Florida Agenda

Photographers:  Steven Shires, Bob Risse, Mauricio Ferrer, Peter Giraldo, Alex Quinteroand Vicki Hartsough

Kwanzaa at the Pride Center

The Health and Community Services Programs in collaboration with Black Gay Pride South Florida hosted a very well attended celebration of unity, art, culture and community for Kwanzaa. The African-American community was encouraged to know their HIV/AIDS status and invited to make the Pride Center at Equality Park their resource for counseling,
testing, and referrals.

Black Gay Pride at The Pride Center

The Pride Center at Equality Park Sponsored the 12 Annual Black Gay Pride South FloridaCelebration, a weekend celebrated through the performing, visual and cinematic arts.  Theopening evening was capped off with a proclamation declaring February 26th Black GayPride Day in the city of Wilton Manors by Commissioner Julie Carson.

First Latino Summit

The Pride Center hosted the first Latino HIV/AIDS Leadership Summit. More than 180 com-munity leaders discussed how to mobilize within the Latino community. The Summit wasorganized by a partnership between Latinos en Acción of Broward County, the FloridaLatino HIV/AIDS Advisory Group, and the Florida Department of Health Statewide LatinoAIDS Coordinator with the capacity building assistance program at the Latino Commissionon AIDS.  Participants shared experiences in community mobilization and practiced inaction planning workgroups.

Winter Wonderland Party

PALS volunteers organized a very successful WinterWonderland party for graduates, friends, family mem-bers and community supporters of the LIFE Program.Over 100 people attended this reunion event.  Sponsorsincluded Panache Style, Stork’s Bakery, Mama’s Cakes,To The Moon, Java Boys and Andrews Diner.

Seniors Exercise Classes

Enhanced Fitness focuses on physical activity and is designed to help olderadults at all levels of fitness to become more active, energized and empow-ered to live independent lives.  The Enhanced Fitness program at the PrideCenter draws over 30 seniors per class.  The Center offers six classes per week.

Coffee and Conversation

“Coffee and Conversation” is just one component of the Pride Center’ssenior programming.  Over 60 LGBTQ seniors meet weekly for conversa-tion, food, programs and friendship. The senior group gathers in numbersexceeding 120 for special holidays.

Founders Reception at Hyatt Regency Pier Top

Monthly cocktail reception for major financial supporters of the Center.   Sponsors for Stars of the Rainbow enjoyed a martini tasting before the event.  Have you considered becoming a Founders Circle member?

Flea Market

The Pride Center continuesto provide a busy, popularflea market the firstSaturday of every monthon the Equality Park cam-pus in Wilton Manors.Over 100 vendors offercrafts, plants, furniture,antiques and clothing.  Allproceeds support the mis-sion-driven work of theCenter.  Come visit!

Safe Schools Bullying Training

To address the total health and well-being of LGBT youth in the wake of anumber of LBGT youth suicides, the Health and Community ServicesPrograms partnered with Safe Schools South Florida to train, equip andempower educators to help keep

LGBT youth safe in our schools.

Founders Reception at Allied Kitchen and Bath

Monthly cocktail reception for major financial support-ers of the Center.  Guests were encouraged to bring atoy for disadvantaged children.  The funds donated byFounders Circle members underwrite vital programsand services to the community.

LBT Women Art Expressions

The works of 10 local women who served an important role in the artisticcommunity were featured at The LBT Women Art Expressions GalleryOpening and Reception.  The collection was as eclectic and unique aseach of the women who shared a part of herself with every creation.

World AIDS Day

Inspired by Annie Lennox’s campaign, Pride Center vol-unteers spearheaded an effort to provide t-shirts pro-claiming “HIV Positive” for World AIDS Day.  Regardlessof health status, gender, sexual orientation, race or cul-ture, Pride Center staff, volunteers and friends walkedin solidarity through Wilton Manors.  On this day, allembraced a positive mindset to combat stigma andadvocate for vital services for people living withHIV/AIDS.

$75,000 Will Enable the PALS Project to Expand its Health and Prevention Services

Photo: Drop in “Living Room” space partially funded by the Elton John AIDS Foundation

The Pride Center’s well-known PALS (Positive Action for Living Safely) Project recently received a $75,000 grant from the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The newly funded “LIFE Goes On” program will allow PALS to upgrade its service to the community through peer education, wellness seminars, provider training and a drop-in space.

“This grant allows PALS to expand health and prevention work not only to men who are living with HIV but also to those in the community who are at risk for HIV,” says Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager. “This is a natural evolution of our ongoing LIFE Program.”

New education and coaching opportunities will allow community members to develop behavioral health skills to enhance and protect their health and the health of their partners.

The PALS Project currently offers health education, wellness empowerment, riskreduction counseling, service linkage, and emotional and practical support to the nearly 9,500 gay and bisexual men living with HIV in Broward County. PALS also offers two well known workshops: the five-week CHOICES program and the 17-week LIFE Program. PALS helps men lead safer, richer lives.

“For the last five years, the impressive performance of PALS Project staff and volunteers has allowed the Center to impact the lives and health of local gay, bisexual and transgender- identified men,” says Kristofer Fegenbush, Deputy Director of the Pride Center. “The expanding role of our Center as a hub of gay culture and advocate for HIV education, prevention and wellness support uniquely positions us to be highly successful in our collaboration with the Elton John AIDS Foundation.”

The new LIFE Goes On program will fund six areas of service. First, a wellness series of community presentations begins next week with a “Happy Hiney Health” dinner seminar. Second, PALS will develop PALS Peer Partners, a certification course and ongoing professional development coaching for volunteer peer educators. Third, the program will provide several peer-led community presentations on HIV, stigma and identify, including narratives from individuals living with HIV. Fourth, LIFE Goes On will provide HIV self-management educational seminars for community based providers. Fifth, the program will offer oneday self management workshops for people newly diagnosed with HIV/AIDS. Finally, the grant has allowed the establishment of a functioning “Living Room” drop-in space on the Equality Park campus. This safe space will encourage positive social support with community resource information, HIV/STI testing and intervention referrals, and linkages to health resources.

“Now PALS expands its peer power even more,” says Ralph Caraglia, longtime peer educator and volunteer. “This allows PALS volunteers greater opportunities to ‘give back’ by preventing HIV and improving the health of our communities.”

Broward County, according to the latest (2006-08) epidemiological reports by the Florida Department of Health, has the highest rate of all HIV cases (59%) in the State. Annual participation in PALS programming has grown by more than 450% in the last three years, which includes helping the men already living with HIV in Broward County to enjoy healthier lives and to lower their risks of transmission. PALS’ LIFE and CHOICES programs are funded by the Florida Department of Health, Bureau of HIV/AIDS.

The Pride Center is proud to introduce new leadership team members and structure for 2011

By PAUL HYMAN

Returning Board members Richard Stoll and David Feinberg have assumed officer roles on the Board. Richard began his term as Board President in January and David serves as the new Board Secretary. As the Board grows, the Center is supported by their solid leadership. Kristofer Fegenbush has served as PALS Project Manager at the Center for the last five years. In January 2011, he began his new role as the Center’s Deputy Director. Kristofer’s established record as a seasoned manager and strong leader, renders him a well-prepared candidate to oversee the Center’s programs and operations.

Newly appointed Board member, Lea Krauss — originally from Long Island, NY, has resided in Greater Fort Lauderdale since 2000. Lea is also a Director of the Gay & Lesbian Lawyer’s Network of Broward County, has her own Criminal Law Firm in Fort Lauderdale and is a former Broward County prosecutor. Ms. Krauss focuses her law practice in the areas of general criminal defense, domestic violence restraining orders and traffic ticket defense. Ms. Krauss resides in Fort Lauderdale and enjoys the companionship of her long-term partner and their two dogs.

The Center also welcomes Jason Burns to the new Major Gifts Officer role at the Center.

Jason comes to the Pride Center with a strong work history, most recently as a member of the Development Team at United Way of Broward County. With significant experience in local community involvement and political activism, Jason was a police officer for more than four years until an injury on the job introduced the need for career change. In his role as Major Gifts Officer, Jason’s primary focus will be on both Founders Circle membership development and on the Center’s Vision 2015 Capital Campaign, as well as related corporate and foundation sponsorships. Jason looks forward to blending his passion for his career with achieving ever increasing fiscal sustainability at The Pride Center.

The Pride Center is proud to sponsor and host several exciting events in celebration of Women’s History Month.

“This is an

historic month at the Pride Center for women,” says Donna Woessner, Women and Senior Service Coordinator at The Pride Center. “We are thrilled to be offering a wide range of events in celebration of Women’s History Month.”

Women’s History Month is an annual declared month worldwide that highlights contributions of women to events in history and contemporary society. The National Women’s History Project has named this year’s Women’s History Month 2011 – Our History is Our Strength. In honor of this theme, the women at the Pride Center and throughout the community have organized events that will highlight some of our history throughout the decades.

For Women Only: Spaces, Organizations, Events and Publications Created by and for Women – A 13-panel retrospective provided by Stonewall Library and Archives. This exhibit explores the history and implications of some of these special spaces for women.

Installation – Friday, March 18, Will displayed for the rest of the month of March.

Simply … Woman: A Symposium – A free day-long event featuring plenary sessions about the state of LGBT rights in Florida and nationally, a generational round table, breakout groups, networking and more. Breakfast and lunch will be offered. Saturday, March 19, 2011, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

“Naked with Fruit”, by Meryl Cohen – A Lesbian play reading presented by the Women’s Theatre Project, Saturday, March 19, 2011, 8- 9 p.m., Tickets $10.

Speak Fire: Womyn’s Spirituality Conference – A free event that brings together spiritual leaders in the women’s community to empower them to reconnect with the spirit and truth inside. Saturday, March 26, 2011, 12noon – 6 p.m. South Florida Womyn’s Music Fest – A free event that features the best of South Florida’s independent music scene. Saturday, March 26, 2011, 7 – 9 p.m.

The Pride Center’s S.F. Makalani-Mahee states, “These events are designed to encourage women to speak and sing in their own unique voice.”

For more information about the Pride Center or this event, please contact Linda Jain, Program Operations Manager or Donna Woessner, Women and Senior Services Coordinator at (954) 463-9005.

The South Florida premier of the powerful movie “Bullied” will benefit the Pride Center’s Vision 2015 campaign. Cocktails and a panel discussion will accompany the event on Wednesday, March 23 from 6 to 9 pm at Cinema Paradiso.

“Bullied” chronicles the story of Jamie Nabozny, a student from Ashland, Wisconsin who stood up to his anti-gay tormentors with a federal lawsuit. The suit led to a landmark decision that held school officials accountable. Despite that ruling, anti- LGBTQ bullying continues to be a severe problem. Today more than 80 percent of LGBTQ students report being harassed at school. Schools across the country still are unwilling or afraid to openly address anti-gay bullying.

The panel discussion after the movie will feature the Southern Poverty Law Center, Sheriff Al Lamberti and Paul Hyman from the Pride Center. Admission is a $100 tax-deductible donation.

For more information contact Jason Burns at (954) 463-9005 or jburns@PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Over 80 Professionals Attend First-Ever Education Event at the Center

Last month, the Pride Center hosted Broward County’s first Transgender Medical Conference. Over 80 medical and clinical professionals participated actively in the day’s activities.

“For those in our community that identify as transgender, there are significant challenges accessing culturally competent medical and clinical services,” says Linda Jain, Program Operations Manager at the Center. “This conference represented one step towards addressing those challenges.”

The Symposium aimed to educate the medical and clinical communities about the unique care required for this medically underserved community. “Injustice at Every Turn: A Report of the National Transgender Discrimination Survey” states that 50% of the respondents reported having to teach their medical providers about transgender care and 28% postponed care when sick or injured due to discrimination.

The Pride Center collaborated with the Broward County Health Department, SunServe and the Florida Caribbean AIDS Education and Training Center to plan and execute the successful event.

Speakers included: Marilyn Volker, Ph.D., a Board Certified Sexologist; JoAnne Keatley, MSW, Director for Transgender Health at the University of California; James Lopresti, PH.D., L.M.H.C, founding Director for Mental Health Services for SunServe; and M. Layne Yassesn, PA, specializing in Psychiatry, Neurology and Transgender Medicine.

“The positive feedback we’ve received since hosting the Symposium has been overwhelming,” says Jain. “The collaborative energies of so many groups will enable us to expand this event in the future.”

The Pride Center’s capital campaign effort is called “Vision 2015” and is led by Team 2015 Chair, Doug Tinklepaugh. Vision 2015 charts our course to achieve a debt-free Center, by the end of 2015. Forty percent of the $4.75 million purchase price of our new Center has already been paid.

Through Vision 2015 we will engage donors at a variety of levels to contribute annually for the next five years, resulting in a debt-free Center.

In addition to naming and recognition opportunities for larger donors, the campaign’s Visionary Club level makes it easy for almost anyone to contribute. “The Visionary Club invites 1,000 people to donate $1,000 per year for five years. At this affordable level, we can include everyone in providing a debt-free Center for generations to come.” states Mr. Tinklepaugh.

An automatic, tax deductible credit card donation of less than $90 per month, puts you in the driver’s seat of making Vision 2015 a reality.

For information about Vision 2015 donating and volunteering opportunities, please contact Jason Burns, Major Gifts Officer at jburns@PrideCenterFlorida.org.

Team member Joe Guerrero a Top Fundraiser Overall for Florida AIDS Walk

On Sunday, March 20, the Pride Center again will participate in the 10-kilometer Florida AIDS Walk through Fort Lauderdale. All funds specifically raised by the Pride Center team will return to the Center for use in vital services and programs to people living with HIV/AIDS.

The Center’s team will be joined by thousands of others committed to action to halt the escalating spread of HIV/AIDS in South Florida.

“I clearly remember last year’s AIDS Walk,” says Joe Guerrero, the team’s top fundraiser.

“I walked up to a sea of green Pride Center t-shirts worn by men and women, young and old, inclusive of a true community.”

Last year’s Pride Center team raised around $23,000. Local lives benefitted from that success.

“I marched with pride realizing the impact the money I raised would go back directly to help my HIV positive brothers and sisters at the Center,” says Guerrero.

Guerrero again sets an ambitious pace for the Center’s participation in the Walk. He’s the second-highest individual fundraiser for the Walk of all teams and participants.

“I have raised over $9,000 from my family and friends,” says Guerrero. “I look forward to walking with my Pride Center family as we work as one for those we have lost and for those alive that still need our help.”

The Pride Center team boasts many outstanding fundraisers, including Douglas Cureton, Tony Miceli, Chris Caputo, Ralph Caraglia, Paul Mullen, Anthony Johnson, Keith Ackerman, Jim Cooper, Jeff Black, Shelly Weinrib, Stacy Shervan and Will Cudequest. Their efforts — and the work of the more than 75 other Pride Center walkers — will make a difference in our community long after the walk.

“I promise you when you walk with The Pride Center family at this year’s AIDS Walk, you will walk away with some beautiful memories and a full heart,” says Guerrero. “Will you join us?”

Opportunities still exist to join or sponsor the Pride Center team financially. Contact Kristofer Fegenbush at kfegenbush@PrideCenterFlorida.org or (954) 463-9005 for more information, or visit PrideCenterFlorida.org and follow the AIDS Walk link to our team page. The Florida AIDS Walk is presented by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and its services worldwide in fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS.