SFGN 01/15/20 V11iss3

local name global coverage january 15, 2020 vol. 11 // issue 3

Brandon

wolf Begins on Pages 22, 28

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NEWS highlight

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Mayor Pete Surges in New Hampshire; Slides in Iowa

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January 15, 2020 • Volume 11 • Issue 3

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Pete Buttigieg. Photo via Pete Buttigieg, Facebook.

F

ormer Mayor Pete Buttigieg has risen to the top of the polls in New Hampshire for the first time according to a Monmouth University Poll released Thursday. His numbers have doubled since Monmouth’s last poll in September.

New Hampshire votes Feb. 11.

Buttigieg now stands at 20 percent with the other top tier candidates close behind.

All of the top four are within the margin of error effectively creating a four-way tie.

Buttigieg and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders are the only two top tier candidates who have significantly gained between the two polls. Buttigieg rose 10 points and Sanders, 6.

Former Vice President Joe Biden comes

in second with 19 percent, a 6 point dip from September; Sanders is in third with 18 percent; and Warren is in fourth with 15

In Iowa, according to a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday, Buttigieg is in a three way tie for first place at 23 percent along with Biden and Sanders.

percent, a 12 point dip from September.

No other candidate has more than 6 percent support.

In Iowa, according to a CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday, Buttigieg is in a three way tie for first place at 23 percent along with Biden and Sanders.

On Friday the Des Moines Register released a poll showing Buttigieg had fallen to third place with 16 percent after surging to first place in their poll in November. Sanders now leads in Iowa for the first time with 20 percent. Warren is at 17 percent and Biden is at 15 percent. Each of the four top tier candidates have now led in Iowa at some point. Now other candidate has more than 6 percent in the Iowa poll.

Cover: Brandon Wolf. Photo via Brandon Wolf, Facebook.

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1.15.2020 •

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news international

By Cameren Boatner

the world around

south america

asia

Brazil unbans gay Jesus Netflix film

China’s gay community lauds business’s ad with same-sex couple

Brazil’s Supreme Court overturned the ban on Netflix’s satirical film called “The First Temptation of Christ” depicting Jesus as a gay man on Thursday Jan. 9, upholding Brazilians’ right to free speech, according to NBC News.

A Rio de Janeiro judge ruled to withdraw the film from the streaming service, and soon after, Netflix hit back, filing a Supreme Court complaint for attempted censorship, NBC reported.

The Rio judge said that Catholic honor was hurt by the film, but the Supreme Court president thought differently.

“It is not to be assumed that a humorous satire has the magic power to undermine the values of the Christian faith, whose existence goes back more than two thousand years,” Supreme

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1 . 15.2020

“The First Temptation of Christ.” Photo via Netflix.

Court President José Antonio Dias Toffoli wrote, according to NBC News.

E-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Limited released an ad that appears to feature a gay man introducing his boyfriend to his family, and China’s gay social media praised the ad.

Lovematters, a popular gay Weibo account said that large companies’ support for sexual minorities is a major step forward, Reuters reported.

Alibaba hasn’t confirmed that the ad actually features a gay couple, but one of the comments to Lovematters’ post says that just the possibility is enough.

“Chinese New Year is a time for family reunion and inclusion, and the ad is a creative expression to celebrate such an occasion,” an Alibaba spokesperson said in a statement.

Media featuring LGBT people often

The couple in the Alibaba Group Holding Limited advertisement. Photo via Twitter.

doesn’t circulate in China due to widespread censorship.

africa

europe

Gabon makes gay sex illegal

Scottish Parliament member to report peer’s homophobic slur

Gabon, a central African country, became the 70th country to criminalise gay sex, according to the Independent.

The revision to Gabon’s penal code penalizes gay sex with up to six months in prison and a fine equivalent to about $8,400, the Independent reported. Davis Mac-Iyalla, an LGBT activist said he spoke with two gay men jailed for having sex.

“It has further sent the LGBT community underground and has created harassment,” said Mac-Iyalla, according to the Independent. “The corrupt police now use that, arrest people and then people have to bribe their way out.”

While six African countries have unbanned gay sex since 2012, many still uphold homophobic values. In total, 33

4

Exploring LGBT News Events Across the Globe

Davis Mac-Iyalla, an LGBT activist in Gabon. Photo via Davis Mac-Iyalla, Facebook.

out of 54 African countries criminalise gay sex, the Independent reported.

Hannah Bardell, a gay member of Scottish Parliament said a peer called her a “queer.” She plans to report him for a hate crime, Scottish publication The Herald reported.

Bardell accused Lord Ken Maginnis, an independent unionist, of abusing security staff, and calling her a “queer,” and according to The Herald and Huffpost, Maginnis didn’t deny it.

He told Huffpost he isn’t annoyed by “queers like Ms Bardell.” He said she was after him because he opposes gay marriage.

“I think everybody who heard about that was shocked by the comments that he is reported to have made and has not denied,” Jacob Rees-Mog, commons leader told The Herald.

Maginnis called gay marriage

Hannah Bardell. Photo via Hannah Bardell, Facebook.

“unnatural and deviant behaviour” in 2012, The Herald reported.

NEWS international

Trans Activist Runs for Congress in Peru Andrew Dier

Gahela Tseneg Cari Contreras, via Facebook.

G

ahela Tseneg Cari Contreras is running for Congress in Peru, but the name she has gone by her entire adult life will apparently not be on the ballot. Instead, voters will have to cast a ballot for “Guillermo Junior” Cari Contreras. Exhibit A on why this 27-year-old indigenous trans activist wants to have her voice heard in Lima.

Despite having a long-established and vocal LGBT activist community, Peru lags behind other South American countries in terms of LGBT rights.

Neighbors Brazil, Ecuador and Colombia recognize same-sex marriage, while Peru does not, for example. The election of Gahela to the unicameral Congress is considered a longshot: there are only 28 members and hundreds of candidates. But in this case, greater visibility for the community might be seen as a victory.

Trans rights is unapologetically at the center of her campaign, but women’s issues

are also close to Gahela’s heart. She has fought for visibility and justice for the nearly two hundred murders of women in 2019 and is one of a few candidates from various parties who has signed a pact to address violence against women if elected.

Gahela represents the left-wing Juntos por el Perú political party and would represent Lima and Peruvians abroad.

1.15.2020 •

5

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Worsening of Hepatitis B (HBV) infection. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: } dofetilide } rifampin } any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: } Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. } Have any other health problems. } Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. } Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: } Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. } BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

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BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x10-75_SouthFloridaGayNews_KeepEmpowering_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

(bik-TAR-vee)

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including: } Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. } Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. } Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. } Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. } Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. } The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION } This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. } Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5. } If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, DAILY CHARGE, the DAILY CHARGE Logo, KEEP EMPOWERING, LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies.

Version date: December 2018 © 2019 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0103 02/19

KEEP EMPOWERING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. To learn more, visit BIKTARVY.com.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com.

1.15.2020 • 3/4/19 4:42 PM

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LGBTQIA bites Bisexual

B

T

‘Vanderpump Rules’ star outs castmate as bisexual Jax Taylor, a star of reality show “Vanderpump Rules” outed his castmate Ariana Madix as bisexual on a talkshow.

Taylor was answering call-in questions on show “Watch What Happens Live” when one viewer asked why Madix hasn’t settled down with a boyfriend, according to Out. Taylor replied: because “Ariana likes women.”

When host Andy Cohen asked him to clarify what he said, he first tried to play it off as if he was saying she likes everyone as “most of us do.” He went on to say she should “own it...just don’t lie about it.”

Madix then clarified Taylor’s comments on Twitter: “I DO like women,” she wrote. “AND men. [I]t’s called being bisexual. [E]ver heard of it?”

Taylor once claimed he couldn’t be homophobic because half his friends are gay, Out reported.

Ariana Madix. Photo via Ariana Madix, Facebook.

By Cameren Boatner

Transgender

UK transgender people sit on waiting list for gender clinics Transgender and non-binary individuals in England are sitting on an over 13,500 person waiting list for gender identity clinics, according to BBC. Referrals to gender clinics have increased since 2016, and England’s National Health Service has been coping with the influx by increasing investment, but BBC found that some people have been waiting for three years to see a doctor. Emma Meehan, the public affairs assistant director at the LGBT Foundation told BBC it’s not enough.

“Currently the NHS is falling drastically short when it comes to supporting trans and non-binary people. NHS Guidelines say 18 weeks is the limit from referral to treatment.

In reality the average waiting time for a first appointment with a gender identity clinic is 18 months,” Meehan told the BBC. NHS England told BBC their staff is working hard to reduce wait times for patients, and providing support in the meantime.

A doctor showing his trans patient where to inject. Photo via The Gender Spectrum Collection, Vice.

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LGBTQIA bites

N

Non-Binary

Michigan democrats hope to add non-binary option to IDs Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says she hopes to add a nonbinary option to driver’s licenses and other state-issued IDs for gender nonconforming individuals, according to Michigan Public Radio.

The third option of “X” on stateissued IDs would also benefits transgender and intersex individuals, a step 14 other states have already taken.

Benson’s representatives told Michigan Public Radio that if the third option is approved, it would take time for a “technology overhaul.”

“This would remove having to designate or pick one of the two options and go to a gender neutral option of ‘X.’ It’s saying that all Michiganders, including members of the transgender community, deserve to live with dignity and respect,” Erin Knott, executive director of Equality Michigan told Michigan Public Radio.

100

years Friday, January 24th 8:00 p.m.

Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson.

Credit: Benson for Secretary of State.

1.15.2020 •

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news international

By John Porter

gay VINE the

Music

television

Taylor Swift Receives GLAAD Vanguard Award

Dancing on Ice Breaks Heteronormative Barriers

Iconic music superstar Taylor Swift, 30, will be awarded the 2020 GLAAD Media Award’s recipient of the Vanguard Award at the 31st Annual GLAAD Media Awards being held on April 16.

The Vanguard Award is presented to LGBT allies who have made a significant impact in promoting acceptance of LGBT people. Swift has been a loyal supporter of her LGBT fans, but stayed quiet on political issues until 2019 when the “Shake It Off” singer penned an open letter to her Senator urging him to support the Equality Act, which would prevent discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender.

In the same month, the multi-Grammy award winner released her song, “You Need To Calm Down” which touched on LGBT rights further exploring her

•

Taylor Swift. Photo via Taylor Swift, Facebook.

public facing advocacy for the LGBT community with a video featuring out producer and choreographer Todrick Hall along with a who’s who cast of LGBT celebrities from Ellen Degeneres to RuPaul.

In a marvelous moment of LGBT visibility, ITV’s “Dancing On Ice” shared the first ever same-sex dance pairing on television with professional skater Matt Evers pairing with Ian ‘H’ Watkins, former member of English Pop group Steps.

Watkins posted to fans on Instagram following the airing to say, “Tonight has been emotional. I’ve cried tears of joy!

Never did I think this would happen.

But tonight, Matt & I have made a little piece of history.”

Evers told viewers: “This journey is going to mean a lot to a lot of people in this country and around the world.”

New “Dancing on Ice” judge, John Barrowman was brought to tears watching as the pair glided across the ice saying, “I am [emotional].

Photo: Courtesy ITV.

That makes me happy on a complete multitude of levels just because seeing two men who represent someone who is like me.”

film

celebrity

Marvel Universe to Introduce Transgender Superhero

Kate McKinnon is all of us

New York Film Academy welcomed the President of Marvel Studios and Chief Creative Officer of Marvel, Kevin Feige for a Q&A with NYFA’s Director of Industry Lecture Series, Tova Laiter recently.

In the Q&A, Feige responded to a question asking if fans could expect more LGBT Superheroes — and specifically any who will be transgender. Feige provided a resolute “yes, absolutely, yes” followed by, “and very soon. In a movie that we’re shooting right now.”

Showing Marvel’s commitment to inclusion following the casting of the first gay character and first deaf character in the upcoming film, “The Eternals.”

Marvel will also introduce its first AsianAmerican superhero, who’ll be seen in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings.

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Keep up with the celebrities in our community

1 .15.2020

Kevin Feige. Photo via Kevin Feige, Facebook.

Out Actor and Comedienne Kate McKinnon presented the Carol Burnett award to television host and mogul, Ellen DeGeneres at the 77th Annual Golden Globes held earlier this month.

McKinnon joked with the audience that she was in her mother’s basement lifting weights when she watched Ellen come out at the height of her self-titled sitcom’s success and thought to herself “Am I Gay?” She added, “I was, and I still am.”

McKinnon’s speech shared with the audience an LGBT commonality shared throughout the community when a person experiences seeing their truest self represented in media for the first time.

She went on to say, “That’s a very scary thing to suddenly know about yourself.

Photo via Kate McKinnon, Facebook.

It’s sort of like doing 23andme and discovering that you have alien DNA.” McKinnon closed by praising Degeneres for risking her entire life and career in order to tell her truth and allowing all of us to follow our own truths.

C ompa s s Poi nts

PA L M B E A C H

column

Compass Continues Trans Inclusive Programming Claudia Harrison

Photo via Adobe Stock.

Chief Information Officer Transgender issues have been in the news more than ever lately.

From the President’s ban on transgender service members to the ongoing epidemic of violence against transgender individuals, that news hasn’t been good. So here at Compass, we are working to increase our support of our community members who are transgender, in a number of ways.

In 2019, our staff members provided inclusion and diversity trainings to 33 businesses and groups — more than ever before! These trainings, with a focus on transgender issues, are presented by Compass staff who have lived experience being transgender. Their personal stories of struggling with their identity and expression have a powerful impact on those who attend the training sessions.

Time is set aside for the audience to ask questions at the end, and this always leads to frank and open conversations.

Conversations like this are the key to understanding and acceptance. 2019 audiences included Starbucks’ regional managers, The Junior League of Palm Beach County, and the probation officers of the Palm Beach County Department of Juvenile Justice. We are already scheduling trainings for 2020! For information about scheduling a diversity and inclusion training for your workplace or organization, contact Amanda@compassglcc.com.

Also in 2019, two staff members responded to community requests, and started a social-support group for transgender children ages 3-11 and their families. This group, called Authentically YOUth, began meeting on a monthly basis

Their personal stories of struggling with their identity and expression have a powerful impact on those who attend the training sessions.

in September, and already a core group of four to five families who attend each month. The group has become cohesive very quickly, and is already planning cookouts and outings together.

For information about Authentically YOUth, contact Lucas@compassglcc.com.

But that’s not all! 2019 also saw Compass’ first transgender seminar, in which three experts presented on different aspects of health for transgender individuals, including mental health, gynecological health, and plastic surgery.

More than a hundred people turned out for this free, informative event.

On Jan. 25 we will be presenting another seminar, this time with a panel of experts speaking on legal issues that affect transgender people, from official name changes to housing discrimination to rights for students. More of these seminars will be held, on various topics, throughout the year. All are free and open to the public. For information about the transgender seminars, contact Michael@ compassglcc.com.

In 2019, a Transgender Advisory Committee was formed to help guide our programming in ways most relevant to the community. And from that committee came a suggestion for a Young Adult Trans and Non-Binary social-support group that meets on Friday nights from 6-8 p.m.

For information about the young adult trans and binary group, contact Rex@ compassglcc.com.

To say we are excited about where we are headed with trans programming is an understatement, and we welcome you all to be a part of it!

Claudia Harrison is Compass’ chief information officer.

She can be reached at claudia@compassglcc.com

1.15.2020 •

11

NEWS local

Log Cabin Repubs Rail Against

Muslims, Socialism at Wilton Manors Rally Jason Parsley

A

ndrew Brett, president of the Broward County Log Cabin Republicans, tore into muslims, President Trump’s impeachment, and several U.S. House Representatives during a rally in front of Wilton Manors City Hall Monday morning.

About 12 people showed up in support of the organization. The LCR represents LGBT Republicans.

About three dozen counter protestors also showed up.

“The Democratic Party has become the party of division in America,” Brett said starting off a speech that was riddled with wild claims, conspiracy theories and inflammatory rhetoric. “Whereas, the Republican Party is the party of inclusion for all Americans.”

Most of Brett’s speech could barely be heard due to the counter protester’s shouting and the bull horn used by local activist Michael Rajner.

Apparently the organizers of the event forgot to charge the battery on their sound system.

“I think it’s important to be here because generations that follow us will be subject to the horrible laws and punishments from this administration if [Trump] should be reelected,” Rajner said. “He’s appointed a terrible judge is that a hostile to the LGBT community, and our protections are eroding so quickly. We must stand up, we must register to vote, and we must get the community to mobilize to stand up against this hate.”

The scheduled event was billed as a press conference where Brett and other conservatives would attempt to persuade the LGBT community to support and reelect President Trump.

But most of Brett’s speech had little to do with the LGBT community. He spent more time attacking U.S. House Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Ted Deutch, Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib than promoting Trump’s supposedly pro-LGBT record.

According to a written transcript of the speech (attached at the end) given to SFGN by Brett, he accused the current crop of presidential candidates of supporting “socialism in which supports sharia law.”

Sharia law is another term for Islamic law.

“The GLBT Democratic residents of Broward County don’t understand or comprehend the catastrophic results of Sharia Law,” he said. “Omar and Tlaib support Sharia Law and definitely do not support the GLBT community even though they claim to be Democrats.

Omar and Tlaib are not friends of the GLBT community and support the execution of beheadings of GLBT people.”

Omar and Tlaib are two Muslim members of the U.S. House of Representatives. Brett’s inflammatory statements are clearly false as there is no evidence that either of them supports Sharia Law or the killing of LGBT people. Omar has been outspoken in defending LGBT rights.

Brett went on to warn that Wilton Manors will suffer a Pulse-style attack against the LGBT community, but offered up no evidence.

Brett also raged against Wasserman Schultz and Deutch, accusing them both of doing nothing for LGBT people and only giving “lip service” to the community.

Brett then launched into a tangent claiming that in 1974 Congress passed a law that would give a president, who was unfairly impeached, the opportunity to serve an additional three years in office. It’s unclear what he could have been referencing.

Brett also made it clear the LCR fully supports gun ownership and gun rights.

“Might I remind the GLBT community that Hitler took the guns away from 20,000 people and you saw how that played out,” he said. “The Log Cabin Republicans totally support the Second Amendment and we’ll be damned if any socialists will take that right away.”

Brett went on to warn that Wilton Manors will suffer a Pulse-style attack against the LGBT community, but offered up no evidence.

Andrew Brett, president of Broward Log Cabin Republicans, gives a thumbs up at the rally. Photo credit: Justin Musial.

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1 .15.2020

NEWS local Brett called burning the American flag a “hate crime.”

Eventually the president of the local LCR did give seven things Trump has done for the LGBT community.

A small but vocal crowd shows its support.

Photo credit: Justin Musial.

1. Appointed five openly gay men to ambassadorships 2. Appointed two openly gay judges 3. Has attempted to end the criminalization of homosexuality around the world 4. Promised to end the AIDS epidemic in 10 years 5. Allocated more money for HIV research than former President Obama did in eight years 6. Was the first Republican nominee for president to address the LGBT community during the Republican National Convention 7. Does not take a salary, instead donating the money to various governmental agencies.

the LGBT community.

1. Has not officially recognized Pride Month.

2. Withdrew protections for transgender individuals under Title IX.

3. Signed an executive order focused on “religious liberty,” setting the groundwork to allow The Dolphin discrimination against the LGBT community based on Democrats, religious beliefs.

who represent

“So when GLBT folks, not LGBT Democrats 4. Trump’s Justice only in Broward County, but Department stated that Title in Broward, throughout the country say VII, which protects against — ‘President Trump is taking responded with employment discrimination, our rights away.’ I always ask does not extend to LGBT a list of things ‘What rights has he taken individuals. away from you when you that Trump has woke up this morning?’ He done against 5. Trump banned hasn’t. And didn’t.” transgender people from Michael Rajner pushed the LGBT serving in the military. back on Brett’s assertion community.

During the speech Brett also that’s giving more money for claimed Martin Luther King HIV research.

“He’s gone after other programs that Jr. was a Republican. According to multiple help people living with HIV,” Rajner said. websites, it is not true. King was not affiliated “He’s endangering all of those programs with any party.

Several Republican candidates for office that work in tandem with one another. He’s shifting resources and that has made it more also spoke at the event including Greg Musselwhite, candidate for Florida’s 20th dangerous.”

The Dolphin Democrats, who represent Congressional District; Darlene Swaffar, LGBT Democrats in Broward, responded with candidate for District 22; and James Pruden, a list of things that Trump has done against candidate for District 22.

Counter protesters during the rally.

Photo credit: Justin Musial.

Justin Musial also contributed to this report.

1.15.2020 •

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NEWS national

NEWS national

Golden State Warriors President Marries Partner John McDonald

T

he president of the Golden State Warriors married his partner on Friday in a ceremony officiated by the Mayor of San Francisco.

Rick Welts, president of the Warriors, a professional basketball franchise, married his partner of nine years, Todd Gage at San Francisco City Hall. San Francisco Mayor London Breed married the men.

“It was a good day, nine years in the making,” Welts tweeted.

Welts, 67, came out as a gay man in a 2011 interview with the New York Times. It was a rare move for a sports executive in those days and later that year Welts was hired as the Warriors’ new president.

The Warriors have won three NBA championships during Welts’ administration.

Gage, reportedly, was the reason Welts relocated to the Bay Area from Arizona, where Welts was working as president of the Phoenix Suns.

Born in Seattle, Welts worked in the NBA

Rick Welts and Todd Gage.

Photo via @RickWelts, Twitter.

720th Special Tactics Group airmen jumping into a water rescue training mission.

Photo credit: Senior Airman Julianne Showalter.

STOPPED!

front offices from 1982-1999. He is widely credited for the creation of the league’s All-Star Weekend and handled the marketing campaign for USA basketball’s 1992 “Dream Team” featuring Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley and a cast of champions.

Court bars Trump from Discharging HIV positive airmen John McDonald

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and

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wo HIV positive airmen will remain in Attorneys for the airmen asked the Trump the United States Air Force, a three- administration “for more clear answers” as to judge panel ruled on Friday. why the Department of Defense has imposed The panel of judges in the U.S. Fourth a deployment ban on HIV positive airmen to Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the Air CENTCOM’s area of responsibility.

Force was operating under “irrational” and In the lawsuit the airmen are identified “outdated” policies. pseudonymously as Richard Roe Lambda Legal, a national and Victor Voe. “Any LGBT organization, declared the Roe said he was very pleased ruling a victory. with the court’s decision which understanding “Any understanding of HIV will “allow us to continue to of HIV that that could justify this ban is serve the country we love.” could justify outmoded and at odds with “I joined this lawsuit because current science,” Lambda Legal I feared I would be discharged this ban is declared in a joint statement from the military, but also outmoded with the Modern Military because of the lingering stigma and at odds Association of America. “Such and many misconceptions obsolete understandings cannot about what it is to live with HIV with current justify a ban.” today,” Roe said. science.”

The Department of Justice Medical treatment of HIV argued the Air Force determined positive individuals has made - Lambda Legal, great advancements, the the two airmen could no longer Modern Military plaintiffs argued.

Modern perform their duties because science, the plaintiffs said, their career fields required them to deploy frequently. USAF reported has shown with routine daily medications their condition prevented the airmen from and regular blood testing the virus can deploying to the U.S. Central Command’s be defeated. At undetectable levels, HIV area of responsibility, where most airmen are cannot be transmitted through normal daily activities. expected to go.

NEWS white house watch

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Cory Booker (left), Julian Castro and Marianne Williamson.

Photos by Gage Skidmore, via Flickr.

Democratic Field Begins To Clear Booker, Castro and Williamson suspend campaigns

John McDonald

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ith contests in Iowa and New Hampshire coming soon candidates continue crafting their message to voters while some are exiting the campaign.

The DNC allowed just six candidates at this week’s debate in Des Moines, Iowa: Former Vice President Joe Biden, U.S. Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, businessman Tom Steyer and former South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

It was the party’s seventh debate with the eighth scheduled for Feb. 7 in Manchester, N.H. Meanwhile, U.S. Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey suspended his campaign but vowed to stay in the fight.

“I will carry this fight forward — I just won’t be doing it as a candidate for president this year,” Booker emailed supporters.

Booker, 50, informed staff of his decision in a call from his offices in Newark, N.J. where he once served as mayor. On the campaign trail, Booker spoke of America’s “impotence of empathy.” He condemned the bigoted tone of President Donald Trump’s campaign rallies and vocalized the need for criminal justice reform, protections for transgender Americans and adding more jobs that pay a $15 wage or higher.

Booker’s departure leaves former Massachusetts governor Deval Patrick as the lone black candidate among the remaining 11 Democrats. Prior to Booker’s announcement, former San Antonio, Texas mayor Julian Castro and spiritual author Marianne Williamson ended their respective campaigns.

Iowa’s first in the nation caucuses take place Feb. 3.

The DNC allowed just six candidates at this week’s debate in Des Moines, Iowa.

White House Watch is a weekly column taking a look at the state of the 2020 presidential election.

1.15.2020 •

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NEWS national

Our Fund to Host Second Annual South Florida LGBT Philanthropy Awards Denise Royal

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he LGBT community needs philanthropists to back, boost, and bolster causes that help and protect its members. Our Fund Foundation is honoring local individuals and families who impact South Florida’s LGBT community. The second annual LGBT Philanthropy Awards will be held on Saturday, Jan. 25 at 5:30 p.m. It takes place at the Broward Performing Arts Center’s Mary Porter Ballroom.

Our Fund is South Florida’s only LGBT community foundation. It promotes a culture of philanthropy by uniting donors with organizations advancing LGBT issues in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach counties and supporting causes within the LGBT community.

“The Philanthropy Awards, which recognize and celebrate South Florida’s leading philanthropists and volunteers, has become our signature event,” said David Jobin, president and CEO, Our Fund Foundation, in a press release. “We are extremely grateful for the continued support from Bank of America Private Bank which enables us to honor these remarkable and generous community leaders who help make South Florida the most liveable and energetic community in the country for LGBT people.”

Pictured above: The Mary N. Porter Riverview Ballroom at the Broward Center for Performing Arts. Photo via the Broward Center.

This year’s honorees include: Next Generation of Philanthropy Award:

Victor Warren

Nominated by SunServe, one of South Florida’s largest LGBTserving agencies, Warren joined the non-profit’s board of directors in 2010 and began serving as Chair in January 2018. Under his guidance, SunServe experienced 26 consecutive quarters of growth and expanded its programming to serve the diversity of the LGBT community. His leadership within South Florida’s LGBT community and his visibility and impact serve as a reminder of the promise of young activists, leaders and philanthropists.

Dick Schwarz Award for Lifetime Achievement:

Paul Fasana

Fasana and his late partner Robert Graham’s philanthropy was instrumental in building much of the infrastructure of LGBT-life in South Florida. Their names are synonymous with the Sunshine Cathedral and the capital investments they made, including the Robert S. Graham and Paul Fasana Chapel. Fasana’s longtime passion, however, is for Stonewall National Museum & Archives’ vast collection of LGBT artifacts, for which he serves as chief archivist, a role he has played since 1995 as a volunteer. In addition to his volunteering, Fasana has endowed a fund in perpetuity for Stonewall at Our Fund and supports many local LGBT causes and agencies through his generosity.

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Raising the Bar Award:

Wayne Schrebe

Honored as the Philanthropist of the Year, Schrebe’s thoughtful and generous gifts have benefitted numerous LGBT agencies in South Florida and improved countless lives. A leadership gift from the Wayne A. Schrebe and Roy J. Stegman Fund at Our Fund launched Our Fund’s Protect Our Elders Fund in 2015. In addition, Schrebe has contributed significant gifts to Our Fund’s capital campaigns in 2014 and 2019.

Commitment to a Cause Award:

Mark Gilbert

Nominated by OUTShine Film Festival, Gilbert’s dedication to the film festival in terms of time, talent and treasure is unmatched, as is his boundless energy, determination and infectious spirit of volunteerism. Engaged with the festival in various capacities for much of its history, Gilbert’s single-minded focus and dedication to its mission have invigorated the board of directors, helped resolve financial issues and stabilized its leadership.

Tickets to the cocktail reception and awards ceremony are $75 each and may be purchased at our-fund.org/awards. For additional information please email ocaballero@our-fund.org or call 954-565-1090.

NEWS local

FabScout Partners with Midland Cares Photo via Adobe.

SFGN Staff

A

newly developed nonprofit under the Midland brand, Midland Cares, has announced a local partnership with FabScout Entertainment, Inc. It is their first public health care partnership.

The goal for Midland is to take the redundancies seen in most healthcare settings and provide innovative ways to address health disparities in our communities.

As a result, Midland Cares will provide complementary PrEP and HIV navigation services, including STI screening and treatment for all.

Recognizing that performers in the Adult Entertainment community travel across the globe, they have tailored their PrEP and HIV medication services to assist those who may have lost or forgotten their medications when traveling.

“Midland treats every one of their patients like family,” Howard Marr of FabScout said.

“They place your healthcare paramount and provide tailored approaches to your specific needs.”

Midland is also knowm for providing holistic approaches to treatment, including Care Management, referrals and assistance with mental health, substance abuse counseling, housing, health insurance, and even social support.

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17

NEWS in memoriam

Resilience in a Leaky Vessel Remembering Amanda Russo Landon J. Woolston

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manda Russo — bad ass activist, sister, hard worker, friend — died by suicide on December 10th. When I first began writing this, I didn’t know the exact date of her death. Because of stigma and the lack of value placed on our lives, LGBTQ suicides are often obscured, and little is done to investigate.

I got the news on December 18th; the three year marker of my partner’s suicide was two days away. When my former coworker, Tracey Carswell, called and said “I want to make sure you feel safe and supported,” I braced. Tracey, Amanda, and I worked together at Pridelines.

Amanda was a rock for us both, and she’d had our young peoples’ backs.

In the overlap of these two tragedies, I have been reflecting on how often we talk about and affirm resilience, especially in the wake of loss.

Many of us know the stats — our people are dying. Regularly. Some more than others. And when they do, we are the ones who contact friends and family, who piece together the puzzle. I went through this when Diana died.

Three years later, I’m still learning new things.

In the last ten days, as many of us have connected, some poignant and painful stories about Amanda have emerged.

About two weeks prior to her death, Amanda contacted Eddie Nathaniel Torres, a friend, artist, and someone she had met while through Pridelines. “She was congratulating me on my journey with my art and asked me to design her next tattoo,” Eddie shared. “About her struggles with mental health and suicidal thoughts.”

In a text exchange, Amanda told Eddie she wanted the tattoo to speak to her resilience, and the powerful relationship she had with her little brother, Krys Lemay. “I spent alot of time sharing advice on how to cope with life,” Amanda said. “This kid would not let me just fade away ... everything I shared with him helped me survive this long. There’s alot of love and history with him and these ideas are now a part of both of us.”

Amanda went on to describe the tattoo themes she envisioned. First, the image of space, which “reminded us that the world was much bigger than our problems,” she told Eddie. “This gave me hope I’d find a way out of hell because my little dysfunctional world did not make up the whole.”

“As a 15 year old kid struggling with suicidality I would look up at those stars,”

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Amanda said. She taught her little brother, Krys, to use Orion as a “reference point.”

Whenever he was feeling lost or alone, he could just look up. She recounted that Krys had repeated that phrase back to her — “look up” — many times in the last 20 years.

Tracey and Eddie reached out to Krys for comment. “In 2011 Amanda was the first person I spoke to about my thoughts of transitioning; we were on the phone for HOURS. Amanda helped me realize that it didn’t matter how everyone around me reacted, but how I felt about myself,” he said.

“Amanda didn’t know much about the trans community at the time, but because she loved me so much, she researched it. She very quickly became an activist.”

Referring proudly to Amanda as a best friend and big sister, Krys said “Amanda was

a very active, passionate person in the LGBTQ community, not just because she was gay but because she was an amazing human being who wanted to speak for those who couldn’t.” On the topic of Orion’s belt, Krys said “I will always be able to ‘look up’ and see the arrow created

by Orion’s Belt and smile.”

Orion was a source of strength for Amanda for many reasons. “There are many theories about the belt and the position of the pyramids of Giza” she told Eddie. In October of 2012, I did the bravest thing I ever have and learned a While thing or two about how I don’t have to fear almost Amanda’s friends ANYTHING. I was on and community do our my way to South Africa best to put together the with a 12 hr layover in Egypt. The night before pieces of this heartbreaking my flight I decided to puzzle, we are also take that opportunity to touch a pyramid. I patching up ourselves was fucking terrified and and each other. pretty sure I avoided being raped at least once.”

Although she spent just six hours outside the airport, she noted how that experience changed her life.

Amanda was open about her trauma and being a survivor of sexual violence. “After recovering my memories I felt like I was shattered in a million pieces. Over the past 15 years I’ve done all I can to mend the pieces back together. There were so many times that

I felt like a vase that just couldn’t hold water no matter how much I tried to patch myself back up.”

She asked Eddie to somehow include a “partially mended vessel” within the tattoo. “I think this vase is finally holding some water with just a leak or 2.” Ironically, she later referred to a “cracked vessel.”

“I guess I’d like it to represent the pain, the struggle, the strength it took to survive this long, the hope, the beauty of life, love and healing … Do you think you can work with any of this?” Amanda asked Eddie.

Although he did not get to create Amanda’s tattoo before she died, Eddie has spent the last two weeks completing it in grief.

While Amanda’s friends and community do our best to put together the pieces of this heartbreaking puzzle, we are also patching up ourselves and each other.

Some of us make tattoo designs. Some of us tackle our demons by running for the pyramids. And some of us write about the people we love doing these things.

I guess this is resilience.

Still, we only need such remarkable resiliency because our systems are broken.

It is society that causes our vessels to leak.

Sometimes, we run out of whatever it was that had kept us going. If that happens to you — if you feel your vessel cracking — know you are never alone. Please reach out for support.

If that’s too hard, and I know it can be, just look up.

If you would like a copy of the tattoo design (pictured left), Eddie has graciously agreed to send out copies. Message him on Instagram at Wafflesworth, or email WafflesworthTattoos@gmail.com

Art by Eddie Nathaniel Torres

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, here are some 24/7 resources: This line is staffed for and by trans/non-binary folks: Trans Lifeline: 1-877-565-8860 Queer/trans youth, call the The TrevorLifeline: 1-866-488-7386 (or text START to 678678) There’s also the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

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19

NEWS local

n ig a mp a C s t h ig R n a m Hu

0 2 0 2 f f O s t r Sta derdale With in Fort Lau

a l a G y z t Gli Damon Scott

Dyllón Burnside, the actor from the hit TV series “Pose,” stands with his Visibility Award. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

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Alphonso David President of the HRC, speaking at the gala. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

NEWS local

T

he vibe was meant to be a little bit fun and celebratory, and it was. But it was also mixed with a sobering look at the year past and what is expected to be an all-hands-on-deck year for the LGBT community across the U.S.

The Human Rights Campaign held its first These are facts. They cannot be disputed by gala event of 2020 in Fort Lauderdale on Jan. the president or labeled fake news. They’re 11 at the Ritz-Carlton. Organizers said 350 real — it’s called a calendar.” people attended.

David, like most who took the stage at the The primary focus of the night — dubbed event, stressed how high the stakes are for the “HRC South Florida the LGBT community in the Dinner” — was to raise coming election and took shots funds for the organization’s at the current occupant of the The plight many 2020 goals.

White House.

The HRC is the nation’s “Over the past three years, we of the LGBT and queer civil have witnessed an onslaught of transgender attacks on our Constitution and rights organization. It has long flexed its political the Bill of Rights by a president community muscle with lawmakers who has never read either of in Washington, D.C., on a them,” David said. “He has was in the variety of equality issues. sought a license to discriminate Newly minted HRC and attack transgender troops spotlight president Alphonso David and transgender students.” throughout — who worked to pass The plight of the transgender marriage equality in New community was in the spotlight the night.

York in 2011 — provided the throughout the night. most boisterous speech of Gala co-chair Nik Harris the night. began the program by reading “As we gather here tonight I want you to the names of 25 transgender and gender think about some sobering facts,” he said. nonconforming people who were killed “In 23 days is the Iowa Caucuses; in 184 in the U.S. in 2019, including two in South days is the start of the national convention Florida. in Milwaukee; in 297 days is Election Day. “At every turn we feel under attack by a

hostile presidential administration that’s elevating hate and acrimony in this country.

Unfortunately, our community has been here before. We know the pain and indifference all too well,” Harris said.

Meanwhile, David, who is the first person of color to lead the HRC in 40 years, outlined what the HRC will focus on leading up to Election Day and beyond.

One of those areas is a new “transgender justice initiative.”

“At a moment when transgender women of color are living in crisis, we must do everything in our power to end the epidemic of violence that has claimed the lives of more than 150 transgender people,” David said. “Nearly all of them black, transgender women over the past several years.”

Other HRC initiatives include protecting voting rights and passage of the Equality Act. David, who is also an attorney, said the HRC would expand its legal footprint by launching “impact litigation work” as well.

“When our relationships were criminalized, we had to fight. When our children were taken away from us because of who we are; we had to fight. When our very being was being deemed a sickness; we had to fight,” he said.

‘Visibility Award’

Tatiana Williams and Carson Graham pose with the Visibility Award on behalf of TransInclusive. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

Part of the gala included recognizing two recipients of HRC’s “Visibility Award.”

Actor and singer Dyllón Burnside of TV show “Pose” on the FX Network was honored, as was the TransInclusive Group — a transgender-led, South Florida activist organization.

Burnside plays Ricky Evangelista on the FX series. He has also starred in the Tupac Shakur-inspired musical “Holler If Ya Hear Me on Broadway” and in roles on NBC’s “Peter Pan Live!” and HBO’s “High Maintenance.”

It is Burnside’s outspokenness about the importance of “Pose” in its representation of LGBT people of color that the HRC emphasized as the reason for the honor.

Cofounder and executive director of the TransInclusive Group, Tatiana Williams, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Williams is also the testing and community mobilization coordinator at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors.

“At every turn we feel under attack by a hostile presidential administration that’s elevating hate and acrimony in this country.

Unfortunately, our community has been here before.”

- Alphonso David President of the HRC

More information is at HRC.org.

1.15.2020 •

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feature  achievements in excellence

SELECTING THE

BEST OF THE BEST

Misty Eyez Trans Activist of the Year

Misty Eyez, Trans Activist of the Year Brandon Wolf, Local Person of the Year Tim Hart, Ally of the Year Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

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Introduction

y brother, a psychologist, tells me that one of the most traumatic experiences people go through is choosing a new home.

“But wait,” I asked him, “It should be a great, joyous, celebratory moment.”

Then he tells me that because it is one of the most consequential choices you will ever make, it can torment you.

That is how I feel every January, when I am called upon as a publisher to select who should be a “person of the year” in our community.

We are blessed, you see, with so many people, who have given so much of themselves to empower others and enhance and enrich our lives.

So, I call around, everyone from museums and charities, businesses and professionals, and I am blown away even more.

So many do so much. It is an agonizing process. I should be enjoying myself, but I am not — not as much as I thought.

Our OUT50 each year is a good guide. We select 50 persons. We receive hundreds and hundreds of nominees. Still, some rise to the top, some emerge from the crowd, stand on top of the stage.

Sometimes, fate, destiny and fortune shape their lives, and then they shape ours.

This year, we recognize these three individuals with our annual Achievement in Excellence Awards. A Portland, Oregon business executive, the daughter of a Pentecostal minister from Anchorage, Alaska, and a straight accountant, will all hold the stage.

As I said, we are blessed with a community of principled pacemakers, gutsy and grateful, enriching our lives daily and enhancing our spirit weekly.

The rewards are nice, but remember, a day of acclaim is a passing memory. A life of achievement is a legacy.

“If Athens shall appear great to you,” wrote Pericles, “consider that her glories were one simply by decent people doing their duty every day.”

Today, we salute three of those people.

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Misty Eyez. Photo credit: Graciela Valdes.

Misty Eyez has a logo on her home page which defines to South Florida to go on stage as Misty Eyez. “A great name her identity. It is from Dr. Seuss, and few know more about that defined my soul,” she says. life than the good doctor we loved as a child.

Comes from a Sandy Patton song saying that every time a “Why fit in,” it reads, “when you were born to stand out?” dad surrenders his daughter’s hand in marriage he becomes Has she ever. “misty eyed.”

Misty was born to a Pentecostal minister from The Best of Winner for several years at SFGN has traded Anchorage, Alaska, she wound up in Oklahoma before in the nightlife at the Boardwalk to focus on different areas journeying to South Florida to make her presence known of education, from teaching cultural sensitivity to bias as an entertainer. training.

Does LGBT media matter? It was an “Knowledge is power,” she told one online ad for Hotspots that drew her of our reporters. So Misty is now going attention to our shores. to back to school, hoping to earn a “There is a song by Today, Misty Eyez stands tall as master’s degree in social work; on her Sandy Patton which the Director of Women’s Services, way to becoming a licensed clinical social Transgender Services and Training worker. says no matter where Services at SunServe. It’s a long way This time she won’t get kicked out for you are from, we all since her first appearance ever in drag, being who she is. at an AIDS benefit being held in a “There are so many hurdles in a speak the language church in Tulsa. transgender’s person life that none of us of love. It makes you She may not be on stage anymore, could ever imagine,” she said. “Maybe but she is moving souls. At SunServe, it’s simply acceptance, but it could be misty eyed.”

Misty is immersed with her work says housing, job placement, social support.”

- Misty Eyez Director Mark Ketchum, “She works Misty is so right. Even a simple name so marvelously with others, and her change requires a judicial application charm is magnetic. She just has a way of exuding energy and legal help. and passion.”

Misty may not be dancing for dollars anymore, but she “As an entertainer,” Misty told me on my radio show, “I is performing for hope, doing what she loves doing, and made people smile for an hour. In my job, I think I am able helping people help themselves. to help people live for a lifetime.”

Misty is ever so worthy of SFGN’s first presentation for She is an educator and case manager who started off part a Trans Activist of the Year, as too are so many others. time but has seen her roles and aspirations blossom.

Like Misty, our community of drag queens have a history Once, she was an admittedly “effeminate trans woman of paving the way for causes and concerns that matter so living in the closet.” Now she breaks down doors. much to the LGBT community.

Once, she was kicked out of schools and told by her The passion Misty brought to work on stage every night mother she could not come home unless “she first came she now brings to SunServe every day. She has gone from home to Jesus.” being an entertainer to an achiever; from being an outcast Instead, she read an online Hotspots magazine and came to being outstanding.

Turn the page to keep reading!

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1.15.2020 •

23

feature  achievements in excellence

Tim Hart Straight Ally of the year Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

It seems that every time we are looking at the participants Lauderdale Chamber of of a gay event, a guy named Tim Hart shows up. This week, Commerce (GLBX) Business he won’t be at our anniversary party. He may be golfing in Community Ally’s Advocate Arizona or hiking the Muir Woods of Northern California Award, given to him for with his son. He spent this past weekend touring Alcatraz his service to local LGBT with his family. businesses.

Growing up in South Florida, Tim knew we had an While Tim is from emerging gay community here. Not sure he ever intended to Baltimore and is a graduate become the heart and soul of it, supporting every cause from of the 1980 class of Thomas the gay media to the Smart Ride to Our Fund.

Moore College, he currently He runs R3 Accounting, but is presently consumed with lives in Plantation, having Medixall.com, an online platform letting you find the most grown up in nearby affordable medical services from MRI’s to blood tests at the Hollywood. Still, this year most affordable prices. It’s a great way of saving costs on R3 Accounting is serving as medical expenses, and keeping money in your pocket where the campaign treasurer for it belongs. the reelection mayoral run Accountancy has been so important to the LGBT of Fort Lauderdale’s Dean community, though. As Hart has noted, “There was a time Trantalis. when DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act) and DADT (Don’t Tim also serves on the Ask, Don’t Tell) shut gay people out of properly preparing Board of Directors of the their tax returns.”

World AIDS Museum, one of Folks needed people who understood and were sensitive his greatest passions. to domestic partnerships. We Not enough? needed financial advisors who He was also just would help us without any reelected to the Tim Hart. Photos via Tim Hart, Facebook. bias or stigma. Hart has been post of Treasurer Says Weinzimer of Hart, on our side for decades. This of the Wilton Manors Business Association, and is a member the block from his offices of R3 Accounting at 2929 East year again, he even helped on of the Oakland Park/Wilton Manors Rotary. He Commercial Boulevard. his backside, making the 165credits the neighborhood business associations We both love the baked clams at Bona Pizza, owned by mile run from Miami to Key with helping immerse him in the life of the gay our mutual friend, Glen Weinzimer, who founded the Smart West for the fifth time. and lesbian community.

Ride.

“The Smart Ride is an “The LGBTQ community is thriving, exciting, Said Weinzimer of Hart, “Tim Hart’s heart is grand and amazing and spiritual passionate, and principled, undertaking worthy generous. He has been devoted and dedicated, a great rider, experience, doing good work causes with great people. I am proud to be part of fundraiser and friend.” for a great cause, and knowing those efforts,” he said.

This year, Tim really has me hooked with his newest that every dime, every penny Recently, he is most proud of winning a weekly project, starting a “Struttin for Strays” for this year’s Doggie is going right back into fighting outing of the Goffers, a local gay men and ladies Fun Fest, an event that has supported his Smart Ride efforts. the spread of the pandemic. league. He loves the links, the outdoors, and a My house is a kennel with four, yes, four dogs. Maybe I will Participating cultivates a good drive with a 3 iron. leave a few there. tremendous sense of pride Tim spent Christmas at Pinehurst Country Club “It’s a real worthy event with a small but motivated group and accomplishment.”

Tim is finally getting recognition for his work too. Last in North Carolina — “a beautiful course,” he said. The month of individuals.”

It’s another worthy cause that generates a lot of empathy year, SFGN featured him in the Mirror, and this month before, he visited Florida’s oldest city, St. Augustine. I will with our LGBT community.

OutClique ran a piece on Tim’s latest Smart Ride sojourn. His give you this. The man stays busy. He is always on the move.

But Tim still likes the basic simple things, having his A busy, straightforward guy doing a yeoman’s work, R3 accounting firm’s ads populate the pages of the free gay breakfasts at Billy Sands’ Diner by the Sea and pastrami helping all of us all the time, Tim Hart is SFGN’s inaugural media.

A month ago, Tim was the recipient of the Greater Fort sandwiches for lunch at the Pumpernickel’s just down recipient of our “Straight Ally Award” for the year 2019.

“Tim Hart’s heart is grand and generous. He has been devoted and dedicated, a great rider, fundraiser and friend.”

Turn the page to keep reading!

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Jayant Goyle

Our Fund’s mission is to promote responsible philanthropy in order to make South Florida the most livable community in the country for LGBT people.

Everyday Philanthropist As South Florida’s only LGBT community foundation, Our Fund Foundation improves peoples’ lives by providing various ways to give, and supporting causes within the LGBT community.

Every month we will feature a local philanthropist and ask them about what inspires them to give, hopefully inspiring new everyday philanthropy. Jayant Goyle, another committed supporter, talks about what inspires him to give to South Florida causes:

Where are you from, and where do you consider home?

I moved to USA from India in 1981 and came to Philadelphia because I had family there. After going away for graduate school, I returned to the city and made it my home. Thirteen years ago I suggested to my husband, Greg, that we retire early, and move to Fort Lauderdale.

Sunny Florida is home now.

When did you first begin giving, and what inspired you to do so? What was the first organization you gave to?

In Philadelphia, I was involved with a lot of organizations providing my time and energy.

I volunteered with Peer counseling, started LGBT Asian and South Asian support groups, worked with various AIDS organizations, and was a board member of the Delaware Valley Legacy Fund. After meeting Greg, we both started getting more involved by holding fundraisers and trying to create more visibility and support for these groups and others that were close to our hearts.

Which causes and organizations do you support with your time and resources?

Animals hold a special place in my heart, so we donate to the Pet Project, Abandoned Pet Rescue, and the Humane Society. I also feel that preserving our history, and educating future generations is important and I feel that Stonewall Museum and Archives does a great job of doing so. As I am getting older, I am starting to pay attention to organizations that provide services for the elderly.

What do you find most rewarding about giving to the causes you care about?

When that little nudge from you results in a positive action, you feel like you have achieved something. You will not erase all the world’s problems, but hacking away at them, little by little, gives a sense of satisfaction.

LEGACY GIVING AGENCY FUNDS DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS

OUR FUND FOUNDATION supports projects that serve the LGBT community in a number of different fields:

That little smile, the nod of appreciation, being recognized with a “Thank You,” the puppy’s wagging tail, a sign that things are changing, these are all the things that make life, and any kind of giving rewarding.

What sort of guidance would you give to someone considering giving back to their community?

Many in our situation choose to dispose of their assets among close family members and friends. One does not have to give to just their nephew, they can share it with some other child who might be a nephew too, and bring joy and comfort to another being.

Giving and sharing does not have to be to charities only, you can do it everyday with people and issues that you value. Spread joy and wealth while you are alive so you can see and cherish the results. When you are gone, put it to good use so the purpose of your life may continue.

YOUTH ELDERS WOMEN TRANSGENDER HIV/AIDS ARTS & CULTURE SOCIAL JUSTICE

To learn more about how you can support Our Fund’s mission to support agencies advancing LGBT causes in South Florida, visit us at www.Our-Fund.org or call us at (954) 565-1090

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feature  achievements in excellence

The Defiant One Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Dream big. Fight hard. Live proud.

Because life is what you make of it, Brandon Wolf of Orlando, Florida is our local person of the year. It was not necessarily supposed to be this way.

The philosopher and author Andre Gide once spoke the words “only those who have been touched by the wings of death know the flight of life.”

In one second, on June 12, 2016, at Pulse Nightclub in Orlando, Brandon Wolf learned the meaning of that phrase.

He was a kid who had studied political science at the University of Oregon. He moved to central Florida in order to become a business executive for Disney.

Brandon entered management, and oversaw a host of large retail portfolios. He also was employed as a manager at Starbucks. But nothing he was learning from the human resources department prepared for the night that would change his life.

Today, Brandon does not chart his days by presenting a real estate portfolio for investors. He builds his life around a passion and principle speaking out for a greater good. He is a voice for the friends he went to the club with that nightthe ones that never came home. He is a voice for the LGBT community silenced and ignored after the Pulse massacre.

Brandon is currently the Media Director for Equality Florida in the daytime. However, Brandon has also emerged to become one of the most principled and passionate voices in America speaking out against gun violence. Starbuck’s loss is our gain.

From his perch in Orlando, Brandon has launched a career as a nationally-recognized advocate for LGBT issues. He is now a frequent contributor on state and national media outlets, publishing opinion columns in USA Today, CNN digital and Orlando Weekly.

Brandon is on network and cable television too. He is defiant. He is determined. He is dedicated. He will not be denied. Nor will he be subtle or silenced.

When he became the first Pulse survivor to address the U.S. Congress last fall, he told them off: “It’s disgraceful actually, and it’s totally unacceptable that one of the most horrific acts

“Gun violence is no longer partisan. It’s generational. We are here to change the world, and we will.”

- Brandon Wolf

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Brandon Wolf

Local Person of the Year

Brandon Wolf. Photo via Brandon Wolf, Facebook.

of violence in our nation’s history and our stories were not being told in D.C.” Then there is the Dru Project, an organization he founded following the shooting at Pulse Nightclub. It sponsors LGBT student groups and provides college funding to future leaders. Brandon is an activist with a purpose, a survivor whose voice is now being heard from coast to coast.

Brandon has taken a tragic moment and turned it into a noble achievement.

In selecting Brandon as SFGN’s local Person of the Year, SFGN today republishes the feature article our writer, Damon Scott, did on him in one of last year’s MIRROR magazines. It’s a great article. Enjoy it.

Our bi-monthly magazine is named the MIRROR because we wanted to publish stories that showcase and illuminate LGBT lives. We wanted stories that inspire us to create a newer world, one more peaceful and purposeful. I feel that comes about when we see challenges as opportunities and adversity as a test, not a torment.

In its own way, Brandon’s story reflects your own. One glance on a subway, one chance meeting on a beach, and you knew immediately who you were. You may have married.

You may have been in the closet. But one day you looked in a mirror and you found yourself; your soul. You waited, but one day, your moment came.

On a summer night in June in the year 2016, Brandon’s life changed. His moment came. His friends, and our brothers and sisters, died. Fear and terror overwhelmed his soul.

Today, he has beaten both bastards back.

Today, Brandon is seeking a newer world, forging a tomorrow with more love and less violence. He told Teen Vogue last year that his message for young activists was simple: “Don’t ever let someone tell you that you are too young.” He is ever so right. Your turn will come too.

Today, Brandon is out giving another talk, chastising the NRA, asking gay leaders to be more responsive and less apathetic, holding the Department of Justice more accountable for gun violence. His life has a purpose beyond himself.

“Gun violence,” he said on my radio show in November, “is no longer partisan. It’s generational. We are here to change the world, and we will.”

As I said, he is defiant, determined. Dedicated. He will not be denied.

Brandon reaches out in many ways, including his work with the Dru Project, a volunteer organization that he launched with friends who had started the first gay-straight alliance program at his Seminole, Florida high school. Its goal to provide college scholarships and mini-grants for gaystraight alliances and developing LGBT curriculum material.

Brandon could have been pouring lattes at Starbucks today. And that’s not a bad thing. It’s all about finding your place in the sun, or like Ben Vereen once sung in “Pippin,” your corner of the world.

Our world is a better place today because Brandon found his, and that is why SFGN acknowledges this young man, a neighbor, a central Florida activist, as our local Person of the Year for 2019.

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FEATURE profile

Brandon Wolf Embraces Activism, Advocacy

After Pulse // Damon Scott

B

randon Wolf was wrapping up a phone call with Florida State Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith before his Mirror interview in early fall.

“When he calls, the world is on fire,” Wolf said jokingly after the call ended.

Smith represents House District 49 in east Orlando. Like Wolf, he is a community activist.

Smith is a Democrat and was the first openly gay Latino to serve in the Florida Legislature.

“He was elected right after Pulse,” Wolf said. 

All photos courtesy of Brandon Wolf, pictured left.

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FEATURE profile Pulse, of course, is the Pulse Nightclub — the site in Orlando where a horrific mass shooting took place on June 12, 2016.

It’s where a shooter killed 49 people and wounded 53 others.

Orlando law enforcement shot and killed the man after a three-hour standoff.

Wolf was one of about 320 people inside the LGBT venue that evening on “Latin Night,” along with two of his closest friends, Andrew “Drew” Leinonen and Juan Guerrero.

Leinonen and Guerrero were both killed.

Wolf escaped through one of the club’s doors with others who had been hiding in a bathroom.

His life not only changed in an instant, but would also start to travel down an unplanned path. Wolf was thrust into the spotlight and into a role he didn’t seek. Since Pulse, he’s been sought after for comment and analysis by every kind of media and has been interviewed on national TV on LGBT issues, and gun reform.

It’s all catapulted him into a career of activism and advocacy. Earlier this year, Wolf was named the development officer and media relations manager for Equality Florida.

Activism unleashed The 31-year-old was recently an invited guest at CNN’s Democratic presidential town hall in Los Angeles that focused exclusively on LGBT issues.

Brandon Wolf (right) with Drew Leinonen (left) and Juan Guerrero.

“The candidates actually had a significant amount of time [to speak],” he said. “A majority of the candidates agree on the meat of the [LGBT] issues. All of them are leaps and bounds beyond what we have today.”

Wolf said he’s worked with Julián Castro and that the campaigns of Pete Buttigieg and Elizabeth Warren have reached out to him for input. He said all three have “pretty comprehensive plans” on things that matter to him and much of the LGBT community.

One of those issues is gun reform.

Soon after the Parkland shooting, the Florida Legislature passed, and former Gov. Rick Scott signed, the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Public Safety Act. The act tightens gun control, school security and school safety.

It banned bump stocks and raised the minimum age to purchase a firearm from 18 to 21, among other restrictions.

It also allowed teachers who receive training to be armed.

“It was a double-edged sword,” Wolf said.

“You don’t want schools to be a prison, but reinforcing schools is important. Good things came out of it, but most troublesome has been the arming of teachers.”

Wolf said the state gave schools the power to arm teachers, or not. As a result, almost none opted in through the first year.

“We dodged a bullet because the schools did the right thing, but on the second year the state has put incentives in place for

Brandon Wolf meeting President Obama in 2017.

“There is no evidence that arming teachers in schools makes them safer. But we’re going to test the theory around live children?”

- Brandon Wolf school districts to take part. If they want extra funding, they have to have armed teachers,” Wolf said.

The situation now, as he describes, is that to receive a measure of financial stabilization, schools in underprivileged areas essentially have to arm their teachers.

“Put all of that in the melting pot and we’re ripe for a very bad situation for schools in Florida,” Wolf said. “Think, for example, of a white teacher in majority black school who feels threatened.”

Wolf said that while certain politicians did a good job of selling armed teachers as an answer to the problem after Parkland — it is a wholly untested theory.

“We’re skipping right to human trials,” Wolf said. “There is no evidence that arming teachers in schools makes them safer. But we’re going to test the theory around live children?”

As part of his work at Equality Florida, Wolf does grassroots organizing to push back on the idea and get it changed.

“People connect with Brandon because he is real and vulnerable and authentic and he makes the most of any opportunity to deliver a vision of a world free of discrimination and normalized gun violence,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida.

“He is willing to speak truth to power, whether on national TV or a private meeting with politicians. And he is just as relentless working tirelessly behind the scenes and out of the spotlight to make real and lasting change as well.”

Eye-opening Orlando Wolf grew up in Portland. He left for Orlando when he was 19 to be a part of the Disney College Program.

While he intended to move back to Oregon after a short time, it only took about nine months before he would fall in love with the city, with Florida, and with himself and his identity.

Wolf came out in Portland during his senior year in high school.

“I had a small group of friends — the experience was not one where there was a huge community or networks of people to talk to,” he said. “Portland is a beautiful place, but it’s homogenous. As a mixed-race LGBTQ person I didn’t get to explore much of my identity when I was there.”

For example, he said, in his high school of about 2,000 students, 11 were black or mixed race. He was one of four mixed race or black teens in his graduating class.

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FEATURE profile By contrast, Florida is a melting pot, especially Orlando, Wolf said.

“Folks are visiting all the time, Spanish, Portuguese. I’m a huge foodie, too. It was a transformative experience,” he said.

After the college program, he signed a full-time contract with Disney for five years — being cast in parades, shows and doing various forms of entertainment.

In high school, he’d worked for Starbucks and he’d do that in Orlando as well, especially after he felt his run with Disney was coming to an end.

“I’m a person who needs to feel connected to other people. At Disney, I’d see guests for a moment and then they’re gone. Starbucks afforded me the opportunity to get to know people,” Wolf said.

Road to equality In 2012, Wolf was promoted into Starbucks management, first as a store manager and then opening a new store in Orlando’s Lake Nona community.

It was during that time that the Pulse shooting happened.

After a recovery period, he was promoted as a Starbucks district manager eventually overseeing 16 stores, including in Tallahassee, where Equality Florida has a strong presence, especially during the Legislative sessions.

“Before Pulse, I didn’t know who Equality Florida was,” Wolf said. “But immediately after Pulse, Nadine reached out to me.”

Smith is an LGBT activist and has led Equality Florida since it was founded in 1997.

“We met at a Starbucks and she asked me what it was I wanted to be doing with my life — how did I want to impact other people?

Did I want to be an advocate and activist all the time?” Wolf said.

Over time the relationship grew and was nurtured. Wolf got on Equality Florida’s steering committee and volunteered. He operated largely behind the scenes doing his own personal advocacy.

“Especially after Parkland, I got to a place where it felt like activism and advocacy were mingling.

Nadine said there was the right position, and it was the right timing,” he said.

Smith added: “One of the things I love most about my job is the amazing and talented people I get to work with. Brandon has clarity of purpose, a fearless resolve to do what is needed and the humility to know success is always a team effort.

That powerful combination has made him a force for LGBTQ equality and in the crucial work of breaking the lethal grip of the gun lobby.”

Top two photos: Brandon Wolf.

Below: Brandon Wolf (left) with Drew Leinonen

‘You go through these moments’ Wolf’s work at Equality Florida is all encompassing, but he continues to assist his nonprofit — the Dru Project.

The project began about a month after the shooting when Wolf launched a GoFundMe page to help subsidize funeral costs for Leinonen’s mother and Guerrero’s parents.

He set a goal to raise $10,000, but almost $100,000 came in.

Leinonen’s mother wanted to use some of

“Especially after Parkland, I got to a place where it felt like activism and advocacy were mingling. Nadine said there was the right position, and it was the right timing.”

- Brandon Wolf on joining Equality Florida

the funds to create a legacy for her son.

“He was proudest that he created the gaystraight alliance at Seminole High School,” Wolf said. “He was passionate about LGBTQ issues and young people.”

The Dru Project provides scholarships to LGBT individuals and supports gay-straight alliance groups in schools.

Wolf’s capacity to help lead the group has tapered a bit since taking on his role at Equality Florida, but he still stays connected.

Meanwhile, the Pulse Memorial and Museum, commemorating the victims, is set to open in 2022.

Wolf said he didn’t really know what to expect when he recently searched for the designs online.

“I am floored by how truly stunning those designs are,” he said. “It’s on the size and scale of the African American History

Museum [in Washington, D.C.].”

The museum will not only honor the Pulse victims, but will also be a tribute to the struggles of the LGBT community at large for equality.

The site of Pulse will be preserved as a permanent memorial while the museum and education center will be located a third of a mile away.

“When you lose someone, the thing that keeps you up at night and fear the most is that you’ll forget them,” Wolf said. “You go through these moments. You desperately search for video so you can hear them, for pictures so you can see them.”

Wolf still visits the Pulse site sometimes. He lives three blocks away.

“I usually do it when I know people won’t be there,” he said.

More information is at onepulsefoundation.org, thedruproject.org and eqfl.org.

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Convictions

Guest Column

Fort Lauderdale Invents Excuse to Kill Low-Income Housing Project Fred Grimm

Sun Sentinel

T

here was no contentious outpouring last April, when the Fort Lauderdale City Commission considered a proposed apartment tower at 629 SE 5th Avenue.

Residents from across the way in Rio Vista didn’t come clamoring into the commission chambers complaining that 629 Residence’s tenants would sully their community. No one lamented that the 35-story structure would overwhelm the low-slung skyline south of the Henry E. Kinney Tunnel.

The commissioners said yes. Of course, they did. They’ve said yes to just about anything builders have wanted to jam into the so-called Downtown Regional Activity Center, a fish-shaped chunk of city geography stretching from A concept for AHF’s affordable housing complex. Photo credit: Glavovic Studio.

Searstown south (mostly between Federal Highway and the FEC Railroad tracks) toward Davie Boulevard. The main voted 4 to 3 to uphold the city zoning chief’s contention snazzy design (pared down from 680 to 500 units at the “activity” within the activity center? Construction.

According to the city’s Downtown Development Map, (borrowed from neighborhood association lawyers) that city’s behest) in no way accommodated an SSRF. Same 19,950 new residential units have been approved and the structure was not really an apartment building, but a with Charles A. Michelson, a certified expert on healthcare completed in the downtown and “near downtown” since duplicitous façade, where the landlord intends to operate architecture, who told Abbott that the design was 2012. Another 5,114 are under construction and 5,096 a “social services residential facility,” an SSRF, a forbidden incompatible with a medical or social services residential use under the zoning code. operation. “You are trying to make a connection where more have been approved.

If that’s true, the city’s lawyer didn’t bother presenting none exists.”

Cranes now dominate a city skyline once defined supporting evidence Wednesday evening.

Michael Kahane, head of AHF’s regional operations, by church steeples; religion having been No matter. The real objection has to do testified that the only requirement for tenants in the supplanted hereabouts by the cult of unfettered with the developer, the AIDS Healthcare foundation’s $71 million model project, to be built and development. One wonders, amid the building Apparently, Foundation. Dan Abbott, the city’s operated without government subsidies or tax credits, frenzy: what could finally make them say no? nothing hired outside counsel (perhaps the city would be that they make less than half Broward County’s What sort of hideous, civilization-menacing, zone-busting proposal would be deemed so threatens Fort attorney’s office was too embarrassed medium income, pass a background check, have no history to pursue the case) made it clear that of missing rent payments and sign a one-year lease. He threatening to the commonweal, that Fort Lauderdale’s he thinks AHF intends to pack the joint denied Abbott’s claim that the building would be reserved Lauderdale’s civil leadership would finally say with diseased AIDS patients (in language for AIDS patients, noting that federal law explicitly forbids “Stop!” essence like so offensive that a board member landlords from inquiring about applicants’ health status.

The city’s Board of Adjustment supplied the affordable interrupted the meeting to apologize to But the SSRF stuff was just a canard. The real reason answer very late Wednesday night. (Or maybe the audience). Abbott argued that the the city killed the project had to do with the wealthy and very early Thursday morning. My brain, by housing. place was merely an extension of a free influential residents of nearby Rio Vista, well represented then, had gone numb.) Apparently, nothing STD clinic and testing center down the at the meeting Wednesday, who don’t want low-income threatens Fort Lauderdale’s essence like block that the foundation runs in partnership with the housing in the vicinity, no matter the need. affordable housing.

Of course, AHF will appeal the decision before a threeThe Board decided that the city could not abide an Broward County Health Department.

Abbott offered no witnesses to support his contention judge panel, which presumably will require the city to apartment building with piddling rents ranging from $500 to $830 a month. Scraping by on $30,000 or less a year is (except for a real estate economist who opined that the produce actual proof that the proposal is something it not an activity to be allowed within the activity zone. At non-profit’s business plan was a money loser). Nor did isn’t. Only problem will be finding three Broward circuit least not that portion of the zone within three blocks of Rio Abbott rebut the architect who, under oath, said that her judges who don’t reside in Rio Vista.

Vista.

Originally criticized as too big, at 15 stories — never mind that the address, 409 SE 8th St., is just down the Fred Grimm, a longtime resident of Fort Lauderdale, has worked block from more-than-twice-as-big 629 Residence — the as a journalist in South Florida since 1976. Reach him by email at city has invented a new reason to kill the project. The board

leogrimm@gmail.com or on Twitter: @grimm_fred. This article published per a content sharing arrangement with SunSentinel.com.

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spirituality

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

LISTINGS All Souls Episcopal Church 4025 Pine Tree Drive. Miami Beach Sundays at 8am and 10:30am.

305-520-5410 | allsoulsmb.org

A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE

SFGN is here for you, no matter who — or what — keeps you going. Read our Spirituality Section to stay in touch with your local religious LGBT community. The only requirement? Be yourself.

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION

Congregation Etz Chaim 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

Holy Angels Catholic Community 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM Christ Lutheran Church 1955 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 564-7673 - christlutheranfl.org pastordeborah@christlutheranfl.org Worship: Sunday 10:00am DARSHAN CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION 1410 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, Fl 33305 917-579-3750 www. darshancenterwiltonmanors.org RevDrGTelesco@gmail.com Interfaith Spiritual Services on Sundays 6:30PM Spiritual Study Group Thursdays 7PM

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Church of our Savior, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM Fountain of Love Ministries 5481 FL-7, Tamarac, FL 33319 954-486-5959 fountainofloveonline.org Pastor Dallas Walker-Green Worship: Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach 954-942-5887 - stnicholasfl.org office@stnicholasfl.org Sundays 8:00AM & 10:30AM (9:30AM only from Memorial Day through Labor Day) First Congregational United Church of Christ 1415 North K Street, Lake Worth 561-582-6691 - fcclw.org office@lakeworthchurch.org Service Time: Sunday 10:30AM United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale 2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale (954)563-4271 - uccftl.org revpatrickrogers@gmail.com Service Times: Thursdays 10:30AM (Elliot Hall) & Sundays 10:30AM (Sanctuary)

FAITH & PRIDE spirituality

‘This New Year!’

All

Souls’ Epi copal Church

All Are Welcome!

SERVICES SUNDAY AT 8 A.M. & 10:30 A.M.

Souls’ Epi copal All

Church

4025 PINE TREE DRIVE, MIAMI BEACH 305-520-5410

Rev. Rick Rhen-Sosbe

| ALLSOULSMB.ORG

Church of Our Savior, MCC

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC 2011 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435

“Love without judgement” Holy Angels National Catholic Church 2917 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors, FL 33334 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org

Wherever You Are On God’s LGBTQIA Rainbow, You Are Welcome...

SUNDAY SERVICE 10 A.M. Rev. Rick Rhen-Sosbe, Pastor

954-633-2987

561-733-4000

www.ChurchOfOurSaviorMCC.org MCC, Transforming Ourselves as We Transform The World

A home for your spirit.

Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday 11:00 AM mass in English • All are welcome!

Christ Lutheran Church 1955 East Oakland Park Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 www.christlutheranfl.org

W

e are already off and running into the new year! As I have gotten older, time goes even more quickly. It seems one day transitions to the next and then a week, a month and then suddenly we are closing out another year and starting a brand new one!

There is an energy with the new year that I particularly like! It’s a time for resetting for me. Time to look at the last year and evaluate what has happened and then look to the new year and anticipate and plan for what I want to happen.

I am a goal setter. I make it a practice to pray about the coming year and to ponder how God is leading me into the New Year. I type up my goals and refer to them throughout the year. I find it a good practice so that I don’t get stagnant or stuck as easily. I set goals for my personal life, my spiritual life and my professional life.

In Proverbs 29:18 we find these words,

“Where there is no vision, the people perish…” One version says, “…the people run wild…” and another says, “…the people cast off restraint…”

I find without a vision (goals) for my life, things will be more chaotic. There is the old adage, “you aim at nothing, you hit nothing!”

Setting goals is for all ages. None are too young or too old to dream, plan and have a vision for our lives!

If you’re not in the practice of setting goals, I’d encourage you to consider it for this new year — it’s not too late! Where do you want to be at this time next year? What would you like to accomplish in the coming year? How is God leading and guiding you and what does God want for you?

May 2020 be one of your best years yet! May it be filled with love, grace, contentment, joy, growth, abundance and blessings beyond measure!

Sunday Service @ 10am Fellowship after Service

Join us for Shabbat service Every Friday night at 8pm Saturday, February 8th

$15 Door includes 7 games Specials 3 cards for $1 Food available for purchase: Hot dogs, drinks, chips Doors open 6:30pm/Play starts 7pm Cash only please

Learn more about our many programs & events www.EtzChaimFlorida.org

Congregation Etz Chaim

2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus For more information: www.EtzChaimFlorida.org or 954Ͳ564Ͳ9232 1.15.2020 •

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Convictions

Trans Talk

Money, Money, Money Atticus Ranck

Photo via Pxhere.

I

think about money all the time.

Just ask my wife. It annoys her.

I budget. I make spreadsheets. I track how much we spend each month in different categories and then adjust our next monthly budget accordingly. I keep track of our debt and make plans to reduce and eliminate it.

You might be wondering, What does this have to do with being trans? Everything and nothing.

I’m not sure if you know this, but trans people also think about money. Money — it’s not just for cis people.

But talking about money can be awkward and difficult.

Everybody thinks about it, worries about it, wonders how to get it, the best thing to do with it if they do get it, the things we can buy with it. But discussing how much you make is a social faux pas. Money can cause jealousy, greed, incredulity, confusion, frustration, breakups, etc.

Many millennials, myself included, weren’t given adequate financial literacy and education growing up. I went to college without really understanding the debt I was taking on. I racked up credit card debt while I was in college thinking I’d just worry about it when I got a “real” job. I went to graduate school assuming I’d make more money right away than if I just tried to find a job with my bachelor’s degree alone. Then I got a “real job” and it didn’t pay me enough to make a dent on my debt, let alone save for a home or retirement.

I’m not alone in my story. Millennials as a whole are financially strapped.

We have more college debt and are struggling in an economy where wages aren’t keeping up with inflation.

Millennials are also more interested in transparency regarding peer and supervisory salaries than previous generations.

The truth is that I chose to work in nonprofit work in part because I love it and I really believe in making a difference for my LGBT communities, but also because I want my student loans forgiven through Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

The hope is that after 10 years of working in nonprofit work while making monthly payments under an Income-Based Repayment plan, my debt will be

I feel guilty when I have nice things.

Why do I have nice things when other people don’t?

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forgiven. If it’s not, then I will have spent 10 years watching my school debt actually increase due to interest rates. I’m paying my school loan every month and the amount I owe is increasing. It’s criminal.

I’d like to think that I’m above worrying about money — that somehow my life doesn’t revolve around money-based decisions but on more important things like family, friends, making a difference, and helping my peers. And my life does revolve around those things, but my life has also revolved around money. I’ve moved states for the purpose of moving up in my career.

My wife and I now are doing just fine financially. We

stick to a budget, but we’re fine. We’re not going hungry.

But because we’re doing okay, I’m constantly worried about it all going away — that one of us will lose our job, that we’re making the wrong financial decisions, that we’ll have a medical emergency that causes us to go bankrupt, that we can’t afford children.

These are all legitimate fears. But isn’t doing okay, like we are now, exactly what we’ve worked so hard for and sacrificed for? Isn’t this the good life we want? I worry that I don’t deserve the good life I have. I feel guilty when I have nice things. Why do I have nice things when other people don’t? I almost passed on our new car because I thought I didn’t deserve such a nice vehicle. But I do deserve it. And you deserve nice things, too.

Atticus Ranck develops LGBTQ+ educational and training curriculum and resides in Albany, NY. Prior to this, he has worked at two different LGBTQ nonprofits, including as the Director of Transgender Services at SunServe.

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lifestyle two guys and a dog

‘An Old Gay Man Walks Into a Bar…’ Brian McNaught

“I

feel invisible,” my friend told me. “I walk into a bar, and no one sees me. It makes me lonely. It’s ageism.”

“If you don’t look to be seen, you won’t feel invisible,” I replied. “It’s wanting to be noticed that creates the let down, and the loneliness.”

I know the feeling. I’ve hoped for notice from other gay men as I’ve aged. I’ve wanted affirmation that I still belonged, even though my hair is gray. It’s crazy how many ways we can create to torture ourselves, isn’t it? Why should I care what others think about my attractiveness? I’m not auditioning. I have everything I could possibly want. But, still I do it so, I can identify with the lament of my old gay friend, who happens to be younger than me.

Like other “isms,” ageism is a multifaceted bias, rooted in fear and ignorance, and perpetuated by extreme stereotypes.

The bias is both external and internal.

At its worst, we collaborate with our “oppressors” by letting them set the rules, and then abiding by them.

“Old people smell funny, their genitals are wrinkled, they’re feeble minded, and forgetful. Old gay men may have been pretty at one time, but they lost their good looks a long time ago.

Now, they just talk about their ailments and meds, about sex, and about the past.”

Growing older is something we start to do the moment we’re born. It is natural. It’s a privilege. It can be the happiest time in our lives. But, not if we hate being in the moment, and not if we buy into the myth that aging is rotting, rather than ripening perfectly.

When we older gay men walk into a bar, filled with young, muscled men who are there for possible marriage proposals, for impersonal sex, or just for fun with their friends, they won’t notice us unless we make a spectacle of ourselves, and then we’re not going to get the kind of attention we want. If we, too, are there to find a husband, or hot, anonymous sex, we need to consider the odds of our success. If we’re there with friends for fun, we won’t feel invisible.

Older lesbians, and aged transgender people can have similar experiences, but aging in Western culture is likely to be more challenging for gay men and straight women than it is for lesbian women and straight men. Youth and beauty, complemented by a striking physique, are the necessary ingredients of being seen and coveted in the gay male community. Such appearances are employed to sell everything from vacations to bath soap. We’re trained to respond, like Pavlov’s dogs, to the bells of being buff. If you don’t believe me, be a passenger in my car as I drive. You will hear Ray say, “Skin on the right, but watch the road, honey.”

Growing older is something we start to do the moment we’re born. It is natural. It’s a privilege.

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Photo via Adobe.

So, what do we do when we notice the expiration date on our youth and beauty coupon? We either find, or create, a different culture in which we’ll feel seen and valued, or, we hope for scraps and prepare ourselves for unwanted feelings of uselessness. Many of us had fun when we were young, good looking, and thin, or otherwise had some ticket to the ball, such as money, power, or fame. We had our day. And, just as pro athletes decide to hang up their uniforms before they’re booed off the field, we are called by nature to smile appreciatively, and then find another way to entertain and affirm ourselves.

When I go looking for company, it’s no longer for approval.

I’ve learned to give that to myself. It’s fun and/or intellectual stimulation that I seek. I don’t walk into a bar, because I know it would be more challenging to find there that for which I long. “Who here likes to play cards?” “Turn the music down, would you, please? I want to find people here who share my hunger and thirst for awareness.”

Rather than the bar, I’d walk into a gathering of LGBT community donors and activists, and into an MCC, CSL, or other religious group celebration.

If we cling to yesteryear’s criteria for success, as we walk around in this year’s body, no matter how much we spend on our costume and cosmetics, most of us won’t make it to

the swimsuit competition. We can wail against the cruelty of ageism, but the problems we experience in aging can be selfcreated. No one can make us feel invisible, unless we give them the controls of our self-esteem.

Is it physically and emotionally challenging to age? You bet. Most of us will encounter ailments and losses that drain us. When we retire from our jobs, many of us feel lost on how to answer the question, “Who are you?” The secret to success in loving your age and appearance as an older LGBT person is burning the old rule book, and writing a new, wiser guideline for happiness. We have to look at the canvas from a different angle, maybe use a different brush, and varied colors, and paint ourselves as beautiful, interesting, and as a person worth knowing. Maybe we quit trying to present ourselves as Michelangelo’s “David,” and focus instead on the beautiful soul that has been nurtured over the years, beneath that cold, hard marble.

What are the secrets to being happy as we age? What I’ve observed is that people who are in service to others don’t feel invisible. People whose lives are guided by loving kindness don’t feel useless. It’s OK to turn your head while driving to look at attractive skin, as long as we don’t do so with lust.

Look with gratitude for our own, previous experiences of youth, wish the young person a happy life, and then keep our eyes on the road ahead.

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.”

lifestyle cars

gear shift

local lgbt car enthusiasts

Welcome to a series of features on locals and their beloved cars. This week features Bob Spagnola with his 1990 Buick Reatta. Photo credit: Carina Mask. To see more, visit SFGN on Facebook.

Check out SFGN’s special car issue at SFGN.com/cars2019

1.15.2020 •

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SFGNITES

F O R T H E W EE K O F J a n u a r y 1 6 , 2 0 2 0 - J a n u a r y 2 1 , 2 0 2 0 J.W. Arnold

jw@prdconline.com

THU

1/16

Russian Masterpieces in Miami

theater Island City Stage continues its eighth anniversary season with “Altar Boyz,” the Off Broadway musical comedy about a fictitious Christian boy band that sets out to save the world—one screaming fan at a time.

You’ll even be screaming for Jesus by intermission. Catch this fun show (with a gay twist) through Feb. 16 at Wilton Theater Factory, 2304 N. Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $48 at IslandCityStage.org.

FRI

1/17

comedy Catch the two-time Emmy Awardwinning comic Judy Gold tonight at the Aventura Arts and Cultural Center, 3385 N.E. 188th St. in Aventura.

Best known for her two long-running Off Broadway hit shows: “The Judy Show – My Life as a Sitcom” and “25 Questions for a Jewish Mother,” she is also known for her stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO. Tickets start at $35.50 at AventuraCenter.org.

saturday

1/18

concert

The Cleveland Orchestra returns to the Arsht Center this weekend as part of its annual winter residency. This weekend in the Knight Concert Hall, musical director Franz Welser-Möst conducts selections from Sergei Prokofiev’s sumptuous ballet about young love, “Romeo and Juliet,” and the composer’s Symphony No. 2, a work of “iron and steel,” written in Paris during “nine months of frenzied hell” in 1924-25. Tickets start at $43 at ArshtCenter.org.

Photo Credit: Cleveland Orchestra.

SAT

1/18

SUN

1/19

MON

1/20

TUE

1/21

comedy

theater

film

opera

Trevor Noah’s “Loud & Clear Tour” is coming to Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, tonight at 8 p.m.

The Emmy-winning “The Daily Show” host and celebrated comedian is known around the world for his insightful and authentic take on current events and he has written and starred in eight hit comedy specials. Tickets start at $45 at SeminoleHardRockHollywood.com.

Broadway star Sean McDermott and “America’s Got Talent” sensation Daniella Mass star in a new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Evita,” opening this weekend and running through Feb. 23 at the Wick Theatre, 7901 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton.

Evita may not want Argentina to cry for her, but the Miami native will have audiences tearing up in this moving show. Tickets start at $75 at TheWick.org.

The Kravis Center in West Palm Beach observes Martin Luther King, Jr. Day with a special screening of “Boyz n the Hood,” John Singleton’s 1991 directorial debut, featuring Ice Cube, Morris Chestnut, Cuba Gooding, Jr., Laurence Fishburne, Nia Long and Angela Bassett. It’s a teen comingof-age drama set in the gang-ridden African American neighborhoods of south central Los Angeles. Tickets are $12 at Kravis.org.

Florida Grand Opera presents Giacomo Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” Jan 18 – 26 at the Arsht Center in Miami and Jan. 30 – Feb. 1 at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. A love affair goes horribly wrong in this romantic opera set in 1890’s Japan. Cio-Cio-San (Sandra Lopez) must make a fateful decision after her husband, an American naval officer, abandons her. For tickets and more info, go to FGO.org.

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1.15.2020 •

41

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE

A&E theater

STAGE GO BEHIND THE SCENES Every week, SFGN brings you an inside look on what’s hitting the stage near you. From interviews with producers to exclusive peeks at new performances, we’re here to make sure you’re ready for every show.

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1 .15.2020

Slow Burn Theatre Co. has carved out a niche with big cast Broadway musicals at the Broward Center. Credit: Rodrigo Balfanz.

Slow Burn Announces Big 2020-21 Season at Broward Center J.W. Arnold

S

low Burn Theatre Co., the multiple Carbonell Award-winning regional company in residence at the Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center, announced its 2020-21 season, full of Broadway hits and regional premieres, this week.

“This current season is our first as an official member of the League of Regional Theaters with the Actors Equity Association, which has provided our actors with new opportunities and our audiences with the thrill of firstclass casting,” said Slow Burn Theatre artistic director Patrick Fitzwater, who will direct and choreograph the productions, in a statement.

“So how do we top that? We decided to take the leap and make every show a blockbuster, with five that are the true definition of a big, splashy Broadway musical but which all have the heart and emotional pull that Slow Burn Theatre fans have come to expect and deserve.”

“Head Over Heels,” the 2018 jukebox musical from 80s girl group The Go-Gos, opens the season, Oct. 16 – Nov. 1. While the show wasn’t a commercial success (many great shows aren’t), the “once upon a time” musical fairy tale made history on Broadway with the casting of a transgender performer and was a big hit with LGBT fans.

Just in time for the holidays, Dec. 18 – Jan. 3, Slow Burn will present the regional premiere of Disney’s “Mary Poppins,” a Broadway hit that has made the rounds of South Florida with a touring company. It’s a darker, more adult interpretation of the classic film starring Julie Andrews and Dick van Dyke, and more faithful to P.L. Travers’ book. This is the

fourth Disney musical Slow Burn has been granted rights for South Florida, including “Hunchback of Notre Dame,” “Tarzan” and “Freaky Friday.”

The 2014 Tony winner for best musical, “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder,” also gets its regional premiere at the Broward Center, Jan. 29 – Feb. 14. This lovable nod to a bygone era of theater is filled with nonstop laughs and a scene-stealing role for one actor playing all eight of the doomed heirs who meet their ends in most creative ways.

“The Full Monty,” March 19 – April 4, the raucous pop-rock musical from the powerhouse team of Terrence McNally (Ragtime) and David Yazbek (Dirty Rotten Scoundrels), delivers a touching story, engaging melodies and arguably the most highly-anticipated closing number of any show.

The final production of the season, scheduled for June 11 – 17, “Summer Surprise” is not some sleeper show you have never heard of or missed on Broadway.

“It is a place holder for a Tony Award, Grammy Award, International hit that we can’t announce until (after) February 10 due to a contractual stipulation,” explained Fitzwater in a Facebook post.

Fans have come to expect a “shoe-in” for a goodtime each summer and they won’t be disappointed in this Tony-Award winning Broadway blockbuster with lots of heart and “sole,” the press release promised. Past summer musicals have included “Rock of Ages,” “Priscilla Queen of the Desert,” and the upcoming “Footloose the Musical.”

New subscriptions will be available beginning March 20 and single tickets go on sale June 5. For more information, go to BrowardCenter.org.

A&E entertainment

The South Florida Depression Glass Club’s 46th

Vintage American Glass and Pottery Show & Sale

January 25–26, 2020 Saturday 9 AM– 5 PM / Sunday 9 AM–4 PM Early Buying Saturday 9 AM-10 AM

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“Cats” was named the campiest film of 2019 by LGBTQ entertainment critics.

Credit: Universal Pictures.

LGBT Critics Weigh in During Film, TV Awards Season J.W. Arnold

H

ollywood’s glitzy awards season is already underway with the Hollywood Foreign Press Association’s Golden Globe Awards announced earlier this month.

Now, with the Academy Awards nominations here, the LGBT media have weighed in with their favorites in film and television.

GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics, comprised of 260 mainly U.S. journalists covering film and television (including SFGN & Mirror A&E editor J.W. Arnold), has named its picks for 2019’s finest movies, performances and more across a host of mainstream and LGBTfocused categories.

South Korean director Bong Joon-ho’s “Parasite” gobbled up five wins, including Film of the Year, Director and Screenplay.

Renée Zellweger (“Judy”) took Performance of the Year—Actress, with Antonio Banderas the top choice in the Actor race. The society’s Rising Star of the year was Florence Pugh (“Little Women”).

“GALECA members strive to determine the best cinematic experiences through the distinct LGBTQ lens, and this year was particularly rich in options,” said GALECA president Diane Anderson-Minshall, Editorial Director of The Advocate. “Yet when director Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Parasite’ practically swept our awards roster with five wins, I was not surprised. The dynamic, darkly comic drama about a poor family conniving to live the good life speaks to the times we live in, with vivid commentary on class, inequity and even climate change. ‘Parasite’ is a perfect film for the Trump era.”

Among the professional LGBT journalists group’s trademark categories, “Booksmart” scored as Unsung Film of the Year, while “Cats” took the group’s semi-dubious, if affectionate, Campy Flick of the Year category.

With the Society’s recent move to spin

NEW LOCATION off its television categories with a separate ceremony starting this August, the Dorians’ TV categories came with a somewhat truncated eligibility window of Jan. 1 – Nov. 1.

FX’s “Pose” again won TV Drama of the Year and LGBTQ TV Drama for the second year—and its star Billy Porter took another Dorian win as well—while Comedy Central’s “The Other Two” was named best Unsung TV Show.

Amazon’s “Fleabag” was anointed TV Comedy of the Year, with star-creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge reigning as TV Performance of the Year—Actress and Wilde Wit of the Year.

Lady Gaga wowed GALECA’s members in a special vote as Wilde Artist of the Decade.

Gaga’s duet with Bradley Cooper of “Shallow” at last year’s Oscars also counted with the group as the TV Musical Performance of the Year.

As previously announced, Olivia Wilde, the first-time director of “Booksmart,” will be receiving a special honor at the group’s Dorian Awards Winners Toast, which will be held on Sunday, Feb. 2 in Los Angeles, before Super Bowl fever kicks in. The invitationonly event will include a raise of the glass to Wilde, named GALECA’s Wilde Artist of the Year.

GALECA, formed in 2009, aims to generate camaraderie and solidarity among LGBT journalists in an unsettling media environment, champion constructive film and television criticism and elevate the craft of entertainment journalism.

“Via panels, screenings and the annual Dorian Awards, GALECA also strives to remind at-risk youth, bullies and bigots that the world looks to the Q eye for leads on great, unique movies and TV. And how would the world fare without knowing what’s campy?” explained executive director John Griffiths.

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For a full list of 2019 GALECA Dorian Award nominees and winners, go to GALECA.org.

1.15.2020 •

43

Datebook

Theater

january 15 - january 21

Tucker Berardi

Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes New Listing

broward county *Kinky Boots

January 23 to February 9 at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill Fl. Based on true happenings, this heartwarming story tells of Charlie, a factory owner struggling to save his shoe business and Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. The two have seemingly nothing in common, but with a little compassion and a lot of understanding, this unlikely duo learns to embrace their differences and find they have more in common that they think! Tickets $35 to $55.

Visit LPACFL.com for details.

Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series

Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com

palm beach county *The Mersey Beatles: Four Lads from Liverpool

Friday, February 14 at Duncan Theatre, 4200 Congress Ave, Lake Worth. Don’t miss this ALL NEW show as the band performs all 20 USA hits, plus many more fan favorites.

Experience their natural Liverpool accents, wit, and charm. With no rehearsed scripts, their crowd banter truly captures the original spirit of the Beatles. These talented musicians appear with beautifully designed costumes and replica guitars from all eras. Tickets $39 to $49. Call (561) 868-3309 for details.

Free Friday Concerts

Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

"The Mersey Beatles: Four Lads from Liverpool" will hit the stage with 20 USA hits, plus many more fan favorites, on Friday, February 14 at Duncan Theater in Lake Worth. Photo via The Mersey Beatles and Seminole Theatre, Facebook.

miami-dade county Outdoor Music Series

Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay.

Drink specials available.

Free with museum admission. Call 305-3753000 or visit PAMM.org.

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Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12.

Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.

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Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

INFO@FLOPPYROOSTER.COM

OUR COMPETITION DOESN’T

MEASURE UP TO US All trim work | Painting | Drywall | Stucco | Plaster Popcorn removal | Smooth ceilings | Room additions Hurricane windows and doors | Metal framing Kitchen & bathroom remodeling Complete drywall and framing services Door crown and base | Wood floors and tiles

JOHN BLACKBURM PH : (954) 627-2060

Lic/ins # CC-03 - 10792-FC

SFGN is proud to support those who support our community.

Call our sales team at 954.530.4970 1.15.2020 •

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SFGN AVAILABLE AT ALL THESE BUSINESSES!

To get your pick up location listed, call 954.530.4970

SFGN's

Business CARD

BUZZ

Russell Cormican &

2232 Wilton Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 (954) 630-3556

2266 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

huntersftlauderdale.com

(954) 565-2526 alibiwiltonmanors.com

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20% OFF

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RESORT & SPA SERVICES MENTION: THE MIRROR FOR THE DISCOUNT.

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SWAP SHOP SFGN's

Hookups =

Call our sales team at 954.530.4970 employment wanted SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Earn $45,000 per year. Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment.

Fax resume to 954-530-7943.

for rent fort lauderdale FT LAUDERDALE AND WILTON RENTALS • Wilton Manors - 2/1 $1,260 includes cable. water and community pool.

• Large Studio near downtown - $1000 Includes water and electric.

• Live At The Beach Lauderdale-By-The-Sea - $1290 1 bed 1 bath. Pets ok.

Call Now Michael Tublin, URG 561-703-5533 or miketherentalguy@aol.com Efficiency Apartment - Pvt Entrance, Patio, Parking, Dixie &14th Ct., A/C, Pet Considered, 1st, Last & Sec. $900. Inc Utilities. Call 954 629 4400 Fort Lauderdale 1/1 Rental - Updated 1 Bed/1 Bath, 2 blocks from Wilton Drive on NE 15th Street, Quiet 4-plex, New Kitchen with Granite Counter, Tile floors thru-out, Mini-split A/C in bedroom, Off street parking, Laundry, $1100/month, First, Last and Security to move-in, 954-815-2550.

1 bedroom, 1.5 bath Condo - S Coral Ridge on Middle River. Gay-friendly, secure, swimming pool, Must be vetted, yearly rental $1550/M. 1st & Security • 978-994-0086

for rent wilton manors Furnished 1 bed 1 bath apartment - Great Neighborhood, short walk to Wilton Drive. $1300 a month First and Security, 1-year lease. Fully furnished Contact Mike or Lee at 561-254-8125.

for rent wilton manors Townhouse for Rent - 2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, fully renovated, tropical landscape, enclosed porch + patio, walk to The Drive. $1850/month includes water & use of heated pool. Call Jim 631 553 1311.

www.sfgn.guide

for lease fort lauderdale AVAILABLE!!

NEWLY RENOVATED OFFICE BUILDING 1759 N Andrews Square, Ft. Laud, FL. 4,000 Square Feet – Will Divide/$25 PSF. CALL OWNER - DAVID @ 954-224-2500 or email - davidbrandwein@earthlink.net

help wanted TIRED OF PUNCHING A CLOCK? - Yellow Cab of Broward has gently used hybrid vehicles waiting for you to drive. Earn between $1,500 - $2,000 per week. Be your own boss! Call us at: 954-727-7191

handyman HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price.

Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com GREGG’S PAINTING - Interior/Exterior. Free estimates, great rates! Detail-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual and neat! No job too small. Broward & Palm Beach counties. 617-306-5694 | gmanbenn44@gmail.com

piano

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954826-9555 for more information.

954-849-0280

TopDogMobile.net

Visit www.squirt.org to hook up today now hiring GRAND RESORT AND SPA - The Spa at The Grand Resort is looking for a Licensed Massage Therapist for our day spa. Also looking for a Licensed Full Specialist. Waxing, nails (no fills, acrylic) simply buff or clear coat and a variety of facials. We’ll train you on our products and services. The right therapist and specialists can do well in our spa. We’ve been in business for 18 years and have received many awards. All equipment and materials are provided. We receive guests from the resort we are located in, along with clients from neighboring hotels and guesthouses.

Commission and 100% of your gratuity. 3-4 days available for the right candidates. Email a resume to spa.director@hotmail.com.

Travel Driver Needed - Tamarac camper looking to ride-share to Florida gay campgrounds – including Camp Mars, Camp David, Vitambi Springs, Sawmill. No strings attached. Can ride if you are going to these campgrounds. Will share gas expense. Call Elliott at 954-960-2969.

notary Mobile Notary Services - affidavits, documents in support of disability claims, wills, medical directives and officiant services. Call 954.804.3854

investment opportunities INVESTMENT PROPERTY OPPORTUNITY Broward County investment opportunity. Own 54% of a land lease with 50 years left. $7 million firm. Call Gene Billero for more details @ Billero & Billero 954909-1010.

NEW RENTAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY Invest in new construction in central Florida. Up to 30 units can be either sold or rented at your discretion.

Fee-simple properties in brand new subdivision.

Close to Atlantic Ocean and shopping. $12 million. Perfect investment for your portfolio. Call Gene Billero for more details @ Billero & Billero 954909-1010.

business opportunity

Looking for a better roommate?

Place an ad here... we won't ask.

Premium Shampoos and f ine conditioners Blow dry Full brushing out Nail trimming

Comfort and convenience at your door!

Serving the Ft. Lauderdale area since 2005!

Ear cleaning Sanitary trimming Expression of glands (if desired) Full haircut

954.530.4970 personals Seeking Relationship - Single White Male, 54, decent, nice appearance, seeks educated healthy mature black male top. Call or text Jeff @ 305.781.2122. Broward County area.

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Datebook

january 15 - january 21

Community Tucker Berardi

Calendar@SFGN.com

Broward Support Services PFLAG

A support group for parents, family and allies of the LGBT community. Coral Springs: second Thursday of the month at St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, 1400 Riverside Drive in Coral Springs. Fort Lauderdale Meeting: third Tuesday of the month, 1480 SW 9th Ave., Fort Lauderdale. All meetings are 7-9 p.m. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for more information.

SunServe Youth Group

Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.

Survivor Support

First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.

broward county The Roaring 2020s

Saturday, January 25 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at The Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, 1650 Harrison Street, Hollywood. Join us as we magically transform our galleries to the Gilded Age of the Roaring 20’s as Everything Old is New Again. It is time to look dapper, get all dolled up and get your best Charleston on as we celebrate Hot Hollywood Glam – The Roaring 2020’s. Enjoy exquisite food, open bar, music, dancing and entertainment Tickets $130-$150. Visit ArtAndCultureCenter.org.

SafeT Support Group

Every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at SunServe, 2312 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors. SunServe Mental Health Services & Midway Specialty Care Center Presents: SAFE T A weekly drop in group for anyone who identifies as transgender and or gender variant. Visit SunServe.org/SafeT for details.

Nonbinary and Gender Variant Support Group

Every Thursday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at SunServe, 2312 Wilton Dr, Wilton Manors.

A group limited to self-identified gender marginalized & gender questioning peoples.

Gender marginalized includes cis-women, womxn, femmes, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, agender, trans &

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gender questioning. Learn more at SunServe. org/ENBY.

Trans-Scend Trans and Allies Spiritual Group

First Tuesday of every month from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at 1419 E Commercial Blvd, Ste B, Oakland Park. Enjoy spirituality, uplifting music, food, drinks and community!

Hall of Heroes

July 3 to September 2 at the Museum of Discovery and Science, Fort Lauderdale. This comic book superhero exhibit immerses you in the action as soon as you enter, with fullscale statues of biggies such as Superman, Iron Man, Batman (and his Batmobile) and The Hulk. At interactive stations, visitors can see how they match up against the superheroes. More info at MODS.org.

Arts and Crafts Wednesday Happy Hour

Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arts and Crafts Social Club in Fort Lauderdale.

Enjoy a two-for-one “freestyle” painting session with hands on assistance as needed.

Tickets $20. Visit artsandcraftssocialclub. com

palm beach *Brazilian Carnivale Fundraiser

Thursday, February 20 from 6 p.m. to 10

p.m. at the Loft At Congress at 530 NW 77th Street in Boca Raton. Florida Atlantic University’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters has announced its first annual Culture, Arts and Society Today Party as a fundraiser for student scholarships. The event will have a Brazilian Carnivale theme with exciting live entertainment and dinner by the bite. Tickets $125. Visit fauf.fau. edu/2020cast for details.

*BBC Correspondent Kim Ghattas comes to FAU

Thursday, February 6 at 4 p.m. at the University Theatre on FAU’s Boca Raton Campus. Florida Atlantic University and the Palm Beach Book Festival present BBC Radio Correspondent Kim Ghattas with a lecture and book signing. Tickets $25, visit fauevents.com for more details.

Albino Mbie: Celebrating the Gift of Life

Sunday, February 9 at 7 p.m. at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. In this concert, Albino Mbie and his band will bring music from his first Album “Mozambican Dance” to pre-3rd album release. Albino Mbie makes music that aims to combine disparate entities into an organic whole while retaining their unique, undiluted flavors — the music of his native Mozambique, coupled with his experiences living in the U.S. and traveling many other places in the world. Tickets at artsgarage.org.

Jews of Florida: Centuries of Stories

Wednesday, Jan 22 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lifelong Learning Auditorium at FAU’s Boca Raton campus. Marcia Jo Zerivitz has written the first comprehensive history of the Jews of Florida from colonial times to the present. It is a sweeping tapestry of voices spanning centuries. Visit fau.edu for details.

Palm Beaches Prime Timers

Second Saturdays at 3 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth.

An active fraternal and social organization dedicated to bring together mature gay and bisexual men for friendship, activities, support, and personal growth for the best times of our lives. Free. Call 561- 533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

Coffee Clatch at Compass

First Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth. A social group focusing on the mature LGBT+ community in Palm Beach County, providing a relaxed environment for meeting friends, discussing interesting topics, and engaging in community projects.

Free to attend, email joekolb@compassglcc. com for details.

miami-dade *Superbowl E-Waste Recycling Rally

Saturday, January 18 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at zoo Miami. Swing by Zoo Miami with your e-waste and our volunteers will recycle it responsibly. The Rally takes place outside the entrance in the North East Parking Lot. The first 250 families to bring in items will receive a FREE gift bag which includes a discount for Zoo Miami admission along with other goodies. More info at zoomiami. org.

Arsht Center Farmers Market

Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free.

Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.

Drag Brunch

Sundays noon to 4 p.m. at Senor Frogs, 1450 Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. Enjoy unlimited cocktails while enjoying a meal with laughs from Elaine Lancaster, Adora, Angie Ovahness, TP Lords, and Ebonee Excell. Tickets $39.95. Call 212-481-6203 or visit VossEvents.com.

key west Hot Naked Sundays

Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. at Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. A pretea pool party. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com.

* Denotes New Listing

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Hosted Group of LGBT Travelers

5 Nights - 19th Annual

from $1125 pp

Halloween Cruise

Oct 30, 2020 - Nov 4, 2020

VIRGIN VOYAGES - Scarlet Lady

Book by February 14, 2020 & receive up to $400 Shipboard Credit!

Departing Roundtrip from Miami, Florida.

Visiting: Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic; The Beach Club on Bimini Island, & 2-days at sea More Aquafest Value! - 2 VIP Private Open Bar Cocktail Parties Private Halloween Contest With $1000 in Prizes - Guest Celebrity Entertainer Red, White, and Blue Theme Parties With Costume Prizes - Evening Social Gatherings Private Optional Excursion in Puerto Plata - Aquafest “A” Team Hosts

e Mor s: r Offe Kenya, Africa - South Africa - Burgundy/Provence - Christmas Markets

Danube - Egypt - Jordan - India - Japan - Machu Picchu - Amazon - Scandinavia

(800) 592-9058 - AquafestCruises.com