Gallery | Gay pride in Brazil

Thousands fill the streets for the annual gay pride parade in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, May 25, 2008. (AP Photos by Andre Penner)

Pandora Events weekly newsletter

From Pandora Events:

Friday, May 30th
A different kind of night!

NOSTALGIAS
Join us as we take you back in time to an authentic Spanish celebration.

Enjoy traditional Latin tapas, Sangria, Paella, Flamenco show, dominos tournament and dancing till dawn.
Special guest DJ playing DISCO, Latin and some House Favorites. 

For dinner reservations please call 305 495 6969.
(DINNER WILL SELL OUT SO PLEASE RESERVE FAST)

Valet parking available

Havana 1900
3850 SW 8 ST
Coral Gables

Kitty's Toy Box

* naughty toys . board games . harnesses . flavored lubricants . bondage lesbian movies . vac-u-lock . cyberskin . e-glass . powerlock . toy boxes oils . fun cards . waterproof . remoteless . multi-speed . kits . & more...
www.kittystoybox.com
Lesbian Owned!

 

June 4-8th

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!!!

Get ready for the most magical weekend of the year as we present the premiere women's events celebrating the Eighteenth year of Gay Day Orlando.

Courtyard by Marriott or Fairfield Inn 8623 Vineland Avenue Orlando, Florida

*Girls In Wonderland hotel guests (Courtyard and Fairfield Inn) will enjoy our fabulous Pool Parties on Friday, Saturday and Sunday as well as the Welcome Reception for FREE.
Book your reservations online: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcolz-fairfield-inn-and-suites-orlando-lake-buena-vista-in-the-marriott-village/?groupCode=gwagwaa&app=resvlink

Call for reservations: 1 800 922 3194 
Must use the reservations code: "Girls in Wonderland"

If you have any problems with booking your hotel reservations please call us at  305 495 6969 .
Click here to reserve your room today!
www.girlsinwonderland.com

Where are the girls?….they’re in Greece, and you should be too!

WOMEN"S CRUISE
Experience the International Women's Festival!
Goddess Mediterranean
Adventure 2008

5 September 2008,  Cruise, 7-days departing from Athens

Starting as low as $950 per person, double occupancy, + $100 shipboard credit, per stateroom, if booked and deposited by May31st!

Come relax and enjoy yourself. Connect with women, meet new friends, share experiences, and meet the woman of your dreams (or bring her with you!) 
Celebrate your life, your love, or your suntan on the most beautiful islands in the world.  During our 7-day cruise departing from Athens, Greece, we will visit gay-friendly Mykonos, the storied island of Lesvos, Rhodes, and Heraklion on the island of Crete.  Pristine beaches, hot springs, cultural sites, antiquities and party towns.  This cruise has it all. 
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN"S FESTIVAL
New to the agenda we will be spending 2 days at the 2008 Women's Festival in Skala Eressos, on the island of lesvos.

The women attending come from all over the world. Festivities include music, dance, theatre, sporting events, art, workshops and competitions.

Ship carries European Union Flag and meets all applicable international regulations.

To make reservations call(305) 507-1930 or email address sales@monarch-cruises.com.

Priest resigns over past ties to website for gay priests

DALLAS (AP) - A longtime priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Dallas resigned from a new parish assignment amid complaints about his past involvement with an Internet site for gay priests.

The Rev. Arthur Mallinson drew brief media notice in 2002 for his connection to the Web site, which no longer exists.

He told the diocese he had contributed to the site - which used his picture - when its purpose was to support gay priests in a celibate lifestyle, said Annette Gonzales Taylor, spokeswoman for the diocese. He cut off his relationship with the site in 2001 after others began posting pornographic material, Taylor said.

The episode was resurrected on a widely circulated Internet posting after Mallinson's new assignment to St. Michael the Archangel Church in McKinney, north of Dallas. A "small faction" of McKinney parishioners contacted the diocese, but many more complaints came from around the country, Taylor said.

Taylor said Mallinson felt resigning "was in the best interest of the parish, his family and the diocese." He had been transferred from another parish where he had served for years.

Mallinson resigned in a brief letter to Bishop Kevin Farrell, Taylor said. She said Mallinson remains a priest in good standing with the diocese.

http://www.cathdal.org

Gay film fest: Tori Spelling stars in sexy Gay comedy romp -- join us on May 29

News release:

SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW SCREENING

Thursday, May 29th  @  7:30pm

From the Director of LATTER DAYS
KISS THE BRIDE
starring Tori Spelling, Phillip Karner, James O'Shea

Kiss the Bride is a sexy, fun, romantic comedy, proving the boundaries of love, sexuality and identity are never constant.
When Matt receives an invitation to high school best friend Ryan's wedding he's surprised - especially that Ryan is marrying a woman! Matt plans to rescue his former love from whatever "she-devil" has trapped him into this huge mistake.
On the other hand, Ryan's perky fiancé Alex takes quite the liking to Matt. Is she very cunning, disarmingly ditzy, completely adorable - or all three? As Matt tries to rekindle the old flame, Ryan is intent on putting out any sparks. Ryan dismisses their old romance as just a high school thing, but Matt realizes Ryan may still be the love of his life. All the while, Matt must deal with "his new best friend" Alex, the two families, and a hometown he thought he had left entirely in the past.

Thursday, May 29th

7:30 PM

Gateway Cinema

1820 E. Sunrise Blvd.

(U.S 1 North & NE 18th Ave, at the big curve)

MEMBERS CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

NON-MEMBERS CLICK HERE FOR TICKETS

Tickets to the special sneak preview screening of Kiss the Bride are complimentary with a donation to the Cultural Challenge Grant.

The Larry Craig Bobblefoot

From The Miami Herald's Crime Scene blog:

Poor Larry Craig. You remember, the Idaho senator who was nipped in an undercover sting last summer while soliciting sex in a men's bathroom at the Minneapolis airport?

A Minnesota minor-league baseball team is making sure its fans don't forget Craig's "wide stance" (that was the excuse he gave officers during questioning: He wasn't tapping his foot to find a hookup in the next stall, he simply sits with a wide stance).

The first 2,500 fans to Sunday's St. Paul Saints game will get a free Larry Craig Bobblefoot (right). Not to be confused with a bobblehead, the Craig figurine depicts a bathroom stall with two little feet dangling below. Shake it around a little, and the spring-loaded feet start tapping away. The Smoking Gun has more images of the bobblefoot and Craig's arrest report.

A thank you from SAVE

From SAVE:

On behalf of SAVE's board, staff and its volunteers, we would like to thank the community for its support during the years it took SAVE to pass the Domestic Partner and Family Health Coverage Ordinance. The efforts paid off with an 8-4 vote by the Miami-Dade Commission to provide domestic partner benefits for its employees and to establish a domestic partner registry that is open to anyone in the world.  We would like to thank the unions that supported and lobbied for this ordinance, SEIU 1991, AFSCME AFL-CIO Local 1542, and AFSCME Local 121 and the firefighters union. We especially like to thank Commissioner Katy Sorenson who began this journey with us in 2003 and worked hard to make sure that this ordinance was passed.  Commissioner Sally Heyman must also be thanked for her passion and commitment to this ordinance.  All the commissioners that voted for this fair and equitable ordinance (Commissioners Edmonson, Gimenez, Jordan, Moss and Sosa) should be thanked but especially chairman Bruno Barriero who deftly maneuvered this ordinance through to victory.

In order to achieve yesterday's historic vote, SAVE passed a domestic partner registry in Miami Beach and we need to thank the Miami Beach Mayor and Commission for its commitment to equality.  We ultimately received the support of the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce through the efforts of SAVE and Steve Adkins of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Daniella Levine of Human Services Coalition, Santiago Leon of ACC Hall International, SAVE board member Judd Goldberg, and John Messer of Grant Thornton.

During these years SAVE was also fortunate to provide transgender protections in Miami Beach and also in the City of Miami through their Citizen's Bill of Rights (thank you Commissioner Marc Sarnoff).  In addition, SAVE successfully lobbied for all city of Miami Beach vendors to provide domestic partner benefits to their employees (thank you National Center for Lesbian Rights and Equality Florida).

But most of all we would like to thank all of you who have volunteered and donated money to keep SAVE as the LGBT political voice of the community.  Thank you for the emails you've sent and for showing up to the commission chamber when asked to do so. We are proud of our partnership with all of our sister LGBT organizations and thank them for their unwavering support. (Aqua Foundation for Women, Care Resource, Equality Florida, Freedom Democrats, Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, Pandora Events, Pridelines Youth Services, Safe Schools South Florida)
We will soon be in touch to let you know when you can begin registering your partnership at the county!

All the best,
SAVE

Click here to watch video footage of the proceedings. The Domestic Partner and Family Health Coverage Ordinance, was item 7A on the meetings agenda, it is introduced at 47th minute of the video.

Steve Rothaus' has chronicled SAVE's involvement with the ordinance, in an article for the May 20th entry of his column/ blog Gay South Florida. Click here to read it.

Please consider making a contribution or volunteering your time to SAVE.

Photos courtesy of Chip Arndt

Media Matters: Associated Press misled on McCain's position on same-sex unions

News release:

AP misled on McCain's position on "an amendment to the Constitution to ban same-sex unions"

http://mediamatters.org/items/200805220008?f=h_latest

Summary: The Associated Press reported that Sen. John McCain "opposes an amendment to the Constitution to ban same-sex unions." In fact, in a March appearance on Hannity & Colmes, McCain said he supports amendments to state constitutions to ban same-sex marriage and would also support an amendment to the federal Constitution banning same-sex marriage if necessary.

In a May 21 article previewing a discussion between Sen. John McCain and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres about gay marriage, which was scheduled to air on the May 22 edition of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the Associated Press reported simply that McCain "opposes an amendment to the Constitution to ban same-sex unions." In fact, according to remarks McCain made on Fox News in March, he supports amendments to state constitutions to ban same-sex marriage and would also support an amendment to the federal Constitution banning same-sex marriage if necessary. McCain stated: "I believe that states like mine and other states ... should amend our state constitutions. And I will stick to that position until such time, if ever, a higher court says that my state or another state has to recognize the other stat -- another status of marriage." He added, "I'm committed to maintaining the unique status of marriage between man and woman. I think it can best be accomplished, and in keeping with my federalist philosophy that states should do as much as possible to have that done at the state level. ... But if it is overturned by a superior court, I will then obviously support the other path."

As Media Matters for America has noted, in 2006, McCain supported Arizona's Proposition 107, a state constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage and civil unions.

From the March 13 edition of Fox News' Hannity & Colmes:

SEAN HANNITY (co-host): Got a call from a lot of people and they knew I was going to interview you today --

McCAIN: Sure.

HANNITY: -- and I think one of the areas that came up the most was, would you leave the pro-life language in the platform --

McCAIN: Sure.

HANNITY: -- and the marriage amendment in the platform?

McCAIN: Yes. But as you know, I believe that the states should make these decisions on the marriage amendment. I am a federalist, and I believe that states like mine and other states that we should amend our state constitutions. And I will stick to that position until such time, if ever, a higher court says that my state or another state has to recognize the other stat -- another status of marriage.

I'm committed to maintaining the unique status of marriage between man and woman. I think it can best be accomplished, and in keeping with my federalist philosophy that states should do as much as possible to have that done at the state level.

HANNITY: One last question --

McCAIN: But if it is overturned by a superior court, I will then obviously support the other path.

From the May 21 Associated Press article:

"And I know that we have a respectful disagreement on that issue," the likely Republican presidential nominee said in an interview to air Thursday on "The Ellen DeGeneres show."

McCain, who also opposes an amendment to the Constitution to ban same-sex unions, said people should be encouraged to enter into legal agreements, particularly for insurance and other areas where decisions need to be made.

DeGeneres needled McCain on the issue, arguing that she and the senator from Arizona aren't different.

Haitian Heritage Month festival to explore homosexuality in Haiti

BY TRENTON DANIEL, tdaniel@MiamiHerald.com

On Sunday, Haitians celebrated Flag Day as they've done for years: Motorists cruised through the pastel-hued streets of Little Haiti and other Creole-speaking enclaves, red-and-blue flags flapping atop their cars.

For years, the month of May in South Florida has been set aside as Haitian Heritage Month, offering organized opportunities to eat spicy griot or sway to the long crescendo of compas. The month gives all an excuse to revel in Haiti's lesser-known cultural exports.

But this year it's been different.

''It's evident that what's going on in Haiti . . . . has had some subtle impact on the people,'' said the Rev. Reginald Jean-Mary, the head priest of Notre Dame d'Haiti Catholic Church in Little Haiti.

Food riots, the prime minister's ouster and soaring living costs in Haiti seemed to have eclipsed what was supposed to be a month of feel-good festivities. Instead of dance performances and art exhibits, the month has taken on a much more somber tone.

Elected officials from Miami-Dade to Palm Beach counties have stepped forward to launch food drives, with the goal of shipping non-perishable goods to the hungry in Haiti. Even students from Coral Reef Senior High have pitched in, spearheading their own food collection, the Haitian Relief Project.

On Tuesday in New York, hip-hop sensation Wyclef Jean kicked off Together For Haiti. Backed by the Pan American Development Foundation, World Food Program and Yéle Haiti, Jean's foundation, the project seeks to raise $48 million for food distribution, job creation and agriculture programs.

One longtime organizer of cultural events in the Miami area has found the month to be one marked by tough times -- not just in Haiti, but here in South Florida.

''Haiti has gone through so much,'' said Emeline Alexis-Schulz. ``We have to agree on a prime minister. The cost of living is going up. People are feeling the pinch here.''

Alexis-Schulz hatched the month-long event in 2000 when she worked under former Miami-Dade Mayor Alex Penelas. Celebrations also take place in New York and Massachusetts.

In addition to recognizing the birth date of the Haitian flag, the month celebrates Gen. Toussaint Louverture's birthday (May 20) and the unity of black and mulatto officers to fight against slavery. The last Sunday in May is recognized as Mother's Day.

To be sure, there's been plenty to do -- the city of Miami threw a day-long party at the Little Haiti park opening and compas lovers jammed a downtown Miami music fest.

Not all the events have occurred in Creole corners either.

The Coral Gables Congregational Church organized a month full of activities, including a three-hour tour of Little Haiti. On Sunday, the church will screen a documentary about a kept-under-the-rug topic in Haiti: homosexuality.

The film, Of Men and Gods, explores gay identity in Haiti through Vodou circles. Several openly gay men meet community disapproval.

''What we want to say is that this is happening worldwide and Haiti has a particular concern about this issue,'' said the Rev. Dr. Laurinda Hafner, the church's senior pastor.

Through the forums, Hafner said she hopes participants leave with a better grasp of the complicated Caribbean country. Said Hafner: ``I would love folks to walk away with a deeper understanding of that particular culture.''

Hurry! Botero exhibit at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden closes May 31

Botero, Chihuly and Lichtenstein at Fairchild

Come to Fairchild and experience Fernando Botero's monumental sculptures, Dale Chihuly's A Garden of Glass and Pop artist icon Roy Lichtenstein's sculptures. Now through  May 31, 2008.

Muslim man threatens to sue driving school for sending transsexual instructor to teach his wife

By Chris Brooke, Daily Mail

For the past 12 months, Emma Sherdley has proudly taken to the road as part of an all-female driving school

For the past 12 months, she had proudly taken to the road as part of an all-female driving school.

But Emma Sherdley (pictured) is not exactly all woman.

Until a few years ago she was a married father-of-two called Andrew.

She is, though, in the middle of treatment to change gender and has the legal paperwork to prove it.

But that wasn't enough to satisfy one client who claimed he had been shortchanged when he booked a female instructor to teach his wife how to drive.

He phoned the Laugh 'n' Pass driving school threatening to sue after Miss Sherdley, 42, turned up for the lesson.

'You have sent me a man. Send me a proper female. How dare you send a man with a deep voice,' he told Joanne Dixon, who runs the school in West Yorkshire.

The man, a Muslim from the Meadowhall district of Sheffield who has not been named, claimed the company deliberately sent a man disguised as a woman.

'His attitude and behaviour was outrageous and has upset me and Emma and everyone else who works here,' Miss Dixon said.

'We are not racist. We are not sexist-If anyone was being so it was that man.'

She said no other learners had complained about being taught by Miss Sherdley, an experienced instructor.

As for Miss Sherdley, she is trying to develop a thicker skin.

She said the man's comments had been 'hurtful, offensive and deeply upsetting' and had even made her think of quitting her job.

His wife had apparently cut their two-hour lesson short after an hour, claiming she had to go home to breastfeed her baby.

Miss Sherdley said: 'I always knew as a child that I was a woman stuck in a man's body.

'I tried hard to be a man, getting married and having children but it never worked and never would.

'For the past six years I have been what is correctly called "transitioned". I still have to undergo final surgery but legally I am a woman.

That is what my birth certificate says and that is what the gender recognition certificate proves. For that prejudiced and biased man to threaten to sue me and the driving school is totally and utterly wrong.'

There are currently 32 female pupils on the books at the school. Miss Dixon employs 20 female instructors who teach learners throughout Yorkshire.

The school, which has been running for ten years, boasts a high pass rate.

'We say each of our female instructors promise to be friendly, professional and patient  -  that is exactly what Emma is,' Miss Dixon said.

'For her to be subjected to abuse and threats is simply intolerable.'