Opening up a dialogue: “Kokomo City”
By Rachel Galvin
Liyah Mitchell in KOKOMO CITY, a Magnolia Pictures release. Photo courtesy of Magnolia Pictures.
Unapologetically who they are, the women and men featured in “Kokomo City” tell an intriguing story … their own. The documentary, shown in black and white, features the story of four black transgender sex workers in Atlanta and New York City, and some others who have something to say about the issue.
In the film, the discussion covers many issues from their perspective — why someone becomes trans, what it takes to be trans, what they encounter and how far they would go to live their lives. But also it includes who is attracted to a trans woman and who is not, and talks about transphobia, as well as how they fit into the culture around them.
The life is a hard one but these women live it to the best of their ability, facing the slings and arrows of their outrageous fortune but standing against their sea of troubles one day at a time in an effort to boldly be themselves and simply to survive. They face everything from discrimination, to abuse, to downright violence. Some, like Koko Da Doll, pay the ultimate price, as she was killed by gun violence after the film was finished and it is dedicated to her.
The women discuss the types of relationships they have had as escorts and in their personal lives, as well as the type of men who are attracted to them, and how each type reacts differently. They also talked about some of the responses they get to them in public and among their families.
Presenting as women is not that easy. It requires hormones, often electrolosis, makeup, wigs, eyelashes, implants and even more extensive surgery. Each woman has to decide for themselves what is best. We get an inside look to what makes these women who they are.
The topics discussed are told in an intimate way, as if the viewer is a new friend in the living room or next to them in the car told something private in confidence. These are the types of stories many of us never get to hear. The film opens up the world of a group that is often unseen, unheard and really unknown. The frank conversations allow for a dialogue and break the stigma surrounding the word transgender in a new and groundbreaking way.
The stories are interspersed with beautifully filmed b-roll showing everything from the ordinary, like an egg being cooked, to the beautiful, like a dancer giving it his all. Showing how there is beauty in the mundane and how the lives of these people who are often discounted are not only worthy but beautiful in their own way.
Be aware that these stories are raw and real, and include graphic topics from sex to violence, and that includes plenty of profanity and also nudity.
The movie was directed by Miami native D. Smith, who is a two-time Grammy-nominated producer, singer and songwriter and also made history as the first trans woman cast on a primetime unscripted TV show, and executive produced by Lena Waithe.
The film has already gotten accolades, winning the Sundance Film Festival’s NEXT Innovator Award and NEXT Audience Award, as well as the Berlinale’s Audience Award in the Panorama Documentary section.
It has already been seen at the Miami Film Festival and Outshine Film Festival earlier this year. Now, the Magnolia Pictures film is opening in Miami at O Cinema South Beach (1130 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, FL) on Friday, August 4. (NY opens on July 28. Atlanta and additional U.S. markets open also on Aug. 4). On Saturday, August 5, there will be a special post film Q&A with the director. More info. on O Cinema at o-cinema.org.
Stonewall Pride kick-off honored LGBTQ leaders
Some of the honorees at the event
Photos & Story By Rachel Galvin
As a great way to launch PRIDE Month, there was a special event on May 31 at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale honoring community leaders from the gay community, which included speeches, drag performances and the launch of a photography exhibit featuring historic moments in the community. There also was a large PRIDE tribute wall with photos taken by Michael Murphy. Also shown was an award-winning short film featuring LGBTQ voices in an oral history format, produced by the Art and Culture Center of Hollywood and directed by Freddy Rodriguez. Before the performances and speeches began, people could grab a glass of wine and a light bite, and mix and mingle while viewing the exhibit.
Honorees included City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President of Inclusion & Accessibility Richard Gray, South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s Music Director/Founder Sebrina María Alfonso, WSVN Channel 7 Anchor Craig Stevens, South Florida SunSentinel journalist Rod Stafford Hagwood, renowned entertainer Tiffany Arieagus, Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus founder Gary Keating and founder of The Copa and entrepreneur John Castelli. Other volunteers were also honored.
Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher presented a proclamation recognizing History Fort Lauderdale’s PRIDE Month efforts.
The event was emceed by FayWhat?!, host of “The FayWhat?! Show” on the Happening Out Television Network, and media personality Shawn “Kitty Meow” Palacious, and featured live performances by entertainers Nicole T. Phillips and Erika Norell. DJ Aulden Brown kept the music pumping.
Each honoree had the chance to say a few words. Trantalis gave an impassioned speech that summed up the sentiment of the moment, saying, “We will not be afraid to stand up for who we are, and we will not be considered second rate people. We have come too far. We have done too much. We have walked too many miles. We have spoken up too often. And we will not let anyone denigrate who we are, no matter what form we take. Whether you’re a lawyer, or a drag queen or anyone in between, we are people. And we will always be able to stand up for who we are.”
Stonewall PRIDE commemorates not only the gay community today but also remembers the history of pioneers in the past, many of whom were shown on the PRIDE tribute wall displayed with the photos by Michael Murphy. In addition, it remembers the Stonewall Riots in 1969 when New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in Greenwich Village in New York City. The raid led to a riot among bar patrons and neighborhood residents and that served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.
The art exhibit showcasing photos and video from the local community’s history is free to see and is located near Swarovski within the Galleria Mall (2414 E. Sunrise Blvd.) until June 30.
The event was presented by History Fort Lauderdale and sponsored by Galleria Fort Lauderdale, Visit Lauderdale, Castelli Real Estate Services, BBX Capital, Memorial Healthcare System, OutClique, HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Opening reception contributors included The Capital Grille, Seasons 52, Lips Fort Lauderdale, Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar, and Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants.
Look for more PRIDE events happening throughout the month.
Erika Norell performs 
Michael Murphy with his photography 
Honoree & WSVN Channel 7 Anchor Craig Stevens 
Nicole T. Williams performs 
exhibit 
Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus founder Gary Keating 
“Open Dialogues” movie 
Emcee Fay What?! & Ft. Lauderdale Mayor and honoree Dean Trantalis 
Part of exhibit 
Part of exhibit 
Part of exhibit 
exhibit 
Part of exhibit 
Take Pride wall 
Photographers JR Davis & Michael Murphy 
Honoree & Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President of Inclusion & Accessibility Richard Gray 
Enjoying the show 
founder of The Copa and entrepreneur John Castelli. 
Volunteers were also honored 
Broward County Mayor Lamar Fisher 
Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director, History of Ft. Lauderdale 
Nicole T. Williams performs 
Art Curator Souleo & designer Beau McCall 
Volunteers check people in 
World AIDS Museum Director Terry Dyer & Ellery Andrews, deputy director of History Fort Lauderdale take photos with a friend. 
Honoree & Entertainer Tiffany Arieagus 
Melissa Milroy, Sr. Marketing Mgr., Galleria Mall 
Emcees FayWhat?! & Kitty Meow
25th Annual Cuisine for Art
Celebrity waiters. Photo by Rachel Galvin
By Rachel Galvin
Local dignitaries and community leaders took on a new role as celebrity waiters at The Art & Culture Center of Hollywood’s 25th Annual Cuisine for Art on May 25. The event took place at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Guests could strike a pose on the red carpet, grab a drink and bid on items for the silent auction while listening to live music by Ilan Tarrab before going into the main ballroom. Inside, they could find their spot at a table of 10 and enjoy the “show,” emceed by Aaron Shapiro while the celebrity waiters helped them to get everything they needed. A three course meal was served. The on-stage presentation was interactive in several ways, including a heads and tails game with guests.
Those in attendance heard a little about the Art & Culture Center, which began in 1975, moving to its current location in 1992. Now, in collaboration with the City of Hollywood, they are adding on a new 5,000 sf arts education wing that will adjoin the current location, the Kagey Home facility, built about 1924. The new wing will expand what they can do, including dancing, theater presentations, artists talks, film screenings, fine art and more. The planned opening of the new facility is next fall.
A special presentation was given by award-winning author and humor columnist Dave Barry, who poked fun at politics and more. He was an honoree in 2019.
This year’s honoree was Misty Weinger, a longtime board member, arts advocate and engaged donor at the center instrumental in contributing funds to determine the feasibility of creating a new Arts Education building on the 1.2-acre campus, which is in the works. She is also the senior partner/ shareholder at Kofsky Weinger, PA and is managing partner for the firm’s tax practice. She also works with special needs children in the community.
After she was honored, the DIVAS Through the Decades took to the stage to sing their hearts out. The waiter who received the most tips, the challenge winner, was also announced.
For more information on the Art & Culture Center of Hollywood, visit www.artandculturecenter.org
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride draws almost 200 riders
Johan Amy, who runs the Ft. Lauderdale group for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, in front of The Butler House.
Photos & Story by Rachel Galvin
About 175 or more very dapper gentleman and ladies pulled up to the Deerfield Beach Museum & Cultural Center on Sunday, May 21 for a special event called The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. This international event brings motorcycle riders together all to benefit men’s health, specifically to help power Movember’s work on prostate cancer and mental health.
After their visit to Deerfield Beach, the riders went all together to Dangerous Minds Brewery in Pompano, followed by a visit to Bohemian Latin Grill and finally the Boardroom Bar in Ft. Lauderdale. Riders of all types turned out, even Rabbi Tzvi Dechter, of the Chabad of North Broward Beaches in Lighthouse Point.
Johan Amy, who runs the Fort Lauderdale branch of the group, said they have raised about $9000 this year and $69,000 overall.
For more information about the ride, visit gentlemansride.com.
Derby Day at Savor Cinema
Photos & Story by Rachel Galvin
For the 149th year, the Kentucky Derby brought out hat-wearing fans. But those who love watching a good horse race are not limited to those who make fill the seats at Churchill Downs. Rather, people all over the country enjoy the fun from their homes and at private parties. Right in Fort Lauderdale, one of those classy soirees was held at Savor Cinema and the event packed in a crowd.
People came to watch the race on the big screen in the theater, but also were entertained on the patio before and after the race by the beautiful and talented Jersey Girls, who came all the way from Chicago to sing top hits from the 70s, 80s and beyond. Their sponsor was Kerwell, a CBD company who had a table there with information and samples.
Guests enjoyed mint juleps and BBQ, and could try to pick which horse would be the winner. The winners, who put a ticket in the bowl with the right horse’s name, won prizes. Prizes were also given out for categories like best dressed and best bonnet. Two horses, Vegas and Blackfoot, were also out front for photo opps.
Fort Lauderdale Intl. Film Festival Chair Steve Savor announced that the fest will be having a party again at the Cannes Film Festival and celebs like Bebe Rexa will be there. For more info., visit www.fliff.com.
The winner of the Kentucky Derby was Mage.
More pics coming soon at the Let’s Talk Magazine Facebook page.
Nicole Henry’s Soulful Sound Woos Audiences at Festival of the Arts BOCA
By Rachel Galvin
The Festival of the Arts BOCA brought in some amazing talent this year, from dancers to musicians, films to authors. At the end of the week, the amazing and beautiful singer Nicole Henry took the stage at the Mizner Park Amphitheater performing songs from her latest CD “Time to Love,” which went beyond her usual Jazz repertoire. On her CD, she includes her interpretations of songs by iconic composers like James Taylor, Stevie Wonder, Sade and many others.
Her soulful melodies kept the crowd entranced and she spiced up the tempo near the end and got everyone singing. With a big smile, she charmed the audience with her music and also her musings about dreams, love and more.
Henry, who recently was the cover model for “Boca Raton Magazine,” has been a staple over the last 20 years singing her heart out in local venues, as well as touring elsewhere. Her melodies have reached the ears of happy fans around the country and in more than 20 countries.
What’s next for this songstress? You can find out more by visiting her website at www.nicolehenry.com.
The Festival of the Arts BOCA took place March 3-12. For more information, visit https://festivalboca.org. The final performance was supposed to be Sergio Mendes. He had to postpone and his new concert date is April 2. Get more information on the website.
Festival of the Arts BOCA kicks off with “Fantastia”
By Rachel Galvin
The 17th annual Festival of the Arts BOCA kicked off on Friday, March 3 with a performance of the Festival Orchestra Boca playing the soundtrack of the Disney movie “Fantastia,” which played on the large screen behind them.
Festival Executive Director Joanna Marie Kaye introduced the orchestra, conducted by Constantine Kitsopoulos, festival music director. Before the orchestra began, there was also a showing of a short film called “Bella,” directed by FAU student Alfonso Gibson, who was able to get up with the film’s composer and say a few words. This was his first film.
Earlier, there were fun activities for the whole family, including a WLRN Instrument Petting Zoo, interactive art wall and face painting. There was also popcorn and cotton candy available.
This is just the beginning of the fest, which runs through March 12. From lectures to musical performances, to ballet, there is something for everyone.
To see the whole schedule, visit www.festivalboca.org.
Orchestra plays 
Orchestra prepares 
Tuning instruments 
Conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos 
Large crowd at Mizner Park 
Filmmaker Alfonso Gibson 
Creating art 
Pop Art 
Fun for kids 
Having makeup done
Red Dress, Dress Red Spices Up Dania Beach & Raises Awareness
Photos and Story By Rachel Galvin
The Red Dress, Dress Red Gala on Feb. 4 was hot, hot, hot… spicing up the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) in Dania Beach unlike anything that had been seen there before. Guests, who all dressed in red per the theme, were greeted upon arrival and received bracelets that started to strobe different colors at a certain point when the DJ (DJ Ed Talks) got the dance party started. CrowdSync Technologies was responsible for the light show.
But before the dancing began, there was much more to experience, including many photo opps … with a beautifully styled drag queen, with an event backdrop, with fashions on mannequins or within a hypnotic hallway entering the party made up of walls of diamond-shaped silver balloons… It was a surreal experience from the get-go and it only got better from there…
Inside, the party started early for VIPers with performances like Broadway performer Anne Steele, local sensation LeNora Jaye, award-winning violinists Synergy Twins and American Idol Season 10-star Matthew Darren, as well as The Voice’s Billy Gilman. There were also drinks and hors d’ oeuvres to enjoy.
In addition, several people spoke about the meaning behind the occasion and talked more about the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center, which put on the event, which supports their Florida AIDS Walk team. The mayor even presented a proclamation making the day named after the event. The event is said to have raised more than $100,000 for the Florida AIDS Walk.
The Red Dress, Dress Red concept is not new, it is just new to Ft. Lauderdale. The event began as a promise kept by a gay male couple after they received HIV diagnoses. They each promised to wear red at funerals they attended, instead of the traditional black attire usually worn, to bring attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States.
Since 2005, Red Dress Parties have become popularized in other larger cities such as Palm Springs, San Diego, Portland, Toronto, Seattle and San Francisco to benefit HIV and LGBTQ-related organizations.
Following the event, there was an after-hours dance party at Hunters Nightclub.
The Red Dress, Dress Red Gala was sponsored by AHF, Citrix, LeBoy/LIT Bar, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Midland/CAN Community Health, Florida Blue, FPL, HRC, Memorial Healthcare System, G21 Fitness, Aaron’s Cremation and Funeral, RE/MAX, Holy Cross Hospital, SAVE, Spirit Airlines, Pub on the Drive, Pride of the Americas, Visit Lauderdale, Walgreens, CrowdSync Technologies, USPS, Out of the Closet, ASID, Humana, Broward County Health and Human Services, Flockfest, Broward County Postal Customer Council and Design Center of the Americas. Media sponsors include Lifestyle Media Group/SFBW, OutClique, SFGN, HotSpots! and It’s Happening Out.
Thank you to Goodman PR!
For more information on the World AIDS Museum, visit www.worldaidsmuseum.org.
Film Review: Along comes a spider… “Holy Spider’s” grisly tale hits very close to home
By Rachel Galvin
As the streets of Iran have erupted with protestors enraged at the killing of a 22-year-old woman who dared to show a little too much hair from beneath her head scarf, a film called “Holy Spider” comes along to throw focus on Iran’s societal ills wrapped in a crime drama based on a true story.
Directed by an Iranian director from Denmark named Ali Abbasi, the grisly tale follows a determined journalist who has come from Tehran to Mashhad to uncover the truth about a serial killer who is prowling the streets seeking to rid the city of corrupt women. The killings really happened from 2000 to 2001 but some fictional elements have been added to the tale, including the addition of the reporter.
The journalist, Rahimi, undergoes a very dangerous journey to try to find the killer, who thinks he is doing something righteous. The story follows her quest and his and how they intersect, as well as examining the community around them that has shaped their lives in one way or another.
The close-up camera work adds extra focus to the brutality of the killings in this film. That plus the treatment of women in the culture and the desperate conditions of some who live there makes the film difficult to watch yet important.
Zar Amir-Ebrahimi, who plays Rahimi, garnered a Best Actress award at Cannes this year for the role. Mehdi Bajestani, who plays the killer Saeed, also gives a nuanced performance showing love for his family and disgust for corruption, as well as anxiety at times and ego at others.
The film has also been entered as an Oscar contender in the International Film category. The film is told in Persian with English subtitles.
You can watch “Holy Spider” on Sunday, Nov. 6, 4 p.m. at the Tower Theater as part of GEMS Miami Film Festival.
Palm Con brings comic book lovers & more to West Palm Beach
By Rachel Galvin
Cosplayers and comic book aficionados flocked to The Palm Beach County Comic Book & Collectibles Show (Palm Con) on September 17th at the Palm Beach Convention Center in West Palm Beach. Martin Pierro’s latest creation was bigger than last year and he was happy to return to the convention center. “I’m really happy how the community came out to support the show,” he said.
“This is one of the best local conventions I have ever done,” said Mark Baumgarten, owner of Mark Who 42 Books, purveyor of Dr. Who merchandise and podcast contributor on supspace radio network.
So what was it that made this con so inviting? Unlike other conventions, it seemed like a more intimate and interactive experience. There was an area set up to play board games hosted by Crawl Board Games and another with video games hosted by Flynn’s Arcade. There were sword fights from Way of the Sword, demonstrations on Medieval dancing by the Society of Creative Anachronism, book talks, science experiments by Cox Science Center, informational panels, a costume contest and more.
There were plenty of photo ops. You could pose with characters from GI-Joe to the Ghostbusters; hop in the Batmobile; sit in the captain’s chair, which would be on the deck of the starship enterprise, while holding a tribble, with Delta Force; and more.
You also could peruse the many tables of vendors. There were comic book artists hard at work, places to buy merchandise like Smurfs, figurines of superheroes and villains, comic books, pop culture coasters and other fun items.
Guests could engage in role-playing games, a Mad LIbs Draw Off, a Cosplay Lip-Sync Battle or learn about ghost hunting. There were also actors and filmmakers sharing information about their careers. It seemed like the list of activities went on and on!
It was a family-friendly atmosphere that brought in a fun clientele looking to spend time meeting with others and having fun. Many guests chose to dress up as well.
Did you miss Palm Con? There is always next year. For more information, visit https://palmcon.net.
