The Art Deco Open, which runs through January 21, attracts players of all levels from around the world, representing France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, and Canada, as well as the U.S.

“This year we are expecting about 150 players worldwide,” Mavericks Treasurer Greg Lloyd told the Agenda. For more information, visit miamimaverickstennis.com.

Daniel Vaudrin, Co-President of GLISA, which serves as the governing body of the worldOutgames, told reporters, “We have two amazing cities for our members to choose between at our selection meeting in Antwerp in February 2013. Both cities are very different from each other and each is equally exciting in its own way.”

Denver, Rio de Janeiro, and Rome were also considered. Officials say that a site inspection team will visit both cities to prepare a report for GLISA to review before making the final selection in February.

“While there are certainly still inaccuracies in the results, and the actions of the St. Lucie County and Palm Beach County Supervisors of Elections rightly raise questions in my mind and for many voters, after much analysis and this past weekend’s recount in St. Lucie County, our legal team does not believe there are enough over-counted, undercounted or fraudulent votes to change the outcome of the election,” West said.

West’s bid to challenge the 18^th Congressional District seat resulted in backfire for the GOP freshman in his candidacy for the redistricted House seat.

A recount of the November 6 election results held in Port St. Lucie found Murphy winning by over 1,900 votes, a margin that was wide enough to trump an automatic recount. GOP officials claimed irregularities in early voting, and requested the initial recount.

West, a first-term lawmaker and tea party ally was one of two black Republicans serving in the U.S. House. In the race for the 18th district seat, West’s campaign raised over $17 million, more than four times that of Murphy.

West was an early favorite of the Right. In a 2011 email circulated to House members, West referred to U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz as “the most vile, unprofessional, and despicable member of the U.S. House of Representatives,” and said that she was “not a Lady.”

West’s concession means Republicans hold a 234-200 seat majority in the U.S. House. The still-unresolved race for U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre’s (D-N.C.) district—in which McIntyre appears to have defeated his Republican challenger by a razor-thin margin—may be headed for its own recount.

Of Thomas—who serves currently as a judge on Florida’s 11^th Judicial Circuit—President Obama said that he and six other nominees “represent my continued commitment to ensure that the judiciary resembles the nation it serves.”

Thomas is the seventh openly gay attorney nominated for a federal judgeship, which includes lifetime tenure. The first openly-gay black jurist nominated by Obama, Thomas would be the second out black judge. (Semi-retired federal Judge Deborah Batts was nominated by President Bill Clinton. She was also the first openly-gay federal judge.)

The unidentified teen (whose name has been withheld for his protection) entered foster care at age 10, and was later sexually assaulted by another child who was subsequently arrested. Later, the boy was admitted to His House Children’s Home in Miami Gardens, which describes itself as “a private, non-profit, faith-based organization dedicated to restoring the joy in the lives of children from newborn to 18 years of age, and those who have transitioned out of the foster care system.”

The teen reported that when he turned 16 years old, officials began to suspect his friendship with another male teen was more than platonic, and he described being coerced into admitting his sexual identity. In a claim made to state investigators, the teenager claims that administrators confronted him with his admission, forbade any further contact with the other boy, and began a concerted effort to “convert” him to heterosexuality.

After the indignity of an attempt at forced “conversion,” the victim reported that he was continuously humiliated by staff, administrators, and other foster children. Investigators say that the foster home ceased any efforts to find a permanent adoption for the teenager, and found him ineligible for a scholarship that would have covered his higher education.

After the teen contacted his court-appointed guardian, that individual requested an investigation by the state Department of Children and Families (DCF), but officials said that the parties had not broken any laws, and failed to pursue the matter.

MIAMI, FL  – The “It Gets Better” video project, the brainchild of author and journalist Dan Savage, along with other anti-bullying campaigns, are providing inspiration for the Youth
Pride Band of South Florida, an honors band comprised of high school  students who have joined together to promote tolerance and understanding through music. The band is a project of the South Florida Pride Wind  Ensemble (SFPWE).

The Youth Pride Band consists of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and questioning students, as well as straight allies from various South Florida high schools. Three student band members will each receive $1,000 college scholarships.

Although there are more than twenty adult gay bands across North America, the Youth Pride Band of South Florida is the first of its kind, says SFPWE president Alain Ortiz.

“With so many teen suicides and assaults occurring in the past year or two, we felt it important to do what we could to address bullying and provide a positive experience for young musicians,” Ortiz explained. “For many of us, band was a place where we could escape the teasing and really fit in.”

The Youth Pride Band’s 27 student members, ages 15 to 18, will make their concert debut in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Sunday, Feb. 12th at 7 p.m.

Internationally-acclaimed composer and conductor David Shaffer of Miami University of Ohio will conduct a program of traditional band works, in addition to his own compositions.
Natalie Mullen, 17, is a clarinetist from McArthur High School in Hollywood. “It’s really important for me to support my friends,” she says. An openly-gay friend at her school broke both his legs after trying to commit suicide by jumping from a second story building. Another admitted on Facebook that he cut himself. “The bullying really affects their self-esteem,” Mullen emphasized.

Christina Dunbar, 18, is president of the Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) at Pembroke Pines Charter High School, one of Broward County’s largest GSAs. The flutist, who is bisexual, says she has experienced firsthand the challenges of coming-out as a teen, as well as the homophobia of classmates, which is often masked as playful hazing and good-natured teasing. “This is a side of the gay community that I hadn’t seen,” she says about the SFPWE. “It’s amazing how supportive everybody has been.”

Says Shaffer, who has conducted bands across North America and was himself the victim of teen-aged bullying: “This is a fantastic opportunity to get kids involved in a weekend making good music and bringing young people together.” The conductor was recently commissioned by the Toronto (Canada) Board of Education to compose a piece that specifically addresses bullying. “It’s important. I definitely relate back to when I was in junior high school.”

The Pride Youth Band also provides some students with an opportunity to perform that they can’t get at school. Gay saxophonist Julio Marcone, 17, attends Fort Lauderdale High School, which recently eliminated its band program due to budget cuts. A scheduling mistake landed him in band in middle school, so he learned to read music, took up the trumpet and later switched to tenor saxophone. “It’s been an experience,” he says of the first rehearsal. “I heard about the band from a friend and I’m so glad I have the chance to play again.”

The Youth Pride Band will open the Broward Center concert, followed by a performance by the SFPWE. Under the leadership of artistic director Dan Bassett, the organization has become a leader in the gay band movement.

“Not only are we providing an educational experience for these talented young people,” notes Bassett, “they are getting the opportunity to work with successful role models and perform with one of the leading conductors in the country. It’s going to be a fantastic concert and the start of a program that will touch many young musicians.”

Tickets are $10 at the Broward Center Box Office, BrowardCenter.org. For more information, go to PrideWindEnsemble.org.

Over 100 vendors, suppliers, companies, and organizations will showcase products and services catered to the LGBT community in partnership with the GMCVB, LGBT Visitor Center, the Miami Herald, Miami.com, and with the participation of the GLBT Travel Expo.  Food, refreshments, entertainment, giveaways, and drawings will include prizes for trips to Latin America, hotel stays, and restaurant gift certificates. Admission is free.

Now in its tenth year, the annual TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels, earning their distinction from those who know them best – real travelers.  Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

“We are so excited about this award.  We always strive to provide the best service for our visitors and are honored to have our efforts recognized,” said Ed Lugo, the owner of Ed Lugo Resort.

“We want to exceed expectations, so this award is also a challenge to do even better.”

Location is one of the biggest assets of Ed Lugo Resort. The property is centrally located in the city of Wilton Manors, part of the Greater Fort Lauderdale metro area. Across the street is the famous Shoppes of Wilton Manors, which includes great shopping and nightlife entertainment like Georgie’s Alibi & BOOM.

Fort Lauderdale’s beaches and the trendy Las Olas Boulevard are conveniently located less than three miles away. Families and travelers will find everything they need just around the corner. Within walking distance you can find a supermarket (Publix), CVS pharmacy, Starbucks and more than ten restaurants offering food from around the world.

“Ed has taken the small guesthouse to new levels,” said Krishan Manners, President and CEO of Wilton Manors Main Street.

“Through cross-promotion, he provides his clients with gym and salon amenities by working with Island City Health & Fitness and Tracy Carroll salon.  The resort has really become the premier place to stay while visiting Wilton Manors.

“Tales from Toyland” is a musical journey complete with Santa and Mrs. Claus and even some very interesting elves. Join the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus as their stage comes alive with characters, music and dance. The show is guaranteed to fill you with holiday spirit and leave you prepared to take on the season.

In the grand tradition of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, their holiday concert promises to be entertaining and provide an enjoyable evening of fun

and music with a few surprises.

MGMC is an inclusive, community-based organization of gay men and gay-supporting people that inspires and changes lives through the power of music. With humor and heart, they proudly entertain our audiences while striving for artistic excellence.

Tickets are $35 for premium seating, $30 for regular seating and $25 for balcony seating and can be purchased online at www.miamigaychorus.org or at the Colony Theatre Box Office.