July 23, 2018July 23, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

MICHAEL GONGORA

As one of the few native Flordians—who was also the first openly-gay commission in Miami Beach, and the first openly-gay Hispanic elected into office in the entire state—Commissioner Michael Gongora has seen many things come and go in Miami Dade over the years, not the least of which were the legendary Versace-era clubs of the 1990s.

Where did you grow up? I was born in Coral Gables, but I grew up in Miami. I moved to Miami Beach in 1992 right after Hurricane Andrew. How long have you lived in South Florida? I’ve lived here my whole life except for high school, when I lived in St. Pete. Where do you live now? In Miami Beach. What do you like most about living here? I like the weather, the great mix of people, and all of the special events that are here. It also helps that most of my friends and family live here, too. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Warsaw will always be magical in my memories. I miss many of the classic Lincoln Road venues including bars—Score and MOVA; also, 721, if you count Lincoln Lane—the Lincoln Road Art Center, and many unique, small businesses such as Pink Palm, Fly Boutique and Lupa di Roma. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I hang out mostly in Miami Beach. I still spend time on Lincoln Road. I also enjoy the Sunset Harbour Shops, a lot of the restaurants in North Beach—especially Prima Pasta and George’s Italian—and O Cinema.

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What place is a hidden gem in Miami Beach? The happy hour at Doraku on Lincoln Road is an amazingly good deal. I’m surprised that more people don’t take advantage of it. What was the best event that you went to in South Florida? If we’re talking “ever,” then this is a tough one. The White Party at Vizcaya in the 1990s was for sure one of the best events. Back then everybody used to get dressed up, and the best way to arrive was by yacht. Many celebs attended, including Madonna. You could also spot her dancing at Warsaw back then, too! My 24^th surprise birthday party at Amnesia in the VIP room was pretty special, too, and a great memory. Which award are you proudest of? I’ve been fortunate to receive many distinctions over the years, but two stand out. In 2013, the three premier Latin organizations—the Miami Beach Latin Chamber of Commerce, South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and CAMACOL—collectively gave me the “Hispanic Leader of the Year” award. And in 2014, I was selected by popular vote at the Pink Flamingo Awards as the first ever “Favorite Local Hero.”

Besides the office that you hold now, what’s you dream job? My dream job would be to communicate and educate through television, or other media, on a variety of topics such as law, politics, social issues and more. A talk show, of sorts. Which one of your old jobs most prepared you for what you do now? In college, I pursued acting and was fortunate to land a national TV commercial for Subway. The experience of auditioning for so many different types of things honed my confidence in public speaking on a wide variety of topics. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? I would like to be remembered as a good son, a supportive friend, and someone who gave back to the community. I live to make a difference for myself and others. Will you ever retire? I doubt it, although I do fantasize about it. What’s the weirdest question that a “fan” has asked you? I’m not sure that I have fans, but I do have followers on Facebook! One of the oddest requests from someone that I’ve never met in person was to come by their apartment for ice cream. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Probably Joe Manganiello, because I found him so good looking. Also, Lady Gaga. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Facebook.

What’s the best place that you’ve visited? The Amalfi Coast in Italy and the isle of Capri. They’re breathtakingly beautiful, the food is delicious there, and I love Italians. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? Big Little Lies on HBO. I’m catching up before Season 2 comes out. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Personally, probably flying out to Rhode Island when I was in college with very little money, no credit cards, no cell phone—they didn’t exist then—and hoping someone I barely knew would be there to pick me at the airport. It somehow all worked out. Politically, filing to run at the very last moment for state senator in 2016 in an un-winnable election. What’s your favorite book? I have many. Back in 1997, I really loved Memoirs of a Geisha. More recently, I enjoyed Gone Girl. I also loved The Southern Vampire Mysteries—I read them all. What’s the best concert that you ever went to? Every Madonna concert has been amazing, but I will never forget the first one, The Virgin Tour, because I was so excited to see her. I’m also a big fan of Whitney Houston, and I went to see The Bodyguard World Tour twice. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To fully fund my 401(k). What did you learn from your parents? The value of being loved unconditionally.

GONGORA WITH HIS MOTHER IN THE WHITE HOUSE

What public figure do you respect? Oprah Winfrey. She’s a completely self-made billionaire who impacted so many people’s lives for the better through her television show and financial generosity. What’s your best characteristic? Loyalty. How do you enjoy spending your time? Surrounded by people I love, or, if alone, getting a deep-tissue massage. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Channing Tatum and just about every actor in the Magic Mike cast. Who do you admire? My grandparents for having the courage to leave Cuba and leave everything behind to start over again from scratch in their 40s in a country where they didn’t speak the language. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? My grandmother. I miss her every day. Where would you go in a time machine? To the French court under Louis XIV. I’d also like to be able to time travel to the 1970s disco era and visit Studio 54 and all the other hotspots of that era. What would your last meal be? A zarzuela de mariscos with lobster and shrimp, a bottle of a good-quality Falanghina wine, and a chocolate soufflé for dessert. What do you worry about? Not being able to maintain my current lifestyle financially. It gets me out of bed every morning.

What are you afraid of? Illness. I’m not so afraid of death, but living with poor quality of life petrifies me. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be? A flute. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A wolf in sheep’s clothing. Who depends on you, and for what? My parents, and for emotional support. Who are you closest with? My parents, and my tight-knit circle of close friends. They know who they are. What would your autobiography be called? Prisoner in the VIP. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston—they’re both amazing vocalists. What’s on your bucket list? An African safari, and a trip to Southeast Asia, especially Thailand. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not getting in on the real-estate market before it exploded. What’s something that you never told anyone else? If I told you, I would have to kill you. Where can we see you? Everywhere. At Miami Beach commission meetings, on Facebook, through my email blasts, at a concert, or walking down Lincoln Road!

June 18, 2018June 18, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

LADY FANCY

As she and her merry band of gospel singers are about to debut their long-running gospel show at The Pub, Lady Fancy discusses her tireless work ethic, including working right up to the lunch of her own funeral

Where did you grow up? In Indiana. How long have you lived in South Florida? For 17 years. Why did you move here? For the weather, but mostly because South Florida is such a gay-friendly place. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Oakland Park. What do you like most about living here? The winters. If you’ve ever lived in Indiana, you could relate (laughs). What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone, and why? Costello’s (it was called the Gin Mill when we first moved here). It was small, nice and we made a lot of friends there. Where do you hang out in South Florida? We’re pretty much home bodies now, but it looks like I’ll be hanging out at The Pub a lot more often.

The Happy Goodman Family, is a Southern gospel group that was founded in the 1940s by Howard “Happy” Goodman and performed together for several decades. The Happy Goodmans achieved significant popularity in the 1960s. In 1968, they won the first Grammy Award to be awarded for a gospel album by a gospel group.

What’s your claim-to-fame? I guess that would have to be The Gospel Jubilee Show. How did you come up with your name? I was given that name because of Nancy Ross. We were getting ready to do our first show, and I didn’t have a name yet. So someone said, “Nancy and Fancy,” but I don’t remember who stuck the “Lady” part in front of it. What was your first gig, ever? It was in Bob (Nancy Ross) and Paul’s back yard. What was your first gig in South Florida? It was at Monkey Business Bar. What’s the strangest thing that’s happened to you onstage? I took one step too far to the right once, and I fell of the stage. Talk about humbling.

If you could only do one anymore—play the piano or MC—which would you choose, and why? That would have to be, play the piano. It’s always been my favorite thing to do. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I don’t have an “old job.” I’ve been a hairdresser since I was 17. It’s been a long time (laughs). Will you ever retire? My standard answer to that is that I’ll be working up until the lunch of my funeral. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Liza Minnelli. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? New York City, because Ron and I got married there. It’s just a wonderful, exciting and magical place.

What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To forgive and forget. Life is too short to hang on to so much stuff that is over and done with. What’s your best characteristic? My sense of humor. At least I think so, but I may be the only one. How do you enjoy spending your time? With my husband and our dogs. What celebrity do you have a crush on? There are too many to name. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? I’d bring back my best friend, Denise. She was a drag queen trapped in a woman’s body. We could finish each other’s sentences. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I’d go to the 1940s because of the music, the clothes and the cars.

What would your last meal be? That’s easy—pizza! What do you worry about? Being left alone after you’ve lost a partner. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? The piano, just because it’s my favorite. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep. Who are you closest with? Ron, my husband. What would your autobiography be called? Oh What a Journey. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Gospel music. What’s on your bucket list? To have my face pulled back up to where it used to be (laughs). What’s something that you never told anyone else? Well I certainly can’t tell it now in this interview (laughs). Where can we see you? At The Pub!

June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

CHUCK PANOZZO

Ladies and gentlemen, meet your grand marshal for Stonewall 2018—LGBT activist, local resident, and founding-member of Styx, Chuck Panozzo.

How long have you lived in South Florida? For 12 years. Why did you move here? I moved to Miami first. I had a friend that lived there. I lived in Miami for five years. I wanted to buy a house, and I wanted to be near the gay community, so I choose Wilton Manors. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? I know it’s a rainy day today, but, besides that, it’s an easy lifestyle here. The traffic is never a problem—you can get around. Also, the conveniences are close—it’s a walkable town. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? There was something called the Davie Casino in Davie, but I don’t think that’s it’s around anymore. We played there a few times. It was a good venue. I’m also glad to see that Tropics is opening up again. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? In my house (laughs). I think that there’s a certain time in your life when you just say, enough is enough. When I go out now, I say to myself, “why does everyone look like my nephew, and why do I look like everyone’s father?” We used to say that a good test was, “Would my parents be here?” But then again, they never went anywhere. Also, if you’re looking for romance, you’re not gonna find it in the bars. If you want to find the drunk of your dreams, go to a bar (laughs).

Styx’s fans will enjoy Panozzo’s detailed look at the band’s internal conflicts, but the heart of Panozzo’s autobiography is a sensitive and insightful look at “one gay man’s struggle to come to terms with himself” while performing in a rock world where “the things that would make the other guys laugh—a female fan lifting up her skirt, a pair of panties thrown on stage—just didn’t do it” for him.

What was your recent performance in Key West like? It was raining in the morning, and then it was cloudy in the afternoon, but the evening was great. But we play rain or shine, regardless. We were coming straight from a gig in Orlando, and the tour bus didn’t get to Key West until 6:00 a.m., so that part was hard. But they were so gracious to have us there that it made all worth it. Maybe I’m reading too much into it, but it’s important for a major act to play in an area that’s been negatively impacted by a hurricane. Maybe we didn’t bring a lot of awareness to Key West itself, but probably to the smaller neighboring islands. How did you get involved with the Stonewall Festival? Well, I feel strongly about Stonewall and how that event changed our lives. I remember when it first happened, but I educated myself about it more by reading about it. As far as the festival goes, it’s an honor to be asked to be the grand marshal for it, so I made it happen. I’m leaving the tour two days early, and they’ll have a replacement for me (they had to do this for some of my illnesses as well). I feel that the Stonewall Festival is an important event, so we need to do things as a community to keep getting the message out there. After all, we all want the same things in life. A better life, to live in peace, and to enjoy ourselves, so that message needs to be reiterated, because it seems like some are trying to take it away from us.

How will you celebrate after the parade? I’ll probably be asleep (laughs). I’ll be coming off a three-week tour, and I’m flying in on Friday so I can make it to the pre-Stonewall event at The Manor on Friday. If you had to pick one of your songs to be included in a welcome package for aliens, what one would you choose? “Come Sail Away.” And sometimes I dedicate the angels part of the song to people who are in trouble. But, speaking of inviting aliens to earth, we better be careful what we wish for. Assuming that they’re even physical, who knows what me might get? They might have some pathogen that could wipe us all out. What do you attribute Styx’s longevity to? If anything, I think that Styx has survived because we’ve been able to evolve after every tour. But rock and roll has become generational. Everyone knows Elvis, but when you say Guy Lombardo, they say, “Who?” Many bands are only around for five years, but we’ve been around for the 70s, the 80s, the 90, the 2000s, and now this decade. That’s five decades, but I’m just glad that we’ve been able to do it. And after all that, we’re still learning as a band.

*The Mission* is a thrilling return to Styx’s progressive roots, across 14 tracks. With a sound as big as a galaxy, and two years in the making, it embodies a throw-back progressive-rock feel. Recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, *The Mission*, which is Styx’s first album in 14 years, comes complete in a true hi-fidelity analog recording and mixed with a larger than life sound.

What’s touring like? The traveling is a nightmare. The show is the easy part. If it wasn’t for the show, I would never do it! What’s are your future plans with Styx? To live to 75 (laughs). If I make it to 75, Styx will have been together for 50 years! I always joke that I’ll live until 75, just so that I can reach that goal with Styx, and then I’ll drop dead an hour later. What award do you cherish the most, and why? Every year I get invited to speak to a gay youth group in Canada, and they named the award after me. I said to them, “I thought you had to be dead for that to happen?” (laughs). But seriously, it really is a great honor to be able to help people. For them to see someone who’s gone through the same things that they’ve gone through tell them, “don’t give up hope. It will be okay.” A lot of it is overcoming the negative things that we learned in our youth. If you wrote a sequel to your book, what would it be called? Maybe Touring 101? But I might just publish something like that online. It might just be my own personal travelogue. I go to so many places. Other than your bandmates, what musician do you admire, and why? The one who impressed me the most was Barbara Streisand. Oh, Bette Midler, as well. I talked with her for quite a while, and she’s so down to earth. It’s funny but the ones who you think are gonna be the biggest snobs end up being great.

Who would play you in a movie? Anyone but Scott Baio. What kind of music do you listen to that might surprise someone? I like classical music a lot. What dead musician would you like to have lunch with, and why? I might pick my dead brother. What’s the best concert you ever went to? I saw Boy George recently, and he was really good. Sometimes, when they’ve been gone for so long, you don’t know how they’re going to be. But he didn’t disappoint. What gay activist do you admire? I’m from the Harvey Milk generation, so I would say him. I was at bars with him as well. How would you like to be remembered? I want to leave two marks: I’d like to leave one for my music, and one for my gay life. But I never thought that in a million years that I’d still be performing after all these years. Look at me—I’m a gay man living the American dream. And if I can do it, you can do it. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it, or that you have to be lucky, or that you have to be in the right place at the right time. That’s all nonsense. If you keep plugging away, your dreams will come true. Will you ever retire? No. I told someone once, “the person who leaves their own band, a band that they helped form, is an idiot.” As long as I can keep doing it, physically, I’ll keep doing it. Even if you have a chronic condition, you can manage it and still work. What am I gonna do? Stay at home and watch TV? I wanna be the rock star on TV, not the one at home watching them on TV.

What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? I was talking with a fan once. He left after the conversation was over, but then he came back to me. He started talking with me again, but this time, he thought that I was my brother John, who had already died! I guess he didn’t know that John had died. He said, “Don’t you have a twin brother?” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Barbara Streisand. What’s the last thing that you watched on TV? Judge Judy, just this morning, at 6:30 a.m. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? A few years ago we took my nephew to an amusement park and we went on all those roller coasters. What’s your favorite book? How about, “what’s my favorite magazine?” (laughs). I try to read something light when I’m on these airplanes. I’ll flip through the magazines that are on them. But I do try to get as much information from as many sources as I can. I also read The Wall Street Journal every day. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My email. Do you like Facebook? Not really. All they seem to do is argue on there. They’re arguing with each other, about politics and other things, but they’re not really hearing each other. At first, I thought that social media was going to bring us closer together, but I think that it’s made things worse.

What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? I’m looking forward to going back to Quebec, San Francisco and Denver. You look forward to seeing your fans in all of the various cities, but in these cities, particularly. It’s funny, but people remember the last time that they saw you perform. They remember the exact time and place—they keep it in their consciousness. It’s amazing to me, and it means more to me than everything. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That you shouldn’t let the government, your religion or your family stop you from your dreams, because if you listen to them, you might give up. What did you learn from your parents? Hard work and love. When my father got cancer, I went through all the histrionics with God, such as, “Take me instead.” He died when he was only 56, so I didn’t get to spend as much time with him as I would have liked. Who knows what more I would have learned from him? What’s your best characteristic? That I’m a loyal friend. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Everyone in The Avengers movie (laughs). I don’t know. I’m more attracted to someone’s personality rather than to some guy who thinks he’s so great looking.

Who do you admire, and why? I admire my brother’s love of music. I also admire my sister, Emily. She has MS, and she’s totally paralyzed from it, but she never complains. She still has a great sense of humor as well. I talk with her every day. I have a deep love for her. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I wouldn’t go backwards. If I did, they’re probably curse me as witch. But I’m also afraid of the future. All this technology, with the iPhone, and what-not. And I’m NOT ready to see myself as a hologram yet. I’m more worried about the hear-and-now and how to keep the planet safe for future generations. But I think that there’s still a lot of work that needs to be done here first. And if we’re going to colonize space one day, the last thing that we want to do is bring the problems that the world is having right now up there (laughs). What would your last meal be? Good fried chicken. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? I wouldn’t mind being a big double bass in a symphony. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I think that I’m becoming both of them. I’ve learned some boundaries, so I’m not such as easy target as I used to be. Who depends on you, and for what? No one in particular depends on me, but I think that a lot of younger gay people are interested in hearing the experiences of an older guy who’s gay. Older people have the history behind us, and that can’t be replace. But the kids will have that one day, too.

Who are you closest with? My sister, Emily. It’s hard to put the emotions into words. I’m still alive—I had two bouts with cancer, so I’m supposed to be dead. But she went from being this very attractive woman, to being confined to a wheelchair full time. Life is hard, you know? I’ve yet to meet the person who hasn’t been beaten down by it in some capacity, so I just try to be thankful for each day. What’s on your bucket list? I’d like to go back to Southern Italy, to Pompeii. That’s where my mother’s from. To think that there are things there that were locked in time 2,000 years ago blows my mind. Do you think that you’ll ever find romance again? I’m married to my music. And if that’s how it is for the rest of my life, I’m okay with that. What’s your greatest regret in life? Not coming out sooner. I didn’t come out until I was almost 60. If I came out, I thought that it might hurt the band in some way, but it was foolish of me to think that. I officially came out at a human rights convention in Chicago, and it immediately changed my life—for the better. What’s something that you never told anyone else? They always say that you shouldn’t give away your beauty secrets (laughs), so the same stands for this question. You have to keep some things private. Where can we see you? You can see our tour schedule on our website, and you can also see me as the grand marshal at the Stonewall Festival in Wilton Manors on Saturday, June 16!

May 13, 2018May 24, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

JOE POSA

Despite touring the country with his one-man show impersonating Joan Rivers, actor Joe Posa still has time to enjoy the “gayness” of Wilton Manors. But what kind of balls would he have for his last meal?

Where did you grow up? I was born in the Bronx, but I grew up in Thiells, New York, in Rockland County. How long have you lived in South Florida? For seven years. Why did you move here? After living in Manhattan for many years, and then in Boston with my husband Frank Ribaudo, we settled in our home in South Florida. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Wilton Manors. What do you like most about living here? The gayness! And of course, the weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? I so loved The Coliseum. Where do you hang out in South Florida? I love the many restaurants, and, of course, the clubs on Wilton Drive. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m an actor, and I also impersonate Joan Rivers, Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli and Michael Jackson, to name a few.

What’s your most cherished experience with Joan Rivers? Performing at an event in Houston with her but AS her. We then hung out in her dressing room and talked, and that was amazing. What’s the best role that you ever did? Of course, Joan! I was also Erica Kane on All My Children with Susan Lucci, and Liz Lemon on 30 Rock with Tina Fey. What’s your dream gig? I’m living it now performing my Joan Rivers tribute show, The Bitch is Back!, with Joan’s head writer, Tony Tripoli. We’ve taken it across the U.S. and Mexico! Other than Joan Rivers, what performer do you admire, and why? Barbra Streisand, because of her work ethic and her striving-for-excellence in the work. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? All of it prepares you!

How would you like to be remembered? Besides as a kind and generous human being, I’d say as a master of illusion in the art of impersonation. Will you ever retire? As long as I’m able, I will be onstage! What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? The ole “where do you put it” question (laughs). What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Babs! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? A new wig (laughs)! What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Besides having worked for nearly two decades with my shows in Provincetown, and loving it, I so enjoy working and being in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. What’s your guilty pleasure? A full-bodied red. What’s your best characteristic? My infectious laugh! Also, my compassion toward others.

What’s your fondest childhood memory? The morning of a “snow day!” What are you afraid of? The state that our great country is in. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That the days are long, yet the years fly by. What did you learn from your parents? Humility. What performer do you admire, and why? Joan Rivers. Not only was she the best in what she did, but she defied the odds and was a survivor. How do you enjoy spending your time? Being with my amazing husband. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Joan Rivers, because we need her humor now more than ever! Where would you go in a time machine? I like being in the here-and-now. What would your last meal be? Being Italian, I’d have to say my husband’s pasta and balls!

What do you worry about? Our country, politically, and how we as a people are so divided on many levels. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? I’m a wolf in my work, yet a sheep when I chill. Who depends on you, and for what? My husband and my closest friends. They depend on me for positive words of advice. Who are you closest with? My husband, Frank Ribaudo. What would your autobiography be called? Me, Myself, and Her… What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Light classical. What’s on your bucket list? To be a talk-show host! What’s your greatest regret in life? I honestly feel that it’s all an amazing journey. What’s something that you never told anyone else? Well, I can’t tell you that. Where can we see you? At the Mizner Park Cultural Center in Boca Raton on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.!

May 6, 2018May 6, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

ANTHONY TIMIRAOS

With a new career photographing men in stylized states of nature, Anthony Timiraos—one of main founders of South Florida’s Our Fund—is always on the go. But he still has time to do this every week with his 92-year-old mother.

Where did you grow up? In Cuba. I left in 1962, when I was eight—don’t bother doing the math, I’m 65. My family was part of the Pedro Pan Exodus. Me and my 11-year-old brother came to the U.S. first, and my parents and younger brother came two years later. Me and my brother lived in several locations during those two years, including a catholic orphanage in upstate New York. What do you miss about Cuba? I was too young when I left, so I can honestly say that I don’t miss anything. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 2003. Me and my husband moved here from Connecticut. Why did you move here? For the lifestyle and weather, but not necessarily in that order.

Almost two years in the making, “expose” is a rich collection of 246 pages of full color nude photos by photographer Anthony Timiraos of nearly 40 different models. The artists’ collection of nude photographs provides a diverse look at the (mostly) male bodies positioned in classical poses. The author introduces you to each model with a short narrative providing the reader enough facts to connect the art to the individual on the page.

What do you miss about New England? Living close to New York allowed us to drive into the city anytime we pleased. It’s hard to replace what New York has to offer. What part of South Florida do you live in? Fort Lauderdale. What do you like most about living here? I love the weather and the sense of community in the LGBT community. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? At home, in the photo studio, on the beach during sunrise, at that gym, and at tai chi lessons. What’s your claim-to-fame? I don’t have any specific “claim-to-fame,” but I’m hopeful that through my philanthropy, including Out Fund, that I’ve helped to make this community a better place to live. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? Newspaper delivery at 5:00 a.m. during my early teens.

How would you like to be remembered? I’m a member of the Legacy Society at Our Fund, and me and my husband have designated an endowment there from our estate. I hope the endowment will continue to help our South Florida LGBT community, forever, and I hope that others will do the same. Will you ever retire? Probably not, as long as my health allows me to remain active. I consider that photography is my new job, but, unfortunately, the financial rewards are minimal at best. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My Instagram page. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why Barcelona and Madrid, because the quality of life in both cities is impressive.

WITH ARTHUR CRISPINO (LEFT) AND MICHELLE OBAMA

Who would you like to be for a day, and why? President Obama, because he taught this country many lessons, but, unfortunately, many were not paying attention. Do you believe in an afterlife? It’s hard to believe in anything that I don’t understand. Do you think that this is the most amoral time that’s ever existed? Yes. Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My husband, Arthur. How long have you been married? We’ve been together since May 8, 1970, and we got married in New York in 2013. What’s your recipe for success in a relationship? Hard work and honesty. What talent would you most like to have? Concert pianist. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That life’s too short.

What did you learn from your parents? Hard work and honesty. What’s your best characteristic? Patience. How do you enjoy spending your time? Doing photography. What celebrity do you have a crush on? There’s too many to list. Who do you admire, and why? The Obamas, because they’ve set a new standard for honesty, service to our country, and compassion. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Everyone who died from AIDS, because they were all taken away from us too soon. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would turn the machine off and walk the other way. What would your last meal be? Tapas in Barcelona. What do you worry about? A constitutional crisis in the USA.

What are you afraid of? A constitutional crisis in the USA. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? The fiddle, because of its simple and playful sounds. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep on one end, but a wolf on the other. You decide which end is which. Who depends on you, and for what? My 94-year old mother depends on me and my husband for her Saturday lunch at a local restaurant. Who are you closest with? My husband. What would your autobiography be called? Move Along. I’ve lived in 26 different locations during the past 65 years. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Classical music. Where can we see you? On my website!

April 29, 2018April 30, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

SUSAN JOHNSON GONZALEZ

With hits such as “Fascinated” and “Full Circle,” The South-Florida group, Company B, is forever cemented in the public’s consciousness of the 1980s. But why did Susan Johnson Gonzalez, the group’s only original member, initially move to South Florida?

Where did you grow up? In Jacksonville. How long have you lived in South Florida? All my adult life. Why did you move here? For a modeling and an acting career. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Miramar. What do you like most about living here? The weather. I don’t like the cold. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone, and why? Club 1235, because it had great ambiance and a great crowd. Where do you hang out in South Florida? In Wynwood, at the beach, and at home with the family. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’m an original member and the owner of Company B. What’s your most cherished live performance, and why? It was in Brazil. The audience was unbelievable. They were singing every song, and they waited for us afterwards to take pictures.

Which one of your songs is special to you, and why? “Fascinated,” because that was our first music video. What performer do you admirer, and why? Prince, because he wrote and produced all of his music. Also, because he didn’t take any crap from anyone. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I was a receptionist for a boat propeller company. How would you like to be remembered? As someone who was inspiring and uplifting to others. Will you ever retire? When I can’t dance anymore I will. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Would you leave your husband for me?” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? No one.

What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Instagram. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Paris, because of the culture, the history, and the food. What’s your favorite movie? Breakfast at Tiffany’s. What drives you crazy? Dishonest people. How would you feel if your dog was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I would feel loved. 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 trust my instinct. What did you learn from your parents? That to be early, is to be on time, and to treat others as you want to be treated. What’s your best characteristic? That I’m honest.

How do you enjoy spending your time? With my family, going to the beach, the gym, bowling, and just hanging out. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Shemar Moore. Who do you admire, and why? My mother, because she’s always had my back and supported me in everything that I do. She gives me unconditional love. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My grandma, because she was a great cook and a Godly person. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? I would go to Jerusalem to see all of the miracles that Jesus did. What would your last meal be? Shrimp, because I’m allergic to them, and they were my favorite. What do you worry about? My children. What are you afraid of? Snakes.

Company B’s debut album, featuring the hits, “Fascinated” and “Full Circle”

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? The piano, because of its versatility. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A sheep in wolf’s clothing. Who depends on you, and for what? My children do, for love and support. Who are you closest with? My husband. He just gets me! What would your autobiography be called? Don’t Be Surprised. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Gospel music. What’s on your bucket list? Sky driving, Dubai and Greece. What’s your greatest regret in life? Nothing. Everything is a learning experience. What’s something that you never told anyone else? I can’t tell you. Where can we see you? On the Freestyle Explosion Tour, and at companybmusic.com.

April 1, 2018April 12, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

TIFFANY FANTASIA

Fiercely independent, no one would ever accuse South Florida drag legend Tiffany Fantasia of being coy. But what would she do to avoid being lynched?

Where did you grow up? In Miami. How long have you lived in South Florida? All of my life! What part of South Florida do you live in? In South Beach. What do you like most about living here? The weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Coliseum. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? Hotel Gaythering and Molto. I like a nice, quiet atmosphere with familiar faces. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’ll tell you when I’m famous. How did you come up with your name? It was given to me. What’s the best gig that you ever did, and why? Mykonos, working the Dsquared party. I got to wear something that was worn by Beyoncé, but unfortunately, it was too small for me.

The star-studded and sidesplitting follow up to *The Andy Cohen Diaries*, Andy Cohen’s latest book *Superficial*, features Tiffany Fantasia.

What’s the most important gig or event that you ever did, and why? Miami Beach Gay Pride, when I had to stand up to protesters. It was a test of strength and courage. What’s your dream gig? A Broadway role, where the theater is sold-out. How would you like to be remembered? As person that gave her heart and soul to the audience! What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? I was asked to have sex with a straight couple. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Queen Latifah. She saw me perform, and she loved it. But then we spoke, and I acted like such a fan. Who would play you in a movie? That little boy from Moonlight. He could play the kid version of me. I’m not sure who could play the adult version of me.

Will you ever retire? Yes, when I die or I hit the lottery. What’s the last that you looked at online? Porn. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? Curacao, because the island is beautiful and multicultural. What the last thing that you watched on TV? How to Get Away with Murder. What’s the craziest thing that you ever did? Go to the gym. What’s your favorite book? Superficial, by Andy Cohen, because I’m in it. What’s the best concert you ever went to? Mary J. Blige concert! What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? That you can’t eat like a teenager when you’re an adult. What did you learn from your parents? To not be so trusting.

What performer do you admire, and why? Whitney Houston, because that voice is everything to me! What’s your best characteristic? The ability to see past the bullshit. How do you enjoy spending your time? By myself. What celebrity do you have a crush on? None. They’re too skinny for me. Who do you admire, and why? Tiffany Arieagus. That woman can perform for twenty-minutes straight, and you will be entertained from beginning to end. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My mom, because she was my rock. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? Nowhere, because they would lynch me for being too black and free. What would your last meal be? Grits, scrambled eggs, sausage, and corn-beef hash. And a big glass of Kool-Aid.

What do you worry about? Being broke. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? The saxophone. That’s one sexy MF. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? It depends on how I wake up in the morning. Who are you closest with? My bestie, Cindi. What would your autobiography be called? How the Hell Did I Get Here? What music do you listen to when you’re upset? R&B. Particularly, the My Life album from Mary J. Blige. What’s on your bucket list? To live a long life. What’s your greatest regret in life? Putting work over family. What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I don’t fart rainbows. Where can we see you? At Drag Brunch Miami, Hotel Gaythering, Molto, The Palace, and at Miami Beach Gay Pride.

March 18, 2018April 2, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

VICKIE BENNETT

At over 35 years, Vickie Bennett is—by all accounts—the most-tenured female bartender in the gay bars in Broward County. But it wasn’t always pretty. She had to learn how to survive in the male-dominate world of them—a world which she saw ravished by AIDS.

Where did you grow up? In Akron, Ohio. How long have you lived in South Florida? Since 1978. Why did you move here? Well, it snows in Ohio, and I love palm trees much better than snow. And I was young. Me and my girlfriend-at-the-time were on our way to California. She eventually went on to California, and I just stayed. What part of South Florida do you live in? In Davie. What do you like most about living here? I like the ocean and the palm trees. I just like it—I don’t know. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? Backstreet. Where do you hang out in South Florida, and why? I mostly stay at home with the puppies and my girlfriend. But when I do go out, I go to a straight bar. I want to go where no one knows my name and I can just be a fly on the wall. What’s your claim–to–fame? I’m the longest-running female bartender in the gay bars in Broward County. That, and my cocktails—people tell me about them all the time. They like to drink them because they don’t taste like pure alcohol. What’s the first place that you worked at in South Florida? Backstreet, in 1982.

The definitive book about mixed drinks. The book is noteworthy for its witty, highly opinionated and conversational tone, as well as its categorization of cocktails into two main types: aromatic and sour.

What’s the best place that you worked at in South Florida? Once again, Backstreet. It was in the space where Revolution is now. It took up the whole block; it was a big venue. It had a pool in the back, too. The early eighties was a very magical time to grow up and be gay. Particularly, in that club. At first, I did everything there—bar backing, taking care of the entertainment, etc. They eventually made me a bartender, but they put me on the second floor, in the back, figuring that I would quit. But I ended up making more than the boys, so they moved me to the first floor. Me and my girlfriend were the only female bartenders there. I never made so much money in all my life. What’s the biggest tip that you ever got? Nine hundred dollars. I only made one drink for this guy, and then he walked away. He left nine $100 bills under the ashtray. I tried to find him, in case he left the money by accident, but he was gone. What do you think about the gay bars today? Bars are getting more integrated, and young gays don’t give a fuck if you’re gay or not. I can’t imagine that young bartenders have a following, because people don’t go out like they used to. But I’m lucky because I’ve been here a long time, so I have a following.

What’s your best celebrity encounter? Andy Warhol. I was at the bar-area in Backstreet, and all these queens were like, “Who’s that ugly guy?” None of them knew who he was, if you can believe that. I had Warhol sign a napkin, and he drew a heart. I still have it. What celebrity are you closest with? Grace Jones. I used to hang around with her all the time. She’s fucking wild. I haven’t seen her for a while, though. Who’s your best industry friend? “Pooch.” I’ve known him for years. He’s a great guy. He used to work at Scandals, but I’m not sure if he’s there anymore. How would you like to be remembered? I really don’t know. I’ll leave that up to the public. I’ve introduced people who are still together years later, and I run into so many who tell me that I made their first drink when they just turned 21, or when they just moved into town. I feel like I’ve grown up with everyone here. Will you ever retire? Probably not. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Probably Facebook. What’s the best place that you’ve visited, and why? The keys, but not Key West. It’s not artsy there anymore, and it has too many cruise ships. And working at The Copa for all those years in Key West kind-of ruined it for me. What’s your favorite band? The Pretenders. And on a side note, Chrissie Hynde grew up in Dayton, too, and my aunt—who had a beauty salon—did her mother’s hair.

What are you superstitious about? Black cats. Do you believe in aliens? Yes. And I think I’ve met a few of them. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To save more money. What did you learn from your parents? Not much. I didn’t really have a childhood, because I had to bring up my brothers and sisters since I was 10 years old. What’s your best characteristic? I’m a good listener (laughs). How do you enjoy spending your time? Me and my girlfriend [of 28 years] go to Key Largo every-other weekend. That’s my getaway. What celebrity do you have a crush on? I used to love Suzanne Pleshette. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? Back to the early 80s. That was the best. But it was bittersweet, because the late 80s and early 90s were a very sad time because of AIDS—it was horrible. I mean, I would be serving someone, knowing that it would be their last drink. I was losing friends and customers left and right, and every time you opened up David Magazine, you saw another friend’s obituary. After a while, I got numb to it. I just couldn’t go to anymore funerals. And at that age, I had gone to more funerals than my parents ever did.

What would your last meal be? Probably Jets Pizza. The pizza is amazing—I don’t know anyone who doesn’t like it. What do you worry about? Money, money, money. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? Probably a trumpet, so people would listen to me (laughs). Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Most of the time, I’m a lamb. But it depends on the day, because sometimes I have to be a wolf. I’m a woman in a man’s world, so I always have—and had—to be better than the boys and the beautiful men just to stay alive. Who depends on you? My puppies… and my girlfriend. Who are you closest with? Tommy, my cook. What would your autobiography be called? Behind Bars. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? I don’t listen to that much music. I listen to talk radio and sports radio to unwind. What’s your greatest regret in life? That I didn’t save more money. I made millions, but we all did back then. You always thought, “Oh, why bother saving? I’m gonna make another $1,000 tonight.” If we only knew… Where can we see you? At Beefcake’s on Wednesday and Thursday, from 3:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m., and on Friday and Saturday, from 6:00 p.m. to close.

February 26, 2018March 31, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

NIKKI ADAMS

As a LGBT philanthropist, MC, and winner of multiple South-Florida pagents, as well as the star of lavish productions at The Copa for many years, few can match Nikki Adams. But what could she turn into that no one knows about?

Where did you grow up? In a small town called Jennerstown, in Southwestern Pennsylvania. How long have you lived in South Florida? For 41 years. Why did you move here? I had to get out of the small-town mentality. What part of South Florida do you live in? In the Hollywood area. What do you like most about living here? The weather. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Copa. Where do you hang out in South Florida? At home, because I get enough social activity through work. What’s your claim-to-fame? I’ve been a performer and community activist in South Florida for a long time, and I won the Miss Florida Pageant in 1981.

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What contribution to South Florida LGBT community are you proudest of? Raising millions of dollars over the years for charities. What’s the best gig you ever did, and why? A New Year’s night at Ozone, when the audience crowd-surfed me from the stage, around the bar, and then back to the stage. How did you come up with your name? I was named by my drag mother—Tiny Tina—after a 60’s sci-fi actor—Nick Adams—who was blonde, with blue eyes. How would you like to be remembered? As alive! Will you ever retire? That’s doubtful. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? “Can I get change from that $5 that I tipped you?”

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? All of the ones that I’ve met. What’s the last thing that you looked at online? Shopping sites. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Paris. And I’m going back for my fourth trip there in the spring, because I love that city. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? Patience. What did you learn from your parents? To love and to be loved. What performer do you admire, and why? Latrice Royale, because she’s made her way with grace and humility.

What’s your favorite movie? Auntie Mame. What drives you crazy? Stupidity. How would you feel if your pet was the master in heaven, and you were the pet? I’d feel awesome! I’d be fed to my content and I’d get belly rubs!! Would you give a kidney to a relative or close friend? Yes. What’s your best characteristic? Honesty. How do you enjoy spending your time? By relaxing with my pets. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Adam Pascal. Who do you admire, and why? My dad. He’s the smartest and most compassionate person that I know. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? My mom, because I miss talking to her. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? To the future, when we elect a new president.

What would your last meal be? A ribeye steak, asparagus with hollandaise, and chocolate cake. What do you worry about? Bills! If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? A piano, because it can play many notes at once. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? Neither—I’m a cougar! Who depends on you? My pets. Who are you closest with? My friend, Melissa. What would your autobiography be called? Live, Live, Live! What music do you listen to when you’re upset? Broadway music. What’s on your bucket list? To visit the Far East. What’s your greatest regret in life? I have none. I learn from my mistakes. What’s something that you never told anyone else? That I could easily be a recluse. Where can we see you? On Tuesdays, for Trivia Night at Smarty Pants. And in a city near you!

February 12, 2018March 31, 2018 MIKE JEKNAVORIAN Local Interviews

GLENDA GRAINGER

From acting and singing in film, TV and the stage, to a career as a recording artist, Glenda Grainger’s tenure in show business is nothing short of prolific. But how did she save herself from almost performing nude in San Juan?

Where did you grow up? In London, England. How long have you lived in South Florida? Over 40 years, except for four years, from 2001 to 2005. Why did you move here? Because I couldn’t stand the cold in New York. I came to Florida, felt the warm sun and the lovely sea, and I said, “This is for me!” What part of South Florida do you live in? I’m in Pompano Beach now, but I’ve lived all over South Florida. I was a gypsy. What do you like most about living here? The weather and the easier lifestyle. What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone? The Sheraton Bal Harbor, where I appeared many times, many years ago. Where do you hang out in South Florida? Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to “hang out” when I’m not working. What’s your claim-to-fame? I made movies in France, Mexico, and one with Jerry Lewis. I also did The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson several times, and I made several recordings in London and New York.

*HOOK LINE & SINKER*, FEATURING GLENDA GRAINGER

How would you like to be remembered? As a good singer and performer, and as a good and caring person. Will you ever retire? No! As long as my voice is still strong, and my sense of humor is still intact, I will never stop singing professionally. Who’s your favorite composer, and why? That’s a hard one to answer. I would say all the Great American Songbook composers and lyricists, because of the wonderful melodies and the complex and special lyrics. What’s your favorite song by another musician, and why? That’s another hard question to answer. There are too many wonderful singers to choose from. What’s your favorite song that you recorded, and why? A song that I recorded in London many, many years ago, called “Who.” It’s a wonderful recording, with beautiful lyrics written by Don Black. What was your best celebrity experience? Touring major cities with Milton Berle. He treated me and my late first husband like family.

What was your impression of Jerry Lewis? Not a good one. Enough said! What was your favorite variety/talk show that you performed on, and why? The Tonight Show, with Johnny Carson. He was the consummate host, and he put me at ease. Also, my own variety TV show—with musicians, dancers and different acts—which was filmed in Mexico City. What singer do you think is overrated? Several of the younger ones who don’t know how to “read” a lyric, and just keep repeating the same words over and over. Don’t get me started… What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened to you onstage? I was appearing in San Juan at the Caribe Hilton, and I had on a very tight form-fitting dress. Suddenly, the entire zipper in the back broke (from the neck to under the butt), and I didn’t wear a bra or panties under this dress—just a g-string. I whipped a tablecloth off a nearby table, wrapped and tied it around my waist, and continued singing without even a blink of an eye—I got the best applause of my career that night!

What’s your dream gig? A big concert, in a beautiful theater, with a 40-piece orchestra. What’s the best show you ever did? When I did my act at The Maisonette at The St. Regis Hotel in New York. What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked? There’s too many to recount. They were usually about my “accoutrements!” What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Well, I had a very close relationship for over three years with Yul Brynner, but I wouldn’t say that I acted like a “fan” around him. He was a great guy! What’s the last thing that you looked at online? My Facebook page. I was checking to make sure that I was still there. What’s the best place that you’ve visited? Juan-les-Pins, when I was 19, and Hawaii, three years ago. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older? To not sweat the small stuff. What did you learn from your parents? To be respectful of other people’s feelings.

What performer do you admire, and why? Marilyn Maye, because at 90-years-old, she’s still singing, and she’s still interpreting the lyrics. She’s a great lady and great performer. What’s your best characteristic? My sense of humor—and my boobs! Who would you like to be for a day, and why? George Gershwin. To be able to write such fantastic music, both pop and symphonic. Do you believe in an afterlife? I’d like to. Who or what is the greatest love of your life? My two deceased husbands. What talent would you most like to have? To be able to play great jazz piano. How do you enjoy spending your time? Reading, knitting and writing. What celebrity do you have a crush on? Tom Hanks. He’s a great actor. Who do you admire, and why? Marilyn Maye again, for her talent and her longevity in showbiz.

If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be, and why? Can I have two? Lennie and Jerry, my two deceased husbands, because they gave me the happiest years of my life. Where would you go in a time machine, and why? Back to the late 40’s and 50’s, because that was the big-band era. It had great, swinging music. What would your last meal be? Chocolate! What do you worry about? Very little. Life’s too short—and good—to waste time worrying. If you were a musical instrument, what would you be, and why? A cello, because it has deep, majestic sounds, and it’s clasped between the knees of the player. Are you more like a sheep or a wolf? A cougar, dahling! Who depends on you? My little poodle, Gigi.

Who are you closest with? A close girlfriend of over 55 years, who lives in Hawaii. What would your autobiography be called? A Love Affair… With Music. What music do you listen to when you’re upset? I’m almost never upset, but usually female singers like Anita O’Day, Laura Fygi or Rosemary Clooney. What’s on your bucket list? To travel both to Tahiti and back to the south of France, a river cruise along the French Riviera, and the aforementioned concert with an orchestra! What’s your greatest regret in life? Not continuing my movie career when I had the chance. What’s something that you never told anyone else? What, you want me to tell you?! No way! Where can we see you? At Chardees on the first and third Thursday of every month, at the Boca Raton Museum of Art on the second Thursday of every month, and at the Miami Shores Country Club on the last Friday of every month.