x Page x x Page xx Page xGroups Sue for Anti-Trans Medicaid Health Rule Page 15Monkeypox Cases Decrease Page 14 Theater Review: ‘The Actors’ Page 21 ERASED FIRST ‘DON’T SAY GAY’, NOW LGBT HISTORY MONTH. WHERE WILL IT END? PAGE 2 & 16 SUPPORT A FREE PRESS - DONATE OR ADVERTISE Readers: SFGN.com/donate | Businesses: SFGN.com/advertise SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS @SFGN SFGN.COM @SOFLAGAYNEWS LOCAL NAME GLOBAL VOL.SEPTEMBERCOVERAGE15,202213//ISSUE37
DSG is being challenged in court, but the case could take years to resolve.
eople shouted, security was called, and school board members caved. A tense meeting of the Miami-Dade School Board ended with a vote to silence LGBT students, the latest example of statesanctioned hate in Florida. Just a year removed from an overwhelming vote in favor of recognizing October as LGBTQ History Month, the board voted overwhelmingly against the measure.
MIAMI-DADE SCHOOLS COWER TO STATE-SANCTIONED HATE
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“The Miami-Dade School Board’s decision to not recognize LGBTQ+ History Month shows how the vagueness of the ‘Don’t Say LGBTQ’ law scares school districts into overinterpreting it and erasing the most vulnerable students in our schools. LGBT History is American History and deserves to be recognized in the classroom.”
through third grade. Parents can sue districts and the state can intervene if they believe it is being Whileviolated.thelawdoesn’t specifically mention the LGBT community, it is motivating school districts to remove any recognition of even the existence of the LGBT community or students. Many have removed books from libraries because they have gay characters or mention homosexuality. Some districts have enthusiastically embraced DSG by removing books and altering curriculum without any public pressure or backlash. School board member Christi Fraga takes that same tone, telling Politico, “I do believe this is in direct violation of our parental rights bill. If not so directly, in spirit, it is.”
School board member Lucia Baez-Geller (left), photo via Facebook, and PRISM President Maxx Fenning (right), photo via www.prismfl.org. COVER: Photo compilation by Julie Palmer, with photos Adobe.
Associate Photographers
It was in that spirit that she voted against LGBTBoardrecognition.member Lucia Baez-Geller introduced the idea and was the lone vote of support. She also spoke truth to the liars who came out against LGBT students, saying,
2 • 9.15.2022
The law was allegedly designed to protect children from being sexualized by adults. But adults at the meeting had no problem attacking students, often trying to shout them down when they stood up for their LGBTYouthclassmates.activistand PRISM President Maxx Fenning told SFGN this is another example of hate hiding behind power.
“THIS ITEM DOES NOT INDOCTRINATE STUDENTS, IT DOES NOT FORCE AN AGENDA ON STUDENTS. AS WAS STATED INCORRECTLY, THIS ITEM DOES NOT TAKE AWAY PARENTAL CHOICE.”
“This item does not indoctrinate students, it does not force an agenda on students. As was stated incorrectly, this item does not take away parental choice.”
- Lucia Baez-Geller
Associated Press SFGN
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Heated advocates on both sides of the issue spoke out during public comment. Some with the district believe recognizing LGBTQ History Month would violate Florida law. This year, the legislature passed the Parental Rights In Education Act, better known by its more accurate nickname: “Don’t Say Gay” (DSG). The law prevents any discussion of sexuality in kindergarten
Support our advertisers in the pages of SFGN! Their support helps make our journalism possible. SEE NEWSOURINVIDEO! Online now! 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. Copyright © 2022 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc. September 15, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 37 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Publisher • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com Associate Publisher • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Editorial 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
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LGBT groups celebrated Healey’s primary win, and LPAC Executive Director
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Fortunately for Zito, her co-stars were very supportive of her decision.
“It makes me emotional thinking about the responses that I got from my expat
Photo via Maura Healey/Facebook.
... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY
family in Paris,” she said. Later adding, “The support and the reaction that I got — again it still brings tears my eyes.”
Victoria Zito, star of Bravo’s new series “Real Girlfriends in Paris,” has come out as bisexual. Zito came out to her co-stars and said the decision was “really hard” since she comes from a conservative family in Texas.“Ithink that [divorce] happening in Paris made me develop a sense of f--k it,” she exclusively told E! News of coming out. “This is my life and this whole new chapter of my life, especially since we divorced, is about living my most authentic self and I feel like I couldn’t do that without just being open and honest. It was extremely, extremely hard for me.”
MAURA HEALEY ON TRACK TO BE ONE OF FIRST US LESBIAN GOVERNORS
‘REAL GIRLFRIENDS IN PARIS’ STAR COMES OUT AS BISEXUAL
IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G
If she wins in November she will also be the first woman elected governor in the state of Massachusetts.
BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY
Lisa Turner said, “Tonight marks an important moment for LGBTQ women’s representation.”
LESBIAN
LGBTQIA BITES
L
BISEXUALB
Photo via Victoria Zito/Facebook.
Maura Healey, the current attorney general of Massachusetts, won the Democratic nomination for governor, making her one of two lesbian candidates who could possibly make history in November as the nation’s first out lesbian governor.Healey is used to breaking barriers as in 2014 she became the first out member of the LGBT community to be elected attorney general of any state
In an interview with The Boston Globe, Healey said, “I take it as a sign of progress in Massachusetts that it isn’t something I have to justify or overcome. I am certainly proud of it; it’s my identity and who I am.”
“This story is an uncensored, unfiltered portrayal of youth,” said the film’s producer Dominic Harrison. “It revels in the fragile beauty of it, flirts with the pain of it and most importantly the undeniable, glimmering hope of it. It presents a generational shift towards acceptance of one’s self and others, and ever-growing confidence in our own insecurities.”Finneywill play Charlie Acaster, a teen struggling with her identity until an extraordinary night makes her think about life in a brand-new way.
T LGBTQIA BITES
‘HEARTSTOPPER’ ACTRESS TO STAR IN FILM BASED ON YUNGBLUD SONG ABOUT TRANS FAN
the ability to tell a whole story with a single look. She utterly embodied the character of Charlie whilst also bringing so much more.”
“Yasmin is a striking performer. She has
9.15.2022 • 7
“Heartstopper” star Yasmin Finney is set to play the lead role in a film based on “Mars,” a song by pansexual singer-songwriter Yungblud.“Mars”is inspired by a fan the singer met while on tour who was struggling to convince her parents of her trans identity.
The film’s director, Abel Rubinstein, spoke about working with Finney.
TRANSGENDER
Photo via yazdemand/Instagram.
Regarding the situation in the Netherlands, Maxima reported “we have the same thing — tolerance but significant intolerance,” according to the Bay Area Reporter
THERE’SONLINE!MORE SUPREME COURT: UNIVERSITY IN NYC CAN BLOCK LGBT STUDENT CLUB Visit SFGN.com to find out more.
Photo by Miss Ross, Wikipedia Commons.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands visited San Francisco and spoke with local leaders of the LGBT community as well as Mayor London Breed about issues the community is currently fighting.Maxima was met by figures including San Francisco AIDS Foundation CEO Tyler TerMeer, Ph.D., and District 8 Supervisor Rafael Mandelman. Aria Sa’id, president and chief strategist of the Transgender District within the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, spoke on the community’s advancements in educating the public and destigmatizing trans identities. However, Sa’id noted that they still face many hurdles in normalizing transgender people in
BORDER PATROL TWITTER DEACTIVATED AFTER LIKING HOMOPHOBIC POSTS
QUEEN OF THE NETHERLANDS SPEAKS WITH SAN FRANCISCO’S LGBT COMMUNITY
ACROSS COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION
U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar (D-TX) tweeted, “The person running the @ CBPWestTexas media account has absolutely no business being in public service. Especially if allowed to carry a gun and a badge.”
Photo via www.royal-house.nl. this is possible.”
The world of Broadway has become much more inclusive in recent years, reports CBS News. In 2018, Peppermint of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame became the first trans woman to play a featured role on Broadway in “Head Over Heels.” This past spring, L Morgan Lee became the first trans person to be nominated for a Tony Award for her featured role in “A Strange Loop.”
In response, CBP Commissioner Chris Magnus posted a statement that
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Ross is excited to serve as an inspiration for other trans people. She tells the
Associated Press, “I think about the trans women who are looking at me right now and are now thinking that
Angelica Ross, best known for her work in the television series “Pose,” is set to make history as the first trans person to play a leading role on Broadway. She will be playing the part of Roxie Hart in the 1975 musical “Chicago.”
8 • NEWS9.15.2022NATIONAL BY BENJAMIN MANNING
TRANS STAR MAKES BROADWAY HISTORY IN HER LEAD ROLE
their community, and employing trans people continues to be a major issue.
CALIFORNIATEXAS
“U.S. Customs and Border Protection has become aware of unauthorized and inappropriate content that was posted to the @CBPWestTexas Twitter account” and that the “tweets do not reflect the values of the administration and our work to rebuild a humane, orderly, and secure immigration system.”
THE COUNTRY
Photo via Pete Buttigieg/Facebook.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has promised to deactivate the West Texas division’s Twitter account after its offensive activity was brought to their attention.TheCBPWestTexas account retweeted two posts from Stephen Miller, the former senior Trump administration advisor and advocate for white nationalist policies, and liked posts hurling anti-gay insults at Pete Buttigieg, reported LGBTQ Nation
TIJUANA GAY MEN’S CHORUS EMPOWERS LGBT COMMUNITY NORTH AMERICA
This broadens the concept of what makes a family and is the most recent in a string of court rulings challenging social norms in India that may have significant ramifications for the rights of both women and homosexuals.
EXPLORING LGBT NEWS
According to Channel News Asia, the court ruled in her favor, stating that the common interpretation of the term
Photo by J. Stephen Conn, via Flickr.
France has denounced the death sentences for two female LGBT rights activists given by Iran on the grounds that they had promoted homosexuality.
THERE’SONLINE!MORE Visit SFGN.com to find out more.
UGANDA BANS FESTIVAL LINKED HOMOSEXUALITYTO
recent wave of arson and cartel threats that drove inhabitants into hiding on a recent weekend night, the massive border city was quieter than usual at this hour. However, not on this street, where the vocal group’s vocal technique session featured harmonies from the group’s 11 members.
INDIA WIDENS FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIPS DEFINITION
“family,” both in law and society, is that it refers to a single, stable unit made up of a mother and a father and their children, who remain the same over time.
Photo via CORO GAY de Tijuana/Facebook.
FRANCE CONDEMNS DEATH SENTENCES OF GAY RIGHTS ACTIVISTS ASIA EUROPE
The Tijuana Gay Men’s Chorus’ chords and notes erupted into the quiet night from the basement of the red-brick Casa de la FollowingCultura.a
“This type of project in this city was
more than necessary,” said Edgar Gheno, the director of the chorus. “Because we know that — or rather in my personal experience — not being who you are and not being able to express yourself generates problems …”
9.15.2022 • 9 NEWS INTERNATIONAL BY EVERITT ROSEN
The two women, Elham Chubdar, 24, and Zahra Sedighi Hamedani, 31, received death sentences from the Urmia court in northwestAccordingIran.toHindustantime, they were found guilty of “promoting corruption on earth,” a charge routinely brought against defendants for allegedly violating the nation’s sharia regulations.
The decision was announced in the case of Deepika Singh, a nurse who had been denied maternity leave by her employer because she had already taken time off to care for her husband’s stepchildren.
The Supreme Court of India building. Photo by Subhashish Panigrahi, via Wikimedia Commons.
ACROSS THE GLOBE
The Supreme Court of India has declared that “atypical manifestations” of the family unit, such as domestic partnerships, unmarried couples, and LGBT relationships, are entitled to social welfare benefits in equal measure.
“France deplores the death sentences issued by Iran for Mrs. Elham Chubdar and Mrs. Zahra Sedighi Hamedani,” the French foreign ministry, emphasising its universal opposition to the death penalty and support of gay rights.
THE AROUNDWORLD EVENTS
According to The San Diego UnionTribune, the group strives to create a secure environment for the artistic growth of Tijuana’s gay and trans community. It is one of only two active gay men’s choruses in the entire country of Mexico.
Photo by J.R. Davis
10 • 9.15.2022 From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a weekly look at a community that has stood together through countless trials and victories in the past year alone. NEWS LOCAL THEOFSNAPSHOT WEEK
Tatiana Williams, South Florida Board of member and director coordinator
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GLSEN is a national nonprofit that works to create a safe and inclusive K-12 school environment for LGBT youth. GLSEN provides many resources, including the rights of LGBT students and educators, how to bolster your Gender Sexuality Alliance, and more. Visit glsen.org/resources to access their vital materials.
Compass is a nonprofit in Lake Worth that works to engage, empower and enrich the lives of LGBTQ people and those impacted by HIV and AIDS. Compass specializes in providing services for youth ages 11-18. Their Youth Program provides the following:
Safe Schools is a nonprofit that works throughout South Florida to create safer schools where all students can learn and thrive, regardless of real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, their own or that of their parents/guardians. Safe Schools provides the following:•Youth Empowerment: Safe Schools provides a Youth Leadership
• Therapy Group: A group for youth to benefit from talking to their peers in a facilitated setting led by licensed therapists. Email amanda@ compassglcc.com to join.
• Rainbow Circle: A peer-led LGBT support and discussion group. Topics include coming out, relationships, bullying, depression, and more. The group is for youth ages 14-20.
PRISM is a virtual nonprofit that works throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade counties. Its mission is to expand access to LGBT-inclusive education and sexual health resources for young people in South Florida. PRISM provides the following:•Educational Resources: Since K-12 education is lacking, you can access dozens of resources on sexual health, gender and sexuality, LGBT history, and QPOC history. Visit prismfl.org/ learn to access these materials.
• Drop-In Center: It’s a safe space to hang out, use computers, talk about the issues that matter to you, engage with mentors and connect with your community. Drop-in hours are Monday-Friday 3 to 7 p.m.
NEWS LOCAL
Visit compassglcc.com/youth-program/ to learn more.
Visit prismfl.org/get-involved to learn more.
Visit safeschoolssouthflorida.org/programs/ to learn more.
The law will only apply in K-3 until the Florida Department of Education releases state standards that define what is not “age-appropriate” or “developmentally appropriate” for other grade levels. Regardless, LGBT youth face discrimination, and there are youth services available across the tri-county area to help them.
GLSEN
• Student Ambassador Program: A program for high school and college LGBT-oriented clubs. Students gain the opportunity to actively connect with other student leaders through monthly meetings, group activities, and more. PRISM will help in coordinating fundraisers, observances, discussions, and more. Visit ambassador-programprismfl.org/student-tolearnmore.
SAFE SCHOOLS SOUTH FLORIDA
Summit and Gay Straight Alliance Empowerment Day activities to bring LGBT youth and their allies together to build positive self-perception and empowered self-care, leadership, and advocacy skills.
matter to you. The Youth Group meets every Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. and anyone can join at any time. The Transgender Youth Group meets every Friday from 5 to 7 p.m., email rex@compassglcc.com to join.
• Social Fridays: Fun social activities with peers that include game nights, movie nights, sleepovers, art projects, and more.
• STI Clinic Search: A database of free or low-cost sexual health clinics across South Florida. Learn where to get tested, how to make appointments, and where to get free contraceptives. Visit prismfl.org/std-clinics to use this resource.
Visit scholarships/safeschoolssouthflorida.org/tolearnmore.
• Youth Council: Pridelines’ youth leadership team. They discuss upcoming events, provide input to Pridelines’ staff and board, develop agendas for town hall meetings, and Visitmore.pridelines.org/youth-programs to learn more and contact Pridelines at info@ pridelines.org or (305) 571-9601 to join their programs.
• Scholarships: The Robert E. Loupo, Jr. “Legacy of Change” Scholarship is for graduating Miami-Dade seniors who are advocates and/or activists dedicated to upholding the dignity, rights, and equality of the entire LGBT community.
Christian “CJ” Walden SO SFGN HAS COMPILED A LIST OF RESOURCES FOR LGBT YOUTH
Sunserve is a nonprofit across South Florida that works to provide critical life assistance and professional mental health services with an emphasis on economically disadvantaged, marginalized youth, adults, and seniors in the greater South Florida metropolitan area. Their Youth Program provides the Counseling/Lifefollowing:Coaching: From mental healthcare to life coaching and even support groups, Sunserve works to ensure youth have access to the resources that theyYouthneed.Leadership Council: A group of individuals looking to make a difference and be empowered by their peers. From event planning to even grassroots activism, Sunserve’s Youth Council gives students the skills to thrive.Visit sunserve.org/programs/ to learn more. WITH THE ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW, FLORIDA SCHOOLS ARE NO LONGER A SAFE SPACE FOR QUEER STUDENTS
COMPASS
12 • 9.15.2022
PRISM
Pridelines is a nonprofit in Miami that works to support, educate and empower South Florida’s LGBT youth and community in safe and diverse spaces to promote dialogue, wellness, and foster social change. Pridelines has various programs that serve ages 14-25. Their Youth Program provides the following:
T
he 2022 school year is here and the “Don’t Say Gay” law is in full effect.
PRIDELINES
SUNSERVE
• Support Groups: Come make new friends and discuss the issues that
9.15.2022 • 13 “We understand not everyone has the time to look at our daily e-blast, we wanted to develop an option for those readers who still want to be kept informed, but their time may be limited. So we’re excited to introduce The Scoop!” - Executive Editor of SFGN Jason Parsley SFGN just launched a new digital newsletter delivered to inboxes on Mondays. This weekly newsletter will give readers all the biggest LGBT stories for the week from SFGN in five minutes or less. Sign up at sfgn.com/newsletter SFGN WEEKLYLAUNCHESDIGITALNEWSLETTER ARRESTED? DON’T BE A DOPE! CALL 954-763-1900 NORMKENT.COM THE LAW OFFICES OF NORMAN KENT AND RUSSELLOFCRIMINALCORMICANTHEDEFENSELAWCENTERSOUTHFLORIDANORM@NORMKENT.COMRussell Cormican Attorney at Law 2520 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Norman Elliott Kent Attorney at Law 12 SE 7th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Palm Beach – 95 (92)
Pinellas – 116 (104)
If you contact immediately Florida Department Health at 954-467-4700 or 850-245-4444.
suspect you have been infected with monkeypox,
ew monkeypox infections are continuing to decrease week to week in Florida. In the past week there have been 153 new cases for a total of 2,301 – a 7% increase for the week.That’s a decrease from 11% last week and a drastic decrease over a month ago when the new infection rate was around 40%.
Miami-Dade – 782 (760)
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are 22,630 (20,733) in the U.S., as of Sept. 13. Florida ranks third after California and New York.
The county is now offering walk-ins for those interested in the vaccine.
Jason Parsley
Here are the totals in some of the counties from the Florida Department of Health as of Sept. 13. Last week’s total in parenthesis:
Monroe – 21 (20)
NEWS STATE
of
N
Photo via Pixabay.
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your doctor
Miami-Dade is still the No. 1 County in the state with 782 cases.
Hillsborough – 179 (153)
or call the
Broward – 645 (619)
Orange County – 206 (177)
NEW MONKEYPOX CASES IN FLORIDA CONTINUE TO DECREASE WEEK TO WEEK
The major symptom of an infection is a painful or itchy rash that can initially look like pimples or blisters.
9.15.2022 • 15
A
Photo via Adobe.
L
NEWS STATE
NEWS NATIONAL
The groups include the Southern Legal Counsel, Florida Health Justice Project, Lambda Legal, National Health Law Program, and the Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP. The plaintiffs are two transgender adults — August Dekker and Brit Rothstein — and two minors represented by their parents — Susan andTheK.F.lawsuit, Dekker, et al., v. Marstiller, et al., was filed after the new Medicare rule that states that gender dysphoria is exempt from coverage, specifically puberty blockers, hormones, gender-affirming surgeries, and “any other procedures that alter primary or secondary sexual characteristics.” Other exceptions to coverage include incarcerated people and out-of-state services. The rule went into effect on Aug. 21.
federal judge in Texas ruled that requiring employers to provide healthcare coverage that includes HIV prevention pills is a religious freedom violation.InaSept. 7 decision, district judge Reed O’Conner of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, Braidwood Management, Inc., who challenged that preventive care mandates in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act violated the Constitution and Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Braidwood argued providing healthcare coverage to employees that included HIV prevention medications goes against Christian Bible teachings and “the authoritative and inherent word of God.”The plaintiffs — six individuals and two businesses — believe that providing coverage for PrEP drugs, contraception, the HPV vaccine and STD screenings and behavioral counseling “facilitates and encourages homosexual behavior, intravenous drug
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John McDonald
GROUPS SUE FLORIDA FOR ANTI-TRANS MEDICAID HEALTH RULE
GBT and health organizations announced Sept. 7 that they are suing the state of Florida in federal court in light of the Sunshine State’s new anti-trans Medicare health rule.
Christiana Lilly
“This new Medicaid rule denies me the ability to access treatment that I cannot otherwise afford,” Dekker, a 28-year-old trans man, said in a press release from the Southern Legal Counsel. “Everyone deserves to exist in a way that feels safe, yet this ban will impact so many transgender Medicaid beneficiaries like me with very negative effects on our physical and mental health and our lives. It’s truly awful and unfair to feel like the state is targeting your existence.”Meanwhile, a judge in North Carolina ruled in June that the state’s health plans must include treatment for trans patients.
“This argument is not only terribly prejudiced, but it is also simply wrong,” countered Dr. Aliza Norwood, a Texasbased internal medicine physician and HIV specialist, in an op-ed published by NBC News. “PrEP is used by hundreds of thousands of people in the U.S. of all sexual orientations and genders. I see many patients, young and old, gay and straight, of all races and political affiliations, who do not fit the narrow stereotypes mentioned in the lawsuit.”Studies have shown PrEP reduces the risk of contracting HIV through sex by 99% and by 74% for intravenous drug users.
TEXAS JUDGE RULES PREP COVERAGE VIOLATES RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
Photo via Adobe Stock.
use and sexual activity outside of marriage between one man and one woman.”
John McDonald
Christiana Lilly
In an 8-1 vote on Sept. 7, the Miami-Dade School Board declined to recognize LGBTQ History Month, a stinging consequence of the Florida legislature’s Parental Rights in Education law. The newly minted law, dubbed “Don’t Say Gay,” bans classroom instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in
“It was a shameful step backwards,” Fernandez told SFGN. “An alarming bellwether of rising anti-LGBTQ rhetoric. The very reason why parent and student organizations should engage in conversation about LGBTQ history and consider adopting the draft resolution I hope to empower them with.”
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The 8-1 decision on Sept. 7 came after hours of testimony and debate at the county’s school board meeting, which drew LGBT groups, the Proud Boys, and parents on both sides of the issue. While some called the proclamation indoctrination or said that it went against their religious beliefs, others said it was about education and inclusion.
The resolution establishes the founding of LGBTQ History Month in October of 1994 by Missouri high school history teacher Rodney Wilson and acknowledges the ramifications of bullying with at least one queer youth between the ages of 13 and 24 attempting suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S.
v. Clayton County, which ruled that gay and trans employees are a protected class in the workplace.“Tonight’s vote is more proof of the sweeping, dangerous effect of Florida’s discriminatory ‘Don’t Say [Gay]’ law, which many Board Members cited in their decision to abandon this established and successful symbol of support for the district’s LGBTQ students, teachers, and families,” Equality Florida tweeted after the vote.
IN THE WAKE OF THE COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD’S DECISION TO IGNORE LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH, THE CITY OF MIAMI BEACH IS SEEKING TO RIGHT THE WRONG.
A resolution recognizing LGBTQ History Month will be introduced at Miami Beach’s commission meeting on Wednesday. The resolution, co-sponsored by Commissioner David Richardson, Vice Mayor Alex Fernandez and Mayor Dan Gelber, urges parents to use the school board’s failure to act as “opportunity to engage with their children and address LGBTQ issues and history in a positive light.”
MIAMI-DADE
16 • 9.15.2022 SFGN.com/donateWOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT A FREE PRESS? MIAMI-DADE news
MIAMI BEACH FORGING AHEAD WITH LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH RECOGNITION
Students from FIU march in the 2017 Miami Beach Pride parade. Photo by John McDonald.
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS SAY NO TO LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH
kindergarten through the third grade with some district interpretations going further, into middle and high school grade levels.
MIAMI-DADE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL NOT BE RECOGNIZING LGBTQ HISTORY MONTH IN OCTOBER, NOR WILL 12TH GRADERS LEARN ABOUT TWO SUPREME COURT CASES IMPACTING THE COMMUNITY, THE MIAMI HERALD REPORTS.
The vote was a complete reversal from last school year, when the recognition was voted favorably 7-1. However, the proclamation did not include the social studies class on the Supreme Court cases. Prior to the vote, Baez-Geller tweeted that she was “proudly presenting” the proclamation. During discussion she noted that students learn about other important court cases in American history and that this was no different.
The proclamation was brought forward by Lucia Baez-Geller, who was the lone vote in favor of it. She said that seniors could opt out of the social studies class that would cover Obergefell v. Hodges, which recognizes same-sex marriage, or Bostock
world, but the inner world as well. We are a mass of contradictions and competing consciousnesses, even within a single soul. Books let you explore all those parts of yourself.
WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU RELATE TO THE MOST AND WHY?
Probably Pietro in Bluebeard. He’s underestimated because he’s sensitive and small and just soft by nature, but inside, he’s ferocious. A lion at heart. I think I really saw myself in that character. I’m soft on the surface, but hard as steel underneath.
One of the goals with “Beasts and Beauty” was to write that Holy Grail: a book for both young readers and adults. The Grimms’ fairy tales had that quality — they worked for every age because there was the story on the surface for children and the thrilling, sinister subtext for the elders. So when writing these new fairy tales, I didn’t pull any punches. They’re dark, intense, and relentlessly honest as if I’m telling these stories around a campfire to an audience of any age. Each story is set in the 18th and 19th centuries but has its pulse on the timeless and universal.
“Beauty and the Beast” is about how being an immigrant in a new land means you often can’t be seen for who you truly are. Bluebeard is about a rich, mysterious man who preys on boys from orphanages, only to meet his match. Peter Pan is the story of Wendy growing up, only to realize she prefers a pirate to Pan. Everyone can see themselves in these stories. And already it seems that publishers are recognizing they work for every age — in the US, it’s being published for ages 10 & up, while in the UK, it’s being published as an adult literary novel. That disparity is the highest compliment I can imagine.
WHAT DOES “READING WITH PRIDE” MEAN TO YOU?
Aurora Dominguez
“Beasts and Beauty” is just a wild ride. A reimagination of all the old fairy tales we hold dear, but also stories that don’t serve us anymore. So I think readers can expect just twelve delicious, dangerous stories, where every single one feels wildly different, but also deeply satisfying. They are reflections of the stories we once knew, but with an understanding of the world we live in now. They’re edgy, provocative, sensual, and bold in a way that fairy tales were meant to be... before Disney got ahold of them.
WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS AND CHARACTERS?
LIFESTYLE READING WITH PRIDE
9.15.2022 • 17
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT BOOK?
It’s just simply the world we live in. We are surrounded by difference, even if we turn a blind eye to it. That’s what makes us viable as a species — diversity of culture, personality and strengths. If we were all the same, we’d die out quite quickly. At the same time, every person has so many facets to themselves. I’ve written over 300 characters at this point, and I’d say nearly all of them have a piece of me somewhere inside them. So writing diversity isn’t just about reflecting on the outside
WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU IN THE BOOKISH WORLD?
In 2022, the film adaptation of my book “The School for Good and Evil” will be released by Netflix, starring Charlize Theron, Kerry Washington, Laurence Fishburne, Michelle Yeoh, and a cast of talented teenagers, including Sofia Wylie and Sophie Anne Caruso. So that’s what I’m most excited about next year. I’ll also have a new book out in 2022 that I’ll be announcing soon.
‘BEASTS AND BEAUTY’
To me, Reading with Pride means finding a mirror of yourself or your experience in the pages of a book and feel seen and valued. This is a tall order, of course, but it doesn’t mean you have to find your twin or a replica of life in a book’s pages — but instead a character or story or theme that feels like it resonates with your authentic pathway in life. Growing up gay, I often looked to books for that experience because I wasn’t able to have it in my real life, since I was so sealed in the closet. Books with LGBT themes gave me a glimpse of a happier future and gave my imagination the ability to imagine that future for myself.
Soman Chainani, photo via Facebook. Book cover via Amazon.com.
I
WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK?
f you’re itching to read a darker side of fairy tales, then get ready for “Beasts and Beauty” by Soman Chainani.
Check out these restaurants near Pompano’s Stonewall Beach.
954-366-3768OCEANICPOMPANO.COM Fresh
Enjoy the nectar of the gods, mead (honey wine), at Oakland Park’s newest eatery BREWLIHAN. The 1,700-square-foot space is decorated with laboratory flasks and honeycomb and has 16 taps. The nectar comes from Florida beekeepers and fruit from farmers in the Pacific Northwest and New York.
CANNOLI KITCHEN PIZZA 255 N POMPANO BEACH BLVD. 954-737-3737CANNOLIKITCHEN.COM
“The grants were a huge factor in making this deal make sense,” said Linder. “If it was between here and some other place with foot traffic, I would have gone somewhere with
250OCEANICNPOMPANO BEACH
BEACHY KEEN
ompano Beach is working hard to raise its profile as a recreational mecca. The city has provided hundreds of thousands of dollars to lure restaurateurs to Atlantic Blvd. and oceanfront properties in the hopes of flipping some long-vacant storefronts, formerly managed by the city, into popular dining destinations.
The city hopes to find an investor willing to transform the 1926 McNab House and McNab Park into MCNAB HOUSE AND BOTANICAL GARDEN, featuring a restaurant, three-acre botanical garden, and a glass enclosed event pavilion. “What actually goes in there, and who runs what, has to be worked out in the negotiating process,” said Tran.
Photo via Cannoli Kitchen West Boca on Powerline/Facebook.
According to the city’s Community Redevelopment Agency Director, Nguyen Tran, “Pompano is like what Delray Beach was 30 years ago. Pompano has been losing out on great restaurants for years because there isn’t anything here, and it’s our time now. What really drives people to an area is the food and entertainment.”
BEACH HOUSE 270 N POMPANO BEACH BLVD. 954-607-6530BEACHHOUSEPOMPANO.COM
LIFESTYLE FOOD POMPANO
THERE’SONLINE!MORE
Local LGBT residents have also been pushing to make the city a destination. In 2020, Anthony Kulp, a resident of Palm Aire in Pompano Beach, led the effort to unofficially claim a section of the city’s beach. The group raised a rainbow flag on the beach on June 28 of that year and unofficially named it Stonewall Beach. Since then, the area just south of the Pompano Beach pier has become a gathering spot of the LGBT community. Kulp, a local realtor, touts Stonewall Beach, “It’s really an outstanding beach,” he said. He noted the new gay section is close to parking, showers, bathrooms, and restaurants.
A laid-back vibe for simple eats, tiki bar drinks, and toes in the sand under the shade of palm trees.
foot traffic, but the incentives were great.”
HUNGRY FOR MORE? VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD! Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at
SOUTH PMP BAR AND KITCHEN should be open by the late fall. It will serve southern comfort food. While the buildout cost nearly $2 million, South PMP owner Mike Linder, who also owns Jet Runway Café, said the city sweetened the deal with grants.
It’s not the B-52’s Love Shack, but WILLIE T’S SEAFOOD SHACK on Cordova opened in late August inside the Harbor Shops on 17th Street. The Washington, D.C., chain will dish up fried and grilled Gulf shrimp,
LUCKY FISH 222 N POMPANO BEACH BLVD. 954-247-9967LUCKYFISHPOMPANO.COM
18 • 9.15.2022
Since 1996, Cannoli Kitchen has been cranking out reasonably priced Italian fast food. Pizza, pasta, salads, calzones, and of course, homemade cannoli, available to dine in or take to the beach. BLVD. seafood and premium steakhouse offering brunch, lunch, and dinner amidst gorgeous ocean views. & CIRCUMSTANCE
While Stonewall Beach hasn’t been around long enough to gain traction on the internet, it did get a mention in an article on “Florida’s Top 10 Gay Beaches” on VisitFlorida.com, and Outcoast website says, “Pompano Beach is a more affordable area close to Wilton Manors.”
The views Rick expresses are his own and do not represent the opinion of SFGN.
Visit SFGN.com to find out more. ‘DRAG RACE’ YVIE ODDLY
HENRY’S SANDWICH STATION in Fat Village was a hit almost as soon as it opened four years ago. Now, with their block being demolished for a mixed-use development, they’re moving across the street into Sistrunk Marketplace. It’s a winwin as Henry’s gets to keep its dedicated clientele at a nearby location and Sistrunk Marketplace gets a shot in the arm with a place with a loyal following.
SIDE DISHES
Photo via Lucky Fish Pompano/Facebook. Photo via Beach House Pompano/Facebook. RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.
Photo via Oceanic Beach/Facebook.Pompano
The influx of new beachgoers and support from the city have made the area more attractive for restaurant owners.
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Rick Karlin CONTINUES TO ‘EMBRACE THE CHAOS’
catfish, and lobsters, along with oyster po’boys, crab cakes, salmon and Old Bayseasoned, waffle-cut fries.
Upscale dining in a relaxed atmosphere. Craft cocktails and creative fare with killer views from the upper-level deck.
9.15.2022 • 19 CHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS. SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM SPIRITUALITY LISTINGS ETZCONGREGATIONCHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org congregationetzchaim1974@gmail.com Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM TEMPLE BAT YAM 5151 NE 14th Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 Friday954-928-0410Night& Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org “Love without judgement” A home for your spirit. Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. MassFacebook.com/HolyAngelsFL33305www.HolyAngelsFL.org954-633-2987Schedule:Sabado6:00PMmisaenespañol • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome! Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship. 11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing. Join us for in-person worship at 10 AM Sunday, or live streamed on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChruchofOurSaviorMCC 2011 South Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach, www.churchofoursaviormcc.org561-733-4000FL
Church
of Our Savior MCC
“In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night,” he’d say to everyone he encountered.
People seemed more friendly during the COVID containment, even if we were more cautious of personal contact. Shared tragedy or shared joy makes it more likely that we’ll reach out and hug a stranger, but why does it take that to happen in order for us to feel
In Wilton Manors, I have found, people generally don’t stop and talk as they walk by with or without their dog. I’ve always found
“In case I don’t see ya, good afternoon, good evening, and good night.”
My friends in Provincetown, Massachusetts, said I was Truman Burbank. Provincetown itself was a little like Seahaven. I’d go outside to cut the roses on the front door and go back into the house an hour and a half later. Ray didn’t bother to ask me what took so long. He knew that dozens of people we knew and didn’t know would walk or drive by the house and start a friendly conversation.Weusedto own a home in Naples, Florida, for three years, but gave up on the town, despite its beauty, because we felt so alone. One day when I was in a fancy grocery store wearing a t-shirt with “Provincetown” on it, an older woman in the produce section took a look at my t-shirt and said, “Provincetown. I hate Provincetown.”
“Hi, there. How are you doing? Have a good night.” The other evening, I said, “My name is Brian.” He replied, “Hi, Brian, I’m Ron. Nice to meet you.” I then did a quick word association so I wouldn’t forget his name. Now we say, “Hey, Ron. How’s it going?” “Hi, Brian. Things are good. Have a great night.”
early every night on our walk, Lincoln and I pass a nice man who is heading in the opposite direction. He and I say “hello” to one another.
I truly talk to anyone and everyone. I love feeling that I’m in this wonderful community where everyone feels welcome. I get the best feedback on my greeting from the people in the grocery store who are stacking shelves. The only time they usually get acknowledged is when someone needs help finding an item. It’s nice to just have someone say, “Good morning. How are you doing Twenty-fivetoday?”years ago, many of us enjoyed watching the movie “The Truman Show.” The main character was Truman Burbank, played by Jim Carrey, who lived in the town Seahaven.
Brian McNaught
LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG
I wore the same t-shirt to a restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, and a bunch of the waiters came to our table to tell us much they loved Provincetown. That was it. We soon moved across the state to feel more welcomed.
We lived for 16 years in a home we built in Fort Lauderdale and then downsized into a two-bedroom home in Wilton Manors. We love our home, our gardens, our location, our friends, and we’re just a few blocks to everything “Gay.” Food, dance, ice cream, candy,Nextantiques.toProvincetown, Wilton Manors has the second highest percentage of the population who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer. Both towns have been referred to as “Gayberry.” Remarkably, though, many of our friends, particularly the women, are leaving the Fort Lauderdale area and moving to Asheville, North Carolina.
What feels a little off to me in Wilton Manors is that we get from strangers a much different response from what we got in Provincetown. Now, it’s true that in the summertime, the majority of people at the tip of Cape Cod are there on vacation. Usually, people on vacation are in good spirits and want to be surrounded by other people in good spirits. They want to live in Gayberry for a week or two. So, when a stranger wishes them a happy day, they are more than likely to smile back and say something nice.
“Why?” I asked. She looked me up and down and said, “I’d rather not say.”
SAYING ‘HI’ IN GAYBERRY
Photo via Adobe.
Drive.Ifyou and I cross paths, expect me to say “hello.” I’m trying to create a world in which all feel safe, and in which it isn’t necessary to move to Asheville, North Carolina. Every place we live in can be a Seahaven or Gayberry. We just have to smile and say “Hello.”
Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has made his many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The New York Times named him “The Godfather of gay diversity training.” Brian has a weekly YouTube/FaceBook podcast called, “Are You Happy Without the Movie?”
connected? Why isn’t everyone saying to strangers on the street, “How are you doing?” “Nice to see you.” “Have a great night.” This is especially important to do if you sense the person isn’t feeling valued, such as lesbians or transgender people walking on Wilton
I TRULY TALK TO ANYONE AND EVERYONE. I LOVE FEELING THAT I’M IN THIS
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“It’s friendlier there,” they say. “But, with so many gay people here, how could Asheville feel friendlier than Wilton Manors?” I wondered.Inever stopped being Truman Burbank in Naples, Fort Lauderdale, and now in Wilton Manors. Ray is the same. We’re a happy couple.
it sad that gay men will often walk past each other on the street, or on a cruise ship, or touring the pyramids, and say nothing. We know that each other is gay. We share similar stories of struggling to come out, and dealing with homophobic people. So, why don’t we say “Hi,” as we would if it were a family member by blood, as opposed to by fire?
COMMUNITYWONDERFULWHEREEVERYONEFEELSWELCOME.IGETTHEBESTFEEDBACKONMYGREETINGFROMTHEPEOPLEINTHEGROCERYSTOREWHOARESTACKINGSHELVES.
20 • 9.15.2022 news
‘ACTORS’ AT FOUNDRY IS LARSEN’S BEST YET
purchase a ticket to find out.
Sometimes Larsen draws (“loosely,” he insists) on his own sexual escapades for inspiration, as in “Cocksucker: A Love Story” and his latest hit, “Truck Stop Sally’s Sex Party.” Other times he surprises audiences, as in the touching and tuneful musicals “Now & Then” (a collaboration with composer Dennis Manning) and “Come Out, Come Out.”
Larsen is no stranger on the Carbonell Awards stage — he took home a pre-pandemic trophy for best new work for “Grindr Mom” (and Hacker was best actress). Look for “The Actors” to be a serious contender for best play next year, as well as acting nods for Larsen, Hacker and Kwiat. Don’t be surprised if Hollywood takes notice and a film or television adaptation follows. “The Actors” is that good.
Larsen’s writing is already witty and engaging, but Stuart Meltzer’s direction unquestionably elevates the play and production. When Larsen takes the stage in his own productions, we’re often used to seeing him frolic in wigs and frumpy frocks, aiming for the punchline, but Meltzer pushes the actor to dig deeper into the underlying emotions that inspired his play. The result is a Carbonell Award-worthy performance that resonates with anyone who has lost a parent and certainly touched the full house on opening night.
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laywright and producer Ronnie Larsen is prolific. Unlike most regional theaters that follow season and subscription models, his commercial model, not unlike Broadway, is much more fluid and flexible. If tickets aren’t selling, he’ll close a show and move on. When a show is profitable, he extends absolutely as long as possible.
A&E REVIEW
9.15.2022 • 21
Likewise, Hacker and Kwiat — both multiple Carbonell winners — offer inspired performances and plenty of onstage chemistry with both their costars and the audience. The ensemble is rounded out by Chad Raven and Jerry Seeger, both playing very different incarnations of Ronnie’s brother Jay. Meltzer keeps the pace fast, in keeping with Larsen’s script, and their timing never lags as the story advances at a fast clip.
J.W. Arnold
Ronnie Larsen’s “The Actors,” presented by POW! (Plays of Wilton) and Ronnie Larsen Presents, runs through Oct. 2 at the Foundry, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets start at $35 at RonnieLarsen.com.
Larsen has the added advantage that he writes nearly all the shows he produces, whipping out entertaining gay-themed comedies one after another. Since Larsen arrived on the scene, Wilton Manors audiences have flocked to the intimate Foundry theater for titles such as “Happy Ending,” “Shooting Porn,” “3 Card Stud” and “Sauna.”
But “The Actors,” which is also based on Larsen’s experiences and opened locally last weekend, is unlike anything he has ever written or staged. There’s no sex, no nudity, nada, just laughs and a heartfelt personal journey that completely engages audiences from the first scene. And it’s possibly his best work — ever.
Quickly, however, the roles get blurred as all three begin to look at their contractual relationship as a real family. The laughs keep coming at Ronnie’s expense, as he is forced to accept that families aren’t perfect. In fact, they’re pretty messy and he doesn’t get to filter out only the unpleasant moments. And then there’s the big twist in the plot that really drops the fantasy on its head, but you’ll have to
This production is further accentuated by a gorgeous set by Michael Richman, including a working kitchen with running water. The audience might feel at times like a fly on the wall of Ronnie’s stylish one bedroom apartment.
“Ronnie” (played by Larsen) is a middle-aged man who mourns the deaths of his parents. The grief has seemingly consumed him, but rather than cope in conventional ways like therapy or medication, he decides to hire actors to portray his parents. Jean (Jeni Hacker) and Clarence (David Kwiat) sign on for a couple of “improvised” scenes in Larsen’s apartment. Together, they reenact moments from Ronnie’s childhood like birthday parties, pancake breakfasts and bedtime rituals. There are family spats and quiet times, too, as Ronnie simply relishes the presence of his “parents.”
Family drama fuels Ronnie Larsen’s new comedy, “The Actors,” currently playing at the Foundry in Wilton Manors. Credit: Jeff Walters.
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