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IN EVERY ISSUE 14 Legal Corner 16 Religious Corner

PROFILE

08 Happening Around North Florida

DOWN TO BUSINESS

03 Content 12 Da Diva: Michael Burton R.I.P. 16 Legal Corner: Reasons You Need A Lawyer 20 Religious Corner: Searching for REAL Historical Santa

COVER STORY

10 A Gay Christmas Story

New Years Resolutions Holding UP Atlantic Beach Tackles HRO

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IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

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CONTENTS VOL. 4, ISSUE 3

JACKSONVILLE

616: 616 Park St. (904) 358-6969

Boot Rack: 4751 Lenox Blvd. (904) 384-7090 bootrack.com

Bo’s Club: 201 5th Ave. N. (Jax Beach) (904) 246-9874 bosclub.com

Club Jax: 1939 Hendricks Ave. (904) 398-7451

clubjax.com

Hamburger Mary’s: 3333-1 Beach Blvd. (904) 551-2048 hamburgermarys.com/jax

Incahoots: 711 Edison Ave. (904) 353-

6316

Park Place: 931 King St. (904) 389-6616

Metro: 859 Willow Branch Ave. (904) 388-7192 metrojax.com

The Norm: 2952 Roosevelt (904) 384-0029

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nig

htlife

cityXtra News Magazine Staff

Publisher: David Vandygriff publisher@cxnmagazine.com

Executive Editor: Louis Suffredini editor@cxnmagazine.com

Creative Designer: Shane Johnson info@cxnmagazine.com

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cityXtra News Magazine is published by GLBT Advertising Inc.

2941 Plum Street Jacksonville, FL 32205 (904) 410-9592 Jacksonville Office

(321) 426-0296 Orlando Office www.cxnmagazine.com

EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Dr. Harvey Carr, Christ Church of Peace

Joey Amato, OUT Reach Public Relations

Dr. Doug Massengill, University of Lola Chicago

Sebastion Fortino, Project Manager

Contributing Writers

David Vandygriff, Mamie Joshlin, Joey Amato, Sebastion Fortino, Dr. Harvey Carr, Atty. Gordon

Nicol, Greg Henchar, Michael Smith

DEADLINE FOR J AN 15th

ISSUE IS J AN 5th

cityXtra News Magazine is published 12 times per year. Reprints are available. Contact of contributing advertisers does not

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COVER PHOTOGRAPHY David W. Vandygriff

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Written By: Jason Futch & Theresa Strickland

LAKE CITY PRIDE TO WELCOME EQUALITY FLORIDA BACK; A MOVEMENT TO BEGIN THE PUSH FOR A HUMAN RIGHTS ORDI-

NANCE IN LAKE CITY AND MORE!

Hello. Thanks for reading my inaugural article about the happenings going on beyond Jacksonville! I will be covering developing and breaking news throughout North Florida which will include the following counties: Baker, Columbia, Union, Bradford, Alachua, Suwannee and Madison Counties. I know that is a mouthful, but we need to remember the neighbors next to you who continue to struggle to get basic protections on the local charters and ordinances; as well as to raise an awareness that we are everywhere. This month it is ALL about Lake City! I am very proud to say I live in a city such as Lake City; where everything continues to grow! The city’s population has doubled; businesses have begun to thrive and make a footprint in the Gateway to Florida; and the college here has shed new light in the local community in regards to the importance of a quality education. But one important thing that has occurred, is that the case for equality is being made here in the community. In 2011, Lake City Pride formed with a handful of volunteers that includes both straight allies and LGBT individuals, and opened up a new door for people in Lake City’s gay community. Since the founding of the first LGBT organization in Lake City, other programs have formed and some businesses (including the college) have included protections for LGBT people.

One important factor that will benefit the community is Lake City Pride’s partnership with Equality Florida. This beautiful friendship formed last year, and this year things are beginning to heat up with them! In November, Lake City Pride agreed to a one-year sponsorship agreement with Florida’s premier LGBT advocacy group in exchange for promotion work at the next Equality Gala in Jacksonville, slated to be in October. EQFL’s Connie Siu has been in absolute contact with the organization and is very optimistic of the organization’s partnership. I have also been working with other businesses and groups in forming a coalition that is slated to be called “An Equal Columbia County.” Its mission will be to draft and submit a Human Rights Ordinance and submit it to the Lake City Council members. Depending on the end result, it will be submitted to the Columbia County Board of Commissioners. EQFL has also agreed to work with the organization as soon as their mission in Jacksonville is complete. The organization is set to kick off in the middle of the next year, to be in full effect by next year’s Lake City Pride festival on September 27, 2014. Please make sure you read next month’s article, as I will keep everyone in the loop about what is going on in our neck of the woods! Until next time!

Happening Around North Florida

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A Gay Christmas Story Written By: Valention DeMitri

I have to confess that I have a huge crush on Santa; I’ve always had a thing for older men. Working for his organization is a family thing. My mother still works for him. My father did too, before he deserted us shortly after I was born to run off with an elf with pointier ears than Mom. Last I heard, he had a gig acting in The Hobbit. No word on what became of Miss Pointy Ears, except rumor has it she dumped him for an elf from Lord of the Rings.

The weeks before Christmas are always wild and crazy in Santa’s workshop, and sightings of him are fleeting. However, today I am suddenly aware of The Man himself standing behind my chair, watching me work.

“Gah!” I say when I look up into his jolly face. I always considered his demeanor to be so—dare I say it?—gay.

Santa stroked his beard and looked down at my GI Joe. I could smell the scent of peppermint on his breath. For a moment, I got a whiff of mistletoe and frantically looked up, hoping someone had helpfully hung a sprig right above us.

“The sparkling pink pasties glued over his nipples are an interesting touch,” he finally said.

I held up my GI Joe masterpiece, pride washing through me. “Well, initially, they would be hidden by his uniform.”

Santa stroked his beard—such a sensuous caress—and nodded. “Ah, I see. Don’t ask, don’t tell.” “Yes!”

He looked me in the eye. Me! I felt the tips of my pointy ears grow hot. Then he glanced down at my name tag. “Spock, is it?”

“My mother was a Trekker.”

“Clever name.”

It was the first time I hadn’t been teased about it, which caused me to fall even deeper in love than before...if such a thing were possible.

Santa looked thoughtful for a few, timeless moments before he asked, “Are you romantically involved with someone right now?”

What? I shook my head to clear my brain. What did he ask me?

He grinned. “Great. Why don’t you come over to my place for dinner tonight?”

“Gah!” was my eloquent reply.

Omigod. Dinner with Santa!

He slapped me on the back, a hearty—but assuredly intimate—gesture. “See you at six, my boy.”

Twinkle, the pretty elf who worked next to me, stared at Santa as he walked away. “Seriously?” she asked. “Dinner with The Man? None of us ever get invited to have dinner with him.” To boldly go where no elf has gone before. As I knocked on the door to his house, I pushed the multitude of questions out of my mind. The big one that had been bothering me all day was: what about Mrs. Claus? Had Santa sent her off to test drive the reindeer? I struggled with the moral dilemma of having dinner with a married man. What would my mother say? What if Santa wanted to kiss me? Should I play hard to get? Would he think me easy if I planted myself under any and all mistletoe I could locate? As waves of angst coursed through me, Mrs.

Claus swung open the door and greeted me with a toothy smile.

“Hello, Spock! So glad you could join us this evening.”

“Gah?”

In a daze, I stumbled inside their warm cabin and melted into a soft chair near the roaring fireplace.

“Would you like some hot cider, dear?” Mrs. Claus asked.

Mutely, I nodded.

Santa’s hearty laugh snapped me out of my stupor, and I jumped to my feet. Walking into the room at his side was another, younger man. Not as soft and cuddly as Santa, he was nevertheless handsome. And he was bald, just like Jean Luc Picard. A sigh escaped me. I liked bald men—the look was so...dare I say...phallic?

Santa introduced him. “Spock, this is my baby brother, Sven. He’s visiting from Sweden where he works on the Norwegian Nobel Peace Prize Committee.”

I took note of the smart military uniform Sven wore. “You serve in one of the armed services?” I managed to somehow ask, proud of myself for being able to finally master a complete sentence.

Sven grinned and gave me a coy wink. “No, but my brother told me how much you like men in uniform.”

He flexed his muscles, a button flew from his shirt, and I caught a glimpse of what appeared to be a...no...could it possibly be? A pink pastie!

I swooned as visions of sugar plum fairies danced in my head.

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Da DIVA: Michael Burton R.I.P. Written By: James Eddy, Jerry Rosenberg, Rhiannon Owens, Sondra Todd, and LuLu L’Amour

When a community losses someone, no matter

who they are there is a small hole formed in our hearts. We recently lost a Diva Michael (Mike) Burton aka Dawn Montgomery (1953-2013) and when a Diva passes on to the great sky above the Heavens gain a star that shines down on us all. As most know Mike loved Liza. To me the song “Cabaret” summed up how Mike lived his life. These words seem most fitting “The day she died the neighbors came to snicker: "Well, that’s what comes from too much pills and liquor. "But when I saw her laid out like a Queen She was the happiest...corpse... I'd ever seen. I think of Elsie to this very day. I'd remember how'd she turn to me and say: "What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a Cabaret, old chum, Come to the Cabaret." And as for me, I made up my mind back in Chelsea, when I go, I'm going like Elsie”. Mike lived life to the fullest; in 2010 Mike had a setback. I knew it was time for this community to honor Mike before it was to late for him to know how big of impact he has impacted this community. The community hon-ored him by making him grand marshal of River City Pride 2010. When I called him to tell him to tell him he was humbled and said there was peo-ple more deserving than him.

On December 1, 2013 his kids and fellow entertainers came together to honor him the best way they know how, with a show. The event was also a fundraiser in Mike’s name. His kids knew the charities Mike really believed in, he helped with many but these were closer to his heart. The PFLAG billboard fund, Holiday Helpers and JASMYN and $4210 was raised. The community came together with representatives from Metro, InCahoots, 616, Park Place, Hamburger Mary’s and the Norm. The crowd at Metro was over 300 people, to honor this man.

In getting this tribute together I wanted a couple of his kids and friends to really tell you who Mike

was and how they felt about him. Jerry Rosenberg:

Michael Burton, was my friend for over 20 years..... James Brown (former owner of Metro) introduced us at a Pageant at Bo's, in the early 90's. I always admired him as my Friend and applauded him, many times over as The Incredi-ble Dawn Montgomery.... Seven years ago, when my brother AJ, and I started working with Mike, at The Metro, he took us under his wing, and truly taught us everything he knew about the bar business. He was my teacher, mentor, pro-tector, friend, co-worker, and all around greatest guy in the world.

Mike also had the greatest sayings in the world..... He taught me that he called everyone at the bar, honey, sweetie, baby, or trouble! Trouble just meant that there had been an incident once, but it was OK, now.... Just a way for Mike to let you know that he never forgot..... Mike loved his kids, loved his friends, loved cooking huge "family" dinners, and loved taking young people under his wing, and being a Parent/Friend, to them, and a shoulder for them to cry on..... Mike was the first one to step up, and organize any fundraiser for a needy cause.... Mike knew how to work, volunteer, party, and enjoy life to the fullest, every day of his short life.....Club Shadows, or as Mike affectionately called it, "Shady Ho", was Mike's idea and creation. Club Shadows is Dedicated in Loving Memory of Michael Burton…

LuLu L’Amour :

Words cannot express how much Michael Burton meant to me. He was the first person I met in the bar scene and from there he was one of the people who took me under their wing and showed me the ropes. He always knew what to say and I can still hear his voice saying “That a girl”. For me he was Diva, Friend, but most importantly he was Family. Though he will be missed he will live on through the memories of those who loved him.

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Sondra Todd: We pay tribute to a man who I had the pleasure of calling friend for nearly 3 decades. I trust this expression of love and giving will serve our memories of him and honor him in a deserving fashion. Like or love him, Michael Burton was a pull-no-punches, tell it as it is, down to earth man.

H e

served our country from trenches in Vietnam. He returned home where he continued to serve. He served as an ambassador and crusader for our community. He did this because he wanted us to live in a more tolerant world, where we are measured by our deeds rather than labels. He was a high-kicking, Broadway-tune belting, hell on heels for nearly 40 years. Long before the time of Drag Races and with minimal acceptance from mainstream America, he toured the country. Hell, back then we wore men's undergarments because the law required it in some places. He soldiered on (with BVD's under his pantyhose), taking no crap from no one. He was recognized from Pitts-burgh to Savannah Georgia and even our nation's capital as a beloved personality and entertainer. Jacksonville got lucky when, about 30 years ago he decided to make this place home and us an extension of his family. I consider myself fortunate to have shared the stage with this man many, many times. We once had a review show, "The Diva, and the Doll". He was, of course, the Diva. As I loved to remind him, he was the old one, and me the pretty one. He would usually give me that cocked eyebrow and we'd chuckle about it. Da

Diva is what I have called my friend ever since. Years ago, Mike then took over the reigns as GM at Metro for which he had unwavering devotion and unconditional love. He brought a passion to the place and helped define it, serving as its heart and soul.

Of the many good times, many of our mutual performances were for one charity or another. We celebrate his legacy in a way that honors this be-lief. Please join us as we celebrate the life of my dear friend and a Community Warrior.

Rhiannon Owens: Few people know that Mike Burton was a war Veteran in the United States Air Force before reaching success onstage as Dawn Montgomery. Many people don't know that his drag career spanned 40 years. He graduated high school in 1971 and there are photos of him in drag back home in Pittsburgh from 1973. He held titles in Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., Savannah, and Jacksonville. He was one of the first entertainers crowned Miss D.C. before it became Miss Gay America. He believed in the art of Female Impersonation and respected those who lived as men and worked as women. He loved Liza, Patsy Cline, Broadway, and Shirley Bassey. As Dawn Montgomery, Mike Burton performed in nearly every bar in Jacksonville and was the show director in some of the most successful nightclubs here since the mid 80's. Mike loved a good production and a clever gimmick onstage.

Da DIVA: Michael Burton R.I.P. Continued

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He didn't care how much you really looked like a woman so long as you could get people on their feet or bring them to their knees with your per-formance.

He was a very hardworking guy behind the

scenes. Many of the patrons and people in the city aren't aware of just HOW MUCH he did to get things done. And more than that, he fought for everyone in some way. He was involved in organizing benefits to raise money for multiple charitable organizations, he was integral to the success of the Metro most of its 20 years, he gave new entertainers their first shot at success onstage, and as a friend he made sure you were okay and knew you were loved. He was a fair man and while he wasn't always sunshine and rainbows you ALWAYS knew where you stood with him. He was a friend to more than just the gay community. Everyone was welcome at the bars he worked in, provided they didn't drink underage or act belligerent towards anyone else. It was no secret that he would literally grab you by the ear and throw you out if you deserved it. Many of the bar staff from the Metro, will tell you even years after moving on to other careers or

locations, that they respect him. Not many people can say that. He made sure jobs got done. He made sure everyone knew and did their part. He was the go-between between many people and the entertainers in the city. When large events needed a helping hand or a show director, Mike was there.

Club Shadows in the Metro was Mike's baby. He fought to have the room built and had a final say in it's design. When it opened in 1998 it boasted a stage on a hydraulic lift, a double sized bar, amazing lightshows, and a cast of Jacksonville legends that included Sondra Todd, Basia, and Tina Knight. It has been host to some of the country's biggest stars in the drag world from Carmella Marcella Garcia to cast members from RuPaul's Drag Race; all of whom were or would become close friends with him. Mike fought for entertainers and demanded they be treated with respect. As a manager AND an entertainer, he knew the importance of a good working relationship and keeping the peace between the management and the staff and cast.

I met Mike Burton in February of 1998 at the Metro and he was the general manager and show director at the time. I'd competed my way through the talent show finals and Mike was the one who gave me my first weekend bookings in Club Shadows. No one really "got me" back then. I wore a lot of black. I did songs by artists that weren't really on the radio. But Mike saw something and he gave me a shot. He did that with a lot of girls. Mike introduced me to many people in the city that I would become great friends with; from Bruce Ross and Holiday Help-ers to the wonderful people in charge of the Jacksonville chapter of PLFAG. He also would make sure that special guests from other cities would know who I was when they were booked at the Metro. He had a helping hand in getting some

Da DIVA: Michael Burton R.I.P. Continued

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of my first bookings outside of Jacksonville. When there was a benefit, he'd raise his eyebrow and say " it would be a good idea for you to be there"....and when a pageant came along he'd say " Are you going to compete? I think you should". He took note of those who were willing to give of themselves and their time. And he made sure you knew how much he appreciated it.

It wasn't until 2001 when I won my first "big" title that our relationship really took shape. I was his Miss Fl USofA @ Large and he was my promoter. We traveled together to Nationals and he took very good care of me. Few know that most of the girls he took to Nationals were almost always top 10; if not top 5. He won Promoter of the Year in 2000 and also had plaques for "Most Improved Preliminary" and such. He was often recognized as a humanitarian and had many plagues and certificates from corners of the gay and drag communities thanking him for his involvement, organization, management, or helping hand in big events. Mike believed in the importance of coming together as a community and supporting each other. He did his best to always be available and help where he could and encouraged new queens and new kids in the bar scene to remember that.

He has many lasting friendships in the Leather, Drag, and Bar communities. Mike has many friends from his days as a waiter in places like Olive Garden, European Street, and the late nights of Dave's Diner. His impact is felt by not just the gay community, but by practically everyone he worked with all across Jacksonville. He didn't always have a lot to give but never hesitated to share.

He believed in his gay family no matter how crazy some of us would drive him at times. He believed in community and the importance of what that meant. For many of us, Mike made any place feel

like a home away from home. At the Metro, we felt protected and assured that we were looked out for. A lot of us literally grew up in those walls and those of us that remain remember him as "Da Diva" or, like myself, "Daddy".

Rhiannon and LuLu preformed “For Good” from Wicked at the event to honor Mike and I feel these words are the best way to end.

I've heard it said, that people come into our lives for a reason. Bringing something we must learn and we are led To those who help us most to grow If we let them And we help them in return Well, I don't know if I believe that's true But I know I'm who I am today Because I knew you... Who can say if I've been changed for the better? I do believe I have been Changed for the better

And because I knew you... I have been changed for good...

Da DIVA: Michael Burton R.I.P. Continued

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LEGAL CORNER: REASONS You Need a Lawyer Written By: Gordon T. Nicol, Atty

One of our clients suggested that it would help other read-

ers to know when they should have a lawyer. Lawyers provide critical analysis, strategy, and help you through the legal process – lawyers have seven years of education. A lawyer is a tremendous resource. Below I have identified a number of reasons you should protect yourself and consult an attorney. You don't have a current will - A properly drafted will can help alleviate a tremendous amount of grief and ex-pense later. Planning ahead minimizes/avoids fight-ing amongst your family members. Your family will be grieving.

Your spouse –or- partner just left you with all the children and no way to pay the bills. You have and your children have rights, it is important to know what can be done. Don’t risk having the lights turned off, having your car repossessed, and not being able to buy groceries when you are going through this painful process. You own your own business (regardless of size) - Short and long term development and strategies can help any business be as successful as possible. Knowing how to best structure your current and future business is critical. There are differ-ent types of business “identities” including sole ownership, a limited liability corporation, or a ( non-limited liability) corporation. They all provided offer different pro’s and con’s. There are also tax consequences. Protect your business. Don’t find yourself in a situation where all of your hard work can

be lost. You are taking care of your elderly parents. It is important to have all the documents in place and know your rights before mental –or- physical conditions deteriorate for your loved one. Health care surrogates and living wills provide for legal protection in making health care decisions. A durable power of attorney and guardianships provide protection for making financial decisions. You are applying –or- have been turned down for Social Security Disability. Understanding this complicated process is essential. Understanding the legal process includes knowing how the medical evaluation, vocational testing, hearings, and time critical deadlines come in to play. Social Security fees are paid when you collect disability so there is no “out of pocket” fee for you to pay when you start applying. Recognize that the difference between “winning” and “loosing” your case can have $100,000.00 or more in Next month, we will continue to help our client’s / readers know their legal rights. The above article is general in nature and should not be relied upon for specific legal advice. Every legal situation is different.

Gordon T. Nicol, Attorney at Law

7545 Centurion Parkway, Suite 108

Jacksonville, FL 32256

E-mail : helpdesk@yourjacksonvillelawyer.com

Ph : 904-384-4911

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Searching for the REAL Historical Santa Written By: Dr. Harvey Carr

There are extremely rare instances when an objective

historian stumbles upon a believable fact; but if he grips the fact too tightly, it instantly vanishes in a puff of historical irrelevance and uncertainty. Read accounts of the life of Nicholas of Myra in any encyclopedia and you’ll see: He was (apparently) born here. He (allegedly) served as bishop there. He traveled (perhaps) to such-and-such a place. He (maybe) did this or that. He (conceivably) grew old and (likely) died. The English language does not have the capacity to communicate the nuances of uncertainty of the alleged life St. Nicholas of Myra.

I have spent years of study on the life, legacy, and legends of Nicholas of Myra. So, can we have a confident answer to the question of every child, “Is there a real Santa Claus?” How was St. Nicholas transformed from a malnourished monk in a frock to a fat man in a red suit? Nicholas of Myra may be the best known Christian saint we know almost nothing about.

As a child I recall hearing another boy in my third grade class telling kids at school there was no such thing as Santa Claus. In my family we always went to my maternal grandparents’ home for Christmas Eve and to celebrate Christmas. My grandparents had been orphans, reared in the orphanages operated by the Methodist Episcopal Church of the late 1800’s. We grandkids always enjoyed the excitement and I especially loved being spoiled by my grandfather as the eldest grandchild and his namesake! After the traditional English dinner (the parents of my grandparents were from England) and the reading of the Christmas story from the scriptures, Santa always suddenly appeared to distribute gifts, making certain every descendent of my grandparents had a gift from them under that tree. Years later I learned that the father-in-law of one of my aunts donned the Santa costume and made our night so special.

When I asked my mother about the rumor heard at school of no Santa she explained that “Santa” was a meaningful symbol of the Christmas spirit. As a child and a teen, I accepted the “idea” of Santa Claus as a quaint personification of a festive spirit, a joyful demeanor, or even charitable virtue. Mom’s interpretation was good enough for me. Having conveniently dismissed the Claus of history, I replaced

him with the Santa of faith.

Going beyond the facts of history to rela-tively reliable tradition, we discover that St. Nicholas was a very generous person who gave liberally to the poor and defended the oppressed. And he did so anonymously so that the thanks, praise, and glory would be di-rected to God alone. Many details of his charity are sketchy and legendary, but it seems that he cared for children as well as showed hospitality to sailors and foreigners—those who were constantly passing through the port city of Myra. (He was from the coastal Mediter-ranean. He was not from the North Pole, and he proba-bly never saw snow!)

Nicholas likely suffered imprisonment and mistreatment during the great Roman persecution under Emperor Diocletian, who reigned from 284–305. Records indi-cate that Nicholas attended the first ecumenical council of Nicaea in 325, where Arius was rejected for denying the deity of Christ. His southern coastal city of Myra was about 400 miles from Nicaea in the north, and he would have only been about 55 at the time. (Besides, didn’t he have a fleet of flying reindeer?) We do have an account that at the state dinner for the bishops attend-ing Nicaea, the Emperor Constantine apparently pointed out the three bishops he believed deserved special honor, saying, “There are three pillars of the world, Anthony in Egypt, Nicholas of Myra, and James in Assyria.”

Tales are told about his many miracles—from calming the seas to bringing children back to life. He is often called “Nicholas the Wonderworker” because of the accounts of miracles appearing in medieval biographies and artwork. But outside of the miraculous, the most interesting legend for me is the story of Nicholas striking Arius in the face at the Council of Nicaea. (Not quite the jolly old Saint Nick we imagine!) But, alas, there is no historical evidence for Santa Claus punching heretics in the nose.

St. Nicholas is more than simply a symbol of the holiday spirit . . . not much more, but more nevertheless. So, if a child should ask you if Santa Claus was a real person, you may confidently answer, “Yes.” But beyond that, there’s really not much more we can say with certainty.

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