Florida Agenda

On December 18, the Sun-Sentinel reported that despite Florida’s laws banning same-sex marriage, many gay Florida couples are opting to get married in states that recognize their unions.

According to the report, the U.S Census Bureau estimates that out of a total 65,601 same-sex couples in Florida who cohabitate, 32% are self-identified as being married.

Same-sex couples in Florida continue to face numerous restrictions not experienced by heterosexual married partners. As the Sun-Sentinel notes, in the absence of legal standing and without specific written instructions to the contrary, it remains at the discretion of hospitals to decide if same-sex married partners can make decisions in life-and-death situations.

A number of municipalities, including Broward and Palm Beach counties, offer more benefits to same-sex couples who register as domestic partners. And state Sen. Eleanor Sobel, D-Hollywood, and Rep. Mark Pafford, D-West Palm Beach, have introduced domestic partnership legislation which would permit gay couples to enjoy some of the same benefits as straight married couples.

The Sun-Sentinel also reported on a recent Gallup poll which shows that 53% of Americans think same-sex marriage should be legal. That number represents a drastic shift in opinion from 1996, when two-thirds of Americans opposed legalizing same-sex marriages.

By Colleen Robb

Living with HIV can be challenging; discovering that you have cancer when you are HIV positive can be devastating. Henry Martinez, a resident of Wilton Manors for nearly fifteen years, has made it his mission to not only share his story and raise money for cancer research, but also to let the HIV positive community know that going through treatments in South Florida is not the best option.

After a visit to the University of California, San Francisco Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Henry discovered that his doctors in South Florida were simply not equipped or prepared to treat someone with cancer who is also HIV positive. The South Florida doctors were too aggressive with surgical procedures, negligent in his recovery process, and recommending treatments that Henry would probably not survive, due to his suppressed immune system.

Unfortunately, the discovery that Henry had received sub-standard medical care was made a little too late. Henry has already undergone several surgeries, one of which has left him without an anus, just an opening that allows him to not be dependent on a colostomy bag. The recovery process for this aggressive surgery nearly killed him.

The surgery left Henry with a gaping wound approximately four to five inches long, two inches deep and two inches wide on each internal butt cheek. After Henry returned home, his dressings needed to be changed at least seven times a day due to bleeding.

However, when Henry was discharged from the hospital, they arranged for a nurse to come to change his dressing just once a day.

They also failed to provide him with dietary instructions and, as a direct result, Henry suffered from many complications and a lot of unnecessary pain.

The only reason Henry was able to survive through the home care process was because his long-time friends flew from San Francisco to help. The nurse showed his friends how to change his dressing.

The results of the surgery were disappointing, but Henry’s doctor seemed pleased that only 30% of the skin graft remained intact.

Henry’s oncologist recommended chemotherapy and radiation as soon as his wound healed a bit more, and his doctors installed a port in his chest in preparation for treatment.

Prior to the chemotherapy and radiation, Henry flew home

to San Francisco where his sister arranged for him to meet with doctors at the UCSF Helen Diller Cancer Center. Upon review of his medical history, and physical examination, the doctor stated that chemotherapy and radiation would be too dangerous for Henry, given his HIV and current condition. The doctor recommended an additional procedure to widen the margins and laser the affected areas, as it was clear the last procedure in Florida was insufficient.

All those that know Henry appreciate his enthusiastic and child-like personality. Henry has worked as a hair stylist, dog-walker & dog-sitter, and has always had a creative flair. Henry has a difficult journey ahead of him, but is prepared to continue fighting the cancer.

Henry also wants to prevent others from suffering through the poor medical care he was given and is sharing his story so that others can be spared the pain he went through. He is hosting a fundraising event for the UCSF Cancer Center on Sunday, October 23rd at 7 p.m. at the Manor to raise both awareness about this issue and encourage others in the same situation to explore medical options outside South Florida.

For more information, please call 954-817-6600.

The numbers over the last year and a half paint a stark picture of South Florida’s real estate market, which bottomed out in October of 2009. As is inevitably the case, however, “what comes down must go back up.” Lower-end price point properties that sold for $40,000 to $50,000 last summer are now seeing healthy increases to $70,000 and $80,000.

I have been living is South Florida for over 20 years, and have been selling real estate for a dozen of those. It’s been a truism in real estate that once the bottom of the market starts climbing with price point increases, the middle and higher end markets will follow. What had been an anemic market has begun to show signs of life. Presently we have lowered our inventory of homes and condos to half of what they were from 2009. There are many Federal and local government programs that allow assistance and incentives to motivate people to buy.

One example is the “Home Path Program” that allows a consumer to buy a home with as little as 3%  down. On top of the assistance programs, we are also seeing historically low interest rates, hovering at just over 5%. The market has finally become affordable for many consumers. (By way of comparison, I remember when I bought my first home in Portland, Maine in the early 1980s, I paid 16.50%. To quote a familiar phrase, “We’ve come a long way, baby.”)

When we review this past season of sales, I am sure we will see that the “snow birds” took advantage of lower price points and amazing interest rates. It’s safe to say that most consumers would rather pay about half of what prices were just 6 years ago. With over 60 million “Baby Boomers” retiring, who wouldn’t want their own piece of the South Florida sunshine? My motto, “Your Life Partner In Real Estate” is more than a catch-phrase: it is a watch word of my business and the professional relationships I have developed through the years. Most of my clients have become my friends and I sincerely believe that finding someone a home is more than just selling a house. Put me to the test; you will be happy you did.

A native of Boston, Massachusetts. Robert Geary MacKilligan works with Galleria International Realty, on Fort Lauderdale’s Las Olas Blvd.

A Bank Certified Specialist, he works directly with Broward Country banks to help buyers own their piece of South Florida’s foreclosure inventory, as well as with investors from all over the world. MacKilligan also serves as sales director on a number of development projects, including locations in Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, and New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

MacKilligan has experience working with investors, contractors and building professions on projects from start to finish. Working with an international research statistical company, he follows real estate trends throughout the world, employing strategies that are invaluable when investors are looking to sell properties they own overseas.

Robert Geary MacKilligan, “Your Life Partner In Real Estate.” Cell: 954-234-8759 rgmsell@aol.com.

Making Your Own Fireworks

Summer is here: the humidity is high and the daytime temperatures are even higher.

With the July 4^th holiday this weekend, thoughts turn to barbeques and basking in the Florida sun, sipping on a Mai Tai by the pool and fireworks. If you’re not into heat, humidity and sunburn, you can turn indoors for additional things to do to celebrate your independence.

On Friday, June 2^nd at 11 p.m. at Georgie’s Alibi, there will be a CD release party for Enrique Iglesias’ new single, “I Like It” from his forthcoming album Euphoria which will be available on July 6^th. The party is being brought to you in part by the Alibi and their Billboard magazine reporter deejay, Barry Browder. On Sunday, July 4^th itself, the Alibi will be feature drink specials including a Jazz Brunch featuring the winner of this year’s 2010 Best Hamburger in Fort Lauderdale, “Burger Battle”.

You might want to walk across the street to Bill’s to celebrate your freedom on Friday July 2^nd when they present “Growl” featuring V.J. Barry Browder and their midnight sexy contest with a $100 cash prize. On Saturday, July 3^rd, Bills presents their “Freedom Dance” with V.J. Andy Ajar. $3 Long Island Iced Teas. A full-day of celebrating is planned for Sunday, July 4^th with $3 well/domestic and Bloody Marys from the time they open to 9 p.m. They will also have a Guilty T-Dance with complimentary  buffet at 5 p.m. and $3 Long Island Iced Teas from 9 p.m. to closing.

Indoor fireworks are what you will find at Boardwalk this weekend as they feature porn star, cover and fitness model Gavin Waters of PerfectGuys.com on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, July 2^nd, 3^rd and 4^th. There will be two live shows each night.

Cross over Federal Highway on Oakland Park Boulevard and spend some time at Cozmos and their “Million Dollar Male Review” which will feature their “Wings and Things Hot Body Contest” on Sunday, July 4^th which offers $300 in cash and prizes. The show starts at 11 p.m. They also have $10 domestic beer bucks and $10 Malibu buckets.

Cubby Hole will be holding an Independence Day Tea Party with $3 Long Island Iced Teas and a $10 beer bust from 5 p.m. to closing. They will also have a cookout benefiting the Tuesday’s Angels starting at 4 p.m. Donation is $5 and Jello shots are $1.

Join the dudes at Dudes on Sunday, July 4^th for a complimentary barbeque. Don’t miss Toni and Glorida as they sing live on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

The folks at Hombre in Oakland Park don’t plan on taking a holiday this weekend. For just $49 you can drink for 3 hours for 3days. They offer you your choice of draft, domestic bottled beer, well, call or wine on any of three nights (Friday, Saturday, Sunday or Monday) for any 3 hours after 9:30 p.m. (Some restrictions may apply.)

For more of a traditional Fourth of July, Peter Burke (Gay Tea Cruise) is holding a special Gay 4th of July Fireworks Cruise from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Includes free vodka drinks and snacks. BYOB is okay and mixers are included as is music and an hour of spectacular fireworks! $70 PP. Call Peter 954-649-1107. Sails from Bahia Mar, 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Ft Lauderdale. Parking behind Bahia Mar Hotel.

You can’t get out of the heat by going inside at Johnny’s because it’s always sizzling with hot men there and it will be all weekend long. On Friday, July 2, Johnny’s presents a special B2M featuring D.J. Tpromix and emcee, Mr. Sittuation. $5 drink specials all night. “Escape” to Johnny’s on Saturday, July 3^rd with $3 cocktails all night long. You can unleash your patriotic “Wild Side” on Sunday, July 4^th with South Florida’s largest Amateur Strip Contest starting at midnight with $1,000 in cash and prizes.

Mark and Christian at Living Room put on their red, white and blue for their Friday, July 2^nd their first annual “Pimp n’ Ho” costume masquerade event.  No cover and open bar until midnight. Text “MANGINA” to 25827.

Red, White and You and The Manor Entertainment Complex features Jennifer Carbonell and music by D.J. Shane Wooten. Enjoy $12 domestic beer buckets, $15 imported beer buckets, $10 Malibu 32 oz buckets and $20 Mojito buckets.

Mona’s keeps the memory of long-time customer “Pizza Hut Dave” alive with a July 4^th fundraiser benefitting The Pet Project. The day includes raffles all day long including a 50/25/25 raffle and a live auction starting at 5 p.m. Come out for their “Hot Diggity Dog” cookout starting at 2 p.m. which includes Bud-soaked, flame-broiled hotdogs, Jerry’s sausage and peppers, penne pasta Italiano and John’s homemade potato salad.

The American Veterans for Equal Rights (AVER) will be flying their flags proudly at New Moon for their July 4^th barbeque from 1 to 6 p.m. Enjoy the barbeque with the men and women who have fought for our freedom and are still fighting for equal rights for all LGBT personnel. $10 ice cold beer buckets, burgers and dogs.

They may not be offering Pulled Pork at Ramrod on Saturday, July 3^rd but they are offering their “Pig Dance XXIII” which is the piggiest dance party in town. It has gotten so big over the months that they now tent off part of their parking lot for the dance.

Enjoy Rosie’s Bar and Grill’s Sunday Funday Brunch on July 4. The greatest place to catch a burger, wrap your hands around a wrap or just watch the people walking along Wilton Drive. (You never know who you will see.) Rosie’s is famous for their Sundays and the 4^th of July falling on a Sunday will make it even better!

Head out to Scandals for a country-style July 4^th with happy hour pricing from open to close and $10 all-you-can-drink domestic drafts from 3 p.m. to closing. “Country Meets Disco” at 4 p.m. with a special guest deejay and Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. with Two Guys and a Mic. On Friday and Saturday, catch the hot cowboys and the hot cowgirls stompin’ with Outlaws deejays.

If you celebrate your independence weekend at Sidelines Sports Bar you can enjoy $2.50 bottled beers and well cocktails through the entire holiday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, the 2^nd through 4^th.

Smarty Pants will be celebrating Independence Day weekend with happy hour from opening to 8 p.m. which includes $2.25 well drinks and 3-4-$6 domestic beer buckets. They will also offer up their All-American Buffet on Friday (starting at 5 p.m.) and Sunday (starting at 3 p.m.) and a Red, White and Blue on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. That sounds much better than green eggs and ham!

On Sunday, catch their “All-American Showcase” featuring Tiffany Arieagus starting at 4 p.m. along with a wet t-shirt and jockey shorts contest.

(Photo: from Teatro El Públio’s play, courtesy of the artist, one of the performing companies in the GLBT  Out in the Tropics festival)

By DMITRY RASHNITSOV

Gender-bending, lesbian marriage, Cuban theater, queer circus arts, racy humor, laughter, tears and much more will fill the stage at Out in the Tropics, South Florida’s first Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) contemporary performing arts festival, from July 7-11.

A stellar group of award-winning, cutting-edge artists from around the world are already set for the festival’s line-up at Miami Beach’s Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, and other venues. Out in the Tropics, presented by FUNDarte, one of South Florida’s most successful presenters of alternative culture, in association with Tropical Wave Productions, was launched this past November with a wildly successful one-night showcase.

The festival begins with a free Opening Kick-Off event on Wednesday, July 7, at 7 p.m., with a lively evening of food, drink and the ideas and insights of an international group of cutting-edge artists, at the Shore Club Hotel on Miami Beach. The night begins with Queer Culture, Global Culture, a panel discussion with festival artists Carlos Diaz, founder of Teatro El Público, Sara Felder, and Taylor Mac, plus South Florida-based singer Beverly MClellan, in an in-depth discussion about the state of GLBT arts and culture, moderated by Festival Artistic Director Robert Rosenberg. At 8 p.m. the evening continues with a reception featuring food courtesy of First & First Southern Baking Company and a complementary Shore Club signature cocktail, plus cash bar, with live music from Beverly McClellan. The Shore Club is located at 1901 Collins Avenue, and the whole event is free and open to the general public.

The festival’s first two performances at the Colony Theatre on Thursday, July 8 and Friday, July 9, at 8 p.m., are by Teatro El Público, one of Cuba’s most important and daring theater company, for the first time in the U.S. They will present Las Amargas Lágrimas de Petra Von Kant  (The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant), their Spanish-language theatrical reinterpretation of the classic film by famed bad-boy German director Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

The play will be performed both nights with English supertitles. Following Friday night’s performance there will be a free after-party at Edison Farrow’s Hype Fridays at Bar 721, located at 721 Lincoln Lane, on Miami Beach, with complimentary vodka drinks from 10-11 p.m.

Out in the Tropics continues on Saturday, July 10, at 8 p.m., at the Colony, with the South Florida premiere of The Be(a)st of Taylor Mac, featuring sensational gender deconstructionist, performer, actor, composer and director Taylor Mac in this solo show.

The festival closes on Sunday, July 11, at 7 p.m. at the Colony Theatre, with Sara Felder in the South Florida premiere of June Bride, her one-woman multi-character theater piece that has traveled around the world.

The play takes the audience from an awkward first date between Felder and her soon-to-be girlfriend to the struggle to hold a “lesbian wedding ceremony” that, while radical in its pairing of two women, is also a “traditional” Jewish one. While the subject matter may be serious, Felder mines it for both comedy and pathos, blending traditional theater with a zany range of circus arts – including 3-ball juggling, sharp knives, colorful scarves, a crystal ball and a straitjacket escape – to create her signature vaudevillian style that is both engaging and thought provoking. There will be a pre-show reception at 5 p.m. for women and their friends hosted by Mary D. that is free and open to the public at Taschen Books, 1111 Lincoln Road, just down the street from the Colony Theatre on Miami Beach.

“We are so excited to be able to present this international mix of amazingly talented, accomplished artists who address the subjects of gender, identity and sexuality from both personal and political perspectives,” says Robert Rosenberg, Artistic Director of Out in the Tropics. “The festival is a unique addition to South Florida’s cultural landscape that we hope will quickly become a signature GLBT event for the entire community.”

Tickets for all performances are $35, $30 and $25 reserved seating, and $30, $25 and $20 for students (25 and under) and seniors (65 and over) Tickets may be purchased in advance through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com and by phone (800) 745-3000 (service charges apply).

For more information, please visit the Out in the Tropics Facebook page.