Tag: South Beach

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Pornstar Cody Kyler Attacked and Robbed in South Beach, Florida

Gay Pornstar Cody Kyler was attacked,robbed and had his iPhone stolen last night in South Beach Florida. The popular 19 year old Flavaworks performer/videographer Tweeted about the incident and posted the photo of cuts & bruises on his face to his Twitpic account. Cody Kyler is no tourist, Flava Works Florida office/studio is nearby and he certainly knows his way around the club and beach scene. I am reminded that another pornster Krist Cummings was robbed just this past November (Ft Lauderdale) Add the anecdotal story's and Twit message about the rough and surly criminal element on the beaches of South Florida and you see Codys attack is not an isolated incident. Researching this story tonight I noticed the shear number of recent and disturbing crime story's emanating form South Beach and Miami. The story of the LA resident who returned to Miami to visit his old hometown, witnessed two undercover Miami Police kicking a handcuffed suspect in the head which resulted in his life being threatened by the rogue officers. Read  I’m scared to return to Florida after being arrested on false charge by two Miami Beach cops! In Mid January the Miami New Times ran an article titled Gays leave unfriendly South Beach for Fort Lauderdale. Yet up "gay friendly" Ft Lauderdale way,  this past week a 65 year old black women (and local resident) is attacked, kicked and bruised by two white males screaming "nigger what are you doing on our beach?" on the upscale, predominantly white beach in Boca Raton. Review of hate-crime beating. Should Gay Tourists visit South Beach Florida? Has South Beach become Hate Beach Florida? Is the Gold Coast becoming the Crime Coast? A quick look at crime statistics and newspaper story's paints a picture of a South Florida that is ever more homophobic,racist and just plain violent! I know some residents tell me South Beach and Miami have been this way for years. Add homophobic and rogue police to the mix and an image of a place no gay or (or black apparently) tourist would want to visit emerges. Indeed there are much safer and welcoming beaches and tourist meccas than the Gold Coast! 74 miles of San Diego County beaches, fully public and some of the most crime free real estate in any major USA metroplitan area come to mind! Questioning South Beach’s Status as a Gay Mecca?

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Homophobia On The Rise in South Beach; Gay Fort Lauderdale Continues to Flourish

South Beach is the neighborhood that encompasses  about 25 blocks in the city of Miami Beach. In the 1920's-1930's South Beach  brought Art Deco, Streamline Moderne, and Nautical Moderne architecture to the Beach. During the 1970's-1980's the area was used as a retirement community with most of its ocean-front hotels and apartment buildings filled with elderly people living on small, fixed incomes. This period also saw the introduction of the "cocaine cowboys," drug dealers who used the area as a base for their illicit drug activities. Scarface and even Miami Vice , typified this activity. The town became very run down and there were vacant and boarded up buildings everywhere. So what happens? Gays cleaned it up. In the late 1980s, a renaissance began in South Beach, with an influx of  "fashion industry professionals" moving into the area. South Beach started to become  "fabulous" and gay clubs sprouted up everywhere. It became this extremely popular entertainment mecca, thanks to the media. By the mid 1990's, the rest of the straight world started to capitalize on this small area. More and more big straight clubs popped up and by the late 2000, many from  Miami proper would come over and drink and cause trouble. We call that the "bridge and tunnel crowd".  When suburbanites come in and start taking over "our towns". It's no longer fun at that point. Gianni Versace  was murdered  in 1997.  I really view that as a turning point.  Within a couple years, South Beach was changing. And not in a good way. I was last there in 2004 for the famous Winter Party, which attracts  several thousand gay people. Even with that many gays in town, my partner and I DID NOT feel safe walking  the streets at night.  Straight kids in cars drove past and yelled  "faggots"  at  us   and one car even hurled a bottle at us. We walked in somewhere for a slice of pizza late night and straight teenagers  mumbled "gay this" and "fag that"  under their breath, but loud enough to hear. We were told by locals at that time, that many gays are starting to relocate to Fort Lauderdale.  I have not been back to South Beach since. It has just gotten worse in the last 5 years as the area has become a late night drinking straight town. This month in the news, gay bashings are on the rise there. State of Florida records stated that 75% of the anti-homosexual hate crimes in Miami-Dade County in 2009 occurred in South Beach/Miami Beach. It's still chic and expensive there. Major developers have invested billions there. But the gays are getting out. "South Beach isn't the free-spirited haven of gayness it once was." says writer Natalie  O'Neill from  Miami New Times. Tony Lopez was celebrating the White Party this past November. Another huge gay event which brings thousands into the town. It was 4am and he wandered into a popular place for some take-out food. As he approached the line for food, an aggressive 20-something staggered up to him. "Got a cigarette?" he asked. Tony shook a Marlboro Mild from the pack and handed him one. Right then, a gang — Tony remembers four men — "appeared out of the woodwork." They shoved him into the alley behind the restaurant, yelled "Fucking faggot!" and began to punch him. He fell to the ground and tried to shield his head as they kicked him in the face. O'Neill reports, "In a five-year span, the State Attorney's Office reported 26 incidents, half of which were in Miami Beach. Victims include a lounge singer who was stripped naked and hogtied and a magazine publisher who was viciously beaten. It's surprising when you consider South Beach's heyday as a sparkling gay playground, where oiled-up boys frolicked between wild foam parties and the hub of hedonism that was the Versace mansion. Nobody thought twice about casual sex in Flamingo Park or flamboyant public fashion shoots, and — at its peak — MTV was even there to glamorize it all." - which really became the downfall of South Beach. It was a  "kept secret" for a while but once it became celebritized by the rich and famous and sensationalized by television and film, it was no longer a  secret! I am not saying don't go to South Beach. There are still fun clubs and fun parties there. But YOU MUST BE CAREFUL. Walk in groups and not alone. Especially at night, when most of the trouble starts. Gay Fort Lauderdale has been a haven for gay and lesbian travelers for decades. But in the last 5 years, it has seen tremendous growth as South Beach shifted.  In addition to being a  very gay friendly city ,  Fort Lauderdale has more than 100 gay-owned establishments including hotels/guesthouses, bars, clubs and restaurants, plus the second largest Metropolitan Community Church congregation in the United States and three gay and lesbian publications. Gay Ft. Lauderdale has three popular gay beach areas on Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of wide, sandy beach. Fort Lauderdale continues to reign supreme as one of the most popular gay destinations in North America. Read more on SoBe  from Natalie O'Neill.

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Winter Party Festival

The chill of the season has begun to present cabin fever.
Why don't you join me in South Florida w/ The Task Force Foundation & catch some rays?

Launched in 1994 as a 1-time charity dance event on the sands of beautiful South Beach, Winter Party Festival has evolved into a week-long festival benefiting the lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) community on the national & local levels. 10,000 + guests from all over the USA & abroad attend @ least 1 of the 25+ events - including music, fashion, art & more - that take place in Miami, Miami Beach & Ft Lauderdale.

The Festival climaxes w/ the 16th Annual Winter Party Beach Party, a world-class dance event on the sands of SoBe, featuring dj/producer Tracy Young.
Over 6000 will attend this centerpiece of the 2009 Winter Party Festival.

This celebration, benefiting the National Gay & Lesbian Task Force, is also an important fundraiser for Miami-Dade's LGBT service organizations. To date, the Festival & its sister event, the Miami Recognition Dinner, have raised over $1.65 million for organizations serving the South Florida LGBT community.
 
   Boots • Heels • Sandals • Sneakers
Board shorts, bikini, speedo's... hats, chains, shades...
The most important part of your outfit: Your Footwear.
Must be comfy & able to dance for hours on end...
You gonna wear sandals? Know this: Get a Pedicure
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Thursday, February 26 ~ 10pm – 5am
Blast Off! @ Score: 727 Lincoln Road, SoBe
Brett Henrichsen joins DJ Pride in the 1st of the Festival's 11 magical dance events.

Friday, February 27 ~ 9pm - 6am
Johnny Chisholm & JustCircuit Present The 5-Ring Circuit Discotekka @ Area 51: 950 NE 2nd Ave. Miami. Featuring DJ's Manny Lehman, Eddie Baez, Joe Gauthreaux, Warren Gluck, Wendy Hunt, Lydia Prim + 5 more amazing DJs in this extravaganza.
VIPs enjoy comp drinks from 9 - 2.

Friday, February 27 ~ 10pm - 4am
Bruthaz Beach Bash @ Living Room Nightclub: 300 SW 1st Ave., Ft Lauderdale
The men of Miami Beach Bruthaz: The annual summer gathering for same-gender-loving men & women, take their act on the road for a night of dancing to the music of Oren Nizri & Maximus 3000
Comp drinks: 10 - midnight.

Friday, February 27 ~ 10pm - 4am
Pandora Events Present Industry @ Pearl Restaurant & Ultra Lounge: 1 Ocean Drive
The 4th installment of Pandora's http://www.pandoraevents.com popular dance party for women invades South Beach

Saturday. February 28 ~ Noon – 6pm
Under One Sun Pool Party @ The Doubletree Surfcomber Hotel: 1717 Collins Ave, SoBe
2500+ swimsuit-clad hotties join DJ Roland Belmares.

Saturday. February 28 ~ 10pm - 3am
WHIP: A Leather Fantasy @ Jackhammer: 1951 NW 9th Ave (Powerline Rd), Ft Lauderdale
Leather & fetish gear are the preferred attire as Chicago's DJ Ted Eiel spins his Chunky House

Saturday. February 28 ~ 10pm - 6am
Mercury Rising @ parkwestnightclub: 30 NE 11th Street, Miami
Featuring Producer/DJ Eddie X & DJ Alyson Calagna

Sunday, March 1 ~ Noon - 6pm
Winter Party Beach Party @ 12th Street Beach & the Atlantic Ocean, SoBe
Tracy Young brings it all to a climax on the world's most spectacular dance floor - the sands of SoBe overlooking the Atlantic.
This is the 1 event you can't miss!

Sunday, March 1 ~ 8pm - 5am
Orbit @ Cameo: 1445 Washington Avenue, SoBe
Cameo fills up w/ the bold & beautiful as Chus & Ceballos w/ Tony Moran provide the musical backdrop for this always-packed Sunday night dance event. Kidd Madonny opens as guests enjoy an open bar from 8-10pm + a large outdoor lounge area is available to cool off when the temp gets red hot.

Monday, March 2 ~ 5am - 5pm
Red Eye @ Nocturnal: 50 NE 11th Street, Miami
Abel takes the die-hard dancers on 1 last musical journey for those who aren't ready for the party to end.

Monday, March 2 ~ 7pm - 3am
Touchdown: Closing Party @ Halo: 1625 Michigan Ave, SoBe
1 last opportunity to share drinks w/ your Winter Party Festival friends, including a "Closing Party Special Martini". Don't miss your chance to say "good-bye"... 
 
 
Winter Party Tix + More
Best way to attend Winter Party Festival: Get an event pass.

Titanium VIP Pass $550 - Retail: Over $1045 (inclusive of value of hosted bars).
Access to 10 events: Blast Off! • 5-Ring Circuit - VIP • Under One Sun Pool Party • The VIP Event • Mercury Rising • WHIP: A Leather Fantasy • Women's Jazz Brunch • The Beach Party - VIP • Orbit • Red Eye. This Pass also includes: Access to VIP lounges including comp cocktails (during certain hours) @ most events. The value of this benefit can easily exceed $200. • Comp Winter Party Festival t-shirt • Comp 2009 Winter Party CD
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Platinum Pass $350 - Retail: $385
Access to 8 events: Blast Off! • 5-Ring Circuit • Under One Sun Pool Party • Mercury Rising • WHIP: Leather Fantasy • The Beach Party • Orbit • Red Eye
No-waiting entry @ all venues covered by pass.
This pass doesn't include access to VIP areas or comp cocktails.
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Gold Pass $260 - Retail: $315
Access to 6 events: 5-Ring Circuit • Under One Sun Pool Party • Mercury Rising • The Beach Party • Orbit. No-waiting entry @ all venues covered by pass.
This pass doesn't include access to VIP areas or comp cocktails.
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24-Hour Climax Pass $150 - Retail: $205
Access to 3 events: Mercury Rising • The Beach Party • Orbit
No-waiting entry @ all venues covered by pass.
This pass doesn't include access to VIP areas or comp cocktails.
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New Generation 21-25 Pass $110 - Retail: $170
Access to 3 events: Under One Sun Pool Party • Mercury Rising • The Beach Party
No-waiting entry @ all venues covered by pass.
This pass is available only to guests ages 21-25. Pass holders must show a valid government issued ID showing age @ all venues or Festival staff will confiscate the pass. This pass doesn't include access to VIP areas or comp cocktails.  Orbit tix available for $45.
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Florida Resident Pass $140 - Retail: $170 (Thru January 30)
Access to 3 events: Under One Sun Pool Party • Mercury Rising • The Beach Party
No-waiting entry @ all venues covered by pass. Proof of Florida residency is required to purchase & use the Florida Resident Pass. Pass holders must show this proof @ all venues or Festival staff will confiscate the pass. Acceptable proof of residency consists of a Florida driver's license, a Florida state-issued ID card (must have Florida address), a Florida voter's registration card w/ corresponding picture ID, a college ID for a Florida college or a Florida-based military ID. This pass doesn't include access to VIP areas or comp cocktails.  Orbit tix available for $45.
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Tix & passes purchased online must be picked up in advance from the Welcome Center.
The Welcome Center: The Surfcomber Hotel, 1717 Collins Ave. (during hours of operation): 305.604.8500
More info on tix: http://winterparty.org/tickets/index.php  
 
 
Fly American to The Surfcomber
The Winter Party Festival has blocked rooms from February 24 - March 4, 2009.
This beautiful oceanfront hotel, in the heart of SoBe, is the home of our Welcome Center, the hub for Winter Party Festival. The Surfcomber hosts the Pool Party: 1 of the Festival's most popular events!
Hotel guests receive 2 comp tix per room to this must-go-to party.

Special rate's available til February 10 or until the Winter Party Festival block of rooms are sold out: RSVP now. Call 800.0853.0264 & request the "WPF" code Festival 2009 rate or go: http://doubletree.hilton.com/en/dt/groups/personalized/MIAOFDT-WPF-20090222/index.jhtml
The Surfcomber is @ 1717 Collins Ave Miami Beach, Fl.
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American Airlines offers Winter Party Festival guests discounted airfare to the Miami area from February 24 to March 4, 2009. The offer includes:
* 5% discount off Coach & First Class fares.
* After the tix is purchased, but prior to outbound flight departure date, the name may be changed for a service fee.
* Discount on Avis rental cars.

For fare & schedule info & to make your reservations, call American Airlines Meeting Services @ 800.433.1790 & provide the Promo Code A4929AM. Hours of operation are 6am - 12 midnight Central Time every day of the year. Review fare & schedule info & make reservations @ American Airlines web site: http://www.aa.com.  Be advised there's a minimum tix service fee of $20 per person for all tix purchased via the phone & $30 per person for all tix purchased @ the airport. 

There's more... Read:

Saturday, February 21 2009 ~ 7-9pm
Let's Take Care of Each Other: Safer Sex @ Winter Party Festival
Private residence. An invitation-only cocktail reception sponsored by the Task Force & their safer-sex partner, South Beach AIDS Project, to kick off this year's campaign @ Winter Party Festival.

Sunday, February 22 2009 ~ Noon – 4pm
LGBT Family Picnic
TopeeKeegee Yugnee (TY Park), Pavillion #8 3300 North Park Road (Just off I-95 @ Sheridan St)
Hollywood, FL. Winter Party Festival & South Florida Family Pride co-host this afternoon in the park for LGBT families & their friends, complete w/ food, activities & special surprises.

Tuesday, February 24 2009 ~ 6-8pm
Pridelines Youth Skate Gold Coast Roller Rink, 2604 South Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. Pridelines Youth Services presents an evening of roller skating for LGBTQ youth ages 13-20.  $8 fee includes admission, skate rental & round-trip transportation from Miami-Dade.

Wednesday, February 25 2009 ~ 7-9:30pm
Departure Lounge: The Winter Welcome Reception Doubletree Surfcomber, 1717 Collins Ave, SoBeach.
Showtime Networks presents the official Winter Party Festival welcome party, a poolside reception w/ cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, music & prizes. The city of Miami Beach & Miami-Dade's leading LGBT organizations roll out the welcome mat for all visitors from around the world.

Thursday, February 26 2009 ~ 7-9pm
What It Would Feel Like To Be Free
The 3rd Annual Interfaith Service of Winter Party Festival
Trinity Cathedral, Parish Hall, 464 N.E. 16th Street, Miami
Join LGBT-friendly congregations & spiritual groups from around South Florida as we gather for a powerful interfaith service & joyous musical celebration.

Friday, February 27 2009 ~ 6-7pm
Halo's Winter Party Happy Hour
Halo, 1625 Michigan Ave, SoBeach

Friday, February 27 2009 ~ 8-10pm
Kiehl's Cares Since 1851, 832 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach
Kiehl's opens its doors w/ free cocktails & special offers on its hair & skincare products for Winter Party Festival guests. This event includes comp consultations, samples & chances to win complete skincare regimens appropriate for you.

Saturday. February 28 2009 ~ 8:30-11pm
VIP Cocktail Reception
Location TBA
The créme de la créme hobnob over cocktails & hors d'oeuvres in a beautiful setting.
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About The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Foundation:
In 1973, The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Foundation (The Task Force) became the 1st national lesbian, gay, bisexual & transgender (LGBT) civil rights & advocacy organization.

The Task Force works to build the grassroots political strength of our community by training state & local activists & leaders, working to strengthen the infrastructure of state & local allies, & organizing broad-based campaigns.

Headquartered in Washington, DC, The Task also have offices in NYC, LA, & Cambridge, MA. The Task Force Foundation is a 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated in Washington, DC. Contributions to The Task Force Foundation are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law

More info: http://www.thetaskforce.org
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New study shows party, ideology, frequency of religious service attendance & age drove vote on Prop. 8
Read the press release: http://www.thetaskforce.org/press/releases/pr_1_06_09

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24th Annual White Party 2008 Is In Progress

Our bags are all packed and we leave Thursday night for Ft Lauderdale.  Everyone here at GorgeousBoys is exceptionally excited as we always look forward all year to "stuffing our turkeys"  in sunny Florida for the annual White Party. We will be blogging live from the event and if any of you guys are in the area be sure to drop and see us we are staying in Wilton Manor at Shubert's Retro Resort. Matt is all excited and has been all over the Galleria Mall's website.

The Miami White Party is an annual fundraiser party for HIV/AIDS research. The all-white clothing theme was chosen by co-founder Frank Wager because, as he said, "White stands for purity. White is elegant, non-political, non-combative and makes people look just plain beautiful." The Miami party began as a small fundraising event for the Health Crisis Network in 1985, bringing in a total of $16,000. In 1995, more events joined the White Party, including "The Victory Party" and "Muscle Beach". In 1998, the Health Crisis Network merged with Community Research Initiative, and the White Party brought in over $2 million for their efforts. It is now the largest HIV/AIDS fundraiser in the world. With DJs and artists attending from all over the world, the music has come to be renown and a central part of the party. White Party CDs have been produced since 1996.

Today Care Resource (Community AIDS Resource) governs the party. It operates with over 100 employees in both Dade and Broward County providing medical, counseling, testing, psychosocial, a food bank and more to their clients. White Party Week Miami attracts thousands of participants with a week of events, including the signature White Party at Vizcaya, Muscle Beach Party, and exclusive Women's events. White Party Week Miami has been featured in W, Vanity Fair, Glamour magazine, The New York Times, and has been the subject of documentaries on Bravo, The Travel Channel, the BBC, Playboy Channel, and others. It is the setting for the 2001 documentary film When Boys Fly.

This year, White Party Week Miami is scheduled from November 26 - December 1, 2008 and features a performance by "Jennifer Holliday", the original Broadway Dreamgirl. For additional information, visit www.whiteparty.org

WHILE AT SOUTH BEACH

The Art Deco District in Miami's South Beach is one of the most welcoming, gay-friendly communities in Florida. South Beach is a great place for gay travelers to visit because it offers hot clubs, great scenery, and a very upbeat vibe. Fashionistas are drawn to South Beach, and the gay population is at home in the many gay bars and night spots.

I have a good friend that lives just down the road from the South Beach scene, over in North Miami Beach. With his help, I'm able to investigate the hottest gay nightlife in South Beach. As a local, he can find out where the best gay bars are well ahead of the unimformed weekend traveler. My travels to South Beach have shown me that this gay-friendly town is popular for the openness that exists for gay locals and visitors. If you are looking for a place to party in South Beach, you'll have a variety of bars and clubs to choose from.

The top rated gay bar in South Beach is Twist, located at 1057 Washington. This popular 2-story club has an outdoor lounge and a game room, in addition to the club. Another highly rated gay club that offers djs and a party atmostphere, is Score, located at the fashionable 737 Lincoln Avenue. The Palace is the best place to walk over for a drink after a long day at the gay beach across the street. The relaxed setting is perfect for a casual drink, located at 1200 Ocean Boulevard.

Another Lincoln Avenue hot spot is Funkshion, located at 1116 Lincloln Avenue. This club is open to all, though it is definitely a gay club. The Funky Fridays party has become popular, with no cover charge and the latest dance music.

Pump is an after hours club that opens its doors on the weekends at 4 am for the all night partier. Pump is located on the gay club strip, otherwise known as Washington. Several other gay clubs and bars are on Washington, including Mansion, which has the capacity to host 2500 people. Mansion is located at 1285 Washington. Club Deep is just down the road at 621 Washington, offering a 2000 gallon aquarium dance floor to practice your latest moves on. There is a cover at Club Deep. Bash offers high energy glamour for gay guests, at 655 Washington.

The younger gay crowd gathers at Buck15 Lounge on Thursdays for "Simple Life Thursdays." This hip club is located at 707 Lincoln Avenue. If you want to socialize on Sundays, Crowbar is the place to go, at 1445 Washington. Rain is another gay hot spot, located at 323 23rd Street. On Collins Avenue you can stop at Opium Garden for the a place to party. Opium Garden offers different rooms, as well as the club (136 Collins Avenue).

Whether you want to party like a Diva or hang out at a casual beach bar, South Beach is the place to be if you're looking for a hot gay bar in Miami.  You don't have to mingle with a mixed crowd in South Beach if you're looking for a gay scene that rivals the nightlife of the best gay-minded cities in America.

AS GAY AS IT GETS