Michael Emanuel Rajner

Born in Brooklyn, New York and raised in Bergen County, New Jersey, Michael Emanuel Rajner, BSW, has resided in the Greater Fort Lauderdale area since 2000. Engaged in advocacy since his teens, Michael was appointed as a legislative aide to New Jersey State Senator S. Gerald Cardinale. Michael, who holds a bachelor degree in social work from Florida Atlantic University, interned with the Broward State Attorney’s Office as a victim advocate. Maintains a strong commitment to community involvement and public service, Michael serves on the Broward County Human Rights Board and has served in various leadership capacities on the Broward County HIV Health Services Planning Council, as well as being the legislative director for the Florida Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Democratic Caucus, an official caucus of the Florida Democratic Party. More recently, Michael was awarded the “Voice for Equality Award” by Equality Florida in 2011, and was named among the POZ 100 by POZ Magazine.

When did you come out and what was the experience like for you?

I was aware of my sexual orientation at a very young age, but did not completely come out until my early 20’s while living in Los Angeles. It was a painful time plagued with a sense of alienation from my family and faith. I learned that LGBT-people often create their own affirming families.

Please name a few of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them.

I recall struggling with a writing assignment in high school to identify heroes. There certainly have been many individuals in our lives who inspire us and among those is Harvey Milk. Harvey was an amazing community organizer who taught our community to live our lives out loud. Another individual is Pedro Zamora, who while living with HIV/AIDS, taught many of us how to live proud as a gay man and through our own personal challenges to stand up, be counted and leave a positive mark in this world.

What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large?

I believe my most significant contributions for the LGBT community in South Florida have been in the terms of public policy. Over the last several years I have worked hard as a volunteer citizen lobbyist to expand protections and access of benefits for LGBT-people through local ordinances. In my past service on the Broward County School Board’s Diversity Committee, I was successful to push for more inclusive LGBT-policies and support programs. Along with other advocates, I have had the pleasure to work closely with the Superintendent, School Board members and administrators to end the invisibility of LGBT-youth and families.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

At 42, I’m trying to figure that out. While some people have encouraged me to run for public office, I enjoy being an activist to advocate for our community. Until I figure it out, I will continue to try my best to create positive change in our community.

Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation?

Believe in yourself, know that you are an amazing creation and never fear to charge at windmills to affect positive change. You will be surprised how many battles you can win.

Jason King

When did you come out and what was the experience like for you?

I was 13 years old. I had been spending spending late nights on the family computer, chatting on AIM with some guy I met in a gay AOL chatroom. We exchanged pictures, and had some pretty graphic conversation of a sexual nature! My mom discovered the chat history somehow, printed it out, and confronted me about it. I said that I thought I was gay, but I wasn’t sure. 13 years later, I’m pretty sure! My parents were totally cool about it. My mother and father were, and are, very supportive; so are my stepfather and my dad’s girlfriend. All members of my family, save a couple, are proponents of LGBT equality. And in high school, I came out to everyone when I was 17; I gained more friends than lost. I’ve been blessed to have had a relatively easy time coming out.

Please name five of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them.

Pyotr Tchaikovsky: musical genius—the master of classical ballet—who most historians believe was gay. His music is eternal and will be cherished for all of time. A beautiful quote from a letter to his brother: “Only now, especially after the story of my marriage, have I finally begun to understand that there is nothing more fruitless than not wanting to be that which I am by nature.” (Feb. 1878)

Michael Weinstein: Founder of AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the organization I work for. Michael has worked tirelessly for over 25 years, caring for people with HIV/AIDS, and building what was a few-people-manned hospice into a $1 billion global non-profit. AHF is the largest, and most effective, HIV/AIDS advocacy and medical care provider in the world, caring for over 200,000 patients, with social enterprises such as Out of the Closet, AHF Pharmacy, and AIDS Walk. Michael is my boss, but also a friend for whom I have the utmost respect.

Elton John: another musical genius; huge benefactor to the HIV/AIDS community. He and his partner, David Furnish, are an example for what a committed, same-sex relationship can be.

Margaret Cho: who knows whether she’s gay or straight? I say she’s just queer, but there’s no doubt about what a pillar she is in our community. She has, from the beginning of her public career, been a staunch supporter of ‘gay rights,’ when it was still fashionable to call it that. She is iconic and one of the most vocal proponents of LGBT equality of today’s celebrities. Plus, she’s pee-in-your-pants hilarious!

Barney Frank: the first U.S. Congressman to come out voluntarily (1987); a beloved and respected representative, who has been an ardent fighter for civil rights of LGBTs, immigrants, other marginalized demographics. He’s famous for the “Frank Rule,” which allows a closeted politician (Republican) to be outed if he uses his political power to oppress and harm LGBTs. I love what he once said to Bill Maher: “I think there is right to privacy, but a right to privacy should not be a right to hypocrisy.” He did a lot of other great things, too. He was just a damn good legislator.

What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large?

I think my most significant contribution to Wilton Manors, and the surrounding gay community, is trying to be an example of what an HIV+, gay young man can be. More young, HIV+ gay males need to see it. More of us need to “come out” to normalize this disease so that we can fight it more effectively. The CDC estimates 1 in 5 gay males is positive—half don’t know it—and of that group, 13 to 24 year-olds are experiencing the highest rate of new infections. There are many factors that play into this, but among them, lack of education (I insert fear and stigma into this category), substance abuse, and apathy are the most dangerous. I was diagnosed at 19 because I thought it wouldn’t happen to me, and because I was using drugs. Now, I have to live with it the rest of my life. It’s expensive and inconvenient. I hope to teach people that HIV is not something you want to get. But at the same time, we need to stop discriminating against HIV+ people within our LGBT community. I have lived a full, healthy life for 7 years of being positive. I’ve been able to date negative guys because I’ve maintained viral suppression with medication, and used condoms, which makes me unlikely to transmit the virus. Being healthy, finding love, and succeeding occupationally are possible while being HIV positive. You can do it all…even if you’re poz.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

I really enjoy my work in public health. Ideally, I’d like to continue serving with AHF until there’s a cure for HIV. I see myself in the public health arena for a long time. Generally speaking, my passions lie in politics. I love having to adapt to personalities and build as many relationships as possible. Part of my job is to work with legislators and other government officials to improve policy for the people AHF serves. I especially love the lobbying work I do because it allows me to do what I do best and enjoy most: share and learn. I’d like to make a life of this, eventually diversifying the causes I advocate for.

Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation.

Don’t rely ONLY on Grindr, Jack’d, Scruff, etc. to find love, dates, friends or sex. You’ll find people are flakey, schedules don’t coordinate, and more often than not, you’ll be dissatisfied. How many times have we deleted and re-installed our mobile gay “dating” apps? Ah! How frustrating. Unfortunately many of us have become accustomed or dependent to hiding behind apps that protect our anonymity. Or we’ve just become lazy. Either way, because of anonymity and convenience, it appears the community has reduced its capacity to interact in person. We’ve got to learn how to go out, socialize with strangers, and just walk up to people without fear of rejection. We’ll be better for it. Plus, it’s boring to sit on your duff at home, accompanied by just a martini and your device. Cruising in person is a lot more fun.

Glen Weinzimer

New York native Glen Weinzimer has resided in Southern Florida since 1984. Glen majored in Hotel and Restaurant Management and Business Administration at University of Denver. Retiring in 1994, as a result of AIDS, he started what would become The SMART (Southern Most AIDS/HIV Ride) Ride in 2003. Unique features of The SMART Ride include a 100% of guaranteed what riders raise going to charity, a degree of participant-control over the distribution of the funds raised and the 10% Lifeline program benefitting AIDS Service Organizations around the State of Florida. In addition to raising and returning more than $4.2Million via The SMART Ride, Glen’s background in volunteer work includes the Historical Museum of Southern Florida, Art Against AIDS in Miami, Florida AIDS Ride and Sunshine Ride For AIDS, among others. When not volunteering, Glen enjoys travel and has visited the Czech Republic, Italy, Germany, Greece, Israel, Thailand, Spain, Belgium, Switzerland and Costa Rica, to mention a few.

When did you come out and what was the experience like for you?

There’s not a straightforward answer (no pun intended). I don’t think I “came out” in one big swoop with the curtains parting and the spotlight aimed directly at me. It was more in a series of stages or releases for me. I first “came out” in 1978 to other gay friends in high school and then in college I “came out” to classmates in my junior year. I “came out” to my sister in 1980 and then to my parents in the late 80’s. Growing up in NYC, the idea of being completely closeted never really occurred to me, I didn’t pretend to be straight and I think I was lucky because of a very liberal upbringing and parents I knew had embraced and accepted others who were gay or lesbian. When I finally “came out” to my parents, they were more concerned about me finding a partner and not being alone. My parents recounted to me that at a very early age I acted in a manner not considered “masculine.” I had been stereotypical of the “gay” guy who wasn’t interested in following, let alone in playing, sports. I played in an orchestra, was interested in the school plays and always took pride in my appearance. I did get picked on by other kids and learned to run very fast (a sport I guess I did master) at the fear of two individuals in elementary school who always threatened to kick my proverbial butt after school because even at the age of 6 or 7, it was obvious to them I wasn’t “tough” enough. Overall, despite the occasional boys at school and later at summer camp, the experience for me was one I wish others who didn’t grow up in my circumstances could have had. I must admit that although “coming out” wasn’t bad, it definitely wasn’t easy at any stage. There was always the fear of being shunned by friends who might not understand and whom I admired. For the most part my fears of being excluded proved to be more my personal insecurities more than anything else.

Please name a few of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them.

My LGBT heroes definitely include some public figures, but also some personal heroes not of public fame, but very personal to me because they live their lives honestly and give back to the community, are invested in the environment, public policy, community activities from running clubs and arts and most importantly giving back to everything from AIDS to Cancer.

On the public front and making a difference and for me clearing the way to public debate and dialogue is definitely Ellen DeGeneres. I think her coming out in public through her TV show was very brave. I think she paid a heavy price at the time, losing her job, being shunned and targeted as an example of something not yet more universally and publicly recognized. Her bravery and honesty later paved the way for others like Rosie O’Donnell, Neil Patrick Harris and shows like “Modern Family” to “The New Normal.”

A very modern hero is Rachel Maddow the TV host; she is intelligent, well spoken, honest and respected. I think her public presence and credibility isn’t measured by the fact that she is an out lesbian. But is a strong example of how the LGBT community is part of every aspect of daily life, her willingness to not keep it a secret continues to allow the mainstream media, and main street America to see all of us as just normal regular people.

There are so many more wonderful people that have influenced my life by the way they live theirs as models in our community, taking on roles in government, such as Barney Frank, or locally, such as Oakland Park Mayor John Adornato. I also find individuals just living their lives openly in South Florida inspiring. Most Americans that have an issue with the LGBT community have ignorance born out of the unknown, fear if you will of what we least are familiar with.

The more we live our lives openly the less mysterious our community is and therefore less feared, when people realize there is no difference between all of us, but rather we all strive in our own way to survive daily life.

What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large?

It’s a no-brainer for me. I am so proud that I have been able to empower people to make a difference both for themselves personally, and to honor those who struggle every day with the effects of being HIV positive. People want to make a difference and help others, but often are at a loss because of experience, because of other obligations and because of time left at the end of every day. My contribution through creating The SMART Ride allows everyone to give back and improve him or herself in the process. My journey wasn’t immediately going to be obvious, my goal started out personally as someone living with AIDS and struggling to redefine myself after diagnosis. I was forced to give up my career and based on the “experts” medical opinions at the time, I was to plan on dying sooner than later. Needless to say, happily the “experts” were wrong as I now celebrate my 20th year living with AIDS.

Through the work of The SMART Ride, we have proved that we can return 100% of the funds raised by individuals, that we could renew the trust of our sponsors, and renew the trust of the community and give people a sense of empowerment. In the past 9 years that has amounted to over $4.2 million dollars raised and returned, with over $880,000 coming in 2012 alone. It makes me feel good that so many people I may never know receive medical care, psycho/social services and education as a result of the ride. I am also so proud that because of the ride we have around 10,000 people a year donate to the event, creating dialogue where silence is often the norm. One of the greatest compliments I get from the agencies that benefit and from the individuals that participate are they feel renewed after participating in the ride. They feel inspired that they are making a difference and strengthened to fight for justice. I over quote Margaret Mead, but I believe that her words have been a source of inspiration to me and ultimately to everyone who is touched by the ride. It reads “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.” I hope my contribution has been empowering people to believe they can do anything and are not limited by the “experts” who may believe otherwise or discourage our dreams. I often say that one should never crush someone’s creative will; it’s that will that makes dreams come true.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

To continue to work towards improving lives, educating individuals about the effects of HIV/AIDS and to keep the memories of so many who left before their time alive. The SMART Ride has proven that AIDS doesn’t have to be a death sentence for me, or for others. I want to continue to foster cooperation between agencies that work with HIV/AIDS, to provide an arena where they can collaborate. I am also starting a series of new AIDS bicycle rides to be able to help more organizations around the state receive funding they so desperately need. The event is called Bike It For Life™, the first of which took place on May 11th in Fort Lauderdale with the plan to have a series of these events throughout the state in the next two years. Life has always been full of surprises; my goal is to remain a viable part of the surprises and to continue to make a difference.

Any words of wisdom for the LGBT community of the future?

I’m not sure I am qualified to offer wisdom other than to remind the future that we all make a difference, don’t judge yourself on someone else’s success or failures. It isn’t the largest public gestures that are always the source of change, it’s more often the simple kindness and gestures we show each other that really influence someone’s day, week, month year or life. Keep in mind that because your LGBT journey may be easy, there are so many who haven’t and don’t have the same experience and our willingness to help others helps strengthen all of us as a community. If your experience coming out is rough, there are so many of us willing to help; reach out to those around and never get discouraged by any “expert” that doesn’t support your vision of life.

Christopher Dunham

Christopher Dunham is a native Floridian. A graduate of Stetson University, he played professional baseball for the Cleveland Indians. Dunham married Joseph Anthony Dominguez-Dunham in Boston on October 19, 2013. He is the owner of Dunham Insurance.

When did you come out and what was the experience like for you?

I came out in 1992. My experience was complete hell, but very liberating, I didn’t have to lie anymore, I truly could become the person I was always meant to be. I literally crawled up in a fetal position, cried for an hour, then made the trek up to my parents to tell them. My parents turned white as a ghost, complete confusion resonated within them, then they proceeded to pop pills and drink. It took about a year for us to resume communications, but I’m truly a better person for it.

Please name some of your LGBT heroes and say a few words about why you chose them.

Larry Kramer, AIDS Activist, Co-Founded Gay Men’s Health Crisis.

Irwin Drucker for bringing IBM to the forefront of diversity issues, and one of the NGLCC’s largest contributors.

Orlando Cruz for coming out as a gay boxer, while he’s still active in a sport. This is needed in the football and baseball arenas to remove the stigma.

Vice President Joe Biden for pushing the envelope on Gay Marriage. How can we measure this moment in time?

Cleve Jones for the AIDS Quilt.

The Stonewall Riots and all those involved!

What do you consider to be your most significant contribution to the LGBT community in South Florida/Wilton Manors and at large?

My biggest contribution is supporting The Pride Center, as part of the Founder Circle, Vision 2015, Sponsoring an Evening in Paradise the past couple years, sponsoring The Smart Ride (which I thank my employee Alejandro Kalaf for getting me involved) and involving myself politically for LGBT issues. Also, supporting all my friends who are even more involved than I am.

What are your future goals and aspirations?

My aspirations are to make my partner happy, continue to support my community and friends on the issues of today, and to make sure our voice is heard politically concerning LGBT issues.

Words of wisdom to the next LGBT generation.

Shake up the establishment.

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