Ira Baer grew up in style. Seventy years ago, his grandparents Melvin and Lucile Baer founded Baer’s Furniture in South Bend, Indiana.  In 1968, they would open the first store in South Florida. Today the brand has become one of the largest furniture chains in the state with fifteen showcases and two warehouses.

Ira has worked in many positions within the company since he was 12, from being a buyer to even laboring on the trucks. He studied finance and is currently the CFO of the company. The happily married father (of six months) was also a vocal proponent for marriage equality, having worked with Equality Florida. He currently is a co-chair for the LGBTQ Mission to Israel—a trip which will include three nights in Jerusalem and four in Tel Aviv meeting with Israel’s top LGBTQ politicians, business leaders, and innovators. We recently had an opportunity to speak to Ira about his home life and his community work.

 Berkley: How has being married affected your life?

Baer: I was with my partner for over a decade. I was married to a woman before that, and we both had kids from a previous marriage. Having kids makes things more complicated, so we wanted to wait until it was legal in Florida to get married. We worked hard with Equality Florida in order to push that agenda. Now that I’m married, I feel that I’m happier. People in the industry are thrilled I’m able to get married. Both co-workers within the chain and the vendors we work with have been just as excited as us. Everyone in the furniture world is very accepting.

 Berkley: How important is interior design in creating your “home?”

Baer: It’s much more important for my husband than for me. I let him pickout most of the furniture since it helps build a give and take in the relationship. As far as the design, my home is very calm and earthy. We live on the water. I like coming home from a long day at work to a calming environment– one in which the details of the design all tie together. It’s a sanctuary.

Berkley: You are a co-chair of an upcoming LGBTQ mission to Israel with the National Jewish Federations of North America. What brought you to that endeavor?

Baer: It’s important to have a relationship between gay communities and religion. There are different areas of Judaism that are much less accepting, so it’s important to have your faith out there in the open to show that we’re here.

 Berkley: How different is a trip to Israel through an LGBTQ lens?

Baer: There are some struggles for the gay community in Judaism, especially in Israel. There are some areas in which people go through much more discrimination than here. It’s important to let those that are struggling know that we are here to help them on their journey. And it’s also important to see those struggling so that we understand the importance in doing the work that we do.

Baer Furniture

3740 N. Federal Hwy.

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

and multiple other locations

www.baers.com

The post Ira Baer: Furniture Is in His Blood appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

Devoure is the name of the newest private catering service in town, and it’s run by an enthusiastic Italian named Patrick Salerno who comes by his talent naturally. Growing up, he was surrounded by food—and wine—and cheese—and bread. And all the cacophony that occurs in an Italian home kitchen. After a decade working in the restaurant industry, he has gone private with Devoure. We were treated to a lovely four-course meal at the lavish private home of Linda Iverson, Bay Colony’s resident diva. It was an exciting launch to a promising endeavor.

AGENDA: How did you get involved in personal catering. It’s a big leap from the high profile restaurant chains in which you previously worked.

SALERNO: I love food.  LOVE it. And I have since I’ve been 16. That’s when I started in the industry working in restaurants.

A: In what capacity?

S: I’ve worked in the front of the house at J. Alexanders and then I became a line-cook in a restaurant kitchen. But I quickly learned that it wasn’t for me. I needed something more personal.

A: Personal? As in preparing a unique meal for a unique person?

S: I wanted to get out of the restaurant industry and focus on finer food for smaller groups. I no longer want to be involved in the fast pace of a big capacity restaurant preparing a dish that you can’t put your name on. You’re following a corporate recipe that has no personality or character.

A: So that’s how Devoure was born?

S: Devoure just materialized within the past three or four months, when various opportunities came together to allow me to begin catering private events, and I began marketing my business through word of mouth.

A: So what’s you’re ideal audience for Devoure.

S: I love cooking for small events. Seven to 10 or 15. Nothing over 20. Ideally, these would be held in large homes with professional kitchens. (Hopefully, with gas ovens and stoves because they give you the optimal control. I even like the sound of the flame!)

A: But each job means you’re working in a strange kitchen—correct?

S: The hardest part of working in a strange kitchen is figuring out where people put everything.  We bring 90 percent of the things that we need to prepare the meal, but you can’t always have everything so we depend on the homeowner to have little odds and ends.

A: So where do you find customers who an afford to cater a small dinner party!

S: There is a HUGE market in South Florida.  Just in Fort Lauderdale alone. Think of the multimillion dollar estates and the 120 foot yachts. The people who own those are rich and hungry!

A: So why hire Devoure. 

S: We provide more than just a well-cooked meal. We provide a total experience. Talent is one thing, but hospitality is another and when you bring the two together, you are really going to take charge in this industry.

A: Do you have a partner?

S: The beautiful Giselly Pereira. (The slim and effervescent Giselly does a twirl) We first met several years ago in restaurants, and we work great together. So she and I are going to be partners in crime. She is going to the be the face of Devoure, and I’m going to be the artistic vision.

A: So how does it work. The client gives you a menu and you go shopping?

S: The way that I want to format this operation is by having an initial consultation with the client. I really want to learn their likes and dislikes—not only in food, but right down to their favorite color. It’s important to bring more than just taste to the table. Is there a theme? What elevation of product do you want me to use? Are we talking about filet and lobster, or a pasta dish? Either can be excellent, but they are very different efforts.

A: Do you create all your own recipes?

S: Everything I make is from scratch. I never buy per-made dressings for instance. I also like to use organic produce whenever possible. I want you to taste the flavor of the recipe, not pesticides. Farm to table as much as possible if what we deliver.

And deliver they do. Our meal was a beautifully presented explosion of tastes. For our appetizers, Salerno prepared Seared Beef Tenderloin with a Gorgonzola Moose Bruchetta plus a Wild Mushroom Bruschetta with a Balsamic Glaze. The first course was a Jumbo Lump Crab Cake with a Spicy Remoulade.  (He also did a vegetarian version of the same crab cake that used artichokes. Delicious.)

For the salad, Salerno prepared a Romaine Heart with marinade kale, quinoa, grapes, and chickpeas in an orange champagne vinaigrette. For the main entrée, he created his own take on Pasta Primavera, with shrimp, garlic, lemon, fresh basil, fresh vegetables, olive oil and a thin spaghetti. And for dessert, we savored Dark Chocolate Avocado Mousse with toasted hazelnuts and shaved dark chocolate in a champagne glass, garnished with a blackberry.

Così saporito, così delizioso , così Devoure.

 DEVOURE

1329 NW Third Ave

Fort Lauderdale FL 33311

602-752-3351

patsalerno2@aol.com

The post Patrick Salerno Presents Devoure appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

Vicky Garcia proves that hard work and determination lead to business success. Despite dropping out of high school, Garcia rose up the ranks at Cruise Planners, an American Express Travel Representative, and is now the Chief Operating Officer and co-owner. In the process, she has become one of the most respected women in the travel industry. The Cuban-American and proud lesbian has also committed herself to charity work, including LGBT causes. We recently had a chance to speak to her about her various interests.

Why do you have such a passion for LGBT travel?

Garcia: I believe that people should be good to one another. That is not an LGBT issue—that is a human issue. When my partner and I wanted to get married in 2013, we had to go to New York City for a legal wedding. I took my personal story and shared it in a way that brought light to the issue within the travel industry. As soon as it was legal to get married in our home state of Florida, we renewed our vows with 99 other couples, including former boy band singer Lance Bass and his husband Michael Turchin in Fort Lauderdale—it was special to take a stand and represent that ALL love is love.

What is different for LGBT community members traveling?

Garcia: LGBT travelers should look for destinations that are LGBT-friendly. Safety should continue to be a top priority for LGBT travelers since globally there are still some advances that need to happen in some destinations—this is where a professional travel agent, who knows the best LGBT-friendly destinations, cruise lines, resorts and tours can come in handy.

How did you go from dropping out of high school to becoming such a successful businesswoman?

Garcia: I was always interested in learning but had to do it in my own way since I am not the traditional academic type. I call myself a “gadget girl” and am always teaching myself the latest in technology and am passionate about experiencing life to the fullest while traveling. Being creative, thinking outside the box, being tech curious, and always questioning the status quo has made me a successful businesswoman.

You have initiated a lot of charity programs, notably CP Cares. Describe the program and its effect on society.

Garcia: I am so proud of all we have done with Cruise Planners’ CP Cares program—we have positively impacted so many lives not only through the charities we support, but also through our franchise owners and our home office team. So many of us are impacted by the various types of cancer, so we passionately support The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. I held The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Women of the Year title in 2012 and continue to be involved and serve as the Vice-Chair on the Board of Trustees. Our team has helped raise more than $1 million during the past few years.

Photo Credit: travelpulse.com

The post Vicky Garcia appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

Lea DeLaria is a woman who does a lot, also known as a show business threat. A trailblazer, musician, comedian, and Real Housewives hater, the 57-year-old star of Orange is the New Black comes to Fort Lauderdale this Saturday for a show at Parker Playhouse. We had the opportunity to chat intimately with DeLaria where she explained to us what audience members can expect at her show, who her favorite pop diva of the moment is, and why the cast on Orange is the New Black is such a tight-knit group of women.

ALEXANDER KACALA: When you were younger, who were some comics you looked up to?

LEA DELARIA: George Carlin, Lily Tomlin, Jane Wagner, Elayne Boosler, Elaine May. Sort of the usual. Gilda Radnor please! She was a comedic actress and a comic. I will go with her. People I really looked up to were more like people I like to refer to as ‘show business threats.’ People who did a lot of things. Which is what I try to do. Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett and Jackie Gleason. Those guys. They were the ones I really looked up to.

AK: Your dad was a jazz musician. Tell our readers a little bit about that and how he influenced you.

LD: He was a jazz musician and instilled the love of music into me. I use to sing with him when I was a kid. He taught me how to read music. He taught me to have a certain taste of what I like. That was it. He wanted me to be a musician–not just a singer. I’m definitely a musician. I know how to read music. Because I love it so much, I try to have a big knowledge of it. I love to listen to it. I got all of it from my Pop.

AK: What are some of the songs you are going to be performing at the Parker Playhouse?

LD: Well we’re not sure. We haven’t quite put the set together yet. I mean I haven’t spoken to Varla Jean Merman yet to figure out what she wants me to do as well as what I want to do. You will be certain that you will hear “I Can Cook Too” from the Broadway revival of On the Town for which I have won a lot of awards. You can be certain I will do the ‘Ballad of Sweeney Todd’ because that is a big jazz hit of mine. I will probably do some stuff off of the new David Bowie record. And then there could be a variety of things in between. There will be eclectic stuff off of my records and from my Broadway shows.

AK: Were you a big Bowie fan?

LD: I mean, yeah. My last record was all David Bowie tunes. That came out in July. Go to Spotify right now.

AK: Looking back now on that 1993 appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show, what do you think when you look back at that moment?

LD: Honestly, when I think about it I’m like, “How did I even do that?” Honestly. Not only was I doing that but I was being followed by 20/20 while I was doing. I was being filmed for 20/20 while I was doing The Arsenio Hall Show live for the first time on television an openly gay comic. Crazy, right? So back then I guess maybe it was ignorance is bliss. It didn’t even occur to me how really scary it was. I just did it.

AK: Around that same time you did a Comedy Central special centered on gay comics. I feel like there is nothing really happening like that now. Or am I wrong?

LD: The reason why nothing is happening like that is because there are thousands of queer comics now. They just work in comedy clubs. Just like black comics do. Just like woman comics do. Just like Asian comics do. Back in those days, we were basically segregated. We couldn’t get work in comedy clubs. It really wasn’t until I was on The Arsenio Hall Show that comedy clubs started opening the doors for us. We had to do a comedy special of just gay comics because nobody else would work with us. They wouldn’t let us work. Do you know what I mean? It was a ghettoization. It’s better for us that the ghettoization is gone. It is better for us that we are out there working all the time.

AK: You are definitely a trailblazer of queer comedy.

LD: It was really important when I was on The View with Rosie O’Donnell and she said that on The View. She said “Lea was the first. We all know Lea was the first.” Sometimes people forget that when she said it like that – both Scott Kennedy and Sandra Bernhard called me crying. It was just so nice to hear somebody acknowledge it. You know what I mean? There are a lot of them bitches out there trying to take that away from me and that just isn’t true. Trying to say, “They are the first.” I was the first. You can’t take that away from me. They can try and rewrite history. It even says it on Wikipedia. I was the first.

AK: There seems to be a very strong sense of family within the Orange is the New Black cast. Tell me about that experience and what is so special about your relationship with those women?

LD: I always think about casts as ‘The Island of Misfits Toys.’ It’s a bunch of young women who just graduated from Julliard or NYU and a couple of other places who have never worked and it was their first audition. It was starry eyed women and then the rest of us are old show business foes who have been around for a long time. There is nothing in between. There are many people on our show who almost quit show business and then they got this show. Uzo most importantly. I think the fact that all the crazy mix of people together – people you don’t know and people who thought their careers were over – that we all cling to each other the way we do. We represent the disenfranchised because we are the disenfranchised. You know what I mean? We are black women. We are Hispanic women. Butch dykes. Trans women. And older women. So I find that the disenfranchised is usually left to their own devices will then help their each other. They will become friends. They will have a camaraderie. It is when the politics and the politicians get involved that we fuck each other up.

No matter right, left, conservative, liberal, radical or reactionary. Doesn’t matter when those politics get involved, it fucks us up. When those people get involved with the disenfranchised it’s always messed up. If you leave us to our own devices – we will do the right thing.

AK: Let’s do some more rapid fire question and answer. If you could have coffee with someone dead or alive who would it be?

LD: It’s just coffee, right?

AK: Just coffee.

LD: Jackie Kennedy. Because I am fascinated by her. By her style. By her grace. And by her smartness. She went to Bryn Mawr. She was a journalist. She had a life before she married two crazily famous brilliant men. There was a reason why. She was brilliant herself. Having coffee with Jackie Kennedy would be awesome.

AK: How do you take your coffee?

LD: Black. As my Instagram once said, “I take my men like I take my coffee, nowhere near my vagina.”

AK: Twitter or Instagram?

LD: Instagram every time.

AK: What about you would surprise our readers?

LD: That I am a complete and utter neat freak. Like ADD neat freak. Obsessively neat. So much so that I once wrote a jazz show for kids where basically the entire point of the show was for kids to put stuff where it belongs. The whole show was about the bass player named Boom Boom who had lost his bow. All of us had to try his bow and all the kids in the audience had to help us find the bow. The main theme song was, “Here’s a little saying that I know. You won’t lose things if you put them where they go. You won’t lose things if you put them where they go. Where did Boom Boom leave his bow?”

AK: Do you like kids?

LD: That might be the other thing that people would be surprised to find out. It’s not so much that I like kids which I do. I obviously do. But kids fucking love me. Kids want to play with me every second.

AK: On a scale of one to ten, how excited are you about life right now?

LD: 11.

AK: Favorite Golden Girl?

LD: (Laughs) Wow! That is hard. Actually that is really hard for me to choose my favorite one. Blanche. Oh! I don’t know! I am going to say Blanche. She is funny as hell. They all were! That is why it is so hard for me to choose my Golden Girl. Betty White was fucking amazing too. It’s very hard! I think all in all – I think I laughed more at Blanche than any of them. There is just something about that style of humor. Ready for sex anytime. Blanche.

AK: Anderson Cooper or Andy Cohen?

LD: (Long pause) Oh, that’s hard. Anderson Cooper. I am obsessed with pop culture but I am more interested in actual news.

AK: If you could sing a duet with anyone who would it be?

LD: Also alive or dead or do they have to be alive?

AK: Let’s make them alive.

LD: Oh God! That makes it a little trickier. That’s so hard because I like so many people. I am just going to go with Taylor Swift. I think I would be one of her squad because I am completely obsessed with her. I can’t stop being obsessed with her. So I’m going to say Taylor Swift. Right behind her is Katy Perry.

AK: Oh. So you have a pop princess living inside of you?

LD: It’s just pop music that I’m obsessed with right now. If you said alive or dead, I would have said Ella Fitzgerald. But you said alive so I said Taylor Swift.

AK: Have you heard the Ryan Adams cover album of 1989? I am obsessed with that right now.

LD: Of course! I think the Ryan Adams’ covers, almost every one of them, are better than the original.

AK: They are so great.

LD: I know. What an amazing idea.

Photo credit: Sophy Holland

AK: Favorite David Bowie song?

LD: Oh that’s easy. Suffragette City.

AK: Why?

LD: “Wham. Bam. Thank you Ma’am.” Let’s just say I relate.

AK: Favorite Housewive?

LD: June Cleaver

AK: If you had a Housewife tagline, what would it be?

LD: A Housewife tagline? Let me explain something to you. I have never watched a single Housewife show. I couldn’t be bothered. I apologize. The Housewives? I could give a fuck. I see enough spoiled brat bitchiness in the world of show business – I don’t need to watch it on TV.

AK: Favorite curse word?

LD: Fuck. Actually Fuck-tard.

AK: Last one. Favorite Meryl Streep film?

LD: Oh man that’s hard! How the fuck do you answer that question? I am in a mood today so I am going to go with a funny Meryl so I am going to go with Death Becomes Her. I have seen every Meryl Streep film. My fiancé and I have decided they actually should just take her out of the Academy Awards nominations process entirely and just have her own category. Where they just nominate her against herself in whatever film she was in that year because no one can beat her.

AK: Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with me today.

LD: Thanks Alex. Sorry about the Housewife thing. Other than that it was great.

AK: Don’t worry about it! You are just being honest. I am a gay boy so of course I am obsessed with the Housewives. You know what I mean? I have 7 taglines myself. Do you want to hear mine?

LD: Yes.

AK: I would do the turn around with the big swoop at the beginning of the show – you don’t have to RSVP to the party when you are the party.

LD: OK. That’s adorable.

For tickets to her show this Saturday, please visit here. For information on the Stonewall National Museum and Archives fundraiser happening that night, please visit here. 

The post 23 Questions with Lea DeLaria appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

If there is one thing David Tutera knows, it’s how to throw an epic wedding.

The celebrity wedding planner, bridal fashion designer, host of WE tv’s David Tutera’s CELEBrations and author has built a multi-million dollar brand all on bridal.  And his growing empire isn’t stopping anytime soon.

Tutera’s grandfather, a successful florist, first noticed his grandson’s artistic ability at an early age and encouraged him to pursue his passion. At age 19, with the advice of his grandfather and only one client, Tutera opened his events planning business. Now 30 years later, Tutera is getting ready to launch the second installment of “Your Wedding Experience,” a string of larger than life events touring the country.

Coming to Fort Lauderdale in May,  the event promises to offer endless inspiration, reputable industry experts, and the best possible resources under one roof. We had the opportunity to catch up with the man behind the bride on the favorite wedding he helped plan, his advice to same sex couples, and what people can expect from his event this upcoming May.

Alexander Kacala: What is the hardest obstacle to overcome when working with a couple prior to their wedding?

David Tutera: I think a couple needs to be open minded, trusting, and willing to give up control to his or her wedding planner. Without these things, the planner will not be able to help to the best of his or her abilities and execute their overall vision. The couple needs to have a clear idea of the type of style that they want their wedding to be, and what elements of the day are most important to them. Once these details are set, it is important to trust the planner in his or her expertise.

AK: Tell us about one of your favorite weddings you helped plan and what made it so special for you?

DT: I had the honor of planning a wedding for a young couple through the Make-A-Wish foundation. The bride was terminally ill, but her young groom stayed by her side through it all. Witnessing their love and devotion to each other was so inspiring, and having the opportunity to be a part of their big day was such a once in a lifetime feeling. I will never forget that experience.

AK: The episode where you plan your assistant Montré Burton’s wedding recently aired. What was the most exciting moment from that experience?

DT: From the moment that Montré asked me to plan his wedding, I knew that the whole experience would be fantastic. But, I was taken back when Montré asked if I would be his “Man of Honor.” That was the first time anyone had ever asked me to take on that important role and I was so honored.

AK: What is some unique advice you can give to our readers, same sex couples who may be going into the wedding planning process?

DT: When planning a traditional wedding, it’s usually about checking off the expected “to-dos.” However, same sex couples shouldn’t have to worry about doing what’s “expected,” and should take advantage of having the freedom to plan their wedding however they would like: conventional, unconventional or mixed! Throw an event exactly the way you want to, and don’t worry about staying within the lines of conformity.

Photo credit: Mel Barlow & Co.

AK: You are bringing your fabulous ‘Your Wedding Experience’ event to Fort Lauderdale in May. Tell us more about that and how the idea was born.

DT: I’m always trying to find new and exciting ways that I can personally be involved in helping couples plan their wedding. Not everyone is able to hire me as their planner, so I’m always looking for the next best thing and that was definitely a big part of what inspired me to create Your Wedding Experience presented by David Tutera. This isn’t something I am just putting together, but I am actually hosting it as well, allowing me to join couples as they touch, feel and experience all of the trend-forward ideas and inspiration that I have personally come up with alongside their city’s local vendors to help get their wedding planning off to a great start!

AK: How can people or local businesses get involved with “Your Wedding Experience”?

DT: We are always looking for new vendors to come join us at “Your Wedding Experience!” Information on becoming a “David Tutera Approved” vendor can be found on the “Exhibit With Us” page at www.yourweddingexperience.com. Tickets can also be purchased through our website for couples.

The post David Tutera: Celebrity Wedding Planner appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

The post Collaborator And Innovator: Dave Koz appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

serving as the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association (GALLA) Liaison to the Miami-Dade County Bar

Association. Romano explained how his firm serves the LGBT community, what GALLA does, and some

of the challenges and obstacles he has had to overcome on his path for success.

KACALA: What type of law do you practice at Chepenik Trushin LLP and why is this important to our

readers, members of the LGBT community?

ROMANO: My firm’s legal expertise spans all aspects of trusts and estate practice – including estate

planning, probate and trust administration, fiduciary representation, guardianship administration,

federal income, estate and gift taxation, probate and trust litigation and guardianship litigation. Estate

planning and asset protection is crucial for the LGBT community, especially with the 2015 Supreme

Court decision. For example, as a legally recognized married couple, Floridian same-sex couples may

now qualify for both homestead and tenancy by the entirety protections for property. The decision was

a milestone for LGBT individuals everywhere, but the Florida Probate Code will take some time to catch

up.  To explain estate planning in one article would be impossible, but some of what we do includes:

preparation and administration of Last Will/Testaments, Trusts, Health Care Directives, and Powers of

Attorney;  finding legal, tax-efficient solutions to minimize your family’s federal and state tax liabilities,

including federal income, estate, gift and generation skipping transfer taxes; handling probate and trust

litigation with effective outcomes, including claims of undue influence, will and trust contests, fiduciary

claims, lack of testamentary capacity, and elder abuse; and handling all aspects of estate and trust

settlement and administration including the tough “end of life” issues like finalizing expenses of last

medical illness, asset appraisals, noticing creditors and marshalling the assets or trust.

KACALA: What are some challenges or obstacles you have had to face during your education or career?

ROMANO: My biggest obstacle during my education was that everything was new for me. I had no

guidance, no path to follow. Everyone in my family emigrated from Italy before I was born.  I was the

first is my family to go to college, and the first to go to law school.  It was a struggle, and emotionally

taxing, to say the least. Looking back, a lot of the struggle was financially driven.  I did not receive any

financial assistance with law school despite appealing final decisions and applying for aid year after year.

Therefore, I had to go in debt to achieve my goals.  With government set student interest at 6.8 and 7.9

percent, it is a wonder that I will not spend the rest of my life paying off what I view as a penalty for

educating myself, something which my family could not do. But in the end it all worked out. I work for a

fantastic boutique firm in Miami, and truly feel that I have finally succeeded.

KACALA: What is GALLA?

ROMANO: GALLA is the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Association, which is a voluntary professional

association for lawyers, law students, paralegals and other members of the legal profession providing a

visible community presence within the South Florida legal community. The purposes of GALLA are: to

promote human rights; to provide opportunities for lawyers, judges and law students to meet in a

professional setting; to encourage the appointment of members of GALLA to the judiciary; to provide a

forum for members of GALLA in the legal community to exchange ideas and information of mutual

concern; to promote the spirit of unity among attorneys who are members of GALLA; to promote the

hiring and advancement of members of GALLA to public agencies and commissions; to discuss and take

action on questions of law in the administration of justice that affect the gay and lesbian community; to

promote the creation of coalitions with other legal organizations; to promote and stimulate the practice

and professional expertise of lawyers who are members of GALLA; to promote sensitivity to legal issues

particularly faced by members of the gay and lesbian community; to demonstrate the presence of

members of GALLA in the law; to facilitate and improve the administration of justice; to promote

legislative and administrative reforms for the purpose of eliminating discrimination on the basis of

sexual orientation and gender expression, and; to assure fair and just treatment of members of the gay

and lesbian community under the law.

KACALA: What will some of your duties be as GALLA’s Liaison to the Dade County Bar Association?

ROMANO: The liaison is appointed to fulfill a one year position between the Dade County Bar

Association and, in this case, GALLA. The purpose is to facilitate collaboration among the associations.

Part of my duties include making sure that the Dade County Bar Association, and its members, are aware

of events relating to GALLA, such a continuing legal education and fundraising events, and to get the

Dade County Bar Members involved in the events.  In the future, we hope to work toward co-sponsoring

events in conjunction with the Dade County Bar Association.

KACALA: What else is next for you?

ROMANO: I want to accomplish great things. I want to continue growing both professionally and

personally, and grow my practice with my firm. I want to continue to grow my BNI Chapter, both in my

role as President and beyond. I want to take on new leadership roles, get involved with a not-for-profit,

and perhaps work toward board positions with Arsht and Jackson Hospital. I will say that I have

accomplished 100% of the things I have set my mind to, so stay tuned.

KACALA: What is your favorite thing about the LGBT community here in South Florida?

ROMANO: The supportive nature of it all. It is amazing how many groups there are in South Florida

dedicated to helping the LGBT community move forward. It is really quite inspiring, and hopefully I can

continue playing a positive part in it all.

The post Antonio Romano appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

We sat down with Nadav Peretz, an entrepreneur offering LGBT travelers a once in a lifetime opportunity to experience the vibrant gay life in Israel. Peretz visited South Florida in partnership with the World Out Games, coming to Miami in 2017. His company, OUTstanding Travel, brings high quality travel services to gay and lesbian travelers without comprising sophistication and style.

How many people did OUTstanding Travel host in Israel this past year?

In 2015, we hosted close to 1,500 clients offering them tailor made and curated travel experiences.

How did you get the idea for this company?

I worked many years in public relations for Israel. I was already dealing in a lot of different ways with Israeli PR and people who visit Israel. And then two years ago, I was in London, my friends were asking what there is to do in Israel, when to come, what’s the best way to see it. I then had the idea to open something for the LGBT community who wants to come to Israel and experience the vibrant gay life. So I came to Israel and I found an amazing business partner to start OUTstanding Travel.

What type of experiences does your company offer travelers?

Most of our clients come for individual or couples trip. We also offer guarantee departure where people can register to join a group trip. For 2016 we will offer five group trips. You can meet people from around the world and experience Israel. The first few hours it can be awkward but 24 hours later, everyone becomes friends. It really is amazing to see.

What can people expect from their trip?

What we do is very special and unique. Every gay guy can come and experience Israel. It doesn’t matter their age or budget. Tel Aviv is of course the highlight for gay tourists but they see more than just that. Israel is an amazing place. It is so small and you can see so much of it in a week, from Jerusalem to the Dead Sea, Galilee, El’ad, you can jump to Petra and Jordan. It is a very unique place with over 3,000 years of history.

We have gay and lesbian guides that lead tours not only during the day at historical sights, but also after the sun sets. We show them the gay nightlife of Tel Aviv. We stay at very nice gay friendly hotels. We make sure that every person has the best experience. It’s very personal.

What are some obstacles you have had to overcome?

Some people still feel like it’s not safe. That it’s very religious. It’s not the right place for gays. I get it from some clients before they come. The first day in Israel it is something that always happens to me. They meet me and they laugh at what they thought only a few hours ago before they got on the plane. After they land, it is something that changes instantly once they see it is open, you can walk hand in hand to see the city, and it is super liberal and fun and very welcoming for gays.

Most people now know Tel Aviv is a gay mecca. I think we have done a good job in the past ten years to show that Tel Aviv is very special. Not only of course in Middle Eastern terms but all over the world. Even if you compare it to liberal cities in America or Canada, it is in the same category. Like Toronto, San Francisco or New York or Miami and Fort Lauderdale, it is super gay friendly.

What’s next for you and your company?

We are going to expand to five new countries – Brazil, Greece, South Africa, Argentina and Thailand. It is going to be at the same level as Israel. Same branding and quality of experience. I am going to countries where it is a bit more difficult – where LGBT travelers may be unsure on how to travel there. So someone waits for you at the airport. Speaks English. Makes it the best possible experience for gay travelers when they come to these far off places.

The post Nadav Peretz: Putting The Out In Outstanding Travel appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

In five years, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has grown to over one-hundred-and-fifty men and has put into practice their commitment to inspiring through song. Beginning in September 2010 as the dream of a few men who wanted to sing in a chorus, GMCSF continues to realize that dream and fulfill it in ways that can only be considered extraordinary. Director of Development Michael Mendillo is new to the GMCSF team and new to South Florida. We had the opportunity to chat with him about what he did before moving, the exciting things happening in 2016 for GMCSF, and his goals as Director of Development for the New Year.

KACALA: Where are you from?

Mendillo: I am originally from Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

K: What did you do before relocating to South Florida?

M: I received an undergraduate and a graduate degree in voice from the Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester Virginia. For the past two years, I was Box Office Manager as well as working in donor relations and marketing for the conservatory. I also interned in Synchronization and Licensing for film and television at BMG Chrysalis in New York City.

K: What are some exciting things happening with the Gay Men’s Chorus in 2016?

M: The GMCSF has concerts in March, June, and December in addition to a few other cabarets and performances by our smaller ensemble Tropical Wave. We are thrilled to have received a grant from the Knight Foundation, in partnership with Island City Stage and Stonewall Museum. The chorus will also be traveling to Denver to participate in the GALA festival. The chorus also has a Magic of Music Fundraising Brunch on Sunday, January 17 at Pier 66, including performances by Tropical Wave and fantastic live and silent auction items.

K: What are some of your goals as Director of Development?

M: As Director of Development, I am hoping to raise more funds so the chorus can continue to do their work in the community, give high quality concerts, as well as increase their impact in South Florida. It is my hope that I am able to help bring the audience and donors closer to the work in a meaningful way. The chorus has done an exceptional job and I am thrilled to be working with these incredibly talented men.

K: What do you love so far about South Florida?

M: I love the people. Everyone here has been so incredibly kind and welcoming. As someone who moved here not knowing anyone, I already feel I have an incredible support system and I am happy to be a part of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s family.

The post MICHAEL MENDILLO appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

By Chris Azzopardi

“I want you to smell me.”

It’s not your typical conversation starter, sure, but Orange Is the New Black star Dascha Polanco does smell nice, like fresh flowers. Seated in a New York City hotel suite to talk about her new film, Joy, the 32-year-old actress invites me to cozy up next to her, because then, she jokes, I can experience the fact that “not only is she beautiful but she also smells delicious.”

Azzopardi: It’s weird seeing you out of an orange jumpsuit.

Polanco: Is it?! I love the fact that I got to play with decades: the ’70s, ’80s, ’90s. But it’s two totally different worlds, TV and film.

A: What’s that transition been like for you?

P: Professionally, it’s always welcome (laughs). It’s a new challenge. It’s a new area of acting and being able to be play with characters and stories more creatively. I think with (director) David O. Russell and this project, it was intimidating.

A: Because it’s David O. Russell?

P: David O. Russell. Jennifer Lawrence. Bradley Cooper. Robert De Niro. Diane Ladd. Virginia Madsen. Isabella Rossellini. You just want to make sure you have your A-game on, and for a Latina being in this industry for the last three years, it takes you by surprise.

A: How does being Latina change things?

P: Well, there are not many Latin actors in Hollywood. There’s still a lower percentage of them breaking into Hollywood, but we’re seeing more diversity, especially with David O. Russell’s film. You’re seeing diversity there, to that caliber, and for me, that’s a big responsibility.

A: There’s been a lot of talk about diversity in Hollywood lately, and not just when it comes to race, but when it comes to women. And this movie is very –

Female driven.

A: It is. It’s all about female empowerment. It has a feminist message. How does that personally strike a chord with you?

P: I can relate so much to the story and to the elements of the movie: having obstacles in your life, being a woman and having to be a parent, having to be a daughter, taking care of not only your personal self but also your family. It shows how much women throughout the years have been the backbone and have, at times, struggled to even take a risk or try to live their dream or move forward because of other commitments or because of the stigma that we are supposed to be at home.

A: From the perspective of someone who is Latina in Hollywood: What is the current state of finding roles in Hollywood for a minority?

P: I thought to myself for the last two years: I’ve gone on auditions – so many auditions – in comparison to when I first started. Maybe it’s because of Orange, maybe it’s because of my representation, but there’s a need, a desire now. You see more offers, you see more shows that want to include diversity because of the success of shows like Orange Is the New Black. Anybody could’ve been cast as Jackie in Joy, and that’s the beauty of it. The role that I play, anyone could have, but he didn’t make it exclusive (and say), “I’m gonna make Jackie a white actress.” No. She’s ambiguous. She can be black. She can be Spanish. The fact that this is a Golden Globe-nominated movie – ah, it takes me by surprise that I’m part of this project, not because I don’t have the potential, not because I don’t believe in myself – but because of what, historically, I’ve seen growing up. And now that I’m part of it, there’s hope and there’s an opportunity that was rendered that I’m not taking for granted.

A: You credit Orange Is the New Black for diversifying TV.  What does it mean to you to be a part of that movement?

P: We have to look at a movie like Joy for a minute, and I’m going to talk about how it includes LGBT. It’s funny: I’m very supportive of the LGBT because I have family, I have friends, and they’re a big part of my life – and even so, I respect a human regardless of what their sexual orientation is, or who they feel they are. It has nothing to do with LGBT, or that I have a friend who is. It’s human to accept another human. Not everybody thinks that way. But you see a character like Joy who’s trying to just be… . She’s trying to belong, she’s trying to accomplish her dreams; she can be a mother, she can be a wife or a divorcee and not have the backlash, because there’s so much backlash in the movie. There are so many obstacles. “You’re a woman and you can’t do that.” And I’m pretty sure the LGBT community can relate to that. So whether she was a lesbian or not, it has nothing to do with that – it’s about her feeling like she’s part of something and building her empire.

A: Because anybody can see themselves in Joy.

P: Exactly.

A: When it comes to Orange Is the New Black, how do you feel about being a part of a show that embraces inclusivity?

P: I’m proud! So proud. It’s done a lot for the gay community around the world. It shows how much the industry might be oblivious to what’s needed, but the fans and the viewership have just been so boisterous and open to all these different sexual orientations – to transgender. There’s so much more acceptance, and that’s the beauty of it. We, (show creator) Jenji (Kohan), the actors, the story – we took all we had and the essence and being underdogs and being self-made and coming from nowhere and that passion and brought a project that everyone can relate to. That’s what’s succeeding now – when you have a project that everybody can relate to. We have Joy now. Anybody can watch the movie and I guarantee they’ll walk out of the theater and want to take over the world.

Chris Azzopardi is the editor of Q Syndicate, the international LGBT wire service.

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