Florida Agenda

LAS VEGAS, NV – The weekend of November 2, Florida Agenda publisher Bobby Blair competed in a ProAm tennis event held at the Las Vegas Hotel (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton). Blair and doubles partner Jorge Pinos—a premier Latin America talent agent formerly with the William Morris Agency—competed against tennis professionals and amateurs, including well-known faces from business and entertainment, and won their event.

“The University of Arkansas tennis team of 2012 came out to watch me win,” exclaimed a delighted and grateful Blair, who also serves as Chairman and CEO of Multimedia Platforms, LLC, and who recently celebrated his 48th birthday. Blair says he was especially moved by the respect he was shown “as one of the players who helped build the Razorback program in the mid 80s.”

Blair was ranked in the U.S. Top 5 in Division I college tennis in 1985, and was ranked Top 5 in the U.S. in Junior tennis in 1983. He played professionally during the 1980s, scoring wins over Wimbledon champion Pat Cash at the Tournament of Champions in Forest Hills, NY, among other professionals.

Imagine this: You’re one of millions of LGBT Americans, and questioning whether or not you are loved by God. (Some would settle for just being liked by God.) Some are so hurt by religion that they want nothing to do with God.  Where do you see yourself?

Some 31 years ago, it was time for me to come out. It wasn’t by choice. Against the odds, I happen to be a gay man with a straight twin brother. Because people had begun to see me coming out of gay bars, and thought it was my twin, I had the proverbial “come to Jesus meeting” with my family. Fortunately, we grew up in an environment where it was okay to be open about our lives.

So what does God have to do with this? I always prayed to God that my family would understand who I was created to be, or at the very least to not let me go through what so many must endure: Being thrown out, alienated—all those terrible things you can’t imagine actually happening to human beings.  My prayer was answered.

In 1990, I put my family through another test of my faith and time. (Coming out was a piece of cake compared to what came next.) I had built a relationship with my God, and wanted to carry it further: I wanted to practice a whole different religion. That year, I converted from Judaism to being baptized a Christian. Don’t get me wrong, part of me will always be Jewish, it’s my heritage.  But I have added to that. Being in church gave me a different kind of inner peace, and a sense of where I belong.  But that was only the beginning.

Over the next few years, I took on roles in church leadership. One day, my mom asked me, “Just how involved are you?” After a deep breath, I reached into my pocket and handed her a business card which stated my title as “Worship Coordinator.” I can’t even explain the look I got.  I told her she needed to get used to it, since one day I would be wearing a clergy collar.  Both my mom and twin brother now accept it, and they have even attended church services in which I have participated.

In March 2005, I was ordained a Deacon, ceremony attended by my twin brother and sister-in-law.  Although my mother lives in another state and therefore wasn’t present, I had her blessings.  In June 2011, I was ordained a Reverend.  I continue my ministry and passion for pastoral care, including hospital and home visits, memorial services, baptisms, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and unions.

So, what’s God got to do with it?  A lot. Despite what you might have grown up with or hear today, you can be LGBT and have a relationship with God, and can be ordained to do God’s work.  You can be loved and blessed by God. Don’t fear God: He created us and loves us to be who we are, LGBT and proud.

Rev. Joel S. Slotnick is an ordained minister, LGBT community activist, and former Secretary-Treasurer for Pride of South Florida. He lives in Fort Lauderdale.

Earlier this year—crikey, has it already been nine months?—actress Cynthia Nixon took a great deal of heat from LGBT activists after she told the New York Times Magazine that her homosexuality is “a choice.” It may come as a shock to some (and my boyfriend is still reeling from this himself), but the time span between 1998 and 2004 included not a single instance of me-time that was devoted to watching “Sex and the City.” (In spite of this heresy on my part, please permit me my opinion.)

Nixon (who, for the edification of those who only know her by character name, played ginger-haired Miranda) has been in a same-sex relationship since 2004. Before that, she was involved for 15 years in a straight marriage that produced two kids.

I read with a lot of sympathy as Nixon spoke about the criticism she had gotten from gay rights groups for speaking her mind about nature-versus-nurture sexual identity. “I understand that for many people it’s not, but for me it’s a choice, and you don’t get to define my gayness for me,” she said Nixon, and I agree with her.

Part of the lonely road of the honest agnostic is our sincere wish that some tangible proof of Divine Existence drown out the silly apotheosistic part of us-versus-them theology. How can I be so sure that “we” are right when “they” feel exactly the same way about their (obviously heretical) beliefs?

Nixon addressed a like sentiment when she complained that, “A certain section of our community is very concerned that [sexual identity] not be seen as a choice, because if it’s a choice, then we could opt out. I say it doesn’t matter if we flew here or we swam here, it matters that we are here and we are one group and let us stop trying to make a litmus test for who is considered gay and who is not.”

I understand the strength and meaning that are created through sense of identity, and this plays into the difference between those who identify themselves as “gay” (like me, and maybe you, and for certain most of the men and women of the Gayborhood of Wilton Manors and the surrounding ‘gay ghettos’ in Victoria Park, Oakland Park, North Miami, and beyond.

Regardless of what you may think or heaven help us, feel), science has yet to identify the cause or basis—whether biological or sociological—for sexual orientation.

When she tried to ‘clarify’ her remarks for former Vanity Fair editor Tina Brown’s The Daily Beast, Nixon invoked the often-discomfort-inducing “bisexual,” and in some ways embraced it in the denial. “I don’t pull out the ‘bisexual’ word because nobody likes the bisexuals,” Nixon said tentatively, sensing her own tenuous position on the neither-fish-nor-fowl ledge. “Everybody likes to dump on the bisexuals. But I do completely feel that when I was in relationships with men, I was in love and in lust with those men. And then I met [partner Christine Marinoni], and I fell in love and lust with her. I am completely the same person and I was not walking around in some kind of fog. I just responded to the people in front of me the way I truly felt.”

The idea of bisexuals makes both “the straights” and “the gays” uncomfortable indeed. It just doesn’t fit in nicely with the idea of marriage, same- or opposite-sex. (“Who the hell do these ****ing bi’s plan to marry?”)

I sympathize with the traditionalists, who rightly see their way of life under assault. But the Neanderthal eventually got used to a new way of things, so Tony Perkins and James Dobson will find a way to cope. The question is, can gays make the same peace for their wayward bi’s?

“I’m just a woman in love with another woman,” Nixon offered meekly in February. That’s what she thinks.

TALLAHASSEE — Three justices of the Florida Supreme Court won their retention ballots during Tuesday’s election. With approximately two-thirds of precincts reporting, Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis, and Justices Barbara Pariente and Peggy Quince each led approximately 67 percent to 33 percent.

The move to retain the justices was a rejection to efforts by the Republican Party of Florida to defeat the jurists following controversial rulings by the high court. The state party Executive Committee voted unanimously to defeat the justices, calling them “too extreme” and “liberal,” and accusing them of judicial activism.

A number of decisions by the high court put them at odds with the state party’s conservative machine. One ruling blocked a proposed state constitutional amendment that was meant to neuter many of the elements of ObamaCare. Republican lawmakers overhauled the language and got it placed on Tuesday’s ballot.

Among the most vocal critics of the high court has been Gov. Rick Scott, a Republican.

“The very foundation of Florida’s independent judicial system was threatened in this election,” Lewis said after the results. “I am grateful that Florida voters once again demonstrated their faith in our fair and impartial judicial system.”

“Floridians care deeply about ensuring that we have a fair and impartial judiciary untainted by partisan politics,” Quince said.

MIAMI GARDENS – A gay teenager endured years of psychological abuse in a north Miami-Dade County faith-based foster home, treatment that was instigated by his admission to being gay.

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.

It’s hard to believe that it has been a whole five years since Lips Cabaret opened its doors in Oakland Park (1421 E Oakland Park Blvd).  Yvonne Lamé, the creator and founder of Lips, enjoys spilling the “skinny” on how it all began.

“We started in New York City 16 years ago, and our concept was a place for people to come, have a drink or two, enjoy a meal, and have fun with the girls in the show,” says Lamé. “My partner had a club, and once a week we had open mic night. We opened it to the female impersonators, and it was a huge hit.  That’s how Lips was born.”

After that, “We moved on to San Diego—that was 13 years ago—and then finally we opened in” Oakland Park, she explains. “Now we are going to Atlanta, and it will be the grandest Lips of all. We once again have Brenda Star as the decorator, and we have very high ceilings,” says Lamé, painting a mental picture of the décor. “There will be grand chandeliers with lots of fabric everywhere.  We are located about five minutes from Buckhead”—Atlanta’s uptown district—“with lots of our own parking. We have already got several of the girls lined up for the shows, to mirror exactly the lineup in Fort Lauderdale,” Lamé reveals, noting that the opening is slated for early 2013.

Lips’ Sunday hostess Nicolette explained how someone new can break into drag entertainment. “I was living about 30 minutes away from Monroe, Louisiana, and I heard there was a drag show. I thought, ‘Wow! I want to go.’ The first time I tried was September 1995. I admit I wasn’t very good, but I kept going back and guess what? I won.”

The experienced performer was ripe for sunny South Florida. “Right after that I decided to move to Fort Lauderdale. I was hired at the original Deck Hotel and Restaurant,” she remembers. “It was great. I was taken under the wing of the late Moldavia Ishtar, and from there I took over the show on Friday and Saturday, and we opened up the stage to those who wanted to come up and work on their craft.

“After that, Madame’s opened in Miami and I was brought on as one of the originals. Electra moved her show to Lips, and I was brought on and have been hosting ‘Sunday Gospel Brunch’ since,” Nicolette notes, adding that, even after five years, “Lips is a wonderful place to work.”

There have been sacrifices. “The one thing I don’t like is pulling myself out of bed on Sunday morning,” she admits, “but having a religious background, it’s been a good fit.  My ‘sister’ Franny and I work so well together that it’s been a great fit. Mix in the other girls and we have a great time.”

On Wednesday, November 14, Lips will host a benefit for the Live Free Be Strong Foundation. The “Salute to the Women of Country”—brought to you in part by the Florida Agenda and our sister publication, Guy Magazine—will be hosted by Nicolette and fellow performer Misty Eyez. Lips will donate a portion of sales from the entire week to the foundation. For more information about Lips Cabaret, visit floridalips.com, and for reservations call (954) 567-0987.

SOUTHWEST RANCHES— A Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) community service aide has filed suit in federal court, claiming violations of his civil rights. Tony Vincent returned to work on October 31 after being suspended with pay since June 21.

The events leading up to the suit began on February 15 when Vincent, who is gay, was stopped on his motor scooter by BSO deputies in Southwest Ranches. Vincent’s suit claims that the deputies wrongfully ticketed him for speeding, and made an illegal secret recording using a cell phone without his consent during the traffic stop, which is a violation of Florida law. The speeding ticket was dismissed in April.

In June, Vincent was suspended with pay for releasing the tape recording before an internal investigation had been completed. Although he was allowed to return to work, he was given a five-day unpaid suspension. The suit, filed last week, names as defendants Broward Sheriff Al Lamberti, BSO Commander Wallace Haywood, and Deputies Roberto Aspuru and Jose Saud.

According to Vincent’s suit, in the recording Haywood expresses how the deputies should proceed with the Internal Affairs paperwork, and advises them that he will reach out to the traffic judge for Vincent’s speeding ticket. Vincent’s suit claims that he was targeted because of his sexual orientation, a claim that Broward Sheriff Lamberti vehemently denies.

“We have a very structured disciplinary procedure,” Lamberti told the Agenda in an exclusive interview. “The decision to discipline in the Vincent case was made by the Professional Standards Committee (PSC), a board comprised of 12 people. Eight of them are BSO employees, and the other four are outside citizens who function as an outside review.”

Lamberti says that the PSC recommended the disciplinary actions against Vincent, and that he abided by their call. “Since I became Sheriff, I have yet to overturn a decision by that committee,” added Lamberti, whose career with BSO began as a detention deputy in 1977, and who was appointed to the office in 2007, after former Sheriff Ken Jenne was indicted on federal corruption charges.

“I place great value in the opinion of that board, since it represents not just the perspective of law enforcement professionals, but also that out a group of outside, objective citizens,” Lamberti told the Agenda.

This famous dessert was invented at the beginning of the 20th century by the “Demoiselles Tatin” in their restaurant on the Loire River in France. It is caramelized sliced apples oven-baked in a skillet with the pastry on top; when done, it is turned upside-down so the crust is on the bottom and the apple slices—wonderfully brown, buttery, and glazed with caramel—remain in a design on top.

It acquired its outstanding success because it was added to the list of desserts at Maxim’s, one of the most famous Parisian restaurants at that time (it opened in 1893, during La Belle Époque).

Ingredients:

Shortcrust (quiche, tart, or pie) pastry

2 lbs of apples

½ cup of caster sugar

1 knob of butter (half a stick)

Pre-heat the oven to 450 degrees. Peel apples, prying them open into two parts, removing the core and the seeds with a spoon, and cutting each half into three segments. Pour half of the sugar into a Teflon round mould, about eight inches in diameter. Arrange the apple segments on the sugar, and pour the melted butter on top of them, adding the other half of the sugar. Put the mould on the stove top on medium high heat. (Be careful not to burn the apples.)

Cut a raw pastry circle slightly larger than the mould and make holes with a fork in several places of the pastry. Take the mould off the heat. Place the pastry disc on top of the apple segments using a rolling pin (larger than the mould), tucking in the part of the pastry that exceeds the diameter of the mould. Put the mould into the heated oven for about 35 minutes, then remove it and let it rest for 10 minutes. With a small sharp knife cut around the vertical internal side of the mould. Place your serving dish upside down on the mould and turn it over. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream—you are a chef!

HOLLYWOOD, CA – A new survey from the Hollywood Reporter says that greater visibility of openly-gay characters on primetime television is having an impact on the attitudes of Americans towards LGBT rights, and not all of is it good.

With major storylines involving LGBT characters on hit programs like “Modern Family,” “Glee,” and “The New Normal”, 27 percent of TV viewers responded that gay exposure made them more supportive of marriage equality, while 12 percent admitted to being more negatively disposed to same-sex marriage.

As expected, the survey results broke along party lines, with Obama supporters twice as likely to watch “Modern Family” (ABC) as Romney supporters, twice as likely to watch “Glee” (Fox), and three times more likely to watch “The New Normal” (NBC).

The poll also said that Romney supporters are five times more likely than Obama supporters to stop watching a program if a gay actor is portraying a straight character (25 percent vs. 5 percent), and nearly eight times as likely to stop watching if a straight actor plays a gay character (30 percent vs. four percent).

Last month, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) released its annual report, “Where We Are on TV,” which shows that a record 4.4 percent of regularly-appearing portrayals in the 2012-2013 season will be of LGBT characters, an increase from 2.9 percent in 2011.

MADISON, WI – A gay Republican who last month claimed that he was assaulted in an attack motivated by his personal politics has recanted his story. As we reported last week (Florida Agenda, October 31, 2012: “Gay Republican Claims Assault Was Motivated by Politics”), Kyle Wood, a volunteer for a GOP congressional campaign, told the Madison Police Department (MPD) that “a guy wrapped a ligature around my neck, slammed my head into the doorway, and smashed my face into a mirror, telling me ‘You should have kept your [f*******] mouth shut.’”

But Wood, 29, has recanted his story, according to an official Incident Report filed by investigators. “In an interview this afternoon with Madison Police detectives, the victim in this case recanted his earlier statements in regards to this crime,” the police report reads. “This crime, alleged to have occurred on High Street in the South Police District, will be cleared as ‘Unfounded’ for case reporting purposes.”

Wood also told authorities that in a separate incident his car had been vandalized, with graffiti that “included the phrases ‘house-trained Republican faggot,’ ‘traitor,’ and ‘ur like a jew 4 hitler [sic].’”

After his alleged assault, Wood posted to Facebook, “I will not be bullied into voting for a gay man simply because I am gay.” And Jimmy LaSalvia, the gay conservative activist and founder of GOProud, called the now-debunked attack an example of “hate and vitriol directed towards a gay conservative from gay liberals.”

As to official recourse in the wake of these new facts, the Madison Police incident report notes that, “Once follow up investigation is completed, MPD’s case file will be reviewed with Dane County District Attorney’s Office.”