December 27, 2020March 14, 2021 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

HOWARD ZUCKER

Body-positive photographer Howard Zucker, from SylvesterQ Photography, makes everyone feel sexy under the camera’s gaze in South Florida.

Where did you grow up? In New York City. What do you miss about it there? The friendships built over the years. How long have you lived in South Florida? For 15 years. Why did you move here? For the warmer weather. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Fort Lauderdale. What do you like most about living here? That it’s an openly-gay city. Where do you hang out in South Florida? At Ramrod. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? My recent favorite restaurants that are closings. If you had to live somewhere else other than here, where would you live? In California.

Loving: A Photographic History of Men in Love, 1850-1950 portrays the history of romantic love between men in hundreds of moving and tender vernacular photographs taken between the years 1850 and 1950.

What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m a self-esteem photographer—I help people be body-positive about themselves. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Banking—always get it in writing! What’s the hottest shoot that you’ve ever done? When I shot ten guys in a group leather scene. What have you been doing to keep yourself busy during the quarantine? Networking my photography. Will you ever retire? When I can’t take photos anymore I will. What’s the best place that you’ve ever visited? Greece. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who made a difference for people with my photography.

What are you an expert at? Making people feel comfortable. What do you want to live long enough to see? Solid equality for the gay community. What’s your favorite movie? Private Benjamin. What drives you crazy? Trump and his followers. Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? Yes. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To let go of what people think of you. Who’s your favorite performer? Cher. What’s your best characteristic? I’m a great communicator. How do you enjoy spending your time? Watching movies and TV. What celebrity do you have crush on? Ryan Reynolds.

Who do you admire? Michelle Obama. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My grandmother. Where would you go in a time machine? To my younger years to encourage myself as a child. What would your last meal be? Creamy pasta. What do you worry about? Today’s politics. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf. Who depends on you, and for what? Friends do, for advice and companionship. What would your autobiography be called? Discovering Self-Image Photography. What’s on your bucket list? Writing a book. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not coming out earlier than after college. Where can we see you? Right now…? At home! You can also see me at HowardZucker.net and at SylvesterQ.com.

March 29, 2020April 12, 2020 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

RAJEE NARINESINGH

In the midst of these unsettling times, here’s a story of inspiration from someone who triumphed over health challenges, and she managed to do it all with a smile on her face. Meet Rajee Narinesingh.

PHOTOGRAPH BY WWW.ELEGANTPHOTOGRAPHICS.COM

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? I was born in New York, but I grew up in Philly. What do you miss about it there? I miss the season of fall. It’s usually so hot here in South Florida. I love fall because it’s not too hot and not too cold. How long have you lived in South Florida? I arrived in South Florida in January of 1989. So, it’s been 31 years. Why did you move here? It was time for the birdy to leave the nest and spread my wings and fly. My dad and I were clashing horribly. He said that I needed to get the hell out! What part of South Florida do you live in? I live in Hollywood, Florida. I always said that I would make it to Hollywood, but I should have been a little more specific (laughs). What do you like most about living here? I love the cultural diversity of the area and the sunshine. The palm trees are beautiful, too.

Rajée’s story is both inspiring and devastating in equal measure. An outcast literally from birth, Rajée has had to fight racism, prejudice and ignorance her entire life. Through a series of events that would have broken even the strongest man, Rajée emerged as a butterfly does from a cocoon into a beautiful spirit, yet the cruelty of life has deprived her of the traditional facial value.

What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? In the 90’s the clubs down here had a certain electric energy to them, but after the internet advanced, the energy is gone. For LGBTQ people it was somewhere we gathered to be ourselves and connect. The great thing about the internet is now you can literally talk with someone across the world. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I usually hang out in the LGBTQ city of Wilton Manors. It’s where a lot of the outreach organizations are that I do my activist work with, and I also feel pretty safe doing social outing there. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I’m a firm believer that everything that I have gone through makes me who I am at this moment. What’s the best performance that you did so far? I think my performance in Bella Maddo as the character “Aunt Norma.”

What’s the best movie or TV show that you’ve been in so far? I would have to say the reality show, Botched. It’s given me a platform around the world. What’s your dream gig? I would love to have my own show. Will you ever retire? Because a lot of my work now is activism, I think that I’ll be an activist until I die. What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? If I have a porno I can send them. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? David Bowie on a flight coming back from England to the U.S. in 1986. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My Facebook inbox, which is flooded (laughs). How do you take your coffee or tea? I am a coffee girl. And it’s usually the coffee-flavor Starbuck’s in a bottle. When I wake-up in the morning I put one in the freezer to get it cold and slushy. I love the rush of the coffee with the coldness. It really wakes me up.

What’s the best place that you’ve ever visited? I’ve been to Canada, Trinidad, England, New York, and Los Angeles. I think that my recent trip to Washington, D.C., for the Trans March was the best in the sense that it was a full-circle moment for me. Growing up my family would go to D.C. in the summertime to visit. I have some fond memories of being with my family together there. And here I was so many years later marching for my rights as a transgender American. Who would play you in a movie? I’m not sure? What are you superstitious about? Nothing really. Do you believe in aliens? We would be pretty arrogant to think that in this big universe we are the only beings. What’s the gayest concert that you ever went to? I have not been to many concerts. I went to the Prince’s Purple Rain concert. And the Jackson 5 Victory concert (laughs). If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? For the love that I gave to the world.

What do you want to live long enough to see? I want to live long enough to accomplish my spiritual mission here and to touch at least seven billion people with my love. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That you can’t please everyone and that you hurt yourself trying to. What corrective surgery that you had was the roughest? The fourth facial surgery I had. They pulled back both sides of my face, and I was on the table for about six hours. What did you learn from your parents? From my mom, that niceness goes a long way. From my dad, to be precise. Who’s your favorite performer? Bruno Mars. What’s your best characteristic? My kindness. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love being in front of a camera filming. I also like to be home watching Locked Up Abroad and To Catch a Smuggler.

What celebrity do you have crush on? Drake, Prince Royce, Dev Patel, and Rick Gonzalez. Who do you admire? The fact that Nelson Mandela went from prisoner to president. Princess Diana’s global appeal. Harriet Tubman’s determination. Kyle Jenner’s wealth and social media following. And Dr. Ernest Holmes. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My dad, so we could have a conversation about the relationship we had and life, since he’s been on the other side. Also, Jesus, Marilyn Monroe, and Gandhi. Where would you go in a time machine? I would go back just for a little bit to when Jesus was born to see how the story really played out. And then I would go 1,000 years in the future just for a little bit to see how the world will be then. What would your last meal be? A Korean bulgogi platter. What do you worry about? That I’m doing what I came here to do. What are you afraid of? That one day hate will conquer love.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? Probably a choir instructor. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep that has toughened-up through the years. Who depends on you, and for what? My mom, and the LGBTQ community, for the activism that I do. Who are you closest with? My mom and a few close friends. What would your autobiography be called? How A Botched Beauty Touched the World! What’s on your bucket list? That I only go after I have completed everything I need to do and that I can die with the feeling of divine completion! What’s your greatest regret in life? That I started to believe “the haters” from a very young age. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? Damn, so much of my story is out in the world, but I don’t think that many know that I had sex behind a church once. Where can we see you? Google “Rajee Narinesingh” and you will see me all over!

February 23, 2020June 29, 2020 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

PETER BISUITO

What other comic can be found in a “traditional” sitcom and on Xtube? Ladies and gentlemen, meet Peter Biscuito.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In Webster, New York. What do you miss about it there? My friends and family. Well, “certain” friends and family. How long have you lived in South Florida? For four years. Why did you move here? I was living in Buffalo, New York, and I got tired of the cold winters. What part of South Florida do you live in? In the best part—Fort Lauderdale. What do you like most about living here? The social life. Where do you hang out in South Florida? On my couch. Do you consider yourself more a performer or a producer/writer? Bitch, please. I do it all—perform, produce, write, direct, dictate, manage, control and manipulate… You name it. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Least prepared me…? Um, I worked at a bowling alley once. Nothing that I do now involves bowling or wearing ugly shoes.

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If you’d like to donate to Season 1 of Vent and Chester, you can go to PayPal.com and make a donation to Peter’s account at MyBigFunnyPeter@yahoo.com.

Other than Vent and Chester, of all of your projects in front of the camera, which one was the most special so far? I performed a sold-out show at the Broward Center in December 2016. It was the most successful show of my life, and it convinced me that I can be just as famous as anybody else that’s performed there. Of all your projects behind the camera, which one do you cherish the most? I used to own a wedding videography business for many years. My wedding videos were kick-ass! What’s the weirdest thing that ever happened to you on stage? I performed at a gay nudist camp in the Pocono Mountains. Although I didn’t perform nude, I did get naked for the last three minutes of the show. That felt pretty weird being naked in front of 700 gay men. However, I did make a lot of friends (laughs). Who would you kill to perform with or work with? Well, I wouldn’t kill anybody, but I’d love to work with Madonna or Bette Midler. What other comic inspired you the most? Kathleen Madigan. She was the one who truly inspired me to pursue comedy. Will you ever retire? I don’t think I would completely retire, but when I could afford it, I would only work a fraction of the time. Perhaps on a fun project here and there…

What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? I have fans…? When did this happen? What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I met Lou Ferrigno once in 2001. I was a huge fan of his growing up. Don’t worry, I never told him that I used to masturbate to his photos. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? Tom Hanks’ documentary series on Netflix about the 1970s. Wow, Richard Nixon was quite the douche bag. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Crazy…? I wish I did crazy things. I’m the most straight-forward guy you’ll ever meet. I have a perfect driving record since 1986. I don’t even have a cavity in my mouth, for god’s sake. I did walk my dog and didn’t clean up his shit once. What’s your favorite book? The bible. It’s perfect to prop up a couch. What’s the best concert that you ever went to? Bugs Bunny in concert at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles in 1999. Do you still have your childhood blanket or stuffed animal? No. They both got too crusty, so my mom threw them away. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? The promo video for Vent and Chester.

What’s the best place that you’ve ever visited? Amsterdam! I love that place. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? My goal is for millions to say, “Peter made me smile.” What do you want to live long enough to see? The ability to fly. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? The sciatica really does hurt. What did you learn from your parents? How to laugh at myself. Who’s your favorite performer? Me!! What’s your best characteristic? My heart. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love going to the movies with a big bucket of popcorn and soda. What celebrity do you have crush on? Mariah Carey. Who do you admire? Anybody with a good sense of humor. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Wow, that’s a tough one. I miss my grandmother like crazy. I never met my grandfather. He died before I was born, so he’d be kind of cool to meet. However, I think that I’d bring back my sister. She was only 35 when she died and still had a whole life ahead of her.

Where would you go in a time machine? I’d go to one day prior to hearing the winning lottery numbers. How do you take your coffee or tea? Up the ass. What would your last meal be? Angel hair pasta. What do you worry about? E-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! What are you afraid of? Stupid people. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A skin flute. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep every day, but a wolf in bed. Who depends on you, and for what? My dog depends on me for love, affection and food. Who are you closest with? My mom. What would your autobiography be called? I don’t wanna ruin the surprise. What’s on your bucket list? A world tour. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not starting comedy sooner in life. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? That I never pee standing up. I always sit down. Where can we see you? On Xtube or at my website.

January 22, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

JEREMY HOBSON

Ubiquitous in Fort Lauderdale’s leather scene at Ramrod’s LeatherWerks and the front desk at Inn Leather, leather man Jeremy Hobson is also know for a 1970s photo. And it was all about the hair.

Where did you grow up? In Denver. What do you miss about it there? The mountains and my family. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 2011. Why did you move here? For a change, and for the weather. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Middle River. What do you like most about living here? The ocean, and the gay life. Where do you hang out in South Florida? At Ramrod, and at the beach. What’s your claim-to-fame? We had a family photo that went viral on the Today Show because of my parent’s matching hairdo’s. I’m also known for Inn Leather and LeatherWerks at Ramrod. What’s the weirdest thing the ever happened to you at Leather Inn? I’m a weirdo, so nothing’s weird to me. What’s weird to others seems perfectly normal to me.

HOBSON WITH FAMILY, AS SEEN ON THE TODAY SHOW

What’s the kinkiest thing that ever happened at Leather Werks at Ramrod? I guess the kinkiest thing that I do at the Ramrod is flog customers, although I don’t consider that very kinky. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a nice guy that always looked out for others. What do you want to live long enough to see? The world. Will you ever retire? Probably not. What’s your favorite movie? Female Trouble. What drives you crazy? People with a sense of entitlement. Do you have a pet? I have an English bulldog. How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I’d be loving it. I’d get to smell and lick any guy I wanted, and lay around all day. Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? Yes.

What’s the last thing that you looked at online? The price of a Bitcoin. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Hawaii. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That it doesn’t matter what other people think of you. What did you learn from your parents? Not much. Who’s your favorite performer? Right now, it’s Die Antwoord. What’s your best characteristic? I’m non-judgmental. How do you enjoy spending your time? Outdoors or having sex. What celebrity do you have a crush on? There are too many to count. Who do you admire? My brother. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My brother. Where would you go in a time machine? To the future.

What would your last meal be? Lobster. What do you worry about? Money. What are you afraid of? Not being able to support myself in old age. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A standup bass. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? “Woof” (laughs). What would your autobiography be called? No Regrets. What’s on your bucket list? To travel to Berlin, Amsterdam, Greece and Italy. What’s your greatest regret in life? Like I said, I have no regrets. My life experiences have made me who I am today. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? I really am a pretty good top. But shh, don’t tell anyone. This is Fort Bottomdale. Where can we see you? At LeatherWerks in the Ramrod, or at Inn Leather.

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January 8, 2019January 8, 2019 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

ADAM BARTA

The world is on fire listening to the single and watching the video for Adam Barta’s smash hit with Tan Mom, “Free 2 Be Me.” But stars must also keep up their appearances. You’ll never guess who Barta wants to get lipo from.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In the Bronx. I’m New York born and raised! What do you miss about it there? I have so many wonderful memories with my mom there. So, more than anything, I miss our Sunday brunches and shopping trips. How long have you lived in South Florida? About two and a half years. Why did you move here? Because I have tons of family here, for the warm weather, and for the more relaxed lifestyle. I’m a senior citizen at heart (laughs). What part of South Florida do you live in? Port St. Lucie. What do you like most about living here? The fact that I can swim in my pool in the middle of January! What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Saint! That probably dates me (laughs), but it’s where I had my first gay kiss. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I love Rosie’s—the “Big Helga” is my favorite appetizer of all time. Wilton in general is a ton of fun. Clematis for dinner, or even Jensen Beach in Port St. Lucie.

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What’s your claim-to-fame? That depends on who you ask, but it could be as a Billboard chart-topping musician, or as a reality star, or as a guest on the Howard Stern Show! Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Doing proposals at IBM. Who’s your favorite pop star? Lady Gaga. Who’s your favorite songwriter? That’s also Gaga. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? I would like to tell them I was more than just a great set of boobs. I was also an incredible pair of legs. What do you want to live long enough to see? Myself on my own reality TV franchise. Will you ever retire? Yeah, when I’m dead! What’s the weirdest question that a fan’s asked you? What my biggest fetish was. What other celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Traci Lords. Even though we’re friends, she’s an icon! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Tumblr, but not for long. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? I love Chicago. Who would play you in a movie? Zac Efron, or Fred from Nickelodeon.

What are you superstitious about? Nothing, really. I believe in actions more than superstitions. Do you believe in aliens? Yes! And if they ever abduct me, all I ask is that they just give me some lipo before they return me. What’s the gayest concert that you ever went to? The Night of a 1,000 Queens. What’s the most times that you watched a movie or read a book? I’ve seen the movie Clue probably easily over 100 times. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Patience. What did you learn from your parents? The value of hard work, and to never give up. Who’s your favorite performer? RuPaul. What’s your best characteristic? My work ethic, my loyalty, and my perseverance. How do you enjoy spending your time? With my family, with my boyfriend, and with my friends. Oh, and eating. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Ryan Phillippe. Who do you admire? Marti Gould Cummings. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My mom.

Where would you go in a time machine? To see my mom on a Christmas past. What would your last meal be? Ravioli a la vodka. What do you worry about? Falling short, and not making money. What are you afraid of? Death. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A rock guitar. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Who depends on you? My family and boyfriend. Who are you closest with? My boyfriend, my aunts, and my best friends. What would your autobiography be called? To Vodka, Thanks For Everything—Adam Barta. What’s on your bucket list? Scuba diving. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not meeting Gaga when I had the opportunity. And I had it three times. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? It wouldn’t be a secret then if I told you! Where can we see you? You can follow me on Instagram, or you can see me on my website!

December 10, 2018December 18, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

JUSTIN FLIPPEN

With his landslide victory in Wilton Manors last month, Justin Flippen is now in the elite category as the mayor of the second city in the country to have an all-gay commission. Hear what’s on Flippen’s mind, in his first interview since his historic win.

Where did you grow up? I’m a proud Broward County native. I lived in Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coconut Creek, and Wilton Manors all at different stages of my youth. If you had to narrow it down, what do you like most about living in Wilton Manors? The people and my neighbors. What’s something that’s special about Wilton Manors that’s not commonly known? We have foxes and bears. One, the four-legged mammal. The other, the two-legged people kind (laughs). What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Six Flags Atlantis. Other than Wilton Manors, where do you hang out in South Florida? I love nature, so I’m often in the Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m not sure I have fame to claim, but I’m proud to be local born-and-raised and now the local mayor of the most progressive city around. Which political accomplishment is the most special to you? Besides being elected mayor by the people in one of the most decisive city elections in Wilton Manors’ history, officiating a group/mass-marriage ceremony of couples on Valentine’s Day at city hall when marriage equality was recognized was pretty special.

What was the most exciting event that you ever attended, and why? The first inauguration of President Barack Obama in January 2009. To attend it was an inspiring and a uniquely-American experience that I’ll never forget. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? My first job as a shipping clerk. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a man who did all the good he could for all the people he could, in all the ways that he could, and for as long as he could. What do you want to live long enough to see? Humanity no longer dependent upon non-renewable resources and brave enough to live cleaner and greener. Should “straight” conversion therapy be banned? As a survivor of such so-called conversion therapy, and based upon research and medical experts, yes. The practice has been banned on minors in Wilton Manors and all of Broward County. What’s the weirdest question that a constituent’s asked you? “What do you think about the ghost haunting our old city hall?”

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Leonard Nimoy. I got a picture doing the Vulcan salute with him! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I Googled the ancient pyramids of Caral, Peru. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Jerusalem. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? Madame Secretary or Murphy Brown. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Night snorkeling in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Hawaii with giant manta rays. What’s your favorite book? The Bible, Living History by Hillary Clinton, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. What’s the best concert that you ever went to? Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Cher. Do you still have your childhood blanket or stuffed animal? Yes. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Basic learning alone is not what makes one wise. Rather, wisdom comes with the righteous application of the knowledge that one has gained. And, of course, mom was right on a lot more than I thought.

What did you learn from your parents? How to be self-reliant and independent. How to take responsibility in life, but also to not take life too seriously. Honorable mentions include how to iron, clean, rotate my own tires, and do laundry. Who’s your favorite performer? Hugh Jackman, Leonard Nimoy, and Zachary Quinto. What’s your best characteristic? I would hope my sincere desire to do right by others. How do you enjoy spending your time? For leisure, I love seeing and experiencing our country and world, especially our National Parks. This year, I completed a bucket-list item. I’ve now visited all 50 states. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Henry Cavill. Who do you admire? Jesus Christ, my grandmother, and Eleanor Roosevelt. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My younger brother, Nick. Where would you go in a time machine? Back to 2016 to warn people, to get more folks to vote, and to enjoy Obama as president one last time. What would your last meal be? Something Peruvian or Italian. What do you worry about? Not playing my lotto numbers the week they come in, and having Trump as President.

What are you afraid of? The rise of nationalism and the decline of patriotism. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A zampoña, which is a traditional Andean panpipe of Peru. There’s something mystical and spiritual for me whenever I hear it played. It speaks to my soul. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Neither. Can I be a bear or an elephant instead? Who depends on you, and for what? The people of my city depend on me to serve them with my best, and nothing less. Who are you closest with? God, and a very select group of family and friends. What would your autobiography be called? Oh, I don’t know. Maybe, Flippen: Beyond the Bear Minimum. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Inspirational, pop and country, but not just when I’m upset. Latin beats and rhythm usually raises my spirits too. What’s on your bucket list? To visit all of the National Park sites in America. Of the approximately 418 sites, I’ve visited 291 so far. I’m also working on visiting every state capitol building. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Many of the answers in this interview. Where can we see you? At Starbucks or at city hall. People can also follow me on my Facebook and Twitter accounts.

December 3, 2018December 8, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

GARY KEATING

Gary Keating—the founder of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus—is back, and he’s better than ever. Take a peek at what’s on Gary’s mind, before seeing him this weekend in the chorus’ annual holiday show.

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Swanzey, New Hampshire. It’s a wonderful, small town near Keene, in the southwest corner of state. What do you miss about it there? I do miss the seasons. Especially the Fall. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 1979. Why did you move here? To do my master’s degree in music at the University of Miami. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live in Oakland Park now. But I lived in Wilton Manors for 17 years. What do you like most about living here? South Florida has been wonderful to me, both professionally and personally. It allowed me to come out and meet my husband of 36 years. It let me work to help thousands of people living with AIDS and to educate thousands of kids who didn’t get the disease.

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What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I regret the loss of some of the classic, historic homes lost to high-rises on Brickell Avenue, and now in Broward. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I love my hometowns of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. They remind me of small-town New Hampshire. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m the artistic and founding director of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. I also helped found choruses in Fort Myers, Orlando and Tampa. Who’s your favorite composer? Sondheim and Palestrina. Who’s your favorite conductor? Jo-Michael Scheibe at USC. If you had to choose one, do you think that music or dancing could heal the world? Music. Everyone can join in without embarrassment! Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? All of my jobs have been so totally different, but there’s no regrets. I’ve done teaching, fundraising, marketing, artist management, running a performing arts venue, and running a symphony.

If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who cared and loved and didn’t sit on the sidelines. What do you want to live long enough to see? All people in the U.S. treated equally, and veterans treated like the heroes that they are. Oh, and my nieces and nephew married, if that’s what they choose. Will you ever retire? Not likely! I hope the Lord still has things for me to do. What’s your guilty pleasure? A great Manhattan. What’s your favorite band? It’s still The Beatles. What’s your fondest childhood memory? Camping with my family. What were you like in high school? Involved, but shy. What’s your favorite quote? “Love the person you look at in a mirror first. Then you can love the world.” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Nell Carter. She was amazing. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Facebook, to follow my family and friends, and to “like” their adventures and successes.

What’s the best place that you’ve visited? New York City. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That alienating anyone for whatever reason is a terrible thing! People need to feel accepted and respected. What did you learn from your parents? To be a hard worker, and to have total love and acceptance. Who’s your favorite performer? The great Leontyne Price. What’s your best characteristic? I hope that I’m caring and kind. How do you enjoy spending your time? With family, being around music, and anytime that I can be around horses. What celebrity do you have a crush on? I’ve had a lifetime crush on Pat Boone. Who do you admire? Barack Obama and Cory Booker. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Selfishly, my auntie Irene Woods. She knew who I was long before I did! Where would you go in a time machine? To the night that I met my husband. It was magical.

What would your last meal be? A lobster with good clam chowdah. What do you worry about? That violence is a solution for anything. What are you afraid of? I experienced more loss working for an AIDS agency than anyone should in a lifetime. I’m afraid that too many Americans are experiencing that kind of loss today, especially those that are under 20-years-old. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? An organ. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? People see me as a sheep, but there’s a wolf in there. Who depends on you, and for what? My former students still do for support, and my friends do for love and support. Who are you closest with? My husband and my brother. What would your autobiography be called? I Tried to Live Life, Not Watch It Go By. What’s on your bucket list? More travel abroad. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I hurt people when I came out. Where can we see you? About town as a new realtor, and always with the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus!

November 19, 2018November 20, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

CHAD BUSH

In just five years, Chad Bush has turned Fort Lauderdale’s Pig Week into the country’s preeminent bacchanalian event for gay men. But you’ll never guess what game Bush plays in his down time.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In Akron, Ohio. What do you miss about it there? Swenson’s Hamburgers. The Galley Boy hamburger, specifically. How long have you lived in South Florida? Off and on my whole life, but 12 years now for this last stint. Why did you move here? Because I hate the cold. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? I love being in a community that supports each other. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Blue Marlin. What’s your favorite naught venue in South Florida? Well, Ramrod. What’s your claim-to-fame? Besides raising my son, starting Pig Week and having it grow to be the largest party of its kind in the world.

ADVERSTISEMENT

When did you start Pig Week? I started working on it in 2014, and the first one was in 2015, so this is the fourth one. Why did you create it? Because there was nothing like it here in the USA. What’s important about Pig Week? It brings together all genres of men. Leather men, twinks, bears, muscle men, and jocks. All men can be “Pigs.” Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Cleaning the parking lots of shopping malls in Akron. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As a man with a vision. Do you believe in an afterlife? I believe more in afterbirth. I have seen that. Do you think that this is the most amoral time that’s ever existed? No. I think the worst was the early 80s when the government did absolutely nothing to research HIV and let millions of gay men die from aids. That was the worst.

What do you want to live long enough to see? For Broward County get a vote-count right. Will you ever retire? I thought that I already had. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? How to spell “Blue Marlin.” What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Waipi’o Vally, Hawaii. Who would you like to be for a day? My dad asked me that when I was 11, and I told him Grace Jones. He knew then that I was going to be the boy that could not throw the ball. Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My son and Ralf Vidal. What talent would you most like to have? To see the future. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That after you get grey hair and you’re dying your beard, it’s easier to go blond than it is to go brown.

What did you learn from your parents? Everything. They are amazing. Who’s your favorite performer? Nina Hagen, Nina Flowers, and Nina Simone. Ok, well, somebody named Nina. What’s your best characteristic? My ability to laugh. How do you enjoy spending your time? Playing duck, duck, goose. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Jason Statham, if he gained 50 pounds. Who do you admire? Barney Frank. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Rosalind Russell. Where would you go in a time machine? Well, first kill Hitler, then invest in Apple, and then tell Grace Jones that I want to be her. What would your last meal be? My grandmother’s gumbo and spoon bread. What do you worry about? My thigh. It itches.

What are you afraid of? This bug that I just found on thigh. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? Zamfir’s pan flute. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Is pig an option…? Who depends on you, and for what? My family, and for love. Who are you closest with? My Boyfriend, Ralf. What would your autobiography be called? The Making of Babylon. Ghost written by Mark Brandon, and available in May of 2020. What’s on your bucket list? A mop. This place is filthy. What’s your greatest regret in life? Smoking cigarettes. What’s something secretive about you that people don’t know? That I’m an artist. Where can we see you? Every weekend behind the bar at Ramrod, or everywhere during Pig Week.

October 15, 2018October 17, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

MICHAEL FAZAKERLEY

Few eras were as hedonistic or crazy as the club-kids and drag scene in New York during the 1980s and 1990s, and Michael Fazakerley was there to photograph much of it. The first retrospective of his work, some unseen until now, will debut this Thursday in Wilton Manors.

By Mike Jeknavorian

Where did you grow up? In Southwest Philly. What do you miss about it there? Family time and Rittenhouse Square. Where did you live in New York? I moved there in 1978 to attend FIT, and I lived in the same apartment in Chelsea for 28 years. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 2005, but I visited many times in the 80s & 90s. Why did you move here? In 2005, I wanted and needed change after 28 years in New York. I was drained from my 12-year career with Calvin Klein and Georgio Armani. What part of South Florida do you live in? I lived for eight years on Fort Lauderdale Beach, and now for five years in Wilton Manors. What do you like most about here? The nature and the weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa and The Marlin Beach. Oh, and Johnny’s (laughs). Where do you hang out in South Florida? I’m a little low-key today, so The Pride Center and Wilton Drive. I also enjoy the beach. What’s your claim-to-fame? I wore a few hats. Today, I believe it will be my photos from the New York club scene from the 80s and 90s. I’m planning to leave my archives to the Stonewall Museum so that they can be a part of our history, live on, be part of my legacy. I also had a great career as a photo stylus, window dresser and visual director.

Who was your favorite nightlife impresario? A favorite is hard to say. I loved Kabuki Starshine, Kenny Kenny and Leigh Bowery. Who’s your favorite fashion designer? Thierry Mugler, because of his impact, drama and creativity. What’s the craziest shoot that you ever did? Fifteen people in my one-bedroom apartment in New York for a HX cover and editorial for Valentine’s Day. What celebrity did you photograph who was different than what you expected? Leigh Bowery and Amanda Lapore. Both were sweet, conversational and professional. Will you ever retire? I’m semi-retired early due to health setbacks, but I do pet sitting, I volunteer at a few places, I’m looking into having a book published, and I’ll travel with my exhibit. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who cares for other’s well-being. What do you want to live long enough to see? Elected officials and big businesses having to show their financials.

What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked you? I get asked a lot about Party Monster, the film and what it was really like. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? As a stylist, I worked with many at Scavullo’s studio. I guess early Boy George and Grace Jones. Oh, and Cher. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? I googled the November election ballot to prepare myself to vote. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? A few. Sitges, Spain, and Mykonos, Greece. If Trump was drowning, would you save him? I would try to. What’s your favorite drink? Ice tea and lemonade—an Arnold Palmer. What’s your most treasured possession? Old family photos and my dad’s dog tags. Do you believe in ghosts? Spirits…? Yes. Either living or dead, who would you love to have lunch with? Lady Diana, David Bowie, and my brother Frank, who passed four years ago. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That money doesn’t buy happiness.

What did you learn from your parents? Work ethics and tolerance toward others who are different than me. Who’s your favorite performers? Cher, Elton and Patty Labelle. What’s your best characteristic? Compassion. How do you enjoy spending your time? I love the sea and mother nature. What celebrity do you have a crush on? John Stamos, for many years. Who do you admire? Many, for various reason, but let’s say Oprah and Cecil Beaton. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My dear friend, Jim Tremblay, who passed at 38. Where would you go in a time machine? To the first moon landing. What would your last meal be? Eggs, bacon, grits and biscuits with gravy. What do you worry about? Humanity. What are you afraid of? Prejudice and suffering.

Pansy Beat was a short-lived fanzine published by Michael Economy in New York from 1989 to 1990, totaling five quarterly issues. This book celebrates Pansy Beat’s brief but influential life, including a reprinting of all five issues in their original format, previously unseen photographs by staff photographer Michael Fazakerley, new full-color artwork by some of the original contributors, plus new essays and interviews.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A piano. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I go back and forth a lot, but sheep wins. Who depends on you, and for what? My pet-sitting clients, and my cat, Noah, for care, food, protection and love. Who are you closest with? Currently, my roommate Frank, my friend Charles, and my sister, Maryann. What would your autobiography be called? …And the Beat Goes On. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Wagner and Ravi Shankar. What’s on your bucket list? To visit Cuba and Fiji, and to have my exhibit shown in New York City. What’s your greatest regret in life? Being honest to a fault. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Wow (laughs). Hmm…? Pass. Where can we see you? At the Stonewall Museum on October 18, in L.A. in March 2019, and hopefully in New York City in the summer or fall 2019.

August 13, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

JAMES “JT” THOMPSON

As the creator of Key West’s official philosophy, “One Human Family,” and the host of 1 Saloon’s popular weekly event, the Cock Shock, few have lived longer on the island, or are associated more with it, than James “JT” Thompson. But beyond this, what saturnalian talent does Thompson wish that he still had?

Where did you grow up? In Denver. How long have you lived in South Florida? Longer than I can remember. How long have you lived in Key West? For 39 years. What part of Key West do you live in? In Old Town. Specifically, in the Bahama Village. What do you like most about living there? I like that it’s a community where individuality is rewarded. Was Key West better 20 years ago, when it seemed more “gay”? We used to only hang at gay resorts. But the goal of “gay lib” was inclusion in society as equals. Key West is still gay—and more LGBTQ-supportive than ever—but we’re enjoying all of the resorts and activities in the island, not just the gay ones. What Key West venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa was a heady, carefree time. Where do you hang out in South Florida? At my home bar, 1 Saloon. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m the founder of Key West’s official philosophy, “One Human Family,” I have fun being sex-proud in vids with Al Parker and later on Treasure Island Media, and I’ve hosted “Cock Shock” (which encourages everyone to be sex-proud and body-proud) at 1 Saloon for nine years.

It’s Saturday night in Key West and the Girlie Show is about to begin at the 801 Cabaret. Based on countless interviews with more than a dozen drag queens, more than three years of attendance at their outrageous performances, and even the authors’ participation in the shows themselves, Drag Queens at the 801 Cabaret is a witty and poignant portrait of gay life and culture. Own it in hardcover, for only $9.69.

What philanthropic accomplishment or award are you the proudest of? The Equality Florida’s “2017 Voice for Equality” Award. What’s your day job? I’m a graphic designer. I used to do graphic design for the Los Angeles Herald Examiner as well. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I swept floors for 35¢ an hour in 1967. That, and every job since, has taught me something about being a responsible and indispensable employee. How did you come up with your name? I was helping a friend raise her kids, and her two-year-old couldn’t say James, so we all went by initials. “JT” is short for James Thompson. Locals call me “Key West’s John Lennon” or “The One Human Family Guy.” If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? As someone who promoted unity, equality and diversity. What do you want to live long enough to see? I’d like to see a return to presidential dignity, integrity and honesty. Will you ever retire? I love my work and don’t have a rocking chair, so probably not. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked you? I have fans…?

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I was on The Joan Rivers Show in 91’ talking about The Hung Jury, and I found her to be as joyous, genuine and honest as anyone I’ve ever met. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Men. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Amsterdam, for the Gay Games in 1998. Who would you like to be for a day? I’m too happy being me. Do you believe in an afterlife? Quantum physics needs 17 dimensions, and that means that they’re at least a dozen dimensions that we can’t sense. We also know that energy can’t be created or destroyed—it only changes form. So, our personal energies will continue in dimensions that we can’t see, and it will be guided by the unavoidable law of karma. Do you think that this is the most amoral time that’s ever existed? I’m deeply worried, and highly motivated! Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My dad, my mom and my doggies—Doe, Shadow and Beau. What talent would you most like to have? I used to be able to do it when I was young and flexible. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To appreciate every day and every friend, and to take nothing for granted.

What did you learn from your parents? To stand up tall for what you believe in. Who’s your favorite performer? Jelly Roll Morton. What’s your best characteristic? Dependability. How do you enjoy spending your time? Hanging with my buddy, Beau (he’s a pit/lab from the shelter). What celebrity do you have a crush on? Sam Elliott and Joe Manganiello. Who do you admire? Eleanor Roosevelt. Partially, because she wrote the UN’s “Universal Declaration of Human Rights.” If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Since I was a child, I’ve had countless past-life flashes involving Lincoln. I’d like to have a long lunch with him. Where would you go in a time machine? Let’s stay in 2018. We have a lot of fucked up things to undo and repair. What would your last meal be? Maybe a joint? What do you worry about? Health care getting so expensive that only the rich can afford to be healthy. What are you afraid of? America being pulled backwards in a time when we must instead be accelerating forward.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? We’re all methane horns already. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m not a predator or carnivore, so I guess I’m more like a sheep. Who depends on you, and for what? My clients depend on me for my work, the community depends on me for One Human Family, and my buddy Beau depends on me for love and doggie kisses. Who are you closest with? My dad. He’s always been my hero, and he’s ninety-years-old now! What would your autobiography be called? Today is the Only Day You Can Live, Love and Laugh. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Ragtime. What’s on your bucket list? Touring Egypt. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not appreciating people while I had them in my life. What’s something that you never told anyone else? I’m an open book; I have no secrets. Where can we see you? In Old Town Key West, driving the One Human Family’s 1930 Model A Ford, or at the Cock Shock at 1 Saloon every Friday night.