SFGN 1/5/23 V14iss1

DOMINATRIX REQUESTS FUNDING FROM FORT LAUDERDALE COMMISSION FOR SEX DUNGEON

Christiana Lilly

There’s never a dull moment in Fort Lauderdale.

During the Dec. 20, 2022 commission meeting, a local dominatrix spoke during public comments to suggest setting aside $250,000 from the city’s nearly $1 million contract with Waste Management to go toward a dungeon.

Dressed in sky-high heels, a full leather bodysuit, and a leather mask that only had an opening for her red-hued lips and a long blond braid, “Mistress” was joined by two other women in similar attire.

“I do find it interesting that you will spend

almost $1 million to hide your secrets down the drain, hiding that condom I know you use to cheat on your spouse with, so I propose that you use a quarter of that [million] to support doms and subs in Broward County — to build a dungeon created for us by us, the taxpayers and voting citizens,” she said.

“In closing, do not let this glamorous look distract you from doing your duty to take my demand. I look forward to spanking each and every single one of you at the new esteemed dungeon. You are dismissed.”

As she walked away from the podium, Mayor Dean Trantalis thanked her for her time and

wished her a happy holiday. “Do any other districts have a dungeon?” asked Commissioner Steve Glassman. The commission voted to pass the motion — but without earmarking money for a dungeon. We’ll be at Ramrod and The Eagle in the meantime.

LIBS OF TIKTOK CREATOR COMES OUT OF HIDING TO SMEAR LGBT COMMUNITY

In her first televised interview, the creator of a controversial social media platform called the LGBT community an evil, poisonous cult that grooms children.

Chaya Raichik, owner of Libs of TikTok, made her first media appearance last week, participating in an interview with Fox News host Tucker Carlson. In the interview, Raichik boasted about getting drag shows canceled and teachers fired and accused LGBT people of brainwashing.

“They’re just evil,” Raichik said. “They’re bad people. They’re just evil people and they want to groom kids. They’re recruiting.”

Brandon Wolf, Equality Florida’s press secretary, called the interview sick.

“@TuckerCarlson nods along as she says

that LGBTQ people are all ‘evil pedophiles’ recruiting to a ‘cult.’ @FoxNews bankrolls it. Amplifies it. Then calls you a liar when violence ensues,” Wolf tweeted.

Although titled Libs of TikTok, the account was permanently suspended by TikTok for violating community guidelines in March of 2022. It flourishes elsewhere, including on Twitter, where it has 1.7 million followers.

Raichik said she launched the account for personal entertainment while working in real estate in New York. Embraced by rightwing extremists, Libs of TikTok routinely promotes harassment and hostile mockery of LGBT people, carelessly throwing around the “groomer” pejorative. It once called The Trevor Project a “grooming organization” for

operating a suicide hotline for LGBT youth.

In August, Libs of TikTok burst into the mainstream consciousness by falsely accusing Boston’s Children’s Hospital and Children’s National Hospital of providing genderaffirming hysterectomies to minors, which resulted in bomb threats.

Associated Press

SFGN COVER: Maxx Fenning. Photo by Carina Mask.

John McDonald

“Mistress” suggested funding for a sex dungeon in Broward County. (Screenshot).

Chaya Raichik. Screenshot/Twitter.

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.

NEWS

J.R.’s

OF THE SNAPSHOT WEEK

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.

Photo by J.R. Davis

Husbands and members at The United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale Oscar De La Rosa and Raymond Hagen, Classical and Sacred Soloist, at the Christmas Eve service, in which Hagen sang.

ALL GROWN UP

GEN Z’S MAXX FENNING IS SFGN’S PERSON OF THE YEAR

“He is, for his youthfulness, more driven than many who have lived decades and are in positions of responsibility. At 17 the last thing I thought of was helping the world by standing up for rights, let alone starting a nonprofit. Maxx as he matures can become one of our most influential leaders. I look forward to watching him have his epiphanies and grow.”

Christiana Lilly

Glen Weinzimer

Founder of The SMART Ride

Photo by Carina Mask.

A score from Out of the Closet, Maxx Fenning, 20, says it’s become his go-to outfit this year; he wore it when visiting the Florida Capitol to testify against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, speaking at a March for Our Lives rally, attending a Protect the Children counterprotest, doing a photoshoot for i-D magazine, and filming videos for his TikTok account, which has more than 50,000 followers.

With LGBT people — including community youth — under attack this year, Fenning and other Gen Zers have been handed the reins from their predecessors to fight for equality. And like those before him, they’ve found their own way to do it.

“We had already seen the power of organizing — with March For Our Lives, in particular, is what really inspired a lot of Gen Z and political activism and organizing it in a digital space,” Fenning said. “I say that nobody knows how young people are engaging with social media better than young people themselves.”

Fenning grew up moving around the country for his father’s job, but has always felt at home in South Florida for its queerfriendly space. He started the youth

advocacy group Prism while attending Boca Raton Community High School when he and some other students wanted to tackle more activism and education than the current LGBT club.

During his senior year, he was also a fulltime college freshman at Florida Atlantic University. Wanting to keep the momentum of Prism going, he and his fellow founders incorporated as a nonprofit in April 2020 — just as COVID-19 was forcing the nation into lockdown. He has since transferred to the University of Florida, where he is earning his degree in business administration remotely.

Prism had originally dreamed of opening a community center much like Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach, but the pandemic and the reality of how much it would cost to make it happen made the group pivot into the digital space.

Knowing that Gen Z responds well to bitesized content, the group turned to social media to create videos surrounding LGBT history and current events, sexual health, gender and sexuality, and BIPOC-related

topics.

“You just need an internet connection and then a phone or a laptop, and you can access all of this information,” Fenning said. “That’s so, so powerful.”

And the Prism team was getting an education of their own, going down research rabbit holes on the internet to learn about people like Harvey Milk, Alan Turing and Marsha P. Johnson, names that never come up during history class. As their videos spread through the internet, Fenning saw that not only was it a source of education for LGBT youth, but also their allies.

“I think it’s been a big relief to a lot of queer youth who really want to be able to explain their community in a very, very succinct way to family members to friends without having to have really, really sometimes traumatic conversations repeatedly,” he said.

The platform also helped Fenning learn about how history was repeating itself. Conservative groups rally to “protect the children” from “groomers” and genderaffirming care much like Anita Bryant did in her quest to “save the children” from gay school teachers in the 1970s. Then came the passage of the Parental Rights in Education Bill, colloquially known as “Don’t Say Gay” in progressive circles, an extension of the “no

promo homo” laws that swept the ‘90s.

This year, Fenning said his “bubble popped” as he saw the realities of what it meant to be LGBT in Florida. While Prism never intended to get into legislation, Fenning and his colleagues could no longer sit back when laws were being passed that directly affected LGBT youth.

“Our focus is LGBT-inclusive education and this sort of was right in our wheelhouse and it necessitated us getting into policy work,” he said. “There was no way around getting into policy work at this point.”

In February, Safe Schools South Florida invited Fenning to join them on a bus ride to Tallahassee to testify against the Parental Rights in Education bill during Equality Florida’s Lobby days. He remembers being in awe of the grandeur of the Capitol — its ornate rotunda and the bee hive of activity in the building.

Florida Sen. Shevrin Jones gave the group a tour of the Senate chambers. Fenning finally got to meet fellow youth advocates Will Larkins, who went viral for their history presentation on Stonewall after the passage of “Don’t Say Gay” as well as being

When SFGN teased the Person of the Year for 2022 on Instagram, it appears we should have blurred his face and his signature rainbow plaid button-up shirt.

“WE HAD ALREADY SEEN THE POWER OF ORGANIZING — WITH MARCH FOR OUR LIVES, IN PARTICULAR, IS WHAT REALLY INSPIRED A LOT OF GEN Z AND POLITICAL ACTIVISM AND ORGANIZING IT IN A DIGITAL SPACE.”

- Maxx Fenning

SFGN’S PERSON OF THE YEAR 2022

Photo courtesy of Maxx Fenning.

Photo courtesy of Maxx Fenning.

suspended for handing out Pride flags at their Winter Park school, and Javier Gomez, who organized a walk-out at his Miami school.

While in Tallahassee, Fenning was photographed by the Tallahassee Democrat down a hallway, flanked by LGBT supporters holding up posters and flags.

On the other side of the coin, he said that while standing in an elevator, he heard Republican lawmakers whisper about “those people” being there.

“To be called that is so othering and nauseating,” he remembers. “I realized that the Florida that I lived in doesn’t really mesh well with the Florida that’s up in Tallahassee and the rest of our state government, and I think that’s something that I really had to

come to terms with this year, especially.”

In March, “Don’t Say Gay” was signed into law, and Fenning kept looking forward. In June, he spoke at the March for Our Lives rally in Coral Gables and reminded the crowd of the 49 lives lost at Pulse.

“We know they don’t care about the lives of people like me,” he said at the dais of politicians. “They don’t care that gay men like me are twice as likely to be a victim of violence by a straight man. That trans women of color fall victim to their inaction every single day. They don’t care.”

A month later, he was a part of a die-in in

front of the Florida Board of Medicine meeting in Dania Beach to discuss transgender care for youth. Draped in the transgender flag, they held up cardboard gravestones that read messages such as “denied care,” “overdose” and “substance abuse.”

As the school year started, Prism fought to have Miami-Dade County recognize October as LGBTQ History Month — the motion failed with only Lucia Baez-Geller, who wrote the proclamation, voting in favor of it. It was a complete reversal from last year when the motion passed 7-1. While it was a disappointing loss, Fenning says they

managed to win the next fight in December when the same school board relented that federally protected flags could be displayed in classrooms, which would include the Pride flag

Looking back at 2022, Fenning and other youth advocates have proven that they are not silent, that they vote, that they care, and that they are a force to be reckoned with.

While not all the battles were won, the war still rages on — with Fenning’s armor of rainbow plaid, of course.

“I’m not gonna say that it was like this magical, spectacular time because it was an extremely hard year,” he said. “We saw an insurmountable number of setbacks, but it’s like I say, insurmountable means knowing that it is something that we will surmount, right? I know that it is such a tall mountain, but it is a mountain that is going to feel so good when we get to the peak of it.”

“When this ‘Don’t Say Gay’ scenario popped up you really got to see who the leaders in the community are because they stepped up first, and Maxx stepped up [along with them] ... He went up [to Tallahassee], he was fearless in speaking to the legislators, he was with his peers and was comfortable being a leader with them ... He is smart, hardworking, and takes the youth angle. It’s encouraging to see somebody younger step up because us gray-haired old men can’t keep the fight up forever.”

Executive Director of Safe Schools South Florida

LOOKING BACK AT 2022, FENNING AND OTHER YOUTH ADVOCATES HAVE PROVEN THAT THEY ARE NOT SILENT, THAT THEY VOTE, THAT THEY CARE, AND THAT THEY ARE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH.

Photo by Carina Mask.

Scott Galvin

Toby Rudolf, an Australian professional rugby player for the CronullaSutherland Sharks in the National Rugby League, admitted that he likes samesex interactions.

“Sexuality is very fluid. I’ve been out and kissed many gay men, kissed many straight women and kissed many gay women,” he said to OutSports. “I’m not a one-stop shop. Love is love, and I love to share it with everyone.”

Rudolf declared that he would back a further Pride round. Peter V’landys, the commissioner of the NRL, stated last month that the concept is being evaluated for 2023.

“What I will say is, I was raised by quite a few gay and lesbian community members,” he said. “My uncle is gay and my godmother is gay, and there’s so much love in that community.”

Everitt Rosen

Toby Rudolf. Photo via Regional Queenslander, Wikimedia Commons.

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LOCAL MAN SUBDUES GRENADE-WIELDING

By John Hayden

CUSTOMER

protector. His military training kicked in. He distracted the man by talking with him about shared military experiences. This allowed everyone else in the bar to get to safety.

Most Read Wilton Manors Stories of 2022

We’ve taken a look at the most read stories of the year on sfgn.com and we’re giving our readers recaps and, where needed, updates on some of The Gazette’s most tantalizing articles.

BOMB THREAT ON WILTON DRIVE

By John Hayden

When Brian Koller allegedly walked into Wilton Dentistry carrying a package he said was a bomb, fear and panic could have easily set in. Instead, the staff inside quickly worked to get patients and staff out of the building. Within moments, everyone was safe and Wilton Manors Police, along with Fort Lauderdale’s SWAT Team and Bomb Squad surrounded the building.

The Gazette was the only media outlet inside the perimeter and had first hand reporting of events on our social media. Neighboring businesses and apartments were evacuated and an hours-long standoff ensued. The suspect refused to speak by phone and posted notes on the front door, and police launched a robot with a camera to read them.

Negotiations dragged on until sunset. Once the suspect was completely in the dark (power had been cut earlier in the day), a smoke

grenade was launched inside and Koller was taken into custody.

The bomb squad got a good look at the device and said, though it looked real at a glance, it was not an active device.

Koller is charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, criminal mischief of over $1,000, and manufacturing/possessing/selling/delivering/ displaying and/or using a weapon of mass destruction. He is being held on $50,000 bond.

Heroes are all around us. Sometimes they’re having a drink next to us at a bar. That was the case at Corner Pub on Andrews back in August.

A man carrying a grenade walked into the bar and declared he had the weapon. He was clearly agitated and possibly in an altered state of mind. Former Marine Darryl Marksberry, also known as Darryl Darling, was there and quickly went from patron to

Moments later, Darling was able to get the man outside and subdue him until police arrived. The suspect was arrested and taken in for evaluation.

“It’s overwhelming and it actually means a lot to me,” Darling told SFGN at the time. “Every day I try to live my life to make a small difference in someone else’s world and to me this was a small act.”

The Wilton Manors City Commission recognized and honored all involved. Darling was given the Civilian Service Award, along with Corner Pub owners Anthony and Shannon Henne plus bartender Joseph Shakespeare. WMPD officers David Turner, Jason Nobles, and Nicole Kline were given the Exceptional Duty Award.

WEST POINT MUM ON FATE OF OVERDOSED CADETS

By John McDonald

There are still few details about the West Point cadets who overdosed during a Spring Break party in Wilton Manors.

The incident took place on March 10, 2022 as emergency crews responded to a drug overdose call at 811 NW 29th Court. Six people, some revealed to be cadets in the U.S. Military Academy, were hospitalized after,

reportedly, using fentanyl-laced cocaine. One day later, authorities arrested Axel Giovany Casseus, 22, at the Hollywood Beach Marriott on one felony count of cocaine trafficking. Casseus pleaded not guilty and the case was taken over by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The Army Times reported Casseus was

TURN THE PAGE TO CONTINUE READING.

WILTON

Darrell Darling, who calmed down a grenade-wielding man in a bar. Screenshot via WPLG Local 10, YouTube.

Photo by John Hayden.

indicted on May 5 on two counts of distribution of a controlled substance. If convicted, he faces 20 years to life in prison and a $1 million fine. Meanwhile, West Point declined to comment on the status of the cadets, referring inquiries

to the academy’s Freedom of Information Act process.

Casseus allegedly met two cadets in Fort Lauderdale Beach and completed the transaction in Wilton Manors. Broward

Property Appraiser records show the rental house is owned by Aventura-based Happy Terrace LCC. The entity is an active Florida business registered to a consulting firm with ties to France.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MANAGER LEAVES, AT-RISK BUSINESSES TO FOLLOW?

By John McDonald

In October, Economic Development Manager Kim Allonce resigned after two years on the job. Commissioner Chris Caputo praised Allonce’s collaboration efforts.

“We’ve attracted quality developers and the right sort of mixed-use projects to the city as well as having increased the overall number of active businesses in the city. There have been over 200 new businesses in 2022 already,” Caputo said.

Meanwhile, some businesses are departing. Earlier this month, Lotus Chinese

Kitchen announced plans to move to Fort Lauderdale, ending a 47-year run in Wilton Manors.

Lotus owner John Yang told the New Pelican he was unable to secure a long-term lease with the property owner.

The five-point plan Allonce introduced, titled “Stay In Wilton,” was an aid package for businesses impacted by direct displacement such as eminent domain, building sale, redevelopment or rezoning. Lotus was one of 16 at-risk businesses in the East Village identified in the report.

Mayor Scott Newton voiced opposition to the plan, saying those businesses should have made a rainy day fund realizing the area was not a permanent place.

WILTON MANORS VICTIM ADVOCATE REMEMBERED AS DEVOTED PUBLIC SERVANT

By John McDonald

The Wilton Manors

police family suffered a big loss in February with the passing of criminal intelligence specialist Alberto Carrillo.

Carrillo, who also served as the victim advocate in the WMPD, died following a brave bout with throat cancer. He was 52.

Beloved by many and known for his calming

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presence and reassuring smile, Carrillo is survived by his partner of 20 years, Brian Percival. The two met at a birthday party on New York’s Fire Island, became smitten with each other and were married in 2016.

“He was more than my husband,” Percival said. “He was my best friend, my calm in any chaos and the greatest man I have ever known. I will miss him deeply every day

for the rest of my life.”

Police Chief Gary Blocker described Carrillo’s work as the definition of selflessness.

“He made everybody better human beings and was the definition of what it means to be a public servant,” Blocker said.

Longtime community activist Michael Rajner recalled Carrillo’s compassion in the face of a domestic violence incident and suggested an annual service award be given in his honor.

“He was one of the most amazing people the city has ever had,” Rajner said.

STATE REQUESTS DNA SAMPLES FROM WILTON MANORS MAN IN DUI MANSLAUGHTER CASE

By Christiana Lilly

It’s been almost two years since a 22-year-old man was killed in a DUI crash, but not much movement has been made in the case.

Anesty Meléndez Ruiz died when riding along with David Humphreys, 58, who was driving almost double the speed limit in the early morning hours of Feb. 6, 2021, in Fort Lauderdale.

Humphreys, a Wilton Manors resident, lost control of the car and the “vehicle ‘exploded’ into numerous parts upon impact,” according to the police report. Meléndez Ruiz was taken to Broward General Hospital and pronounced

dead. Humphreys’ blood alcohol content was .238%, almost three times the legal limit in Florida.

While the case against Humphreys is still pending, according to court records, a judge approved a request by the state on Dec. 15, 2022, to

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. Copyright

Kimberley Allonce. Photo via Facebook.

Alberto Carrillo. Courtesy of Brian Percival.

David Humphreys. Courtesy of Broward Sheriff’s Office.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS PAGE.

get a DNA swab of Humphrey’s to compare to DNA evidence in the case.

Humphreys was not arrested until June 2022 and was charged with nine counts, including DUI manslaughter and vehicular homicide. He pleaded not guilty and his

attorney claims that Humphreys was in a coma for 30 days after the accident and no longer drives, as he requires a cane and a walking boot to walk since the accident.

Meléndez Ruiz was buried in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where his family lives.

VACATION RENTALS: PLENTY OF TALK, LITTLE ACTION

By John McDonald

Vacation rentals were a much-debated topic in Wilton Manors during the year with ultimately little change to existing regulations.

At issue, primarily, were nuisance houses hosting wild and loud parties that disturb neighbors and trash the property. Many residents continued to voice opposition to the proliferation of short-term rentals at commission meetings, and one incident garnered national media attention when six West Point cadets overdosed on fentanyllaced cocaine at an Airbnb.

On the other hand, tourism and hospitality advocates expressed concern that government overreach would hurt their businesses and clarification was sought on definitions of hotels, motels, guest houses and bed and breakfasts.

Enforcement of the vacation rentals goes to code compliance, a unit of the police

department. Owners are required to register their property with the city, securing a license with the community development services department.

New registration fees are $500 and renewals are $300. Registrations expire after Sept. 30 every year.

In that Oct. 25 meeting, the commission agreed to lower the age requirement for customers from 25 to 21 and granted registration exemptions to owners who live on property.

ORIGIN OF CHURCH FIRE REMAINS A MYSTERY

By John McDonald

In April when a fire engulfed a shuttered church in Wilton Manors, several theories were tossed about as to its cause.

“I’ve heard it being said, ‘oh how convenient,’ said Roger Cruttenden, President of the Three Bridges Neighborhood Association.

Described by officials as the largest fire in Wilton Manors in two decades, the former Center for Spiritual Living, 1550 Northeast 26th St., went up in flames in the early morning hours of April 13. The church has been closed for years, its owners, UDC Manors LLC, unable to redevelop the 4.9acre site.

In the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue investigation report, property manager Larry Baum stated he applied for a demolition permit

with the City of Wilton Manors. Total loss from the fire was valued at $2,275,950.

Baum told investigators the single-story concrete and wood structure had been vacant for a year and boarded up due to “an ongoing issue with homeless persons living inside.”

Broward County Property Appraiser records show UDC Manors bought the property in 2014 from First Church of Religious Science for $3.2 million. A proposal to redevelop the property into a 100-unit condominium complex was thwarted by eastside residents. The investigation was turned over to the State Fire Marshal’s office, and SFGN has requested a copy of their report.

HEARING SET FOR MAN ACCUSED OF PULLING GUN AT WILTON MANORS BAR

By John McDonald

Atrial date has been set for a man who pulled out a gun at a Wilton Manors bar this summer.

Kenneth Justesen has pleaded not guilty to three charges resulting from a June 25 incident outside Gym Bar, 2287 Wilton Dr. Police charged Justesen, 45, with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, felony and misdemeanor charges of use of a firearm under the influence of alcohol and improper exhibition of a firearm.

Witnesses said it started when Justesen lost his phone and began threatening people at the bar. In the arrest report, WMPD Sgt. Daniel Plunske stated video from witnesses showed Justesen confronting the victim outside the bar with a gun by his side, warning if the victim came any closer he would shoot.

Plunske located a loaded black Glock pistol on Justesen.

“The firearm was loaded and actively had one round in the chamber along with an additional 8 rounds in the magazine,” Plunske wrote.

A jury trial is scheduled for Feb. 7, 2023, at the Broward County Central Courthouse with Judge Melinda Brown presiding. Justesen is represented by attorney and Sunrise Commissioner Neil Kerch. The defendant lists an Oakland Park storage unit as his primary address. He is out of jail on a $2,500 bond.

If convicted, Justesen would lose his concealed carry permit and right to own guns. This is not Justesen’s first run-in with Wilton Manors police. In 2018, he was arrested for battery on an apartment complex maintenance worker, but charges were later dropped.

CITY BALKS AT KIWANIS OFFER, CLUBHOUSE SOLD TO TENNESSEE WOMAN

By

Was it the deal that got away or a basic bluff?

Hard to speculate, but the longrunning real estate negotiations between the City of Wilton Manors and the local chapter of Kiwanis International are over.

Broward Property Appraiser records show Kiwanis sold its riverside property at 2749 Northeast 14th Ave., to Lauren Massengale of Chattanooga, Tennessee on June 29, 2022. Massengale paid $883,100

for the 17,340 square foot property that includes a parking lot and two structures.

The Property Appraiser listed its just market value as $374,640 for 2023.

In March, Kiwanis offered the city its property in exchange for a scholarship program totaling $350,000 over seven years.

“We’ve been at this for over a year now,” Kiwanis President David Platz told the Gazette. “We’ve bent over backward, willing to work with them. Either do it or don’t.”

Resident Sal Torre warned the commission of “surprises lurking around the corner.” Torre said the aging clubhouse, built in 1959, would require costly upgrades to bring it up to ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliance.

Mayor Scott Newton said he was “baffled” the commission wasn’t jumping at the prospect of acquiring the property for half price.

Photo via City Of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

John McDonald

Kenneth Justesen. Courtesy of Broward Sheriff’s Office.

Courtesy photo from the Broward Property Appraiser’s Office

Photo courtesy of Broward Property Appraiser’s Office.

JUSTIN FLIPPIN MANATEE WINNERS FROM CONTEST ON DISPLAY AT LOCAL ART GALLERY

By John Hayden

Manatees are magnificent creatures that wend through South Florida’s waterways. They’re also visible at Wilton Manors City Hall and one of the city’s prestigious galleries. The annual art contest was recognized at the city commission meeting on Dec. 13.

Students from Wilton Manors Elementary and Somerset Academy Village were able to enter a creatively decorated image of a manatee. Entries were displayed on the front windows of city hall. Winners were selected by grade and have moved from city hall to Claudia Castillo Art Studio. Owner Claudia Castillo helped judge the contest and told SFGN it wasn’t easy.

“All are my favorites. It’s hard to choose because it’s the kids. It’s very important for kids to participate. No matter if you win or not, participate.”

In addition to nurturing creativity in local students, both schools received $2,000 for their art programs. Thanks to sponsors, the amount is double what the contest gave out last year. The money supports art programs at the schools.

By Phillip Valys, Sun Sentinel

Chinese takeout staple Lotus Chinese Kitchen is closing its longtime perch in Wilton Manors and getting ready to blossom in nearby Fort Lauderdale.

The neighborhood kitchen, a reliable hub for regulars since 1975, is expected to relocate during the second week of January to a storefront at 3020 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1, taking over the space once occupied by shortlived diner Toast. Once the new Lotus Chinese Kitchen debuts, its former location will close, owner John Yang told the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Dec. 23.

A lease dispute with the owner of Lotus’ plaza prompted the move to North Federal Highway, some 1.2 miles northeast of its original location. Yang decided to move earlier this summer, he says, anxious about the survival of Lotus after his landlord sold the plaza to a condo developer.

Once his current lease contract expires in April 2023, his landlords reserve the right to evict him “any time,” he says, which spurred the hunt for a new location.

“The uncertainty was killing me the most. It’s been a ticking time bomb, basically,” he

says. “I didn’t want it to blow if I had nowhere to go.”

Yang has signed a 15-year lease for Lotus’ new 2,400-square-foot takeout kitchen, a corner space facing northbound Federal Highway. While it’s a third smaller than his current home, the new restaurant was turnkeyready after its previous owners left kitchen equipment and seating booths behind.

Lotus Chinese Kitchen plans to relocate to 3020 N. Federal Highway, Suite 1, in Fort Lauderdale by mid-January. Visit LotusChineseKitchen.com.

Sun Sentinel and SFGN are media partners.

The manatee and children held a special place in the heart of Former Mayor Justin Flippin. After he died suddenly in February 2020, the contest was dedicated to him as a way to honor him and keep his memory alive. The winning entries will be on display at Castillo’s art gallery through mid-January.

Photo by John Hayden.

John Yang / Courtesy.

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“No one compares to, Joe. I just hope you know that you are the best in the business and I could tell the world how great you are.”  ‐ Dr Riggs, Fort Lauderdale

“Joe. You are a PRO.”  ‐ L Polcari, Fort Lauderdale I Will Be Your Friend & Partner In Success.

“Joe is great. Takes his job seriously. Dots the “i’s” and crosses his “t’s”. Never hesitated to graciously answer my questions. Made me feel good about the process and continued to stay in contact through the closing. You get to feel a connection with Joe. His smile, his attitude, just brighten up the task!” ‐ John Gregory, Ft Lauderdale

SHRINKING PROGRAM, RESIGNATIONS, CHANGE OF LOCATIONS & MORE PRIDE OF THE AMERICAS IN CRISIS

Pride of the Americas (POTA) is less than 45 days away and is dealing with a lastminute change of location, resignations, and a rapidly shrinking program of events.

Documents obtained by SFGN show the event, which is run by Pride Fort Lauderdale (Pride) and replaces the usual Pride Fort Lauderdale event this year, has been woefully behind schedule for months. The deteriorating situation began reaching critical mass Dec. 19.

The minutes from Pride’s board meeting that day address issues that should have been addressed months ago, including the lack of a site map detailing a layout for stages, vendors, bars, and more.

BUILT ON PILLARS OF SAND

Even if they had a site map, it would have been rendered obsolete just days later. The original plan was to have POTA at the south end of Fort Lauderdale Beach, where previous Prides and other major events, such as the Tortuga Music Festival, have been held.

But that location came with logistical and financial problems. Sources have told SFGN that the venue is too expensive for

Pride. Additionally, the NHL is doing a major activation in the space prior to Pride.

The minutes from the Dec. 19 meeting indicate Pride hoped to simplify the transition between the two events by working with the NHL and getting them to use Pride’s vendors for flooring and other infrastructure.

There were also concerns about access to vendors/booths during POTA. “...several have raised a concern about moving more vendors to the beach. Even with flooring installed we could find that a lot of vendors are upset by this as it will not be an easy setup for them and if the weather is bad even with flooring it’s going to be an awful experience for them which could hurt us in the future.”

Just days before Christmas, multiple sources say the City of Fort Lauderdale stepped in and offered Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park as a site, free of charge. Sources tell SFGN that Pride voted to accept the offer Dec. 27.

There are also negotiations with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department to provide their services for free or at a reduced rate.

Pride Executive Director Kevin Clevenger told SFGN that security costs for large events are increasing due to threats by anti-LGBT organizations.

INSANELY BEHIND SCHEDULE

THE MINUTES FROM PRIDE’S BOARD MEETING THAT DAY ADDRESS ISSUES THAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ADDRESSED MONTHS AGO, INCLUDING THE LACK OF A SITE MAP DETAILING A LAYOUT FOR STAGES, VENDORS, BARS, AND MORE.

Changing location at what is, effectively, the last minute, is a heavy lift.

A memo from a contractor, circulated among Pride organizers Nov. 2, 2022, details the difficulties. “As someone who’s helped design, build and activate festivals around the country for nearly 12 years now, I’m very concerned that you all are three months out and still basically trying to figure out what materials we need to build this.”

The memo goes on, saying, “To not have a working / codified map at this point is insane. Right now if someone buys an exhibitor space, you can’t even tell them where they are going to be so they can plan accordingly. It also troubles me that I don’t see a ton of

previous experience related to planning/ building and activating something of this scale from the board.”

This was about 100 days before POTA and when the location was still set for the beach.

The memo from Nov. 2 and the minutes from the Dec. 19 board meeting were provided by a person involved in the planning. This is the only source giving SFGN the documents. Much of the information has been confirmed by a second source but the documents remain the sole source for some direct quotes.

“PETTY AND PERSONAL GRUDGES”

In the same Nov. 2 memo, the contractor openly accuses the board of ignoring the experienced people they hired to help.

“You have staff/contractors who’ve done this with more experience than everyone on the board and executive level combined and yet you all don’t utilize or include us on anything related to getting this monster off the ground. That is not a smart use of assets and experience.”

The contractor went on to call out Pride’s internal politics and issue an ominous warning.

“Some people need to let go of their petty personal grudges and start communicating

with those of us who have the knowledge and experience because at the end of the day, if this festival comes off as a bomb, it’s the organization that will look bad, not the contractors hired to actually help when asked.”

The Nov. 2 memo continues to expose a lack of even basic planning skills on the part of Pride. “[The layout] seems very disconnected. It’s almost as if you are just trying to make it look bigger but actually just making more empty space.”

A proposed Community Stage is called a waste of space and money. Food court and booth space were so close to the main stage that vendors would have to yell at their customers, and bar space was ill-conceived.

The assessment even feels the need to point out the obvious: sand.

“...you also will need to have tons of flooring down for vendors to set up on, unless you intend for them to have their tables, chairs and assets sink in the sand 4-6 inches. Even the sand where the Transpride tent was last year was difficult and that wasn’t even very far out from the beach access/entrance point.”

SHORT & NOT-SO-SWEET

The event’s footprint isn’t the only thing shrinking. Originally billed as a three-day

Photo via Pride of the Americas/Facebook.

John Hayden

party, the list of activities is getting shorter and shorter. Feb. 11, 2023, is currently the only day scheduled to happen near the beach.

According to the minutes from Pride’s Dec. 19 board meeting, costs are at least partially to blame.

“I got the sense that maybe a parade and definitely a 5K race should be scraped [sic] from the plans. Due to the traffic it causes, previous complaints from the beach alliance, impact to others and nearby hotels and the cost for police it seems like they were suggesting that the race should be scrapped. It seems like they would be more receptive to a parade but again warned on the possible added costs.”

Multiple people have told SFGN that the parade down A1A will still take place at noon on Feb. 11. The festival itself will run from 2-10 p.m. Pride has also confirmed to SFGN that Boy George will still perform as the headlining act.

As for Feb. 10, Pride On the Drive is set to be held in the parking lot of Shoppes of Wilton Manors, outside Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar and Hunter’s Nightclub. There are no concrete plans for any Sunday activities, but efforts to hold a pool party, somewhere, are underway.

TURMOIL AT THE TOP

During the week of Dec. 19, Clevenger was telling people that he is resigning, effective March 3. He wants to stay on so sponsors will know who they’re dealing with and not be worried about dramatic, last-minute changes. Sources say he later offered to resign effective immediately, but the board asked him to stay on until March.

Also leaving is Shawn Palacious, aka Kitty Meow, who served as Pride’s Entertainment Director. He told SFGN he’s leaving over health issues, and is no longer listed as part of the leadership team on Pride’s website.

THREE-YEAR DELAY

POTA was originally supposed to happen in April 2020. COVID forced it to be rescheduled for years until health and travel safety protocols could be matched. Through it all, Visit Lauderdale’s support has been front and center.

They, along with other sponsors, have helped shepherd the event this far. One source tells us Visit Lauderdale was a part of the pre-Christmas meeting with Pride and Fort Lauderdale and was instrumental in helping keep the event alive.

Other sponsors have invested tens of thousands of dollars in POTA. The minutes from the Dec. 19 meeting show extensive cost-cutting has taken place.

They state, “[Pride President] Miik [Martorell] created a simulated budget with cuts and was able to reduce the [budget] by $176,664.27 to $770,935.73. After payments already made of $89,328.74 our new total will be $681,606.99.”

SFGN reached out to Martorell, but he did not respond.

Despite the cuts, the minutes show Pride still expects to lose $21,000.

Encouragingly, the minutes say the food court has sold out and three dozen vendors are confirmed.

SFGN reached out to other members of Pride’s leadership team as well as the city of Fort Lauderdale and has received no responses.

Dr. Macek is fellowship trained in

Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, the birthplace and leading program of modern

Photo via Pride Fort Lauderdale/Facebook.

NORM KENT TAKES ON RON DESANTIS

After spending more than two years punching down and bullying the LGBT community, Gov. Ron DeSantis is facing pushback from one of Florida’s legal leaders: Norm Kent.

SFGN’s owner is preparing to sue the governor and the state over its attacks on drag queens.

“They are exercising their first amendment rights and being expressive of the world we want to live in,” Kent said. He has found a plaintiff and plans to file on behalf of the veteran entertainer and all other drag queens who face a loss of income and potential arrest. He will announce the name at a later date.

“I’ll put Gov. Ron DeSantis in jail first before any drag queens are put in jail,” Kent said.

The suit stems from DeSantis’ latest attack on the LGBT community. A Drag Queen Christmas, starring alumni of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” is a popular show that tours the nation. After a Dec. 26 performance at the Broward Center, he ginned up outrage by denouncing the fact that children were allowed in. An official complaint described “sexually explicit” content.

The show was interrupted by a patron who showed outrage and shouted at the performers. He was escorted out but the stage was set for another performance, this one starring the governor and his minions.

“If they are going to ban drag queens, then they need to ban movies and shows like ‘The Birdcage,’ ‘Cabaret,’ and ‘Moulin Rouge,’” Kent said.

A VETERAN OF THE FIGHT FOR RIGHTS

The fight for LGBT rights has been Kent’s life work. While his visibility has been reduced the last couple of years due to health issues, his passion is as strong as ever.

“I’m coming back with a fury in 2023. I will fight like it’s 1983.”

An op-ed Kent wrote in 1975 was republished in the Dec. 21 issue of SFGN. Kent reflected on the escapism offered by Disney’s parks. But he remembers a darker side of the Mouse House. In 1978, West Hollywood, CA, bar owners quietly organized a progenitor of what would become Gay Days. Live music was canceled for the day, security was on the lookout for samesex dancing, and the staff didn’t need to live up to their usual standards of friendliness.

Today’s fight in Florida harkens back to those oppressive times.

“This is the worst since the late-70s when Disney tried to ban gays from the parks.”

GOVERNOR’S HYPOCRISY

Kent is quick to point out the hypocritical sludge oozing out of Tallahassee. While the governor and his Republican enablers are quick to condemn children being in the presence of drag queens, the governor’s own children have been used to score political points.

“If a drag queen can go to jail because it corrupts a child, then so does putting a child into a political space.”

He is referring to DeSantis putting his child in ads and being around former President Donald Trump. Trump is under numerous investigations, including a criminal referral from congress to the Department of Justice.

“The governor needs to be called out for what he is. Not a conservative champion, but a self-righteous neanderthal.”

Referring to his own health fights, Kent quipped, “The wrong person went in for brain surgery. He’s the one with a brain tumor, not me.”

John Hayden

“I’LL PUT GOV. RON DESANTIS IN JAIL FIRST BEFORE ANY DRAG QUEENS ARE PUT IN JAIL.”

- Norm Kent

SFGN OWNER

SFGN owner Norm Kent. Photo via Facebook.

DESANTIS TAKES AIM AT DRAG QUEENS

Gov. Ron DeSantis is using every tool at his disposal to attack Florida’s LGBT community. His latest salvo is directed at drag performances.

The latest pearl-clutching outrage comes after the Dec. 26 performance at the Broward Center of A Drag Queen Christmas, starring “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alumni. The show was a stop on its national tour, but DeSantis and his Republican cronies are using it to stop drag entertainment in Florida.

Conservative activists, who just happened to be in the audience, filed complaints saying the show was sexually explicit and being marketed to children. DeSantis’ Press Secretary, Bryan Griffin, said the state will investigate.

“The Department of Business and Professional Regulation [DBPR] is aware of multiple complaints about a sexually explicit performance marketed to children held in Fort Lauderdale on Dec. 26.”

The show has musical numbers and humor that, if it were a movie, would likely garner an R rating. Yet, no one is calling for parents or theaters to be investigated for allowing people 17 years old and younger to view those movies.

“Will we see investigations into parents who take their children to see R-rated movies? Of course not. Because for the governor, this is about dredging up Anita Bryant-era, antiLGBTQ hysteria for a primary audience in Iowa,” Equality Florida’s Brandon Wolf said.

MANUFACTURING OUTRAGE

The performance was interrupted by an audience member who started yelling at the drag queens. He just happened to be recording himself shouting at the performers, and posted the video on Twitter, hoping for his 15 minutes of virtual fame.

From there, the governor was free to declare himself a defender of families and launch an investigation. GOP acolytes have gone to social media to support the move.

STATUS CHANGE

A Drag Queen Christmas was originally promoted by the Broward Center as an allages show. However, about a week before the performance, they changed the wording to 18+. The venue issued a statement saying, “To ensure patrons were aware of the adult themes

and content in the show, this information was on the website and ticket purchase page; all ticket buyers were also informed directly through a “Know Before You Go” email, a customer communication that is sent out in advance of most shows.”

The show had several stops in Florida, and the Orlando performance was also picketed.

SECOND ACT

This isn’t the first time DeSantis has targeted the drag queen entertainment community. Last summer, he saw a video of a child dancing and having fun during a brunch at R House in Miami. A similar investigation was launched and is still unresolved. Establishments could face the loss of their business and liquor licenses, effectively putting them out of business.

Greater Fort Lauderdale has several bars and restaurants that routinely host drag shows. Lips and Pub On the Drive have multiple drag shows a week; neither allows guests under 18.

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis was quick to defend the Broward Center and call out the governor.

“This is not the first time Fort Lauderdale has hosted a drag queen show. It’s become part of the American culture. It’s entertainment, and that’s how it needs to be viewed. I’m told the event organizers had signs posted at all the entryways saying it was an adult show for 18 years and older unless they were with a parent. Now you can’t deny parents from bringing a child in there.”

In the name of protecting children, he’s also pushed through legislation targeting trans students and the now infamous “Don’t Say Gay” law.

“DeSantis’ selective outrage and weaponizing of state agencies isn’t about protecting children,” Wolf said. “He is, as usual, placing our community in harm’s way to outflank Donald Trump to the right and pander to the right-wing extremists bankrolling his political ambitions.”

John Hayden

Murray & Peter Present A Drag Queen Christmas. Photo via Facebook.

While most South Florida residents are counting down the days to Christmas and New Year’s festivities, Kate Reed and Phillip Marro have their eyes on the calendar for different reasons.

The duo is the founders of the Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival (VLFWF), rapidly approaching on Jan. 9–15.

Formerly known as the Greater Fort Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival, VLFWF promises to be the signature culinary event of the year in Broward County with dozens of tastings, intimate wine dinners and hands-on classes for foodies of all ages.

Marro explained, “It was always the plan to get to this point and having a great partner like Visit Lauderdale [the county tourism marketing agency] makes it easier to do that. It’s time people knew that we have awesome restaurants and chefs right here in Broward.”

More than 3,500 people attended the Grand Tasting at Las Olas Oceanside Park (LOOP) earlier this year and the organizers expect 4,500 on Saturday, Jan. 14 to enjoy tastings from local restaurants, cooking demonstrations and live entertainment on Fort Lauderdale Beach. General admission tickets are $55. VIP tickets have already sold out.

“I’m always most excited about the Grand Tasting,” added Reed, “because we have more than 50 restaurants participating. I love watching the chefs interact with the public. It’s kind of crazy and chaotic, but so much fun for everyone.”

Other signature VLFWF events include:

At Bar Fight! A Spirited Competition, Jan. 11, 2023 at 7 p.m. at Rooftop @1WLO, local mixologists will face off in a head-to-head, no-holds-barred matchup to declare the “Official Cocktail of Downtown FTL.”

Tickets start at $65.

Local pitmasters will then compete at the Poolside BBQ Battle at Hyatt Centric Las Olas on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023 at 7 p.m. All smoke and no mirrors here, as these pros showcase their best BBQ in a quest to be crowned 2023 champion. Tickets start at $75.

“My pet project is the BBQ battle. The BBQ community is really special – they adopt each other as a family. It’s a good vibe and a good night, especially because we’re raising funds for Joe Dimaggio Children’s Hospital.”

Rounding out the week-long festival is Picnic in the Park presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital on Sunday, Jan. 15, also at the LOOP. Future foodies and parents alike will enjoy a curated lineup of food trucks, hands-on culinary classes for all ages, cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, a Kid’s Zone, and local artisan vendors. Admission is free.

“We’ve worked so hard to offer literally something for everyone,” Marro promised, adding that tickets are selling out fast and the growing festival’s reputation continues to spread.

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival will be held Jan. 9–15 at various locations in Fort Lauderdale.

For a complete schedule and tickets, go to VLFoodWine.com.

JW Arnold

The Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival Grand Tasting, Jan. 14 at Fort Lauderdale Beach, will showcase more than 50 local restaurants and dozens of wine and spirits brands. Credit: Visit Lauderdale Food & Wine Festival.

HERE’S WHAT MARCO RUBIO THINKS OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

One of our readers shared a letter from Marco Rubio’s office with SFGN. We attempted to authenticate the email, but Rubio’s office did not respond to our email inquiry.

“I thought [you] might be interested in the response I received from Senator Rubio about support for gay marriage. Truthfully I was not expecting a positive response from him, but the response that I did receive was completely offensive. Offensive not only to the LGBT community but to single parents as well. I hope that SGFN will take the time to post a story about Senator Rubio and his lack of respect, compassion, and honest representation of the LGBT community in government.”

MARCO RUBIO FLORIDA

WASHINGTON, DC 20510-0908

Thank you for taking the time to express your thoughts regarding H.R. 8404, frequently referred to as the Respect for Marriage Act. Understanding your views helps me to better represent Florida in the United States Senate, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond.

There is no more fundamental and sacred bond than a marriage between a man and woman. I have long advocated that marriage is the essential foundation for raising children and serves as the core of a healthy and productive society. Children are best positioned to thrive when they are raised in a household with a married mother and father, and the stability provided by this environment is the most conducive structure to ensure local communities can flourish. I have championed pro-family efforts during my time in the Senate to ensure that families can provide for their children, and that parents raising children are prioritized in any legislation that comes before the Senate.

H.R. 8404 seeks to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act of 1996 (P.L. 104-199), which recognized that marriage is defined as only a legal union between one man and one woman. Some suggest this bill simply codifies the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. However, it goes much further. For example, it creates a private right of action against any institution acting “under color of state law” – including religious entities and non-profits carrying out social services. This would force religious organizations to choose between practicing their faith and providing critical services for their communities like soup kitchens, battered women’s shelters, and rehabilitation programs.

In addition to the substantive policy concerns, this legislative effort is nothing more than an attempt to distract from the real issues facing Americans. Congress should be focused on alleviating real problems facing Americans today. Before this partisan stunt, no one in our country was talking about the definition of marriage. They were struggling to deal with rampant inflation, a recession, a lack of dignified work that allows families to raise children on single incomes, an out-of-control southern border, drug overdoses spurred by Chinese fentanyl, and Communist China’s increasingly belligerent behavior. We should not waste time on the agenda of elite liberals out of touch with the concerns of every day Americans.

Therefore, if H.R. 8404 comes for a vote before the Senate, I will vote no.

It is an honor and a privilege to serve you as your United States Senator. I will keep your thoughts in mind as I consider these issues and continue working to ensure America remains a safe and prosperous nation.

Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Sincerely, Steve Simmons

For an added bonus the Republican senator shares his views on single parents too.

Dear Mr. and Dr. Simmons-Trollinger,

Sincerely, Marco Rubio U.S. Senator

Photo via Michael Vadon/Flickr.

THE QUESTIONABLE ADVENTURES OF GEORGE SANTOS

“Santos” is the Spanish or Portuguese word for “saints.” George Santos, the recently elected, gay Republican Congressman from New York, is far from saintly.

Though politicians are expected to lie, Santos gave lying a new meaning as it was revealed that most (if not all) of the items on his resume are false. To make a sordid story short, George Santos is to lying what Jeffrey Dahmer was to murder. If Santos were Pinocchio, his nose would have grown to the length of a football field.

Though Santos’ mendacity was obvious for quite a while (to those who looked), voters in his district of Queens and Nassau County were ignorant (or uncaring) enough to elect him to the House. It was not until Dec. 19 that the New York Times published an expose that told us what a piece of Shinola Santos is. As it turns out, Santos did not go to Baruch College; he did not work for Citigroup or Goldman Sachs; his animal charity group Friends of Pets United does not exist; his company (whatever it was) did not lose employees at the Pulse Nightclub Massacre; his grandparents were not Holocaust survivors; his mother was not in the South Tower on 9/11. Even Santos’ homosexuality is in doubt, though it was discovered that he was once married to a woman. (To this I can be sympathetic. I know many gay men who were once married to women.) On the other hand, Santos was evicted from his apartment in Queens in 2017 and he is wanted for check fraud in his native Brazil. It comes to the point that we cannot trust Santos on anything. To quote the New York Daily News, “Is he really 34 years old? Is he really a Republican?” To which I should add: Is he really human?

By Christmas, the scandal was all over the news, and Santos felt obligated to do something about the mess he created. In a series of interviews Santos admitted that he lied about his job experience, his college education, and

his heritage. Though Santos called himself a “proud American Jew,” he finally admitted that he is Catholic: “Because I learned my maternal family had a Jewish background, I said I was ‘Jew-ish.’” [What?] As for the gay stuff, he told the New York Post, “I dated women in the past. I married a woman. It’s personal stuff.” ‘I’m very much gay.” All this was too much for former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard, hardly a model of integrity herself, who tore at Santos when she interviewed him on Fox News: “Do you have no shame?” she asked.

Though Democrats were quick to demand that Santos resign, his own Republican party, soon in control of the House of Representatives, remained silent. GOP leader Kevin McCarthy, who needs Santos’ vote to become Speaker of the House, refuses to criticize him, which tells us as much about McCarthy as it does about Santos. (Anyone who is so desperate to become Speaker that he would jettison all his principles should not be elected to that post.) Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries was more to the point when he called Santos “a complete and utter fraud.” Not surprisingly, Santos refuses to resign from his prospective post, showing us again that he only cares for himself. I hope his constituents remember all this in 2024.

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Jesse Monteagudo

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations.

George Santos. Photo via Facebook.

ARTSBEAT

TRIBUTES AT SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL

Joan Rivers impersonator Joe Posa is teaming up with charismatic crooner Seth Sikes for a one-night-only tribute to everyone’s favorite LGBT icons, including Barbra Streisand, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland and more.

The entertainers are coming to the Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Arts, 1480 S.W. 9 th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m.

While Posa is a familiar face on South Florida stages, Sikes regularly performs old-fashioned nightclub acts with a full band for sold out houses at Feinstein’s/54 Below and other venues in New York City. His debut show, “Seth Sikes Sings Judy Garland,” was named BroadwayWorld’s Best Tribute Show.

During the pandemic, Sikes created a series of funny music video parodies set on Fire Island that have been viewed online more than 100,000 times. His “Ring Them Bells” parody was selected to close Liza Minnelli’s 75th birthday tribute.

Tickets start at $35 at SunshineCathedral.org/Arts.

SLOW BURN UNVEILS 2023-24 SEASON

Slow Burn Theatre Co., the regional company in residence at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, revealed its 2023-24 season on New Year’s Day as part of a clever online marketing plan. The company, which specializes in big Broadway musicals, teased followers with an illustration full of “clues.”

While many weighed in with their guesses, the five-show lineup still offered some surprises: “Into the Woods,” “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” “Sister Act,” “The Prom” and “The SpongeBob Musical.” We’re especially looking forward to a “pineapple under the sea” on the Amaturo Theater stage.

More information at SlowBurnTheatre.org.

WHEN YOU’VE ALREADY GOT THE PERFECT SET

Critics and audiences alike raved at the real swimming pool that set designer and master carpenter Melquisedel Dominguez built inside the Foundry for Plays of Wilton’s latest production, “Red Speedo.”

The pool was heated and treated and – according to rumors – hosted a few private performances after the audiences left.

It was no surprise that producer Ronnie Larsen would seek to get the most bang for the buck and he’s bringing back his 2022 hit “Sauna” for a limited run, Jan. 4–14. The revival stars ripped newcomer Etienne Lartigau wearing not a red speedo, but a white towel for most of the show. Expect more celebrity cameos and plenty of naughty gay humor.

Tickets start at $37.50 at RonnieLarsen.com.

Joe Posa, left as Joan Rivers, and Seth Sikes unite for one night only in “Tributes,” an homage to female icons, on Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale. Credit: Courtesy.

THREE RESOLUTIONS FOR THE ARTS LOVER

For the new year, we’ll all make the usual New Year’s resolutions – eat better, exercise more, or save money. And within a few days, most will likely be broken.

In fact, most Americans abandon their January aspirations within a couple of weeks at best.

If you enjoy the performing arts, here are some resolutions that can be easy to keep:

VISIT A REGIONAL THEATER

The Arsht, Broward, and Kravis Centers regularly present top-tier national acts, but our region is equally blessed with dozens of fine local theaters. What these theaters don’t have in funding, they make up with creativity. Check out the latest show at Thinking Cap Theatre in Dania Beach, which specializes in experiential productions and regularly explores the work of queer playwrights. During the pandemic, Miami New Drama turned empty Lincoln Road storefronts into stages and this season, they celebrate the 20th anniversary of South Florida playwright Nilo Cruz’s Pulitzer Prizewinning “Anna in the Tropics” at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach.

GO TO A CONCERT

While I can’t dispute that LGBT audiences love musical theater, when was the last time you went to a concert? The South Florida Symphony, led by Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso and president Jacqueline Lorber, has long been an active part of the community and performs in Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Key

West. The Symphony of the Americas, under the baton of new Spanish music director Pablo Mielgo, is undergoing a reinvention following the pandemic. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Seraphic Fire, and the Master Chorale of South Florida continue to perform choral classics. And, if classical music isn’t your thing, check out the Gold Coast Jazz Society at the Broward Center or the many jazz and cabaret concerts at Delray Beach’s trendy ArtsGarage.

MAKE A CONTRIBUTION

It’s no secret that the pandemic was hard on all arts organizations – both big and small. Some venues were shuttered for nearly two years and audiences were slow to return. Not only are ticket sales just now beginning to rebound, but donations took a big hit. Grants from the federal government helped and state and local arts agencies also stepped up, but many local groups still are operating in the red. Nearly all are 501(c)3 charitable organizations, meaning your contributions are tax-deductible.

During the darkest days of the pandemic, streaming services thrived as audiences binge-watched anything available from the safety and comfort of their living rooms. Yes, the content was convenient, but most would agree the experience lacked the excitement and electricity of attending a live performance. We’re finally back and here’s your chance to embrace the thousands of artists who live and work right here in South Florida. These are resolutions you can keep, and you’ll be glad you did.

JW Arnold

A Seraphic Fire Christmas at the Church of the Little Flower. Photo via Facebook.

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