SFGN 08/4/22 V13iss31

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE AUGUST JULY 7, 4, 2022 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 26 31 THE

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

LGBT CANDIDATES SWEEP NATION MOST EVER RUN FOR OFFICE

A

Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

“THE WRITING IS ON THE WALL FOR THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY AND OUR ALLIES: OUR RIGHTS ARE ON THE BALLOT THIS YEAR.” - Mayor Annise Parker PRESIDENT & CEO OF LGBTQ VICTORY FUND

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• 8 . 4 . 2022

Editorial

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There are over 100 more LGBTQ people of color running in 2022 than in 2020, a 58% increase in 2020 and a 225% increase in 2018.

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Compared to 2020, there has been a 66% increase in Black/ African American/Afro-Caribbean candidates, a 78% increase in Asian American/Pacific Islander candidates and a 34% increase in Latinx/Hispanic candidates.

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Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Webmaster • Kimberly Swan Webmaster@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Graphic Designer • Julie Palmer Graphic Designer • Greg Bistolfi Graphic Design Consultant • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin HIV Editor • Sean McShee Community Editor • John Hayden Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

ON VICTORYFUND.ORG, THE ORGANIZATION COVERS ITS KEY FINDINGS:

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Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley

Kim Swan lthough many anti-LGBT bills have been introduced in 2022, this year also has a historic number of out candidates running for office.

According to data released by the LGBTQ Victory Fund, there are at least 1,008 LGBT people running for office — more than any other election cycle in the U.S. They are also more diverse in terms of race and ethnicity, gender identity and sexual orientation.

In 2021, more than 400 LGBT people ran for office, while in 2020, 1,006 LGBT people ran, as recorded by the LGBTQ Victory Fund. In 2018, 716 LGBT ran for office.

“The writing is on the wall for the LGBTQ community and our allies: our rights are on the ballot this year,” Mayor Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, said in a statement. “The people we elect this cycle will make decisions about what our kids are allowed to learn and say in the classroom, what health care choices people will be allowed to make about their own bodies and possibly, whether we will continue to be allowed to marry those we love.”

In Florida, there are five LGBT candidates running for House and Senate.

@SFGN

August 4, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 31

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

John McDonald • Everitt Rosen Sean Conklin • Deon Jefferson David-Elijah Nahmod • Aurora Dominguez Gillian Manning • Denise Royal Bella Ramirez • Kennedy McKinney Austen Erblat • Kizzy Azcarate

55 trans people are running in 2022, a 62% increase in 2020 and a 15% increase in 2018.

There has been a sharp increase in gender non-conforming candidates, with 20 running in 2022 compared to zero in 2020 and two in 2018.

Bisexual candidates continue to increase with 103 running in 2022, a 32% increase in 2020 and a 264% increase in 2018.

Since 2020, there has been a 73% increase in LGBTQ people running for federal office, a 12% increase in LGBTQ people running for state legislatures and a whopping 543% increase in LGBTQ people running for statewide office.

Contributing Columnists

Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Gregg Shapiro • Dana Rudolph

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Annise Parker, president & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund. Photo via Facebook.

“With more LGBTQ people running than ever before, this election also brings incredible opportunity to elect fiercely pro-choice, pro-equality leaders up and down the ballot,” Parker said. “The LGBTQ leaders we elect will not only be critical voices in halls of power across the country, their success will be a deafening rebuke to the wave of hate impacting our community.”

The LGBTQ Victory Fund also has the full memo of the 2022 LGBTQ candidate data.

HOPE PATIENT BECOMES FOURTH CURED OF HIV Visit SFGN.com to find out more.

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South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN. SFGN contracts with independent entities for stock images. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

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5

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G TRANSGENDER

NIKKIETUTORIALS BECOMES FIRST TRANS WOMAN ON COVER OF THE KNOT MAGAZINE Beauty influencer Nikkie de Jager, otherwise known as NikkiTutorials, became the first trans woman to grace the cover of wedding magazine The Knot.

In her feature, she discusses her upcoming wedding plans, her romantic proposal story, and how her future husband, Dylan, supported her coming out journey.

“He was with me throughout every second. When I had to click publish on my coming-out video, it was a very scary moment, because you don’t know what the future will bring. He took my hand and looked me in the eyes and said, ‘You’re going to publish this. We’re going to be fine. You got this. Whatever happens happens, but know that we have each other and it’ll be just fine.’ When he said that I was like, ‘This man is never leaving me, and I’m never

Nikkie de Jager, photo via Wikimedia Commons.

leaving this man.’ I thought, ‘That’s my person. He is mine until the end of time,’” Nikkie shares in her interview.

The historic issue debuts this fall.

“Broker

Since 1985

T

... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY

NB

NONBINARY

‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’ TO FEATURE NONBINARY LEAD ACTOR EMMA D’ARCY

Nonbinary Actor Emma D’Arcy is set to play Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen in the upcoming “Game of Thrones” prequel “House of the Dragon.”

Fans who know D’Arcy for their work on TV shows like “Hanna,” “Truth Seekers,” and “Wanderlust,” fans are excited to see D’Arcy’s portrayal in the “Game of Thrones” universe.

Of the character, they said, “I think there are two main things that make Rhaenyra a character who interests me, at least. She is both female, and never expected to be heir.

That’s never on the table. Everything falls apart when she receives the inheritance everyone looks for. And the other thing is that she’s someone who I think is at odds with her gender as a result of the position she finds herself in. I suppose I’m interested

Emma D’Arcy, photo via Instagram.

in all gender questions.”

It has not been announced whether the character D’Arcy is portraying will identify as nonbinary.

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• 8 . 4 . 2022

LGBTQIA BITES

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QUEER

MICHAELA COEL TO PLAY QUEER CHARACTER IN ‘BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER’ The first trailer for the “Black Panther” sequel debuted at San Diego Comic Con this month along with the announcement that Michaela Coel is playing a queer character named Aneka. In the comic-book version Aneka has a romantic relationship with Ayo, however, it is not clear if their romance will play out on the screen.

In an interview with Variety, Marvel’s executive vice president of film production, Victoria Alonso, promised more queer representation “It takes time, we have so many stories that we can tell. We will empower those that are. We’re not changing anything.

We’re just showing the world who these people are, who these characters are,” Alonso said.

“There’s a lot that we have coming up that I think will be representative of the world of today. We’re not going to nail it in the first movie or the second movie or third movie, or the first show or second show,

Michaela Coel, photo by Peabody Awards, via Wikimedia Commons.

but we will do our best to consistently try to represent.”

8 . 4 . 20 22 •

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NEWS NATIONAL

THE COUNTRY

ACROSS

MICHIGAN LGBT RIGHTS STAY PROTECTED AFTER MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT RULING In a 5-2 vote July 28, the Michigan Supreme Court ruled in support of LGBT protection. According to WZZM13, the word “sex” in Michigan’s key civil rights law applies to sexual orientation and not just gender.

The case was tried by Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel, who identifies as gay.

“Our residents deserve to live in a state that recognizes the value of diversity and rejects the notion that our own civil rights law could be used as a tool of discrimination,” said Nessel.

The case was tried because in 2019, Rouch World, an event center in Sturgis, refused to provide the venue a same-sex couple’s wedding because of the owner’s

Michigan’s Attorney General Dana Nessel, photo via michigan.gov.

religious beliefs.

That same year, a trans woman was denied a hair-removal service.

BY KIZZY AZCARATE

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

CALIFORNIA LGBT ACTIVISTS ARE COMBATING STEREOTYPING MONKEYPOX The World Health Organization has declared monkeypox a global health emergency as it sweeps through the U.S. In California, LGBT activists and state leaders are demanding more to combat the virus.

“We are seeing sometimes misinformation; stigma play out and lead to more transmission. I’ve heard cases of individuals who have probable monkeypox cases, people who have rashes that line up with monkeypox, but they’re not being tested for monkeypox because they’re not gay men,” said Alexis Sanchez, the director of advocacy and training at the Sacramento LGBT Community Center, to Spectrum News.

Based on statistics, 85% of Los Angeles monkeypox cases are from the LGBT

Photo via cdc.gov.

community. California currently makes up 10% of cases in the U.S. “Education plays a crucial role because it’s going to help protect people … It’s important to know what the pox rashes look like, because then you know if you turn up with these rashes, you can go to the doctor and seek medications so it’s not as painful not as challenging,” Sanchez said.

WASHINGTON DC TRUMP MAKES ANTI-LGBT REMARKS AS HE SIGNALS POSSIBLE RUN IN 2024 While alluding to a possible run for 2024’s presidential election, Donald Trump gave a speech denouncing LGBT equality at America’s First Policy Institute’s first annual summit July 27.

During his speech in Washington D.C., Trump insinuated that revoking LGBT rights would prevent “sexualization of minor children,” according to LGBTQ Nation.

“The sickos who are pushing sexual content in kindergartens or providing puberty blockers to young children who have no idea what a puberty blocker is — neither do I, by the way, neither do most of the people in the audience as you smile,” Trump said during his speech.

Other anti-LGBT comments he made

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• 8 . 4 . 2022

Donald Trump. Photo by Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons

were about sports. Trump stated that trans women playing in women’s leagues are “just crazy,” while referring to trans women as men.

This could be the former president’s third run after failing to be reelected in 2020.

OHIOANS FEAR LGBT RIGHTS WILL BE TARGETED BY GOP Visit SFGN.com to find out more.

THE WORLD

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

SOUTH AMERICA

ASIA

BUENOS AIRES OFFICIALS SUED OVER GENDER-NEUTRAL LANGUAGE BAN IN SCHOOLS

POLICE FIND NO CRIMINAL OFFENSE AT ANTI-REPEAL PROTECT SINGAPORE

Buenos Aires authorities are being sued for prohibiting gender-neutral terminology from being taught in schools.

Political parties took local officials to court when they prohibited instructors from referring to kids as “chic@s, “chiqxs,” or “chiques.”

The Argentinian LGBT Federation, for example, termed the decision a “violation of human rights,” claiming that it bans gender-nonconforming students from schools.

According to Pink News, officials have stated that the phrases are confusing for youngsters and that they may be connected to a recent dip in test performance, although no particular study has been produced to support the assertion.

Photo via Adobe.

Despite the restrictions, instructors around Buenos Aires, including a trans teacher from the Palmero neighborhood, have decided to continue using inclusive language despite the danger of disciplinary punishment.

The police will not take action against the organizers of a 1,200-person townhall that urged for a “new political package” to preserve marriage, family, and children before the government considers removing a law that criminalizes homosexual sex.

According to the authorities, the gathering did not violate any laws.

In response, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) acknowledged that the police had received complaints concerning the “Protect Singapore Townhall” event.

“Everyone, including religious groups, is entitled to their views on different matters, including on LGBT issues, and to express their views, so long as they do not denigrate any groups of persons and do

1,200 Singaporeans of all races and backgrounds gather for the future of Singapore. Photo via Jason Wong/Facebook.

not break any laws,” MHA said to Today.

Sixteen Years Serving the CommUNITY

MIDDLE EAST LGBT COMMUNITIES IN MIDDLE EAST FACE NEW REPRESSION The Iraqi government revealed plans to pass legislation outlawing homosexuality.

Iraq is one of three Arab-majority Middle Eastern nations that do not officially ban same-sex partnerships. Jordan and Bahrain are the other two.

If enacted, the measure would put Iraq in line with the rest of the region. Most other Middle Eastern countries criminalize same-sex relationships more explicitly, penalizing it with fines, prison time, and, in Saudi Arabia, the death sentence.

“The new law will hold homosexuals to account and impose the most severe penalties on them,” Aref al-Hamami, a member of parliament who sits on the parliamentary legal committee, told DW. The bill has yet to be voted on, but al-Hamami believes it will pass

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IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE

REMEMBERING REV. PATRICK ROGERS Photo via facebook.

John Hayden

H

eavy hearts and joyful songs coexisted Sunday at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale (UCC). This was the first time the congregation held Sunday service after losing their beloved pastor, Rev. Patrick Rogers. It happened to be gospel music Sunday, an hour filled with loud, upbeat songs. The staff debated canceling the theme, but it was Rogers’ favorite service of the month and they honored him by singing loud enough for him to hear in Heaven.

“He so totally loved each and every one of us unconditionally,” pastoral associate Emily Jazombek said during the service. “He showed us that we are to go out and love each other. Take care of each other. Even in these hard times, and they are hard, we are holding on to his unconditional love.”

After the service, Jazombek talked with SFGN about her friendship that started when she came to church.

“It’s such a huge loss. I’m feeling so empty and numb right now. We just clicked. About a year ago he said, ‘I want to mentor you and keep you close by.’ We became closer and closer friends.”

The church is planning a Celebration of Life at the church on Saturday, Aug. 27 at 10:30 a.m. and will be streamed live at uccftl.org. A reception will follow.

After finishing, he worked in several churches including one in Palm Beach County. But it was a stint at an MCC church in Topeka, Kansas, that made an impression on him to rededicate his life to love. He often told me about the actions of the hateful, anti-LGBT Westboro Baptist Church. The group is known for holding rallies at funerals for military and gay people. As a gay man he was horrified. As a gay pastor, he knew love must always shine through.

“He always had faith and belief that everybody was good,” Slotnick said. “He wanted to see the good in everybody and he lived by that almost all the time.”

But despite his travels, Rogers was always connected to South Florida. In 2015, he applied to UCC where his old friend, Slotnick, worked.

“He always wanted to come back. It was time to do a pastoral search and Patrick put LONG JOURNEY OF SERVICE in as one of the candidates. He preached to Rogers was born on October 15, 1956 the congregation and ended up becoming and grew up in Dixon, Tennessee. After our senior pastor.” graduating high school, he studied It was then that he made a plea to his business and accounting at LGBT sisters and brothers the University of Memphis. to rediscover God and “HE ALWAYS He spent most of his early church. professional life in the “I understand how you HAD FAITH AND business and consulting feel, because I have lived it BELIEF THAT world. too,” he told SFGN at the EVERYBODY WAS time. “This church is a safe By the early 2000s, he was living in South Florida and was place to be who you are. We GOOD.” executive director at Sunshine are watching people come - Rev. Joel Slotnick Cathedral. Rev. Joel Slotnick into their own here and it is was his friend for decades and great to see.” worked with him there. He told SFGN that Rogers had a calling to ministry, but tried FIGHT WITH CANCER his hardest to ignore it. Eventually, he went In early 2022, Rogers was diagnosed to seminary at Pacific School of Religion in California. He said the beauty of the with a very aggressive melanoma. He campus inspired him daily and confirmed was accepted into a treatment program in Houston, Texas, and would travel every that his calling to God was true.

“A personal friend, Reverend Rogers was a man of monumental stature, a spiritual leader, and a special source of energy for us all.”

- Norm Kent, Publisher SFGN few weeks for his medicine. He was hoping that doctors would approve his medication to be administered in Miami so he could avoid the travel that, combined with the effects of melanoma and treatment, was taking a toll on his body.

One month before he died, SFGN interviewed him for Gun Safety Sunday, and you would not have known he was sick.

He was weaving in between volunteers and overseeing all the operations. His passion for love and life was as bright as ever. The program, which gives out free gunlocks, was so successful that the national UCC congregation is going to pick it up and hold similar events around the country.

Shortly after that, the treatments, travel, and illness caught up with him. He entered hospice care and passed shortly thereafter.

His friend Slotnick said once the news spread he received messages from around the world offering condolences and celebrating his life.

Rev. Patrick Rogers was 65 years old.

Before his passing, Rogers shared a

message to his Congregation on Facebook: “The last seven years of service to our United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale have been the happiest years of my life and I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe we have followed the Spirit of God in the way it is intended. Please know how very much I love this congregation. I love our family of believers probably more than anyone could ever love a congregation. I want each of you to continue to work to love, welcome and support our community, the way we do now because, that is the Gospel message.

We’ve learned that a sense of community is the heart of this congregation. As we have grown in our understanding of the gospel commission, there are ever new opportunities before us and we need to push in the direction of being God’s loving, giving, welcoming, supportive church that God would have us be. As we have been led by the Holy Spirit to grow into the church we are today, so God will lead all of us into the future. We can have great confidence in the future.”

Please read more past features on SFGN.com about Rev. Patrick Rogers

sfgn.com/Rogers

8 . 4 . 20 22 •

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SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL CARRIES ON AFTER HATE-MOTIVATED ATTACK John Hayden

C

ongregants returned to Sunshine Cathedral for the first Sunday services since learning about the hatemotivated attack directed at the church.

Last weekend someone placed rambling, anti-LGBT, conspiracy-laden signs on church buildings. They were taken down before most people arrived, and details didn’t emerge until later in the week. A police report was filed, and police are investigating.

Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins opened the 9 a.m. service by addressing the attack.

“Sadly, we live in a time of increased bigotry which is why Sunshine Cathedral must remain committed to a message of justice, love, and compassionate community living.”

Surveillance video along with the signs and a threatening email are being reviewed by police. No arrests have been made.

After the service, Executive Minister Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin spoke with SFGN and said violence against churches has been with us for a long time, but this instance stands out because it’s very personal.

“The specific nature of this one is a little rattling for the community because they don’t expect it. You’re attacking me now.

Forget about what the signs say, it’s that someone did this. We live in a time where people feel free to just do that at churches, or any other place.”

“SADLY, WE LIVE IN A TIME OF INCREASED BIGOTRY WHICH IS WHY SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL MUST REMAIN COMMITTED TO A MESSAGE OF JUSTICE, LOVE, AND COMPASSIONATE COMMUNITY LIVING.” - Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins SENIOR MINISTER

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• 8 . 4.2022

Photos via Queer News Tonight.

SECURITY CONCERNS Some days, there is activity at the church for up to 20 hours, as dozens of groups, such as SunServe and 12-step programs, also use church facilities. Griffin said the leaders were notified and everyone is keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. A few years ago staff went through the “active shooter” program, and people have been reminded of that training.

Patrick McGeachen arrived early on Sunday and told SFGN that carrying on was never in doubt.

“I know there is crazy out in the world but I’m not gonna let that dictate my life. Everyone at this church is part of my family, so not coming back would be like abandoning my family.”

Fellow congregant Gary Grieve said this is part of a bigger plan.

“At the end of the day I think we are here for a purpose and I believe that purpose will keep us safe. I believe that keeps us together and that’s the only way to get through these times.”

Griffin said while everyone must be alert, Sunshine’s mission will not be deterred.

“This is a reminder that people will do things anywhere and in the end love wins. We are going to do what we have to do to maintain this place as being safe and welcoming to everyone.”

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 15 AUGUST 4, 2022

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE NEWS

WILTON MANORS

CANDIDATES HOST FORUM TO TALK ABOUT FUTURE OF WILTON MANORS

By John Hayden The people had questions. The candidates, for the most part, gave answers.

On Aug. 1, candidates for city commission and mayor met at Hagen Park Community Center for a Meet the Candidates forum.

Incumbent commissioner (and Vice-Mayor) Paul Rolli, Roy David Walker, and Don D’Arminio are vying for two seats. Mayor Scott Newton is running for re-election against Boyd Corbin. Corbin was invited but did not attend.

Topics ranged from skyrocketing housing prices, making the city as diverse as it claims to be, and their vision for developing the oft-neglected westside. Questions came from moderators including Katina Caraganis of The New Pelican, Wilton Manors resident C. Randall Alan, Al Ferguson from Happening Out Television, and John Hayden representing SFGN. The questioning started with a look at Oakland Park becoming the next destination for LGBT visitors and transplants, and how Wilton Manors can keep up. Newton said Wilton Manors is not Oakland Park, that Wilton Drive is quieter and will soon have trees. Rolli said changes are being made to attract more residents, while Walker suggested marketing the city to other LGBT populations. D’Arminio cited changes to TOCs to lure desired development.

Hayden asked about the future of WiltonNext, a marketing study to plan the future of the city that has been met with

The community had the opportunity to hear from four of the five candidates running for positions on the Wilton Manors City Commission: From left Paul Rolli, Scott Newton, Roy David Walker, and Dan D’Arminio. South Florida Gay News was a proud sponsor of the event. Photo by JR Davis.

harsh criticism. Newton said he could have done a better job himself and said it’s one of his biggest disappointments in office. Others echoed that sentiment and essentially want to move on. As for the westside, an area that feels overlooked, they were asked about their vision. On both issues they called for more community input but basically spoke

broadly without laying out any specific development for specific areas.

Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) presented the event, along with print partner South Florida Gay News and broadcast partner, Happening Out Television Network. Afterward, WMBA President Peter Jackson said these types of

events are critical to the integrity of local government.

“This was extraordinary. It is an important event for us to have and invite this political discourse. There are a lot of horrible things happening as far as LGBTQ rights are concerned, and it’s important that we know who we’re electing.”

You can watch the forum online on Queer News Tonight, YouTube. www.WMGAZETTE.com

8 . 4 . 20 22 •

15

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

STINKY SITUATIONS AND YOUNG SCHOLARS DISCUSSED AT CITY COMMISSION

By Bella Ramirez When Wissam El Ghoul got back to his apartment after a New York business trip, he did not expect to be greeted with the smell of a “dead person.”

El Ghoul spoke during public comment at the July 26 city commission meeting about an issue in Tower A of his apartment building.

El Ghoul said that sewage backed up into a line in his bathtub and filled up while he was out of town on a business trip.

El Ghoul said he contacted the management company and board of directors before arriving at the meeting. He also said that three other neighbors experienced the same issue.

“They basically are just like flipping me away and not trying to help. They didn’t reach out to us, they didn’t instruct us how to clean the toxic sewage that backed up in our apartments and basically, they told me, and I have all the emails and correspondences, anything behind your wall limits is your responsibility,” he said.

He called the issue “nonstop” and noted that if he was in town when it happened, he could have salvaged the situation.

“I came in the next day in the afternoon without anybody notifying me about the situation, without anybody telling me what I’m walking into — the toxicity in my home,” El Ghoul said. “I felt like there was a dead person in my home and they didn’t care.”

He said his neighbors are ready to give sworn statements on the incident.

EL GHOUL SAID THAT SEWAGE BACKED UP INTO A LINE IN HIS BATHTUB AND FILLED UP WHILE HE WAS OUT OF TOWN ON A BUSINESS TRIP.

• 8 . 4.2022

GAZETTE August 4, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 15 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

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YOUTH City Commission honored the late former Mayor Justin Flippen by awarding Florida Atlantic University graduate Luke Turner a scholarship in his name. This is the second annual Justin Flippen Memorial Scholarship awarded and is a $1,000 reward.

“As someone who came out around the time I started college, it was this city that ultimately opened up my eyes to being proud of who I am,” Turner said.

Turned described the late mayor as an “inspiration” and promised to uphold his legacy.

Fort Lauderdale High School Coach Richard Dunbar III spoke about the FLHS football team and their goal to introduce the team to careers. He asked Wilton Manors for volunteers from various job paths to connect with the team to inspire thinking about the possible occupations after graduating college or high school.

If you are interested in connecting with the team to expose them to the preprofessional world, contact Dunbar at richard.dunbar-iii@browardschools.com.

AROUND TOWN Gary Blocker, Wilton Manors Chief of Police, promoted the August 2 National Night Out. National Night Out is an event

for the community to engage with and meet their patrolling officers.

Finalizing their discussion of the Town Crier, city commission will keep with their last voted upon quarterly publication and change printing to an “opt-out” for receiving print copies instead of their “opt-in” plan currently in place.

Scott Ballina, Robert Hadley and Marc Marois got appointed to the Community Affairs Advisory Board.

2 •

Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com.

SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

MEMBER

MEMBER

ORDINANCES Following Paul Kuta’s critique of the ordinance to ban smoking in Wilton Manors parks, city commission agreed to lower the proposed fines to equal the fines for smoking marijuana. The edited ordinance passed unanimously with a fine of $25 for each smoking offense and a section that allows the magistrate to fine up to $2000 for excessive instances.

An ordinance that allows the mayor or city manager to declare a state of emergency also passed unanimously.

CITY COMMISSION SALARIES The first reading of the city commission salary raise ordinance will be at the next city commission meeting Aug. 26. The Aug. 9 meeting is canceled due to summer recess.

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NEWS

WILTON MANORS

DEPRESSION DOESN'T LOOK THE SAME ON EVERYONE

Photo via Flickr.

CITY COMMISSION RAISES MOVE FORWARD

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, please contact us.

By Bella Ramirez

(954) 764-5150 | SunServe.org/MH

Following discussion on raising city to $30,000. Newton spoke on the ethics of commission salaries at recent city commission bringing up the discussion before the election. meetings, residents discussed the proposition “We could’ve easily done this after the in public comment at the July 26 commission election and whoever’s up here then could’ve meeting. Paul Kuta spoke in favor of raises. done it and … be forgotten down the road,” “I don’t believe an individual seeking elected Newton said. “But I didn’t think that was the office at any level of government should have right thing to do.” to be financially affluent to run for office,” Kuta Commissioner Mike Bracchi brought up said. “We need smart people who are willing to the compensation study Commissioner put in the time and effort to undertake public Gary Resnick asked for last year. The study service.” included all city departments except city Others, like Jake Valentine, argued that commission. police officers need their “I have a feeling that if the salaries addressed before the commission was included MAYOR SCOTT city commission can see a raise. in that compensation study, “I believe you should be paid we would not be having this NEWTON NOTED more but I believe that others taboo conversation because are first in line,” Valentine said. we would’ve just said ‘okay, THAT THE Mayor Scott Newton noted let’s just follow the study,’” COMMISSION that the commission asked the Bracchi said. police union to “reopen” an City commission is also ASKED THE article in their contract about interested in giving the city POLICE UNION salaries. He called himself a manager a raise as well and “big proponent” of the police possibly including a costTO “REOPEN” AN department and believes they of-living adjustment in the have “always been underpaid.” ordinance for raising city ARTICLE IN THEIR Newton said there will be commission salaries to avoid CONTRACT ABOUT a new contract for the police bringing up the issue of raises department next year and later.

SALARIES. spoke in favor of the police The first reading of the seeing salary raises. city commission salary raise The city commission wants to increase the ordinance will be at the next city commission city commission salary from $9,750 to $25,000 meeting Aug. 26. The Aug. 9 meeting is and to increase the mayor salary from $11,250 canceled due to summer recess.

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FEATURE

WILTON MANORS

REAL COMING OUT STORIES POSTED ALL OVER WILTON MANORS YOU MIGHT SEE YOUR NEIGHBOR’S STORY ON THE WALLS OF CITY HALL

By Gillian Manning

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TOWN HOME COMMUNITIES

The latest art installment in Wilton Manors can’t be found in a museum or gallery, but you might see it next time you’re on the Drive.

Partnered with Wilton Art, a nonprofit organization, Sharron Demarest spent the last several months interviewing and photographing Wilton Manors residents. She asked them what they were proud of and for Pride Month, their answers are posted on businesses all over Wilton Drive.

There are 99 posters throughout the area, the largest are featured at the front entrance of City Hall. One Wilton Art board member called the “wiltonproud.2022” project Demarest’s “hurrah” moment.

While Wilton Art team members were coming up with this project, they knew they wanted to highlight the voices of local residents.

“There are amazing stories that are out here in our communities, by everyday people that normally wouldn’t even be recognized,” board member Tedd Davis said.

He knew Demarest was the person to call.

Davis beamed over Demarest’s ability to capture her subject’s spirit and personality in a photograph.

Demarest’s passion for photography started in the ‘70s. Sitting at a local coffee shop, she recalled the time she’d spent reading Life Magazine and National Geographic from cover to cover. It was then that she knew photography was her passion. She spent years in New York practicing before her partner of 50 years brought them both to Wilton Manors. “[As artists,] we wait our whole careers for someone to knock on our doors and ask, ‘Would you do this?’” Demarest said. “Some of us never get that chance, but I did. So I’m really, really pleased.”

One of the best parts, Demarest said, is it felt like the whole community was involved.

Walking up and down the street speaking to strangers can be nerve-wracking — no matter how many times it’s been done before.

“I was lucky. Generally, when I talk to people, I have to gather the courage to go up to them,” she said.

Artists of all sorts often face rejection while doing street interviews, but on Wilton Drive, that wasn’t the case.

“It felt like everyone was in on it.”

The idea for “wiltonproud.2022” was actually pitched before the pandemic and is now getting its chance to shine. Production took several months and everyone on the

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Sharron Demarest standing next to one of her posters on Wilton Drive.

Courtesy of Gillian Manning Wilton Art Board pitched in. Both Demarest and Davis said Meghan Pearson, a former board member and graphic designer, was a huge help through the process. She designed the final product, aiming to make the stories stand out by using black and white photos against the rainbow posters.

One of the more difficult parts of the project was finding a way to make the images big enough for the posters without losing quality.

Not an easy feat considering the posters at City Hall stand at seven and a half feet tall.

But after working into the late evening hours for several nights, Demarest and Pearson were able to make it happen.

“We were really able to make it the best that it could be,” Pearson said. “I think it came out really great. I love seeing the body of work as a whole.”

Now that the project has been posted around town for a few weeks, Demarest is appreciating the community’s positive feedback.

“Everybody was happy. They got to see their neighbors, their friends, and they got to see people they never met before in their lives,” she said. “It did what it was supposed to do.”

www.WMGAZETTE.com 18

• 8 . 4.2022

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AUGUST 4, 2022

NEWS LOCAL

NEWS LOCAL

BROWARD COUNTY UP TO 225 FLORIDA LGBT DEMS SPLIT MONKEYPOX CASES, STILL ALMOST ON GOVERNOR NOMINATION HALF OF ALL CASES STATEWIDE

John Hayden

Austen Erblat

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Nikki Fried (left) and Charlie Crist (right). Photos via Facebook.

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lorida’s LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus met to discuss which candidate for governor they would endorse in next month’s primary.

Both have won statewide elections and both connect with the party’s base. The choice is between Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Nikki Fried and former governor and current St. Petersburg area congressman Rep. Charlie Crist (FL-13).

Both brought exuberant supporters to the event in Fort Lauderdale. But after listening to both give rousing speeches, the caucus couldn’t reach a decision on whom to endorse.

Rules require one candidate to get 2/3 support.

Fried fell less than one percentage point short, with 65.8%.

Both gave exclusive interviews with SFGN.

NIKKI FRIED In 2018, Nikki Fried won by fewer than 7,000 votes out of eight million cast, an extremely tight race even by Florida standards. She is currently the only statewide elected Democrat.

“People want a change. They want someone who is a fighter,” she told SFGN. She said the LGBT vote is essential to her success.

“They’re dedicated voters and understand what is at stake in this election. There’s no community that has been targeted more under Ron DeSantis than this community. Making sure they have seats at the table and working on plans together. LGBT is essential to winning and essential to governing.”

Laws banning trans athletes from competing in school sports and the “Don’t Say Gay” law empower people to hate, and that’s been seen in threats against Pride On the Block in Palm Beach County and this month at Sunshine Cathedral. Fried said hate must be confronted.

“You have to stand up. You can’t go into a corner and embolden them. Education is how you get rid of hate. We can’t sit back idly. We have to pay attention and get these people out of office. So much of this hostility and anger is being fueled by leaders in our state and country.”

CHARLIE CRIST Crist is a former Republican who switched parties after losing a Senate bid to Marco Rubio in 2010. Many Democrats are skeptical, but he said he is the only person who can beat DeSantis in November.

“I can win. That’s the most important thing.

I’m running for governor to beat Ron DeSantis.

LGBTQ deserve their rights to be respected always first and foremost.”

He said he would be a forceful check on republicans in the legislature.

“Executive orders, repealing laws with moderate Republicans, take ‘em to court. All of the above, all hands on deck.”

SENATE The caucus also endorsed Val Demings in her bid to unseat Rubio. She is recovering from COVID-19 and didn’t attend the event.

For a list of all their endorsements, go to LGBTQDems.org.

fter weeks of sharp increases, the rise in Broward County’s monkeypox cases have slowed slightly. Since the state saw its first monkeypox case, cases have risen at an alarming rate, but over the past week, that rate of increase dipped.

Florida has 480 cases, up from the 310 last week.

Last week saw an approximately 54% increase, down from the previous two weeks, where cases rose at almost 60%.

As of Aug. 1, Broward had 225 cases, according to the Florida Department of Health. Miami-Dade had 113 cases; Orange County had 32; Palm Beach had 30; Pinellas had 20; Hillsborough had 16; Monroe had

12; 15 other counties in north, central, and west Florida each had five or fewer.

On July 29, the White House allocated 72,000 vaccines to Florida, bringing the total allocated over 109,000 in the state.

The outbreak is particularly concerning for the LGBT community, as cases are disproportionately impacting gay and bisexual men, according to a study by the New England Journal of Medicine, among other sources.

The fatality rate for monkeypox is about 10% and the risk of exposure is low, since an infected person needs to be in close, prolonged face-to-face contact to get it.

If you suspect you have been infected with monkeypox, contact your doctor immediately or call the Florida Department of Health at 954-467-4700 or 850-245-4444.

PA L M B E A C H

news

PBCHRC HOSTS SWANKY SUMMER SOIREE, RAISES $50,000 Jason Parsley MORE THAN 125 SUPPORTERS OF THE PALM BEACH COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL JOINED THE LGBT RIGHTS ORGANIZATION FOR AN EVENING OF APPETIZERS AND DRINKS AT THE NATIONAL CROQUET CENTER LAST WEEK. The event raised more than $50,000.

COVID though cast a long shadow over the event with the group’s founder and president Rand Hoch not attending due to COVID along with two dozen other individuals who had purchased tickets.

“The Summer Soirée was underwritten by an impressive Host Committee which included gubernatorial candidates Nikki Fried and Charlie Crist,” Hoch said. Neither candidate though was able to attend because of the Florida Democratic Party’s Leadership Blue Weekend.

PBCHRC’s Summer Soiree.

Image via Facebook.

Proceeds from the event will help fund PBCHRC’s initiatives for the upcoming year — including funding the Daniel S. Hall Social Justice Awards, college scholarships for LGBT and allied high school seniors.

8 . 4 . 20 22 •

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aylor Blake runs Knuckle Bump Farms in South Florida. While the farm isn’t open to the public, her public social media accounts have been enjoyed by millions of people over the past few days as several videos of hers have gone viral.

While showing off some cows, deer, swans, and other farm animals, the farm’s emu Emmanuel, who seems to own the place, curiously walks into the camera shots, approaches the camera and interrupts Blake’s videos.

“Emmanuel, don’t do it,” she pleads with the giant bird, but he stands there anyway, sometimes even pecking at the camera, knocking it to the ground. Other large birds named Ellen and Regina cause similar havoc while a deer occasionally bites her arm while filming.

The videos are wildly popular on Instagram and TikTok, often garnering tens or hundreds of thousands of views.

A Twitter user @p4ndr_ posted a compilation

BUT IN ADDITION TO POSTING ADORABLE AND HILARIOUS ANIMAL VIDEOS, BLAKE IS QUITE OPEN ABOUT HER SEXUALITY ON HER PERSONAL INSTAGRAM PAGE AND HER FARM’S TIKTOK ACCOUNT, DISCUSSING BOTH HER PRIDE AND HER STRUGGLES WHILE TRAVELING WITH HER PARTNER IN PLACES THAT AREN’T SO LGBT-FRIENDLY.

video of Emmanuel interrupting Blake with the caption, “Holy crap this is wonderful.” That video has since been shared almost 200,000 times and has received over 22 million views.

Some of Blake’s recent TikTok videos have since exploded to similar numbers.

But in addition to posting adorable and hilarious animal videos, Blake is quite open about her sexuality on her personal Instagram page and her farm’s TikTok account, discussing both her Pride and her struggles while traveling with her partner in places that aren’t so LGBTfriendly.

“Idk who needs to hear this but I am a lesbian,” she wrote in a tweet pinned to the top of her Twitter page.

On her personal Instagram, Blake describes herself as a “Jesus-loving, mildly funny lesbian.”

In an FAQ section on that page, she discussed traveling with her partner through certain areas of the country.

The anonymous poster asked: “How do you handle safety as two queer women traveling to unsafe/homophobic areas?”

“This question makes me sad, but it’s very real. It breaks my heart that Kristian and I have to be extremely aware of each and every area we pass through,” Blake responds. “It’s scary enough being two women on the road, but being gay adds an entirely new level of fear. These are things we’ve become accustomed to, so much so that it has become second nature. It’s this unspoken understanding that each of us have.”

South Florida Gay News reached out to Blake for an interview through her various social media channels but did not immediately hear back.

CHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS. CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

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NEWS NATIONAL

NEWS STATE

DESANTIS THREATENS R HOUSE, ALL FLORIDA DRAG SHOWS John Hayden

John Hayden

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rag shows, and the bars that host them, could disappear in Florida. Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration are going after R House in Miami after social media posts showed children having a good time at their Sunday Drag Brunch. The administration filed a state complaint saying the show exposes children to “sexually explicit drag shows,” and “corrupts the public morals and outrages the sense of public decency.”

R House and its legal team are working on a response. They could lose their liquor license which would likely put them out of business. Husbands Rocco Carulli and Owen Bale own R House, and said, “We are an inclusive establishment and welcome all people to visit our restaurant. We are hopeful that DeSantis, a vociferous supporter and champion of Florida’s hospitality industry and small businesses, will see this as what it is: a misunderstanding, and that the matter will be resolved positively and promptly.”

LGBT DEMOCRATS RALLY IN FORT LAUDERDALE

Photo by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr.

It doesn’t appear that DeSantis will cooperate.

As the situation developed, he cited a 1947 ruling by the Florida Supreme Court ruling that says, “men impersonating women in a suggestive fashion” is against the law. This could target all drag shows as well as trans people.

Brandon Wolf of Equality Florida told SFGN this is another attack on LGBT Floridians.

“DeSantis has shown that he is willing to bend state agencies to his will and weaponize them against marginalized communities, including LGBTQ people, in his quest to incite right wing fervor.”

Lips, home to legendary drag shows, told SFGN that they don’t allow children into shows.

F

or Democrats to win statewide and local races in Florida, they need to piece together a broad coalition of voters, and the LGBT community is a key element.

The Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus met in Fort Lauderdale to decide which candidates to endorse in August’s primaries and strategize for what is shaping up to be a tough November general election.

Dozens of LGBT candidates and allies running for office, vied for the group’s endorsement. From city commission candidates in Jacksonville to congressional incumbents, all pledged to support issues important to the community and touted their records.

RON DESANTIS TARGETS LGBT AGAIN An unexpectedly tough race this year is in a formerly safe seat in the state legislature, held by Carlos Guillermo Smith, who is one of only three LGBT people serving in the state House and Senate. Gov. Ron DeSantis seized control of redistricting from legislators and personally redrew the map to silence Smith, one of the governor’s loudest critics. In 2020 his Orlando-area district went for President Joe Biden by nearly 60%. Now the split is 51%49%, making Smith’s seat the second most vulnerable Democratic seat in the legislature.

He said the key is helping people understand

“THIS CAMPAIGN IS ABOUT SEEING THE WORLD THROUGH THE EYES OF THE MOST VULNERABLE. OUR GOVERNOR AND THE STATE LEGISLATURE ARE SCAPEGOATING THE MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES. OUR QUEER BROTHERS, SISTERS, AND SIBLINGS ARE PART OF THAT AS WELL.” - Maxwell Frost DEMOCRATIC CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE

Maxwell Frost was endorsed by the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. Photo via www.frostforcongress.com.

the issues.

“Making sure our community is organized and mobilized against these attacks is critical.”

Locally, a late addition to the ballot for Fort Lauderdale City Commission is Ken Keechl.

He became the first gay mayor of Broward County in 2009. Despite having a successful law practice in Wilton Manors, he decided to run to make sure all voices are heard.

“I’m very concerned about our city. Three people are leaving the commission so I think someone with experience needs to step up, and that’s me.”

CONGRESSIONAL CONTESTS The map is tough for Democrats running for congress. A tough, 10-person primary is underway in FL-10 in Orlando. The caucus endorsed Maxwell Frost, who would become the youngest member of Congress. Afterward, he gave a speech that electrified the crowd, and he told SFGN the endorsement can push him over the top.

“This campaign is about seeing the world through the eyes of the most vulnerable.

Our governor and the state legislature are scapegoating the most vulnerable communities. Our queer brothers, sisters, and siblings are part of that as well.”

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick gave the keynote speech. She discussed issues and injected some Beyoncé lyrics and a little dancing. Afterward, she told SFGN that her favorite Beyoncé song reflects her commitment to the community.

“It’s ‘Break My Soul.’ When I wake up and we see there’s another threat or lies being perpetuated. I remind myself this is a test to see if we can get stronger. They don’t know our greatness and potential.”

For a list of all their endorsements, go to LGBTQDems.org.

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• 8 . 4.2022

news MIAMI-DADE Guest Column CONVICTIONS MIAMI SCHOOL BOARD REVERSES DECISION, ALLOWING SEX-ED TEXTBOOK FOR MIDDLE VOTER TURNOUT ON AUGUST 23 AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS Austen Erblat

WILL DETERMINE THE FUTURE OF OUR DEMOCRACY Orlando Gonzales

“R

Photo via Adobe.

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY’S SCHOOL BOARD MADE YET ANOTHER REVERSAL IN A DECISION THAT AFFECTED SEXUAL EDUCATION FOR MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS. The School Board has voted 5-4 to approve the inclusion of a textbook that deals with health, nutrition, sexually transmitted diseases, and related topics.

The Board initially rejected it by a similarly narrow margin, citing the state’s parental rights law, which critics and LGBT advocates have dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” law.

“Some of the chapters are extremely troublesome,” said board member Mari Tere Rojas, who voted against the books. “I don’t consider them to be age appropriate … They go beyond what the state standards are.”

Florida law allows parents to opt their child out of sex education lessons.

“Our current … process defends parents and their children who do not want to be exposed to this,” said Steve Gallon III, the board’s vice chair who supported the sex education textbooks. “But we cannot deny parents who want to have access for their children to this critically important information.”

School Board Chairwoman Perla Tabares Hantman changed her “no” vote, this time

“MY IMMEDIATE REACTION TO THE REVERSAL IS A HUGE SIGH AND SENSE OF RELIEF THAT THE RIGHT DECISION WAS MADE.” - Orlando Gonzales EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAFEGUARDING AMERICAN VALUES FOR EVERYONE

voting in favor of adopting the textbook. Prior to the reversal, the rejection of the textbook would have left the school district’s middle and high school students without a health education curriculum, which would have violated state law, the Miami Herald reported.

The last two meetings elicited impassioned responses from dozens of parents, current and former students, and community activists, with most in support of allowing the books, titled, “Comprehensive Health Skills,” with a separate edition for middle school and high school, according to the Herald.

Of 42 speakers, 38 urged the board to accept the textbook, according to Vice Chair Steve Gallon III. In response to the move, Orlando Gonzales, executive director of Safeguarding American Values for Everyone, said he’s reassured at this recent decision.

“My immediate reaction to the reversal is a huge sigh and sense of relief that the right decision was made,” Gonzales said. “The vote made by the chairwoman, Perla Tabares Hantman, having her switch this vote really sets the course and curriculum for the school board on the right path.”

Still, the fight for gender and sexual orientation equality isn’t over, Gonzales said: “My concerns remain that there is a national trend for anti-LGBT Christian nationalists running for school board and getting elected and pushing these types of initiatives into our school districts, which is making them highly discriminatory, very Christian-centric, and very much in line with people like Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis, which is more hurtful than they are helpful in terms of freedom and democracy.”

ights are won only by those who make their voices heard,” said Harvey Milk, the seminal gay rights activist and politician assassinated in 1978.

With LGBT equality hanging in the balance of the 2022 mid-term elections, these words have never been more important, and they represent a critically urgent call to action for our community and allies.

In the wake of recent Supreme Court developments, it’s clear there is nothing sacred, and even basic human rights, like the right to privacy, are in great peril. Today it’s the liberty to choose an abortion that has been stripped from Americans, tomorrow it may be the right to love someone of the same sex.

Make no mistake: voting is the only effective way to ensure all voices are heard and keep these rights from being taken away from us. The reality in Florida is that believers in equality are grossly outnumbered by antiLGBT and anti-democracy lawmakers, and strong voter turnout is our only hope to tip the scales in favor of equality. On Aug. 23, we must go to the polls en masse to protect our democracy.

OUR MOST HISTORICALLY DECISIVE BATTLE YET These mid-term elections will see incumbent Florida Governor Ron DeSantis running for a second term. DeSantis, a rising star on the Republican national stage, clearly exploited Florida’s 2022 legislative session to advance his political ambitions by attacking the LGBT community. He will certainly continue to erode LGBT rights if reelected as governor, preparing for a nearcertain presidential run. Unless we want to see this conniving power monger as POTUS in 2024, we must first prevent him from

Nikki Fried vs. Charlie Crist in Democratic primary.

Photos via Facebook.

winning a second term as Florida governor.

In August, we will decide which pro-equality Democratic candidate is best suited to defeat DeSantis in the November general election.

Nearly as important as voting DeSantis out of office is filling as many Senate and House seats as possible with pro-equality candidates, including the Senate seat currently held by Trumpian sycophant Marco Rubio. With Roe v. Wade and other supreme court decisions reversing years of precedent, these elections will not only determine the future of LGBT equality in Florida, but that of American democracy itself.

DEMOCRACY’S STRENGTH IS IN NUMBERS We urge every individual in our LGBT community, allies, and any American who values living in a democratic free society to make their voices heard on Aug. 23. This is our only chance to elect leaders who will safeguard our hard-won legal protections for issues of all stripes, including same-sex marriage, nondiscrimination in employment and housing, and more.

Orlando Gonzales is the Executive Director of SAVE Foundation.

8 . 4 . 20 22 •

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CONVICTIONS

Guest Column

CAN GAY MEN DIAL BACK ON SEX UNTIL OUR MONKEYPOX VACCINATIONS? Mark S. King

Y

ears from now, there will be gay men who made it through a case of monkeypox who will have the scars up and down the shaft of their penis to prove it.

Let me repeat that. Scars. On their cock. For the rest of their lives.

I don’t think there’s a derma-peel that will take care of that, guys.

And that leads this sex-positive long-term HIV survivor to a delicate and politically fraught question: how willing are we as gay men to hit the pause button on our more prolific sexual adventures until there is a sufficient supply of vaccinations to quell the monkeypox outbreak in our community?

No less than one of the most “sex-positive queer activists and self-proclaimed proud sluts you’ll find on social media,” iconic AIDS activist Peter Staley, recently took to his Facebook page to ask his fellow gay men to decide for themselves whether a sex break might be worth it.

“Given that we’re going to see a rapid increase in Monkeypox vaccine supplies over the next 2-4 weeks,” Staley wrote, “I’m going to hold off on hook-ups and anonymous sex until I get my appointment (and then wait

PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS REASSURE US THAT VACCINES ARE DUE TO FLOOD THE MARKETPLACE ALONG WITH OUTREACH THAT WILL, HOPEFULLY, TARGET THE “MEN WHO HAVE SEX WITH MEN” WHO NEED THEM.

Photo via Adobe.

a few weeks more for the priming of my immune system).”

Public health officials reassure us that vaccines are due to flood the marketplace along with outreach that will, hopefully, target the “men who have sex with men” who need them. We can reasonably expect a much larger supply of available vaccines within the next few weeks.

But what to do in the meantime? Large gay gatherings, parties, and sex venues have continued with only a few exceptions.

Queer vacation destinations are firing on all cylinders. True, it isn’t the parties or gathering places themselves that spread the virus, but the general atmosphere encourages expressions of sex in impressive numbers.

Last year, I posted a take-down of the criticism of “blaming the Fire Island gays” for being the villains during COVID. In a world of rallies and massive concerts and other super-spreader events, pointing a finger at gay revelers felt misguided, if not downright homophobic. This week, though, seeing photos of boisterous gatherings of gays makes me queasy. Like it or not, this is our viral outbreak. Once again, taking care of our community is on us.

Do we have the fortitude to do it?

Mark S. King is an award winning blogger, author, speaker, and HIV/AIDS activist who has been involved in HIV causes since testing positive in 1985. King's My Fabulous Disease won the 2020 GLAAD Award for Outstanding Blog after five consecutive nominations, and was named one of 2020’s “OUT100” by OUT Magazine.

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• 8 . 4.2022

A&E APPOINTMENTS

Donja R. Love’s “One in Two,” a drama exploring the lives of contemporary Black gay men, opens this weekend at Island City Stage in Wilton Manors and stars (left to right) Kevane Coleman, Nathanial J. Ryan and Randall Swinton. Credit: Courtesy.

ARTSBEAT CURTAINS UP IN WILTON MANORS J.W. Arnold

W

hile most of South Florida’s regional theater companies are enjoying a well-deserved summer hiatus, two Wilton Manors theaters have productions opening or re-opening during the hottest month of the year.

‘ONE IN TWO’ AT ISLAND CITY STAGE Island City Stage in Wilton Manors will offer a theatrical portrait of what it means to be Black and gay in America with its latest production, “One in Two” by Donja R. Love, Aug. 4 – Sept. 4.

Directed by the co-founder of Moxie Theatre in San Diego and NAACP theatre award-winner Delicia Turner Sonnenberg, the play’s title refers to the sobering statistic that one in two Black men who have sex with men will be diagnosed with HIV during their lifetimes, according to a 2016 analysis by researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

As an added twist in this production, the audience chooses nightly which actor sitting in an ethereal clinic waiting room must portray the ill-fated lead character who will eventually be diagnosed with HIV. The cast includes Kevane Coleman, Randall Swinton and Nathaniel J. Ryan.

“When I first discovered ‘One in Two’ during its Off-Broadway run, just prior to COVID, I knew it was a story we needed to tell,” said Andy Rogow, artistic director of Island City Stage. “We’re looking forward to sharing this story that is not often heard in our community — how HIV-positive vulnerable men are treated by the LGBT+ and Black communities. We hope theatre-goers will come away with a deeper understanding of this epidemic and be motivated to make a difference to help end this very real stigma and disease.”

Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, presents Donja R. Love’s “One in Two,” Aug. 4 – Sept. 4. Tickets are $35 at IslandCityStage.org.

‘TRUCK STOP SALLY’S SEX PARTY’ AT THE FOUNDRY Playwright and producer Ronnie Larsen’s gender-bending alterego, Truck Stop Sally, is back at the neighboring Foundry for three weeks, Aug. 10 – 28, after her own summer respite in July. The comedy, based on Larsen’s own experiences as a young man, is accentuated with his signature gratuitous male nudity and a few surprise cameo performances, too.

Larsen’s producing partner POW! (Plays of Wilton) is hosting a summer luau fundraiser at the home of Wilton Manors Commissioner and theater board member Chris Caputo on Aug. 20 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The party is free and all proceeds benefit future POW! Productions.

Tickets for “Truck Stop Sally’s Sex Party,” Aug. 10 – 28 at the Foundry, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, are $35 at RonnieLarsen.com. To RSVP for the POW! Summer Luau at 308 N.E. 27th Dr. in Wilton Manors, go to RonnieLarsen.com.

8 . 4 . 20 22 •

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