FLORIDA DIGEST - September 18, 2008

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

Sun-Sentinel
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Advocates give away condoms and reach out in different languages to preventHIV/AIDS
FORT LAUDERDALE, HALLANDALE BEACH, DELRAY BEACH -
AIDS disproportionately affects minorities. African Americans account for nearly half of all AIDS and HIV cases in the United States; Hispanics make up nearly one of every six cases. Today through Sunday, HIV/AIDS professionals from across the country will address those facts and discuss ways to stop the spread of the virus at the National Minority AIDS Council, the largest annual AIDS-related meeting in the United States, at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/broward/sfl-flbhivaids0918sbsep18,0,6236584.story

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From Florida Red & Blue
We have always taken the time to write our own emails warning about theconsequences of passing Amendment 2. This week, to our delight, that emailwas written by the News-Journal Online. Read their unedited opinion of whatamendment 2 does why we must stop it:

-"Amendment 2: (Marriage amendment)
While Amendment 1 aims to fight bigotry, Amendment 2 -- placed on the ballotby citizen initiative -- would foster prejudice. Even worse, it'sdeceptively worded so as to hide its true scope. Voters should see throughthis cynical ruse to draw ultra-right voters to the polls in a high-stakespresidential election year. The amendment bills itself as "marriageprotection." Its supporters say it's meant to keep Florida from being forcedinto recognizing unions between same-sex partners. Malarkey -- state lawalready bans same-sex unions in four different statutes, using language thathas withstood legal challenge in other states. But the real problems withthis amendment go further than supporters are willing to admit. Legalanalysts say it could be used to block companies that provide benefits forunmarried partners -- regardless of whether such unions are homosexual orheterosexual. It would needlessly tangle "Golden Girl"-style arrangementsthat allow seniors to share living accommodations while preservinginheritance rights for their descendents, and could also complicatechild-custody arrangements for thousands of unmarried parents in Florida.This amendment is heartless and pointless. The main beneficiaries: Attorneyswho would reap fees from the endless litigation this amendment could spawn.
RECOMMENDATION: No on Amendment 2."
http://www.sayno2.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=ContributeOnlineNow&category=contribute


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This Friday GLAAD will launch its TGIF (Thank GLAAD It's Friday) series atGeorgie's Alibi in Wilton Manors. If time permits, we'd love for you tojoin us for a complimentary Absolute Cocktail or two and some awesomenetworking. This is the 2nd year Geo and I have had the pleasure of servingon GLAAD's TGIF Host Committee. GLAAD does some wonderful work and we areproud to support this worthy non-profit organization. Please considerjoining us this Friday, beginning at 9:00 PM. CLICK or Copy and Paste thefollowing link for more information about TGIF or to RSVP.
http://www.gaysofla.com/content/view/387/50/
Hope to see you there!
Regards,
David L. Wylie, Senior Editor
Geo Bustamante, Associate Editor
www.gaysofla.com


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Ribbons for the Hildren Update/Dropoff Date Change
I hope many of you are planning on participating in Ribbons for the Childrenthis year. The exhibit and reception will be at the Museum of Art FortLauderdale (picture that on your resume). Due to the Arts NightOUT event atthe Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale on September 27, 2008, we have changed thedrop-off date of the Ribbons For the Children artwork at the StonewallLibrary. The new drop-off date is Saturday, October 4, 2008 between noonand 2:00pm, at Stonewall Library & Archives, 1717 North Andrews Ave, FortLauderdale, FL 33311. Please bring your artwork framed and ready to bedisplayed, along with the attached application. Be sure to fill out theArtist's Statement about your artwork, and a brief Artist Biography; thesewill be reprinted on the back of the cards that will be printed with yourimage. If you have any questions, please contact Keith Clark atkeith@artsunitedonline.org or at (954) 568-1154
Sincerely,
Keith Clark
Executive Director, ArtsUnited, Inc.
Presenter of ArtExplosion '09
954 568-1154 Direct
954 551-5273 Cell
www.artsunitedonline.org
www.artexplosiononline.org


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Join us on Saturday, September 20, 2008 for a free screening of the filmSouthern Comfort, followed by a Q&A and panel discussion with thefilmmaker!!
This moving documentary chronicles the last year in the life of Robert Eads,a female-to-male transsexual diagnosed with ovarian cancer, who was turneddown for treatment by two dozen doctors out of fear that treating such apatient would hurt their reputation. By the time he received treatment, thecancer was too advanced to save his life. In the film, we're introduced toseveral people who figure prominently in Robert's life -- most importantly,Lola Cola, a transsexual who's become Robert's life partner and cares forhim full-time. The two prepare to lead a panel at the annual SouthernComfort conference, a yearly event created for transgender individuals. Southern Comfort was awarded the Grand Jury Prize (Documentary) at theSundance Film Festival in 2001; First Prize at the Seattle InternationalFilm Festival and the Special Audience Award at the Berlin Film Festival. Apanel discussion with director Kate Davis, Lola Cola and Tobias Packer ofEquality Florida will follow the screening. The discussion will be moderatedby Rhonda Mitrani.
Southern Comfort
Saturday, September 20, 2008 12:00pm
The Light Box, 3000 Biscayne Blvd #100,
Miami, FL 33137


~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

Earl Rynerson for Ft. Lauderdale Mayor Campaign
I want to personally invite you to my next "Earl For Mayor" CampaignReception at my home here in Fort Lauderdale. The date is Friday Sept 26th(next week) from 7pm to 9pm. It will give me an opportunity to meet you andexplain what my vision is for Fort Lauderdale. My address is 438 NE 8thAvenue in downtown Fort Lauderdale. I am two blocks east of Federal Highwaybetween Broward Bouvelard (to the south) and Sunrise Bouvelard (to thenorth). I would appreciate it if you can Bring Your Checkbook! My fundingsources are all grass-roots, so your donation is very important to oureffort. (Maximum amount is $250.00 per person). I will be speaking aboutthe City's budget, salaries, my concept of "destinations", development, andpolishing up the image of Fort Lauderdale to make ours a "World Class City"!If you would like to know more about me before you stop by, please visit myweb site to learn more about my background: www.earlformayor.com.
Earl Rynerson


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Miami Herald
http://www.miamiherald.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-Broward teen faces deportation to Mexico
A Broward teenager fighting deportation with help from classmates and hisart teacher could learn Thursday whether he can stay or must go back to hisnative Mexico. Meynardo Garcia, 18, a prize-winning artist with a fullart-school scholarship who was brought into the country illegally at age 10by his mother, is scheduled to appear before an immigration judge in Miamito plead for a chance to remain.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/690682.html

-Thousands of fugitives snared across Florida
Scores of fugitives -- wanted on an array of violent crimes -- have beenarrested in a U.S. marshals-led sweep that targeted the''worst-of-the-worst'' offenders statewide. The U.S. Marshals Service,assisted by federal, state and local law enforcement across Florida,arrested 2,497 fugitives and cleared 2,943 warrants statewide as part of the10-week sweep, dubbed ``Operation Orange Crush.''
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/breaking-news/story/691634.html

-There is no truth to the rumor . . .
LEONARD PITTS JR. | COLUMNIST
For the record: Sarah Palin did not call dinosaurs ''lizards of Satan.''
Barack Obama is not a Muslim. That list of books that Palin supposedly wantsto ban is a fake. Obama doesn't refuse to say the Pledge of Allegiance. Thepicture of Palin wearing a flag bikini and hefting a gun is a fraud. Obamais, too, a U.S. citizen. Palin doesn't want Alaska to secede.
http://www.miamiherald.com/opinion/other-views/story/689470.html


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Fort Report
http://www.fortreport.com/
Go to the links for the following articles:

-CNN/Time: McCain-Obama tied in Fla.
A new Opinion Research Corp. poll for CNN and Time shows Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama tied at 48 percent apiece in Florida. The poll of 907 registered voters (as opposed to likely voters) was taken Sunday through Tuesday and has a 3.5 percent margin of error.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/blogs/content/shared-blogs/palmbeach/floridapolitics/entries/2008/09/17/cnntime_mccainobama_tied_in_fl.html?cxntfid=blogs_q_florida_politics

-Nearly 300,000 New Florida Voters Sign On With Democrats
A significant Democratic lead this year in new registered voters in Florida represents a potential leg up for the party's presidential candidate, BarackObama. The rub is getting these voters to show up on Election Day.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/sep/17/nearly-300000-new-florida-voters-sign-democrats/news-politics/

-CAMPAIGN 2008: Broward judicial candidate off ballot in name dispute
A judge ordered a judicial candidate off the ballot because of the name sheused. Adding confusion to what already promises to be a bustling ElectionDay, a judge on Wednesday ruled that a Broward judicial candidate's name must be stricken from the ballot.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/broward/story/690938.html

-Insurance commissioner: AIG's Florida units remains solvent
Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty, seeking to allay consumer concerns, this morning said all of American International Group's 46 insurance subsidiaries operating in Florida remain solvent and urged policyholders to continue to pay their premiums.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/state/content/business/epaper/2008/09/17/0917aigfla.html

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