At a time when LGBT students are being silenced at school, one group of young musicians are playing with pride. The Youth Pride Band is back and bringing high school band members together from across the area.
After being on hiatus for COVID, they return to a different world entirely. The 11th Youth Pride Band comes together in the world of “Don’t Say Gay.” Organizers were concerned the restrictions would prevent school music programs from promoting auditions. However, 50 students from 22 schools tried out and were accepted.
“Our greatest recruitment tool is a word of mouth and many past members of the Youth Pride Band have graduated high school,” Dan Bassett said.
Bassett is the Artistic Director of the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the group that
oversees the Pride Youth Band.
“The type of student who signs up for the band varies. Some identify as LGBTQ+ and want to be in an atmosphere that supports them. Others are the very dedicated band students who want to perform more challenging music than their high school band can play. Still, others may not be the best players and want to improve their
playing and seek out opportunities that allow them to do so.”
Because the students come from different schools and music programs, they don’t have a lot of time to practice together. They will rehearse Sundays in February before their show on the 26th at the Amaturo Theater of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
Latinos Salud will also receive matching funds from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation for the annual Florida AIDS Walk.
The Campbell Foundation provides nonprofits with unrestricted “Holiday Hug” grants to help increase the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS services and programs. This year, the funding and the number of organizations will exceed previous years.
From Key West to West Palm Beach, 11 organizations in the area received $4,000. Four other organizations received funding as well. Broward House, The Pride Center, SunServe, The World AIDS Museum, and
“The Campbell Foundation’s ‘Holiday Hug’ helps us continue to serve the community with our expanding portfolio of free services,” said Stephen Fallon, executive director of Latinos Salud. “This year, Latinos Salud added a new location in North Miami, added free vaccination services for monkeypox and meningitis, and expanded its Youth Services and Health and Culture programs. All told, we have served 30% more community members this year than in the prior year. We are so grateful to the Campbell Foundation for their
annual support!”
“The last couple of years have put a financial strain on many organizations serving the HIV/AIDS community, not only as a direct result of COVID but also because funding and donations they have received in the past have dried up,” said The Campbell Foundation’s Executive Director Ken Rapkin, in a press release. “These organizations provide community members with everything from bus passes to get to their doctor appointments to housing, help navigating insurance issues and food security, and we are proud to be able to assist them in fulfilling their mission.”
February 2, 2023 • Volume 14 • Issue 5 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
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a complicated and darkly funny exploration of confused sexual identity,will be performed at Empire Stage, Feb. 3–26. Photo by Amir Darvish. Bottom: Pride President Miik Martorell. Photo via pride365.com, and Photo via Pride of the Americas, Facebook.
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC) fights for diversity for all marginalized groups across the country. Every year they release the State Equality Index (SEI), a detailed state-by-state report that summarizes laws and policies that affect the LGBT community.
Out of the 315 bills introduced nationwide that the HRC describes as “antiequality,” only 29, or approximately 9.2%, became law.
JoDee Winterhof, the Senior VicePresident of Policy and Political Affairs at the HRC, told NBC, “The 315 bills are part of a coordinated conservative response to LGBTQ rights gained over the last few years.”
Winterhof believes that “for many people, the jig is up.”
“Targeting LGBTQ people would harm conservative lawmakers in future elections. I know they don’t see that, but these are not winning issues.”
Taylor Swift’s highly anticipated “Lavender Haze” music video ironically dropped on Jan. 27, precisely at midnight, referencing the album the song is a part of “Midnights.”
In the video, Swift has a love interest which stars Laith Ashley. Ashley is a trans model and activist.
In the video, Ashley and Swift lie in bed together as Swift caresses his bare back to reveal the image of a sparkling starry sky. This gives her hope, as indicated by the lyrics and acting.
Later, Swift and Ashley are wrapped up in one another’s arms while sitting on the floor at a party. They dance together while surrounded by a pale purple fog.
Following the video’s release, Ashley thanked Swift via an Instagram post for
allowing him to play a small part in her story.
“You are brilliant and this is an experience I will never forget. It was truly magical.” “Thank you for being an ally. Representation matters. AND LOVE WILL ALWAYS WIN!”
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Russia’s top female tennis player Daria Kasatkina came out last July. Kasatkina often speaks out about social injustice, including Russia’s oppressive stance towards the LGBT community and its hostile invasion of Ukraine.
Kasatkina told The Guardian, “To be honest, [coming out] helped me. I felt less pressure.”
Kasatkina worries she may never be able to return to Russia to visit her family after coming out and speaking against the country. During a recent interview, she spoke out about why she won’t back down.
“I remember after saying all these things, I just felt much better. That was one of the best decisions of the [past] year, and I’m happy with the outcome.”
She didn’t expect the support she received from fellow players.
“That was great because I didn’t face any negativity, especially from the people I know.”
“Some of the players were coming to me,
That’s nice.”
say ‘yeah, it’s cool’or ‘congrats’ to me.
Colorado bakery, Masterpiece Cakeshop, has violated the Colorado AntiDiscrimination Act. Owner Jack Phillips refused a customized birthday cake for trans woman, Autumn Scardina.
Scardina said the cake was a multipurpose cake: for her birthday and her gender transition.
This is the second time Phillips has been taken to court because of discrimination.
“In the earlier case, Phillips refused to produce a wedding cake for Charlie Craig and David Mullins in 2012 because of his religious objections to same-sex marriage,” reported Gay City News. “He believed that making a custom-designed wedding cake for them would communicate approval for
their marriage, which violated his religious beliefs. Phillips lost before the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the Court of Appeals.”
The San Diego Human Rights Campaign organized their annual giveaway to LGBT homeless. The organization put together 700 backpacks filled with shampoo, gloves, and other essentials.
“A large percentage of our homeless youth here in San Diego are from the LGBTQ+ community. They’ve been
ostracized or shut off from their homes,” Layne Rackley, a member of the San Diego Human Rights Campaign, told Go Mag. A previous study conducted by The Trevor Project showed that 28% of LGBT youths “experience homelessness or housing instability at some point of their life.”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul made history during her State of the State Address, claiming she will be allocating direct state resources for housing for older New Yorkers.
“Only two housing developments in New York serve the community: Stonewall House in Brooklyn and Crotona Pride House in the Bronx,” according to LGBTQ Nation. “Those projects were developed and funded by SAGE, the LGBTQ+ elders advocacy group, along with BFC Partners and HELP USA.”
Since taking office, Hochul has listened to recommendations from SAGE and AARP.
“I am thrilled that Hochul and her administration are committed to expanding equitable access to housing for New York’s LGBTQ+ elders,” said
SAGE CEO Michael Adams. “LGBTQ+ elders of color, transgender and nonbinary elders face the highest levels of financial insecurity, and we know firsthand that LGBTQ+ friendly elder housing is vital in improving their lives.”
Danya performs a horror-themed drag show that has elements of Halloween. The 22-year-old frequently played at Gender Blender, a gay dance night in St. Petersburg. But after a new anti-LGBT law was passed by the Russian Parliament in December, the project has now canceled its events. The majority of Danya’s work has stopped.
“I’m the only monster drag queen in Russia,” Danya tells BBC as he applies ghostly-white make-up in front of a mirror. We’re sitting in his kitchen, a rainbow flag adorning the wall.
“According to the law, it’s forbidden to do what we’re doing,” Danya says. “We’re a lot more anxious now. The risks are much higher.”
new rule across all age categories. This “offense” carries a maximum fine of 400,000 rubles ($5,840), with substantially larger fines for organizations or journalists.
Dillon Mohamed is a gay air traffic controller in Guyana, the only nation in South America with a ban against homosexuality. He is also politically and religiously active.
His history, faith, political aspirations, and activism on behalf of Guyana’s sexual minorities were all topics of an interview with Erasing 76 Crimes.
“Guyana’s law that provides for incarceration for oral or anal sex is just an aberration,” Mohamed said. “And even though this repressive body of law is no longer enforced, it remains because of the lack of consensus among the political class and the fierce opposition of religious fundamentalists.”
Additionally, between 2015 and 2020, under President David Granger,
Photo via Dillon Mohamed, Facebook.
In a case involving the government’s contention that gay fairy tales are harmful to children, Europe’s top rights court sided with a deceased Lithuanian children’s book author.
The European Court of Human Rights determined that Lithuania’s restriction on the publication of a collection of fairy tales by author Neringa Macat was discriminatory since it demonstrated the preference of the authorities for oppositesex marriage over same-sex relationships. The Strasbourg-based court also determined that the government had breached her right to free speech.
According to Court House News, six contemporary fairy tales were included in “Amber Heart” which also included
characters from underrepresented groups like same-sex couples, Roma nomads, and persons with impairments.
The Lithuanian University of Education released the book in 2013.
there were noteworthy advancements, culminating in the legalizing of crossdressing in November 2018 and the planning of the first Pride March in the nation’s history that same year.
Christopher Flores
WIGWOOD IS BACK FEB. 4-5 WITH AN ALL-NEW CELEBRATION OF WIGS, WYNWOOD, DRAGDOM, AND A DYNAMITE GOOD TIME.
This year boasts over 30 drag performers and DJs. With international headliners like Lady Bunny and Tammie Brown. Local celebrities will also be in attendance like Persephone Von Lips, Sin Silva, Queef Latina and others.
The two-day festival includes Saturday night at Gramps in Wynwood from 8 p.m. to 3 a.m. and a rooftop pool party on Sunday from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Arlo Hotel in Wynwood.
Persephone Von Lips sat down with SFGN to discuss her history and present with Wigwood.
“I love Wigwood!” Von Lips said. “It’s a moment in time that really captures true queerness in Miami and brings the community
together.”
This year will be Von Lips’s 5th year as a performer.
“[At Wigwood], I’m performing at home. It’s a feeling of both pride and comfort that I can express myself wholeheartedly and celebrate Miami Drag,” she said. “Each year I do Wigwood I give it my all, and this year I’m gonna give more of myself, in my look, my number.”
Queef Latina, a headliner and founder of the event, was inspired by Bushwig after attending college in New York. She realized that South Florida was missing out on the experience of something similar, and so she brought her vision to life with the partnership of Gramps venue owner Adam Gersten.
“We needed a queer celebration that wasn’t a pride or circuit party,” she said. “Something that was focused on the art and the drag.”
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After weeks of avoiding requests for interviews about Pride Fort Lauderdale’s operations and issues associated with Pride of the Americas (POTA), President Miik Martorell had a lengthy phone conversation with SFGN on Jan. 27.
During the 48-minute conversation, he addressed many of the questions raised by SFGN’s exclusive investigation which has uncovered crises ranging from poor planning and resignations of leadership positions to a lack of transparency in the 501(c)3 organization.
SFGN reached out to Martorell for comment before each story. After two major sponsors, Midland/CAN and Tito’s vodka, withdrew support worth around $150,000 in financial and in-kind support, he spoke with SFGN.
nesting season were moved up to the end of February.
From MPox to gender-affirming care to stress and anxiety, the LGBT community’s health is under attack like never before.
Add to that, very few media outlets even pay attention to the community’s unique needs.
Now, South Florida LGBT media is actively looking for ways to do the primary duty: keep the public informed with the best information available and in a timely manner. On Feb. 10, the South Florida chapter of the NLGJA (National Lesbian Gay Journalist Association) will hold a forum called Crucial Context: Unpacking Media Coverage of LGBTQ Public Health Issues. The event begins at 7 p.m. in the ArtServe building at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.
Local journalist Kareem Awadalla will be leading the panel.
“The American media has had a complex relationship with LGBTQ health issues throughout history,” he said. “In the past, LGBTQ individuals were often stigmatized and marginalized in the media, with their health concerns being either ignored or misrepresented.”
The days of homosexuality being considered a mental disease and the HIV/ AIDS crisis being blamed on the community
may seem like ancient history. However, as recently as last year, MPox was often referred to as a “gay disease” because this particular outbreak disproportionately affected the men-who-have-sex-with-men community. While coverage of these issues may have improved and the health issues are more visible and fairly covered, Awadalla said there is still work to be done and a knowledgeable, free press is essential.
“It is important for journalists and media outlets to continue to strive for inclusivity and representation, and to work to combat the stigmatization and marginalization of LGBTQ individuals.”
Physical issues, like MPox, are easy to identify and state-sanctioned obstacles to the trans community make headlines. But the toll on mental health is an equally dangerous but rarely reported issue. All these issues will be discussed at the forum.
Awadalla said this forum is an important step.
“There has been a positive shift in recent years towards greater visibility and representation of LGBTQ individuals and their health concerns. However, more work needs to be done to ensure that accurate and sensitive coverage of LGBTQ health issues continues to be a priority in the American media.”
TRANSPARENCY: When it comes to Pride’s transparency, Martorell cited technical issues. Their own by-laws require all minutes be posted in a timely fashion, and for board meetings to be publicly announced at least 48 hours in advance. Martorell said the minutes may have been lost during their somewhat recent revamp of their website. He said he would get the minutes and budget posted soon, but likely after POTA.
BUDGET SHORTFALLS: Even before major sponsors pulled out, POTA was expecting to lose at least $21,000. Originally scheduled for April, 2020 before being delayed by COVID, POTA was a partnership with Visit Lauderdale, Broward County’s tourism arm. Visit Lauderdale requested half of their original investment back. That was at least $150,000. Other fundraising from community supporters did not meet expectations.
“This year was extra challenging, but I don’t really know why,” he told SFGN.
POWER OF THE PURSE: When it comes to spending, everything runs through Martorell. While the treasurer writes all checks, Martorell is the only one who is authorized to sign them.
RESCHEDULING THE EVENT: POTA was originally scheduled for April. Being after season meant more hotel rooms at cheaper rates. Martorell says changes to rules regarding Sea Turtle nesting areas are primarily to blame for the mid-February date. Relocating and protecting nests would cost about $160,000, money Pride doesn’t have. Martorell also said official dates of
PARADE: Martorell insisted the parade will go on, but they will be on a very tight schedule. They only have A1A for three hours: 30 minutes to close the road, two hours for the parade, and 30 minutes to reopen the street. During Wilton Manors’ city commission meeting last week, it was announced the city, the hub of LGBT life in South Florida, would not have a float.
After, City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson told SFGN a delegation would walk the route, but that Pride had told them there wasn’t enough time or space for a float. Martorell denies this. He said access to floats was in short supply and that Wilton Manors was not denied a float due to time restrictions.
ENTERTAINMENT: In the middle of last week, there were rumors that POTA’s headlining act, Boy George of 80s sensation Culture Club, was “ghosting” organizers. Martorell said he had communication with Boy George’s management as recently as Friday before Martorell talked to SFGN. He said Pride had paid $75,000 up front and would pay the balance, another $75,000 a day or two before POTA. This is a common way artists are paid for events.
DEPARTURES: Since mid-December, 2022, there has been an exodus of Pride leadership. Executive Director Kevin Clevenger will leave after POTA. Two board members have resigned, as has now-former Entertainment Director Shawn Palacious (aka Kitty Meow). Martorell says he has confidence in remaining leadership and expects POTA to be a success under the current team’s stewardship.
HIS FUTURE WITH PRIDE: Martorell says he will stay in his position as President of Pride through and after POTA. His term runs through June. He says he hopes to stay but that is up to the board.
John Hayden
It takes a lifetime to accomplish everything Norm Kent has done. From fighting the early battles for LGBT rights, to holding power accountable, to telling stories even when he knew it would cost him money, Norm Kent has been a loud and relentless advocate for South Florida’s LGBT community.
That’s why on Jan. 26, the Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) honored him with their lifetime achievement award.
“Anyone in government today, anyone in power holding office, that thinks they can question the rigor, resolve and responsibility of gay men in Wilton Manors, let them come to Wilton Manors today,” Kent said during his acceptance speech. “You have won in proving yourself righteous. They forget the resolve and strength and incredible awesome ability to stand against adversity.”
WMBA President Gary Van Horn said, “It was great to see Kent at the awards ceremony. His dedication to our community was definitely inspiring and we are proud as an organization
to recognize his great work!”
Kent, an attorney by trade and activist by nature, has fought for the community since the post-Stonewall days. He was a loud voice shouting down Anita Bryant’s vicious attacks to repeal Dade County’s very basic LGBT protection law in the 1970s, and countless other battles that needed to be fought to bring the community where it is today.
Howard Marr, his longtime friend and fellow activist, introduced Kent. “Norm plays a vital role in shaping and developing our community that he loves so much.”
Going forward, WMBA will call the honor the Norm Kent Lifetime Achievement Award.
By Christiana Lilly
Just months after Oakland Park voted in new commissioners, Commissioner Matthew Sparks resigned from his post.
Sparks put in his notice Jan. 9 and his resignation went into effect Jan. 18. In his letter to the city, he shared that he will be moving outside of Florida.
“It is with great respect and bittersweet sadness that I … tender my resignation,” he wrote. “I will be moving out of state and will no longer reside in the City of Oakland Park after Jan. 22.”
Sparks’ term was supposed to end in November 2024; the city must now decide whether to appoint a new person to the commission or to host a special election on March 14. The city estimates that a special election would cost $74,415. The date to qualify for an election passed on Jan. 23.
A flight attendant for American Airlines, Sparks won a spot on the commission in 2016 and married his partner a few weeks after being sworn in. He described his politics as “fiscally conservative and socially liberal.” He rotated into the role of mayor in 2020, forcing him to lead Oakland Park through the struggles of a global pandemic. He encouraged residents to mask up and get vaccinated, kept close tabs on cases in the city, helped launch community programs to assist residents, and participated in weekly calls for updates.
Sparks was also in favor of the city expanding its green initiatives. Last year, the city passed an ordinance that he spearheaded that would require electric charging stations in new construction multi-family residences. In 2020, he shared that he was happy to hear that the former KMart lot would not be going to Walmart, but instead to a Sprouts grocery store. Sparks was also in favor of updating the city’s facilities — including Fire Stations 9 and 20, the former having broken ground in January.
The Oakland Park Commission has been supportive of the LGBT community. In 2017, Sparks voted in favor of banning conversion therapy in the city, which passed. In 2021, the Human Rights Campaign awarded the city a perfect 100 score on its municipal equality
index after years of scoring 97 to 99 out of 100. Many LGBT people have served on the commission as well, including four running for office in 2020. In 2021, the city installed equality signage throughout Oakland Park.
“I will be moving out of state and will no longer reside in the City of Oakland Park after Jan. 22.”
- MATTHEW SPARKS FORMER OAKLAND PARK COMMISSIONERMatthew Sparks. Photo via Facebook.
The start of February is also the start of Black History Month. As part of marking the occasion, The Cookout will be held at Mickel Park in Wilton Manors on Feb. 4 from 1-6 p.m. Music, food, and games combine to celebrate Black culture and bring people together. Sponsored by Hotspots! Happening Out, they said the The Cookout is “a Black History Month Celebration [that] provides a safe space for all who are interested in coming together to enjoy free food, music and games.”
The event is free, but proceeds from drink donations will be welcomed and benefit Black LGBTQ+ Liberation Inc. (BLINC).
No cookout would be complete without some fun and games with a healthy side of competition. There will be a Spades tournament and a Dominos tournament, both with cash prizes.
There is also an effort to recognize people and businesses that highlight Black excellence. The city of Wilton Manors accepted nominations from the community
of a person and/or business that reach that goal. Recipients will be honored with a city proclamation that will be read publicly at The Cookout.
Wilton Manors is a work in progress. The parks and businesses and neighborhoods thrive and seem to “just happen.” But a lot of work happens behind the scenes and underground. At the city commission meeting on Jan. 24, the city’s Director of Emergency Management and Utilities, Dave Archacki, reported on his department’s involvement in the city’s master plan.
Much of his report focused on the city’s much maligned water system. The report looked at current projects and long-term improvements. Ten water improvement recommendations, 10 wastewater improvement recommendations, and 10 stormwater improvement recommendations were highlights of the plan.
Archacki stressed that the order they are
undertaken is often affected by other projects. If a road or underground utilities are being updated, the city will prioritize area projects to minimize public inconvenience and save money by not needing to reopen a worksite.
The Community Affairs Advisory Board (CAAB) and the Financial Advisory Board (FAB) had unexpected openings that were filled by commissioners. Mark Freeman was chosen to fill the unexpired term of Michael Kalb on FAB. His experience includes financial and technical expertise.
Curtis Fedder was chosen to fill the unexpired term of Jasmen Rogers. Both were unanimous decisions.
February 2, 2023 • Volume 10 • Issue 3
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
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
Editorial Graphic Designers
Julie Palmer•Kyle Willis•Craig Tuggle artwork@sfgn.com
Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor •John Hayden john.jmhcreative@gmail.com
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Sal Torre • James Oaksun • John McDonald
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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.
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February marks the annual celebration of Black History Month. This month is an important reminder of the struggles, accomplishments, and achievements that have been made by African Americans in our society. Black History Month provides a platform to recognize and honor the contributions of African American people throughout our country’s history as well as the impact made by individuals who are a part of our local community today. One way we honor Black History Month in the City of Wilton Manors is by recognizing individuals who have had a meaningful impact in our city. This distinguished set of individuals includes:
· Terry Dyer, a Black leader in the LGBT community whose impact in his short three years in our community has been history making.
· Lorenzo Robertson who created Ujima Men’s Collective for Black same gender loving men to meet, educate, and build a strong network to address their safety and health concerns in the community.
· J.T. Tucker, AKA Blade, the only Black independent owner/operator of a Barber Studio in the heart of Wilton Manors. These individuals have had an immeasurable impact on our community. It is a great honor that we will recognize these individuals at “The Cookout,” a Black History Month Celebration organized by Hotspots!
Happening Out on Feb. 4 at Michel Park from 1-6 p.m. The event is free to the public, and a proclamation will be read honoring Terry, Lorenzo and Blade. By recognizing the efforts of these accomplished individuals through celebration, we can build unity within our community while continuing to strive towards achieving full equality for all citizens, throughout our nation, regardless of background or beliefs.
I am grateful that Black History Month provides us with an opportunity to honor those who paved the way for future generations by fighting for civil rights and equality for all citizens. From Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Fannie Lou Hamer, Maya Angelou, Malcolm X, Harriet Tubman — the list goes on — these individuals are just some examples of those who fought tirelessly against racism and oppression throughout their lives so that future generations could benefit from their efforts today. Taking time during this month to honor these leaders, as well as the local leaders we’re recognizing this month here in Wilton Manors, will help us move one step closer to becoming the truly inclusive and welcoming city — and country — we strive daily to be.
— CHRIS CAPUTO WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER
With less than two weeks to go until Pride of the Americas (POTA), support for the event and the organization producing it, Pride Fort Lauderdale (Pride), is collapsing.
Within hours after publication of an SFGN story detailing the lack of transparency in Pride, two major sponsors withdrew all remaining support from the event and the organization. Midland/CAN, one of, if not the biggest financial sponsor of Pride notified the organization it is out. They had given $100,000 to Pride for this year, and are now asking for complete reimbursement.
Rogelio Capote, SVP Marketing & Community Relations for CAN Community Health, told SFGN, “Due to changes that have occurred after our sponsorship commitment, it is in the best interest of CAN Community Health and the Midland Family to withdraw from Pride of the Americas.”
Two Midland people were on the board, but both had already resigned since Christmas. One of them, Greg Beltran, told SFGN they both left to devote more time to their jobs.
As for Midland/CAN pulling out, he said, “It wasn’t a decision taken lightly. We made the decision based on the changes that occurred after we committed to the 100K presenting sponsorship. After considerable deliberation, we decided it was in the best interest of both organizations to withdraw from the event.”
A document from Pride, obtained by SFGN, indicates CAN/Midland were committed for $100,000 each of the next two years as well. The status of that money has not been addressed.
Also pulling out of the event is longtime Pride sponsor Tito’s Vodka. SFGN has been told their commitment had been about $25,000 in cash plus providing product to the event.
These events come in the midst of SFGN’s exclusive investigation into Pride, exposing a lack of planning and money as well as an exodus in top-tier leadership
The same night Midland/CAN pulled out, Pride’s head of Logistics & Operations - Safety, Corey Ziman, sent an email titled “Full hold.” In it, he said, “I fully expect to see sponsors and vendors pull out. With that said, I will be stopping my current tasks until
The Food and Drug Administration is expected to relax restrictions on how gay men donate blood.
Reporting by The Washington Post indicates the federal government is preparing to scrap its guidelines requiring gay and bisexual men to abstain from sex before giving blood. The new policy, reportedly, would allow all people in monogamous relationships to donate.
“So the new central question will be: Have you had anal sex with someone new in the last three months? It applies to everyone, meaning heterosexual women could potentially be excluded for the first time for doing anal,” tweeted Fenit Nirappil, one of the three Post reporters who worked on the story published Jan. 26.
I hear from the Board of Directors about the current status and heading of POTA.”
The email also seems to address transparency issues, saying, “At this time I’m also going to ask that all direct and indirect communication from the board take place via email.” SFGN reached out to Ziman, who declined comment.
One person said they were taking a “nose count” to see how the board wanted to proceed.
After weeks of avoiding questions, Pride President Miik Martorell responded to SFGN and gave a 48-minute interview by phone. During that conversation, he said preparations are moving forward.
The City of Fort Lauderdale continues to show unwavering support to Pride and POTA. When it became clear the usual beach location would be too expensive and too difficult to use (a major NHL event is there the weekend before), the city stepped in to find an alternate venue, Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park.
Commissioner Steve Glassman told SFGN that they are committed to making the event a success and overcoming obstacles. Glassman said the space is being provided free of charge. He also says the city will cover all police costs associated with the parade and party in the park. Glassman said that was originally expected to be about $58,000, but he expects it to be less now that POTA has been scaled back from a weekend long party in Fort Lauderdale to just one day in the city on Feb. 11.
The public will be given time to comment before the FDA adopts its new regulations. The update is further dismantling the rules put in place in response to the AIDS epidemic.
In 2015, the FDA lifted a lifetime ban on blood donations by gay and bisexual men, which health experts and LGBT activists had long considered to be archaic and homophobic. Presently, all men who have sex with men are required to abstain from sex for three months before giving blood. Since 1985, all blood donors have been tested for HIV. Upon implementation, the new rules will bring the United States in alignment with current policies in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Pope Francis condemned the criminalization of homosexuality and urged church bishops to have a change of heart on the issue.
In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Francis called laws that criminalize homosexuality “unjust,” saying that God loves all of his children. The head of the Roman Catholic Church said bishops in countries that have laws against homosexuality need to undergo a process of conversion.
“Being homosexual isn’t a crime,” said Francis. “These bishops have to have a process of conversion.”
The bishops, Francis said, should apply “tenderness” in their conversion process and aid the church in bringing about an end to the laws.
“It must do this,” he said.
According to Human Rights Watch, at least 67 countries have laws criminalizing same-sex relations between consenting adults. Of the 67 countries, 19 apply the laws specifically to men.
In the United States, more than a dozen states still have laws on the books against sodomy despite a 2003 Supreme Court ruling (Lawrence v. Texas) declaring them unconstitutional.
In the AP interview, Francis spoke about homosexuality in the context of “sin,” keeping with a consistent theme during his Vatican rule of welcoming and not marginalizing LGBT people.
A native of Argentina, Francis, 86, became Pope in March of 2013, taking over for Benedict XVI, a German archconservative, who resigned from the position and died in December, 2022 at the age of 95.
Having seen me in pain, a visiting friend shared an article about the connection between emotional issues and sciatica.
My sciatic pain can get so bad that I can barely walk the dog. Usually it flares up when I’ve been on my feet too long. But the article intrigued me, as I found I identified with each example given.
When my mother saw her oncologist about her lymphoma, the doctor suggested that she had been swallowing the grief of losing three children without relief and that it might well be linked to her cancer.
Thus, I’m aware of the possible connection between what our heart feels and what our body feels. That, of course, doesn’t mean that everyone with a life-threatening disease brought it upon themselves, but it does shine a light on how we can increase the suffering by burdening ourselves with resentments, anger, and hurt feelings.
When I took an inventory of the things I carry, which was a very enlightening experience, I understood that my pain was very much impacted by my dramas, things over which I have no control. Despite saying the Serenity Prayer daily, I nevertheless miss much of the beauty and joy of life by distracting myself with imagined situations and what I should have or will say.
From reading the article, I was reminded that the ball was in my court. If I wanted to feel less pain, I needed to let go of all the things I could not change.
Letting go of all of the dramas at once is nearly impossible, but what I did learn with excitement was that if I changed how I looked at an old drama, I could feel less resentment, stand up a little taller, and feel freer.
My soul sighed “yes” in relief as I named my issues, and it felt so giddy as I jumped up and down in response to a joyful awareness of freedom, if only temporary. I haven’t jumped up and down in glee since I was a youngster. It felt so freeing and fun.
This is not to say that I’m free of pain. In fact, I just left the pain doctor’s office where I got a shot in my rump. But I’m less focused on my pain. Thoughts and feelings seem lighter, and beautiful moments leap out at me for my happy attention.
I know that when I focus on beauty, I’m aware of little, if any, pain down my right leg. Today, I fed the one-hundred-plus orchids Ray has attached to trees throughout the garden. While doing so, I wasn’t aware of any pain, and this was prior to the trip to the doctor.
It makes no sense to miss the beauty of the moment when my mind is creating scripts for handling things from the past or anticipated conflicts in the future.
Brian McNaught has been an author and educator on LGBTQ issues since 1974. Former Congressman Barney Frank said of Brian, “No one has done a better job of chronicling what it’s like to grow up gay."
www.brian-mcnaught.com.
954-880-1191
APT9F.COM
Carol and Nancy, owners of the chic gastro pub Apt. 9F, explain how they chose that name for their business.
“It is easily the most asked question. We spent a short stint living in Washington Heights in Manhattan.
As far as luck goes, we had an unusually great apartment – one with a doorman (trust us, that is a luxury in NYC) and a balcony (unheard of for what we paid) that overlooked the Hudson River at the George Washington Bridge. We spent a magical three years there before moving back to South Florida. The apartment number was, you guessed it, 9F. When we decided to open Apt. 9F, we wanted to create a cozy place with personal touches where everyone feels welcome. The art on the walls is ours – collected throughout the years (and due to lack of room at our condo, a necessity to be able to display and enjoy it), the kitchen is open – because let’s face it, when we go to friends for cocktails and dinner, we all end up in the kitchen. It really is like an apartment, albeit one with a really large bar.”
To say they’ve accomplished their goal is an understatement. It is just small enough to feel as if you are visiting friends, but large enough so that you don’t feel crowded. Nancy takes care of prepping the food, while Carol acts as the perfect hostess. At dinner, the menu focuses on apps, flatbreads, bruschetta, tostadas, tacos, meatballs, and charcuterie boards. At brunch there are meals, but they are on the smaller side. You won’t leave hungry, but you won’t waddle out either. On our brunch visit, I thoroughly enjoyed the beef wellington and eggs. Three slightly larger than bite-sized versions of the classic dish served with two perfectly cooked eggs in tiny frying pans. My hubby couldn’t finish the pecan, walnut and oat-studded pancakes topped with sliced bananas. Our friends Loren and Roz raved about their Quiche Lorraine and chicken quesadilla. The apricot-cranberry scone was the best scone I’ve ever had.
There is a full-page wine list and an equally large selection of craft beers and cocktails. If you arrive close to opening for brunch, it can
be a bit harried, just as if you arrived a bit early for a friend’s party. Even when fully packed you are never made to feel as if you must hurry along to clear a table. Apt. 9F is the perfect place when you want to sit back with a friend and catch up over a glass of wine and some nibbles.
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Decidedly upscale, but without being stuffy, Aida, a long-time favorite in Coconut Grove, recently opened a second location near the MASS/West Flagler Village district in Fort Lauderdale. The menu features seafood and although mostly Mexican, it is filtered through an international lens, mostly Asian.
“Our restaurant pays homage to Mexican and international cuisine through a combination of dishes and styles,” said owner Eduardo Gavilan.
Take the appetizer portion of the menu, for example. The guacamole is simply avocado, cilantro, and lime, but it is delicious. The portion is easily enough for 2-4 to share and fairly priced at $15, but why serve it with just two tostadas (delicious as they were)? We did have a small plate of chips at the table so that helped. Most menu options are Mexican seafood focused; oysters on the half shell, ceviches, and a tamale as well as a couple of Asian-inspired dishes such as tuna “sashimi”.
There are about 1½ dozen taco options, priced from $15 (for three different vegetarian options) to $28 (for lobster), served as a pair. The taco de chicharron de camarones featured flour-coated shrimp topped with chipotle mayo and cilantro and reminded me of the Bang Bang shrimp I’ve had at many Asian spots. My only complaint would have been for a double tortilla. The skimpy, but delicious disc underneath just couldn’t support the generous filling. If you’re going the low-carb route, they’ve even got taco “shells” made from grated cheese. There are about a half-dozen entrée portions, including a small serving of lasagna Azteca. This is the dish that will bring me back time and again. Pink shrimp in a poblano sauce and grated gouda cheese layered
between corn tortillas subbing for lasagna noodles. The dish is a delight, although $28 for an Easy-Bake
Oven-sized portion is a bit of a hefty price tag.
Perhaps the smallish portion is a reminder to save room for dessert. The Mexican salted caramel chocolate cookie (more of a brownie, really), topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce is as decadent as you might guess and might be my new favorite dessert. Service is friendly and the timing of the dishes from the kitchen was sheer perfection. There’s a serviceable wine
list and full bar service. On the night we dined, a few days after Christmas, we were one of two tables in the dining room. I hope this place catches on because I want to go there often.
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. The views Rick expresses are his own and do not represent the opinion of SFGN.
Dr. Macek is double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Macek is fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, the birthplace and leading program of modern pain management in the United States.
Aurora Dominguez
Authors Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais wanted to teach children how to be their authentic selves and came one with the idea of writing “PINK, BLUE, AND YOU!” together.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT BOOK?
ELISE: A few years ago, I made some free printable posters to teach kids that being a boy or a girl doesn’t define who you are, how you’re allowed to feel and what you like. The illustrations got so popular that people started asking me to make more, to talk about non-binary kids, to show diverse families, etc. and I could see that there was a need for fun, accessible resources on gender and sexual orientation stereotypes. I wanted to create mine and got the help of Mykaell, who could teach me about experiences that I’m not familiar with.
MYKAELL: It was a pleasure to collaborate with Elise on this book. This is a book that I would have loved to have when I was younger!
WHAT DOES “READING WITH PRIDE” MEAN TO YOU?
ELISE: Reading with pride means reading books that reinforce the sense that you matter and that you deserve love and respect, no matter who you are.
MYKAELL: This means, for me, that the time is over when certain realities were excluded from books. Each reality must be represented and we can be proud of the path traveled to get to today.
WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS?
ELISE: It’s important because it promotes empathy and a sense of community towards people who don’t look like you or who have different life experiences. It’s especially important for kids, who often depend on books and movies to get to know different realities. Diversity in books is also a good way for kids who feel different to learn that they are not alone, and that other people are like them.
MYKAELL: Diverse representations are important so that children, and adults, can put humanity into words and concepts. In my opinion, every child should be able to find themselves in some medium. Each person is unique so why always offer the same role models?
TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE BOOK AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO WRITE IT.
ELISE: As a woman and mother of two daughters, I often see the impact of gender stereotypes on self-
esteem and confidence. I wanted to help the next generation of young humans to grow away from those toxic limitations and constraints on who they want to be.
MYKAELL: This book is an excellent entry point for this discussion and for showing our children that they can be themselves, authentic and that they are beautiful just the way they are.
DIVERSITY IN BOOKS IS ALSO A GOOD WAY FOR KIDS WHO FEEL DIFFERENT TO LEARN THAT THEY ARE NOT ALONE, AND THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE LIKE THEM.
Every Sunday evening, Hunter’s Nightclub in Wilton Manors brings back disco. With DJ Richie Rich at the helm, Hunter’s Sunday Tea Dance features dance classics from the ’70s and ’80s.
Starting at 6 p.m., disco veterans who were around when the music was new rub elbows (and other body parts) with youngsters who learned their disco on their grandparents’ knees. “If you’re itching to go dancing, this is the ONLY place to be on a Sunday night,” gushed a devotee on Tripadvisor. “ALWAYS a fun time.” At Tea Dance, people of all ages, genders and races gather to celebrate the music.
As Hunter’s Tea Dance’s popularity attests, 40 years after the “death” of disco, ‘70s dance music is alive and well. In the words of JohnManuel Andriote, who chronicled the genre in Hot Stuff: A Brief History of Disco, “Disco is still tremendously popular throughout the world among gay and straight and every hue of the human rainbow, and vast quantities of disco-style music are sold each year.” For a while, interest in dance music was limited to LGBT people, Blacks, Latinx and other minorities. Then, suddenly, straight white Baby Boomers put on their boogie shoes and came out of their disco closets.
PBS specials like “KC and The Sunshine Band Present - My Music: Get Down Tonight
- The Disco Explosion” showcased classic dance music while old disco artists whose livelihood largely depends on their Social Security checks returned to the limelight as the stars of disco revival concerts and sea cruises. Even the intelligentsia got wind of disco and its cultural significance. Those of us fortunate enough to have satellite radio know about SiriusXM’s Studio 54 Radio (on channel 54, of course) which features “Disco, Classic, and Euro Dance music 24/7, plus DJs like Jellybean Benitez, Robbie Leslie, Tony Smith, and The Marc & Myra Show.” It is every dance queen’s dream.
As a boogie man who never gave it up or lost his youthful love for disco, I can only say that it is about time that seventies dance music got the r-e-s-p-e-c-t that it deserves. After all, as Andriote put it, “disco music... still moves us and we still listen to it because it speaks to two of our deepest, most primal needs: the need to play and the need to dance. Disco taught us to take those needs seriously.” “Disco,” wrote critic Marty Angelo, “the long-neglected child of the ’70s has reared its head again, but this time [there is] no one around to burn it, abuse it, or call it names. It is there to bask in all its glory and eloquence, for the entire world to behold.” To paraphrase Gloria Gaynor, disco will survive.
CHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS.
2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org
congregationetzchaim1974@gmail.com
Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.
SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM
HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net
Sunday Mass at 11AM
CHURCH
The recent cancellation of the Douglas Anderson School of the Performing Arts production of “Indecent” has left student actors and playwright Paula Vogel heartbroken over the implications.
Duval County Public Schools told Teen Vogue that the decision to cancel the play “has no relevance to any legislation.” The legislation in question is the recently passed Parental Rights in Education Act, which threatens schools with legal action if they allude to anything LGBT in the classroom. Students aren’t buying the county’s dismissal of the connection.
Censorship has stretched far beyond the stage in the months since the act was passed.
Teachers from Duval County report being directed to remove “safe space” stickers from around their classrooms. According to a legal brief cited by Law & Crime, Pasco County called for the same, with further examples in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Orange County.
Assuming that “Indecent” was canceled by the county in accordance with the Parental Rights Act hardly feels like a stretch, then. The viral incident caught the attention of the play’s author, Paula Vogel.
Vogel’s “Indecent” tells the story of the Broadway debut of Yiddish play “God of Vengeance” in 1923 following its cancellation for obscenity and the terrible impact that had on its cast.
In response to the censorship of her play, Vogel told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency, “The first step towards totalitarianism is censorship of the arts.”
Former All Blacks player Campbell Johnstone, who played rugby in New Zealand, has come out as gay.
“If I can be the first All Black that comes out as gay and take away the pressure and the stigma surrounding that whole issue, then it can actually help other people,” Johnstone said to OutSports.
Johnstone spent many years as a professional rugby player, and in 2005, he made three appearances for the All Blacks, the most well-known and recognized team in all of New Zealand’s sports.
Over the years, there have been a handful of gay rugby stars. In 1995, Australian rugby player Ian Roberts became one of the first active gay professional athletes in the world. Wales’ Gareth Thomas made his debut in British rugby more than 10 years ago.
There was a time not long ago when the notion of a gay man sneaking out on his boyfriend to have sex with a woman was incomprehensible, even laughable.
The situation was almost always reversed, with “bisexuality” serving as a semantic pitstop for many men to eventually come out as gay.
With the emergence of more and more Millennials and Gen Z who identify as pansexual (sexually and romantically attracted to people irrespective of their gender identity or assigned sex), the premise behind Mike Bartlett’s 2009 play “Cock” seems more plausible today.
Empire Stage and ArtBuzz Theatrics are bringing Bartlett’s wry comedy to South Florida and the mostly older, “very gay” audiences will have to decide for themselves.
“Young people are much more comfortable with their sexuality. They’re constantly adding and subtracting labels,” explained coproducer Larry Buzzeo. “They’re more openminded and it’s more acceptable for gay men to admit being attracted to women, also.”
In Chapter 1, John tells his boyfriend “M” (for man) that he wants to take a break from their seven-year relationship because they argue and “are too different.” Later, after moving out of their apartment, John returns, asking to get back together. He also reveals that he had sex twice with a woman, despite
identifying as gay his entire life and never being attracted to women before.
Bartlett uses Chapter 2 to reveal how John met the woman, “W,” and found himself developing a physical attraction before having sex with a woman for the first time. Things get awkward quickly, with John and W preparing for dinner at M’s apartment. W expects that John will be breaking up with M to be with her.
In the final scene, Chapter 3, Bartlett sets up a confrontation that suggests the horrors of banned cockfights, in which roosters wearing sharp studded anklets tear each other apart in a ring. But, after confrontations and confessions, the winner may not actually be victorious.
“I didn’t know the show,” admitted Buzzeo, “but after I read it, I loved it. It’s just funny as hell. I was struck by the dialogue, it’s gut-bustlingly funny at times and yet very real.”
Director Amir Darvish also took some liberties, casting Buzzeo and Empire Stage producer David Gordon, both men in their 50s, in the lead roles. The play is performed without British accents and Darvish retained the minimal staging but chose not to use the literal ring suggesting a human cockfight. Fortunately for audiences in a very intimate space, there is no splash zone because the bloodiest wounds are rhetorical.
Two high-profile LGBT contestants will appear on ABC’s new show “Jeopardy! Masters,” a spin-off of the network’s longrunning game show.
The show will pit six of the highest-ranking “Jeopardy!” contestants against one another, including Amy Schneider, a trans woman and Mattea Roach, a lesbian.
Both women made history on the show.
Schneider has dominated on the show ever since her first appearance in November 2021. She won 40 games, the second-longest streak in the show’s history. Schneider then became the first trans contestant to appear on the Tournament of Champions, winning the $250,000 grand prize. She takes fourth place for highest winnings in regular season play as well as fourth place for all time winnings with $1.6 million.
Roach first appeared on the game show April 5 of 2022 and went on to win 23 consecutive games. Roach is the most successful Canadian to
play “Jeopardy!”. She’s also the highest-ranking lesbian taking fifth in consecutive games won; sixth in regular season winnings; and 10th in all time winnings with $560,983. At 24 she will be the youngest competitor in the tournament.
The other contestants include Matt Amodio, Sam Buttrey, Andrew He, and James Holzhauer. Holzhauer is known as one of the greatest “Jeopardy!” champions ever and is known for his risky wagers where in the past racked up impressive dollar figures. In fact, he holds all 10 spots on the leaderboard for single game wins with the top spot being $131,127.
Meanwhile this will be another rematch for Schneider and He. He lost his original 5 game streak to Schneider in 2021 and then again in the finals of the Tournament of Champions in 2022.
According to Parade magazine Executive Producer Michael Davies said in the Inside Jeopardy! podcast he hopes the new series will become an annual Super Bowl-style event.
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