South Florida Gay News

07-19-2017.pdf

PAGE 1

7.19.2017 1 south florida gay news SOFLAGAYNEWS SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS SFGN. COM local name July 19, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 29 global coverage PAGE 47 SOCIALGET BEGINS ON PAGE 33CHECK OUT THE NEW WMG From local advocacy to international groups, nd your niche in an ever-growing communityUNDERWEAR PRODUCES BIG BUCKS FOR LOCAL CHARITY COWBOY REMINISCES ABOUT VILLAGE PEOPLE CAREER PAGE 8

PAGE 2

2 7.19.2017 Fed up with a reportedly insincere investigation on gay persecutions in Chechnya, a Russian newspaper has revealed a list of men who were allegedly killed in a gay purge. Novaya Gazeta, the Russian publication that rst broke the Chechnya story, published the names of 27 perceived gay and bisexual men they believe were killed in Grozny on January 26. They were reportedly arrested in December 2016 and killed without any formal charges. According to our information, the detainees were shot that night and were taken to various cemeteries, including Christian, and buried in hastily dug graves, the publication wrote, translated from Russian to English. The information comes from a source in the Interior Ministry. The murdered Chechens were reportedly Brittany Ferrendi NEWS international South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word gay in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc. Norm.Kent@sfgn.com Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com Artwork@sfgn.com Webmaster@sfgn.com JillianMelero@gmail.com JW@prdconline.com TBerardi2014@fau.edu JRDavis12000@hotmail.com Mike.Trottier@sfgn.com Justin.Wyse@sfgn.com Edwin.Neimann@sfgn.com Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com sales@rivendellmedia.com SFGN WINNER of& 3 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB AwardsAnd runner-up forNLGJA Journalist of the Year OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS Get yours, on racks now! Associated Press MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER Cover: SFGN takes a dive into what makes our community tick -and how you can get involved too. NEWSPAPER RELEASES NAMES OF MURDERED GAY CHECHENS See the list of names in Russian on Novaya Gazetas website NovayaGazeta.ru.shot in the night between January 25 and 26. Journalists were not able to locate any of the persons, stating that anyone they questioned responded with incredible fear. They published the names out of concern for the investigation, believing it was not carried out with sincerity. We are publishing these facts because the state represented by authorized law enforcement agencies did not leave us any choice, they wrote. That is why we publish the list of those who, according to our information, were victims of the worst possible extrajudicial executions in Grozny. Not all of the men are necessarily gay, The Russian LGBT Network told International Business Times. The network has been working on evacuating gay and bisexual Chechens from the country, helping at least 40 so far. As far as we know, the information in the Novaya Gazeta regarding 27 people being killed is true, they said. With regards to the sexual orientation of those killed, as far as we know there are homosexual people in this list, but not all of them at all. The Gazeta gave the Investigative Committee of Russia evidence of the victims personal data and pointed to forensic evidence, insisting that their facts must be veri ed. Chechen police and o cials have denied the persecutions, including Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov. He told HBO, This is nonsense. We dont have those kinds of people here. We dont have any gays. If there are any, take them to Canada. AS FAR AS WE KNOW, THE INFORMATION IN THE NOVAYA GAZETA REGARDING 27 PEOPLE BEING KILLED IS TRUE.Russian LGBT Network Chechnya.

PAGE 3

7.19.2017 3

PAGE 4

4 7.19.2017 INTERNATIONALNew Boy Muppet in Afghanistan Promotes Gender Equality(AP) Last year, Afghanistans version of Sesame Street introduced a little girl character aimed at inspiring girls in the deeply conservative Muslim nation. Now a new Muppet is joining the cast: her brother, who will show boys the importance of respecting women. Zeerak, whose name means Smart in Afghanistans two o cial languages, is a 4-year-old boy who enjoys studying and learning. He joins 6-year-old sister Zari, whose name means Shimmering, on Afghanistans version of the show, Baghch-e-SimSim, or Sesame Garden. Both Muppets wear traditional Afghan clothing the baggy trousers and long embroidered shirt known as a shalwar kameez for him and colorful native dresses and a cream-colored hijab, or headscarf, for her. They join the rest of Sesame Streets multi-cultural line-up, which includes Muppets specially created for local versions of the program in Bangladesh, Egypt and India. Massood Sanjer, the head of TOLO TV, which broadcasts the program in Afghanistan, said that after the overwhelmingly positive response to Zari from both parents and children, the goal was to create a boy character to emphasize the importance of gender equality and education in a country where the vast majority of girls dont go to school and the literacy rate for women is among the lowest in the world. In a male-dominant country like Afghanistan, I think you have to do some lessons for the males to respect the females. So by bringing a male character to the show who respects a female character, you teach the Afghan men that you have to respect your sister the same way as you do your brother, Sanjer said. INTERNATIONALGay Irish Novelist Wins Ohio Literary Peace Award(AP) Irish novelist, journalist and essayist Colm Toibin is this years winner of a lifetime achievement award that celebrates the power of literature to foster peace, social justice and global understanding, organizers announced Thursday. Dayton Literary Peace Prize o cials named Toibin, whose wide range of work has drawn from his native Ireland, his life as a gay man and his travels as an international journalist, for the Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award. Its named for the late U.S. diplomat who brokered the 1995 Bosnia peace accords reached in Ohio. Among his novels are The Master, depicting the life of the famed writer Henry James; Brooklyn, a coming-of-age story about an Irish immigrant later made into an Oscarnominated lm, and the recent House of Names, his reimagining of a Greek tragedy. Dayton Literary Peace Prize Foundation co-chair Sharon Rab said Toibins writings remind us of shared humanity and the possibility of reconciliation or simply of understanding, which are the rst steps to making peace. Our (writers) aim is to reach the readers imagination, have an e ect on the nervous systems of other people, Toibin, 62, said in a statement in response to winning the award. Good sentences o er us a way to imagine life in all its strangeness and ambiguity and possibility, alert us to the power of the imagination to transform and transcend our nature, o er us a blueprint not only for who we are but for who we might be, who we might become, he said. Previous winners include Studs Terkel, Taylor Branch, Gloria Steinem, and Elie Wiesel. The award carries a $10,000 cash prize. Finalists for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize in ction and non ction will be announced Sept. 13. INTERNATIONALGay Man Wins UK Court Battle for Equal Pension Rights (AP) A gay British retiree has won a legal battle to secure the same occupational pension rights for his husband that a wife would enjoy. Five judges at the Supreme Court, Britains highest court, ruled that if John Walker died, his husband would be entitled to a spouses pension, provided they stay married. The 66-year-old launched a discrimination lawsuit when the company he worked for said it would not pay out spouse bene ts because his pension plan predated 2005, when gay civil partnerships became legally recognized. The Court of Appeal ruled against Walker in 2015, but the Supreme Court overturned that decision Wednesday. The decision means that Walkers partner will be entitled to spousal bene ts of around 45,000 pounds ($57,800) a year instead of about 1,000 pounds a year. Texas Bathroom Bill May Shape 2018 GOP Primary Campaigns(AP) Though bathroom bills targeting transgender people zzled in deep-red states across the U.S., the issue is still white hot in Texas, where the Legislature is heading into special session prepared to revive it and conservative groups are vowing revenge on Republican lawmakers who dont approve it. Whether Texas eventually enacts a law requiring transgender people to use public restrooms according to their birth-certi cate gender, the issue is looming large over Republican primaries set for March. Powerful business entities, from Apple to the NFL, oppose such a bill as discriminatory, but insurgent candidates have promised to brand lawmakers who dare reject it or try to remain neutral in the face of so much outcry as soft on social issues dear to conservatives. The Conservative Republicans of Texas political action committee says its ready to pounce on those who dont support the strict proposal that mimicked a 2015 North Carolina law that sparked so much uproar and threats of costly boycotts that lawmakers there eventually rolled much of it back. No other state has approved such a law, despite similar bills being introduced in nearly 20 states. To the extinct that someone chooses to lock arms with Joe Straus and promote his liberal agenda for the state, and work with him to kill conservative legislation, were going to be looking for and back a primary challenger to that individual, said Jared Wood ll, a Houston attorney who is the groups president. Wood lls PAC donated nearly $2 million between the 2010 and 2016 election cycles to 100-plus Texas legislative candidates and other conservative causes, and plans to spend lavishly to target moderate Republicans up for election in 2018. x Photo Credit: ChrisVTG Photography.Joe Straus, Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. Associated Press

PAGE 5

7.19.2017 5 D I S C O U N T E D B E E R & W I N E M E N U AC C E S S T O R E S O R T A M E N I T I E S M O N T H L Y S P A S E R V I C E I N C L U D E D The comic book industry is no stranger to inclusivity. DC Comics is introducing Doctor Endless, the companys rst genderuid character in the new DC Universe, according to media news website Bleeding Cool. The character has black spiky hair with a white streak, light skin, black-and-white suit and a psychedelic rainbow-lapelled white trench coat. Doctor Endless will be unleashed in the rst issue of Suicide Squad: The Black Files comic book coming in August. Their goal is to track down rogue U.S. governmental operative Sebastian Faust, teaming up with anti-heroes El Diablo, Gentleman Ghost and Enchantress. They were inspired by The Sandman series by Neil Gaiman. DC is asking Gaiman for approval to use Sandman references, but will release the comic either way. Gaiman himself wrote the rst genderuid character in mainstream comics, a character named Desire. Brittany Ferrendi Last year, DC Comics paired up with TDW Publishing to publish a 144-page Love is Love comic book with proceeds going toward victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting that took the lives of 49 people. NEWS national DC CREATES GEN DERFLUID SUPERHERO

PAGE 6

6 7.19.2017 LGBTQIA bites By Jillian Melero Lesbian L (CNN) Attorney General Je Sessions spoke to a self-described Christian religious freedom advocacy group known for anti-gay stances Tuesday evening, and the Justice Department is keeping his remarks under wraps. Sessions attendance at the closed-press Summit on Religious Liberty hosted by the Alliance Defending Freedom, was rst disclosed Tuesday morning -but the department has declined requests to release his full remarks. LGBTQ rights organizations blasted Sessions for attending the event. ADF is the most extreme anti-gay legal organization -so extreme that it does not concede even that gay or transgender people should be permitted to exist as such, said Shannon Minter of the National Center for Lesbian Rights. They are a truly destructive force in our country, and it is appalling that the attorney general of the United States would lend them the imprimatur of his o ce.AG SESSIONS UNDER FIRE FOR CLOSED-DOOR SPEECH TO ALLIANCE DEFENDING FREEDOM Shannon Minter. Bisexual BU.K. STUDY RATES ANXIETY MORE LIKELY IN BISEXUALS BY 80 PERCENT (SFGN) In honor of Pride month, the UKs O ce for National Statistics (ONS) released a study on LGBT residents which, in part, showed that bisexuals are 80 percent more likely to report feeling anxious compared to their straight fellow Brits. The research marks the rst time that the ONS has measured personal wellbeing by sexual identity, Pink News reported. The study found that while LGB people reported feeling less satis ed with their lives than their straight counterparts, bisexuals were also 40 percent more likely to describe themselves as unhappy. Gays and lesbians who responded were 50 percent more likely to report feeling anxiety, and 25 percent more likely to describe themselves as unhappy compared to straight respondents. No signi cant highs or lows were found in the data from heterosexual residents. While nearly all LGB men and women reported having a below average quality of life and one-third of bisexuals reported high levels of anxiety. About 300,000 people over the age of 16 between January 2013 and December 2015 were surveyed for this study. Alliance Defending Freedom -which on its website says it is dedicated to promoting religious freedom but is also known for having taken aggressive anti-gay marriage stands -is currently embroiled in a high-pro le case that will be heard by the Supreme Court next term. The group is representing a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, claiming that to do so would violate his right to religious liberty under the Constitution. Fellow, Academy of General Dentistry

PAGE 7

7.19.2017 7 LGBTQIA bites continued Transgender T (CNN) The House on Thursday defeated a proposal that would have prevented the Pentagon from funding gender reassignment surgeries for service members. The amendment failed in a 209-214 vote, with 24 Republicans voting against it. The provision from Rep. Vicky Hartzler was an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act to block the military from paying for gender reassignment surgery or hormone therapy for both service members and their families. In 2016, then-Defense Secretary Ash Carter ended the ban on transgender people being able to serve openly in the military. Carter put in place a process to occur in stages, and Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was facing a July 1 deadline on whether to allow new recruits who were transgender. At the urging of the military service leaders, Mattis announced that he was delaying that decision for six months to study the issue further. But Mattis called Hartzler on Thursday to urge her to withdraw the amendment from the defense bill, according to two senior congressional sources. A Pentagon o cial declined to con rm that the call occurred The amendment was one of the most politically charged of the 200 that were being considered in the House as it debated the massive $696 billion defense authorization bill, which sets Pentagon policy and authorizes spending levels. HOUSE DEFEATS BID TO BLOCK PENTAGON FUNDING TRANSGENDER SURGERIES The pentagon.

PAGE 8

8 7.19.2017Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta released the names of 27 perceived gay and bisexual men reportedly executed without trial in Chechnya. Russias Kremlin has reacted to these claims. Dmitry Peskov, spokesperson for Russian President Vladimir Putin, addressed the published list, saying We have taken note of the reports. Law enforcement and o cials have denied that gay men are being killed in Chechnya, with a spokesperson once saying You cant detain and harass someone who doesnt exist in the republic. Peskov addressed this, stating We have similarly taken note of the denials of this information by Chechen law enforcement bodies. He closed his remarks by addressing the original source of the published names. The information is of an anonymous character. Its unclear what the source of this information is, he said. So this is all I can say for now. The reported executions were said to take place on the night of January 25 in Grozny, Chechnyas capital. VLADIMIR PUTINS KREMLIN SAYS REPORTS OF CHECHEN MURDERS UNSUBSTANTIATED Brittany Ferrendi The Gazeta rst broke the story of gay and bisexual men being detained and persecuted and has been extensively covering the story since. They released the names of the 27 men to spark a sincere investigation. We are publishing these facts because the state represented by authorized law enforcement agencies did not leave us any choice, the publication wrote. That is why we publish the list of those who, according to our information, were victims of the worst possible extrajudicial executions in Grozny. NEWS internationalPhoto Credit: Kremlin, Twitter. Thousands of dollars were raised in creative ways Monday evening for a local HIV/AIDS charity. The bene ciary, Tuesdays Angels, scored again with its annual Bartenders, Boxers and Briefs night hosted by Georgies Alibi Monkey Bar Wilton Manors. As of press time, o cial estimates placed the haul between $8 to $11,000. The money was collected through silent bidding of gift baskets, a ra e ticket drawing and live action underwear auction. Don Clark, Alibi Monkey Bar Manager, said Tuesdays Angels is a worthy charity. Tuesdays Angels is an outstanding example of the di erence that people can make in helping others, said Clark. Since 1993, the Fort Lauderdale based nonpro t has provided emergency assistance to men, women and children living with HIV/ AIDS. No member of the organization is paid, Clark said. At Monday nights underwear auction, local bars sent models onstage to showcase the newest fashion lines. Hunters Nightclub, Progress Bar, Le Boy Tonight, Southern Nights, Monkey Business, Boardwalk, Rumors Bar & Grill, Scandals Saloon, Rosies and Monas were all represented at the underwear auction. I just read the book of Eli and its a short story, quipped emcee Nikki Adams after getting a glimpse at the plumbing of one of the Progress Bar models. Adams, a longtime South Florida entertainer, introduced each underwear model and asked the crowd to bid on the garment. The winning bidder was awarded the underwear on stage with the model undressing behind a towel and Adams often checking to see the transaction took place. Antonio Edwards, aka Mr. Alibi, and Miss Kitty also worked in a sort of master of ceremonies role, but Adams had to take control after Kitty fainted twice. Adams said Kittys condition was not serious just a lack of sugar. Trunks modeled by Alfredo and David from Rosies drew the top bid of $1,250. Rosies later matched the bid donating $1,250 as well. John William Pompano Bill Calcaterra, a legendary photographer, took home the pair. All in all, it was another big hit for Tuesdays Angels and the Alibi. Were very pleased, said Chuck Nicholls, Tuesdays Angels Vice President. To see all of these bars come together is reassuring that we belong to a phenomenal community. Nicholls praised the Alibi sta for their co-operation. The nightclub was packed throughout the evening as people squeezed into tight spaces for a chance to witness the auction. Its always a bit chaotic, Nicholls said. On a sad note, the event was a reminder of the passing of local bartender Russell Matheney. A picture of Matheney, who worked at Scandals Saloon, was placed on stage where friends and winning bidders signed their condolences. Matheney was 41. UNDERWEAR PRODUCES BIG BUCKS FOR LOCAL CHARITY John McDonald NEWS palm beach PHOTO BY J.R. DAVIS. TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SFGN ON FACEBOOK!

PAGE 9

7.19.2017 9 Laser Hair RemovalNose and Ears Combo $35On any area treated by laser for hair removal, hair must be brown or blackTouch Up TuesdaysDysport $75 OFF 90 or more unitsFiller FridaysPurchase any 2 Restylane syringes & get the 3rd equal or lesser FREE!Mention Promo Code MM17 for Savings. Above Pricing per session. Expires 07/29/17 Look at our Website for more May Savings. FEATURE pets When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County all pets are spayed or neutered before going home. In addition, they receive preliminary vaccinations, heartworm test for dogs over seven months, feline leukemia test for cats, a limited 10-day health care plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospital, a bag of Purina ONE food and more. The adoption fee for dogs over six months is $100 and felines over six months are $30. For more information call the shelter today at 954-989-3977 ext. 6. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Grif n Road, just a block west of I-95 and opens daily at 10:30 a.m. To see who else needs a home visit www.humanebroward.com Scarlett The Biggest Heart Heart Heart

PAGE 10

10 7.19.2017 WHEN WILL THERE BE AN OPENLY GAY PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL PLAYER? Norm Kentnorm.kent@sfgn.comPublisher's E ditorialLast week, South Florida and Miami hosted Major League Baseballs All Star Game, the annual aair that celebrates the best of the best. Its a game that features younger athletes growing up in the modern era, but it is enough of an event to bring back stars of the past. This year the game celebrated former stars of the Latin community. For a lot of these players, America represented a chance at opportunity and fortune. Today, more and more of major league baseballs athletes are Hispanic players. It has been many years since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier, and became the rst African American to play pro ball. MLB also has had historic breakthroughs with Japanese, Asian, and Korean stars. Earlier this year, Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Gift Ngoepe made history when he became the rst African-born player in the MLB. So when is a gay major league player going to make his debut? Major League Baseball has the LGBT community stamped all over its name. Billy Bean, a former South Florida resident, and former professional baseball player, is an openly gay man who is an MLB Vice President for Inclusion, Social Responsibility and Diversity. Billy participates in diversity seminars that educate players in both the minor and major leaguers, teaching respect for homosexuality, and running anti-bullying seminars. His book, Going the Other Way, was gut wrenching, revealing the brutally anti gay world of pro baseball years ago. His life today is testimony to a new era at the highest levels. Baseball has had its chances to change its ways. Kevin McClatchy, the owner and CEO of the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1996 to 2007, came out in 2012, saying frequent homophobic slurs he heard in baseball circles had convinced him to keep his sexual orientation a secret. McClatchy, an heir to the Herald newspaper chain said at the time Youre not going to solve any problem until you start a dialogue, and theres no dialogue right now. MLB is trying. They launched a Diversity Business Summit last year in Phoenix during Spring Training, and there is another one this year in Orlando after the season ends. It is a two-day event, which allows job seekers and entrepreneurs the unique opportunity of meeting with MLBs Clubs and sponsorship partners. Last year, the Chicago Cubs won a world championship. One of its four owners is Laura M. Ricketts, a 50-year-old lesbian who is also a board member of Lambda Legal and the Housing Opportunities for Women organization. Ricketts ownership stake is uniquely noteworthy because it makes her the rst openly gay owner of a major league franchise. There have been umpires that have come out of the closet contemporaneously with their tenure, and team executives at the highest level. No one does a better job of covering these issues than my colleague Cyd Zeigler, whose features you can and should regularly read on his website, Outsports. com. You can see that for young athletes and professionals at all levels, in multiple sports, coming out is still no easy task. It is still an individual decision, but major league baseball can help push the envelope. All season long, MLB embraces diverse communities and social causes. There are celebrations for Mothers Day, cancer victims, and salutes to holidays, veterans, and soldiers. MLB has inaugurated commendable initiatives that recognize its responsibility to, and opportunities in, inner cities, along with ethnic heritages. Over a dozen teams, including the Miami Marlins, have held individual LGBT nights, donating funds to HIV organizations. This year the Marlins even contracted with SFGN to actively promote the night, purchasing full page ads in our paper and using AHFs popular Impulse Group to populate the program with a night out at the stadium. To get to the next level, and really make a powerful statement, MLB should have the courage and make the commitment of endorsing a singular national night that integrates its support of LGBT diversity and anti bullying eorts. Teams wearing a red ribbon supportive of HIV causes would add a nice touch. Its time for MLB to pave the way, and break down one more barrier. At the All Star Game last week, I ran into Jack McKeon, the former manager of the Florida Marlins. The octogenarian is now 86, and he was tanned, t, and sporting his customary stogie. He remembered me as the WFTL announcer who used to interview him after the games. He could not remember my name, but reached down and eyed my media pass, reading South Florida Gay News, and smiled, Well, thats okay, the worlds a bigger place today. He had no problem with that at all. So I quickly asked him, in the brief moment we had together, If you could nd a 350 hitting shortstop that could lead your team to a pennant, would you really care who he slept with? And he said, Hell, no. It is that simple. I rmly believe that is the way the world is today. I believe that is the way most of the players would feel too, even if they teach Bible class in the oseason. The only real religion a pro athlete has is on the playing eld. They play and pray to win, whether they are young Latinos from the Dominican, or African Americans from Detroit. Or even if one happens to be a Bear from the Bronx. The rst out modern gay baseball player will be someone who is not only condent of his identity, it will be a guy who can take two strikes on the corner and then line a pitch to right eld for a hit. Maybe it will be one you dont make fun of because he can throw a fastball 100 miles per hour. Whoever it is, I look forward to being able to interview him in the locker room not because of whom he sleeps with, but which team he leads to a pennant. IT IS STILL AN INDIVIDUAL DECISION, BUT MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL CAN HELP PUSH THE ENVELOPE. CONVIC TIONS

PAGE 11

7.19.2017 11 A Celebration Of Friends (ACOF) is a semi-annual convention or celebration for mature men and their admirers. This years Celebration (number 16) will be held on the weekend of July 20-23 at the Ramada Fort Lauderdale Oakland Park Inn, located at 3001 North Federal Highway. Tomcat Pence, a former Marine and the founder and president of A Celebration of Friends, realized that Maturity Matters, even in the youth-oriented gay world. Thus there should be a time and a place for maturity to be celebrated. Operating on a tight budget, the rst Celebration was held in 2002 in New Orleans, where 100 men enjoyed each other and a wonderful weekend and raised $1,000 for Buzzys Boys (at the time a non-pro t organization that bene tted hospitalized children living with HIV). The next year, ACOF moved to Florida, where it has been ever since. Now fteen years later putting countless smiles on mature men from around the world, ACOF has raised over $184,000 for various local charities, including $10,000 raised last year for the Pride Center and Tuesdays Angels. According to Tomcat, we have quite an age di erence in members who attend the Celebration. We have members who are 92 years young, as well as members who are 22 years old. The average age of attendees last year was 60. We attract many men from small towns who do not have the opportunities to enjoy the many freedoms we enjoy here in South Florida. Our members work hard all year long saving their pennies so they can attend the Celebration weekend, so our board tries to work hard to keep costs down while providing as much entertainment as we can. While the Ramada provides a free daily breakfast for those staying overnight in the hotel and free shuttles to and from the airport, registered attendees will also receive a free daily lunch, a nightly free cocktail hour and free pool parties and contests. Previous Celebrations featured celebrities like actor Ed Asner and former congressman Barney Frank. This years Celebration, Tomcat notes, showcases Fort Lauderdale and our attendees themselves. While we realize that most people think that beauty pageants are only for young men, we will have daily contests to get our guys into the swing of things, as they walk the red carpet around the pool. Our attendees enjoy and participate in contests like our Fantasy Swimsuit or Best Bootie contests, among others. Yet, the one contest which attracts the most contestants and creates the most fun is our Senior Speedo Contest Last years winner was 72 years young. While we do not tolerate any public nudity, one of the most famous events at the Celebration is our nightly Absolutely Positively NOT a Skinny Dipping Pool Party party. Men between 21 and 121 who are interested in learning more about A Celebration Of Friends should visit the ACOF website (CelebrationOfFriends.org). Full registration and rooms at the Ramada are still available, as are day passes. Whether or not they attend for a day or for the weekend, mature men will nd plenty to do, and plenty of men to do it with. As Tomcat puts it, if you are a mature man or someone who admires maturity, come join us. It will change your life forever. Jesse Monteagudo Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations. A CELEBRATION OF FRIENDSWhere Maturity Matters Photo: Celebration of Friends, Facebook. CONVICTIONS Jesses Journal This Friday, July 21 Pride Factory joins with HITS 97.3, Ru Riders, Smirno Vodka and System Jo for the rst Shop with Pride event. A portion of your purchases at Pride Factory all day will bene t the The Pride Center. Stop in from 5 pm 8 pm for some additional fun. HITS 97.3 will be playing tunes. Free condoms and on site HIV testing courtesy of the Pride Center. Enjoy free samples of Smirno Flavored Vodka and System Jo Flavored Lubes. Plus ra e drawings to win Ru Riders merchandise, Pride Factory gift cards and other items. SHOP WITH PRIDE PAID content WHAT: WHERE: WHEN:

PAGE 12

12 7.19.2017 Pomp, pageantry, purpose and a poignant touch were on display as the South Florida gay softball league closed its 22nd season recently with its End of Season Ceremony. The South Florida Amateur Athletic Association recognized its league season and playo champions, inducted two Hall of Famers, honored its top newcomers, and awarded a handful of players for their contributions to the league at the event held at Southern Nights on July 9. The league also took time to honor those who have died in the past year with an emotional tribute. Longtime contributors David Campbell and Kenny Silverman became the 44th and 45th members of the SFAAA Hall of Fame. Campbell, on his second stint as the league secretary, was recognized for his longtime service, success on the eld as a player and coach, and for his time as director of the leagues Thanksgiving weekend national softball tournament, the Hurricane Showdown. This award was long overdue, said SFAAA Chairman Tim Martin. Silverman, a local Realtor and SFAAA membership coordinator, was feted for his time as a player, coach, league executive and sponsor. A highlight was when Michael Moody, coach of the Broward Ballbusters, was presented the Ed Charters Sportsperson of the Year award for the job HE did in his rst season as Hurricane Showdown director. Charters, who passed away a couple years ago, was Moodys best friend. Gym Bar Alive and Kicking was mentioned earlier in the ceremony for taking third place at last years Gay Softball World Series in Austin, Texas. The Ballbusters team packed a section of the bar in support of their leader. I am humbled beyond words, Moody wrote on his Facebook page. The Joe Pawlik Volunteer of the Year award went to Josh Yeager of the Silverman Supervillains. Yeager stepped up this past season, serving on both the SFAAA by-laws committee and ratings committee as well as assuming the coaching role for a newly formed team, the Sidekicks. It was an honor to be recognized by the board of directors of the SFAAA, Yeager wrote on his Facebook page. Former league commissioner Abe Hasbun was presented the inaugural Hurricane Showdown Volunteer of the Year award for his longtime work with the softball tournament. The award will be called the Abe Hasbun Award in the future. Nothing says that youre getting old more than when they name an award after you, Hasbun wrote on Facebook. Other annual awards went to Jessenia Perez of Rumors Wolfpack as the D Division Newcomer of the Year, and Thomas Dee of the Supervillains as the C Division Newcomer of the Year. Todd Eller of Scandals Saloon was given the specially created Pride Award for his contributions to SFAAA during the recent Stonewall Pride parade. The most emotional moment came during a presentation honoring those with ties to the league who had passed away in the last year. Nine people died since the last awards ceremony, including three in the week leading up the event. Those who perished were Bob Dias, Randy Gillund, and Billy Gilliland -all former league executives and SFAAA Hall of Famers; former players Marshall Blackwell, Jr., Robert Falcon, Algiere Pabon, and Craig Wright; former Mills Pond Park and Piccolo Park umpire Beverly Lupo; and league supporter/cheerleader/scorekeeper Gareth Chapman. The crowd hugged and the lights dimmed as Moody read the names of the fallen. Then the room erupted with a cheer of Great game, guys! to punctuate the moment. Also honored were all the teams heading to the NAGAAA World Series in September. The teams include the GYM Bar Bombshells of the B Division; the GYM Bar Rebellion and Supervillains of the C Division; the Alibi Bombers and Rosies Renegades of the D Division; and the Village Pub Code Blue and GYM Bar Hot Hitters of the Masters Division. All seven teams will be competing for national championships in the annual World Series during Labor Day week in Portland, Oregon. The SFAAA begins its fall season on Sunday, Sept.18, at Mills Pond Park. Registration and ratings are scheduled for Sunday, August 20, and Saturday, August 26. A mini tournament of all the World Series teams will be held Sunday, August 27, at Mills Pond. GAY SOFTBALL LEAGUE WRAPS UP SEASON For more information, follow the league at www.SFAASoftball.com For information on the Hurricane Showdown, check out www.HurricaneShowdown.net Tim MartinSFAAA Chairman COMMUNITY announcementPhotos by Michael Murphy. MichaelMurphy.com LONGTIME CONTRIBUTORS DAVID CAMPBELL AND KENNY SILVERMAN BECAME THE 44TH AND 45TH MEMBERS OF THE SFAAA HALL OF FAME.

PAGE 13

7.19.2017 13 EDITORIAL CARTOONBy Andy Marlette Editorial Cartoon CONVICTIONS Realtor Well Handle It! Your Pallant Insurance TeamFREE Policy ReviewFREE QuotesFAST and Courteous Service FLOOD INSURANCE HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE AUTO INSURANCE HURRICANE INSURANCECall or Come In Today954.522.3800www.PallantInsurance.com1800 N.E. 26th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305

PAGE 14

14 7.19.2017WELCOME TO THE SOCIAL ISSUE! Groups, causes, and apps... for tackling the real issues SOCIAL ISSUE Introduction The LGBT community has a lot to be proud of from legalizing same-sex marriage in the United States, to overcoming tragedies like the Pulse massacre and combatting the hatred of those who push back on the rights and lives of so many LGBT individuals in our country and across the globe. But amidst all of the good we have come to achieve over the years, there still remains much room for improvement. The following pages are lled with stories that deal with the LGBT community and beyond. We need to continue to secure rights and equality, but we also need to ensure that we are treating our own LGBT family with the same inclusivity. More youth are coming out than ever before, our community is securing more rights and representation every day and we have been given the opportunity to stand on a soap box and show the world what it means to be LGBT. But that also means we should be presenting an image of love, community and inclusivity that incorporates all members of our community. From the ght to ban the harmful practice of conversion therapy on gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth, to social media apps expanding opportunities to discuss sexual health, to social opportunities outside of bars and clubs, these stories seek to start a discussion on where the community goes from here. Tucker Berardi

PAGE 15

7.19.2017 15

PAGE 16

16 7.19.2017 HORNET GETS HEALTHY WITH NEW KEYBOARD Tucker BerardiSOCIAL ISSUE Technology Hornet Releases New Emoji Keyboard To Encourage Self Expression and Safety The Talkmoji Keyboard is available on the App Store and Google Play. Hornet, one of many gay social apps known most for their hookup utility, is changing face and moving toward health advocacy with their new emoji keyboard. While many people still nd it hard to talk about sexual health, Hornet, the worlds premier gay social network, recently released the new Talkmoji keyboard, which is designed to make communicating about sexual health even easier, Mark Umbach, VP of marketing rm MWW wrote. Hornet helped to produce the keyboard, but when downloaded the Talkmoji keyboard can be used in any application on Android and iPhone. Alex Garner, Hornets Senior Health Innovation Strategist told SFGN that the Talkmoji keyboard was an attempt to turn the keyboard trend toward something bene cial to the LGBT community an easy way to start conversation on a number of health topics. There is a sort of keyboard trend that we know resonates with audiences with the gay audience in particular, Garner said. Part of the thinking behind it was the understanding of how easily people communicate with [emoji] keyboards particularly on issues that might often be di cult to talk about. One of the most prominent goals of Hornets new keyboard is to promote the discussion of HIV status, not only positive and negative but also more subcategory classi cations whether someone is on PrEP or ART, or if their viral load is undetectable. Garner pointed out that this keyboard may also be used to explore topics people are unfamiliar with. Not everyone, according to Garner, is familiar with terms like PrEP or undetectable. We look at some HIV topics, there has been such social media attention around the undetectable issue, there is always a conversation about how that is represented, what words to use, will the community know what you mean, Garner said. With all of these health issues you cannot assume that everyone knows what you mean. We want to be able to give people a base knowledge, a starting point, and see where they take the conversation from there. While the keyboard seeks to encourage discussions about health and safety, Garner assures that the keyboard is fun and contains a number of ags, emoji, images and more to be used as a unique and fun form of expression. Something like this keyboard simply allows more options for people to [express themselves,] Garner said. Its fun, some of the emojis are silly, and if it is something that people want to utilize, it gives them more options to do so. Garner hopes that as the keyboards popularity grows, the keyboard will be able to expand. Hornet hopes to add more emoji, and maybe explore gif responses and dynamic emoji alongside the current o ering. The team behind the keyboard is also up for suggestions, and the keyboard will update according to trends and events in the LGBT community. For example, the keyboard has a number of LGBT pride ags for many groups within the community, and Garner said the team has had conversations about adding the More Color More Pride ag. All in all, Garner and Hornet hope this keyboard will facilitate more forms of selfexpression and will keep users healthy, happy and safe. Giving people plenty of options in terms of self-expression is of critical importance, particularly in our community where we strive to express ourselves, a rmatively declare who we are, express our gender, Garner said. Pictures Courtesy of Hornet and WMM PR

PAGE 17

7.19.2017 17 F C CEverything you wanted to know about opening a dispensary but were afraid to ask. GUIDE2017-2018 GUIDE THE THE INTRODUCING SFGNS+ NEW interactive directory website + NEW interactive directory website www.SFGN.guide To add your business or organization for FREE visit www.SFGN.guide and in the menu clickADD A BUSINESS YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO WHATS HOT IN SOUTH FLORIDA...AN PUBLICATIONSFGNTHEGUIDEVisit our NEW interactive directory website at www.SFGN.Guide2017-2018 THE GUIDE New Issue On Racks Now! PEACE PEACE PEACE PIPE PIPE PIPE LOWEST PRICES LARGEST SELECTION GUARANTEED YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR VAPOR NEEDS! Over 1,000 SQ FT. GLASSROOM! LARGEST SELECTION INCENSE + CANDLES + TAPESTRIES ASHTRAYS TORCH LIGHTERS FLASKS BODY JEWELRY GAMES ROLLING TOBACCO POSTERS STATUES FIGURINES T-SHIRTS LOTS MORE! MEDICALI ROOR GRAV LABS SILIKA PULSE TSUNAMI & MORE! HOOKAHS SHISHA ROLLING PAPERS VAPORIZERS ELECTRIC CIGARETTES ELIQUIDS ZIPPOS TOBACCO ACCESSORIES 15 Minutes From The Beach or I-95 4800 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY, FORT LAUDERDALEJUST SOUTH OF COMMERCIAL BLVD 821 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALEJUST SOUTH OF SEARS TOWN NEXT TO CUBBY HOLE FACEBOOK.COM/PEACEPIPEFL Two Locations!

PAGE 18

18 7.19.2017 OPENS COMMUNITY CONVERSATION Tucker BerardiSOCIAL ISSUE West Palm Beach Conversion erapy ControversyMINORS ARE FREQUENTLY FORCED INTO CONVERSION THERAPY BY PARENTS WHO FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT THEIR CHILDREN IDENTIFY AS GAY OR LESBIAN.CARLY CASSPBCHRC VICE PRESIDENTThe Palm Beach County Human Rights Council (PBCHRC) has been campaigning in cities throughout South Florida to ban the practice of conversion therapy, a collection of therapeutic methods aimed at correcting or changing an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity. So far PBCHRC has been able to encourage city commissions to enact such bans without opposition in many cities including Delray Beach, Lake Worth, Miami Beach and Wilton Manors. However, on June 13 PBCHRC presented to the Wellington Village council in order to enact a similar ban on conversion therapy, only this time the organization was met with signicant opposition from two speakers against the ban. A ban on conversion therapy on unwanted homosexual feelings or gender dysphoria would, in fact, be child abuse, David Pickup, a licensed marriage and family therapist told the commissioners. How can you take away the rights of children and their parents to their freedom of speech? In a forum-style debate in front of the Wellington Village council, Pickup, joined by family therapist Julia Hamilton, presented arguments against a ban on conversion therapy opposite Rachel Needle, a state licensed psychologist who works with PBCHRC. The attempt to ban conversion therapy city by city came after State Senator Je Clemens introduced bills to prohibit conversion therapy statewide for the past two consecutive legislative sessions, but the Florida Senate refused to take action on either bill. Clemens plans to reintroduce the bill in the 2018 legislative session. Since a statewide ban has failed to be enacted, PBCHRC alongside advocacy groups Southern Poverty Law Center and National Center for Lesbian Rights has been enacting bans city by city, being met with minimal opposition in progressive South Florida. However, Wellington presented the rst major opposition, which may be an example of what is to come as the ban propositions travel to less progressive cities. While the Wellington council ultimately voted in favor of the ban in a 4-1 vote, the decision was made more dicult by the conicting points given by Needle, Hamilton and Pickup. Hamilton at one point served as the president of the National Association for Research and Therapy of Homosexuality (NARTH). She stated during the commission that methods such as shock therapy were archaic and were not used in conversion therapy referred to by her and her colleagues as reparative therapy, which conicted with pro-ban messages from PBCHRC and Needle. Conversion therapy has been used on LGBT patients for several decades, but the practice gained popularity in the late 20th century, when Dr. Joseph Nicolosi, the co-founder of NARTH, popularized the practice. In an email to SFGN Hamilton stated that no patients are forced into conversion therapy on their own, but seek treatment of their own free will. Professional therapy is [voluntary], Hamilton wrote. Teenagers cannot be forced into changing against their will. That is not only unethical, but also Protest of NARTH conference in West Palm Beach, Florida, Nov 21 2009, where conference organizers claim to be able to convert gays to straight. Photo Credit: Daniel Tobias.

PAGE 19

7.19.2017 19 SOCIAL ISSUE West Palm Beachimpossible. Every therapist knows that the client, not the therapist, sets the goals for therapy clients determine the path for their lives. PBCHRC Vice President Carly Cass disagrees and said in a statement that many underage LGBT youths are administered conversion therapy against their will by parents or guardians. Minors are frequently forced into conversion therapy by parents who nd it impossible to accept the fact that their children identify as gay or lesbian, Cass said. This so-called therapy has been often shown to be extremely harmful. Needle, a licensed psychologist and PBCHRC spokesperson shared a number of eects conversion therapy patients may experience, which include shame, guilt, depression, decreased self-esteem, increased self-hatred, feelings of anger and betrayal, loss of friends, social withdrawal, problems with sexual and emotional intimacy, hostility and blame toward parents, high risk behaviors, confusion, self-harm, substance abuse and suicidal ideation. From the research we do have, there is enough to show including qualitatively that reparative or conversion therapy can lead to a number of mental health issues in a minor, Needle said. Attempting to change someones sexual orientation (or gender identity) can have a devastating impact on a minor. These change eorts are guided by peoples bias and judgments. Hamilton and Pickup consider a ban on reparative therapy not only to be a moral infringement on the rights of parents and LGBT youth, but also pointed out that it presents a legal dilemma. Cities do not have jurisdiction over licensed therapists, Dr. Hamilton wrote. The state of Florida licenses and regulates psychological and medical professionals the state of Florida has determined that therapists are permitted to oer therapy to minors with unwanted homosexual attractions, just as they can oer therapy to anyone distressed about any life situation. The state has not passed this unlawful ban on therapy for minors, Hamilton continued. This ban is unconstitutional and did not even make it out of the committee in Florida. There have been several court challenges to the constitutionality of banning conversion therapy, but all have failed. According to PBCHRC, there have been four instances, the most recent taking place on May 1, 2017, of the U.S. Supreme court declining to hear challenges to the constitutionality laws banning conversion therapy for minors. Conversion therapy is an extremely dangerous and fraudulent practice that claims to change an individuals sexual orientation or gender identity, Scott McCoy, senior policy counsel for the Southern Poverty Law Center said. This bogus practice is premised on the lie that LGBTQ individuals have a condition that needs to be cured. The commission has sent a message to LGBTQ youth: you are perfect the way you are and do not need to be xed. Apart from legality, the practice of conversion or reparative therapy has been deemed harmful and ineective by the American Psychological Association, which adopted the Resolution on Appropriate Armative Responses to Sexual Orientation Distress and Change Eorts in 2009. This resolution found that conversion therapy relied on anti-LGBT bigotry and a distortion of scientic data. The American Psychological Association has linked conversion therapy to depression, substance abuse, and even suicide, and these risks are particularly acute for youth, Carolyn Reyes, Youth Policy Counsel and Coordinator of NCLRs BornPerfect Campaign to end conversion therapy said. We applaud the eorts to ensure that children are protected from these harms and that their families arent duped by trusted professionals to whom they turn for support during a vulnerable time. According to Hamilton, all of these claims state that children are harmed and distressed as a result of the therapists and therapy that they have undergone, and that said therapists, not reparative therapy, should be held accountable for such results. If a licensed therapist is abusing a client, there are already laws in place to protect such clients. Those therapists can be brought up on charges. Therapists do not use aversive techniques they use [talk] therapy. Shock treatments are only performed in hospital settings by medical doctors for specic conditions, such as depression, mania, etc. NOT by counselors and therapists and NOT for unwanted homosexual attractions (sic). Hamilton said that reparative therapy is not dangerous, but can be useful to address many issues apart from xing unwanted same-sex attractions or gender dysphoria. Therapy is aimed at resolving past hurts if there are any past hurts, Hamilton wrote. Additionally, therapy might address insecurities, feelings of inadequacy, depression, anxiety, etc. seeking to help a client become better connected to himself or herself, more secure, more condent, less depressed, etc. According to Needle, however, therapy dealing with those types of issues, or even issues with sexuality or gender identity would not be prohibited under a conversion therapy ban. Patients would still be allowed to discuss a number of issues pertaining to their sexuality or identity, therapists would just be unable to administer therapy aimed at converting the sexuality of an underage LGBT individual. Banning this type of therapy does not mean those individuals struggling with their identity or orientation cannot seek therapy mental health services, Needle said. Minors can still see a mental health therapist, those therapists just cant suggest they can convert them or change their sexual attractions or orientation. While there are mixed messages and conicting statements on both sides of the issue, both parties agreed that there is a shortage of data to pull conclusions on the practice of conversion therapy from. The research [on conversion therapy] is lacking and much of what does exist is methodologically awed, Needle said. Much of the existing conclusions on conversion therapy are based on personal testimonies or limited studies. The limited information available, however, does suggest that the practice of conversion therapy does more harm than good. The Columbia Law School reviewed the existing studies on conversion therapy and concluded that there is no credible evidence that sexual orientation can be changed through therapeutic intervention. This conclusion was drawn, as admitted by the Law School, from 47 studies that were, limited by the diculty of empirically assessing a persons sexual orientation. Of the 47 studies, 12 found that conversion therapy is ineective or harmful, one showed that the practice could succeed, and the remaining 34 studies failed to determine an empirical conclusion. Taken together, the Law School reports. The overwhelming consensus among psychologists and psychiatrists who have studied conversion therapy or treated patients who are struggling with their sexual orientation is that therapeutic intervention cannot change sexual orientation. There is denitely a need to for more studies on the issue, even if to provide solid evidence that conversion therapy is, in fact, harmful to patients. In all of the commission hearings, however, PBCHRC has stated that the intention of the ban is not simply to discontinue a potentially harmful therapeutic practice but to support and protect each communitys youth population. I think banning conversion therapy sends an important message to the general public and to the minors we are trying to protect there is nothing wrong with your sexual orientation or gender identity, Needle said. FROM THE RESEARCH WE DO HAVE, THERE IS ENOUGH TO SHOW INCLUDING QUALITATIVELY THAT REPARATIVE OR CONVERSION THERAPY CAN LEAD TO A NUMBER OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN A MINOR.RACHEL NEEDLEPSYCHOLOGIST West Palm Beach.

PAGE 20

20 7.19.2017MORE COLOR MORE PRIDE Tucker Berardi SOCIAL ISSUE National Pride Flag Redesign Includes LGBT People of Color During a recent Pride Month kick-o in Philadelphia, the campaign More Color More Pride, a movement to recognize nonwhite LGBT communities within the broader pride movement, unveiled a pride ag with an additional black and brown stripe to represent LGBT people of color. The original pride ag from Gilbert Baker had eight colors pink and turquoise alongside the six colors that make up the current design. Pink was removed because the dye was dicult to obtain, and turquoise was removed thereafter to give the ag an even number of colors, the six we know now. Each of the current colors has its own symbolism: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for art, and violet for the human spirit, according to Slate News. The black and brown stripes that the More Color More Pride campaign added to the ag represent people of color in order to make the pride ag more inclusive. It is meant as a symbol for LGBT people of color, much how the trans and bisexual ags represent their respective parts of the LGBT community. The campaign was created by Philadelphias Oce of LGBT Aairs and local advertising agency Tierney, and the ag was revealed at Philadelphias City Hall. Were proud to host this celebration for the community to come together not just for Pride, but also to reinforce our strides towards combatting discrimination within our community, honor the lives of our black and brown LGBTQ siblings, and uplift our shared commitment to diversity and inclusion within our community, Amber Hikes, the executive director of Philadelphias Oce of LGBT Aairs, said. According to Hikes, Philadelphia is the rst city to publicly recognize racial discrimination within the LGBT community. The citys own Gayborhood has faced multiple instances of racial discrimination within the past year leaked video footage showed a nightclub owner using a racial slur, and there have also been instances of discriminatory dress-code policies at the local gay bars, according to CNN. The city of Philadelphia has created this campaign and ag to begin combating discrimination within its LGBT community. Im proud to join the LGBTQ community in the ght for justice, equality and stand in solidarity with all members of the LGBTQ community, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said. The new ag has already sparked much conversation and argument over the presumption that the original ag already included colors to represent diversity. The Stonewall Riot started on the backs of working-class African American and Latino queers who patronized that bar, Reverend Irene Monroe, founder of the National Black Justice Coalition, a civil rights group said. Those black and brown LGBTQ people are not absent from the photos of that night but have been bleached from its written history. The Pew Research Center administered a survey in 2013 that showed 34 percent of LGBT respondents identied as nonwhite. According to Hikes, the majority of critics to the More Color More Pride ag were white gay men. White people do not know what racism looks like, because that is not the denition of racism, Hikes said. When this ag was unveiled as a symbol of racial equality in a community that has not always been racially inclusive, Hikes said there was an immediate response, both in support and in criticism. Right o the bat, [this ag] has absolutely started a conversation, certainly in this city and beyond, Hikes said. Other iterations of the pride ag, such as the transgender and bisexual ags, have received much less criticism. The fact that two stripes have triggered the online and oine responses that it has, it just proves that there is entrenched racism and anti-blackness [in the community, Philadelphias Black and Brown Workers Collective Abdul-Aliy Muhammad said. This is real, this is lived, and this is felt by us on a daily basis. Charley Beal, a longtime friend of Baker the designer of the original rainbow ag who died in March said that the new ag should be taken as an independent symbol. I encourage it, and I think people who know Gilbert would, Beal told NBC news. The only thing we would ask is that other people would not take it and put Gilberts name on it, because they didnt do it in consultation with him, and he didnt do it. A spokeswoman for Philadelphias Oce of LGBT Aairs said that the new ag should be seen to represent additive inclusion and was not created to be a replacement to the existing ag. Since its initial release, redesigns of the More Color More Pride ag have popped up online and at pride rallies that oer a clearer breakaway from the original design. The spirit of this ag is not a departure from the original principles, but we hope that adding black and brown to our communitys strongest symbol will serve to recognize the contributions people of color make every day in the LGBTQ+ community, the spokeswoman said in an email. Hikes said that since the ags unveiling, many LGBT groups across the nation have reached out to her and the Philadelphia Oce of LGBT Aairs for permission to use the ag in marches and pride events. The rainbow ag is the single most recognizable icon for the LGBTQ community, a video for the campaign says. Its a symbol for everyone to rally around. Yet communities across the country are divided. People of color have been marginalized, ignored, and even intentionally excluded. The video continues, We say that were inclusive. We celebrate it. Now its time to go further. To broaden the horizons of our community. To change our iconic symbol. Its just a start, but its a start. RIGHT OFF THE BAT, [THIS FLAG] HAS ABSOLUTELY STARTED A CONVERSATION, CERTAINLY IN THIS CITY AND BEYOND. AMBER HIKESEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF PHILADELPHIAS OFFICE OF LGBT AFFAIRFor more information on the More Color More Pride ag and campaign, visit MoreColorMorePride.com.

PAGE 21

7.19.2017 21 SFGN.com @SoFlaGayNews KEEP YOUR EYES ON South Florida Gay News SouthFloridaGayNews South South South South South South Florida Florida Florida Florida Gay Gay Gay Gay News News News News

PAGE 22

22 7.19.2017 BOYS WITH BOATS GOES NATIONAL Tucker Berardi SOCIAL ISSUE Boys With Boats Local Chapter Quadruples in Membership in Six MonthsIn January of this year we wrote an article on Boys With Boats, an aptly named social group made up predominantly of gay men with boats and gay men who like boats. At the time the group boasted just under 600 members. In less than six months, the groups membership has almost quadrupled, with members throughout their national chapters totaling just over 2,000 members. Its a great way to meet people outside of bars and sports leagues, club founder Jeremy Pettus told SFGN. I am very proud of our club, I am very proud of our members. Boys with Boats started from Pettuss own restoration project on a boat he had purchased. He created a page on Facebook for men with boating knowledge to swap stories and advice, and ultimately to serve as a social outlet for gay men with a common interest. What was initially a club of 15 members has become a social force spanning multiple states with chapters in the Great Lakes and Atlanta, as well as multiple chapters in Florida, the largest chapter being in Fort Lauderdale with 1,420 members. People have approached me saying that this club is lling a void, Pettus said. I told them that the club was all about you, I want to hear your story. While the club is marketed as a group for gay guys, Pettus said that all are welcome. Even though its Boys with Boats, we are open to all, he said. Pettus pointed out that there are many straight and lesbian couples involved in the club and events. People with boats arent the only ones allowed to join, either. Anyone interested in boating or just wanting a break from the bar and club culture of the LGBT community are welcome to join a safe and welcoming social atmosphere. We have members with kayaks and members with a 120-foot yacht, Jeremy Pettus, the clubs founder told SFGN. It doesnt matter the size of your boat, we just want people to come and see who we are. Pettus continued, We want to take the younger guys out of bars and show them there is more to life than liquor and smoking. We want to mentor people interested in boating, to give them something meaningful. On the third Saturday of every month, Boys with Boats hosts a raft-up event where a member chooses a location for the clubs boats to anchor up to each other overnight. The club also hosts meet and greets as well as larger scale events. On the rst Sunday of every month, members come together for a meet and greet at Flip Flops Dockside Eatery. Other events can be found on their Facebook page or on the clubs website, boyswithboats.club. For anyone interested in boating, or just want to get involved and meet some guys, Boys with Boats is always open to new faces. Photo courtesy Boys with Boats.To nd out more about Boys with Boats, check their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/941083335987328/

PAGE 23

7.19.2017 23 SOCIAL ISSUE Boys With Boats Carina Mask Take a look at a rel ed Fort Lauderdale gathering of Boys With Boats. On the rst Sunday of the month the club hosts a meet up at Flip Flops Dockside Eatery in Fort Lauderdale. Events can be found on their Facebook page or on the clubs website, BoysWithBoats.club.GET WET WITH THE BOYS

PAGE 24

24 7.19.2017 CYBER BULLYING OF LGBT YOUTH Tucker Berardi SOCIAL ISSUE Technology Born is Way Foundation Studies A new study from the Born This Way Foundation, an organization that supports and empowers youth, has detailed the realities of cyberbullying among LGBT youth in the hopes of establishing more eective means of dealing with both online and oine harassment. We did a study examining cyberbullying and traditional bullying among diverse youth, lead researcher Sue Swearer said. We were interested in looking at experiences of youth and young people across the world and with dierent gender identities and sexualities. The study, released in 2017, included data from the Born Brave Experience Survey, administered by the foundation, of more than 8,500 young people between the ages of 13-25. The survey examined factors such as the relationship between traditional bullying and cyberbullying, particularly for LGBT youth. Technology has undoubtedly connected lives worldwide, the study reads. However, as with any social connection, the increasing availability and use of technology has also placed youth at-risk for unique and multiple forms of victimization. The study found that 77 percent of respondents who reported being bullied online also reported traditional forms of bullying oine. Transgender individuals are particularly at risk 52 percent of transgender respondents reported being cyberbullied compared to 22 percent of cisgender respondents and 28 percent of genderqueer respondents. The study also found that 28 percent of participants who identied as bisexual reported being cyberbullied versus 18 percent of heterosexual participants and 21 percent of gay and lesbian respondents. Sexual minority participants reported victimization through signicantly more electronic sources, the study reads. Specically, gay and lesbian, bisexual, pansexual and queer participants reported higher numbers of victimization modalities when compared to heterosexual participants. The purpose of this study was not only to recognize patterns of cyberbullying and traditional bullying of LGBT youth, but also to develop strategies for parents and school administrators to eectively address and eradicate the harassment. Any eort to support the wellness and empowerment of young people has to start with understanding the challenges they face and the conditions they need to thrive, Cynthia Germanotta, co-Founder and president of the Born This Way Foundation, said. These ndings from the survey are a reminder that every young person is unique and needs resources and support that meet their particular needs, Germanotta continued. This will only become more important as the digital landscape continues to evolve, playing an even greater role in the lives of young people. Swearer believes that telling kids to put the phone down in order to escape cyberbullying is unrealistic in todays society technology and social media have become a primary means of communication, and cutting young people o from that would dramatically limit their social opportunity. Instead, Swearer sees this research as an opportunity to educate professionals on how to eectively advise youth subjected to both online and oine bullying. For adults to be credible with kids, they need to work through strategies who to talk to, how to inoculate yourself in these experiences, this research is unpacking experiences instead of making a broad statement, Swearer said. We are better able to give advice to mental health professionals on how to go about this. These ndings can give professionals information on where bullying vulnerabilities, such as online versus oine vulnerability, of dierent subsets of children lie LGBT youth not only have dierent rates of bullying but dierent harassment experiences altogether and require a dierent approach than their heterosexual and cisgender peers. In alignment with the Born This Way Foundations mission statement, the study hopes to make the world a kinder and braver place by further understanding the forms that bullying takes and how victims are aected dierently, leading to more comprehensive strategies and solutions against bullying. The simplest thing that we can ask for is to start everyday being kind to somebody, and thinking about others instead of themselves, Germanotta said. We often dont think of the impacts our actions have on other people and they can be very hurtful. It is so simple to change that. THE SIMPLEST THING THAT WE CAN ASK FOR IS TO START EVERYDAY BEING KIND TO SOMEBODY, AND THINKING ABOUT OTHERS INSTEAD OF THEMSELVES.CYNTHIA GERMANOTTAFOUNDER OF BORN THIS WAY FOUNDATION

PAGE 25

7.19.2017 25

PAGE 26

26 7.19.2017 Ryan LynchSOCIAL ISSUE International Apps and services are combatting s tracking through technology and user policiesI HAVE CAMERAS IN MY PROPERTY AND ALARM AND MY CUSTOMERS KNOW ABOUT IT. MY GUESTS DONT HAVE ACCESS TO MY HOME.PEGGY AIRBNB HOSTWith human tracking on the rise in Florida, several travel apps and tech startups are developing strategies to prevent people from being exploited. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, there were 1,900 cases of human tracking in the Sunshine State, an increase of 54 percent from last year. Nationally, the Polaris Project a Washington D.C. organization that records the number of calls to the national tracking hotline reported that Florida has the third most calls behind Texas and California. Room sharing service Airbnb already has a huge inuence in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, with nearly half of its 16,100 residences in those two areas. Benjamin Breit, a press secretary for Airbnb, says that while the organization does not have any ocial policy, they work with outside groups to prevent people from being exploited. We work with a number of organizations, including INTERPOL, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Blue Campaign to help train employees on identication and prevention of tracking, Breit wrote in an email. Were also constantly evaluating additional steps we can take in this area and will be working with Thorn to pilot their tool. Besides using Thorn an organization that mainly works to prevent child sex tracking and those national partnerships, Airbnb also has a separate branch of its organization that is dedicated to assisting local law enforcement in preventing and investigating tracking incidents. Our Law Enforcement Engagement team, which includes former law enforcement ocers and experts in their eld, works to protect our community through collaboration with law enforcement, proactive criminal risk mitigation, detailed investigations, and crime analysis, Breit wrote. Part of their mission is to proactively partner with organizations and local authorities all over the world to help confront human tracking. Users themselves are also securing their listings to make renters feel safe. Peggy, an Airbnb renter since December 2015 in Fort Lauderdale, said that there is a risk to the listings but she does not see any trouble and takes measures to protect her property. I have cameras in my property and alarm and my customers know about it. My guests dont have access to my home, she said. The room is totally private, I have not heard any bad news so far doing Airbnb. There are also apps that are beginning to combat the spread of the crime. One such application is TrackCam, an app available on Apple and Android devices that was created by researchers at Washington University in St. Louis and Exchange Initiative. The app allows for users to upload photos of their hotel room to a database. Those photos are later used to identify rooms that are seen in photos for prostitution and other sex listings to act on cases of potential tracking. Even with over 157,156 hotels in its database and 120,532 users over Android and Apple, the app is just beginning its ght into Florida. But if it can stick around, TrackCam, with the help of Airbnb, can target and work toward tackling human tracking. TROUNCING TRAFFICKINGMiami Beach.

PAGE 27

7.19.2017 27

PAGE 28

28 7.19.2017 CONNECTING the COMMUNITY Ryan LynchSOCIAL ISSUE Transgender Ashley and Morgan Mayfaire cofounded Transsocial.org last fall after noticing the lack of a one-stop shop for information on transitioning and other helpful sources. In that time, theyve built an operation that grew from a small website to a full-edged charitable organization that assists people mainly in both Broward and Miami-Dade county. There was some resources, but the real issue was that they werent all together, Ashley Mayfaire said. You could nd this resource at this one agency and another at another and there wasnt any kind of collaboration or cohesiveness within the community, so thats why we originally started the website. After the website went from 300 views in November 2016 to over 1,000 views today, Ashley and Morgan, who live in Fort Lauderdale, turned their site into a brickand-mortar organization so that they can help more people in nding services. The pair oer help with everything from name changes along with healthcare and mental Transgender resource site Transsocial pands aer humble beginnings THE NAME CHANGES PROCESS FOR ONE PERSON CAN COST OVER $1,000, SO WERE HELPING THEM WITH THE FEES AS WELL AS ACCOMPANYING THEM.ASHLEY MAYFAIRECO-FOUNDER OF TRANSSOCIALhealth care treatments to peer mentoring, which partners those who are transitioning with someone who can help guide them through the paperwork and processes. Our community has a lot of trauma, Morgan said. Theyve dealt with trust issues, and were the only organization that takes them red carpet style by the hand and goes with them through each and every step. Besides those services, Transsocial also curates a calendar of support group meetups and hosts some for both people in the community and allies. Theyre meant to be fun, inclusive and a safe space for everyone to get together, get to know each other and network with other members of the community, Ashley said. We also do an educational component to talk about current issues within the trans community and ways we can address them. To assist people in aording those services and going through the process, Transsocial partners with several local organizations including the Broward Department of Health, Pridelines in Miami, and Pride Fort Lauderdale. But, even with their partnerships, Ashley said coming by funding as a new charity is the biggest hurdle they have yet to clear. We have a lot of grants were applying for, but its very competitive and its hard as a edgling non-prot to get your foot in the door, she said. Its a lot about personal connections and were just trying to keep our heads above water as we help as many people as possible. Most of the grant money that Transsocial applies for goes to helping oset the cost and fees of services like hormone therapy and name changes. The name changes process for one person can cost over $1,000, so were helping them with the fees as well as accompanying them, Ashley said. Besides expanding their services, Transsocial is also looking to unify the transgender community and create more community leaders. Among their accomplishments this past year was getting Pridelines to include more adult transgender programs and working with LGBT political action committee SAVE to learn more about advocating for the transgender community. I like to think weve build a bit more community and collaboration, Ashley said. I feel like the agencies are starting to open up to working together more and weve denitely reached more of the trans community in Miami because there [were] fewer resources in Miami than Broward. For now, the couple continues to work to give more people in the state access to resources on transgender issues and processes, as theyve already had people reach out from places like the Keys, Tampa, and Orlando. Well we do have some clients in Palm Beach and we try to link them with resources and weve been contacted from all over Florida as well, Ashley said. We would denitely like to expand though because there are a lot of communities in Florida that dont have the access to services that our county has. Ashley (left) and Morgan Mayfaire (right), co-founders of TransSocial.

PAGE 29

7.19.2017 29

PAGE 30

30 7.19.2017 BLAST IN THE PALM BEACHES Jillian MeleroSOCIAL ISSUE Palm Beach Women Looking to Meet Women can have a UPCOMING EVENTS:Bows go up at 9 a.m. sharp when you shoot with the ladies of BLAST (Bi Lesbian and Straight Together) Archery Club. The monthly meet up group usually shoot with compound bows, between 10 and 20 pounds of tension. And the indoor range at Gator Guns & Archery Center in West Palm Beach means bows go up rain or shine for target practice. BLAST Women of the Palm Beaches(WPB) describe themselves a social and professional networking group for women, ladies, kings, lesbians, bisexual gals, girly-girls, butches, femmes, bois, transwomen, lesbian-feminist womyn, questioning, aces/aros, and gay-friendly straight feminists on Meetup.com. The group by for and about women, hosts more than 200 social, political, cultural, or outdoor events a year, making it SFGNs readers choice for Best Social Group in 2015. Anyone who joins the group can plan an event as an organizer. Some women plug in for just one or two special interests -poker, say, or kayaking, or drum lessons, or anti-racism trainings, or womens dances, or the pagan circle -while others come to lots of dierent things. There are no dues to pay and pretty much every event is a one-time stand-alone thing though some meet monthly, such as the archery club, BLAST cofounder Toni Armstrong Jr. told SFGN. Founded in 2008, the group has more than 2700 members, mostly locals, but some snowbirds and more than 1900 past meetups. The May meetup at Blue Front Bar & Grill, one of SFGNs 2015 readers choices for best restaurant in Palm Beach County, saw more than 60 attendees nding shade under the garden trellises, enjoying quiet conversation by the repit and listening to live music by the gazebo of the restaurants back patio and outdoor bar. Whether youre a woman interested in meeting other locals, looking to take your wife out for drinks and dinner around town, discovering a new hobby, or practicing your favorite pastime, the BLAST WPB Meetup calendar should have you covered. For updates on these events and more, sign up at www.meetup.com/BLASTwpb For more about BLAST, contact Toni at toniajr@icloud.com SOCIAL AT BARREL OF MONKS BREWING 1141 South Rogers Circle, Boca Raton, FL 561-510-1253 Saturday, July 22 4:30 p.m. 8 p.m. Barrel of Monks Brewing in Boca Raton specializes in crafting Belgian style beers, progressing in flavor profile and potency through light crisp singles, like the Single in Havana a guava infused version of the house Single in Bruges, through dubbels, tripels, and into full bodied quadrupels like the Quadraphonic with an occasional twist. Enjoy your Belgian ales perched at one of the high tops or relaxing on one of the couches in the tasting room. The brew house doesnt serve their own bites, but its a popular spot for local food trucks and a food truck calendar is available on the BoMB website, www. BarrelofMonks.com. For more information on this event call BLAST organizer Cheryl at 561-758-8082 or email villelois@yahoo.com PEANUT ISLAND BEACH PARTY & SNORKELING discover.pbcgov.org/parks/Locations/Peanut-Island.aspx PEANUT ISLAND W ATER T AXI 200 E. 13th St., Riviera Beach, FL Sunday, July 23, 2017 Sunday, August 27, 2017 11:00 a.m. 3:00 p.m. BLAST women, their kids, and female friends are invited for a day of picnicking, swimming, and snorkeling on Peanut Island (weather permitting.) Peanut Island Park is made up of 80 acres along the Intracoastal waterway, near the Lake Worth Inlet, in Riviera Beach. Reserved and limited camping is available in designated areas, a swimming area is guarded from 9:15 am 4:45 p.m., seven days a week from Memorial Day until Palm Beach County public schools start in August. For more information on this event email BLAST organizer Janis at janiskidder@gmail.com BLAST MIXER AT BENNYS ON THE BEACH bennysonthebeach.com 10 South Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth, FL Bennys: 561-582-9001 Thursday, August 10, 2017 starting at 5:30 p.m. This Meetup repeats on the 2nd Thursday of every 2 months Recurring dates are Oct. 12, Dec. 14, and Feb 8 Open since 1986, Bennys is located on the Lake Worth Pier. The front bar and open-air patio will be open to BLAST members and first-timers with access to the pier and beach. Beer and well drinks will be two-for-one all night, with a bar menu and full dinner menu also available and special pricing for women with BLAST name tags. Metered parking is available in the lot. For more information on this event, email BLAST organizer Susan at suslfl@aol.com BLAST Women team together for archery. Photo Credit: Toni Armstrong Jr., Facebook.

PAGE 31

7.19.2017 31

PAGE 32

32 7.19.2017 RACIAL JUSTICE and STRICTER GUN LAWS Jillian Melero Womens March Organers Rally for WE ARE NOT TRYING TO STOP GUN OWNERSHIP. WE ARE TRYING TO STOP THE VIOLENCE THAT COMES WITH IT.CARMEN PEREZAN ORGANIZER OF THE WOMENS MARCH ON WASHINGTONThey marched 17 miles in 105-degree heat, that later broke into a pouring storm, and 50 mph gusts of wind. But they rallied for two days. Womens March organizers led hundreds of demonstrators on a march from the headquarters of the National Rie Association to the Justice Department Friday, July 14 to protest what they called the gun lobbys disregard for the lives of people of color, the Washington Post reported. We are not trying to stop gun ownership, said Carmen Perez, an organizer of the Womens March on Washington, outside the NRA. We are trying to stop the violence that comes with it. The demonstration was a response to a one minute recruitment video released by the NRA last month that was criticized by some for provoking fear and inciting violence. NRA spokeswoman Dana Loesch narrates the video and comments that protest groups and demonstrators bully and terrorize the law-abiding until the only option left is for the police to do their jobs and stop the madness. Womens March Founder Tamika Mallory, wrote an open letter to NRA executive Vice President Wayne LaPierre, asking rst, that the video to be removed, second for an apology, and third that the NRA defend the rights of Philando Castile as a legal gun owner, and indict the police ocer who shot him. Philando Castile, a black man, was shot by police ocer Jeronimo Yanez during a trac stop after informing Yanez that he was in legal possession of a rearm. The NRA released a brief statement shortly after Castiles death that did not name him, and had indicated it would more fully address the police incident after the legal process but has yet to release another statement. The NRA has been criticized for remaining silent on the issue and accused of only defending white gun owners. In the NRAs mission statement on their website, they say that they are one of the oldest civil rights organizations, Mallory told the Hungton Post. If that is, in fact, the case, if that is the history that they want to claim, Philando Castile should be one of the rst people that they speak on behalf of. If youre following in the tradition of the civil rights movement, Philando Castile is an example of exactly what it means to defend the civil rights of a person who has been violated by this country. The NRA responded by releasing a second video saying the left needed to grow up and stop protesting. I believe that Philando Castile had a right to bear arms and a right to life, and that was brutally taken from him, said Sydney Stewart, a college student living in the District for the summer, the Post reported Thats why Im marching. The rst protest march from the NRA headquarters in Fairfax County was the start of a two-day rally. The second rally was held Saturday morning in front of the Justice Department. Protesters carried Black Lives Matter signs and chanted None of us are safe til all of us are safe Bob Bland, another organizer of the Womens March, told the Post the rally was meant to draw a connection between the NRA and the Justice Department, for failing to treat whites and minorities equally. Were marching to the DOJ because Je Sessions and the Department of Justices racist decisions over the years are putting people of color at direct impact, she said. This is all part of the revolving door between the gun industry and the halls of power in Washington. SOCIAL ISSUE Womens Rights Photo courtesy Womens March, Facebook.

PAGE 33

7.19.2017 33 1 July 19, 2017 www .WMGAZETTE.com Community Wilton Manors Gazette Wilton Manors Gazette WMG Volume 4 Issue 13 July 19, 2017 For a city thats known as a gay destination, Tom Rossetti said there should be much more public art. Its a gay community. It should be more artsy . Anything to make it look more cultural. Rossetti, owner of the Rossetti Fine Art gallery on Wilton Drive, said hed like to see city o cials do more to bring more public art here to make it feel more artsy. In an e ort to create more public art and encourage tourism, Wilton Manors is working on a photo spot at Jaycee Park. The goal is to create a space that people will want to take photos in front of and share on social media. But Rossetti and other Wilton Drive gallery owners arent waiting for the city to do something. Last week, a meeting of gallery owners and others was held to discuss the possibility of extending the Wilton Manors Arts & Entertainment Expo season, currently held January to March, to something held every month. The Expo is an event where restaurants and businesses along Wilton Drive and Dixie Highway host local artists who showcase their work. It was originally known as the Art Walk. Aster da Fonseca, owner of the da Fonseca Contemporanea gallery, said theres more interest in art here than some people might know. It doesnt seem like it but there are a lot of people interested in art. I think the neighborhood has the potential to have an art walk every month, said da Fonseca. Were trying to make Wilton Drive an art-related environment . to become community where one gallery can help another gallery. I could easily introduce [customers] to other galleries if I dont have something that ts their taste. He added that the Expo is good for the galleries as well as the bars and restaurants because it has the potential to bring more people to Wilton Drive. That is something that would bene t everybody. Were all here to make some money . but also I think its important to introduce new venues to people, have them meet artists that are local. There are so many here. More galleries is also something that the current gallery owners would like to see. The more galleries, the better, said Rossetti. More art and art galleries, is something Doug Blevins also favors. I think its a very, very important part of the future development of Wilton Drive. Right now, theyre overshadowed by the bars and restaurants, said Blevins, chair of Wilton Drive Gallery Owners Want Artsier Wilton ManorsBy Michael dOliveira I THINK ITS IMPORTANT TO INTRODUCE NEW VENUES TO PEOPLE, HAVE THEM MEET ARTISTS THAT ARE LOCAL.Aster da Fonseca the Wilton Drive Improvement District. He added that art is on an upswing in Wilton Manors. He pointed to the recent relocation of the South Florida Symphony Orchestra, from Downtown Fort Lauderdale to Wilton Drive, as an example of how the city is becoming more artistic and cultural. Gerard Delaney, executive director of the Broward Art Guild, said the citys art scene has developed greatly since it was reborn as a community with a large LGBT population. Theres a lot more galleries. Theres a sense of community and community support. I think Wilton Manors is coming into its own from that standpoint. And as more residential development occurs in and around the city, Delaney said it will increase the demand for art and possibly lead to more galleries. I always say that new homes have naked walls that need art. The newest gallery, Claudia Castillo Art Gallery, held its grand opening July 8. The owner, Claudia Castillo, said she chose Wilton Manors because she likes the diversity of the community. Maciel Cantelmo, co-owner of Gallery XO, said the city needs more than just an increase in the number of art galleries. It needs an art gallery that draws a lot of interest. Something with more oomph. WMG

PAGE 34

34 7.19.2017 2 July 19, 2017 NORM KENT NORM.KENT@SFGN.COM PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI JASON PARSLEY JASON.PARSLEY@SFGN.COM JILLIAN MELEROJILLIANMELERO@GMAIL.COM Editorial BRENDON LIES ARTWORK@SFGN.COM DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR BRITTANY FERRENDIWEBMASTER@SFGN.COM MICHAEL DOLIVEIRA Correspondents JAMES OAKSUN MIKE TROTTIER MIKE.TROTTIER@SFGN.COM JUSTIN WYSE JUSTIN.WYSE@SFGN.COM EDWIN NEIMANN EDWIN.NEIMANN@SFGN.COMTIM HIGGINSTIM.HIGGINS@SFGN.COMNATIONAL ADVERTISINGRIVENDELL MEDIA 212-242-6863SALES@RIVENDELLMEDIA.COM WMG South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word gay in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc. Associated Press MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER MEMBER Looking for the handsome gentleman playing darts at GYM Bar Well, I guess it might be best to leave it at that, cause our new city motto going forward will be, Whatever happens on The Drive, stays on The Drive! Looking back as I write this article, the unusual encounter should have been no surprise. All week I was struggling with a mood of unease, a type of restlessness that happens when some kind of major change is on the horizon. Its the type of change that is selfinduced, a necessary change to alter the present course, something is no longer working, no longer o ering a sense of ful llment or purpose. Its usually not just one item, but rather a whole slew of things coming to a combustible state swirling inside my head. Employment, volunteer positions, education, current a airs, home life, friends, nances, getting older, and so many other facets of my daily life fall out of sync and are in need of a major jolt to bring them all back into alignment. How big of a jolt or how life altering it may be is the big unknown in this equation. Adding to this combustible mix was an upcoming week of dental work and city budget meetings. Wow, I made it through in pretty good shape, avoiding the train wreck that could have derailed with such dreadful items as a root canal, taxes, milage rates, and throbbing pain. After such a week, I should have been found numbing it all away with a gin-induced state of inebriation. Luckily, it ended with a wonderful encounter, a new interest in darts, and perhaps just a bit light headiness brought on by some very large shots of Herradura. Amazingly, the dreaded dental work was completed without the slightest pain, except for the bill, and the annual budget review process was equally painless. Members of the Wilton Manors Budget Review Committee gather for a week in July for what seems like round-the-clock meetings to review the citys proposed budget for the upcoming scal year and then delivers a report to the Mayor and City Commissioners. Having had the pleasure of serving on this committee for the past ve years, my apprehension for the usual battles over sta ng, wages, funding, expenditures, and capital expenses was high. To my delight and relief they did not materialize this year, just like the anticipated grief over my dental work. Perhaps the swirling spiritual powers that are kicking up dust this week are not only a ecting me, but are part of a much larger picture, altering the usual processes and expected norms. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson, Finance Director Bob Mays, and their sta s presented a proposed budget for FY 17-18 that represents a sound scal instrument guiding our municipal government forward. In years past, many of the various department heads wish lists, usually with hefty price tags, where included within the proposed budget, only to be trimmed out through the review process, sometimes with much drama and e ort. This year, our elected o cials made a strong statement early in the budget process, during the Goals and Objectives Workshops, that there should be no growth in city sta ng, that bene ts needed to be curtailed, and that leaner times are on the horizon. City management listened and delivered a proposed budget to our committee that does just that with no additional full-time sta ng, modest wage increases for our dedicated city sta and very little work for our committee. There will be some discussion and changes made by our City Commission as the process moves forward, but I would be very surprised if much gets changed this time around. Our Police Department heads the list as the department with the largest slice of the pie, followed by Leisure Services. Public safety comes at a high price for all cities, especially lately with the need for additional safety measures, extensive training, and more administrative costs. Wilton Manors can take pride in the great work done by our Police Department. We can also take pride in our wonderful parks, recreational facilities, and programs that Leisure Services delivers for all residents to enjoy. Our city has made a rm commitment to making sure that public safety and quality of life are top priorities here in Wilton Manors. Budgets o er road maps moving forward for the next scal year. Covering our expenses today, planning for the future, and stashing away a rainy day fund for those unknown bumps in the road, such as unexpected dental bills, are all part of the process. Balancing those factors along with interests of city sta its residents, and elected o cials is not an easy task. Nobody knows exactly what lies ahead, but our city government is making some pretty darn good choices to steer us in the right direction. Those wise choices, along with unexpected encounters, are what makes life just better here WMG Opinion Missed Connections M4MBy Sal Torre www .WMGAZETTE.com

PAGE 35

7.19.2017 35 3 July 19, 2017 Business By Michael dOliveira Last year, the Wilton Manors Commission approved zoning restrictions for medical marijuana dispensaries in anticipation of their legalization. No dispensaries are currently located in the city but, if and when they do open, o cials want to ensure they are limited to certain businesses districts. These are coming and you need to zone them before you cant control where theyre located, said Mayor Gary Resnick last year. As part of the citys regulations, no dispensary can be within 1,000 feet of a school, day care center, house of worship, licensed rehabilitation facility, or another dispensary. But the law passed by the state legislature dictates that if local governments dont ban dispensaries they must zone and regulate them the same as pharmacies. At the July 11 meeting, commissioners did not talk much about how they wanted to respond to the new development by the legislature. But, in the past, commissioners have expressed a desire to have dispensaries in the city in order to give residents access to medical marijuana and the bene ts that come along with it, which includes the treatment of glaucoma, restoring the appetite of patients on chemotherapy, and the reduction of seizures in some individuals. City Attorney Kerry Ezrol asked commissioners for more time to come up with an advisory opinion as to how they should proceed. Ive been struggling with this issue. Id rather wait to gure out a legal opinion, Ezrol said. The dispensary issue is the latest in the citys recent move to adopt a more accepting policy towards marijuana. At the end of 2015, the commission adopted a policy of decriminalizing marijuana use by creating a civil citation program. Instead of being arrested, individuals found with less than 20 grams of marijuana are given citations. The rst o ense results in a $100 ne. Second-time o enders are given a ne of $250 and $500 for a third. In addition to the ne, a third o ense results in the o ender going through a mandatory substance abuse assessment. At the time the citation program was approved, Resnick said it was partly done to ensure individuals dont have their lives ruined by being caught in possession of a minor amount of marijuana. Something very, very minor ruins lives, he said. Commissioner Julie Carson said the citation program would allow police to spend less time arresting o enders and focus on more serious issues. And although no dispensary has opened yet, Green Health Marijuana Doctors, located 1749 NE 26 St., opened in March. No marijuana is provided on premises but doctors there do prescribe medical marijuana. WMGCity Will Revisit Medical Marijuana Zoning THESE ARE COMING AND YOU NEED TO ZONE THEM BEFORE YOU CANT CONTROL WHERE THEYRE LOCATED.Gary ResnickMAYOR OF WILTON MANORS

PAGE 36

36 7.19.2017 4 July 19, 2017 CommunityBy Michael dOliveira When police o cers show up to a party, its usually not something the host had in mind. But on National Night Out, police attendance is the whole purpose. On Tuesday, Aug. 1, multiple homeowners throughout the city will host National Night Out parties. Its an event organized to bring residents and police o cers together with the hope that the two groups will communicate more and work more closely together to help prevent crime and improve neighborhood safety. Nationally, its the 34th Annual National Night Out Crime and Drug Prevention. WMPD Chief Paul OConnell said the gatherings are all in the name of taking care of each other like a village. National Night returns as the WMPD recently-announced a 3 percent drop in crime from 2015 to 2016. Its a drop OConnell credited to his department and its relationship with the community. In 2015 our crime rate reached a 20year low. This year we are pleased to report another decrease, which is undeniably due to the brave work of the Wilton Manors Police Department in partnership with our community of residents, visitors and business owners who remain committed to keeping the city as safe as possible for all to enjoy. So far, the Wilton Manors Police Department [WMPD] has announced three National Night Out parties on its website wiltonmanors.com/305/national-nightout. One of the parties will be hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors from 6 to 8 p.m. at its clubhouse, 2749 NE 14 Ave. Kiwanis members will be serving hot dogs, hamburgers, and refreshments to guests, and invite anyone who comes to bring a dish if they choose. Well, weve done it for a few years now, said Joe Gallegos, president-elect of Kiwanis and former Wilton Manors city manager. Gallegos said that Kiwanis already supports the police department by providing a plaque and gift card to the o cer of the quarter and o cer of the year. Were a community-based organization that focuses on children and neighborhood safety. Its a natural for us [to host] because we do have a clubhouse. He added that there will be plenty of tables and chairs at Kiwanis for police o cers and residents to sit next to each other and interact. Which is really one of the key elements of National Night Out. But Kiwanis and the other party sites listed on the WMPD website dont have to be the end of the list. Other residents are encouraged to host a National Night Out party. To sign up, email jbickhardt@wmpd. org or call 954-390-2150. Resident Betty Winslow is one of the organizers and biggest advocate of National Night Out. After volunteering 14 years with the Wilton Manors Police Department, one of my favorite things to do is helping with National Night Out. I have met so many wonderful people who are committed to their community by hosting a NNO block party. If there is one in your neighborhood, stop by, bring your lawn chair, a dish to share, meet new people and meet the member of the WMPD. Let the bad guys know we do not want them in our neighborhood. I look forward to meeting you on Aug. 1. WMGWilton Manors to Party with Police for National Night Out Courtesy WMPD.

PAGE 37

7.19.2017 37 www .WMGAZETTE.com BusinessTo Neon Or Not?Confusion over proposed neon sign regulations caused commissioners to delay the vote to implement them. At their July 11 meeting, commissioners discussed the neon sign regulations. Currently, neon signs are prohibited by the citys code but o cials and business owners agree they should be allowed. Its an issue the commission has been discussing since at least June of 2016. Commissioners postponed a vote in December. Mayor Gary Resnick even joked about how long its taken the city. Despite the current ban, business owners already use neon signs as advertising but city o cials have not enforced the regulations. In the past, commissioners have cited wanting to be business-friendly as a reason for not strictly enforcing city regulations. Business owner Nick Berry told commissioners last year that neon signs were necessary to having a successful business. At the July 11 meeting, Vice Mayor Justin Flippen said he wants changes to the sign code to be least burdensome on business but still restrictive. Under the proposed regulations, owners would be limited to 1 illuminated sign every 10 feet of frontage. Each sign would be limited to a maximum size of 4 square feet, with a maximum of 4 signs per businesses. The confusion came over whether frontage included windows. Its not clear enough. Im not sure if it should be contiguous or not. My understanding was [the ordinance meant] linear feet of window, said Commissioner Julie Carson. It should just be frontage, said Commissioner Scott Newton. It sounds to me like there is some lack of clarity, said City Attorney Kerry Ezrol. After discussing, commissioners decided to give city sta members more time to tweak the language. The one thing we got out of this back and forth is we dont understand what each other mean, Resnick said. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said city sta would provide commissioners with pictures of various storefronts to help them decide how to regulate neon signs. The businesses in our city, there is such a wide di erentiation [of storefront designs], she said. Commissioners will vote on the neon sign regulations but they will also vote separately on an overhaul of other sections of the sign code in October. Ezrol said the sign code was being looked at for consistency. We dont need to repeal everything. Flippen said he would rather vote on changes to the entire sign code all at once. I dont like piecemealing sections of the code. WMG By Michael dOliveira Commissioners continue to debate sign regulations 5 July 19, 2017

PAGE 38

38 7.19.2017 6 July 19, 2017 Ar o und T o wnBy Michael dOliveira Check out whats happening CommunityAndrews Avenue Bridge ResurfacingThe resurfacing of the bridge on the south end of Andrews Avenue, between Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale, is expected to be completed by Aug. 18. All major roadway work will be completed during non-peak hours. WMG CommunityMichael dOliveiraWilton Manors free Wilton Drive shuttle service will be expanded and made permanent. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson announced the expansion at the July 11 commission meeting and said that the hours for Friday and Saturday nights would be expanded. Originally launched in March, the shuttle, which travels up and down Wilton Drive, was operated as part of a 90-day pilot program to test public response and see if there was enough ridership potential to make it a permanent program. It was initiated as a way to help alleviate some of the parking problems along Wilton Drive. Those who cant nd parking spaces at the city parking lots at the south end of Wilton Drive can park at the north end of the street and take the shuttle to where they want to go. Henderson said ridership has grown and city o cials decided to keep the shuttle in operation. Currently, the shuttle operates from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursdays to Sundays. On social media, some commentators said the hours were insu cient. Doesnt stay out late enough, wrote Graham Brunk. The shuttle is funded by the city but o cials are looking to the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization [MPO] to get grants to help pay for it. Henderson said those grant requests would be addressed with the MPO at an upcoming meeting. Other changes could be to the shuttle itself. Commissioner Scott Newton said he talked to some residents about the shuttle who said that some seniors had trouble getting into the vehicle. Older people have a di cult time. He suggested that the city should possibly get another type of shuttle. The shuttle has eight stops City Hall/ Hagen Park parking lot, the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, behind the 2309 N. Dixie Hwy. parking lot at 2216 NE 11 Ave., Northeast 9 Avenue and Wilton Drive, the Northeast 8 Terrace parking lot, Northeast 7 Avenue and Wilton Drive, Northeast 22 Street and Wilton Drive, and Richardson Park. WMG Wilton Drive Shuttle MapCity Hall Commission Chambers2020 Wilton DriveBus Stop @ Shoppes of Wilton Manors2276 Wilton Drive2216 NE 11th Avenue Back Entrance to 2309 Dixie Hwy 9th Avenue & Wilton Drive 2400 Wilton Drive/2400 NE 9th Avenue NE 8th Terrace Parking Lot 2524 NE 8th Terrace 7th Avenue & Wilton Drive 2295 Wilton Drive/2403 NE 7th Avenue NE 22nd St & Wilton Drive Zig Zag Bldg 2201 Wilton Drive/575 NE 22nd Street Richardson Park 1970 Wilton Drive 1 2 8 3 4 5 6 7Park & Shuttle From ese Stops 2 4 6 7 8 1 5 Parking Lot Shuttle Stop 3 www .WMGAZETTE.com Mickel now has free WiFiMickel Park is the rst public park in Wilton Manors to have free outdoor WiFi access. City o cials plan to add free WiFi to all the citys parks. The next park scheduled to get WiFi is Island City Park Preserve. Our plan is to continue to upgrade one park each year, wrote City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson in an email. WMG Commission Meeting CancelledThe Aug. 8 Wilton Manors Commission meeting has been cancelled. Commissioners will meet on Aug. 22. WMG Buddha Bash Summer Concert SeriesTonight, July 19, Slow Coast, a Miami-based Blues, Jazz and Rock n Roll band, will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. at Funky Buddha Brewery, 1201 NE 38th St., Oakland Park. The Takers and Leavers, a Fort Lauderdale-based alternative rock and indie band, will perform on July 26. Both performances are free and part of the Buddha Bash Summer Concert Series.. WMGMeeting Tonight to Discuss Block Grant ProgramA special meeting will be held at 6 p.m. tonight, July 19, in the Hagen Park Community Center, 2020 Wilton Drive, to discuss how the city should spend $65,000 in Community Development Block Grant Program money. Residents are encouraged to attend and provide ideas. The money can be spent on capital projects to improve the Highland Estates and the west side of Andrews Avenue south of the Middle River. WMGWilton Drive Shuttle To Continue But does it end too early?

PAGE 39

7.19.2017 39 SPEAKUT SFGN Staff SFGNs Speak OUT is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders.This week I asked the SFGN Speak OUT list to comment on a recent story in SFGN Local Log Cabin Repubs Praise Trump; Blast Pride where Vincent Foster, president of the Miami-Dade Log Cabin Republicans, said Pride Month events were just acts and overt displays of sexual indulgence with people tossing condoms and lube out and men in assless chaps. Foster added, Its debauchery. It really makes our community look terrible. I dont think that its signi cant at all that President Trump did not recognize Pride Month. As a gay conservative, I think Pride does more damage to our community than anything positive. It does nothing to promote our rights. Visit SFGN.com/SpeakOut to see more of this weeks responses. Send an Email to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com if you know of a LGBT community leader that should be or wants to be a part of this list. SPEAKUT I dont like debauchery either, but if celebrates our feeling of freedom and pride, what the hell do it. And if anything is called debauchery let the Log Cabin Republicans take a look at the debauchery of their president and the people he has chosen to work with Ruth Berman, LGBT activist Where do you even start with these people? Are they even still a thing? I can honestly say I havent heard anything about them in a couple of years which has been ideal. I hope we can restart that clock again. David Jobin, Executive Director of Our Fund COLUMN speak out Vincent Foster needs to come out of the closet and do a reality check. PrideFest is a time of celebration, a family reunion of sorts, and a festival that raises awareness for our youth, our seniors, and everyone in between. This year after Palm Beach Pride, Compass reigned in over 400 HIV tests, received an influx of about 80 new LGBT youth and 50-60 new LGBT elders that came into the center for services through our programs. Together at Pride festivals here and around the country, we can plug into the energy of the larger community and reenergize ourselves knowing that we are a part of the movement. Julie Seaver, COO of Compass The basic rights achieved by LGBTQ people have been hard fought for. While folx like Vincent Foster seem to know less about his own community then he does about what they part take in. The narrow minded analysis leads one to believe that hes maybe never even ventured out into the LGBTQ Community. Gabriel Garcia-Vera, Community Activist/ OrganizerBelow are some of their answers:

PAGE 40

40 7.19.2017 J.R. Davis POVERELLO CELEBRATES 30 YEARS On June 12, Poverello hosted an open house to celebrate its success since its doors opened 30 years ago. In that time, millions have been fed, clothed, and countless donations have been made to charities across Florida. T o see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook. PHOTOS localA Look Back...Below: Thomas Pietrogallo, CEO of Poverello (center) next to Kevin Clevenger, event manager (right). Above: A memorial for Father Bill, the founder of Poverello.

PAGE 41

7.19.2017 41 LIFESTYLE books Last year was a particularly rough one.Every time you open a newspaper or turned on the computer or TV, it seemed as though someone a Hollywood actor, singer, or stage performer you liked had died. Even now, whether it was six months, a year or, as in Somebody to Love by Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne, more than a decade, you still miss them. Farrokh Bulsara was born in India in the fall of 1946 to Parsee followers of the prophet Zoroaster, facts he tried to hide it as a young man. For reasons he didnt belabor, Bulsara claimed that he was Persian and seldom discussed his relatively privileged childhood. He even changed his name to Freddie. Known as a shy boy and famously ashamed of his prominent front teeth, Freddie was nevertheless so in love with music that he helped form his rst band in 1958, in part to impress the girls. As soon as he was old enough, he moved to London, where he became a hanger-on for two popular local bands, one of which eventually hired him as a lead singer. Freddie, say the authors, loved to put on a show. At around this time, he also fell deeply in love with a woman, though he was struggling to come to terms with whether he was straight, gay or bisexual. Indeed, despite social mores and legalities of the time, he was also undoubtedly sleeping with men, but he had no intention of coming out even if in truth he had felt able to. By mid-1970, Freddie changed his surname, while his latest band changed its name to Queen; both began attracting attention in the U.K. Meanwhile, Mercury fell in love with someone whom he considered his common-law wife. She, too, seemed to have no idea that he slept with men, which might not have mattered much anyhow: Mercury had led a hedonistic life for years and that was just Freddie being Freddie. But then, possibly some time in 1982, he was infected with the HIV virus At nearly 400 pages, sans notes, Somebody to Love is one of those books that might have been enhanced by being shortened by a third. Authors Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne did an exhaustive job with the biography of Queen front man, Freddie Mercury, but thats not all: this is also a surprising biography of the AIDS epidemic, beginning more than a century ago. Thats often imagined, since exact circumstances are unknown but, while it makes for an fascinating tale, it stretches too slowly, gets too breathy, and loses its punch. Even Mercurys career seemed a mess here; readers get names and dates in a bouncearound narrative on a story-loop. Theres merit in this book early sections on the beginning of AIDS and the beginning and end of Mercurys life are all stellar but much of the middle part is pretty ho-hum. In the end, for fans, Somebody to Love may still be worth a try. Others may nd this book to be a rough one. SOMEBODY TO LOVETHE LIFE, DEATH AND LEGACY OF FREDDIE MERCURY Terri Schlichenmeyer by Matt Richards & Mark Langthorne c.2016, Weldon Owen $24.95 / $33.95 Canada 440 pages

PAGE 42

42 7.19.2017 Rick Karlin DOIN A BACKFLIP FOR SUMMERPlunge Beach Hotel recently opened at the north end of El Mar Dr. in Lauderdale-ByThe-Sea and the Back ip Beach Bar & Kitchen is already becoming a favorite among locals. It is perhaps the ultimate laid-back beach bar, serving local brews and rum-fueled cocktails that would make Hemingway smile. Its fresh juice-infused drinks have just the right amount of kick (many of which can also be ordered sans alcohol). Check out the Sharkbait; vodka with raspberry puree and ginger beer, the Tweet Me Ishmael with coconut rum and mango puree or an Aperol Fizz.As you sit back and listen to the waves, dig into one of the six versions of street tacos, a salad, burger or a big basket of the fried yucca planks with queso dipping sauce. The sh of the day was grouper on our visit and in the pair of tacos, served in a choice of our or corn tortillas, perfectly grilled sh was topped with a bit of fresh slaw salsa and lime on the side. The pork belly version was a tad less successful. The pork, cut too thickly, was a bit tough and rubbery. Grilled chicken, steak or a cauli ower and chickpea versions are other options. The signature burger featured two perfectly prepared patties layered with cheese and bacon and topped with pico de gallo. Yum! There are also a spicy chicken, steak or a catch of the day sandwiches if youre looking for something lighter, try one of the three salad options. Best of all the price point is quite reasonable, cocktails are around ten bucks, the menu items all less than $20. Back ip is open 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. If you prefer to watch the sun come up, the hotels co ee shop, Bean & Barnacle, opens at 6:30 a.m. and serves fresh-brewed Wells co ee, pastries and breakfast sandwiches. In the afternoon, they switch to sandwiches and other savory selections. If your sweet tooth strikes, they o er a selection of gelato, candy and other sweet treats! The casual fullservice restaurant, Octopus, is set to open later this summer. Back ip will host the kick-off party for The sixth annual Bug-Fest-By-The-Sea, which celebrates hunting season for Florida lobster, on Tuesday, July 25 at 7 p.m. For more information go to bugfestbythesea.com.BACKFLIP BEACH BAR & KITCHEN AT THE PLUNGE HOTEL4660 El Mar Dr. Lauderdale By The Sea 754-312-5775 PlungeBeachHotel.com LIFESTYLE foodCourtesy Back ip Beach Bar & Kitchen.Check out these must haves Avant is set to open in August in downtown Delray at 25 NE. Second Ave. The new restaurant takes its inspiration from the guerrilla public art movement that took place in lower Manhattan during the early 1980s. Avant will not feature pictures of food spray-painted on to your plate, as the artists of the time would have done, but will o er a globally-inspired menu of small plates, large plates, shared plates and house-made deserts, along with creative cocktails, beers and wine. Prices will range from $6 $30. For more information call 561-921-8687 or visit Society8.com.Brooklyn Water Bagel has added a Reuben sandwich and a Caesar salad to its lunch menu. The Reuben ($8.99) is made with corned beef, Swiss cheese and sauerkraut on light rye bread with a choice of spicy mustard or thousand island dressing. The Caesar salad ($6.99) is made with romaine and grated asiago cheese and topped with Caesar dressing and Brooklyn Water Bagel croutons. Until July 31, guests who purchase a Reuben or Caesar will receive a free regular size co ee or signature iced co ee with co ee ice cubes. Juniors in Boca Ratons Mizner Park has added The New Yorker, a Gothamsized milkshake/cheesecake mash-up to its permanent menu. The dessert is a strawberry shake rimmed with vanilla frosting and graham crackers and topped with an entire slice of strawberry cheesecake and whipped cream. The shareable shake is available for $15.95. For more information, call 561-672-7301 or visit JuniorsCheeseCake.com.SuViche will celebrate Peruvian heritage from July 23-30 with food and drink specials in honor of National Pisco Day and Peruvian Independence Day. The festivities kick-o on Sunday, July 23 (National Pisco Day) with buy one, get one free deals on pisco sours and chilcanos at the Las Olas and Wynwood locations. Both locations will also feature live music. The restaurants will also o er a special Peruvian tiradito for Peruvian Independence Day (July 28). A tiradito is made with raw sh served sashimi-style, served chilled in a spicy sauce. SuViches special Peruvian Flag tiradito is prepared with wild-caught white sh topped with a crema de rocoto, signature sauce, garnished with cilantro and fresh Peruvian corn. Visit www. suviche.com or call 954-656-3663.Smith & Wollensky is celebrating summer with the return of a wine and appetizer pairing special. The summertime o ering showcases wines by The Calling along with two of Smith & Wollenskys most popular starters. Available through the end of August, diners will be o ered complimentary rib-eye carpaccio or tuna tartare for every two glasses of The Callings Dutton Ranch Chardonnay or Russian River Valley Pinot Noir ordered. OTHER NEWS TO FLIP OVER

PAGE 43

7.19.2017 43

PAGE 44

44 7.19.2017 FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 20 JULY 25, 201 7 WWW.SFGN.COMSFGN ITES J.W. Arnoldjw@prdconline.com Courtesy Empire Stage. Every Monday through Aug. 28, the Theatre League of South Floridas Summer Theatre Fest presents staged readings of new plays at local theaters. Tonight, Outre Theatre Co. performs Bob Linds The Big Island at 7:30 p.m. Dont miss this opportunity to see a new work in progress. Many of the plays featured in the Summer Theatre Fest receive professional productions at professional regional theaters. Info at SouthFloridaTheatre.com. SAT 7/22 THEATERDont miss the world premiere production of Impressions by Michael Leeds at the Abyss Theatre, 2304 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, through Aug. 6. Leeds, a multiple Carbonell Award winner, literally brings art to life in this series of vignettes inspired by the famous paintings by Impressionist masters Degas, Monet and Renoir and starring three of South Floridas most accomplished actresses. Tickets at PigsDoFlyProductions.com.FESTIVAL Fathom Events broadcasts the Britains National Theater production of Tony Kushners powerful AIDS-era play, Angels in America: A Gay Fantasia on National Themes, Part One: Millennium at theaters across the country tonight at 7 p.m. Nathan Lane, Andrew Garfield James McArdle and Russell Tovey star. Part Two: Perestroika will be screened in theaters next Thursday, July 27. For tickets, go to FathomEvents.com. THU 7/20 THEATERIf youve already seen Wonder Woman, Despicable Me 3 and War for the Planet of the Apes, then escape the summer heat at the local Cineplex tonight and check out the summers latest sci-fi blockbuster, Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planters, from director Luc Besson (The Fifth Element, Lucy). Once again, the future of the human race is threatened in this imaginative, effects-laden epic. Check local listings for theaters and showtimes. SUN 7/23 FILM FRI 7/21 FILMIts summer and thousands of New York City gays make the routine weekend trek to Fire Island to escape the heat. The World AIDS Museum, 1201 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors, presents a screening of When Ocean Meets Sky, a colorful documentary about the Fire Island Pines from its founding 65 years ago through the height of the AIDS crisis and to the present. Screening is free, but $5 donation appreciated. Info at WorldAIDSMuseum.org.THEATERDrink up! The Palm Beach Summer Beer Fest is being held today at the South Florida Fairgrounds, 9067 Southern Blvd. in West Palm Beach. Enjoy finely fermented beverages from nearly 40 local breweries at two sessions, 12 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 9 p.m. Also, sample craft donuts and ice creams and dance to the silent disco. Tickets are $45 general admission, $75 V.I.P. and $10 for designated drivers at PalmBeachSummerBeerFest.com. MON 7/24 TUE 7/25 Fifty Shades of Felt, a hilarious puppet parody of a certain mommy porn novel and lm, opens tonight at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale, and runs through Aug. 20. Warning: Contains puppet nudity and sexual situations. Seriously, youre not on Sesame Street or even Avenue Q, because theyre kinky, too. The play is sure to be a hit with both straight and gay audiences. Tickets are $35 at RonnieLarsen.com. THEATER Thursday 7/20 Get Felt Up at Empire Stage

PAGE 45

7.19.2017 45

PAGE 46

46 7.19.2017 Facebook.com/getoutsouthfloridaFor more information e-mail: TomH@GetOutSouthFlorida.com activate our diverse community LGBT Radio & PodcastsSaturday 7PM-8PM on 850AM WFTLStreaming live on www.850WFTL.com, or by downloading the 850 WFTL mobile app entertainmentHosted by Tom Hantzarides with commentary and insight Dana Munson visit: www.sota.org 954.335.7002Music of Mendelssohn, Vivaldi, Ravel, Vaughan Williams, Piazzolla and more! Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater Fort Lauderdale Boca Raton 2-CONCERT SATURDAY SERIES SUBSCRIPTION starts at $30 per person The Italian Cultural Society of the Palm Beaches ~ Mission ~ to preserve and promote Italian culture through education, art and music2015 Woman of the Year Senator Maria Lorts Sachs For her dedicated mission to preserve Italian Culture in the State of Florida. Il Circolos 39th Annual Gala March 8, 2015 The Breakers Hotel, Palm Beach For details on the Annual Gala and all other Il Circolo Events, visit IlCircoloPalmBeach.org JAMES LAIRDDRIAL FOUNDATION Pompano Beach Cultural Center 954.545.7800 | www.ccpompano.org Big budget sequels are a given for superhero franchises like Spider Man, Iron Man and Superman, but the worlds rst out gay superhero, Surge, is nally returning to the big screen after a 13year hiatus. Audiences at Florida Supercon will get a look at the nal version of Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel on July 29 at 1:30 p.m. Surge, a mild-mannered attorney who gains superpowers to ght homophobia and bullying, is the creation of Vincent J. Roth. Roth, also a corporate attorney by day and cosplay fan, wrote, produced and starred in both indie lms. I grew up with the Super Friends on Saturday morning cartoons and loved (superheroes), recalled Roth. For myself, as a boy, not even pre-gay, I hadnt developed a gay identity. Theres an escapism (to superheroes): the ugly duckling to beautiful swan thing, an ordinary person transforming into the extraordinary, colorful costumes, champions standing up for the underdogs. Thats why people get enamored with them, theres someone looking out for you. The rst lm, completed in 2004 and featured on the festival circuit, received a limited national distribution (including a run at the Classic Gateway Theatre in Fort Lauderdale in 2006). Surge quickly became a cult favorite for its celebrity cameos. Its become part of our shtick, explained Roth. With the rst lm, it was a spoof with the campy avor of the old Adam West Batman TV show. He would have some miscellaneous celebrities pop in and we did that with Surge. Nichelle Nichols (Star Trek), Lou Ferrigno (The Incredible Hulk) and Noel Neill (Lois Lane, The Adventures of Superman) were among the 20 stars to appear and, when Roth approached them to return for the sequel, they were quick to recruit their friends. Revenge of the Sequel boasts 50 celebrity cameos, including Jack Larson (Jimmy Olsen, The Adventures of Superman), Linda Blair (The Exorcist), Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers), Robert Picardo (Star Trek: Voyager), comedian Bruce Vilanch and Las Vegas female impersonator and producer Frank Marino. Work on the sequel began in 2008, but life got in the way, said Roth. He began lming scenes in bits and starts before production rebooted three years ago. After several focus groups and public screeningsand subsequent tweaksthe nal version of the lm is headed to Fort Lauderdale. The movie industry friends who advised Roth every superhero lm should have a sequel have already been encouraging him to make Surge a trilogy and hes certainly kept that possibility open in the script. Hes also developing Big City Chronicles, an internet variety show o ering fans short webisodes, behind-the-scenes documentaries and cast interviews. Its a way to keep fans engaged during those in-between times, he said, while he negotiates a commercial distribution deal for the sequel. My hope is to expand the (Surge) world even further. SURGE OF POWER: REVENGE OF THE SEQUEL WILL BE SCREENED ON SATURDAY, JULY 29 AT 1:30 P.M. AT FLORIDA SUPERCON, JULY 27 30 AT THE BROWARD COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER, 1950 EISENHOWER AVE. IN FORT LAUDERDALE.For a schedule and tickets, go to FloridaSupercon.com. For more information about the lm, visit SurgeOfPower.org. A&E lm Vincent J. Roth, center, stars as the rst gay superhero in Surge of Power: Revenge of the Sequel, an indie lm screening at Florida Supercon on July 29. Photo Courtesy Florida Supercon.FIRST BIG SCREEN GAY SUPERHERO COMES TO FLORIDA SUPERCON IN SEQUEL J.W. Arnold

PAGE 47

7.19.2017 47 J.W. Arnold Its been 40 years since the Village People began their meteoric rise up the disco charts, ultimately earning a permanent place in American pop culture history. Randy Jones was the cowboy in the colorful group that included singers dressed as a biker, construction worker, American Indian, soldier and cop. Together, they recorded chart-topping hits Macho Man, Go West, In the Navy and, of course, Y.M.C.A., songs that remain popular with gay and straight audiences alike. Jones will sing many of the bands iconic hits, along with tracks from his solo albums, and greet fans at Florida Supercon, July 27 30 at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale. I was the only person in the Village People who lived in the (Greenwich) Village, and I still do, said Jones in a telephone phone interview. He created the character of the cowboy, but it really wasnt acting, Jones said. The North Carolina native wore blue jeans and boots on the streets of New York City during the postStonewall era when many gay men began reclaiming the masculine image and dressing in leather, jeans and cut-o shirts. We didnt call it cosplay then, Jones chuckled, referencing the popularity of costumes and role-playing at comic and sciconventions such as Florida Supercon. Even though there was an intended gay subtext to their charactersnot all the band members were gaythe hints were often lost on fans in middle America. I dont want to say it was genius, but part of the well-crafted plan was that we appealed to these various audiences and they felt like we were representing them, Jones said. The American cowboy image is the most solid, dependable, most representative of America Everybody loves cowboys. I was raised on Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, Wagon Train. I realized the cowboy was the safest, most irresistible image. For three years during the height of the disco era, the Village People appeared on national television nearly once a week, performing for millions of fans across the country. The group also was featured on the covers of 6, Super Teen and Teen Beat magazines, alongside teen heartthrobs Shaun Cassidy and Rex Smith. Jones and his colleagues became overnight sensationsand inspired many secret crushes. Those magazines were intended for little girls, but Im telling you, the little gay boys read them, too, he said. Those were great days. There was an appeal of sexuality. We were young in our twenties, cute, had smiles and we were alive. Jones frequently meets gay fans who harbored those secret crushes. They tell him of the Village People posters that hung on their doors and some even got their hands on a playful, homoerotic Playgirl magazine spread. The singer would eventually perform theatrically on stage and record several solo albums, including Hard Times, which is available now on iTunes and other digital retailers. Hes appeared in lmhe particularly loves the horror genreand has a new book, Macho Man: The Disco Era and Gay Americas Coming Out. Looking back on his busy career, Jones said, I have no regrets and Ive never been bored a day in my life. I always have a calendar and a schedule and, if I nd myself with some time to myself, I adore using that time to write my thoughts or do things with myself. Ever since I was a child, Ive been able to entertain myself and I think thats helped me become an artist that can entertain other people. COWBOY REMINISCES ABOUT VILLAGE PEOPLE CAREER A&E musicThe original Village People cowboy, Randy Jones, will perform and greet fans at Florida Supercon. Randy Jones will appear at the Florida Supercon, July 27 30, at the Broward County Convention Center, 1950 Eisenhower Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. For a schedule and tickets, go to FloridaSupercon.com.

PAGE 48

48 7.19.2017 Christiana LillyCalendar@SFGN.com *DatebookTheaterTop Picks Top Picks July 20 to Aug. 20 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. A puppet parody of the erotic novels. Tickets $35. Call 954826-8790 or visit RonnieLarsen.com.July 21 to Aug. 13 at Main Street Players, 6766 Main Street in Miami Lakes. Three cousins come together after the death of their grandfather, a Holocaust survivor. Tickets $30. Call 305-558-3737 or visit MainStreetPlayers.com.Through July 23 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave. in Lake Worth. The musical adaptation of the lm chronicling Tony and his friends journey through the disco era. Tickets $23 to 38. Call 561-5866410 or visit LakeWorthPlayhouse. org.JULY 19 JULY 26 broward countyThrough July 23 at the BB&T Center, One Panther Parkway in Sunrise. The troupe returns to South Florida with their newest production, taking the audience into the world of an ecosystem that is greeted by a mysterious egg. Tickets $25 and up. Call 800745-3000 or visit TheBBTCenter.com.Through July 30 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. A stage adaptation of the famed novel by Orwell, taking place in a world under government surveillence and manipulation. Tickets $39 and up. Call 954839-9578 or visit CCPompano.org.July 20 to Aug. 20 at Andrews Living Arts, 23 NE Fifth St. in Fort Lauderdale. Eager to become a Broadway star, Chris Harder moves to New York City but nds himself in the gay porn industry. Tickets $35 to $45. Visit RonnieLarsen.com. Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com palm beach countyThrough July 22 at FAUs Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road in Boca Raton. Kate Hamill presents her play based on the Jane Austin novel. Tickets $25. Call 800-564-9539 or visit fauevents.com. Through Aug. 6 at Palm Beach Dramaworks, 201 Clematis St. in West Palm Beach. After being sent to Australia for a crime he did not commit, the barber Sweeney Todd returns home and kills his clients, determined to nally get to the judge who gave him the sentence. Tickets $67. Call 561.514.4042 or visit PalmBeachDramaworks.org.Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org. miami-dade county Through Aug. 6 at the Adrienne Arsht Center, in Miami. Slava Polunins clowns return to the center for a show lled with lots, and lots, of snow.Tickets $30 to $75. Call or visit ArshtCenter.org.Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com. Courtesy of Friday Night Sound Waves.

PAGE 49

7.19.2017 49

PAGE 50

50 7.19.2017 TOP PICKSBROWARD SUPPORT SERVICES DatebookCommunityChristiana LillyCalendar@SFGN.com Mondays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe Campus, 1480 SW Ninth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. A group for LGBT youth 13 to 21 to discuss gender, gender expression, binary systems, friendship, family and whatever else comes up! Free. Visit SunServeYouth.comTuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org. broward county July 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Learn driving safety strategies. You might get a discount on your car insurance for taking the class! Bring a lunch, drivers license, and AARP card. Cost $15 for AARP members, $20 for nonmembers. Call 954-943-0648 to register.July 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at G Bar, 2031 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Enjoy two-for-one drinks, appetizers, and networking with the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network. Visit GLLN. org. July 20 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The Newlywed Game and Dating Game to discuss HIV statuses, PrEP, safe sex, and more. Free. Call 954-463-9005, ext. 306 or email LRobertson@PrideCenterFlorida.org.Through Aug. 26 at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Support Broward County students and drop o school supplies or monetary donations at the center. All 954-463-9008, ext. 108 or email womenwithpride@pridecenter orida.org. Through Sept. 3 at the Stonewall National Museum Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. With more than 27,000 items in its collection, the museum has acquired rare and historic books from authors Oscar Wilde, Walt Whitman, Gertrude Stein, and more. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at July 20 at 7 to 9 p.m. at Stonewall National Museum Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. An exploration of how LGBT media and activists changed public opinion of the community. Suggested donation $5. Call 954-763-8565 or visit StonewallMuseum.org.Through Aug. 30 at The Box Gallery, 811 Belvedere Road in West Palm Beach. A look at the transition period of kitsch culture in South Florida from 1960 to 1990. Free. Call 786-521-1199 or visit TheBoxGallery.info.Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at South Beach AIDS Project, 1234 Washington Ave. Ste. 200 in Miami Beach. A support group for those who are HIV positive. Free. Call 305-535-4733, ext. 301 or email support@sobeaids.org. Non-Surgical Minimally Invasive No General AnesthesiaLIMITED TIME SPECIAL OFFERTREATMENT SPECIAL$4,900TREATMENT SPECIAL$8,500No Scalpels No Stitches Minimal Downtime Easy Financing LO RIA ME DIC AL RENOWNED COSMETIC SURGEON Dr. Victor Loriahas performed more than 3,000 of this revolutionary male enhancement procedure, currently only being performed at his medical centers. This minimally invasive penis enlargement procedure CALL FOR A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION MIAMI I NEW YORK Visit our website to see and hear what our clients are saying.www.LoriaMedical.com877-375-6742 I 877-DR-LORIA I info@loriamedical.com

PAGE 51

7.19.2017 51 JULY 19 JULY 26Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certi ed CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identi es as transgender. Free. Call 954-7656239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.Mondays at 6:30 p.m. at Kadampa Meditation Center, 241 W Prospect Road Ste. B in Fort Lauderdale. Start your week with relaxing meditation to center yourself. Free. Visit MeditateinFortLauderdale.org.Mondays 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. A weekly informal discussion group among gay men of all backgrounds. Contact John Beuscher at 954-319-4292 or email johnnybushwick@ aol.com. palm beach countyAug. 11 and Sept. 8 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. The summertime fete returns with sushi rolls, drumming by Fushu Daiko, tours, and more. Admission $15. Call 561-495-0233 or visit Morikami.org.Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.Mondays at 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get moving with a certi cated Zumba instructor for an infusion of exercise and dance moves. Donation of $5 or more. Call 561-324-1626 or visit CompassGLCC. com.Mondays at 6:15 p.m. at Lambda North, 18 S. J St. in Lake Worth. A support and discussion group for female recovering alcoholics. Visit LambdaNorth.net.Mondays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at MCC of the Palm Beaches, 4857 Northlake Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens. AA for the LGBT community. Free. Call 561-775-5900 or visit MCCPalmBeach.org. miami-dade countyMondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/ en/Visit/Dining.Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. at Jose Marti Park, 362 SW Fourth Ave. in Miami. Yogis 18 and older of all levels are invited to a practice lead by a certi ed instructor. Bring your own yoga mat, water, and towel. Free. Call 305-358-7550 or visit BayfrontParkMiami.com/Yoga.html.Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden, 2000 Convention Center Drive in Miami Beach. Hit the mat for an indoor yoga practice overlooking the garden. Tickets $10 Wednesdays, $15 Saturdays. Call 305-673-7256 or visit MBGarden.org.Saturdays from noon to 3 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. Come hang out with others for a movie, snacks, and discussion every Saturday. Visit TransSocial. org. key westTuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Aqua Key West, 711 Duval St. in Key West. Support your local artists and vote for your favorite! Bene ts Waterfront Playhouse. Call 305-294-0555 or visit AquaKeyWest.com. NORMKENT. COM 954.763.1900 THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA Lets BeBlunt. IF YOU NEED LEGAL HELP, WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. NORMKENT. COM 954.763.1900 THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA Lets BeBlunt. IF YOU NEED LEGAL HELP, WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. NORMKENT. COM 954.763.1900 THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA Lets BeBlunt. IF YOU NEED LEGAL HELP, WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP. WE CAN HELP.

PAGE 52

52 7.19.2017 Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 attorney a&e attorney attorney CALL US TO RESERVE SPACE! To claim your complimentary book go to: www.MarriageCounselingForMen.org/contact Complimentary copy ofSex Happens: The Gay Mans Guide to Creative Intimacyby Dr. Arlen Keith Leight For A Limited Time Only Hurry While Supplies Last Gay Mans Guide to counseling CALL US TO RESERVE SPACE! Retail Restaurant Landscape Individuals Doug Turner EA, CPB QuickBooks Advanced ProAdvisor bestbooksandtaxes.com rfr Best Books & Taxes, LLC 1881 NE 26th Street, Suite 202 Wilton Manors, FL 33305 A/R, A/P, Financials Monthly Reconciliations Quarterly Reviews Payroll Services Sales Tax Filings SAME DAY REPAIRS754-234-7551 Mention SFGN for25% Off First Repair We Fix Smart Phones in MINUTES DPF CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS ON SITE! 1000S OF ACCESSORIES

PAGE 53

7.19.2017 53 final arrangements SFGN.COM Taxes IRS Issues Accounting Bookkeeping Small Business AdvisingWERE HERE FOR ALL YOURFINANCIAL NEEDS 954-667-9829ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM 2435 North Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, FL 33305 handyman florist dental health CALL US TO RESER VE SPACE! financial services furniture CALL US TO RESER VE SPACE! CALL US TO RESER VE SPACE! professional services professional services financial services TWO GUYS PAWN FREE PHONE QUOTES!(954) 565-0727browardpawnshops.com3345A N. FEDERAL HWY. (US 1) OAKLAND PARK, FL 33306 (954) 565-0727

PAGE 54

54 7.19.2017 Business Directory To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 RealtorBrian@aol.com www.BrianFTL.comBrian S. Bedigian, P.A.954.205.5275Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 YearsHelping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, and Investors for over 18 years in South Florida. THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST!Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors & Oakland ParkREMODELED homes: Brian S. Bedigian, P.A. 954.205.5275 Your South Florida Specialist for Over 18 Years Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, for over 18 years THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS THE BEST SERVICE, THE BEST RESULTS SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST! SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST! Helping Buyers, Sellers, Renters, for over 18 years SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST! SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST! Realtor2 bedroom/2 bath condos Ocean/Intracoastal 3 bdroom/2 bath homesfrom $135,000from $300,000from $250,000 pest control real estate spirituality CALL US TO RESERVE SPACE! therapy The Parish of Sts. Francis and ClareWhere we welcome and appreciate diversity. 101 NE 3rd St Fort Lauderdale FL 33301 Mass Times: Saturday 5:00 PM Sunday 10:30 AM Ecumenical Catholic 954.731.8173www.stsfrancisandclare.org Taylor & TurnerPest and Termite Control, IncWilliam D. Turnertaylorandturner@yahoo.com 2520 North Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305954.630.2627 sports

PAGE 55

7.19.2017 55 Classified $ To place a Classified Ad, call Tim Higgins at 954.530.4970 or email at Tim.Higgins@sfgn.com piano painting pool service music lessons rentals wilton manors licensed massage real estate new construction handyman rentals fort lauderdale employment wanted electrician SFGN.COM opportunity rentals other SFGN.COM furnished housing