Steve Rothaus' Gay South Florida

FIU law school Amendment 2 symposium on Oct. 25

Florida International University's Stonewall Legal Alliance is presenting a symposium on Amendment 2, the state's marriage amendment on November's ballot. Here are the details.

For a complete schedule of events, click here.

'Some Men' cast photos from Saturday night

I attended Saturday night's sold-out performance of Terrence McNally's Some Men at Rising Action Theatre in Oakland Park. The production is directed by David Goldyn, with an assist by Jerry Jensen, and runs through Nov. 2.

Here are a few cast pictures I took after the performance (click photos to enlarge):

Co-stars John Hernandez, David Leddick and Joseph Long.

The complete cast: Front row from left: Larry Williams, Daniel Lugo and John Hernandez. Back row from left: Larry Brooks, Ricardo Rodriguez, David Leddick, Joseph Long, Ted Dvoracek.

To read Drama Queen Christine Dolen's review of the play, click here.

Vote 'No' on marriage amendment, Miami Herald recommends

The Miami Herald today recommends that Floridians vote NO on the state marriage amendment. Here's the recommendation:

No. 2: Marriage protection

Florida law already prohibits what this amendment seeks to ban: gay marriage. So the only thing it would do is enshrine discrimination in our state constitution. This amendment is mean-spirited and misguided.

It targets gay and lesbian couples, but it would cause grief and suffering to other couples, whether they're gay or not. That's because of ambiguous language that says any legal union that is the ''substantial equivalent'' of marriage would not be recognized.

This would jeopardize the benefits and health insurance that many companies provide to unmarried, heterosexual couples.

The amendment threatens the property rights of elderly people who live together for convenience, economics and safety. Hospital-visitation rights of unmarried couples would be at risk. The amendment doesn't protect marriage and threatens many lifestyle choices.

We recommend a NO vote.

Female impersonator Christopher Peterson next on bill at Rising Action Theatre

Rising Action Theatre news release:

Direct from highly acclaimed and sold out shows in Key West, Rehoboth Beach Delaware, Las Vegas and Palm Springs, Rising Action Theatre 840 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale presents Christopher Peterson’s EYECONS from Nov 6 to Nov 23, 2008. It will be performed Thursdays at 8 pm; Friday  and Saturday at 9:30 and Sundays at 7 pm. Saturday Nov. 22 at 10 pm. For tickets go to www.risingactiontheatre.com or call 1 800-595-4849. Groups Call 1-954-815-8826,

Christopher Peterson, North America’s foremost Female Impersonator is amazing in his one man many women extravaganza “EYECONS”. He brings to life, both visually and vocally, (no lip-sync here) the greatest female stars of the 20^th century.

Audiences are awed as Marilyn Monroe appears from a cloud to coo “Diamonds are a Girl’s Best Friend”, they roar with laughter at Joan Rivers rapping, Lucille Ball mugging, Bette Midler kvetching, and are enthralled by Barbra Streisand’s soaring voice. That’s not all; there are also appearances by Reba McEntire, a sing along with Julie Andrews, Liza and Judy, a wicked Bette Davis and the whitest Tina Turner you ever saw. And, by the way, all of this is achieved by him never leaving the stage, changing right in front of you! It has to be seen to be believed!

..... The legendary female impersonators would be proud to watch Peterson and the way he has hewn his craft.

-SK, RPM magazine

..... The brass, you expect from a female impersonator. The class may come as a surprise.

-Stewart Brown, Hamilton Spectator

..... Peterson actually sings the Streisand and Garland material better than Jim Bailey.

-Bruce Fessier, Palm Springs, Desert Sun

Rosie's brother tonight at gay Obama fundraiser

Invitation from gay Miami-Dade Freedom Democrats:

Saturday – October 11

Event: LGBT Miami Beach Obama Fundraising Event with SPECIAL GUEST: first openly gay, NY Assemblyman Daniel O’Donnell (yes….Rosie’s brother). Food and Beverages will be served.

Host(s): Ed Pascoe, Steve Herbits, David Caporini, Pietro Bonacossa, Peter Medvin, Chip Arndt, Edison Farrow, Chris Gates, Larry Hyer and Freedom Democrats

Time: 7:00-10:00 pm

Location: Hibiscus Island home of Ed Pascoe

RSVP: Ed Pascoe @ 305.326.0060 or ed@pascoeandcompany.com

Goal: Meet great people, have some free food and beverages and help elect Obama/Biden.

Special Guest Speaker

Daniel O'Donnell

Assemblyman from New York’s 69th District

• The first openly gay man elected to the New York State Assembly in 2002
• Driving force and prime sponsor of the Marriage Equality Act granting gay and lesbian couples the right to marry.
• Prime sponsor of Dignity for All Students Act that combats bias-based bullying and harassment in public schools
• Prime sponsor of Domestic Partner Health Insurance Equality reforms that provide domestic partners insurance policies on a par with spousal coverage, allow small businesses to offer health insurance to domestic partners and mandate insurance companies to provide those health benefits
• Co-sponsor of the Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act

Donation: $50, checks at the door or pay directly at safe and secure site:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/fundraising/gsxtft

For full information and details of all events please go to www.FreedomDems.org details are on front of site.

Video | National Coming Out Day with Perez Hilton

From HRC:

Perez Hilton and other notable LGBT people discuss the importance of living openly and honestly.

Coming out would have positive or no impact, say nearly 9 of 10 heterosexuals

News release from Witeck-Combs Communications:

New online study also shows nearly 7 out 10 heterosexuals said they prefer an individual be open and honest about being gay, rather than feel the need to hide their orientation

Washington, DC – October 10, 2008 – According to a new national survey, nearly nine out of 10 (87%) heterosexuals said that if someone were to come out to them as gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, it would have a positive or no impact on how they would view gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender people. The survey also revealed that two out of three (67%) heterosexual adults agree that if someone they knew is gay or lesbian, they’d want that individual to be open and honest with them about it, rather than feel the need to hide who he or she really is. 

The new nationwide survey of 2,455 U.S. adults, (ages 18 and over), of whom 287 self identified as gay or lesbian (which includes an oversample of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults), was conducted online between September 15-22, 2008, by Harris Interactive, a global market research and consulting firm, in conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications, Inc., a strategic public relations and marketing communications firm with special expertise in the GLBT market.

A large majority of gay and lesbian adults disclose that they are “out” and honest with others about their sexual orientation. The survey showed that four out of five (80%) gay and lesbian adults consider themselves “out” as a gay or lesbian person. In terms of their relationships, 95 percent of gay and lesbian adults consider themselves open about their sexual orientation to their close friends, compared to 79 percent of all GLBT respondents. Nearly eight out 10 (79%) gay and lesbian adults consider themselves open about their sexual orientation with their acquaintances/casual friends, compared to 61 percent of all GLBT respondents.

When it comes to the workplace, a significant majority (67%) of gay and lesbian adults reported being open about their sexual orientation with their co-workers/colleagues, compared with 49 percent of all GLBT respondents.     In terms of their purchasing decisions, nearly two-thirds (64%) of gay and lesbian adults reported that when selecting a product or service, all other considerations being equal, they will select the brand that has a reputation for being more gay friendly.

“The decision to come out is never an easy one, but the numbers today reflect a rapidly improving culture that is more accepting,” said Wes Combs, President of Witeck-Combs Communications. “Much of corporate America has taken a leadership role in establishing a culture of acceptance and equality. In return, many gay and lesbian Americans are rewarding them and sustaining them with their customer loyalty – a valuable relationship during these very tough economic conditions.”

This data is especially timely, as the nation is about to celebrate National Coming Out Day on October 11^th. Every year, GLBT Americans are encouraged to be open and honest about who they are as a way of helping to break down negative stereotypes GLBT people. “The data helps to confirm what we have known for years – a majority of our friends and coworkers want us to be honest about who we are,” said Betsy Pursell, Human Rights Campaign VP of Education and Outreach. “GLBT people fear others will reject them and I hope that this data will give comfort and strength to those who are looking to take their next step in the coming out process.”

$300,000 award to bullied gay and lesbian high school students upheld

Lambda Legal news release:

‘My experience at Poway was just three years of my life I’d love to forget’

(San Diego, October 10, 2008) --- In a 3-0 decision, the California Court of Appeal (Fourth District) today upheld a jury decision that found that Poway Unified School District officials took minimal or no action at all when two Poway High School students were subjected to relentless harassment because they are gay and lesbian.  The ruling upheld an award of $300,000 to Megan Donovan and Joey Ramelli under the state education code.

“We’re pleased the court today recognized that every student has a right to feel safe and protected at school,” said Lambda Legal Senior Staff Attorney Brian Chase.  “Unfortunately, what happened to Megan and Joey is far from uncommon.  We hope this lawsuit and the attention it has generated will remind school officials everywhere that parents expect their kids to be safe from bullying and violence during school hours.”

Ramelli and Donovan were students at Poway High School in northern San Diego County. Over the course of their junior year other students verbally abused them unrelentingly with antigay slurs and Joey was physically assaulted and his car vandalized. Both eventually dropped out of Poway High School and completed studies toward their high school diplomas at home.

“I was physically attacked and even had threats on my life,” said Ramelli.”  “I begged school officials for help, but they just didn’t care.  No student anywhere should have to go through what I did.  For me, my whole experience at Poway was just three years of my life I’d love to forget.”

Staff Attorney Brian Chase, based in Lambda Legal’s Western Regional Office in Los Angeles, is the organization’s lead attorney on the case. Lambda Legal’s Deputy Legal Director Hayley Gorenberg and co-counsel Paula S. Rosenstein and Bridget J. Wilson of the law firm Rosenstein, Wilson & Dean, P. L. C. in San Diego, join him on the case.

The case is Donovan and Ramelli v. Poway Unified School District.

McCain speaks of gay issues in Blade interview

From Log Cabin Republicans:

John McCain Talks about Gay Issues with LGBT Publication
In a historic first for a Republican presidential candidate, Sen. John McCain submitted answers to questions by the Washington Blade, a leading LGBT publication. In the interview, McCain leaves the door open to signing the Employment Non-Discrimination Act as president, says he supports a review of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” law, and calls for the development of a National AIDS Strategy.

Read the entire interview.

Conn. high court rules same-sex couples can marry

Associated Press

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Friday that same-sex couples have the right to marry, making that state the third behind Massachusetts and California to legalize such unions.

The court ruled 4-3 that gay and lesbian couples cannot be denied the freedom to marry under the state constitution, and Connecticut's civil unions law does not provide those couples with the same rights as heterosexual couples.

Justices overturned a lower court ruling and found in favor of the plaintiffs, who said the state's marriage law discriminates against them because it applies only to heterosexual couples, therefore denying gay couples the financial, social and emotional benefits of marriage.

Eight same-sex couples sued in 2004, saying their constitutional rights to equal protection and due process were violated when they were denied marriage licenses.

Averting crisis: Growing up gay in America

BY STEVE ROTHAUS, srothaus@MiamiHerald.com

Decades before Mitchell Gold became a famous furniture mogul, he considered ways to kill himself.

''I debated how to do it. An overdose of sleeping pills seemed somewhat painless,'' Gold writes in his new book, Crisis: 40 Stories Revealing the Personal, Social, and Religious Pain and Trauma of Growing Up Gay in America. ``I considered other tactics -- driving a car off a cliff, running in front of a train, jumping off a building -- but I knew I didn't have the guts.''

Gold, 57 and chairman of furniture company Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, began to get back his self-esteem during college, with the help of a psychiatrist and support from his parents.

''We really didn't know much until he started growing up,'' said Gold's father Jack, 87, of Pompano Beach. ``He kept it all to himself.''

Mitchell Gold came from a middle-class, Reform Jewish household in Trenton, N.J. He didn't hear anything blatantly antigay at home or in synagogue.

But his parents occasionally joked about fagelas (Yiddish for ''queers'') and he recalls hearing adults at the local country club dismiss homosexuals as ``mentally unstable.''

''When you grew up hearing those things it wasn't very comforting for a kid who was discovering his sexual orientation,'' Gold said.

In 1989, Gold and his then-life partner Bob Williams co-founded their North Carolina furniture business with a $60,000 investment. Sales now exceed $100 million and the company has about 20 showrooms, including one that opened this year in Miami's Design District.

In 2005, Gold began Faith in America, a nonprofit aimed at ``the way religion is being used against gay people today.''

'It got to the point where I said, `This is really crazy. Somebody's got to speak up about it,' '' Williams said. ``The [gay] advocacy organizations did not get to the root of the problem. If you look at the people who are anti-gay, they are using their religious beliefs to justify it.''

Above, Mitchell Gold and his father, Jack, in the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showroom in Miami. Photo by Marice Cohn Band, Miami Herald Staff

BY THE BOOK

Gold, last year named to Out magazine's Top 50 Most Powerful Gay People in America list, convinced 40 of America's best-known gay activists and celebrities to write chapters for Crisis ($24, Greenleaf Book Group Press).

''It's not a book of beautiful coming-out stories,'' said Gold, who will donate Crisis profits to seven gay-youth advocacy groups. ``It is a book about people when they discover their same-sex orientations and the immediate crisis they feel in their lives and the years that follow.''

Among the authors of the first-person stories: The Rev. Gene Robinson, an Episcopal bishop from New Hampshire; ex-New Jersey Gov. James McGreevey; Candace Gingrich, younger sister of Newt; U.S. Reps. Barney Frank and Tammy Baldwin; and former pro baseball player Billy Bean of Miami Beach. Tennis star Martina Navratilova wrote the introduction.

One chapter has particular meaning to Gold. It is written by actor Richard Chamberlain -- Gold's first boyhood crush.

''I was like 11 or 12. I was starting to realize that when I saw Dr. Kildare, that was very exciting to me,'' Gold said about watching Chamberlain as the handsome TV doctor in the early 1960s. 'I wanted to be his friend. Then, I really wanted to be his friend. At one point I began to realize, `Why aren't I looking at the nurses on the show the same way?' ''

FROM THE PULPIT

Some of the book's contributors are gay ministers and preachers.

''What's very poignant in the book is raising the sin question. That's very, very excellent. We have to hit on that issue,'' said The Rev. Irene Monroe of Cambridge, Mass. ``[Crisis] definitely needs to be in the classrooms, on the college campuses. It needs to be [taught] in high schools under social studies.''

She calls the book ''reader friendly.'' ''You're not reading the boring stuff,'' Monroe said. ``It's human stories coming alive.''

Monroe, in her late 40s, grew up in ''the traditional black church'' and graduated from Harvard's divinity school. A lesbian, she spends much of her time speaking about gay issues. Her story heads the first chapter in Crisis, in the section, ``Religious Discrimination: Could You Live With Being Called An Abomination?''

Crisis ''gives a much more comprehensive look at how pervasive homophobia is,'' Monroe said. ``In the media, we hear the religious diatribe. But it's the bully in school, it's the homophobic relative, it's that co-worker. . . . It's not always what they say, but the look they give you.''

Matt Comer, 22, grew up attending a strict Baptist church in Winston-Salem, N.C.

''About 10 or 11 years old,'' Comer said, 'I made the connection that the words my preacher used were about me: `Put all the queers in a ship, pluck a hole in the side and send it out to sea.' ''

Comer said he was ``scared to death to even let anybody know what I was feeling.''

''I became very extreme in my religious teachings,'' he said. ``In middle school, I was carrying a Bible to school every day. I condemned my science teacher for teaching evolution. That's what I was taught. It was nothing but a wall, a defensive mechanism. I didn't want anyone to know what I was feeling. If I was the perfect Baptist preacher boy, no one would find out.''

At age 14, he couldn't keep his secret anymore and told everyone he is gay.

``When I did come out, the door kind of flew right open. I was very loud and proud. There was nothing subtle about it.''

Comer said he got no guidance from his church or family. ``I had the benefit of some very understanding teachers. If it had not been for those teachers, life for the rest of the eighth grade would have been hell. It was already hell. It would have been worse.''

In high school, Comer started a gay-straight alliance, which grew to about 40 members by the time he graduated. Today, he is editor of Q-Notes, the gay newspaper in Charlotte, N.C.

Comer still believes deeply in Christianity. ``When you know everyone else will turn their back on you, or have turned their back on you, the only person you have left is Jesus and God. They'll always be there for you.''

Mitchell Gold portrait by Sally Fanjoy + James Labrenz

McDonalds ends gay chamber support, group ends boycott

The American Family Association has ended its boycott of McDonalds, over the hamburger company's membership in the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce. From the AFA website:

McDonald's has told AFA they will remain neutral in the culture war regarding homosexual marriage. AFA is ending the boycott of McDonald's. As you know, AFA called for the boycott in May after McDonald's joined the National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

McDonald's said McDonald's Vice President Richard Ellis has resigned his position on the board of NGLCC and that his seat on the board will not be replaced. McDonald's also said that the company has no plans to renew their membership in NGLCC when it expires in December.

In an e-mail to McDonald's franchised owners the company said, "It is our policy to not be involved in political and social issues. McDonald's remains neutral on same sex marriage or any 'homosexual agenda' as defined by the American Family Association."

We appreciate the decision by McDonald's to no longer support political activity by homosexual activist organizations. You might want to thank your local McDonald's manager.

Arkansas to drop unmarried foster parent ban

By ANDREW DeMILLO, Associated Press

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. -- Arkansas plans to reverse course and allow unmarried or same-sex couples to take on foster children on a case-by-case basis, even as voters prepare to decide the issue in November, the state Department of Human Services said Thursday.

The agency said it would end its plan to formalize the prohibition, which has been in place since an executive directive was signed in 2005. The department said it will instead propose allowing state workers to place foster children case by case.

"Recognizing that this is a sensitive societal issue, it's important to expand our recruitment base so that we can to find a family that best meets the needs of every child," agency director John Selig said.

The change comes as a conservative group campaigns in favor of a November ballot initiative that would ban unmarried couples from adopting or fostering children. The Arkansas Family Council says its measure specifically targets gay couples, though it would affect heterosexual couples, too.

Several children's advocacy groups last week asked the state to drop the policy because it was restricting the number of good homes available for foster children.

Gov. Mike Beebe, who has previously supported the prohibition, last week backed off that support and said a change might be needed because of a shortage of foster homes in the state. Beebe spokesman Matt DeCample said that the governor supports the proposed change and that he changed his mind primarily because of a lack of foster care.

"Pre-empting people right from the start is not going to help address that problem," DeCample said.

A county judge earlier decided that a 1999 state ban on gay and lesbian foster parents was unconstitutional. To get around the ruling, the state broadened the ban to include all unmarried cohabitating couples, not just same-sex couples. The Arkansas Supreme Court upheld the county ruling in 2006.

The Arkansas Family Council has said its ballot question is aimed at banning gay and lesbian couples from becoming foster or adoptive parents, though it would affect both gay and straight couples.

Jerry Cox, the council's president, said the agency's decision disappointed him.

"I think it's unfortunate for the children of Arkansas that DHS wilted in the face of a few vocal individuals in Little Rock who didn't like their longstanding policy," Cox said.

Congregation Etz Chaim to hold fall picnic Nov. 9

News release from Congregation Etz Chaim:

Congregation Etz Chaim, South Florida's Reform Synagogue for "Jews of the Rainbow," will hold its annual Fall Picnic on Sunday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., in Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek.  As in previous years, the CEC Picnic will feature food, cold drinks, games, activities, fun and a chance to socialize with old and new Synagogue friends.  The Picnic is open to the public, not just CEC members.

Tradewinds Park is on Sample Road west of the Florida Turnpike.  The Picnic is in the Buckeye Pavilion, located on the South side (south of Sample Road) of the Park, next to Butterfly World.  Admission to the Picnic is $22 for adults and $10 for children.  (Tradewinds Park also charges a $1.50 admission per person.)  For information and reservations, e-mail jessemonteagudo@aol.com or phone (954) 567-8599, ext. 3.

Care Resource director describes funding process

Here's a news release I just got from Care Resource Executive Director Rick Siclari, describing how the AIDS organization raises money and directing readers how they can view a copy of Care Resource's audit.

JUST THOUGHT YOU SHOULD KNOW....

October 9, 2008
Welcome to the first in a series of informational and educational updates from CARE RESOURCE to you, our community.  In these most difficult economic times, when money is so tight, your support means more than ever to us.  Although this information has always been publicly available, it is sometimes not easy to find or difficult to understand for those having no experience with not-for-profit/charitable organizations.  As we have done in the past, we use these as a way to help inform and educate you on issues important to all of us.

This first one seems especially timely and many of you will understand exactly why.  This year is our 25th year of service to the community (which we will mark on November 1st, with a dinner at the Eden Roc hotel - see our website for tickets and more on this). Since we merged and became Care Resource in 1998, we have grown from an HIV/AIDS service organization with an annual operating budget of just over 3 million dollars annually, to one which this fiscal year, exceeds 8 million dollars.  That's a lot of growth, by any standard.  It is the kind of growth in the not-for-profit sector which generally comes to those who provide important and needed services in a good and competent way.  I am proud to have been at the helm of this agency throughout this time period and to have been able to expand our resources to serve so many more clients today, then we were able to in 1998.

So what does this really mean and how do we operate to accomplish this?  First, it means we obtain grant funding, and raise monies (via events we produce, or co-produce, such as White Party, AIDS Walk Miami, etc.) to provide services.  As such, we do not "donate" monies to others.  The monies we secure are, in turn, used to care for our clients, assisting us in providing them the services they need.  As a not-for-profit organization we are held to standards of accountability for our services and funding that far exceed those of our counterparts in the for profit arena.  Each year, for example, Care Resource undergoes a required external independent audit* of all of our activities and finances. This past year, by the way, this audit cost our agency over $30,000.  That should give you some appreciation for how extensive and involved it is (and how many pages it is, when final!).  While we would like to see as many dollars as possible go directly to client care, this is a necessary expense because it assures you, and all of our major government and private funders that we are doing the right thing, with the resources entrusted to us.  In addition, we operate over 22 programs and services, which are funded by grant monies. Every funder we have requires us to submit extensive reports at various intervals.  In addition to this, they regularly come to our agency to review our records, both financial and programmatic, to ensure we are accomplishing, and following the mutual expectations set out in our agreements.   I am pleased to share, that time and time again, our monitoring demonstrates that we are in compliance with what we set out to do!  This is perhaps best evidenced by the fact that every major funding source currently supporting our agency ---some at over a million dollars a year --- has renewed (and increased) their financial commitment to us, multiple times, and in some cases for more than a decade now. These monitoring and audit activities can be onerous and time consuming for the staff.  Given the size and magnitude of our agency, there is almost never a week that goes by, when there is not at least one auditor or monitor "in house" reviewing our accomplishments.  So much so that we have a dedicated space in our offices to house these folks when they visit us.  We have literally filled rooms with our records of our reports and data collection! Ongoing, we strive to balance these necessary commitments with the needs of our most important constituent base, our clients, who fill our waiting rooms every day in need of anything from HIV testing, to medical care, to a bus pass to help them get to their next appointment.  Clients who came to us in need of help of some kind more than 15,000 times this past year.  Because of our track record, and your continuing help and support through so many years, we remain strong and stable, and will continue to be there, for them and you, if you need us.

.....Just thought you should know.

*A copy of our audit is (and has been) available by going to our website www.caresource.org.

Thank you for continued support in the fight against HIV/AIDS,

Rick Siclari
Executive Director

Four Miami gay film fest board members resign

Shortly after a staffing upheaval at the Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, four prominent community board members have quit. The festival says their resignations have nothing to do with the recent staff changes.

Here's the news release:

FROM YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS

In an effort to keep the community informed and in keeping with our promise of full disclosure, we regretfully accept the resignation of Francesca Roderick, Mark Gilbert, Steve Adkins, and Peter Grigsby from our Board of Directors.  Each board member's resignation is for personal reasons. None of the resignations are due to differences in opinion on recent staffing decisions or the new direction of the MGLFF/FLGLFF.

Francesca, Mark, Steve, and Peter indicated that they will remain involved and supportive of the Film Festival, however other personal obligations do not afford them the time commitment to remain on the Board of Directors.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank Francesca, Mark, Steve, and Peter for their many years of hard work, dedication, and support.  We will miss their participation on the Board of Directors, but we look forward to their continued involvement towards our ultimate goals of a 11th Annual Film Festival and a fiscally sound organization.  Your remaining Board of Directors and Staff remain fully committed to a 2009 ten day Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival and a four day Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.

As we continue our search to fill our Executive Director position, the Board of Directors will work closely to assist our staff members Kareem Tabsch and Brittany Clay.  We have also contracted the services of Mary E. Prados, C.P.A., P.A. and Pegasus Consulting Group, Inc. to assist the Festival with monthly accounting, locating, submitting, and final reporting associated with awarded government and foundation grants.

We have reduced our Corporate Income target and increased our Foundation and Government Grants target.  We feel this is prudent and achievable, as we have already been awarded several grants for our 2009 Film Festivals, which include Miami-Dade Cultural Affairs-Festival Grant, Miami Beach-VCA Grant, and the John C. Graves Charitable Fund.

We hope to see you at the movies in Miami on October 14 and/or in Fort Lauderdale on October 16, 2008.  We also look forward to announcing the screening of two wonderful women's film shortly.

For more information please do not hesitate to reach Franc Castro at fcastro@mglf.com or Kareem Tabsch at Kareem@mglff.com

Sincerely,
Franc Castro, Chair
Board of Directors
Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival / Ft. Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival

Weekly best bets from Give Me A Beat Productions

From George Maiko Coronado of Give Me A Beat Productions:

Above, Soyka's Steven Haas by Dale Stine Photography

BEST BETS

This Saturday, October 11, The Adrienne Arsht Center of the Performing Arts' after party host committee invite you to a fantastic gathering of cocktails and dancing named "Coming Up Roses" from 10:30 PM to 1 AM at 1300 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami. The music will be provided by DJs Paul Sevigny and DJ Ruckus. Tickets are on sale for 100 dollars for members, and 150 dollars for non-members. Part of the proceeds will benefit the arts and education programs and outreach initiatives at the Arsht Center. To purchase tickets, call 786. 468.2036, e-mail gala@arshtcenter.com, or visit the web site www.arshtcenter.com

The 12th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 18th at the elegant Intercontinental Hotel in downtown Miami. Presented and produced by the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force (producers of Winter Party), this dinner celebration is one of the most prestigious annual events that has as a goal to continue unifying the community and to honor its most hard-working community leaders and heroes. The fantastic evening will start with cocktails and a silent auction at 6:30 PM, immediately followed by the dinner and ceremony at 8 PM and the dance party starting at 10 PM. For detailed information regarding sponsorship opportunities, to become a host of the event and to purchase tickets, click on its web site www.miamirecognitiondinner.org

The 7th Annual Miami International Wine Fair to be held October 25-27 at the Convention Center, is the largest wine expo in Florida and one of the leading industry events in the country, featuring 65,000 square feet of exhibit space and some 1,200 wines from 15 countries available for tasting. Whether you are seeking new competitive brands to increase your portfolio, or anxious to find distributors around the country for your existing wine collection, the Miami International Wine Fair is the one event that you can't afford to miss this year. www.miamiwinefair.com

The South Florida International Auto Show 2008 is scheduled to take place from November 7-16, 2008 in the Miami Beach Convention Center on sunny South Beach. Car-related merchandise and more than 1,000 of the industry's latest vehicles for the upcoming year are on display by world-leading auto manufacturers. Featured exhibits include brands such as Aston-Martin, Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Lotus, Maserati and Rolls-Royce. Car lovers, this is a week not to be missed! You can find all the detailed information in the web site www.sfiautoshow.net

One of the most celebrity attended and most media covered 100% HIV/AIDS fundraisers in the world, White Party Week Miami, is scheduled this year from November 26th through December 1st 2008. The producer and beneficiary of the event, Care Resource, announced the theme of "Mount Olympus" for this year's festivities. Florida Resident's Passes and tickets are available for purchase starting September 1. The Florida Resident Passes are available for 150 dollars, which gets the holder admission to both the 24th Annual White Party at Villa Vizcaya on Saturday, November 29th, and Poseidon's Muscle Beach party on Sunday, November 30th. The line-up of exhilarating parties and world-class DJs include names such as Abel, Alyson Calagna, Bill Hallquist, Chris Cox, David Knapp, Herbie James, Kidd Madonny, Joe Gautheraux, Manny Lehman, Oren Nizri, Phil B, Randy Bettis, Tony Moran, Victor Calderone and Wendy Hunt. To learn much more about Care Resource, White Party Week 2008 and all the details, click on its web site www.whiteparty.org

Cooked flesh found in Mr. Gay UK's flat, court told

More from London about the sensational trial of Anthony Morley, the former Mr. Gay UK accused of stabbing then eating his lover, Damian Oldfield.

This report from PinkNews.co.uk:

By Staff Writer

A forensic scientist has told a court that she found six pieces of human flesh - some cooked so that they were browned on the edges but raw in the middle - on a chopping board in a flat belonging to a former winner of the Mr Gay UK competition.

Anthony Morley, 36, who won the gay beauty contest in 1993, has pleaded not guilty to the murder of 33 year old Damian Oldfield (pictured) - who he is accused of murdering and then cooking.

Valerie Tomlinson, told the court she examined Mr Morely's house shortly after a killing took place in his bedroom.

Ms Tomlinson told the jury that in Mr Morely's kitchen she found a blue chopping board containing six pieces of human flesh on it together with a cleaver.

There she also found fresh herbs, olive oil and a dish of seeds. A frying pan on the hob contained herbs and oil.

She told the court: "It does suggest that the original piece of meat had been cooked as one piece of meat and subsequently chopped." Adding that on the cleaver: "there was greasy staining but very little actual blood on that item. It may well have been used to chop the original piece of meat after the meat had been fried."

Ms Tomlinson also told the court that a partly consumed piece of flesh was found in a plastic bin bag in the kitchen

Today, the court was also told that the pair had been involved in a relationship of some kind in the previous months and that they exchanged a series of text messages on the 23rd April 2008, the date of the Oldfield's death.

One text implied that Mr Morley was having difficulties with his sexuality but would "like to try again" but "take it slow".

Mr Stubbs yesterday told the court that after sexual activity took place that Mr Morley then stabbed Oldfield in the throat. "He continued to stab and stab and stab him until he died. Even when he was dead the attack continued until finally Mr Morley cut parts of flesh from the body."

The prosecuting barrister then told the court: ""From a chopping board on one of the kitchen units, six pieces of cooked flesh, seasoned with fresh herbs and fried in olive oil were recovered. The flesh was human in origin."

He added: "After Mr Oldfield had died, Mr Morley had cut away a piece of his chest and nipple and then he placed a bank card over the wound."

The court was told that there was no sign of struggle and that it was possible that the victim was attacked from behind. It was claimed that Mr Morley later went to the takeaway and asked for the police to be called.

Mr Morley was reported to have said to the police: "It's this lad, he tried to rape me so I stopped him." When asked how, Mr Morley allegedly said: ""I'm a chef, how do you think I
stopped him?"

The prosecution claimed that Mr Morley admitted to the police that he had stabbed Mr Oldfield a number of times.

The Morley's defence counsel, Robert Smith QC, said that his client was guilty of manslaughter but that he may have been provoked and that Mr Morley may have a mental abnormality.

Oldfield was an employee of All Points North, the company owning 'Bent' Magazine, 'Mission' Club in Leeds and ironically the 'Mr Gay UK' brand. He worked as an advertising manager for the magazine.

The case continues.

Photo: Facebook

Palm Beach Atlantic won't ban gay group

BY KIMBERLY MILLER, Palm Beach Post

Palm Beach Atlantic University officials reconsidered their initial ban of a gay students' rights group from campus, offering members a space for a few hours on Monday to meet with select students and staff from the private Christian school.

But the group, called Soulforce, called the invitation too restrictive and said members planned to walk onto PBAU's downtown West Palm Beach campus at noon, hoping to conduct a more open forum.

''Unfortunately, the format is not conducive to reaching out to the Palm Beach Atlantic community in the spirit of open dialogue,'' a statement released by Soulforce on Wednesday said in reference to PBAU's offer.

``Additionally, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students who need to hear our message of love and affirmation would not be reached in this format.''

Soulforce members are touring the South, visiting 15 mostly Christian colleges to discuss their belief that being gay is not a sin or incompatible with Christianity.

Most of the schools targeted by Soulforce, including PBAU, have policies against same-sex relationships, which school officials consider immoral and contradictory to biblical standards.

This is Soulforce's third annual ''Equality Ride,'' although Monday will be its first visit to a Florida school. This year's ''ride'' includes 17 young adults who travel in a tour bus and have been trained in nonviolent resistance and how to speak with students who have different religious beliefs.

Soulforce members are known for challenging school administrators with attempts to go onto private campuses, and past tours have resulted in trespassing arrests.

Initially, PBAU rejected Soulforce's request to visit, saying that after careful consideration the meeting would not ``meaningfully further the mission of either organization.''

PBAU spokeswoman Becky Peeling said a panel of faculty and staff members made that decision. Administrators later offered a compromise.

''After the Soulforce riders had persisted in their desire to visit our school, our leaders prayerfully felt that they should extend the courtesy of a private meeting,'' Peeling said. ``Our hope was that they would accept our offer, so that previously planned campus activities would not be disrupted.''

Soulforce's first stop this year was an Oct. 1 visit to Liberty University in Virginia. In 2006, several Soulforce members were arrested at Liberty, and the evangelical school initially banned Soulforce from campus again this year.

Liberty later agreed to allow five representatives on campus to talk to students.

On Monday, Soulforce stopped at Columbia International University in Columbia, S.C., where members were allowed to speak with students in a cordoned-off area near campus.

Soulforce is scheduled to arrive in West Palm Beach at 10 a.m. Monday.

Florida gay-marriage ban draws wide support in poll

BY MARC CAPUTO AND JENNIFER MOONEY PIEDRA, mcaputo@MiamiHerald.com

TALLAHASSEE -- Florida voters look close to passing a gay-marriage ban and rejecting a community college tax, and are largely undecided about a handful of property-tax issues, according to a new statewide poll on the state's proposed constitutional amendments.

Regardless of the topic, there's a common theme in voters' preferences: Simplicity, said Brad Coker, pollster for Mason-Dixon Polling & Research. Voters have clear opinions about those amendments that are relatively easy to understand or that have simple titles or buzzwords.

So the ''Florida Marriage Protection Amendment'' garners wide support -- 55 percent for it; 34 percent opposed. And the amendment that would allow local communities to raise the sales tax to help pay for community college is losing by a 37 to 40 percent margin.

'In Florida, `tax' is no longer a three-letter word,'' said Coker. ``It's a four-letter word.''

Yet the poll shows that the electorate doesn't seem to have a strong preference for the amendments that would actually give homeowners or businesses a potential property-tax cut. And that's because of the complexity of the amendments, Coker said.

Consider:

• The amendment to prohibit tax assessment increases for someone who adds hurricane shutters or solar panels is leading by a 29-to-26 percent margin. Undecided: 45 percent.

• The amendment to give a tax break to those who agree to set aside conservation lands is leading 37 to 19 percent. Undecided: 44 percent.

• The amendment to help shield marina owners from big tax-assessment increases leads 33 to 20 percent. Undecided: 47 percent.

However, because it takes a 60 percent vote to approve a constitutional amendment, the property-tax plans could pass if the undecided voters don't cast a ballot on those issues and if support continues to grow and outpaces opposition by a ratio of 3 to 2.

Coker, though, said he expected undecided voters will likely cast a ballot in favor of the gay-marriage amendment, thereby supplying it with the additional 5 percentage points it needs to pass.

''The undecideds always seem to break more strongly toward sort of the more anti-gay side of the issue,'' Coker said.

But not if Florida Red & Blue can help it. The bipartisan group plans to run an ad painting the amendment as ''vague'' and a threat to domestic-partner benefits, even for heterosexual seniors. Supporters of Amendment 2 say that's a scare tactic.

Some members of the legal community also are joining forces against Amendment 2. More than 150 lawyers from across the state signed a letter against the statewide ballot measure that would ban gay marriage by specifying that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. The letter was released Wednesday by Florida Red & Blue.

The attorneys are encouraging voters on Nov. 4 to say ''no'' to the proposal, which opponents say will have consequences for all unmarried couples in Florida, gay and straight.

The critics say say the measure could lead to the potential loss of existing legal protection and benefits, including alimony, estate planning and domestic partnership registries.

Among the lawyers who signed the letter: former Florida House speakers Peter Wallace and Richard Pettigrew, and Talbot ''Sandy'' D'Alemberte, former president of the American Bar Association and former president of Florida State University.

Supporters of Amendment 2 say the opposition is running a campaign based on ''deception,'' trying to convince people that domestic partnerships will be invalidated if the measure passes.

''If they tried to discuss the merits of whether gay marriage is in the best interest of children and family and the common good, they'll lose. And they know that,'' said John Stemberger, president and general counsel of the Florida Family Policy Council, which is promoting the Yes On 2 campaign. ``They're having to refocus the debate on some other scare tactic, like telling people they are going to lose their benefits.''

Stemberger said he is encouraged by the recent poll, but that his group must continue to campaign against well-funded opponents.

Gov. Charlie Crist said he supports defining marriage ``between one man and one woman.''

Yet Crist said he's staying out of all the amendment fights because ``I've got my hands pretty full as it is.''

Gainesville city attorneys: Marriage amendment would weaken nondiscrimination law

News release from Equality Gainesville:

Gainesville City Attorneys Warn of Far-reaching Effects of a Proposed Charter Amendment that would Weaken City's Inclusive Non-Discrimination Ordinance

Gainesville, FL: On Thursday, the Gainesville City Commission heard from city attorneys about the constitutionality and legal ramifications of a proposed city charter amendment in Gainesville that would repeal protections in housing, employment, credit, and public accommodation based on sexual orientation and gender identity, two categories not in the specific Florida Civil Rights statutes the proposed charter amendment cites.

The city attorneys indicated it is also possible the proposed charter amendment would prohibit Gainesville from enforcing protections for classes cited in other Florida statutes, such as veteran preference, familial status, and union membership, which would put Gainesville in violation of Florida law. A political action committee, Equality is Gainesville's Business, has launched a campaign in support of Gainesville's current and future civil rights protections.

In January of this year, Gainesville, home of the University of Florida, joined more than 100 cities and counties and 13 states and the District of Columbia to include gender identity as an additional class against whom discrimination is prohibited. Since 1998, Gainesville has included sexual orientation as a protected category from discrimination in housing, employment, credit, and public accommodation since 1998.

Equality is Gainesville's Business formed in June 2008 when the anti-gay political action committee called Citizens for Good Public Policy (CGPP) began a petition drive to change the Gainesville charter to prevent the City from adding or enforcing any civil rights protections not in specific statutes of the Florida Civil Rights Act.

Also at the October 2 meeting, the Gainesville (Florida) city Commission took the initial step mandated by the city charter to place the proposed amendment on the March 24 city election ballot. In August, the City's Supervisor of Elections certified that 6,343 of the signatures CGPP collected were valid, surpassing the 5,581 required.

Campaign and community leaders have held rallies at Gainesville's City Hall to discuss the actual implications of a proposed ballot initiative that would repeal discrimination protections in housing, employment, credit, and public accommodation for all LGBT people. Campaign spokesperson Terry Fleming explains the group's goal is to "stand united in opposition to the proposed charter amendment."

Nadine Smith, Equality Florida's Executive Director, is also a strong supporter of the current ordinance, and agrees that "Hardworking, high-performing employees shouldn't be fired just because they're gay or transgender. Since 1998, the City of Gainesville has protected gay and lesbians from being unfairly fired or evicted, something that Florida State law does not cover."

Gainesville City Commissioner and campaign chairperson Craig Lowe explained that "Gainesville has carefully cultivated an inclusive environment where every person can contribute and enjoy all we have to offer as a community. This charter amendment would undo all of that."

Mara Keisling, the Executive Director of the National Center for Transgender Equality in Washington D.C. is working with a coalition of national and local leaders to educate voters about this ballot measure and explains "Unfortunately, our opponents want to use misinformation and fear-based tactics to remove protections that have been shown to benefit Gainesville's residents. Preserving the American ethic of fair treatment for hard work is important and so are the rights of residents to provide housing and income for their families."

Lowe also noted that "Gainesville should not surrender its home rule authority to fight discrimination."

UM, Florida Bar to present 'Out in Court: Thirty Years of Gays and Lesbians in the Legal Profession'

From the Florida Bar website:

The Florida Bar Continuing Legal Education Committee and the Equal Opportunities Law Section present Out in Court: Thirty Years of Gays and Lesbians in the Legal Profession

Course Classification:Intermediate Level

One Location: October 17, 2008
University of Miami School of Law * Room 352 * 1311 Miller Drive, Coral Gables, FL 33146
305-284-2392

Course No. 0806R

Seminar topics include Practicing Homosexual while Practicing Law; Thirty years after Board of Florida Bar Examiners re Eimers; Coming Out Professionally: Before I Forget to Tell You, I’m Gay; Reprising Immorality and Public Decency in the 1970s: Eimers, Hawkins, and Moffett.

12:00 noon - 12:30 p.m., Late Registration

12:30 p.m. - 12:40 p.m., Welcome and Introductions
Matthew W. Dietz, Miami - Chair, Equal Opportunities Law Section

1:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m., Opening Remarks
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Rep. Fla. 20^th Cong. Dist. Vice-Chair, House LGBT Equality Caucus

1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m., Practicing Homosexual, Practicing Law: A Proud March Since In Re Eimers
Hon. Rand Hoch, West Palm Beach, Law and Mediation Offices of Rand Hoch, P.A.,

2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., In re Board of Florida Bar Examiners re Eimers – Thirty Years Later
Professor Bruce Winick, University of Miami, Miami

3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m., Coming Out Professionally: Before I Forget to Tell You, I’m Gay
Rosemary Wilder, Miami, Marlow Connell Abrams Adler Newman & Lewis

3:45 p.m. – 4:15 p.m., Reprising Immorality and Public Decency in the 1970s: Eimers, Hawkins, and Moffett
Former Chief Justice Arthur England, Miami, Greenberg Traurig

4:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Closing Remarks
Larry D. Smith, Orlando, Cabaniss Smith Toole & Wiggins, PL

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Reception (all are welcome)

Arrive early to avoid parking congestion.