01/04/12 V3I1 by South Florida Gay News

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Transgender City Manager Ousted in Lake Worth

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January 4, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 1

SENIORS FIGHT FEAR

Gay Seniors Fear Housing Discrimination page 10 • LGBT Seniors Face Unique Challenges page 11 SFGN EDITORIAL: Hard Times for Aging Gays page 14

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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PBC’s New HIV Drop-In Center

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Is Rick Perry Gay?

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Miami City Ballet’s Liam Scarlett

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Fitness Guy:

New Year’s Resolutions

Winner of the 2011 Stars of the Rainbow Media Star Award

SoundBiteQ Notes from Publisher Norm… New newsworthy news

January 4, 2012 • Volume 3 • Issue 1

Cheetah Dies, Nixon Lives and Robin Has a Gay Dog

I Robin Williams

oto ted ph submit

courtesy of Suncoast Primate Sanctuary

submit ted ph oto

f you were one of the lucky people who took advantage of our ad in SFGN, and the year-end deals at Lipton Toyota offered by their Pre-Owned Sales Director, Jim Riger, you were not alone. Toyota’s global vehicle sales last year totaled 7.9 million vehicles.

Richard Nixon

THE REGULARS

A good sign for the economy is that jobless claims fell for the third week in a row, and is at its lowest level since April of 2008. There is a steady improvement in the job market, and SFGN just added a new salesperson. Welcome Mike Tisdale to our team. A Las Vegas transplant with a great personality and no-pressure approach, my bet is that he makes it as sales here Cheetah continue to grow. Give him a call to place your bet, I mean ad, today. You gotta love the ever adaptable comedian Robin Williams, with his unique style and insights into the human condition. Last week he announced he has a ‘gay dog.’ He went on television and said that he and his wife, Susan Schneider, are happily living in Tiburon, just outside of San Francisco, with their “gay rescue pug,” named

By Karl Hampe

Leonard. Adds Williams; “I take him for walks alone because I am very secure in my sexuality. He has a boyfriend and they are planning to adopt a Siamese kitten together. We’re very modern.” According to a new unauthorized biography by Don Fulsom, former US President Richard Nixon’s frequent trips to Key Biscayne were partly because he had an ongoing secret gay affair with his big shot wheeler-dealer buddy and best friend, ‘Bebe’ Rebozo. The book, Nixon’s Darkest Secrets: The Inside Story Of America’s Most Troubled President will be out on Jan. 31. The author claim that on Nixon’s solo visits to Key Biscayne, he and Rebozo swam and sunbathed together, indulging in shared passions for discussing Broadway musicals. I don’t buy it; I think Nixon screwed a lot of people, but I am guessing the cigarsmoking Rebozo was not his type. Speaking of chimpanzees, Cheetah, the chimpanzee sidekick in the Tarzan movies of the early 1930s, has died at age 80. The Suncoast Primate Sanctuary, in Palm Harbor, Florida, announced that Cheetah died Dec. 24 of kidney failure. Sanctuary outreach director Debbie Cobb told the Tampa Tribune that Cheetah was outgoing, loved finger painting, and

Editorial Offices 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

Norm Kent Publisher norm.kent@sfgn.com Pier Angelo Guidugli

liked to see people laugh.

Chief Executive Officer

Speaking of out-going personalities, Dennis Rodman was seen last week playing both sides of the fence at Swinging Richards. Of nightclubs, by the way, let’s congratulate Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale, and its owner, Sean David, for creating a Friday night hip hop night in Fort Lauderdale that has become incredibly appealing to the African American LGBT community. Anyway, Cheetah was featured in the earliest Tarzan films, which starred American Olympic gold medal swimmer, the late Johnny Weissmuller. Myself, I always preferred Tarzan. Still, I just hope when I am old enough you guys will send me to an animal sanctuary too, where Paul Hugo and I can live outside- under the trees, in the breeze, eating bananas, and staring at all the bare chested young chimpanzees that go flying by. Now what do we have here about ‘American Idol’ hit Adam Lambert and his boyfriend Sauli Koskinen? Seems that Adam and partner got so drunk outside a gay bar in Finland last week that he and Sauli were arrested for disorderly conduct. Reminds me of that nice quote “A good friend bonds you out of jail. A best friend wakes up next to you in the cell, remarking ‘we had one hell of a night, didn’t we?’”

Creative Director. . . . . . . . . George Dauphin george.dauphin@sfgn.com Online Website Director. . . . . Dennis Jozefowicz Designer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Greg Bistolfi Office Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . Brian Swinford

Editorial Editor in Chief. . . . . . . . . . . . Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor . . . JW Arnold jw@prdconline.com Arts Correspondent. . . . . . . . Mary Damiano Business Editor . . . . . . . . . . . Richard Gary Senior Features Correspondents . . . . . . . . . . T ony Adams Jesse Monteagudo Michael Anguille Correspondents. . . . . . . . . . . M ike Rothman Donald Cavanaugh Lisa Lucas Denise Royal Tana Velen

Contributing Columnists. . . . Wayne Besen

Susan Estrich Brian McNaught Victoria Michaels Leslie Robinson Dana Rudolph David Webb

Health Columnist. . . . . . . . . . Peter Jackson Editorial Cartoonists. . . . . . . K arl Hampe Darryl Smith

Sales

Marketing Director. . . . . . . . . John Fugate Sales Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . Mike Trottier Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Terri Esterby Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Edwin Neimann Sales Associate . . . . . . . . . . . . Michael Tisdale National Sales Representative.Rivendell Media todd@rivendellmedia.com Distribution Manager. . . . . . . JR Davis South Florida Gay News.com is published weekly on Wednesdays. Our paper is a member of the Associated Press. The views and opinions expressed within this publication, in bylined columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers expressing them. They do not represent the opinions of South Florida Gay News.com, Inc., or the Publisher. They are included to promote free speech and diversity of thought. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN, and it would be careless to do so. For the sake of readable newswriting, the word “gay” in SFGN should, when relevant, be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered community. All of the material that appears in SFGN, both online at www. southfloridagaynews.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with our contract with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Thus, nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of SFGN, at his law office, Kent & Cormican, P.A., 110 Southeast 6th Street, Suite 1970, Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33301. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright©2011 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Marriage Watch

Figure Skater Johnny Weir Marries Boyfriend By Staff Report

Faberge eggs to Victor. I am so happy to have igure skating champion Johnny Weir, found my match. Finding someone to share who’s known for his flamboyancy, your life with is one of the most important wed his boyfriend Victor Voronov in things a human can do and was preached to a civil ceremony last week in New York City. me by my mother.Victor is the epitome of a Weir twitted his fans gentleman, as handsome as after the low key ceremony he is clever and loving. Our “I’m married! Wedding in road to marriage has been summer! But all the official a fast one, but one I never stuff is done now! No more wavered on. I am honored livin’ in sin!” to have been married in the The newly wed couple great state of New York, will use the surname Weirand I hope more states pass Voronov, but professionally laws allowing all Americans Johnny Weir and Victor Voronov to be united through love Weir will continue to be known as Johnny Weir, his rep told People and marriage.” magazine. While Weir’s husband said: Weir released a statement announcing the “Getting married to Johnny has been the marriage: greatest experience of my life. He is the “Marrying Victor has been the greatest most wonderful, caring and nurturing person moment in my life and I will work very hard — and I can be guaranteed of one thing to make him proud and happy. As an added — with Johnny, I will never be bored. The benefit to all this joy, marriage gives your support from my friends and family has been skin an amazing glow. I look forward to makoverwhelming and I am looking forward to ing a home for my family in Bergen County, beginning my life with the most incredible N.J., and introducing my world of glitter and person I have ever known.” submitted photo

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Local News

Transgender City Manager Ousted from Lake Worth for ‘Personal Reasons’ By Michael Anguille

submitted photos

Damon Higgins/The Palm Beach Post

fter a plethora of media coverage by local news outlets, including several stories featured in the Palm Beach Post, it’s hardly breaking news that transgendered Lake Worth City Manager Susan Stanton was fired from her job last month. The 3-2 vote in favor of her dismissal has brought with it its fair share of controversy in the local press, the motives behind the firing itself are still murky according to two of the commissioners. And even a third commissioner, newly elected Andy Amoroso who voted to oust Stanton, is rather tightlipped on the issue despite his supposedly “friendly” dealings with her for the better part of two years. So just why was she let go? Was it budgetary? Was it something more sinister, more politically motivated? The answers are anything but easily defined at this point. But a few things about the firing are known with certainty: it wasn’t due to performance, had nothing to do with her choice of gender orientation and came as a shock, even to some of the commissioners. “We had no idea the vote was even coming, let alone why,” says Lake Worth City Commissioner Christopher McVoy, one of the two commissioners who voted not to fire Stanton. McVoy was more than willing to speak to SFGN despite vacationing in Vermont and painting a house when receiving the call. Perhaps even more telling? The way the vote and subsequent firing was conducted. City Commissioner Scott Maxwell raised the motion to fire Stanton, but, McVoy says he “Went out of his way to cover himself in motioning to keep public comment on his [then] passed motion to those members of the public wishing simply to thank City Manager Stanton for her service.” Maxwell did not respond via email to an interview request. Maxwell, according to McVoy has been an outspoken opponent of Stanton since the beginning of her tenure in 2009. “She is, indeed, a very direct woman, and some folks simply don’t like that type of leadership style,” McVoy says. “We met for breakfast almost weekly and spoke as friends, not just about budgetary issues. But Maxwell…he would have none of it. He wouldn’t give her a moment of his time and it was well known

Susan Stanton

Christopher McVoy

Andy Amoroso

that he disliked her and would do whatever he could to tip the scales in his favor and, while it’s just a hunch, have her dismissed from her position simply because of his personal feelings.” Nine months ago Former Mayor Rene Varela, criticized Stanton’s people skills in an evaluation and even she agreed she needed to make more of an effort to reach out to the community. But still: how important was her demeanor to the city’s financial well-being as a whole? Well, for one, Lake Worth City Commissioner Suzanne Mulvehill, who did not vote to fire Statnton, seems to agree with McVoy’s assessment of her dismissal. “She wasn’t fired for negligence and wasn’t fired for lack of performance, so that pretty much leaves only one other reason, especially with Commissioner Maxwell – who was frequently voted down on numerous measures before the election of the new commission – making the motion and having it passed.” In fact when it comes to job performance,

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

according to Mulvehill, Stanton helped the city balance a budget with precision. Despite having to compensate for nearly $10 million in lost revenues from 2008 to present, Stanton was not only up to the job but ensured that, before the newest elections, the city of Lake Worth had a completely balanced budget. Additionally, just nine months ago Stanton received a favorable evaluation – besides some minor criticisms – from the then city commission. Going further, Mulvehill not only asserts her belief that Stanton was fired for personal reasons, but claims Maxwell, who is also vice mayor, had even further motivation to flex his political muscle. “It’s pretty obvious: he Scott Maxwell wants to run the show.” Yet another twist to the still unraveling controversy is Commissioner Andy Amoroso’s comments on the vote. Openly gay and part of the majority vote to fire Stanton, Amoroso stated that he is not a “traditional” politician and had little to say about the matter. “I won’t give you my reasons for voting for the measure simply because Susan [Stanton] is going to apply for another job at some point and whomever she applies with will probably look her up on Google and come across this article,” he said. “I don’t want to be responsible for her not getting a job because I chose to list my reasons for her dismissal.” Amoroso is new to the commission only having been elected in November. Curiously enough Stanton, who could not be reached for comment, maintains a Facebook Page pointing her “interests” to Amoroso’s election site adding further credence to their obvious acquaintanceship prior to the election. Under questioning, though, Amoroso declined to comment about he and Stan-

ton’s prior dealings and reverts methodically back to a seemingly pre-packaged response. “There could be hundreds of reasons that the public wanted her out,” Amoroso said. “All we did was act on their desires with the best interests of the city in mind.” Remember, though: while Amoroso points to the public being the harbinger for the ousting, it was motioned during the meeting that the public be confined simply to saying goodbye to Stanton and thanking her for her service. How then could it be said with accuracy that there could potentially be a myriad of reasons for Stanton’s firing – the most relevant of which was public opinion? “There were at least double the amount of people at this meeting that would normally show up, and most of them were known to have been vocally critical of Stanton in the past,” Commissioner McVoy says. “It seemed like more than just a coincidence.” Commissioner Mulvehill feels that the meeting to fire Stanton had potentially been planned in advance with only certain people knowing, which if true, would violate Florida’s Sunshine Laws. Those laws state that fellow commissioners are not allowed to converse about anything with each other related to policy, voting, procedure or anything else relevant to the city. “I spoke with the state attorney’s office, and while they said that proving a violation of Sunshine Laws is extremely difficult – they also said that there have been numerous inquiries into the city of Lake Worth. They were fairly passive in their response as to how they would deal with them, but from talking to residents who claim to have filed Sunshine Law violations against the city – citing Commissioner Maxwell in particular – I think that, aside from setting our city back, this is just the beginning of the end – and one that we didn’t need…this whole ordeal has put us back a year at least and we’re still in limbo… like a ship with a captain and a crew but no movement. It’s a sea of uncertainty” One thing though that does seem certain is that Stanton was not fired because she is transgender as happened with her last job as city manager of Largo, Florida. Tony Plakas, the executive director of Compass, the gay and lesbian center of the Palm Beaches, said this is just the way things happen in Lake Worth. “I’m 900 percent sure it did not have anything to do with her gender identity,” he said. “It’s no secret we’ve been through a lot of city managers. The last 5 city managers have all gone out in the same way – abruptly. She’s been treated like every other city manager they’ve wanted out.” Michael Anguille is an independent correspondent for the SFGN. He encourages all feedback on this issue and can be contacted at 561-573-8499 as well as via E-mail at Manguill@gmail.com.

Palm Beach County Enhances Gay Rights January

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A Look Back at 2011

State Attorney Michael McAuliffe revised his office’s Harassment Policy to include “gender identity or expression” and revised his office’s Family Medical Leave Policy to provide the same benefits to McAuliffe families based on domestic partnerships as are provided to families based on legally recognized marriages. April

The West Palm Beach City Commission updated the City’s Family and Medical Leave Policy to provide the same benefits to families based on domestic partnerships as are provided to families based on legally recognized marriages. It passed unanimously.

October

on legally recognized marriages. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw informed the The Village of Wellington upCouncil that he is revising PBSO’s Family dated its personnel policies to ensure Medical Leave Policy to provide the same that the domestic partners of Village benefits to families based on domestic partemployees were treated the same nerships as are provided to families based way as spouses with regard to health on legally recognized marriages. insurance benefits, as well as conClerk & Comptroller Sharon tinuation health insurance coverage, Bock informed the Council that she is bereavement leave, major illness leave, revising her office’s Family Medical Leave family and medical leave and domestic Policy to provide the same benefits to violence leave. families based on domestic partnerships The Palm Beach County Board of as are provided to families based on legally County Commissioners updated the recognized marriages. County’s Family and Medical Leave Policy to August provide the same benefits to families based on domestic partnerships as are provided Following up on a 2009 policy change to families based on legally recognized marincluding “sexual orientation” and “gender riages. It passed unanimously. expression and/or identity” as protected Public Defender Carey Haughwout revised her office’s Family Medical classes in the Palm Beach County School Leave Policy to provide the same benefits District’s anti-bullying policy, the School Board unanimously voted to include to families based on domestic partner“sexual orientation” and “gender expresships as are provided to families based May

sion and/or identity” as protected classes in a two additional policies concerning sexual harassment and discrimination.

The Board of Trustees of Florida Atlantic University unanimously voted to add ”sexual orientation” to the school’s Anti-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Regulation. November

The City of Lake Worth updated the City’s union contracts and other personnel policies to ensure that lesbian and gay employees with domestic partners would have the same rights as other employees with regard to Family and Medical Leave, Sick Leave and Funeral Leave. December

Domestic partners of employees of the Village of Wellington are granted access to walk-in medical services at MD Now centers. Information for this timeline provided by the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. Visit Pbchrc.org for more information about the organization.

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

MCC of the Palm Beaches Launches HIV/ AIDS Drop-In Center By Donald Cavanaugh

The official launch of the program was Nov. 22. Brown estiome of the conmated the attendance at around gregation members 8 to 10 people. A month later, Dewanted to do more cember, attendance is over 15 and for people infected or affected by climbing as word gets around. HIV and AIDS,” said Rev. Dr. Lea “It will grow as more people Brown, pastor of MCC of the Palm learn about the program,” Brown Beaches. “There has been an increasing apathy around HIV/AIDS and we just said. “We’re reaching out to county agencies felt we had to reach out and help the forgotten to let them know we’re here. We’re also looking into alternatives and alone.” for transportation.” The pastor and Abadia added: “The parishioners brainbus stop isn’t far from stormed and came here but it could be too up with the idea of a far for someone with drop-in center where HIV/AIDS to walk. We people with HIV/AIDS might be able to arcan come and spend range to meet the bus time in a clean, safe and we might find environment, watch drivers who can pick a movie, play games, up others on their way. get on the Internet, It will be an iterative have a meal, take process and we’ll learn home food and toiletas we go.” ries, have some comThe drop-in center panionship and make is named after a long some friends. time member of the “We don’t have a church and the church lot of money but we board, Kevin McGee considered what we who died from comdo have – space, a plications from AIDS food pantry, compassome years ago. sionate people, and Rev. Dr. Lea Brown “Kevin was committed a kitchen. It works,” Brown said. “We also recognized that there to the mission of the church and its outreach are limited resources available to people liv- to the community,” said Charlie Fredrickson, ing in North County and we felt we could fill also a long time member of the church and photo historian of the Palm Beach County that gap.” “We wanted people to understand that, al- gay community. “As a man who lived with though we’re a church organization, we’re not HIV/AIDS, he knew what it means to have a going to proselytize,” added Rafael Abadia, an welcoming place to go.” The drop-in center is open on the second HIV activist and member of the congregation who has been involved with the drop-in cen- and fourth Tuesday of the month from noon ter from the start. “Some people have been to 4 p.m. In addition to providing lunch and soturned away by religious organizations or re- cializing, church members will be available to quired to participate in their services. That’s refer clients to resources around the county. “The drop-in center is what we hope will not what we’re about. We wouldn’t say they can’t worship with us. It’s just completely up be the first of a number of other programs that will fall under our ‘Positive Connections’ to them.” Abadia continued: “The staff and volun- ministry to help stem the tide of AIDS apathy teers who support the program have all been here in North Palm Beach,” Brown said. “We’ll trained in the basics around HIV/AIDS and add programs as we identify needs and resources with which to meet these needs.” especially on the issue of confidentiality.” submitted photo

“S

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

display featuring silhouettes of three couples holding hands which included a female couple and male couple was recently vandalized. Someone knocked over the figures of the gay couples. The silhouettes were on display at Claremont United Methodist Church in a college town just east of Los Angeles. Claremont police lieutenant Mike Ciszek told TV station KTLA the crime was classified as a hate crime “because of the content of the artwork that was damaged and the fact that it was on a place of worship or at a church.”

Support for Marriage Equality Growing in New Mexico

recent poll from Public Policy Polling shows 45 percent of New Mexico voters think gay marriage should be legal while 43 percent believe it should be illegal. The poll also found narrow pluralities in support of gay marriage on recent Nevada and Colorado polls. When civil unions are included 67 percent of New Mexicans support some form of legal recognition for gay couples to only 32 percent completely opposed.

Gay Mag Just Out Closes in Portland

newsmagazine that served Portland’s gay community is shutting down. A brief announcement posted Monday on the website for Just Out says, “Three years of recession have taken their toll.’’ Publisher Marty Davis confirmed the closure in an email to The Oregonian saying the magazine has “closed its doors and shut down its computers.’’ She also tells The Oregonian that there are no plans to continue the publication online. The free, twice-monthly magazine was established in 1983.

National Organization for Marriage Blasts Ron Paul

now seen everywhere. She said, ‘Why I bet this coffee is even gay.’ It was a joke of course, but it he National got me thinking,’’ Organization she said. for Marriage Krueger has started running ads thought it would saying “All the major be interesting to presidential candimarket a line of dates have pledged to coffee with a gay preserve traditional theme, poking fun marriage,” except Paul, at stereotypes a Texas congressman. and cliches within In a press release the gay and lesNOM president bian community. Brian Brown said “Many She worried, howpeople think that Ron Ron Paul campaigning in Iowa ever, that some Paul is a conservative, people “wouldn’t get it’’ and that is where but when it comes to marriage, he’s no friend Daniel Rivers came in. conservative — his position is radical and Rivers, a visiting lecturer in the Study of will lead to the destruction of traditional Women and Gender at Smith College, enmarriage in America.” couraged Krueger to keep the camp on the Paul’s real position on gay marriage is front while putting cultural and historical mixed. He has said in the past he opposes facts on the back. a constitutional amendment banning gay “And that was it. That took it from being marriage, but also supports the Defense of just funny, to putting information into places Marriage Act, which prevents the federal where it normally wouldn’t be,’’ Krueger said. government from recognizing same-sex A longtime advocate of social justice and unions and allows states not to recognize civil rights, Krueger said she had always those performed in other states. wanted to market a product that had the potential to “make a difference.’’ Williamsburg Roaster “It’s fun, it’s educational and 1 percent Debuts ‘Gay Coffee’ of our profits are donated to the NaILLIAMSBURG, Mass. (AP) _ tional Lesbian Gay Bisexual Task Force,’’ The coffee might not be gay, she said. The task force helps to organize and the consumers are likely broad-based campaigns to defeat anticoffee lovers of every persuasion, but the LGBT legislation. message of this campy new brand is clear: But it’s not only about history, humor and Gay culture and gay history are splashing social justice. Once consumers are drawn in onto the coffee scene. by the marketing, Krueger hopes they will Five fledgling blends make up the new stay for the most important part, the taste. brand. There are dark roasts such as ``Red “I roast everything here,’’ she said. “I have Hanky Roast’’ and “Second Date,’’ dark and a 25-pound barrel roaster but I only roast medium blends like “Weekend Pass’’ and eight to 12 pounds at a time. I could do “Good Morning Mary’’ and a medium roast more, but think that ratio of heat and air called “Stone Butch Breakfast Blend.’’ makes the coffee taste better.” From the young blonde sailor on “WeekAfter debuting Gay Coffee at the Castro end Pass’’ to the woman carrying moving Street Fair in San Francisco on Oct. 2, she boxes on “Second Date,’’ each blend sports humorously crafted artwork on the front to returned home and scrambled to put together an online store before the holidays. reflect its catchy moniker. Gay Coffee took off. This kitschy concept comes from Elbow “Initially I saw it as a small niche product, Room Coffee owner Melissa Krueger. but the turnover has been quicker than I Krueger says Gay Coffee started as a casual expected,’’ conversation over a cup of you-know-what. Krueger said. So quick in fact, that Gay The discussion centered around how gay Coffee has already gone international. and lesbian culture has seemingly entered Krueger is not only sending orders throughthe mainstream in many areas. out the U.S., but is shipping to Canada, “The ‘aha’ moment came when we were Iceland and countries in Europe. talking about same-sex marriage and a friend commented on how gay culture is

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LGBT Inclusive Display Vandalized at Calif. Church

robber who found his Portland victims through gay chat lines and pretended to be interested in romance or sex has been sentenced to more than 14 years in prison. Investigators said 35-year-old Elijah Whitney Cohens II had four victims earlier this year, ranging from their 20 to their 60s, and each time pretended once he met them to be a policeman. The Oregonian reports that investigators tracked him down through a cigarette butt that had DNA matching an entry in the state database from his previous convictions, which included robbery, forgery, assault and burglary. Cohens pleaded guilty to robbery, burglary and impersonating an officer. Judge Angel Lopez sentenced him to 150 months and ordered him to pay $7,000 in restitution. submitted photo

SFGN BRIEFS

Ore. man who found victims on chat lines sentenced

Visit www.gaycoffee.com for more information.

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Written by Associated Press

HILADELPHIA — At age 62, Donald Carter knows his arthritis and other age-related infirmities will not allow him to live indefinitely in his third-floor walk-up apartment in Philadelphia. But as a low-income renter, Carter has limited options. And as a gay black man, he’s concerned his choice of senior living facilities might be narrowed further by the possibility of intolerant residents or staff members. “The system as it stands is not very accommodating,” Carter said. “I don’t really want to see any kind of negative attitude or lack of service because anyone ... is gay or lesbian.” Experts say many gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender seniors fear discrimination, disrespect or worse by health care workers and residents of elder housing facilities — ultimately leading many back into the closet after years of being open. That anxiety takes on new significance as the first of the 77 million baby boomers turns 65 this year. At least 1.5 million seniors are gay, a number expected to double by 2030, according to SAGE, the New York-based group

Services and Advocacy for GLBT Elders. Recognizing the need, developers in Philadelphia have secured a site and initial funding for what would be one of the nation’s few GLBT-friendly affordable housing facilities. They hope to break ground on a 52-unit, $17 million building in 2013. Anti-discrimination laws prohibit gay-only housing, but projects can be made GLBTfriendly through marketing and location. And while private retirement facilities targeted at the gay community exist, such residences are often out of reach for all but the wealthiest seniors. Census figures released last week indicate about 49 percent of Americans over 65 could be considered poor or low-income. Gays are also less likely to have biological family to help out with informal caregiving, either through estrangement or being childless, making them more dependent on outside services. And that makes them more vulnerable, SAGE executive director Michael Adams said. “They cannot at all assume that they will be treated well or given the welcome mat,” he said. Cities including San Francisco and Chica-

Alex Brandon / AP

Gay Seniors Fear Housing Discrimination

that’s worthy of what they gave to our community?” Bartlett said. The Philadelphia group has been trying to get its project off the ground for about eight years but has been stymied by location problems, a tough economy and stiff competition for federal housing tax credits. Rejected once for the credits, developers recently reapplied and hope for a different answer this spring, said Mark Segal, director of the Dr. Magnus Hirschfeld Fund, which is spearheading the project. It’s planned for a thriving section of the city affectionately known as the Gayborhood. “I’m extremely optiAs a low-income renter, Donald Carter has limited options. mistic,” said Segal, also And as a gay black man, he’s concerned his choice of senior living publisher of the Philafacilities might be narrowed further by the possibility of intolerant delphia Gay News. residents or staff members. However, Adams go also have projects on the drawing board. said the real solution lies not only in buildBut the first and, so far, only affordable housing more facilities, but in cultural compeing complex for gay elders to be built in the tency training for staffers at existing elder United States is Triangle Square-Hollywood programs. The Philadelphia Corporation on Aging, the private nonprofit that serves the in Los Angeles. Open since 2007, the $22 million facility city’s seniors, began offering such seminars to has 104 units available to any low-income health care workers a couple of years ago, said senior 62 and over, gay or straight, accord- Tom Shea, the agency’s director of training. “They’re going to be seeing a diverse slice ing to executive director Mark Supper. Residents pay monthly rent on a sliding scale, of the aging population in Philadelphia ... and from about $200 to $800, depending on their we need to be sensitive to all their needs,” income. About 35 units are set aside for se- Shea said. Adams suggested that discrimination faced niors with HIV/AIDS and for those at risk of by today’s GLBT elders could diminish in becoming homeless, Supper said. The Triangle’s population is about 90 per- the decades ahead, since he said opinion recent GLBT and it has a waiting list of about search shows that younger generations are 200 people. The project’s developer, Gay & less likely to harbor anti-gay biases than oldLesbian Elder Housing, plans to build a sec- er generations. “So we hope that the passage of time will ond facility in Southern California in the provide part of the solution,” he said. “But of next 18 months, Supper said. But what took so long for the need to course, today’s LGBT elders can’t wait for that.” Jackie Adams, 54, of Philadelphia, said berecognized? Chris Bartlett, executive director of the GLBT William Way Center in ing diagnosed with AIDS many years ago Philadelphia, noted that advocates spent meant she never thought she’d live long the better part of two decades devoting enough to need elder housing. But now Adtheir energy to programs for those af- ams, who was born male and lives as a fefected by HIV or AIDS, which were deci- male, is part of a local initiative focused on GLBT senior issues. mating the gay community. On a limited income after losing her job as While AIDS remains a priority, Bartlett said, the crisis mentality has passed and an outreach worker for those with HIV, Adallowed the community to focus on oth- ams said affordable, GLBT-friendly senior er things. He said he looks forward to the housing is badly needed. She is not related to Way Center providing social services at the Michael Adams. “I would be incomplete if I had to go from planned Philadelphia senior housing facility, in a sense repaying those who led the gay lib- wearing stockings and dresses to (work boots) and jeans,” Adams said. “I would like to be eration movement. “Don’t we owe it to them ... to ensure able to live in a community where I could fully that they have an experience as elders be me.”

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

LGBT Seniors Face Unique Challenges, Says Study By Healthy Living News

etting older does not always mean getting better, and that appears to be the case for aging lesbians, gays, bisexuals and the transgendered (LGBT). With their numbers expected to double to more than 4 million by 2030, a new study reveals they face unique challenges as they age. Previous research shows LGBT’s face higher rates of disability, physical and mental distress, and a lack of access to services. The study, published in the report Caring and Aging with Pride, indicates that new strategies and services will be needed to address the unique needs of LGBT seniors. “The higher rates of aging and health disparities among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender older adults is a major concern for public health,” said Karen FredriksenGoldsen, PhD, of the University of Washington’s Institute for Multigenerational Health. The study surveyed 2,560 lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered adults, aged 50-95. The researchers found the study participants had greater rates of disability, depression and loneliness. They also had an increased likeliness to smoke and binge-drink com-

pared with heterosexuals of similar ages. Dr. Fredriksen-Goldsen notes that these health disparities reflect the lives and serious adversities many LGBT’s have encountered. But they also jeopardize their health and willingness to seek needed elder services. Dr. Fredriksen-Goldsen research shows that LGBT’s in particular feel they will be in need of housing, transportation, and other support and social services. Her research also showed that LGBT’s are more likely to live alone, they are less likely to be partnered or married than heterosexuals, or have children. Therefor their depression and loneliness are magnified without that support to assist them through their senior years. Many are also estranged from their siblings or extended family members because they are LGBT. Without the connection to family social infrastructure, many face social isolation that can lead to poor mental and physical health, cognitive impairment, chronic illness and premature death, says Dr. Fredriksen-Goldsen. Nearly four out of 10 in the study have considered suicide. One fifth of those surveyed also never told

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

their doctors about their sexual orientation or gender identity out of fear of receiving inferior health care or being turned away from services. Thirteen percent of respondents claimed that had happened. Lack of openness about their sexuality “prevents discussions about sexual health, risk of breast or prostate cancer, hepatitis, HIV risk, hormone therapy and other risk factors,” said Dr. Fredriksen-Goldsen. The study showed some positive results however. “LGBT older adults are resilient and living their lives and building their communities,” Dr. Fredriksen-Goldsen added. Many in the study reported using wellness activities such as meditation or exercise. And nearly all felt good about being a part of the LGBT community. More than a third also attended spiritual or religious services, indicating a promising social outlet. Social connections are key because unlike their heterosexual counterparts, most LGBT seniors rely heavily on partners and friends of similar age to provide assistance as they age. While social ties are critical, there may be limits to the ability of these older adults to provide care over the long-term, especially if decision-making is required for the older adult receiving care. Healthy Living News is a media partner of South Florida Gay News.

New Book Claims

Presidential Hopeful Rick Perry Secretly Gay

By David Webb

ife is changing quickly for gay former Texas Rep. Glen Maxey since the publication last week of his memoir chronicling a five-month investigation of Republican presidential contender Rick Perry’s alleged homosexual liaisons with a subordinate, steady boyfriends, anonymous sex partners, a hustler and reportedly anyone else he could coax into a horizontal position. Prior to the book’s debut Maxey, who became a gay activist after leaving politics, had stocked his Austin apartment with food and other supplies anticipating a period of time when he might want to stay out of sight. But after his expose attracted national media attention and outrage by conservative religious supporters of Perry he decided to go further underground. “Got some death threats of the crank level, but have moved to a safe house until it calms down,” Maxey said in a message via Facebook following a telephone interview a few days earlier. Maxey, who is the only openly gay politician to have ever served in the Texas Legislature, sent the message as he prepared for a Univision morning interview and a KLBJ drive-time radio interview that afternoon. The “calm before the storm” that Maxey had talked about in the telephone interview apparently has erupted into a major disturbance, and he is now planning personal appearances to sell and autograph the book. He has already sold a good number of the $19.95 paperback books at book-signings in Austin and Dallas. “Head Figure Head – The Search for the Hidden Life of Rick Perry” is the product of Maxey’s work with The Huffington Post reporter Jason Cherkis and the frustration he felt when publisher Arianna Huffington killed what the former legislator claims was a completed story approved by editors and ready for publication. When it became clear the story would never be published, Maxey started writing his book. In his book Maxey does not name any of the sources he cites who claim knowledge of Perry’s alleged sexual escapades, nor the Huffington Post reporter, whom he refers to only as the national journalist. The book was at first only available online, but now is also available as a paperback through Amazon.com. Maxey said other publications were interested in talking to him and his sources about the allegations of extramarital homosexual

pursuits by Perry, but both he and the men who claimed to know the governor in the Biblical sense were reluctant to start over with a new reporter. “That was a mountain I couldn’t climb again, and the other folks had the same reaction,” Maxey said. “It’s difficult to get people to talk about sex in general, it’s more difficult to get them to tell their story to a reporter, and it’s an even bigger climb when it’s Rick Perry they are talking about.”

Huffington to go with the story, but the activist maintained there was already enough documentation to justify publication. Maxey claimed Huffington exercised a “double standard” when she decided against publication of the Perry story, probably on the advice of AOL parent company corporate attorneys. If the story had involved extramarital heterosexual activities, the story would have run, he claimed. In late August the Huffington Post reporter, who made several trips to Austin and had contacted gay journalists for information earlier in the investigation, wrote in an email seeking clarification that he was putting finishing touches on the story before it ran. Some political observers have speculated Perry’s drastic drop in the national opinion polls from frontrunner status might have contributed to Huffington’s decision to kill the story.

AP/Eric Gay

The Rare Reporter

Gov. Rick Perry of Texas Maxey disputes Huffington’s claim to POLITICO.com that the story was never ready for publication, and that there was no real story. The activist claims the publisher killed the story after Perry’s campaign hired famed libel lawyer Lin Wood, and the lawyer wrote a letter to the Huffington Post threatening to sue if the story was published. Huffington denied that the lawyer’s letter had anything to do with her decision. “Arianna Huffington told a bald-faced lie,” Maxey said. No response has been received to an email sent to Huffington Post’s media relations department seeking comment on Maxey’s claim. Maxey concedes a high-priced call boy who claimed to have engaged in sex with Perry and another man for hire in hotel rooms several times never went on the record, even though celebrity attorney Gloria Allred reportedly was signed on to represent him when the story hit. An affidavit signed by the prostitute – whom Maxey said was feeling “traumatized” by the prospect of going public with his allegations -- might have convinced

Another source familiar with the investigation said it appeared the publisher -- for reasons only she knows -- was never interested in outing Perry, and the story will never be published. The Huffington Post scribe reportedly indicated he had no problem with Maxey’s book, and that he thought Maxey needed to write it. For his part, Maxey said that he is not worried about Gov. Perry filing a lawsuit against him, and he doubts anyone from Perry’s camp will ever contact him. The former legislator also doubts that he would lose a lawsuit if Perry filed one against him. “Everything I said in this book is my opinion,” Maxey said. “I believe Rick Perry is homosexual or had relations with gay men. The evidence points to that conclusion.” Maxey said it is unlikely Perry would file a lawsuit against him because if he did the governor and his wife, Anita, would be forced to answer questions under oath about the widespread rumor that she caught Perry and another man having sex in the governor’s mansion six years ago. At the time, a story was widely circulated

that the governor’s wife had checked into the luxurious Driskill Hotel in Austin and hired a prominent divorce attorney. The story became so widespread that Perry and his wife – who typically avoid one-on-one media interviews -- sat down with an Austin American Statesman reporter to refute the tale. “If Perry was bold or stupid enough to file any action against me, my lawyers would welcome the opportunity,” Maxey said. “I don’t think Perry would take that risk.” There has been no response to a telephone request for comment from the Rick Perry Campaign, but that is typical when the governor’s handlers know the intended audience is the LGBT community. Maxey said that although he is gaining widespread attention for the book, his only motive in writing it was to expose the alleged hypocrisy of Gov. Perry, who is recognized as the most virulently outspoken anti-gay governor to ever hold office in Texas. The governor’s claim to conservative religious leaders after he announced for the presidency in August that there was nothing in his personal background to embarrass them rankled him, the activist said. “How amazingly hypocritical he was claiming there would be no scandal,” Maxey said. “It was astonishing to me. That was the impetus for writing the book.” Maxey said at the time he wrote the book there were only a dozen men known who had claimed to have had sex with Perry. Now, there are twice that many, and new tips come in daily, he said. “I went into publishing this with no real expectations,” Maxey said. “The story may get retold in a more comprehensive way, and people can make their own decisions about it. I think the rest of this will play out in the public discussion.” Maxey said one thing is for certain. Perry will be a bigger enemy to the state’s LGBT community than he ever has before if his bid for the presidency continues on its failure track and he returns to Texas, he said. The activist said he wouldn’t be surprised if Perry attempted to call the Texas Legislature into emergency session on an anti-LGBT initiative to pacify his conservative religious supporters. “When you see a snake in the grass you chop off its head,” Maxey said. “I believe this snake is coming back to Texas. He is going to be a meaner snake. He will have something to prove. He will take it out on gay people.” And that threat is likely to keep Maxey, the author and the activist, busy on his anti-Perry campaign for a very long time. David Webb is a veteran journalist who has covered LGBT issues for the mainstream and alternative media for three decades. Contact him at davidwaynewebb@hotmail.com or http://facebook.com/TheRareReporter

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Mombian

Where Are the LGBT Biographies for Kids? By Dana Rudolph

y third-grade son has been enjoying biographies, learning things even I didn’t know about Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin. So when I read that Frank Kameny, one of the founding fathers of the gay equality movement, was honored November 15 by a memorial service at the Cannon House Office Building near the U.S. Capitol, I had to wonder: Why are there almost no elementary- and middle schoolgrade biographies of prominent LGBT people that show them as LGBT people? The fact is, children’s books about real LGBT people and LGBT civil rights events are even scarcer than children’s LGBT-inclusive fiction books. The Harvey Milk Story, by Kari Krakow (Two Lives, 2002), is the only picture-book biography of an LGBT person in which the person is openly LGBT. I’ve also found two middle-grade biographies of Ellen Degeneres, by Sherry Beck Paprocki (Chelsea House, 2009) and Katie Sharp (Lucent Books, 2010), which describe her coming out and how it impacted her life. But that’s about it until we reach high school-level material. Even historical fiction is rare, excepting the brand-new picture book Operation Marriage, by Cynthia Chin-Lee (Reach and Teach, 2011), about a lesbian-headed family in California

before and after the Proposition 8 vote that banned marriage for same-sex couples. The book shows the impact of such debates on local communities, and that children are indeed sensitive to the special status of marriage—even though it at times seems to conflate people’s objections to unmarried parents and their objections to same-sex parents. We need more elementary and middle school-appropriate biographies and histories that show LGBT people as LGBT—books about the key figures in the struggle for LGBT equality, and about LGBT people whose contributions lie in other areas. Why? Because children deserve to know about all of the major civil rights movements of our time. They deserve to learn, when relevant, if and how people’s significant relationships and struggles against inequality impacted their lives, no matter what the reason for their fame. And for young people who are LGBT or questioning, or who have LGBT parents, it is important to see LGBT people achieving in many areas of life. In schools, LGBT-inclusive materials not

only expand students’ knowledge, but also help create a safe and welcoming environment. According to the 2009 National School Climate Survey from the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN), LGBT students in schools with inclusive curricula were less likely to report hearing homophobic remarks or negative comments about gender expression, and less likely to feel unsafe or experience victimization because of their sexual orientation and gender expression. Histories, biographies, and historical fiction about LGBT people will make it easier for schools to build this kind of inclusive curriculum. In California, a new law even requires schools to incorporate the contributions of openly LGBT people into history lessons. But schools are “scrambling” to figure out how to do this, according to an article in the San Diego LGBT Weekly (October 21). The piece quotes Paul Boneberg, executive director at the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco, who said, “I’m not sure how we plug it into the curriculum at the grade school level, if it all.” Part of the problem, the article says, is the vagueness of the legislation; part is that there are no funds for new instructional material or textbooks. But I have to think another part is that there are almost no existing resources. And if they’re having problems in California, where LGBT inclusion is required, how much more difficult will it be in other states? Even if schools or teachers want to offer inclusive materials, there are none to be found.

The hurdles are high, though. LGBT-inclusive fiction books are among those most banned and challenged in schools and public libraries. Non-fiction would likely fare no better. Still, that is no excuse not to try. Not every challenge is successful. Another hurdle is that it is hard to write accurate, well-researched history that is also engaging and accessible, especially in a length suitable for younger children. But I find it hard to believe we don’t have the talent among the LGBT community and our allies. The question is whether publishers will step up—not only small, independent presses, but also publishing behemoths like Scholastic, which have the clout and distribution needed to get the books into schools and libraries. (Scholastic has published LGBTinclusive fiction books before, like Arthur Levine’s picture book Monday Is One Day.) There are small efforts underway. The Anti-Defamation League, GLSEN, and StoryCorps have recently created “Unheard Voices,” an oral history and curriculum project for middle school and high school students (adl.org). The project contains online audio interviews (and transcripts) of nine people who “helped shape LGBT history,” along with discussion questions and historical background. It is a good start. “History is written by the victors,” goes an old saying. We may not have won full LGBT equality yet, but we have had many wins along the way. It is time that we start to write LGBT history—for all ages—and pass on some of those victories to the next generation. Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (www.mombian.com), a blog and resource directory for LGBT parents.

Quality.Flavor.Value Also serving Filet & Eggs, Breakfast Eggroll, Egg Croissant Sandwich, Veggie Egg-White Omlet

Ask for owners Steve & Ariel

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

call ahead for reservations & parties

SFGN Editorial

January 4, 2012

Hard Times for Aging Gays Norm Kent, Publisher

courtesy of sunserve

ichael Norfleet has been appoint- for bankruptcy protection in October of 2011. They are not alone. As reported in a frighted as the new Program Director at SunServe’s Noble A. McArtor Se- ening article in the New York Times this past fall, gay retirement communities around the nior Day Care Center. The center serves seniors over 60 who need country have fallen on hard times, victims of a some assistance with their day-to-day activi- weakened housing market, deflated economy, ties. Broward County has become home to or bad business decisions. Ironically, the same America’s largest gay and lesbian community. NY Times had done a feature six years before, Within this community there are a grow- in 2005, headlined “Gay Retirement Commuing number of seniors who are in need of as- nities are Growing in Popularity.” What once sistance with daily activities. Some of these was, no longer is. It was not supposed seniors spend much of to be this way. ‘Out’ setheir time alone, withnior citizens were to out family or caregivers find a place they could to accompany them. call home. The vision The Noble A. McArwas noble, and in cittor Center was founded ies as diverse as Ausby a team of individutin and Portland, Boston als whose vision created and Phoenix, such coma safe, open and homemunities opened, some like atmosphere for all under the umbrella of seniors and their carea company called Raingivers to enjoy, regardbowVision. They too less, and supportive of have filed for bankany sexual orientation ruptcy, their hopes of or identification, race, opening 15 such comage, gender, religion or munities dashed. They economic level. were hoping to serve a The Center is housed population whose overon the campus of the 50 members are estiSunshine Cathedral, just South of Davie Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. The mated to number more than 3 million. Couples like Barbara Cohn and Janice center will serve up to 32 clients per day, and is well equipped and staffed with nurses, Gaynor of Santa Fe, interviewed in the reaides and social workers, along with activi- cent NY Times piece, said it best, but it spoke ties coordinators. Federal and local grants, the worst: “This community was our safevolunteers and a caring community help sup- ty valve.” They do not know what is coming port the center under the auspices of Sun- next. The comfort zone they sought has been taken away. Serve. Thank you for doing so. The MetLife Mature Market Institute’s As today’s front-page feature shows, around the country, not everyone is so lucky. 2006 “Out and Aging” report on gay and lesbian boomers found Many LGBT seniors that 27 percent reface fear and isolation, ported “great concern aging without the sup“Old age is no discrimination port of children or famplace for sissies.” about as they age.” Less than ily members. half expressed strong Did you know that – Bette Davis confidence that health the first gay and lesbian care professionals will retirement community in America was started right here in Florida? treat them “with dignity and respect.” Fears The Palms of Manasota is between Sarasota of insensitivity and discriminatory treatand St. Petersburg, and was started in 1994. ment by health care professionals were parResidents moved in in 1998. It was the home ticularly strong among lesbians: 12 percdent of beautiful villas, organized dinners, and in- said they have “absolutely no confidence that formal gatherings enhancing the social fab- they will be treated respectfully.” The Palms of Manasota was built on a road ric of a growing elderly LGBT community. Unfortunately the Palms of Manasota filed that was named ‘Carefree Boulevard.’ That

moniker is ironic now, as the reality is anything but carefree. The dreams of comfort and calm in our golden years belong to all of us. For now, they are denied many LGBT residents in multiple LGBT retirement communities, which have failed, or are failing. South Florida is lucky to have an active SAGE group and the McArtor Center. As you begin the new year with resolutions and promises, let’s make one to each other. Let’s all do our best to support those who support us. Caring is not just for those who are ill, teenage runaways, or decent people who abuse bad drugs. Caring includes returning veterans, the middle-aged jobless, and aging LGBT friends and neighbors. There is always some good you can do, and usually you don’t have to look too far to do it.

Write to the Editor Please send your letters to: Letters to the Editor, SFGN 2520 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 OR EMAIL: jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Correction

ast week we printed the wrong address and website for Island City Fitness. Here is the correct information. We regret the error.

support all of the other local gay businesses. The fact is we readily support and back our community.” The gym has been open 3 years. The full service facility includes aerobics, a steam room, dry sauna and showers. “Our gym has a much more friendly and personal environment. It’s an environment where you can be yourself,” he said, “You’re not a number here. All the front desk people know all of the members’ names.” Memberships start at $24.99 and new members receive one free personal training session. They are open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and

Best Boutique Gym Island City Fitness 2270 Wilton Drive 954-318-3900 www.Islandcityfitness.com With a 90 percent gay clientele it’s no wonder Island City Fitness won Best Boutique Gym. And general manager Bryan Nosal isn’t surprised either. “We’re constantly being voted for friendliest staff and cleanest gym in the area,” he said. ”We also cater to the local gay community and

Sundays.

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

McNaught’s Notes

Living a Picture-Perfect Life By Brian McNaught

ach time we visit a foreign country, Ray and I bring home a culturallysignificant object as a remembrance of our trip. In Salzburg, we just bought a hand-crafted tableau of miniature figurines selling Christmas items in a lavishly decorated store. The very proud artisan explained that the heads and hands of the shopkeepers were carved from wax by a 90-year-old woman. The one-room store is picture-perfect in every romantic detail, including an elaborately-decorated Christmas tree with candles, assorted wreaths with bows, teddy bears and multiple other children’s toys, tiny colorful glass ornaments, and Victorian shopping bags. The appeal to us of such a piece of art is its siren song of a perfect life. In this tableau, as well as in all of the real life rooms I decorate at home, and sometimes admire by peeking through my own windows, there is a search for storybook comfort, peace, and happiness. I do the same with the table decorations for holiday and birthday celebrations. The goal is to have Ray, me, and our friends wander into a world we hoped was real as children, and long for as adults. Regrettably, I have tried to do the same romantic sculpting with my friends. I figured that if I worked hard enough at making everything fit a beautiful script, we might all enjoy relationships that were picture-perfect, filling us with comfort, peace, and happiness. But people can’t be glued into place as tiny teddy bears can be in a miniature tableau. Friends don’t like their lives to be scripted by others for roles they’re unable or unwilling to play. However, what they sometimes miss when they start moving the furniture of the relationship around, is that they had also scripted me in a role. We all do it, some knowingly, and some not. Another special gift that Ray and I bring home from each of our travels is the renewed awareness that no matter where you go in the world, people are the same, and always have been. Most especially with our yearning for a life of comfort, peace, and happiness, everyone seems to read or listen to children’s stories with hope, and to create miniature tableaux as adults in which everything is in order, including people and the parts they play in our lives. We want our gods to be powerful and merciful; our parents to be model nurturers; our political leaders to be honest and trustworthy; our children to be mirrors of our perfection; our friends to be loyal, ap-

preciative, and generous; our workers to put in a full day’s labor for their wages, and to whistle while they work. These are our storybook worlds in which we think a little glue can keep everything in place. The prince archbishops of Austria, we learned, and all other wealthy, powerful people in history it seems, created for themselves churches, palaces, and dining tables that we now look at through their windows, or through plexiglass protectors, in the vain hope of experiencing the perfect life of comfort, peace, and happiness. But even with all of their power and wealth, no one was able to get all of the people in their lives to be and do what they wished for. Their parents and children weren’t perfect, their workers were unhappy, their friends were disloyal and unappreciative, and their gods were disappointments. The leadership of all minority groups, designated by salary or acclimation, have picture-perfect tableaux in mind too. When they imagine how they want themselves and the rest of the world to see the lives of their

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

people, they have romantic notions. All black men are good fathers. All Latino Americans are trying to learn English. All women think for themselves. All people with disabilities want to be independent. All Muslims reject violence. All gay men are sexually mature adults. But there’s not enough glue in the world to keep everyone in place in the romantic worlds we create for ourselves and for others to see. If we want a life of comfort, peace, and happiness, we need to accept the perfection of life’s imperfections and that of people too. That doesn’t mean that we should try to in-

corporate all elements of life and all other people into our daily living. It’s okay to try to incorporate into your world the elements that bring you joy. Sometimes people have to leave or be taken out of your tableau, but that is how it has always been. Sometimes you also have to change the setting of the tableau. The sight of a shop that sells Christmas toys isn’t always going to satisfy us. What matters is that we be the artisans of our own lives. It doesn’t matter if the wax head of a favorite figure melts because it gets too close to the light. What’s important is that we take responsibility for continuing to create worlds that bring us comfort, peace, and happiness. Brian McNaught was named “the godfather of gay diversity training” by The New York Times. He works with corporate executives globally, is the author of six books, and is featured in seven educational DVDs. He and his spouse Ray Struble divide their year between Ft. Lauderdale and Provincetown. Visit BrianMcNaught.com for more information.

Where Business Comes to Succeed.

For advertising opportunities, call Mike Trottier: 954-530-4970 16

January 4, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Young Choreographer Makes His American Debut

t just 24, Liam Scarlett made history when he became one of the youngest choreographers to stage a new work for the Royal Ballet Company, and now, the Brit is creating a work across the pond for one of America’s most respected companies, the Miami City Ballet. Scarlett got an early start, beginning weekly dance lessons in Suffolk at the age of four, “because I had too much energy,” he explains, but he was a natural talent. By the age of 8, he caught the attention of the Royal Ballet School and three years later was resident at the company’s boarding school in London. He choreographed his first ballet at the age of 11 for his fellow students. “It was horrible, seven girls,” recalls Scarlett. “I was very glad to say I’ve gotten so much better ever since. I entered the annual competition, kept doing more. Obviously I did a little something right.” Life at the school was challenging, “not tiaras and tights all the time,” he says, “but if you love it, then you do it, you have to have dedication to be in the art form.” Instructors nurtured both his dancing and his choreography and he was accepted into the Royal Ballet Company at 18. Both talents fed the other and Scarlett feels he learned as much from his dancing as his choreography. “It does get difficult,” he says, “when you’re at the back of the ‘Swan Lake’ rehearsal while worrying about the rehearsal you’re going to be doing in the next studio later.” Edward Villella, Miami City Ballet’s artistic

director, saw a performance of Scarlett’s London premiere, “Asphodel Meadows,” and immediately commissioned the young talent. For Miami, Scarlett harnessed the music of contemporary American composer Lowell Liebermann’s piano concerto to create a “complex and urgent ballet…to reflect Miami City Ballet’s outstanding qualities of energy, passion, musicality and radiance.” Two exuberant, driven group movements bookend a passionate pas de deux. “When I create, music is such an important part.” Scarlett traveled to Miami last August to watch the company and get a true feel for the dancers, before undergoing a 10-day workshop to create the ballet: “I saw what they were about, individual personalities, this kind of internal, athletic, physical underlying drive that every single person in the company seemed to have. It was amazing to watch. Hopefully, that’s what ‘Viscera’ gets across.” In addition to the choreography, Scarlett also designed the costumes, allowing the ballet to “take the vision I want—entirely. If it doesn’t work, it’s my fault.” In a highly competitive field where dancers succumb to injuries and retirement often comes early, does Scarlett worry about the future?

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

courtesy of Miami City Ballet

By J.W. Arnold

“The reason some of the best choreographers were successful was because they started young and the changes in their lives are reflected in the pieces they create. They have less fear because they’re young and have no inhibitions. They take risks,” says Scarlett. “With any artist, you’re only as good as your last piece, so I’m always trying to do something better and different. He adds, “That’s the work ethic from my point of view.”

Program II – including World Premiere of “Viscera” by Liam Scarlett Miami City Ballet January 6 – 8, Arsht Center, Miami January 27-29, Kravis Center, West Palm Beach February 3-5, Broward Center, Fort Lauderdale Tickets available at MiamiCityBallet.org

By Brian Swinford

Have an event you want to list? If so send me an email at Calendar@sfgn.com.

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Theatre Broward County Carmen

On Jan. 5 and 6 at 8 p.m. Carmen comes to the Broward Center for Performing Arts. This contemporary ballet, through choreographer Tomas Mazuch’s vision, restores Prosper Marimee’s original novela. The drama of Carmen enchants with its tragic telling of turbulent loves, uncontrolled passion, jealousy and bloodshed. Visit BrowardCenter.org

The Motherf**ker With The Hat

From Jan. 7 to Jan. 25 come to the Gable Stage at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables and see The Motherf**ker with the Hat. Was there ever any doubt that GableStage would be the first to stage last season’s Broadway drama about a former drug-dealing addict trying to kick his habit despite the “help” of friends and a troubled sponsor? Visit Gablestage.org

Soul Doctor, The Shlomo Carlebach Musical

The Soul Dr. is at the Parker Play House Jan. 11-29. The show is about the journey of a Rockstar-Rabbi. Larry King raved “The crowd roars with laughter and song all night long, the most exuberant new musical, destined to become a hit on Broadway for many years to come!” Browardcenter. org/souldoctor_parker

Jersey Boys

The Jersey Boys are back at the Broward Center on Jan. 11-29. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. Visit BrowardCenter.org

The Four Tops & The Temptations

When it comes to Motown legends, it doesn’t get any bigger or any better than multi-platinum selling artists The Four Tops & The Temptations! On Feb. 1 enjoy this awesome concert at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Hitting the stage with their high energy pop and funk from the 70’s and 80’s, these musical greats perform classic Motown hits from their repertoire. Visit BrowardCenter.org

Willie Nelson & Family

On Tuesday Feb. 7 come see American country music icon Willie Nelson at The Broward Center at 8 p.m. For over 30 years, this “outlaw” singer-songwriter has recorded more than 200 albums and achieved both cult status and mainstream acclaimed. In his career, he blazed a trail through the music business. Visit BrowardCenter.org

Palm Beach

The Effect of Gamma Rays on Man-inthe-Moon Marigolds

This Pulitzer Prize winning play depicts a mentally unbalanced woman’s far reaching effects on the lives of her two daughters, and a young girl’s struggle to keep her focus and dreams alive. Showings will start Jan. 6-29. Visit Palmbeachdramaworks.org/season.php

*Urinetown, The Musical

On Jan. 20 & 27, at 8 p.m. come to west Boca for this intriguing musical. It is a tale of greed, corruption, love, and revolution in a time when water is worth its weight in gold. In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets. Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough, and plans a revolution! Visit Slowburntheatre.com

Happy Birthday Elvis Tribute Show

On Jan. 7 come to the Crest Theatre and enjoy a memorable night of fun and entertainment! Special appearance by R.J. Franzese with the sounds of Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bobby Darin and more. Be thrilled as Scott, R.J. and the band perform the greatest songs of all time! Visit Oldschool.org/ performances.asp

Hair

Hair comes to the Kravis Center on Jan. 10-15. This exuberant musical about a group of young Americans searching for peace and love in a turbulent time has struck a resonant chord with audiences young and old. Visit Kravis.org

The Two and Only

Alexander, Who’s Not Going to Move!

Pilobolus

Miami

Wally Cardona: Tool Is Loot

Key West

Jan. 13-15. This 2007 Tony Award Winner for Best Theatrical Event stars Jay Johnson (best known for the TV show Soap), and a wild cast of puppet characters in one of today’s funniest and most original theatrical experiences. It’s an adult look at life, growing up, having a dream and everything in between. Visit Oldschool.org/performances.asp

Macbeth and the Monster

Come to the Mad Cat Theatre in Miami on Dec. 28-Jan. 9 for a family-friendly modern re-imagining of the Shakesperean tale intended to be entertaining for all ages. Written by Los Angeles playwright Angela Berliner and directed by Paul Tei. Visit madcattheatre.org

B.B King

On Jan. 4 The Adrienne Arsht Center will have B.B King the blues king. B.B. King will be singing and playing the blues with relentless passion. Time has no apparent effect on B.B., other than to make him more popular, more cherished, more relevant than ever. For more information visit Arshtcenter.org

In this hilarious sequel to Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Alexander has bad news- his dad has taken a job in a new city a thousand miles away, which means that he & his family are going to have to move away from all his friends and the things he loves. Come to the Actors PlayHouse at the Miracle Theatre in Coral Gables on Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. Visit Actorsplayhouse.org

On Jan. 21 come to the Colony Theatre watch this play where each choreographer solicited weeklong encounters with nondance experts, treating their artistic positions to the constant reassessment, opinions and desires of an “outsider”, creating a new work with each expert. 8:30 p.m. Visit Tigertail.org

Florida Grand Opera Presents Rigoletto Verdi’s Rigoletto, one of the world’s best loved operas will be at the Adrienne Arsth Center on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m.This is the story of a court jester who enables the Duke’s philandering and mocks the husbands and fathers of the victims. When he finds his own daughter to be the Duke’s newest victim, he tries to repay evil with evil, a plan that goes awry. Visit Arshtcenter.org

Stage Door: Highlighting the Arts

By J.W. Arnold A Woman’s Reputation is Everything Thanks to Georges Bizet’s opera, “Carmen,” the tale of a fiery gypsy who steals the heart of a handsome young soldier, is well known, or is it? In his new ballet opening this weekend in Aventura, choreographer Tomas Mazuch plans to tell the real story, restoring the many nuances of the original 1845 novella by Prosper Mérimée. “For me, I love the drama on the stage and I especially like to bring new audiences and educate them,” says Mazuch, founder of Ballet Etoile. “There are lots of details that are not in the opera and the character of Carmen is different.” For his ballet, Mazuch turned not to the music of Bizet, but to Russian composer Rodion Schedrin, who is also married to the great ballerina Maya Plisetskaya. He is also relying on a small, versatile company for his retelling. “She was a beautiful woman, but very free,” Mazuch explains, “and she was made to look like a slut. We’re going to open their eyes to the real story.” Ballet Etoiles presents Tomas Mazuch’s “Carmen” on Thursday, Jan. 5 and Friday, Jan. 6 at 8 p.m. at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, 3385 NE 188th St. in Aventura. Tickets are $28 and $32 at AventuraCenter.org or by calling 877-311-7469.

On Friday March 2 at 8 p.m. come to The Adrienne Arsht Center for Pilobolus. Celebrating 40 years of defying gravity, this incomparable dance company has delighted, dazzled and amazed audiences across the planet with their superhuman flexibility and fascinating forms that challenge the limits of the human body. Visit Arshtcenter.org

Dead Man’s Cell Phone

In a quiet cafe a cell phone rings. And rings. The stranger at the next table has had enough. She confronts the owner of the cell phone, but, well...he’s dead. She begins to answer his calls and suddenly finds herself enmeshed in his life and family. Unfortunately, the dead guy has quite a number of shady loose ends. This plays opening night is Feb 2 at The Waterfront Playhouse at 8pm. Visit Waterfrontplayhouse.org

Community Calendar Broward

*Relay For Life of Hope/Oakland Park Kickoff Event

Some Real Drama GableStage Artistic Director Joe Adler landed the South Florida premiere of one of the hottest tickets on Broadway last year, “The Motherfu**ker with the Hat,” and he hasn’t been shy about sharing that news—at every opportunity. He really likes to say that word that we can’t print. Anyway, the show finally opens at the Biltmore in Coral Gables, Saturday, Jan. 7 for a month-long run. Tickets are $45-50 at GableStage.org. Palm Beach Dramaworks has grand new digs, formerly the Cuillo Center on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach, and the company opens the new year with Paul Zindel’s “The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds,” on Friday, Jan. 6. Mother and daughter Laura Turnbull and Arielle Hoffman are featured in this Pulitzer Prize-winning family drama. Tickets are $55 at PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

A Musical Model for Occupy Wall Street The Tony-winning touring production of “Hair,” returns to South Florida with a run at West Palm Beach’s Kravis Center, Jan. 10-15. A tribe of young hippies bare their souls— and much, much more—in this rock anthem to anti-Vietnam protesters of the ‘60s and ‘70s.Tickets start at $25 at Kravis.org.

On Jan. 10 the American Cancer Society will host a Relay for Life of HOPE/Oakland Park kickoff event with food, games, entertainment and prizes for the whole community to enjoy. Call Maureen Mann, Event Chair 954-351-5955.

*Mack Mixer Power Lunch

MACK coined the term ‘Gay Owned. Straight Friendly’ by launching their first business networking groups for the South Florida business community in March 2005: Power Lunch and Mack Mixer. Come to the OutBack Steakhouse on Jan.10 for this great gay straight friendly Luncheon. Visit MackPlanet.com

Grief Support Group

Grief Support Group led by Heartland Hospice meets every 3rd Tuesday at American Burial & Cremation Center @ Jennings Funeral Home 1801 E. Oakland Park Blvd. from 2-4 pm. Call 954-731-4321. If you need support in your time of loss they invite you to attend.

Eating Disorder Support group

An Eating Disorder Support group is starting Nov. 4. This group will meet Friday evenings from 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. At Sun Serve’s Wilton Manors location at 2123 Wilton Drive, second floor. This is a “drop-in” psycho-educational support group. No registration required, free- however donations are welcome. Call 954-764-5150 for more information

SunTrust Sunday Jazz Brunch

First Sunday of every month. An ideal way to relax and enjoy Fort Lauderdale’s scenic Riverwalk. Live , outdoor concert series bringing the area’s best local jazz artists. Listen to the soulful sounds on four different stages. Everyone is welcome to attend, including well-behaved, leashed pets. There is plenty of room to set up chairs, blankets and picnic baskets to experience the fabulous entertainment. Patrons can also stroll along the historic brick-lined walkway to enjoy live music while browsing items from local merchants and enjoying food from area restaurants.

Florida Renaissance Festival

Journey back to the 16th century, Feb. 11 to March 11, as you step through castle gates and into the days of yore. Explore the artisans’ village and view live demonstrations of glassblowing, steel-fighting, archery, and more. Feast on hearty food fit for a king while enjoying live performances on stage and in the lanes, including our thrice-daily jousting events. Weekends only, plus President’s Day, 2/20 Visit Broward.org/ Parks/QuietW

Lambda South

A meeting place, primarily for gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people in recovery. Hosts Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA), Compulsive Sex Addicts Anonymous (CSA), Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Gamblers Anonymous (GA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), & Overeaters Anonymous (OA), meetings. (954) 7619072. 1231-A East Las Olas Boulevard. Fort Lauderdale. Visit Lambdasouth.com

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. SE Florida Chamber Expo

On Jan. 28-29 come to the War Memorial Auditorium and see what your local businesses have to showcase. Come and see your local community’s businesses products and services. Free Admission. From 10am-6pm. For more information please call Gino Alessio 561-245-8985.

Atlantis | Allure Caribbean Cruise

Gay cruise, largest cruise ship ever built: Allure of the Seas, week of entertainment, parties, dance events, Jan. 29 – Feb. 5. Nearly 5,500 international gay/lesbian guests to sail from Ft. Lauderdale to Labadee, Cozumel, Costa Maya, & back. Atlantisevents.com/Allure-2012-Caribbean-Cruise/11

Young Adult GLBT

A social group open to all LGBT people ages 18-35. This group meets Fridays at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors from 7:15-9 p.m. Meeting starts with a discussion on current events followed by introductions and then a group activity. Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org/contact-us

Boardwalk Friday Fest

Come out to Hollywood Beach Theatre East of A1A at Johnson St and the ocean. Admission: Free every Friday of every month. Live jazz, blues, pop and everything in between along Hollywood’s signature 2.5 mile Broadwalk. Charming oceanfront cafes and restaurants serve up delicious innovative cuisine while you enjoy the best array of live music and tropical ocean breezes. Visit Hollywoodfl.org or call 954-924-2980

Toastmasters

Most Toastmasters meetings are comprised of about 20 people who meet weekly for an hour or so. Participants practice and learn skills by filling a meeting role, ranging from giving a prepared speech or an impromptu one to serving as timer, evaluator or grammarian. Toastmasters meet at the GLCC/Pride Center Monday at 7:15 p.m. Call Ted Verdone at 954-599-7916 or email: Tedverdone@comcast.net

Safe “T”

Safe “T” is a new support group for gender variant adults 18 plus that meets Wednesday evenings from 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Sunserve’s Wilton Manors location at 2123 Wilton Drive, second floor. This is a “drop-in” psycho-educational support group. No registration required, free- however donations are welcome. Call 954-764-5150.

GreenMarket Pompano Beach

At the corner of Dixie Highway and Atlantic Boulevard 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. This outdoor street market provides the best and freshest fruits and vegetables, juices, baked goods, seafood, gourmet teas and coffees and other food items, as well as orchids, plants, and health-related products and services. GreenMarket Pompano Beach is held every Saturday through April 28. Also features art shows, antique automobile shows, and environmental exhibits. Visit GreenMarketPompano.com

Light-Up Lauderdale

Light Up Lauderdale is a holiday centric promenade of lights in Riverwalk Park. This event connects the cultural, historical and business districts along New River. November to January. Visit www.goriverwalk.com

Winter HEAT 2012

February 16-20, 2012 Host hotel: Bahia Mar Beach Resort & Yachting Center. Events at: George’s Alibi, Torpedo Bar, Green Room, Heat Waves, Voodoo, Living Room, Winter Waterland. See website for details.Visit Winterheatflorida.com

Alternative MC Tuesday night Eaten Meeting

Tue Nite Eatin Meeting will be held at The Alternative MC Clubhouse at 4322 NE 5th Ave in Oakland park. There will be fun, food, and fellowship. There will be hambergers, hotdogs, all the fixins, cold drinks, desserts, and snacks. The meeting will begin at 8pm and end around 9pm. For more information Visit Alternativemc.com/events/florida-events

Gay Men’s HIV+ Long Time Survivors’ Group

This is a support group that gives men who have been HIV+ for a long time (5 yrs +) the opportunity to give and receive support around topics of interest and issues for concern that are raised by the members. This group meets on 1st and 3rd Thursday at Sunserve 2312 Wilton Drive from 6:30 – 8 p.m. There is no cost, but donations are welcome.

Gay Male Empowerment Group

Topic discussions include issues and concerns about being a gay man in South Florida. Meets on Thursdays at the Pride Center from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Call 954-353-9155 or e-mail info@ sunserve.org.

PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays)

Meets on the 2nd and 4th Tues. of the month at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1480 SW 9th Avenue to support the parents of LGBTQ youth in Broward. No charge. Visit Community.pflag. org/pflagfortlauderdale for more information.

SunServe Therapy Groups

Provided for the LGBT community at SunServe on a regular basis. Groups require an intake interview. Call the Intake Coordinator at 954-764-5150 to learn which therapy groups have openings. Visit SunServe.org

Fusion Wilton Manors - Connections

Gay men’s group discussion. Different subject every week. Dr. David Fawcett, a gay therapist, who has been in private practice in Fort Lauderdale for the last ten years, leads the event. No charge with no commitment to attend every week. Starts at 7 p.m. Call Fusion Monday-Friday at 954-630-1655.

continued on page 20

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost. Women4Women Personal Growth Support Group

YOGA Among the Orchids

This is a safe and loving place to explore all the concerns and topics raised by group members. This open drop-in meeting is held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the New Sun Serve Building at 2312 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Call 954-764-5150

It’s time for Yoga Among the Orchids at the American Orchid Society, 16700 AOS Lane, Delray Beach. Relax and replenish the flower inside with an hour of breathing exercises, toning, and yoga poses under a canopy of lush orchids. Classes are Wed. at 9 a.m. Cost is $20 and RSVP is suggested. Call 561404-2011. Visit OrchidWeb.org

Man2Man Discussion Group

Jazz on the Palm

Man-2-Man talk is an informal discussion group of gay men, with all age ranges and backgrounds welcomed. Bldg A, Room 206. Visit Glccsf.org/calendar/

Palm Beach *Mack Mixer

MACK coined the term ‘Gay Owned. Straight Friendly.’ by launching their first business networking groups for the South Florida business community in March 2005: Power Lunch and Mack Mixer. Five years later, MACK continues to be a trusted name for the gay and lesbian business community and its supporters. Come to DECK84 on Jan4 for one of the best gay& straight friendly networkers.

Beach Bon Fire

The city of Lake Worth invites everyone to come out and enjoy the beach bon-fires with a different dress up theme each night. Bonfire Dates: January 13th (New Year) & 27th (Favorite Movie), February 10th (Pirate) & 24th ( 70’s Night ). Visit Lakeworth.org

2012 MDA Muscle Walk presented by Moore Ellrich & Neal PA

Come walk with us Sunday, January 22, 2012 to support the Muscular Dystrophy Association. So whether you’ve walked before or you’re walking in the MDA Muscle Walk for the first time, we need you because you are the heart (and sole!) of this great event. All participants will receive entrance into Palm Beach Zoo for the day immediately following the walk. Visit Walk.mda.org

21st Annual Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure

Registration is now open for the 2012 Susan G. Komen South Florida Race for the Cure. Bring all your friends and family on Saturday, January 28, 2012. If you’ve got a passion for making a difference in our community, then take action today and register or make a donation. For more information visit Komensouthflorida.org

Yoga On The Waterfront

Lake Pavilion at 101 S. Flagler Drive, West Palm Beach, FL / Yoga On The Waterfront in downtown West Palm Beach on Wednesday Evenings at 5:45 PM. Residents $40 per 8 week session, Non-Residents $50 per 8 week session, Drop-ins $10 per class. To register, please call 561-804-4902.

MS Walk - The Palm Beaches

Sign up for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society 2012 MS Walk on Sunday Feb 26 at 7am. Help raise awareness and funds for research, programs, services and advocacy. MS Walk is the rallying point of the MS movement; a community of friends, family and co-workers coming together with a shared commitment and determination to create a world free of MS. Visit Walkfls.nationalmssociety.org

Jazz on the Palm - Downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront Gather with friends and family to enjoy the diverse vibrant sounds of jazz under the stars every 3rd Friday of month at the new Downtown West Palm Beach waterfront concert series. Free and open to the public. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs. From 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Visit Wpbgo. com/2010/06/jazz-on-the-palm

*denotes new listing

Miami

*Aqua Ally Awards

This is event is a celebration for those who stand with us in the fight for equality.The Aqua Ally Awards will take place Feb. 10 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The 2012 Honorees are Patricia Ireland, Howard Simon with Guest Emcee David Bernard from CBS 4 News. $75 in advance for members. $85 in advance for non-members, and $95 at the door. Visit Aquafoundation.org

Miami Beach Music Festival

On Dec 30 Miami Beach will be filled with super stars like Gym Class Hero’s, Ne-Yo, and Cee Lo Green for The Miami Beach Music festival. For more information on this all star event visit Orangedr.com/events/ gridiron-bash-pep-rally-1

Sunday on the Waterfront

Sunday on the Waterfront is a free concert series, which takes place the third Sunday of most months in the beautiful downtown West Palm Beach Waterfront area. Bring blankets, chairs, and coolers or purchase treats at the concert. Free parking in all city lots and at city meters. 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. May through October. Visit OnTheWaterFront.com

Miami International Art Fair

Bette Davis in All About Eve, Soundscape Cinema’s January 18 presentation

BrothasSpeak

This group is a black gay men’s discussion group that is held at the Compass in West Palm Beach. Every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. this group will be directed toward issues for and about black men. Visit Compassglcc.com

Paths

Paths is a social/discussion group held at Compass in Lake Worth. This men’s group takes place every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Paths men’s group will be discussing relationships, coming –out, safer sex issues and more. Visit Compassglcc.com

Yoga

Yoga with Deborah will change your life. Bring a mat and get ready to stretch the stress away every Tuesday at The GLCC in Palm Beach from 6 to 7 p.m. This yoga experience will uplift and transform your life. $6 Entry Fee. You must bring your own mat. Visit Compassglcc.com

Living Buddhism

On the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. Compass in Lake Worth will be holding a discussion group for overcoming obstacles and obtaining happiness. This group is great for getting internal enlightenment. Release your inner stress, and become free. Visit Compassglcc.com

Good Orderly AA

US Sailing’s 2011 Rolex Miami OCR

These meetings take place at Compass, and geared toward recovering alcoholics. Every Tues. and Thurs. at 7 p.m. and on Sat. at 6 p.m. These meetings will help recovering alcoholics cope with the stress of everyday life without the use of alcohol.

MIA features contemporary, cutting-edge art of all media including photography, painting, mixed-media, sculpture, installation and video. The fair is unique in its support of the local Miami art community. This year MIA will be held aboard SeaFair. Opening night vernissage is Jan. 12. Visit Miaartfair.com

MDGLCC/GALLA

This event will take place Jan 22-28 and isbeing held at the US Sailing Center in Miami a mainstay on the winter circuit for sailors who are campaigning for the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. The event is part of the ISAF Sailing World Cup, a world-class annual series for Olympic sailing. Visit Rmocr.ussailing.org

Art Deco Weekend

January 13 -15, Miami Design Preservation League celebrates 35 years of Art Deco Weekend. There will be live music, an antique furniture expo, classic car show, parade, fashion show, guided walking tours, street entertainment, and more. Come celebrate the South Beach of today, a rich landscape of style, culture, and creativity. Visit Mdpl.org

Homestead Championship Rodeo

This exciting event will take place Jan 27-29 at the Doc Demily Rodeo Arena in Miami. This seven-event rodeo includes bull riding, saddle-bronco riding, bareback-bronco riding, calf roping, team roping, steer wrestling, and women’s barrel racing. The fun also includes cowboy poetry performances, a parade, live music and dancing. Visit Homesteadrodeo.com

Sandpipers Networking Event

Sandpipers Networking Event – Wednesday, Jan. 11, MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program held on the middle Wednesday of each month. This month’s location is Escopazzo Restaurant. Cocktail networking event and business card exchange with drawing for prizes. Cash bar and free hors d’oeuvres. For more information call 305-673-4440 or email mdglcc@bellsouth.net

Soundscape Cinema Series Free Outdoor Movies

On Jan. 11 at 1130am MDGLCC/GALLA presents its monthly networking program tailored for attorneys, judges and legal professionals held on the middle Wednesday of each month. Guest speaker: TBD. Truluck’s Restaurant. For more information call 305-673-4440 or email mdglcc@ bellsouth.net.

The Exostage is an open, grassy viewing area faces a 7,000 square foot projection wall on the eastern front of the New World Center building, complete with a world-class audio system. Miami Beach Soundscape 400 17th Street. Schedule: Movies at 8 p.m. Wednesdays: Jan. 4 Victor/Victoria; Jan. 11 Ray; Jan. 18 All About Eve; Jan. 25 Gone With The Wind. Miamibeachfl.gov

“Taste of Miami” Fundraiser

Winter Party Festival

This event will be on Jan14 and will be showcasing the mouthwatering morsels and luscious libations of MDGLCC member food and beverage establishments, “Taste of Miami” will be presented as a stand-alone event this year with proceeds benefitting the MDGLCC Foundation’s Scholarship Program and the LGBT Visitor Center. For more information call 305-397-8914 or email cindy@gogaymiami.com.

*Business Builders Luncheon

MDGLCC presents its monthly networking program held Jan 26 and on the last Thursday of each month. At City Hall The Restaurant. Registration is at 11:30 am with luncheon/ networking from noon to 1:00 pm. Call 305-673-4440 or email mdglcc@bellsouth.net.

Aqua Foundation’s Second Annual Family BBQ

The Aqua Foundation for Women will be having their second annual family BBQ on Feb. 26 from 12-4 p.m. This event is the perfect opportunity for LBT families to connect with one another in a fun, social place. The beach and playground will be available for your use, there will be delicious food on the grill, and there will be fun activities for all ages. Visit Aquafoundation.org

From Febuary 29 to March 5 come to party at the Winter Party. Which has grown into one of South Florida’s premier events. The Beach Party is set to be held on Sunday March 4th and attracts over 6,000 people to dance on the sands on Miami Beach every year. For more information, go to Winterparty.com

Lambda Dade Clubhouse

A meeting place for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual & Transgender communities and friends in recovery. Hosts Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Al-Anon, Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA), Debtors Anonymous (DA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and Sex & Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), meetings. (305) 573-9608. 212 NE 24th Street. Miami. Visit Lambdadadeclubhouse.org

Aqua Ally Awards

On Friday, Feb.10 from 6-9 p.m. The Aqua Foundation for Women will be celebrating those who stand with us in the fight for equality. Come out to the beautiful Bacardi building at 2701 Le Juene Rd. Floor 15 in Coral Gables. Visit Aquafoundation.org

continued on page 22

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To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost.

Key West

Key West ‘Bight’ Before Christmas Holiday Celebration

On Nov24-Dec31 come get you’re jiggy on with great live holiday music, games for the kids, free cookies and eggnog, holiday cheer and a chance for photos with Santa highlight this event. Created as a gift to the community, the gala is produced by the Key West Bight Preservation Association and tenants of the Key West Bight. Call Tom Stroh 305-304-2633

52nd Annual Key West House & Garden Tours

Come tour a series of elegant and a unique part of Key West on Dec 27-28 decorticated for the holidays! Proceeds help benefit the old Island Restoration Foundation. Presented by the Old Island Restoration Foundation, this house and garden tour offers a rare opportunity to see inside some of Key West’s magnificent, charming and tropical residences. Call 305-294-9501 or via email tickets@oirf.org

Florida Keys Art Guild, Art Festival

On Dec. 27 come down to Key West for an awesome Art Fest. This is a free art festival to be held at Bayview Park, enjoyable for the whole family. Dozens of artists from around the country join local artisans to display their work, ranging from fine jewelry, sculpture, paintings and photography as well as fine crafts. Open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call Joey Smith 305897-9098 or Email: sarasotajoe2000@yahoo.com

Florida Keys New Year’s Eve Celebrations

The Southernmost City celebrates with a conch shell drop at Sloppy Joes Bar, 201 Duval St.; a descending 6-foot red high heel shoe carrying drag queen Sushi at the Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House complex, 724 Duval St.; and a pirate wench descending from a tall ship mast in the island city’s Historic Seaport. Call: 305-296-2388, 305-293-9800

Food And Wine Festival

The third annual Key West Food & Wine Festival will be January 26-29. Events range from extravagant walk-around tastings during our famous sunset, to educational wine and food seminars led by our local talent, to local funky events you would only expect to experience in Key West. Thursday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 29. Visit Keywestfoodandwinefestival.com

nightlife Broward 321-Slammer

Bathhouse. 321 W Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33311. Slammer sex club the best place to cruise for the hottest gay men. Thursday’s is leather night, fri-sat night live dj’s. Monday & tuesday -- $9 entry fee

Atomic Boom

2232 Wilton Drive ,Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 630-3556 Best Sound & Light Show in Broward County. Mondays Porn Bingo with Desiree Dubois. $3 Margaritas, $1 Draft

Bill’s Filling Station

2209 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 5675978. Large Bar/ Nightclub, Amazing. Drink Specials in Wilton Manors. Wednesday’s After 9pm $10 Miller Lite Beer Bust

*denotes new listing

Mona’s

502 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 525-6662. The eclectic décor and a friendly staff makes. Mona’s a great place to have fun in Fort Lauderdale. Thursday’s College Boy’s Night 8pm Enjoy College Boy’s Choice 2 for 1

Boardwalk

1132 North Dixie Highway, Lake Worth FL $3 Drinks No Cover open till 5AM New location Better than Ever.

The Mad Hatter

1532 North Dixie Hwy ,Lake Worth, FL 33460. (561) 547-8860. Cheap drinks, friendly bartenders, and free pool SundayThursday. Stop by and relax at this no-attitude haunt.

The Club Fort Lauderdale

Clubhouse II

Bathhouse. 2650 E. Oakland Park Blvd , Fort Lauderdale, Florida (954) 566-6750. A Private Club for Bi/Gay men. Bear and Cub Thursday $4 Off For Bear & Cub. Tuesday Leather Night - $4. off wear any type of leather.

Corner Pub Bar

1915 North Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 564-7335. Redefining What a Bar Should Be. Thursday’s Margarita. Madness $4, Monday’s Underwear Night. 2 for 1 until 9:30 p.m.

Cubby Hole

823 North Federal Highway ,Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 728-9001. The Cubby Hole is one of Fort Lauderdale’s Most Unique and Popular Neighborhood Bar for Men. Underwear Wednesday’s. Boxers n’ Briefs get 2 for 1 on Drinks 9 p.m. till Close

The Depot Cabana Bar and Grill

2935 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 537-7076. Voted the “Friendliest” Gay Bar in Fort Lauderdale. Monday’s $1.99 Drinks and $.50 Wings Open to Close

Tag Bar 2740 North Andrews Ave, Wilton Manors, FL 33311, (954) 514-7819. The Monkey Business Bar is a Small Outdoor Bar Among The Shops Just off Marina Blvd. No Frills But Comfortable and a Great Place to Stop and Meet Good People. Happy Hour 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Naked Grape Wine Bar

2039 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-5631 A Casual, Hip, Fun Experience and if You Have a Taste for Deliciously Unique Wines, You Need to Make This Your Next Stop! Happy Hour All Night on Thursday

New Moon

2440 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 563-7660 Your neighborhood lesbian bar in the heart of Fort Lauderdale and just minutes from Ft. Lauderdale Beach. Wednesday All the fun, half the price 2-4-1 All Day, All Night

PJ’s Corner Pocket

924 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 533-0257. One of The Most Diverse Bars in Fort Lauderdale. $2 Drinks Every Wednesday, Spades Every Thursday

Georgie’s Alibi

Johnny’s

Rosie’s Bar and Grill

1116 West Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 5225931. Monday Dragon with TP Lords, Daisy D. and DJ Rob Sky Some of the hottest Guys around with great happy hour drink specials. Bring all your friends to this sexy Bar.

The Manor

2345 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 626 0082 - Come Dine, Dance, Drink, Mingle and of course Relax. 2-4-1 Happy Hour Tues-Friday 3-9pm. Indoor/Outdoor Dining. Dance the night away Thursday - Sunday. Live Music Weds, Fri, Sat, Sun - Visit themanorcomplex.com FOR MORE DETAILS.

Matty’s on the Drive

2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 564-1799. Matty’s is one of the few bars in Wilton Manors that’s just that –a bar. Wild Wednesday’s $.75 Drinks, 13 Drinks for less than $10. 5 p.m.

25 Northeast 2nd Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33483 954-801-3247. Delray Beach’s only Gay Bar. Mon - Sun: 4 p.m. - 2 a.m. Awesome Drink Specials

Monkey Business

Ramrod

2266 Wilton Drive ,Wilton Manors, FL 33305 ,(954) 5652526. Fort Lauderdale’s Best & Longest Happy Hour. Wednesdays $2 Domestics & $1 Schnapps after 9 p.m. Wednesdays

1508 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304, (954) 763-8219 South Florida’s Leading Levi, Leather and Uniform Bar/Club. Every night is Bear Night. Bear Happy. Hour Every Thursday. Caged Hunks Sat Night 2449 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, (954) 567-1320 Wilton Manor’s Best Burger in Town. Try the Fat Elvis. Happy Hour 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Scandals Country Western Bar

Oakland Park, FL 3334, (954) 567-2432. Scandals Gay and Lesbian Country Western. Dance Bar in Wilton Manors. Tuesdays Pool League, and Free Dance Lessons

Sidelines Sports Bar

2031 Wilton Drive, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305, (954) 563-8001 Sidelines Sports Bar and Billiards is a unique, friendly, And accepting place to relax with a cold beer, great drinks and Martinis. Happy Hour M-F 4pm to 2am

Smarty Pants

3038 North Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33306, (954) 561-1724. Great Local Hangout in Fort Lauderdale with Great Drink Specials. Saturday’s Free Breakfast to Order – 8 a.m.

The Stable

205 East Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park, FL 33334, (954) 565-4506 A neighborhood bar with a different theme every night, from drag shows and bingos, to bears and underwears.

Torpedo

2829 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, (954) 587-2500. Your Dance Destination Till Dawn. Open Late for You To Devour The Night. Open 7 nights a week till 4 a.m.

Miami

Club Space

34 NE 11th St ,Miami ,Florida, 33132,(305)350-1956 Space Miami Voted Best U.S Club IDMA 2011. The go-to venue for any nightlife enthusiast in the nation,The club is proudly marching on into its second decade of operation.

Club Sugar

2301 SW 32nd Ave, Miami, Florida, 33145,(305)443-7657. All the Sweetness you’ll need in one Club. Every Thursday Drag Wars with TP Lords. $5 House Drinks & $4 Domestic Beers all night

Discotekka

950 NE 2nd Ave, Downtown Miami, Florida 33132,(305)3509084 One of the Best Night Clubs In Miami. Every Saturday The Hottest DJ’s from the Top Performers. Drink Special Every Saturday

Johnny’s

Miami 62 NE 14 Street Downtown Miami Florida (305)640-8749 No Cover 7 nights a week. The hottest men in the universe strip shows nightly from 6 p.m. Sexy from Wall to Wall. Saturday SEPT 3 in Miami FIRE & ICE at the SPOT…The Hottest POP, Hip Hop and Latin alongside the COLDEST Electro and House Beats. all on Miami’s Best Sound System.

Score

727 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, Florida, 33139,(305)561-5521. Score is located in the heart of South Beach, In the thriving and infamous promenade, Lincoln Road. Bigger Saturday’s Sexy Male Dolls

Swinging Richards

17450 Biscayne Blvd, N Maimi Beach, Fl 33160 954-357-2532 Tuesdays-Saturdays from 6pm til 6am come and enjoy Fully nude guys dancing to the best music in South Floirda.

Twist

1057 Washington Ave, Miami Beach , Florida , 33139, (305)538-9478 Never a Cover…Always a Groove. Resident star DJ Mika spins tribal. Every Saturday TWIST is full of the hottest men in Miami. Muscle boy dancers taking it off in the Bungalow Bar.

Key West

801 Bourbon Bar

801 Duval St. , Key West, Florida,(305)294-4737 Cabaret shows upstairs with nightly performances by famed performers Sushi, Kylie, RV Beaumont, Margo, and others. Happy Hour specials daily from 11a.m. – 8 p.m.

Club Aqua

Palm Beach

711 Duval St.,Key West, Florida,(305)294-0555 Monday’s Dueling Bartenders. Your Bartender’s sing, shake, and stir their way through happy hour 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

522 Lucerne Ave, Lake Worth, Fl, 33414. (561) 586-0080 Great Service, Great Food, Full Stocked Bar, Great Professional Tea-Dance every Sunday

705 Duval St. , Key West, Florida,(305)292-8500 Key West All-Male Strip Club. Daily Happy Hour from 3-8 p.m., And a piano sing-a-long every Wednesday night.

The Cottage

Kwest

Fort Dix

Pearl’s Patio Bar

6205 Georgia Ave, West Palm Beach, Florida 33405 Directions, (561)533-5355. Mostly local crowd looking to mingle and relax. Place rocks with a Fabulous DJ on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday T-Dance.

823 BELVEDERE ROAD, WEST PALM BEACH FLORIDA 33405, (561)-832-9119. H.G. Roosters is West Palms oldest gay club. Sunday’s Complimentary BBQ 5pm, Hot Male Dancers 6 p.m., Karaoke 11 p.m.

The Lounge

1721 North Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. (954) 463-6969. A Cute Little Hangout in Fort Lauderdale Pool-Room/Game Room on One Side and a Bar-Strip Club on the other. Mondays $3 Well & Dom, after 9pm $3 U-Call-It Shots Bathhouse. 110 Northwest 5th Avenue,Fort Lauderdale, FL ,(954) 525-3344 Good. Clean. Fun. 1/2 price rooms... Tuesday Nights and 1/2 price Lockers. Thursdays Nights. Always busy.

H.G. Rooster

525 United Street, Key West, FL(305)293-9805 ext. 156 Pearl’s Patio is a great place to enjoy a drink and relax. Happy Hour – every weekday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday’s are Extended Happy Hour 5pm-9pm

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

To Submit Listings Email: Brian at Calendar@sfgn.com Fax: 954-530-7943. Please include a brief description, address, phone number, date, time and cost.

AFTER DARK

By Brian Swinford

LSU vs Alabama at Sidelines Sports Bar Sunday Jan. 8 Thursday Jan. 5

ome to Score Nightclub which is located on beautiful Lincoln Rd for Pop Fever Thursdays. Enjoy some of the hottest music around with the hottest people in Miami. Music will be by DJ Sky & Maximus 3000. This party will be hosted by Danny Ferro. With no cover and $6 long island ice T’s there’s no place better to be on a Thursday night than Score Nightclub.

Friday Jan. 6

heck your Clothes at the Door for The Manor’s monthly Boxers or Briefs underwear party hosted by Oliver Douglas. With Performances by Estephania St.Lords, and with DJ JPS in the main room, Dj Daisy D in the hip-hop room, and Alandra Mathews as your VIP Hostess. $3 drinks from 10pm-12am with $100 Eristoff Vodka VIP bottle service all night.

Saturday Jan. 7

ohnny’s Bar...Saturday’s In Fort Lauderdale 40 HOT MALE DANCERS DJ BUGIE spins the best HOUSE music in town NO COVER and FREE DRINKS w/ printout of ad $5 Chambord Vodka Mixes All Night 18+. Don’t forget about Johnny’s Miami with their Happy Hour Drink prices that can’t Be Beat! $2 5-6pm, $3 6-8pm, $4 8-10pm…Well drinks of course open 7 days a week 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. over 30 hot naked boys dancing all night. No cover.

undays isn’t just the day for rest anymore. Scandals has some of the best Happy hour prices all day on Sundays & $10 “all you can Drink” domestic draft beer from 3 p.m. till close. Scandals also has one of the best Karaoke nights starting at 9 p.m. also on Sundays. This is the place to be on Sundays hands down.

Monday Jan. 9

n Invitation of Pride! Come to Sidelines for the Bowl Champion Series.Watch LSU vs Alabama at Sidelines Jan. 9 starting at 7:30 p.m. Sidelines sports bar is the best gay sports bar in town with cheap drink prices, loads of flat screens to catch all the games, and a great atmosphere for drinking and watching your favorite sports teams.

Tuesday Jan. 10

f you’re looking for some real fun this week stop by Twist nightclub this Tuesday and enjoy pop, rock, and funky dunk! Showtime is at 1 a.m. This nightclub never has a cover but always has the groove. Don’t forget that Tuesdays at twist is $5 jumbo blue ice teas and also Flashback with Nathan in the Video Bar.

Wednesday Jan. 11

he Alibi in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors will be throwing Comedy Night to tickle your funny bone. Join Cashetta and DJ Barry Bowder for some of the funniest videos around. Come to The Alibi this wed and every Wednesday after for great comedy from 9 to close along with their great drink specials like $2 domestics longneck beer and $1 Schnapps Shots!

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Film

Miami Beach Cinematheque Presents GLOW, A Monthly Series of LGBT Films By Andrea Dulanto

submitted photo

ndependent film is a realm that has often been left to the hipsters (every generation has them…) with their eternal black turtlenecks, clove cigarettes and coffee-stained notebooks. But Miami Beach Cinematheque (MBC) invites all audiences to consider GLOW, a monthly series of LGBT films presented by HBO Latin America and the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival. A full house was welcomed Wednesday, Dec. 14—a full and slightly tipsy house. Before the films, cocktails were served at the Miami Beach LGBT Visitors Center, located next to MBC in City Hall. There’s nothing like watching a film with a somewhat inebriated LGBT audience in Miami—the interaction with the screen is an art form in itself. Two films were shown—Sex in the Country, a recently produced short by local filmmaker Lynare Robbins; and Make the Yuletide Gay, a 2009 Christmas film by Rob Williams. Both filmmakers made appearances at the screenings—Robbins was there in-person to introduce her work, and Williams presented a Q & A session via Skype after his film. Sex in the Country received the most response from the women in the audience—a brief flash of a lesbian hook-up in a police car may have had something to do with that. The short film is a send-up of Sex and the City with Southern accents. Instead of

Nathan makes a surprise appearance at the Gunnunderson house, and Gunn must decide whether it’s time to come out to his parents. After the screening, Director Rob Williams shared via Skype how he had set out to create an LGBT Christmas film, so the community could have “something we can watch every year.” If you missed the GLOW series in December, then be sure not to miss the upcoming LGBT films in January and February. On Wednesday, January 11, GLOW presents Mary Lou, a musical directed by Israeli filmmaker Eytan Fox. The narrative centers on a young Tel Aviv drag queen, Meir (Ido Rosenberg), as he searches for the mother who abandoned him when he was ten years old. In February, GLOW will screen Going Down in LA-LA Land, which follows the tribulations of Adam, a struggling Hollywood actor (Matthew Ludwinski). Director Casper Andreas will appear via Skype for a Q & A session after the film. Tickets can be purchased at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival website.

Mary Lou Cosmos in a bar, there is whiskey around a backyard patio table. The second film, Make the Yuletide Gay, tells the story of Olaf “Gunn” Gunnunderson (Keith Jordan), a young collegiate who shows his Pride on-campus—complete with Human Rights Campaign T-shirt and livesin-the-same-dorm-room boyfriend, Nathan (Adamo Ruggiero). But home is where the closet is. When “Gunn” goes back to celebrate Christmas with his Midwestern parents, he puts on his straight boy clothes and becomes “Olaf.” Yet his parents are former hippies—not the type who would usually be opposed to

having a gay son. Gunn’s mother, Anya (Kelly Keaton), bakes cookies, speaks in a Midwestern accent, and engages in a lighthearted suburban conflict with a neighbor, Heather Mancuso (played by Alison Arngrim, who is also known for her role as Nellie on Little House on the Prairie). Gunn’s father, Sven (Derek Long), is a professor at the local college, a stoner who almost named his son “Jerry Garcia Gunnunderson.” Despite his parents’ liberal inclinations, Gunn hesitates to come out because he doesn’t want to take the chance that he’ll be treated differently. The conflict arrives when

GLOW at Miami Beach Cinematheque 1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL Mary Lou, Wednesday, Jan. 11 Going Down in LA-LA Land, Wed., Feb. 15 Ticket Prices include Cocktail Reception & Film Producers Circle: Complimentary Members- Advance: $6.25; Member- Day of: $11.25. Guests- Advance: $11.25; Guests- Day of: $16.25. $2.00 per order fee is assessed to each transaction. To save money, purchase tickets as a group. For GLOW film schedules and tickets, visit

http://www.mglff.com

More Info: www.mbcinema.com

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Theatre

Dalton likens the style of the show to the campy, genderbending works of Charles Busch: “It’s pretty racy and Prince does do a strip tease on stage. He’s beautiful. It’s definitely going to appeal to our appeal to our [LGBT] audience, but also anybody who likes comedy.” And while Snow White Trash is definitely not the kind of serious drama they’ve tackled before, she says it’s just as difficult to successfully pull off comedy. “Comedy is hard to do,” explains Dalton. “You have to have good actors to carry it off. We want to be able to do it all.”

Snow White Trash

Infinite Abyss Offers Twisted Take on Familiar Fable

n its first season, Infinite Abyss Productions has wowed critics with Martin McDonagh’s dark play, The Pillowman, explored transsexual angst in Hedwig and the Angry Inch and probed difficult personal choices in Mitzi’s Abortion. Now producers Erynn Dalton and Jeffrey D. Holmes are determined to show some racy comedy in their original play, Snow White Trash, making its premiere at Empire Stage. “We don’t always want to do stuff that makes people walk out all depressed,” laughs the buoyant Dalton, who first began the script five years ago with Holmes. “It’s actually a little scary for us because once you get a reputation around town and receive accolades and now we’re doing something different.” “Snow White Trash” got its start as a companion piece to “Alice Does Wonderland,” a work Dalton and Holmes staged at

Sol Theatre, now Empire Stage. The duo did a reading for then-producer Robert Hooker who encouraged them to develop the script. In fits and starts—and in between other plays—they continued to polish the work, which is a satire on the familiar tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. “It still follows the classic story with the evil stepmother,” Dalton promises, except instead of seven dwarfs there are four and they work at a bar called The Mineshaft, owned by Prince, who happens to be gay. Prince’s father has lots of money and he must marry to inherit his fortune. The only problem, Dalton says, is Prince still wants to play with the boys. There is also an evil queen, determined to kill Snow White, and an enchanted mirror, played by Zachary Schwartz, a Jewish cantor in real life, who threatens to steal the show, expressing his commentary through zany showtunes.

“Snow White Trash”

John Torrenga

By J.W. Arnold

Cast of Snow White Trash

Infinite Abyss Productions at Empire Stage 1140 N. Flagler Dr., Fort Lauderdale Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Jan. 7 – 28 Tickets $25 at Infinite-Abyss.com or 954-678-1496

Molly Earnest, Esq. and Paula Tighe, Esq. representing YOUR life for over 20 years in South Florida. n

Residential & Commercial Closings

Short Sale Negotiations

Foreclosures

Real Estate & Business Contracts

Estate Planning & Probate

Incorporations

Buying & Selling of Businesses

Representation Before Governmental Agencies Creditor’s Rights/Collections

954.525.5644 103 NE 4th Street | Fort Lauderdale www.EarnestLaw.com

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Jesse’s Journal

with family. Often they brought independent incomes. Most were single. A lot were gay. Some were leathermen. They found San Francisco a better place to live than where they came from.” In his memoir, Stewart describes the “three geographical areas that attracted gay men. There was the older gay quarter centered around Polk Street. It catered to queens, gentlemen of a certain persuasion, some disco dollies. There were the all-American boys

Jim Stewart: SoMa Survivor

olsom Street Blues: A Memoir of 1970s SoMa and Leatherfolk in Gay San Francisco by Jim Stewart; Palm Drive Publishing; 214 pages; $14.95 During the 1970s, San Francisco was, in the words of the late Carl Wittman, “a refugee camp for homosexuals.” During the period that author Jack Fritscher called “the Titanic 1970s” thousands of gay men moved to the City by the Bay in search of opportunity, but mostly to be themselves. Many of these men are now gone; victims of the AIDS epidemic that put an end to gay San Francisco’s golden age. But survivors remain, some of who have written their memoirs. One of the lucky ones is Jim Stewart, who moved to the San Francisco area in 1975 and lived in the City or in the nearby Russian River until 1982. Stewart’s recollections make up “Folsom Street Blues: A Memoir of 1970s SoMa and Leatherfolk in Gay San Francisco.” In “Folsom Street Blues,” Stewart refers to 70s San Francisco as “a foreign country.” “San

Francisco in the 1970s drew men from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe, Australia, and the world beyond. If you were a gay man and lived in San Francisco during that marvelous decade, you didn’t need to travel. The world came to you. A drifter from Tulsa, Oklahoma, living in a single-occupancy hotel room, went home with a man from London who was living on trust funds from his family’s diamond mines in Africa. A farmer’s son from North Dakota crashed with the son of the president of Ford Motor Company Europe. When somebody asked you what you did, they didn’t mean your job. They meant what were your sexual talents, your specialties the fantasies you wanted to explore. Gay San Francisco of the 1970s was democracy’s poster child.” “San Francisco in the 1970s was home to hordes of expats from around the world. These expatriates were quite different from immigrant families from Mexico and the Philippines or the Vietnamese boat people. Expats usually arrived in San Francisco unburdened

submitted photo

By Jesse Monteagudo

Jim Stewart now. who flocked to 18 and Castro streets, the area called simply the Castro. And then there were leathermen and bad boys who gathered along Folsom Street, South of Market, the area that morphed into SoMa.” On May 1, 1976, Jim Stewart moved into SoMa, setting up his playroom, his darkroom, and his living quarters in a flat on Clementina, just off Folsom Street. During the next three years Stewart was an active and productive member of SoMa’s gay leather community. He was a carpenter, a photographer, and a bartender; sharing experiences with the men who flocked into SoMa. But Stewart was no stranger to San Francisco’s other gay ghettoes. As he recalls, “I used to go to the Castro during the day, Folsom at night, and Polk Street for cabaret.” And he admits that “the Castro had amenities that Folsom didn’t. Castro was gay around the clock. Vanilla. Folsom was blue collar straights during the day and leatherfolk at night. Black and blue.” During his three years on Clementina Street, Jim Stewart befriended such luminaries as Chuck Arnett, David Hurles, Camille O’Grady and Wakefield Poole. He was friends with Jack Fritscher, who “sponsored” Stewart into the City’s leather scene, and Fritscher’s then-lover, photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. Stewart’s photos were displayed in FeyWay Studios, a leather art gallery owned by famed Oscar streaker Robert Opel. Stewart contributed photos to Drummer around the time that Fritscher became editor-in-chief of that magazine (1977). Stewart’s photos of the Leatherneck helped make it the leather bar to go to in San Francisco. “Once Fritscher became Editor-in-Chief of Drummer he turned it into an iconic guide for leatherfolk worldwide,” Stewart says. “It became not only a how to/ th

how not to guide but also reported on what was happening world wide in various disciplines (pun intended) if it was of leather interest. Men didn‘t buy Drummer just for the pictures, they also bought it for the articles.” On Halloween 1978 Stewart helped organize a fundraiser against the Briggs Initiative, which threatened gay teachers. This gave him the opportunity to work with Harvey Milk, then at his peak as San Francisco City Supervisor and “Mayor of Castro Street.” “Harvey Milk had a lot of guts,” Stewart recalls. “He knew how to get things done. He was a great politician who knew how to work the press. I think, however, he was a poor businessman. His camera store on Castro was more a gathering place for gay activists than gay photographers. But Harvey Milk was a man with talents that the gay movement needed then.” Stewart himself was an activist, though not in today’s terms: “In the 1960s I marched for civil rights and got arrested. I marched for peace and got beat up. In San Francisco, in the 1970s, by living an openly gay life, I was an activist. I was a professional gay, as opposed to a gay professional.” Jim Stewart wrote “Folsom Street Blues” “to relive my youth.” Stewart’s youth ended in 1982, when he left San Francisco. “By moving to Chicago and starting a career as a librarian I changed from a professional gay to a gay professional. Chicago’s gay scene in the 1980s and 1990s in many aspects paralleled that of San Francisco and other cities. Gay culture changed. It was invaded and occupied by AIDS. Most of us also changed with it. We aged. Returning to grad school, becoming a history librarian, finding a lifetime partner, and yes, getting a pension, became a better fit for me than those endless halcyon nights at the bars and baths that I once thought would never end. I discovered that the trick to life is finding what fits best for whatever stage of life one is at.” In “Folsom Street Blues” Jim Stewart achieved what he hoped to write: a memoir “filled with the foreign and forbidden and peopled with the enchanted and exotic. An old friend of mine I hadn’t seen for years asked me if Folsom Street Blues is a scandal. I hope so. Everybody needs the fun of a little scandal now and then.” Jesse Monteagudo, Senior Features Correspondent, has been a writer, journalist and South Florida resident for almost 50 years. His articles, essays, interviews and short stories have appeared in three dozen publications and an equal number of anthologies. He and Michael Greenspan, his partner of 26 years, are active in the LGBT community. Jesse can be reached at jessemonteagudo@comcast.net.

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Full Charge Bookkeeping Services

January 4, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ SouthFloridaGayNews.com

The

Fitness Guy

TRY THIS EXERCISE: Bulgarian Split Squat

By Peter Jackson, CPT

New Year’s Resolutions and Weight Loss Q: I’m determined to lose weight in 2012. Can you recommend a diet to help me lose weight quickly? A: Many people resolve to lose weight at the dawn of each New Year – but, despite the best of intentions, most fail long-term because they take the wrong approach. Among those who lose weight quickly through crash dieting, eight out of 10 regain their lost weight within two years and two-thirds pile on even more weight. Americans are bombarded by advertising for pills and weight loss programs which claim to allow you to lose massive amounts of weight in just a few weeks without exercise or changing the way you eat – or eating only the foods you buy from their particular company. The idea of effortlessly transforming your body overnight is tempting, which is why weight loss is a billion dollar industry. The cold, hard truth is that long and lasting success is found not in the latest diet or weight loss fad but in making a lifestyle change by exercising regularly and eating healthy foods. It’s a slower process, but the results are longer-lasting and better for your health and well-being. Body fat is stored energy and to lose it you must burn more calories (energy) than you consume. Eating less and dropping weight by dieting alone (calorie restriction) doesn’t work long-term for two important reasons: 1) Your body reacts to your consumption of fewer calories by slowing down your metabolism so that you need fewer calories to function.You can’t diet forever – and when you stop, the weight returns quickly because your body is now burning fewer calories. 2) About 15 to 20 percent of the weight you lose through dieting alone is actually lean muscle tissue and this loss, in turn, slows your metabolism even further because muscle burns calories. Less muscle means lower metabolism. This is why strength training to replace lost muscle tissue must be part of any weight loss program. Here are 10 New Year’s resolutions you can actually keep which will help you to reduce body fat and feel better: Resolve to turn off the television, get off the sofa and increase your activity level. Walk, jog or run around the block three to four times a week. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Park the farthest away from the building and walk the distance. Swim, cycle, or find some outdoor activity you enjoy. Get active! Resolve to change your grocery shopping list: replace your diet of junk and processed foods with fresh, lean meats, fruits and vegetables and whole grains. Switch to whole wheat bread and wheat pasta. If you don’t buy the corn chips and the crème-filled cookies, you won’t have them to eat when you get the craving!

Hold two dumbbells at arm’s length with your palms facing in . Stand with one foot resting on a flat bench behind you and the other on the floor a few inches in front of you.

Lower your body as

far as you can (your back knee should be within a couple inches of touching the floor).

B rett Renner demonstrates the B ulgarian S plit Squat. Resolve not to skip breakfast. It takes five minutes or less to fix a bowl of oatmeal or scramble some eggs or microwave a few slices of lean turkey bacon. Breakfast is worth the effort and is necessary to give you the energy to power through your morning. Resolve to add mid-morning and mid-afternoon snacks to your daily routine. A handful of almonds and an apple or a cup of yogurt are easy snacks to take to work with you and will stave off hunger. It’s tough to make sensible food choices if you are starving. Resolve to join a gym and make the commitment to work out three times a week. The cost of an experienced personal trainer for even a few weeks is worth the investment so you can learn proper form and technique as well as how best to use gym equipment. Resolve to greatly reduce your sugar consumption. Replace sodas with unsweetened peach or lemon-flavored iced tea (delicious!) or water. Use honey in your coffee or oatmeal instead of sugar. If a food label lists ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, sugar, or dextrose as one of the top three ingredients, don’t use it. Resolve to limit your intake of alcohol while you begin this journey of weight loss and newfound fitness. Alcohol inhibits your body’s ability to burn fat. Resolve to track your progress and celebrate your small victories. Consider keeping a food diary or using an app

return to the starting position .

Pause , then Try three sets of

12, 10 and 8 reps , increasing the weight of the dumbbells progressively with each set.

like myfitnesspal.com. Resolve to go to bed early and get eight hours of sleep. Resolve to stick with your program, even when you don’t feel like it.You and only you are responsible for the way you look and feel.

TIP OF THE WEEK Do the Salsa! Salsa is good for you, so don’t hesitate to add it to your meals (I love it on my baked chicken and fish) for extra flavor! Salsa has no fat, only about 4-6 calories per tablespoon and is loaded with the antioxidant called lycopene (found in the tomatoes). Lycopene, which protects cells against damage from the free radicals formed when body cells burn oxygen for energy, has been shown in studies also to lower the risk of prostate cancer in men and increase energy. Go ahead… do the salsa! Peter Jackson is a certified personal trainer and the owner of Push Fitness, a private, full-service personal training gym in Oakland Park which offers a variety of fitness programs for individuals, couples and small groups. Peter welcomes your questions: e-mail peter@PushFitnessFTL.com or visit him online at www.PushFitnessFTL.com.

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

By Chris Azzopardi

11. Lady Gaga, Born This Way

7. Katy B, On a Mission

Music masterpiece? Not quite. But the Lady of the dance-pop pantheon sure knows how to do brain-raping hooks – you got me, “Edge of Glory” – and indulgent throwbacks to ’80s schlock. For goodness sake, she sings about “Hair” and makes it sound like a serious call-for-acceptance. The self-empowerment positivity of this big monster is easy to embrace, and so are the songs: stadium ballad “You and I,” grungerock “Bad Kids” and the uplifting “Highway Unicorn.” No poker face here. Just Gaga through and through.

Dubstep was reborn through Katy B’s brilliantly refreshing debut, a throbbing set of underground dance primed for all-night partying. She had sass, sex and single-worthy songs – a trifecta that should’ve put her at the top of pop. With the genius of “Easy Please Me,” a cheeky kiss-off to mankind, and the thumping garage sound of “Broken Record,” the British import’s mission is inevitably possible.

6. Lykke Li, Wounded Rhymes

Sweden’s Lykki Li sings of sadness like she’s been put through the wringer, but 10. Dolly Parton, Better Day there’s still a very charming wink in the caLike a big hug from the country super-leg- sual girl-group tropes of her second album. end herself, Better Day wasn’t just one of the Essentially a testament to innocence lost, best albums of the year – it was the most established immediately with the deceivingly encouraging. “In the Meantime,” a joy-onupbeat “Youth Knows No Pain,” the indiesteroids rollick, has Dolly dishing wisdom, pop dream girl decided to live it up (“Love her attitude as infectious as the music – her Out of Lust”), have sex (“Get Some”) and best in years. Same goes for the sweetness suck up her brokenhearted blues (“Sadness of “Together You and I” and an ode to her is a Blessing”). Her pain was my pleasure. roots, “Country is as Country Does,” de5. Bon Iver, Bon Iver livered with a dose of her humorous snap. Just how beautiful are Bon Iver’s earthy Even with a heavy heart on “I Just Might,” tunes? Let’s put it this way: an f-bomb never the down-home diva looked on the bright sounded prettier. “Holocene” is the centerside. Now that’s something to admire. piece of frontman Justin Vernon’s melodically 9. Augustana, Augustana moving masterpiece of escapism, an album Meet Augustana, new and improved. With that takes us outside of ourselves and into claim-to-fame “Boston” behind them, the the many states – both literally and figuraSan Diego guys go from Coldplay to Spring- tively – that the log-cabin crooner paints steenian. And it pays off. Whatever their with his singularly evocative voice. From the brand of pop-rock lacks in originality, they sincerity he casts to the Phil Collins outro make up for in choruses you crave as an he manages to pull off, it wasn’t about makearly morning wake-up. Motivational upper ing sense – it was about making emotions. “Shot in the Dark” bests, but sensitive-guy 4. Miranda Lambert, folk ditty “Borrowed Time” and love sick Four the Record slow-rocker “Steal Your Heart” are proof The fastest girl in town, as Lambert calls that a change does, indeed, do you good. herself on her latest in a series of on-par al8. Beyoncé, 4 bums, is also one of the most talented. After Crazy in love wasn’t how most people opening with outcast anthem “All Kinds of felt about Bey’s slow-to-grow fourth album. Kinds,” the country badass plays on diverBut so what: This is the diva’s masterwork, sity throughout with her most expansivewhere Mrs. Jay-Z had nothing to prove... sounding disc to date: bluegrass influences but proved everything. 4 features refined that first track, but then she goes cow-punk ballads, from the restrained sweetness of on “Mama’s Broken Heart” and, with “Fine “I Miss You” to the legacy anthem “I Was Tune,” tinkers with Auto-Tune. She’s also Here”; the throwback “Love on Top,” with good at turning on the tear ducts with its Mariah vocal tics; and the funky-cool “Oklahoma Sky.” One of a kind? You betcha. “Countdown” for her “boof.” Few songs 3. Florence + the Machine, are immediate, but that’s the thing: This is Ceremonials Queen Bey standing her ground and securBigger is better in the case of Florence ing her crown. Welch, who wields her powerhouse pipes

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Top 11 of 2011 into competition-crushing glory on her second CD, a trip to enlightenment that sits in your soul. No album but this one, this year, had the intensity of rousing theatrics cutting through it like a tornado whipping up everything in its path. “Shake It Out” is a breathtaking exorcism; “Leave My Body,” an orgasmic release. And ballad “Never Let Me Go” rips through the very water she sings of. Oh, Flo – such a size queen. submitted photo

Hear Me Out

takes to be one. The title track is a nostalgic eulogy of longgone land, both hopeful and heartbreaking. “Racing the Angels,” about an afterlife reunion, and the homesick coda are just as wistfully tearjerking.

1. Adele, 21

The boy that broke Adele’s heart? At least he was good Adele for one thing: This album, a timeless classic fueled by the fire of that relationship’s demise. Regret and fury are all piped into the remarkably performed songs – the 2. Matraca Berg, wonderful weepie “Someone Like You,” The Dreaming Fields especially – on the singer’s sophomore CD, By the strength of her from-the-heart fully rooted in retro-soul and soap-opera songwriting alone, it’s no wonder she’s been melodrama. “Rumour Has It” and “Rolling one of the most sought-after Nashville tune- in the Deep” show how saucy she can be smiths for big-deal country stars. On her first when she’s not all sad (and for much of the album in 14 years, the criminally underrated album, she is). Nothing studio-tricky about prodigy – think Eva Cassidy and Emmylou her or that voice, Adele sings her heart out Harris – continues to affirm she has what it – and captures ours.

To place an ad, call Brian Swinford

954.530.4970

or fill out form online at SouthFloridaGayNews.com/classifieds ACCOMMODATIONS SHARE CORAL RIDGE HOME $800/month. Share beautiful 4700sqft hom e. 1.5 mi fr beach. 1.5 mi to Wilton DrMstrBdrm w/pvtmstrbth.jacuzzi, pool. pvt yard. 954-609-9405 ------------------------------------------------PERFECT VACATION RENTALSLOW SUMMER RATES.From $69/Night & $395/Week.Beautiful Studio, 1 & 2 BR Apts.with Full Kitchens.Clothing optional heated pool, laundry, parking.Close to Gay Dania & Nude Haulover Beaches. Incl. Cable, Tel. & Wi-Fi Internet. Pets Always Welcome. Call (954) 927-0090 or visit www.LibertySuites.com ------------------------------------------------STAY-CATION RENTALS from $465 per week. Studio’s, 1 BR Apartments with full kitchens. FREE parking, clothing optional pool, extended cable, FREE Wi-Fi. Located on Ft. Lauderdale Beach, close to Sebastian Street.The perfect stay in town vacation. Call 954 260 6568 or visit www.palmplazaresort.com

ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL LAFONTAINE& ASSOCIATES ACCOUNTANTS.Individual and Business. We offer strategies that limit your tax liability and increase your total return. www.FLTaxMan.com 954-495-4565

ASTROLOGY YANNA’S ASTROLOGY Spiritual Advisor & Life Coach Helping people for over 30 years. 954-324-6160Call for help today.

AUTO REPAIR MOBILE AUTO REPAIR.Gierse’s Mobile Garage, Inc. BMW & Mercedes Specialist.All Makes & Models Welcome. Licensed & Insured, Credit Cards Acpt’d http://giersesgarage.webplus.net/ Call 954-557-6530 for appointment ------------------------------------------------BARTENDER: ATTRACTIVE/ATTENTIVE BARTENDER. Good Looking 42 yr Gay Bartender for your holiday parties. Let me take care of your guests and getting drinks..the most important part! CALL JEFFREY 954-566-5300

BODY TREATMENTS MALE MASSAGE & MORE, Massage, bodyscrubs,bdygrooming, haircuts, Facials, companions, housecleaning, and Just about “everything’’ you might need Ph 954-522-0849/954-522-0849 info 11am ?

BEAUTY SALON HAIR STYLIST. Looking for Stylist with following dependable willing to work.Small intimate Salon/Art Gallery in Wilton Manors SIGNING BONUS PAID FOR RIGHT IND. call 954-565-4562 for appointment

CLEANING SERVICES BEST CLEANING SERVICE.Short Notice Cleaning. Due to great quality work we charge a flat rate. Pet and Children Friendly. Call 954-548-9138 ------------------------------------------------CLEANING SERVICES.Years of Experience.Condos, Apts, Homes, Offices, Move Ins/Outs.Weekly or Bi-Weekly. Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, Middle River Terrace, Fort Lauderdale Area. Great References. Call BJ 954-512-3957 ------------------------------------------------ITALIANO HOME CLEANING SERVICE. Honest, Reliable, Quality cleaning for your home. Bi-Weekly or one-time available. I guarantee my work. Serving Broward Area. Call David 954-608-8913.

------------------------------------------------GET IT CLEAN NOW! JOTA.Home & Office Cleaning Excellent Professional home and/or Office cleaning in Broward County.From Simple Dust & Tidy Cleaning to Complete and thorough Deep Cleaning.Excellent References from Private & Office Customers. Call Jorge. 561-577-9285 -----------------------------------------------NINA’S CLEANING. Exceptional Cleaning Service. If honesty, integrity and experience are of utmost importance to you, you’ve come to the right place. Your home will be treated with respect and attention to detail. 12 yrs of experience/ references (954) 601-6141 or e-mail me at jabn1999@yahoo.com

COMPUTER/TECH FAST, RELIABLE SERVICE, AT YOUR PLACE or ours! New PC’s and Laptops • Virus Removal.Hardware Repairs • Telephone Systems.PCLauderdale • 279 E Oakland Park Blvd. 954.636.3322. www. pclauderdale.com ------------------------------------------------COMPUTER/NETWORK SUPPORT FOR HOME OR OFFICE.Personable and Reliable Computer Network Support.Professional with over 15 years of Enterprise Level Experience.Affordable Rates. Contact Peter at (954) 816-4126 Or peter@netechsystems.com

EMPLOYMENT WANTED HIGHLY QUALIFIED INFORMATION technology professional and Veteran seeks IT position. 10+ years experience in help desk and desktop support. Will consider other career opportunities in South Florida. Please call Michael at 954.243.7175 ------------------------------------------------ALL FOOD HANDLING EXPERIENCE. I can prepare all seafood. Sauté, Sous Chef, Line Cook, Short order Breakfast, Baker, Prep, and also Catering.With over 23 Experience. Please contact Butch at 754-204-8463. ------------------------------------------------LOOKING FOR HONEST WORK 5+ years experiencee in fencing, tile, shingle roofing, drywall, concrete, RV detail, food service, paint prep. Call Christopher 954-839-5473 ------------------------------------------------EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONAL Familiar with all office duties, Including personal assistant and organization. Computer literate. Billing, invoicing and collections. Call Jim 954303-5355

ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONAL HARPIST Add elegance to the holidays! Talented, experienced harpist for all your parties and celebrations. Go to: HTTP://about.me/billvanpatten or call 954-895-3926

FOR SALE BEDROOM FURNITURE. Mattress & Bedroom sets. King $200 Queen $150 Full $130 Twin $100 Frames $39. Six piece bedroom set $479. Come in five colors. Pillowtop king $250 can Del. Call 954-465-6498.

HANDYMAN SERVICES INEXPENSIVE ELECTRICIAN. Electrician 55.00 an hour or set price. Residential,Commercial& Industrial work Fans,Outlets, Service changes Licensed and Insured, EC0001777. 954-931-5121

HOME ITEMS FOR SALE

Queen ($150), Twin ($100) mattresses and boxsprings, beige couch $75 loveseat $50, brown kitchen table $75, black leather chair $50. Call 954-826-9555 -------------------------------------------------

GUARANTEED ISSUE LIFE INSURANCE Absolutely NO medical questions. Imed benefit $15,000 plus $7,500 for your partner. Call Jim at 954-561-8297 www.CorrectCoverageInsurance.com

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PART TIME PERSONAL ASSISTANT

5 hours weekly, should have excellent organizational skills duties may include filing, organization of household, (no cleaning), personal errands. Preference for those with Social Media Skills, building Database and mailing lists. Email wjrenaud@gmail.com

------------------------------------------------AFFORDABLE, AWESOME MASSAGE BY JIM Offering Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports and Lomi Lomi Massage; All in a very comfortable, relaxed and Private Massage Studio conveniently located on the SE corner of Oakland Park Blvd and Federal Highway. Nationally Certified & Licensed. Call Jim Libonati at 954-6005843. info@massagebyjim.com #MM22293 SPECIAL: First Time Client Rates ------------------------------------------------THE LUXURY YOU DESERVE Traditional Thai Massage and all other modality massage. clohsuwan@bellsouth.net www.thaimassageflorida.com Call or text 954-732-1473. Satisfaction guaranteed. FL Lic #MA56806

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MOVERS

Middle River Terrace, Large 2 BD, 2 1/2 bath, Washer/dryer, Open kitchen/black granite, private patio/garden, fresh paint/new carpet, 3 year old bldg. $1300 month, 703-505-1042

ALWAYSS MOVING know what you’re paying before you move! Licensed & Insured MC/ Visa/ Discover Accepted Family owned 20 years. Complete moving Services. Flat Rate& Free Estimates Call 305-650-9080

BEAUTIFUL SPACIOUS CONDO

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2/2 CONDO LIGHTHOUSE POINT

Contemporary furnished master bed/bath most utilities inc 1st fl across from icw seek mature male looking for a quality place to live 954-960-2838

PERSONAL TRAINING IF YOU ARE READY TO MAKE A HEALTHIER you a lifestyle call Christy Fritch,BS CPR certified 954-445-2540

PETS ------------------------------------------------LOCKSMITH & GLASS SERVICES All Pro Locks & Glass, Inc..24/7 Commercial & Residential.954-780-5188 office / www. aplag.com. Servicing Southeastern Florida

HELP WANTED HAIR DRESSER WANTED. Be Your Own Boss Rent a Salon Chair for reasonable price. Beautiful salon and very cozy. Call 561-909-9055. Delray Location Male/ or Female Hair Dresser Wanted. ------------------------------------------------SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS IS HIRING If you are retail and customer focused, computer literate and proficient, web knowledgeable, have outside or Inside sales experience…then you’re hired! Advertising Sales Representative. Call on clients, guide their advertising campaigns and make a good living. Fax your resume to 954-530-7943 or email norm. kent@sfgn.com ------------------------------------------------MAC EXPERT NEEDED. Looking for an expert Mac user. Come to my Ft. Lauderdaelhame and show me how to use my Apple products correctly and efficently.Please Email qualifications, hourly rates, and availability to: macxprt2011@yahoo.com ------------------------------------------------STYLIST W/CLIENTELE WANTED Chair rental, Private, Professional Hair Studio setting. Must be responsible, professional and a person without any substance abuse problems. Contact Dean Allen @ 954-564-1377. www. deanallen-ahairstudio.com ------------------------------------------------EXPERICENCED WAITER. Italian Restaurant seeking a professional and experienced waiter.PT/FT time position available. Fort Lauderdale area. Call 505-554-7103 ------------------------------------------------SALES POSITION: FoodMats is now hiring strong individuals. You must be energetic, upbeat, a great closer, willing to work hard, organized, a go getter and have reliable transportation. In return make excellent money. This is a commission paid job. You will earn 40% of the profit. Email seanrmatt7@aol.com and let us know why you are the one! Please paste your resume in the email if you have one.

------------------------------------------------A BEAUTIFUL & UPSCALE NEW GAY BAR.located in the heart of Downtown Miami is opening soon- we are looking for Barbacks, Security, Bartenders, Cocktail Servers, DJ’s, MC, VIP Host, Cashier, Male Dancers. Also looking for experienced Bar Mgr. & Dance Mgr. Excellent Pay and benefits. Send Photos, Resume, Contact Info to- newmiamiclub@gmail.com ------------------------------------------------COMPANION FOR ELDERLY GENTLEMAN with dementia; full/part time, experienced, clean background check, mature, good natured, in good health. Submit resume, including references and pay requirement to: PO Box 2213, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33303

INSURANCE & FINANCIAL ALLSTATE DIRECT: PERSONAL auto, home,condominium,boat and life insurance. For a free quote call Joe Mier 305-754-7414

LEGAL SERVICES CREDITORS CALLING? Call Us! The Law Offices of GeorgeCastrataro, PA. Serving Clients With Integrity and Compassion 954-573-1444 ------------------------------------------------PROUDLY SERVING THE SOUTH FLORIDA GLBTX COMM. since 1993. Law office’s of Robin L. Bodiford, PA specializes in Bankruptcy, Probate, Wills&Trust. Call 954-630-2707 ------------------------------------------------SELZER & WEISS, ATTORNEYS AT LAW Last Will & Testament, Living Will. Health Care Power of Attorney (POA) w/ HIPAA release, Durable Financial POA, for $399.00. PERSONAL INJURY: Free consult, if no recovery, no fee or cost to you. 954-567-4444.

LICENSED MASSAGE THE BRITISH POUND John Maroussas LMT Sports Massage, Deep Tissue, Neuromuscular, Trigger Point, Swedish, Salt or Sugar Scrubs. Private Studio w/ Shower. Wilton Manors Location near Bill’s Lic#MA51123 954-999-2240

TWO ENGLISH BULLDOGS Babies for Adoption.They are AKC, home raised, vaccinated and health guarantee. Contact cbell203@gmail.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FREE ROOF INSPECTIONS. Free written Detailed Roof Evaluation. By State licensed Roofing Contractor. Lic # RC29027398 (954) 580-1818 Or (561) 955-0700

REAL ESTATE PALM AIRE. 1BD/1.5 BA condo, all new kithen& appliances, W/D, patio facing golf course, Priced to Sell, Call 954-971-9713 ------------------------------------------------KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY- Ted Adcock, Realtor Cell: 954-609-4393 tedftl@aol.com ------------------------------------------------DISCREET PRIVATE SECURE.FT LAUDERDALE BEACH CONDO $169,900. Building & Unit totally renovated. Ocean views from Bedroom Balcony Living Room. Intracostal Apartment elegant.Bob McGlynn Exit Realty. rebobmac@yahoo. com 954-478-6321 ------------------------------------------------620 NE 7TH AVE, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL 33304 For Sale: 250,000. 3 Bedrooms 2.5 Bath. Call John Castelliat (954) 563-9889 ------------------------------------------------THE SHAPIRO GROUP INC. Residential Property Management LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER. www.shapiroproperty. com 954-434-0175 ------------------------------------------------LUSH 2 BEDROOM HOME FOR SALE Oasis close to restaurants & highway Private & landscaped yard for relaxing Hardwood flooring in living room Call Ana Salazar @ Keyes 954-593-3089 ------------------------------------------------3321 NE 37TH ST FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA 33308 Listing # F1113917: 4 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms. Price: $825,000 call Jason Johnson Office Phone: (954) 563-9889 ------------------------------------------------HOLLYWOOD OCEAN FRONT CONDO FOR SALE ON PENTHOUSE LEVEL 2 Bed/2 Bath, Newly renovated. Only Motivated Buyers.2,200 sqft.$570,000. Call 954-328-7412 Ronnie

RENT/LEASE MIDDLE RIVER &LAKERIDGE MOVE IN SPECIAL 1/2 OFF 1ST months rent 1 Bedroom 1 Bath $695/Mth. $175/ wk or $880/mth.or $225/week (6 or 12) month lease. Pay your deposit and you are in* for more details call 954-527-9225 ------------------------------------------------BEAUTIFUL LG. 1/1 Middle River Terr. French doors lead to your own private patio/ garden, tile throughout. Small quiet mostly gay bldg. Pets Ok, coin W/D $795./mo 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------HUGE 3/1- HALF DUPLEX NEW KITCHEN, Tile Floor throughout, Huge Fenced yard, washer/ dryer, pets ok, pet owner, $1100. / mo 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------1/1 FRENCH DOORS/PRIVATE PATIO Middle River Terr, lg. 1/1, tile floors, walkin closet, your own fenced patio/ garden, pets OK, coin W/D, quiet mostly gay bldg, $795./mo. 954-791-4195 ------------------------------------------------SPACIOUS OFFICE FOR RENT. Office suite in great building available approx 2500 sf set up as offices with conference room in two adjoining suites. Located at 1220 ne 4th ave just south of wilton manors. 954-763-4214 To see. Rent $2500 with annual lease ------------------------------------------------ANDREWS GARDENS: Oct. 1st Occupancy. 5111 NW 1st Ave., cozy, clean, happy 2/1 private home.Patio, fenced, paver drive, close to everything. $985/ mo. (1st + sec.). 954-629-0393. ------------------------------------------------2/2 WILTON MANORS. Quiet area, w/ pool, laundry, small pets accepted. First and 1 month deposit. Call Astrid: 954-806-7607. ------------------------------------------------WEST HOLLYWOOD 2/2 Large Unique Duplex, Small office in unit, open kitchen w/ dishwasher, W/D, wood deck patio + privacy fence all around, we are extremely pet friendly, call Rita 954-549-9228 ------------------------------------------------1BED - 2ND FLOOR 1142 NE 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale 954-764-0212 or 954-5812573 $700/Mo. yearly ------------------------------------------------VERY PEACEFUL RESIDENCE LAKERIDGE HOUSE: very private, immaculate XLg 1BR, private gated entry, CAC, WD, tile flooring, walk-in closet, ample storage off street parking, fenced patio ZEN meditation/orchid gardens front/rear VERY quiet. Minutes to Publix, $985/mo. Call Joe: 954-610-6712. ------------------------------------------------1/1 CLOSE TO WILTON MANORS &downtown, half duplex, quiet community, private parking, water/garbage included $600/mo + one month security call 954736-7583 ------------------------------------------------ANDREWS GARDENS: Oct. 1st Occupancy. 5111 NW 1st Ave., cozy, clean, happy 2/1 private home.Patio, fenced, paver drive, close to everything.$985/mo. (1st + sec.). 954-629-0393. ------------------------------------------------TWO BEDROOM MIDDLE RIVER HOMES CONDO. Two bedroom, two bath condo in pet friendly building with wash/ dryer in unit. Close to Wilton Manors. First and second floor units available March 1. $975 f/l/s. Jimmy Cunningham licensed Real Estate Agent Castelli RE Services 954-303-7380. ------------------------------------------------GAY ANDREWS AVENUE Large 1/1, all utilities incl, granite, d/w, private fenced tropical yard, all tile, vaulted ceiling, adt security. $750. Call 772-626-1345

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Media Matters

DATING New FREE Dating Website SameSexConnections.com

SFGN offers a FREE classified ad to anyone who is unemployed and looking for a job. JUst call Mike Trottier to ask for details: 954-530-4970

submitted photo

Kathy Griffin, Entertainer of the Year Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Artist of the Year Larry Kramer, Legend Andrej Pejic, Stylemaker of the Year Ken Mehlman, Politician Daniel Hernandez Jr., Hero

James Duke Mason Kathy Griffin David Shankbone

GAY/GAY FRIENDLY ROOMMATE WANTED IN BOCA. Located in Boca Raton, right off Military Trail (north of Palmetto Park).Available now. 1 Unfurnished bedroom/ 1 Full Bathroom for rent in townhouse. Neighborhood is family friendly, safe and gated. Community has its own pool and tennis court. Very close to shopping, restaurants, I-95 and schools. Looking for a mature, easy going, gay/gay friendly individual. Non / outdoor smoker preferred. $650.00/ month with a 6 to 12 month lease. Water + Trash included. Call Jeff 561-315-0746 ------------------------------------------------ROOM 4 RENT IN 2 BED/1 BATH. Clean! $500 mo. includes utilities. North of Sunrise/East of Andrews.Walk to Wilton Manors.Must be gay friendly male/female. Call 954-297-9270 ------------------------------------------------ROOMMATE WANTED TO SHARE TOWNHOUSE IN S. POMPANO. $450 a month. Everything included. Male or female. Call Margie at 954-829-3933.

------------------------------------------------VICTORIA PARK LARGE TOWNHOUSE Lge. Pvt. Bedroom w/full use of home Key West Style Street with view. References with happy stable life.$625 plus 1/2 utilities. cbado@Live.com or 954.709.0505 ------------------------------------------------FTL-CORAL RIDGE POOL HOME Male to share remodeled 4BD/4BA home w/2 males. Unfurn, W/D, chef’s kitchen, wi-fi, lgpvt backyard w/dive-in pool,1.5 mi to beach. $800/mo. 954-609-9405. ------------------------------------------------ROOM FOR RENT in immaculate 2 bedroom 1 bath single family home. Fully fenced backyard, new granite/cherry kitchen. Close to public transport and Wilton Manors. Pets welcome. $500 includes utilities. 201-696-8752

Tom Keller

ROOMMATES

Here are just a few of this year’s selections. Pick up a copy of the issue, which is on the stands now, or visit www.out.com for the rest of the “100.”

submitted photo

Out Magazine recently named their annual ‘Out 100.’

Dustin Lance Black, Screenwriter & Playwright Chaz Bono, Writer & Activist Adam Lambert, Pop Icon Dan Savage, Journalist, Writer & Activist Sandra Bernhard, Comedian Adam Bouska, Photographer & Activist James Duke Mason & Logan Voxx, Actor & Activist

Dustin Lance Black

Larry Kramer

marketplace

Bob Darrow, Sales

January 4, 2012 • SouthFloridaGayNews.com