SFGN 01/21/21 V12iss3

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE JANUARY 21, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 3

A NEW DAWN

BEYOND 2020: SFGN TURNS 11 AS BIDEN BEGINS BEGINS ON PAGE 19

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

OUR FUND FOUNDATION TO GIVE AWAY $100K IN ITS 2021 LGBTQ ARTS & CULTURE FUND Denise Royal

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has taken a toll on the LGBT arts scene in South Florida. The shutdown impacted theaters, art walks, musical performances, and an entire community of people working in the arts and beyond.

Our Fund Foundation plans to give away $100,000 in grants and up to $20,000 per applicant through its 2021 LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund. The 2021 grants will support programs and services that incorporate safety lessons learned over the past year during the pandemic — especially those that provide solutions to community concerns around in-person gatherings.

“Our Fund believes that success for arts and culture agencies in the post-pandemic environment will be defined by their ability to pivot and cater to audience’s anticipated expectations around safety and social distancing that will THE 2021 GRANTS be foreseen remnants of the Our Fund President & CEO David Jobin. Photo via Facebook.

WILL SUPPORT pandemic for several years,” PROGRAMS AND said Our Fund President & CEO SERVICES THAT Culture Fund, applicants must contributions from The Jim Laird Hamish David Jobin in a press release. be either a LGBTQ-primary non- Fund at Our Fund, Our Fund Donor Advised “Priority in grant consideration INCORPORATE profit or a non-LGBTQ-primary Fundholders and individual donors, Our will be given to agencies whose SAFETY LESSONS non-profit organization that is Fund’s Endowment Fund, and the support goal is not just return to normal, LEARNED OVER THE seeking funding for a LGBTQ- of philanthropic partners. but return to a new normal PAST YEAR DURING specific program/project in Projects and organizations that work that builds on new capabilities THE PANDEMIC. Broward, Miami-Dade or Palm on behalf of underserved populations will developed in the initial months Beach Counties. receive special consideration. The deadline of the pandemic.”

Grants from the LGBTQ Arts & to submit a proposal is Friday, February 19, The 2021 Arts & Culture Fund will award grants to organizations that will use the Culture Fund are made possible through 2021. funds on COVID-related safety protocols — including an increased number of For more information or to apply, performances, reduced audience sizes, marketing, and more. visit Our-Fund.org/artsculture.

To be eligible for the 2021 LGBTQ Arts &

COVER: Party like it’s 1999... actually, you probably shouldn’t. Photo via Adobe.

Associated Press

2

• 1. 21.2021

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January 21, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 3

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BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.

All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Copyright © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

1. 21. 20 21 •

3

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY AVRAHAM FORREST

THE WORLD AROUND

AFRICA

EUROPE

UGANDAN PRESIDENT WHO MADE HOMOPHOBIC COMMENTS WINS RE-ELECTION

FIRST OPENLY GAY DEPUTY MINISTER APPOINTED IN GREECE

President Yoweri Museveni has won re-election in Uganda, maintaining his 35year rule, the New York Times reported.

As recently as last week, Museveni has made comments against the LGBT community, referring to members of the community as “deviants,” CNN reported.

“No, the prevalent opinion among our population now is that homosexuals are a departure from normal,” Museveni told CNN. Bobi Wine, one of the candidates who ran against Museveni, said the results were not legitimate, The NYT reported.

Museveni’s security forces surrounded Wine’s house a day after the general election.

Museveni will serve the next five years in office, marking his sixth term in the position, the NYT reported.

• 1. 21.2021

President Yoweri Museveni. Photo via the Govt. of Uganda.

Gay sex is punishable by life imprisonment in Uganda, and it is not uncommon to see an increase in LGBT harassmant after Ugandan poltiticians share homophobic sentiments, Reuters reported.

Nicholas Yatromanolakis, the first openly gay minister in Greece, was named deputy minister for contemporary culture on Jan. 4, Reuters reported.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis promoted Yatromanolakis in order to improve the government’s image, Reuters reported.

Yatromanolakis wants better implementation of existing LGBT antidiscrimination laws and training in private companies and government bodies, Reuters reported. He also said he would discuss LGBT issues with other cabinet members and prioritize bringing state financial aid to those working in the arts during the pandemic.

Yatromanolakis has a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard and marketing and communications experience with

Nicholas Yatromanolakis. Photo via Facebook.

companies including Microsoft, Reuters reported. He joined Greece’s government in 2019.

Gay and lesbian couples are not permitted to marry, adopt together or adopt the biological children of their partners in the country, Reuters reported.

ASIA

NORTH AMERICA

OFFICIAL GENDER CHANGES INCREASE IN JAPAN

LGBT SUPPORT LINE REINSTATED ON TORONTO SCHOOL WEBSITE

Nine hundred forty-eight individuals in Japan changed their officially registered gender in 2019, according to a judicial survey, the Japan Times reported.

The figure represents a growing number of gender changes in the country, increasing from 868 in 2018 and 903 in 2017, according to data from Japan’s Supreme Court, the Japan Times reported.

Requirements for gender changes in Japan are still strict, however. Those who want to legally change their gender must appeal to a family court, undergo a psychiatric evaluation and be surgically sterilized, the Human Rights Watch reported.

Japan Alliance for LGBT Legislation anticipates the number of registered gender changes to temporarily decrease because of the pandemic and the legal

4

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

A climber poses with Mt. Fuji in the distance. Photo via PxHere.

requirements involved, the Japan Times reported.

Applicants must also be at or above 20 years of age, unmarried, without underage children and without the functioning reproductive organs of their assigned gender after sex reassignment surgery, the Japan Times reported. Applicants must also be diagnosed with gender identity disorder by at least two doctors.

The Toronto’s Catholic District School Board restored a link to an LGBT support phone line after negative reactions from community members and the support organization, the CBC News reported.

The school removed the link over alleged inappropriate content, citing an article published in Corriere Canadese, a Canadian newspaper, titled “TCDSB website hosts Pornographic site defended by trustees,” according to a public statement by LGBT Youthline.

“Their website had 3rd party resources not appropriate for school-aged children,” the TCDSB said in a tweet on Jan. 11.

The LGBT YouthLine is a youth-led organization that provides support, training and resources to individuals 29 and under in Ontario, according to the LGBT Youthline website.

The LGBT YouthLine provides support to individuals under the age of 29 in Ontario. Photo via PxHere.

“There is a long history accusing 2SLGBTQ+ people of pedophilia and of ‘corrupting’ children and youth and the article explicitly uses these arguments against us,” according to the statement. “This rhetoric is harmful, unacceptable, and is overt homophobia and transphobia.”

1. 21. 20 21 •

5

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

MUSIC

FILM

HOLY BI BOY!

LITTLE RUMORS! IS BRIE LARSON GAY?

A NEW BISEXUAL ANTHEM Listen up pop music fanatics! There’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Mad Tsai.

He is an upcoming singer/songwriter.

Many know him from TikTok, but don’t be surprised if you hear him on the radio in the future.

Tsai released his track “Boy Bi,” on Dec. 3. This song may as well be the new bisexual national anthem of the year.

Tsai wrote in an Instagram post for his release, “I wrote ‘boy bi’ in five minutes without thinking about how much it would change both my life and your guys’ lives, and I’m incredibly thankful for you guys for being so patient and supportive of my music.”

Tsai even came out to his mom as bisexual, by having her listen to the

Mad Tsai. Photo via Facebook.

song. The heartwarming TikTok video has over three million views.

Brie Larson may have just hinted to her fans about her sexuality.

In a recent YouTube video that Larson posted, she answers some questions online. One of them asking “How her 10-year-old self would be spending an hour-long recess break at school,” and Brie casually picks the answer that says “I’d probably be on the computer library researching ‘how do I know if I’m gay?’” according to Pride.com.

The video post has her fans freaking out, and what’s better way to accentuate the fact that your favorite super hero might be gay than to start posting memes on Twitter?

Now while she hasn’t officially confirmed her sexuality, that doesn’t keep her fans from wanting more of Larson.

Brie Larson. Photo via MTV.

Maybe it has to do something with her breaking off her engagement with musician Alex Greenwald in 2019? No one officially knows.

CELEBRITY

FAREWELL SIEGFRIED FISCHBACHER DIES AT 80

On Jan. 15, renowned magician Siegfried Fischbacher passed away.

According to Pink News, “Fischbacher reportedly had a malignant tumour removed during an operation, but sadly the cancer had already spread throughout his body.”

The Philadelphia Inquirer notes that Fischbacher died Wednesday at his home from pancreatic cancer according to publicist Dave Kirvin of Kirvin Doak Communications.

Although the passing of

6

• 1. 21.2021

the famous magician was undoubtedly sad, his sister Dolores Fischbacher, was relieved to see him pass away peacefully.

“He fell asleep gently and peacefully,” Dolores said. She said that he was barely able to speak any words by the end of his life.

Fischbacher’s death came just a few months after his partner, Roy Horn, Pink News noted. Horn had passed away on May 8, 2020 from complications with COVID-19.

Fischbacher told Germany’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper, that “his best friend would always stay

by his side,” The Philadelphia Inquirer said.

Fischbacher and Horns’ story goes back in time before the big stages and the big smoke and mirrors. The two met on a cruise ship, where Fischbacher was then putting on magic shows. The two began their legendary career where they eventually moved to the night scene over in Europe. It was here that their lives would be changed forever, Pink News said.

The couple helped inspire people such as Joe Exotic with the usage of their white tigers.

Roy Horn (left) and Siegfried Fischbacher with their white lion.

Credit: Carol M. Highsmith, via public domain.

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7

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENDALL LITTLE

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Transgender

WORKING REMOTELY HELPS TRANS PEOPLE COME OUT COIVD-19 has brought a blessing in disguise for transgender workers — a lack of judgment in the workplace once out.

Before the virus, workers who recently came out had to face judgment from their co-workers about a multitude of things such as which bathroom they could use or their physical appearance.

Now, trans people can come out to their co-workers and “let their work — not their gender identity — speak for them,” the Wall Street Journal writer Francesca Fontana said.

Coming out is a daunting task, but doing it virtually can ease some anxiety for trans people. River Bailey, a software developer said, “I could make a statement that was vulnerable and uncomfortable in the safety of my office here at home, and then I could

8

• 1. 21.2021

T

River Bailey, a software developer, spoke about the safety of coming out at home.

Photo credit: River Bailey, Twitter.

step away from the computer for a little bit and calm down.”

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

L

Lesbian

LESBIAN TEEN OUTS MOTHER FOR PARTAKING IN INSURRECTION IN DC

After being ridiculed and bullied for taking part in a Black Lives Matter protest, lesbian teen Helena Duke pulled the ultimate power move — identifying her mother, uncle, and aunt on Twitter after the Capitol raid on Jan. 6.

The three Trump-supporters were seen partaking in a fight with a Black woman the day before the raid on Capitol Hill.

Duke tweeted their names alongside their photos, along with proof that they were her family.

When Duke’s mother arrived home, she “begged Helena to remove her tweets; Helena refused,” according to the Advocate.

She is now financially cut off from her family, but does not regret exposing her mother, uncle, and aunt. The tweet has

Helena Duke.

Photo via Helena Duke, GoFundMe.

since gone viral, attracting lots of people that related to Duke.

LGBTQIA BITES

Q

Queer

STAR TREK ACTRESS COMES OUT AS QUEER

Current star of “Star Trek: Discovery” Mary Wiseman has come out as queer in a series of interviews.

Wiseman has been in a heterosexual relationship with her co-star, Noah Averbach-Katz for years and the two wed in 2019.

She feared that coming out while being in a straight relationship would make her subject to criticism.

However, the actress decided that she did not want to hide her sexuality.

“I dated and loved people of all genders,” Wiseman said.

“I’m queer and proud!”

Her fans have been nothing but supportive and proud of Wiseman’s announcement — her husband included.

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1. 21. 20 21 •

9

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a special look at a community that is slowly waking up after a long and devastating year.

10

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Bona Pizza’s business partners Glenn and Mark with Dylan McIntire, Marc Fisher and server Mackenzie.

Handsome Embark Vodka Owner TJ with Flip Flop Owner Michael.

Suzann and Kathy join Howard Kaplan, Angel Fund for UCCFL and Volunteer Chaplain at Broward Health.

To The Moon Owner Antonio (left) with a few of his many shoppers.

• 1. 21.2021

NEWS STATE

WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA Sean McShee

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA Cumulative Known COVID-19COUNTIES: Cases in Three South Florida Counties: JANUARY 13 THROUGH JANUARY 19 January 13 through January 19

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 1/13 to 1/19 Palm Beach 5.0%, Broward 4.4%, and Miami Dade 4.1%

1/13

1/14

1/15

98,692

98,067

97,542

1/16

Palm Beach

160,514

159,670

158,762

96,743

96,085

94,872

93,994

157,590

156,452

155,066

153,715

347,965

346,090

344,246

341,842

339,434

336,749

334,217

1/17

1/18

Broward

1/19

Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN Cumulative THREE SOUTH FLORIDA COUNTIES: Cumulative Known COVID-19 Deaths Known COVID-19 Cases in in Three South Florida Counties: Three South Counties: JANUARY 13Florida THROUGH JANUARY 19 January 13 through January January 13 through January 19 19

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 fromto1/13 Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 casesdeaths from 1/13 1/19to 1/19 Beach Broward and Miami PalmPalm Beach 5.0%,3.8%, Broward 4.4%,2.4%, and Miami DadeDade 4.1% 3.4%

1,983

1,943 153,715

2,009

155,066 1,945

1/131/13

1,955

1/141/14

Palm Beach

1/151/15

2,036 1,969

2,033 157,590

158,762

1,957

1/161/16

Palm Beach Broward Broward

2,037 159,670 1,983

1/171/17

2,059

160,514

1,990

98,692

98,067

97,542

96,743

96,085

94,872

93,994

2,018 156,452

347,965

346,090

344,246

341,842

339,434

336,749

334,217

4,622

4,617

4,595

4,561

4,528

4,500

4,472

1/18 1/18

1/19 1/19

Miami Dade Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

1. 21. 20 21 •

11

NEWS NATIONAL

RACHEL LEVINE TAPPED TO BECOME FIRST TRANS SENATE-CONFIRMED OFFICIAL Chris Johnson

Washington Blade

R

achel Levine, the Pennsylvania secretary of health who guided her state through the coronavirus, has been tapped to become assistant secretary for health under the Biden administration, setting her up to become the first openly transgender U.S. Senate-confirmed federal official.

The Biden transition team on Tuesday, coronavirus epidemic. the day before Joe Biden’s inauguration as “Dr. Rachel Levine is a remarkable public president, announced in a statement Levine servant with the knowledge and experience was chosen for the senior health role, to help us contain this pandemic, and which is the No. 3 leadership position at the protect and improve the health and wellDepartment of Health & Human Services. being of the American people,” Harris said.

Biden hailed Levine in a statement “President-elect Biden and I look forward to announcing her nomination, which builds on working with her to meet the unprecedented several openly LGBT appointments, including challenges facing Americans and rebuild our Pete Buttigieg as transportation secretary and country in a way that lifts everyone up.”

Ned Price as State Department spokesperson.

The assistant secretary of health oversees “Dr. Rachel Levine will the department’s key public bring the steady leadership health offices, a number of and essential expertise we presidential and secretarial need to get people through advisory committees, 10 this pandemic — no matter regional health offices across their zip code, race, religion, the nation, and the Office of sexual orientation, gender the Surgeon General and the identity, or disability — and U.S. Public Health Service meet the public health needs Commissioned Corps.

“DR. RACHEL of our country in this critical Biden’s appointment of LEVINE WILL moment and beyond,” Biden Levine represents a stark said. “She is a historic and to the approach to BRING THE STEADY contrast deeply qualified choice to transgender health issues LEADERSHIP help lead our administration’s compared to Trump, whose health efforts.” administration deleted from AND ESSENTIAL No openly transgender U.S. government websites EXPERTISE WE person has ever sought or guidance on transgender NEED TO GET obtained confirmation by the health and rescinded ObamaSenate in U.S. history. In the era regulations under Section PEOPLE THROUGH Obama administration, Dylan 1557 of the Affordable Care Act THIS PANDEMIC.” Orr at the Department of barring discrimination against Labor and Amanda Simpson transgender people in health - Joe Biden at the departments of energy care.

PRESIDENT-ELECT and defense made history as Although speculation had the first openly transgender persisted throughout the 2016 presidential appointees, but their roles didn’t election Levine could be up for a position require Senate approval. Trump, whose at the HHS if Biden won the election, she administration was marked by open hostility downplayed any prospect of leaving her to the transgender community, had no openly position in Pennsylvania. During a conference transgender appointments. call last week hosted by the Center for Vice President-elect Kamala Harris also American Progress, Levine sidestepped a hailed the nomination in a statement, question from the Washington Blade about saying Levine would contribute to the new possibly obtaining an appointment as a administration’s effort to contain the raging senior health official.

12

• 1. 21.2021

Pennsylvania Secretary of Health Rachel Levine has been nominated to become secretary of health.

File photo courtesy of the Office of Governor Tom Wolf.

“I am obviously very busy and really totally consumed with my current position, which is protecting the public health of Pennsylvania in the midst of the biggest global pandemic since 1918,” Levine said. “So, I’ve always been proud and privileged to serve in Gov. Wolf’s administration, and I’m fully committed to my current mission.”

Levine as Pennsylvania secretary of health faced intense hostility from right-wing critics for her health restrictions and forced closures in Pennsylvania amid the coronavirus epidemic, but her policies were similar to those in other jurisdictions. The criticism was largely a manifestation of hostility towards her for being transgender, for which she was also explicitly criticized.

Levine, who was confirmed twice by a Republican-controlled state Senate in Pennsylvania for her role in that state, is also

a professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at the Penn State College of Medicine.

Wolf named her a member of his team in January 2015 as the Physician General of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Levine was named acting secretary of health in July 2017 and confirmed as secretary of health in March 2018.

Amid consternation among LGBT advocates states weren’t collecting data early last year on sexual orientation or gender identity, Levine took the lead and announced in March 2020 her state would begin collecting the data, making Pennsylvania the first state in the country to collect LGBT demographic information on the coronavirus.

The wins by two Democrats in the Georgia run-off, which gave Democrats a narrow majority in the U.S. Senate, significantly bolsters the prospect of Levine’s

NEWS NATIONAL confirmation in the Senate. It takes a simple criticized for leading the way in the Trump majority of senators to confirm presidential administration for allowing anti-LGBT appointments under Senate rules. discrimination in health care.

Annise Parker, CEO of the LGBTQ Victory “I actually had the opportunity to speak Institute, said in a statement the United with [Director] Roger Severino as they States is “fortunate to have Dr. Rachel Levine entered the office to talk with them about nominated for a position so important to LGBTQ medicines, transgender medicine ending this pandemic and her in particular, and the experience on the frontlines importance of continuing the in Pennsylvania will prove interpretation of Section 1557 invaluable as assistant of the ACA, that has under the secretary.”

Obama administration that “Her nomination is included sexual orientation groundbreaking and shows and gender identity and the Biden administration will protected the opportunity choose the most qualified for transgender individuals “DR. LEVINE IS individuals to lead our nation to seek broad medical care,” MAKING HISTORY AND regardless of sexual orientation Levine said. “Unfortunately or gender identity,” Parker they didn’t listen to us.”

WILL TRANSFORM said. “Dr. Levine is making Alphonso David, president AMERICANS’ history and will transform of the Human Rights Americans’ perceptions of Campaign, said in a statement PERCEPTIONS OF trans people when she takes Levine’s nomination TRANS PEOPLE WHEN office and begins to work on represents a real change in SHE TAKES OFFICE their behalf.” the U.S. government approach Levine will likely take her AND BEGINS TO WORK to the coronavirus and LGBT approach as Pennsylvania health issues.

ON THEIR BEHALF.” secretary of state to her new “Dr. Rachel Levine, a highly role at HHS amid high hopes experienced and qualified - Annise Parker the Biden administration will public health leader, has led CEO OF THE LGBTQ VICTORY INSTITUTE take a different approach to Pennsylvania’s public health Trump administration, which response to the COVID-19 was criticized for failures in containing the pandemic superbly,” David said. “At a time coronavirus and the rollout for the vaccine. when access to health care is a growing crisis In the Center for American Progress for transgender people made worse by anticonference call last week, Levine said she LGBTQ legislation and legislators across was hoping for change, including making the the nation, Dr. Levine has the empathy to Office of Conscience & Religious Freedom understand the health needs of our diverse Division “either disbanded or certainly country and the skillset to improve them.” redirected.” The HHS division has been

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1. 21. 20 21 •

13

NEWS LOCAL

AHF CALLS FOR BETTER COORDINATION AND

COMMUNICATION IN COVID RESPONSE AHF’s President, Michael Weinstein, talks to SFGN; blasts Florida’s response so far Denise Royal

M

ore than 1.5 million Floridians have tested positive for COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. More than 24,500 died from the disease. More than one million people have received vaccinations in Florida in recent weeks. The Florida Department of Health reports more than 90,000 people have also received their second vaccine shot, but nearly 41,000 are overdue for that booster.

But getting the vaccine remains challenging. Making an appointment is still chaotic for many people. Attempts to sign up have been plagued by busy phone lines, crashing websites, and a lack of a centralized information center.

Many Floridians are frustrated with the vaccine rollout and what appears to be the lack of an executable plan. Michael Weinstein, president of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), says the leadership should come from the federal government.

“We knew this vaccine was coming,” he

told SFGN. “So why there’s scrambling now is insane.”

In Florida, there is no standard. Florida’s Division of Emergency Management is managing the rollout. Its director, Jared Moskowitz, told state lawmakers he’s planning to roll out a statewide COVID-19 vaccine appointment system. But he and other state officials have left executing Governor DeSantis’ vaccine plans to hospitals and county health departments.

“I think there really ought to be one standard,” Weinstein said. “Then provisions are to be made for flexibility, within that standard. When you’re talking about vaccinating more AHF President Michael Weinstein. Photo via the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Facebook. than 200 million people, we’re not going to get there from here, doing things the way should allow outdoor dining have stopped listening. And even DeSantis we’re doing them now.” to remain open. I think that [Florida’s governor], he’s one who’s most out But that standard remains we should be trying to keep front, and the debacle of him going after that elusive. Right now, there is an the schools open as much as scientist Rebekah Jones, that’s horrible.” unpredictable number of doses possible,” he said. “But on the Weinstein is optimistic that handling the - Michael Weinstein coming into Florida each week other hand, there probably virus and the vaccine will improve with a new PRESIDENT OF AHF from the federal government, shouldn’t be gay circuit parties administration in Washington and adds some as the demand for the vaccine in developing countries.” changes should happen immediately to beat continues to increase. It’s When it comes to back the disease. happening as new COVID-19 cases are also communicating about the virus and the “We need to depoliticize this and take the high. Weinstein says that it should be a matter vaccine, Weinstein says it’s a job best left to egos out of it. We need to speak with one of harm reduction versus abstinence when it the experts, not politicians. voice and allow people to do what’s safe and comes to asking people to comply with safety “Let scientists and doctors speak. Our strongly advocate against the things that are rules. governor [Gavin Newsom] will stand in front not safe,” he said. “The vaccine has to be “People should be encouraged to safely of a lectern for an hour and a half talking. given through thousands of entry points and exercise outdoors,” he said. “Many places And, whether he realizes it or not, people not a handful.”

“WE NEED TO DEPOLITICIZE THIS AND TAKE THE EGOS OUT OF IT.”

A volunteer with AHF stands next to a sign that says, “AIDS: the other pandemic.” Photo via AHF, Facebook.

14

• 1. 21.2021

Fourteen Years Serving the CommUNITY

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1. 21. 20 21 •

15

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

THE DAWN OF A NEW DAY Photos via PxHere.

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

Well, Donald Trump got to build his wall after all. Unfortunately, it was in Washington, D.C. The man who has spent four years methodically destroying America has been finally dispatched from the office he corrupted and disgraced.

He wanted to be first, and he was in so many ways.

More Americans lost their lives to a pandemic he mismanaged than any president in a century.

More Americans lost their jobs under his administration than any other.

More civil unrest occurred with him as commander-in-chief than any time in the last 50 years.

No American president ever tried so hard to sabotage the First Amendment and a free press.

It is a very special week for the South Florida Gay News. We celebrate our 11th anniversary. We outlasted Donald the Despicable, and we never let up on exposing his hate.

No modern American president ever treated the LGBT community with less respect.

No American president ever appointed less qualified judges to offices.

No American president ever so antagonized our allies on the world stage.

No American president ever so sucked up to dictatorial leaders worldwide.

No American president ever so coddled white supremacists, neo-Nazis, and hatemongers.

No American president so divided our nation or jeopardized the peaceful transition of power.

No ever president ever so lowered the dignity of the office, lied as often, or exhibited less class or grace.

No American president ever left Washington with the National Guard putting

up barbed wire in the Capitol.

Most presidents leave to a 21-gun salute.

He left stealing Lincoln busts from the White House.

Trump’s cult of followers will flame out slowly over time. The Proud Boys will go back to their dark closets and the racists to the shadows where they belong.

They will find hate somewhere, but it won’t be in the White House or the Capitol Building anymore. The nightmare is over.

Dark clouds are lifting. The sun is rising.

We will be picking up the shattered pieces of a democracy sabotaged. It’s not just a new administration. It’s a rescue operation.

When the new Attorney General sworn in, his foremost task will be to prosecute the corruption, malfeasance and negligence of the last four years. There will be plenty of cleaning up for him to do.

We can all feel safer knowing our president is not being counseled by a host of charlatans, like Mr. Pillow guy.

We won’t be told that a virus which has taken 400,000 lives was a leftwing hoax.

A pandemic will be effectively addressed.

Vaccines will be distributed.

Science will be respected.

Doctors will be honored.

We will have a president who speaks in complete sentences not populated with fourletter words.

We will have a free press that is respected and revered for reporting the news faithfully, not accosted for it.

We will have federal agencies that ensure regulations are followed, not ignored.

We will have schools that promote diversity.

Once again, we will have artists and educators heard in the White House.

We will have our national parks restored, not auctioned off to the highest bidder.

We will have the voices of the LGBTQ

“DRESS WARM TOMORROW,” I WAS TOLD ON TUESDAY NIGHT, “IT WILL BE MINUS 45.” A PLAY ON WORDS, BUT EVER SO TRUE.

16

• 1. 21.2021

community respected and protected again, instead of sabotaged and sucker punched.

We will have AIDS advocates heard in the White House again.

We will have a nation of immigrants embraced rather than exiled. DACA recipients will find their path to citizenship is not held hostage.

We will have children in playgrounds instead of cages.

We will have federal courts balanced; a judiciary appointed based on legal accomplishments rather than religious beliefs or political allegiances.

We will have a president respected on the world stage as a global leader rather than as a classless clown.

America will not be a perfect union, but at least we will be moving again towards one.

There is relief. We have survived the calamity and chaos, the tumult and terror that Donald Trump brought us.

You and I though, every one of our readers, celebrate today the first day of an America restored, a people united in hope, rather than divided by hate.

“A republic,” Benjamin Franklin said, “if you can keep it.”

Don’t just kick your feet up on the sand and forget what we have been through. There are always miles to go before we sleep.

Keep Stacey Abrams busy. What we won today we will have to protect tomorrow. But for now, breathe again. Sing the words of Gordon McRae in “Oklahoma:” Oh, what a beautiful morning. Oh, what a beautiful day.

It is morning in America.

CONVICTIONS

Don’t miss a

Editorial Cartoon

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17

PA L M B E A C H

UNDETERRED AND UNDAUNTED

c o lu m n

ROOSTER’S, A LONGTIME WEST PALM BEACH LGBT BAR, IS DETERMINED TO REBUILD ITS BUSINESS AFTER A FIRE DESTROYED ITS BUILDING LAST YEAR Damon Scott

IT WAS A CASE OF ADDING INSULT TO INJURY FOR WEST PALM BEACH’S ICONIC LGBT BAR ON BELVEDERE ROAD — H.G. ROOSTER’S. FIRST CAME THE PANDEMIC, WHICH STRUCK THE BAR INDUSTRY FAST AND HARD IN MARCH. THEN, FOR ROOSTER’S OWNER A.J. WASSON, IT WAS A 2 A.M. CALL FROM HIS MANAGER DAVID ZEN IN LATE MAY. ROOSTER’S WAS ON FIRE. An accidental blaze destroyed the People have mailed donations with kitchen and parts of the roof. A closer supportive notes — even those who said look revealed extensive smoke and water they’d never been to the bar. damage throughout the 2,700 square foot In June, a gathering was organized by building — more than $500,000 worth. On Wasson’s friend and Rooster’s customer, top of that, the bar’s insurance policy had Chris Rhoades, at West Palm’s Petanque just lapsed in April.

Kitchen & Bar. More recently, illegal dumping started After Wasson and his staff took food to happening on the Rooster’s property. the firefighters who had helped extinguish Wasson said he’s been fined more than the blaze, he got a check for $9,000 from $1,000 and will likely have the West Palm Beach to fence in his parking lot, Firefighters Association. costing thousands more.

In July the firefighters had On Jan. 28 in Surely no one would have an oversized rainbowWilton Manors, blamed Wasson for throwing colored check made for a in the towel. But he said he’s ceremony at the station.

Johnsons will never considered it.

Meanwhile Earl and hold a fundraiser Wasson applied for Nancy Stewart, who are the federal government’s well-known for their for Rooster’s PPP (Paycheck Protection Toyota dealerships, with a silent Program) loan to help keep donated $10,000. his staff of eight afloat.

In all, Wasson said auction of items His entertainment director, $70,000 (and counting) donated by local Melissa St. John, quickly set has been donated by up a GoFundMe page — “We the community to help businesses.

Are Roosters.” More than rebuild.

330 people have donated “All the employees almost $59,000 of a $100,000 goal though are doing well, we’re a tight knit group of donations have considerably slowed down people,” Wasson said. “The other local bars to the page in recent months. have really stepped up and helped, too.”

The community at large has done even Penny’s at the Duke in Lantana has been more for Rooster’s — a place where people hosting a “Rooster’s Night” on Saturday by have congregated since 1984. Customers allowing drag queens and bartenders to describe it as the heart and soul of the come and work. Similarly, the Mad Hatter LGBT community in the Palm Beaches — a in Lake Worth Beach has a Rooster’s Night lifesaver for many over the years. on Thursdays.

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• 1. 21.2021

Rooster’s regular Marita Campbell drops off toys at Lee Edmondson’s salon Sheers.

Photo courtesy of A.J. Wasson.

On Jan. 28 in Wilton Manors, Johnsons will hold a fundraiser for Rooster’s with a silent auction of items donated by local businesses.

Rooster’s has still kept its charity work intact, too. Regular Lee Edmondson coordinated the annual “Toys for Tots” drive through his salon and other gay bars in West Palm as drop off points.

Before the election the bar converted its website into a voter registration and turnout site.

Wasson said city and county officials have stepped up with support as well — which has helped with the permitting process and other hurdles.

Architectural plans are nearing an end, Wasson said. Once final plans are submitted the small business loan process kicks into gear.

“It’s been a slow, arduous process,” he said.

He expects the architecture firm to be done with its plans in the next month or two. At that point final permitting can wrap up and construction can begin.

Wasson said when Rooster’s reopens; customers can expect some changes — but the bar will still look familiar. He said the size wouldn’t be significantly changed when it reopens, but there will be some nice surprises.

Wasson said it’s possible he’ll be able to open sometime in the summer, but that his ultimate goal is to be open by the end of September — which will mark Rooster’s 37th anniversary.

“We’re still holding it all together and looking forward to the future.

When you own a business you feel responsible for your employees and family,” Wasson said. “The building on Belvedere Road is nothing without them.”

Find Rooster’s on Facebook by searching “HGRoosters.”

. ..

S L A I R T S S E L T N U O C F O R A E Y A S A W 0 2 0 2

.

R A F S I H T E M O C Y D A E

R L A E V ’ E BUT W

YEAR 11ANNIVERSARY

SFGN takes a look back at eleven years of success.

1. 21. 20 21 •

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11

YEARS

M

F F A T S S ’ N G EET SF

Justin Wyse

Jason Parsley

Brendon Lies

Sales Manager

Executive Editor

Art Director

Anthony KimberlyPennetti Swan

Advertising Senior Correspondent Sales Assoc.

Mark Turnipseed

Brian McNaught

Lifestyle Columnist

Gregg Shapiro

Features Correspondent

20

Anthony Steve Rothaus Pennetti

Advertising Webmaster Sales Assoc.

• 1. 21.2021

Christiana Lilly

Edwin Neimann

Social Media Director

Senior Advertising Assoc.

John McDonald Senior Features

Senior Features

Senior Correspondent

Denise Royal

Kendall Little News Features

International Features

Rick Karlin

Sean McShee

Jesse Monteagudo

J.W. Arnold

Food/Travel Editor

HIV Editor

Senior Features

Avraham Forrest

A&E Editor

Carina Mask Photographer

Elliot Rodriguez

Celebrity Coverage

Damon Scott

Features Correspondent

J.R. Davis

Senior Photographer

Screamer

H.R. Department

Noah Lebel

Distribution Services

11

YEARS

F O S R A E Y N E V E L E N O K C A B K O O L A H T I W Y C A G E L S T ORS I

S W E N C I R O T S HI

SFGN HON

2010: FIRST-EVER ISSUE OF SFGN

2014:

2011:

SFGN Staff

SUPREME SURPRISE

THE PINK SWAZTIKA THEORY

2015: 2013:

A GOOD MAN

SEPARATE BUT EQUAL

2012:

A LUST TO BUST

2016:

HATE TRUMPS LOVE

2017:

FOUNDING DADDY

2018: AGAIN

(PARKLAND SHOOTING)

2019:

MAYOR PETE, THE GAY CANDIDATE

2020: BLACK LIVES MATTER 1. 21. 20 21 •

21

11

100th Issue

First ‘A Day in LGBT South Florida’

December 28, 2011

YEARS

December 2012

First Issue January 25, 2010

Justin Wyse

hired as a sales associate. He is currently the Sales Manager.

April 2012

SFGN.com The Magazine June 2011

Launch of the Guide June 2012

2009

2010

2011

2012

First Best Of

Cafe Vico

SOUTHFLO

Dec. 2011

Week of Thanksgiving 2009

Norm Kent and Pier Angelo meet to discuss launching a brand new LGBT newspaper in South Florida

Jason Parsley

hired as its managing editor. He is now the Executive Editor.

February 2011

Launch of The Mirror January 2012

SFGN.com The Magazine is rebranded as The Mirror.

22

• 1. 21.2021

2013

Lau New

Februa

Launch of New Website

h

March 2013

Launch of the Gazette

SFGN

TIMELINE

August 6, 2014

SFGN launches its twice monthly supplement, the Wilton Manors Gazette, that will cover all things in Wilton Manors including the city government.

SFGN Staff

First Out50 February 2014

2014

New Front Page Design

SFGN celebrates 10 years

August 19, 2015

January 25, 2020

2015

2019

2020

500th Issue August 21, 2019

ORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

unch of w Logo

ary 20, 2013

Brendon Lies hired as the Art Director.

July 3, 2014

Launch of The Norm Kent Show September 16, 2019

1. 21. 20 21 •

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11

YEARS

SFGN Staff

E N I Z A G A M S ’ N G F S H IT W S R A E Y L U F S S E C C U YS N A M R U O T A K O O L TAKE A

R O R R I M THE

2012: FIRST ISSUE OF THE MIRROR

2013:

2014:

2015:

2016:

OUR NEXT JOURNEY: TRAVEL ISSUE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ISSUE

MUSICIAN STEVE GRAND FEATURE

DAN SAVAGE TALKS CONTROVERSY

2017: TRAVEL & MARRIAGE EDITION 24

• 1. 21.2021

2018:

THE REEL LIFE OF FREDDIE MERCURY

2019:

POWER AND PRIDE: 2019 A&E ISSUE

2020: A WORLD UNITED

S O U T H

COMING SOON

F L O R I D A

G A Y

N E W S

A SPECIAL EDITION FOR THE HEROES...

DOCTORS & LAWYERS

KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR A RED STAND NEAR YOU! 1. 21. 20 21 •

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11

YEARS

E N I N P O T S ’ N G F A LOOK BACK AT S

S R E V O C G N I K A E R B 2020 SFGN Staff

MARCH 4: For Wilton Manors, the worst news of 2020 came early. The city’s beloved Mayor Justin Flippen died unexpectedly in March, leaving a wound in the community that will never truly heal.

FEB. 19: Although he would ultimately not win the nomination, Pete Buttigieg’s bid for president was a historic victory for the LGBT community — proving that there is no longer any office where we are not welcome.

FEB. 26: Not everything in 2020 was a disaster. SFGN featured, among many other charming things, an empowerment conference for women to learn about the benefits of marijuana.

26

• 1. 21.2021

APRIL 8: In March, COVID-19 officially hit Florida.

By April, a record number of people were unemployed, but the community showed incredible courage by helping others in need.

JUNE 4: After the murder of George Floyd by police in Minneapolis, a powerful Black Lives Matter movement swept the world.

To show solidarity and help to raise awareness, SFGN published the name of every known unarmed Black person to had been killed by police on the cover.

JULY 16:

By July, an alarming number of people had begun to reject the safety recommendations of health organizations around the world to wear a mask and practice social distancing.

SEPT. 10: As the COVID-19 pandemic continued, LGBT organizations such as local pride centers struggled to adjust to a new world of virtually-hosted events.

OCT. 29: SFGN joined many other publications around the country in encouraging its readers to vote. This year, due to the pandemic, voters were encouraged to vote by mail.

NOV. 5: Despite holding many red states — including Florida itself — Donald Trump lost the presidential race to Joe Biden.

1. 21. 20 21 •

27

Matt Colunga, Wyoming Johnsons

Mark Hunter, Maryland Hunters Nightclub

Jimmy Cohen, Tennessee Jimmy Cohen’s Day Spa

Misty Eyez, Alaska Christian Gemignani, Conn.

Sun Serve

Casey Koslowski, Wisconsin Grand Resort and Spa

David Jobin, Ohio Our Fund

Brittany Wallman, Iowa Sun Sentinel Journalist

Michael Kahane, AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Mark Segal, New York Publisher, Philadelphia Gay News

Lee Rubin, Pennsylvania Citrix Systems

Gordon Weekes, Florida Broward County Public Defender

Rod Stafford Hagwood, Virginia Sun Sentinel

Andy Rogow, Illinois The Island City Stage

Mark Ketchum, Tiffany Arieagus, Georgia Sun Serve

Rafael Olmeda, NY Sun Sentinel Journalist

Julie Carson, Wisconsin Former Wilton Manors Commissioner

Steve Greenberg LGBTQ Freedom Fund

Glen Weinzimer, Pennsylvania Smart Ride

28

• 1. 21.2021

Live streaming • wwnnradio.com

1470 AM

95.3 FM

Afternoon Drive... local and LIVE.

4-5 P.M. MONDAY - FRIDAY

NORM KENT RAW

John Castelli, Illinois Amy Marzotti Castelli Real Estate Services

Row Eliescu, Canada Equality Florida

Mark Kent, Michael Valdez, James Smith, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida

Jeff Sterling, Indiana Wilton Manors Entertainment Group

Brandon Wolf, Oregon Equality Florida Media Director

J.W. Arnold, Missouri SFGN

Howard Finkelstein, Florida Broward County Public Defender

David Goldyn, Ellie Moss Theatrical Group

Richard Vitale, Adrian Vargas, AHF Impulse

In Memoriam Jorge Rodriguez

Ronnie Larsen, California Wilton Manors Theater Factory

Michael Mayo Sun Sentinel Food Critic

Dr. Howard Cunningham, New York Oakland Park Dental

In Memoriam Justin Flippen

Sarahnell Murphy, Broward County State Attorney

Mitch Caesar, Former Supervisor of Elections

Joseph La Praeda, Parker Smith Pallant Insurance Associates

Scott Israel, Former Sheriff, Broward County

Live streaming • wwnnradio.com hear past shows at www.normkentshow.com

MEET SOME OF OUR GUESTS Recognize any of these faces?

One of them could be you!

My thanks to all of you.

May you have a bountiful new year.

- Norm Kent PUBLISHER, SFGN

facebook.com/normkentshow

1. 21. 20 21 •

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11

YEARS

0 1 P O T ES OF

STORI

TRIBUTE TO MAYOR JUSTIN FLIPPEN

0 2 0 2 SFGN Staff

1

By Jason Parsley

Former Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen died of a brain aneurysm while en route to his City Commission meeting Feb. 25, 2020. He was 41. SFGN asked Julie Carson, his friend and fellow commissioner to write a tribute.

30

• 1. 21.2021

GEORGE CASTRATARO ARRESTED

ACCUSED OF STEALING $625,000 FROM CLIENTS

By Julie Carson

Only 10 months have passed since the death of my friend Justin Flippen, and the pain is still very real. I often ask for the strength to live as Justin lived — authentically, bold and loud, quiet and tender, doing justice, and walking humbly as he did throughout the journey of his life.

Justin was a man of integrity with a clear goodness of conscience.

He was someone who could just as easily bow his head in prayer in the sanctuary of his Church or under the umbrella of trees in a favorite National Park.

He was a “thumbs up” kinda guy who shared words of encouragement, bear hugs, telephone calls, and a deep love and respect for family and friends. Justin was a consensus builder, a gatherer, and a man of deep faith whose commitment to tikkun olam or healing the world through daily acts of kindness, which was an obligation he took seriously. His passion for public service was contagious.

As mayor, Justin could be a bit pedantic. He was fond of all words that end in -ate — articulate, matriculate, subrogate, mitigate, propagate, stipulate, litigate, populate, irrigate. We shared a love for writing, good sentence structure, proper grammar and correct punctuation. From the dais, we had a measure of competition among us — who could find the misspelled word in 400 pages of Commission Agenda Backup? Was there a comma fault on page 10, third line, after fifth word? Is it effect or affect? His efforts were not to be difficult, but rather, to ensure the record was correct, clear and accurate. Just like he lived his life.

We shared common goals about the importance of including children and their families in the richness of life in Wilton Manors. I am especially grateful for his initiative in creating the Harvey Milk Book Reading which demonstrated his love for children, education and weaving the fabric of equality into the lives of our youngest residents.

Justin took his principal of investment a step further when he initiated the “I Led the Pledge” program so youth could get a first-hand civics lesson by leading the Commission in the Pledge of Allegiance and learning about city government.

2

Former Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen. Photo via Twitter.

Another pillar of his work was his launch of Women’s History Month where the mayor and each commissioner have the opportunity to appoint a woman of significance to honor during the month of March. In 2020, in tribute to Justin, my honoree was his mother, Stephanie Flippen. These are just a few of the ways that Justin worked to welcome all into the fold of the Wilton Manors family.

Over the years, Justin and I had developed a powerful friendship that brought me great joy. As a colleague, I had the pleasure of being by his side and working collaboratively on policies and ordinances that brought stability, structure and fiscal health to the Island City.

I invite you to take a moment to remember that most of our important and meaningful memories, those impactful times in our lives happen in the space, in the pause, in the recess and in the stillness that exist between the fast pace of the world in which we live and the time we spend in the company of those, like Justin, who make our lives richer.

Today, Justin’s memory is flourishing and his legacy is strong. The “Pledge” program continues, artistic sculptures and stunning murals are being installed on Wilton Drive, an ordinance to increase height and density in the Transit Oriented Corridors has passed first reading, plans for a hotel are underway, and soon the Mayor Justin Flippen Park will be dedicated!

May the memory of the People’s Mayor, Justin Flippen, be for a blessing.

When noted attorney, activist and former candidate for the Fort Lauderdale City Commission was arrested in June for allegedly stealing $625,000 from his clients it shocked the local LGBT community.

Castrataro was charged with grand theft and fraud.

The next hearing is set for March 22. He remains out on bond.

Two months prior to his arrest, the Supreme Court of Florida suspended Castrataro from practicing law.

One of Castrataro’s victims, Donna Nunes, spoke extensively to SFGN. She hired Castrataro in March of 2019 to handle her brother’s estate after he died.

Nunes accused Castrataro of feeding her one excuse after another on why he wasn’t transferring her brother’s money to her.

“That dirty dog,” he said. “He embezzled our money.”

Nunes said Castrataro owes her family $93,700.

At one point, she says, he even claimed the post office had lost her check in the mail.

“It is such a shame,” the Fremont, California resident said. “Florida has so many different crooks.”

George Castrataro. Photo via the BSO.

6

3 A group poses during “Stonewall Beach.” Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

5

POMPANO BEACH RESIDENTS PROCLAIM NEW GAY BEACH IN CITY

Roy Rollins. Courtesy photo.

By Jason Parsley Elijah Manley. Photo via Facebook.

Pompano Beach is fast becoming a new gay hotspot as SFGN reported last year with some members of the community proclaiming a new “gay” beach in the city, even holding a dedication ceremony in June.

“It’s been slowly gaining a nice following. We’ll see in the next couple months how it goes with snowbirds and the virus,” said Anthony Kulp, the main driver behind the new beach. “With the parking lot at Sabastian being closed shortly for the construction of a high rise, that should greatly increase the amount of people who go to Stonewall Beach.”

4

QUEER BLACK ACTIVIST DROPS CHARGES IN WILTON MANORS ATTACK

By John McDonald

David Kitchen. Photo via Facebook.

DAVID KITCHEN DIES AT 33

By Sallie James

Thoughtful, charismatic and charming. A bartender with a passion for politics who possessed a gift for making others feel heard. That’s how those who knew David Kitchen describe the Wilton Manors man who touched so many lives.

Kitchen died Aug. 10 of complications related to liver disease at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood. He was 33. He was the communications director for then-candidate Scott Newton, now mayor of Wilton Manors, “We are just completely devastated,” mother Donna Kempf told SFGN at the time. Kitchen’s death was unexpected.

“He was smart, a joker and he loved life,” his partner Felix Rivera said at the time.

Kitchen most recently worked as a server at Coconuts in Fort Lauderdale, and had previously worked as a bartender at Rosie’s Bar & Grill in Wilton Manors. But he always had his hand in politics.

“Politics was his passion,” Newton said at the time. “I liked his attitude and energy. He was a very kind person who didn’t mind giving up his time.”

Kitchen was born on May 30, 1987, in Mesa, Arizona. He was a preemie who turned out to be the biggest and tallest of his two siblings. He graduated from high school in 11th grade, and attended Arizona State University on a full scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree in political law, said Donna Kempf.

It was quite a year for Elijah Manley.

Manley campaigned for the Florida House of Representatives, challenging incumbent Rep. Bobby DuBose for the District 94 seat. The 21-year-old eventually lost to DuBose in the Democratic primary, but received nearly 9,000 votes for a 30% showing.

Campaigning during a pandemic is not easy and Manley — who identifies as queer, Black and Jewish — also had to deal with a frightening encounter while canvassing one day in Wilton Manors. Manley was attacked by what police described as a foul-mouthed and inebriated man as they delivered door hangers in an apartment complex.

Manley told SFGN they have decided to drop charges against the man.

“I have decided not to file any charges with the State Attorney’s Office,” Manley said. “I’ll be following up with their office to see if we could get the individual anger management and substance abuse treatment.”

Manley campaigned under the Bernie Sanders wing of the Democratic party and is practicing the socialist’s ideology when it comes to jail and prison sentences.

“Being behind bars isn’t likely to change his behavior towards others or fix any of his problems,” Manley said.

The Florida House campaign was Manley’s third campaign for public office. His campaign for Broward school board — following the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland — received 43,009 votes and drew the attention of safety and education advocates.

‘MAYOR OF SEBASTIAN BEACH’ ROY ROLLINS DIES OF COVID-19

By Jason Parsley

Two of Roy Rollins’ favorite past times were the beach and the bars. According to friends he loved the sun, and he loved his drinks. Rollins’ friends also remember his unwavering kindness and generosity.

Rollins died from COVID-19 on April 17. He was 65.

“He lived on the beach,” close friend Jeff Riley said at the time. “The sun and the beach were his life.”

So much so that some people knew him as the “Mayor of Sebastian Beach.”

Rollins was a well-known fixture in the nightlife of Wilton Manors, as well as in the LGBT community of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

“Roy was just one of a kind,” Riley said. “He was probably the kindest and most generous person you would ever come across. He did anything and everything he could for his friends, family, strangers.”

Rollins was born in Poquoson, Virginia. He moved to Fort Lauderdale from the Norfolk, Virginia area where he co-owned Norfolk Florist and Gifts and sponsored a local gay softball team. He started in the floral industry when he was just 16 years old as a delivery driver.

When the leaders of the LGBT community center in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware embarked on an expansion project to purchase and renovate a building in downtown they launched founders’ circle to raise the funds. Rollins was a member of that early effort.

“Roy was a part of the Rehoboth Beach community for many years, and yes, he was an early supporter of CAMP Rehoboth,” Murray Archibald said at the time. “Roy was also a longtime supporter of [our] largest fundraising event.”

Turn the page to continue reading. 

1. 21. 20 21 •

31

7

LOG CABIN REPUBS RAIL AGAINST MUSLIMS, SOCIALISM AT WILTON MANORS RALLY

SINCE ORGANIZERS FORGOT TO CHARGE THE BATTERY ON THE SOUND SYSTEM AND COUNTER PROTESTERS WERE SHOUTING AND USING A BULLHORN, MOST OF BRETT’S SPEECH WAS UNINTELLIGIBLE.

By Jason Parsley

In January of 2020 the Broward County Log Cabin Republicans held a rally in front of Wilton Manors City Hall with their president Andrew Brett railing against muslims, then President Trump’s first impeachment, and several U.S. House Representatives.

About 12 people showed up in support of the organization, while three dozen counter protesters 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.”

Since organizers forgot to charge the battery on the sound system and counter protesters were shouting and using a bullhorn, most of Brett’s speech was unintelligible. SFGN had to request a written copy of it.

“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,” said protester Michael Rajner at the time. “He’s appointed some terrible judges that are 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.”

8

9

SFGN file photo.

10

SOUTH BEACH LOSES ITS QUEEN TO COVID-19

By Jason Parsley

Scott Israel directs traffic at a drive-thru grocery distribution on April 18. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

COVID-19 CASES SURGE IN WILTON MANORS AND OAKLAND PARK

By SFGN Staff

The pandemic consumed much of the media, especially in its early months and SFGN was no exception. For months SFGN reported on the pandemic weekly numbers in Wilton Manors and Oakland Park. The number of cases in Wilton Manors has reached 791 and 2,115 in Oakland Park.

Thankfully hope is on the horizon with the rollout of the vaccine, but even so the White House recently warned, according to the Tampa Bay Times, Florida will see “significant fatalities for many weeks” as the state faces a full resurgence of the virus.

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• 1. 21.2021

Henrietta Robinson reigned supreme in Miami Beach for over six decades.

She was a known fixture in the nightlife community especially at Twist where she spent many nights.

She died April 3 from COVID-19 at Mount Sinai Medical Center. She was 79.

“She was a bright light for South Beach,” her close friend Joey Alaimo said at the time. “She was beloved by the public.”

Over the years, depending on who you asked, she was known as the Mother, the Queen, the Grand Dame, the Grand Lady, of South Beach and/ or Miami Beach.

Robinson was in the hospital for a routine surgery when she contracted the coronavirus.

“It was like a slap in the face. She recovered from so much last year,” Alaimo said.

In 2019, while in the hospital, her heart stopped twice and she had to be revived. She also had hip replacement surgery. But she bounced back and made a full recovery. She even went back to cleaning houses, a job she had done for decades.

There didn’t seem to be anything that could stop her or slow her down — even at 79.

In March she was in the hospital again for a routine surgery.

In the following days during her recovery she developed a lung infection and her health rapidly declined.

Robinson was born in Akron, Ohio and grew up in Milton, Massachusetts. In 1959 she moved to Miami Beach where she decided to live her life openly as a Henrietta Robinson. Courtesy photo. woman.

Yunieski Carey Herrera. Photo via Facebook.

LOCAL TRANS WOMAN KILLED BY HER HUSBAND IN MIDDLE OF TRANSGENDER AWARENESS WEEK

By Christiana Lilly

A Miami man was arrested in November for killing his wife, transgender activist and beauty queen Yunieski Carey Herrera. Her murder happened in the middle of Transgender Awareness Week.

According to Local 10, Ygor Arrudasouza said he was under the influence of meth when he stabbed Herrera with a fork and knife.

She allegedly told him that she had a better man, and in a fit of rage, he killed her. After calling the police, he was arrested and charged with second-degree murder with a weapon and aggravated battery.

Arrudasouza pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Currently the trial is set for February.

11

N E H T , S W E N E H T S K A E SFGN BR

YEARS

B

S D R A W A E H T T U O S K REA SFGN Staff

W

e don’t write for the awards, but every now and then South Florida Gay News pits its stories, designs and features against other publications to see how well we’re doing. It turns out there’s no shortage of excellence at SFGN. Statewide SFGN has brought home 41 awards. In the Society of Professional Journalists’ Sunshine State Awards, SFGN carried off 15 winning places, while in the Florida Press Club Excellence in Journalism Competition, we’ve collected 25 placements. Lastly In the Florida Press Association, SFGN has won one award.

Regionally SFGN has won one award from the Green Eyeshades contest.

Finally our crowning achievement has been in the Sigma Delta Chi awards, a national contest, where we won first place in Non-Deadline Reporting in 2018.

FLORIDA SPJ SUNSHINE STATE AWARDS, 1ST PLACE 2014

COMMENTARY & CRITICISM — ARTS

J.W. Arnold, Dance, Theater and Opera Reviews, South Florida Gay News

FLORIDA PRESS CLUB, 1ST PLACE 2011

COMMUNITY NEWS

Jason Parsley, South Florida Gay News 2012

BEAT REPORTING — MINORITY ISSUES

Christiana Lilly, Christiana Lilly’s LGBT Reporting, South Florida Gay News BEST SINGLE ISSUE

COMMUNITY NEWS WRITING

2014

Regina Kaza, Mandi Hawke Raises Awareness for LGBT Youth with Her Life Story, South Florida Gay News PROFILE REPORTING

Christiana Lilly, The Real Doogie Howser: At 16 Jack Andraka Invented a New Way to Detect Pancreatic Cancer,

Mirror Magazine

STUDENT

2015

Dylan Bouscher, Trans Student at FAU to bring LBT Sorority to Boca Raton Campus, South Florida Gay News 2016

BEST NEWS STORY (LOW FREQUENCY)

Jillian Melero, Will Marriage Equality in Florida Render Domestic Partnership Obsolete, South Florida Gay News BEST COVERAGE OF LGBT ISSUES

Jillian Melero, Transgender Day of Remembrance 2015, South Florida Gay News

HEALTH WRITING

Jason Parsley, South Florida Gay News MINORITY WRITING

Jason Parsley, South Florida Gay News 2017

Jason Parsley, South Florida Gay News

Jason Parsley, The Mirror, Fall 2013 STUDENT — BEST PROFILE — LOW-FREQUENCY PAPERS

2015

WRITING — MINORITY REPORTING

ILLUSTRATION — INFO-GRAPHIC PRESENTATION

Brendon Lies, South Florida Gay News

Nicole Wiesenthal, South Florida Gay News

WRITING — RELIGION

Christiana Lilly, South Florida Gay News

2018

WRITING, GENERAL NEWS

Jason Parsley, South Florida Gay News WRITING, MINORITY REPORTING, CLASS C-D

Jason Parsley, South Florida Gay News

SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS, NATIONAL 2018 SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD NON-DEADLINE REPORTING

Jason Parsley and Damon Scott, Sex Predator at the Pride Center 1. 21. 20 21 •

33

Jesse’s Journal

CONVICTIONS

GHOSTS, SPACE ALIENS AND MONSTERS Jesse Monteagudo

A

nyone familiar with cable television programs knows that Americans love the occult. Series like “Ancient Aliens,” “Finding Bigfoot,” “Haunted History,” “MonsterQuest” and “Most Terrifying Places in America” are more popular than shows about Adolf Hitler, real housewives or tiger kings.

The fact that the objects of the search are never found does not matter. Ghosts, space aliens and monsters continue to dominate our imagination, whether they are real or not.

As a lifelong student of the occult, I admit that shows about ghosts, space aliens and monsters are a guilty pleasure of mine, along with DC Comics and chips ‘n’ salsa. This does not mean that I believe in them. Take ghosts for instance. Many people believe that death is not THE END, and that a person’s soul or spirit travels to another realm after their body’s demise. (Here I am an agnostic, though I hope the believers are right.)

From that comes the belief that many souls, whose bodies died abruptly or violently, remain at or near the site of their deaths, seeking closure. Though I do not believe in ghosts, I know some people who do.

In fact, I once had a roommate who claimed that the ghost of my late partner, Michael Greenspan, haunted his bedroom. I investigated the matter, found nothing amiss, and threw out my roommate. Still, I enjoy watching programs where ghost hunters investigate “haunted houses” in search of a “presence.”

Space aliens, or unidentified flying objects (UFOs), have stirred our imagination since the 1940s. They are not as farfetched as they seem. We could argue that, in a universe that is as vast as ours, intelligent life is not limited to our planet Earth. We could further argue that, if there is intelligent life elsewhere, those beings could have developed a form of space travel that is more advanced than ours.

Furthermore, if their curiosity is as advanced as their technology, it is not inconceivable for them to have visited us, if only to see what is going on around here. This does not mean that space aliens came over in ancient times and helped us built the Pyramids in Egypt or Machu Picchu in

THE FACT THAT THE OBJECTS OF THE SEARCH ARE NEVER FOUND DOES NOT MATTER.

34

• 1. 21.2021

Photo via PxHere.

Peru, no matter what “Chariots of the Gods” or its television offspring, “Ancient Aliens,” might say.

The dictionary defines cryptozoology as “the search for and study of animals whose existence or survival is disputed or unsubstantiated.”

Today’s cryptozoology might be tomorrow’s hard science as new species are discovered every year. Still, some cryptids’ existence remains in doubt. If such creatures are large or deadly, we call them monsters, and here our fascination is tinged with fear.

The most famous of these “monsters” are the Bigfoot or

Sasquatch of North America, along with their Asian cousins, the Yeti. In this case I am a believer. Though I have never seen a Sasquatch, I do not doubt that a population of giant apes, descended from Gigantopithecus, roams the forests of the Pacific Northwest and, perhaps, other places.

On the other hand, no science is as fraught with hoax as the study of Sasquatch. Many so-called “Bigfoot” sightings turn out to be bears, men in costumers or figments of someone’s imagination. Sadly, no photo or video of a Sasquatch is clear or conclusive, even the famous Patterson-Gimlin film (1967).

Only the capture of a Sasquatch’s body, living or dead, will prove to the world, once and for all, that this creature is real.

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

DUE TO COVID-19, CLERGY ASK THAT YOU STAY SAFE AT HOME. PLEASE WATCH SERVICES ON FACEBOOK AND/OR ONLINE. FIND DETAILS ON HOW TO WATCH ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES AND WEBSITES. THANK YOU AND BE WELL!

Shabbat service Friday 8pm on our YouTube channel Congregation Etz Chaim

2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus www.EtzChaimFlorida.org / RSVP HERE: info@etzchaimflorida.org

Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 s. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www,churchofoursaviormcc.org

SPIRITUALITY

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

Until further notice: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our worship services are streamed on Facebook Live every Sunday at 10 AM, rather than held at our church property. https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing.

“Love without judgement” Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. 33305 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org

954-633-2987

A home for your spirit.

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

DRIVE-THRU TESTING SITE AT

LISTINGS 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

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM TEMPLE BAT YAM 5151 NE 14th Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-928-0410 Friday Night & Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org

HOLIDAY PARK Near the War Memorial in Fort Lauderdale Open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Monday

COVID-19 RAPID TESTING Available to individuals of all ages, regardless of symptoms.

Rapid tests are typically available within an hour.

PCR tests remain available upon request.

Appointments not available, Drive-thru only

A public service message from SFGN 1. 21. 20 21 •

35

LIFESTYLE photos

A DIRTY LOOK AT FLIP FLOPS’ MONTHLY

DOCKSIDE T-DANCE ON SUNDAY, JAN. 3 FROM 2-6 P.M., FLIP FLOPS DOCKSIDE EATERY HOSTED FORT LAUDERDALE’S “ONLY T-DANCE ON THE INTRACOASTAL” WITH HOT LOCAL CELEBRITIES LIKE TP LORDS, SASHA LORDS, DIVA KINGSLEY AND SHARDE L. ROSS. DJ JOSH ATOM HOSTED FOR THE NIGHT, BRINGING MUSIC TO A CROWD THAT WENT WILD — FROM A SAFE DISTANCE, OF COURSE.

Photos by J.R. Davis

Sharde L. Ross.

Embark Vodka Rep. TJ with Flip Flops owner Michael.

Victor Lords, TP Lords and DJ Sushiman

Barmen Sean, Ivan and Bryon.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS ON FACEBOOK. 36

• 1. 21.2021

LIFESTYLE FOOD

COMINGS AND GOINGS SOME RESTAURANT NEWS Rick Karlin

T

o paraphrase that great philosopher, Dorothy Gale, “Things come and go so quickly here.” In the six years that I’ve been covering dining in South Florida for SFGN, I have reviewed numerous restaurants in the same location.

The global pandemic has only added to the attrition rate. A National Restaurant Association survey released last month offered a grim dose of reality: almost 17% of all the nation’s restaurants, or 1,110,000, have closed during the COVID-19 pandemic. There are 2.1 million fewer restaurant jobs now than there were a year ago. While those are sobering statistics, some are willing to take a gamble and open or expand during these difficult times.

Even Keel Fish & Oyster (not be confused with Even Keel Fish Shack) on Federal and 41st St., went out of business, but it didn’t take long for a sign to go up indicating that it will be replaced by Phat Boy Sushi, which is moving from a smaller location a few doors north on Federal. Mason Jar Café has opened a Mason Jar Pub at 1388 E Oakland Park Blvd., in the space just east of Peter Pan that has been home to several other restaurants, most recently Gordo’s Grill, in the past few years. Duke’s Deli is going into the space at 1952 N. Wilton Dr., that formerly housed Yellow Brick Road antiques, between Tropics and the Dairy Queen.

Across the street, Palmyra Hookah Lounge is opening in the old Sidelines space, while work is still progressing on Violet Hour, which is renovating the old Siam Cuisine building.

This in addition to the recently opened Chef Nate’s and Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila, also on Wilton Drive.

Although the construction and opening were delayed by the pandemic, Cuba Libre

Restaurant and Rum Bar, at 800 E. Las Olas, should be open by the time you read this. It brings a modern twist on traditional Cuban fare and is the fifth location for this minichain. Sweet Alchemy Confectionery, 4101 W, Davie Rd., has opened on the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie. Toula Amanna and George Thiakos, the husbandand-wife owners of Flashback Diner, partnered with the city to convert the parking lots around the buildings into public garden pavilions. Plans involve opening a barbecue restaurant next to Sweet Alchemy. In Miami’s trendy Wynwood area, “Iron Chef” Masaharu Morimoto’s has opened a new ramen shop.

Momosan, 415 NW 26th St. in Miami, features ramen as well as other upscale takes on comfort food staples; Peking duck tacos, spicy wontons, tonkatsu, and soft-shell crab baos. Wilton Manors’ Bravo Peruvian will open a second location, Bravo Peruvian Kitchen, at 9711 W. Sample Rd.,in Coral Springs. Big Time Restaurant Group opened its second Elisabetta’s location on the West Palm Beach waterfront at 185 Banyan Blvd. The restaurant includes a multi-tiered patio overlooking the intracoastal waterway.

And, just like those award show montages, we must mourn those restaurants that closed this year, many because they were not able to survive the COVID restrictions: Chuck’s Steak House, Brown Dog Eatery, Valentino Cucina Italiana, ETARU Fort Lauderdale, Sage, Jackson’s Prime, the Frog Lounge, One Door East, Siam

IN MIAMI’S TRENDY WYNWOOD AREA, “IRON CHEF” MASAHARU MORIMOTO’S HAS OPENED A NEW RAMEN SHOP CALLED “MOMOSAN.”

Elisabetta’s.

Momosan.

Sweet Alchemy.

Cuba Libre.

Momosan Duck.

Cuisine, and Skyline Chili.

Finally, in a dubious distinction, Friendly’s Lounge, 2513 N. Andrews, in Wilton Manors was the last place in 2020 to be ordered shut by health inspectors in South Florida.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

Phat Boyz.

According to the report, Friendly’s had eight violations including a “stop sale” for cabbage because live roaches were found on them.

Friendly’s was also operating with an expired license at the time of the inspection.

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor.

Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.

1. 21. 20 21 •

37

A&E NEWS

THIS WEEK IN A&E NEWS JW Arnold

CHORUS CONDUCTOR STEPPING DOWN, NATIONAL SEARCH UNDERWAY

A

fter six years with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and a final season largely silenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, Artistic Director Harold Dioquino will take his final bow at the end of the current season in June.

“I love this chorus,” Dioquino said in a statement. “I have been a part of it since its inception 11 years ago. Serving as the artistic director for the past six years has been extremely rewarding for me. The experience has enriched my life greatly, and the members have really been like a family to me.”

Dioquino is credited with the growth and success of the chorus, one of the largest in the region, reaching audiences of more than 20,000 in normal seasons.

Rick Vaughan, chair of the chorus board of directors, praised Dioquino: “We are grateful to him for sharing his

Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Artistic Director Harold Dioquino will be stepping down at the end of the current season in June. Credit: GMCSF.

talents with us for so many years, making us the highly regarded organization that we are.”

Dioquino plans to remain in the area and continue as music minister at Church by the Sea in Bay Harbor Islands.

The chorus has initiated a national search for his successor and 100 or more candidates are anticipated.

For more information, go to GMCSF.org.

STONEWALL MUSEUM RECEIVES MAJOR GRANT TO DIGITIZE COLLECTION

T

he Stonewall National Museum & Archives (SNMA) in Fort Lauderdale recently received a $50,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to digitize its collection and update information systems.

“This is a big step for Stonewall,” said Executive Director Hunter O’Hanian.

“Our archive is over 2,700 linear feet, totaling more than six million pages of LGBTQ history, from the 1950s to the present day. With the help of the Mellon Foundation, we will begin the process of digitizing the collection and making it available to researchers, writers and artists around the world. Accessibility to our collection has long been a strategic goal of the organization.”

Even before the COVID-19 pandemic limited in-person visits to the facility, O’Hanian and SNMA leadership recognized the need to digitize the collection, especially deteriorating newspapers, periodicals and documents.

The grant will allow the museum to hire a consulting firm to map a plan and retain a staff manager to oversee the massive project.

O’Hanian added, “Not only does digitalization make these materials

Stonewall National Museum & Archives Executive Director Hunter O’Hanian announced a major grant to digitize thousands of items in the Fort Lauderdale museum’s collection. Caption: Stonewall National Museum.

available to a larger audience, it ensures the content will be preserved beyond the useful life of the paper they were printed on. Collectively, we are making sure that this history won’t be forgotten.”

Jacki Bennett, board chair, pointed out, “Digitizing our impressive collection propels SNMA’s archival leadership forward in exhibiting LGBTQ history and culture to all across time and geographies.”

Work is expected to begin this month.

About half of the current collection is already available online at StonewallMuseum.org/Archives/.

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

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• 1. 21.2021

Enter the mask design contest!

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Tara, a young, lonely woman, drops out of college unbeknownst to her mother and becomes a surrogate for Gabriel and Elliott, a well-established gay couple. Suddenly, Tara finds herself carrying not only their future child, but a terrible secret as well.

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Compensation is a dialogue about the complex systems that coerce women into outsourcing their bodies for income, the ethical implications of men purchasing access pu to those bodies, and the profound yearning for family that drives these people to entangle themselves in these systems in the first place.

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Appointments will now be required to visit the adoption areas at the Humane Society of Broward County on weekends and select days. Visit www.humanebroward.com to learn more or call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Appointments are not necessary for the vaccine clinic which is open Monday — Friday 9 AM — 4:30 PM credit cards only. The banners rotate so click on the one that says COVID-19 update adoptions and essential services update and scroll down a little bit. There you will find an application for adoption and other pertinent information. Complete the application (even if you have adopted before) and submit it. Adoptions are being done by appointment only now. For more information call 954-989-3977 ext. 6 FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN COMING TO THE SHELTER.

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CLERICAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT - Single cubicles . Shared environment.

Perfect for single operator.

Professionals only. Contact N. Kent , 954-661-3361

rental - wilton manors PRIVATE ROOM - Mature gentleman looking for same to share my modest home 2 miles from Wilton Manor Drive. Near bus line, private bedroom with cable TV, Wi-Fi, shared bathroom, living area, den and modern kitchen. $600.00 per month, all utilities included. Must be looking for long term. No Drama.

First and Last with good references and proof of income with background check. 954-202-5643 MOVE IN IF APROVED WITH FIRST & LAST.

We also inst all/replace A / C thermos the latest in tats of technology (Ecobee or — downloa Nest) ded and co ntrolled by your sma r

FOR RENT - Middle River Terrace 2/1 Condo FIRST MONTH FREE - 729 sqft Condo with private patio, parking, pool. Laundry on site. Updated bath and kitchen with dishwasher, micro, and disposal. Pets OK. $1,400 Rent; $1,400 Security Deposit. Call/Text: Tracy 415.706.3803

954-398-3676

t ph o

ne

Contact Hai m to schedu le a no obligatio n quote!

Hitechshade@gmail.com

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954.530.4970 rental - fort lauderdale

Pool & Hot Tub Service

POINSETTIA LANDINGS CONDO FOR RENT Beautiful 2/1 - Corner, Next to Pool. Contemporary, Immaculate, Quiet Community. Walk to the drive.

Stainless appliances, granite, tile floors, small pets OK with approval. Central A/C — Assigned Parking Space. F/L/S & Condo board approval required. $1,400.00 per month. Please call/text Mark at 954732-2438.

PRIVATE HOME NEAR LAS OLAS - 1 bedroom/ 1 bath — recently remodeled. Walk to Las Olas.

Beautiful garden. $900 a month. Call/text Gino at 954-551-3621.

rental - pompano beach APARTMENT FOR RENT - PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB - Pompano Beach, 2 Bedrooms 2 Full Bath fully remodeled, Semi Furnished.NO Pets Allowed. $1500/month. 1st, last and security. Call Angelo 954-770-6540

WWW.SFGN.GUIDE

skin care HAIR REMOVAL - Professional male esthetician providing hair removal services for men and women.

I specialize in male body grooming and Brazilian waxing. I can either trim, shave, wax or sugar. I have a private studio where I also do specialty facials which include back and buttocks facials.

Come treat yourself for a relaxing facial and get silky smooth skin at the same time. Check out my website for more info. www.waxiitaxi.com or you can book online at WaxiiTaxi.Booksy.com IG: @waxiitaxi Facebook.com/waxiitaxi. Kurt Ruback: 561-956-0626

 CLEANING SERVICE  SHOCK A GREEN POOL  POOL LIGHTS REPLACEMENT  LEAK REPAIR AND DETECTION  EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT  COMPETE POOL RENOVATION

FREE Estimates Licensed (cc#13-SP-17780-T) & Insured

954-793-7206 | lacquaazzurra.com

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new neighborhood coming to John Knox Village

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hoose Securefor your future choose for Be among justjust $100. by reserving $100. your one-on-one tour. place in line.

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Masks and hand sanitizers will be provided.

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Lifestyle. performing arts 2 restaurants, center and more!

John Knox Village is committed to compliance with all federal, state and local fair housing laws. It is our policy to offer senior living to those that qualify without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, or handicap. The employees of John Knox Village have a legal obligation to treat each individual in a consistent and equally fair manner. In order to assist you with your decision on your new home, we are providing a list of guidelines used to qualify residents for tenancy in our community. Please note that this is our current rental/ownership criteria; nothing contained in these requirements shall constitute a guarantee or representation by John Knox Village that all residents and occupants currently residing at the community have met these requirements. There may be residents and occupants that have resided the community prior to these requirements going into effect.

Additionally, our ability to verify whether these requirements have been met is limited to the information we receive from various credit and screening services used.

bar, marketplace, performing arts