The site Buzzfeed recently released a list of the 21 absolute worst things in the world.  The list has been getting a lot of hype because…well…most of these things are pretty bad (in an weird sort of way).  The list has even started a new hashtag revolution of “(insert term) problems”.  For instance, my friend posted a picture of a girl crying and reaching out for another pony ride and titled it “white girl problems”.  Clever, right?  Anyways, check out our gallery of the list that Buzzfeed so cleverly concocted.  And no, your eyes have not deceived you, The Black Eyed Peas are on the list (haha?).

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GLAAD has done it again!  Transexual beauty queen Jenna Talackova has been cleared to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant. 

The organization, owned by Donald Trump, originally denied Jenna’s dream of competing by disqualifying her because of her original gender.  It was at this point that GLAAD stepped in and asked for the pageant to review her case.

The organization released this statement last week:

“The Miss Universe Organization will allow Jenna Talackova to compete in the 2012 Miss Universe Canada pageant provided she meets the legal gender recognition requirements of Canada, and that the standards established by other international competitions.”

Booyah!

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Well, this is quite the treat!  Chaz Bono, Cher’s son, has been elected to headline the Fourth Annual Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade as Grand Marshal.

Hmmm…Grand Marshal, eh?  I wonder if that means he’ll be decked out like the leader of a marching band…

Anyways, the parade will kick off at noon on Sunday, April 15, along Ocean Drive from 5th Street to 15 Street.

Bono has written three books including, “Transition: The Story of How I Became a Man” which is an account of his life and hisstruggle with gender identity.  The book also chronicles his physical transformation from woman to man.

After the Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade, make sure to stick round for the festival that will feature musical performances by Jessica Sutta (former Pussycat Doll), Kristine W., JoJo and more.

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Although making travel plans for most individuals is relatively easy this sometimes is not the case for someone who is HIV positive. Tom Donohue can’t remember the last time he was at ease and let alone able to unwind and not have it be the focal point and or change his outlook for his vacation. That was until he discovered that there were HIV positive cruises for people in the very same situation looking for fun, laughter and support.

Snorkeling, a Mad Hatter Party, and dinner with what became 200 and more of my newest friends was not what anyone would think of as a typical HIV/AIDS support group. Neither is the location — hundreds of miles off the coast of the United States on the beautiful blue ocean near the exotic islands of Aruba, Curaco and Princess Cays.

This event welcomed hundreds of HIV positive men and women, infected and affected, to the coast of Florida, where we began a journey we would never forget. Our first glimpse of each other came when gathered at a local resort. With Paul Stalbaum leading each voyage he brings a personal and genuine touch to making a welcoming feel.

Throughout the week we got to know each other at social and educational events, all of which were optional. I found that the more events I attended, the more this group began to feel like more of a family rather than friends I just met. Our mutual connection, “therecipe,” provided private times that our group attended. It was a great way to connect with other HIV-positive people who understand the challenges of being positive. And it was especially refreshing for me, someone from a rural town, to network with other positive guys.

We all have something in common, yet we all take something different away from this trip. Paul’s mission was to create a safe environment that allows people from all over the country to come together for a life-affirming week of camaraderie, laugh out-loud events and the chance to walk away with many new friends. “I am proud to say that, over the years, aside from literally hundreds of lasting friendships, we have had dozens of people meet their next partner on our cruise,” he said.

This year, the cruise is heading out of Fort Lauderdale and over Halloween sailing on Princess Cruise Lines to Princess Cays Bahamas, Grand Turk, St. Thomas, and St. Marten.

Check out the following for more detail: http://www.cruisedesignstravel.com/

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Spring is here and so is the return of Beach Bear Weekend. This May 10^th-May 14^th come and enjoy some of the best weather, men, night life, and sights the Sunshine State has to offer. Only into its second year but already looking to easily surpass expectations, Beach Bear Weekend offers a wide range of options to keep you busy and no better place to party with a growl than Gay Fort Lauderdale.

Come see why Fort Lauderdale is “Where the Bears Are” this May. This city and its huge gay community pride itself for being attitude free. So whether you’re a local, first time or a repeat visitor you’re bound to have a good time.

Proceeds for this event will benefit Sunserve , a local charity which fights for the LGBTQ communities  right to quality care and South Florida’s  Abandoned Pet Rescue. So grab your swimsuit (or go bare), suntan lotion and join one of the hottest parties this spring has to offer.

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Come join the Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department for a family treat at Hagen Park Community Center at 2020 Wilton Drive this Friday, March 16^th at 7pm. This is a FREE event! Pizza and concession items will be available for purchase. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and blankets.

Antonio Banderas and Selma Hayek star in this smash 2011 hit. This movie has the story of the adorable cat named Puss in Boots from the popular Shrek franchise.

This film is PG rated. For more information please call the Wilton Manors Leisure Services Department at 954-390-2130 with any further questions.

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A recent poll shows that 6 out of 10 voters in Cali now support allowing same sex marriage. This is a pretty significant increase since the western state voted to ban same sex marriage some 2 years ago.

The Field Poll was published last Wednesday and shows that of the 515 register voters who were surveyed, 59% said they favored extending regular marriage rights to homosexual couples.

Great news!

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It’s that time again; Yes, Pridefest is back and bigger than ever. The celebration will be held at War Memorial at Holiday Park on March 10^th& 11^th. This year marks the 35^th anniversary and is called “Beyond the Rainbow” Concert, Parade & Festival.

Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy a wide range of entertainment and acts. With names like Taylor Dayne performing some her eighteen top ten hits and Miami native Tony Cruz bringing his powerful voice and dance beats to keep you moving.  Beverly McClellan from the Voice will perform as well as American Idol Season 8 contestant, Julissa Veloz.

We look forward to seeing you all there to show your pride and support!

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If you live in gay Wilton Manors you’ve probably seen the thrift store on Wilton Drive called Boomerang.  A friend of mine had purchased some really cool items from there and when it caught my eye I decided to take a little walk over there.

The products in there are really great but unfortunately, I can’t say the same for the service.  Upon walking out of the store I saw a sign that said 25% off furniture.

I walked back in to the shop to ask how long the sale woud be running for and an older, scruffy queen answered “Well, if someone comes in and buys 10 pieces of furniture today than the sale will be over today.”

Excuse me sir, your answer would be appreciated without the ‘tude.  Overall, I would probably go back and make my purchase but I think I’ll wait until I’m in a really good mood.  After all, the proceeds DO benefit the Animal Rescue Fund.

**Oh and by the way, on Animal Rescue Fund’s Facebook they’ve been advertising this sale since Sunday…I guess they haven’t sold out of furniture.

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One of the best times of the year has to be Valentine’s Day for the sheer reason that the most amazing desserts are created at some of gay Fort Lauderdale’s local restaurants.  If you’re low on cash this year, consider eating at home but going out for dessert!

The week of Valentine’s Day, Brio will be serving up a raspberry chocolate kiss martini with Absolut vanilla, Chambord, white creme de cocoa and Rosa Regale that is just TO DIE FOR.

If you’re looking for something a little less…alcoholic…consider stopping by Seasons 52 for a mini indulgence of chocolate cake layered with chocolate syrup, raspberry puree and raspberry mousse all garnished with whipped cream and a Kiss.  That’s seriously adorable.

If you want to take the traditional route and get a cute cupcake, stop by Humpy’s Pizza for their signature ginormous cupcakes.

For a full list of gay Fort Lauderdale restaurants, click here!

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