VoiceFall14_small - The Pride Center

FALL 2014
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
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VOICE
Get Your Freak On!
Upcoming Senior
Health Expo
PG. 5
Swinging Richards
Fundraiser
PG. 6
SMART Ride
Testimonials
PG. 20
Upcoming
Community Day
PG. 24
Center Organizes Over-the-Top
Wicked Manors 2014
H
ave you ever been a Sword
Swallower or Bearded Lady? How
about Conjoined Twins or the
World’s Smallest Woman? Join our troupe of
curiosities on Wilton Drive for Halloween!
The Pride Center, in collaboration with
The City of Wilton Manors, once again
is organizing the largest Halloween street
festival of the year. Don’t miss our Wicked
Manors 2014: FREAK SHOW, presented by
Hunters Nightclub, on Friday October 31st
from 7:00 pm to 12 midnight!
This year’s theme for Wicked Manors
is “FREAK SHOW”, based on circus and
carnival sideshows of 1920’s-50’s and filled
with fascinating and freakish acts meant to
entertain and amaze.
“The Pride Center is excited to put on
this street festival as a fundraiser for our
vital programs and services we offer to the
community,” says Robert Boo, Pride Center
CEO. “Through this event, we are able to
reach out to the tri-county area and help raise
the awareness of The Center and all of the
good work that we do.”
Wilton Drive will be closed to all traffic
in order to provide a safe and freakishlyfun time for the 25,000 costumed revelers
expected to celebrate and get their freak on.
Local restaurants, bars and food trucks will
provide food and beverages for purchase
throughout the evening
“Think 50’s Circus Sideshow meets
Halloween Street Festival and you’ve got
FREAK SHOW,” said Doug Cureton, Wicked
Manors Chair. “We promise this year’s
festivities will be bigger and better from the
moment you arrive on Wilton Drive. You
will be transported to a magically freakish
celebration with over-the-top costumes,
décor, incredible
+continued on page 4
Photos by Stephen Lang
1
Making A Dent
The Pride Center
A letter from Robert Boo, C.E.O. of
The Pride Center at Equality Park
VOICE Fall 2014
A
s we dive into Fall and South Florida’s “Season,”
we wonder--what the heck happened to summer?
Sometimes, I get a little jealous when I hear
others talk about the summer “slow-down” and how it’s
a good time to catch up on paperwork and projects. That
sure wasn’t the case at The Center.
Vital services continue to grow as we started up a new program,
the Kiki Project, funded by the Department of Health Broward
County. Our number of paid staff now is over 40. In this issue of
The Voice, we highlight our newest staff working in this grant:
Jakari Green and Jacari Roundtree.
Our SageWorks program, with funding by the Walmart
Foundation, was extended for a second year. Bruce
Williams, Senior Services Coordinator, continues to
exceed our expectations. This year will also be the fifth
year for our Senior Health Expo on October 18th. Please
read more about this great event. Last year we had over
500 people attend, and this year looks to be even bigger.
This summer we also celebrated our 21st anniversary
for The Center. I suppose that now makes us legal. We
celebrated by having the Stonewall Museum & Archives
put together a display on the history of The Center. The
display was featured in their new gallery on Wilton Drive.
Many people who dedicated their time, talent and treasure
over the past 21 years were in attendance. Our Founder,
Alan Schubert, wasn’t able to join us in person but was
able to see everyone and the display via Skype.
The fall line-up of events looks daunting. We start off
October, which is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,
with our own BreastFest. For the first time The Center
will be sending a team of walkers, The Pride Rack Pack,
to the Breast Cancer Walk. To learn more about these
events and how you can participate, read both articles in
this issue or visit our website, www.PrideCenterFlorida.
org. Breast cancer affects both men and women!
Get ready for Wicked Manors – Freak Show! This will
be our second year for organizing the biggest street party
on Halloween in South Florida. Last year we welcomed
over 18,000 people, and this year will be even bigger.
Board of Directors
Ilene Berliner, Chair
James Walker, Vice Chair
Chris Caputo, Secretary
Craig Engel, CPA, Treasurer
Ted Adcock
Mitchell Bloom
Mark Budwig
T
2
Brenda Hartley
George Kling
Dr. Leslie Leip
Juliette Love
Ernest Olivas
Leslie Rutland-Tipton
Richard Safaty
Pride Center Staff
We are proud to announce that Hunters Nightclub is our
presenting sponsor this year. Wilton Drive will be closed
to traffic from Five Points to 21st Court, so our party
revelers can be safe. Proceeds from this event support
the vital programs and services of The Pride Center.
Donations will be accepted gladly during the event.
SMART Ride 11 is quickly approaching this November
14 & 15. The Pride Center, along with six other
organizations in Florida that provide direct HIV/AIDS
services, have been busy all year preparing for this
event. I, along with 500 other riders, have been training
all summer getting ready for the 165 mile journey from
Miami to Key West. I encourage everyone to take a
moment and sponsor one of the 500 riders who are
dedicating themselves to help improve the lives of people
living with HIV/AIDS. To learn more about SMART Ride
11 and to make a donation go to www.TheSmartRide.org.
On a personal note, I hope that everyone who is driving
along will pay special attention to all of the cyclists on the
road and ensure you use proper signals when turning and
stopping. I would make an awfully big dent in your car!
About The Pride Center
he Pride Center celebrated 20 years of service in
2013. Our mission is: “We provide a welcoming,
safe space--an inclusive home--that celebrates,
nurtures and empowers the LGBTQ communities
and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” The
Center’s program and services meet the distinct cultural,
health, educational, economic, social and safety needs
of the LGBT community. More than 30,000 adult and
youth attended activities at The Center over the past year.
We host more than 65 regularly-meeting groups each
month. Support, social and educational groups focus
on women, seniors, youth, men, transgender, recovery,
health, the arts, athletics, spirituality, games and more.
Outreach activities over the past year directly impacted
over 50,000 residents and visitors to South Florida. The
Pride Center is a major site for HIV testing, prevention,
2040 N. Dixie Highway
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33305
Mail Correspondence to:
P.O. Box 70518
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33307-0518
(954) 463-9005
Fax (954) 764-6522
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
outreach, education, healthcare linkage, support, holistic
health and counseling. Stop in and learn about all we do:
a community Flea Market; women’s health initiatives;
family outreach days; Bingo; unique exercise classes;
financial investment series; art gallery openings; adult
educational opportunities through Pride University;
Bingo; education for prospective and current LGBT
parents; weekly “Coffee and Conversation” gatherings
for seniors; music, movies and live theater presentations;
a variety of health fairs; and a spectrum of creative
symposiums, speakers, forums and events for the entire
community. We own five-and-a-half acres of property
with 30,000 square feet of office space that provide
homes for programs and services, as well as synergy
among organizations. Our Vision is to be the premier
point of connection for our community.
Robert Boo, CEO,
[email protected]
Kristofer Fegenbush, MSW, COO,
[email protected]
Janet Weissman, Business Manager,
[email protected]
Jorge Gardela, Health Outreach Director,
[email protected]
Frank Gurucharri, PALS Project Manager,
[email protected]
Roger Roa, Director of Development,
[email protected]
Samantha McCoy, Customer Service Coordinator,
[email protected]
Listron Mannix, MSW, Minority Testing Initiative Manager,
[email protected]
Jeff Grigsby, LIFE Coordinator,
[email protected]
Magno Morales, CHOICES Coordinator,
[email protected]
Emilio Aponte, M.Ed., CRCS Coordinator,
[email protected]
Albert Taylor, Health Coordinator,
[email protected]
S.F. Makalani-Mahee, Data Entry Specialist,
[email protected]
Shanna Ratliff, Prevention Outreach Coordinator,
[email protected]
Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator,
[email protected]
Lorenzo Robertson, CouplesSpeak Coordinator,
[email protected]
Rafael Reyes, Healthcare Navigator,
[email protected]
Ebony Wilson, ETI Outreach Coordinator,
[email protected]
Roya Amirniroumand, Women with Pride Coordinator,
[email protected]
Manuel Leon, Electronic Media and Marketing Coordinator,
[email protected]
Oscar Caballero, Linkage and Testing Specialist,
[email protected]
Jacari Green, Kiki Project Coordinator,
[email protected]
Daniel Dardenne, Testing Specialist,
[email protected]
Norris Wildhagen, Facilities Specialist,
[email protected]
Charles Dickey, Health Counselor,
[email protected]
Chris Douglas, Testing Specialist,
[email protected]
William “Billy” Gall, Testing Specialist,
[email protected]
Stacey Wall, Testing Specialist,
[email protected]
Bryon Bowlby, Executive Assistant,
[email protected]
Todd Hammond, Information Analyst,
[email protected]
Julian Alterman, Outreach and Testing Specialist,
[email protected]
Edgardo Medina, Outreach and Testing Specialist,
[email protected]
Jakai Roundtree, Outreach and Testing Specialist
[email protected]
Robert Shore, PrEP Specialist
[email protected]
Clarence Collins, Facilities Assistant,
[email protected]
Robert Bryant , Facilities Assistant,
[email protected]
Troy Brown, Facilities Assistant,
[email protected]
The Pride Center Voice
Production Managers: Chris Caputo, Kristofer Fegenbush
Creative Director: Mark Pauciullo
Contributing Writers: SJ Strock, Cheryl Bennett, Robert Saunders, Bryon
Bowlby, Lorenzo Robertson, Robert Boo and Kristofer Fegenbush.
Photographers: Steven Shires, Stephen Lang, Pompano Bill, Dennis Dean,
JR Davis, Liquid Radar, Ed Garcia, Manuel Leon, and Kristofer Fegenbush.
The VOICE newsletter is published in the memory and
through the donation of the Robert S. Kecskemety Trust.
Adam’s Interiors recently hosted and sponsored a recent Founders
Reception in their stunning showroom. Founders Circle members
underwrite life-enhancing programs and services to the community.
To learn more about Founders, contact Roger Roa at RRoa@
PrideCenterFlorida.org (photos by Steve Shires and Stephen Lang)
VOICE Fall 2014
Did you know?
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Founders Circle Reception at Adam’s Interiors
+The Center organizes regular educational
workshops for prospective and current LGBT
parents
+Center volunteers already have provided more
than 11,000 hours of service this year
+Over 100 people play Bingo at The Pride Center
on the second Saturday evening and fourth
Sunday afternoon of every month.
+Our Women with Pride program hosts regular
holistic health seminars as part of our Vital Signs
series.
+The Pride Center has already provided over
5,000 HIV tests this year
3
SMART Ride Practice Rideout
CDTC and The Pride Center hosted a
practice ride for all Broward riders and
teams for The SMART Ride. 100% of
the proceeds from SMART Ride benefit
seven HIV agencies across Florida,
including CDTC and Pride Center locally.
Get Your Freak On!
+continued from page 1
dance music from The Hits 93.7, a Super Freak Flash
Mob and our famous Costume Contests every half hour
on the main stage with Diva Emcee – Miss Misty Eyez.”
Misty promises, “We have a fantastic line-up of talent
including Drag Superstars Mizz Cori, Nicole Halliwell
and Friends, Obeau Nay and TP Lords, to name just a few.”
Event planner phenomenon Bobby Kyser, of Panache
Style said: “We are planning to create a circus feel on
two stages and throughout Wilton Drive. Get ready for
the best year ever!”
Patrick Volkert and Mark Seymour, owners of Hunters
Nightclub and this year’s Presenting Sponsor said:
“We are proud to support The Pride Center and be a
part of this major event for South Florida. We have the
opportunity to really put this event on the national map
and be a destination spot for Halloween. Hunters is
proud to be a community partner of The Center.”
Many sponsors helped make Wicked Manors a
reality: VIP Sponsors--Greater Fort Lauderdale
Convention & Visitors Bureau, AIDS Healthcare
Foundation, Panache Style, and Alibi; Stage
Sponsors--Hits 97.3; Décor Sponsors--Divers Direct,
The Manor, Progress Bar and Rosie’s Bar & Grill;
General Sponsors--City of Oakland Park, Village Pub
and Broward County Parks & Recreation; Contest
Sponsors--Selzer & Weiss, Alpine Jaguar, and New
York Grilled Cheese.
We would also like to thank our media sponsors for
their help in promoting this amazing event: Florida
Agenda, Guy Magazine, Hot Spots Magazine, Liquid
Radar, Mark’s List, and South Florida Gay News.
For more information on where to park, a list of all
the costume contests or how to join the Flash Mob, visit
our website – WICKEDMANORS.ORG. Check out the
Wicked Manors Facebook Page for some inspiration
and all the latest updates and news! If you are interested
in becoming a sponsor, contact Roger Roa, Director of
Development at [email protected]. All
proceeds from Wicked Manors will benefit the vital
programs and services of The Pride Center.
VOICE Fall 2014
Groups at the Pride Center
4
WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS AA – Each Day a New Beginning, Recovery, Daily, 9-10a
AA – Northeast Group, Recovery, Mon, 8:30-9:30p
AA – Sober, Proud and Gay, Recovery, Fri, 8:30-10p
AA – Pride 5:45 Meeting, Recovery, Daily, 5:45-6:45p
A Course in Miracles, Social, 2nd Wed, 7:15p-9p
BrothasspeakFTL-Social, Wed, 7:00p-9:00p
Coffee and Conversation – SAC, Social/Seniors, Tues, 10:30a-12noon
Crystal Meth Anonymous, Recovery Mon 6p-7p, Wed, 6p-7p
Faith Circle, Social, Sun, 11:30a-1:30p
Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tues, 1-4p
Gay Bridge Club, Fun, Mon & Fri, 1-4p
Gay Hearts, Social, Sun, 1-3:30p
Gay Men’s Empowerment Group, Thurs 7p-8:30p
Imagine Meditation in your life with Drew, Mon, 6p-7p
Island City Al-anon-Support, Thur, 7-8p
Mahjong, Social, Wed, 1-5:00p
Man2Man Talk, Social, Mon, 7-8:30p
Monday Night Women’s Group, Social, Mon, 7:30-9p
Narcotics Anonymous Rainbow Group, Recovery, Wed, 8-9p
New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Mon/Tue/Thu, 7-8p
New Path Narcotics Anonymous Group, Recovery, Sat/Sun, 4-5p
Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Sun, 12n-1:30p
Overeaters Anonymous, Recovery, Fri, 7:30-9p
POZ Attitudes Here and Now, HIV Support, Wed, 7-9p,
Quit Smoking Now, Tues 7p-8:30p
SAGE Men’s Social, Social/Seniors, Wed, 1-3p
SAGE Computer Club, Wed 4p-6p
SAGE CO-ED Discussion Group, Thurs, 1p-3p
Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA), Recovery, Fri, 7-8p
Senior Exercise Class YMCA Health, Senior, Mon-Fri,
10:10a-11:10a,11:15-12:15p,1:30-2:30p
Senior Gay Men’s Support Group, Support, Mon, 11a-12p
Smart Recovery, Recovery, Mon, 7:30-8:30p/Thur, 6:30-8p
The Healing Project Meeting,Tues 7:30p-9pm
Toastmasters, Educational, Mon, 7:15-9:15p
Women’s Non-Competitive Basketball, Social,Mon,Thur 5:30p, Sat 3p
Pride Center Young Adult Group, (23-35 yoa), Support, Fri, 7-9p
Yoga with Drew Miller, Social, Wed, 6p-7p
BI-WEEKLY RECURRING MEETINGS
Ballet & Opera Group, Educational, 2nd & 4th Sunday, 1-4p
POZ Long-Term Survivor, Gay Men/HIV Support, 1st & 3rd Tues,
6:30-8p
Senior Games Day, Social, 2nd & 4th Tue, 1-4p
MONTHLY RECURRING MEETINGS/EVENTS
Pride Center BINGO, Open to Public, 2nd Sat, 7-10p and
4th Sun, 4p-7p
Dolphin Democrats, Monthly Meeting, 2nd Wed, 7:30-9:30p
Equality Park Garden Club, Educational, 3rd Wed, 7-9p
Pride Center Flea Market, Open to Public, 1st Sat, 8a-2p
Primetimers, Open to Public, 1st Sun, 2-4:30p
SAGE Movie, Social, 3rd Mon, 4-6p
Transgender Support Group, Support, 3rd Fri, 7-8:30p
Women with Pride Book Club, 2nd Thur, 7-9p
For further information or to rent a room for
your special event call:
Samantha McCoy at 954-463-9005 ext. 101.
Visit www.pridecenterflorida.org/calendar for
meeting room assignments. Room days/times
subject to change.
By Cheryl Bennett
The health care industry is in a constant
state of flux, he added, and changes in
ownership or management can severely
change the quality of care.“Caveat Emptor
is still the rule. Every prospective user must
thoroughly vet a prospective provider.”
This year’s Expo is shifting toward a
more inter-generational approach with
its inclusion of several health, fitness
and nutritional providers, Bruce noted.
The fair runs from 10 am until 2 pm.
“We will start out with free coffee &
folks in the health care arena is far
from a thing of the past. That’s all too
clear from a recent study by SAGE
USA Equal Rights in which 20 couples
-- half same-sex, half opposite-sex
-- phoned retirement communities
in several states, seeking admission.
Compared to the heterosexual couples,
the same-sex couples were portrayed
as better qualified, better educated,
better off financially. Nonetheless,
in half the instances the same-sex
couples were falsely told there were
no vacancies, or offered shabbier
apartments or poorer amenities.
“As LGBT individuals, we need to
be aware that there is still a great deal
of discrimination,” Bruce emphasized.
“You don’t want to trust your health care
needs to someone who is not supportive
of your identity. So if they are not out
-- loud and proud -- with pictures of
same-sex partners in their facilities, or
don’t have employment agreements that
protect gender/sexual orientation -- don’t
do business with them.”
Other questions to ask might be, do they
advertise to same-sex couples? Does the
waiting room have gay literature in it or is
it all straight? “In vetting long-term care
facilities for my personal use, I review
recent state inspections available online
at AHCA.myflorida.com, and then I go to
their corporate websites to be certain that
their employee policies are consistent with
their claims of LGBT support,” said Bruce.
VOICE Fall 2014
W
hen you visit this year’s Senior
Health Expo on October 18
at The Pride Center, it’ll be
hard to imagine that only a few years ago
it was tough to fill just a handful of vendor
booths. “That first Expo in 2010 was tiny,”
recalled Bruce Williams, Senior Services
Coordinator at The Pride Center. “This
year, in contrast, the available space for the
Fifth Fantastic Senior Health Expo is sold
out ... for the second time!”
The aim of that first senior health fair
was to find out if there were any LGBTfriendly long-term care facilities in the
region, Bruce explained. It turned out
there weren’t many. In fact, when many
of the facilities were approached, their
response was anything but friendly. “We
were rejected; we were asked not to come
by; we had the door slammed in our face;
and phones were hung up,” said Bruce.
How things have changed. There will be
45 for-profit companies and 15 nonprofit
groups on-hand at this year’s Expo to
provide information about their services
and facilities for the senior LGBT
community. “We have people who really
want to participate, but we just don’t have
any space available,” Bruce said with a
tinge of satisfaction. Where once there
was nothing available, there are now a
large number of service providers who
are culturally and financially supportive
of our LGBT senior community.
Bruce cautioned that prejudice
against gays, lesbians and transgender
pastries, compliments of Stork’s bakery,
and our Premier Sponsor Broward
Health Imperial Point will provide
free lunch to the first 300 attendees.
There will be numerous health services
available, lots of freebies and some
outstanding door prizes!”
Don’t wait until you are in the middle
of a health crisis, Bruce advised.“Enjoy
a fun-filled day and at the same time,
arm yourself with a wealth of available
community resources.”
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
From Tiny Health Fair, Mighty Expo Grows
5
Swinging Richards Fundraiser
VOICE Winter 2014
Swinging Richards recently held a
weekend evening fundraiser for The Pride
Center at Equality Park. Guests enjoyed
spirited performances and contributed
over $3,000 to The Center.
Did you know?
+Over 1000 visitors and 80 vendors attend
The Pride Center’s Flea Market on the first
Saturday of every month
+The Pride Center hosts regular
Transgender Educational Series collaborative
community workshops
+The Center regularly hosts art gallery
openings, films, music and live theater
presentations
+Our Healthcare Navigator links people
daily to vital medical care
+The Pride Center is the largest site for
Enhanced Fitness classes for Seniors offered
in the U.S.
6
+We will host more than 3,000 group
meetings at The Pride Center this year
By Miriam Cronkhite
C
display the most advanced breast implants available,”
said Strock.
Women with Pride also is organizing a team for
this year’s American Cancer Society, Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) walk, a nationwide
communal effort to support those with breast cancer and
search for a disease-ending cure. Team captain Cheryl
Bennett invites everyone to join Pride Rack Pack in this
5k walk on October 11th at Huizenga Park (1 E Las Olas
Blvd, Fort Lauderdale). With a “Finish the Fight” theme,
Strock said, “We are expecting approximately 20,000
walkers raising funds and raising awareness to fight
against breast cancer and to find a cure.” Registration
for the walk opens October 11 at 7:30 a.m., begins at 9
a.m. and ends with a visit to the survivor booth.
Community partners supporting Breast Fest at The
Pride Center include Aqua Foundation for Women,
Women in Network, Broward Health, the American
Cancer Society, Gilda’s Club, ARROW and Planned
Parenthood. Join the party October 1 from 6:30 - 8:30
p.m. at The Pride Center. Wear pink to honor survivors,
remember those lost to the disease and to support the
progress made to defeat breast cancer!
For more information, visit www.facebook.
com/WomenWithPride
and
www.facebook.com/
BrowardMSABC.
VOICE Fall 2014
ombining knowledge and fun, the annual
Breast Fest at The Pride Center is held during
Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
Adorned in healthy attitudes and uplifting spirits,
attendees enjoy music from DJ Citizen Jane, socialize in
real-time and benefit from expert resources such as Dr.
Laura Sudarsky. This year’s Breast Fest is October 1.
Women with Pride Coordinator Roya Amirniroumand
said, “although this is a serious topic, we want to have
fun and connect with others in our community.”
“Being aware could help save someone’s life,” said
Karen Prescod, a Pride Center Founder and member
of the Development Committee. “I want to see this
continue to grow into something people of all ages and
gender look forward to attending each year.”
This annual Center event aims to raise awareness
about breast health and cancer, as well as provide
resources for mammography, physicians and answers to
questions. “I would like everyone to walk away with at
least one thing that can save someone’s life and look
forward to attending next year. If that happens, I know
they would tell a friend about the event and it will grow
so big that we will have no other choice but to move the
event to a larger location,” said Prescod.
According to BreastCancer.org, “About 1 in 8 U.S.
women (just over 12%) will develop invasive breast
cancer over the course of her lifetime.” In light of this
staggering number, the disease affects most people,
directly or indirectly.
Ebony Wilson, Expanding Test Initiative Outreach
Coordinator for the Pride Center said, “Most people
aren’t aware of the degree in which cancer effects
everyone involved. Folks should attend because this
event will likely inspire awareness for some and support
for others.”
The American Cancer Society states “there are more
than 2.8 million breast cancer survivors in the United
States.” Breast Fest and the Making Strides Against
Breast Cancer Walk celebrate survivors and inspire hope.
Breast Fest at The Pride Center is an event for both
men and women. “Women With Pride has gathered an
amazingly enthusiastic and energetic group of women
to make this the best Breast Fest ever. We are so very
pleased to have the ‘boys’ supporting this event in full
force, “ said Sarah Strock, vice chair of Making Strides
Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) Broward.
Though rare, breast cancer can be found in men.
“In 2013, about 2,240 men were diagnosed with the
disease,” according to BreastCancer.org.
“I look forward to a record breaking response from
the men of the LGBTQ community,” said Wilson. “I
think its timely due to the reported cases of men being
at risk for breast cancer as well as being active, present,
and supportive for the women in their lives whom have
fallen victims and become victors themselves.”
Plastic surgeon, Dr. Sudarsky is a supporting
physician for Breast Fest. “She will speak about the
newest techniques for breast reconstruction for women
(and men) who have had lumpectomy or mastectomy
due to breast cancer diagnosis. She will also have on
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
In the Pink
Breast Fest Enhances Cancer Awareness
7
Getting PrEPared
D
VOICE Fall 2014
r. Robert Shore mixes humility
and directness when he reflects
on his brand new role as PrEP
Specialist at The Pride Center.
“I don’t call myself an advocate,” says
Dr. Shore. “I’m not an expert...Advocacy
isn’t my goal. Education is.”
The Pride Center continues to take a lead
in providing educational opportunities to
learn about pre-exposure prophylaxis
(PrEP) as an effective HIV prevention
tool when taken daily. “Robbie” now
will work part-time to help coordinate
Center resources, activities, events and
services regarding PrEP.
“I am finding myself waking up at
6:30am eager to engage in this effort,”
says Shore. “I’m boning up on this stuff.
It’s now not an option to just know a
little. I’m reaching out to experts across
the country. I’m building relationships
8
with researchers, investigators and
physicians. I’m learning my channels. I
want to be able to answer questions.”
Shore started his career as a pharmacist
in New York City, then went to grad
school for a doctorate in pharmacy. After
completing an additional fellowship, he
moved to Washington, DC to work as
a pharmacologist for the FDA. He later
moved into an information technology
role at the FDA, then Microsoft. Dr.
Shore moved to Fort Lauderdale last
April to be near his mother.
“Every day I hear people locally ask,
‘what is that PrEP thing?’” says Shore.
“I recognize it’s a newer approach. It’s
a newer biomedical intervention. Not
every person in the community fully
understands. I want to provide education
on this prevention option.”
Shore himself has been enrolled in
a demonstration study on the efficacy
Shore aims to help educate
community on PrEP
of PrEP. “I am a sexually active HIV
negative gay man, and I want to do
as much as I can to prevent HIV from
spreading,” says Shore. “As a research
scientist, I feel compelled to contribute
to the general knowledge base also...
As a pharmacist, I am well aware that
compliance is important for medications
to work properly, so I am religious about
taking it daily.”
Hiring a part-time PrEP Specialist to
organize resources, information and
service linkage tools was enabled by a
$10,000 gift from Oliver Kamm. He
approached The Center with his passion
to educate the community about PrEP.
“I noticed that many people down here
seemed to be out of the loop or not talking
about it,” says Kamm. “A big concern
of mine was getting education
out there so people can make
informed choices about their
own sex lives. We are part of one
of the largest gay communities
in the country. We should be
a vibrant, ahead-of-the-curve
community on education and
prevention. People should talk
about it and know about it. It
should be an available option.”
Kamm feels a personal
responsibility to invest his
resources strategically and
generously. He feels that PrEP
could help “wipe out the virus in
a generation.”
“If this was available to me 10
years ago, I don’t think I would
have seroconverted,” relates
Kamm. “As a young man in
my late 20s, I was not 100%
condom compliant. If that had
been a back-up for me, I might
be in a different position now.”
“Gay sex was completely
intertwined with fear when I
came out,” he continues. “The
primary message was abstinence.
Condoms were explained in a
way that we were dealing with
hazardous material. We have
the opportunity to become more
sex-positive with gay men. We
can reaffirm our ability to have
sex without oppressive fear.”
Dr. Shore believes condoms
are a vital tool for preventing
HIV, but hopes to help provide
information about PrEP as “an
additional tool in their toolbox.”
He wants everyone to have enough
information to make personal decisions
about whether “it will be a part of their
lives or not.”
“I’m not going around saying let’s
put Truvada in the water,” laughs
Shore. “I want to be rational and
scientific and have data available about
efficacy. Here is information--decide
for yourself. That’s my goal--to ensure
people are educated.”
“I’m very moved that The Pride
Center has put their confidence in me,”
says Dr. Shore. “In my short time in
Fort Lauderdale, I already feel more
integrated into the community than I did
in all my time in DC. That’s because
of the way The Center lives out the
implementation of Community.”
The Pride Center recently launched an additional monthly
Bingo event on the fourth Sunday afternoons. We continue to
provide Bingo the second Saturday night of each month. To
learn more about Bingo, contact Janet at 954.463.9005.
The Skin I’m In
Women with Pride recently hosted
a workshop on healthy skin care in
South Florida as part of its Vital Signs
holistic health series, funded by Aqua
Foundation. Presenters include Founder
Circle member Dr. Will Richardson,
Women with Pride volunteer Ellen
Slavin and HIV Testing and Outreach
Specialist Billy Gall.
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Sisters in Labor Bingo
VOICE Fall 2014
C E L E B R AT I N G
20 YEARS!
9
Gay Tea Cruise Fundraiser
Gay Tea Cruise, Inc. hosted a Labor
day fundraiser for The Pride Center.
This ride down Fort Lauderdale
intracoastal featured DJ Greyson
Jubilee and host Kitty Meow. A
portion of the proceeds benefitted
The Center.
The Pride Center Founders Circle
LIFETIME
Bob and Hal Bernier-Peterson
Gil Corwin
John C. Graves Charitable Fund
Alan Schubert
Premier Business
Cox Media Group
Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
Hunter’s Nightclub
Bobby Kyser / Panache Style
Wells Fargo Foundation
Platinum
Anonymous (2)
AHF Pharmacy
Aqua Foundation for Women
Bobby Blair / Florida Agenda
Peter Clark / Hotspots Magazine
Community Foundation of Broward
Ed Garcia / Liquid Radar
Estate of Bob Kesckemety
Kenneth Goss
Kenneth Hollander and John Kardos / Kenneth S. Hollander
Charitable Foundation
Scott Kean / LSeven Solutions
Norm Kent / South Florida Gay News
The Howard Greenfield Charitable Foundation
Glen Weinzimer and John Rogatzki / The SMART Ride
VOICE Fall 2014
Diamond
D.C. Allen and Ken Flick / No Hate Fund at Our Fund, Inc.
Ilene Berliner (Board Chair) and Maura Lane
Jared Falek and Don Chorpenning
Will Gibson and George William Rogers /
Serendipity Foundation
Oliver Kamm
David McLaren and Joseph Laurino / Periodic Products
Dr. Dale Russell
Richard Safaty (Board Member) and Omer Mizrachi /
Freedom Travel
Wayne Schrebe and Roy J. Stegman Charitable Fund at
Our Fund, Inc.
Ted Schultz
Jeffrey Selzer, Esq. and Ray Fennon / Selzer & Weiss,
Attorneys
Arthur B. Smith / Law Office Arthur B. Smith
Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer
Bob Young / Beach Bear Weekend
Gold
Alpine Jaguar
Atlantic Surf Club
Don Biehn / Biehn & Associates, Inc.
Mark Budwig (Board Member) and Nick Scalzo / S. Mark
Graphics
Michael Camardello
Doug Candler
Chris Caputo (Board Member) / MetroMediaWorks
George Castrataro, Esq. / The Law Offices of George
Castrataro, PA
City County Credit Union
Dr. Howard R. Cunningham /Oakland Park Dental
Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro
Chris and Joseph Dominguez-Dunham /
Dunham Insurance Services
Andrew Fischman
Victor Flores/ FastPrintz
Rob Guerrero
Robert Hubbard and Bill Greeves
Joseph Kraus
Steven Levin and Bradley Henkel / Midland Medical Center
Maurice Mizrahi / Temptations Catering and Event Planning
David Moon and Eugene Smith
Richard Nolan and Robert Pingpank
Joe Pallant / Pallant Insurance Agency, Inc.
Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton
Ronnie Pryor and Dustin Cranor / Source Salon
Herb Reis and Dr William Coffey
Paul Rolli and W. Bennett Quade
Lee Rubin and Jim Walker (Board Member)
Russell Sassani, MD and Michael Schneider / Take Shape
Plastic Surgery
Dr. Heidi Schaeffer
Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey
Tony Seguino and Dan Ayers
Paul M. Smith and Gerald Kennedy
Silver
10
Anonymous (2)
A Celebration of Friends
Adam’s Interiors
Wendell Locke and Ricky Babo / Allz Well Pharmacy
Jack Almeleh
Paul Alpert Henley Ambrose / Vitas Healthcare Corporation
Chris Ambs and Scott Clearwater
Al Cicotte and Kevin Palombo /
American Tax and Insurance Services
Neel Amin and Tom Macek / American Pain Experts
Alfred Bacchi and Craig Ross
Don Barlow
Steve Barnard
Mark Barron and Joel Rubin
Andrew Bartfield
Christopher Bates
David Bebbington
Darcy Beeman/ Edward Jones Investments
Tom and Steven Begert-Clark / Even As We Speak
Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock (Board Member)
Scott Belding and Listron Mannix / ReMax Consultants Realty
Gary Kempler / Futurty First Insurance Group – South Florida
Dr. Louis Benevento and Patrick Duffy
Mark Ketcham and Werner Lutz
Scott L. Bennett
Dr. George Kling (Board Member)
Norman Berkowitz
Don Kocher and Jonathan Salt
Gary Bitner / Bitner Goodman
Maria Kondracki and Jim Dwyer
Leny Blicher
Edwin Kowalski and Michael Donnan
Mitch Bloom (Board Member) and Paul Wardell
Ellen Krider, CFP / RBC Wealth Management
Boardwalk
Robert Kuhn and Steven Geyer
Robin L. Bodiford, Esq. / Law Office of Robin L. Bodiford
Julia Landis and Shawn Fanshier
Dan Bohanan and Guillermo Licea
Bruce Lane
John Bolton
Bernie Langeluttig and Dennis Fitzkee
Robert Boo
Tomas Soto and Frank Lefevre, M.D.
Al Bove, DMD / Bove Dental
Dr. Leslie Leip (Board Member) and Fritz Leip
Broward County Sheriff’s Office
John Leyden and Tom Valentine
Broward Health – Imperial Point
Bill Linehan
Rishi Burke
Dewitte Loe
Gerald Byers and Rudy Wengenroth
Charles Loring
Jae Camino / Jae’s Sinful Delights
Steve Lovci
Camp4Health
Juliette Love (Board Member)
Rene Cantu and James Gigliello
Norton Lyman and Kimio Sato
Karen Carroll and Julie Slater / Chic Optique
Joe Markonic / Gables Wilton Park
Danny Carter / Dancemoves
Cheryl Mauro / Hibiscus Cafe
Jeff Cato and Bob Tentschert / Cato Insurance Group, Inc.
Michael McArdle and Thomas Holland
Sam Chalfant and Tom Rouland / Affordable Health Insurance
David O. McConnell
Nicholas Chaparos
Joe McConnell and Michael Lennon
Harvey Chasser
Richard McManus and Tom Nohilly
Rev. Leslie Rutland-Tipton (Board Member) and Sandra
Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger
Rutland-Tipton / Church of the Holy SpiritSong
Drew Miller and Kevin Murdoch
Ron Clark
Anthony Molluso and Bill Volbrecht
Coffee and Conversation
Rodney Monroe / South Beach Afters
Howard Cohen and Daniel Wasinger / Concept International
Gregory Moore and Dr. Allan Barsky
Design
Anthony More
Bob Collier and Chuck Hunziker
Chuck Nicholls and Mark Turner
Lynn Corning / Newman Insurance
Charles Ohsiek
Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Café and Rumors Bar
Ernest Olivas (Board Member) / Emerald Home Health Care
Tracey Cramer / Ameriprise Financial
Tom Pflepsen and Kenley Hoover
Douglas Cureton / Some Men Like It Haute
Jim Pierce / Pierce Aire, Inc.
Joseph Daniel and Fred Silverman / Roth-Warren, LLC
Peter Pileski and Bob Avian
Patrick Daoud / Daoud’s Fine Jewelry
Positive Healthcare
Dennis Dean / Dennis Dean Photography
Mona Pittenger
Esmeralda and Peter Dekaj / Stork’s Bakery Cafe
Karen and Tulip Prescod / Florida Blue
Robert Delehanty
Bruce Presley and Chris Hedlund
Pat Demos / Northern Trust Bank
Pride Institute at Fort Lauderdale Hospital
Dr. James Doan
Sharon Rebuck / Another Perfect Party
Dolphin Democratic Club
Jessica Reyes
Divers Direct - Dania Beach
Dr. Will Richardson / Natura Dermatology & Cosmetics
Thomas Dowd and Cesar Rivera /
Riverside Hotel
Water Mill Flowers & Fruit Bouquets
Donn Rubin and Stephen Harmon
Stephen Draft and Allen Peterson
Tom Runyan, Esq / Runyan Law Firm, PA
Hon. Stephen Driscoll and Robert Tocci / National Stonewall
Rick Salomon
Democrats
John Sapp
Irwin Drucker
Lee Sathre
Mike Ebbs and Tom Jenkins
Geph Scarr and Sergio Medina Quintina /
Eden Funeral Services
Scarr Insurance Group
Robert Eldredge / RWE Real Estate
Jack Schlossberg and Greg Fineman
Embassy Suites Hotel
Danny Selvin and Sidney Goldenberg
Ted Emery
James Senior
Craig Engel (Board Member) and Greg Briche
Steve Shires / Steve Shires Photography
Michael Faerber / D’Angelo Realty Group
Jeffrey and Belinda Shover / Morgan Stanley
Brian Farley and Ron Alose
Tim Singer and Richard Cascarelli / Tim Singer & Assoc./
Jim Farris
Coldwell Banker
Paul Fasana
Sonesta Hotel
GalleryONE Fort Lauderdale
Kimberly Sorondo
Joel Geils
David Starkey and Arianto Sumargo
Eric Gilbert / SunTrust Bank
Jeffrey Sterling/ Sterling Tax
Gilda’s Club
Richard Stoll, Esq.
Glenn L. Goldberg
Terry Stone and Mike Bush
Steven Goldgram
Sarah Strock / SCS Weightloss Systems, Inc.
Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono
Dave Stubbins
Martin Gould / Focalize Consulting
Edward Temoyan
Scott Gray
The Bears of South Florida, Inc.
Stephen Gray / Better Homes & Gardens
The Grateful Palate
Donald Green and Gene Ingledue
The Recovery Place
Marc Grossman
The Restaurant People
Robert Grossman
Bill Thornton and Adam Kratochwill / Pride Carpet Cleaning
Joe Guerrero
Tony Timiraos and Arthur Crispino Charitable Fund at Our
Robert Gunning
Fund, Inc.
Mark Haines / Mark’s List
Doug Tinkelpaugh and James Rickard / Pinnacle ConstrucMark Halacy and Thomas Pollock
tors, LLC
Peter Hardy-Smith and Steven Devito
Tower Club
Cal Harrison
Bruno Trambusti and Randy Grant
Timothy S. Hart / R3 Accounting LLC
Dean Trantalis Esq.
Brenda Hartley (Board Member) / BankUnited
David Treece / Treece Financial Group
Tyler Healis
Carl E. Trough
Dr. J. Heider and Thomas Carr / Ultimate Smile
Richard Vallari
Richard Herman
Ted Verdone and John Curtin
Scott Herman and Cale Choi
Vincent Vigliotti
Lazaro Hernandez and Steve Figlmiller
W Fort Lauderdale Hotel
Frances Herrera / Frances Herrera Interior Design
Steve Wetzler
Neill Hirst, MD and Greg Hughes
Sumner T. White
Michael Hisey
Norris Wildhagen and Dr. Troy Robinson
Hans Hochkamp and Joseph DeBacco
C. Theodore Wolf and Frank Decolator
Paul Holoweski
Tom Wolf and Fernando Rodrigues
Mick Howard and Brian Jackson / Mayors
Petur Workman
Paul Hyman and Bill Bracker
John Zieba and Cliff Mulcahy / Rosie’s Bar & Grill
iBeria Bank
George Zuber and Anthony Snyder Charitable Fund at Our
A.J. Jabre
Fund, Inc.
Dustin Jacobs / H & R Block
James Jagielski
Join the Pride Center Founders Circle! Support the
Paul Jennings
George Johnson
programs
and services of The Pride Center. Founders Circle
James A. Johnson
memberships begin at $100 per month. For more information,
Dr. Charmaine Johnson-Leong, DDS, PA
Clifford W. Jolley and Paul Clive
please contact Roger Roa, Director of Development,
Robert Judd and Russell Neal
Greg Kabel, Esq. / Law Offices of Gregory W. Kabel, Esq.
[email protected]
Ken Kalenderian
By Lorenzo Robertson
Did you know?
+Over 180 people attended our last Founders Circle
reception. Founders donate at least $100 monthly to
support our vital programs and services.
+The Pride Center designed a powerful antiHIV-stigma campaign in conjunction with the
Department of Health that is running on Broward
County public buses
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Have a Kiki with Jacari and Jakari!
+More than 10,000 people already have used The
Pride Center’s computer center this year
I
+Our CouplesSpeak program builds relationship
skills, improves communication, lowers risks, and
enhances sex
VOICE Fall 2014
n what world would a program named
“Kiki” hire not just one Jacari, but
another Jakari? Only at The Pride
Center at Equality Park.
Pronounced the same but spelleddifferently, their names aren’t the only
similarity the men hold in common. They
both have a passion to provide innovative
outreach and HIV prevention among
same-gender-loving men of color. Jacari
Green, Kiki Project Coordinator and Jakari
Roundtree, Testing and Outreach Specialist
bring their talents, focus and vision to The
Center’s new Kiki Project.
Along with other outreach and testing
initiatives, the Kiki Project recruits popular
or influential black gay and bisexual men
to host Kikis in their homes or other social
venues. Men invite their own friends to
attend and discuss sex, relationships and
HIV in these small groups. Let’s have a
Kiki with Jacari and Jakari!
When asked to sum up what the Kiki
Project means to them in one word, they both
responded enthusiastically: “A daunting task to
say the least.” Jakari Roundtree immediately
followed-up with: “Progressive,” an interesting
word choice, but perfectly aligned with the
focus of this new initiative that is not the norm.
“Novel” was the word uttered by Jacari Green.
Great choice as well, because the Kiki Project
takes prevention work to the people, asking
tough questions like, “What do you want us to
do for you?”
Since August, the Kiki Project has
conducted a handful of Kiki sessions with
overwhelmingly positive responses. One
recurring theme is the realization that Black
same-gender-loving men feel surprised
that: 1. a program like the Kiki Project
exists; 2.) Black same gender loving men
actually are participating. Staff continued to
see how same gender loving Black men in
Broward County still struggle with the idea
that someone cares enough to address their
issues head-on.
Jacari relates that he fell into work in the
HIV field through nepotism; his father worked
in the field and was instrumental in prompting
his entry into the HIV healthcare arena. “I
didn’t even realize that HIV prevention was
an option for my future,” he stated.
Jakari also stumbled into the HIV
healthcare field. A friend told him about a
position to do HIV testing and counseling,
but as fate would have it, he was unable to
do the next 500/501 training class provided
by the Health Department. An opportunity
presented itself for him to do outreach,
though, and he invested his energies in
working in the community.
We are elated to have Jacari and Jakari
working with the Kiki Project. Their focus
for the project’s evolution is clear: self-love,
honesty, dedication, identity, community
and--above all--make it fun. The Kiki Project
will assure that Black same-gender-loving
men’s voices will be heard.
The Kiki Project is designed to address
issues persistent in the Black same-genderloving community surrounding high rates
of HIV, homophobia, racism, HIV stigma
and sexual orientation. When it comes to
understanding the nuances of Black samegender-loving men, we realize the impact of
surrounding culture: how the church views
homosexuality; how the Black community
views
same-gender-loving
people;
internalized homophobia; and the lack of
support from the general gay community.
Jacari and Jakari want to build a program
to inspire, educate and empower Black
same-gender-loving men. They both are
dedicated to creating Kiki environments
where Black same-gender-loving men
are open and honest about their sexual
orientation, HIV status and “living their
lives in the light.” Come and have a Kiki
with Jacari and Jakari!
11
Founders Circle Reception at W Hotel
The W Hotel on beautiful Fort Lauderdale
hosted and sponsored a recent Founders
Reception. Guests enjoyed sexy tunes and
stunning views. Founders provide at least
$100 monthly to support the programs
and services of The Pride Center. To learn
more about Founders, contact Roger Roa at
[email protected]
(photos by Stephen Lang and Manuel Leon)
VOICE Fall 2014
Gay Nuptials
12
Proceeds from ticket sales of this
Wedding Showcase were donated to
The Pride Center. Long-time Center
volunteers Bobby Kyser and Doug
Cureton were masterminds behind
the successful event.
Beach Bear Weekend
Bob Young generously presents to CEO Robert Boo a check of
proceeds from the recent Beach Bear Weekend for use in vital
Pride Center services. Center staff provided HIV testing and
outreach at the popular event.
Our monthly speakers series
event for Seniors recently
celebrated its first anniversary.
The day’s program was “Sex,
Sexuality or Both? Think
Again!” presented by Wayne
Pawlowski, Certified Sexuality
Educator and Clinical Social
Worker. Volunteers conceived
and spearheaded the series. For
more information on Seniors
programming contact Bruce
Williams at 954.463.9005.
Chipotle recently hosted a
fundraiser for the Pride Pack-The Pride Center’s SMART
Ride team. If you’d like to
donate to The Pride Pack or
any other team for The SMART
Ride, please visit
www.TheSMARTRide.org.
(Photos by Stephen Lang)
VOICE Fall 2014
Take One for the Team
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Pride Thursdays
13
Work It
SAGEWorks offers new skills-building
seminars and jobs board
By Robert Saunders
VOICE Fall 2014
I
Living
with
HIV?
Living
with
HIV?
Are dating, sex, relationships
or disclosure stressful?
JOIN a free program to help
you make smart CHOICES.
14
PALS
project
ChoiCes is a five-week program that teaches
you skills to handle challenges you may face.
We meet in small groups to discuss how to:
• Build healthier relationships and lower stress
• Make better decisions and improve health
• Disclose HIV-status wisely
Fun, interactive sessions include:
• Video clips for discussion
• Thought-provoking activities
• Small group discussion and role play
ChoiCes can help you...
• Meet new HIV+ friends
• Share different experiences without judgment
• Improve problem-solving & communication skills
• Learn more health supporting behaviors
The PALS Project offers gay, bisexual and other
men who have sex with men living with HIV
social support, accurate HIV information and
skills to lead safer, richer lives.
ChoiCes is FRee. Se Habla Espanol.
If interested, contact Magno Morales
at 954.463.9011 ext. 303 or
email [email protected]
Sponsored by The Pride Center
and the State of Florida,
Department of Health
f you have a job, you would probably like to keep it, or perhaps you’d
like to move on to a better position. In that case, consider signing up
for upcoming SAGEWorks Skills Building Seminars offered by The Pride
Center. “ The economy remains fragile and layoffs can come unexpectedly to
people of all ages,” notes Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at The
Pride Center. He points out that those employees with competitive skills or
who hold positions of value to their company obviously are less vulnerable to
unexpected loss of employment.
Furthermore, it’s wrong to assume that only older employees are the ones
most likely to be let go or to be rejected for a job opening. “Studies have
shown that age discrimination in the workplace begins at 40, which is pretty
frightening,” Bruce adds.
SAGEWorks helps LGBT people over 40 compete successfully for
employment opportunities by sharpening their job search strategies, technical
skills and networking savvy.
One of the seminars will teach you how to create a well-written resume,
one absolute key to success in the job search process. On November 17th,
members of T D Bank’s Human Resources team will provide resume reviews
and teach you how to maximize and showcase your best assets for further
success in a highly competitive job market.
On November 18th, Carl McDonald, Regional HR Director of Broward
Health, will discuss what recruiters seek from a Human Resources point of
view. Come find out how to present yourself to prospective employers in a
way that will beat out the competition!
Finally, on December 12th, Pride Center Founder, Board Member and CEO
of Metromedia Works Chris Caputo will offer an in-depth understanding of
LinkedIn, certainly one of the most powerful tools in the work search category.
The old adage of “it’s who you know” still holds true, and Chris will explain how
to maximize your contacts and utilize their support in landing that dream job.
A major addition to the SAGEWorks Program at The Pride Center is
the creation of a jobs board. Bruce noted that, “We get informed by our
collaborating partners of a lot of jobs--especially nonprofit jobs--that are
becoming available before they are announced to the general public.”
These listings are available to SAGEWorks participants once they have
registered. “What will eventually be an online process is right now a bit crude-an actual bulletin board with pieces of paper.” Bruce noted. “We’ve already
had some success in job placement.”
To learn more about the SAGEWorks Program or to register for upcoming
seminars, please contact Bruce Williams, Senior Services Coordinator at
[email protected] or by calling 954-463-9005 ext. 109
Transcendent
More than 150 Seniors
attend our weekly Coffee
and Conversations events
on Tuesday mornings. The
crowd will grow to over
200 as “Snowbirds” return.
Participants enjoy bagels,
educational presentations
and the opportunity to
connect socially.
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Coffee and Conversations
Trans Awareness Month
Activities Expand
by S.F. Makalani-Mahee
N
VOICE Fall 2014
ovember marks the annual observance of Transgender Awareness
Month and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) at The Pride
Center at Equality Park. This year’s activities include three film
screenings, an art exhibit, an awards ceremony, the TDOR observance, a panel
discussion on “Trans and alternative lifestyles” and a book reading/signing
with 13 year old trans youth advocate Jazz Jennings.
Although Trans Awareness Month is organized around the TDOR observance-a vigil to memorialize those who were killed due to anti-transgender hatred
or prejudice--we also have set up events designed to promote transvisibility,
transeducation, and transempowerment, not only to the trans community, but
to our allies and the community as a whole.
The Pride Center once again is collaborating with community partners
T-House/THIA (Transgender Health in Action, a Florida Department of Health
in Broward County initiative), Sunserve, W.I.N, Vice Mayor Julie A. Carson
and The City of Wilton Manors, T.E.R.I and The Human Rights Campaign
South Florida. This year, Stonewall National Museum & Archives, TransKids
Purple Rainbow, and Equality Florida join the commemorations.
These Trans Awareness Month events simply strengthen the commitment
The Center demonstrates year round to provide a welcoming, safe space,
an inclusive home that celebrates, nurtures and empowers all our LGBTQ
communities. We specifically affirm South Florida’s sizeable, strong, visible
trans community. Monthly, The Center hosts The Community Collaborative
Transgender Educational Series, an evening installment of education and
empowerment for the trans community as a collaborative effort with the
Florida Department of Health in Broward County/T-House and Sunserve. The
Center also consistently assists the Health Department in providing transgender
cultural sensitivity trainings throughout the County, and hosts South Florida’s
longest-running transgender support group facilitated by Dr. Carol Clark.
If you are a transgender person, we invite you to come and experience the
joy and empowerment of community. If you are someone simply wanting
to educate yourself more about the transgender community and transgender
issues, we welcome you to attend any and all of these events.
Let us not forget that we owe the Stonewall uprising that birthed the
LGBT liberation movement to trans women of color who refused to be
harassed and became the Rosa Parks of the LGBT movement. Transgender
people always have been a part of the movement. The Center invites the
whole community to celebrate the all-too-often silent-and-ignored “T” in
our community. Let’s show that in South Florida we can grow and learn
from this time of transvisibility.
15
Exuberant Ebony
Getting to Know the Expanding
Testing Initiative Outreach Coordinator
By Cheryl Bennett
VOICE Fall 2014
E
bony bursts through the door with a huge smile
on her face, greeting me with bubbly laughter
and a warmth that simply exudes from her.
She loves her job at The Pride Center and it shows. As
soon as we start talking about what she does, her face
lights up. When she first started at the Center, she was a
volunteer for HIV testing. She jokes that “I was around
so much, I guess they figured they might as well put me
on the payroll”.
Ebony has worked full-time at The Pride Center for
three years providing HIV testing in the community,
and now serves as an Expanding Testing Initiative
Outreach Coordinator. You can find her anywhere from
a rehabilitation center to a Walgreen’s, giving classes
and doing free HIV screenings (the entire process is
20 minutes). These services are available to everyone,
from the young to the young at heart. Ebony enjoys
interacting with everyone, but especially enjoys the
teens because she feels grateful to be the person they are
able to talk to and ask questions that they may not feel
comfortable asking other adults. She is very matter-offact when talking about delicate subjects. She doesn’t
skirt around any uncomfortable topics or words; she is
straight-forward.
Vision 2015 Contributors
John Graves Society $500,000
John C. Graves Charitable Fund of the
Community Foundation of Broward
Cornerstone Society - $250,000
Gil Corwin
Pillar Society - $100,000
Anonymous
Jan Carpenter and Dale Russell
Mona Pittenger
Luminary Society $50,000
J. Michael Heider, DDS and Thom Carr
Kenneth M. Goss
Former Broward County Mayor Ken
Keechl and Ted Adcock
John Ramos and Tim Caldwell
Richard Schwarz and Tom Massey
Star League - $25,000
Doug Candler
Forest Trace Luxury Resort and Adult
Community
James Jagielski
George A. Kling, MD
Estate of James Rampe
16
“When we were young, we didn’t always have
someone to talk to or felt necessarily comfortable
talking to,” she says. Ebony is that person for many of
the people she sees, especially younger people.
When she was young, her aunt became infected with
HIV at age 18. Ebony bears a striking resemblance to
her aunt, and one day--shortly after her aunt passed
away--someone mistook Ebony for her aunt. It was at
that moment that Ebony says it really resonated with her
that this could happen to her too. This fueled a passion
for research and the need to help people in similar
situations. She attended Dade Medical College and
studied histology (the study of the microscopic anatomy
of cells). Although she found this work rewarding, she
felt the need to interact with people. If you’ve ever met
Ebony, you know that she is a people person.
I asked Ebony if she had ever struggled with telling
someone they were positive, and she recalls the first
time she ever had to give that news to someone. She tells
the story of how she had to compose herself and “get
it together,” because she had a moment of realization
that it wasn’t about her; it was about that individual and
how she needed to be there for someone else. Ebony is
very mindful about her position and the responsibility
Attorney Arthur B. Smith
Jim Stepp and Peter Zimmer
Sunshine Athletic Association
Doug Tinklepaugh and James Zinman
Estate of Lawrence Zinman
Equality League - $10,000
D.C. Allen and Ken Flick
Estate of C. Michael Johnson
Hansen Realty
Vince Di Pietro
Paul Galluccio
Mark Gordon and Aldo Buono
Ed Nicholas and Chris Griswold
Chuck Nicholls and Mark Turner
Coleman Prewitt
The Bears of South Florida
Visonary Circle - $5,000
Anonymous
In Memory of Gilbert Anko
Darcy Beeman
Ilene Berliner and Maura Lane
John Bowles
Mark Budwig and Nick Scalzo
Michael Dager and Harvey Shapiro
Michael Dane and Alex Quintero
Chris Dunham and Joseph Dominguez
Gregory P. Gaddis and David R. Stack, III
Gay Bridge
In Memory of Rick Gibson
Cal Harrison
Tyler Healis
Kenneth Hollander Charitable Foundation
Robert L. Hubbard and Bill Greeves
Friends of Stephen Jerome
Dr. David Kyner and Richard Bray
Christopher Mahon, MD
W. Lynn McLaughlin and David Webb
Ken Merrifield and Fred Berger
David Moon and Eugene Smith
Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton
Michael Preihs and Khoi Loung
Bennett Quade and Paul Rolli
Herb Reis and William Coffey
SAGE Men’s Drop In
Don Schultz
Calvin Steinmetz and Brian Boyle
Stork’s Bakery
Dave Stubbins
Dean Trantalis, Esq.
Ted Verdone and John Curtin
Charles Walker
Sumner T. White
Vision 2015 charts the course for The Pride Center to be mortgage-free on our 5.5 acre Equality
Park campus. We seek 1,000 donors who will contribute $1,000 annually. To join Vision 2015,
contact Roger Roa at [email protected]
she feels to the people she tests and counsels. It is so
very evident that Ebony is exactly where she should be:
in the community, reaching out to people and being of
service to them.
Poverello
Bowl-a-Thon
The Pride Center
recently fielded a team
in the Poverello Bowla-thon. Community
collaboration remains
a focus of Center staff
and volunteers.
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Snapshot of Service Reception
Stonewall National Museum & Archives
recently hosted a VIP reception to celebrate
the exhibit opening of A Snapshot of Service:
The Pride Center at Equality Park. The exhibit
explores over 20 years of service by The
Center and serves to commemorate the gift of
archival records and memorabilia documenting
the historic work of The Center.
(Photos by Manuel Leon)
Want A Jump-Start
To Healthier Living?
VOICE Fall 2014
If you’re a gay or bisexual man living with
HIV, you can learn to keep your immune
system in strong, peak condition.
Join the FREE 18 week LIFE Program
You’ll receive practical, step-by-step guidance in a fun interactive environment as
you create and implement personal health plans for long-term thriving with HIV.
This program can help you...
• Build deeper, supportive relationships with new HIV+ friends!
• Get the latest facts on HIV!
• Improve your physical, emotional and social well being!
• Share your story while you learn from others!
Participation in the LIFE Program...
• Boosts the immune system
• Lowers risky behavior
• Increases adherence to health and medication schedules.
For more inFormation
Contact Jeff Grigsby at 954.463.9011, ext. 302
or email [email protected]
PALS
project
Offered twice a year beginning in January and July.
MEETINGS ON TUESDAYS @ 6:30 p.m.
Sponsored by The Pride Center, and the State of
Florida, Department of Health
17
Testing and Outreach at Funky Buddha
VOICE Fall 2014
The Pride Center recently provided HIV Testing and
Outreach at Funky Buddha in Oakland Park. Center
staff work creatively in the community to identify nontraditional venues to educate and inform about HIV.
18
Flea Market
The Center hosts over a
thousand visitors and 60
vendors the first Saturday
of every month for Flea
Market. Stop in and check
out the deals!
Getting to Know Shanna Ratliff,
Prevention Outreach Coordinator
By SJ Strock
L
+We’ve provided HIV prevention outreach to more than
8,000 individuals already this year
We Offer:
Holistic Health Series
Family Series
Book Club
Art Shows
Diverse Speakers
Basketball
LBT Health Directory
Service Linkage
Support Groups
Movie Nights
Panel Discussions
Social Events
VOICE Fall 2014
GBTQIA – Alphabet soup to
some, but in a world of acronyms,
chances are that if you are reading
this article in The Pride Center VOICE,
you are most certainly familiar with the
meaning of these letters. What we often
forget is that, sadly, not everyone lives in
our world. And that my friends, is where
our wonderful Shanna Ratliff comes in.
She is passionate and determined to reach
far and wide past Wilton Manors, Fort
Lauderdale, and South Florida to educate
society about the LGBTQIA community.
To understand Shanna’s determination,
you must first know that she comes from
a small rural town in North Florida. Yes,
the Bible-Belt, where misconceptions
about the Gay and Lesbian community
are born, nurtured and given wings. Even
as an openly out Lesbian young woman,
Shanna admittedly was not exposed to diversity or the need for HIV testing; so
the impact and epidemic nature of HIV/AIDS in South Florida was foreign to her
when she moved to the area. While completing her Masters program in Social
Work at Florida International University, Shanna applied for an internship at The
Pride Center, and the student soon became the teacher.
After finishing graduate school, Shanna truly thought she would pursue a career
in a clinical setting. At that time, she went back to her small hometown for her
grandfather’s funeral where a relative refused to hug her because she works with
the HIV community. That one bit of ignorance was the catalyst for her to be more
vocal and to take on her mission to expand awareness and education about safe
sex and the LGBTQIA community. Coordinator for the Prevention Outreach
services at the Pride Center became her perfect vehicle. “Now, I even do condom
demonstrations at family parties,” she laughs.
The Center has been privileged to have Shanna on the team for four years.
First as an intern, where as she gleefully puts it, “I really hit it off with Kristofer
[Fegenbush], and worked with everyone and in every program.” She was soon
offered a part-time position and is now Prevention Outreach Coordinator, fulltime with an amazing support staff.
Shanna is helping pave the road for more young women in her field, working daily
with gay men in HIV prevention. She recognized that at first the men were a bit weary
to open up to her. It wasn’t long, though, before she created trust. Regardless of Shanna
being among the lowest risk demographic to contract HIV, her compassion shines
through. Shanna Ratliff is quick to show her warmth, friendliness, approachability,
and believes, “Bringing a woman’s perspective to the table has actually helped
the guys to embrace my role here at The Center. And I think, it’s also opened the
doors for more women to be integral parts of the growth we are seeing, with more
programming like Couples Speak for both men and women.”
If you haven’t met Shanna Ratliff yet, next time you’re in The Pride Center, be
sure to make her acquaintance. She is a down-home girl, with a sure smile and a
wealth of information.
+The Pride Center spearheaded a local initiative to
create a tri-county LBT Women’s Health Directory with
over 300 culturally-competent healthcare providers
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Down-Home Girl Did you know?
19
Why I Ride
O
n November 13, hundreds of
cyclists will begin to cycle
165 miles from Miami to Key
West on SMART Ride 11. 100% of
funds raised benefit seven HIV/AIDS
service organizations doing life-saving
work across Florida, including The
Pride Center. Some riders and crew
members of the Pride Pack share below
what motivates them to participate.
If you’d like to donate funds to their
participation, visit www.TheSmartRide.
org and search for their last name. Every
dollar helps.
VOICE Fall 2014
Rona Saunders
A bicycle requires human action to get
results, as does the fight against HIV/
AIDS. I ride to show my commitment
to the fight against HIV/AIDS to elicit
greater public support.
Rafael Reyes
‘It’s not over ‘till it’s over!’ This is why
I partake… for my clients, friends and
myself - until there’s a cure. 30 years
have passed since I became involved
in the cause and today I feel ever more
hopeful that we are finally close to
making this illness that has affected so
many lives HISTORY. I crew in this
year’s SMART Ride with tremendous
hope in my heart and cheer for all of us
doing our part to prevail and be able to
say ‘remember when’.
Sarah Strock
Supported by my husband, Bart, riding
the SMART Ride allows us to personally
bring more awareness into our own
“suburban” sphere of family, friends
and business associates. They are not
familiar with the importance of the
services and programs that are needed to
live life to the fullest with HIV. Bridging
our worlds is definitely what this ride is
all about for me.
Tomas Soto
20
I’m participating in the SMART Ride
because young gay men, particularly gay
men of color, continue to contract HIV
at alarming rates. While the HIV/AIDS
epidemic may look different now, the
stigma towards those infected continues,
and it’s so easy to get complacent. HIV
programs (e.g. HIV testing, education &
emotional support) are still very much
needed. The Pride Center provides
these services which is why I’m part of
the Pride Pack again this year.
Robbie Shore
I find for me the best reason for doing
this wonderful, life changing SMART
Ride is really about asking myself ‘why
not’ rather than ‘why’. The ‘Why’
includes a life changing, friend making,
community building event. It’s the
‘why not’ that has become impossible
to really justify.
Kevin O’Connor
I was born in 1950. On the numerous
times I have viewed parts of or the
entire AIDS Quilt, I note that many
of those names inscribed represent
individuals who are my contemporaries.
I personally knew some of the people
attached to those names. I know I am
blessed to have been given the gift of
the years of my life. SMART Ride is
one way to do what I can to insure that
gift of life for others.
Clint Bridges
This is my first year participating in the
SMART Ride and the Pride Pack team.
It’s important for me to feel like I’m not
only a part of the community, but that
I’m doing what I can to help out. It
will be a great sense of accomplishment
in helping those in need and reflection
on those affected. Looking forward
to being part of such a great group of
people who are passionate about what
they are doing.
Yvonne Dalpay
I’m riding because I believe this
disease can be eradicated from our
society. No one should suffer alone or
without hope. I believe my participation
and faith has a valuable contribution to
The Pride Pack. I believe we should lead
by example and conduct our lives not
solely for ourselves but for those who
will survive us.
RJ Hadley
This year, after providing HIV tests
to more 20-something gay males than
ever, I know there’s more to do. More
testing, listening, sharing, gathering,
understanding and growing. All for
myself and my community. Since the
mid 80’s when I first rode in causes
like the SMART RIde, I’ve ridden
thousands of mile and raised thousands
of dollars. Most importantly by sharing
my story I know I’ve helped others see
a bright future..
Lenny Chesal
I ride to support my fellow Pride Pack
riders who are deeply committed to the
cause. Help those with AIDS and find
a cure to end this plague. I also ride in
memory of Jorge, my wife’s dear friend
who lost his battle.
Deidra Doc B,
Motorcyle Escort
I ride for all the ones that can’t. And
for the ones who are able, I promise to
keep them as safe as possible...I think
about the people I pass: Do I know their
struggle with HIV? Why are they doing
this? Are they hurting? I also see the
faces of friends that I have lost...I want
my community to know that I am there
for them. Always.
Susan McCloskey
The past year has seen the quality of
my life increase in so many ways as I
have begun getting involved at The Pride
Center. I have met the most wonderful
people attending Monday Night’s
Women’s Group, Book Club, basketball,
arts shows, etc. Before The Pride Center,
my nights were spent home alone going
to bed early to usher in the next day.
Now my life is full and happy, so I want
to give back to The Pride Center that has
so changed my life.That is why I ride.
Leslie Rutland-Tipton
I wish I could tell you the reason I ride
is only for others...I wish I could tell you
some of my desire to ride wasn’t selfish,
but it is, at times, selfish. You see, even
though this ride has given me a way to
stand alongside and suffer for others,
I, too, receive from this event. I have
made friends that I will know for life, I
am always overwhelmed by the support
for the riders, and the sense of teamwork
and family is one that stays with me all
year long. Honestly, I feel like I get way
more than I give.
Joseph Ortlieb
I ride to make a difference in the lives
of people infected and/or affected by
HIV/AIDS. I ride to increase awareness
of a virus that I know will be curable in
my lifetime. This year will be my eighth
year, and every year I am amazed and
humbled by the number and diversity of
exceptional people I have encountered. I
know this year will be yet another of our
journeys towards the cure of HIV/AIDS.
Kristofer Fegenbush
I wish I didn’t have to ride. I wish I
wasn’t watching young and old folks
test positively weekly. I wish we had
a cure. But we don’t yet. So cramming
my muffin top into lycra to sweat and
peddle through the beautiful Keys
with an inspiring community of my
closest friends is an easy way to make
a lasting difference.
The Equality Park Garden Club recently
hosted a dedication for the new courtyard
project. The Garden Club continues to
invest resources in the beauty of the
Equality Park campus.
www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
Courtyard Dedication with Garden Club
VOICE Fall 2014
21
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These businesses represent some of our valuable supporters.
To become a Business Founder, please contact Roger Roa:
[email protected] 954.463.9005
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VOICE Fall 2014
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www.PrideCenterFlorida.org
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23
Fourth Annual Community Day
To Be Held Saturday, October 25
VOICE Fall 2014
The Pride Center will again host
this popular community and
family outreach day for all ages on
Saturday, October 25 from 11 a.m.
to 2 p.m. All are welcome--single or
married, senior or youth. Activities
include a Kids’ Costume Contest
indoors with South Florida Family
Pride and an outdoor Pet Costume
Contest. Broward Sheriff’s Office will
again provide K9 demonstrations,
fire trucks, police vehicles and more.
Come join the fun!
(Photos by Steve Shires)
Join The Pride Center as a Member Today!
Types of Membership:
•Individual $40 per year
•Household $70 per year
•Student (under 25)$30 per year
•Senior (over 65)$30 per year
•Friends $200 per year
•Best Friends
$500 per year
•Founders Circle starting at $1,200
24
per year*
*Additional Founder Levels are available.
Contact 954.463.9005