Florida Agenda

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – To coincide with National Suicide Prevention Month, the Trevor Project announced a campaign to target wider public awareness of teen suicide and prevention. Officials say the “Talk To Me” campaign is inspired by Department of Health and Human Services research released this month. That data reports a significant impact in prevention rates for programs that encourage depressed teens to seek help.

According to statistics, suicide is the third-leading cause of death among 10 to 24-year-olds. Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their straight counterparts, and nearly half of transgender youth have seriously contemplated suicide (one-quarter report having made an actual suicide attempt).

Officials say that September is an especially stressful month for teens starting or returning to school. The Talk To Me project was set up to provide encouragement to depressed teens, via persons who pledge to provide support to someone who may be contemplating suicide.

The Trevor Project—founded in 1998 and now the nation’s leading organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) youth— established National Suicide Prevention Month, along with National Suicide Prevention Week (September 9 to 15), World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and The Trevor Project Day (September 27), to draw attention to the national crisis of teen suicide.

The organization receives 35,000 calls annually.

WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA  – The Trevor Project has announced the appointment of a new executive director and CEO. Abbe Land, a member of the West Hollywood, California city council, has been tapped to lead the not-for-profit organization which spearheads suicide prevention programs for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.

Ricky Strauss, the Trevor Project’s interim chair, said that Land “is a recognized and respected health care professional who brings an impressive history of ensuring care to under-represented populations.”

Since 2003, Land has served as co-CEO of the Saban Free Clinic in Los Angeles. Between 1986 and 1997, she served as councilmember and twice as mayor of the City of West Hollywood. Land was re-elected to the city council in 2003, and again last March, for which she is currently serving a four-year term.

The Trevor Project, founded in 1998, is the nation’s leading crisis and suicide prevention organization specializing in the needs of LGBTQ youth.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Evan Darling, a local gay race car driver is taking part in a season-end race in Alton Virginia at the Virginia International Raceway. Paul Newman said of this track, “If there is heaven on earth, it’s V.I.R”

Evan will be racing for the Trevor Project, a charity that he has been supporting since 2007 to put an end to teen bullying in the LGBT community. The Trevor Project logo will be on the car and on Evan’s driving suit.

The race will be held on October 27-29. The thirteen-hour endurance race also goes by the name “Charge of the Headlight Brigade.” Darling is very experienced at endurance racing and has had a number of wins at the Virginia track.

Darling is calling out to businesses in the community to sponsor him. This is a great opportunity to get involved with a good cause and support one of the very few “out” drivers in the pro racing circuit.

Evan started road racing in 1994.  He has won many divisional titles and has raced at all SE Division racetracks and won many sprint races and endurance events.  He is also a driving instructor for many clubs including Chin Motorsports, Ferrari Owners Club and Porsche BMW Owners Club.  Darling is the current SE Division ITA Champion.

Evan can be reached by phone 754-224-0260 or evan@edarlingenterprises.com.

G.O.P. Candidates Sign NOM’s Marriage Pledge

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Three Republican presidential candidates, Michelle Bachmann, Mitt Romney and Rick Santorum, have signed the National Organization for Marriage (NOM) Marriage Pledge. NOM’s marriage pledge was offered to all serious announced candidates for the G.O.P. nomination. An opportunity to sign the Marriage Pledge will be extended to Texas Governor Rick Perry and other major candidates, if and when they enter the race.

In signing the pledge, the candidates swear to: support and send to the states a federal marriage amendment defining marriage as one man and one woman, defend the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) in court, appoint judges and an attorney general who will respect the original meaning of the Constitution, appoint a presidential commission to investigate harassment of traditional marriage supporters and support legislation that would return to the people of D.C. their right to vote for marriage.

Gay Man Wins Right to  Be an Ordained Minister

MADISON, WI – Openly gay Scott Anderson, 56, won the right to be ordained by the USA Presbyterian Church. Anderson is believed to be the first gay person in a long-term same-sex relationship to be approved for ordination by the denomination.

The church’s judicial commission  dismissed a case against Anderson by opponents of gay ordination. Opponents brought the case last year, arguing Anderson could not be ordained because he was in an open relationship with a man. At the time, church rules required clergy members to live in fidelity within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman, or chastity in singleness. However, a shift in thinking earlier this year happened when a majority of the church’s regional bodies voted to allow openly gay men and women in a same-sex relationship to be orda

ined.

Another Indian Tribe Approves Same-Sex Marriage

SEATTLE, WA – A second American Indian tribe has adopted a law recognizing same-sex marriage. The Suquamish Tribal Council of Washington state voted to extend marriage rights to same-sex couples. The new law gained the support of more than 100 tribal leaders in their most recent meeting.

The law permits the tribal court to issue a marriage license to two unmarried people, regardless of their gender, as long as they’re at least 18 years old and one of the people is a member of the tribe.

Same-sex marriage is illegal in the State of Washington, but the state legislature has approved a measure stating they will recognize same-sex marriages that took place in other jurisdictions and other nations. The legislature has also approved a bill called “Everything But Marriage,” which grants same-sex couples many of the same rights as married couples except for using the word “married”.

The Coquille Indian Tribe in southern Oregon is the only other tribe that recognizes same-sex marriage.

New Data Shows Annual HIV Infections in U.S. Relatively Stable

ATLANTA, GA – The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s first multi-year estimates from its national HIV incidence surveillance find that, overall, the annual number of new HIV infections in the United States was relatively stable at approximately 50,000 each year between 2006 and 2009.  However, HIV infections increased among young men who have sex with men (MSM) between 2006 and 2009, driven by alarming increases among young, black MSM – the only subpopulation to experience a sustained increase during the time period.

The new estimates were published online in the scientific journal PLoS ONE.  The incidence estimates are based on direct measurement of new HIV infections with a laboratory test that can distinguish recent from long-standing HIV infections.

“More than 30 years into the HIV epidemic, about 50,000 people in this country still become infected each year. Not only do men who have sex with men continue to account for most new infections, young gay and bisexual men are the only group in which infections are increasing, and this increase is particularly concerning among young African American MSM,” said CDC Director Thomas Frieden, M.D. “HIV infections can be prevented. By getting tested, reducing risky behaviors, and getting treatment, people can protect themselves and their loved ones.”

Warner Brothers Sets November for Release  of J. Edgar

HOLLYWOOD, CA – Warner Brothers Studios has set November 9th as the release date for the film, “J. Edgar,” a biopic on the first director of the F.B.I. being produced by Clint Eastwood. The motion picture completed filming in February.

The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio and was written by Dustin Lance Black; the timing of the release will make it eligible for nomination for next year’s Academy Awards. In addition to DiCaprio, the cast includes Armie Hammer (from The Social Network) as Hoover’s assistant and closeted lover, Clyde Tolson; Josh Lucas as aviator Charles Lindbergh; Ed Westwick as Agent Smith, an operative gifted with writing skills; Damon Herriman as Bruno Hauptmann, the man convicted of kidnapping and killing the Lindbergh baby; Judi Dench as Hoover’s mother; Naomi Watts as Helen Gandy, a Justice Department file clerk who ended up being Hoover’s personal secretary; Ken Howard as lawyer and jurist Harlan F. Stone; Jeffrey Donovan as Robert F. Kennedy and Stephen Root as Arthur Koehler, a wood specialist at Forest Product Laboratories who uses his expertise to help Hoover investigate the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby by tracing the origins of the ladder used by the perpetrator.

Major Psychology Group Comes Out to Support Gay Marriage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The policy-making body of the American Psychological Association (APA) voted unanimously to approve a resolution to support full marriage equality, a move that observers say will have a far-reaching impact on the debate. This was the world’s largest organization of psychologists’ strongest stand to date in support of same-sex marriage and cited new research in their decision.

The group, with more than 154,000 members, has long supported full equal rights for gays, based on social science research on sexual orientation. Now, the nation’s psychologists, citing an increasing body of research about same-sex marriage, as well as increased discussion at the state and federal levels, took the support to a new level.

The resolution points to numerous recent studies, including findings that many gay men and lesbians, like their heterosexual counterparts, desire to form stable, long-lasting and committed intimate relationships and are successful in doing so.

Rupert Murdoch to Cash in on Gay Marriage

NEW YORK, NY – According to Gay City News, Rupert Murdoch’s New Corp is ready to cash in on same-sex marriage with a new magazine, Wedding Pride: The Magazine for Gay and Lesbian Wedding Planning. The first issue will hit newsstands this September with an initial 35,000 copy run, which will likely remain confined to the gay-friendly communities of Chelsea, Park Slope, Fire Island, Montclair, South Orange and Asbury Park.

Murdoch’s News Corp. is most famous for its other publications, such the New York Daily News and its cable Fox News Channel.

“Glee” Star to Replace Daniel Radcliffe in  “How to Succeed”

NEW YORK, NY – The producers of the 50th anniversary production of the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize-winning musical comedy “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” announced last week that Darren Criss, of Fox’s Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning hit television show, “Glee,” will make his Broadway debut as J. Pierrepont Finch, performing a strictly limited three week engagement from January 3, through January 22, 2012. He will replace Daniel Radcliffe, who will play his final performance on Sunday, January 1, 2012.

Criss plays Blaine Anderson, Chris Colfer’s love interest on “Glee”.

Esurance Donates $50K  to The Trevor Project

SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Esurance, the online car insurance company, announced that the company donated $50,000 to The Trevor Project, the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBT youth.
Esurance recently launched the charitable giving campaign on its Facebook page. For each new “Like,” the company donated $10 to The Trevor Project to help support the Trevor Lifeline, a 24/7 crisis intervention phone hotline offering free and confidential suicide prevention counseling to youth nationwide.

With Twitter and Facebook support from The Trevor Project itself, and the mentions from celebrities such as Perez Hilton, Jonathan Knight of New Kids on the Block, and others spreading the word, Esurance quickly reached its stated goal of $50,000.

Ann Coulter to Serve  as Honorary Chair of GOProud’s Advisory Council

WASHINGTON, D.C. – GOProud, a national organization of gay conservatives, announced that Ann Coulter was joining the organization’s Advisory Council as Honorary Chair. Coulter’s official title will be “Honorary Chair and Gay Icon”.

“Ann Coulter is a brilliant and fearless leader of the conservative movement, we are honored to have her as part of GOProud’s leadership,” said Christopher Barron, Chairman of GOProud’s Board in a written statement. “Ann helped put our organization on the map. Politics is full of the meek, the compromising and the apologists – Ann, like GOProud, is the exact opposite of all of those things. We need more Ann Coulters.”

Coulter responded with “I am honored to serve in this capacity on GOProud’s Advisory Council and look forward to being the Queen of fabulous.”

Coulter joins Margaret Hoover, Grover Norquist, Andrew Breitbart, Liz Mair, Chuck Muth, Lisa De Pasquale, Christian Josi, Roger Stone, Andrew Langer, Kathryn Serkes and Bob Carlstrom on the GOProud Advisory Council.

Coulter is the author of “Demonic: How the Liberal Mob is Endangering America,” as well as seven other New York Times bestsellers: “Guilty: Liberal Victims and Their Assault on America,” “If Democrats Had Any Brains, They’d Be Republicans,” “Godless: The Church of Liberalism,” “How to Talk to a Liberal (If You Must),” “Treason: Liberal Treachery From the Cold War to the War on Terrorism,” “Slander: Liberal Lies About the American Right” and “High Crimes and Misdemeanors: The Case Against Bill Clinton”.

NEW YORK – Actor Daniel Radcliffe is being honored by the Trevor Project, a gay youth suicide prevention group.

For years, Radcliffe, the star of the Harry Potter film series has been outspoken and said he “looks forward to a world where young people grow up unaffected by differences in sexual orientation.”

The Trevor Project is the leading organization for suicide prevention among LGBT youths and is presenting Radcliffe with their Hero Award at a ceremony in New York in June. Previous Hero Award recipients include screen and stage actor Nathan Lane, screenwriter Dustin Lance Black and former Miss America and “Ugly Betty” actress Vanessa Williams.

Radcliffe is currently appearing in the Broadway revival of “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying”.

“Stars of the Rainbow” 2011 Scheduled for April 3

By Bob Kecskemety

Mark your calendars for Sunday, April 3 from 4 to 6 p.m. for this year’s “Stars of the Rainbow” which celebrates its eighteenth anniversary celebrating the best our community has to offer.

2011 Stars of the Rainbow Honorees represent individuals, businesses and organizations that exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and activism. Honorees have represented the LGBTQ community in a positive light, and have supported the efforts of the Pride Center.

Only a limited number of $150 tickets are still available for what promises to be the social event of the season located in the Crystal Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 S.E. 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale. To purchase tickets go to PrideCenterFlorida.org.

This year’s event will be emceed by Bishop S. F. Makalani-MaHee and Donna Woessner and includes great entertainment, terrific hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, and outstanding company and fellowship in service to our community.

Wachovia/Wells Fargo is the Presenting Sponsor of the event. 100% of all monies collected through ticket sales and donations support the programs and services of the Pride Center at Equality Park. The Pride Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

For information about additional underwriting and sponsorship opportunities, please contact David Yalen, Membership Development Coordinator at (954) 463-9005 or email dyalen@pridecenterflorida.org.

And the Honorees Are …

Our honorees represent individuals, civic groups and businesses that exemplify the spirit of volunteerism and activism. They have dedicated their time and support in making the Pride Center at Equality Park what it has become today.

Pastor Leslie Tipton of the Church of the Holy SpiritSong – Board Member Star of the Year

Born and raised in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Rev. Leslie Tipton refers to herself as a “Valley Girl.” After earning a B.A. in Psychology at San Diego State University in 1986, she served as an Aircraft Maintenance Officer in the United States Marine Corps for over ten years. Rev. Tipton has lived in the Fort Lauderdale area since 2003 and served for three years as the Secretary on the Board of Directors for the Pride Center at Equality Park. She is an ordained Reverend in the Christian faith and serves as the Associate Pastor of Administration and Outreach at Church of the Holy SpiritSong in Wilton Manors, FL, on the Campus of Equality Park. Pastor Leslie is very active in the South Florida community. She resides in Miramar with her wonderful wife, Sandra and their many pets. “

It is with humility that I accept this award,” said Reverend Tipton in response to being chosen the Pride Center Board Member Star of the Year. “My service to our community is in direct response to God’s call on my life and that is, in part, to let the GLBTQI community in South Florida know that God loves them and accepts them just the way they are. Don’t let anyone tell you differently!”

Nikki Adams of Broward House and Donna Markland of the Broward County Health Department – Community Stars of the Year

Nikki Adams’ career as a female impersonator has spanned over 34 years, traveling throughout the United States and abroad bringing her unique act and much soughtafter emcee capabilities to countless nightclubs, theaters, corporate events and fundraisers for varied LGBT and mainstream organizations. On a national and local basis, she has helped raise millions of dollars for charity. In the mid-80s, she pioneered a gay variety/talk television show called “Way Off Broadway” costarring with her friend and mentor, Dana Manchester. Nikki also played the role of Carlina in the movie “Catherine’s Grove” and appeared in music videos for Evelyn Thomas and Gloria Estefan. Along the way, Nikki has captured numerous titles including Miss Florida F.I. and Miss Continental Elite.

In 2009, Nikki signed on with Broward House as Community Liaison, lending her skills with event production, promotion and fundraising to Broward County’s oldest and largest HIV/AIDS organization. “Though garnering numerous accolades throughout my career,” said Nikki, “I am humbled for this recognition from the community I call home. It is my pleasure and privilege to serve as a representative for South Florida, and I do so with great PRIDE!”

Donna Markland serves as the Minority AIDS Coordinator at the Broward County (Florida) Health Department / HIV/ AIDS Program Office.

She provides capacity building, technical assistance for minority communities and she also supervises the Prenatal HIV Program.

Ms. Markland chairs the HIV/AIDS Minority Network, Black Advisory Group in Broward County. The Network, and collaborating partner agencies in the community, have launched several HIV/AIDS prevention initiatives in the comm u n i t y s u c h a s : street outreach, leadership training and multicultural, multi-ethnic prevention efforts to bring about HIV/AIDS awareness to hard-toreach populations in Broward County. Donna has also worked on numerous HIV/AIDS Hispanic Latino initiatives since the inception of the Broward Community Planning Partnership.

The Trevor Project Non – Profit Star of the Year

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization and the leading national organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth. The Trevor Project operates The Trevor Lifeline, a tollfree number and confidential service staffed by trained counselors. The Trevor Project also provides guidance and vital resources to parents and educators in order to foster safe, accepting and inclusive environments for all youth at home and at school.

Executive Director Charles Robbins has spent his career in non-profit management. From founding organizations to serving in senior fundraising and development roles at some of the most prominent LGBTQ organizations in the country, Charles is a seasoned leader and passionate advocate. During his four-year tenure at The Trevor Project, the full-time staff has grown from five to 24 and the annual budget has quadrupled to $4 million. Charles is a member of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, the National Lifeline Suicide Prevention Consumer/Survivor Subcommittee, the Suicide Prevention Plan Advisory Committee for the California Department of Mental Health, and the California LGBT Health Network. His professional experience includes serving as development director for the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, various senior fundraising roles at GLAAD and founding Project Angel Heart, a Denver-based nonprofit. A Colorado native, Charles holds a certificate in non-profit administration from the University of Colorado, Denver, and is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. When he’s not leading the Trevor staff, you’ll find Charles spending time with his husband, Damon, in Los Angeles or Palm Springs.

South Florida Gay News Norm Kent, Publisher – Media Star of the Year

The successor to Express Gay News, SFGN was inaugurated in January of 2010, designed to be a progressive, credible, newsworthy LGBT newspaper for South Florida, illuminating the lives, breadth and dimensions of the LGBT community. SFGN prides itself on reporting openly and honestly on the community’s wins as well as its wounds, its accomplishments as well as its failures. Its publisher, Norm Kent, is a constitutional rights and criminal defense attorney who has been practicing law in South Florida for over 30 years. Formerly the morning drive radio talk show host for WFTL 850 AM, Kent has served on the Board of Directors of local AIDS agencies, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws.

“Our management and staff appreciate the acknowledgement that this award embraces,” said Kent in response to being chosen the Media Star of the Year. “However, for a free community print newspaper to survive in the 21st century, even one with a niche as clearly defined as our own, the very people here giving us this award also have to support our efforts and energies with an ongoing financial commitment in advertising, determining for yourselves if you want the history of the LGBT community written by guides showing shirtless men holding up cocktails or fact-driven newspapers which chronicle our lives. The future and that choice, is ours to make.”

U.S. Representative Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz – Public Official Stars of the Year

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen represents Florida’s 18th Congressional District, a diverse area which includes Miami, Little Havana, Coral Gables, Pinecrest, Miami Beach, Westchester and the Florida Keys. RosLehtinen was born in Havana, Cuba and at the age of eight, her family was forced to flee the oppressive communist regime of Fidel Castro where the family settled in Miami.

In 1982, she was elected to the Florida State House of Representatives and the Florida Senate in 1986, becoming the first Hispanic woman to serve in either body and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1989 — the first Hispanic woman to serve in Congress.

She has been a long-time supporter of policies that help end discrimination and violence against individuals as a result of their sexual orientation or gender identity expression.

She was a founding member of the House Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus. The Caucus works toward the extension of equal rights, the repeal of discriminatory laws, the elimination of hate-motivated violence, and the improved health and well being for all regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity expression. She fought tirelessly to repeal the oppressive “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy of the military. She cosponsored the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act and to provide assistance to state and local law enforcement agencies to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of violent, biasmotivated crimes among other pro equal rights legislation.

For more than eighteen years, Debbie Wasserman Schultz has dedicated her public life to working on behalf of the people of South Florida. On January 4, 2005, she was sworn in as a member of the United States House of Representatives representing Florida’s 20th Congressional District which includes portions of Miami Beach, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale and west to Sunrise. As Founding Vice-Chair of the House LGBT Caucus, Rep. Wasserman Schultz has consistently voted to expand civil rights for the LGBT community by ensuring federal protection from hate-motivated violence and by providing remedies for unfair discrimination in the workplace. She has fought for equality for all of Florida’s families — from full marriage equality to repealing Florida’s painful ban that prohibits loving gay and lesbian parents from adopting children. Just a few months ago Rep. Wasserman Schultz voted in favor of repealing the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that prevents gay men and lesbians from serving openly in the armed forces. She also supports the Obama Administrations recent decision to stop defending the unconstitutional ‘Defense of Marriage Act’ (DOMA) in federal court. While making strong progress toward equality, Rep. Wasserman Schultz knows we have a long way to go to achieve true equal opportunity for LGBT Americans who still face undue prejudice and treatment.

“I am humbled to receive this honor from the Pride Center,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz. “As your representative in Washington, I promise to continue my fight for equality and justice so that we may all live, love and prosper in a more perfect union.”

Arthur B. Smith Tyler Healis – Sustainability Award

Arthur Smith moved to South Florida in 1987. Already a successful lawyer in Massachusetts, Smith decided he would sell his house up north, close his law offices and relocate to South Florida where he specializes in real estate development, estate planning and corporate law. Over the years, Smith represented many estates which have contributed to the Pride Center at Equality Park. He also represented the John C. Graves estate which oversaw the creation of the John C. Graves Charitable Fund at the Community Foundation of Broward, from which the Pride Center has received sizeable grants. Mr. Smith represents the Gilbert Corwin estate which has bequested $350,000 to the Pride Center.

PALS Project Volunteers  – Volunteer Star of the Year

For years, the PALS Project has provided local gay, bisexual and transgender- identified men with vital social support, accurate HIV information and effective tools to lead safer, richer lives. Two of the guiding principles in the PALS Project are to “give back” and to use “peer support”. Non-paid staff (volunteers) are graduates of the PALS programs and who come back to work in partnership with paid staff in almost all aspects of initiatives. Volunteer serve as: (1) peer facilitators in programs, small groups and individual coaching sessions; (2) peer educators in community workshops; (3) quality assurance/improvement evaluators; (4) customer relations specialists; (5) activity/event planners; and (6) care team associates to help participants with special needs. PALS volunteers provide the Center and the community literally with thousands of hours of service each year. In addition, PALS volunteers spearheaded the Pride Center’s participation in 2010 Florida AIDS Walk, raising over $23,000 for HIV/AIDS services at the Center.

“I received so much from the LIFE program that I became passionate about giving back and helping my brothers who are HIV-positive,” says Will Cudequest, one PALS volunteer. “But what really happened is that I got even much more back when I volunteered! Thank you so much — my life has changed!”

“Without the daily service, energy and dedication of volunteers, the PALS Project as we know it wouldn’t exist. Period,” says Kristofer Fegenbush, Deputy Director of the Center. “I’m inspired, humbled and challenged by how they impact the lives of so many people in our community — regardless of health status, age, race, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or income — including mine.”

Will Spencer -  Alan Schubert Humanitarian Award

Will Spencer moved from New England to Fort Lauderdale over 23 years ago. He’s an avid tennis fan, is openly gay and HIV positive who has lived without traditional medications for over 17 years – he is also a major advocate for complementary therapies. For the bulk of the last 15 years, Spencer has been a full time volunteer for many different charitable organizations. He currently or has sat on the board of directors for the Broward County HIV Health Services Planning Council, CAMP4Health, Kids in Distress, Children’s’ Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Dublin School (Dublin, NH), Gay and Lesbian Fund, Broward AIDS Partnership and is a lifetime member of Leadership Broward.

Spencer is also a Pride Center Founders Circle member, supporter of the Transformers and Sunflower Circle of Friends, Broward House Spirit of Hope Society recipient, a member of the Legacy Society and the list goes on and on.

“Being honored is always a double-edged experience,” said Spencer upon hearing that he is receiving a Stars of the Rainbow Award this year. “On one hand it is especially nice to be recognized for doing what I can. On the other, Cleve Jones (founder of The Quilt and visionary pioneer for the LGBT movement) once wisely pointed out that, ‘It feels a bit as if I am a fraud, not worthy. I get so much more in return than I could ever fully express with words.’”

Equality Florida and the Trevor Project set to benefit

By ALEX VAUGHN

Photo: Adam Lambert has been a long-time supporter of the Trevor Project that speaks out against
gay bullying.

As we all have love and giving on our minds at this time of year, it is inspiring to see that in the last week two supporters of the community are giving back in a big way.

It was announced that Corbin Fisher had donated $60,000 to Equality Florida and over the weekend it was confirmed that American Idol Runner up, Adam Lambert would be donating the proceeds from a remixed version of his song Aftermath to the Trevor Project.

Liberty Media Holdings (LMH), parent company of leading online gay adult content provider, Corbin Fisher (CF), followed up their 2010′s record donation to Equality Florida (EQFL) with a second $60,000 donation to the non-profit organization.

EQFL, a St. Petersburg-based non-profit, made headlines in 2010, when they were instrumental in overturning Florida’s ban on same-sex couples right to adopt children. Corbin Fisher was proud to support EQFL with the largest single donation in the organization’s history.

“We’re grateful that Corbin Fisher continues to support our efforts to end discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Nadine Smith, executive director for Equality Florida. “They have invested deeply in our work of educating and mobilizing fair-minded Floridians who believe in the values of equality and justice.

” While Corbin Fisher’s production offices recently moved from Florida to Las Vegas, the company remains a staunch supporter of the work EQFL does. “We feel their efforts are crucial in leading the fight for equal rights. Much of the country looks to the legal battles in Florida as precedent-setting,” said Marc Randazza, general counsel for Corbin Fisher.

Corbin Fisher CEO Jason Gibson said, “The legal battles for equality are never over and can be tremendously expensive. As a company, we donate lump sums to help defray EQFL’s costs, but we also hope to inspire everyone to donate time and support to EQFL and other local organizations fighting for justice for all gay, lesbian, bi and transgender people.” Corbin Fisher employees themselves are encouraged to donate time and money to charitable organizations through a matchingfunds policy and paid time off for volunteer work for accredited groups.

Corbin Fisher last year received the Free Speech Coalition Award of Excellence. 2010 also saw the company make news as it spearheaded anti-piracy efforts in the adult entertainment industry. Corbin Fisher has been nominated for two XBiz Awards this year, Web Company of the Year and Gay Site of the Year.

Adam Lambert came to our attention in the eighth season of American Idol and came out publically in Rolling Stone after being crowned the runner up. The Times pinpointed the fact that Lambert was one of the few openly gay mainstream pop artists to launch a successful career on a major label in the United States.

The multi-platinum selling artist has been a big supporter of The Trevor Project, the California-based non-profit that runs the nation’s only 24-hour confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth. In October he released a video for the It Gets Better campaign, in which he told troubled gay teens to stay strong and proud. The It Gets Better Project is a collection of videos urging troubled LGBT teens to hang in there, because life gets better and raises awareness and funds for The Trevor Project.

The national organisations’ mission statement is clear: ‘The Trevor Project is determined to end suicide among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning youth by providing life-saving and life-affirming resources including our nationwide, 24/7 crisis intervention lifeline, digital community and advocacy/educational programs that create a safe, supportive and positive environment for everyone.’

Word about the remix first came out when Adam’s friend Markus Molinari posted on his blog the day after Adam’s 29th birthday party: “Adam introduced a new version of his song Aftermath that he co-wrote with Ferras, Alisan Porter, Ely Rise. Adam went on to say a portion of the remixed tune would go to The Trevor Project. Adam has been a vocal supporter of this charity that speaks out against gay bullying.”

The 29 year old Grammy Nominee tweeted on Thursday, “Releasing a revamped version of AFTERMATH,” to his more than 850,000 followers. “Proceeds to benefit The Trevor Project. Wait till you hear it – it’s now a hot pop dance anthem.”

“No set release date,” he added. “Putting finishing touches on the track. Stay tuned …”

If you would like to get involved and to give back to either of these crucial nonprofit organisations please check out the details below.

Equality Florida- www.eqfl.org

The Trevor Project

LifeLine : 866 488 7386

www.thetrevorproject.org

“The value of a man resides in what he gives and not in what he is capable of receiving.” – Albert Einstein.

Macy’s has been honored by The Trevor Project, the leading national organization focused on crisis and suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ.  This honor is a direct result of Macy’s nationwide Pride + Joy campaign and their continued support for Pride Month. The Pride Month campaign features a plethora of in-store fashion events, advertising support, special tribute windows in select stores, Gift Registry booths for same-sex couples in key cities, as well as sponsorship and employee participation in Pride parades across the country.

The highlight of this extravaganza is Macy’s employee participation in Pride parades in 16 markets nationwide including New York, Washington, DC, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, Columbus, Houston, St. Louis, St. Petersburg, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle, Cincinnati, and Atlanta.

The company has already participated in Pride celebrations in Phoenix, Miami and Melbourne, FL earlier this year. Upholding tradition, employees will fly a rainbow Macy’s star balloon symbolizing the company’s continued commitment to the LGBTQ community.

“We are proud to support our LGBTQ employees and consumers through initiatives that recognize and honor our commitment to diversity and inclusion,” said Corliss Fong, Macy’s vice president of diversity strategies.

Profile: Evan Darling

by BOB KECSKEMETY

While most of us were barbequing, swimming and celebrating with friends during Memorial Day weekend, Evan Darling, 42 of Oakland Park was up in Lakeville, CT at Lime Rock Park racing in a Grand Am Continental Challenge road race.

“I’ve always been interested in racing, it’s in my blood. When I was young I was racing Big Wheels and bicycles and anything to go fast. I love the competition, I love to win.”

Darling was born in Andover, Massachusetts to a conservative family and attended Andover High School and Northern Essex Community College. He came out to his family at the age of 18 and admits that growing up gay in a conservative family wasn’t easy, even in Massachusetts. In 1995 there were protests against homosexuals participating in Boston’s Veterans Day Parade. Darling’s father, an attorney, represented the Irish American War Veterans against Boston’s LGBT community. “That was a little rough,” said Darling, “but I came to terms with it.”

Darling’s family was never supportive of him being gay and sent him to a psychologist to cure him of his homosexuality. However, after six weeks of therapy, the doctor determined that Darling was perfectly normal, happy and confident and there was nothing wrong with him … the problem was with his parents.

At 18, Darling moved out of the house and went to New York where he attended Parsons School of Design but shortly later had to drop out because of lack of support from his family. He continued to live in New York for a few more years then moved to Florida in 1988 first to Delray Beach with a friend then to Fort Lauderdale. In 2000 he moved from Florida to North Carolina to continue his racing career where he never hid his homosexuality.

“There aren’t many opportunities in North Carolina for an ‘out’ race car driver,” said Darling. “The company, German Speed Merchants of Wilmington, North Carolina respected me and I still have a great friendship with them.” Darling moved back to Fort Lauderdale in 2008. Darling still occasionally races for German Speed Merchants.

Darling never hid his sexuality from the other drivers but didn’t advertise it either. “I don’t have a big gay flag on my racing suit. My partner at the time always came to the races with me. And they never had an issue with that. However, since I’ve turned pro some of the teams have talked about me behind my back. They’re just pussies, they don’t want to talk to your face. If you ask them if there’s a problem, they say ‘no’, they’re okay with it but then you hear the stories of what they say behind your back. That’s just how it is and I don’t care. I’m happy and comfortable with myself and I think we should all be that way.

Owned by the better-known NASCAR, Darling Races in Grand American, Grand Am Road Racing. Unlike the more circular NASCAR track, Grand Am road racing uses a track with many curves and banks. Road racing is more popular in many countries around the world but in the United States it comes behind football and NASCAR in popularity. NASCAR is now using their marketing machine to increase the popularity of Grand Am. A Grand Am race can last as long as 24 hours long using multiple drivers taking shifts in one car during these endurance races.

The cars themselves are stock

cars which have been modified within the rules. Both Daytona and Sebring in Florida have Grand Am tracks as well as Lime Rock, Connecticut where actor/race car driver, Paul Newman did his racing.

Darling has adopted The Trevor Project as his favorite charity. The Trevor Helpline is the only nationwide, around-the-clock crisis and suicide prevention helpline for LGBT youth. The organization was established in 1998 to coincide with the HBO airing of the award-winning short film hosted by Ellen DeGeneres, Trevor. Trevor was a comedy/drama about a gay 13-year-old boy who, when rejected by friends because of his sexuality, attempts to take his own life.

When Darling became listed in Out Magazine’s “Out 100” list as being a race car driver, he started looking for media programs in California and found out about the Trevor Project. He did some research and reached out to the organization. “A lot of kids take their lives and if they thought they could get some support and guidance, they wouldn’t. The statistics are staggering; so many do it because they are not comfortable with their sexuality.”

With Grand Am races televised on Speedvision, Darling would like to have “Trevor Project” painted on his car. He feels that adding the LGBT demographic to Speedvision’s NASCAR viewership, the audience would be massive and he would be able to make a clear message.

Darling’s racing career has been floundering recently due to lack of sponsorship. He says that little has come from his sports agent in over two years and that he sold his landscape company in order to support his racing career. He realizes that the economy has been difficult but he’s looking for more exposure and to get companies and individuals to support what he’s trying to do. He’s run out of personal funds and can’t manage for much longer but works side jobs to make ends meet. However, with the support of sponsorships, he can continue to carry the message. Both the message of The Trevor Project and the message that a gay man can survive in a very straight sport.

FUN FACTS:

He once answered a cell phone call while racing on the back stretch in Atlanta. The phone started to vibrate and he answered the call by saying, “I’ll call you back.”

His brother, Ryan Darling is the Director for U.S. Senate Relations for the ultra-conservative Heritage Foundation.

Once while driving at night in Virginia, he had to avoid a deer that ran across the racetrack. Once an elderly lady made a wrong turn on a highway and ended up on the racetrack itself. The race was immediately stopped to get the woman off the track safely.