Florida Agenda

CLIFF DUNN

This week, I took the arguably drastic step of “de-friending” some people on Facebook who I felt had taken the whole “post whatever is on your mind” thing a bit too far. (I have seen some doozies, believe me, including someone who, moments before I forever “blocked” them, had posted an image of their most recent—I am not making this up—bowel movement.)

I’m all in favor of free speech and free expression, which is convenient, since I’m a writer by trade and my boyfriend is a talented sketch artist, but there’s a time and a place for everything, including bowel movements. This isn’t to say that I don’t support your “right” to broadcast your bodily functions, just not while my laptop is open to that page (the reason I likewise support Facebook’s right to remove particularly egregious violators).

In the case of this past week, it was the irresponsible use of free speech that caused me—with sincere regret—to “block” these individuals, at least until the Cessation of Hostilities (in this case, November 7, the day after the general election).

The angry political rhetoric of this year’s Silly Season (so-called because apparently there is nothing too ridiculous, unfathomable, or out-of-bounds about any given candidate or cause that some— uh, fellow citizen wouldn’t give credence to: Obama is a Muslim. Obama is a foreigner. Obama is a communist. (Or, as Hank Williams, Jr. so eloquently put it, “We’ve got a Muslim for a President who hates cowboys, hates cowgirls, hates fishing, hates farming, loves gays, and we hate him!”)

“Collectively, these hatemongers form a global industry of outrage, working feverishly to give and take offense, frequently over religion, and to ignite the combustible mix of ignorance and suspicion that exists,” said an article in Time last week. Interestingly, the writer was speaking about the powder keg of the Middle East, in an analysis of the causes of the rioting that led to the death in Libya of U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens. But he could just as easily been referring to the loutish and loud who are every bit as hateful as the extremists they are decrying.

Honestly, I am a patriot who loves my country and who believes— without the flurry and flourish of rattling sabers or beating breasts— that America is an exceptional country, because of its people and the principles and values for which we at least think we believe we stand. But I would—I’m serious—be challenged as to whom I would call a greater enemy to American values: Rush Limbaugh, or some ignorant teenager learning how to hate the U.S. in a Muslim madrasa. Neither of these types shares anything of my own personal feelings for my country or countrymen, and each (I am pretty certain) thinks in his own way that the world would be a better place without me.

A friend recently referred to the members of the Occupy Wall Street movement as “traitors.” I find this sort of anachronistic speech amusing in my own paternalistic way—until I realize this is the same rhetoric that was voiced against Jews in some of the most “enlightened” places in the world, including Paris, Vienna, London, and Washington, D.C., through the modern era. How can a free citizen in a nation of laws that protects the right of assembly and the right of expression be considered a “traitor?”

I take comfort that this kind of dangerous rhetoric has been preached and practiced in the Republic since its inception, with Jeffersonians accusing Washington (the actual George, in this case) of being pro-English and anti- American, and Hamiltonians and Adamsites in turn calling Jeffersonians the worst name they could think of: “Democrats” (the word had a different context in early-19th Century, post-French Revolution America, although Rush, Sean Hannity, and Company are having just as much fun with it).

My dislike of Limbaugh, Michael Savage, and the Bloviating Class (which doesn’t translate to a disdain for commentator Bill O’Reilly, incidentally, because he dislikes the hypocrisy against Obama as much as I do) often takes the form of imagining them as my “opponents” in some of the mindless video games my boyfriend and I sometimes play while we’re cooking (“Bloons Tower Defense,” anyone?), watching them explode in a whirl of hot air—and hotter gas—when my game avatar “pops” a balloon opponent.

A part of me thinks it’s not in some of the mindless video games my boyfriend and I sometimes play while we’re cooking (“Bloons Tower
Defense,” anyone?), watching them explode in a whirl of hot air—and hotter gas—when my game avatar “pops” a balloon opponent. A part of me thinks it’s not very “patriotic” of me to imagine my fellow countrymen in such straits, but another part recognizes that in today’s political climate, it  is very “American.”

EDGEWATER PARK, NEW JERSEY – The owners of a bed and breakfast are under fire for writing a homophobic Facebook message to a local gay woman who expressed disappointed with the owners’ support for fast food chain Chick-fil-A. Joianne Fraschilla posted on Facebook, after learning about a sign displayed at the Whitebriar Bed and Breakfast promoting “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day” on August 1. “This is somewhere my son loves to pass by, and we have been excited to visit,” wrote Fraschilla, who is openly gay. “I’m sad to see a local business anti-LGBT marriage.”

In a shocking response, the B&B, which is owned by Carole and Bill Moore, posted on Facebook: “Where is the role model that your son needs to know how to act like a man?” and “I’ll pray for you,” adding, “[I] guess that’s why God invented aids.”

Whitebriar’s official Facebook page is private, but it has been inundated with comments supporting LGBT rights. One post reads, “Are you folks teaching all those innocent children how to be homophobes? I imagine your business will soon be a thing of the past. Just as your bigotry should be.”

UNION TOWNSHIP, NJ – The Union Township school board has filed tenure charges against Viki Knox, a high school English teacher whose anti-gay remarks on Facebook raised a firestorm over her free speech rights and her role as a public school teacher. According to the Star-Ledger, Knox was placed on paid administrative leave last September after she posted on Facebook that homosexuality is “a perverted spirit” and a “sin” that “breeds like cancer.” The board formally filed charges against Knox, a step that begins the lengthy and costly process of terminating her employment.

DuAnne Sonneville of Orchard Lake holds up a sign "It's NOT OK to talk that way!" as Troy High School students, residents and other protest mayor Janice Daniels at Troy City Hall.

TROY, MI – Troy, Michigan’s newly elected mayor on Friday said she won’t apologize for a Facebook status update she wrote five months ago referring to gay people as “queers” saying she was speaking for herself when she wrote it and she has a First Amendment right to use the language she wants.

The Detroit News reports that on June 25, the same day New York voted to legalize gay marriage, Janice Daniels posted an update on her wall, “I think I’m going to throw away my I Love New York carrying bag now that queers can get married there.”

Even though the update was written in June, last Friday more than 205 people shared it on their own Facebook pages, many referring to Daniels as homophobic and bigoted.

One gay rights group, Equality Michigan, called on Daniels, a tea party activist who was elected mayor of this suburban city 20 miles north of Detroit in November, to apologize.

Daniels said she wouldn’t apologize. She said she wasn’t even thinking about running for mayor of Troy at the time she wrote the update.

Christie Calls Teacher’s Anti-Gay Facebook Remarks “Disturbing”

TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey’s Republican Governor Chris Christie expressed his concern about anti-gay statements made by a New Jersey high school teacher on her personal Facebook page.

The statements made by Viki Knox have set off a debate about free speech and gay rights.

“I think that kind of example is not a positive one at all to be setting for folks who have such an important and influential position in our society,” said Christie last week on a radio program. “I’m really concerned about those kinds of statements being made.”

According to the New Jersey Star Ledger, the uproar over Knox began two weeks ago when she posted comments on her public Facebook page that were critical of a Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender History Month display at Union High School. The special-education teacher with more than 20 years of experience went on to describe homosexuality as “a perverted spirit” and “a sin that breeds like cancer.”

The school board has launched an investigation to determine whether or not Knox’s conduct violated the school’s policies.

As an approaching (far too rapidly) 40 year old gay male, I find myself wondering myriad thoughts, ranging from the far reaches of the Galaxy and my place in it to why it is that no matter how many times I sort out my socks, whenever the next batch of laundry is done there always seem to be “single” socks in the bunch.

Is there an evil troll in my dryer or do socks, like relationships, just part ways after too much wear and tear? A little too often, I consider what some people are thinking when they get dressed to go out in public (hey … I am gay!!!). As I sit here, alone (as has become the norm) in front of my well-worn keyboard, I have several things floating in and out of my semi-consciousness.

As of this moment, I am thinking of the English language and how certain terms have come to be a part of the ever-growing lexicon of communication. Be it from “texting” (which I find so entirely annoying, I had it turned off my cell phone).  I have to rant a bit further about this “texting” phenomenon … what happened to just picking up the phone and saying hello? It takes far less time to verbalize your insipid thoughts than it does to sit there, some while driving and downing mocha-chinos, to say “what’s up” than to type the words into those far too small number/letter combinations on most phones!

OK, that’s out of my system … felt good. This brings me to “Tweeting” (which I, as something of a techno-phobe, have yet to try). I’m not even sure what exactly it is, I just know that everyone but me – and perhaps my parents – knows how to do it and what it is. For pity’s sake, let me get used to one “latest thing” before they come up with anything else.  And last, but certainly not at all least, my beloved Facebook.

Ah, Facebook … the perfect way for someone who rarely feels the need to leave the house to have a social life, such as it is.  Friends and acquaintances from high school (not always people I would have otherwise sought out, but there they are all the same); others who had simply moved away and fallen out of touch or married or just plain dropped off the face of my little corner of the Earth.  To my shock (still gives me the chills), I re-discovered one good friend who I thought was deceased … I kid you not!  All thingsconsidered, I must admit I am an avid fan of Facebook. There is one term used incessantly on Facebook which, finally (I know, I tend to prattle on until someone stops me) brings me to the point of this: ”POKING”.

What the hell is Poking? I’m led to believe it’s a cute little way of letting the people you don’t actually converse with as much as you should – or get to see face-to-face – know that you are thinking of them. That sounds nice, doesn’t it? Just a quick hello from a friend to let you know someone, somewhere is thinking of you.  A little happy thought from an old friend or even a “friend” you’ve never actually met in the flesh. A virtual little nudge from that guy/girl/or somewhere-in-between person who you can barely remember but are now “friends” with, that you crossed their mind at some point in the day. “Poking,” therefore, would seem like a nice thing then, wouldn’t it?

Then, of course, my mind thinks of other definitions of “poking” … the x-rated one … let’s just say that poking leads me to think of boinking, which leads me to think about … well, if I have to go into detail, you mustn’t have much of an imagination or no idea of what these terms of which I speak mean.  In in either case, go watch TV.  Poking, boinking, etc., all lead down a path I’ve traveled many, many, many, many times in the past. Did I mention I used to have an actual sex life? But, here again, that’s another story that took place long, long ago in a Galaxy somewhere downtown.

Now, excluding the aforementioned definitions of “poking” that have come to my deluded mind, I’m left with one more way in which to be poked that would not

be so pleasing. As in to be poked with a stick or some blunt object. That would not be at all satisfying (unless you are into that sort of thing … and who am I to judge after all the different ways of “poking” I’ve tried?) I ask you: Do you really want to be poked in this manner on a fairly consistent basis by pretty much the same people? Would you want to, let’s say, be poked in the face by a baseball bat from your Facebook friend in Utah?  Personally, I would prefer not to have things poked in my face (let’s just leave that one alone, shall we?).

If someone does “poke” you on Facebook, is it rude to not poke them back? The way I figure it, no matter how you look at it, you have to. They took time out of their blogging/video downloading day to poke you, so the least you can do is poke them back in a timely manner.

So, I leave it to you to decide if “Poking” is good or just another little evil in the world. If I tune into Facebook tomorrow and find that I have been poked more than usual … I’m not quite sure how I’ll feel about it. Someone please let me know!

Task Force to Honor  Rugby Star

MIAMI, FL – The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force announced that straight rugby star Ben Cohen will receive its Humanitarian Award on October 15th, at the 15th annual Miami Recognition Dinner at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. Cohen is the first straight sports star to dedicate his philanthropic efforts to the benefit of LGBT people. One of the world’s greatest athletes, Ben recently founded and serves as chairman  of The Ben Cohen StandUp Foundation, the world’s first foundation dedicated to raising awareness about the long-term, damaging effects of bullying and raising funds to support those who are doing work to stop it.

The Miami Recognition Dinner is the premier annual celebration of South Florida’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force produces the event and donates the majority of the net proceeds to other nonprofit organizations serving the Miami-Dade LGBT community.

Pride Center Expands Efforts to Reach GBTQ/MSM with Addictions

FT. LAUDERDALE, FL – The Pride Center at Equality Park, in association with Lambda Men’s Brotherhood, have created a new social networking program

called Youth Gay Meth Free (YGMF). YGMF caters to the young GBTQ men in South Florida who struggle with crystal methamphetamine addiction – commonly known as “Crystal,” “Tina” or “Ice” – along with other substances.

YGMF is currently available on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr, with the goal of grabbing the attention of young GBTQ males with these tragic addictions.

“I’m very excited about this new program because there are so many young men struggling with additions,” said Mitchell Jerus, Youth Coordinator running the YGMF Program. “We already have much of our online social networking programs in place and very soon we will have a peer counseling program both online and offline.

“These young men often feel alone with no one to talk to about their problems,” continued Jerus. “That’s why we’re here, so they know they’re not alone and that someone is there to help. We anticipate this program will be very successful and we’re using the slogan ‘Get Your Shine Back’ showing these young men that they can emerge from their dark places.

“Numerous indicators confirm problematic crystal methamphetamine use among some sexually active men who have sex with other men. GBTQ/MSM young people’s questions regarding sexual identity and sexual behavior need to be addressed. These young men need skills to address and resist using substances as they become exposed to new behavioral options in the gay community.”

“In my experience catering to LGBTQ youth and their families, many of the young men I’ve met that use crystal meth are young sex workers: dancers, go-go boys, adult film performers, escorts, etc.,” said Listron “Blue” Mannix, Expanding Testing Initiative Manger overseeing the YGMF program.

“We’re reaching out to other organizations that can help this program flourish and become the hope for a better future to others that it’s supposed to be,” concluded Jerus. “We feel that by collaborating with programs such as Meth and Men, the Sunserve Youth Group, MProject and other treatment centers, that young men struggling can get the help that they need and deserve.”

The core of this program is located at the Pride Center at Equality Park on Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors, or by going online to Facebook and looking for “YouthGay MethFree”.

For additional information, email youthmethfree@pridecenterflorida.org or call (954) 463-9005.

Johnny’s Plans Entire Labor Day Weekend Schedule

FORT LAUDERDALE/MIAMI, FL – Both locations of Johnny’s is planning a Labor Day Weekend schedule. What a way to end the summer!

• There will be a Labor Day strip show night at both locations starting at 6 p.m. Friday in Ft. Lauderdale and Saturday and Sunday in
• Miami. Hosted by Sol Delight. No cover Sunday through Thursday in Fort Lauderdale and no cover seven nights a week in Miami.
• T.P. Lords and D.J. Robby Sky present “Drag On” Mondays at Johnny’s Miami. No cover. Drags and Trans drink free from 10 p.m. to midnight. Everyone else $3 drinks all night long.
• Thursdays are Latin Night (18+) at Johnny’s Miami and no cover all night long. Shows by Teresita La Caliente and Marytrini. D.J.
• Lannier Alvarez spins. Sexy underwear contest at 1 1 p.m. with $1,000 in cash and prizes. Free Cuba Libres from 10 p.m. to midnight, $5 after.
• Fridays are GRINDR night at Johnny’s Miami – 18+ college night. No cover all night long. With hot male dancers and D.J. Miik spinning.
• Labor Day Weekend Countdown featuring the Beyonce mix tape on Friday, September 2nd at Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale. Free CD giveaways all night long. Free drinks (well and domestic) from 11:30 p.m. to midnight. Reduced cover after with text “B@MFL” to 31313. $39 Moscato D’Asti bottles, $12 huge big bucket drinks all night. With D.J. TPromix.
• “The Spot” on Saturday, September 3 – “Fire” the hottest in pop, hip-hop and Latin with D.J. TPromix, 40 hot dancers and no cover all night at Johnny’s Miami.
• South Florida’s largest Amateur Strip Contest at Johnny’s Ft. Lauderdale on Sunday nights. No cover all night long. Karaoke from 9 p.m. hosted by D.J. Miik Emceed by Gemini Stone. $3 Margarita Madness all day and night. $1,000 in cash and prizes, but must sign up by midnight.

Paolo Pincente Named Executive Producer Miami Beach Gay Pride

MIAMI BEACH, FL –Veteran event director and producer Paolo Pincente has been named executive producer of the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade & Festival for 2012, announced Babak Movahedi, president of the Pride Board of Directors.   “Miami Beach Pride is fortunate to have someone of Paolo’s diverse background and experience as next year’s executive producer,” Movahedi said. “In three short years, Miami Beach Pride has grown from a hometown celebration to one that captures national, if not international, attention.

For the fourth event, we look forward to having Paolo add his distinctive touch and take Pride to a whole new level.”

In his new role, Pincente will help plan and oversee all elements of next year’s Miami Beach Gay Pride event as well as related activities leading up to Pride.  Now in its fourth year, Miami Beach Gay Pride will take place Sunday, April 15, 2012, along Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive.

In addition to his responsibilities for Pride, Pincente currently works and produces events for top-tier venues and well-known brands including, Space Nightclub, Miami, as general manager; Mova Lounge, Miami Beach, as operations and marketing consultant; Svedka Vodka, throughout Florida, as event producer; Source Events, Miami, as event manager; and the Surfcomber Hotel, Miami Beach, as event producer.  His previous experience in the hospitality industry has also included Crobar Nightclubs in New York City, Chicago and Miami Beach; Mia Biscayne, Miami; Exit 66 Nightclub, Ft. Lauderdale; and Cameo Nightclub in Miami Beach, where he has served in diverse operations, management, marketing, training and event-related capacities.

The mission of Miami Beach Gay Pride is to bring together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, their friends, allies, and supporters in celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBT community by producing free, safe, quality mass-appeal events that are open to all, including the Parade, Festival and allied Miami Beach Pride sanctioned events. For more information; www.miamibeachgaypride.com.

Teacher Suspended for  Being Gay Porn Star

MIAMI, FL – In January, Shawn Loftis, a Miami-Dade County substitute teacher, was suspended from his position. In April, Loftis’ teacher’s certificate was revoked despite his insistence that his porn days were over.

Loftis also worked as a citizen reporter for CNN.

Loftis, who went by the stage name Collin O’Neal, resigned his porn career in 2010 but is still widely known for his porn work. His video work included Mirage, Lord of the Jungle, Humping Iron, Crossing the Line, Rising Sun, Desperate Husbands, Scorched, The Hard Way, Mo’ Bubble Butt, Perfect Fit and Skuff II: Downright Filthy.

However, Loftis/O’Neal also produced and directed his own series, known as “World of Men,” where, as O’Neal, he visited various exotic locations looking for sex. These locations included London, Lebanon, São Paulo, Miami, Spain, Edinburgh, Berlin and Serbia. O’Neal’s videos not only served as sex films, but were also travelogues showing some of the famous sites in the various cities. It is from these locations that, as Loftis, he submitted some of his iReport segments for CNN.

O’Neal’s hard-core performances won him several awards. The “World of Men” series has been nominated many times for awards and World of Men: Lebanon has won a GayVN Award for Best Pro/Am Release and a Grabby Award for Best Videography jointly for Collin O’Neal and Dan Fox, again for Lebanon.

O’Neal said that CNN knew about his porn past and didn’t have a problem with it, but can’t believe that the Miami-Dade School Board would, since he gave up the business.

Symposium on Aging

MIAMI, FL – The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) will hold a Symposium on Aging with the objective to educate and explore the needs of the LGBT community. The Symposium will be held on Saturday, September 24, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Miami, 400 SE 2nd Avenue in Miami.

The Symposium on Aging seeks to open a discussion and create an understanding of the needs and expectations of this powerful and growing segment of the LGBT community.

The fee for admission, which includes seated lunch and refreshments throughout the day, is $35 for members of the MDGLCC and $55 for non-members. The event is open to the public. Limited space is available. RSVP required.

For complete details, visit www.gogaymiami.com (“Symposium on Aging” tab), call (305) 673-4440 or email mdglcc@bellsouth.net.

Jon Peterson to Appear at Miami Beach Stage Door Theater

MIAMI BEACH, FL – Starting on Saturday, September 10th, the Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre presents “Song Man Dance Man,” a one-man show about one-man shows created and performed by Jon Peterson, emcee from Broadway’s revival of “Cabaret” and Drama Desk Nominee for the title role in the off-Broadway production “George M. Cohan Tonight!”

“Song Man Dance Man” is about seven performers who captured the eyes, ears and hearts of their audiences. They are Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, whose unique styles transformed the movie musical; Donald O’Connor and Sammy Davis, Jr., both geniuses who had to struggle for appropriate recognition; Bobby Darin, who made the leap from ‘50s pop-star to sophisticated concert artist; the eccentric, brilliant Anthony Newley, whose pulsating, emotional style reverberated throughout the musical theater world; and, of course, George M. Cohan, who invented the song and dance man.

“I wanted to remind people of just how good it can be; of how magical the world of show business was in those golden days because of these performers,” says Peterson about why he was motivated to create the one-man show. “The dazzling talent and charisma of these artists inspire life-changing devotion.”

“Song Man Dance Man” Performances: Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. on September 10, 17 and 24.  Tickets are $38 for the matinee and $42 for the evening performance and are available at the box office at Miami Beach Stage Door Theatre at the Byron Carlyle, 500 71st Street, Miami Beach, by calling (305) 397-8977 or purchase online at www.stagedoorfl.org.

Hamilton Gallery to  Host GLBX After Hours

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Hamilton Gallery at 615 East Las Olas Boulevard will be hosting the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange (GLBX) After Hours Networking event on Thursday, September 22, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. GLBX is a Council of The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.  Exchange events are free for members.

“We plan our socials at various members’ businesses so we can enjoy a variety of venues and also give everyone the opportunity to learn first hand about that member’s business,” said Julian Cavazos, GLBX Chair. “We’re looking forward to meeting at Janice Hamilton’s Gallery.”

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce is the first Chamber in the State of Florida and one of the first in the nation to recognize the LGBT community as a major component of their membership. “The contributions of the Gay and Lesbian Community within our city and surrounding area is major driver to our local economy. The mission of the Chamber is to drive economic growth for the Greater Fort Lauderdale community; it was recognized that the Gay and Lesbian Community needed to be included in a manner to unite and connect, giving an inclusive voice to continue to attract new Gay and Lesbian businesses,” Mr. Cavazos explained.

For information or reservations, contact Drew Miller at (954) 462-6000 ext 8775.

South Florida Cities Rank Highest LGBT Households Concentrations

OAKLAND PARK, FL – Both Wilton Manors and Oakland Park ranked in the top-ten nationwide in the concentration of same-sex households in the United States. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, Wilton Manors ranked second in the nation with, 140 same-sex households per 1,000, and Oakland Park ranked tenth in the nation with 8.8 same-sex households for every 1,000. Provincetown, Massachusetts, came in first place, in front of Wilton Manors.

Sidelines Announces 3rd Round Cook-Off Winners

WILTON MANORS, FL – Sidelines Sports Bar held its last round of their Summer Cook-Off Competition before the Finals. The category for this round of the cook-off competition was Summer Salads.

The recipes included a candied pecan salad tossed with greens and a homemade dressing, a cauliflower and chicken salad, a couscous salad, a chicken salad with grapes and apples, to name just a few. However, Randy Harmon’s black-eyed pea pasta salad earned him first-place; John Woodward came in second-place and was also awarded the People’s Choice honor; Sonia Aguero came in third for her “Mama’s Potato and Chicken Salad”.

The top three winners are now eligible for the “Finals Challenge,” scheduled for Sunday, September 4th (Labor Day Weekend), at 5:00 p.m.

WIN to Hold  “Metaphysical Fair”

WILTON MANORS, FL – Women in Network (WIN) will be holding a Metaphysical Fair on Wednesday, September 7, at 7 p.m. at the Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. Here’s your chance to ask what you never dared to ask before and your chance to learn more and speak to people who are experts in reiki, psychic ability, yoga, acupuncture and more. Admission is $5 for WIN members and $10 for non-members.

Rescue & Rejoice

WILTON MANORS, FL – Abandoned Pet Rescue will be holding Rescue & Rejoice, an event to raise funds since the organization is run solely on donations they receive. The fundraiser will be held at Allied Kitchen and Bath on September 13, from 6 to 8 p.m., and is co-sponsored by The Cabanas Guesthouse & Spa.

Abandoned Pet Rescue takes abandoned pets off the streets of South Florida and gives them veterinary care and places them in permanent, loving homes. APR is the only “no kill” shelter in Broward County and all contributions made are tax-deductible and all the proceeds go towards the shelter.

Suggested donations include gift certificates and other merchandise that will hold a value in an auction environment.
For more information on the Rescue & Rejoice event, or if your donation is something that needs to be picked up, please call Geri at (954) 581-6423 or send email to apr954@aol.com.

Florida Teacher in Trouble for Anti-Gay Facebook Posts

MOUNT DORA, FL – Jerry Buell, a Florida-based teacher, was suspended from the classroom while the Lake County School Board investigates Facebook messages in which he said he “almost threw up” when he heard about New York’s marriage equality, which he said was also part of a “cesspool”. Buell had been Mount Dora High School’s “Teacher of the Year”.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Buell told them that his posts, which were visible to his friends and his network only, were not made out of hate but instead on how he interprets things.

PORTLAND, OREGON – Last weekend, over 4,000 people stood handin- hand across Portland, Oregon’s Hawthorne Bridge in a Facebook-organized demonstration against an anti-gay attack that took place on the bridge. According to Just Out, demonstrators packed into the space beneath the west side of the bridge at about 7:30 p.m. spilling over the ramp and stairs to hear from the survivor’s of the attack, Brad Forkner and Christopher Rosevear. Afterward, the crowd filed down both sides of the bridge with hands held. Despite being tightly packed, some attendees could not fit on the bridge.

Since the initial attack, volunteer patrols have begun on weekends from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the area. The patrols consist of four-person groups that keep a watchful eye for suspicious activity.

PALO ALTO, CA – According to AmericaBlog, Facebook removed then restored a photograph of two men
kissing after a Facebook community uproar. Facebook apologized for the removal and restored the photo online. Facebook released the statement saying, “ The photo in question does not violate our Statement of Rights and Responsibilities and was removed in error.

We apologize for the inconvenience.”

The ADF Has Yet to Discipline Those Behind Gay Hate Campaign

A homophobic Facebook group has been found trying to “out” Australia’s gay military personnel.

At least 80 people from the Australian Defence Force were signed up to the page, which claimed to inform which colleagues are “biting the pillow.”

The group – which called homosexuality a “filthy lifestyle decision” –went on to say: “It is your right to know who is biting the pillow. If you know any more bum bandits getting around in the ADF, shoot me an email.”

The page, which has since been taken down, was also said to have links to violent, anti-gay videos on YouTube.

According to Australia’s Star Observer newspaper, one of those “outed” by the Facebook page has already received a death threat in his work email, as well as a threatening note delivered to his house as a result.

The Australian Defence Force has allowed gay servicemen and women to openly serve in its ranks since the 1990s.

Complaints about anti-gay Facebook pages were received by the ADF in August 2010, but no action has been taken against members behind the page’s creation, a page that was created to expose and intimidate gay personnel.

Fairfax Newspapers, however, report that the investigation into the page and the dozens of personnel who signed on as “friends” has been shelved and no one has been punished.

The report comes as sources close to Defense Minister Stephen Smith told The Daily Telegraph that his office had received numerous threatening and abusive calls and emails over his handling of a female cadet who was broadcast having sex with another cadet.  The military has rebuffed claims it has not acted over the gay-hate site.

A key whistle-blower had also been warned to “pull his head in” as military supporters launch a rear-guard action against inquiries into the forces.

Federal police have been called and will investigate whether some of the calls were made by serving Defence members.

Mr. Smith’s office has also fielded dozens

of calls and emails from people who have been damaged by their military service.

A barrister who was sexually assaulted with a broom handle and bashed by senior cadets at the Australian Defence Force Academy, including several who are now senior military officers, told the Telegraph that he had received a threatening phone call on Monday evening.

The caller asked for him by name and then said he had a message for him.  “Tell him to pull his head in. He is making himself very unpopular,” the caller said.

The barrister said he was not intimidated by the phone call.  He has received no contact from Defence, despite a sworn statement from a witness to his assault that was received by the military in November, 2008.

A former soldier, Oliver Thomas, from Wollongong, has come forward after he read about the barrister’s treatment.  He said he was hounded out on a trumped-up charge after he complained about racism.
“The first thing I was told at Singleton army base was, ‘If you get a chance to kill an African, do it, because it is the best feeling you will ever have’,” he said.

Dozens of soldiers reportedly signed onto the Facebook pages that targeted five ADF personnel for their “filthy lifestyle decision”.

“This matter is still the subject of on-going investigation and it is inappropriate to comment further at this time,” an ADF spokesman said.

He told The Australian Online the ADF had a clear policy about “equity and diversity”.

“If there is a breach of these policies resulting in unacceptable behavior, Defence has in place clear policies for handling such breaches,” the spokesman said.

The material on the Facebook page was “contrary to everything that the Australian Defence Force stands for and has achieved in welcoming and supporting diversity across the organization”.

The spokesman did not say whether any Defence Force member connected with the homophobic pages had been punished.

Photo:U.S. Defense Minister, Stephen Smith