SFGN 1/19/23 V14iss3

WHY PRONOUNS MATTER

Pronouns like he, she, and they are essential in how we identify and express ourselves.

Some people may wonder why such a big deal is made about pronouns.

Some cisgender people may never have to think about their pronouns. But many people whose gender doesn’t align with their sex assigned at birth face being misgendered daily.

The importance of using pronouns is the subject of an upcoming discussion. The social justice and equity community conversation “My Pronouns Are…” will

explore how gender and gender identity impact social justice and equity in the LGBT communities.

The discussion is on Thursday, Jan. 19, at 7 pm. It takes place at the L.A. LEE YMCA/ Mizell Community Center in the Victory Black Box Theater. The address is 1409 NW Sistrunk Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale.

The conversation is made possible with a grant from Our Fund Foundation and the Community Foundation of Broward. It is presented by the Ujima Men’s Collective BROTHAS Project.

“I feel the use of pronouns is so

BEARS OF SOUTH FLORIDA CELEBRATE 20 YEARS JAN. 22

misunderstood because we have been taught a binary existence and experience,” said Lorenzo Robertson, executive director of Ujima Men’s Collective. “We now live in an environment where many people are understanding they do not have to ascribe to the binary paradigm of the past. We have the options and opportunities to discover and explore other ways to express who we are as a person regardless of their gender.”

Misgendering someone or calling them by the wrong name can be seen as disrespectful, harmful, and even threatening to a genderdiverse person.

South Florida’s bears don’t hibernate, they thrive all year. Bears of South Florida (BOSFL) is marking a major milestone: 20 years of and service. Now they’re ready to celebrate. BOSFL is holding its 20th Anniversary Cocktail Party on Sunday, Jan. 22 at Union Kitchen. The party is a chance to celebrate the first 20 years and kick off its next 20.

“[BOSFL] has always been committed to being a warm, welcoming, safe, and friendly organization without judgment,” BOSFL President Will Haas said. “We encourage body positivity, and are dedicated to listening to our club members’ ideas for new

and fun events.”

Once known primarily for its fun pool parties, BOSFL has made a commitment to philanthropy throughout the community.

“Proceeds from our varied event programming throughout the year, contribute to the grant fund. Twenty-twentytwo was the first year we have initiated a full year of programming,” Haas said. “We are an organization with a varied and broad scope of programming. This has allowed us to reach a vast audience. At several events

this year we attracted participants that came from Miami, St Pete, Orlando, Tampa and Naples.”

In 2022, BOSFL raised and distributed $16,000 in grants, bringing the lifetime total to more than $150,000.

“I am very proud and honored to not just be a part of but to be the president of such an amazing organization!” Haas said.

He said BOSFL is looking to expand its membership because the more people involved the better work they can do.

Denise Royal

Associated Press

SFGN COVER: Top: Gary Bremen and

Roger Boone were married at Jones Lagoon in Biscayne National Park on paddleboards on

2018, photo by Mike Guido. Bottom: Rand Hoch, photo via Facebook.

John Hayden

SFGN file photo.

Bears of South Florida in 2019. Photo via Facebook.

From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a weekly look at a community that has stood together through countless trials and victories in the past year alone.

Photo by J.R. Davis

Joshua James Seaton, bartender and manager at LIT Bar Wilton Manors, with LIT and LeBoy owner Charles Horton at the 8th anniversary event of LeBoy.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G ... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY

QUEER

‘THE LAST OF US’ STAR BELLA RAMSEY COMES OUT AS GENDER FLUID

Bella Ramsey, best known for their roles in “Game of Thrones” and “The Last of Us,” recently came out as gender fluid.

Ramsey shared the news during an interview with “The New York Times” where they said their gender has “always been very fluid.”

“Someone would call me ‘she’ or ‘her’ and I would think about it, but I knew that if someone called me ‘he’ it was a bit exciting,” said Ramsey. “I’m very much just a person.”

Ramsey is nominated for the Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Performer and is happy to be nominated in a gender-neutral category.

“Being gendered isn’t something that I particularly like,” they said. “But in terms of pronouns, I really couldn’t care less.”

QLESBIAN L TINA KOTEK SWORN IN AS FIRST LESBIAN GOVERNOR OF OREGON

Tina Kotek was sworn in as Oregon’s governor, becoming one of the first two lesbian governors in the nation.

At the swearing in ceremony, Kotek was with her wife Aimee Wilson and gave her a shout-out calling her “the first lady of Oregon” and adding, “Thank you, my love, for your support.”

Starting Jan. 17, her first day in office, she plans to begin addressing issues facing Oregon including homelessness, a lack of affordable housing, and the need for access to behavioral health care.

“We won’t be perfect, but we will improve every year, so Oregonians can proudly say their state government was there for them,” she said.

She mentioned Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., saying, “It will take all of us, doing what

in.”

we can, to build the Oregon we want to live

Photo via Tina Kotek/Facebook.

Photo via www.hbo.com.

NONBINARY

JANELLE MONÁE WINS THE SEEHER AWARD

Janelle Monáe was presented with the SeeHer Award at the 28th annual Critics Choice Awards. The award honors people who advocate for gender equality, defy stereotypes, portray characters with authenticity and push boundaries in the industry.

“I’ve tried to make an effort in my work — whether it’s storytelling through music and film or TV and fashion, through literature — to highlight the ones who’ve been outcast or relegated to ‘the other,’” said Monáe.

Monáe’s acceptance speech honored the characters she has portrayed and their experiences. The actor, who is non-binary, also mentioned their journey with identity and thanked those who saw their gift and pushed them to be where they are today.

“So to anyone out there like me watching right now, I just want you to know that I see you. But I challenge you to see you,” Monáe said.

Photo by Myles Kalus Anak Jihem, via Wikimedia Commons.

PROVIDING OF EXPERIENCE

in the treatment and prevention of HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis.

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4101 Nw 3rd Court, Suite 9 Plantation, Fl 33317 (754) 701-6911

(844) 922-2777

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WALK-INS WELCOME AT ALL LOCATIONS

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201 N. Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460 (561) 867-9991

DR. SHEETAL SHARMA

DR. MICHAEL SENSION

THE COUNTRY

AIRBNB IS INVESTIGATING A HOST WHO DENIED GAY COUPLE IN DALLAS

Curtis Kimberlin Jr. and his boyfriend were booking a couple’s getaway in Dallas, Texas, when they were denied an Airbnb because of their sexual orientation.

In his tweet, Kimberlin mentioned in a message with the host that he and his boyfriend would be occupying the space, along with times they would be checking in. The host responded with, “So, I’ll be hosting two men sleeping together… right?”

Kimberlin said that it led to the man denying their request.

According to NBCDFW, Airbnb made a statement that “...the host has been suspended from the platform as we

launch an investigation into the matter. Additionally, Airbnb reached out to the guests impacted.”

GOP CANDIDATE CONFRONTED OVER PAST ANTI-LGBT FACEBOOK POST

In his hope to fill the Virginia Congressional seat, GOP candidate Leon Benjamin Sr. was criticized by MSNBC host Johnathon Capehart for a 2011 Facebook post.

In that post, Benjamin said LGBT people were “sick” and accused them of being addicts and bipolar.

On Capehart’s show, “The Sunday Show,” the host asked Benjamin how he would be a “bridge” during his run.

“You used the word unity. How is that being a bridge? How is that being a unifier for the 4th Congressional District of Virginia, that most likely has LGBTQ people in that district?” asked Capehart, reported by The Hill Benjamin went on to say that issues like inflation, high crime, high

TEXAS VIRGINIA OREGON

gas prices, and education were not marginalized issues.

Since the passing of Virginia U.S. Rep. Donald McEachin, his seat is open.

JUDGE DISMISSES LGBT CASE THAT WOULD SHOW DISCRIMINATION FOR RELIGIOUS PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES

Judge Ann Aiken of the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon, Eugene Division, has ruled against LGBT students who alleged that the Department of Education does not protect them under Title IX.

In her decision, she wrote that the students “sufficiently alleged” that the exemptions permit “religiously affiliated schools to use religious exemptions to deny federally-funded educational services to current and prospective students,” according to NBC News

The Religious Exemptions Accountability Project, who is representing the student group, said

that they are considering appealing.

“Obviously the fight doesn’t stop here,” Veronica Bonifacio Penales, a senior at Baylor University who was part of the lawsuit, said. “We’re not even going to let this deter us. If anything this is going to push us to work a little bit harder.”

Photo via www.baylor.edu.

GOP candidate Leon Benjamin Sr. Photo via Facebook.

Photo by Open Grid Scheduler / Scalable Grid Engine, via Wikimedia Commons.

BARBADOS DECRIMINALIZES GAY SEX

The Barbados High Court handed down an important decision that decriminalized consenting same-sex relationships. A later time will see the delivery of the written decision.

After Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Kitts & Nevis, Barbados will become the third nation in the Eastern Caribbean to abolish discriminatory legislative prohibitions and legalize homosexual acts in 2022.

The Sexual Offences Act of 1992 in Barbados penalized “buggery” with a maximum sentence of life in prison and “severe indecency” with a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail. Both offenses were remnants of British colonial law and were regarded to be felonies against

consenting same-sex behavior.

According to the Human Rights Watch, even while laws in the Caribbean that criminalize same-sex intimacy are rarely enforced, their broad definitions and ambiguous wording allow for prejudice and hate toward LGBT people.

ASIA

INDONESIA INTRODUCES LAW THAT THREATENS LGBT COMMUNITY

The largest Muslim-majority nation in the world forbade cohabitation or even having sex before marriage.

According to The Asia News Network, the new rules have drawn criticism from civil society groups, who claim that they represent a significant democratic setback and pose a particular risk to LGBT people since they may be disproportionately affected by the socalled morality provisions.

Such unmarried couples, particularly in the LGBT community already under pressure from religious conservatives, will have to deal with the continual fear of being reported to the police when the law changes take effect in three years. Even though the new rule restricts who may report suspected offenses to a spouse, parent, or child, experts and

rights organizations have cautioned against the possibility of abuse by people trying to sever relationships they don’t like.

LGBT ACTIVIST MURDERED IN

EUROPE

POLAND TOWN CHANGES ANTI-LGBT STANCE

According to reports, a Polish municipality is abandoning its declared anti-LGBT stance in favor of being nondiscriminatory at the risk of losing financing.

Since 2019, a third of Poland has made statements of this nature, largely due to an increase in anti-LGBT sentiment from the dominant Law and Justice (PiS) party.

According to a statement from Poland and Pink News, the removal of the antiLGBT statement was made out of concern that Świdnik may lose millions of euros in European financing.

According to reports, Świdnik already suffered a funding cut off from the Norwegian government in 2021 due to the same issue.

PiS-linked council member Marcia

Magier said the new declaration reflects “values such as tolerance and respect for minority rights but also those related to family and parenthood.”

KENYA

Photo via hrw.org.

Photo via Wikimedia.

Photo courtsey Pixabay.

GAZETTE

WILTON MANORS

WILTON MANORS ART SCENE GETS A BOOST

By John Hayden

The growth of Dixie Highway through Wilton Manors has come in fits and starts. A new addition may propel development south of Five Points toward the goal of being an arts and entertainment destination.

On Jan. 7, the Hotspots! Happening Out Art Gallery with Dennis Dean held a grand opening at its new location, at 2401 N. Dixie Hwy. The gallery was packed as was the patio space behind the gallery.

“I can’t believe this crowd,” Dean told

Starting in February, the third Sunday of the month will be performing artists, fashion shows, and authors.

SFGN. “It’s so exciting that they’ve come out to support these local artists in this fabulous neighborhood.”

While that stretch of Dixie remains an eclectic group of businesses, a burgeoning art scene is emerging. The gallery joins a pair of “black box” theaters (The Foundry and Island City Stage), which hosts, among other things, Plays of Wilton and Infinite Abyss Productions. Union Kitchen, which catered the gallery opening, is the main restaurant on that stretch. Union has been gaining popularity, which isn’t easy given that there are so many bars and restaurants on Wilton Drive.

“We are going to make it into a district that everybody wants to come to and see the art.”

WORK OF ART

Sales were brisk at the opening as many of the exhibited artists were on hand to meet and greet guests. Robert Holmes markets unique jewelry and will regularly exhibit his wares.

“I love to sell fabulous jewelry. I have eclectic pieces from all around the world.”

Jewelry, sculptures, paintings, multimedia and more will rotate through the

gallery. A different show will debut on the first Saturday of every month. Each will be carefully curated by Dean.

“I’m all about ‘wow factor,’ and colors and technique. When I do a show I try to plan how the artists complement each

other’s work.”

Starting in February, the third Sunday of the month will be performing artists, fashion shows, and authors.

“We’re tapping into all the arts,” Dean said

Photo by John Hayden.

GYM SPORTSBAR DEALS WITH HEALTH CODE VIOLATIONS

Publisher/Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Associate Publisher•Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Assistant to the Editor • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

One of Wilton Manors’ most popular bars was temporarily closed two weeks ago for several health code violations.

According to records from the Department of Business & Professional Regulation (BPR), the agency charged with overseeing restaurants and bars, GYM Sportsbar, at 2287 Wilton Drive, had its first public inspection in nearly 11 months.

On Jan. 5, an inspection found 12 violations. Seven of those were low-level, “Basic” problems, such as people eating in the kitchen and a slight gap in a door. Warnings were issued and some were corrected then and there. Two “Intermediate” issues, a lack of hand soap and paper towels at a kitchen sink, were corrected then as well.

However, three “High Priority” violations were found:

1. Raw animal foods not properly separated from each other in holding unit based upon minimum required cooking temperature. Raw shell eggs stored over raw shrimp in cookline drawer unit. Operator stored all items properly.

2. Roach activity present as evidenced by live roaches found. One live roach

By John Hayden

between cookline flip top and ice machine. Operator exterminated and removed.

3. Vacuum breaker missing at mop sink faucet or on fitting/splitter added to mop sink faucet.

Warnings were issued for all violations, but the roach issue was noted as a repeat violation.

FOLLOW UP INSPECTION LEADS TO TEMPORARY SHUTDOWN

The BPR returned on Jan. 6 and found some of the same violations. The follow-up report says there were “approximately 12 live roaches under cookline flip top and reach in coolers. One live by back door. Operator immediately exterminated roaches. One live on cookline cutting board. Operator immediately exterminated roaches, removed them and cleaned the areas.”

But what ended up shutting GYM Sportsbar down was a “Stop Sale” order for food safety. The report reads, “Stop Sale issued on time/ temperature control for safety food due to temperature abuse. Time/temperature control for safety food cold held at greater

than 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Cooklinedrawers - hot dogs (50F); raw chicken (53F); cheese (50F); hot dogs (52F). Per operator items were held in unit overnight. No items pooled or portioned today. Cookline - low boy - buttermilk (52F); cut cabbage (52F). Per operator items were held in unit overnight. No items pooled or portioned today. Advised operator to refrain from using units until such time all TCS items are maintained at 41F and below.”

SHORT SHUTDOWN

GYM Sportsbar took immediate action to address all the violations, including the food safety issues. On Jan. 7 the establishment resumed full bar and food service, with the BPR declaring GYM Sportsbar “met inspection standards during this visit.” A pair of technical violations were given more time to be addressed.

During a visit on Jan. 10, one staff member said everything was good. On Jan. 7, their Facebook page posted, “Open ready ……. And willing.” One person asked in the comments, “Are you actually open?” Their moderator responded with a “thumbs up” gif.

For a day-by-day look at the reports, visit myfloridalicense.com.

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

Photos via Facebook.

Most-Read Stories of Oakland Park

OAKLAND PARK COMMUTER TRAIN STATION STILL IN PRELIMINARY STAGES

By John McDonald

Although still of significant interest to developers, there was not much movement in the Oakland Park train station storyline in 2022.

Here’s where we last left off: The Florida Department of Transportation favored Oakland Park over Wilton Manors in a study on commuter rail service. FDOT cited Oakland Park’s pedestrian connectivity and facilities, station visibility, street layout, on-street and public parking and planned development as convincing factors. Designs were presented showing a station on 12th Avenue between 36th and 38th streets, south of the Funky Buddha Brewery.

That was August of 2021.

Fast forward to present day and not much has changed although Brightline, the privately-

funded, high-speed passenger train, travels through Wilton Manors and Oakland Park in between stops in downtown Fort Lauderdale and its newly opened station in Boca Raton.

The proposed Oakland Park station is for commuter rail service traveling north and south on the FEC railway corridor, east of I-95 and the Tri-Rail tracks. Currently, the county’s focus appears to be on the southern end of the corridor from Aventura in Miami-Dade County to stations in Hollywood, FLL airport and Broward Health Medical Center.

COLD CASE SOLVED AFTER 12 YEARS

By John Hayden

With enough time, even the most vicious crimes eventually fall out of the headlines and become another folder in a drawer jam-packed with cold case files, unlikely to ever be solved. But sometimes, with fresh eyes and a little luck, a case gets solved and justice gets served.

Aaron Dobbins was arrested in September and charged with premeditated murder for the 2010 killing of Chad McMurray. The cold case became red hot when DNA under McMurray’s fingernails was matched to that of Dobbins.

In 2010, friends discovered McMurray dead

in his Oakland Park home. His truck was missing and eventually found abandoned in Lauderhill. The crime may have been driven by jealousy and sex work. Dobbins was working as an adult entertainer under the names Trace Hunter and Trace Michaels. According to police records, a fellow adult worker, John Navarro, had met McMurray several times and likely introduced him to Dobbins.

Dobbins is charged with premeditated firstdegree murder, and he remains in the Broward County Jail without bond.

CIRCLE HOUSE COFFEE IN OAKLAND PARK IS LEASING BUILDING TO NEW SANDWICH SHOP

By Christiana Lilly

Circle House Coffee in Oakland Park (or is it Wilton Manors? We’re still not sure and readers were very upset about this) opened with much ado in October 2021, offering a drive-through option from a local coffee shop in town.

Unfortunately, the business owned by former NFL player Steven Tulloch has since been leased to Charleys Cheesesteaks, which will be opening its doors in March, Circle House Coffee’s PR firm shared.

The building at 119 W. Oakland Park Blvd. was La Molienda Latin Restaurant before Tulloch’s company purchased the building in 2020.

Fans of Circle House Coffee need not

worry, though, as the original location in Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village is still going strong, drive-through included.

DRIVERS CONTINUE TO IGNORE BRIGHTLINE WARNING SIGNALS

By Christiana Lilly

Brightline made waves in 2022 with the opening of its Aventura and Boca Raton train stations, but also for its ongoing vehicle-versus-train incidents.

While we don’t know exactly how many collisions occurred in 2022 — Brightline did not respond to multiple requests for the number of crashes involving its trains — we did report on many of them in the Wilton Manors and Oakland Park area.

In March 2022, a man survived a collision with the train at an Oakland Park crossing — a witness said that the gates were down when the man managed to run out of his car. Another vehicle was involved in a crash when a truck carrying a trailer was on the tracks in Wilton Manors when the arms were down; the driver also got away unscathed.

It appears that for the most part, drivers have been trying to beat the train — which moves at around 79 miles per hour — rather than wait. In response to the rash of accidents, in June Brightline partnered with the Broward Sheriff’s Office to launch Operation Crossing Guard. The initiative cracked down on drivers and pedestrians who ignored the warning signs of an arriving train and tried to cross the tracks.

“Despite the high publicity of these tragic events, it has not resulted in any deterrent of

the careless behavior going on at the railroad crossings,” said BSO Col. Steve Robson during a press conference. “In almost all cases, people are ignoring and circumventing the warning lights, sounds, safety signs, and crossing gates … the odds of beating the train are not in your favor, and the results are just tragic.”

More than 500 tickets were given in a twoweek period. Unfortunately, a woman died four days after Operation Crossing Guard began when she crossed the tracks and collided with a Brightline train.

To kick off 2023, we wanted to share the Top 5 most-read stories in Oakland Park.

Courtesy city of Oakland Park.

Alfred “Chad” McMurray. Courtesy photo.

Courtesy of Circle House Coffee.

A car is taken away by first responders after a train-versus-vehicle crash in Oakland Park. Photo submitted by Scott Herman.

STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE HANDLING TEEN WHO BROUGHT GUN TO OAKLAND PARK SCHOOL

By Christiana Lilly

Almost a year ago, a 16-year-old student brought a fully loaded gun to his Oakland Park high school — but because he is a minor, we can’t know the outcome of the case.

A representative from the Broward Sheriff’s Office said that the case is being handled by the State Attorney’s Office. When SFGN reached out to their media team, they said that they do not comment on cases involving minors.

However, SFGN managed to retrieve the arrest report and learned more details about the case.

Fernando Vanancia-Garcia, now 17, was arrested Jan. 19, 2022, at Northeast High School after the vice principal found that he had a fully loaded gun in his backpack. The vice principal had called VananciaGarcia into his office to discuss his grades when he said he smelled marijuana. After searching the student’s backpack, he found a Smith & Wesson with 15 live rounds inside.

His confession was blacked out from the

arrest report, but according to the original news release by BSO, Vanancia-Garcia told investigators he “had no intentions of using the firearm on school grounds and that it was for protection on his walk home from school.”

He was charged with possession of a firearm on school property — since it’s a felony, his name was not redacted from the police report.

WEST SIDE TRAFFIC CALMING IDEAS

Rolling through a stop sign, going a touch above the posted speed limit, taking a shortcut only you know about. Turns out that a thousand other people know that shortcut and are also rolling through stop signs and hitting the gas. Now Wilton Manors is telling drivers to calm down.

During the city commission meeting on Jan. 10, consulting firm Kimley-Horn and Associates presented their findings from a study of traffic patterns on the city’s west side. The area covered is Middle River to the south and west, Andrews Avenue to the north, and Powerline Road to the east. The firm was hired to identify problem areas and suggest “traffic calming” solutions.

The firm said they first analyzed 140 comments from 90 residents and eventually identified 30 spots to investigate. Criteria included speeding issues (going at least six miles above the speed limit), volume of traffic (at least 1,000 vehicles a day), how many cars cut through an area as a shortcut,

WILTON MANORS

and traffic impact on livability.

Proposed solutions include speed tables, which are like speed humps but wide enough so all four tires can be on it at once. Speed tables are also preferred by first responders. Speed tables are the same but encompass an entire intersection. Textured pavement, which is a scaled down version of the rumble strips on the breakdown lanes of interstates, are on the table, as are flashing stop signs and neighborhood gateway signs.

It was pointed out that some areas can’t have calming measures, as they would potentially distract drivers more than necessary.

OMNIBUS BILL INCLUDES MILLION-DOLLAR EARMARK FOR WILTON MANORS

By John McDonald

A closer look at the recently passed $1.7 trillion omnibus spending bill shows former Congressman Ted Deutch delivered a parting gift to Wilton Manors.

In Division G of the bill, Deutch requested a $1 million earmark on behalf of the City of Wilton Manors for a stormwater improvement project. The request was made to the Environmental Protection Agency under an account titled Cleanwater State Receiving Fund.

The federal earmark comes amid state orders to upgrade aging local infrastructure. Wilton Manors is currently under a consent order from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection with civil penalties valued at $288,588.

“The DEP has been engaged in ongoing enforcement with the City of Wilton Manors for several years concerning the chronic unauthorized discharges by its wastewater collection system,” said Jon Moore, spokesman for FDEP’s Southeast District.

To offset the penalties, which are required to be paid in cash, Wilton Manors proposed an in-kind project with an estimated cost of

$2,652,575. The project’s purpose, Moore said, is to install a new primary force main pipe from the city’s master lift station to a new interconnect with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s backbone force main.

At the Oct. 11, 2022, commission meeting, David Archacki, Wilton Manors Emergency Management and Utilities Director, said the in-kind project would improve the pump capacity to Fort Lauderdale and would travel underneath Northeast 15th Avenue. Archacki told commissioners all 12 of the city’s lift stations would be getting a thorough review.

“We have some leaks and we haven’t found them yet,” Archacki said.

Photo via Pixabay.

Photo via Pixabay.

WILTON MANORS By John Hayden

Photo via Facebook.

ANTI-LGBT LAWMAKERS GET AN INCH IN FLORIDA AND TAKE A MILE IN VIRGINIA

The Florida Parental Rights in Education Act, known colloquially as the “Don’t Say Gay” law, is the first in 21 years to prohibit the discussion of gender and sexual diversity in schools.

Before its passing in 2022, such laws were considered to be archaic. Now, several states are following in Florida’s footsteps.

In a slew of anti-trans bills being proposed this January, Virginia has pre-filed a bill titled the Youth Health Protection Act. The first and second sections of the bill detail a ban on all gender-affirming care for minors, from puberty blockers to plastic surgery.

But this isn’t just a war on children’s access to healthcare. The bill defines a minor as “any individual who is less than 21 years of age.” That means adults aged 18 to 20 could be blocked from receiving proper care, too.

The third section of the bill, subtitled “Protection of parental rights,” echoes Florida’s law almost word for word. Both

bills discourage the withholding of any information regarding a student’s mental health and well-being from their parents.

Virginia’s claim to parental rights takes it further, though, explicitly requiring that government agents notify parents if a minor exhibits “gender nonconformity.”

If this were to become law, even cisgender students could be reported for expressing themselves, regardless of potential abuse from parents as a result, a precaution that even Florida has in writing.

LOUISIANA REPUBLICANS CONDEMN GRINER DEAL

Down on the bayou, some Republicans are not thrilled Brittney Griner is home.

The central committee of the Louisiana Republican Party voted to condemn the deal that freed Griner. The basketball star was discussed during a GOP meeting last weekend, reported the Louisiana Illuminator.

In a voice vote, committee members objected to the prisoner swap that returned the two-time Olympic gold medalist to American soil. The original resolution, reportedly, included a reference to Griner as “LGBTQ woke.”

The meeting was held in Lafayette, La., not far from the LSU campus, where Griner’s college coach is now employed. Kim Mulkey, who coached Griner at Baylor, refused to comment during Griner’s imprisonment and issued a brief statement upon Griner’s release last December.

“God is good. Prayers are powerful,” Mulkey said.

Arrested and imprisoned in Russia on drug smuggling charges, Griner served 10 months in prison before being released in a swap for convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout. The deal, negotiated by the State Department, was heavily criticized by conservatives who felt Paul Whelan, a detained former U.S. Marine, was a greater priority.

“For Biden to give Putin a dangerous arms dealer – someone known as ‘The Merchant of Death’ – is weak and disgusting,” tweeted U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-FL). “Doing so while leaving Paul behind is unforgivable.”

Benjamin Manning

Photo via Adobe Stock.

John McDonald

Brittney Griner. Photo via Facebook.

The calls for George Santos to resign are growing louder and coming from his own ranks, but the embattled gay congressman isn’t budging.

Republican leaders from New York’s third congressional district called for Santos to resign during a press conference Jan. 11. Nassau County GOP Chairman Joseph G. Cairo Jr. said Santos, who admitted to embellishing much of his past, had disgraced the House of Representatives and was not welcome at the local Republican Party headquarters.

“George Santos’ campaign last year was a campaign of deceit, lies and fabrication,” said Cairo, who called for Santos to resign immediately.

Representative Anthony D’Esposito (R-NY) from the neighboring fourth congressional district joined the chorus calling for Santos to step down. The “outright lies” Santos

told render him incapable of serving in the House, D’Esposito said.

On Jan. 9, a complaint was filed with the Federal Election Commission, accusing Santos of numerous campaign finance violations, including conflicting statements about his Florida-based company, Devolder, LLC. The next day, a house ethics complaint was filed by New York Reps. Ritchie Torres and Daniel Goldman.

Santos has largely remained silent as he is hounded by the press through the halls of Congress, but did send out this tweet on Jan. 11:

“I was elected to serve the people of #NY03 not the party & politicians. I remain committed to doing that and regret to hear that local officials refuse to work with my office to deliver results to keep our community safe and lower the cost of living. I will NOT resign!”

John McDonald

Q&A WITH TRAVELING RANGER GARY BREMEN

He served most of his career in Biscayne National Park close to Miami, where he was raised, and Wilton Manors, which he now calls home. SFGN caught up with Bremen to find out what it was like to be a gay man in the park service and what’s next for the experienced traveler and storyteller extraordinaire.

HOW LONG DID YOU WORK FOR NPS; WHAT WERE YOUR TITLES AND WHERE WERE YOU STATIONED?

I started working for the National Park Service as a ranger when I was still in college back in 1986. I started my career at Mammoth Cave National Park in Kentucky, home of the world’s longest cave well over 400 miles now. Since that was only a summer position, it worked out great to come back and finish my degree in biology from the University of Miami. Once that was complete, I became a seasonal employee that bopped from park to park. I did two winter seasons at Biscayne National Park, a long summer season at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore (a really under-appreciated area of diverse ecosystems and incredible wildflowers) and then moved to a tiny site called Roger Williams National Memorial in Rhode Island for my first “permanent” position. There I shared early colonial history, especially that surrounding the new idea of “religious liberty for all.”

Next up was Everglades National Park, at the Shark Valley District (still my favorite part of that sprawling park). When another position came open at Biscayne National Park, I went back to the saltwater that I love. I spent a lot of time on Biscayne Bay as a child, and there’s something really special about taking care of a place that you knew

as a kid. I was at Biscayne for a continuous 27 years, but throughout that time, I had many opportunities to work at other national parks on a short-term basis.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THOSE SHORT-TERM ASSIGNMENTS, WHAT DID THAT ENTAIL?

I used to do a lot of training for the National Park Service, and that meant frequent trips to our main training centers at the Grand Canyon and in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. I had the opportunity to work the lead-up to the New York City Marathon at Gateway National Recreation Area on Staten Island, helped Fire Island National Seashore improve its interpretive program, worked two Independence Day celebrations at the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis, now called Gateway Arch National Park, spent two weeks helping out at the grand opening of the visitor center at Chicago’s first national park, Pullman National Historical Park, and worked as an interpretive writer for several newer civil rights parks in Alabama, Kentucky, Georgia and Mississippi. Those stories are so important, and I saw many parallels between the African American struggles and those of the LGBT community.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PARK TO GO CAMPING AND WHY?

I’m honestly not much of a camper, and I think way too many people think that national parks are all about camping and hiking, and doing dangerous things in the woods with bears! There are 424 national parks, and most of them don’t have anything to do with those things. Each of them tells a small piece of the American story … a story that continues to evolve.

SO WHAT YOU’RE SAYING IS OUR NATIONAL PARKS DON’T ALWAYS HAVE TO BE A GRUELING TEST OF TOUGHNESS?

People who think that national parks are only about camping and hiking and such are really doing a disservice to the places and to themselves. They offer such an incredible opportunity to not only learn the history of an individual site, but also to see how that site connects with other things. I think people who really take the time to visit and understand national parks have a much better comprehension of this nation’s history, and where it fits in with the rest of the world.

OK, BACK TO YOUR FAVORITES, YOU’VE GOTTA HAVE A FEW?

I am fortunate to have visited 270 out of the 424 national parks. My favorites? I’d be dishonest if I didn’t say Biscayne was number one. Number two is kind of a hard call, but if I was pinned down I would absolutely say Katmai National Park in Alaska. Most people probably don’t recognize that name, but images of the park are quite common in all kinds of advertising. It’s the place where there’s a little 6-foot-high waterfall that during the month of July – the salmon run – bears stand on the lip of that waterfall, catching salmon as they swim upstream. People love the national

John McDonald

After three decades as a ranger for the National Park Service, Gary Bremen retired in December.

Park Ranger Gary Bremen leads a guided tour at Biscayne National Park. Photo by Pete Wintersteen.

parks for seeing wildlife, but that wildlife is often just a fleeting glimpse. At Katmai, you can stand for hours and watch the bears feed. You start to recognize their habits, and you can predict what they’ll do next. It’s absolutely extraordinary.

IS THERE A MEMORABLE MOMENT FROM YOUR CAREER THAT STANDS OUT TO YOU?

Many. I think the many relationships that I made as a ranger have to be near the top though. I started a lot of programs at the park. Family Fun Fest ran for 20 years, and some of the kids that I met as 5- and 6-year-olds in that program have since invited me to their school plays, their graduation parties, their weddings. Artists who’ve shown in the gallery I started at the park have gone on to bigger and better things. Biscayne National Park will always be special for them, and I’m proud that I helped facilitate that lifelong connection.

IN WHAT WAY DID BEING A GAY MAN INFORM YOUR CAREER?

Though I knew exactly who I was from an early age, I didn’t come out until I was almost 30. I knew other rangers who were gay, but nobody ever talked about such things. I decided to come out during a tearful morning watching the sun rise over a snowy Grand Canyon, a story I’ve recounted many times in a program that I do call “Songs and Stories of Our National Parks.”

It was just 14 months later that I took the man who would eventually become my husband to that same snowy canyon, but on the opposite side. Roger was there with me when we marched at the front of the New York City Pride Parade days after President Obama named Stonewall National Monument as the newest national park, and again when employees, partners and volunteers from all four south Florida National Parks marched in the Stonewall Parade in Wilton Manors last June, the first time any of the parks had ever participated in a Pride event.

DO YOU THINK COMING OUT AT WORK MADE A DIFFERENCE?

As many LGBT people have learned, telling our own coming-out stories can help others create their stories. The fact that mine is so intimately tied to the national parks meant that it was appropriate for me to tell that story as part of my work … in uniform. Seeing how that has impacted people … gay kids, parents of lesbian kids, people who never knew anyone gay, and even people who came to realize that their own treatment of gay people was not as kind as it could have been … makes me feel

IF YOU COULD CHANGE ANYTHING ABOUT THE NPS WHAT WOULD THAT BE?

I wish the agency would worry less about doing things right, and more about doing the right thing, which is something my old boss Bob Showler used to say all the time. It’s true. Some folks are just so wrapped up in paperwork and pettiness that they have totally forgotten the amazing resources under our care, and how exposing people to those resources can be absolutely life-changing.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR RETIREMENT?

Well, I have 154 of the 424 national parks that I’ve never visited, and that is what I chose to do on my first day of retirement by visiting Cumberland Island National Seashore off the Georgia coast. I am creating a “brand” (The Traveling Ranger) that will include a website offering travel advice and consulting. I am also looking forward to continuing to help people connect to their national parks through storytelling, speaking engagements, and perhaps even enrichment talks on cruise ships.

WILL YOU STAY INVOLVED LOCALLY?

I’ll continue to volunteer at Abandoned Pet Rescue in Fort Lauderdale as I have for the past four years. And don’t be surprised if I’m soon back at Biscayne National Park now and then, guiding a walk or a boat trip for the Biscayne National Park Institute … this time on my own terms, and without the interference of the Hatch Act!

For more information, visit thetravelingranger.com.

Bremen (left) and Grant Livingston traveled the country doing their “Songs and Stories of Our National Parks” program. They are pictured here at Glacier Point in Yosemite National Park. Photo by Glenn Allman. that what I did for 36 years really did make a difference.

GOLDEN SPOON AWARDS PART 2

Two weeks ago, I introduced some of this year’s Golden Spoon recipients and remarked on how budget friendly most of them were.

Now, we look at some more new places, two of them smack dab in the middle of Wilton Manors.

Golden Spoon for Outstanding Italian Restaurant MAMMA MIA BISTRO

2043 Wilton Dr. 754-261-5385

infofedericapriolo.wixsite.com/website-1

One look at the website address will tell you, this mother/daughter team aren’t slick businesspeople. What they do well though, is make Italian comfort food. Mama Lory cooks in the kitchen, while daughter Fredericka tends to the tables. A limited menu offers a choice of 4-5 dishes, usually a pair of entrees, an appetizer, and soup, salad, or dessert. The spare, but the impeccably clean dining room is like eating at mama’s house on Sunday afternoon! What I said then: “Mamma Mia is … an Italian bistro, not a gourmet restaurant … 100% handmade fresh pasta.”

Golden Spoon for Outstanding Sandwich Shop BROAD SHOULDERS

2822 E Commercial, Fort Lauderdale 754-779-7220

broadshoulderssandwiches.com

Chicagoan Tom Azar stepped back from his high-stress job as Chef de Cuisine at legendary chef Emeril Lagasse’s Miami Beach location. Not wanting to return to Chicago’s frigid winters he decided to open a classic Chicago-style sandwich shop. Sandwiches

are the stars of the menu, with eye-popping (and possibly jaw-dislocating) favorites from Chicago including Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef.

The Italian beef is a Chicago classic, similar to a French dip, in an Italian seasoned au jus. It is traditionally served with roasted sweet green peppers or spicy giardiniera (spicy pickled veggies) on an Italian roll. For an additional $3 you can make it a combo with Italian sausage thrown on top (very Chicago, where more is more).

What I said then: “… specializes in scratchmade condiments, sides, and desserts, all of which are packed with a punch of flavor. Let’s start with the soups, there are only two options; chicken and andouille gumbo [served with potato salad or steamed white rice] or shrimp and sweet corn chowder.”

Golden Spoon for Outstanding New Spot on the Drive SMILE EMPANADAS

2041 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors 786-567-0004 smileempanadas.com

We stopped in at Smile Empanadas just a day or two after it opened its doors, and we were reminded why we love living in the “Gayberry” we call Wilton Manors. First, everyone is so friendly; the server at the counter couldn’t have been more perky or helpful. Smile is the dream of Axel, an Argentine entrepreneur, who wanted to meld the traditional flavors of Argentine empanadas with American taste. In addition to traditional Argentine fillings such as spicy creamed corn, savory mushrooms, and guava and cheese, you can get fillings inspired by American fare, such as cheeseburgers, BBQ pulled pork or chicken,

creamy cheesy spinach, a Margherita pizza, or a vegetarian Impossible filling.

What I said then: “I was skeptical that an empanada place was opening where an empanada place couldn’t make a go of it. I can see why the folks from Smile decided to move forward. Their empanadas are so much better than the ones from the previous business. They are light and flaky and stuffed with plenty of filling.”

Golden Spoon for Outstanding Dining Event

TASTE

OF THE ISLAND Nov. 14 @ Richardson Park tasteoftheisland.org

Although the highly anticipated event sells out every year, after my first visit

several years ago I vowed never to go back. The vendors’ samples were minuscule, and the place was so crowded that it wasn’t enjoyable. Well, all that has changed. This year’s event showcased dozens of the area’s top restaurants and food purveyors serving up generous tasting portions (sometimes a bit too much to be honest) and plenty of wine and spirits merchants offering sumptuous sips (and bottled water as well), all held under the stars at beautiful Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve right on Wilton Drive. Ticket sales were limited, so even at the height of attendance, it was still comfortable to move around and easy to get a sample from most vendors. A miraculous turnaround.

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com. The views Rick expresses are his own and do not represent the opinion of SFGN.

Photo via Mamma Mia Bistro, Facebook. HUNGRY

Rick Karlin

Photo via tasteoftheisland.org.

ANTI-LGBT SLUR USED AT ENGLISH SOCCER GAME

Early in 2023, two English Premier soccer fans have already used an antigay slur.

The most recent incidence was when Manchester United supporters were heard calling Everton manager Frank Lampard, a former Chelsea player and manager, “Chelsea rent boy.” The cry, which is categorized as a hate crime in England, will be looked at, according to the Football Association.

According to Out Sports, a statement from the FA read, “We strongly condemn the use of the term ‘rent boy’ and we are determined to drive it out of our game. We continue to work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, as well as the UK Football Policing Unit, in relation to the use of this term.”

After the most recent chant, Man U’s LGBTQ support group, the Rainbow

PALM BEACH

WEST PALM BEACH HONORS PBCHRC AND FOUNDER RAND HOCH

ON JAN. 9, WEST PALM BEACH

surrounded by friends, PBCHRC board members, and other LGBT advocates, including Julie Seaver, the executive director of Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center. After the reading of the resolution, James presented Hoch with the key, citing his decades of passionate and tireless advocacy for the community.

At a City of West Palm Beach commission meeting, James invited Hoch, who was Florida’s first openly gay judge, to receive the key to the city. This came after informing him that the PBCHRC would also be getting a resolution passed in honor of its 35-year anniversary.

Hoch attended the commission meeting,

“Working with the city has been amazing,” said Hoch. “The things we were able get done here so easily because of the elected officials and the staff understand discrimination, made it easier to work with the county and other municipalities on those issues.”

The PBCHRC was responsible for pushing many LGBT protection ordinances, including same-sex partner benefits with the county and the recently struck down conversion therapy bans enacted by the county and the City of Boca Raton.

Disclaimer: Sean Conklin is on the board of PBCHRC

Devils, condemned the slur, tweeting, “We strongly condemn the taunting of Frank Lampard with the illegal and homophobic chant from a section of our fans and call for the club to take action.”

Frank Lampard. Photo via Wikipedia.org.

Everitt Rosen

news

Sean Conklin

MAYOR KEITH JAMES PROCLAIMED “PBCHRC DAY” AND PRESENTED FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT RAND HOCH WITH THE KEY TO THE CITY. THE PALM BEACH COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL WAS FOUNDED IN 1988 TO ADVOCATE FOR LGBTQ+ EQUITY IN PALM BEACH COUNTY. PBCHRC IS RESPONSIBLE FOR OVER 160 LGBT-ORIENTED POLICIES AND BILLS BEING PASSED THROUGHOUT THE COUNTY SINCE ITS INCEPTION.

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