAT MAKES US CLIQUE

my mom. We lived in a commune when I was little, so my formative years were spent in a big house in Detroit with extended family and community. It was full of people coming and going in a really good way. My life changed when my mother married, and there was some dysfunction, but the foundation was set. I went to my first protest march when I was two years old. It was the Women's March on the Pentagon. I was told all my life that the FBI has a file on me (Laughing). And I was very proud of that. I have always been driven by the values of social justice and equality.

AA ED

What do you spend your time doing professionally these days?

I get to be a wellness coach under the umbrella of HIV prevention. I also work with chronic disease prevention and management. I help empower people who are suffering because they have not been able to get the care that they need. I am acutely aware of the barriers and marginalization people face so it’s rewarding to support people taking control of their lives. And, I know there is a ripple effect: the people I support pass along what they learn and have a positive impact on others. The good spreads. I wish my chosen field paid more (laughing).

values and my pragmatism.

AA ED

You spend your days serving others.

How important is self-care to you?

I take self-care seriously. Taking quiet when it's time to be quiet. Engaging when it's time to engage. Not beating myself up over making missteps makes it a lot easier to not make missteps. Color feeds me, music feeds me, people. Special people like you that I get to hang out with. My husband is amazing.

He has just been such a source of growth, and comfort, and love.

AA

What is one way you integrate your personal growth with community service?

ED

We have to take responsibility for what is ours but not blame ourselves for the things that we have no control over or the missteps we make. I've started applying that to myself more and its greatl. Here I am, cruising into 50 and embracing the heck out of it, totally!

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

AA

We live in a society that values externals, be it grand storefronts, or products, or instagram followers. But life’s real success in life is what we do for others and how much love and kindness we share.

These are my spiritual values, at least. I fall short all the time, but I hope I never give up.

Does that resonate with you?

ED

Oh, absolutely. Life is a study in spirituality, isn’t it? To me, it’s a process of stripping away the lies that our culture tells us. Society teaches us a scarcity mentality. Society tells us that the dysfunction, anxiety and trauma that it creates are our own individual failing. None of that is true. My spirituality is informed by my

Photo by Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com

OutClique.com | 23

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

WOLF’S HEAD BAY

BY A SOUTH FLORIDA AUTHOR A Book Review by Denny Patterson

J

effery Allen Boyd’s first young adult novel, Wolf’s Head Bay – The Journey Home, was published in 2004. Journey of the Courageous Eleven is the sequel which is geared more towards young adults and older type of audience. Importantly, this action/ adventure two-volume thriller is inspired by actual events.

For eight kids, a simple camping trip into northern Michigan’s wilderness was supposed to be an enjoyable adventure until a terrifying abduction shatters their world leading them on a desperate life or death race to save their friends. Nineteen-year-old Jeremy Hodak, his younger twin brothers, and their friends are held captive by a dangerous man called the Colonel, and his intent is to control the world’s human trafficking network. The frightened group makes a chilling discovery involving corrupt Washington powerbrokers.

They make the great escape via helicopter, but not before collecting evidence exposing the criminal activity. With Jeremy at the controls, they are now being pursued by the Colonel’s black Scorpion helicopter and are quickly forced down into a remote section of the woods. Now on the ground and unable to communicate with the outside world, Jeremy and his friends are running for their lives as they are pursued by government operatives.

Initially, I was not sure what to expect going into this book. But I quickly found out that Journey of the Courageous Eleven is an actionpacked page turner that will make you want to read until the wee hours of the night. I had the hardest time putting this book down because it was so enthralling. Book lovers want stories that will immediately grab their attention, and

that is exactly what this book does. You will be instantly hooked.

Additionally, this is also an important work because it hits on the still relevant topic of human trafficking. This industry continues to grow. It is kidnapping and murdering, not only young girls and women on a daily basis, but young men and boys as well. Boyd gives readers more of an inside look into this terrible business with an engaging storyline and a cast of young characters. It is not every day you read about young people thwarting and exposing an evil corporation like this. Boyd does an excellent job of raising awareness on this timely issue.

Is there an LGBTQ connection in the story?

Not generally revealed in this sequel, one of Jeremy’s younger brothers, Travis, believes his older brother, Jeremy, is gay and argues this with his twin, Matthew. Although not the main focus of the book, it does make for an interesting part of the story.

Since Boyd grew up in Traverse City, MI, a lot of his youth was greatly influenced by his surroundings. Today, Boyd resides in Islamorada of the Florida Keys. I do hope we can expect more from Boyd in the future. With excellent storytelling and a colorful cast of characters, this book will not disappoint.

For more information on Wolf’s Head Bay or to purchase your own copy, go to http://store.bookbaby.com/book/Wolfs-Head-Bay1 for Volume 1 or https://store.bookbaby.com/book/Wolfs-Head-Bay2 for Volume 2.

OutClique.com | 29

ARE YOU PROTECTED? 3 MYTHS ABOUT DISABILITY INSURANCE Provided By Linda Buccilli, Northwestern Mutual

Do you have insurance for your most important financial asset? You may think you’re covered because you have insurance for your car, home, or even jewelry. Unfortunately, if you don’t have adequate disability income insurance, you may not be protecting what matters most – your paycheck.

Make sure you’re protecting your financial future by acquainting yourself with these three disability insurance myths: Myth #1 You have enough coverage through your employer’s benefit plan.

Truth Even if you’re young and healthy, according to the U.S. Social Security Administration, one-infour of today’s 20-year-olds will be disabled for three or more months at some point in their career before reaching age 67. In addition, the word “disability” itself may not be what you think. Individual disability income insurance may provide coverage for common conditions like back pain, migraine headache, pregnancy complications, or depression. Consulting an experienced financial professional can help to ensure your policy includes all you need to continue meeting your financial obligations in the event of a disability.

Truth If you’re covered by an employer-sponsored short- or long-term disability plan, you’re more fortunate than most. Many group plans only cover 50–60 percent of your base salary. That means, if you’re currently making $60,000 annually, 60 percent of that would be $36,000 and if the employer is paying for your coverage, the final take-home would be reduced even further after taxes.

Myth #3 Disability insurance is expensive.

Supplemental coverage could ensure you’re better poised to maintain your current standard of living and minimize the impact on your long-term financial security. In addition, supplemental coverage moves with you if you change jobs, covers you between jobs, and provides critical income protection if you’re self-employed.

Taking these simple steps to ensure you’re adequately covered will help to relieve your financial anxiety as you’re protecting your most important financial asset. You’ll be glad you did. To contact Linda Buccilli, please call (561) 445-2645, email her at Linda.Buccilli@NM.com or visit her website at www.LindaBuccilli.NM.com.

Myth #2 Disability won’t happen to you.

Truth In most cases you can protect your income for less than the cost of a daily cup of coffee. On average, individual disability income insurance costs $24 and $47 each month for males and females, respectively, while coffee typically costs $76 each month.

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

Article prepared by Northwestern Mutual with the cooperation of Linda Buccilli. Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits), Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and its subsidiaries. Linda Buccilli is an agent of NM based in Boca Raton, FL. 90-2592 (1016)

30 | OutClique.com

JULY 24

Au-Rene Theater • 8pm

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PRIDE CENTER FOUNDERS CIRCLE

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

Want to submit photos? | Contact us! OutClique@gmail.com OutClique.com | 37

HEALTH, FITNESS, AND A MODEL FOR A SUCCESSFUL SMALL BUSINESS AN INTERVIEW WITH MIKE VERDUGO AND TREY OPP OF BODYTEK

By Gregg Shapiro

W

hen it comes to fitness, I always say that I get all of my exercise jumping to conclusions and running off at the mouth. But then I see people such as Mike Verdugo and Trey Opp, the owners and operators of the South Florida-based fitness studios BodyTek and I think, “These are the results you get when you dedicate time and energy to a workout regimen.” Fitness and training has been good for Verdugo and Opp. Not only in their exceptional physical appearance, but also in their successful BodyTek business which includes locations in Davie, Wilton Manors, Wynwood-Miami, Boca Raton, Pompano Beach, Weston, and soon to come Pembroke Pines. Mike and Trey took time out of their busy schedules to answer a few questions shortly before Pride month.

Gregg Shapiro: When did you first become interested in physical fitness and training?

Mike Verdugo: Born and raised in Miami, I started in fitness when I was 13 years. It’s been a huge part of my life. I started working at Gold’s Gym from 13, 14 until I was 22. I left for 10 years to become a cop. Now I’m back into fitness as a business owner. But I’ve always worked out.

Trey Opp: I knew growing up that I wanted to get into fitness. At a young age as well, around 13, 14, I started getting into it, teaching myself all the different things that I could.

When I moved down here at 18, I met Mike and it all fell into place.

GS TO GS

You moved to Florida from where?

North Dakota.

Different weather, huh?

38 | OutClique.com

TO GS

Completely [laughs]!

Mike, you mentioned your career in law enforcement. Would you say that your interest in fitness was also related to your being on the Hollywood, Florida police force?

MV

I always preach, fitness is a lifestyle.

It’s a way of life for me and it’s all I knew from an early age. When I got into the police academy, I was always in shape. When I became a cop, I was in charge of the SWAT Team fitness program. I was in charge of their fitness program. It’s always followed me.

GS

Mike and Trey, you co-own and operate BodyTek, meaning that you are business partners, as well as being partners in life. What are the rewards and challenges of that kind of work arrangement?

MV

[Takes a deep breath and smiles] it’s tough. It looks nice and pretty on the outside [laughs]. We tend to both be workaholics, so it’s hard to not bring it home.

The good thing is that we have multiple studios.

We don’t see each other that much because he goes to one studio and I’m at another. We aren’t working together constantly. But when we get home, we tend to talk about work.

GS MV TO

There’s no downtime.

MV GS MV GS

We play well off each other in that sense.

Exactly.

We’re also very different people. He’s more of a go-getter, get-it-done. I’m more of an analyzer. I have more of an edge on technology and how things work.

You complement each other.

Yes, we do. We look at things differently, which is good.

In 2008, Mike, you were a contestant on the competition HGBT show, Design Star. Can you please say something about your interest in design? For example, is this Wilton Manors studio space a reflection of your design style?

MV

Yes, this studio. I love design. It’s always been a big part of my life.

That’s something we always get complimented on. Everyone loves our studios, they love the colors. They love the aesthetics of it. I like to say, I had something to do with it.

GS

While we’re on the subject of design, I can see that you, Mike, have tattoos.

Trey, do you have any?

TO GS

None at all.

I think there is also a design element to tattoos, so what can you tell me

about the significance of your ink, Mike?

MV

It’s so funny, I was just talking about this the other day. I have a yinyang right here (points to right shoulder) for balance. That was my first tattoo. As my life was getting more complete, I kept adding stuff to it. I’m very balanced [points to matching bicep tattoos].

GS MV

Are you a Libra?

No, I’m a Cancer. I also have two tattoos, one here and one here [points to his left and right calves]. When I design, I design in balance.

GS

We’re talking a few weeks before Wilton Manors’ Stonewall Pride festival, where BodyTek is going to have a presence. With this being the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots in New York, leading to the birth of the gay liberation movement, what does such an historical event mean to you as gay men?

TO MV

I’m only 24 and I didn’t really know much about it. I had to learn all about it.

GS MV

So, you had someone in your family paving the way for you, too.

I think the younger generation has it a little bit easier now. My brother Chris is two and a half years older than me, and he is gay, as well. I look at him as a pioneer. He paved the way. He didn’t care what people called him, and I was there when they called him names. I look up to him.

Yes. There are a lot of gays in my family. I have gay uncles and a bunch of cousins. My brother is actually the executive director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of San Francisco. They won the Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival for their documentary Gay Chorus Deep South. I’m really proud of him.

For more information, go to www.BodytekFitness.com or call (954) 661-6696.

OutClique.com | 39

PRIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY?

Photo courtesy of Latinos Salud

By Stephen Fallon, PhD

S

ome communities are built around shared hobbies, others center on a common home region. In this month of Pride, what really binds us together?

It’s easy to dismiss the notion that we still belong to a “community.” What if community is all just an illusion, created in the haze of smoky bars, when those represented the only places safe for LGBTQ people to scratch the itch for intimacy? Today’s GPS apps give us all we truly need, and there’s no reason to pretend we share any deeper connection, right?

While there’s a kernel of truth in that cynically reductive view, we are actually as strong and cohesive a community as many of the others that are celebrated. Actually, we’re not entirely different from those veterans who still the wear the uniforms in which they spilled blood together in a common cause of defense.

In many ways, the LGBTQ community was also born out of response to a shared threat.

In fact, two threats: cultural assault, and a deadly virus.

42 | OutClique.com

This month marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Rebellion. When a crowd spontaneously pushed back on the police who had come to harass and intimidate, a community was established then and there around one simple notion: we don’t have to hide anymore. Though older, gay white men who negotiated the peace often get the credit, it was queer youth, drag queens, and transgender patrons who took the lead in those riots.

We may wish more of our LGBT millennials and iGen’ers cared enough to appreciate the path it took to get to the 2015 Supreme Courtsanctioned right to love. Their ability to take it all for granted may be the truest proof of our community’s victory.

This month also marks the 38th anniversary of HIV/AIDS, when five young men with pneumonia were the first to fall to HIV’s immunity-robbing pathology. In the years that followed, the virus wiped away whole neighborhoods as easily as Thanos erases half the world in an Avenger’s movie. Fear and survivors’ guilt brewed into

frustrated calls for action, and ultimately led to powerful changes that benefit everyone who accesses health care today. Once again, while we may wish the youngest generation could know how hard it was to cram half of a century of life expectancy into a once daily, single pill regimen, our community’s victory storming through security gates and over bureaucracies made it all happen.

Maybe today the enemies that banded us together don’t represent such a “clear and present danger.” We won’t let our guard down completely; we see that “us-againstthem” demagoguery still sells, whether in the Eastern Bloc, the Middle East, or sadly, even in middle America.

And we’re aware that not everyone has reaped the benefits of Stonewall, even as not everyone has the confidence or knowledge to access the promise of HIV prevention and care.

So, this Pride month, watch for signs of our community. Notice the playful smile that mimics flirtation, but really just sends validation from one gay traveler to another.

Savor that friendly nod of a fellow queer person, or ally, who sees you and your loved one holding hands. Pass a thumbs up to the guy who shuts down a stigmatizing insult directed at our friends living with HIV. And most of all, please don’t forget that others still strain to see the community that many of us can afford to take for granted. Don’t resent them their naiveté about what we have been through. They are perhaps younger, darker, less cis-gendered. They may come from a different country of origin, or speak a different language.

Yet they are us, with the same hopes and dreams of pride and purpose.

Stephen Fallon is the Executive Director of Latinos Salud, an HIV prevention, testing, and linkage agency that focuses on the Hispanic population, but serves the entire community with pride!

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Watchful waiting, or expectant management, may be an option for men with slow growing cancer who are older or have other serious health problems. For them, treatment through surgery or radiation may not help them live longer. The side effects and associated risks of treatment also may outweigh the possible benefits. Watchful waiting involves carefully monitoring the cancer during checkups every three to six months and an annual transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy. Active treatment may be pursued if symptoms develop or the cancer begins to grow more quickly.

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A radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate, surrounding tissue and seminal vesicles. The procedure may be performed by making an incision either in the abdominal wall (retropubic) or the area between the scrotum and anus (perineal). These operations typically require a two-to-three-day hospital stay. Both procedures also may be performed using a laparoscope. Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) may be recommended to

relieve symptoms by removing the inner part of the prostate that wraps around the urethra.

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There are several different types, including three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, intensity modulated radiation therapy, and conformal proton beam radiation therapy. During internal radiation therapy, or brachytherapy, small radioactive pellets or “seeds” are placed directly into the prostate.

The pellets are about the size of a grain of rice and cause little discomfort.

Localized prostate cancer also may be treated with cryosurgery, which requires freezing and destroying cancer cells. Cancer that has spread beyond the prostate may sometimes be treated with chemotherapy if hormone therapy has not been effective. Chemotherapy is not usually recommended to treat early prostate cancer.

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OutClique.com | 47

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YOU’RE ALREADY A HAIR GOD

By Michael Anthony Ferrara, celebrity stylist and creator of BlowMei

Y

ou may not think so right this second as you’re still calming that horrific heartburn from Thursday night’s Long Island Iced Teas in the Alibi parking lot, but you are a Hair God. I have clients come into my salon (Hush Spa & Barber, www.HushFL. com) all the time asking, “So Michael, I want my hair to look like this!” [Cue shirtless photo of Zac Efron.] To which I reply, “Darling, I’m a hairdresser, not a personal fitness coach.”

They laugh, of course, because they think I’m just joking when I’m only being serious. Then I let them in on the secret (similar to that book Oprah was raving about years ago, but not).

Pay close attention and take notes if you need to because there are just three little things you need to know so you too can be a Hair God!

1. CLEAN HAIR Oh yes you better care! No, your hair doesn’t look better two days after washing. Dirty hair is covered in oil and shmoot from your pores leaking all over it. This weighs your hair down, dulls the color, and leaves you looking drab. Clean hair is light, it bounces, and has a nice shine to it like a newly waxed car. Clean your hair first and always use conditioner.

[Shameless plug for www.BlowMei.co here.]

2. BLOW YOURSELF DRY! I know you all have tried it at least once and either loved it or just gave up entirely. No one likes a quitter. If that doesn’t motivate you, then I’m giving you my full support to dust it off and try again! Blow drying your hair gives your hair direction, helps it move more freely, and makes it shine as bright as you are! Most importantly, it gives you volume which every guy needs and almost never gets right (look at Beckham’s hair; that’s not a bottle of LA Looks right out of the shower. He used a blow dryer).

3. HAIRSPRAY It’s totes masc bro. If you haven’t already, you’d better make hairspray your friend because that is one step closer to Hair God status. Hairspray gives height and volume to finer hair textures, while providing hold and control for thicker hair textures. It’s literally the most versatile hair product out there. You can easily apply it to already dry hair to hold into place, or apply to damp hair before you blow dry to give stiffness and volume to your hair. Try it before you blow yourself dry. It will change your life!

There you have it. My three little, yet priceless, secrets to step up your hair game and channel that inner Hair God I know is in you. You’re on your own with those abs though (Gasp! OMG! I kinda am like Oprah).

Stay famous, Michael

You can meet Michael personally at Hush Spa & Barber on Wilton Dr. where he offers hair, nail, and skin care services. Did you like Michael’s tips, have questions, or want to comment? Contact him @officialmaf or email him at Michael@blowmei.co 52 | OutClique.com

POVERELLO’S VIP VOLUNTEERS IN PROFILE ERIC MCKNIGHT & CHRISTIAN SANTIAGO GIVING BACK THROUGH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

By Charles Johnson, Poverello Volunteer

W

hen retired Police Detective, Eric McKnight, and his husband Christian Santiago (Chris) (whose previous career was Manager of Marketing & Special Events for a not for profit agency in New York) decided to open a barbershop in Oakland Park, their intention was to not only have a successful business, but also to find a way to give back to the community.

Poverello’s latest VIP highlights this couple who put their community service-oriented career experiences together to open Dick’s Service Station, a barbershop located just North of Oakland Park Boulevard.

Opened in March 2016, they have been voted Best Barber Shop in Broward County three years running. Dick’s has been noted as a complete success, meeting its original vision as a business, while at the same time retaining its philanthropic commitment to local non-profit organizations.

“The primary recipient of what we do philanthropically is Poverello, however, there are several other local charities we support.

54 | OutClique.com

Whether it's through gift baskets or monetary donations, we generally try to accommodate as many requests within our community as we can,” remarks Chris.

“I did a lot of research,” Eric recalls. “I had a lot of friends who were barbers and they were looking for a new shop to work in. We listened to them and took into consideration their suggestions while keeping in mind the overall concept of the shop. We asked if we build it, will you come? So, we built it and they came.

From the start, we wanted to stand out within the community. We didn't want to just be an average barbershop. So, we created a service station themed shop reminiscent of the 1950’s era gas stations, and the name Dick’s Service Station was a natural fit.”

Eric continues, “We were in search of a primary community-based charity to focus our efforts.”

Chris adds in, “That’s when we came across Poverello. We appreciate their philosophy and goal to alleviate hunger and treat each client as an individual.” In addition, they are one of the largest local organizations with over 400

active volunteers and approximately 3,000 clients served monthly. Their influence within our community is enormous.

Poverello has been serving the community since 1987 and in 1992 they advanced to the next level of care by opening the Live Well Center where they give their clients an opportunity to participate in things like chiropractic services, massage therapy, foreign language classes and a full-service gym all free of charge. We thought that would be the ideal place to open a miniature version of our shop and assist Poverello in their efforts to provide free services to their clients. We outfitted it with everything needed to run a full-service barber shop and designed it to look exactly like our shop complete with a 1950’s service station feel. In addition, we send over barbers every week to give free haircuts.

Those haircuts make a difference to the individuals who receive them. When you look your best, often times you feel your best.

Making people look their best is at the core of what we do at our main shop, so being able to provide similar services at the mini shop is just as important.

“Poverello’s efforts don't go unnoticed by the community as a whole. And although we provided the equipment for the mini shop, we encourage anybody with a license to contribute their time and talent at the mini shop at the Poverello’s Live Well Center,” say Eric.

There is no doubt that the married business partners and philanthropists speak with one voice when saying, “We like the fact that Poverello is not just a hand-out organization, instead, it is a hand-up organization.“

吀 䤀䴀伀吀䠀夀 匀⸀ 䠀 䄀刀吀Ⰰ 䌀倀䄀 䴀 䄀一䄀䜀䤀一䜀 倀 䄀刀吀一䔀刀

㈀㤀㈀㤀 䔀䄀匀吀 䌀伀䴀䴀䔀刀䌀䤀䄀䰀 䈀伀唀䰀䔀嘀䄀刀䐀Ⰰ 倀䔀一吀䠀伀唀匀䔀 䐀 䘀伀刀吀 䰀䄀唀䐀䔀刀䐀䄀䰀䔀Ⰰ 䘀䰀伀刀䤀䐀䄀 ㌀㌀㌀ 㠀

㤀㔀㐀ⴀ㈀ ㈀ⴀ㤀㜀㜀 簀 㤀㔀㐀ⴀ㈀ ㈀ⴀ㤀㜀㜀㜀 䘀䄀堀 吀栀愀爀琀䀀刀㌀䄀挀挀漀甀渀琀椀渀最⸀挀漀洀 簀 眀眀眀⸀刀㌀䄀挀挀漀甀渀琀椀渀最⸀挀漀洀

ULTIMATE MIAMI DRAG QUEEN WINNER KARLA CROQUETA

By Denny Patterson

T

Denny Patterson: Congrats on winning the 2019 Ultimate Miami Drag Queen Competition!

How surreal is this win to you?

Karla Croqueta: Winning Ultimate Miami Drag Queen is still beyond surreal. As a drag performer, I have oftentimes been marginalized, or not taken seriously because I am a bearded drag queen. To me, having this title justifies that all my hard work does not go unnoticed and that I am the Ultimate Miami Drag Queen!

DP KC

Was this your first time competing in this competition?

This was my first time ever competing in a drag competition besides a small lip-sync battle at a nightclub. I did not know what to expect. I am very competitive by nature, so I wanted to be sure that if I was going to compete for a title, I was as prepared

Photo Credit: Entertainment Images

he 2019 Ultimate Miami Drag Queen Competition is proud to announce Karla Croqueta as its winner. Also known as Josue Garcia, the 31-year-old bearded beauty instantly became the crowd favorite once she set foot on the stage. With her beaming confidence and abundance of skills, Croqueta sang live during the talent portion and played to the audience with her Celia Cruzinspired gown. She delivered an awe-inspiring performance and an actual tray of croquetas to the judges during her final strut on the runway. Talk about staying true to her name!

Croqueta believes that staying true to herself is what helped her clench the winning title and the $5,000 grand prize. I had the pleasure of chatting more with Croqueta about her passion for drag, the competition, and what she hopes to do with her platform as the 2019 Ultimate Miami Drag Queen. as I could be to take the stage.

DP

Tell me more about your drag persona, Karla Croqueta. Who is she and what is she all about?

KC

Karla is a first-generation CubanAmerican girl living her freedom fantasy. Karla Croqueta is everything you need in your life and then some. She is loud, colorful, eccentric, and above all, loving. Croquetas are the social ice breaker at any Cuban event and I wanted that to be true for myself as well.

Whenever you are at any momentous event in a Cuban family, there is surely a ‘bandeja de croquetas’ somewhere that reads “in case of social tension: BREAK PLASTIC WRAPPER.” Croquetas are the perfect conversation starter.

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

Follow @KarlaCroqueta on Instagram to see current happenings and her upcoming performances.

OutClique.com | 61

WHAT MAKES A BETTER BUSINESS?

Rod Davis CEO BBB serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean

Once a year the community comes together to celebrate and recognize ethical businesses.

Better Business Bureau (BBB) serving Southeast Florida and the Caribbean and business, nonprofit, and consumer leaders gathered on April 10, 2019 for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics. The awards bring attention to the practices that best in class organizations employ to generate a high level of trust among their employees, customers, vendors, and their communities. The judges evaluate businesses on six criteria: Criteria 1: Leadership Commitment to Ethical Practices Criteria 2: Communications of Ethical Practices to Employees Criteria 3: Organizational Commitment to Ethical Practice 62 | OutClique.com

Criteria 4: Organizational Commitment to Performance Management Practices Criteria 5: Organizational Commitment to Ethical Human Resource Practices Criteria 6: Organizational Commitment to the Community The winners and finalists were nominated for the BBB Torch Awards for Ethics by consumers and their peers. Each applicant submits comprehensive information and data to show how they live up to the standards outlined and to demonstrate the effectiveness of their practices. An independent panel of judges, including the Director of the Business Ethics Roundtable, the Director of Research for Customer Care Measurement and Consulting, Mr. Nonprofit, and prior award winners, media,

and industry experts, identify from the many quality businesses the one in each category that stands above the other incredible applicants.

When the winners of this year’s BBB Torch Awards were announced, each representative came up to the podium and shared their sentiments about what this recognition meant to their business.

No business will be perfect, but the ones that operate from an ethical foundation do what is right when problems and challenges arise.

>

SMALL BUSINESS CATEGORY

>

“We are honored to win the BBB ethics award, especially in the challenging, restoration industry. It shows we are a company you can trust,” said Mary Grella from ServiceMaster

by Glenn’s as she accepted the award in the small business category.

In the mid-size business category, CEO of winning company Allied Property Group said, “To be recognized in this day and age as a company who practices and preaches high values and ethics is an honor.”

“Some people say ‘ethical business’ is an oxymoron. I disagree. Ethics is what separates the average companies from the great ones,” expressed Mickey Nolen on behalf of Nozzle Nolen Pest Solutions from West Palm Beach, winner of the large business category.

BBB is grateful to all of the organizations and individuals that supported the Torch Awards because recognizing ethics in South Florida is a community effort, and when we recognize the businesses that go the extra mile for customers it encourages other businesses to follow their example. I encourage people to think about the businesses that have demonstrated their excellence and commitment to doing the right thing and nominate them for consideration at the next BBB Torch Awards for Ethics at www.BBB.org/South-East-Florida/TorchAwards-For-Ethics/Entries/Nomination/.

64 | OutClique.com

> >

MIDSIZE BUSINESS CATEGORY

LARGE BUSINESS CATEGORY

> >

TURNING THE TABLES

By Rev. Patrick Rogers, MDiv.

J

esus commanded us to love one another but didn’t tell us that we couldn’t occasionally get mad at one another’s behaviors. One of the best examples of Jesus’ “righteous” anger was when he threw a tantrum in the temple and angrily tossed tables all about. I can relate to the image of the “angry” Jesus who believed it was okay to “Act Up” and “Act Out.” Jesus tossing the tables and causing a disruption reminds me of the LGBTQ person who also acted out and tossed a few tables at the Stonewall Inn on June 28, 1969. History doesn’t reveal the exact sexual orientation of the person who the police were trying to evict from her table in the early morning hours at the Stonewall Inn, but my guess is that the police were dealing with a drag queen. The queen’s refusal to leave her table led to a three-day riot birthed the modern day LGBTQ rights movement.

I have my own scenario that I have created of what happened at the Stonewall Inn. I am sure that it was a typical night where the drag queen had gotten off work from her day job and rushed home to gather together her belongings for her nightly performances at the bar. She took a cab from work to home, and then another cab from home to the inn to prepare for her nightly shows. She had a difficult time because she had to brush out the wigs she would use and in hauling all of her outfits and makeup to the bar.

She had done 3 shows that night at 9PM, 11PM and then her final performance at 1AM. It was a great evening as there were big crowds who had tipped her well for her spot-on portrayals of Liza Minelli, Dolly Parton, and Cher. She was tired and had packed all her dresses and belongings for the long haul back home, but

first she sat down at a table in the bar to have a drink and relax before the long cab ride. Then all of a sudden New York police raided the bar.

They were yelling at the patrons and shoving them around and the weekly harassment began as the authorities again called the patrons names including “queers” and “faggots.”

One of the police walked up to the queen’s table and told her to leave. She looked at him and slammed her fist on the table and told him in a stern voice that she wasn’t going anywhere.

She said that her feet were killing her and she was going to sit at that table and finish her drink and remarked, “This is my table! I belong here!”. The police tried to pry her away from her place at the table and she said, “No!” and tables began flying, and the movement began.

Many bible scholars believe that Jesus wasn’t necessarily angry because of purity and commercialization at the temple as he was that a certain segment of the population was denied access to God because of these behaviors.

The Stonewall Inn drag queen hero took a stand for her right and her access to the table.

Every June, we remember her courage and how she changed the world forever. We have a very special place at God’s table! Stay angry, persist, as we continue to claim our place.

Happy Pride!

Rev. Patrick Rogers is a Community Activist and the Senior Pastor at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale www.UCCFTL.org OutClique.com | 65

A TRANS-FORMATIONAL MOMENT

By John M. Hayden

T

he Dalai Lama says spirituality is about “The qualities of the human spirit - such as love and compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, a sense of responsibility, a sense of harmony, which bring happiness to both self and others.” The road to spirituality is long and arduous for anyone. For those called to ministry at Holy Angels National Catholic Church in Wilton Manors, the road has a few more curves and detours.

“All of my life, in the back of your mind, this urging,” she told me. “God was calling me at eight years old.” Now in her 70s, Colleen is taking an emotional look at how she got here.

She spent 63 years as a man, married with kids and, eventually, grandchildren. “It was always not yet. Not now. Not here. And I would say to God ‘Why not?’”

Before she could move on to a ministry of helping others, Colleen had to fully realize herself. She transitioned 12 years ago.

Finally being comfortable in her own skin freed Rev. Fay to move on to pursue her dream of helping others, but it wouldn’t be that simple. “It’s prohibited and taboo to be trans.” She still felt the sting of ignorancedriven rejection, sometimes even in the gay community.

Just because they wouldn’t didn’t mean she couldn’t, and that’s where Holy Angels came into her life. “We’re not as much about dogma here as we are faith experiences,” Monsignor Jamie Forsythe told me. “We look for people who

Photo by Rev Colleen

The church, independent of the Roman and Orthodox branches, ordains openly gay men, married people, and lesbians. This welcoming church is still breaking new ground. It’s most recent class of priests, ordained in late April 2019, included its first trans woman, Rev. Colleen Fay. Her road to this place has been long. don’t judge others, and are more willing about talking about God’s love than about condemnation.”

That was the perfect fit for Colleen. She lives in Washington, D.C., but decided to pursue her calling in the accepting community she searched for her whole life. Fr. Forsythe told us the start for her was learning to accept that she was accepted and loved.

After about two years of training and a lifetime of prayer, Colleen Fay became Rev. Fay. A week after her ordination here, she said her first mass at a church near her home in D.C. Her twin, children, and grandchildren came, and the support was almost overwhelming.

“I had to look at my sister to not burst into tears,” she said while crying and laughing at the same time. “God was saying ‘I’m gonna make a priest of you yet.’” I asked what type of priest she hopes to be and the answer rolled off her tongue, “To help people anyway [I can].

You are not alone. And that to me is the most important thing.”

OutClique.com | 67

SOUTHERN SANDS DESIGN

OUTCLIQUE COVER STORY MEET & GREET

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2019 ESTIMATE OF TAXABLE VALUES

he preliminary 2019 property values will be posted on our website at www.

BCPA.net on June 1, 2019. Florida law requires our market values be a year in arrears meaning we use the qualified sales of comparable properties from January 1, 2019 back through January 2, 2018 for the 2019 property assessments. If you purchased your property in 2019, your 2019 purchase price will be used in setting your property’s 2020 market value. Our office will be mailing the 2019 TRIM (proposed tax) Notices to all Broward property owners in mid-August. This notice will show your property’s 2019 market value, assessed/ Save Our Homes value, tax-saving exemptions, and proposed tax rates as set by the various taxing authorities.

the Save Our Homes benefit, you must establish a Homestead Exemption at the new home within two years of January 1 of the year you sold or moved from the old homestead (not two years of the sale or move date). Note: a Portability application transfers the savings you have earned, but it does not automatically transfer your Homestead Exemption. You must apply for both Homestead Exemption on your new home and complete a Portability application. The Portability application can be found on our website at www.BCPA.net/Forms/ DR501T2009.PDF. For questions regarding Homestead Exemption, Portability, or any of the available tax-saving exemptions, please call our customer service representatives at (954) 357-6830.

Did You Have Homestead Exemption on One Home and Purchase Another?

The absolute last deadline to file for all 2019 exemptions is September 18, 2019.

If you had Homestead Exemption on a property in 2017 or 2018 and have purchased a new permanent residence in Florida, please make sure you have applied for both Homestead Exemption and Portability at your new residence. Portability allows you to transfer the savings you built up by having Homestead Exemption on any Florida property to another Homesteaded property in Florida. To transfer

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 OutClique.com | 81

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GRAND RESORT & SPA 20TH ANNIVERSARY PARTY

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MEETING MERMEN

A SURPRISE TRIP TO CARNIVAL IN PROVINCETOWN

By Cindy Curtis

W

hile on vacation in Cape Cod in August 2018, I stayed with my cousins Mersh and Jack, and their dog Lou, and had the opportunity to visit Provincetown. It was, of course, a must-see part of my vacation.

As it turned out, and initially not known by my cousins, it was Carnival Week and Thursday was the parade. This was also the 40th anniversary of Ptown Carnival Week.

We decided that going would be fun and well worth dealing with the crowds. A visit to one of America’s gay meccas during its busiest week of the year was to be my summer adventure.

So here's a little background and history for you on Ptown Carnival Week and how it came to be. Founded by a group of LGBTQ innkeepers 86 | OutClique.com

in 1978 who wanted to activate and enlighten the Provincetown community, Carnival Week celebrates its creative legacy and history as a welcoming community. It’s now one of the largest LGBTQ celebrations in the country.

The theme in 2018 was “Mardi Gras By the Sea.” Events included numerous dance, boat, and costume parties. Parties had fun themes such as the ”Night of Bacchus” opening night party, the “Ragin Cajun” pool party, and Fat Tuesday’s “Boxers and Beads Dance Party.” Unfortunately, I missed the “Poseidon Underwater Dance Party” held at Club Purgatory. I’m sure that was amazing.

The costumes worn on the streets of Provincetown were over the top. There were men dressed as Mermaids, men and women as King Neptune, and all imaginable and

unimaginable variations of the Mardi Gras Nautical theme by attendees strutting happily through the streets of Provincetown.

Of course, the centerpiece of Carnival Week, as always, is the parade along Commercial Street.

There were 40 grand marshalls in honor of this being the 40th anniversary year of Carnival Week. The grand marshalls ranged in age from 17 to 80 and included legendary film director, John Waters, and comedian and LGBTQ activist Kate McClinton, from Saturday Night Live.

Carnival Week is amazing. Perhaps it could be best described as a pride celebration on steroids.

Provincetown is a beautiful and welcoming city. It was so much fun being there for Carnival Week and seeing so much of what Provincetown has to offer its visitors. It's a highly recommended place not to be missed in your summer vacation plans.

Make your plans now to attend this year’s Carnival Week Celebration, August 15-25, 2019. This year's theme is Enchanted Forest.

Look to see men in tights, Robin Hoods, and plenty of very merry men.

Cindy is a sales manager at OutClique Magazine. A South Florida native, she is a jazz vocalist and bassist. She performs at festivals, concerts, events, community fundraisers, and local venues with her jazz trio. She recently performed at the Outshine Film Festival’s, “Big Night Out Party.”

Cindy was also proud to have performed at Pride Ft.Lauderdale in 2015.

Cindy can be reached at Cindy.OutClique@gmail.com.

88 | OutClique.com

CHECK OUT THESE EVENTS!

WHERE TO BE AND WHAT TO DO IN LGBTQ SOUTH FLORIDA June 2019 May31-Jun30

Veronica's Position

NSU Art Museum

World Pride

June

New York City

Key West Pride

5-9

Key West

Bleach

5-16

Ronnie Larsen Presents Wilton Theater Factory

Steve Grand in Concert

6

Key West Theater

Mr. & Miss Stonewall Pageant

7

The Pub

Israel, Jordan, & Tel Aviv Pride

7-16

Source Events

Insights into African American & Black Caribbean LGBTQ Historical & Social Communities

8

NSU Art Museum

Swimwear Auction

8

The Pub

Men Having Babies Conference

8-9

Island City Stage Tony Viewing Party at The Pub

9

Amazing Israel Trip & Tel Aviv Pride

11-25

Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride VIP Reception

13

Priscilla Queen of the Desert

13-30

Our Night Out

14

DoubleTree Suites The Pub Freedom Travel Hagen Park Broward Center for the Performing Arts

The Venue

Drag Queen & Political Activist - Marti Gould Cummings

14-15

The Pub

Musical Comedy Whore

14-23

Ronnie Larsen Presents Wilton Theater Factory

2019 Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival

15

Wilton Manors

Marlin Beach 2.0 Tea Dance

16

Sanctuary Church

A Sense of Pride: Transdermal: Accross the Skin Art Round Table

18

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale

UpRiseSing - Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, Fort Lauderdale Gay Men's Chorus, Miami Gay Men's Chorus

21

Lauderhill Performing Arts Center

Wynwood Pride

21-23

MODS Pride Day

22

Want to get listed? Contact us!

100 | OutClique.com

Wynwood, MIami, FL Museum of Discovery & Science

OutClique@gmail.com | 954-998-6429

June 2019 The Lightening Thief

25-30 Jun28-Jul21

Vampire Lesbians of Sodom

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Ronnie Larsen Presents Wilton Theater Factory

July 2019 Luau Weekend

4-7

Bourbon Street Pub - Key West

Flockfest

6

Sebastian Street Beach

Naked Masked Ball

13

Bourbon Street Pub - Key West

A Celebration of Friends - Palm Springs Lusty Luau

18-21

Palm Springs, CA

A Voyage Around Iceland

13-20

Source Events

Tropical Heat

14-18

Key West

Greek Isles Odyssey Cruise

24-31

Source Events

Aug31-Sep4

Source Events

August 2019

Magic of Cappadocia & Istanbul

September 2019 Women's Fest

4-8

Journey to Africa

Sep21-Oct1

Julian's Reverse Quinceanera

Key West Source Events

28

Sanctuary Church

19

Coral Springs Center for the Arts

October 2019 Nate Bargatze Shrek: The Musical

Oct21-Nov10

Slow Burn Theatre

Cannonball Bash

Oct31-Nov4

Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors

December 2019 Friends of Dorothy Rainbow Cruise

8-15

Rainbow Travel Services

A Christmas Story: The Musical

13-29

Slow Burn Theatre

14-24

Source Events

January 2020 Antarctica Luxury Voyage Groundhog Day: The Musical

Want to get listed? Contact us!

Jan31-Feb16

Slow Burn Theatre

OutClique@gmail.com | 954-998-6429 OutClique.com | 101

ISLAND CITY STAGE PRESENTS VERONICA’S POSITION

By Denny Patterson

V

eronica’s Position by Richard Orloff will be making its debut premiere at Island City Stage on May 31, 2019.

The show will run through June 30, 2019.

In the style of The Little Dog Laughed and The Goldberg Variations, Veronica’s Position is a classy, but sassy comedy about a fading stage star, her naughty ex-husband, her rightwing Senator fiancé, and her homosexual assistant who all become embroiled in love, politics, and an ill-conceived production of Hedda Gabler. Orloff’s shows are guaranteed to be a laugh riot. With his plays receiving over two thousand productions and numerous awards, his plays range widely in style and subject matter, but they all combine irreverence and compassion. I had the pleasure of chatting more with Orloff about Veronica’s Position.

Veronica’s Position sounds like a fantastic show, can you give us a little more info as to what it’s about?

It is fantastic – and fabulous, too! Set in a swanky Washington, D.C. hotel room in 1990, Veronica’s Position is a comedy about a pair of twice-married and twice-divorced movie stars who reluctantly reunite to perform in a play and who end up in the middle of a political storm involving a controversial gay photographic artist. Any resemblance between my characters and Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, artist Robert Mapplethorpe, and Senator John Warner is, of course, purely coincidental.

What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

Mostly, I am hoping that audiences will leave exhausted from laughing. There are probably

as many laughs in this play as in anything I have ever written.

What inspired you to write this show?

Years ago, I met someone who worked on the ill-fated Broadway revival of Private Lives with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. When she told me what the experience was like, I thought, “Now that would make a good comedy.”

However, it was just a situation and not a story.

But I kept thinking about the characters over time, and one night, much to my surprise, they started arguing about Robert Mapplethorpe, the controversial photographic artist. Suddenly the play had a little more meat on it, and I was able to develop the story from there.

Do you have any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?

Thanks for asking! Two projects are coming up.

On the other side of Florida in late September 2019, Theatre Conspiracy in Fort Myers will produce my comedy, Engagement Rules, winner of their 2019 New Play Contest. The play is about an unplanned pregnancy which creates a rupture in a relationship. It is one of my more serious works, but I have still worked hard to find the honest and very human humor in the story. Meanwhile, I have begun performing my first one-person show, which has become quite an adventure. It’s a Beautiful Wound is about my journey in underground therapy with psychedelics. So far, I have performed it in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Arizona, and I will be performing it around the country over the rest of the year. I would love to bring it to South Florida!

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

For more information or tickets, visit www.IslandCityStage.org or call the box office at (954) 519-2533.

102 | OutClique.com

RONNIE LARSEN PRESENTS THE HOOKER SERIES

R

onnie Larsen brings a specific “edge” to his live shows. For those that saw Afterglow, you were challenged with a new way to look at relationships. How does love work and what dimensions are possible? If you saw Cockersucker, A Love Story, you were given new ideas about attraction, romantic desires, and even some backroom ways to find love. Ronnie’s shows may not be for the timid, but they are for those that don’t mind pushing their boundaries, while experiencing theater in an intimate setting.

Ronnie is bringing two shows to his “Hooker Series,” Bleach and Musical Comedy Whore.

Performances are June 5 - 16, 2019 at the Wilton Theater Factory. Ticket information at www. www.RonnieLarsen.com. We caught up with Ronnie about these two upcoming shows.

me to tell their stories. Of course, many gay men can quickly relate to using sexual physicality in the quest to connect, so there is an automatic empathy to these characters.

OCQ

Musical Comedy Whore is also about the life of an escort, but with a different twist. Rather than figuring out life, the main character, David Pevsner, is finding love. Are we going to think, laugh, cry, or what can we expect, and why?

RL

This is first and foremost a hilarious show. The songs are about his personal life and are honest and heartfelt. It is very inspiring to see such an honest discussion of sex and his life intersecting with art and money. Sex is the great unifier and equalizer and this show exposes that fact.

OutClique: Ronnie, your shows push the boundaries of your audiences. What motivates you to produce these types of shows?

OCQ

Ronnie Larsen: First there is a market for theater that is both gay and sex positive.

Mainstream gay theater is moving away from producing anything about sexual interactions opening up a segment of theater that has always appealed to certain audiences - all the way back to Shakespeare. Talking about sex is and has always been interesting.

RL

How do you think David’s quest for love is similar to everyone else’s in real life?

The story is interesting on two levels.

He wants to be loved on stage and as an escort. He is performing in both areas. There is an ego boost in being paid for sex, much like the one you get when you are performing on stage. In some ways his quest is different from most, but essentially it is the same!

OCQ

OCQ

RL

RL

Bleach is the story of Tyler, working the streets just to pay the rent. What brings him to this point?

Simply put this is for money, for survival.

But I also think there is something else here, the search for connection. On some level I believe that prostitutes and pornstars are not merely in those professions for the money, but on a deeper level they are searching for connection to another person. That is what makes them interesting subjects and drives

104 | OutClique.com

For those that have seen one of some of your other shows, how do these compare?

These are solo shows that I am producing, not writing and directing.

They are two sides of the same “hooker” coin, one funny and one a bit more serious. But they essentially fit into my wheelhouse, my interest in prostitution!

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

LET’S FLOCK!

FLOCKFEST, NOT JUST ANOTHER DAY AT THE BEACH

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

W

hat’s a day at the beach covered in gigantic plastic floats? Enter Flockfest. What started as a gathering as friends, has quickly grown into an iconic South Florida annual event.

Oversized inflated swans, ducks, unicorns, and rainbows take over our own Sebastian “gay beach.” It’s quite the day of fun, friends, laugher, and latex.

OutClique talked with Steven Crawford, the organizer of the event. For more on the day’s happenings, go to www.FlockFestEvents.org.

Steven O. Evans, Phd: From one Steven (both with a “V”) to another, tell me how FlockFest began and how it grew so quickly.

Steven Crawford: It randomly started with a small group of friends getting together with a simple swan float. But each year it has grown more and more with people who want to be part of the fun.

SOE

FlockFest is more than just a beach party. Where do the proceeds go?

SC

You see all the floats and realize it is a fun day at the beach. But we have expanded it to give back to our local community. We have partnered with three great local non-profit organizations, Julian’s Fountain of Youth (www.JFOY.org), the Renand Foundation (www.RenandFoundation. org), and the United Dog Rescue (www.

UnitedDogRescue.org). It’s great to be part of a day that now is more that just floats, fun, and sun, but also helps some great organizations.

SOE

You’ve enlarged this to even local and corporate sponsors. Who are these sponsors and how do you include them?

106 | OutClique.com

SC

We are very lucky to have some fantastic sponsors come on board. They are the ones that help make this event possible.

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) has joined us this year. We promote the sponsors on social media and depending on the level of sponsorship, we have a number of items included with the VIP package. Georgi’s Alibi has also now joined us as one of our sponsors to provide the onsite bar for the VIP area. We are also thankful to the Courtyard Marriott and the Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) for helping making this year’s event a success.

SOE SC

What all do first time flock-goers need to know or bring for the day?

FlockFest is about fun in the sun and enjoying the amazing beach Fort Lauderdale has to offer. There is no admission fee for the day, as anyone can join in the fun. Bring a good attitude and your beach essentials. And if you’d like, maybe a winged float. Don’t worry about inflating it, we will have an inflation booth for a small donation.

There will also be food from CPK for sale and a cash bar. Stop by one of the ticket tables to purchase drink and food tickets. We also offer a VIP package that includes lunch, open bar, a VIP tent, and a goodie bag with some beach swag. We also offer a “Flamingo Package” for those that don’t drink and a beach bar pass for those that do. Both packages comes with an event tank top, hat, sunglasses, and a bag.

So, mark your calendars, grab your speedo (if that’s your style) and some sunblock, and come out for FlockFest. It’s a day at Fort Lauderdale Beach you won’t want to miss. Go to www.FlockFestEvents.org for tickets and more information.

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

JULY 6, 2019

Sebastian Street Beach 11 am - 4 pm

Join the flock at A 501(c)(3) fundraiser for local non-profit organizations

FR

A SENSE OF

NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE

EE

LGBTQ+ Community Programs A Sense of Pride

Insights into African American and Black Caribbean LGBTQ Historical and Social Communities Thursday, June 8, 2019, 3 - 4 PM Dr. Charlene DÂŽsir, professor at Nova Southeastern University Abraham S. Fischler College of Education, will discuss the African American and Caribbean LGBTQ+ experience, highlighting the spiritual conceptualizations and social realities the communities face in the U.S. and the Caribbean.

Dr. Charlene DÂŽsir

A Sense of Pride

Transdermal: Across the Skin Art Roundtable Tuesday, June 18, 2019, Noon - 1:30 PM Join artist Ashley Kerr for a discussion on the plurality of gender and identity and the intersection of painting and sculpture. Kerr's work deals with the nature of expectation and need for logic as well as the intersection of gender, technology, sculpture, femininity and masculinity. By subverting expectations, she aims to create sculptural fictions exposing truths about how we experience the world.

Transdermal, by Ashley Kerr

RSVP: (954) 262-0258 moareservations@moafl.org nsuartmuseum.org/pride-2 Presented by:

A Sense of Pride is presented by NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and is made possible with generous support by the following Funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Richard Frisby and Edward Burkhart Fund, Gay and Lesbian Broward Community Fund, The Rumbaugh Fund, William A. Krueger Charitable Fund and Mary and Alex Mackenzie Community Impact Fund.

@nsuartmuseum nsuartmuseum.org | 954-525-5500 One East Las Olas Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

JOHN CAMERON MITCHELL’S THE ORIGIN OF LOVE

THE SONGS AND STORIES OF HEDWIG

JUNE 8

Adrienne Arsht Center | Knight Concert Hall

TICKETS! 305.949.6722 · arshtcenter.org

MEN HAVING BABIES OUR CHAT WITH STEVEN LAZARUS

By Denny Patterson

S

outh Florida resident Steven Lazarus has always wanted children. In 2016, his wish came true when he welcomed twin daughters, Maya and Leah, to the world.

Lazarus went through the process of surrogacy to bring his two children into the world.

If you are looking to start (or grow) your own family. Men Having Babies (MHB), is a peer support network for biological gay fathers and fathers-to-be. It rapidly expanded over time and has helped over 2,000 men become loving parents. On June 8-9, 2019 the organization will hold its second annual Florida conference for prospective gay parents in Fort Lauderdale.

It will feature practical and personal peer advice and opportunities to meet a wide range of leading surrogacy service providers from the U.S. and Canada.

I spoke more with Lazarus about his experience and decision to raise his daughters as a single father.

For more information about Men Having Babies, visit www.MenHavingBabies.org.

First, what was your surrogacy process like?

For mine, I relied on my attorney, the fertility clinic, and the surrogacy agency who were very helpful. However, I would have loved to have attended the MHB conference before the birth of my daughters, so I could have related to other gay men who wanted to become dads. I went to last year’s conference to support my fertility clinic and attorney. It inspired me to be an advocate for Men Having Babies and the kind of support they can provide both single men and couples going through this process.

Can you talk a little bit about what the process was like?

Where do I start? It’s a job! [Laughs]. There are so many different aspects for which to be involved. Whether it is picking the donor, the surrogate, or doing health and physiological testing with your carrier – it is a stream of emotions. Positive when things go well, but sad when you hit bumps in the road.

Why did you decide to go through this process as a single father?

At 37, I had to decide what was more important – finding a relationship or becoming a dad. The latter won. I had the support from my family, and although men do not have a biological clock, I wanted the opportunity to give love to another human being before it was too late.

What was your reaction when you found out you were having not one child, but two?

Shocked. After my surrogate had a chemical pregnancy when one embryo was put in, I had one of those it’s never going to happen OutClique.com | 111

moments. My surrogate had in the contract that she would be able to carry up to two babies. So, with family support and thinking that it could happen, but it probably wouldn’t, I put in two. Seven weeks later, I was speechless. And that is very uncommon for me! I was so excited, but a little nervous too.

And what was your reaction when you first laid eyes on your twin girls?

Nothing but joy and smiles, but also a little nostalgic as they were born two weeks after my mother passed away. It was so wonderful to love and hold them after I suffered such loss. It was the best feeling. One is named in my mom’s honor, so to continue her legacy.

Would you like to eventually have more children?

Probably. I have two healthy babies. But if a relationship comes about, we will play it by ear.

Instead of surrogacy, have you considered adoption?

Sure, if the surrogacy didn’t happen. All children need love and I have family members and friends who have gone that route. They are giving a child a better life.

What were some of your biggest concerns through this process?

Money, and the thought that there was no guarantee of this dream becoming a reality.

What are some of the rewards and challenges of being a gay, single father?

I would say the biggest reward is being the primary advocate in your children’s lives. You are the one they come too, their role model.

As they are beginning to get older and starting to repeat and catch onto things, it only gets better. As for challenges, while I do encourage more gay men to have kids, I know my decision might not have been the most popular with the lifestyle. People change their judgment, but thankfully I made the best decision and if people cannot accept this, then they weren’t really my friends in the first place.

Do you stay in contact with the surrogate mother?

Yes, through Facebook. It was a great partnership. We were able to help each other achieve goals to get us where we wanted to be in life.

What advice would you give to someone, especially single people, who are looking to have children via surrogacy?

Do it! It is a great experience and look into financial aid if you qualify. You do not want to look back and regret not having children.

For more information on the surrogacy process, register for and attend the Men Having Babies Conference, June 8-9, 2019, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, go to www.MenHavingBabies.org.

OutClique.com | 113

DISCOVERING THE SCIENCE OF INCLUSION

AT THE MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE

By John M. Hayden

A

n iconic 52-foot gravity clock. A spectacular IMAX screen. An Everglades airboat adventure without the humidity or bugs. These are some of the elements that make the Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) a Fort Lauderdale favorite.

the museum’s plans,” Joe continued.

MODS is uniquely situated among a diverse population of race, gender, sexual orientation, and economic status in the heart of Fort Lauderdale’s downtown Himmarshee Village.

It’s a place which brings everyone together.

But take a closer look, and you’ll see the museum isn’t just a community attraction. It’s a true community connector.

In addition to attracting more than 90,000 students every year on field trips, the museum has a program to help military and low income families experience its attractions. But inclusion isn’t just about affordability. It’s about fun for everyone and every community in South Florida. “The museum offers several educational and interactive exhibits, which adults will really enjoy. They are able to rediscover their childlike wonder,” Joe said.

Joe Cox is the president of the museum, and after one year on the job, he can sum up the future in one word: inclusion. Joe spent some time with OutClique to give us an in-depth look inside his big plans. “Our goal is provide all families with access to our great programs and exhibits,” said Joe. “The museum is surrounded by varying economic communities. Just to our east, there are new luxury apartments and condos being constructed that reflect the energy and enthusiasm of our growing city.

Just to the north and west of the museum, we have neighborhoods that may have some economic challenges.”

“Diversity and inclusion are at the forefront of 122 | OutClique.com

Discovery After Dark is an after-hours party at the museum, catered by Shooters and liquid refreshments provided by Biscayne Bay Brewing Company. Although still in its first year, this series of events is already attracting more than 400 visitors to the museum to simply play in the exhibits, connect with friends, and encounter and be inspired by science.

If it sounds a little edgy, well, Joe says that’s the point. “Today’s museums are all about the community. When museums first started, they were these gilded halls where visitors would go and be imparted with great knowledge about a single subject. Now, museums are highly interactive and partner with the surrounding communities to offer exciting programs.”

He would know. Joe is far from being a novice to museum management. Last year, he returned back home to Florida after serving as the president of the EcoTarium Museum of Science & Nature in Massachusetts. Previously, Joe was the executive director of the Golisano Children’s Museum in Naples, Florida. He also was a naturalist and the center director for the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center in Naples.

An integral part of Joe’s plan is to ensure that the museum further embraces and welcomes the LGBTQ+ community with open doors. The museum has always been very welcoming to everyone. But, under Joe’s leadership, the museum has further implemented internal trainings, policies and procedures, as well as marketing materials and expanded its overall community presence. “The museum is always evolving and this initiative has been fantastically well-received by the staff and the greater South Florida community. Everyone is excited about the programs and events, and all the way to our pride buttons.”

One of the most recent, visible changes at the museum is an all gender restroom.

Other initiatives may not be as visible to the general community, but are as impactful. “We now have the LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Task Force, which includes 18 community members. From leaders of pride committees and corporations, to LGBTQ+ media, we’ve really tried to make sure that we are working with the advice of the community, versus us telling the community what we think it needs.”

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As part of the museum’s community engagement, it will be honoring Fort Lauderdale’s openly gay mayor, Dean Trantalis, and hosting a screening of the movie, Families Like Yours at its 2019 Family Pride Day on June 22.

“I’m really thrilled to see the museum has played such an important role in the community for so many years and it has so much more potential and reach beyond Broward County.

With our LGBTQ+ initiative, the Museum of Discovery and Science is one of the bigger museums to be taking this step. We are very diligent and thoughtful in communication with the community.” To Joe, this means serving as an example on community issues for other cities.

The museum also has a fun and bright future.

Joe says the years to come will focus on

keeping it real, and keeping it virtually real. Grab your phone. The museum’s first augmented reality exhibit in partnership with the Florida Panthers ice hockey team that has just launched. “You’ll be able to come to the museum, use your very sophisticated Panther tracking device (aka your smartphone) to go through the museum and track digital Florida Panthers. A very ‘Pokémon Go’ experience around the museum,” continued Joe. And if that goes well, the community can expect MODS to take it to the next level.

“The museum can enhance an existing exhibit through augmented reality in order to enrich each individual user’s experience,” commented Joe. Again, it all comes back to inclusion. Gay or straight, young or old, family or individual, now more than ever, MODS is including everyone!

OutClique.com | 125

MUSEUM

AQUARIUM

PLANETARIUM

Explore more and buy tickets at frostscience.org.

Located in Museum Park, Downtown Miami.

1101 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132 The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers. Frost Science is an accessible facility. All contents ŠPhillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. All rights reserved.

MARCH 21

Paula Poundstone is quick, unassuming and outright funny. It is no wonder she has won an Emmy, an American Comedy Award for Best Female Stand-up Comic and was recognized on Comedy Central’s 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time. Here’s your chance to see her live!

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THE SPICE OF LIFE AN INTERVIEW WITH PEPPER MASHAY

By Gregg Shapiro

I

f you’ve ever dashed on to the dance floor when you’ve heard the diva declaration, “Let’s get soakin’ wet,” then you’ve been under the spell of one Pepper Mashay. The song, a 2002 club sensation by Thunderpuss’ Barry Harris, made a splash in dance bars and on TV’s Queer As Folk, because Pepper Mashay’s vocals were simply irresistible. Possessing one of the most diverse resumés of any dance diva, Pepper Mashay is the definition of a force to be reckoned with. Shortly before heading out on a series of live dates, Pepper was kind enough to answer a few questions about herself and her career.

Pepper Mashay performs on June 8, 2019 at Bourbon Street Pub in Key West.

Gregg Shapiro: For the uninitiated, would you please say something about how you arrived at Pepper Mashay as your stage name?

Pepper Mashay: That happened in `93. I was being produced by a couple of people. After the first song was done, they looked at me and said, “This session is going really well.

You sing great!” [laughs] At the time, I had just done a project called Voyceboxing out of New York, created by jazz musician Lenny White. I had also been doing backup vocals for Vonda Shepard. A guy from Switzerland walked up to me at one of our club gigs. He said, “You’re too good to sing background for people. You should do dance music, for the DJs.” I had no idea whaFt he was talking about. After I finished doing Voyceboxing, I was back in L.A., and one of my managers from that project hooked me up with a producer who ended up doing dance tracks with me. After we did a song, they said to me, “We don’t think your real name is going to be hot enough to get people interested in you.” I said, “I’ve always liked the name 142 | OutClique.com

Pepper.” He started going through some last names and I said, “How about if we played on papier-mâché and spelled it like a regular name? Pepper Mashay.”

GS

As Jean McClain, you have performed in concert with Hugh Laurie & The Copper Bottom Band. How did that come about?

PM

I was a background singer for Joe Henry. As a matter of fact, the person who got me involved with his project was Niki Harris, one of Madonna’s backing vocalists.

GS PM

Joe Henry is Madonna’s brother-inlaw.

Exactly! Madonna’s sister Melanie is married to Joe. I was brought to them to sing with Niki on his project in the early `90s. I got involved with Hugh after Niki got married and moved to New York. I was singing with Joe on my own.

GS

The songs “Dive in The Pool” and “I Got My Pride," two of your biggest dance hits, were collaborations with Barry Harris of Thunderpuss fame. How did these collaborations come to be?

PM

I started the same that I did with Joe Henry, darling. I started doing background vocals for Chris Cox (of Thunderpuss). That’s how I ended up singing “My Love Is Your Love” – nine tracks of me singing along with Whitney Houston (on the remix). Also, for Jennifer Holiday’s “A Woman’s Got the Power." I was able to do that and working on a number of their projects, that’s how I fell into the situation working with Barry doing “Dive in The Pool” and “I Got My Pride." When he asked me to do “Dive in The Pool," I thought he was joking. He called me and said, “I need you to come to the studio after you get off of work." As soon as I got to the studio, he said, “I don’t want you to sing. I want you to talk.” I started laughing [laughs].

I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was stupid [laughs].

GS

“I Got My Pride” is a full-fledged LGBTQ Pride anthem. As an out artist yourself, what does your association with a song such as this mean to you?

PM

The early part of me getting involved with the LGBT community was what I would call an eye-opener. I’ve always been a person that never hated on anybody. You don’t do that if you come from the kind of home my parents brought me up in. You always respected yourself and your playmates. It was always a matter of respect on how you approached people. As you grew up, and you understood that so and so was a little different, but you always had fun around these people, you always liked them. Barry Harris’ manager George told me people were asking who I was (after hearing the song). They wanted to see

me, to have me come and perform. When that proposition was offered to me, I said, “Oh my God, the window has opened!” I didn’t know what I was getting into. One of the first gigs I ever did for “Dive in The Pool” was on Muscle Beach in Miami for 5,000 beautiful gay men. I said, “What have I gotten myself into?” It was a totally different world to me. Mind you, I’m coming off a divorce from one of my classmates that I had married and was with for 27 years. We had two great sons that I adore and love. My life had changed. I had to go back to work while I was still singing backing vocals and doing some road work.

I said to myself, “I need to take this thing by the horns and ride this bull.” That’s how I was introduced to the LGBTQ community, front and center.

GS

Speaking of Pride, you are performing in Key West at Bourbon Street Pub during Key West Pride. What can your fans expect from your set?

PM

A lot of excitement! A lot of honoring them for even coming to see me because it’s been a number of years since I’ve been down in that area. I just want to let everybody know that I am beholden to them for coming to see me. Giving me the love and the respect of a person who really feels connected now. I really feel connected and a part of the community in this second stage of my life. Marrying my wife Ellen has given me a whole new meaning of what that community brings to my life and to my very blended family. People are going to relate to me, I hope, in a different way than in the beginning when I was just another soulful singer coming through, liking them, and then going home.

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

Pepper Mashay performs on June 8, 2019 at Bourbon Street Pub in Key West.

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