MIAMI – Pridelines Youth Services will present a six-session discussion series, “Sharing Our History,” beginning this month. According to officials, the series will explore the history of LGBT equality advocacy in Miami-Dade County, with a long-term aim of instilling in local youth a desire to build upon the efforts of their predecessors to achieve equality for the LGBT community. The program will utilize the life stories of current and former LGBT activists.
The first of the six sessions will take place Thursday, October 23, and the program will continue until Tuesday, December 11. Each session will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pridelines Youth Services’ drop-in center, 9526 NE 2nd Avenue, Suite 104, Miami Shores. The series is free and open to the public. For more information, visit pridelines.org.
MIAMI BEACH – Karen Brown has been selected as the new executive director of the LGBT Visitor Center in Miami Beach. “We are thrilled to have someone of Karen’s extensive hospitality background take the helm of the LGBT Visitor Center,” said Steve Adkins, president of the Miami- Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is responsible for the LGBT Visitor Center’s operations. “I have worked with Karen on many initiatives over the past several years, and she knows the hospitality industry incredibly well. Her expertise will definitely help the LGBT Visitor Center grow and continue to be a must-visit destination for our tourists as well as a centerpiece for the local LGBT community.”
Brown is a native Miamian who has spent the last 19 years working in South Florida’s hospitality industry.
Previously, she was the general manager at The Angler’s Resort in South Beach. Her professional experience also includes serving as the vice president of sales and marketing for Boutique Hospitality Management and positions with Island Outpost, The Double Tree, and Interstate Hotels.
The LGBT Visitor Center, the only visitor center of its kind in the United States supported by a gay and lesbian chamber, will celebrate its second anniversary next month.
It is located at 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach, in the lobby of Old City Hall.
“Managing the LGBT Visitor Center allows me the opportunity to create a unique travel experience and a positive place where all are welcome,” said Brown, who also served as co-emcee for the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade for the past four years. “We are working diligently to build programs and resources to welcome the LGBT traveler by introducing them to the myriad of people, businesses and attractions our city has to offer.”
The hilarious dragapella divas return to Greater Fort Lauderdale to poke fun at the 2012 election cycle, with such hits as “Vote for Me (I’m Not From Kenya),” and “Sell the Poor.” Saturday, August 25, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Amaturo Theater.
Enjoy the classics of cinema the way they were meant to be seen: In a theatre! From Friday, August 31 through Thursday, September 7, at Fort Lauderdale’s Classic Gateway Theatre (1820 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale—which opened in 1951, and hosted the 1960 world premiere of “Where the Boys Are,” a film that helped put Fort Lauderdale on the cultural map for generations). The festival will also include screenings of classic newsreels.
The scheduled films include:
“ANNIE HALL” Woody Allen at his best. Co-starring Diane Keaton.
“CASABLANCA” It doesn’t get better than this. Directed by Michael Curtiz. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
“CHINATOWN” One of the greatest screenplays of all time. Directed by Roman Polanski. Starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston.
“CITIZEN KANE” One of the five greatest movies ever. Directed by and starring Orson Welles. A portion of ticket sales benefits the Sun Sentinel Children’s Fund.
At the Fillmore Miami Beach, on Sept. 30. Her last album, “Extraordinary Machine” (2005) was named one of Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the Decade. Her latest LP, “The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords Will Serve You More than Ropes Will Ever Do,” debuted on June 19. A reviewer in “American Songwriter” wrote, “‘The Idler Wheel’ isn’t always pretty, but it pulses with life, brutal and true.” Tickets are $34.50 to $65.50, and are available at LiveNation. com, Ticketmaster outlets and at the Fillmore box office. More information, visit fillmoremb.com.
NATHAN SAWAYA: THE ART OF THE BRICK
Through August 19 at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison Street). The works of internationally renowned LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, returns to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. In the 2012 exhibition of “The Art of The Brick,” New York-based Sawaya presents a variety of both large- and smallscale works.
For Sawaya’s show, the Center is bringing back the popular LEGO interactive room, where children of all ages can create their own masterpieces. Also in conjunction with the “The Art of The Brick,” the Center is presenting again the Florida BRICK Creation Challenge. Florida residents ages 6 and older can use their own LEGO pieces to create and compete in this exciting, statewide contest and exhibition. Pieces will be displayed in the Center’s gallery and each participating group of entrants will be awarded prizes according to the contest’s categories. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $6 for students, seniors, and children ages 4 to 17; free to Center members and children under 4.
WOMENFEST
The 20th Annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women. For more information: womenfest.com.
BROWARD BARES IT!
The immensely successful show returns to the Paradise Live at the Seminole Hard Rock on Friday, August 17. In a departure from last year’s engagement, this year’s show will definitely “TILT” the hot and steamy meter. Superstar comedian Lois Bromfield will perform her hit SNL Skit, “Sorority Girls From Hell” (“Irma, Irma, Irma—stupid, ugly Irma!”) live on stage. This year’s Celebrity Co-Emcee is Power 96 superstar radio personality Nicki Ramirez. Ticket prices are $35 for general admission, $75 for the regular VIP area (currently 80% sold out), and $1,200 for the UBERVIP Party Sections for 14 people, (which includes a lot of amenities).
For more information and tickets, visit BrowardBaresIt.com.
Free screenings of “GEN SILENT,” the critically acclaimed documentary, from filmmaker Stu Maddux, will be held at various locations on Monday, August 6, Thursday, August 9, and Friday, August 10. “GEN SILENT” addresses the question, Do LGBT seniors need to go back in the closet? For many LGBT elders, the wrenching decision to enter a nursing home is just one of the problems they are facing. Presented by Creative Arts Enterprises, in association with Treece Financial Group, Inc. Free and open to the public, free parking. The screening will be followed by a panel of experts addressing issues discussed in the film.
Dates and times: Monday, August 6 at 7 p.m., Temple Israel (137 NE 19 St., Miami). Thursday, August 9 at 7 p.m., The Pride Center at Equality Park (2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors). Friday, August 10 at 2 p.m., at Art Serve (1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale).
For more information, contact Ellen Wedner at wednerfriends@ hotmail.com, or Michael Vita at michael@davidtreece.com.
GATEWAY THEATRE CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL
Enjoy the classics of cinema the way they were meant to be seen: In a theatre! From Friday, August 31 through Thursday, September 7, at Fort Lauderdale’s Classic Gateway Theatre (1820 E Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale—which opened in 1951, and hosted the 1960 world premiere of “Where the Boys Are,” a film that helped put Fort Lauderdale on the cultural map for generations). The festival will also include screenings of classic newsreels.
The scheduled films include:
“ANNIE HALL” Woody Allen at his best. Co-starring Diane Keaton.
“CASABLANCA” It doesn’t get better than this. Directed by Michael Curtiz. Starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman.
“CHINATOWN” One of the greatest screenplays of all time. Directed by Roman Polanski. Starring Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston.
“CITIZEN KANE” One of the five greatest movies ever. Directed by and starring Orson Welles.
HOLLYWOOD
NATHAN SAWAYA: THE ART OF THE BRICK
Through August 19 at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison Street). The works of internationally renowned LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, returns to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. In the 2012 exhibition of “The Art of The Brick,” New York-based Sawaya presents a variety of both large- and smallscale works. For Sawaya’s show, the Center is bringing back the popular LEGO interactive room, where children of all ages can create their own masterpieces.
Also in conjunction with the “The Art of The Brick,” the Center is presenting again the Florida BRICK Creation Challenge. Florida residents ages 6 and older can use their own LEGO pieces to create and compete in this exciting, statewide contest and exhibition. Pieces will be displayed in the Center’s gallery and each participating group of entrants will be awarded prizes according to the contest’s categories. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $6 for students, seniors, and children ages 4 to 17; free to Center members and children under 4.
KEY WEST
WOMENFEST
The 20th Annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women.
Investigators Suspect Dwayne Lebarr Jr. Is At-Large in South Florida
By Cliff Dunn
NORTH BAY VILLAGE – Investigators are searching for an 18-year-old Miami-Dade County high school senior, accused of the strangling death of his 63-year-old lover. Police also believe that Dwayne Lebarr Jr.— charged with second degree murder and grand theft in the death of Craig Douglas Wolfe—tried to hide evidence by mailing it to himself.
Authorities say they intercepted a shipment sent by the teen to himself using the older man’s stolen credit card— which included the bloody clothes they claim he was wearing when he killed Wolfe. Investigators also belied that a laptop and digital camera they found were stolen by Lebarr from Wolfe.
According to records, Lebarr reported Wolfe’s death on June 15, claiming that he found the older man’s body in his North Bay Village apartment. The teen told police that he and Wolfe had met online sometime in May, and had been “engaged in a relationship with him.” Wolfe, 63, was a native of California, who lived most recently in Tampa before moving to North Bay Village, where he worked as a mortgage underwriter, and enjoyed the life aquatic, including fishing and boating.
Paramedics described Wolfe as having a large cut on his forehead, a ligature mark around his neck, and being covered with a sheet. Lebarr—who was in possession of the victim’s cell phone and car keys—was taken into custody, and agreed to speak to investigators without an attorney being present. After a polygraph test, in which he was informed that some deception had been noted, Lebarr invoked his right to legal counsel, and was allowed to leave.
After Wolfe’s death, Lebarr used the victim’s credit card to purchase electronics, clothing, food, and other items. Police tracked Lebarr’s movements to a UPS Store where he shipped himself a package containing the bloody clothes investigators believe he wore when he killed Wolfe.
Although the Miami Central High School senior claims that he had not seen Wolfe since the day before the murder, a neighbor’s surveillance camera shows Lebarr—clad in a burgundy shirt and white pants similar to those found in the UPS packages—arriving at and leaving the apartment the night before the victim’s body was discovered.
Lebarr was photographed in March by the Miami Herald at a rally for Trayvon Martin, the Florida teen killed this year by a neighborhood crime watch captain. Investigators believe he is at-large in South Florida.
Free screenings of “GEN SILENT,” the critically acclaimed documentary, from filmmaker Stu Maddux, will be held at various locations on Monday, August 6, Thursday, August 9, and Friday, August 10. “GEN SILENT” addresses the question, Do LGBT seniors need to go back in the closet? For many LGBT elders, the wrenching decision to enter a nursing home is just one of the problems they are facing. Presented by Creative Arts Enterprises, in association with Treece Financial Group, Inc. Free and open to the public, free parking. The screening will be followed by a panel of experts addressing issues discussed in the film. Dates and times: Monday, August 6 at 7 p.m., Temple Israel (137 NE 19 St., Miami). Thursday, August 9 at 7 p.m., The Pride Center at Equality Park (2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors). Friday, August 10 at 2 p.m., at Art Serve (1350 E. Sunrise Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale).
For more information, contact Ellen Wedner at wednerfriends@ hotmail.com, or Michael Vita at michael@davidtreece.com.
“BABY GIRL”
What if you were conceived twice in one lifetime: once by the illegitimate passionate sex of a young couple in love, and next by a “missionary position”-loving, conservative couple who long to have a child, but the “little guys” never make it to the egg? What if you were adopted by the married couple, only to find out you are everything they can’t stand—I mean, understand? After coming out as a lesbian, and being alienated by her adoptive family, Ashley, a spirited young daydreamer, goes on an extraordinary journey to find love, and a place to call home. When Ashley’s fantasies meet reality, expect the unexpected! Baby GirL runs now through August 5, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m. All performances are at Empire Stage, 1140 North Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale.
Through August 19 at the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison Street). The works of internationally renowned LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, returns to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. In the 2012 exhibition of “The Art of The Brick,” New York-based Sawaya presents a variety of both large- and smallscale works. For Sawaya’s show, the Center is bringing back the popular LEGO interactive room, where children of all ages can create their own masterpieces. Also in conjunction with the “The Art of The Brick,” the Center is presenting again the Florida BRICK Creation Challenge. Florida residents ages 6 and older can use their own LEGO pieces to create and compete in this exciting, statewide contest and exhibition. Pieces will be displayed in the Center’s gallery and each participating group of entrants will be awarded prizes according to the contest’s categories. Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Admission: $10 for adults; $6 for students, seniors, and children ages 4 to 17; free to Center members and children under 4.
WOMENFEST
The 20th Annual Womenfest will be held in Key West from September 4 through 9. Parties, dancing, film festival and outings for women.
The immensely successful show returns to the Paradise Live at the Seminole Hard Rock on Friday, August 17. In a departure from last year’s engagement, this year’s show will definitely “TILT” the hot and steamy meter. Superstar comedian Lois Bromfield will perform her hit SNL Skit, “Sorority Girls From Hell” (“Irma, Irma, Irma—stupid, ugly Irma!”) live on stage. This year’s Celebrity Co-Emcee is Power 96 superstar radio personality Nicki Ramirez. Ticket prices are $35 for general admission, $75 for the regular VIP area (currently 80% sold out), and $1,200 for the UBERVIP Party Sections for 14 people, (which includes a lot of amenities).
MIAMI – Last week, U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Florida), became the first sitting House Republican to publicly announce her support of same-sex marriage. Ros-Lehtinen— whose 18th congressional district includes many LGBT constituents in Miami Beach, South Beach, and the Florida Keys—was featured speaker at the July 10 Washington, D.C. reception to launch Young Conservatives for the Freedom to Marry.
Ros-Lehtinen, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Committee, immigrated to Miami from Cuba in 1969. She told the assembly of about 100 that “The right of individuals to lead their lives without government intrusion is a bedrock Republican, conservative value.” She added that this “is more than just about sexual orientation,” it is “about the fundamental rights that we all share as Americans.”
She added: “No one should have to deal with government red tape when it comes to committing themselves to those whom they love.” In 2010, Ros-Lehtinen—who turned 60 on Sunday—was one of 15 House Republicans to vote for the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell. In 2011, Ros- Lehtinen became the first House Republican to co-sponsor the Respect for Marriage Act, which would repeal the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
At Friday’s event, when asked by a reporter if she is a supporter of marriage equality, Ros-Lehtinen said, “I am.” She added—as if depriving an errant thought of its liberty—“No, I am.”
Thursday, July 12, at 8 p.m., at the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek (5550 Northwest 40 Street, Coconut Creek). Don’t miss the classic sounds of Frank Sinatra Jr., part of Seminole Casino’s monthlong 1960s celebration. Admission: $40-$65.
FORT LAUDERDALE
SEA TURTLE WALKS
Through July 24 at the Museum of Discovery and Science and AutoNation IMAX Theater (401 SW 2nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale). Starts at the museum at 9 p.m., and ends by 1 a.m. This summer, the Museum of Discovery and Science hosts evening Turtle Walks. The whole family can participate in an evening of discovery while uncovering the natural history and myths of turtles. Nature permitting, participants will have a chance to watch a 300 pound Loggerhead sea turtle venture out of the ocean to lay her eggs. A female loggerhead sea turtle may travel thousands of miles to return to the beach where she hatched as a baby to lay her own eggs as an adult.
At 9 p.m., the adventure begins at the Museum of Discovery and Science with an informative hands-on session about turtles (land, fresh water, and salt water) with an expanded focus on sea turtles. The adventure continues to Fort Lauderdale beach where Museum expert guides will lead guests to the sea turtle’s nesting grounds to look for amazing sea turtles. We cannot guarantee a sea turtle will be spotted on every walk but when it does happen it is a natural wonder that no one will ever forget. Guests should be prepared to walk approximately one to two miles, and provide their own transportation and snacks.
Advance reservations are required as space is limited. Remaining 2012 dates: July 5, 10, 11, 17, 18, 19, and 24. Admission: $18 for members, $20 for non-members.
MIAMI
“THE DONKEY SHOW”/THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER
Described by The New York Times as “Passion. Sex. A Rollicking Cool Party,” “The Donkey Show” opens on Friday, July 13, at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. The celebrated smash hit is described as “the ultimate night fever—a crazy fun house of disco mirror balls and feathered divas, of roller skaters and hustle queens, enchanted by an ever-solight sprinkling of Shakespearean magic.”
Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22. Founded in July 2006 as an annual summer lifestyle event for gay men and women from around the world, Miami Beach Bruthaz includes a series of social, educational, and personalized activities that promote unity, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. The event is focused around central themes of Knowledge, Culture, and Fashion. Miami Beach Bruthaz features an upscale White Party with a celebrity guest, a serious hip hop party, a rooftop pool party, and a men’s fashion show. The Saturday night party features the sounds of Brazil, and Sunday brunch at the Palace on Ocean Drive is surely not to be missed.
Through August 19, at the Art & Culture Center of Hollywood (1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood). The works of internationally renowned LEGO artist, Nathan Sawaya, returns to the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood. In the 2012 exhibition of “The Art of The Brick,” New York-based Sawaya presents a variety of both large- and smallscale works. For Sawaya’s show, the Center is bringing back the popular LEGO interactive room, where children of all ages can create their own masterpieces.
Sunday, June 24, on Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors’ main thoroughfare. The 13th annual Stonewall Street Festival, from 12 to 10 p.m. This year will feature a parade, over 125 exhibitors, activities, and A-List main stage entertainment, all through the day—including Andy Bell from 1980s pop group Erasure, who takes the stage immediately after the Summer Pride Twilight Parade, performing such hits as “A Little Respect” and “Chains of Love.”XXX The street festival will highlight local businesses, and include merchants and sponsors from the fields of health and wellness, recreation and entertainment, travel, community resources, and others. At 7 p.m., the parade kicks off on Northeast 20th Street and will follow Wilton Drive north to its Five Points finale. For more information, visit stonewallsummerpride. org.
MIAMI
“THE DONKEY SHOW”/THE ADRIENNE ARSHT CENTER
Described by The New York Times as “Passion. Sex. A Rollicking Cool Party,” “The Donkey Show” opens on Friday, July 13, at the Adrienne Arsht Center’s Ziff Ballet Opera House. The celebrated smash hit is described as “the ultimate night fever—a crazy fun house of disco mirror balls and feathered divas, of roller skaters and hustle queens, enchanted by an ever-so-light sprinkling of Shakespearean magic.”
MIAMI BEACH BRUTHAZ
Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22. Founded in July 2006 as an annual summer lifestyle event for gay men and women from around the world, Miami Beach Bruthaz includes a series of social, educational, and personalized activities that promote unity, camaraderie, and a sense of belonging. The event is focused around central themes of Knowledge, Culture, and Fashion. Miami Beach Bruthaz features an upscale White Party with a celebrity guest, a serious hip hop party, a rooftop pool party, and a men’s fashion show. The Saturday night party features the sounds of Brazil, and Sunday brunch at the Palace on Ocean Drive is surely not to be missed.
The 10th Annual St. Pete Pride Street Festival and Promenade returns Saturday, June 30. The diversity of Southwest Florida’s LGBT community and visitors from around the world join local allies, business and community leaders, and supporters for a day of food, fun, dancing, music, and fun. St. Petersburg’s Grand Central District transforms into “Carnivale,” with an attendance estimated near 100,000.
Following in the great tradition of the Stonewall Riots and the start of the modern gay rights movement, St. Pete Pride has grown into one of the country’s largest Pride events. In 2011, the number of attendees topped 90,000.
MIAMI – On May 11, the LMNT gallery hosted the SAVE Dade Champions of Equality Awards Reception and Silent Auction, to honor individuals who have “significantly advanced the cause of equality for the LGBT community in Miami-Dade County.” Among this year’s honorees were U.S. Senator Bill Nelson, and the Miami office of the law firm of White and Case.
Nelson’s support in the Senate was crucial to dismantling the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell military ban, which prohibited gay Americans from serving openly in the armed forces. White and Case, a New York-based for-profit law firm, represented— pro-bono—the rights of existing and future gay service members by arguing for their client, the Log Cabin Republicans, that the federal government needed to prove the “important government interest at stake to intrude on the personal and private lives of homosexuals.”
Also honored were six popular Miami-Dade County activists, who were inducted into SAVE Dade’s Hall of Fame. They included Dennis Edwards, Mark Steinberg, Elizabeth Schwartz, Joan Schaeffer, Eric Hankin, and Richard Milstein. More than 600 guests were in attendance, including Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Weston), Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Miami), Miami- Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez, and other lawmakers and officials.
