Vol. 96, Issue 23 | April 9, 2019 - April 15, 2019
Misrepresentation of the bisexual community OPINION // Page 7
Students share what Pride means to them NEWS // Pages 8-9
My day at the Miami Pride Festival
UM SHOWS OFF ITS PRIDE
EDGE // Page 10
Meet the golf team’s newest star SPORTS // Page 14
PROUD PEOPLE: Sebastian the Ibis and University of Miami students walk down Ocean Drive during the Pride Parade Sunday afternoon for the annual Pride Festival in Miami Beach, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and all of its diverse members. Hunter Crenian // Photo & Visuals Editor
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NEWS
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
April 9 , 2019 - Apriil 15 2019
POLITICS
UM responds to recent allegations against Joe Biden By Emma Erickson-Kery Contributing News Writer
Joe Biden has been at the center of criticism since Democrat Lucy Flores recounted, in an online essay, interactions with the former vice president that made her uncomfortable. She described the ways in which Biden touched and kissed her when she was a candidate for lieutenant governor of Nevada. In a statement released shortly after Flores came forward, Biden came to terms with the ways in which he made Flores uncomfortable. However, there were three other women who have come forward about their uneasiness with the ways in which Biden has interacted with them. Biden said in his many years as a public figure, hugs, handshakes and kisses are some of the ways he emotes with people to support and comfort them. “Not once did I believe I acted inappropriately,” he said. “If it is suggested I did so, I will listen respectfully. But it was never my intention.” Biden has reportedly been “touchy” with other women besides Flores. Amy Lappos came forward April 1, telling the Hartford Courant that Biden “rubbed noses with her.” “When he was pulling me in, I thought he was going to kiss me on the mouth,” said Lappos. Biden was at the University of Miami in March 2018 to give a speech in partnership with the university’s chapter of It’s On Us, which aims to help and support sexual assault victims and survivors. Former President Barack Obama and Vice President Biden launched It’s On Us in 2014. Students around campus reacted to the controversy. Isabella Campbell, a political science and women and gender studies double major, said she believes that the fact that women have been empowered to speak up is of utmost importance. “This is the whole purpose of something like the #MeToo movement- checking the privilege of powerful men in hopes of elevating their consciousness on such issues,”
Hunter Crenian // Photo & Visuals Editor IT’S ON YOU: Former Vice President Joe Biden speaks during the University of Miami’s “It’s On Us” March 2018 rally in the Watsco Center to share his insights and promote the awareness of sexual violence and prevention.
Campbell said. Campbell also said that she thinks his response has been adequate. “I cannot expect perfection in another human but only the willingness to learn from such discourse and educate others on those experiences,” said Campbell. “I am appreciative of his response and hope to see productive action from him in the future regarding such issues.” Emily Powell, a junior psychology major, said that what’s most important to remember in situations like these is that women
should be heard and believed. “If any person has the courage to speak up about an incidence of assault, whether it be feeling undermined verbally or assaulted physically, we owe that person the respect of listening and trusting,” said Powell. Biden made a joke Friday, April 5 at a speech in Washington D.C., in which he claimed he was given “permission” to hug Lonnie Stephenson, raising further criticism. After hearing Biden’s comment, Powell said she was deeply upset.
“Regardless of the recent stories and press, making a joke out of the situation is absolutely horrifying and further quiets those that decide to speak up,” said Powell. These allegations of inappropriate conduct with Lucy Flores and Amy Lappos came just a few days after Biden’s involvement in the Anita Hill hearing of 1991 was brought to question. During the confirmation of Justice Clarence Thomas, Biden was criticized for his role in the aggressive questioning of Anita Hill, a woman who publicly came forward accusing Thomas of
sexual assault. Biden presented deep remorse for his actions in the hearing at a speech in New York City, stating that he wishes he had could’ve done something. In the midst of this controversy, Biden is still yet to formally announce whether or not he will run for president but said he aims to do so “relatively soon.” However, these issues present Biden with a challenge in securing the 2020 nomination for the Democrats, a party which now more than ever roots itself at the center of the women’s movement.
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
April 9 , 2019 - Apriil 15, 2019
CAMPUS LIFE
Around the world in five nights: COISO celebrates diversity By Noor Khaled Staff News Writer
Students spent five nights celebrating cultures from around the world during the University of Miami’s annual International Week, hosted by the Council of International Students and Organizations. The president of COISO, Nimesh Nagaruru, said the goal of this week was to “educate and show appreciation of backgrounds and understand differences around us.” Nagaruru worked tirelessly to ensure that the five nights were executed perfectly to meet his vision of this year’s I-Week. Each night celebrated a different region of the world through a full production of decorations, tents, food and performances. Students traveled around the world with COISO to Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean and Asia, learning about the beauty in different cultures but also the unity that ties all humans together. The planning was extensive, but it required delegation, Nagaruru said. Each night was spearheaded by two to three individuals who worked as a team of chairs to showcase the culture of a certain region, a task that entailed research, communication and organization. Ishaan Shah was the chair of Middle East and Europe night, which hosted activities such as calligraphy, tea tasting and holiday celebrations. There was also authentic food from the region that was a reflection of the food mentioned in a performed skit. “The purpose of our night was to let everyone learn more about our world and what makes it special,” said Shah. Members of different organizations were excited to be able to present their cultures and teach the community diverse subjects they might not otherwise learn. Julia Meguro, a sophomore on the executive board of the Asian American Students Association, said that she enjoyed sharing her own club’s culture but also exploring others. “It’s so exciting for me to be able to share my culture and educate people on Asian diversity, but also, I loved going
through the tent activities for other regions this week,” Meguro said. “I really learned a lot about the diversity of UM.” Asia night took place Friday, April 5 and hosted a myriad of tent activities such as “Asia Pong” and “Soda in a Bag.” While centered around educating and sharing culture, the week also brought a piece of home to the wide range of UM’s international students. According to the university, every year, around 3,600 international students and scholars representing over 120 different countries come to UM to study, teach or do research. Milena Pak, a freshman international student and member of COISO, said this week is important to her as an international student. “I value diversity. I like spreading diversity. For me, it’s a learning experience, and for other people, it’s contributing to their learning as well,” she said. Individuals and groups relevant to each night performed dances, skits and songs. SwaggeRaas, UM’s competitive garba-raas dance team, performed on opening night and Asia night for the second year in a row. “Last year at I-Week, we performed for Asia night, and we had an amazing time,” said Bhargavi Pochi, a sophomore and captain of SwaggeRaas. “We love performing for I-Week because it gives us a chance to showcase our culture and a really unique type of dance. This year, we performed again with our new competition routine and were super excited to end our season with a home stage performance.” I-Week is one of COISO’s biggest events, attracting people to perform and attend every year. Emily Eachus, a sophomore, attended last year’s I-Week and called it an “amazing experience.” This year she said she expected to see different dances and vibrant colors along with ties between the cultures, all of which she experienced throughout the five nights.
NEWS
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NEWS
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April 9 , 2019 - Apriil 15 2019
CAMPUS LIFE
UM’s best kept secret: Underground zebrafish lab By Juan Carlos Ramirez Contributing News Writer
For the past nine years, a zebrafish research facility has been fully operating under students’ feet at the University of Miami. The Cox Science Building not only provides class and lab space for University students but also houses schools of small, striped fish that are becoming increasingly more important in the scientific community. Cox has kept the Zebrafish Core Facility hidden from most while inconspicuously conducing unique investigations that have assisted in unveiling secrets of the human body. According to associate professor in the department of biology Julia Dallman, zebrafish research has been going on since the 1980s and has provided researchers with a revolutionary approach to the observation of genetic and diseaserelated human traits. Researchers at UM are currently investigating how the SHANK3 gene, which is linked to autism in humans, could be affecting the digestive functions of the fish. Through this, they are hoping to gain insight into how disruptive genes linked to autism manifest themselves in altered gut functions within forming embryos. In the early stages of zebrafish development, the embryos are transparent, which allows scientists to observe the effects certain conditions can have on embryos through a microscope. The zebrafish facility has an independent air conditioning unit, osmosis water system for the tanks and a supply of live micro-shrimp used to feed the zebrafish. Dallman was tasked, along with another professor, to create the facility in 2007 which then came to fruition in 2010. She has had experience working with zebrafish in the lab since her time as a graduate student at the University of Washington. The facility does not conduct research itself but instead provides UM and South Florida researchers with zebrafish embryos, larvae and
Evan F. Garcia // University of Miami GENE GENIES: Researchers from left: Julia Dallman, David M. James, and Robert A. Kozol use zebrafish as a model to investigate the role of the SHANK3 gene in autism-related digestive issues and better understand Autism in humans.
adult zebrafish for investigative and teaching purposes. Senior Evan Sarmiento, has worked with zebrafish since his freshman year. His responsibilities include preparing the chemicals and supplies for science classes that incorporate zebrafish into their curriculum for educational purposes. “By the end of the semester, Mrs. Linda White (a UM research associate) told me about an opportunity in the zebrafish facility,” said Sarmiento, a double major in biology and Spanish. “They were looking to feed the fish. I was able to clean the tank and learn what these fish are used for.” Freshman Cameron Herter said he believes that zebrafish research provides an incredible opportunity
for discoveries to be made in the field. “Zebrafish, as a model organism, allows the scientific community to explore the uniqueness of marine model organisms compared to their terrestrial counterparts,” said Herter, a neuroscience major. Despite the advancements and benefits that come with the embryo research, there are ethical questions raised as to how the work is conducted. To conduct embryonic research, the Zebrafish Core Lab must often kill zebrafish fetuses. Dallman stated that the manner in which they put down the test subjects is humane and moral. “Now sometimes we stay in the nervous system, and that is when we have to kill the embryos,” said Dallman. “We make it so that
they are anesthetized before ending their lives to do the staining of the nervous system.” Even though the facility does kill some embryos, a female zebrafish can lay up to 50 to 300 eggs per week. With a life span of eight years, a zebrafish can produce a significant amount of offspring in their lifetime. Animal experimentation has been up for debate for years, and the scientific community has made distinctions based on the contributions the research provides to society. Herter concurs, saying that this has been a topic that has been discussed in many of his science classes. “At the end of the day, to gain information that will help millions of humans that are dying from diseases—the scientific community
decided it was okay to experiment on animals in certain situations,” said Herter. “In a sense, they do not do it to harm the animals but to benefit the whole society.” Dallman said that they do not raise all of the offspring, but they make sure that the ones who do are raised ethically. This includes keeping fish together in order to allow them to be social, feeding them live food twice a day and removing and treating any sick fish from the school. For individuals who are interested in getting involved with this type of research, possible opportunities are with: Uconnect, the undergraduate research office, labs and summer opportunities.
CAMPUS LIFE
THE MIAMI HURRICANE
April 9 , 2019 - Apriil 15, 2019
NEWS
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Relay for Life returns to unite Canes against cancer again By Naomi Feinstein Senior Editor
Every year, Relay for Life brings the University of Miami community together to raise money for the American Cancer Society in honor of cancer survivors and those who have lost their battle with the disease. “Relay for Life is a signature fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and throughout the year, all different organizations and community partners raise money and create different fundraising teams,” said sophomore Alex Hawkins, the people lead of Relay for Life. “Its mission is to raise awareness and money, which goes toward cancer research and travel costs for patients and their families.” However, this year, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center sponsored the event with a $5,000 donation. Dr. Erin Kobetz, associate director for population science and cancer disparity, spoke at the event, highlighting Sylvester’s work in cancer research and patient care. Additionally, in accordance with this year’s theme of “Sporting for a Cure,” a number of student organizations and community partners set up their booths on the Foote Green, offering a range of sportsrelated activities and food associated with that sport. One club that participated in the fundraising event this year was Counseling Outreach Peer Education, which helps to raise mental health awareness on campus. “COPE participated in Relay for Life because as a society we are focused on the physical implications of cancer, but we sometimes neglect the impact that it can have on mental health,” said junior Kendall
Mather, the COPE communications chair. “It is important to attend to our mental health in general, but especially during an intense medical treatment. Mather, a cancer survivor who is approaching her fifth year in remission after treatment for Leukemia said, “It was great to see so many people come together to raise money for this cause.” As the attendees walked around the circle of booths, they noticed luminarias, makeshift lanterns made of paper bags with glow sticks inside, to commemorate those who are currently fighting cancer and those who have tragically passed away. A name was written on each luminaria to represent a victim of the disease. “Luminarias are a way to remember those impacted by cancer and for us to realize how many lives for impacted as one luminaria represents a person,” sophomore and UM Relay committee member Keerthana Mohan said. “When these all light up even though [cancer] is a terrible thing, there is some sort of light and that is what we are trying to recreate. For Relay for Life President senior Jacob Perez, the event is something he will always cherish as his chapter at UM approaches its ending. “It was not until I joined Relay for Life here at UM that I really saw the huge impact it has on the community,” said Perez. “Networking with all these different survivors and their caregivers it is really special and we have built something out of it. It has grown so much for the four years I have been here and it will continue to grow.”
Cor rection: An ar ticle published in last week’s paper had inaccuracies about the Whitely Womens’ Leadership Symposium. It stated that Patricia Whitely assumed the role of UM’s Vice President for Student Affairs in 1977 and had been ser ving for the past 44 years. Patricia Whitely has been the Vice President for Student Affairs at the University of Miami since 1997, ser ving for 22 years. The ar ticle also stated that the symposium had 50-70 attendees when in reality there were 90. Additionally, the ar ticle incor rectly said that Whitely established the Whitely’s Women Leadership Symposium when instead this was the work of the Butler Center; in Spring 2016 the Symposium was announced it would be endowed in honor of Whitely. The ar ticle has been updated to ref lect this infor mation.
Source: Facebook
KILLING CANCER: The Relay for Life volunteers ran the booths, secured the sponsors and helped to raise money.
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Opinion
THEMIAMIHURRICANE
OPINION
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April 9, 2019 - April 15, 2019
EDITORIAL
It’s On You, Joe Biden Last March, former Vice President Joe Biden was the keynote speaker at the It’s On Us rally at the Watsco Center. The It’s On Us movement is a social movement geared towards spreading awareness about sexual and genderbased violence. Along with other speakers, Biden spoke of his experience with trying to end sexual violence against women. His speech was powerful and transparent; he seemed to be wholly committed to addressing sexual assault on campuses and informed about the topic. He talked about consent and how sexual abuse is more about power than it is about sex. He left us in awe at how capable of a leader he was. Yet, Biden has always had this shadow of allegations and events following him that doesn’t quite match up with the Biden that spoke to students at the University of Miami. Joe Biden still hasn’t apologized to Anita Hill for the way he handled her sexual harassment case against Clarence Thomas. Hill, who was then a law professor at the University of Oklahoma, brought to the Senate claims that Supreme Court nominee Thomas harassed her with talks of pornography when she worked for him in the 1980s. The Senate Judiciary Committee criticized Hill and dismissed her sexual harassment claims. Biden has since said recently that the
senators who looked at the case were “just a bunch of white guys that didn’t fully understand what the hell it was all about” and that he wished he could have done more. What Biden fails to realize is that he was one of those white guys. At the time,
kiss”. A former congressional aide, Amy Lapp, also came out days after Flores with her own confession that Biden too violated her personal space. And before all this, social media has sporadically dubbed Biden “Creepy Uncle Joe” because of pictures f loating around the internet of
“If Biden is indeed thinking of running a 2020 campaign, he will need to learn how to say sorry and truly mean it.” he was committee chairman so his helpless bystander claim doesn’t line up. He had the power to do something but didn’t. He currently has the power to say “I am sorry” to Anita Hill, but he hasn’t. And in the light of recent allegations from women claiming that Biden has indecently touched them, he has once again failed to truly apologize and take responsibility for his actions. Last week, in an essay published by the Cut, former Nevada Assemblywoman Lucy Flores accused Joe Biden of inappropriately violating her personal space by smelling her hair and giving her “a big slow
Biden being extremely close to several people. Biden tried to quell the fire of the allegations with a two-minute contemplative video posted to Twitter. Thankfully, it wasn’t quickly scribbled in the Notes app and posted as a screenshot. In it, he said that he realized social norms have begun to change, vows to “be more mindful and respectful of people’s personal space.” He says he hears what everyone is saying, but that is questionable. If he did, he would realize that the intent of his actions didn’t matter. He would have understood that he crossed boundaries
and made these women feel uncomfortable. If he truly heard what everyone was saying, he would have realized that he was at fault instead of hiding being antiquated ideas of personal space that have no place in modern politics or society. There is a reason he didn’t say he was sorry: he isn’t. Last Friday, he showed us that he just really doesn’t get it, and judging how he handled the Anita Hill case, probably never will. At a conference in Washington, he told reporters, “I’m not sorry for any of my intentions. I’m not sorry for anything that I have ever done. I’ve never been disrespectful intentionally to a man or a woman.” The Joe Biden that visited UM last year seemed like a man that understood how victims felt. He appeared to be a leader who could take accountability for his actions. When he visited, he called upon students to set a new standard and change cultural norms. Now, we’re calling upon him to have integrity and truly apologize to those he has hurt whether it was what he intended or not. If Biden is indeed thinking of running for the 2020 elections, then he will need to learn how to say sorry and truly mean it. The only way to win is to be who you say you are. Staff editorials ref lect the majority view of The Miami Hurricane editorial board.
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OPINION
COMMENTARY
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Heterosexual and cisgender privilege are real. Here’s why. We often discuss privilege and recognize white privilege, socio-economic privilege and gender privilege. However, one that falls in our blind spot is heterosexual By Daniela Perez c i s g e n d e r Staff Columnist privilege. If you don’t fall on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer spectrum, you benefit from the most mundane and familiar acts. You never worry about what bathroom you should use, and you never worry about the rejection you’ll face by your friends, family or religion based on the person you love. You never have to “come out.” Most importantly, you don’t ever consider the fact that the law can invade your personal life. The aforementioned problems only highlight a few of the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community
in the United States. Despite significant steps taken towards facilitating the lives of LGBTQ+ members, Americans still lack basic legal protections in states across the country. In the United States, there is no federal law against discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. The Human Rights Campaign, the country’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, highlights that while our nation’s civil rights laws protect people on the basis of “race, color, origin, sex, disability and religion,” they don’t provide consistent protection based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The patchwork nature of the current laws leaves millions of people subject to uncertainty that impacts their safety, families and day-to-day lives. Currently, LGBTQ+ people struggle with access to housing, credit, education, adoption, public spaces and services, federally funded programs, jury duty and most importantly, employment. A 2017 Harvard opinion survey of LGBTQ Americans found that 90
percent believed that discrimination against them existed in the United States today; 59 percent said that where they live, they are less likely to be afforded employment opportunities because they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community. One in five reported that they had difficulty when applying for positions. Furthermore, unemployment rates among transgender respondents are three times higher than the general population. The lack of federal law protecting LGBTQ+ Americans in the workplace emphasizes that while their civil unions and marriages are recognized in the country, their mere existence still holds little value. In late 2017, the Human Rights Campaign published the 2018 Buying for Workplace Equality Guide. This guide measures and rates how the nation’s largest businesses commit themselves to LGBTQ+ equality and inclusion. The index focuses on three key pillars: non-discrimination policies, equitable benefits for LGBTQ+ workers and families and support for an inclusive culture and corporate
social responsibility. The guide ranks businesses between a scale of 0 to 100. Higher numbers reflect policies that support LGBTQ+ communities. Many companies that received a 0 rating are ones that inhabit our daily lives including the following: Publix, Dairy Queen, Dillard’s, QVC, Fruit of the Loom, New York Post, Geico and Chick-Fil-A. By buying from these companies, you may be unknowingly funding a cause that you morally do not support. Considering the lack of protection offered by the country, we must be reminded that democracy focuses on the people, not the government. Therefore, by understanding that while you love Chick-Fil-A’s fries, you have the power to stop giving revenue to a company that oppresses LGBTQ+ people. Your money is your speech. Some shoppers may find difficulty in finding other options than the ones listed. However, in Miami, we have an alternative for all the low-rated companies on the HRC list.
If you support LGBTQ+ rights, research your shopping habits. Be mindful of your privilege and be mindful of where you spend your money. The future of the LGBTQ+ community is in your hands whether you know it or not. With proper awareness, there can be a future where a list of where to shop if you support civil rights doesn’t need to exist. We can make that happen as long as we remind ourselves that we, the people, are the foundation of democracy. If you would like to know more about how to be a better ally or take advantage of the resources offered on campus, visit the LGBTQ+ Center on the second floor of the Whitten University Center. As college students, we have the power to ensure that our future and our children will have an inclusive environment. Equality is not a privilege. It’s a right. Daniela Perez is a junior majoring in journalism and political science.
COMMENTARY
Misrepresentation and underrepresentation of bisexuality Back in middle school, while we were all trying to fit in, navigate crushes and learn about our bodies via those awful, outdated videos in biology class, I also had my first romantic feelings toward someone of the same sex and didn’t even know it. As the years went on, I only dated boys, and I thought I was straight. Those biology class videos never taught us about same-sex relationships or the concept of sexuality beyond our biological reproductive functions. I had never even heard of bisexuality until high school when Tumblr and some of my closest friends were the ones providing me with LGBTQ+ sex ed. Five years later, I’m still learning new things about my bisexuality. Battling internalized biphobia and pure confusion about my identity hasn’t been easy. It feels like a lot of my efforts revolve around discovering things on my own
because I know I can’t count on sources in the mainstream media to show me what a strong bisexual woman looks like— if they show a bisexual woman at all. In Buffy the Vampire Slayer, for example, Willow’s relationship with Oz was one of the most important romances in the show, but when she gets into a relationship with Tara, she calls herself gay. Though Buffy the Vampire Slayer is one of the best shows of all time and showed the first prolonged, committed lesbian relationship on television, bisexuality isn’t mentioned once. This invalidation of bisexuality is known as bisexual erasure, defined by LGBTQ+ media force GLAAD as “a pervasive problem in which the existence or legitimacy of bisexuality (either in general or in regard to an individual) is questioned or denied outright.” Whether intentional or not, it can look like: “It’s just a phase.”
“You’re not queer enough.” “Why can’t you just pick a side?” “Bisexuality is a stop on the way to being gay or lesbian.” These continued experiences can contribute to negative effects on the health of those who identify as bisexual. Bisexuals encounter higher rates of anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, and bisexual women run into double the rate of eating disorders and lower levels of social support than their heterosexual and lesbian counterparts. While they’re the largest group in the LGBTQ+ community, making up 40 percent of its members, only 28 percent of bisexuals are out to the most important people in their lives, compared to 77 percent of gay men and 71 percent of lesbians, which extends to health care providers, further decreasing their chances of receiving appropriate help. Mainstream culture also perpetuates stigmas about bisexuals,
portraying us as promiscuous, dishonest people. Too many times have I indulged myself in a romance movie excited to fall in love with a bisexual character, only to be let down by another story about a woman who cheats on her husband to be with a woman for a night and loses it all. When Rita Ora’s “Girls” featuring Cardi B, Bebe Rexha and Charlie XCX (inspired by Katy Perry’s I Kissed A Girl, said Ora) dropped earlier last year, it received backlash from the bisexual community, members of which said it was less of an empowerment song and more of an ode to experimentation and fuel for the male gaze. Searching for a deeper understanding of one’s own sexual identity will always be okay, but bisexuality is more than just getting to sleep around. It is defined as a romantic, emotional and/or
physical attraction, which is why movies and songs that capitalize off these stereotypes are off-putting, or as “Lesbian Jesus” Hayley Kiyoko puts it, downright tone deaf. While society continues to demonize bisexuals, like when Amber Heard got blamed for her abuse or when Boy George went on a bi-phobic Twitter spree, 2018 was met with many bisexual icons helping to create visibility across mainstream culture such as Halsey, Janelle Monáe and Brendon Urie. These artists serve as an example of where we could be headed as a culture. Better representations of bisexuality have the potential to help lots of middle school boys and girls like my former self truly understand their identities, stay safe and most importantly, feel seen. The writer of this column has asked to remain anonymous.
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April 9 , 2019 - April 15, 2019
I feel like a lot of people don’t really have a sense of community when they’re part of the gay community, and Pride is a really good way to publicly show that [community].
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Celia Leto: Junior, Marine science and biology, Third Miami Beach Pride
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It’s the one day of the year where you know you’re going to show up to a location and everyone will be very accepting of you, and you can just be yourself... You can people watch forever at Pride.
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Patrick Prentice: Junior, Music performance, Third Miami Beach Pride
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I think it’s really important because it’s more about the community for me. It’s getting together and seeing that there is a community here and getting to see all the queer people. It’s less about visibility for me or being obviously out and showing everyone how many of us there are.
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Sea Amuntsen: Sophomore, Software engineering, Second Miami Beach Pride
It means freedom, just being who I want to be.
Honestly, I just like to put glitter all over my body and just be stupid, and this is the only day of the year where I can do that when I don’t get extremely weird looks.
Jennifer Verdelus: Freshman, Biomedical engineering, First Miami Beach Pride
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George Rizzuto: Junior, Marine science and biology, Third Miami Beach Pride
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MEANS TO U
I came out to my parents my senior year of high school, really towards the end, and I’m a sophomore now. I’m out and proud to all my friends in Miami, but even at home, it’s still kind of difficult, especially with my extended family, but it’s really nice to come here and have a whole family.
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Stephen Pitters: Sophomore, Vocal performance, First Miami Beach Pride
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I think the most important thing is obviously to celebrate ever ybody’s individuality but most importantly celebrating yourself, making sure that you’re comfortable because I know that’s kind of hard for some of the people in the LGBTQ community.
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Noelle Barreda: Senior, Broadcast journalism, Second Miami Beach Pride
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To me, Pride means not only a time to remember where we came from in our history but also a celebration of identity and celebrating love, acceptance and diversity.
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Emma Lam: Junior, Psychology, SpectrUM president, Third Miami Beach Pride
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EDGE
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Hunter Crenian // Photo & Visuals Editor PRIDE PARADE: University of Miami students and SpectrUM members wave to the crowd and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Miami Beach’s 11th annual Pride festival held on Ocean Drive. Thousands of people attend the Pride festival each year, making it one of the most popular in the country.
Ocean Drive beams with pride: The U takes on Miami Beach By Jordan Lewis Edge Editor
Year-round, Miami is a hub for the LGBTQ+ community. But once a year– usually around early April– everything gets bigger, better and gayer as the LGBTQ+ community, along with their friends and allies, gathers to celebrate their identities. Miami Pride lasts all week, each event leading up to the weekend’s Miami Beach Pride festival and parade. This year’s events included a pride flag raising ceremony, a memorial to the victims of the PULSE shooting, a drag queen competition at Magic City Casino, Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant and a free community night at the Perez Art Museum.
Miami’s 11th annual Pride festival and parade kicked off Saturday, April 6 at Lummus Park in South Beach. Starting at noon, Ocean Drive came to life with vendors, drinks, foods, performers and interactive tents. Attendees flooded the streets with eclectic outfits and rainbow prints of all shapes and sizes. Performers included iconic drag queen Lady Bunny and Miami-based DJ Hottpants. Tents ranged from World Pride NY (and their virtual reality tour of New York City) to Cryos International Sperm Bank (where they handed out egg and sperm-shaped magnets) to free HIV testing clinics. As an LGBTQ+ individual, I felt at home. I felt the love in the air as people waved their flags and danced around without a care in the
world. Though I did not get to attend the main event, Sunday’s annual parade along Ocean Drive, there was no shortage of Canes who did make it there. UM’s LGBTQ Student Center arranged roundtrip transportation and had a float in the parade that was overflowing with faculty and students, gay and straight alike. This was sophomore Amuru Patterson’s first Pride, and she said it was inspiring and all-around amazing. “Being on the float, I felt like a celebrity waving at everyone, throwing up the U and dancing to every song that came on,” Patterson said. “It was the first time in a long time that I felt truly free. We were all so shameless and excited to be a part of
something big.” On the other hand, senior Tyra Collins is a Pride veteran. She has been to events in both Houston and Miami and said Pride is an “indicator that the city you live in accepts you.” “At Pride, people are just free. No one is worried about what other people are thinking because the whole festival is based on being yourself and being comfortable in your own skin,” Collins said. “I feel like all gay people, really all people in general, should go to at least one Pride event to show people that are afraid to come out that there is a community out there, that there are people out there like them.”
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THEMIAMIHURRICANE
EDGE
April 9 , 2019 - April 15, 2019
11
MUSIC
Death of Nipsey: Conspiracies, heartache and confusion By Esther Animalu Assistant News Editor
Grammy-nominated rapper and community advocate Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was fatally shot outside of his clothing store, Marathon Clothing, on Sunday, March 31 in South Los Angeles. He was 33 years old. The shooting also left two others wounded, the city’s mayor confirmed. The man who allegedly killed Hussle has been identified as 29-year-old Eric Holder, who was charged on April 4 with murder in connection to the attack. Los Angeles County prosecutors filed the charges, which also included two counts of attempted murder. Authorities say Holder and Hussle were already familiar with each other and had multiple conversations outside Hussle’s South Los Angeles store on the same day of his death. Shortly after, LA police reported that Holder returned with a handgun and shot Hussle, who was pronounced dead at the
hospital. While Holder has pleaded not guilty, if convicted, he faces life in prison. However, Hussle’s death has become the root of a conspiracy theory that is taking social media by storm. Despite the fact that law enforcement attributed the rapper’s death to gang violence, much of the black community believes it was a conspiracy connected to his work on a documentary about Alfredo Bowman. Also known as Dr. Sebi, Bowman was an alternative health guru and healer who rejected traditional medicine, claiming he could cure HIV/AIDS and all other diseases with a unique diet. “Whenever it seems like a prominent figure in the black community is trying to make amends by creating some real, tangible positive work in their lives within their communities— they’re immediately targeted,” said Olivia Sullivan, a sophomore majoring in sociology, women and gender studies and theatre. “Take deceased Miami rapper, Xxxtentacion for example. As soon as he was starting to repent for his sins by doing community work
and started to bring up issues in our political system, he is shot in broad daylight.” Dr. Sebi passed away in 2016 at the age of 82 from pneumonia. On the days leading up to his death, he was in the custody of Honduran police officials after being arrested on money laundering charges. “It is hard to swallow that Nipsey’s death was just another tragic instance of gang violence within urban communities. I feel like there may have been an ulterior motive,” Sullivan said. “This is more than just another act of gun violence; this is an attack on powerful influencers within the black community.” Conspiracy debate across numerous social media platforms such as Instagram and Twitter have insinuated that the rapper was assassinated as part of a cover-up plot sanctioned by the pharmaceutical, medical and regulatory agencies. Authorities maintain that the murder of Hussle is not connected to his work on the documentary.
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore said at a press conference on April 2 that Hussle and the suspect were previously acquainted with each other and that there was a personal dispute brewing between the two parties. “We believe this to be a dispute between Mr. Hussle and Mr. Holder,” Moore said. “I’m not going to go into the conversations, but it appears to be a personal matter between the two of them in regards to a dispute, and I’ll leave it at that.” Amidst the conspiracy theories, shockwaves of grief and confusion continue to circulate throughout the nation. Hussle strived to promote activism in the black community through music and advocacy. Many supporters and radio stations are streaming and playing Hussle’s music in remembrance of the rapper, and rival gangs have even been seen coming together to commemorate the good Hussle was doing in his community. Hussle leaves behind his 34-year-old wife, Lauren London, and his two children, Emani and Kross Asghedom.
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THEMIAMIHURRICANE
April 9 , 2019 - April 15, 2019
BASEBALL RECAP
Hurricanes drop series finale to Seminoles, 6-5 By: Josh White Sports Editor @_JoshRWhite sports@themiamihurricane.com
Miami outscored Florida State 15-0 across the first two games of the series at Mark Light Field. But the Hurricanes couldn’t cap off their first series sweep against the Seminoles since 2001. A trio of errors and baserunning mistakes doomed
UM and FSU rallied for a 6-5 victory on Sunday afternoon. “We by far and away did not play a complete game,’’ Hurricanes coach Gino DiMare said. “But at the end of the day, we still had a chance to win the game. We made a ton of mistakes, but we still had a chance to win at the end...Disappointing, because we had a chance to sweep.’’ The eighth inning proved to be the difference.
With the game tied at four, Florida State (19-12, 7-8 ACC) opened the inning with its first three hitters reaching on as many pitches. Prized second baseman Nander De Sedas lined a single into centerfield on the first pitch he saw from Greg Veliz. Then, Jonathan Foster, attempted to bunt De Sedas to second base, but Veliz bobbled the baseball and was charged with an error. One pitch
Josh White // Sports Editor HEADING HOME: Freddy Zamora rounds third base and darts to score against Florida Atlantic University on Feb. 20 at Mark Light Field. The Hurricanes defeated the Owls 11-4.
later, Alex Sanchez bunted for a single to fill the bases. Veliz responded with back-toback outs, but he couldn’t get out of the jam unscathed because of an errant throw. The junior reliever induced a groundball to shortstop that Freddy Zamora smoothly backhanded, but threw it over the head of first baseman Alex Toral and caromed off the UM (20-12, 7-8 ACC) dugout. Both De Sedas and Foster came around to score to break the tie and put FSU ahead for good. “We had a chance to win the game,” DiMare said. “We made a ton of mistakes and still had a chance to win the game there at the end because we had a chance to sweep, but we move forward and get ready for Florida Gulf Coast.” The Hurricanes’ mishaps occurred on the bases as well. Raymond Gil lead off the fourth inning with a double and JP Gates followed with a single into left field. GIl raced past third after DiMare initially wave him home, but the first-year head coach put up a late stop sign. Gil tried to retreat back to the base, but slipped and was tagged out. On the next pitch, Michael Amditis rocketed a home run over the left-field fence to give Miami a 4-3 lead. The Hurricanes’ aggressiveness on the basepaths also backfired in the second inning. Gates reached with a single, but was thrown out trying to advance on a wild pitch
after he slid past the base. Florida State opened the scoring behind Mike Salvatore’s RBI double in the third. Miami responded with two runs of its own in the bottom of the frame. Anthony Vilar doubled home Toral and Zamora plated Jordan Lala with a single to put the Hurricanes up 2-1. Two-way player J.C. Flowers blasted a solo home run to left in the fourth, and two batters later, Foster did just the same. Flowers, who started the game in centerfield and threw out Vilar trying to score on a line drive to end the third, squeezed home a run in the fifth. He picked up his sixth save of the season, recording the final six outs. Conor Grady (5-3) tossed onethird of an inning to earn the win, while Veliz (1-1) got tagged for the loss. Miami pitching combined for 18 strikeouts compared to just two walks. “That’s unbelievable,’’ DiMare said of the walks to strikeouts ratio. “I don’t even recall ever seeing that — two walks to 18 strikeouts. And we didn’t come up with the W. Again, we did not play a complete game in any facet, and we still had a chance to win. I told the guys, ‘When you play a clean, good, complete game it takes care of itself. We didn’t do that. ...We did that the last couple nights.’’ The Hurricanes will wrap up a five-game homestand on Tuesday when Miami hosts Florida Gulf Coast. First pitch is set for 6 p.m.
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FOOTBALL PROFILE
THEMIAMIHURRICANE
April 9 , 2019 - April 15, 2019
SPORTS 13
Perry focused on growing during spring practices By: Josh White Sports Editor @_JoshRWhite sports@themiamihurricane.com
N’Kosi Perry was put under a microscope in 2018. The Ocala, Florida native struggled on the field, but his biggest mistakes came away from it. Perry was suspended for the season opener against Louisiana State University due to a violation of team rules. Then, on Sept. 15, 2018, a sexually explicit video was posted on Perry’s snapchat story. Although Miami never specifically mentioned Perry in a statement, the school acknowledged that officials had spoken with a “student-athlete” about the existence of an “inappropriate” video and said the situation had been addressed. A little more than a month later, Perry posted a video on his Instagram showing him in a car with wads of money on his lap. Former Hurricanes football coach Mark Richt stressed that the incident was “not very mature” but that Perry “didn’t break any laws” or “NCAA rules.” As Miami continues to build during spring practices under first-year head coach Manny Diaz, Perry is focused on growing. “It’s 24/7, 365 days of the year,” Perry said. “You’re always working. You’re always a quarterback. Everyone is going to look at you as the quarterback. So you have to be on your Ps and Qs at all times…I understand that it wasn’t acceptable for me and especially for my teammates. I feel like I disrespected them and I let them down, so I don’t want to do that anymore.” Perry—who started six games last season and completed 51 percent of his passes for 1,091 yards with 13 touchdowns and six interceptions—won’t necessarily be handed the starting quarterback job.
“It’s 24/7, 365 days of the year. You’re always working. You’re always a quarterback.”
- N’Kosi Perry, Redshirt Sophomore The 6-foot-4, 195-pound redshirt sophomore will have to fend off Ohio
Josh Halper // Staff Photographer MIAMI MATURITY: N’Kosi Perry adjusts the protection during the Hurricanes’ game against the Florida International University Panthers on Sept. 22, 2018 at Hard Rock Stadium. Miami defeated FIU 31-17.
State transfer Tate Martell and redshirt freshman Jarren Williams. “The big difference for me from last year is I feel I’m a lot more mature on the field and I know how to work with guys,” Perry said. “Like my teammates, if they need anything, they can come to me.” The trio of quarterbacks has been put to the test under new offensive coordinator Dan Enos with an offense that features a traditional cadence rather than the infamous clap Miami showcased last season. The quarterback competition is likely to last until fall practices, and Perry continues to improve his play on the field. He has worked on becoming a more vocal leader as well. Through spring practices, he has gotten on teammates, including junior wide receiver Mike Harley after a series of dropped passes. “N’Kosi’s doing 10 times better,” Harley said. “Mature. I just feel like Kosi’s just trusting the process, going through life smooth and I’m ready for him to play as well. Can’t wait to see him.” Whether Perry is able to retain the starting duties remains to be seen, but regardless, he has his mind fixated on leading the Hurricanes. “I’ve always got a chip on my shoulder, but I’m focusing on myself,” Perry said. “I feel I’m my own competition.”
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THEMIAMIHURRICANE
April 9 , 2019 - April 15, 2019
GOLF PROFILE
Backman driven for success from an early age By: Austin Pert Contributing Sports Writer @AustinPert98
She was just a small-town girl living in a lonely world of Finnish golfers in her hometown of Vääksy, a village that is about a 90-minute drive from Helsinki, Finland. Now, Anna Backman finds herself in the crowded world of NCAA Golf— a very competitive person trying to outcompete the rest of the nation. She’s reaching for the American dream in sports and in life. It is this competitive spirit that drives Backman through all her ambitions. Through everything she pursues in life, she remains focused and driven. “Before Anna start playing golf she pursued folk dance as well as Japanese self-defense Taido,” said her father, Ben Backman. But it wasn’t long before the young girl found her true, long-term calling. Or rather, it found her. “We live in a small village. 4,000 people live here,” her dad said. “A golf course was built here in 2006. The following year I first took her to the golf course to get her to know what golf was.” Anna, just six years old at the time, would still need practice to absorb the sport before she was out on the course flying solo. “I was walking with my dad a lot on the course before I was able to play,” Backman said. “I kind of knew the game before the first round I played.” But her love for the game came almost immediately. “I was very passionate from a very early age,” Backman said. “I think it was just fun. I was really into the game even though I was young. If I hit a bad shot, I started to cry.” Backman soon realized that in order to fulfill her competitive drive, she needed to enter a tournament, even an informal one. She decided on a contest held at her local golf course. Far from a fancy, televised event with jumbotrons and electric leaderboards, the facility notified the winner a day after the competition. When Backman found out she won the tournament, her mind became a sea of emotions. “The girl who was working at the golf
Courtesy Miami Athletics FRESHMAN PHENOM: Anna Backman stares down a putt during the UCF Challenge Feb. 4. Backman secured her first career title with 11-under-par score. Backman led the Hurricanes to a second place finish.
club called me and she was like, ‘Hey, you won,’ and I just started screaming ‘Oh my god! Oh my god!’” she said. But this would not be the last or the most meaningful win of Backman’s career, which soon took off. She quickly honed her skills and became so good that her at-age competition probably became relieved at what happened next. “As soon as I started competing with my age, I was so ahead of them,” Backman said. “I was 11 or 12 years old, so I was placed in the under-14 competitions instead. I was so competitive, and I was playing some before I started to play around Finland with other juniors.” As Backman began to move forward with her game, she began to step into European-wide tournaments. Her time on the European Junior Women’s Tour created many positive moments, including wins at the FJT Invitational and the Audi Finnish Open. It was on one of her tougher days, however, when she had one of her more memorable experiences while playing at the Evian Resort Golf Club in Evianles-Baines, France, where professional
female golfers play one of the five major tournaments. “It was really cool to play at that course. I didn’t really play well at that tournament,” said Backman, who felt the prestige and natural beauty of the club erased many bad memories. Despite her success in Europe, Backman decided to seek a different opportunity while still playing the game she loves. Years of back-and-forth contemplation about whether or not to cross the pond ended with one meeting. When Patti Rizzo, the Hurricanes’ women’s golf coach, made her rounds overseas to evaluate and recruit prospective student-athletes, Backman stood out like an arctic aurora in the night sky. “She could really hit the ball hard,” Rizzo said of Blackman, also complimenting the Finn’s ability to mix the shorter puts with her natural power. With the opportunity to combine high education with world-class golf competition, Backman found herself on the west side of the Atlantic Ocean. The concept of an athletic scholarship—well known in the United
States but virtually nonexistent across much of the globe—was an important factor in the mutual attraction between Backman and the States. Another big change for Backman is the way the NCAA governs the sport, which is meant for individuals but played by teams. “You never do that when you’re playing somewhere else,” Backman said. In spite of the change, it is Backman’s team that is most thankful for her presence on the course. Backman earned her first collegiate tournament title with an 11-under-par score to win the UCF Challenge on Feb. 5. Backman led the Hurricanes to a second place finish en route to being named ACC Golfer of the Month. The freshman has helped Miami climb up to No. 19 in the country, posting four top-25 finishes along the way. But while the biggest culture shock between school and home comes from the contrast between Finland winters and Florida sunshine, it may not take long for Backman to feel at home in Miami, even if “home,” lies 5,000 miles away from where she was born.
THEMIAMIHURRICANE
V’S TAKE
April 9 , 2019 - April 15, 2019
V’s Guide to Coming Out
Have a question for V? Email
dearv@themiamihurricane.com.
So, you think you might gay, huh? Or Trans? Bi? Anything other than straight? I’ve been there. It’s a confusing time. Being in the closet can be lonely and isolating and in some cases, can make you feel like you’re hiding the thing that makes you, you. Simply put, sometimes the closet gets a little claustrophobic. And if you’re reading this, you’re probably going back and forth with the idea of leaving it. Well, V’s here to help. Here are my tips on how to make this very big step seem a little less scary. 1. Come out to yourself, first. Before making your grand entrance out of the closet, it’s important to be honest with yourself. Think about the feelings you’ve been having, if you’re sure of them and if you’re really ready to share them with other people. Once you come out, there’s no going back in. So, being sure of yourself is going to be the thing that protects you from any criticism that comes your way. 2. Do it for you, and do it on your
own time. Realize that your sexuality and your gender identity are your business, not anyone else’s. Make sure that you are coming out to make yourself happy and not because you feel like you owe people some sort of explanation. 3. Figure out how you want to come out. Embracing your identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community can be a big production, but it doesn’t have to be. How did I come out? I came back from summer vacation with a girlfriend, and that was that. Consider if you want something big or if you just want to sit down with the people you love. Also, realize it’s okay to do this in baby steps. “Coming out” doesn’t have to be to the whole world at once. 4. Prepare yourself for the consequences. While I hope everyone reading this has an amazing coming out experience, it’s important to prepare for the reality that this might not be the case for you.
Prepare yourself for lots of questions, and decide what you are comfortable answering. Realize that not everyone will be supportive, and remind yourself that if they aren’t, it’s their loss and not yours. Lastly, educate yourself on what you can do and where you can go if something does go wrong. 5. Take care of yourself. Coming out can be exhausting and stressful. So, always, but especially now, be nice to yourself. Surround yourself with the people you love and immerse yourself in your hobbies. Self-care will be the key to staying sane during this difficult time. 6. Remember that things can change. This is so important! Many people come out and feel like they are stuck with that label for the rest of their lives. Remember that gender and sexuality are fluid, and that this is a learning process. Allow yourself to grow and develop, and come out ten thousand different times if you need to. At least you’ll be well prepared.
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THEMIAMIHURRICANE
April 9 , 2019 - April 15, 2019