FLORIDA DIGEST - January 18, 2009

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~~FLORIDA GLBT NEWS~~

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

-Fort Lauderdale candidate fighting for his reputation
By Brittany Wallman
You might call Earl Rynerson the wild card in the mayor's race. A political
newcomer who didn't even vote in the last city elections, Rynerson suddenly emerged on Fort Lauderdale Is your Fort Lauderdale restaurant clean? - Click Here.'s political scene last fall, saying he wanted the top elective post.
Rynerson has quickly jumped from anonymity to controversy, and Thursday he talked about his campaign's ups and downs.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbrynerson0116sbjan16,0,5922673.story

-Broward's first openly gay mayor
By Gregory Lewis
John Fiore became the first openly gay elected official in Broward County Click here for restaurant inspection reports when he won a seat on the Wilton Manors City Council in 1988. He achieved another first in 2000 when he was elected mayor.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sfl-0114firstgaymayor,0,26403.story


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

-By the numbers: the first 'gay census'
Leaders try to get detailed assessment of Broward's GLBT community
By JUAN CARLOS RODRIGUEZ
To any seasoned political strategist, demographic information is power. For any marginalized group that lives on the fringe of society, like many in the transgender community, visibility is more than acknowledgment. It's a gateway to change.
http://www.floridablade.com/2009/1-14/news/localnews/5451.cfm


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From Transgender Equality
Contact rays.list@comcast.net for the full article

-From Shane Gunderson
Transgender People and Broward County Homeless Shelters
I want to commend Broward County's Office of Equal Opportunity Internal Investigations and Oversight Division because they recently emailed these attachments to homeless providers with the message, "Attached find a Copy of "A Guide To Making Homeless Shelters Safe For Transgender People" prepared by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Policy Institute and the National Coalition for the Homeless. I think you will find this guide very helpful in providing guidance on how to comply with the County's non-discrimination policy/ordinance. This guide provides guidance on issues such as intake; bathroom, showering and sleeping arrangements; dress code; confidentiality; safety; harassment; what constitutes gender identity and expression discrimination, etc. Also attached is the County Administrator's Reaffirmation memorandum of the County's Equal Opportunity Policy. [Trainingopportunities can also be arranged.]"


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Ft. Lauderdale: Rodstrom/Glassman Horserace Neck and Neck
Now this one looks close!
It pits City Commissioner Charlotte Rodstrom, wife of County Commissioner John Rodstrom, against the Central Beach Alliance President Steven Glassman.
A third candidate, businessman Howard Elfman is trailing somewhere back in the pack. The ironic thing about this race is that Glassman was instrumental in Rodstrom's triumph to the Commission seat just three years ago. In that race, Glassman and other beach activists turned out an enormous beach vote for Rodstrom and she came from behind to beat Jon Albee in the General Election. Glassman now says "he was wrong". In his campaign appearances, he says that Rodstrom is ineffective and divisive, and says she needs to go.


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Congregation Etz Chaim, Wilton Manor's only synagogue, will hold its fifth annual Winter Wonderland Dance on Saturday, January 24, from 7 to 11 p.m., at Temple Beth El, 1351 South 14th Avenue in Hollywood. The Winter Wonderland Dance is for both guys and gals and features the music of D.J. Donna. The Dance is "BYOB," and set-ups and soft drinks will be available.
Admission to the Dance is $20 in advance or $22 at the door. Make checks payable to Congregation Etz Chaim and mail them with a self addressed stamped envelope to Congregation Etz Chaim, 1881 N.E. 26 Street # 100, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. For more information call Joyce at 954-718-5800.
Cong. Etz Chaim, which is currently celebrating its 35th Anniversary, holds Sabbath Services Friday nights at 8 at 1881 N.E. 26 Street in Wilton Manors.


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GLCC "Stars of the Rainbow 2009" Honorees Announced

-Fort Lauderdale - The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida (GLCC) is proud to announce their 2009 Stars of the Rainbow Honorees to be showcased at this year's annual Stars of the Rainbow fundraising event.
2009 marks the Center's 16th anniversary of providing valued services and programs to the community. The Stars of the Rainbow 2009 Gala & Celebration will be held on Sunday, March 1st hosted by the Hyatt Regency Pier Sixty-Six, 2301 S.E. 17th Street Causeway, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316. The schedule for the evening will be:
...5:00 - 6:30 PM - VIP Reception at the Hyatt Regency Pier Top Lounge, known for its dazzling 360-degree views. Complimentary valet parking is available at the main entrance of the Hyatt Regency. Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment will be enjoyed during this intimate gathering of friends. At the end of the VIP Reception, guests will be escorted into the Crystal Atrium to enjoy the evening's festivities.
...6:00 - 7:00 PM - A Reception will take place in the Crystal Atrium where the
Silent Auction and entertainment will take place while cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
are served.
...7:00 - 10:00 PM - A sit-down dinner will be served while guests enjoy the Honoree Recognition Video Presentation. There will be special entertainment including a live performance by Jody Watley. Music and dancing will continue throughout the evening as everyone celebrates the honorees accomplishments.
...Tickets are $225 for VIP Tickets or $150 for Gala Tickets. Underwriting and Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Robert Boo, Director of Development at 954.463.9005 or email rboo@glccsf.org. Additional information can be obtained by visiting www.glccsf.org or www.starsoftherainbow.com.
...Business, Organization & Media -
Hotspots Magazine
Window Media (South Florida Blade & 411 Magazine)
...Community Star
Terry DeCarlo - Public Relations & Marketing Manager, Broward House
Nadine Smith - Executive Director, Equality Florida,
...Fundraising Board Member
Dale Russell, President
...Volunteer
Tyler Healis, former GLCC Board member
Lucille Marino and Corinne Wyatt - President and Vice-President of Women In Network (WIN)
...Alan Schubert Humanitarian Award
Glen Weinzimer - Smart Ride Founder
http://www.glccsf.org


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SpeakOut with Staceyann Chin
Nationally recognized New York-based Jamaican lesbian spoken word poet and performer Staceyann Chin comes to Miami for a week-long residency as part of Tigertail's SpeakOut project for GLBT youth, with events for people of all ages! Chin's poetry is a bracing, no-holds-barred yet tender examination of her own life and the world around her that locates itself at the complex intersection of sexual, gender and racial identities. She co-wrote and performed in the Tony Award-nominated Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam, presented her own one-woman shows Off-Broadway, and is published in numerous anthologies.
"With poems that combine hilarious one-liners with a refusal to conform Chin is out to confront more than just the straight world." -
The Advocate
Staceyann Chin events include.......
...Monday, January 19, 7:30 pm
Race, Sex & Identity
A Conversation in the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community
Don't miss this free panel discussion on the night of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Staceyann Chin, noted Latina lesbian performance artist and comic Marga Gomez, and others, moderated by South Florida African-American lesbian activist and performer Bishop S.F. Makalani-MaHee. Miami Light Project, 3000 Biscayne Boulevard, Suite 100, Miami Co-presented with Miami Light Project
...Thursday, January 22, 6:00 pm
Gay & Lesbian Youth Open Mic & Slam
Hosted by Staceyann Chin & Teo Castellanos
Each participant (21 and under please) gets a chance to arouse, provoke and inspire with spoken word poetry! Material needs to be gay friendly. Free and open to all teens with no reservations needed. Sign- in at the event at 5:30 pm, Open Mic 6:00 - 7:00 pm, Slam 7:00 - 8:30 pm. Miami Beach Regional Library, 227 22nd Street, Miami Beach (just off of Collins Avenue)
...Friday, January 23, 7:30 pm
Reading & performance with Staceyann Chin
Come experience Chin's electrifying spoken word poetry. Free and open to all! Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables


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Innaugural Bashes - Tuesday!
Got plans on Tuesday night?
I hope not, because you've been cordially invited to an Inaugural Bash in Fort Lauderdale. Well, a few of them actually. Hundreds of thousands of us are getting together from coast to coast to celebrate this historic event together-and there are a few parties happening right near you in Fort Lauderdale. There are all different types of Inaugural Bashes. Some people are holding potlucks in their homes, some are getting together in local bars and restaurants, and some are throwing black-tie Inaugural Balls. You can check out all the parties in your area to find one that's your speed. You don't need a tux or a gown-all you need to do is show up. Can you make it?
Here are some of the parties near you:
Wilton Manors Yes We Did! aka Goodbye Bush Bash!!
Where: Rosie's Bar and Grill (in Fort Lauderdale)
When: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at 7:00 PM
RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=90927&id=15387-5533006-D7CsGFx&t=4
ABC Web Service Inaugural Bash
Where: Near 5 Points in Wilton Manors (in Fort Lauderdale)
When: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at 5:00 PM
RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=88457&id=15387-5533006-D7CsGFx&t=4
Gather for a Celebration of Change for us all
Where: Sunrise Blvd. and Andrews Ave. (in Fort Lauderdale)
When: Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2009, at 10:00 AM
RSVP:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=91170&id=15387-5533006-D7CsGFx&t=4

To see other Inaugural Bashes near you, click here:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/inauguralbash/?id=15387-5533006-D7CsGFx&t=5
No matter which Inaugural Bash you choose, the important thing is that you'll be gathering with other progressives in your community who are fired up about Barack Obama's inauguration and ready to help get the change we elected Obama to deliver. The grassroots energy that powered Obama's campaign isn't fading away. But we'll get back to the hard work of changing our country on Wednesday. On Tuesday, we're going to celebrate all we've achieved together.


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Palm Beach Human Rights Council
FLORIDA LEGISLATURE TO CONSIDER GAY RIGHTS BILL
Representative Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton) has filed legislation to update Florida's laws covering employment, housing and public accommodations to prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, familial status or marital status. "All Floridians should have the opportunity to earn a living and provide for their families without fear of being unfairly fired or denied housing for reasons that have nothing to do with their job performance or their ability to maintain a home," said Skidmore. For the third consecutive year, Skidmore filed her bill at the request of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, a non-profit civil rights organization dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression.
www.pbchrc.org


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Mark's List
http://frontpage.jumponmarkslist.com/MSFL/2008/052908.htm

-We're excited to get 2009 off to a strong start. That's why Equality
Florida is partnering with allies across the state for a Rally in Tally for LGBT Equality on Monday, March 16. The rally will mark the start of our annual Equality Florida Lobby Week. Come join us in Tallahassee for the rally, then stay for all or part of the week and tell legislators that it is time to protect our rights and our families. Calendar - March 16th 2009 Rally in Tally!
http://ga4.org/Equalityflorida/events/rallytally/details.tcl


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From Steve Glassman for Fort Lauderdale City Commission Campaign
It is down to the home stretch and Steve needs everyone's help to cross the finish line first! During the past 7 months, residents in every neighborhood in District 2 have met with Steve and have learned why he has led his neighborhood association for the past six years - it is because of his leadership, reason, and judgment. Now, friends from Steve's neighborhood want to thank him for all of his years of service and caring! Join our hosts Cindy and Peter Galiette, Steve Crombe and Will Rubino for a poolside Beach Bash. It doesn't matter where you live in District 2; everyone is invited. We are all in this together and we need to change direction!
When: Friday, January 30th from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
Where: La Rive, 715 Bayshore Drive.
RSVP: call 954-638-8461 or e-mail: steve@voteglassman.com by Tuesday,
January 27th.


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Florida - OUT!
An organizing committee in formation, made up of leaders from around the state, is in the process of creating and launching a statewide federation of local organizations: Organizations United Together, Inc. ("OUT").
OUT's mission will be to connect and empower local organizations to share resources, skills and information in order to forge statewide strength in the pursuit of equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Floridians. OUT intends to work hand-in-hand with other state and national organizations that share similar goals. A first meeting of local leaders from around the state will be hosted by OUT in Orlando, Florida on January 24, 2009. Check-in is at 10 a.m., and the meeting will start promptly at 10:30 a.m. and end at 4:00 p.m. Lunch will be provided.
Kevin Burns, Miami-Dade - North Miami Mayor
Tom Dempsey, Escambia - Gay Grass Roots of NW Florida
Karen Doering, Pinellas - Organizations United Together
Terry Fleming, Alachua - Organizations United Together
Stephen Gaskill, Broward - Organizations United Together
Rand Hoch, Palm Beach - Palm Beach County Human Rights Council
Ted Howard, Hillsborough - Organizations United Together
Paul Hyman, Broward - Gay and Lesbian Community Center of South Florida
Cathy James, Hillsborough - Tampa Bay Family Pride
Michael Kenny, Broward - Organizations United Together
Lorraine Langlois, Pinellas - Metro Center in Pinellas and Hillsborough
Lisa Livezey Comingore, Leon - Impact Tallahassee
Rev Joe McMurray, Monroe - MCC Key West
C.J. Ortuno, Miami-Dade - SAVE Dade
John Ruffier, Orange - Central Florida HRC Steering Committee
Heddy Pena, Miami-Dade - Organizations United Together
Gary Resnick, Broward - Wilton Manors Mayor
Bill Robinson, Orange - DEC Chair
Scott Saraga, Duval - PFLAG of Jacksonville
Patty Sheehan, Orange - Orlando City Commissioner
Michael Shelton, Sarasota - Sarasota Equality Project
Herb Sosa, Miami-Dade - Unity Coalition/Coalicion Unida
www.outfl.org



~~FLORIDA GENERAL NEWS~~

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

-Obama-Meek comparisons go only so far
BY BETH REINHARD
Flanked by an attractive lawyer-wife and two children, a young black politician announces an audacious bid for higher office. Sounds familiar.
http://www.miamiherald.com/news/columnists/beth-reinhard/story/858146.html

-Sink's withdrawal opens up Florida's Senate field
By Adam C. Smith
With Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink out of the running for the U.S. Senate, the Democratic primary could hardly be more unpredictable, with no one widely known. Let's take a quick glance at the plusses and minuses of the prospective field.
http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/article968490.ece

-Broward County Republicans say goodbye to President Bush
Supporters of President Bush demonstrate to show their appreciation
Rachel Hatzipanagos
Fort Lauderdale - Car horns blared from both supporters and critics of President George W. Bush on Saturday at a rally held by 25 Republicans to bid farewell to the commander in chief.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/community/news/fort_lauderdale/sfl-flbbush0118sbjan18,0,2369920.story


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