By Daniel Hart & Derrick Hart

For the Theater Community and its legends of fans, the arrival of Fall means a brand new selection of plays, concerts and performances. They are sure to bring out the tears, the laughter, and our appreciation for the variety of unique talents brought into our lives as the curtain rises on area stages in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties.

From mysteries, to comedies, to tragedies and more, we’ve scanned the schedules from local theaters, both big and small, to bring you those shows which hold a special interest to the LGBT community—and those who love them.

As with all things excellent, tickets to these performances tend to sell out early. Check out FloridaAgenda.com for information about attending these shows, including how you can get some tickets for free.

Pompano/Aventura/West Palm Beach

TangObsession

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

3385 NE 188th Street, Aventura, FL 33180

TANGObsession is back in the United States for one night only at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday October 22, 2016 at 8:00 pm. TANGObsession is a Multimedia Avant-Garde Musical, filled with Tangos, Music, Dance, Love and Passion created by HumSa Productions. A show that is perfect for everyone. Featuring Tangos sung in Spanish but translated into English. Enjoy a fusion of photographs, paintings, movies and animation, all allowing the audience to follow the storyline. For the first time, enjoy Argentinean Tango dance, poetry and music under the direction of Humberto Fortuna and Creative Director, Laura Sapir. Starring, international singer, Humberto Fortuna, a full Tango orchestra with Miguel Arrabal at the bandoneón with a special guest, international violinist, Crismary Garcia. Come experience these live instruments and singing, price per tickets range from $37.50- $70.09. For more details, head over to TANGObsessions official website http://www.tangobsession.com/home-1.html

Boyz II Men & AL B. Sure

Pompano Beach Amphitheatre and Grounds

1806 NE 6th St (Amphitheatre) Pompano Beach, Florida 33060

R&B group Boyz II Men will be performing live Friday December 2, 2016 at 7:30 pm with special guest Al B. Sure. Boyz II Men remains one of music’s respected iconic groups in history. The trio holds the distinction of being the best-selling R&B group of all-time, with an astounding 60 million albums sold. The reason is absolutely clear: for the past two decades Boyz II Men have given fans a rich catalogue of hits filled with smooth harmonies and enduring themes. Hits such as “End of the Road,” “I’ll Make Love to You,” “One Sweet Day,” “Motownphilly” and many others. Al B. Sure will open the show. His history in the entertainment industry spans over two decades. Al released a historic compilation of his #1 R&B hits, as well as the “fan favorite” tunes from years past with “The Very Best of Al B Sure!” Tickets range from $33-$128. For more information, head over to the groups official website http://www.boyziimen.com/ as well as http://theamppompano.org/events-calendar/boyz-ii-men/

Jay Leno

Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Venue – Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

Want to get your laugh on? Kravis Center presents Jay Leno live Sunday, January 15, 2017 at 8:00 pm. The former host of NBC’s Tonight Show with Jay Leno now revs up fans with Jay Leno’s Garage, an Emmy-winning series about his passion for all things automotive. But the stand-up comic is best known for dominating late-night TV for more than 20 years. The likeable Leno often pops in to comedy clubs to test out new material, which remains relevant, family friendly and full-throttle funny. Tickets starting at $29.00. Head over to Kravis Center official website for more details. http://www.kravis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=performances.detail&performance_id=2376

Black Violin

Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Venue – Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

On Thursday December 1, 2016 at 8:00 pm, Krave Center brings you Black Violin, classically trained artists Kevin “Kev Marcus” Sylvester (violin) and Wilner “Wil B.” Baptiste (viola) blend classical, hip hop, rock, rhythm and blues, and bluegrass. The eclectic duo, who studied music together at Fort Lauderdale’s historic Dillard High School, have performed with artists such as Kanye West, Alicia Keys and Aerosmith, and have intrigued audiences ranging from guests at President Obama’s 2013 inaugural ball to unsuspecting airline passengers. Through the message of Black Violin’s music, they’ve spent the last 10 years working to encourage and empower people of all ages, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds to find what connects us, rather than shine a light on what divides us. Tickets start at $25.00. For more information, head to Kravis Center website http://www.kravis.org/blackviolin and Black Violin’s website http://blackviolin.net/

Annie

Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

701 Okeechobee Boulevard, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

Venue – Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Concert Hall

On March 2, 2017 at 8:00 pm, Kravis Center presents one of the most beloved family musicals of all time, Annie returns in time-honored form. Based on the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, this brand new incarnation of the Broadway smash is directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro. Featuring such favorites as “It’s a Hard Knock Life” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You”, this curly-haired classic also reminds us that there’s always “Tomorrow”. Tickets are starting at $30.00. For more info, visit Annie the musical official website http://anniethemusical.com/index.php as well as Kravis Center website http://www.kravis.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=performances.detail&performance_id=2321&

THE BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS UPCOMING EVENTS 

Opera Fusion: Not In My Town

Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

From September 30^th till October 1st 2016 at 8:00 pm, Opera Fusion will debut the world premiere of Not In My Town. Not In My Town is an original musical drama based on the life of Matthew Shepard, a young gay college student who was senselessly bullied, beaten, tied to a fence, and left to die. His friends and his community worked to make a better world, by standing up to bigotry and campaigning for passage of the national Hate Crimes Prevention Act. Not In My Town is a profound and compelling work that also sheds light on the senseless tragedies and hate crimes that are so prevalent today. Tickets range from $35-$55. For more information on this event, visit their official website http://www.operafusion.org/world-premiere-not-town-press-release-laramie-project-musical-drama/ and more information on tickets at    https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/opera-fusion-not-in-my-town

AHF Presents: My Big Funny Peter in Stuff Me for the Holidays!

Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Want to laugh your butt off? Bring a friend with you at 7:00 pm to the Amaturo Theater to see the internationally known comedian, Peter Bisuito. Due to the success of his sold out show at The Broward Center last April, Peter Bisuito is performing a ‘Back by Popular Demand’ Holiday Concert on December 28^th 2016. Peter is the world’s ONLY Gay Muscle-Bear Comedian. Peter is not just a comic, but a theatrical entertainer including funny video presentations and Broadway style musical numbers during his show. Give the gift of laughter this holiday season and stuff your stockings with tickets to the most talked about comedian in the country. This event contains adult language or content. Tickets range from $25-$38. For more information on this event, visit https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/my-big-funny-peter-holidays

Sex Tips for Straight Women from a Gay Man

Abdo New River Room at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Let’s talk about sex, honey! From March 23^rd till April 9^th 2017, naughty and educational, this Off-Broadway hit comedy—based on the international best-selling book of the same title. This show will take the audience on a hilarious and wild ride where no topic is taboo and the insider “tips” come from the perfect source: a gay man. “Sex Tips is breathlessly entertaining! Uproariously funny! Hysterically titillating!” raves Theatermania.com. Great for couples, date night, bachelorette parties or girls’ night out. You might even be invited on stage to demonstrate some R-rated techniques! This event contains adult language or content. Tickets are $45. To learn more about this event, visit their official website http://sextipsplay.com/about-the-show and to purchase your tickets, go to http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/107373/2073330?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web

South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble: Celebration

Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Want to enjoy some music that will make your body move to the beat? Purchase your tickets now and save the date for a night of celebration on June 10, 2017 at 7:00 pm. The Pride Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, and Steel Drum Band will take the stage in the Amaturo Theater as they celebrate the contribution of gay and lesbian composers and the gay and lesbian band movement. Guest vocalists and dancers will be invited to join forces with the band. To learn more about this event, visit their official website at http://www.pridewindensemble.org/pride_jazz_ensemble and to purchase your tickets, head over to http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D0051038B677624?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web

Slow Burn Theatre Company: The Hunchback of Notre Dame

Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

On October 20^th till November 6, 2016 at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm relive your childhood memories and get your life again when watching The Hunchback of Notre Dame show that is based on the animated Disney film. From the Oscar Award-winning team Alan Menken (The Little Mermaid) and Stephen Schwartz (Wicked, Godspell) comes a lushly scored retelling of Victor Hugo’s epic story of love, acceptance, and what it means to be a hero. For more information on this show, head over to Broward Performing Arts Center at https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/the-hunchback-of-notre-dame and purchase your tickets at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/106505/2246253?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web

Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella

Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Cinderella will be making her way to South Florida from December 13^th till the 25^th of 2016. Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella is the Tony Award®- winning Broadway musical from the creators of The Sound of Music and South Pacific that’s delighting audiences with its contemporary take on the classic tale. This lush production features an incredible orchestra, jaw-dropping transformations and all the moments you love including the pumpkin, the glass slipper, the masked ball and more. Also there will be some surprising new twists! For more information about this event, visit their official website at http://www.cinderellaonbroadway.com/. Tickets starting at $35 and will be available for purchase on October 10, 2016 at 10:00 pm.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid

Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Who’s ready to go under the sea? From February 22^nd till March 5^th of 2017, Disney’s The Little Mermaid will showcase its musical here in South Florida for everyone to see their favorite love story. In a magical kingdom fathoms below, we meet Ariel, the little mermaid who is tired of flipping her fins and longs to be part of the fascinating world on dry land. Joining her Ariel is her crabby sidekick, Sebastian; Ursula, the evil sea witch; Triton, King of the Sea and the handsome and human Prince Eric. Based on the Disney animated film, this beloved family classic is now on stage with all the songs you love. For more information on this event, head over to https://www.browardcenter.org/events/detail/disneys-the-little-mermaid/. Tickets starting at $35 and will be on sale November 18, 2016 at 10:00 am.

Theatre Under the Stars – Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” at TUTS, September 2015.

Matilda The Musical

Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts

201 SW 5th Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Matilda will be coming to South Florida on April 25th till May 7th of 2017. Winner of 50 international awards, including the Tony Award® and one of the biggest hits on Broadway, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, Matilda continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End. For more information on this event, visit their official website at http://us.matildathemusical.com/tour/about/the-story/. Tickets starting at $33 and will be on sale March 10, 2017 at 10:00 am at http://www.ticketmaster.com/venueartist/106543/2019437?brand=broward&camefrom=cfc_broward_web/.

OTHER BROWARD AREA PERFORMANCES

Dolly Parton’s Pure & Simple

BB&T Center

1 Panther Parkway, Sunrise, FL 33323

On November 27, 2016 at 7:30 pm, Dolly Parton will debut her Pure & Simple tour to audiences here in South Florida at the BB&T Center. Dolly will perform her hit songs all while weaving in a few new songs from her new double-disc album Pure & Simple with Dolly’s Biggest Hits. She will delight fans by playing songs they have not heard live for decades. She will bring energy and endless personalities that will make you want to get up out your seat and keep you for wanting more. Tickets are starting at $45.25-125.25. For more information, head over to Dolly Parton’s official website http://dollyparton.com/tour-schedule-upcoming-events as well as ticket purchasing/seating at http://bbt.centersunrise.com/Tickets-Active.php?eventID=2097607&venueID=1171

Cocktales: Shame On Me

Empire Stage

1140 N Flagler Drive,

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

Get ready for some juicy tea! Cocktales: Shame On Me, is an 80-minute show that runs from October 6-30, 2016 at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The show, based on true events, will have the audiences at the edge of their seats as Debra Ehrhardt’s discusses her encounters with the men who came in her life, and the men who were not so gentle. Raised in a religious home, she will take the audience with her on this journey of how her sexual awakening began as a young adult. Hold on tight because Debra will lead us into a rocky road full of excitement, hilarity, and plenty emotions. Tickets are $20.00 – $35.00. For more information visit http://www.empirestage.com/ and for ticket information visit http://tix.smarttix.com/Modules/Sales/SalesMainTabsPage.aspx?ControlState=1&SalesEventId=6023&DC=/

The First Step – Diary Of A Sex Addict

Island City Stage

2304 N Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305

Who’s ready for some comedy mixed with a little bit of sex? From January 12-February 12, 2017, The First Step – Diary Of A Sex Addict looks at sexual obsession that will leave your heart beating fast. This show depicts the story of a gay guy named Joe who takes the audience on his journey from his sex addict to recovery. This show is funny, steamy, and full of temptations that will have your fantasies going through the roof. Maybe your body as well. Tickets are $35.00 per seat. For more information, visit https://boxoffice.islandcitystage.org/Home/Shows/TheFirstStep/

Perfect Arrangement

Island City Stage

2304 N Dixie Highway Wilton Manors, Florida 33305

Topher Payne’s cutting comedy Perfect Arrangement runs November 10-December 11, 2016. Its classic theme and vibrant new colors mix with Communism as two US State Department employees, Bob and Norma, are assigned to identify sexual deviants within their ranks. What no one knows is that both Bob and Norma are themselves gay. Let the sipping of the tea begin. Inspired by a true story about how the origins of the gay movement took place. Get your tickets now to see this “All-American” couple’s drama unfold. Tickets are $35.00 per seat. For more information, visit http://islandcitystage.org/boxoffice/perfect-arrangement/

ADRIENNE ARSHT FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER UPCOMING EVENTS

Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions

KNIGHT CONCERT HALL

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

1300 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

Who wants to catch a Pokémon, or maybe even battle? So why not head over to the Adrienne Arsht Center and get your game on at 8:00 pm on December 3^rd, 2016. Brought to life by a full orchestra, Pokémon: Symphonic Evolutions is the must-see video game concert of the year, giving fans and newcomers of all ages the chance to experience the evolution of the Pokémon franchise like never before! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to meet up with friends of all ages to catch, battle, and trade Pokémon from your favorite games! All-new orchestral arrangements and carefully timed visuals draw from recent and classic Pokémon video games. For more information on this event, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Live-at-Knight/Pokemon/. Tickets range from $46-126.

Dirty Dancing The Classic Story on Stage

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing

Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.

1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE hits the floor in Miami, Florida on Nov 29, 2016 – Dec 4, 2016. You don’t want to miss this unprecedented live experience, exploding with heart-pounding music, passionate romance, and sensational dancing. Seen by millions across the globe, this worldwide smash hit tells the classic story of Baby and Johnny, two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds who come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives. Featuring the hit songs, “Hungry Eyes,” “Hey Baby,” “Do You Love Me?” and the heart stopping “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life.” Tickets range from $29.00 – $107.00 based on seating. For more information, visit http://us.dirtydancingontour.com/ and http://www.arshtcenter.org/en/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Broadway-in-Miami/Dirty-Dancing/

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing

Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.

1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will bring outstanding performances in Miami, Florida on Thursday, February 23rd – Sunday, February 26th, 2017. Alvin Ailey once declared, “I want to hold up a mirror to my audience that says, ‘this is the way people can be; this is how open people can be.’” Now more than ever, we need the power of dance to bring us together, connected by our common humanity. It’s why people say: You don’t just see an Ailey performance, you feel it. This February, engage your emotions at an Ailey performance that includes their latest acclaimed premieres and Mr. Ailey’s Revelations, an enduring masterpiece that transcends color and creed to unite us in hope. Tickets range from $29.00 – $125.00 based on seating. For more information, visit https://www.alvinailey.org/ and https://www.alvinailey.org/performances-tickets/tour-schedules

Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing

Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.

1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

Knight Concert Hall

Who’s ready to get their sappy on come Friday, February 10 at 8:00 pm in Miami, Florida? Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs is the name of the hugely acclaimed cabaret show actor and activist Alan Cumming premiered in 2015 at New York’s legendary Café Carlyle to ecstatic reviews, and has since wowed, and continues to wow audiences all across America, Canada and Australia. Alan’s diverse career has found him performing at venues around the globe including Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, the London Palladium and the Sydney Opera House, and recording an award-winning album of songs (plus a dance remix), among his many accomplishments. Tickets range from $49.00 – $89.00. For more details, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Live-at-Knight/Alan-Cumming/

Chaka Khan in Concert

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing

Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.

1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

Knight Concert Hall

Chaka Khan A.K.A. “The Queen of Funk” will be performing live in Miami, Florida on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 8:00 pm. Chaka Khan is the epitome of her 1978 hit song “I’m Every Woman”. Chaka is a true Renaissance Woman. A singer, songwriter, producer, visual artist, author, actor, philanthropist, entrepreneur, activist and mother, Chaka is an international music icon who has influenced multiple generations of artists and continues to do so. Chaka is a ten-time GRamMY® Award-winner who has the rare ability to sing in eight music genres, including R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, country, classical and dance music. Come out and support and enjoy this musical icon. Tickets range from $45.00 – $125.00. For more information, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Live-at-Knight/Chaka-Khan/

Before Night Falls

The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing

Arts of Miami-Dade County, Inc.

1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132

Ziff Ballet Opera House/Presented by Florida Grand Opera

Based on the famous memoir of Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas, Before Night Falls follows Arenas’s life from childhood poverty in the Cuban countryside to his emigration to the United States in the 1980 Mariel boatlift and his last decade suffering from AIDS in New York City. Before Night Falls is a full-length opera in two acts scored for a full orchestra. The music is by Cuban-born composer Jorge Martín with a libretto by Mr. Martín and Dolores M. Koch. The musical style is melodic and richly textured, full of contrasts with some Cuban inflections along with a chorus of almost Verdian grandeur. Catch this amazing opera on Saturday, March 18 – Saturday, March 25, 2017. Tickets range from $16.00 – $229.00. For more information, visit http://www.arshtcenter.org/Tickets/Calendar/2016-2017-Season/Florida-Grand-Opera/Before-Night-Falls/ and http://www.aopopera.org/beforenightfalls/

OTHER MIAMI AREA PERFORMANCES

Andrea Bocelli

American Airlines Arena

601 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132

World-famous tenor Andrea Bocelli will be coming to Miami, Florida on Sunday February 12, 2017 at 8:00 pm. Bocelli has completely redefined the genre of classical vocal music, having played a key role in bridging the gap between the highbrow listeners and the mainstream. Bocelli’s music has not only appealed to people across different social strata, but across generations and cultures. Bocelli has sung in French, Spanish, English and German besides his native Italian and has sold more than 60 million albums worldwide. Bocelli has recorded over twenty pop and classical albums in addition to seven complete operas. Tickets range from $75.00 – $375.00. Presale begins Monday September 19, 2016 at 10:00 am. Additional fees are applied at Checkout. Prices are subject to change. For more information, visit Andrea Bocelli official website at http://www.andreabocelli.com/ as well as ticket information http://www.ticketmaster.com/andrea-bocelli-miami-florida-02-12-2017/event/0D0050FCDD21B089?artistid=773296&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=203

The post 2016-2017 Theater Season Preview: 24 South Florida Must See Shows appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

For all the talk about Hillary Clinton’s health and that of her staff this past week (she wasn’t the only one to contract pneumonia), there has been no slow-down on the campaign trail as the candidates push toward their first Presidential Debate on September 26.

If anything, the war of words has turned more turbulent, vitriolic and specific with the LGBT community finding itself on the front lines of this political battle, like it or not.

It was Vice Presidential candidate Tim Kaine who gave the first inkling this past weekend when delivering the keynote address at the 20^th annual black-tie Human Rights Campaign Dinner by calling on LGBTs to “mobilize.” It was a direct call to arms aimed at insuring that the Clinton-Kaine ticket won the swing states—some of which are actually in Trump territory.

Florida is always considered an essential state for a national political win.  Four years ago, Obama won the state by less than one percent.  But a lot has happened in the Sunshine State in four years, including the legalization of same-sex marriage.

The unemployment rate has dropped to 4.7%, which is a little lower than the national average. What used to be a retirement mentality has switched to an upwardly mobile state that saw half a million Latinos move into Florida in the past four years.  Most of them are registered Democrats, with the minority now accounting for 25% of the electorate.

It was also the home to the largest massacre in recent America history with the Pulse Nightclub murders. In addition, Florida has 11 of the nation’s most dangerous cities. This becomes relevant on a number of levels as the Presidential contest moves into its final months.

Florida is a state whose northern borders are replete with religious zealots and radical conservatives who think violence is a likely outcome should Hillary Clinton be elected president.  They agree with Kentucky governor Matt Bevin, who also spoke last Saturday, to a very different audience.

While speaking at the annual Value Voters Summit in Washington DC, Bevin stated that should Clinton be elected president of the United States, the nation would recover but not without shedding blood. “The roots of the tree of liberty are watered by what? The blood, of who? The tyrants to be sure, but who else. The patriots,” Bevin said, referencing a quote from Thomas Jefferson. “Whose blood will be shed? It may be that of those in this room. It might be that of our children and grandchildren. I have nine children. It breaks my heart to think it might be their blood that is needed to redeem something, to reclaim something that we through our apathy and indifference have given away.”

The Democrats were quick to dismiss Bevin’s comments. “I believe that his call to shed the blood of fellow Americans is unconstitutional and a violation of his sworn oath to uphold the laws of the commonwealth,” Democrat Nancy Jo Kemper said at a news conference just outside Bevin’s office in the state capitol. Kemper is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr in Kentucky’s 6th District.

Republican Party of Kentucky spokesman Tres Watson called Kemper’s comments “a desperate act by a desperate candidate.”

Bevin is in his first term and is not on the ballot in November. But he is campaigning hard to help Republicans win a majority in Kentucky’s House of Representatives, the last legislative chamber in the South still controlled by Democrats.

He used his speech on Saturday to encourage Christian voters to not be silent on issues they care about.

“Look at the atrocity of abortion, so many have remained silent. It’s a slippery slope. First we’re killing children, then it’s ‘don’t ask don’t tell.’ Now it’s this gender-bending, don’t ask, don’t be a bigot, don’t be unreasonable, don’t be unenlightened, heaven forbid,” Bevin said, referring to policies on gays in the military and other LGBT issues.

Clinton believes that her key to winning is through the direct mobilization of gays and lesbians who have a history of organizing political victories. Clinton believes that the LGBTs are essential to win Florida and the other swing states of Arizona (where they are at a virtual tie), Colorado (where Clinton is currently leading by 9.7%), Georgia (virtual tie), Iowa (virtual tie), Michigan (Clinton, 5.6% lead), Missouri (Trump leads by 3%), New Hampshire (Clinton by 5%), Nevada (tie), North Carolina (tie), Ohio (tie), Pennsylvania (Clinton by 6.2%) and Virginia (Clinton by 3.7%). It’s war. And it’s happening now.

The post IT’S WAR: LGBTs Officially in Battle for Swing Dates appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

Florida has laid claim to a lot of titles in it storied 171-year history. Of course, we’re known as the Sunshine State, even though Arizona gets far more of the stuff annually. We’re the home to the hotel where Anna Nicole Smith died; the hanging chad from the Presidential election of 2000; and serial killer Ted Bundy. Well now, we’ve got a new nugget for infamy. According to the folks at the AdultDVDEmpire.com, and pornmd.com, Orlando, Florida, leads the country for the most DVD’s downloaded, streamed, or rented.

It’s no wonder the city is called The Happiest Place on Earth.  Orlando won the title for the third time, over seemingly more likely winners like Miami (who scored in 10^th place, and Tampa, which came in 7^th).  Fort Lauderdale apparently likes to experience its sex one-on-one in person, since our city of sun didn’t make the top one hundred at all.

Florida is no slouch when it comes to the production of gay pornography either—ending up in second place right behind Los Angeles. But as the years go by, the number of production companies have been dwindling, right along with the profits that reached in the millions not too many years ago.

All of which brings us right back to Florida and its downloading dominance in the porn industry. The arrival of the Internet has produced some major breakout companies in the distribution end of the industry with pornmd.com one of the largest porn delivery services in the world. Unfortunately, the easy availability of pornography is also threatening to be its downfall, as studios are facing the reality that piracy from free internet content providers are cutting them out of the money chain.

It’s an unusual turn for an industry that saw its birth in the production of Wakefield Poole’s Boys in the Sand in 1971. The three-scene film starring Casey Donovan was made for only $8,000 in Cherry Grove on Fire Island, and set the bar high for gay pornography that followed. Both producer and star ironically had Florida connections. Poole, an American dancer and choreography, was born in Jacksonville in 1936. Donovan, who had an extremely lucrative career in the modeling and porn industries, died of AIDS in Inverness, Florida in 1987 at the age of 43.

Much of the industry is moving overseas where porn stars are being paid next to nothing to appear in films which lack the production value typically seen in those down in the U.S.  But with decreasing profits, it is the only way many production companies are staying in business at all.

One of the most currently successful porn business models was developed by a company called Bel Ami from Bratislava, Slovakia. Headed by Prague filmmaker George Duroy, the company has become synonymous with young blonds with hairless bodies, a group which has a large following among the younger porn viewer.

Those in Florida, however, tend to be older and richer, still willing to pay monthly fees to streaming sites to accommodate their growing need for explicit sex.

Despite tracing its history all the way back to Greek antiquity (the earliest known pornographic art is from the Byzantine Empire), the diversity of gay porn continues to grow, as amateurs take to the internet to secure their own 15 minutes of fame. With the availability of film production software, and music scoring programs, there appears to be no end to the industry that continues to adapt to its audience.

For the record, the other top ten cities for porn viewing are Las Vegas, Wilmington (DE), Raleigh and Charlotte (NC), Atlanta, Anchorage and Austin (TX).

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Breaking News: Craig Jungwirth was apprehended late Wednesday afternoon outside of Orlando and is being held in custody by the Orlando Police Department.  This article will be updated as further information becomes available.

FORT LAUDERDALE—A gay man associated with conning victims out of money for BearBeach Weekend last March has made a series of alarming threats to massacre gay men in Wilton Manors over the Labor Day weekend. Craig Jungwirth exchanged a series of Facebook posts with David Herbert, a Fort Lauderdale resident.

Jungwirth, whose Facebook page was using a photo of boxer Alex Ramos, wrote:

My events are selling out cause you faggots are total patsies. None of you deserve to live. If you losers thought the Pulse nightclub shooting was bad, wait till you see what I’m planning for Labor Day.

When Herbert threaten to call the police to report Jungwirth’s threat, he reposted:

You can’t never catch a genius from MIT and since you faggots aren’t dying from AIDS anymore, I have a better solution to exterminate you losers.

Herbert responded by telling jungwirth to “get some help.”

I’m gonna be killing you fags faster than the cops kill n**gers. It’s time to clean up Wilton Manors from all you AIDS infested losers.

Jennifer Bickhardt, Public Information Officer for the Wilton Manors Police Department, responded to a request for comment from the Florida Agenda.

The Wilton Manors Police Department (WMPD) takes all matters seriously especially when someone threatens the lives of the Wilton Manors Community to include our residents, business owners/employees, visitors, and the surrounding communities. The Wilton Manors Police Department is aware of this serious matter and our department is currently conducting an on-going investigation on this matter and the individual(s) involved. Due to the on-going investigation we are unable to provide any details about the investigation and what current information our department has learned about this matter and the individual(s) involved at this time.

Please know that our Police Officers and Detectives are thoroughly investigating this serious matter and we ask the community to continue to contact local law enforcement officials should they hear or see any other additional posts on Social Media/new threats made by these individual(s) or anyone else.

For all EMERGENCY type calls please Dial 9-1-1 and for all NON-EMERGENCY / REGIONAL DISPATCH type calls please call (954) 764-HELP (4357). 

Jungwirth has a history of conflicts with previous employers, having had restraining orders taken out to prevent him for stalking in prior office settings. More recently, he has taken to using email and Facebook as a form of retaliation against those who would criticize him in any fashion.

During the winter months, Jungwirth barely escaped criminal prosecution for fraud over his use of web pages advertising the BeachBear Weekend, to which he claimed ownership, and to which he was actively selling VIP passes as well as hotel packages at the Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel. Unknown to those responding to his BeachBear Weekend offers was the fact that none of the events described or hotel accommodations were authentic.

After being evicted from his apartment near the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Jungwirth disappeared from the area, with some reports of his return to Orlando where he had previously been employed. His latest reference to Wilton Manors suggests that he may have returned to South Florida, though there have been no known spottings of the man.

In what may be the latest irony in the Jungwirth saga, however, is the legal opinion that as horrible as they are, his latest spate of threats are not against the law. Rather, they are protected under the Freedom of Speech.

In Elonis v. the United States, the Supreme Court decided last year that a man, Anthony Elonis, who made odious threats to kill his wife, was innocent of breaking the law.

“Federal criminal liability generally does not turn solely on the results of an act without considering the defendant’s mental state,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote for the majority, explaining that the court overturned the case because the government never proved that Elonis had threatening intent.

Whether Jungwirth’s intent to massacre gays in Wilton Manors is authentic remains to be seen. The answer lies on the other side of Labor Day weekend.

The post Threat to Massacre Gays This Weekend in Wilton Manors appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

By Derrick Hart & Daniel Hart

The average American has four television sets in their homes, and receives over 180 channels of cable and streaming programming available at any time of the day or night. While much of those shows are encore presentations of hits from the past, there are any number of superb first-run series—an increasing number of which are featuring lesbian, gay, transgender or bisexual characters.

Next week, marks the start of the Fall 2016 Television season which will unfold in the months ahead. Check out your favorites or discover new ones in our countdown to Agenda’s Gay Television Annual Roundup.

AMERICAN HORROR STORY

FX’s American Horror Story is an LGBT’s wet dream. First and foremost, the show is written and created by openly gay TV industry icon Ryan Murphy, and has featured appearances from gay actors like Matt Bomer and Neil Patrick Harris. If you haven’t seen the show, its dynamic and setting changes year-to-year. A haunted hotel one season; a side-show the next.  If you like horror, sex, and blood, this is your kinda show. As the titles tell us: viewer discretion is advised. Sex, nudity, violence—they are here in spade. Previous seasons/titles were “The Coven,” “Freak Show,” and last years “Hotel” which featured Pop singer Lady Gaga. Viewers can expect our Gaga to be returning in season six on September 14, 2016. Ryan Murphy describes it as “more rogue” and “dark,” and will revolve around children. To stream previous seasons, catch them on Hulu.

ARROW

In 2015, CW’s popular television series Arrow, cast Echo Kellum as Mr. Terrific who was the shows first gay African American superhero–a rarity on television. According to NewNowNext, actor Echo Kellum stated that it’s the fifth most interesting thing about him. His character Michael Holt is actually heterosexual in the comic books and is haunted by his wife’s death. However, on the show, he’s openly gay and is happily married. The CW has released a little teaser for the upcoming season (its fifth) stating that someone from Oliver’s past will return to threaten his legacy. Only question is who is the mystery person? Viewers will find out when it returns Wednesday October 5, 2016 at 8pm. If you’re a hardcore DC fan of the Green Arrow series, and if you like hot abs, this show has you covered!

DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW

DC’s Legends of Tomorrow season two will premiere on October 13, 2016 online at Amazon.com. One of the show’s kick ass heroines, Sara Lance, (played by Caity Lotz), has women going crazy over her. From her relationships with Nyssa al Ghul and Oliver Queen, she just might have everyone wanting to get a kiss from her. Although Sara is one of the characters that joined with the other legends, she feels like she’s in this world all alone. Her past was dark, making her not have a care in the world. However, she does have a soft spot for new lover, Lindsey. Missed season one? No need to worry. You can catch full episodes online at Hulu.com.

EMPIRE

Empire season three will return to FOX network on September 21, 2016. This series showcases Jamal Lyon played by Jussie Smollett in one of the most talked about TV series yet. Jamal, who is an openly gay talented singer/songwriter, is trying to take over his father’s empire, with the help of his mother Cookie (Taraji P. Henson). Lucious, who is Jamal’s father, despises him because of his sexuality; however, Cookie favors him and wants nothing but the best for her child. The question remaind: who will take over the Empire? Cookie or Lucious? At the end of last season, Jamal had been shot and his music career seemed over. Will Jamal re-think his decision to continue his music career in season three? A good question. Missed an episode? Catch up on seasons one and two on TVOne.

GAME OF THRONES

HBO’s Game of Thrones has been renewed for a seventh season and will return next year April 2017. The mythical drama focuses on several powerful families fighting for control of the Seven Kingdoms. Viewers love the show because they want the good guys to win but the bad guys are so good at being bad. Throughout the years, sadly the gay characters on the show have met tremendous blood and death. In season six, viewers even had to say goodbye to its lovable oaf Hodor (Kristian Nairn),  the only openly gay actor in the cast. To find more fantasy drama, catch up on previous seasons on HBO before the new one returns to slay.

GIRLS

TV series Girls have been renewed for its sixth and final season on HBO and will air in 2017. The show focuses on four young women living their lives in the “big apple” of Manhattan. Normally, the series shows the leading ladies and their sexual encounters. However this year, an early episode “Old Loves” took a turn by showing two male characters Elijah and Dill played by Andrew Rannells and Corey Stoll getting hot and heavy. This gay scene was definitely a first for the series! Also, fans are eager to learn how Hannah (Lena Dunham) and the rest of her girl friends wrap up their lives by the end of the season. Catch up on previous shows on HBO and stream it on Amazon Instant as well.

GRACE AND FRANKIE

Netflix’s original series Grace and Frankie has been renewed for a third season and is coming to TV in May 2017. Stars Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as Grace and Frankie find their lives have been turned upside down when they’ve both found out that their husbands are in love with each other. Can you say messy love triangle–or is that love rectangle? Sam Waterson as Sol (Frankie’s former husband) says “they don’t expect such delicate and difficult and hard subjects as late-in-life sexual-orientation changes and divorce and death itself and aging to be funny at all.” Co-creator Marta Kauffman told Deadline, fans can expect “the subject of age and coming to terms with it more in season three.” Haven’t seen seasons one and two yet? Catch up and stream on Netfli–especially if you enjoy comedy and gay professional men.

HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER

How To Get Away With Murder will return on ABC network for season three on September 22, 2016. This series consist of law students working for series star Viola Davis who plays lawyer and law professor Annalise Keating. This series also showcases a hot gay student who is very promiscuous– Connor Walsh played by newcomer Jack Falahee. Connor keeps his LGBT fans wanting to see more of his sexy, steamy, and super-hot love scenes with his partner Oliver Hampton (played by Conrad Ricamora) and other gorgeous men. The show concentrates on Annalise and her students trying to cover up murder crimes, so that she can save her students from going to jail as well as save herself from destroying her career and her life. Wanna catch up? Catch re-runs of the first two seasons on demand or on AmazonPrime.

JESSICA JONES

In January of this year, Marvel comics Jessica Jones was renewed for a second season on Netflix (with a release date TBA). This series stars smart and very dark character Jessica Jones (played by Kristen Ritter), a former superhero who has now opened up her own detective agency taking on cases dealing with people who have incredible abilities. Jones’ boss and ally Jeri Hogarth (played by Carrie-Ann Moss) is the epitome of a powerful lesbian. Moss described the character by saying that “she’s fierce, she’s strong, she’s powerful, and she likes that power.” In the comic book series, Jeri’s character was a man, but changed to female for the series and LGBT viewers are certainly down for that. Showrunner Melissa Rosenberg told Deadline that in season two, she wants to expand on the ensemble and on Jessica’s world. Stream season one only on Netflix.

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

Orange Is the New Black will be back on Netflix for season five in summer 2017. Gay characters fly all over this female series set in prison where orange uniforms are de rigueur. One in particular: popular transgender model/actress Lavern Cox who plays Sophia Burset on the show. Sophia was sent to prison for credit card fraud and she is someone who speaks on the rights of transgender people. This show is similar to the series Oz, but even better because that show was more focused on men and their issues, whereas this series concentrates more on woman and their erotic, crazy, hot, and steamy behavior with one another. It’ll make a straight woman second guess her sexuality. Thirsty for more? Catch seasons one through four on Netflix.

SENSE8

Sense8 will debut for its second season in December 2016 on Netflix. This TV series showcases eight strangers that live totally different lives, but somehow are suddenly linked together for a mysterious reason. The LGBT community is glued to this show because the gay association in this TV series is out of control. There are gay relationships, down low flings, cat fights, and juicy stories that Sense8 leaves viewers wanting more. Miguel Silvestre plays Lito, a closeted actor who lives with his boyfriend in Mexico City. Their love scenes will make you want to marry say, even if you’re straight. Wanna be up to speed? Catch full episodes of season one all on Netflix and get your life.

TRANSPARENT

Transparent will return for season three on Amazon in the fall of 2016. This scripted TV series follows Maura Pfefferman (Jeffrey Tambor) is a retired college professor and a transgender woman who came out to her family and friends two years ago. It hasn’t been confirmed, but sources tell us that popular transgender person Caitlyn Jenner may have a supporting role in season three. Thanks to a show like Transparent, life inside a body of a transgender is explored, perhaps even help to give courage to closeted transgender people to open up to his/her family. Catch reruns all online at Amazon.com.

TRUE DETECTIVE

HBO’s anthology crime drama True Detective created by Nic Pizzolatto debuted in 2014 with stars Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as the leading detectives on a seventeen-year pursuit for a serial killer. Second season focuses more on political corruption and gets a twist with a whole new cast, and a very interesting highway patrolman Paul Woodrugh (Taylor Kitsch). Paul is “straight” but uses Viagra to have sex with his girlfriend; his odd sexual behavior and closeted ways comes into the light when he is confronted by an ex-military pal and former lover. And soldier doesn’t even know about Paul’s association with a gay prostitute. Although a season three hasn’t been announced, HBO president Casey Bloys states, “It is not dead. I talked to Nic about it and both Nic and HBO are open to another season.” Until then, stream seasons one and two on HBO Go, HBO Now, and Amazon video.

UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT

On January 17, 2016, Netflix’s Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt was renewed for a third season. The series focuses on 29-year-old Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) as she adjusts to life living in New York City. The series also showcases Kimmy’s gay best friend/roommate Titus Andromedon (Tituss Burgess) as the bold and vibrant guy LGBT viewers love, and every girl wish they had in their corner. He’s an aspiring musical theater actor who’s had to deal with a lot of rejection in the past from the business, but still manages to stay strong and always carries a larger than life persona. Tituss Burgess’ hilarious performance on the show even earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series at the 2015 ceremony. Though a release date for season three has yet to be revealed, season two left viewers with a cliffhanger as Kimmy received a phone call from the reverend. We don’t know what he wants, but whatever it is, it can’t be good. Season cliffhangers are like that. In the meantime, catch seasons one and two on Netflix.

THE WALKING DEAD

The Walking Dead season seven will return on AMC on October 23, 2016. This bloody scripted series features Aaron (Ross Marquand) and his boyfriend Eric (Jordan Woods-Robinson). Aaron and Eric were introduced as a couple on the show. Cutely pie Aaron took care of Eric when he became immobile, poor thing. So far, both guys remain alive, but who knows when there are zombies walking about doing whatever it is zombies do. If you haven’t caught up on seasons one through six, you can catch up on demand or on Netflix.

The post LGBT Characters Who Rule Television appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

The American Family Association, the non-profit organization intent on maintaining “traditional family values,” and best known for organizing boycotts against companies who it believes promotes homosexuality, has joined with Revival Fires International to print and distribute 65,000 of the Truth for Youth® Bible promoting gay cure therapy.

According to Revival Fires website, the publisher is asking for teenagers’ help to bring the Gospel to “America’s youth and counter the ill-effect of the liberal agenda being promoted aggressively in America’s public school by helping to provide Truth for Youth® Bibles for every teenager in the Unites States.

Included with each New Testament bible is a specially edited six-page comic book inspired by Revival Fires’ Pastor Tim Todd detailing God’s final word on the subject of homosexuality. Since the New Testament makes no mention of homosexuality at all, Todd eliminates that challenge to teach his propaganda by creating anime characters involved in a cultural battle between LGBT activists and Christian protestors.

In the Todd version of reality, the gays are militants attacking the Christians with tear gas and rocks. When a gay teenager named Sebastian questions why he should be considered any different in the eyes of God, he is told that “Whether you are homosexual, or have just been suckered into a few homosexual acts by some predators—either way Jesus can save and change you!”

The cartoon goes on to quote 1^st Corinthians 6: 9-11 in which we’re told “Homosexuals will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (No mention that the King James version speaks to “adulterers, effeminates, and abusers of themselves with mankind.”)

“This EMT guy and people in the Bible were homosexual…and changed?” Sebastian asks. “So I can change too?”

“With God’s help,” comes the answer from a woman.

Forget that conversion therapy has been disavowed by every single major medication association in the United States as well as the World Health Organization. According to the aforementioned “EMT guy,” there is no such thing as simply being born gay, or “born this way,” as he says, calling it part of the “PR arsensal” of liberals.

“We’re a fallen race, and so there is a condition in which we were ‘born that way’… it’s as sinners! We all have a ‘natural predisposition towards sin. We just ‘choose our poisons’… whether it’s hatred or homosexuality.

“Turn your back on sin, Sebastian, and seek the narrow way that leads to life!” If only it were so simple.

The comic then encourages teens to attend “confidential counselling” from a ‘gay cure’ group, Pure Life Ministries.

On another page, the comic tells children to shun the “political correctness code word” of gay in favor of “homosexuals.”.

Revival Fires also distributes comics cautioning against the sins of pornography, secular rock music, evolution and sexual impurity.

To LGBT activists, packaging the anti-gay propaganda with the Bible gives it a legitimacy that is undeserved. Additionally, they object to the distribution of the books which are given free to teenagers if they promise to give it to “their unsaved friends in school.”

Over one million copies of the book have already been distributed with American Family Association paying for 65,000 more.

The post LGBTs Slammed in New “Truth for Youth” Cartoon Bible appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

Saying that Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump has fallen to a “new low” and made a statement “unprecedented in the history of American presidential politics,” former CBS News anchor Dan Rather ranted on Facebook.

The normally unfazed Rather was referring to a speech at a Trump campaign rally last Tuesday in Wilmington, North Carolina, when The Donald said, “Hillary wants to abolish—essentially abolish the Second Amendment. By the way, if she get to pick, if she gets to pick her judges, nothing you can do, folks. Although the Second Amendment people, maybe there is, I don’t know.”

Seeing that as an invitation to instill violence against the Democratic candidate for President, Rather continued, “This is no longer about policy, civility, decency or even temperament. This is a direct threat of violence against a political rival. It is not just against the norms of American politics, it raises a serious question of whether it is against the law.”

The reaction of LGBT leaders was immediate, with calls for the FBI to do a criminal investigation of his remarks. The disguised threat came only a day after Trump revealed that he would be attending an anti-gay event in Orlando on the two-month anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub massacre.

“Just when you think Donald Trump and Marco Rubio couldn’t go any lower, they announce plans to court anti-LGBTQ activists in Orlando. On Thursday, Donald Trump and Marco Rubio are going to seek votes from people who fundamentally believe we are not equal, who support dangerous and harmful conversion therapy and who have worked to export anti-LGBTQ hate abroad,” said HRC Senior Vice President of Policy and Political Affairs JoDee Winterhof.

“Donald Trump would put at risk all the progress the LGBTQ community has made over the last eight years. And we know all too well that Marco Rubio — who has refused to stand up for LGBTQ Floridians time and again — would be his loyal accomplice. Because of elected officials like Marco Rubio, LGBTQ Floridians remain at risk of being fired or denied a job because of who they are or whom they love.”

While many believe that Hillary Clinton will act in support of gay rights, she is equally as outspoken on her intentions to seek some sort of legislation regarding gun control, which sparked Trump’s latest accusations that had even Republicans questioning his reasoning.

“During the primary season, as Donald Trump’s bizarre outbursts helped him crush the competition, I thought he was being crazy like a fox,” journalist Eugene Robinson wrote in an op-ed  in the Washington Post this week.

“Now I am increasingly convinced that he’s just plain crazy,” Robinson continued. “I’m serious about that. Leave aside for the  moment Trump’s policies, which in my opinion range from the unconstitutional to the un-American to the potentially catastrophic. At this point, it would be irresponsible to ignore the fact that Trump’s grasp on reality appears to be tenuous at best.”

Rather said on Facebook that he expects that will Trump will undoubtably issue an explanation, which he has, glossing over his statement as a misunderstanding meant to get gun rights advocates out to vote.

To Rather, however, “Once the words are out there, they cannot be taken back. That is what inciting violence means.

“To anyone who still pretends this is a normal election of Republican against Democrat, history is watching. And I suspect its verdict will be harsh.

“Many have tried to do a side-shuffle and issue statements saying they strongly disagree with his rhetoric but still support the candidate. That is becoming woefully insufficient. The rhetoric is the candidate.

“This cannot be treated as just another outrageous moment in the campaign. We will see whether major newscasts explain how grave and unprecedented this is and whether the headlines in tomorrow’s newspapers do it justice. We will soon know whether anyone who has publicly supported Trump explains how they can continue to do.

“We are a democratic republic governed by the rule of law. We are an honest, fair and decent people. In trying to come to terms with today’s discouraging development, the best I can do is to summon our greatest political poet Abraham Lincoln for perspective:

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

Lincoln used these stirring words to end his First Inaugural Address. It was the eve of the Civil War and sadly his call for sanity, cohesion and peace was met with horrific violence that almost left our precious Union asunder. We cannot let that happen again.”

The post “Crazy” Trump makes violent threat against Clinton: Are LGBTs next? appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

The 2016 Summer Olympic games returns to the arena in Rio Brazil, it could be the gayest Olympics yet. As we set and view the opening ceremonies on August 5th during primetime television, with millions of people watching, the LGBT community will have it’s own team competing. The 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio will have a record number of publicly out lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex athletes.

Outsports and LGBT historian Tony Scupham-Bilton have identified at least 41 out athletes who will compete, as well as three coaches. Several out athletes have also qualified for the Paralympics.

There is a record 10 publicly out male athletes, though none are from the U.S. There is also one married couple, Helen Richardson-Walsh and Kate Richardson-Walsh, British field hockey players. At least three publicly out head coaches, Alyson Annan  (the Dutch women’s field hockey team), Jill Ellis (head coach of the United States women’s soccer team) and Pia Sundhage (head coach of Sweden’s women’s soccer team).

We expect the list to grow, as more athletes are predicted to be coming out during the games themselves. This often occurs on team sports in Europe or in lesser-know sports where athletes are out, but haven’t gotten much publicity.

It with great Pride that we applaud our brothers and sisters from across the globe, competing and celebrating, as only LGBTs can.

Nicola Adams (Great Britain, boxing, 5’5″, 35)

Boxer Nicola Adams will defend her title after earning a spot in Rio at the European qualifying tournament. Adams has been a dominant force internationally, winning major competitions for the last five years including gold in the 51kg weight class at the 2012 Olympics.

Seimone Augustus (USA, basketball, 6’1″, 32)

Minnesota Lynx star Seimone Augustus, having won gold with Team USA in 2012. Augustus married her wife, LaTaya Varner, this past May just before the start of the 2016 WNBA season.

Tom Bosworth (Great Britain, race walk, 6′, 26)

Tom Bosworth, a champion race walker for Britain. Bosworth said, “He hopes to show other athletes that it is possible for elite athletes to come out.”

Dutee Chand (India, track & field, 5’4″, 20)

Indian professional sprinter and current national champion in the women’s 100 meters event. She is the third Indian woman to ever qualify for the Women’s 100 meters. Chand was dropped from the competing stating that hyperandrogenism made her ineligible to compete as a female athlete. Chand later won that case clinching a major victory for intersex and gender inclusion in the sports world.

Tom Daley (Great Britain, diving, 5’10”, 22)

Diver Tom Daley said he is gay, dropping the suggestion that he is bisexual. He also says he has a boyfriend, believed to be screenwriter Dustin Lance Black.

Carlien Dirkse van den Heuvel (Netherlands, field hockey, 5’7″, 29)

At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she competed for the Netherlands women’s national field hockey team in the women’s event. Fox News notes her as one of ten LGBT Olympians that medaled in London.

Lisa Dahlkvist (Sweden, soccer, 5’8″, 28)

A Swedish professional football midfielder who plays for French club Paris Saint-Germain and the Sweden national team. Dahlkvist identifies as a lesbian and came out publicly in 2008.

Katie Duncan (New Zealand, soccer, 5’3″, 26)

An Association footballer that plays for FC Zürich and New Zealand. She is married to fellow New Zealand footballer Priscilla Duncan.

Nilla Fischer (Sweden, soccer, 5’9″, 31)

Swedish footballer for VfL Wolfsburg and the Swedish national team. In December 2013, she married her partner Mariah-Michaela.

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Larissa França (Brazil, beach volleyball, 5’9″, 34)

Beach volleyball player from Brazil, she is the all-time leader of beach volleyball titles, with 57 FIVB career gold medals. In August 2013, Larissa married fellow female player Liliane Maestrini.

Edward Gal (Netherlands, equestrian, 6’1″, 46)

He and the stallion Totilas (nicknamed Toto) were triple gold medalists in London. Gal is in a long-term relationship with teammate Hans Peter Minderhoud and has been interviewed in several Dutch media outlets about it.

Kelly Griffin (USA, rugby, 5’4″, 29)

American rugby sevens player, Kelly Griffin won a silver medal at the 2015 Pan American Games as a member of the United States women’s national rugby sevens team.

Brittney Griner (USA, basketball, 6’8″, 25)

American professional basketball center for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Griner publicly came out as a lesbian. She also revealed that she was bullied as a child. She is very passionate about working with children in order to bring attention to the issue of bullying, particularly against LGBT people.

Carl Hester (Great Britain, equestrian, 6′, 49)

Won team gold at the London 2012 Olympics. Hester is openly gay, and was previously in a relationship with international dressage rider Spencer Wilton.

Michelle Heyman (Australia, soccer, 5’11”, 28)

Australian football player who currently plays for Canberra United in the W-League in Australia.

Mélanie Henique (France, swimming, 5’7″, 23)

A French swimmer who won a bronze medal in 50 m butterfly at the 2011 World Championships in Shanghai.

Stephanie Labbe (Canada, soccer, 5’10”, 29)

Canadian soccer goalkeeper who plays internationally for the Canada women’s national soccer team, and with the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League.

Alexandra Lacrabère (France, handball, 5’10”, 29)

French handball player, who has plays for the French national team. We know it is not easy to be out in the sport, but Alexandra, 24, just broached the subject. She said she loved painting, shopping and especially spending time with her girlfriend.

Hedvig Lindahl (Sweden, soccer, 5’10”, 33)

A Swedish professional football goalkeeper who plays for Chelsea Ladies. Lindahl suffers from vitiligo and has to apply high factor sunscreen before and during matches. She married wife Sabine in 2011.

Ari-Pekka Liukkonen (Finland, swimming, 6’10”, 29)

Olympic swimmer Ari-Pekka Liukkonen, 24, has come out publicly as gay in reaction to anti-gay laws passed in Russia. Liukkonen, who swam at the 2012 London Olympics, Ari-Pekka said the reason he came out is because the issue was not being widely discussed by the Finnish sports media. He also described the emotional toll of staying closeted.

Robbie Manson (New Zealand, rowing, 6’2″, 26)

Olympic rower for New Zealand, came out publicly as gay, talks about the struggles and coming out to friends before the 2012 Olympics. “There are already a lot of great gay sporting role models, and a lot who have achieved far more than I have, but I hope that my story can add something to what is already out there. To show other people who might be struggling with their sexuality, not only that it’s ok to be gay, but also it’s a good thing, and it won’t change who you are or limit what you can achieve,” Manson explained.

Hans Peter Minderhoud (Netherlands, equestrian, 6’2″, 42)

A Dutch dressage rider, Minderhoud rides with his horse Gameboy. He qualified for the individual competition as well as the team event. In personal life, Minderhoud is the lover of teammate Edward Gal, rated the top equestrian in the world.

Ian Matos (Brazil, diving, 5’7″, 27)

Brazilian diver Ian Matos has come out publicly as gay, “From a young age, I knew I was gay, but it was here that I got to live my sexuality,” said Matos, 24, now living in Rio de Janiero.

Angel McCoughtry (USA, basketball, 6’1″, 29)

American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Dream of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). McCoughtry has come out publicly stating, “Yes we been discriminated against! We lost friends! Family members are upset! They said I disgraced my religion! One thing I do know is that LOVE is a great feeling!”

Nadine Müller (Germany, discus, 6’4″, 29)

The German discus thrower Nadine Müller, announced her gay marriage via Facebook. She married her friend Sabine on New Years Eve. “We do not want to hide anymore or avoid any relationship questions,” said the 29-year-old.

Marie-Eve Nault (Canada, soccer, 5’7″, 34)

The Canadian soccer defender plays for the women’s national soccer team. She was initially selected as an alternate, excluding her from the 18-woman squad. However, after two teammates were injured in the group stage, Nault was selected as a replacement.

Ashley Nee (USA, kayak whitewater slalom, 5’4″, 27)

Maryland native Ashley Nee prepares for her first Olympics on the U.S. canoe and kayak team. She was training in Rio last month when a coach told her that she would be the lone woman on the 2016 U.S. slalom team.

Maartje Paumen (Netherlands, field hockey, 5’9″, 30)

Dutch field hockey player, who plays as midfielder for Dutch club HC Den Bosch. She also plays for the Netherlands national team and she was part of the Dutch squad that became World Champions in 2006. She is openly lesbian. Paumen was selected as FIH Player of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

Mayssa Pessoa (Brazil, handball, 5’11”, 31)

Brazilian female handball goalkeeper who plays for ŽRK Vardar and the Brazilian national team. She was one of nearly two-dozen LGBT Olympians at the London Games. She is engaged to a Canadian model, Nikki Shumaker.

Jillion Potter (USA, rugby, 5’10”, 30)

Potter missed the 2014-15 Women’s Sevens Series due to being diagnosed with stage III synovial sarcoma, but beat the illness and returned to the Olympic Training Center ahead of the 2015-16 Series. Playing in 22 of the team’s 29 matches, Potter worked her way back into the starting role she held before her absence, and was named to the 12-player Team USA squad for Rugby Sevens’ debut at the Rio 2016 Olympic Summer Games.

Megan Rapinoe (USA, soccer, 5’6″, 31)

American professional soccer midfielder/winger who plays for Seattle Reign FC in the National Women’s Soccer League. As a member of the United States women’s national soccer team, she helped the U.S. win gold at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2012 London Olympics. Rapinoe is an advocate for numerous LGBT organizations, including the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and Athlete Ally. In 2013, she was awarded the Board of Directors Award by the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center. She is sponsored by Nike, Samsung and DJO Global, and has appeared in multiple promotional pieces for clothing company Wildfang, as well as for Nike.

Helen Richardson-Walsh (Great Britain, field hockey, 5’5″, 34)

English field hockey player, she is a member of both the England and Great Britain women’s field hockey teams. Richardson married Great Britain and England teammate Kate Walsh and both changed their last name to match.

Kate Richardson-Walsh (Great Britain, field hockey, 5’7″, 36)

English field hockey player, she is currently the captain for Great Britain and England hockey teams. An active sports person she is twice a winner of the Hockey Writers Club UK Player of the Year. Walsh married Great Britain and England teammate Helen Richardson and both changed their last name to match.

Caroline Seger (Sweden, soccer, 5’9″, 31)

Swedish footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Sweden women’s national football team and Paris Saint-Germain of the French Division 1 Féminine. She serves as captain for her club and national team. Seger is an out lesbian, telling QX magazine in December 2013 that she was proud of her girlfriend. In previous years Seger had concealed her orientation, but decided to speak out to be a role model for others.

Caster Semenya (South Africa, track & field, 5’10”, 25)

Semenya was born with reproductive anatomy that doesn’t fit into the world’s typical binary view of gender. Semenya was granted permission to continue to compete as a female.

Melissa Tancredi (Canada, soccer, 5’9″, 34)

Canadian soccer forward who plays for the Canada women’s national soccer team. She won an Olympic bronze medal as a participating member of Canada’s national team at the 2012 Olympics.

Susannah Townsend (Great Britain, field hockey, 5’7″, 27)

British field hockey player, she competed for England in the women’s hockey tournament at the 2014 Commonwealth Games where she won a silver medal.

Sunette Stella Viljoen (South Africa, javelin, 5’7″, 32)

South African javelin champion Sunette Viljoen, says she has been ostracized by many of her friends and family after meeting her soul mate and coming out as gay. “In the same week that I had so much grief and hurt, God sent a patch for my wounds in the form of love. On August 15, 2012 Limari Louw crossed my path. We have no doubt that God had sent us each other on that day exactly. As they say love comes like a thief in the night and the heart does not let it be dictated.”

Marieke van der Wal (Netherlands, handball, 6′, 36)

Dutch handball goalkeeper, she plays on the Dutch national team and participated at the 2011 World Women’s Handball Championship in Brazil.

Jeffrey Wammes (Netherlands, gymnastics, 5’7″, 29)

The Dutch gymnast has been a competitive force since 2005. His best events are floor exercise and vault. In 2011, Wammes appeared in an edition of Linda Magazine focused on gay athletes and stated, “There was already a lot of speculation about whether or not I like boys or girls. To me, it has nothing to do with sport or how I perform. But when I was asked to do this, I made it clear straight away how things were and that’s that.”

Spencer Wilton (Great Britain, equestrian, 6′, 43)

The only openly gay Olympian in Team GB helped his equestrian team secure gold at the London Olympics. Wilton is openly gay, and was previously in a relationship with international dressage rider Carl Hester.

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**Victor Gutierrez, a Spanish water polo player, was originally on the list, but he announced that he is not going to Rio.

A number of LGBT athletes will also compete in the Paralympics after the Olympics. Angela Madsen will compete for Team USA in track and field, and Jen Armbruster and Aysa Miller will compete for the USA in team goal ball. Lee Pearson will return to the Olympics in equestrian. Moran Samuel will represent Israel in rowing. Claire Harvey will represent Britain in track and field.

The post Team LGBT: Our Gay Olympians appeared first on Florida Agenda - LGBT News.

The idea of gays fawning over their pets is as stereotypical as limp wrists, running mascara and drag queens. More than just the stuff of legends, there is a solid foundation in this tale, confirmed by none other than the prestigious Harris Polling Service.

According to the folks at Harris, 71 percent of gays own pets (compared with 63 percent of heterosexuals). We love cats as much as dogs, with fewer of us owning birds (seven percent), fish (14 percent), while the “other” category accounts for such unusual pets as ferrets, iguanas, hamsters, snakes, spiders and turtles.

Pet supplies and care is a $52 billion industry. The average LGBT pet owner spends over $3,000 per year on grooming services, special pet walkers and sitters, food, gifts, clothing, veterinary services and medication.

Our staff at the Agenda are pet lovers all. A trip to our offices will confirm that point as dogs are as welcome as our cover models and advertisers. This Special Pet Issue stands as testament to the affection we share with our own pets and yours. Enjoy!

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Plagerism, Bigotry & Anger

The national spectacle known as the Republican National Convention continued to spiral out of control in Cleveland, propelled by its own hatred of a disintegrating America it helped to create.

In the entire 162-year history of the party, there has never been such division and hostility, not only toward other Americans, but toward other Republicans as well.

That vitriolic spewing of anger has its foundation in presidential nominee Donald Trump, of course, who has been so successful in his fear mongering that he’s peeled an ugly scab off of a wound that has been festering long before anyone even realized it was there.

Trump’s selection of vice-presidential running mate Mike Pence has managed to sooth and irritate in a single slap, depending on whose cheek is being offered up. Pence has managed to make his stance on the LGBT community the Fort Knox of bigotry and hate, so certain is he of his divine right to judge.

Pence loves the concept of conversion therapy, knowing in his heart of hearts that no one is really “born” gay. Rather, it is a selection made by those who cherish the thought of a life of ridicule and condemnation to hell. Who among us can resist that kind of temptation?

It was also Mike Pence who worked to stop HR2410 in 2009, a bill that would have encouraged foreign governments to decriminalize homosexuality. And let’s not forget his “religious freedom” bill in Indiana which he governs that allowed gays to be discriminated against by any businesses with personal faith issues where LGBTs were concerned. He doesn’t want gays in the military, and don’t even think of suggesting there is an upside to same-sex marriage.

According to Pence, “societal collapse was always brought about following an advent of the deterioration of marriage and family.”
The Log Cabin Republicans, those misunderstood LGBTs who were first sucker-punched by the most anti-gay platform in the party’s history, have now to contend with a vp candidate that is the most anti-gay evangelical Republican with a decades long political career laced with bigotry.

Officially, the Log Cabin Republicans have yet to decide whether to endorse Trump, a decision the group typically makes in the fall.

“I’m not losing any sleep at night over Pence,” Log Cabin President Gregory T. Angelo said. “My concerns are with Trump,” he told NBC  “And there are definitely concerns there.” Dah. You think.

It didn’t help strengthen Trump’s position as the man in charge of the fiasco of a convention unfolding in front of delegates in the hall, and potential voters watching from home when Trump himself made an entrance on stage. It occurred during the first day of the convention to the chords of “We Are the Champions” written by the late gay rock icon Freddy Mercury of Queen, who must be rolling in his grave. Walking onto a stage full of fog in a backlit entrance channeling Beyonce more than the potential leader of the free world, Trump introduced his wife, Melania, a Slovenian-born jewelry designer and former model.

Unfortunately for Melania, she appeared overdressed in a $2,190 dramatically sleeved gown from U.K.-based designer Roksanda Ilincic—another Serbian native. Originally marketed as a wedding dress “for the modern bride,” the virginal look of the cocktail dress made her look more appropriate for a Soul Train Awards show than a political convention.

When Melania opened her mouth to speak about family and integrity, what emerged was a speech plagiarized from one given eight years ago by Michelle Obama introducing herself to the Democratic National Convention. Trump’s aides chalked the controversy up to media bias and blamed Hillary Clinton’s campaign — even though the apparent plagiarism was discovered by an independent journalist and had gone viral long before anyone on the Clinton campaign had woken up to the fact that Melania’s heavily accented English had been originally heard out of the mouth of the now-First Lady.

Former Trump campaign manager Corey Lewandowski said Tuesday that whoever is responsible for writing the should be fired.

“Whoever was the staff person who wrote this speech should be held accountable and should be fired,” Lewandowski told CNN’s John Berman and Kate Bolduan. But no one was.

After Melania’s speech, scheduled a little too early in the primetime rundown of the convention, the four commercial networks cut away from the action on the floor, which was quickly emptying of delegates. More slip-ups in a convention full of slip-ups, leaving us to wonder how Donald Trump can possibly expect to run America when he hasn’t even grasp the theme of convention control.

His answer has been, and will continue to be, one of anger. Anger at an America he feels is no longer great. Anger at Hillary Clinton who he sees as responsible for all things evil. Anger at immigrants, at Muslims, at blacks, at wormen who want abortions, and at journalist who dare to question his behavior.

Unfortunately, that anger does far more than just polarize this country. It spreads like a primeval ooze across the world, giving strength to ISIS in Europe, revolutionaries in Turkey, isolationists in England, and missile launches in North Korea.

Is it any wonder that the meltdown in Cleveland continues unabated. Or that Donald Trump does not care. He isn’t paying attention to what’s actually happening on the convention floor. The only thing that matters to Donald Trump is what’s always mattered to Donald Trump—how he looks; how he sounds; and how well he stirs the pot. In the meantime, the Republican Party is literally eating its young on national TV, destroying itself from the inside out. Disposing of the carcass? That will be Hillary’s problem.

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