Florida Agenda

FORT LAUDERDALE – The exclusive Womyn’s T-Cruise will embark for a three-hour party cruise on Monday, May 28, from 2 to 5 p.m., leaving Fort Lauderdale on the south side of the New River, in Smoker Family Park. The Memorial Day event features music by DJ Jeanine Baisi, and host Tara T., with an afternoon of dancing, food, drinks, and fun, aboard the charter “Musette.”

The three-hour cruise will feature a tour of the Intracoastal Waterway and Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful inland islands and sights. Tickets are on special for $38 for adults, $10 for children. Fort more information, visit facebook.com/womynstcruise.

CLIFF DUNN, EDITOR

I will never forget a moment some years back when I was waiting in line to use the men’s room at a local Irish bar, when I noticed the guy standing in front of me. I was looking at the ground when I noted that the color of his pants was a U.S. Army dress green, as, I observed, was his shirt (and the other military accoutrements upon his collar and epaulets confirmed his occupation as an armed servicemember).

He must have intuited that I was taking in the back of his collar—I swear, it was the back of his collar—because he glanced to his periphery and—busting me in actu —nodded politely. Having finished his business inside the stall, the young corporal—whose rank I determined from his collar insignia and whose age I placed around 25—smiled with what I thought was an expression of politeness, but which quickly dawned on me was more akin to that of familiarity. (Although this is going to sound like a story about how cool I am, the fact is that, when I am dressed a certain way, and under the right lighting—squinting helps, too—I am occasionally mistaken for ex-military—or, in even worse light, an officer of the law.)

As I squeezed past him into the stall, I nodded in acknowledgement, and he gave me the briefest of winks. And then I heard him say, very softly—but in a tone that clearly carried his words in the short distance separating us—“Don’t ask, don’t tell, don’t swallow.” Memorial Day, like many of our most cherished celebrations, has been diluted through the years until its raison d’être has lost all meaning. Originally called Decoration Day, it commemorated the nation’s dead from both sides of the violent and bloody (625,000 total dead, over 400,000 wounded) American Civil War.

Its theme eventually evolved into one that celebrates America’s exceptional place in the world, along with our international role as—in the words of President Ronald Reagan— “the arsenal of freedom.” I would offer, as well, that as gay men and women, we have a duty to honor the brave and pioneering individuals whose willingness to risk both professional and personal safety in coming out of the barracks closet helped to dismantle the egregious and un-American Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell (DADT) policy.

It was their courage in coming out, while under orders not to do so, that provided the impetus for removing an unfair and irrational obstacle that stood in the way of future openly gay patriots. As Adm. Mike Mullen, then Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee in 2010, “No matter how I look at the issue, I cannot escape being troubled by the fact that we have in place a policy which forces young men and women to lie about who they are in order to defend their fellow citizens.”

The opponents of repealing DADT were blinded by bigotry, and the desperation to defend what was clearly a lost cause, two things that prevented them from seeing the long view of history, which records thousands of years of open homosexual service in the military forces of antiquity. The most often-cited example of homosexual soldiers in the ancient world is that of the Sacred Bands of the Greek city-state Thebes (“a band cemented by friendship grounded upon love is never to be broken”), a kind of Bronze Age “special forces” who were said by Plutarch to have died to the last man— all 300 paired lovers—against the forces of King Philip II of Macedonia in 338 B.C.

The king—whose son, Alexander the Great, is another “gay icon” from antiquity—was said to have been so moved when seeing their bodies, that he exclaimed “Perish miserably any man who suspects that these men either did, or permitted, anything unseemly.” The ubiquity of “gay” relationships in the militaries of the ancient world was cause for scandal in its day, as well, but only because it made some generals nervous that too much emphasis was placed on “gay unit tactics.” “Placing your loved one next to you seems to be a sign of distrust,” rebuked the 4th Century Greek commentator Xenophon, adding rather smugly— in comparison, that “[we Spartans] make our loved ones such models of perfection, that even if stationed with foreigners rather than with their lovers, they are ashamed to desert their companion.”

The greatest warrior-statesman of ancient Thebes, Epaminondas, had two male lovers, one of whom, Caphisodorus, died with him in battle. The couple was buried together, a practice that was reserved for husbands and wives in Greek society. The warriorlovers Aristogiton and Harmodius are credited with the downfall of tyranny in Athens, and became the emblem of the Greek city-state. As we celebrate this Memorial Day, let us commemorate these great warriors, for having lived and died in the manner and as the persons they were born, and let us thank Col. Marguerite Cammermeyer, Lt. Col. Victor Fehrenbach, Lt. Dan Choi, and so many other LGBT patriots for their service and their commitment to freedom for us all.

By Michael French

Memorial Day has traditionally been a day of remembering Americans in the Armed Forces.

Whether they served, are currently enlisted or lost their lives during the wars in which the United States has been involved, this is the day our country has officially dedicated with acknowledgment, gratitude, and in memory to those Americans who have served and protected their country.

Every one of our lives has been touched in some way by the contributions our fellow Americans in the Armed Forces have made to the United States. Even if you don’t have a relative or friend who is serving or has served in the military, you probably know someone who does.

Dare to imagine what our country would be like. Would we even exist today without the sacrifices and service Americans in the Armed Forces have given to their country when she has needed them to serve. Are you able to even fathom the horrors, hardships and heartache many of these people must endure? Even the most realistic Hollywood production cannot truly “put” you in the “shoes” of our men and women in the Armed Forces.

Dad served in the Marines during the Korean War. He was the only survivor of his platoon, and suffered what we now call “post traumatic syndrome” until the day he died. My father was awarded the Purple Heart medal for his bravery and service to his country.  Anytime the phone rang, with the pop of a balloon or the snap of a firecracker, he would jump. As children, we learned to tell our friends never to call at dinner time because if the phone rang during dinner, my father would jump and his hands would lift the table, catapulting the meal my mother just cooked all over the place. We didn’t understand then that something so dark happened to my dad to cause this reaction. He did not talk about the war; all he did was give me pictures to look at that he took while there. My father said, “The only people who are quick to want war, are the ones who have never gone.”

My sister Joanne served in the Air Force, stationed in England, interpreting Soviet codes coming from over the Arctic Circle. There were so many other things an 18 year old girl could have chosen.

It doesn’t matter what your political views are regarding war. Regardless of what they might be, be charitable by giving of yourself, and give thanks to your fellow Americans for the generosity they have shown defending our country. There are many ways to show your “Thanks.” Some are: visiting cemeteries and placing flags or flowers on the graves of our fallen heroes, flying the U.S. Flag at half-staff until noon, flying the ‘POW/MIA Flag’ or participating in a “National Moment of Remembrance” at  3 p.m. to pause and think upon the true meaning of the day. Make sure you call someone you know who served to personally say “Thank You”. Send a thank you note to a veteran who is a complete stranger!

Yes, Memorial Day is a salute to our Armed Forces. It is also the traditional first day of the summer season. Have a BBQ at home and make sure the US flag is there, too. Don’t lose focus of the most important reason for the party! There are countless Memorial Day party ideas on the web. Cook up the iconic American BBQ “cuisine” of hot dogs, burgers, corn on the cob and potato salad in new, health conscious and inventive ways.  During the festivities, ask everyone to pause for a moment, raise that cocktail high and give a hearty, sincere thanks for everything our fellow Americans in the military have done, sacrificed and preserved for us. This Memorial Day, give a special thanks to the brave Navy Seals! The next time you are having fun sipping that martini enjoying the joie de vie, take a moment and toast with gratitude that man or woman dodging bullets on the other side of the world.

Thanks Dad! Thanks Joanne!

Michael French, is Agenda’s Home from Home columnist. Contact Michael at mf7954fla@gmail.com

Stefan Pinto stars in the play Escorts at Rising Action Theater in Oakland Park from June 2-June 6. (Photo by Robert Figueroa)

Thursday 05.27.10

THE MDGLCC’S MONTHLY NETWORKING PROGRAM

MDGLCC presents a networking program for the Downtown membership group. Hard Rock Café Bayside Restaurant 401 Biscayne Blvd #R200 (behind the Bayside Marketplace), 305- 377-3110.; registration 11:30 a.m. with luncheon/networking from noon to 1:00 p.m. Cost is $30 per person including seated style lunch. Limited to 30 persons; RSVP to 305-573-4000 or mailto:mdglcc@bellsouth.net. Get your seat early.

SIZZLE 2010

Originally a one-day occurrence, Sizzle has evolved into a 5-day smorgasbord of captivating daytime events, and pulsating nightlife. Hit the beaches of Miami This Memorial Day Weekend.

MANHUNT 2010

Boardwalk hosts Manhunt 2010. This is a ten week Playgirl Semi-Finalist contest with a $1,000 Grand Prize and a sponsorship. 1721 North Andrews Avenue, Fort Lauderdale. (954) 463-6969.

Friday 05.28.10

OUT GIRLS MOVIE NIGHT

It’s an OUT Girls movie night (screening and discussion) at the Stonewall Library and Archives at 7 p.m. A mutual attraction develops and the two unlikely characters explore the uncharted territory of unexpected love. Free Admission. 1300 E Sunrise Blvd Fort Lauderdale. (954) 763-8565.

KIM ZOLCIAK AND DJ TRACY YOUNG LIVE

Living Room Nightclub hosts the Silver Party 2010 with Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kim Zolciak and DJ Tracy Young. Don’t miss Kim’s “coming out” party. 300 SW 1st Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Doors open at 10:30 p.m. Celebrate the Memorial Day weekend these two ladies.

JANICE DICKINSON

As part of the 2010 White Fort Lauderdale Weekend, Janice Dickinson hosts The White Angels Fashion Showat The Manor. The Manor is located at 2345 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Dickinson was one of the original supermodels in the early ‘80s and her over-the-top personality will rock out!

Saturday 05.29.10

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR BETTY ANN PRISCAK

A Memorial Service will be held for long-time WIN member Betty Ann Priscak.at the Sunshine Cathedral at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers please either send a donation to The Sunshine Cathedral or to the “Prayer Garden.” Lauderdale.

THE SUM OF US

The Sum of Us is a love story about a widowed father and his gay son, who’s trying to find Mr. Right. After meeting in a local pub, Jeff and a young gardener, Greg, hit it off and begin to date. When he meets Jeff’s stubborn, opinionated Dad however, Greg begins to back off. The show stats at 8 p.m. Tickets: show only: $35.00 ; show and dinner package – 3 course Dinner at Primavera Restaurant (located across the parking lot): $60.00. Rising Action Theatre, 840 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Oakland Park. (954) 561-2225.

CONNIE FRANCIS

Join the City of Fort Lauderdale and legendary singer Connie Francis at the Great American Beach Party. This free event features live bands, a classic car show, family beach activities and a 50th Anniversary screening of Where the Boys Are, presented by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the beach (A1A and East Las Olas Blvd.)

Sunday 05.30.10

VAN GOGH: BRUSH WITH GENIUS

Discover a Van Gogh you’ve never seen before: serene and radiating with love of life as he retraces his footsteps through his letters. In this passionate voyage, you are thrown into a unique visual experience where the paintings spring to life before our eyes, so near us that we can feel the painter’s energy, the wind in the branches of a cypress, the dazzling Southern sun. The film offers us the unique joy of seeing and getting to know, with ever increasing admiration, the man whose energy and freedom are intrinsically bound to the great beauty of his work. Museum of Discovery & Science and AutoNation® IMAX® Theater. 401 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale.

POVERELLO BENEFIT

The Matty’s On the Drive vs. New Moon Water Balloon Fight benefiting Poverello begins at 4 p.m. Water balloons $1 each. 2426 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL, 33305, 954- 564-1799. Come out and join this fun-filled event. Wear something that you won’t mind getting wet.

LAFFING MATTERZ

Laffing Matterz, a live, original, musical comedy revue spoofing current events, is currently playing in Fort Lauderdale at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts . 4:30 p.m. Call 954-462- 0222.

SUDS

SUDS is a bubbly 60′s musical about romance in a Wash-O-Rama. From Chapel of Love to Don’t Make Me Over, SUDS is the show to see. The story of three girls trying to find love in a laundromat, SUDS bubbles over with fluffy. Sun-2pm & 7pm. $42. Broward Stage Door. 8036 W Sample Rd.

954- 344-7765.

FLAMINGO GARDEN TOURS

Flamingo Garden Tour is from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Flamingo Gardens, Botanical Collections & Wildlife Sanctuary located in Davie. Tours are presented by knowledgeable volunteers. 2955. $15 for adults. 954- 473-2955. Many spectacular sides are awaiting

Monday 05.31.10

THE WORLD OF GIANT INSECTS

Keeping in line with its commitment to entertain as well as educate, Miami Metrozoo presents The World of Giant Insects from at 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. These animated robotic insects, enlarged 40 to 600 times their actual size, will present a different view to the onlookers. miamimetrozoo.com. (305) 251-0400

THE CHAT NOIR CLUB

There is finally a reason to go out on Monday night. Be a part of the interactive and surreal playground of performers that include contortionists, models, burlesque, drag, fetish, spoken word, live music and a few more surprises. 10 p.m. Entrance is $20. Dream Nightclub is at 1532 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. 305-674- 8018.

MIAMI BEACH BOTANICAL GARDEN TOURS

This is a fantastic way to spend your Memorial Day Weekend with your partner. Take a free guide tour of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens from 11 a.m. to noon. Miami Beach Botanical Garden is at 2000 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach. (305) 673-7256. Come for the beauty, stay for the serenity.

Tuesday 06.01.10

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80

Around The World In 80 Nights, part of its Knight Arts Challenge, is designed to enrich the community and provide incite into a variety of ethnic cultures through a combination of film, art, fashion, music and/or cuisine. 5:30 p.m. Reception | 7:00 p.m. Film & discussion. Admission: General Admission is free. Cinema Paradiso, 503 SE 6 St., Fort Lauderdale. Details and advance tickets: www.fliff.com. 954-525- 3456. Parking: Free after 6:00 p.m. at meters and in the Courthouse Garage.

FLORIDA MARLINS VS. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

Cheer on the Florida Marlins as they take on the Milwaukee Brewers at the Sun Life Stadium. 2267 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens. 7:10pm. Admission: $40-$48. Let’s play ball.

SALSA CLASSES

Celebrate the beauty of Salsa through connection with the music and body movement. Students learn to express themselves through the rhythm of Classes are from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Casa Salsa Dance Studio in Oakland Park. (954) 588- 8085. Dance up a storm and hit those moves.

Wednesday 06.02.10

IMOGEN HEAP

Imogen Heap is in concert at 8 p.m. at The Fillmore Miami Beach At Jackie Gleason Theater, Miami Beach, Florida. Watch as the artist Imogen Heap performs all of her hottest songs. $58. 1700 Washington Avenue Miami Beach.(305) 673- 7300.

WIN MONTHLY GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

You are invited to attend the WIN (Women In Network) general membership meeting at The Pride Center at Equality Park from 7 to 9 p.m. It’s All About the Women. 2040 N. Dixie Hwy,.Wilton Manors. 954-463-9005

ESCORTS

“Escorts” returns to the Rising Action Theatre. Last performed a year ago, this new, streamlined, preoff Broadway version is back. David Leddick has written a book about male escorts. The show reveals the stories of sixteen male escorts in words, song, and dance and in the flesh. With libretto and lyrics by David Leddick, music by Andrew Sargent, direction by David Kingery and produced by V. J. Colonna, musical theater doesn’t get any sexier. The Rising Action Theatre. 840 East Oakland Park Blvd. 1-800-838-3006. 8 p.m. General Admission Tickets: $25-$30 VIP Tickets $65-75. Enjoy the show.