7/19/17 V8i29

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July 19, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 29

BEGINS ON PAGE 33

s o u t h

f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

t e g

social From local advocacy to international groups, find your niche in an ever-growing community

underwear ProduceS Big BuckS for local charity Page 8

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SFGN.COM 7.19.2017 • 1

NEWS international

southFloridaGaynews.com Chechnya.

July 19, 2017 • volume 8 • issue 29

2520 n. Dixie highway • wilton Manors, Fl 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

chief executive officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli associate Publisher / executive editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

editorial

neWspaper releases names of murDereD Gay CheChens Brittany Ferrendi

F

ed up with a reportedly insincere shot in the night between January 25 and 26. Russian LGBT Network told International investigation on gay persecutions in Journalists were not able to locate any of the Business Times. The network has been Chechnya, a Russian newspaper has persons, stating that anyone they questioned working on evacuating gay and bisexual revealed a list of men who responded with “incredible Chechens from the country, helping at least were allegedly killed in a fear.”

40 so far. gay purge.

They published the “As far as we know, the information in the “as Far as Novaya Gazeta, the names out of concern for Novaya Gazeta regarding 27 people being We KnoW, the Russian publication that the investigation, believing killed is true,” they said. “With regards to InFormatIon first broke the Chechnya it was not carried out with the sexual orientation of those killed, as far story, published the names sincerity. as we know there are homosexual people in In the novaYa of 27 perceived gay and “We are publishing these this list, but not all of them at all.” gaZeta regardIng facts because the state The Gazeta gave the Investigative bisexual men they believe were killed in Grozny on represented by authorized Committee of Russia evidence of the victim’s 27 people beIng January 26. They were law enforcement agencies personal data and pointed to forensic KIlled Is true.” reportedly arrested in did not leave us any evidence, insisting that their facts must be December 2016 and killed choice,” they wrote. “That verified.

- Russian LGBT Network without any formal charges. is why we publish the list Chechen police and officials have denied “According to our of those who, according the persecutions, including Chechen leader information, the detainees were shot that to our information, were victims of the Ramzan Kadyrov. He told HBO, “This is night and were taken to various cemeteries, worst possible extrajudicial executions in nonsense. We don’t have those kinds of including Christian, and buried in hastily dug Grozny.“ people here. We don’t have any gays. If there graves,” the publication wrote, translated Not all of the men are necessarily are any, take them to Canada.”

M E M B E R gay, The from Russian to English. The information comes from a source in the Interior Ministry.

See the list of names in Russian on The murdered Chechens were reportedly MEMBER

Novaya Gazeta’s website NovayaGazeta.ru.

art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Designer • Max Kagno Digital content Director • Brittany Ferrendi Webmaster@sfgn.com associate editor • Jillian Melero JillianMelero@gmail.com copyeditor • Kerri Covington arts/entertainment editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi TBerardi2014@fau.edu Food/travel editor • Rick Karlin Gazette news editor • Michael d'Oliveira hiv editor • Sean McShee senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

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South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.

All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

7.19.2017 •

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Associated Press

texas ‘Bathroom Bill’ may shape 2018 Gop primary Campaigns (AP) Though “bathroom bills” targeting transgender people fizzled in deep-red states across the U.S., the issue is still white hot in Texas, where the Legislature is heading into special session prepared to revive it and conservative groups are vowing revenge on Republican lawmakers who don’t approve it.

Whether Texas eventually enacts a law requiring transgender people to use public restrooms according to their birth-certificate gender, the issue is looming large over Republican primaries set for March. Powerful business entities, from Apple to the NFL, oppose such a bill as discriminatory, but insurgent candidates have promised to brand lawmakers who dare reject it - or try to remain neutral in the face of so much outcry - as soft on social issues dear to conservatives.

The Conservative Republicans of Texas political action committee says it’s ready to pounce on those

who don’t support the strict proposal that mimicked a 2015 North Carolina law that sparked so much uproar and threats of costly boycotts that lawmakers there eventually rolled much of it back. No other state has approved such a law, despite similar bills being introduced in nearly 20 states.

“To the extinct that someone chooses to lock arms with Joe Straus and promote his liberal agenda for the state, and work with him to kill conservative legislation, we’re going to be looking for and back a primary challenger to that individual,” said Jared Woodfill, a Houston attorney who is the group’s president.

Woodfill’s PAC donated nearly $2 million between the 2010 and 2016 election cycles to 100-plus Texas legislative candidates and other conservative causes, and plans to spend lavishly to target moderate Republicans up for election in 2018.

Joe Straus, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives.

n

INTERNATIONAL

ew Boy muppet in afghanistan promotes Gender equality

(AP) Last year, Afghanistan’s version of “Sesame Street” introduced a little girl character aimed at inspiring girls in the deeply conservative Muslim nation. Now a new Muppet is joining the cast: her brother, who will show boys the importance of respecting women.

Zeerak, whose name means “Smart” in Afghanistan’s two official languages, is a 4-year-old boy who enjoys studying and learning. He joins 6-year-old sister Zari, whose name means “Shimmering,” on Afghanistan’s version of the show, “Baghch-e-SimSim,” or “Sesame Garden.”

Both Muppets wear traditional Afghan clothing - the baggy trousers and long embroidered shirt known as a shalwar kameez for him and colorful native dresses and a cream-colored hijab, or headscarf, for her. They join the rest of “Sesame Street’s” multi-cultural line-up, which includes Muppets specially created for local versions of the program in Bangladesh, Egypt and India.

Massood Sanjer, the head of TOLO TV, which broadcasts the program in Afghanistan, said that after the overwhelmingly positive response to Zari from both parents and children, the goal was to create a boy character to emphasize the importance of gender equality and education in a country where the vast majority of girls don’t go to school and the literacy rate for women is among the lowest in the world.

“In a male-dominant country like Afghanistan, I think you have to do some lessons for the males to respect the females.

So by bringing a male character to the show who respects a female character, you teach the Afghan men that you have to respect your sister the same way as you do your brother,” Sanjer said.

G

INTERNATIONAL ay irish novelist Wins ohio literary peace award

(AP) Irish novelist, journalist and essayist Colm Toibin is this year’s winner of a lifetime achievement award that celebrates the power of literature to foster peace, social justice and global understanding, organizers announced Thursday.

Dayton Literary Peace Prize officials named Toibin, whose wide range of work has drawn from his native Ireland, his life as a gay man and his travels as an international journalist, for the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award. It’s named for the late U.S. diplomat who brokered the 1995 Bosnia peace accords reached in Ohio.

Among his novels are “The Master,” depicting the life of the famed writer Henry James; “Brooklyn,” a coming-of-age story about an Irish immigrant later made into an Oscarnominated film, and the recent “House of Names,” his reimagining of a Greek tragedy.

Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation co-chair Sharon Rab said Toibin’s writings “remind us of shared humanity and the possibility of reconciliation or simply of understanding, which are the first steps to making peace.”

“Our (writers’) aim is to reach the reader’s imagination, have an effect on the nervous systems of other people,” Toibin, 62, said in a statement in response to winning the award.

“Good sentences offer us a way to imagine life in all its strangeness and ambiguity and possibility, alert us to the power of the imagination to transform and transcend our nature, offer us a blueprint not only for who we are but for who we might be, who we might become,” he said.

Previous winners include Studs Terkel, Taylor Branch, Gloria Steinem, and Elie Wiesel.

The award carries a $10,000 cash prize. Finalists for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in fiction and nonfiction will be announced Sept. 13.

G

INTERNATIONAL ay man Wins uK Court Battle for equal pension rights

(AP) A gay British retiree has won a legal battle to secure the same occupational pension rights for his husband that a wife would enjoy.

Five judges at the Supreme Court, Britain’s highest court, ruled that if John Walker died, his husband would be entitled to a spouse’s pension, provided they stay married.

The 66-year-old launched a discrimination lawsuit when the company he worked for said it would not pay out spouse benefits because his pension plan predated 2005, when gay civil partnerships became legally recognized.

The Court of Appeal ruled against Walker in 2015, but the Supreme Court overturned that decision Wednesday. x The decision means that Walker’s partner will be entitled to spousal benefits of around 45,000 pounds ($57,800) a year instead of about 1,000 pounds a year.

Photo Credit: ChrisVTG Photography.

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NEWS national

DC Creates Genderfluid Superhero Brittany Ferrendi

T

he comic book industry is no stranger to inclusivity.

DC Comics is introducing Doctor Endless, the company’s first genderfluid character in the new DC Universe, according to media news website Bleeding Cool.

The character has black spiky hair with a white streak, light skin, black-and-white suit and a psychedelic rainbow-lapelled white trench coat. Doctor Endless will be unleashed in the first issue of Suicide Squad: The Black Files comic book coming in August.

Their goal is to track down rogue U.S. governmental operative Sebastian Faust, teaming up with anti-heroes El Diablo, Gentleman Ghost and Enchantress.

They were inspired by The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. DC is asking Gaiman for approval to use Sandman references, but will release the comic either way. Gaiman himself wrote the first genderfluid character in mainstream comics, a character named Desire.

Last year, DC Comics paired up with TDW Publishing to publish a 144-page “Love is Love” comic book with proceeds going toward victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting that took the lives of 49 people.

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LGBTQIA bites

l

By Jillian Melero

B

lesbian

aG sessions unDer fire for CloseD-Door speeCh to allianCe DefenDinG freeDom (CNN) Attorney General Jeff Sessions spoke to a self-described Christian religious freedom advocacy group known for anti-gay stances Tuesday evening, and the Justice Department is keeping his remarks under wraps.

Sessions’ attendance at the closed-press “Summit on Religious Liberty” hosted by the Alliance Defending Freedom, was first disclosed Tuesday morning -- but the department has declined requests to release his full remarks. LGBTQ rights organizations blasted Sessions for attending the event.

“ADF is the most extreme anti-gay legal organization -- so extreme that it does not concede even that gay or transgender people should be permitted to exist as such,” said Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. “They are a truly destructive force in our country, and it is appalling that the attorney general of the United States would lend them the imprimatur of his office.”

Shannon Minter.

Alliance Defending Freedom -- which on its website says it is dedicated to promoting religious freedom but is also known for having taken aggressive anti-gay marriage stands -- is currently embroiled in a high-profile case that will be heard by the Supreme Court next term.

The group is representing a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, claiming that to do so would violate his right to religious liberty under the Constitution.

Bisexual

u.K. stuDy rates anXiety more liKely in BiseXuals By 80 perCent (SFGN) In honor of Pride month, the UK’s Office for National Statistics (ONS) released a study on LGBT residents which, in part, showed that bisexuals are 80 percent more likely to report feeling anxious compared to their straight fellow Brits.

The research marks the first time that the ONS has measured personal wellbeing by sexual identity, Pink News reported.

The study found that while LGB people reported feeling less satisfied with their lives than their straight counterparts, bisexuals were also 40 percent more likely to describe themselves as unhappy.

Gays and lesbians who responded were 50 percent more likely to report feeling anxiety,

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No significant highs or lows were found in the data from heterosexual residents. While nearly all LGB men and women reported having a below average quality of life and one-third of bisexuals reported high levels of anxiety.

About 300,000 people over the age of 16 between January 2013 and December 2015 were surveyed for this study.

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LGBTQIA bites

t

continued transgender

house Defeats BiD to BloCK pentaGon funDinG transGenDer surGeries (CNN) The House on Thursday defeated a proposal that would have prevented the Pentagon from funding gender reassignment surgeries for service members.

The amendment failed in a 209-214 vote, with 24 Republicans voting against it.

The provision from Rep. Vicky Hartzler was an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to block the military from paying for gender reassignment surgery or hormone therapy for both service members and their families.

In 2016, then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter ended the ban on transgender people being able to serve openly in the military.

Carter put in place a process to occur in stages, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was facing a July 1 deadline on whether to allow new recruits who were transgender.

At the urging of the military service leaders, Mattis announced that he was

The pentagon.

delaying that decision for six months to study the issue further.

But Mattis called Hartzler on Thursday to urge her to withdraw the amendment from the defense bill, according to two senior congressional sources. A Pentagon official declined to confirm that the call occurred The amendment was one of the most politically charged of the 200 that were being considered in the House as it debated the massive $696 billion defense authorization bill, which sets Pentagon policy and authorizes spending levels.

7.19.2017 •

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NEWS international

NEWS palm beach

VlaDimir putin’s Kremlin says reports of CheChen murDers unsuBstantiateD Brittany Ferrendi

Photo Credit: Kremlin, Twitter.

R

Photo By J.r. daViS. to See Many More PhotoS, ViSit Sfgn on faceBook!

unDerWear proDuCes BiG BuCKs for loCal Charity John McDonald

T

housands of dollars were raised in creative ways Monday evening for a local HIV/AIDS charity.

The beneficiary, Tuesday’s Angels, scored again with its annual “Bartenders, Boxers and Briefs” night hosted by Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar Wilton Manors. As of press time, official estimates placed the haul between $8 to $11,000. The money was collected through silent bidding of gift baskets, a raffle ticket drawing and live action underwear auction.

Don Clark, Alibi Monkey Bar Manager, said Tuesday’s Angels is a worthy charity.

“Tuesday’s Angels is an outstanding example of the difference that people can make in helping others,” said Clark.

Since 1993, the Fort Lauderdale based nonprofit has provided emergency assistance to men, women and children living with HIV/ AIDS. No member of the organization is paid, Clark said.

At Monday night’s underwear auction, local bars sent models onstage to showcase the newest fashion lines. Hunter’s Nightclub, Progress Bar, Le Boy Tonight, Southern Nights, Monkey Business, Boardwalk, Rumors Bar & Grill, Scandal’s Saloon, Rosie’s and Mona’s were all represented at the underwear auction.

“I just read the book of Eli and it’s a short story,” quipped emcee Nikki Adams after getting a glimpse at the plumbing of one of the Progress Bar models.

Adams, a longtime South Florida entertainer, introduced each underwear

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model and asked the crowd to bid on the garment. The winning bidder was awarded the underwear on stage with the model undressing behind a towel and Adams often checking to see the transaction took place.

Antonio Edwards, aka Mr. Alibi, and Miss Kitty also worked in a sort of master of ceremonies role, but Adams had to take control after Kitty fainted twice. Adams said Kitty’s condition was not serious – just a lack of sugar.

Trunks modeled by Alfredo and David from Rosie’s drew the top bid of $1,250. Rosie’s later matched the bid donating $1,250 as well.

John William “Pompano Bill” Calcaterra, a legendary photographer, took home the pair.

All in all, it was another big hit for Tuesday’s Angels and the Alibi.

“We’re very pleased,” said Chuck Nicholls, Tuesday’s Angels Vice President. “To see all of these bars come together is reassuring that we belong to a phenomenal community.”

Nicholls praised the Alibi staff for their co-operation. The nightclub was packed throughout the evening as people squeezed into tight spaces for a chance to witness the auction.

“It’s always a bit chaotic,” Nicholls said.

On a sad note, the event was a reminder of the passing of local bartender Russell Matheney. A picture of Matheney, who worked at Scandal’s Saloon, was placed on stage where friends and winning bidders signed their condolences. Matheney was 41.

ussian newspaper Novaya Gazeta released the names of 27 perceived gay and bisexual men reportedly executed without trial in Chechnya. Russia’s Kremlin has reacted to these claims.

Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressed the published list, saying “We have taken note” of the reports.

Law enforcement and officials have denied that gay men are being killed in Chechnya, with a spokesperson once saying “You can’t detain and harass someone who doesn’t exist in the republic.”

Peskov addressed this, stating “We have similarly taken note of the denials of this information by Chechen law enforcement bodies.”

He closed his remarks by addressing the original source of the published names.

“The information is of an anonymous character.

It’s unclear what the source of this information is,” he said. “So this is all I can say for now.”

The reported executions were said to take place on the night of January 25 in Grozny, Chechnya’s capital.

The Gazeta first broke the story of gay and bisexual men being detained and persecuted and has been extensively covering the story since. They released the names of the 27 men to spark a sincere investigation.

“We are publishing these facts because the state represented by authorized law enforcement agencies did not leave us any choice,” the publication wrote. “That is why we publish the list of those who, according to our information, were victims of the worst possible extrajudicial executions in Grozny.”

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Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

When Will There Be an Openly Gay Professional Baseball Player?

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

L

ast week, South Florida and Miami hosted Major League Baseball’s All Star Game, the annual affair that celebrates the best of the best.

It’s a game that features younger athletes growing up in the modern era, but it is enough of an event to bring back stars of the past. This year the game celebrated former stars of the Latin community. For a lot of these players, America represented a chance at opportunity and fortune. Today, more and more of major league baseball’s athletes are Hispanic players.

It has been many years since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, and became the first African American to play pro ball.

MLB also has had historic breakthroughs with Japanese, Asian, and Korean stars.

Earlier this year, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Gift Ngoepe made history when he became the first African-born player in the MLB. So when is a gay major league player going to make his debut?

Major League Baseball has the LGBT community stamped all over its name. Billy Bean, a former South Florida resident, and former professional baseball player, is an openly gay man who is an MLB Vice President for Inclusion, Social Responsibility and Diversity.

Billy participates in diversity seminars that educate players in both the minor and major leaguers, teaching respect for homosexuality, and running anti-bullying seminars. His book, ‘Going the Other Way,’ was gut wrenching, revealing the brutally anti gay world of pro baseball years ago. His life today is testimony to a new era at the highest levels.

Baseball has had its chances to change its ways. Kevin McClatchy, the owner and CEO of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1996 to 2007, came out in 2012, saying frequent homophobic slurs he heard in baseball circles had convinced him to keep his sexual orientation a secret.

McClatchy, an heir to the Herald newspaper chain said at the time “You’re not going to solve any problem until you start a dialogue, and there’s no dialogue right now.”

MLB is trying. They launched a Diversity Business Summit last year in Phoenix during Spring Training, and there is another one this year in Orlando after the season ends. It is a two-day event, which allows job seekers and entrepreneurs the unique opportunity of meeting with MLB’s Clubs and sponsorship partners.

Last year, the Chicago Cubs won a world championship. One of its four owners is Laura M. Ricketts, a 50-year-old lesbian who is also a board member of Lambda Legal and the Housing Opportunities for Women organization.

Ricketts’ ownership stake is uniquely noteworthy because it makes her the first openly gay owner of a major league franchise.

There have been umpires that have come out of the closet contemporaneously with their tenure, and team executives at the highest level. No one does a better job of covering these issues than my colleague Cyd Zeigler, whose features you can and should regularly read on his website, Outsports. com. You can see that for young athletes and professionals at all levels, in multiple sports, coming out is still no easy task. It is still an individual decision, but major league baseball can help push the envelope.

All season long, MLB embraces diverse

It is still an individual decision, but major league baseball can help push the envelope.

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communities and social causes. There are celebrations for Mother’s Day, cancer victims, and salutes to holidays, veterans, and soldiers. MLB has inaugurated commendable initiatives that recognize its responsibility to, and opportunities in, inner cities, along with ethnic heritages.

Over a dozen teams, including the Miami Marlins, have held individual LGBT nights, donating funds to HIV organizations. This year the Marlins even contracted with SFGN to actively promote the night, purchasing full page ads in our paper and using AHF’s popular Impulse Group to populate the program with a night out at the stadium.

To get to the next level, and really make a powerful statement, MLB should have the courage and make the commitment of endorsing a singular national night that integrates its support of LGBT diversity and anti bullying efforts. Teams wearing a red ribbon supportive of HIV causes would add a nice touch. It’s time for MLB to pave the way, and break down one more barrier.

At the All Star Game last week, I ran into Jack McKeon, the former manager of the Florida Marlins. The octogenarian is now 86, and he was tanned, fit, and sporting his customary stogie. He remembered me as the WFTL announcer who used to interview him after the games.

He could not remember my name, but

reached down and eyed my media pass, reading South Florida Gay News, and smiled, “Well, that’s okay, the world’s a bigger place today.”

He had no problem with that at all. So I quickly asked him, in the brief moment we had together, “If you could find a 350 hitting shortstop that could lead your team to a pennant, would you really care who he slept with?”

And he said, “Hell, no.” It is that simple.

I firmly believe that is the way the world is today. I believe that is the way most of the players would feel too, even if they teach Bible class in the offseason.

The only real religion a pro athlete has is on the playing field. They play and pray to win, whether they are young Latinos from the Dominican, or African Americans from Detroit. Or even if one happens to be a Bear from the Bronx.

The first out modern gay baseball player will be someone who is not only confident of his identity, it will be a guy who can take two strikes on the corner and then line a pitch to right field for a hit. Maybe it will be one you don’t make fun of because he can throw a fastball 100 miles per hour.

Whoever it is, I look forward to being able to interview him in the locker room not because of whom he sleeps with, but which team he leads to a pennant.

ConviCtions

Jesse’s Journal Photo: Celebration of Friends, Facebook.

PAID content

SHOP WITH PRIDE WHAT: event benefiting the Pride center WHERE: Pride Factory 850 ne 13th st.

Fort lauderdale, Fl 33304 (954) 463-6600 WHEN: Friday, July 21 from 10 am till 9 pm.

a CeleBration of frienDs Where Maturity Matters Jesse Monteagudo

“A

Celebration Of Friends” (ACOF) is a semi-annual convention or celebration for mature men and their admirers. This year’s Celebration (number 16) will be held on the weekend of July 20-23 at the Ramada Fort Lauderdale Oakland Park Inn, located at 3001 North Federal Highway.

“Tomcat” Pence, a former Marine and the founder and president of A Celebration of Friends, realized that “Maturity Matters,” even in the youth-oriented gay world. Thus there should be a time and a place for maturity to be celebrated. Operating on a tight budget, the first Celebration was held in 2002 in New Orleans, where 100 men enjoyed each other and a wonderful weekend and raised $1,000 for “Buzzy’s Boys” (at the time a non-profit organization that benefitted hospitalized children living with HIV).

The next year, ACOF moved to Florida, where it has been ever since. Now fifteen years later putting countless smiles on mature men from around the world, ACOF has raised over $184,000 for various local charities, including $10,000 raised last year for the Pride Center and Tuesdays Angels.

According to Tomcat, “we have quite an age difference in members who attend the Celebration. We have members who are 92 years young, as well as members who are 22 years old. The average age of attendees last year was 60. We attract many men from small towns who do not have the opportunities to enjoy the many freedoms we enjoy here in South Florida. Our members work hard all year long saving their pennies so they can attend the Celebration weekend, so our board tries to

work hard to keep costs down while providing as much entertainment as we can. While the Ramada provides a free daily breakfast for those staying overnight in the hotel and free shuttles to and from the airport, registered attendees will also receive a free daily lunch, a nightly free cocktail hour and free pool parties and contests.”

Previous Celebrations featured celebrities like actor Ed Asner and former congressman Barney Frank. “This year’s Celebration,” Tomcat notes, “showcases Fort Lauderdale and our attendees themselves. While we realize that most people think that beauty pageants are only for young men, we will have daily contests to get our guys into the swing of things, as they walk the red carpet around the pool. Our attendees enjoy and participate in contests like our Fantasy Swimsuit or Best Bootie contests, among others. Yet, the one contest which attracts the most contestants and creates the most fun is our Senior Speedo Contest - Last year’s winner was 72 years young.

While we do not tolerate any public nudity, one of the most famous events at the Celebration is our nightly “Absolutely Positively NOT a Skinny Dipping Pool Party” party.

Men between 21 and 121 who are interested in learning more about A Celebration Of Friends should visit the ACOF website (CelebrationOfFriends.org). Full registration and rooms at the Ramada are still available, as are day passes. Whether or not they attend for a day or for the weekend, mature men will find plenty to do, and plenty of men to do it with.

As Tomcat puts it, “if you are a mature man or someone who admires maturity, come join us. It will change your life forever.”

T

his Friday, July 21 Pride Factory joins with HITS 97.3, Ruff Riders, Smirnoff Vodka and System Jo for the first Shop with Pride event. A portion of your purchases at Pride Factory all day will benefit the The Pride Center.

Stop in from 5 pm - 8 pm for some additional fun. HITS 97.3 will be playing tunes. Free condoms and on site HIV testing courtesy of the Pride Center. Enjoy free samples of Smirnoff Flavored Vodka and System Jo Flavored Lubes. Plus raffle drawings to win Ruff Riders merchandise, Pride Factory gift cards and other items.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations.

7.19.2017 •

11

COMMuNITY announcement

Photos by Michael Murphy. MichaelMurphy.com

gay SoftBall league wraPS uP SeaSon Tim Martin SFAAA Chairman

P

omp, pageantry, purpose and a poignant touch were on display as the South Florida gay softball league closed its 22nd season recently with its End of Season Ceremony.

The South Florida Amateur Athletic Association recognized its league season and playoff champions, inducted two Hall of Famers, honored its top newcomers, and awarded a handful of players for their contributions to the league at the event held at Southern Nights on July 9.

The league also took time to honor those who have died in the past year with an emotional tribute.

Longtime contributors David Campbell and Kenny Silverman became the 44th and 45th members of the SFAAA Hall of Fame.

Campbell, on his second stint as the league secretary, was recognized for his longtime service, success on the field as a player and coach, and for his time as director of the league’s Thanksgiving weekend national softball tournament, the Hurricane Showdown.

“This award was long overdue,” said SFAAA Chairman Tim Martin.

Silverman, a local Realtor and SFAAA membership coordinator, was feted for his time as a player, coach, league executive and sponsor.

A highlight was when Michael Moody, coach of the Broward Ballbusters, was presented the Ed Charters

Sportsperson of the Year award for the job HE did in his first season as Hurricane Showdown director.

Charters, who passed away a couple years ago, was Moody’s best friend.

Gym Bar Alive and Kicking was mentioned earlier in the ceremony for taking third place at last year’s Gay Softball World Series in Austin, Texas.

The Ballbusters team packed a section of the bar in support of their leader.

“I am humbled beyond words,” Moody wrote on his Facebook page.

The Joe Pawlik Volunteer of the Year award went to Josh Yeager of the Silverman Supervillains. Yeager stepped up this past season, serving on both the SFAAA by-laws committee and ratings committee as well as assuming the coaching role for a newly formed team, the Sidekicks.

“It was an honor to be recognized by the board of directors of the SFAAA,” Yeager wrote on his Facebook page.

Former league commissioner Abe Hasbun was presented the inaugural Hurricane Showdown Volunteer of the Year award for his longtime work with the softball tournament. The award will be called the Abe Hasbun Award in the future.

“Nothing says that you’re getting old more than when they name an award after you,” Hasbun wrote on Facebook.

Other annual awards went to Jessenia Perez of Rumor’s Wolfpack as the D Division Newcomer of the Year, and

longtIme contrIbutors davId campbell and KennY sIlverman became the 44th and 45th members oF the sFaaa hall oF Fame.

Thomas Dee of the Supervillains as the C Division Newcomer of the Year. Todd Eller of Scandals Saloon was given the specially created Pride Award for his contributions to SFAAA during the recent Stonewall Pride parade.

The most emotional moment came during a presentation honoring those with ties to the league who had passed away in the last year. Nine people died since the last awards ceremony, including three in the week leading up the event.

Those who perished were Bob Dias, Randy Gillund, and Billy Gilliland -- all former league executives and SFAAA Hall of Famers; former players Marshall Blackwell, Jr., Robert Falcon, Algiere Pabon, and Craig Wright; former Mills Pond Park and Piccolo Park umpire Beverly Lupo; and league supporter/cheerleader/scorekeeper Gareth Chapman.

The crowd hugged and the lights dimmed as Moody read the names of the fallen. Then the room erupted with a cheer of “Great game, guys!” to punctuate the moment.

Also honored were all the teams heading to the NAGAAA World Series in September. The teams include the GYM Bar Bombshells of the B Division; the GYM Bar Rebellion and Supervillains of the C Division; the Alibi Bombers and Rosie’s Renegades of the D Division; and the Village Pub Code Blue and GYM Bar Hot Hitters of the Masters Division.

All seven teams will be competing for national championships in the annual World Series during Labor Day week in Portland, Oregon.

The SFAAA begins its fall season on Sunday, Sept.18, at Mills Pond Park.

Registration and ratings are scheduled for Sunday, August 20, and Saturday, August 26. A mini tournament of all the World Series teams will be held Sunday, August 27, at Mills Pond.

For more information, follow the league at www.SFAASoftball.com For information on the Hurricane Showdown, check out www.HurricaneShowdown.net

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7 .19.2017

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13

Social issue Introduction

Welcome to the social issue!

Groups, causes, and apps... for tackling the real issues

Tucker Berardi

T

he LGBT community has a lot to be proud of — from legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States, to overcoming tragedies like the Pulse massacre and combatting the hatred of those who push back on the rights and lives of so many LGBT individuals — in our country and across the globe.

But amidst all of the good we have come to achieve over the years, there still remains much room for improvement. The following pages are filled with stories that deal with the LGBT community and beyond.

We need to continue to secure rights and equality, but we also need to ensure that we are treating our own LGBT family with the same inclusivity.

More youth are coming out

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than ever before, our community is securing more rights and representation every day and we have been given the opportunity to stand on a soap box and show the world what it means to be LGBT. But that also means we should be presenting an image of love, community and inclusivity that incorporates all members of our community.

From the fight to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, to social media apps expanding opportunities to discuss sexual health, to social opportunities outside of bars and clubs, these stories seek to start a discussion on where the community goes from here.

7.19.2017 •

15

social issue Technology

hornet gets healthy With neW keyboard Hornet Releases New Emoji Keyboard To Encourage Self Expression and Safety Tucker Berardi

H

ornet, one of many gay social apps known most for their hookup utility, is changing face and moving toward health advocacy with their new emoji keyboard.

“While many people still find it hard to talk about sexual health, Hornet, the world’s premier gay social network, recently released the new Talkmoji keyboard, which is designed to make communicating about sexual health even easier,” Mark Umbach, VP of marketing firm MWW wrote.

Hornet helped to produce the keyboard, but when downloaded the Talkmoji keyboard can be used in any application on Android and iPhone.

Alex Garner, Hornet’s Senior Health Innovation Strategist told SFGN that the Talkmoji keyboard was an attempt to turn the keyboard trend toward something beneficial to the LGBT community — an easy way to start conversation on a number of health topics.

“There is a sort of keyboard trend that we know resonates with audiences — with the gay audience in particular,” Garner said. “Part of the thinking behind it was the understanding of how easily people communicate with [emoji] keyboards particularly on issues that might often be difficult to talk about.”

One of the most prominent goals of Hornet’s new keyboard is to promote the discussion of HIV status, not only positive and negative but also more subcategory classifications — whether someone is on PrEP or ART, or if their viral load is undetectable.

Garner pointed out that this keyboard may also be used to explore topics people are unfamiliar with. Not everyone, according to Garner, is familiar with terms like PrEP or undetectable.

“We look at some HIV topics, there has been such social media attention around the undetectable issue, there is always a

Pictures Courtesy of Hornet and WMM PR

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conversation about how that is represented, what words to use, will the community know what you mean,” Garner said. “With all of these health issues you cannot assume that everyone knows what you mean. We want to be able to give people a base knowledge, a starting point, and see where they take the conversation from there.”

While the keyboard seeks to encourage discussions about health and safety, Garner assures that the keyboard is fun and contains a number of flags, emoji, images and more to be used as a unique and fun form of expression.

“Something like this keyboard simply allows more options for people to [express themselves,]” Garner said. “It’s fun, some of the emojis are silly, and if it is something that people want to utilize, it gives them more options to do so.”

Garner hopes that as the keyboard’s popularity grows, the keyboard will be able to expand. Hornet hopes to add more emoji, and maybe explore gif responses and dynamic emoji alongside the current offering.

The team behind the keyboard is also up for suggestions, and the keyboard will update according to trends and events in the LGBT community. For example, the keyboard has a number of LGBT pride flags for many groups within the community, and Garner said the team has had conversations about adding the “More Color More Pride” flag.

All in all, Garner and Hornet hope this keyboard will facilitate more forms of selfexpression and will keep users healthy, happy and safe.

“Giving people plenty of options in terms of self-expression is of critical importance, particularly in our community where we strive to express ourselves, affirmatively declare who we are, express our gender,” Garner said.

The Talkmoji Keyboard is available on the App Store and Google Play.

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7.19.2017 •

17

Social issue West Palm Beach

Conversion Therapy Controversy

opens community conversation Tucker Berardi

T

Protest of NARTH conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, Nov 21 2009, where conference organizers claim to be able to “convert” gays to straight. Photo Credit: Daniel Tobias.

he Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC) has been campaigning in cities throughout South Florida to ban the practice of conversion therapy, a collection of therapeutic methods aimed at “correcting” or changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

So far PBCHRC has been able to encourage city commissions to enact such bans without opposition in many cities including Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Miami Beach and Wilton Manors.

However, on June 13 PBCHRC presented to the Wellington Village council in order to enact a similar ban on conversion therapy, only this time the organization was met with significant opposition from two speakers against the ban.

“A ban on conversion therapy on unwanted homosexual feelings or gender dysphoria would, in fact, be child abuse,” David Pickup, a licensed marriage and family therapist told the commissioners. “How can you take away the rights of children and their parents to their freedom of speech?”

In a forum-style debate in front of the Wellington Village council, Pickup, joined by family therapist Julia Hamilton, presented arguments against a ban on conversion therapy opposite Rachel Needle, a state licensed psychologist who works with PBCHRC. The attempt to ban conversion therapy city by city came after State Senator Jeff Clemens introduced bills to prohibit conversion therapy statewide for the past two consecutive legislative sessions, but the Florida Senate refused to take action on either bill. Clemens

plans to reintroduce the bill in the 2018 legislative session.

Since a statewide ban has failed to be enacted, PBCHRC alongside advocacy groups Southern Poverty Law Center and National Center for Lesbian Rights has been enacting bans city by city, being met with minimal opposition in progressive South Florida. However, Wellington presented the first major opposition, which may be an example of what is to come as the ban propositions travel to less progressive cities.

While the Wellington council ultimately voted in favor of the ban in a 4-1 vote, the decision was made more difficult by the conflicting points given

by Needle, Hamilton and Pickup.

Hamilton at one point served as the president of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH). She stated during the commission that methods such as shock therapy were archaic and were not used in conversion therapy — referred to by her and her colleagues as “reparative therapy,” which conflicted with pro-ban messages from PBCHRC and Needle.

Conversion therapy has been used on LGBT patients for several decades, but the practice gained popularity in the late 20th century, when Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, the co-founder of NARTH, popularized the practice.

In an email to SFGN Hamilton stated that no patients are forced into conversion therapy on their own, but seek treatment of their own free will.

“Professional therapy is [voluntary],” Hamilton wrote. “Teenagers cannot be forced into changing against their will.

That is not only unethical, but also

“Minors are frequently forced into conversion therapy by parents who find it impossible to accept the fact that their children identify as gay or lesbian.”

- Carly Cass PBCHRC Vice President

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Social issue West Palm Beach impossible. Every therapist knows that the client, not the therapist, sets the goals for therapy … clients determine the path for their lives.”

PBCHRC Vice President Carly Cass disagrees and said in a statement that many underage LGBT youths are administered conversion therapy against their will by parents or guardians.

“Minors are frequently forced into conversion therapy by parents who find it impossible to accept the fact that their children identify as gay or lesbian,” Cass said. “This so-called therapy has been often shown to be extremely harmful.”

Needle, a licensed psychologist and PBCHRC spokesperson shared a number of effects conversion therapy patients may experience, which include shame, guilt, depression, decreased self-esteem, increased self-hatred, feelings of anger and betrayal, loss of friends, social withdrawal, problems with sexual and emotional intimacy, hostility and blame toward parents, high risk behaviors, confusion, self-harm, substance abuse and suicidal ideation.

“From the research we do have, there is enough to show including qualitatively that reparative or conversion therapy can lead to a number of mental health issues in a minor,” Needle said. “Attempting to change someone’s sexual orientation (or gender identity) can have a devastating impact on a minor. These change efforts are guided by people’s bias and judgments.”

Hamilton and Pickup consider a ban on reparative therapy not only to be a moral infringement on the rights of parents and LGBT youth, but also pointed out that it presents a legal dilemma.

“Cities do not have jurisdiction over licensed therapists,” Dr. Hamilton wrote.

“The state of Florida licenses and regulates psychological and medical professionals … the state of Florida has determined that therapists are permitted to offer therapy to minors with unwanted homosexual attractions, just as they can offer therapy to anyone distressed about any life situation.”

“The state has not passed this unlawful ban on therapy for minors,” Hamilton continued. “This ban is unconstitutional and did not even make it out of the committee in Florida.”

There have been several court challenges to the constitutionality of banning conversion therapy, but all have failed. According to PBCHRC, there have been four instances, the most recent taking place on May 1, 2017, of the U.S. Supreme court declining to hear challenges to the constitutionality laws banning conversion therapy for minors.

“Conversion therapy is an extremely dangerous and fraudulent practice that claims to change an individual’s sexual

state that children are orientation or gender “From the harmed and distressed as identity,” Scott McCoy, a result of the therapists research we senior policy counsel for and therapy that they have do have, there undergone, and that said the Southern Poverty Law Center said. “This bogus therapists, not reparative is enough practice is premised on the therapy, should be held to show lie that LGBTQ individuals accountable for such including have a ‘condition’ that results. needs to be cured. The “If a licensed therapist qualitatively commission has sent a is abusing a client, there that message to LGBTQ youth: are already laws in place to reparative or protect such clients. Those ‘you are perfect the way you are and do not need to be therapists can be brought up conversion ‘fixed.’’” on charges. Therapists do therapy can Apart from legality, the not use aversive techniques practice of conversion or lead to a — they use [talk] therapy. reparative therapy has Shock treatments are only number of been deemed harmful and performed in hospital mental health settings by medical doctors ineffective by the American Psychological Association, for specific conditions, issues in a which adopted the such as depression, mania, minor.”

“Resolution on Appropriate etc. — NOT by counselors Affirmative Responses to and therapists and NOT - Rachel Needle Sexual Orientation Distress for unwanted homosexual Psychologist and Change Efforts” in attractions (sic).”

2009. This resolution found Hamilton said that that conversion therapy relied on anti-LGBT reparative therapy is not dangerous, but can bigotry and a distortion of scientific data. be useful to address many issues apart from “The American Psychological Association ‘fixing’ unwanted same-sex attractions or has linked conversion therapy to depression, gender dysphoria. substance abuse, and even suicide, and “Therapy is aimed at resolving past these risks are particularly acute for youth,” hurts if there are any past hurts,” Hamilton Carolyn Reyes, Youth Policy Counsel wrote. “Additionally, therapy might address and Coordinator of NCLR’s BornPerfect insecurities, feelings of inadequacy, Campaign to end conversion therapy said. depression, anxiety, etc. seeking to help a “We applaud the efforts to ensure that client become better connected to himself children are protected from these harms and or herself, more secure, more confident, less that their families aren’t duped by trusted depressed, etc.” professionals to whom they turn for support According to Needle, however, therapy during a vulnerable time.” dealing with those types of issues, or even According to Hamilton, all of these claims issues with sexuality or gender identity West Palm Beach.

would not be prohibited under a conversion therapy ban. Patients would still be allowed to discuss a number of issues pertaining to their sexuality or identity, therapists would just be unable to administer therapy aimed at converting the sexuality of an underage LGBT individual.

“Banning this type of ‘therapy’ does not mean those individuals struggling with their identity or orientation cannot seek therapy mental health services,” Needle said. “Minors can still see a mental health therapist, those therapists just can’t suggest they can ‘convert’ them or change their sexual attractions or orientation.”

While there are mixed messages and conflicting statements on both sides of the issue, both parties agreed that there is a shortage of data to pull conclusions on the practice of conversion therapy from.

“The research [on conversion therapy] is lacking and much of what does exist is methodologically flawed,” Needle said.

Much of the existing conclusions on conversion therapy are based on personal testimonies or limited studies. The limited information available, however, does suggest that the practice of conversion therapy does more harm than good.

The Columbia Law School reviewed the existing studies on conversion therapy and concluded that “there is no credible evidence that sexual orientation can be changed through therapeutic intervention.”

This conclusion was drawn, as admitted by the Law School, from 47 studies that were, “limited by the difficulty of empirically assessing a person’s sexual orientation.”

Of the 47 studies, 12 found that conversion therapy is ineffective or harmful, one showed that the practice could succeed, and the remaining 34 studies failed to determine an empirical conclusion.

“Taken together,” the Law School reports.

“The overwhelming consensus among psychologists and psychiatrists who have studied conversion therapy or treated patients who are struggling with their sexual orientation is that therapeutic intervention cannot change sexual orientation.”

There is definitely a need to for more studies on the issue, even if to provide solid evidence that conversion therapy is, in fact, harmful to patients. In all of the commission hearings, however, PBCHRC has stated that the intention of the ban is not simply to discontinue a potentially harmful therapeutic practice but to support and protect each community’s youth population.

“I think banning conversion therapy sends an important message to the general public and to the minors we are trying to protect — there is nothing wrong with your sexual orientation or gender identity,” Needle said.

7.19.2017 •

19

Social issue National

More Color More Pride Pride Flag Redesign Includes LGBT People of Color

Tucker Berardi

“Right off the bat, [this flag] has absolutely started a conversation, certainly in this city and

beyond.”

- Amber Hikes executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affair

D

uring a recent Pride Month kick-off in Philadelphia, the campaign More Color More Pride, a movement to recognize nonwhite LGBT communities within the broader pride movement, unveiled a pride flag with an additional black and brown stripe to represent LGBT people of color.

The original pride flag from Gilbert Baker had eight colors — pink and turquoise alongside the six colors that make up the current design. Pink was removed because the dye was difficult to obtain, and turquoise was removed thereafter to give the flag an even number of colors, the six we know now.

Each of the current colors has its own symbolism: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for art, and violet for the human spirit, according to Slate News.

The black and brown stripes that the “More Color More Pride” campaign added to the flag represent people of color in order to make the pride flag more inclusive. It is meant as a symbol for LGBT people of color, much how the trans and bisexual flags represent their respective parts of the LGBT community.

The campaign was created by Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs and local advertising agency Tierney, and the flag was revealed at Philadelphia’s City Hall.

“We’re proud to host this celebration for the community to come together not just for Pride, but also to reinforce our strides towards combatting discrimination within our community, honor the lives of our black and brown LGBTQ siblings, and uplift our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion within our community,” Amber Hikes, the executive director of Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs, said.

According to Hikes, Philadelphia is the first city to publicly recognize racial discrimination within the LGBT community.

The city’s own Gayborhood has faced multiple instances of racial discrimination within the past year — leaked video footage showed a nightclub owner using a racial slur, and there have also been instances of discriminatory dress-code

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policies at the local gay bars, according to CNN. The city of Philadelphia has created this campaign and flag to begin combating discrimination within its LGBT community.

“I’m proud to join the LGBTQ community in the fight for justice, equality and stand in solidarity with all members of the LGBTQ community,” Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said.

The new flag has already sparked much conversation — and argument — over the presumption that the original flag already included colors to represent diversity.

“The Stonewall Riot … started on the backs of working-class African American and Latino queers who patronized that bar,” Reverend Irene Monroe, founder of the National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights group said. “Those black and brown LGBTQ people are not absent from the photos of that night but have been bleached from its written history.”

The Pew Research Center administered a survey in 2013 that showed 34 percent of LGBT respondents identified as nonwhite. According to Hikes, the majority of critics to the “More Color More Pride” flag were white gay men.

“White people do not know what racism looks like, because that is not the definition of racism,” Hikes said.

When this flag was unveiled as a symbol of racial equality in a community that has not always been racially inclusive, Hikes said there was an immediate response, both in support and in criticism.

“Right off the bat, [this flag] has absolutely started a conversation, certainly in this city and beyond,” Hikes said.

Other iterations of the pride flag, such as the transgender and bisexual flags, have received much less criticism.

“The fact that two stripes have triggered the online and offline responses that it has, it just proves that there is entrenched racism and anti-blackness [in the community,” Philadelphia’s Black and Brown Workers Collective Abdul-Aliy Muhammad said. “This is real, this is lived, and this is felt by us on a daily basis.”

Charley Beal, a longtime friend of Baker — the designer of

the original rainbow flag who died in March — said that the new flag should be taken as an independent symbol.

“I encourage it, and I think people who know Gilbert would,” Beal told NBC news. “The only thing we would ask is that other people would not take it and put Gilbert’s name on it, because they didn’t do it in consultation with him, and he didn’t do it.”

A spokeswoman for Philadelphia’s Office of LGBT Affairs said that the new flag should be seen to represent “additive inclusion” and was not created to be a replacement to the existing flag.

Since its initial release, redesigns of the “More Color More Pride” flag have popped up online and at pride rallies that offer a clearer breakaway from the original design.

“The spirit of this flag is not a departure from the original principles, but we hope that adding black and brown to our community’s strongest symbol will serve to recognize the contributions people of color make every day in the LGBTQ+ community,” the spokeswoman said in an email.

Hikes said that since the flag’s unveiling, many LGBT groups across the nation have reached out to her and the Philadelphia Office of LGBT Affairs for permission to use the flag in marches and pride events.

“The rainbow flag is the single most recognizable icon for the LGBTQ community,” a video for the campaign says.

“It’s a symbol for everyone to rally around. Yet communities across the country are divided. People of color have been marginalized, ignored, and even intentionally excluded.”

The video continues, “We say that we’re inclusive. We celebrate it. Now it’s time to go further. To broaden the horizons of our community. To change our iconic symbol. It’s just a start, but it’s a start.”

For more information on the “More Color More Pride” flag and campaign, visit MoreColorMorePride.com.

KEEP YOUR EYES ON

South Florida Gay News

SFGN.com @SoFlaGayNews

SouthFloridaGayNews

7.19.2017 •

21

social issue Boys With Boats

boys With boats goes national Local Chapter Quadruples in Membership in Six Months Tucker Berardi

Photo courtesy Boys with Boats.

I

n January of this year we wrote an article on Boys With Boats, an aptly named social group made up predominantly of gay men with boats and gay men who like boats.

At the time the group boasted just under 600 members. In less than six months, the group’s membership has almost quadrupled, with members throughout their national chapters totaling just over 2,000 members.

“It’s a great way to meet people outside of bars and sports leagues,” club founder Jeremy Pettus told SFGN. “I am very proud of our club, I am very proud of our members.”

Boys with Boats started from Pettus’s own restoration project on a boat he had purchased. He created a page on Facebook for men with boating knowledge to swap stories and advice, and ultimately to serve as a social outlet for gay men with a common interest.

What was initially a club of 15 members has become a social force spanning multiple states with chapters in the Great Lakes and Atlanta, as well as multiple chapters in Florida, the largest chapter being in Fort Lauderdale with 1,420 members.

“People have approached me saying that this club is filling a void,” Pettus said. “I told them that the club was all about ‘you,’ I want to hear ‘your’ story.”

While the club is marketed as a group for gay guys, Pettus said that all are welcome.

“Even though it’s Boys with Boats, we are open to all,” he said. Pettus pointed out that

there are many straight and lesbian couples involved in the club and events.

People with boats aren’t the only ones allowed to join, either. Anyone interested in boating or just wanting a break from the bar and club culture of the LGBT community are welcome to join a safe and welcoming social atmosphere.

“We have members with kayaks and members with a 120-foot yacht,” Jeremy Pettus, the club’s founder told SFGN. “It doesn’t matter the size of your boat, we just want people to come and see who we are.”

Pettus continued, “We want to take the younger guys out of bars and show them there is more to life than liquor and smoking. We want to mentor people interested in boating, to give them something meaningful.”

On the third Saturday of every month, Boys with Boats hosts a raft-up event where a member chooses a location for the club’s boats to anchor up to each other overnight.

The club also hosts meet and greets as well as larger scale events.

On the first Sunday of every month, members come together for a meet and greet at Flip Flops Dockside Eatery. Other events can be found on their Facebook page or on the club’s website, boyswithboats.club.

For anyone interested in boating, or just want to get involved and meet some guys, Boys with Boats is always open to new faces.

To find out more about Boys with Boats, check their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/941083335987328/

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social issue Boys With Boats

get Wet With the boys Take a look at a relaxed Fort Lauderdale gathering of Boys With Boats. On the first Sunday of the month the club hosts a meet up at Flip Flops Dockside Eatery in Fort Lauderdale. Events can be found on their Facebook page or on the club’s website, BoysWithBoats.club.

Carina Mask

7.19.2017 •

23

Social issue Technology

Born This Way Foundation Studies

Cyber Bullying of LGBT Youth Tucker Berardi

A

new study from the Born This Way Foundation, an organization that supports and “Any effort to support the wellness and empowerment of young people has to start empowers youth, has detailed the realities of cyberbullying among LGBT youth in with understanding the challenges they face and the conditions they need to thrive,” the hopes of establishing more effective means of dealing with both online and Cynthia Germanotta, co-Founder and president of the Born This Way Foundation, said. offline harassment.

“These findings from the survey are a reminder that every young person is unique and “We did a study examining cyberbullying and traditional bullying among diverse needs resources and support that meet their particular needs,” Germanotta continued. youth,” lead researcher Sue Swearer said. “We were interested in looking at experiences “This will only become more important as the digital landscape continues to evolve, of youth and young people across the world and with different gender identities and playing an even greater role in the lives of young people.” sexualities.”

Swearer believes that telling kids to “put the phone down” in order to escape The study, released in 2017, included data from the Born Brave Experience Survey, cyberbullying is unrealistic in today’s society — technology and social media have administered by the foundation, of more than 8,500 young people between the ages become a primary means of communication, and cutting young people off from that of 13-25. The survey examined factors such as the relationship between traditional would dramatically limit their social opportunity. bullying and cyberbullying, particularly for LGBT youth.

Instead, Swearer sees this research as an opportunity to educate professionals on how “Technology has undoubtedly connected lives worldwide,” the study reads. “However, to effectively advise youth subjected to both online and offline bullying. as with any social connection, the increasing availability and use of technology has also “For adults to be credible with kids, they need to work through strategies — who placed youth at-risk for unique and multiple forms of victimization.” to talk to, how to inoculate yourself in these experiences, this research is unpacking The study found that 77 percent of respondents who reported being experiences instead of making a broad statement,” Swearer said. “We bullied online also reported traditional forms of bullying offline. are better able to give advice to mental health professionals on how to Transgender individuals are particularly at risk — 52 percent of go about this.”

“The simplest transgender respondents reported being cyberbullied compared to These findings can give professionals information on where bullying thing that we 22 percent of cisgender respondents and 28 percent of genderqueer vulnerabilities, such as online versus offline vulnerability, of different can ask for respondents. subsets of children lie — LGBT youth not only have different rates of is to start The study also found that 28 percent of participants who identified as bullying but different harassment experiences altogether and require a everyday bisexual reported being cyberbullied versus 18 percent of heterosexual different approach than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. participants and 21 percent of gay and lesbian respondents.

In alignment with the Born This Way Foundation’s mission being kind to “Sexual minority participants … reported victimization through statement, the study hopes to “make the world a kinder and braver somebody, significantly more electronic sources,” the study reads. “Specifically, place” by further understanding the forms that bullying takes and and thinking gay and lesbian, bisexual, pansexual and queer participants reported how victims are affected differently, leading to more comprehensive about others higher numbers of victimization modalities when compared to strategies and solutions against bullying. instead of heterosexual participants.”

“The simplest thing that we can ask for is to start everyday being The purpose of this study was not only to recognize patterns of kind to somebody, and thinking about others instead of themselves,” themselves.” cyberbullying and traditional bullying of LGBT youth, but also to Germanotta said. “We often don’t think of the impacts our actions - Cynthia Germanotta develop strategies for parents and school administrators to effectively have on other people and they can be very hurtful. It is so simple to Founder of address and eradicate the harassment. change that.”

Born this way Foundation

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25

Social issue International

Trouncing Trafficking Apps and services are combatting sex trafficking through technology and user policies Ryan Lynch

“I have cameras in my property and alarm and my customers know about it.

My guests don’t have access to my home.”

- Peggy AirBNB Host

W

ith human trafficking on the rise in Florida, several travel apps and tech startups are developing strategies to prevent people from being exploited.

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, there were 1,900 cases of human trafficking in the Sunshine State, an increase of 54 percent from last year. Nationally, the Polaris Project — a Washington D.C. organization that records the number of calls to the national trafficking hotline — reported that Florida has the third most calls behind Texas and California.

Room sharing service Airbnb already has a huge influence in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with nearly half of its 16,100 residences in those two areas. Benjamin Breit, a press secretary for Airbnb, says that while the organization does not have any official policy, they work with outside groups to prevent people from being exploited.

“We work with a number of organizations, including INTERPOL, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign to help train employees on identification and prevention of trafficking,” Breit wrote in an email. “We’re also constantly evaluating additional steps we can take in this area and will be working with Thorn to pilot their tool.”

Besides using Thorn — an organization that mainly works to prevent child sex trafficking — and those national partnerships, Airbnb also has a separate branch of its organization that is dedicated to assisting local law enforcement in preventing and investigating trafficking incidents.

“Our Law Enforcement Engagement team, which includes former

law enforcement officers and experts in their field, works to protect our community through collaboration with law enforcement, proactive criminal risk mitigation, detailed investigations, and crime analysis,” Breit wrote. “Part of their mission is to proactively partner with organizations and local authorities all over the world to help confront human trafficking.”

Users themselves are also securing their listings to make renters feel safe. Peggy, an Airbnb renter since December 2015 in Fort Lauderdale, said that there is a risk to the listings but she does not see any trouble and takes measures to protect her property.

“I have cameras in my property and alarm and my customers know about it. My guests don’t have access to my home,” she said. “The room is totally private, I have not heard any bad news so far doing Airbnb.”

There are also apps that are beginning to combat the spread of the crime. One such application is TraffickCam, an app available on Apple and Android devices that was created by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Exchange Initiative.

The app allows for users to upload photos of their hotel room to a database. Those photos are later used to identify rooms that are seen in photos for prostitution and other sex listings to act on cases of potential trafficking.

Even with over 157,156 hotels in its database and 120,532 users over Android and Apple, the app is just beginning its fight into Florida. But if it can stick around, TraffickCam, with the help of Airbnb, can target and work toward tackling human trafficking.

Miami Beach.

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27

Social issue Transgender

Connecting the Community Transgender resource site Transsocial expands after humble beginnings Ryan Lynch

A

shley and Morgan Mayfaire cofounded Transsocial.org last fall after noticing the lack of a one-stop shop for information on transitioning and other helpful sources. In that time, they’ve built an operation that grew from a small website to a full-fledged charitable organization that assists people mainly in both Broward and Miami-Dade county.

“There was some resources, but the real issue was that they weren’t all together,” Ashley Mayfaire said. “You could find this resource at this one agency and another at another and there wasn’t any kind of collaboration or cohesiveness within the community, so that’s why we originally started the website.”

After the website went from 300 views in November 2016 to over 1,000 views today, Ashley and Morgan, who live in Fort Lauderdale, turned their site into a brickand-mortar organization so that they can help more people in finding services. The pair offer help with everything from name changes along with healthcare and mental

“The name changes process for one person can cost over $1,000, so we’re helping them with the fees as well as accompanying them.”

- Ashley Mayfaire Co-founder of TransSocial

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health care treatments to peer mentoring, which partners those who are transitioning with someone who can help guide them through the paperwork and processes.

“Our community has a lot of trauma,” Morgan said. “They’ve dealt with trust issues, and we’re the only organization that takes them red carpet style by the hand and goes with them through each and every step.”

Besides those services, Transsocial also curates a calendar of support group meetups and hosts some for both people in the community and allies.

“They’re meant to be fun, inclusive and a safe space for everyone to get together, get to know each other and network with other members of the community,” Ashley said.

“We also do an educational component to talk about current issues within the trans community and ways we can address them.”

To assist people in affording those services and going through the process, Transsocial partners with several local organizations including the Broward Department of Health, Pridelines in Miami, and Pride Fort Lauderdale. But, even with their partnerships, Ashley said coming by funding as a new charity is the biggest hurdle they have yet to clear.

“We have a lot of grants we’re applying for, but it’s very competitive and it’s hard as a fledgling non-profit to get your foot in the door,” she said. “It’s a lot about personal connections and we’re just trying to keep our heads above water as we help as many people as possible.”

Most of the grant money that Transsocial applies for goes to helping offset the cost and fees of services like hormone therapy and name changes.

“The name changes process for one person can cost over $1,000, so we’re helping them with the fees as well as accompanying them,” Ashley said.

Besides expanding their services, Transsocial is also looking to unify the transgender community and create more community leaders. Among their accomplishments this past year was getting Pridelines to include more adult transgender

programs and working with LGBT political action committee SAVE to learn more about advocating for the transgender community.

“I like to think we’ve build a bit more community and collaboration,” Ashley said. “I feel like the agencies are starting to open up to working together more and we’ve definitely reached more of the trans community in Miami because there [were] fewer resources in Miami than Broward.”

For now, the couple continues to work to give more people in the state access Ashley (left) and Morgan Mayfaire (right), co-founders of TransSocial.

to resources on transgender issues and processes, as they’ve already had people reach out from places like the Keys, Tampa, and Orlando.

“Well we do have some clients in Palm Beach and we try to link them with resources and we’ve been contacted from all over Florida as well,” Ashley said. “We would definitely like to expand though because there are a lot of communities in Florida that don’t have the access to services that our county has.”

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Social issue Palm Beach

Women Looking to Meet Women can have a

‘BLAST’ in the Palm Beaches Jillian Melero

B

ows go up at 9 a.m. sharp when you shoot with the ladies of BLAST (Bi Lesbian and Straight Together) Archery Club. The monthly meet up group usually shoot with compound bows, between 10 and 20 pounds of tension. And the indoor range at Gator Guns & Archery Center in West Palm Beach means bows go up rain or shine for target practice.

BLAST Women of the Palm Beaches(WPB) describe themselves a social and professional networking group “for women, ladies, kings, lesbians, bisexual gals, girly-girls, butches, femmes, bois, transwomen, lesbian-feminist womyn, questioning, aces/aros, and gay-friendly straight feminists” on Meetup.com.

The group “by for and about” women, hosts more than 200 social, political, cultural, or outdoor events a year, making it SFGN’s reader’s choice for Best Social Group in 2015. Anyone who joins the group can plan an event as an organizer.

“Some women plug in for just one or two special interests -- poker, say, or kayaking, or drum lessons, or anti-racism trainings, or women’s dances, or the pagan circle -- while

others come to lots of different things. There are no dues to pay and pretty much every event is a one-time stand-alone thing - though some meet monthly, such as the archery club,” BLAST cofounder Toni Armstrong Jr. told SFGN. Founded in 2008, the group has more than 2700 members, mostly locals, but some snowbirds and more than 1900 past meetups.

The May meetup at Blue Front Bar & Grill, one of SFGN’s 2015 reader’s choices for best restaurant in Palm Beach County, saw more than 60 attendees finding shade under the garden trellises, enjoying quiet conversation by the firepit and listening to live music by the gazebo of the restaurant’s back patio and outdoor bar.

Whether you’re a woman interested in meeting other locals, looking to take your wife out for drinks and dinner around town, discovering a new hobby, or practicing your favorite pastime, the BLAST WPB Meetup calendar should have you covered. For updates on these events and more, sign up at www.meetup.com/BLASTwpb

For more about BLAST, contact Toni at toniajr@icloud.com

Upcoming Events: Social at Barrel of Monks Brewing 1141 South Rogers Circle, Boca Raton, FL 561-510-1253 Saturday, July 22 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Barrel of Monks Brewing in Boca Raton specializes in crafting Belgian style beers, progressing in flavor profile and potency through light crisp singles, like the “Single in Havana” a guava infused version of the house “Single in Bruges,” through dubbels, tripels, and into full bodied quadrupels like the “Quadraphonic” with an occasional twist.

Enjoy your Belgian ales perched at one of the high tops or relaxing on one of the couches in the tasting room. The brew house doesn’t serve their own bites, but it’s a popular spot for local food trucks and a food truck calendar is available on the BoMB website, www.

BarrelofMonks.com.

For more information on this event call BLAST organizer Cheryl at 561-758-8082 or email villelois@yahoo.com Peanut Island Beach Party & Snorkeling discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/Peanut-Island.aspx Peanut Island Water Taxi 200 E. 13th St., Riviera Beach, FL Sunday, July 23, 2017 Sunday, August 27, 2017 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

BLAST women, their kids, and female friends are invited for a day of picnicking, swimming, and snorkeling on Peanut Island (weather permitting.) Peanut Island Park is made up of 80 acres along the Intracoastal waterway, near the Lake Worth Inlet, in Riviera Beach. Reserved and limited camping is available in designated areas, a swimming area is guarded from 9:15 am - 4:45 p.m., seven days a week from Memorial Day until Palm Beach County public schools start in August.

For more information on this event email BLAST organizer Janis at janiskidder@gmail.com BLAST Mixer at Benny’s on the Beach bennysonthebeach.com 10 South Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth, FL Benny’s: 561-582-9001 Thursday, August 10, 2017 starting at 5:30 p.m.

This Meetup repeats on the 2nd Thursday of every 2 months Recurring dates are Oct. 12, Dec. 14, and Feb 8 Open since 1986, Benny’s is located on the Lake Worth Pier. The front bar and open-air patio will be open to BLAST members and first-timers with access to the pier and beach.

Beer and well drinks will be two-for-one all night, with a bar menu and full dinner menu also available and special pricing for women with BLAST name tags. Metered parking is available in the lot.

BLAST Women team together for archery. Photo Credit: Toni Armstrong Jr., Facebook.

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For more information on this event, email BLAST organizer Susan at suslfl@aol.com

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31

Social issue Women’s Rights

Women’s March Organizers Rally for

Racial Justice and Stricter Gun Laws Jillian Melero

“We are not trying to stop gun ownership.

We are trying to stop the violence that comes with it.”

- Carmen Perez an organizer of the Women’s March on Washington

T

hey marched 17 miles in 105-degree heat, that later broke into a pouring storm, and 50 mph gusts of wind. But they rallied for two days.

Women’s March organizers led hundreds of demonstrators on a march from the headquarters of the National Rifle Association to the Justice Department Friday, July 14 to protest what they called the gun lobby’s disregard for the lives of people of color, the Washington Post reported.

“We are not trying to stop gun ownership,” said Carmen Perez, an organizer of the Women’s March on Washington, outside the NRA. “We are trying to stop the violence that comes with it.”

The demonstration was a response to a one minute recruitment video released by the NRA last month that was criticized by some for provoking fear and inciting violence. NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch narrates the video and comments that protest groups and demonstrators “bully and terrorize the law-abiding until the only option left is for the police to do their jobs and stop the madness.”

Women’s March Founder Tamika Mallory, wrote an open letter to NRA executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, asking first, that the video to be removed, second for an apology, and third that the NRA defend the rights of Philando Castile as a legal gun owner, and indict the police officer who shot him.

Philando Castile, a black man, was shot by police officer Jeronimo Yanez during a traffic stop after informing Yanez that he was in legal possession of a firearm.

The NRA released a brief statement shortly after Castile’s death that did not name him, and had indicated it would more fully address the police incident after the legal process but has yet to release another

statement. The NRA has been criticized for remaining silent on the issue and accused of only defending white gun owners.

“In the NRA’s mission statement on their website, they say that they are one of the oldest civil rights organizations,” Mallory told the Huffington Post. “If that is, in fact, the case, if that is the history that they want to claim, Philando Castile should be one of the first people that they speak on behalf of. If you’re following in the tradition of the civil rights movement, Philando Castile is an example of exactly what it means to defend the civil rights of a person who has been violated by this country.”

The NRA responded by releasing a second video saying the left needed to “grow up” and stop protesting.

“I believe that Philando Castile had a right to bear arms and a right to life, and that was brutally taken from him,” said Sydney Stewart, a college student living in the District for the summer, the Post reported “That’s why I’m marching.”

The first protest march from the NRA headquarters in Fairfax County was the start of a two-day rally. The second rally was held Saturday morning in front of the Justice Department. Protesters carried “Black Lives Matter” signs and chanted “None of us are safe ‘til all of us are safe” Bob Bland, another organizer of the Women’s March, told the Post the rally was meant to draw a connection between the NRA and the Justice Department, for failing to treat whites and minorities equally.

“We’re marching to the DOJ because Jeff Sessions and the Department of Justice’s racist decisions over the years are putting people of color at direct impact,” she said.

“This is all part of the revolving door between the gun industry and the halls of power in Washington.”

Photo courtesy Women’s March, Facebook.

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wMg Volume 4 • Issue 13 July 19, 2017

Wilton Manors Gazette

Community

Wilton Drive Gallery Owners Want Artsier Wilton Manors

By Michael d’Oliveira For a city that’s known as a gay people might know.

“It doesn’t seem like it but there are a destination, Tom Rossetti said there should lot of people interested in art. I think the be much more public art.

“It’s a gay community. It should be more neighborhood has the potential to have an artsy . . . Anything to make it look more art walk every month,” said da Fonseca. cultural.” Rossetti, owner of the Rossetti “We’re trying to make Wilton Drive an Fine Art gallery on Wilton Drive, said he’d art-related environment . . . to become like to see city officials do more to bring community where one gallery can help more public art here “to make it feel more another gallery. I could easily introduce [customers] to other galleries artsy.” if I don’t have something that In an effort to create fits their taste.” more public art and He added that the Expo is encourage tourism, Wilton good for the galleries as well Manors is working on a as the bars and restaurants photo spot at Jaycee Park. because it has the potential to The goal is to create a bring more people to Wilton space that people will want Drive. to take photos in front of “That is something that and share on social media. would benefit everybody.

But Rossetti and other We’re all here to make some Wilton Drive gallery money . . . but also I think it’s owners aren’t waiting for important to introduce new the city to do something. venues to people, have them Last week, a meeting of meet artists that are local. gallery owners and others - Aster da Fonseca There are so many here.” was held to discuss the More galleries is also possibility of extending the Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment Expo something that the current gallery owners season, currently held January to March, to would like to see.

“The more galleries, the better,” said something held every month. The Expo is an event where restaurants and businesses Rossetti.

More art and art galleries, is something along Wilton Drive and Dixie Highway host local artists who showcase their work. It Doug Blevins also favors.

“I think it’s a very, very important part was originally known as the Art Walk.

Aster da Fonseca, owner of the da of the future development of Wilton Drive.

Fonseca Contemporanea gallery, said Right now, they’re overshadowed by the there’s more interest in art here than some bars and restaurants,” said Blevins, chair of

“I thInK It’s Important to Introduce neW venues to people, have them meet artIsts that are local.”

the Wilton Drive Improvement District. He added that art is on an upswing in Wilton Manors.

He pointed to the recent relocation of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, from Downtown Fort Lauderdale to Wilton Drive, as an example of how the city is becoming more artistic and cultural.

Gerard Delaney, executive director of the Broward Art Guild, said the city’s art scene has developed greatly since it was reborn as a community with a large LGBT population.

“There’s a lot more galleries. There’s a sense of community and community support. I think Wilton Manors is coming into its own from that standpoint.” And

as more residential development occurs in and around the city, Delaney said it will increase the demand for art and possibly lead to more galleries. “I always say that new homes have naked walls that need art.”

The newest gallery, Claudia Castillo Art Gallery, held its grand opening July 8. The owner, Claudia Castillo, said she chose Wilton Manors because she likes the diversity of the community.

Maciel Cantelmo, co-owner of Gallery XO, said the city needs more than just an increase in the number of art galleries.

It needs an art gallery that draws a lot of interest. “Something with more oomph.”

WMG

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Opinion

Missed Connections M4M

wMg JULY 19 2017 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 12

By Sal Torre

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Looking for the handsome gentleman playing darts at GYM Bar… Well, I guess it might be best to leave it at that, cause our new city motto going forward will be, “Whatever happens on The Drive, stays on The Drive!”

Looking back as I write this article, the unusual encounter should have been no surprise. All week I was struggling with a mood of unease, a type of restlessness that happens when some kind of major change is on the horizon. It’s the type of change that is selfinduced, a necessary change to alter the present course, something is no longer working, no longer offering a sense of fulfillment or purpose.

It’s usually not just one item, but rather a whole slew of things coming to a combustible state swirling inside my head. Employment, volunteer positions, education, current affairs, home life, friends, finances, getting older, and so many other facets of my daily life fall out of sync and are in need of a major jolt to bring them all back into alignment. How big of a jolt or how life altering it may be is the big unknown in this equation.

Adding to this combustible mix was an upcoming week of dental work and city budget meetings. Wow, I made it through in pretty good shape, avoiding the train wreck that could have derailed with such dreadful items as a root canal, taxes, milage rates, and throbbing pain. After such a week, I should have been found numbing it all away with a gin-induced state of inebriation. Luckily, it ended with a wonderful encounter, a new interest in darts, and perhaps just a bit light headiness brought on by some very large shots of Herradura.

Amazingly, the dreaded dental work was completed without the slightest pain, except for the bill, and the annual budget review process was equally painless. Members of the Wilton Manors Budget Review Committee gather for a week in July for what seems like round-the-clock meetings to review the city’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and then delivers a report to the Mayor and City Commissioners.

Having had the pleasure of serving on this committee for the past five years, my apprehension for the usual battles over staffing, wages, funding, expenditures, and capital expenses was high. To my delight and relief they did not materialize this year, just like the anticipated grief over my dental work. Perhaps the swirling spiritual powers that are kicking up dust this week are not only affecting me,

but are part of a much larger picture, altering the usual processes and expected norms.

City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson, Finance Director Bob Mays, and their staffs presented a proposed budget for FY 17-18 that represents a sound fiscal instrument guiding our municipal government forward. In years past, many of the various department heads’ wish lists, usually with hefty price tags, where included within the proposed budget, only to be trimmed out through the review process, sometimes with much drama and effort.

This year, our elected officials made a strong statement early in the budget process, during the Goals and Objectives Workshops, that there should be no growth in city staffing, that benefits needed to be curtailed, and that leaner times are on the horizon.

City management listened and delivered a proposed budget to our committee that does just that with no additional full-time staffing, modest wage increases for our dedicated city staff, and very little work for our committee. There will be some discussion and changes made by our City Commission as the process moves forward, but I would be very surprised if much gets changed this time around.

Our Police Department heads the list as the department with the largest slice of the pie, followed by Leisure Services. Public safety comes at a high price for all cities, especially lately with the need for additional safety measures, extensive training, and more administrative costs.

Wilton Manors can take pride in the great work done by our Police Department. We can also take pride in our wonderful parks, recreational facilities, and programs that Leisure Services delivers for all residents to enjoy. Our city has made a firm commitment to making sure that public safety and quality of life are top priorities here in Wilton Manors.

Budgets offer road maps moving forward for the next fiscal year.

Covering our expenses today, planning for the future, and stashing away a rainy day fund for those unknown bumps in the road, such as unexpected dental bills, are all part of the process. Balancing those factors along with interests of city staff, its residents, and elected officials is not an easy task. Nobody knows exactly what lies ahead, but our city government is making some pretty darn good choices to steer us in the right direction.

Those wise choices, along with unexpected encounters, are what makes life just better here … WMG

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July 19, 2017

City Will Revisit Medical Marijuana Zoning

By Michael d’Oliveira Last year, the Wilton Manors them the same as pharmacies.

At the July 11 meeting, commissioners Commission approved zoning restrictions for medical marijuana dispensaries in did not talk much about how they wanted anticipation of their legalization. No to respond to the new development by the legislature. But, in dispensaries are currently the past, commissioners located in the city but, if have expressed a desire and when they do open, officials want to ensure “these are comIng to have dispensaries in the city in order to they are limited to certain and You need give residents access to businesses districts. to Zone them medical marijuana and “These are coming and you need to zone them beFore You can’t the benefits that come along with it, which before you can’t control control Where includes the treatment of where they’re located,” said Mayor Gary Resnick theY’re located.” glaucoma, restoring the appetite of patients on last year.

- Gary Resnick chemotherapy, and the As part of the city’s MAYOR OF WILTON MANORS reduction of seizures in regulations, no dispensary some individuals. can be within 1,000 feet of City Attorney Kerry a school, day care center, house of worship, licensed rehabilitation Ezrol asked commissioners for more time facility, or another dispensary. But the to come up with an advisory opinion as law passed by the state legislature dictates to how they should proceed. “I’ve been that if local governments don’t ban struggling with this issue. I’d rather wait dispensaries they must zone and regulate to figure out a legal opinion,” Ezrol said.

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Business The dispensary issue is the latest in the city’s recent move to adopt a more accepting policy towards marijuana.

At the end of 2015, the commission adopted a policy of decriminalizing marijuana use by creating a civil citation program. Instead of being arrested, individuals found with less than 20 grams of marijuana are given citations. The first offense results in a $100 fine. Second-time offenders are given a fine of $250 and $500 for a third. In addition to the fine, a third offense results in the offender going through a mandatory substance abuse assessment.

At the time the citation program was

July 19, 2017

approved, Resnick said it was partly done to ensure individuals don’t have their lives ruined by being caught in possession of a minor amount of marijuana. “Something very, very minor ruins lives,” he said.

Commissioner Julie Carson said the citation program would allow police to spend less time arresting offenders and focus on more serious issues.

And although no dispensary has opened yet, Green Health – Marijuana Doctors, located 1749 NE 26 St., opened in March.

No marijuana is provided on premises but doctors there do prescribe medical marijuana. WMG

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Community

Wilton Manors to Party with Police for National Night Out

By Michael d’Oliveira When police officers show up to a party, it’s usually not something the host had in mind. But on National Night Out, police attendance is the whole purpose.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, multiple homeowners throughout the city will host National Night Out parties. It’s an event organized to bring residents and police officers together with the hope that the two groups will communicate more and work more closely together to help prevent crime and improve neighborhood safety.

Nationally, it’s the 34th Annual National Night Out Crime and Drug Prevention.

WMPD Chief Paul O’Connell said the “gatherings are all in the name of taking care of each other like a village.”

National Night returns as the WMPD recently-announced a 3 percent drop in crime from 2015 to 2016. It’s a drop O’Connell credited to his department and its relationship with the community.

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“In 2015 our crime rate reached a 20year low. This year we are pleased to report another decrease, which is undeniably due to the brave work of the Wilton Manors Police Department in partnership with our community of residents, visitors and business owners who remain committed to keeping the city as safe as possible for all to enjoy.”

So far, the Wilton Manors Police Department [WMPD] has announced three National Night Out parties on its website – wiltonmanors.com/305/national-nightout. One of the parties will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors from 6 to 8 p.m. at its clubhouse, 2749 NE 14 Ave. Kiwanis members will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and refreshments to guests, and invite anyone who comes to bring a dish if they choose. “Well, we’ve done it for a few years now,” said Joe Gallegos, president-elect of Kiwanis and

4 •

Courtesy WMPD.

former Wilton Manors city manager.

Gallegos said that Kiwanis already supports the police department by providing a plaque and gift card to the officer of the quarter and officer of the year.

“We’re a community-based organization that focuses on children and neighborhood safety. It’s a natural for us [to host] because we do have a clubhouse.”

He added that there will be plenty of tables and chairs at Kiwanis for police officers and residents to sit next to each other and interact. “Which is really one of the key elements of National Night Out.” But Kiwanis and the other party sites listed on the WMPD website don’t have to be the end of the list. Other residents are encouraged to host a National Night Out

July 19, 2017

party. To sign up, email jbickhardt@wmpd. org or call 954-390-2150.

Resident Betty Winslow is one of the organizers and biggest advocate of National Night Out. “After volunteering 14 years with the Wilton Manors Police Department, one of my favorite things to do is helping with National Night Out. I have met so many wonderful people who are committed to their community by hosting a NNO block party. If there is one in your neighborhood, stop by, bring your lawn chair, a dish to share, meet new people and meet the member of the WMPD. Let the bad guys know we do not want them in our neighborhood. I look forward to meeting you on Aug. 1. WMG

Business

To Neon Or Not?

Commissioners continue to debate sign regulations

By Michael d’Oliveira

Confusion over proposed neon sign regulations caused commissioners to delay the vote to implement them.

At their July 11 meeting, commissioners discussed the neon sign regulations.

Currently, neon signs are prohibited by the city’s code but officials and business owners agree they should be allowed.

It’s an issue the commission has been discussing since at least June of 2016.

Commissioners postponed a vote in December. Mayor Gary Resnick even joked about how long it’s taken the city.

Despite the current ban, business owners already use neon signs as advertising but city officials have not enforced the regulations. In the past, commissioners have cited wanting to be business-friendly as a reason for not strictly enforcing city regulations.

Business owner Nick Berry told commissioners last year that neon signs were necessary to having a successful business.

At the July 11 meeting, Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said he wants changes to the sign code to be “least burdensome on business but still restrictive.”

Under the proposed regulations, owners would be limited to 1 illuminated sign every 10 feet of “frontage.” Each sign would be limited to a maximum size of 4 square feet, with a maximum of 4 signs per businesses.

The confusion came over whether frontage included windows.

“It’s not clear enough. I’m not sure if it should be contiguous or not. My understanding was [the ordinance meant] linear feet of window,” said Commissioner Julie Carson. “It should just be frontage,” said Commissioner Scott Newton. “It sounds to me like there is some lack of clarity,” said City Attorney Kerry Ezrol.

After discussing, commissioners decided to give city staff members more time to tweak the language. “The one thing we got out of this back and forth is we don’t understand what each other mean,” Resnick said.

City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said city staff would provide commissioners with pictures of various storefronts to help them decide how to regulate neon signs. “The businesses in our city, there is such a wide differentiation [of storefront designs],” she said.

Commissioners will vote on the neon sign regulations but they will also vote separately on an overhaul of other sections of the sign code in October. Ezrol said the sign code was being looked at for consistency. “We don’t need to repeal everything.”

Flippen said he would rather vote on changes to the entire sign code all at once.

“I don’t like piecemealing sections of the code.” WMG

• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • 7.19.2017 •

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Community

Community

Check out what’s happening

Around Town

Wilton Drive Shuttle To Continue But does it end too early?

By Michael d’Oliveira

Michael d’Oliveira

Meeting Tonight to Discuss Block Grant Program A special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. tonight, July 19, in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive, to discuss how the city should spend $65,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program money. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide ideas. The money can be spent on capital projects to improve the Highland Estates and the west side of Andrews Avenue south of the Middle River. WMG

Commission Meeting Cancelled The Aug. 8 Wilton Manors Commission meeting has been cancelled.

Commissioners will meet on Aug. 22. WMG

Mickel now has free WiFi

Wilton Drive

Shuttle Map

Park & Shuttle From These Stops 1

City Hall - Commission Chambers

2

Bus Stop @ Shoppes of Wilton Manors

3

2216 NE 11th Avenue Back Entrance to 2309 Dixie Hwy

4

9th Avenue & Wilton Drive 2400 Wilton Drive/2400 NE 9th Avenue

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NE 8th Terrace Parking Lot 2524 NE 8th Terrace

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7th Avenue & Wilton Drive 2295 Wilton Drive/2403 NE 7th Avenue

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NE 22nd St & Wilton Drive - Zig Zag Bldg 2201 Wilton Drive/575 NE 22nd Street

8

Richardson Park 1970 Wilton Drive

5

2020 Wilton Drive

4

6

2276 Wilton Drive

3

2 7

1 8

Shuttle Stop

Mickel Park is the first public park in Wilton Manors to have free outdoor WiFi access. City officials plan to add free WiFi to all the city’s parks. The next park scheduled to get WiFi is Island City Park Preserve. “Our plan is to continue to upgrade one park each year,” wrote City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson in an email. WMG

Buddha Bash Summer Concert Series Tonight, July 19, Slow Coast, a Miami-based Blues, Jazz and Rock n’ Roll band, will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. at Funky Buddha Brewery, 1201 NE 38th St., Oakland Park. The Takers and Leavers, a Fort Lauderdale-based alternative rock and indie band, will perform on July 26. Both performances are free and part of the Buddha Bash Summer Concert Series.. WMG

Andrews Avenue Bridge Resurfacing The resurfacing of the bridge on the south end of Andrews Avenue, between Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale, is expected to be completed by Aug. 18. All major roadway work will be completed during non-peak hours. WMG

Wilton Manors’ free Wilton Drive shuttle service will be expanded and made permanent. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson announced the expansion at the July 11 commission meeting and said that the hours for Friday and Saturday nights would be expanded.

Originally launched in March, the shuttle, which travels up and down Wilton Drive, was operated as part of a 90-day pilot program to test public response and see if there was enough ridership potential to make it a permanent program. It was initiated as a way to help alleviate some of the parking problems along Wilton Drive.

Those who can’t find parking spaces at the city parking lots at the south end of Wilton Drive can park at the north end of the street and take the shuttle to where they want to go.

Henderson said ridership has grown and city officials decided to keep the shuttle in operation.

Currently, the shuttle operates from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays.

On social media, some commentators

Parking Lot

said the hours were insufficient. “Doesn’t stay out late enough,” wrote Graham Brunk.

The shuttle is funded by the city but officials are looking to the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization [MPO] to get grants to help pay for it.

Henderson said those grant requests would be addressed with the MPO at an upcoming meeting.

Other changes could be to the shuttle itself. Commissioner Scott Newton said he talked to some residents about the shuttle who said that some seniors had trouble getting into the vehicle. “Older people have a difficult time.” He suggested that the city should possibly get another type of shuttle.

The shuttle has eight stops – City Hall/ Hagen Park parking lot, the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, behind the 2309 N. Dixie Hwy. parking lot at 2216 NE 11 Ave., Northeast 9 Avenue and Wilton Drive, the Northeast 8 Terrace parking lot, Northeast 7 Avenue and Wilton Drive, Northeast 22 Street and Wilton Drive, and Richardson Park. WMG

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July 19, 2017

COLuMN speak out

SFGN Staff

speaK

ut

SFGN’s “Speak OuT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders.

This week I asked the SFGN Speak OUT list to comment on a recent story in SFGN “Local Log Cabin Repubs Praise Trump; Blast Pride” where Vincent Foster, president of the Miami-Dade Log Cabin Republicans, said Pride Month events were “just acts and overt displays of sexual indulgence” with people “tossing condoms and lube out” and men in “assless chaps.” Foster added, “It’s debauchery. It really makes our community look terrible. I don’t think that it’s significant at all that President Trump did not recognize Pride Month. As a gay conservative, I think Pride does more damage to our community than anything positive. It does nothing to promote our rights.”

Below are some of their answers:

“

The basic rights achieved by LGBTQ people have been hard fought for. While folx like Vincent Foster seem to know less about his own community then he does about what they part take in. The narrow minded analysis leads one to believe that he’s maybe never even ventured out into the LGBTQ Community.”

— Gabriel Garcia-Vera, Community Activist/ Organizer

“

Vincent Foster needs to come out of the closet and do a reality check. PrideFest is a time of celebration, a family reunion of sorts, and a festival that raises awareness for our youth, our seniors, and everyone in between. This year after Palm Beach Pride, Compass reigned in over 400 HIV tests, received an influx of about 80 new LGBT youth and 50-60 new LGBT elders that came into the center for services through our programs. Together at Pride festivals here and around the country, we can plug into the energy of the larger community and reenergize ourselves knowing that we are a part of the movement.”

— Julie Seaver, COO of Compass

“

I don’t like debauchery either, but if celebrates our feeling of freedom and pride, what the hell – do it. And if anything is called” debauchery” let the Log Cabin Republicans take a look at the debauchery of their president and the people he has chosen to work with…”

— Ruth Berman, LGBT activist

“

Where do you even start with these people? Are they even still a thing? I can honestly say I haven’t heard anything about them in a couple of years — which has been ideal. I hope we can restart that clock again.”

— David Jobin, Executive Director of Our Fund

speaK

ut

visit SFGN.com/SpeakOut to see more of this week’s responses. Send an Email to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com if you know of a LGBT community leader that should be or wants to be a part of this list.

7.19.2017 •

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Photos local

A Look Back...

Poverello Celebrates 30 Years

On June 12, Poverello hosted an open house to celebrate its success since its doors opened 30 years ago. In that time, millions have been fed, clothed, and countless donations have been made to charities across Florida.

J.R. Davis

Below: Thomas Pietrogallo, CEO of Poverello (center) next to Kevin Clevenger, event manager (right).

To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.

Above: A memorial for Father Bill,

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the founder of Poverello.

LIFESTYLE books

‘someBoDy to loVe the life, Death anD leGaCy of freDDie merCury’

by Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne Terri Schlichenmeyer

l

ast year was a particularly rough one.

Every time you open a newspaper or turned on the computer or TV, it seemed as though someone – a Hollywood actor, singer, or stage performer you liked – had died. Even now, whether it was six months, a year or, as in “Somebody to Love” by Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne, more than a decade, you still miss them.

Farrokh Bulsara was born in India in the fall of 1946 to Parsee followers of the prophet Zoroaster, facts he tried to hide it as a young man. For reasons he didn’t belabor, Bulsara claimed that he was “Persian” and seldom discussed his relatively privileged childhood. He even changed his name to Freddie.

Known as a shy boy and famously ashamed of his prominent front teeth, Freddie was nevertheless so in love with music that he helped form his first band in 1958, in part to “impress the girls.” As soon as he was old enough, he moved to London, where he became a hanger-on for two popular local bands, one of which eventually hired him as a lead singer.

Freddie, say the authors, loved to put on a show.

At around this time, he also fell deeply in love with a woman, though he “was struggling to come to terms with whether he was straight, gay or bisexual.” Indeed, despite social mores and legalities of the time, he was also undoubtedly sleeping with men, but he “had no intention of coming out… even if in truth he had felt able to.”

By mid-1970, Freddie changed his surname, while his latest band changed

c.2016, Weldon Owen $24.95 / $33.95 Canada 440 pages its name to Queen; both began attracting attention in the U.K. Meanwhile, Mercury fell in love with someone whom he considered his “common-law wife.”

She, too, seemed to have no idea that he slept with men, which might not have mattered much anyhow: Mercury had led a “hedonistic” life for years and that was just Freddie being Freddie.

But then, possibly some time in 1982, he was infected with the HIV virus…

At nearly 400 pages, sans notes, “Somebody to Love” is one of those books that might have been enhanced by being shortened by a third.

Authors Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne did an exhaustive job with the biography of Queen front man, Freddie Mercury, but that’s not all: this is also a surprising biography of the AIDS epidemic, beginning more than a century ago. That’s often imagined, since exact circumstances are unknown but, while it makes for an fascinating tale, it stretches too slowly, gets too breathy, and loses its punch. Even Mercury’s career seemed a mess here; readers get names and dates in a bouncearound narrative on a story-loop.

There’s merit in this book – early sections on the beginning of AIDS and the beginning and end of Mercury’s life are all stellar – but much of the middle part is pretty ho-hum.

In the end, for fans, ‘Somebody to Love” may still be worth a try. Others may find this book to be a rough one.

7.19.2017 •

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LIFESTYLE food Courtesy Backflip Beach Bar & Kitchen.

Doin’ a BaCKflip for summer Check out these must haves

Rick Karlin

BackfliP Beach Bar & kitchen at the Plunge hotel 4660 El Mar Dr. Lauderdale By The Sea 754-312-5775 PlungeBeachHotel.com

Plunge Beach Hotel recently opened at the north end of El Mar Dr. in Lauderdale-ByThe-Sea and the Backflip Beach Bar & kitchen is already becoming a favorite among locals. It is perhaps the ultimate laid-back beach bar, serving local brews and rum-fueled cocktails that would make Hemingway smile.

Its fresh juice-infused drinks have just the right amount of kick (many of which can also be ordered sans alcohol). Check out the Sharkbait; vodka with raspberry puree and ginger beer, the Tweet Me Ishmael with coconut rum and mango puree or an Aperol Fizz.

As you sit back and listen to the waves, dig into one of the six versions of street tacos, a salad, burger or a big basket of the fried yucca planks with queso dipping sauce. The fish of the day was grouper on our visit and in the pair of tacos, served in a choice of flour or corn tortillas, perfectly grilled fish was topped with a bit of fresh slaw salsa and lime on the side. The pork belly version was a tad less successful. The pork, cut too thickly, was a bit tough and rubbery. Grilled chicken, steak or a cauliflower and chickpea versions are other options.

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The signature burger featured two perfectly prepared patties layered with cheese and bacon and topped with pico de gallo. Yum! There are also a spicy chicken, steak or a catch of the day sandwiches if you’re looking for something lighter, try one of the three salad options. Best of all the price point is quite reasonable, cocktails are around ten bucks, the menu items all less than $20. Backflip is open 11 a.m. until 10 p.m.

If you prefer to watch the sun come up, the hotel’s coffee shop, Bean & Barnacle, opens at 6:30 a.m. and serves fresh-brewed Wells coffee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches.

In the afternoon, they switch to sandwiches and other savory selections. If your sweet tooth strikes, they offer a selection of gelato, candy and other sweet treats! The casual fullservice restaurant, Octopus, is set to open later this summer.

Backflip will host the kick-off party for The sixth annual Bug-Fest-By-The-Sea, which celebrates hunting season for Florida lobster, on Tuesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. For more information go to bugfestbythesea.com.

other newS to fliP oVer avant is set to open in August in downtown Delray at 25 NE. Second Ave. The new restaurant takes its inspiration from the guerrilla public art movement that took place in lower Manhattan during the early 1980’s. Avant will not feature pictures of food spray-painted on to your plate, as the artists of the time would have done, but will offer a globally-inspired menu of small plates, large plates, shared plates and house-made deserts, along with creative cocktails, beers and wine. Prices will range from $6 - $30. For more information call 561-921-8687 or visit Society8.com.

Brooklyn water Bagel has added a Reuben sandwich and a Caesar salad to its lunch menu. The Reuben ($8.99) is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on light rye bread with a choice of spicy mustard or thousand island dressing. The Caesar salad ($6.99) is made with romaine and grated asiago cheese and topped with Caesar dressing and Brooklyn Water Bagel croutons. Until July 31, guests who purchase a Reuben or Caesar will receive a free regular size coffee or signature iced coffee with coffee ice cubes.

Junior’s in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park has added “The New Yorker,” a Gothamsized milkshake/cheesecake mash-up to its permanent menu. The dessert is a strawberry shake rimmed with vanilla frosting and graham crackers and topped with an entire slice of strawberry

cheesecake and whipped cream. The shareable shake is available for $15.95. For more information, call 561-672-7301 or visit JuniorsCheeseCake.com.

SuViche will celebrate Peruvian heritage from July 23-30 with food and drink specials in honor of National Pisco Day and Peruvian Independence Day. The festivities kick-off on Sunday, July 23 (National Pisco Day) with buy one, get one free deals on pisco sours and chilcanos at the Las Olas and Wynwood locations. Both locations will also feature live music. The restaurants will also offer a special Peruvian tiradito for Peruvian Independence Day (July 28). A tiradito is made with raw fish served sashimi-style, served chilled in a spicy sauce. SuViche’s special Peruvian Flag tiradito is prepared with wild-caught white fish topped with a crema de rocoto, signature sauce, garnished with cilantro and fresh Peruvian corn. Visit www. suviche.com or call 954-656-3663.

Smith & wollensky is celebrating summer with the return of a wine and appetizer pairing special. The summertime offering showcases wines by The Calling along with two of Smith & Wollensky’s most popular starters. Available through the end of August, diners will be offered complimentary rib-eye carpaccio or tuna tartare for every two glasses of The Calling’s Dutton Ranch Chardonnay or Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ordered.

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F O R

T H E

SFGNITES W E E K

J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

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W W W . S F G N . C O M

Get Felt Up at Empire Stage

THEATER Fathom Events broadcasts the Britain’s National Theater production of Tony Kushner’s powerful AIDS-era play, “Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Part One: Millennium” at theaters across the country tonight at 7 p.m. Nathan Lane, Andrew Garfield James McArdle and Russell Tovey star. “Part Two: Perestroika” will be screened in theaters next Thursday, July 27. For tickets, go to FathomEvents.com.

FRI

7/21

FILM It’s summer and thousands of New York City gays make the routine weekend trek to Fire Island to escape the heat.

The World AIDS Museum, 1201 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors, presents a screening of “When Ocean Meets Sky,” a colorful documentary about the Fire Island Pines from its founding 65 years ago through the height of the AIDS crisis and to the present. Screening is free, but $5 donation appreciated. Info at WorldAIDSMuseum.org.

Thursday

7/20

THEATER

“Fifty Shades of Felt,” a hilarious puppet parody of a certain “mommy porn” novel and film, opens tonight at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale, and runs through Aug. 20. Warning: Contains puppet nudity and sexual situations.

Seriously, you’re not on “Sesame Street” or even “Avenue Q,” because they’re kinky, too. The play is sure to be a hit with both straight and gay audiences. Tickets are $35 at RonnieLarsen.com.

Courtesy Empire Stage.

SAT

7/22 SUN

7/23 MON

7/24 TUE

7/25

FESTIVAL

THEATER

THEATER

FILM

Drink up! The Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest is being held today at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach.

Enjoy finely fermented beverages from nearly 40 local breweries at two sessions, 12 – 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 – 9 p.m. Also, sample craft donuts and ice creams and dance to the silent disco.

Tickets are $45 general admission, $75 V.I.P. and $10 for designated drivers at PalmBeachSummerBeerFest.com.

Don’t miss the world premiere production of “Impressions” by Michael Leeds at the Abyss Theatre, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, through Aug. 6. Leeds, a multiple Carbonell Award winner, literally brings art to life in this series of vignettes inspired by the famous paintings by Impressionist masters Degas, Monet and Renoir and starring three of South Florida’s most accomplished actresses.

Tickets at PigsDoFlyProductions.com.

Every Monday through Aug. 28, the Theatre League of South Florida’s Summer Theatre Fest presents staged readings of new plays at local theaters.

Tonight, Outre Theatre Co. performs Bob Lind’s “The Big Island” at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a new work in progress. Many of the plays featured in the Summer Theatre Fest receive professional productions at professional regional theaters. Info at SouthFloridaTheatre.com.

If you’ve already seen “Wonder Woman,” “Despicable Me 3” and “War for the Planet of the Apes,” then escape the summer heat at the local Cineplex tonight and check out the summer’s latest sci-fi blockbuster, “Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planters,” from director Luc Besson (“The Fifth Element,” “Lucy”).

Once again, the future of the human race is threatened in this imaginative, effects-laden epic. Check local listings for theaters and showtimes.

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A&E film

LGBT Radio & Podcasts

News, comm en ry, inte entertata inment rviews,

Saturday 7PM-8PM on 850AM WFTL Streaming live on www.850WFTL.com, or by downloading the 850 WFTL mobile app

Hosted by T o • Congressmm Hantzarides with an commentary Mark Foley for and insight • News by S o • Pop Cultureuth Florida Gay News , Enterta Dana Munsoinment with • “Faithful & n Fabulous” w ith Rev. Dr. Le aB

rown “Aiming to in activate our form, empower, and diverse com munity” Facebook.com/getoutsouthflorida

Instagram: @getoutsflradio • Twitter: @GetOutSF For more information e-mail: TomH@GetOutSouthFlorida.com

Music of Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Ravel, Vaughan Williams, Piazzolla and more!

For additional dates and subscription sales visit: www.sota.org 954.335.7002

SATURDAY, JULY 22, 2017 • 7:00 PM

Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater Fort Lauderdale Tickets $20 | $35 | VIP $60 (VIP includes post-reception)

SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 2017 • 7:00 pm

Florida Atlantic University Theater Boca Raton Tickets $20 | VIP $45 (VIP includes premier seating & post-reception) 2-CONCERT SATURDAY SERIES SUBSCRIPTION starts at $30 per person

THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 2017 • 7:30 pm Pompano Beach Cultural Center 954.545.7800 | www.ccpompano.org Tickets $20 | $35 cabaret seating with refreshments

James Laird driaL Foundation The Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches

46

~ Mission ~ “to preserve and promote Italian culture through education, art and music”

•

7 .19.2017

2015 Woman of the Year

Senator Maria Lorts Sachs

Vincent J. roth, center, stars as the first gay superhero in “Surge of Power: revenge of the Sequel,” an indie film screening at florida Supercon on July 29.

Photo Courtesy Florida Supercon.

first BiG sCreen Gay superhero Comes to floriDa superCon in seQuel J.W. Arnold

B

ig budget sequels are a given for superhero franchises like Spider Man, Iron Man and Superman, but the world’s first “out” gay superhero, Surge, is finally returning to the big screen after a 13year hiatus.

Audiences at Florida Supercon will get a look at the final version of “Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel” on July 29 at 1:30 p.m.

Surge, a mild-mannered attorney who gains superpowers to fight homophobia and bullying, is the creation of Vincent J. Roth.

Roth, also a corporate attorney by day and cosplay fan, wrote, produced and starred in both indie films.

“I grew up with the ‘Super Friends’ on Saturday morning cartoons and loved (superheroes),” recalled Roth. “For myself, as a boy, not even pre-gay, I hadn’t developed a gay identity. There’s an escapism (to superheroes): the ugly duckling to beautiful swan thing, an ordinary person transforming into the extraordinary, colorful costumes, champions standing up for the underdogs.

That’s why people get enamored with them, there’s someone looking out for you.”

The first film, completed in 2004 and featured on the festival circuit, received a limited national distribution (including a run at the Classic Gateway Theatre in Fort Lauderdale in 2006). “Surge” quickly became a cult favorite for its celebrity cameos.

“It’s become part of our shtick,” explained Roth. “With the first film, it was a spoof with the campy flavor of the old Adam West ‘Batman’ TV show. He would have some

miscellaneous celebrities pop in and we did that with ‘Surge’.”

Nichelle Nichols (“Star Trek”), Lou Ferrigno (“The Incredible Hulk”) and Noel Neill (Lois Lane, “The Adventures of Superman”) were among the 20 stars to appear and, when Roth approached them to return for the sequel, they were quick to recruit their friends.

“Revenge of the Sequel” boasts 50 celebrity cameos, including Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen, “The Adventures of Superman”), Linda Blair (“The Exorcist”), Gil Gerard (“Buck Rogers”), Robert Picardo (“Star Trek: Voyager”), comedian Bruce Vilanch and Las Vegas female impersonator and producer Frank Marino.

Work on the sequel began in 2008, but “life got in the way,” said Roth. He began filming scenes in bits and starts before production “rebooted” three years ago. After several focus groups and public screenings—and subsequent tweaks—the final version of the film is headed to Fort Lauderdale.

The movie industry friends who advised Roth “every superhero film should have a sequel” have already been encouraging him to make “Surge” a trilogy and he’s certainly kept that possibility open in the script. He’s also developing “Big City Chronicles,” an internet variety show offering fans short webisodes, behind-the-scenes documentaries and cast interviews.

“It’s a way to keep fans engaged during those in-between times,” he said, while he negotiates a commercial distribution deal for the sequel. “My hope is to expand the (Surge) world even further.”

“Surge of Power: reVenge of the SeQuel” will Be Screened on Saturday, July 29 at 1:30 P.M. at florida SuPercon, July 27 – 30 at the Broward county conVention center, 1950 eiSenhower aVe. in fort lauderdale.

For a schedule and tickets, go to FloridaSupercon.com.

For more information about the film, visit SurgeOfPower.org.

A&E music

Cowboy Reminisces About Village People Career

The original Village People cowboy, Randy Jones, will perform and greet fans at Florida Supercon.

J.W. Arnold

I

t’s been 40 years since the Village People began their meteoric rise up the disco charts, ultimately earning a permanent place in American pop culture history.

Randy Jones was the cowboy in the colorful group that included singers dressed as a biker, construction worker, American Indian, soldier and cop. Together, they recorded chart-topping hits “Macho Man,” “Go West,” “In the Navy” and, of course, “Y.M.C.A.,” songs that remain popular with gay and straight audiences alike.

Jones will sing many of the band’s iconic hits, along with tracks from his solo albums, and greet fans at Florida Supercon, July 27 – 30 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.

“I was the only person in the Village People who lived in the (Greenwich) Village, and I still do,” said Jones in a telephone phone interview.

He created the character of the “cowboy,” but it really wasn’t acting, Jones said. The North Carolina native wore blue jeans and boots on the streets of New York City during the postStonewall era when many gay men began reclaiming the masculine image and dressing in leather, jeans and cut-off shirts.

“We didn’t call it cosplay then,” Jones

chuckled, referencing the popularity of costumes and role-playing at comic and sci-fi conventions such as Florida Supercon.

Even though there was an intended gay subtext to their characters—not all the band members were gay—the hints were often lost on fans in middle America.

“I don’t want to say it was genius, but part of the well-crafted plan was that we appealed to these various audiences and they felt like we were representing them,” Jones said. “The American cowboy image is the most solid, dependable, most representative of America…

Everybody loves cowboys. I was raised on Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, ‘Wagon Train.’ I realized the cowboy was the safest, most irresistible image.”

For three years during the height of the disco era, the Village People appeared on national television nearly once a week, performing for millions of fans across the country. The group also was featured on the covers of “16,” “Super Teen” and “Teen Beat” magazines, alongside teen heartthrobs Shaun Cassidy and Rex Smith.

Jones and his colleagues became overnight sensations—and inspired many secret crushes.

“Those magazines were intended for little

girls, but I’m telling you, the little gay boys read them, too,” he said. “Those were great days.

There was an appeal of sexuality. We were young in our twenties, cute, had smiles and we were alive.”

Jones frequently meets gay fans who harbored those secret crushes. They tell him of the Village People posters that hung on their doors and some even got their hands on a playful, homoerotic “Playgirl” magazine spread.

The singer would eventually perform theatrically on stage and record several solo albums, including “Hard Times,” which is available now on iTunes and other digital retailers. He’s appeared in film—he particularly loves the horror genre—and has a new book, “Macho Man: The Disco Era and Gay America’s Coming Out.” Looking back on his busy career, Jones said, “I have no regrets and I’ve never been bored a day in my life. I always have a calendar and a schedule and, if I find myself with some time to myself, I adore using that time to write my thoughts or do things with myself. Ever since I was a child, I’ve been able to entertain myself and I think that’s helped me become an artist that can entertain other people.”

Randy Jones will appear at the Florida Supercon, July 27 – 30, at the Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For a schedule and tickets, go to FloridaSupercon.com.

7.19.2017 •

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July 19 - July 26

Datebook

Theater Christiana Lilly

Calendar@SFGN.com

top

broward county cirque du soleil: ovo

picks

50 shades of Felt

July 20 to Aug. 20 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A puppet parody of the erotic novels. Tickets $35. Call 954826-8790 or visit RonnieLarsen.com.

Bad Jews

July 21 to Aug. 13 at Main Street Players, 6766 Main Street in Miami Lakes. Three cousins come together after the death of their grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. Tickets $30. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com.

saturday night Fever

Through July 23 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. The musical adaptation of the film chronicling Tony and his friends’ journey through the disco era. Tickets $23 to 38. Call 561-5866410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse. org.

Through July 23 at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The troupe returns to South Florida with their newest production, taking the audience into the world of an ecosystem that is greeted by a mysterious egg. Tickets $25 and up. Call 800745-3000 or visit TheBBTCenter.com.

* 1984 by George orwell

Through July 30 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. A stage adaptation of the famed novel by Orwell, taking place in a world under government surveillence and manipulation. Tickets $39 and up. Call 954839-9578 or visit CCPompano.org.

Big Bright star

July 20 to Aug. 20 at Andrews Living Arts, 23 NE Fifth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Eager to become a Broadway star, Chris Harder moves to New York City but finds himself in the gay porn industry. Tickets $35 to $45. Visit RonnieLarsen.com.

Friday night sound waves Music series

Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com

* Denotes new listing

Friday night sound waves.

Courtesy of Friday Night Sound Waves.

palm beach county sense and sensibility

slava’s snow show

sweeney todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet street

outdoor Music series

Through July 22 at FAU’s Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Kate Hamill presents her play based on the Jane Austin novel. Tickets $25. Call 800-564-9539 or visit fauevents.com.

Through Aug. 6 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. After being sent to Australia for a crime he did not commit, the barber Sweeney Todd returns home and kills his clients, determined to finally get to the judge who gave him the sentence. Tickets $67. Call 561.514.4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

Free Friday concerts

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

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miami-dade county Through Aug. 6 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, in Miami. Slava Polunin’s clowns return to the center for a show filled with lots, and lots, of snow.Tickets $30 to $75. Call or visit ArshtCenter.org.

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.

the Big show

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami.

A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

7.19.2017 •

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PENIS ENLARGEMENT discover a new you

Datebook

Community Christiana Lilly Calendar@SFGN.com

top pIcKs

Media rebels and renegades: taking control over our own Media

July 20 at 7 to 9 p.m. at Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An exploration of how LGBT media and activists changed public opinion of the community. Suggested donation $5.

Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.

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Kitsch and Kulture

Through Aug. 30 at The Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. A look at the transition period of kitsch culture in South Florida from 1960 to 1990. Free. Call 786-521-1199 or visit TheBoxGallery.info.

hiv support Group

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. A support group for those who are HIV positive.

Free. Call 305-535-4733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids.org.

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broWard support servIces

GenDer BenDer youth GrouP

Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, binary systems, friendship, family and whatever else comes up! Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com

PFlaG

Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free.

Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.

sunserve youth GrouP

Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.

survivor suPPort

First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

broward county * aarP Driver safety classroom course

Free. Call 954-463-9005, ext. 306 or email LRobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org.

July 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn driving safety strategies. You might get a discount on your car insurance for taking the class! Bring a lunch, driver’s license, and AARP card. Cost $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers. Call 954-943-0648 to register.

school supply Drive

Glln happy hour

* outwrite: lGBtQ authors From the special collection

July 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at G Bar, 2031 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Enjoy two-for-one drinks, appetizers, and networking with the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network. Visit GLLN. org.

couples speak-a-Palooza competition

July 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors.

The Newlywed Game and Dating Game to discuss HIV statuses, PrEP, safe sex, and more.

Through Aug. 26 at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Support Broward County students and drop off school supplies or monetary donations at the center. All 954-463-9008, ext. 108 or email womenwithpride@pridecenterflorida.org.

Through Sept. 3 at the Stonewall National Museum - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. With more than 27,000 items in its collection, the museum has acquired rare and historic books from authors Oscar Wilde, Walt Whitman, Gertrude Stein, and more. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.

life coaching

Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at

July 19 - July 26 Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-7656239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.

rest your Mind

Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Kadampa Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste. B in Fort Lauderdale. Start your week with relaxing meditation to center yourself. Free. Visit MeditateinFortLauderdale.org.

Be

Man2Man Discussion

Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds. Contact John Beuscher at 954-319-4292 or email johnnybushwick@ aol.com.

nt.

palm beach county

sushi & stroll

Aug. 11 and Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach.

The summertime fete returns with sushi rolls, drumming by Fushu Daiko, tours, and more.

Admission $15. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

transcendence

Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.

Zumba Fitness

Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving with a certificated Zumba instructor for an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC. com.

sober sisters

Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.

out of the closet, into the light

Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT

community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org.

miami-dade county arsht center Farmers Market

Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations.

Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/ en/Visit/Dining.

yoga

Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older of all levels are invited to a practice lead by a certified instructor. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/Yoga.html.

Book study

Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu,

will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.

yoga in the Garden

Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. Hit the mat for an indoor yoga practice overlooking the garden. Tickets $10 Wednesdays, $15 Saturdays. Call 305-673-7256 or visit MBGarden.org.

transsocial saturdays

Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. Come hang out with others for a movie, snacks, and discussion every Saturday. Visit TransSocial. org.

key west aqua idol

Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support your local artists and vote for your favorite! Benefits Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305-294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com.

* Denotes new listing

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Business Directory attorney law oFFice oF GeorGe castrataro 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com law oFFice oF roBin BoDiForD 2550 N Federal Hwy #20, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.630.2707 Lawrobin.com

attorney selZer law 1515 NE 25th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.567.4444 SelzerLaw.com law oFFice oF shawn newMan 710 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954.563.9160 Shawnnewman.com

To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 counseling

attorney law oFFice oF GreGory KaBel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net

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For A Limited Time Only Hurry While Supplies Last To claim your complimentary book go to: www.MarriageCounselingForMen.org/contact

a&e Ft lauDerDale Gay Men's chorus PO Box 9772, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33310-9772 954-832-0060 www.theftlgmc.org

CALL uS TO RESERvE SPACE!

Gay Men’s chorus oF south FloriDa PO Box 39617, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33339 954-763-2266 Gaymenschorusofsouthflorida.org

Facing Criminal or DUI charges?

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-DUI -Domestic Violence -Drug Charges -Sex Offenses -All Criminal Charges

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dental

financial services

health

professional services

Oakland Park Dental 3047 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306 954.566.9812 Oaklandparkdental.com Andrews Dental Care 2654 N Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311 954.567.3311 Andrewsdentalcare.com Island City Dental 1700 NE 26th Street, Ste. 2, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954-564-7121 Islandcitydental.com

final arrangements Kalis-McIntee Funeral & Cremation Center

2505 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-566-7621 Kalismcintee.com

furniture

sfgn.com

Dr. Tory Sullivan 2500 N Federal Hwy #301, Fort Lauderdale, FL 954.533.1520 Torysullivanmd.com American Pain Experts 6333 N. Federal Hwy, Ste. 250, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 954-678-1074 Americanpainexperts.com

financial services

professional services

handyman Miami/Broward/Palm Beach Paint/Caulk/Remove Grout/Yard Work Fix Drips & Switches/Debris removal Assembles Furniture & Appliances Repair or Fix Call "Avrom" Keith 786-227-9981

WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

call us to reserve space! florist

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2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

call us to reserve space!

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7.19.2017 •

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Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 spirituality

therapy

101 NE 3rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173

www.stsfrancisandclare.org Baptisms • Weddings • Memorial Services

pest control

Taylor & Turner Pest and Termite Control, Inc

William D. Turner taylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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tennis lessons at haGen ParK in Wilton Manors. Individual or group lessons. Call Robert 732-604-0362 for more information.

Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland Park REMODELED homes:

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sports

real estate

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sFGn Classified$ To place a Classified Ad, call Tim Higgins at 954.530.4970 or email at Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com

electrician

harry’s electric resiDential & coMMercial - Additions, renovations, service upgrades, breaker panels,FPL undergrounds, code violations, A/C wiring, ceiling fans, recessed, security & landscaping, lighting, pools, pumps, Jacuzzis, water heaters, FREE PHONE ESTIMATES 954-522-3357 Lic & Ins. www.harryelectrician.com

employment wanted

sPecial hire neeDeD - Looking for strong males (must be able to hold up fall risk gentlemen, dementia, Parkinson's, stage 4 cancer, etc.) for LGBT seniors, must be gay-friendly, many have live-in senior partners (must enjoy the company of gay people and comfortable in gay settings, restaurants, etc.) Call 954-629-1377 and leave a message ONLY, include your contact info, name, and level of experience in senior care or your willingness to devote your time to senior care. Faxes welcome at 754-301-5802

furnished housing short terM house rental 1-5 Months - Perfect Relocation, Business Traveler, or Luxury Rental 3BDR/2Bath/Pool/Travertine Floors, Red Quartz Counter tops. Middle River minutes from Wilton Manors $5000 per month All utilities included Go to Airbnb “Island Vibes with Pool in Ft. Lauderdale for details.

Property Manager-Andrew 609-712-2961

handyman husBanD For rent - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait?

Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com

piano want to learn how to Play the Piano?

Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954-826-9555 for more information.

painting

GreGG's PaintinG - I paint both interior and exterior.

Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954-870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com

pool service

cool Pools- reliaBle Pool service Professional pool service.Covering Wilton Manors, Lighthouse Point, and eastside of Pompano Beach. 15 years experience. Licensed and insured.Free estimates.

Call 954-235-0775.

rentals wilton manors

MiKe the rental Guy - NE Lauderdale/Wilton Manors/Oakland Park-1/1 from $990, 2/1 from $1140.

Victoria Park-1/1=$1190.00 cable included. Credit & Income Requirements-Pets okay with restrictions Call for Details Mike 561- 703-5533 or miketherentalguy@ aol.com

opportunity

licensed massage MassaGe By Dennis - $60 per 90 min-Out calls higher. Swedish, Deep Tissue, manscaping available. All clients and Body types welcome, Reflexology and Feet.

Couples Discounts. Delray Beach. 22 years’ experience.

MA18563 Call Dennis 561-502-2628.

music lessons voice lessons & Music theatre coachinG - Over 30 years experience. Students have performed on (and off) Broadway, in National & International tours, recorded solo albums & placed in prestigious competitions. www.kreutzmusic.com 617-967-0575

sfgn.com

sfgn.com rentals - other rental-taMarac - Unfurnished, fully-equipped 700sq.ft. 1-bedroom with full kitchen, bathroom, living area and bedroom attached to our home. Private entrance with parking space. All appliances(including washer/dryer, dishwasher, fridge, stove + all utilities (electricity, cable TV, wi-fi)included in quiet location in Tamarac away from all the madness. Enjoy community pool privileges!

No pets/kids! $1200/mo Perfect bachelor or couple pad! Available August 1st -viewing from 10 July! Call for appointment (954)336-7069 after 9 July.

rentals fort lauderdale

MiDDle river terrace 1/1 - 1/1 Corner unit with private patio, clean, updated kitchen/bath, terrazzo/tile.

Near all. Sorry no pets. 1st/L/S $1,075. Glenn Lawson REMAX Experience by the Sea 954-295-8616

real estate new construction

uniteD realty GrouP - Building in Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale Beach, Coconut Creek, Lauderdale Lakes and Hollywood. Starting in the 200's, 2 & 3 Bedrooms, 1 & 2 Garages available with building incentives. Call for details Michael 561-703-5533 or email mkltub@aol.com for more info.

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