The Mirror: The Reel Life

Vol. 7 Issue 5 • November 2018

s o u t h

The reEl life

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g a y

n e w s

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Art museums galleries gardens Camping home shopping and more!

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There may be residents and occupants that have resided the community prior to these requirements going into effect. Additionally, our ability to verify whether these requirements have been met is limited to the information we receive from various credit and screening services used.

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‘MY MIND IS GAY BUT MY SOUL IS MELANCHOLY’

Quote by ANDREW LANG

Dear Readers: I pulled the article reproduced in part below off the internet in 1999 and published it in The Weekly News aka TWN, (South Florida’s only gay paper at the time) as a reminder to the gay reader that we weren’t home yet, and that they had to vote (in 2000, we elected Gore, but, the election was taken from him by the Supreme Court - If you don’t remember this, due to your relative youth, please google it). Now Lang’s story stands as a grim reminder that our fear and consternation at the recent election of Donald Trump are quite legitimate. Do not allow your relatives and any friends you may have left who are misguided enough to admonish you to accept the election and “move on,” to invalidate your feelings. Our fear and horror now is even worse that when the Pulse massacre jolted us from our sense of well-being after Supreme Court ruled that gays and lesbians have the right to marry. This is much bigger than the massacre. This isn’t the work of a lone lunatic, but, the orchestrated takeover of our country by an evil movement which is all the more repulsive because it is a movement: our fellow citizens’ hate and bigotry

The Times 26 Aug 1999 “The Nazi persecution of gay men has largely been ignored by historians. Now the few survivors have revealed the extent of their suffering in the death camps. Tim Teeman reports on Forgotten Victims of the Holocaust: “While interned at Schirmeck concentration camp, Pierre Seel, then 17, was forced to build crematoria, raped by officers with broken rulers and used as a human dart board with syringes thrown by camp orderlies. After the war he was allowed back into his family only under the condition that he never reveal the true circumstances of his original arrest. He entered a marriage of convenience and eventually became suicidal. Today, aged 76, Pierre continues to struggle for official recognition of the persecution suffered by homosexual men under the Nazis. He remembers his best friend dying in Schirmeck after guards set a pack of German Shepherd dogs on him. Of his own experience, he rages: “I was arrested, tortured and beaten. There was no trial. I was sodomised, raped. I can’t forget. I’m ashamed for humanity. Ashamed.”

“There are about ten known gay survivors of the concentration camps. Their stories received a first and long overdue airing on a Channel 4 documentary, Pink Triangle. It is almost impossibly moving: some men have not spoken about their experiences before.

For many years they were hidden from history; unlike other victims of Nazi persecution they are not entitled to compensation, reparation or any form of legal redress.

“The end of the war in 1945 had hardly brought liberation for gay men; it was only in 1969 that Paragraph 175 of the German Penal Code outlawing homosexuality was

has brought this to pass. We have enjoyed an unparalleled run of LGBT rights victories in the past several years and we believed that Trump and the bigotry he spewed would never prevail. Now we are both in shock and despairing of what the future may hold for us, and if not for us, personally, for our fellow citizens, and non-citizens. And rightfully so.

In 1999, Broward County was facing a repeal referendum on the 1995 addition of sexual orientation to the human rights ordinance. Take Back Broward, a hate group associated with the Republican Party and funded by the right wing Heritage Foundation, fueled by irrational hatred of gays and lesbians were barely turned back by the local political action committee, Americans for Equality, of which I was the chair. I had the incomparable good fortune of fighting for justice and prevailing. Now, I find myself lost in the thousands of words written by so many in response to this election: when will a way forward come to me? What can I do? Today I am searching and only offer you commiseration, a bit of LGBT history, and a glimpse of what an internment camp may look like.

finally repealed in West Germany. Only earlier this year were homosexual victims of the Holocaust officially recognized for the first time at a memorial service held at what was Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Historian Dr Klaus Muller, who has traced the survivors, says: “Many of the gay men who were taken to the camps died within a couple of days. Marked with a pink triangle, they were the lowest of the low, there was no support network as there was for political or Jewish prisoners. They were put into slave-labour squads, subjected to torture and some to terrible medical experimentation.

“At Buchenwald there was a doctor who tried to change them by instituting a particular gland. The operations were crude. Many died as a result of botched surgery. Others were beaten to death, drowned headfirst in water, hung by their arms till they were dead. Some were castrated . . . really, the worst you can imagine.” One man remembers the “singing forest” outside his concentration camp. That is, there was a sequence of concrete poles on which all those waiting to be sentenced were hung - “their screeching, howling and screaming was inhuman - the singing forest.

It’s beyond human comprehension. So much remains untold”.

“Heinz F. - almost 93, dapper, besuited, with a luminous face - weeps as he tells his story for the first time. He remembers the hedonistic pleasures of Weimar Germany, the Berlin gay clubs of the Twenties and Thirties.

He met Magnus Hirschfeld, whose Hirschfeld Institute was one of the world’s first gay- rights organisations. He eventually settled in Munich where a sub-lieutenant of Ernst Roehm - the homosexual head of the SA [a.k.a. Storm Troops], Hitler’s “backroom muscle” which crushed dissent on the streets in the early days

of Nazi rule - tried to recruit him for the force.

Heinz turned him down.

“In 1935 someone in his circle of friends was arrested. Under pressure from the Gestapo, the man revealed the names of about 20 other homosexuals. Heinz was working in his family’s store when he was called by the local police to go down to the station. Unsuspecting, he went. Without a trial, he was sent to the Dachau concentration camp. Thus began a series of arrests and imprisonment that would take Heinz to numerous prisons and concentration camps over nearly nine years. At Buchenwald he met many other homosexuals, including several Jews who were also forced to wear the pink triangle.

“These “multiply persecuted” men had even less chance to survive the camps. Heinz remembers a homosexual Gypsy who, at 24, committed suicide by letting himself be shot while “trying to escape” from the quarry. “They were harnessed, pulling rocks, those poor people,” he says, eyes glistening. “The older people were always praying.” The war ended when Heinz was 40 and he went home. His father had died and no one asked him a single question about his years of captivity. “My mother never said anything. She didn’t want to make it harder on me. I’ve never talked about it.” When asked if there was anyone he wanted to talk to about it, he convulses with grief. “My father,” he weeps.

“Dr. Muller, who is the project director of the United States Holocaust Museum in Western Europe, began to trace the few homosexual survivors six years ago. “What they’ve all experienced is a lack of support - most of them are very isolated. The memories of torture don’t go away, the fact they were still criminals after the end of the war, that many families told

M.S.W., J.D.

them to keep quiet about why they were sent to the camps. Some committed suicide after being rearrested at the end of the war. Most of the men I’ve contacted have managed to live with the anger, disappointment and terrible memories, though at a huge cost.”

“Threaded between the men’s stories is an intriguing examination of the influence of homosexuality in the course of Nazi Party history itself. Roehm, for example, was known to be gay, leading Hitler to issue a statement supporting him, though not by name, in 1932: “Private life cannot be an object of scrutiny unless it is in conflict with the basic principles of National Socialist ideology.” If these are the stories of ten men, what of the others? The

Nazis arrested 100,000 men on suspicion of homosexual behaviour. More than half were convicted, of whom 10,000 to 15,000 were sent to concentration camps. Two thirds of them are believed to have died while there.

The others, who when released were still criminalised, retreated into silence. Of his work in bringing their stories to public attention, Dr Muller, 39, says: “I am gay myself and German.

I am thankful to talk to the survivors because it is better to deal with a horrible past head-on, rather than not understand because of a lack of information.” He adds that most of these “sweet, strong people” do not want to talk: they are old, the memories are too painful and they want to be left alone. Their quiet heroism,

however, is clear. Bernhard - arrested in 1937, imprisoned without trial, castrated, survived death camp - now boasts that he is “stronger than Hitler”. Heinz F. smiles determinedly: “Only now I talk. I’ll be 93 in September. Thickskinned, no?” And his lip trembles again. His eyes, distant, looking somewhere off-camera, reveal that he is thinking of something else much darker.” Paul Moor (Berlin) Finally, speak up often and passionately, and never, ever, hide who you are and who you love: Stand and be counted as there is power in numbers.

- Robin Bodiford

Technology Simplisafe Security System ● Page 28 Camping Corner Knowing the Real Rules in Gay Campgrounds ● Page 32 Entertaining Star Attractions ● Page 36 Health MSM Wellness Conference Comes to Fort Lauderdale ● Page 40 Home & Garden Making Your House Your Home ● Page 44

Table of contents

8 | THE

Museums Explore the Unexpected ● Page 47 Vacation A Better Way To Staycation ● Page 54

Interview Meet Jason Caceres, Rising Star from South Florida ● Page 76 Cars Five Hot New Compact Crossovers Page 78 Books Author Spotlight: TJ Klune ● Page 84 Profile Steve Glassman: From retirement to Fort Lauderdale’s new gay commissioner ● Page 86 Books Queer Writers Share Their Stories ● Page 90 Food Culture Vultures ● Page 94 Interior Design How We Do The Holidays ● Page 98 Travel Going West: Denver & West Hollywood ● Page 100

Note From The CEO Mirror Introduction ● Page 12

Gardens South Florida Gardens Galore ● Page 56

Publisher’s page The Meteor that was a Mercury ● Page 21

Film Your Winter Movie Guide ● Page 64

Trending Locally Because It’s Worth It ● Page 102

Trans Talk Taking Care of Yourself as a Sexual/Gender Minority During the Trump Era ● Page 24

History Matthew Shepard: 20 Years Later ● Page 70

Artist Spotlight Howard Zucker: SylvesterQ Photography ● Page 104

| NOVEMBER 2018

DEAR HIV, ’ WE DIDN T GIVE UP. XOXO, SCIENCE There is no cure, but science is still in the battle against HIV. Today’s HIV treatments may help you get to undetectable. That means the amount of virus is so low it can’t be measured in lab tests. Ask your healthcare provider about HIV and treatment options.

Learn about an HIV-1 treatment option at

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XOXOSCIENCE.COM, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. UNBC5531 05/18

TM

Gardens Gardens Galore • Page 56

From West Palm Beach to Key West, here’s a look at some extraordinary gardens throughout South Florida.

From sculptures and Japanese tea houses to rainforests and jungles, South Florida gardens are as varied as they are spectacular. Take a trip to Japan at the Morikami Museum in Delray or to Hawaii at The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden in Coconut Grove.

Museums

Garden

Explore the Unexpected • Page 47

“Head to Wikipedia and you’ll find this definition for “museum”: A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical or scientific importance.”

&

FOOD

Culture Vultures •

Museums

Page 94

After a day at the museum you’re going to be hungry so check out these eateries next door.

Featured on the cover: Gwilym Lee (Brian May), Rami Malek (Freddie Mercury), and Joe Mazzello (John Deacon) star in Twentieth Century Fox’s "BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY." Photo credit: Alex Bailey/Twentieth Century Fox. Featured below: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Find your perfect green getaway by turning to page 58.

10 | THE

| NOVEMBER 2018

Note from the

CEO

As we move toward the new year we can’t help but think of renewal.

It’s a time when we remind ourselves to explore new ways to grow and step up, whether it’s in our community, our family, or for our own personal development.

With The Mirror we started this process with our previous issue. We’ve significantly rebranded the magazine with a new logo and a new format.

The response from you, our readers and advertisers, has been nothing but positive. What hasn’t changed is our commitment to integrity, honesty and the quality of our journalism.

At a time when the President of the United States has openly declared war on the free press, what we do here, and at SFGN, is more important than ever.

New technologies change many things. But not everything. You may surf, search, shop and blog online, but you still read magazines. Rather than being displaced by “instant” media, it would seem that magazines are the ideal complement.

Neither obsessed with immediacy nor trapped by the daily news cycle, magazines promote deeper connections. Their immersive power extends to advertisers, they are the number one medium for driving purchase consideration.

In this issue we showcase some of the best museums in South Florida, there are not enough pages to feature all the amazing museums or art galleries that make this community one of the best, and most cultural, places to live, retire or raise a family.

Go and immerse yourself in the world of art. I hope you enjoy it.

PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI

“Always forgive your enemies - nothing annoys them so much.”

- Oscar Wilde

Men’s EXCLUSIVE Heritage Series Datron Watch $795.00 • Movado.com

The 39 mm grey ion-plated stainless steel case, round green lacquer 3-hand dial with luminescent silver-toned hands and applied markers is printed white minute index, and date display, grey ionplated stainless steel link bracelet with push-button deployment clasp.

Le Male For Men by Jean Paul Gaultier $71, 2.5 oz • macys.com

In 1995, the fashion house of Jean Paul Gaultier released what would become the quintessential fragrance for men. Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male is a complex blend of disparate accords that creates a scent that is ideal for the discerning gentleman.

It is bold, but with a softer side that hints at the underlying grace of masculinity.

Jack Daniels Gentleman Jack $24.99 • totalwine.com

New oak, light caramel and butter. Air contact allows the aroma to develop only modestly. Palate entry is seamlessly smooth, off-dry and slightly nutty or oaky. At mid-palate, the taste veers to the fruity and grainy side - the mellower side of Jack Daniels.

November 2018 | Vol 7 | Issue 5 2520 N. Dixie Highway | Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954.530.4970 Fax: 954.530.7943

Publisher

NORM KENT norm.kent@sfgn.com

Chief Executive Officer PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI piero@sfgn.com Associate Publisher/ JASON PARSLEY Executive Editor jason.parsley@sfgn.com

EDITORIAL Art Director BRENDON LIES artwork@sfgn.com

A Publication of south florida gay news

Senior Features Reporter CHRISTIANA LILLY A&E Editor / Design J.W. ARNOLD Digital Content Director JUSTIN MUSIAL webmaster@sfgn.com Copy Editor Kerri Covington

SALES & MARKETING For ad placement in the Mirror Magazine, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager JUSTIN WYSE justin@sfgn.comm Senior Advertising Assoc. EDWIN NEIMANN edwin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Assoc. CLARK ROGERS clark@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Assoc. Kewan Smith kewan@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Assoc. Anthony Pennetti sales@sfgn.com Sales Consultant Charles Reid Distribution Services Rocky Bowell LEE CURTIS Printing THE PRINTER’S PRINTER National Advertising RIVENDELL MEDIA Accounting Services CG BOOKKEEPING

The Mirror is published bi-monthly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor are those of the writers. They do not represent the opinions of The Mirror or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in The Mirror. Furthermore the word “gay” in The Mirror should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material that appears in The Mirror, both online at www.themirrormag.com, and in our print edition, including articles used in conjunction with the Associated Press and our columnists, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher of The Mirror, Norm Kent, at Norm@NormKent.com. The Mirror is published by the South Florida Gay News. It’s a private corporation, and reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

MIRROR Copyright © 2018, South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

Associated Press Florida Press Association National Gay and Lesbian Journalists Association

14 | THE

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s o u t h

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

// Norm Kent

f l o r i d a

g a y

n e w s

SFGN’s Mirror magazine continues to grow in size and stature. This is our thank you page to those of you who help us bring this magnificent magazine to your homes and businesses.

Our last edition, the Fall Arts and Entertainment issue, with Elton John on the cover, was a resounding success.

This month, we celebrate Freddie Mercury’s life and feature the movie just released about it, The Bohemian Rhapsody, now in theaters everywhere.

As we commemorate World AIDS Day, let’s pay tribute to Mercury’s life, lost to the disease persons all over the globe still fight today.

This month’s Mirror, as the cover reveals, also features travel and sightseeing, museums and galleries, as well as gardens and camping, along with everyone’s favorite- shopping.

Enjoy and explore each page, every photograph and an array of entertaining and intriguing articles.

Thank you for joining us here at the Mirror. May it be a reflection of your lives.

November Advertisers 4 Health Medical A&A Roofing Ageless Body Sculpting American Tax & Insurance Broward Center for the Performing Arts Broward Sheriff’s Office Castelli Real Estate Services CG Bookkeeping Chic Optique Country Ham N’ Eggs Dr. James Milne Doc’s Plumbing Gilead – Dear HIV Gilead – BIKTARVY HARID Conservatory Hunters Wilton Manor JM Lexus Joe Grano – Realtor John Knox Village Kent & Cormican Law Law Offices of Robin L. Bodiford. P.A. Law Office of Shawn C. Newman, P.A.

Le Boy Loria Medical Maltz Jupiter Theater Midway Specialty Care Center Mojo Nabu American Fusion Buffet Oakland Park Dental Paul Winder Premier Smile Center R3 Accounting Ray & Kolner Law Sterling Tax and Accounting Services Toast The Grille On The Drive The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum To The Moon Marketplace Wells Fargo Wilton Manors Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA) World Pride Yello Yellow Cab

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BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about BIKTARVY? BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection.

If you have both HIV-1 and HBV and stop taking BIKTARVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to monitor your health.

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

What are the other possible side effects of BIKTARVY? Serious side effects of BIKTARVY may also include:  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure.

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

What should I tell my healthcare provider before taking BIKTARVY?  All your health problems. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis virus infection.  All the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements. BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all of your other medicines.  If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  If you are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

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

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at MyDailyCharge.com

KEEP LOVING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY is a 1-pill, once-a-day complete HIV-1 treatment for adults who are either new to treatment or whose healthcare provider determines they can replace their current HIV-1 medicines with BIKTARVY.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. BIKTARVY.COM

IMPORTANT FACTS

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee) MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

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

It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: • dofetilide • rifampin • any other medicines to treat HIV-1

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

• Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

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

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

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

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

• Changes in your immune system.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure.

• Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.

• Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

• The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (5%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

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

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

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

Version date: February 2018 © 2018 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0047 06/18

PUBLISHER’S PAGE

The Meteor that was a Mercury

// Norm Kent

The publication date of this issue of the Mirror is November 24, 2018.

If you are reading this story on that day, you are reading about Farrokh Bulsara, AKA, Freddie Mercury, on the anniversary of his death from AIDS 27 years ago.

I

t was only a day before his death that Freddy Mercury, at 45 years of age, revealed he had AIDS. It was the same year, 1991, that Magic Johnson, then an NBA basketball star, also announced he had AIDS. The Sporting News published Johnson’s picture on the cover, with only one word: ‘Tragic.’ It was a day and era when everyone thought contracting AIDS was a death sentence.

For Freddie Mercury, it was.

As for Magic Johnson, today he is the part owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Life deals us all unique destinies.

So it goes.

The magical music that the lead vocalist of Queen created resonated in the gay community. Throughout the world, he became a gay icon. This month, his songs and life have been made into a movie. ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ is in theaters everywhere. It was released just a few weeks ago.

The film starts off mildly, but soon becomes masterful. It captures Freddie’s life as a singer with a four-octave vocal range, and his growth as a songwriter and record producer. It shares his life and maturation with the band members he called ‘family.’

The movie does not hide Mercury’s transition from a married man who was in love with a woman to a hedonistic homosexual fueled by many partners. Yes, his wife knew all along, but no he is not cast in bed night after night with other men.

But you know what’s going on.

NOVEMBER 2018 | THE

| 21

PUBLISHER’S PAGE The film reveals the drive and drain of being an internationally acclaimed entertainer. It hints at the secret liaisons Mercury must have engaged in, from the drug fueled parties to indulgences we have all teased and tainted with.

Rami Malek stars in the film, which since its release, has been criticized by some as a ‘straight wash.’ I don’t think so. It is just one man’s singular story. We each have our own.

However, to his credit, Malek has said in some post-release interviews that he wished the film had delved a little more into that more flamboyant side of Mercury’s life.

Filmgoers instead will have to settle for a ‘tease,’ like the scene where Mercury is enticed by a heavy, bearded bear to follow him into a men’s room. The glances, the smiles, the looks, and guess what? You don’t need a road map to figure out where the film is going.

Freddie Mercury was human, of course, but his stage persona was super. On stage, he was as flamboyant as he was fabulous.

Consistently voted as one of the greatest singers in the history of pop music, he was a bisexual rock star whose songs became anthems. You know many of them.

Amongst the hits Mercury wrote for Queen were ‘Bohemian Rhapsody,’ Somebody to Love’, Don’t Stop Me Now,’ and of course, ‘We Are the Champions,’ along with the immensely popular this ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love.’

Mercury was born of Parsi descent on Zanzibar and grew up there and in India before moving with his family to Middlesex, England, in his late teens. The film starts and ends with a message from his dad, urging him to live a life of good thoughts, deeds, and acts.

One of Mercury’s most noteworthy deeds was to play Wembley Stadium in 1991, reuniting with his band to do a 20-minute set for Live Aid. Less than a year later, on Easter Sunday in 1992, the stadium would be filled again. Unfortunately, this time it was for a concert held posthumously in the singer’s memory. The Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert for AIDS Awareness drew 75,000 people.

As a member of Queen, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003, and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.

As the worldwide pandemic known as AIDS continues to take lives, SFGN remembers Freddie Mercury.

As our nation and the globe commemorate World AIDS Day shortly, on Dec. 1 SFGN urges you to take a moment to help recall the 22 | THE

| NOVEMBER 2018

memory of a friend that has passed; a lover that has been lost.

Dedicate yourself anew to lighting that flame and holding up that candle, looking to the day when we celebrate a cure, not commemorate a loss. As sung by Queen, as written by Metallica, ‘nothing else matters.’

Today, the Mercury Phoenix Trust lives on in Freddie’s honor. Founded by Queen band members Brian May, Roger Taylor and their manager Jim Beach, the Trust has given away over 15 million dollars and funded over 700 projects in 57 countries across the globe in the past 21 years while joining the global battle against HIV/AIDS. The trust focuses on a wide range of education and awareness projects, but principally targeting young people in the developing world, including 18 million orphans who have lost one or both parents to AIDS. In death as in life, Freddie Mercury made his father proud, doing good deeds and acts.

As an artist, as a performer, Queen’s shows were pulsating and powerful . Freddie Mercury electrified and energized audiences and crowds . This is not Fake News. He was truly an amazing star.

Photo via freddiemercury.com.

On stage, he was as

flamboyant as he was fabulous.

Consistently voted as one of the greatest singers in the history of pop music, he was a

bisexual rock star whose songs became anthems.

I am proud to celebrate his all to short life here on the pages of SFGN’s magazine, the Mirror.

TRANS TALK

Taking Care of Yourself as a

Sexual/Gender Minority During the Trump Era

// Atticus Ranck

I

feel like I’m living in a perpetual state of anxiety. I fear everything. I fear my wedding will be invalidated. I fear some of my loved ones will be deported. I fear for my wife, who is a trans woman of color, going anywhere alone because she could be harassed, assaulted, or murdered.

I fear that my nieces and nephew will one day realize what I am and will no longer want me or my wife in their lives because we’re transgender.

I know I’m not alone in my fears and anxieties. It’s an incredibly difficult time to be a sexual and gender minority in America. The current President has either rolled back or attempted to roll back many of the protections we gained under President Obama. It seems like every other week Trump is denying visas to unmarried same-sex partners of diplomats and U.N. officials or taking away protections for transgender students.

So what can we do to take care of ourselves during this tumultuous time? Let me preface this by saying that I’m not a therapist; I’m just a trans guy who has had a lot of therapy.

Be aware of what’s going on and then put your phone down.

It’s important that as a community we know what our federal and local government are doing in regards to our rights. But it can be overwhelming. I don’t even entirely understand how the government works.

It’s a huge bureaucratic system with a lot of moving parts, so it’s OK if you don’t know everything about politics, but a general understanding of the issues that are important to you is good to know so that you know how to vote in the coming elections.

Now, once you’ve read about the terrible things our government is doing today and you’re thoroughly depressed, put down the phone, close your computer, and turn off the TV. I follow what’s going on but not too closely because it’s a drain on my mental health. So shut it off and be present. Practice mindfulness.

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Mindfulness is something you can do anytime, anywhere, completely free of charge. Mindfulness is about practicing awareness in the present amount. It’s about focusing on yourself and your environment. You can mindfully eat - what does my food really taste like as I slowly chew and then swallow. Eat without a phone in front of you. Then mindfully shower. And while you’re at it, try mindfully driving. Just google “Mindfulness Exercises.”

If you’re into meditation, or even not into it, check out the Headspace app. It’s free and I like to use it before I go to bed on the nights when my brain won’t shut off. It’s this guy with a really soothing voice who teaches you the basics of meditation by starting with just 5 minutes. It’s non-judgmental and he encourages us to be kind to ourselves while meditating. And no, this is not a paid ad by Headspace. Although maybe I should look into that.

Finally, know that actions like Trump’s, while deplorable, will lead to change. They always do. It doesn’t seem like it, but by rallying together as a community because we don’t like how the government is treating us is planting the seeds for change.

Atticus Ranck is the Health Programs & Supportive Services Manager for Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, PA. Previously, he was the Director of Transgender Services at SunServe in Wilton Manors. Atticus is a trans man who advocates for the LGBT community through his work, trainings, presentations, and everyday encounters.

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TECHNOLOGY

SimpliSafe

Security System

/ / Pier Angelo

The self-installed home security

market has exploded over the past few years; companies like Nest, Ring, Honeywell, and others all released systems with professional monitoring options.

SimpliSafe’s latest system features a completely redesigned hub and sensor system.

Once SimpliSafe users have linked their account with a Google account, they can use voice commands to arm the system or check on the status of it.

To use the Google Assistant integration, customers must subscribe to SimpliSafe’s $24.99-per-month professional monitoring plan, which also includes the ability to monitor the system remotely via smartphone apps. SimpliSafe also works with Alexa, Nest Thermostats and August Smart Locks.

The voice commands supported by the Google Assistant

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Cost: starting at $299 on amazon More info: www.simplisafe.com integration include specific commands, such as “arm SimpliSafe to Away,” as well as more generic inquiries, such as “is the security system armed?”

It is not currently possible to disarm the system by voice, but the company is looking to add it in the future.

You can disarm it with the App or the keyfob.

SimpliSafe offers the most comprehensive system in a box, without being the most expensive. It is easy to install and has some of the most discreet interior sensors for doors, windows, and motion.

SimpliSafe’s system consists of a base unit with a speaker, a battery-powered keypad that can be placed or mounted anywhere, door / window sensors, motion sensors, glass break sensors, auxiliary sirens, freeze sensors, water sensors, smoke detectors, and even a panic button.

JANUARY 2ND, 3RD, AND 4TH

9AM-3PM

PASSPORT TO THE WORLD WINTER ARTS CAMP Destination: The North Pole Children will have 3 fun-filled days exploring: Dance! Film! Song! and Food!

Ages 5+ Cost: $175

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CAMPING CORNER

Gay Campgrounds Knowing the Real Rules in

The Mirror’s camping enthusiast launches new camping column / / Ric Reily

A

well run organization has strictures, they let everyone know acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Whether a sign is posted, a consent is signed or someone reads a list, everyone knows what to expect. Rules understood make life easier. Choose to comply or not, all the while understanding the consequences. Gay campgrounds are no different.

Some regulations are arcane, forgotten as soon as known. Some are silly enough to garner a second glance, perhaps even a chuckle. Some are serious enough to be pointed out, even reiterated. Posted, communicated and signed for edicts are easy. There is no question what they are and no question if they have been ignored, sidestepped or abused.

Consequences of ignoring guidelines can vary as much as following them. Arcane mandates are posted to fulfill regulatory obligations and ignored until injury or damage occurs. Silly commandments are enforced after those more serious have been breached and the enforcer finds the need to pile on. Posted rules carry consequences as varied as the rules themselves. In gay campgrounds, serious infractions can get you suspended, even banned.

For example, noise in all its forms, mechanical, laughter, or an uncontrolled pet, is most often an infraction of posted guidelines yet even more is a breach of common courtesy in the density of a gay campground. A courteous camper keeps sound, light and entertainment on their own site. Doing otherwise will certainly earn a stern glance, a verbal warning or even an invitation to depart the premises.

Then there are the unspoken dictates, statutes that make up unwritten etiquette and cause the real problems. Traveling to different gay campgrounds will serve to expose a gay camper to varied cultures built on accepted etiquette based on the underlying 32 | THE

| NOVEMBER 2018

Stepping on the local etiquette, known or unknown, can garner a long side glance, a recognized stepping away, or an outright verbal or physical assault.

expectations of those who make up the local demographic.

Here we get into the real canons, the ones no one mentions yet are expected to be innately understood because the locals do. Unposted and unexplained, they are less transparent. The consequences of breaching local expectations can only be known too late. Enforcement is at the whim of the enforcer and that reaction can far exceed the unintended infraction. For the gay traveler, local culture is rarely specifically communicated and acquired only with time.

Stepping on the local etiquette, known or unknown, can garner a long side glance, a recognized stepping away, or an outright verbal or physical assault. A response will be solely dependent on the sensibilities of he who feels affronted and the size of his perceived affront. Or the size of the ego he suddenly feels the need to defend especially when copious quantities of alcohol are involved.

For example, personal contact has its local guidelines. Being a member of the local cadre and touching an exposed butt cheek at a crowded party can earn a laugh. To a visitor that same action could call a reminder to keep hands off. From a stranger that same personal touch can give rise or a viscous and extended assault.

That butt cheek is not open to touch regardless of perceptions at the moment. A crowded party, a bit of punch, lots of friends and laughter does not turn an exposed butt cheek into public property. Though many will disagree with me on that point.

Knowing the rules, written and unwritten, keeps times civil in gay campgrounds and in the world outside also. They are not new or difficult, they are simply the same ones mother taught.

Columnist Ric Reily, is an experienced camping enthusiast.

The HARID Conservatory

Winter Performances Saturday, December 15, 3:00 p.m.

Sunday, December 16, 3:00 p.m.

Countess de Hoernle Theater 5100 Jog Road, Boca Raton

Tickets:

561-998-8038 or online at

www.harid.edu/performances

Alex Srb photo ©

Sponsored Ad Compelling, compassionate and contemporary are perfect descriptors of Paul Winder’s A Son is Given: A Mother’s Testament. Mark and Josh are co-captains of their college swim team. Josh is open with and aware of his sexual orientation. Mark is in denial until Josh makes an innocent move which reveals his feelings for Mark. At first Mark is resistant, but finally comes to accept who he is and a beautiful love story blossoms between these two friends.

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But, what will Mark’s parents’ reaction be when they find out? The Brown family has belonged to the same fundamentalist church for a quarter of a century. Mark’s parents, Frank and Doris, are devout in their beliefs.

As Winder takes us on the journey of the process Frank and Doris go through to better understand their son, the reader is filled with hope. However, that hope is short lived. In the one place the Brown family should have been assured that love existed, they were only met with hate. That hate turned into an unbearable tragedy.

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ENTERTAINING

Star Attractions Tom Mathieu on designing centerpieces for Cocktails for Compass / / James Watson

“Oh my”

These words, framed and hanging in the office of Tom Mathieu, owner of Tom Mathieu Company, in West Palm Beach (tommathieu.com), convey an aspect of his personality.

“I say that a lot,” said Mathieu, who bought the treasure, already framed, from One Kings Lane, an online retailer. The phrase could also sum up the praise lavished on this king of all things floral and garden from his clients, not only for his work that decorates their homes, parties and weddings, but also for the sense of surprise and wonder his work imparts to the charity events he designs each season.

Among the dozen events is Cocktails for Compass, an annual event, now in its sixteenth year, held at Club Colette, a private club on Peruvian Avenue in Palm Beach.

Four or five years ago Mathieu added the fundraiser that benefits Compass, the LGBT center of the Palm Beaches, to his schedule. “As far as Compass goes, it’s a really great cause and I like to help out however I can,” he said. This dinner is among a list of distinguished clients that

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The event in 2017, shown here, illustrates his passion for turning tables into

floral eye candy.

cultivate his talents to the delight of guests.

Other charity events he designs include, among others, Palm Beach Island Hospice Foundation, Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach, Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Palm Beach Opera, the Historical Society of Palm Beach County (for its Archival Evening), how (hearing the ovarian cancer whisper), The Society of the Four Arts, and the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Each of these is scheduled onto a huge calendar for the months of September through April hanging in Mathieu’s office. In 2019 they will be joined by a once-in-a-lifetime event: Mathieu and his team will design the flowers and tables for the gala celebrating the opening of the Norton Museum of Art, on February 2, in a tent on the north side of the building.

Before then, Mathieu will transform Club Colette once again to dazzle those who come for an evening of merriment at Cocktails for Compass. The event in 2017, shown here, illustrates his passion for turning tables into floral eye candy.

Frosted branches and sprays of berries in a silver trumpet vase draw the eye to this festive party table.

Credit: CAPEHART.

ENTERTAINING

Once in place, each arrangement is illuminated, perhaps with candles, sometimes up lighting and pin lights.

“Ross Meltzer, a client of mine, comes to me for décor,” Mathieu said. “It’s before Christmas, so it always seems to have a holiday theme, glitzy and glittery.” Past years’ color schemes: red and gold, silver and white, and last year, red and white.

“Ross and I have a meeting and we pick out a color scheme. We start with the table cloth and when he picks a color we always do something tall and splashy,” Mathieu said.

He often relies on frosted branches, glitter branches, gold leaves, silver leaves—even feathers—placed in a silver or gold trumpet vase or tall glass vase, to create spectacle.

When asked if his towering creations conflict with traditional advice that flower arrangements be low so guests can converse across the table, he replied, “the vessel they are in is very narrow so it’s easy to see around it.”

Building the arrangements in his cavernous studio, which encompasses four interconnected bays in a complex adjacent to the Flamingo Park and Grandview Heights Historic Districts, he then transports them to Club Colette for installation.

To complete the table décor, fresh flowers are placed at the base of the trumpet vases.

“I try to honor what he likes,” said Mathieu,

2018 Cocktails for Compass

Dinner, dancing, a silent auction—they add up to Cocktails for Compass at the private restaurant Club Colette, 215 Peruvian Ave, Palm Beach. This year’s event, starting at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 10, will be cohosted by honorary chairwoman Sonja Stevens and dinner chairmen Ross Meltzer and Victor Figueredo, and Jack Lighton and Giovanni Di Stadio.

Since 2003, Cocktails for Compass has been the organization’s largest fundraiser, which recognizes Compass’ top donors and supporters while highlighting the successes of the year’s achievements and programs, according to Compass’ website. Through the generous support of its annual contributors and event sponsors, and donations from area businesses, 100 percent of the proceeds continue to benefit the valuable, life-saving services Compass provides.

For information on tickets, sponsorships visit Compassglcc.com/community-and-events or call 561-533-9699.

The Art of Saying Thank You “There are no rules for anything anymore. The important part is that you say thank you, not so much how you say it. Perhaps if you want a ‘rule’ it could be to match the invitation. Was the invite by phone, by email, by text?

The same would be appropriate for a thank you. Just so you do it. My mother taught me to write thank you notes, and since then, so much of it is just having the manners to be appreciative of those who do things for us.”

—Scott Robertson Scott Robertson Interiors, West Palm Beach.

“If you are invited to a private residence, a small host/hostess gift is a nice gesture when arriving (i.e. small candle, chocolates, etc.). A handwritten thank you note sent the next day is always appropriate and much more personal than an email.”

—Stephen Mooney Stephen Mooney Interiors, Palm Beach.

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Arrangements of hydrangeas and roses in julep cups add yet another layer to the festive design. Credit: CAPEHART.

referring to Meltzer’s taste, and also keep it simple.

Once in place, each arrangement is illuminated, perhaps with candles, sometimes up lighting and pin lights.

“I like real candles,” said Mathieu, who adds, “they give a much better light.” When it is necessary to use battery operated candles, he opts for those with flicker flames. “Put it in a votive and, if you are not looking directly it, it looks like it is real.”

Among his favorite flowers to work with are orchids, hydrangeas and roses.

To complete his tablescapes for the

2017 Cocktails for Compass, he placed three clusters of votives and three small arrangements—a white hydrangea and red roses in a julep cup—at the base of each trumpet vase.

A caveat from this floral wizard: “I don’t like to sit at a table where I smell Casablanca lilies or anything heavy. I don’t mind subtle smells, but I don’t want to be smelling flowers while I’m drinking wine.”

Guests to this year’s Cocktails for Compass are sure to be wowed by the clever theatrics of Matheiu, who transforms centerpieces into star attractions.

HEALTH

MSM

Wellness Conference Comes to Fort Lauderdale // Damon Scott

T

he second incarnation of a wellness conference designed for men who have sex with men (MSM) is coming to Fort Lauderdale.

While the conference isn’t scheduled until the first month of 2019, organizers hope people will save the date and make a commitment to attend. While the free conference is open to anyone, organizers are clear about the demographic they seek to engage with.

“We’re being intentional and trying to cover a broader spectrum of health issues facing men who have sex with men,” said Mark Reyes, one of the key organizers.

Reyes expects about 200 GBT and other men who have sex with men to attend, mostly from Broward County and surrounding communities. The conference first took place in 2015, a two-day format, when more than 200 came.

The one-day Topics to be covered at the conference takes place 2019 Men’s Health and Wellness Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 Conference include HIV and p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale non-HIV-related health issues Marriott North, located at such as sexual health, physical fitness and mental health. “It’s 6650 North Andrews about how to be healthy men and Avenue. make better decisions,” Reyes said.

Reyes, the senior director of community relations and administration at the Urban League of Broward County, said the disparity of those who have HIV among men who have sex with men is out of whack compared to other populations – it’s a big part of the driving force of the conference.

Reyes hopes to move attendees toward positive actions that would improve their health outcomes.

“We want to mobilize the MSM community,” he said.

“Black and Latino communities and others are being impacted by HIV, access to health care and insurance, 40 | THE

| NOVEMBER 2018

issues with housing or full employment, and disease.

It’s all related,” Reyes said.

Reyes has been at the Urban League for five years.

He’s worked for nonprofits and at-risk communities for much of his young career, including at UrbanPromise Miami and doing HIV prevention work in New York City.

“This conference is important for me, personally, as a gay man, and for Urban League,” he said.

The Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council is the main organization heading up the event.

Reyes is the community co-chair of its MSM advisory group.

The advisory group brings together leaders and decision-makers to mobilize organizations and allies who serve the MSM community in Broward County.

The group addresses the various factors that bring about HIV infection in the MSM community – what is often called an epidemic in Broward County.

Reyes said members of the advisory group include staff from leading AIDS Service Organizations (ASOs), LGBT organizations, government agencies and allied organizations, as well as non-affiliated community members.

Conference attendees can expect a lineup of presenters, workshops and plenaries.

Reyes said he expects to provide a spectrum of local and national leaders to present at the conference.

There will be three plenary sessions and three interactive break out workshop sessions. Continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.

The one-day conference takes place Jan. 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott North, located at 6650 North Andrews Avenue.

who those ilable r o f a nities be av e portu vent will for mor p o p 8 i e 9 h e 5 s e 2 r r onso 4625the f nd sp tion for rg or 95 . a r o ister istra bcfl.o vend still nline reg reyes@ul o pre-reg e r a t O There terested. eyes at m ation or R m are in . Contact infor n o so NOVEMBER 2018 | THE

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Florida’s Museum of Ceramic & Glass Art

ROYAL DOULTON

CHIHULY

LALIQUE

MOORCROFT

WEDGWOOD

ARDMORE

TOOTS ZYNSKY

FAIRYLAND

481 South Federal Highway Dania Beach, FL 33004 5 min south of Ft. Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport

954.376.6690 or info@wmoda.com Monday thru Friday 10am - 5pm Stay Connected with @wmodamuseum

WMODA.com 42 | THE

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#1 Museum in Broward County

HOME & GARDEN

MAKING YOUR HOUSE

YOUR HOME // Edwin Neimann

Y

ou did it!

After a long search accompanied by all the ups and downs along the way, you finally bought a house. And while your house isn’t perfect, it is the right house for you at this point in your life. So now you step back and take a second look both inside and outside your entire house to decide what fixes and updates are needed to transform you new house into your home. Over the past three months this has been my journey. And I must admit I learned a lot along the way. So here are my tips if you are planning to do some work on your house:

1.

Before you begin any projects take the time to determine what projects are DIY (Do It Yourself) and which projects require the work of an experienced professional. This will save you time, money and headaches in the long run.

2.

Get referrals from people you trust and examine their previous work. This will ensure you end up with quality work for a fair price.

3.

When shopping for supplies such as flooring, carpet, countertops, etc., take the time to do some serious shopping. Go check out the inventory at every business that sells each product.

Even businesses that have a limited inventory may have the one exact style or color that you are looking for. It’s worth the extra effort to find exactly what you want.

4.

Be sure to check with the city to pull all necessary permits for any work requiring permits. You can get all the information you need on the city and county’s website.

All the best as you pursue your home improvement endeavors.

Enjoy the process and enjoy your new home!

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MUSEUMS

Explore the Unexpected // J.W. Arnold

H

ead to Wikipedia and you’ll find this definition for “museum”: A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of artistic, cultural, historical or scientific importance.

While most people associate museums with paintings and statues, the Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts (WMODA) in Dania Beach showcases exquisite porcelain china and stunning glass works by Dale Chihuly and other modern masters and is a perfect example of an unconventional museum.

Founded four years ago and located within the Gallery of Amazing Things, WMODA got its start from a personal collection that quickly overwhelmed the homes of To learn more about Arthur Wiener.

“Mr. Wiener had always been a passionate collector of the Wiener Museum of ceramics and glass art. When his homes were overflowing Decorative Arts, go to with his treasures, he would take them out of boxes and share them with others. It all started as an exhibition and WMODA.com. grew into a full-blown museum,” said executive director and curator Louise Irvine, an internationally-recognized expert recruited by Wiener to open the museum.

Irvine argues that the fired arts are just as “legitimate” as traditional art mediums and notes WMODA offers one of the most exquisite collections in the country.

Visitors can admire beautiful pottery and porcelain art from the 18th century to the present day. WMODA introduces the work of British pottery pioneers, such as Josiah Wedgwood and Sir Henry Doulton, as well as European designers from the Art Nouveau and Art Deco eras.

The glass galleries showcase the art of French designer Renée Lalique and Venetian maestros from Murano, as well as local glass artists working in South Florida. The highlight of the Hot Glass gallery is an extensive collection of Chihuly.

Contemporary ceramic art from the Ardmore studio in South Africa is also one of the favorite exhibits at the Wiener museum, which hosts a varied program of exhibitions and cultural events.

Aspiring artists can even take classes at the museum.

WMODA is now the most popular destination in Dania Beach according to TripAdviser, attracting both locals and visitors to the exhibitions and classes.

“We finally beat the beach,” exclaimed a proud Irvine, who has devoted her career to the arts and education.

In addition to WMODA, check out these other interesting and unconventional South Florida museums:

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MUSEUMS

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Museum of Discovery and Science 401 S.W. 2nd St. Fort Lauderdale MODS.org MODS—as it’s known—has traditionally been a destination for families and busloads of school children, but that’s starting to change. Under the leadership of CEO Joe Cox, the museum has begun an earnest effort to not only create a welcoming experience for LGBT guests and families, but also initiated an exciting adults-only program, Discovery After Dark. The first event explored the science of brewing and beer. Who says science can’t be fun?

NOVEMBER 2018 | THE

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MUSEUMS

Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd.

Miami FrostScience.org The recently opened Frost Museum of Science, located on the shore of Biscayne Bay in downtown Miami, is simply amazing. The museum includes an aquarium AND a planetarium. On the first and third Friday of each month, rock out with a retro throwback to old-school laser light spectacles—set to music from Pink Floyd to Daft Punk and all under the planetarium’s 67-foot dome. Plan to come early and enjoy the beer garden in the museum’s atrium.

The Wick Theatre and Costume Museum 7901 N. Federal Hwy. Boca Raton TheWick.org Costume World owner Marilynn Wick didn’t know what she would find in the crates of old theatrical costumes she purchased in a liquidation sale a decade ago. What she discovered were original costumes from over 35 Broadway productions and revivals with an estimated value of more than $20 million. The historic collection is on display in Boca Raton at Wick’s regional theater. One theater queen described his reaction: “I nearly cried!”

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JUNE 2019 NYCPRIDE.ORG/2019

PRODUCED BY

WORLDPRIDE LICENSOR

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MUSEUMS

Downton Abbey: The Exhibition City Place, 575 S. Rosemary Ave. West Palm Beach DowntonExhibition.com Though technically not a museum, this exhibition on display through April 30 in West Palm Beach, takes a curatorial approach to thousands of props, costumes and set pieces from the hit Masterpiece series, “Downton Abbey.” If you found yourself glued to the tell every Sunday for six seasons, you won’t want to miss this experience to immerse yourself.

Oh, and have you heard creator Julian Fellowes is planning to reunite the cast for a movie?

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vacation

A Better Way to

S

Staycation // Justin Wyse

outh Florida is filled with places to stay and things to do, however, there’s no better weekend getaway than a trip to the Bahamas. For many years, cruise lines have offered South Florida residents trips to just about anywhere in the Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas and Bermuda.

My husband and I love to travel and take many trips each year, but cruising is our favorite way to travel.

Why? Because it's all-inclusive travel made easy.

Bahamas Paradise offers residents and even those who do not live here the opportunity to visit the Grand Bahama Island for a day or even to spend a few extra days on land. Their ships leave daily from West Palm Beach, allowing travelers the ability to leave any day of the week. What’s great about this cruise liner is that its fees are affordable at just $129 plus taxes per person, and better yet, you can travel alone at the same price.

A Few Must Do’s on This Trip:

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Enjoy an evening in the spa – treatments include manicures and pedicures, facials, Turkish baths, massages, and more.

2.

Unexso Dolphin Excursions – participants can choose from a basic encounter, a training session, a deep-sea swim, or a swim with dolphins in the cove. Book this with the ship for special savings and free pictures.

3.

Port shopping – do not be afraid to haggle for pricing, but everything is duty free.

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GARDENS

South Florida

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GALOR E F

/ / MI ROR Staff

st here’s rom West Palm Beach to Key We gardens a look at some extraordinary lptures throughout South Florida. From scu and sts fore and Japanese tea houses to rain as varied jungles, South Florida gardens are Japan at to as they are spectacular. Take a trip to Hawaii the Morikami Museum in Delray or al Tropical at The Kampong of the Nation ve.

Botanical Garden in Coconut Gro

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GARDENS

Mounts

Botanical Garden

531 North Military Trail West Palm Beach

Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest public garden. It includes 14 acres of landscaped gardens that should give visitors ideas of what they can accomplish in their own home exterior spaces. The garden displays tropical and subtropical plants from six continents, including plants native to Florida, exotic trees, tropical fruit trees, herbs, citrus trees, palms and more.

Must Sees: Check out their vegetable and dooryard tropical fruit garden, shade and color island and rose-fragrance garden.

Upcoming exhibitions include Garden of Lights: A Winter Holiday Event, Nov. 24-Dec. 30, and Twisted, a community building event with Patrick Dougherty (January-June 2019).

Call 561-233-1757 or visit Mounts.org for more information.

Mounts Botanical Garden.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens 253 Barcelona Road West Palm Beach

The Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens is a nonprofit foundation established in 1977 by resident sculptor Ann Weaver Norton (19051982). An urban sanctuary of almost two acres, the compound comprises Norton’s historic house with exhibition galleries, her studio, monumental sculptures and tropical gardens of rare palms and cycads.

Must Sees: The Gardens feature more than 250 species of rare palms and cycads.

Displayed throughout the house, studio and gardens are more than 100 works by the artist, including nine monumental sculptures, eight in brick and one in granite, and a rotating schedule of renowned exhibiting artists and guest lecturers.

Ann Norton Sculpture Gardens.

Call 561-832-5328 or visit www.ansg.org for more information.

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GARDENS

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens 4000 Morikami Park Road Delray Beach

Since opening in 1977, Morikami has become an epicenter for Japanese arts and culture in South Florida. The museum features exhibition galleries, a 225-seat theater, an authentic Seishin-an tea house with viewing gallery, a library, classrooms, a museum store, a café with a lakeside terrace, and an open-air courtyard garden. The museum houses 7,000 Japanese art objects and artifacts, including a 500-piece tea ceremony collection, 200 textile pieces, and fine art acquisitions. The expansive, 200acre Japanese gardens feature strolling paths, a world-class bonsai collection, koi-filled lakes, and a tranquil park with nature trails, pine forests, and picnic areas.

Must Sees: The museum has many familyfriendly festivals, including Lantern Festival: In The Spirit of Obon, during which guests personalize handmade, paper lanterns with special messages to honor and remember their loved ones. Other bucket list-worthy events include Oshogatsu: A New Year’s Celebration, and the annual Spring festival, Hatsume.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

Flamingo Gardens 3750 S. Flamingo Road Davie

Founded in 1927, Flamingo Gardens is one of the oldest botanical collections in South Florida.

This 60-acre botanical gardens and wildlife sanctuary features thousands of rare, exotic and native plants, with eighteen “Champion Trees” the largest of their species in Florida.

Flamingo Gardens is also a sanctuary for injured non-releasable Florida wildlife with over 90 species of birds and animals including alligators, bobcats, otters, panthers, flamingos and a Black bear.

Must Sees: Some of the must sees include a free-flight aviary with over 45 species of Florida wading birds, the Florida panther habitat, the Flamingo Pond, river otters and Josh the bear.

Call 954-473-2955 or visit www.flamingogardens.org for more information.

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Flamingo Gardens.

For more information, call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.

Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens.

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GARDENS

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens 900 N. Birch Road Fort Lauderdale

Bonnet House (named for the bonnet lily that grows in the slough) was designed by American artist Frederic Clay Bartlett and began construction in 1920. Bonnet House remains much as it was in the 1930s and 1940s, when Frederic and his wife Evelyn created the unique blend of art and whimsy that delights us today.

Must Sees: Bonnet House hosts an annual series of outdoor music concerts, throws an International Orchid & Garden Festival, provides exhibition opportunities for artists, and displays examples of the artwork of Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett.

Call 954-703-2614 or visit www.bonnethouse.org for more information.

Bonnet House Museum and Gardens.

Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden 10901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables Coral Gables

Fairchild includes 83 acres and 11 lakes. The garden bills itself as one of the world’s preeminent botanical gardens and is an international leader in tropical plant conservation. (They have an extensive collection of rare tropical plants.)

Must Sees: Their rainforest is a spectacular exhibit which blends native Florida species with true rainforest species. The 2-acre exhibit includes an aerial irrigation system to enhance rainfall and humidity, so visitors will have an opportunity to experience the plants and environment of the world’s dwindling rainforest ecosystems.

Visit FairchildGarden.org for more information.

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Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden.

GARDENS

The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden 4013 S. Douglas Road Coconut Grove

The National Tropical Botanical Garden includes five gardens, all are located in Hawaii except for The Kampong, which is located on Biscayne Bay. The garden contains a fascinating array of tropical fruit cultivars and flowering trees. The Kampong serves as the mainland campus for the NTBG’s educational courses.

The Kampong is an oasis hidden in Coconut Grove and features spectacular water views as well as beautiful hidden trails. The former home of Dr. David Fairchild, The Kampong is open by appointment only. Self-guided tours are $15 per person Wednesday through Saturday, while guided tours are $20 per person and available on Thursdays and Saturdays.

Must Sees: Their heritage collections from Southeast Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and other tropical locales create a cornucopia of exotic fruit, including candle fruit, peanut butter fruit, egg fruit, avocado and more than 30 varieties of mango. Tropical flowering trees are also well represented, with trees in flower throughout the year.

Call 305-442-7169 or visit Ntbg.org for more information.

The Kampong of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 3251 S. Miami Avenue Miami

This Italian Renaissance-style villa contains antique furnishings and art dating from the 15th through the 19th century. The home is surrounded by more than 10 acres of formal gardens and fountains. The gardens are spectacular and unusual for their architectural features, fountains, and sculptural elements.

Must Sees: Check out their Secret Garden, which is a walled space with a raised terrace that provides views of the gardens, Biscayne Bay and the Garden Mound, a large architectural feature capped with large live oaks.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Call 305-250-9133 or visit Vizcaya.org for more information.

GARDENS

Montgomery Botanical Center 11901 Old Cutler Road Coral Gables

Montgomery Botanical Center is a not-for-profit botanical garden established in 1959. The Botanical Center keeps living specimens from wild plant populations worldwide. They emphasize palms and cycads. MBC has a scientific focus and its mission is to advance science, education, conservation, and horticultural knowledge of tropical plants.

Must Sees: Montgomery Botanical Center’s collections of palms and cycads are world renowned. MBC houses the largest Microcycas calocoma in the U.S. They also have a robust collection of Syagrus, a sister group to the coconut, and many other rare cycads.

Montgomery Botanical Center.

Call 305-667-3800 or visit MontgomeryBotanical.org for more information.

Jungle Island 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami

Jungle Island, Miami’s premier entertainment destination, combines the beauty of Miami’s tropical landscape with a jungle full of extraordinary animals from around the globe.

Today, Jungle Island is a contemporary theme park, featuring extremely rare twin orangutans, the world’s largest cat, the liger, and over 300 vibrant birds, including the world’s only trained Cassowary.

Must Sees: Besides the animal life, Jungle Island also features unusual flora, from the extraordinary African sausage tree to a collection of rare cycads.

Call 305-400-7000 or visit www.jungleisland.com for more information.

The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens.

Jungle Island.

The Audubon House & Tropical Gardens 205 Whitehead Street Key West

The Audubon House has many rare plants and hundreds of blooming orchids on 1-acre of land in Key West. They have been voted the most beautiful outdoor location in Key West for many years. The owners of the property have invested more than $100,000 in moonlighting for evening events, which make the gardens magical after dark.

Must Sees: Check out their butterfly garden, herb garden and a mid-19th century replica of a Cook House.

Call 305-294-2116 or visit AudubonHouse.com for more information.

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“Rainforest” by Kenneth Setzer, taken at the Fairchild Botanical Garden.

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FILM

Your Winter

Movie Guide ‘Boy Erased,’ ‘Mapplethorpe,’ and ‘Transmilitary’ are three must see LGBT films this season / / J.W. Arnold

A

trip to the local cineplex can provide a welcome diversion from hectic holiday preparations and dreary winter afternoons. Here are some of our favorite films from the LGBT festival circuit and commercial release worth checking out. Consult local listings for theaters and show times and don’t forget on demand video services, also.

“A Star is Born”

“If you haven’t already seen this film, you should be forced to surrender your gay card!”

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Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper star in the latest remake of this classic show business story about an up-and-coming singer and the fading star who guides her career. Lady Gaga raises the bar set by both Judy Garland and, more recently, Barbra Streisand. Cooper makes his directorial debut.

MI ROR: If you haven’t already seen this film, you should be forced to surrender your gay card! Fortunately, “A Star is Born” is a compelling film accented with a tuneful soundtrack and will be in theaters for several weeks to come. Don’t wait for video or on demand.

“Anna and the Apocalypse” A zombie apocalypse threatens the sleepy town of Little Haven—at Christmas—forcing Anna (Ella Hunt) and her friends to fight, slash and sing their way to survival, facing the undead in a desperate race to reach their loved ones.

MI ROR: What can you say about a zombie apocalypse Christmas musical with a lesbian character? If the stress of the holidays gets you down, this film has all the elements for a fun holiday diversion at the local Cineplex.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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FILM

“Bohemian Rhapsody” “Bohemian Rhapsody” is the biographical film about the British rock band Queen, focusing on flamboyant, bisexual lead singer Freddie Mercury’s life leading up to Queen’s Live Aid performance at Wembley Stadium in 1985. The film, which stars Emmy Award-sinner Rami Malek as Mercury, gets its title from the iconic 1975 Queen song of the same name.

MI ROR: While Bryan Singer is credited with direction (he disappeared suddenly during filming), this film is no superhero action flick, but a surprisingly conventional and formulaic biopic. That said, the concert performances are riveting and the history important.

“Boy Erased” “Boy Erased” tells the story of Jared (Lucas Hedges), the teenaged son of a Baptist pastor in a small town, who is outed to his parents (Nicole Kidman and Russell Crowe). Jared is faced with an ultimatum to attend gay conversion therapy or be permanently exiled and shunned by his family.

MI ROR: This film, based on Garrard Conley’s 2016 memoir, offers a searing reminder that many of our brothers and sisters still face abhorrent treatment in our own country by the “Christian Taliban.” After a run on the festival circuit, the film is now in wide release.

“Mapplethorpe” Perhaps the most controversial photographer in American history, Robert Mapplethorpe celebrated a range of subjects—from flowers to S&M—in his striking images. He electrified the contemporary art world and immortalized a generation ravaged by AIDS. Matt Smith (“The Crown,” “Doctor Who”) stars.

MI ROR: Matt Smith is arguably one of the finest dramatic actors on screens today and he once again completely assumes his role, this time the gay photographer Robert Mapplethorpe. There have been documentaries, but it’s fascinating to see Mapplethorpe’s life portrayed in a biopic.

Studio 54 was the

epicenter of ‘70s hedonism— a place that redefined what a nightclub could be, but also the symbol of an entire era.

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FILM

“Mary, Queen of Scots” Saorise Ronan stars as the charismatic and ambitious queen of Scotland and Margot Robbie portrays Elizabeth, the competitive cousin who would imprison her in the Tower of London and eventually order her execution. Beau Wilimon (“House of Cards”) wrote this award season contender.

MI ROR: We love period pieces, expecially films that feature sumptuous costumes. Even without powerful performances, Academy Award-winner Alexandra Byrne’s costumes make this movie a must see this winter.

“Tenn” In this period drama, Tom (Tennessee) Williams (Jacob Loeb), an aspiring writer in his 20s, lives with a negligent father. He attempts to maintain peace in the family while also dealing with his depressed and anti-social sister. Struggling against the societal pressures and expectations of him, Tennessee is determined to find his voice as a playwright.

MI ROR: James Franco is a brilliant writer, director and actor, but so often his work seems either flighty or overly conceptual. Yes, we’re talking about “The Disaster Artist” and his ill-conceived dramatic documentary “Interior. Leather Bar.” This film is different.

“Studio 54” Studio 54 was the epicenter of ‘70s hedonism—a place that redefined what a nightclub could be, but also the symbol of an entire era. Ian Schrager and Steve Rubell came out of nowhere to preside over a new kind of New York society. With unprecedented access to Schrager, director Matt Tyrnauer tells the whole unvarnished story for the first time.

MI ROR: While the whole story is fascinating and the tone of the documentary is nostalgic, the viewer is unavoidably reminded of Mike Myers’ uncanny portrayal of Rubell in the wistful 1998 feature “54.”

“Transmilitary” The new documentary “Transmilitary” chronicles the lives of four young trans patriots defending their country’s freedom while fighting for their own.

They put their careers on the line by coming out as transgender to top brass officials in the Pentagon in hopes of attaining the equal right to serve.

MI ROR: This powerful documentary about four determined men willing to die for their country premiered recently on Logo and is available on demand. Unfortunately, the struggle to serve with dignity will continue, at least for the next two years.

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Seth Rudetsky is back! This year the Sirius/XM Radio star, whom the New York Times dubbed “The Mayor of Broadway,” is hosting three intimate evenings of incredible music and hilarious conversations with powerhouse talents Jessie Mueller (Beautiful/Waitress), Sierra Boggess with Ramin Karimloo (The Phantom of the Opera/Love Never Dies) and Adam Pascal (Rent/Something Rotten)!

TICKETS at ParkerPlayhouse.com Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 Group Sales | 954.660.6307

HISTORY

Matthew Shepard 20 Years Later He was brutally murdered, but he did not die in vain; his legacy lives on and continues to inspire the LGBT community

S

/ / David Webb The Rare Reporter

mall, effeminate, friendly and probably gullible, the attractive blond 19-year-old teenager with the engaging smile never stood a chance when two maniacal thugs targeted him one night for robbery and worse — a crime that would rock a city, a state and the nation.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.

Matthew Shepard, illustrated by Brendon Lies. ď ľ

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First they came for the Mexicans, and I didn’t speak up

because I wasn’t Mexican.

Then they came for the immigrants, and I didn’t speak up

because I wasn’t an immigrant.

Then they came for Muslims, and I didn’t speak up

because I wasn’t Muslim.

Then they came for transgender people, but I didn’t speak up

because I wasn’t transgender.

When Will

You SPEAK Up?

HISTORY

October marked the 20th anniversary of the death of Matthew Shepard, a former University of Wyoming college student who became the face of LGBT hate crime after the news of his grisly murder in 1998 spread internationally. Although he never knew anything about the controversy surrounding him in his last few last days of life, he truly did not die in vain.

The City of Laramie and the University of Wyoming commemorated the anniversary of the openly-gay college student’s death with a series of events, including a performance of “Considering Matthew Shepard” by Grammy-winning choral group Conspirare at Laramie High School Theater Oct. 6 – the date of the day Shepard was found barely alive 20 years earlier.

In announcing the plans, Laramie Mayor Andi Summerville said the international attention drawn to Laramie in the wake of Shepard’s death “rocked this

“Just as the murder of Emmett Till awakened America to the reality of racial violence, so the murder of Matthew Shepard awakened our country to the reality of violence against the LGBTQ community.”

- Richard Cohen President of the Southern Poverty Law Center

community … absolutely to its fundamental core.” The mayor was 17 at the time of Shepard’s death, and she described the experience of living through that time and revisiting it today as “surreal.”

During the prosecutions of the two men on murder charges, the world learned that the killers pretended to be gay in order to rob Shepard. After meeting him in the collegetown bar and enticing him to leave, the men pistol-whipped him, stole his cash and credit cards, tied him to a wooden pasture fence and left him dying in the bitter mountain cold. Shepard died in a coma from brain injuries Oct. 12, 1998, after six days on lifesupport.

As Southern Poverty Law Center President Richard Cohen notes, Shepard’s death made the nation aware to the reality of anti-LGBT hate crimes. His organization is the pre-eminent chronicler of hate crimes and hate groups in the U.S. “Just as the murder of Emmett Till [a 14-year-old black youth who was pistolwhipped, mutilated and tossed in a river in Mississippi in 1955] awakened America to the reality of racial violence, so the murder of Matthew Shepard awakened our country to the reality of violence against the LGBTQ community,” Cohen said of the importance of Shepard’s case.

Like Till, whose killers got an acquittal from an all-white jury despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary because he allegedly insulted a white woman, Shepard in

 President Barack Obama met with Judy Shepard, Matthew Shepard’s mother and co-founder of the Matthew Shepard Foundation, in 2009. Official White House photo by Pete Souza.

death inspired a revolution in attitudes toward antiLGBT discrimination and violence.

The outrage spawned by Till’s death among blacks and sympathetic whites precipitated the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycott four months after his funeral. Similarly, Shepard posthumously became an icon, and the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. (a black man killed by three white supremacists in Jasper, Texas, also in 1998) Hate Crime Act was passed by Congress in 2009.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation with the support of his parents, Judy and Dennis, keeps the story and the lesson to be learned from his death alive today. After his murder, the Tectonic Theater Project in New York City went to Laramie to learn about the impact of the crime on the city. The group created The

Laramie Project, a play about the heinous anti-LGBT hate crime.

The foundation bearing the victim’s name funds the presentation of the play across America, and the nonprofit group provides ongoing media resources and other information services to combat anti-LGBT hate crimes.

The group will host a gala in Denver Oct. 20 to raise funds for its work.

In June, the foundation in cooperation with Miller Lite hosted an LGBT hate crimes works project in Orlando at the Parliament House in the wake of the mass shooting at Pulse gay nightclub in March 2017 that left 49 dead and 53 injured.

The foundation previously hosted similar workshops in Fort Lauderdale and Dallas.

The reflections on Shepard’s death come at an inauspicious time in American history.

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HISTORY

Matthew Shepard Candlelight Vigil at the U.S. Capitol West Lawn in Washington DC on Wednesday night, 14 October 1998. Photo credit: Elvert Barnes Protest Photography, Flickr. 

Despite heightened awareness about hate crimes and greater attention by law enforcement agencies and the criminal justice system, the FBI documented an increase in hate crimes for 2016, the most recent year for the published results of its annual report that is released in late fall.

When the FBI releases the statistics for 2017, another increase in hate crimes is expected, according to organizations researching and analyzing the activity. The Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University San Bernadino is forecasting the new FBI report will reveal disturbing news about a resurgence of violence in targeted large cities, including Houston, Dallas and San Antonio.

“We have collected new police data from 2017, ahead of the FBI totals, and performed the first analysis of that year’s hate crimes, with a particular emphasis on the 10 largest U.S. cities,” states the report of May 2018 overseen by Criminologist Brian Levin.

“Our investigation found that hate crime totals for the 10

“Our investigation found that hate crime totals for the 10 largest cities rose for four straight years to the highest level in a decade.”

- FBI REPORT Overseen by Criminologist Brian Levin 74 | THE

largest cities [also New York City, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego, Chicago, San Jose and Philadelphia] rose for four straight years to the highest level in a decade.”

The center identified the most common hate crime categories in its analysis as anti-Black, anti-Semitic, antiLGBT and anti-Latino, except in two cities. In New York City Jews were the primary target while LGBT people were the most common victims in Los Angeles.

At the same time an increase in hate crimes is happening, the Southern Poverty Law Center is seeing an increase in the number of white supremacist groups becoming active in the nation. Leaders of the groups in Alabama and California agree that there appears to be a correlation between President Trump’s bombastic, vicious rhetoric belittling minorities before and after his election and the growth of hate propaganda and violence. A spike in hate crimes, especially targeting Muslims, was seen about the time of the 2016 election and thought to be inspired by Trump’s campaigns.

In Charlottesville, Virginia, white supremacists staged a rally Aug. 11-12, 2017, to protest the removal of Civil War monuments in the South, leading to violent clashes that resulted in three deaths and 33 injuries. One of the white nationalists drove his car into a crowd, killing a counter protester, and two law enforcement officers in a helicopter monitoring the activity died in a crash.

Trump called both the white supremacists and the counter protesters who clashed “very fine people.”

It is unlikely that anything or anyone can deter President Trump from his agenda that

| NOVEMBER 2018

includes a daily routine of invective meant to satisfy his arch-conservative base, including those who spread the most vitriolic messages against LGBT people and other minorities. In the wake of Shepard’s death protesters from the hate group Westboro Baptist Church in Kansas incredibly picketed his funeral with signs reading “Matt in Hell” and “God Hates Fags.”

The commemoration of Shepard’s horrific death will

Matthew Shepard, courtesy of the Matthew Shepard Foundation.

not soften the hearts of the hateful, but maybe it will kindle another movement to help drown out the voice of Trump and the hateful among his supporters. Ultimately, it will probably require Trump being voted out of office, barring a successful impeachment, to reverse the destructive social course the nation seems to be following now — all the more reason to commit to vote in every election so your voice will be heard.

INTERVIEW

MEET

Jason Caceres, Rising Star From South Florida

The gay actor has a role in Facebook’s first scripted series ‘Turnt’ / / David-Elijah Nahmod

A

rtistically inclined from an early age, Miami native Jason Caceres is now living in Los Angeles pursuing a career as an actor, where he has enjoyed a good deal of success. In addition to appearing in a number of commercials and working on the stage, Caceres, 28, has made a guest appearance on the CBS series “Criminal Minds.”

He can currently be seen in recurring roles in Facebook’s first scripted Show “Turnt” and in Netflix’s “Insatiable.” Openly gay, Caceres has also appeared in a variety of LGBT productions, such as the remake of the 2006 gay cult classic “Boy Culture.”

“My coming out story is not your typical heartbreaking story,” Caceres told The Mirror. “I am very lucky to have such an amazing family. They have been supportive since day one.”

Caceres recalls that he came out to his dad first.

“I was practically pushed out of the closet thanks to the fact that I did not know how to clear my search history on my very first laptop,” he said. “My dad was using my computer, I forget what for, and he started typing something on the Google search bar. Unfortunately, Google had already developed that pesky autofill technology and it autofilled something that I had previously searched, which I won’t say. He came over to me and asked what it was.”

He nervously told his dad that he didn’t know what it was. “He just laughed and said he loved me,” Caceres said. “And then I came out to my mom when I had my first boyfriend in high school. It was really uneventful.”

During his teen years in Florida, Caceres joined his high school swim team. “I wasn’t very good, but I had a lot of fun. The Florida Swimming Pool

“We are living in a time when the studios and independent projects

are all seeking diversity.

I feel like being able to say I am a proud Cuban has helped get my foot in the door many times.”

- Jason Caceres

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| NOVEMBER 2018

Association Competition was an annual competition held in Orlando and my swim team went every year. I placed second one year in the 500-meter freestyle race.

That was sheer luck. I think there were only three of us competing. I mainly did it for the fun and the social aspect,” he said. “On the off-season I also joined the Water Polo team in my high school. That was way more fun than swimming because it was a team sport and required strategy. However, I wasn’t very good at that.”

Caceres first got into acting when, as a shy kid, his third-grade teacher suggested to his mom that acting classes might help get him out of his shell.

“My Cuban heritage absolutely helped shape my career,” he said. “A lot of the projects I have booked have required me to be fully fluent in Spanish and the fact that I am actually Latino had helped propel my career. We are living in a time when the studios and independent projects are all seeking diversity. I feel like being able to say I am a proud Cuban has helped get my foot in the door many times.”

His favorite kinds of roles, he says, are dark and sinister.

“Right now I am currently in a production of a new play called ‘Baby Eyes’ about racism and homophobia in the 1950s,” he said. “I am playing this sinister kind of sirenlike creature who is controlling the world around him and causing mayhem in the lives of these characters.

I control the story and bend the mortals’ will to do my bidding. It sounds creepy and I love it!”

But what challenges him most are characters that are like himself.

“It requires a sort of introspection that is scary and

disturbing sometimes,” he said. “I find myself judging my own actions in my life when I have to play a character that has done or said something that I have said. Then I’m like oh, maybe I shouldn’t have done that. That does seem like a terrible idea.”

The fact that he is a gay man involved in numerous LGBT productions is strictly coincidental.

“I don’t pursue them as I kind of fall into them,” he said of the gay roles he’s played. “The LGBT community is starving for quality content and there’s not a lot of actors that are willing to play these roles, and if they are, there’s not a lot of them that can play them with some level of truth. Sometimes they come off as stereotypes or caricatures of what mainstream media sees a gay person as. If a role is offered to me and it’s a chance to shed a light on our community so we can be seen as regular citizens

then absolutely I will take it and give it my best shot.”

As his acting career continues to flourish, Caceres shared his hopes for the future.

“I would love to direct eventually,” he said. “My longterm goal is to produce a long running network television show in the vein of ‘Gossip Girl’ or ‘Riverdale.’ Of course I would also love to star in and direct some of the episodes.

As far as how far I hope to go with my acting career, I mean, every actor dreams of an Oscar. But I would just be happy to make a decent living off of acting where I can build and support a family of my own some day.”

To learn more about Jason Caceres, visit JasonCaceres.com or follow him on Instagram @jasonscaceres.

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CARS

Five Hot New

Compact Crossovers

These utility vehicles will have you riding in style with plenty of room to spare

C

// Larry Printz

ompact crossover utility vehicles

are among the most popular in the car market, and with good reason. These trucklets are large enough to hold four adults (five if they’re friendly), piles of lifestyle debris yet are easy to park, are fuel efficient, yet offer enough performance to win the pokey parkway grand prix, a daily event that occurs between traffic lights. All have all-wheel drive, although the Cadillac XT4 and Nissan Kicks and Volvo XC40 can be had with front-wheel drive, which improves fuel economy and is usually offered at a lower base price.

Here are five of the newest compact crossovers that are sure to grab your attention.

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Cadillac XT4

CARS

($34,795-$39,295) Cadillac’s first compact crossover owes more to the artful XT5’s minimalist suburban chic than the Escalade’s opulent audacity. Its excellent engineering is evident in the XT4’s responsive driveline, nimble handling, generous option list, and ample rear legroom. It makes for a captivating experience.

Climb aboard and you’ll find the interior has the modern upscale yet austere feel of a Miami flat. The XT4 merits consideration, especially if you’ve never before considered a Cadillac.

Jaguar I-Pace ($69,500-$85,900) This all-electric crossover is a classic Jaguar for the new millennium, one that reimagines the automobile in terms of packaging, design, proportion, performance, and interior appointments. Reaching 60 mph takes 4.5 seconds, while delivering 240 miles of driving between charges. Its air suspension provides an impeccable ride/handling balance, while its interior is larger than the flagship XJ sedan. In another time, they might have called this electric vehicle the E-Type.

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CARS

Nissan Kicks ($17,990-$20,290) With sporty style, a comfortable ride, generous cabin space, loads of equipment and prices mere mortals can afford, the Kicks is like an amazing markdown at Macy’s. Looking modern without making you an automotive fashion victim, it’s amazingly practical thanks to its 25.3 cubic feet of cargo space. Performance is peppy, and steering is fairly quick. Body lean is evident through corners, but ride quality feels like a pricier vehicle. It’s a bargain; just don’t expect driving kicks.

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Subaru Forester

CARS

($25,270-$35,270) Generosity is the Forester’s true character. Consider its roof, which holds 700 pounds when parked. Knowing you can pitch a tent on top of your car means you’ll never be homeless. The Forester also has a substantial options list, including a Wi-Fi hotspot, along with a long list of driver assistance and safety systems, and 33 cubic feet of cargo room. But things turn stingy under the hood. With 182 horsepower, the Forester is in no hurry.

Then again, neither are most Subaru owners.

Volvo XC40 ($34,195-$38,695) The XC40 possesses a distinct identity, one that’s a departure for the brand.

As if the optional white or black roof wasn’t enough to prove its Scandinavian impishness, its fabulously funky interior should prove it. Allergy sufferers will appreciate the center console that can hold a tissue box as well as the integrated trash bin. While the XC40 feels fairy athletic, it’s not much fun until you switch the driving mode from Comfort to Dynamic. Yet it remains quiet, comfortable and composed.

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Larry Printz is an internationally published automotive journalist based in South Florida. He can be reached at TheDrivingPrintz@gmail.com.

BOOKS

Author Spotlight

TJ Klune // Tucker Berardi

F

iction is a space where we can pick up our swords — metal or laser — and take up arms against the forces of evil alongside our trusty steeds or intergalactic troupes.

Limits are nonexistent in the written worlds we choose to escape to. We can become anyone, but at the core of those characters we secretly hope to find a small part of ourselves — a small proof that we have something in common with the heroes we idolize.

Stories have deeper impacts when their characters act and think like we do — and love like we love. As LGBT identities and stories gain more attention, representation in fiction has continued to grow as well. Queer author TJ Klune takes this idea and runs with it by putting LGBT characters center stage in his fiction.

TJ Klune has a number of books for both youth and young adults that explore LGBT characters and relationships across many genres of fiction. From the “Tales of Verania” series, which follows a quirky wizard and his colorful (and crude) collection of mythical creatures as he fights evil across the kingdom, to the small town coffee shop romance “How To Be A Normal Person,” Klune showcases queer identities from a number of diverse lenses.

“When I was 16, 17 years old, what I would have to read … if there were queer characters in fiction they were tragic side characters, and they didn’t get the same happy ending everyone else got,” Klune said.

That is not the case in many of Klune’s books, which span a number of genres across adult as well as young adult fiction that explore a myriad of identities. This representation, Klune believes, is important to those who typically do not see characters like them in any media — and is especially crucial in young adult fiction.

“If there is a kid out there who wants to be able to read about someone like him in a book, it’s going to come this day and age,” Klune said. “Young adult is 84 | THE

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“It touched me to know that parents are reading these books with their kids, and it’s giving them a better understanding.”

- TJ Klune Author

at the forefront of promoting and pushing LGBTQ characters, and I think that is the way it is going to stay, because young kids can see themselves in these characters.”

Exposure to queer characters is helping young adults come to terms with their own identities, but is also helping parents better understand their children.

“I get a lot [of mail] from parents,” Klune said. “A few weeks ago I got an email from a straight father, his son had given him a copy of my book ‘How to Be A Normal Person,’ and he wanted to have his father read it so that he could understand him and his asexuality. His father wrote to me thanking me for helping him to understand his son better.”

He continued, “It touched me to know that parents are reading these books with their kids, and it’s giving them a better understanding.”

While Klune’s books have their fair share of drama and tragedy, the queer characters that populate them are not tragic side characters like the ones found in more traditional fiction. The main characters are gay and get happily ever afters.

Supporting characters are gay, lesbian, asexual and more — and each of them is complex, loveable (and in the case of villains, satisfyingly despicable) beyond their sexualities. Klune aims to write good characters who tell great stories, and they just happen to be gay.

With each of his stories, Klune is reclaiming the fantastical space traditionally populated — even dominated — by heterosexual romance.

The results are tales of wizards, werewolves, angels, dragons, large kingdoms and small towns in Oregon, each different but each affirming that queer people do get a happy ending.

“I think [representation] is only going to grow.

Especially in this political climate that we find ourselves in, we have a lot of straight white men who are speaking for us in our government and I think that you’re going to find voices of the marginalized — persons of color, queer people — are going to have to become louder and louder

Pictured: TJ Klune.

and louder and I think that we can do that in part through our fiction,” Klune said.

Klune is moving from indie publishing to larger scale publication, signing with top five publisher MacMillan for an adult queer romance book, as well as a young adult queer superhero trilogy, bringing his fiction to a larger audience.

“I am over the moon, of course, that MacMillan/ Tor has put great faith in my books,” Klune wrote.

“I think that they understand the importance of positive representation, especially in the [young adult] community. And I have seen [that representation] more and more in other books/ media companies, though I still think it’s slow going.”

Before he transitions to traditional publishing however, Klune is self-publishing his written take on a 90’s action movie with his book “The Bones Beneath My Skin.”

Klune grew up in a small conservative town in the 90’s, and remembered his own struggles as a queer 15 to 16-year-old, but also remembered the nineties to be an especially confusing time for everyone.

“The 90’s were just a weird, weird time for everybody, and I wanted to explore that from a queer perspective while also blowing shit up,” Klune said.

Whether self-publishing or printing books on a larger scale, Klune will continue to tell stories of queer heroes and triumph. Queer characters — and the queer authors who write them — tell the stories of the LGBT community in ways we’ve never seen. And those stories are only going to grow and continue to gain traction.

“Queer people aren’t going away,” Klune said.

“We’ve been here just as long as everyone else and we aren’t going anywhere. With the advent of social media and our reach across the world, our voices are only going to get louder. There are people that aren’t going to like that … but as long as we continue to speak our truths, I think that our voices are going to be heard.”

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PROFILE

Steve Glassman From retirement to Fort Lauderdale’s new gay commissioner / / Dori Zinn Photos by Carina Mask

F

or the last 10 years, Steve Glassman was officially retired. Today, he’s a Fort Lauderdale City Commissioner.

Glassman was always active in civic engagement and community politics. For nearly 20 years, he watched almost every meeting of the planning and zoning committee. But last year, he saw an opportunity.

“When my friend Dean Trantalis changed his mind and didn’t run for re-election [of District 2] and instead run for Mayor, I thought it left a void,” Glassman said of the current Fort Lauderdale Mayor. Trantalis is Fort Lauderdale’s first openly gay mayor.

Glassman was interested in taking over the position but still did a little homework.

He called presidents of neighborhood associations and other community activists to gauge their interest. He had a lot of support to run.

“The older I get, the more I appreciate challenges,” he said. “I said, ‘why not’ and plunged right in.”

Glassman was sworn in as the new District 2 city commissioner in March.

He’s 65.

Lifetime of service After getting a degree in education from State University of New York at Buffalo, Glassman was a teacher. For 18 years, he taught Theatrer Arts and Language Arts at Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts.

Then in 1994, he and his husband, Rande, moved to South Florida.

In 1998 he started working for the Broward County Cultural Division. First as an arts education specialist, then to ArtsParks Project Administrator. For the last five years of his work, he was responsible for arts education and community development. He retired in 2008.

He’s a longtime advocate for the arts and historic preservation.

During his career and into retirement, he was constantly appointed to boards, committees, and other positions.

“Up until I announced [my candidacy] in November, I was serving on the planning and zoning board,” Glassman said. “I was always very involved and paying attention.”

And that attention has paid off. He served on the city’s beach redevelopment advisory board for three years and the planning and zoning board for six. His hobbies in retirement were serving on boards and being active in the community.

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“Overdevelopment is an issue and I’ve heard people leaving for a variety of reasons. We have to have a reason for people to stay here, particularly young people.”

- Steve Glassman

Plans for the Future Retirement should be a time for relaxing in your golden years.

For Glassman, it was just primping him for the next phase of his community service: retention. He’s sad that people are leaving Fort Lauderdale.

“I ran because I’m worried about the quality of life,” he said.

“Overdevelopment is an issue and I’ve heard people leaving for a variety of reasons. We have to have a reason for people to stay here, particularly young people.”

Glassman adores the diversity of the city. He wants to see good job opportunities for young people. To have a good quality of life and a good salary. He’s also concerned about environmental threats, like sea level rise, and putting more money towards educational resources.

“We’ve been disconnected from the school board and Fort Lauderdale hasn’t gotten its fair share of the county budget,” he said. “Our schools are older than those out west. It’s one big school district and we’ve made a lot of sacrifices.”

Homelessness is also a concern of Glassman’s. Under former mayor Jack Seiler, the city passed an ordinance that outlawed feeding the homeless. Trantalis said he won’t enforce the ordinance as mayor. Glassman is looking for long-term solutions.

“We have to have a humanitarian way to handle [them] but also not impede on residents,” he said. “I’m not sure if there is one solution since the issue is so complicated. Services can be provided once they get a place to live. Rapid rehousing is a main goal.”

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PROFILE

“I pride myself on being prepared for every meeting on every issue. There’s always a lot to do.”

- Steve Glassman

Constant Communication with Citizens For Glassman — a longtime community volunteer — becoming an elected official didn’t seem much different than his previous work. But he doesn’t want anyone to expect he isn’t putting his all into it.

“The position is ‘part-time’ but anyone who thinks this is parttime is not really paying attention,” he said. “If you do this part-time, you’re not giving it what it should be given.”

Glassman said he works a few hours every day. He’s constantly checking email, talking with his assistant, preparing for meetings and chatting with constituents. This is all happening even though official hours are on Thursday.

“I pride myself on being prepared for every meeting on every issue,” he said. “There’s always a lot to do.”

He still manages to find time to travel. He and his husband took a trip to Alaska this past summer. And he does his best to schedule time for meals with his spouse.

“I’ve been in my relationship for 45 years,” he said. “Unless I have meetings downtown that run late, I try to make sure we have time to spend together for dinner.”

He has a Facebook page he’s constantly updating. Fans of his page don’t need to visit City Hall (although they can) — they just need to send him a Facebook message. He’s always available.

“I can be working anywhere,” he said. “I have an iPad and a phone and computer. I never clock it or set time but when I look at my calendar, it definitely is a full-time job.”

Now as a city commissioner, Glassman has found himself attending many more local events and programs than he did before he was elected.

“As a regular citizen, I was involved, [but] I wasn’t always attending events in the city,” he said. “As an elected official, I push myself more than I did before. I’m truly amazed at the events that go on in our city.”

The myriad of events was surprising to Glassman. While aware that the city did quite a bit, he was still amazed at the high level of volunteer work that goes into planning and executing. He tries to recognize community members at meetings.

“I try to read proclamations at every meeting that recognize people and events,” he said. “I try to recognize folks in arts, culture, and historical areas. Recognizing students is important. Those are the kinds of things I care about.”

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BOOKS // Freesia McKee

Queer Writers

Share Their Stories Spotlighting four local authors

A

s the global movements for sexual and gender equality have intensified over the last 50 years, queer storytellers continue to hold an integral role. Queer stories connect us, and they can convey what queer utopian ideals look like in action. Storytellers help us remember what is at stake.

Earlier this year, moderator Dylan Barallobre convened a panel of queer writers at the Books & Books in Suniland to discuss what it’s like to be a queer author in South Florida in 2018. Christopher Alonso, Cathleen Chambless, JV Portela, and Freesia McKee shared lessons from their journeys in writing and publishing. Some of these responses are included below.

What has your experience been like writing and publishing as a queer author?

Christopher Alonso: Writing as a queer person has forced me to become hyperaware of how I read and engage with my own work and that of others. While in an MFA program, I was nervous to share my work as most of it dealt with queer characters and themes. As the only out queer person that I knew of in the workshop, I was afraid that my fiction would be critiqued differently than that of others. That wasn’t the case, except for one isolated incident. As a Cuban-American, I also write about Latinx people, all of them queer, so Spanglish dialogue and narration often made others uncomfortable and “pulled them out of the story.” However, after finally selling my first professional story, the editors of the magazine never once batted an eye at the queer characters or Spanglish. I realized that people are hungry for stories where they might see themselves reflected, stories that paint their world the way they see and live it. I think that’s the beauty of many online short fiction publications, and I can only hope this trend continues for others as it has for me.

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What kind of feedback have you gotten regarding you and your work?

JV Portela: The heart of the suffering inherent to my poetic practice has been confusion about whether to write in Spanish, my native language, or English, my adopted language. If I choose English, there’s a stop/ start process. I spend time thinking, “What’s that word in English?” when it’s coming to me only in Spanish. When I’m writing a poem in both, I don’t have to make those kinds of choices. The process is lubricated, to put it in queer terms.

Eventually, I resolved to write in both languages at once. I started sharing these poems because I was excited at the ease and the drive of moving between both.

My mother’s rejection of these poems has more to do with migrant shame and fear of not understanding, but a lot of my peers, especially peers who did not speak Spanish,

would share feedback like, “That part of your poem is alienating. I can’t connect. It seems like you don’t want me to understand.”

It’s ironic, considering that poems are not about being understood. You’re not picking up a phone to tell somebody something.

My poems are centered on my experience.

They are coming out of a personal language. The idea that I would be trying to entertain anything other than confusing someone was already funny, but also, my peers were replicating the colonial logic of English’s primacy. It’s not just a rejection of Spanish. It’s a rejection of poetry, which is a rejection of difference. They’re saying, “I’m uncomfortable with being uncomfortable. I’m uncomfortable with not understanding.” That, to me, sounds like being uncomfortable with poetry.

Who was your first LGBT literary inspiration?

Cathleen Chambless: My first LGBT literary inspiration was Michelle Tea. Her novel "Valencia" specifically inspired me.

She wrote about being a young queer punk growing up in the Castro in the 90s. She was completely unapologetic in the way she wrote, so unapologetically queer. Michelle Tea gave me the permission I [needed] to write the way I wanted to, and still want to.

How, in your opinion, has LGBT literature evolved in your lifetime?

Freesia McKee: In society at large, there are more allies than there were 15 or 20 years

“So many other queer folks are waiting to hear your voice. You never know who you will inspire, or what movement you can start just by unapologetically expressing yourself.”

- Cathleen Chambless,

author

Christopher Alonso.

Freesia McKee.

ago, but I think that many of these allies are still reluctant to read queer authors. The types of queer narratives that enjoy more attention these days tend to remain limited.

Sarah Schulman recently made the point in her Publishing Triangle Award speech that there is little correlation between quality and reward. This is important to remember as we think about how queer lit will evolve in the future and as we make decisions as readers about what books to pick up. There’s also the question of who has the time and space to write stories in the first place, and who must devote all or most of their time and energy to surviving day-to-day. We need to face the fact that

Cathleen Chambless.

JV Portela.

queer lit simply does not yet contain a full range of experiences, which is exacerbated by bias and gatekeeping in the business of publishing. This is why it’s important for writers to also be activists. I think that in some ways, the survival of our society depends on it.

What advice would you give to young, aspiring writers?

Cathleen Chambless: Write fearlessly. If anyone tries to stifle your voice, telling you to “tone it down,” flat-out refuse. It’s not your job to make your narrative “appropriate” for a mainstream/heteronormative audience.

So many other queer folks are waiting to hear your voice. You never know who you will inspire, or what movement you can start just by unapologetically expressing yourself. Also, workshop with fellow queer writers. They will immediately understand what you are trying to express, and they will help you take your work to new levels because of this unique understanding.

Community is everything, really. It’s important for queer artists to support each other and get to know each other, even across artistic genres. I have done some really excellent collaborations this way, just by mixing genres with other queer artists.

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FOOD

Photos via Facebook.

Culture Vultures After a day at the museum you’re going to be hungry so check out these eateries next door / / Rick Karlin

T

here’s something about museums that makes me hungry…and not just for knowledge. After spending a few hours cramming information into my mind, I just want to sit down, give my feet a rest and enjoy a bite to eat and a cocktail or glass of wine. I have a friend who travels for work extensively and she says that she’s discovered that the cafés in most art museums are often among the best places to eat in any city.

Sure enough, the café at NSU Art Museum is pretty damn good. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for rest of the local museums in and around Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale. Luckily, most are located adjacent to some top-notch dining establishments. When you’re done feeding your brain cells and want a little nourishment for the rest of your body, check out these options.

African-American Research Library and Cultural Center 2650 NW Sixth St., Fort Lauderdale

Bonnet House Museum & Gardens 900 N. Birch Rd., Fort Lauderdale

This museum, only the third of its kind in the U.S, with more Black history books and books written by Black writers than any other facility in the country, doesn’t have its own café, but Betty’s Soul Food Restaurant (954583-9121, bettyssoulfoodrestaurant.com), located nearby at 601 NW 22nd Rd., offers some great fare.

Not much in the way of dining options at the landmark estate, but it does host an annual fundraising soiree on Nov. 30. The fully catered affair, includes live entertainment, full bar and holiday music.

For more information, call 954-563-5393 or go to Bonnethouse.org. There are also many restaurants located just a few minutes away on A1A. Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science 1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami

Looking much more inviting than a laboratory, Food@Science, the museum’s café, is a cozy and welcoming oasis.

Whether it’s midday lunch or for a late afternoon pick-me-up, the energetic café provides indoor or al fresco seasonal dining including: artisan pastries, made-toorder salads, pizzas, snacks and Starbuck beverages as well as wine and soft drinks.

Food@Science is located on Level 1 of the West Wing of the museum. Admission to the museum is not required to dine at Food@ Science. For more information, call 305434-9600.

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International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum One Hall of Fame Dr., Fort Lauderdale

This museum, just off Las Olas and A1A, is a masterpiece of camp. Exhibits include an entire display devoted to Johnny Weissmuller, best known for his role in a series of Tarzan movies and as an Olympic gold medalist in swimming and diving. There are also displays on swimming and diving, Olympic medalists, synchronized swimming, water polo and, oddly enough, the Titanic!

Grab lunch before or after across the street at The Naked Crab (1140 Seabreeze Blvd., 954-564-1000, nakedcrab.com).

FOOD

Photos via Facebook.

The NSU Art Museum Café is the perfect place to relax with friends and enjoy an Illy cappuccino, wine or beer.

Museum of Discovery & Science 401 SW Second St., Fort Lauderdale

The museum recently closed its Subway and Auntie Anne franchises and will be re-opening its own café soon. Until then, visit some of the great places in nearby Himmarshee Village; Tacocraft Taqueria & Tequila Bar (204 SW 2nd St., 954-463-2003), ROK:BRGR (208 SW 2nd St., 954-525-7656), Pizza Craft (330 SW 2nd St., 954-616-8028) or Himmarshee Public House (201 SW 2nd St., 954616-5275).

NSU Art Museum 1 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale

Frank Stella’s works at NSU Art Museum.

Located in the main lobby, the delightful Museum Café offers a selection of sandwiches, salads, soups and desserts, with seating inside, outside and in the breezeway. The Café is the perfect place to relax with friends and enjoy an Illy cappuccino, wine or beer.

Every first Thursday of the month the museum hosts a “Happier Hour” from 4-8 p.m., featuring two-forone wine and craft beer specials and light bite menu selections. Call 954-262-0255 or museumstore@ moafl.org.

Stonewall Gallery 2157 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors

While it doesn’t offer a café, the gallery is just a few doors down from the Naked Grape Wine Bar & Tapas (2163 Wilton Dr., 954-563-5631, nakedgrapewinebar.com) which offers some incredible happy hour deals and the best service in town.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 3251 S Miami Ave., Miami

The café and gift shop for the luxurious mansion and museum has been temporarily relocated to its North Patio under an air-conditioned tent, while the former space is being renovated. The menu has been revised and features salads, sandwiches, gelato, espresso, homemade cookies and hot and cold beverages. When the renovation is complete, you’ll be able to experience the splendor of dining in the old Deering estate with its original marble and terrazzo floors restored to a gleaming finish and arched windows showcasing the whimsical shell-encrusted murals above the swimming pool. The café also hosts special events such as wine tastings and “Tea on the Terrace.” For more information call 305-856-8189.

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Just East of the museum of discovery is one of Fort Lauderdale’s most original and best restaurants, the No-Tipping O-B House, with homespun cooking and meals made from scratch. Delivered with the loving touch your grandmother once made for you growing up, the food is fresh, the eggs free range and the beef grass-fed. The sausage and biscuits breakfast is the best you will find in the Southeast. It’s the kind of quality and wholesomeness you get from a proud owner raised in America’s farm belt.

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INTERIOR DESIGN

How We DO

The Holidays

Here are some trends to keep your home in style Home trends for the 2018 season brings modern front and center and transforms us from the traditional to that of Urban Chic. Tis the season for you and your loved ones to enjoy…embrace your style and imagination and let the creativity flow.

RECYCLE.

// Anthony Pennetti

Something old. Something new.

Bring in the outdoors the use branches in glass vases will get you in the spirit with a minimal but chic style…holiday scented candles to the mix for that certain kind of ambiance.

METALS. Silver and Gold adds glimmer and light when paired with woods and the new color trends ranging from blues to green to purple ad gray.

VINTAGE. Add some of your parents yester- year decorations along with all the family memories to compliment your current style will for sure add to the festive atmosphere.

HOLIDAY GREENS. Add the glimmer of Silver and Gold for a classic chic look sure to warm any room or anyone’s heart.

On behalf of the SFGN Media Family we would like to wish you a bright, happy, and healthy holiday season!

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TRAVEL

GOING Denver & West Hollywood / / Aaron Drake

V

enture out to the wild, wild west for two amazingly queerfriendly destinations: each with its own beautiful setting that will have you not wanting to catch that flight home.

Experience delicious cuisine, unique lodgings and party with some good-looking locals—then tell us what you prefer more, the city views or the one of the locals!

Denver, Colorado For a city that has quite the reputation for the outdoorsy type, art lovers beware: Denver is calling your name. Choose to stay at the ART Hotel (TheArtHotel.com) in the Golden Triangle neighborhood and enjoy the hotel’s original works of 20th and 21st century artists hanging around the hotel.

The AAA Four Diamond Award winner features 165 rooms with city and mountain views. You’re right next door to the Denver Art (DenverArtMuseum.org), Clyfford Still (ClyffordStillMuseum.org) and Kirkland Museums (KirklandMuseum.org).

With a hotel shuttle that will take you within a mile of the hotel, it’s easier still to walk from your hotel, or Uber to the nightlife like Charlie’s (charliesdenver.com), a fun queer country bar where you just might spot a cowboy or two. You’ll want to meander through the nearby Civic Center Park (Denver.org/listing/civic-center-park/6823), a regular host to food truck rallies and outdoor concerts, and the shop-lined 16th Street Mall.

For outdoors fun, there’s no better spot to soak up the sun under blue skies than Cheesman Park, a popular gathering spot for the LGBT crowd in the city, and close to the Denver Botanic Gardens (BotanicGardens.org).

A unique spot to Denver is Union Station (UnionStationInDenver. com), a glamorized version of what train travel must have been like in its heyday—you’ll find some of the city’s top restaurants, a few shops and a café inside the revitalized station. Tip: Get a train ticket for $9 from the

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airport to the station, making it even easier to get around without a car.

Food lovers will find plenty to rejoice about in Denver’s cuisine.

Ranging from Portuguese and Spanish to Italian, there are so many options. A surprise find is the late-night vegan restaurant City O City (CityOCityDenver.com). This eatery with a coffee-shop feel is a casual spot to have a craft beer or glass of wine and gorge on veganized versions of your favorite dishes like chicken fried cauliflower and waffles, and, vegetable, sunflower seed and walnut burgers or seitan sausage and peppers pizza.

For an evening of fine dining, make a reservation at Panzano’s (Panzano-Denver.com), located in the Hotel Monaco Denver. Imbibe craft cocktails and indulge on authentic Northern Italian cuisine like the smoked burrata tortellini in a light basil cream sauce or the black pepper fazzoletti with butter poached lobster. Wrap up dinner with the Passionfruit Mousse and Denver will start to feel a lot like heaven.

For more info, visit VisitDenver.com.

West

TRAVEL

View from Griffith Observatory.

West Hollywood, California The sun seemingly never stops shining in Southern California, a perfect sunny, 72 degrees year-round. Surprisingly, you’ll find a bit of respite from the city’s hum at Grafton on Sunset (GraftonOnSunset.com), a boutique hotel right on the famed Sunset Strip. As the City of Angels gets a bad rap for traffic, WeHo—at 1.9 square miles, a city within a city—was rated the most walkable in California by WalkScore.com. It’s also easy to catch the Pickup, a free shuttle to hit the bars, or even bike around; no need for a car to get to all the surrounding restaurants, cafés, shops and nightlife.

Pop by Pearl’s Rooftop (pearlssunset.com), an open-air restaurant right down the street from Grafton for cocktails to start your night out on the right foot. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more delicious meal than at Laurel Hardware (LaurelHardware.com). This former hardware store-turned-trendy farm-to-table restaurant dishes up a creative take on New American cuisine with that distinctly L.A. vibe.

For nightlife fun, stumble down to Santa Monica Boulevard to check out the new Hi Tops (HiTopsBar.com), serving up some pretty, rugged

men (a combination that’s only possible in L.A.). Micky’s (Mickys.com) is a fun option if you like go-gos and Fubar (Facebook.com/fubarlosangeles) for strong drinks. (Be sure to go for BFD night. You’ll be glad you did.)

Instead of falling into the tourist trap of the Walk of Fame, get your exercise by hiking up Runyon Canyon (LAparks.org/park/runyoncanyon). It’s a brisk hike with amazing views as your reward. Plus, you never know what celebrities you might see on the way up. Another place to view the city from the heights, à la “La La Land,” the old-school romantic Griffith Observatory (GriffithObservatory.org) is worth the line to catch the planetarium show and then grab a spot to see the sunset over Hollywood.

If you do decide to venture outside of West Hollywood, one highlight you don’t want to miss is the new Broad Museum (TheBroad.org) in downtown L.A. The Broad is a free contemporary art museum across from the striking Walt Disney Concert Hall, and currently features Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirror Rooms. Definitely a must-see; stop for lunch at Grand Central Market and a ride up Angels Flight before you do.

For more info on visiting WeHo, go to VisitWestHollywood.com.

 The ART Hotel, Denver.

 Civic Center Park, Denver.

 Grafton on Sunset Pool, Los Angeles, California.

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TRENDING LOCALLY WHERE: Sweeter Days Bake Shop, Fort Lauderdale Dozen Cookies

$29 SweeterDaysBakeShop.com

If you’re looking for a fresh way to treat your guests or colleagues, Sweeter Days Bake Shop is a tasty way to win smiles. Everything is made daily, seven days a week. Mouthwatering cookies include: Almond Butter, Oatmeal Chocolate Coconut, Classic Chocolate Chip, White Chocolate Macadamia Nut, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, and Red Velvet.

WHERE: The Spa at The Grand Resort, Fort Lauderdale “Day of Indulgence” Gift Certificate

$509 • The Spa App • GrandResort.net

A perfect gift or stocking stuffer for the man who already has everything. This 5-hour delight begins with a choice of body scrubs, rolling into an 80-minute deep tissue massage, a facial, and finishes with a relaxing manicure and exfoliating pedicure. Download The Spa App at The Grand Resort for a list of spa treatments, pricing, and appointment setting. Call 954-630-3000 to purchase.

Because IT’S

WORTH

IT

Indulge this holiday season in necessary luxury. // Clark Rogers

WHERE: Stubbs & Wootton, Palm Beach

Drummond Men Slipper

$650 StubbsAndWootton.com

A limited edition, one of a kind luxurious slipper featuring the finest striped silk upper with a self welt trim. Leather lined to provide additional support and comfort, these relaxing must-haves are meticulously handcrafted in Spain with true American sizing.

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WHERE: WMODA – Wiener Museum of Decorative Arts, Dania Beach McIntosh Fine Bone China 4 Mug Sets

$49.95 • WMODA.com

Want a better cup of coffee or tea? It starts with your mug! This is why McIntosh Mugs is driven to bring you great quality mugs, shapes and designs that give you the best coffee and tea experience. McIntosh Mugs believe coffee and tea is meant to be enjoyed in a fine bone china coffee mug. Functional designs that you will love. Dishwasher safe, microwave safe.

We’Re heRe foR All youR

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AccounTIng@STeRlIngAccounTIng.com 2435 north Dixie highway • Wilton manors, fl 33305

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

HZucker oward

SylvesterQ Photography: a unique, empowering growth experience

// MI ROR Staff CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE.

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Accounting and Tax Services Timothy S. Hart, CPA Managing Partner

2929 East Commercial Boulevard, Penthouse D | Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308 954-202-9770 | 954-202-9777 Fax THart@R3Accounting.com | www.R3Accounting.com

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

S

S

According to the Artist:

ee yourself through my eyes.

I work with all ages and body types and always bring out the best in any subject by intuitively connecting with their inner essence. I have an innate ability to create an environment that makes people feel very relaxed and when you feel comfortable you are going to look your best. With my direction I will bring out all sides of your personality looking masculine, sexy and youthful.

After the shoot you will have images that convey confidence and that will get a great response by attracting positive energy. My photos are ideal for social media profiles.

The photo shoot is meant to be a unique, empowering and growth experience.

The photo session is an opportunity to explore your body’s potential using a wide range of looks and poses and to also get in touch with your sensuality. For those that are uncomfortable with the camera for any reason he has a way of putting people at ease to ensure the photo shoot is always a great experience.

People are always surprised at what they see in the final images and very often say they didn’t know they could look that good.

With today’s Social Media you need to put your best image forward. A strong photo makes all the difference, so go beyond the selfie.

When uploading photos to websites, a picture says a thousand words. Let me speak for you.

The session is extremely discreet and private. All client information and photographs are confidential.

Images are only used with signed written permission from the client.

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Pompano bill

In Memoriam

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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

ABOUT THE ARTIST

S

ylvesterQ has been taking photos since 1998, focusing on capturing the male form. Originally from NYC he is currently based in Fort Lauderdale.

Over the years he has worked with celebrities, appeared in magazines, exhibits, calendars, catalogues and has done work with several charity organizations as well as with many members of the transgender community.

You can see more of his work on his website, SylvesterQ.com and visit his ebay store at ebay.com/usr/SylvesterQPhotos or contact him directly at 954599-7579.

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MEET DR. VICTOR LORIA, D.O. HE CAN IMPROVE YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE & SEX LIFE Every doctor has the capacity to change lives. It is how they change lives that makes them unique.

In 2010, Dr. Victor Loria decided to help men solve a problem so intimate that many had resorted to painful -- even dangerous -self-administered treatments to remedy it. After years of focusing on cosmetic surgery, cosmetic fillers and hair restoration, he began specializing in male penile shaft, penile glans, and scrotal enhancements.

His unique specialty allows him to positively impact not only thousands of men, but also their partners.

One patient at a time, Dr. Loria is raising the collective self-esteem of the U.S. male population.

A NEW AGE FOR MALE ENHANCEMENT Dr. Loria works in a medical field that only he can lay

He sees on average 1,000 patients annually, as men

claim to -- minimally invasive penile enlargement

discover his practices online (www.loriamedical.com). The

and cosmetic surgery. His Platinum Procedure uses

digital age has allowed potential patients to research their

a permanent filler to increase the penis’ girth. The

options via the privacy of their mobile devices and laptops.

injectable is administered in-office after the application of a topical anesthesia. How enlarged a man becomes depends upon how many procedures he chooses to undergo; however, Dr. Loria says most patients opt for two to three procedures before achieving what they consider to be a successful result.

“When compared to just two years ago, I have seen an almost 30 percent increase in the number of patients I’ve treated,” he said.

“The myths about male enhancements are slowly being dispelled.

There is this belief that men don’t have many options when it comes to enlargement, and that’s simply not true.”

SOLVING A REAL PROBLEM Prior to an office visit, Dr. Loria invites interested men to join a confidential phone conference Q&A. The forum allows them to share their experiences.

“Many of the men have broken up with their wives, partners or girlfriends because they could not satisfy them. And they either give up sexually or the partners go outside the relationship to find satisfaction,” Dr. Loria said. “It’s a real issue.”

Dr. Loria is the only doctor in the United States to offer dermatologic, surgery-personal male enhancement using his minimally invasive permanent filler technique, which involves no cutting, no anesthesia and little down time. Learn more about him at www.loriamedical.com.

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PRIDE ON.

JM Lexus is proud to be a part of one of the nation’s largest LGBTQ communities, and we salute and support the pioneers who stand for equality. For a quarter of a century, we’ve put people first, and have always been proud to serve anyone who walks through our doors. And as the first and only Lexus Plus dealership in the Southeast, we’re providing an experience as thoughtfully crafted as our vehicles themselves. Where there’s just one fair, transparent price on everything. And one point of contact to assist you from start to finish. On your terms and your timeline.

Welcome to a simpler, better way.

5350 W. Sample Road, Margate, FL 33073 JMLEXUS.COM