SFGN 02/17/22 V13iss7

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE FEBRUARY 17, 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 7

SING IT OUT BELOVED TELEVISION CELEBRITY FEATURED AT LATINOS SALUD GALA FROM FEB. 19-20 PAGE 2

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‘AMERICA’S GOT TALENT’ SINGER EMBRACES FLORIDA OPPORTUNITY Beloved television celebrity featured at Latinos Salud Gala from Feb. 19-20

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February 17, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 7

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Editorial

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John McDonald

“W

hen opportunity presents itself, you run toward it.”

That was Jimmie Herrod’s response to Simon Cowell’s question during an episode of last season’s “America’s Got Talent.” Cowell, the ornery television personality, asked Herrod what he was doing on stage. Herrod then proceeded to seize the opportunity, nailing a rendition of “Tomorrow” from the classic Broadway musical Annie.

“Unbelievable,” Cowell said after Herrod brought the house down and earned the show’s Golden Buzzer award from actress Sofía Vergara.

Having grown up in the Pacific Northwest, Herrod can certainly relate to the song’s line about being “stuck with a day that’s gray and lonely.” His performances on “America’s Got Talent” were often tailored to be uplifting, but Herrod said that is just one side of his story.

“I think people have many sides, one might be hopeful or inspiring, another might be moody, gloomy even, or introspective,” he said. “At the end of the day I just want to express real emotions, first and foremost, and sometimes that hopeful optimism is what we all could use more of.”

Herrod brings a dose of hopeful optimism with him to this weekend’s Latinos Salud Gala al Fresco. The 31-year-old singer from the music group Pink Martini is scheduled to perform Saturday night and Sunday afternoon in Wilton Manors.

“The LGBTQ community is a truly special thing — I think the idea in some ways more than the reality of it,” Herrod said. “Growing up, knowing I was gay, and not having any

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

Jimmie Herrod. Photo via Facebook.

community to turn to made life far more isolating, and that hope of one-day having friends and family that would be supportive, was a small dream. Today, I have community and am fortunate to live in a time and place where I’m surrounded by that loving community idea made real.”

Herrod arrives in Florida at a time when the LGBT community is once again being used to score political points in Tallahassee. Several bills designed to roll back rights or even erase LGBT people altogether have advanced in the state legislature. One proposal in particular, HB 1557, has been dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

Herrod, recalling his coming out process, said the bill is harmful and the wrong approach for schools to take.

“That bill, it reminds me of my youth,” said Herrod. “I was lucky to have a GSA [GayStraight Alliance] at my high school, led by an LGBT faculty member who was proudly out and reachable. Because of my upbringing I felt uncomfortable publicly expressing I was gay, largely because of how other kids would treat you, and my family’s disapproval. To think that a bill like this could exist today, suggests for people to go back in the closet, which promotes the phobic poison we’re trying to eradicate.”

Tickets are still available for this weekend’s Latinos Salud Gala al Fresco featuring performances by Jimmie Herrod and Soul Scratch. VIP ticket holders get a meet and greet photo opportunity with Herrod. Saturday evening’s cocktail party is from 7-10 p.m. and Sunday’s brunch gala celebration is from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.LatinosSalud.org/Gala.

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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 or gender identity of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN. SFGN contracts with independent entities for stock images. 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 © 2022 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Bisexual

HBO MAX’S ‘PEACEMAKER’ CONFIRMED SUPERHERO IS BISEXUAL “Peacemaker,” a new action superhero show from DC comics, has just confirmed that the lead, played by John Cena, is bisexual.

Peacemaker, “a man who fights for peace at any cost,” went through a pivotal scene in this week’s episode. Peacemaker’s father “The White Dragon” has hated him since he was a young boy. Viewers never knew why but finally got their answer.

“I knew you was unclean when you was born. And even more so when you killed your brother,” The White Dragon says.

“I knew when you listened to that devil’s music. I knew when you shaved your body like a woman. I knew when you slept with the whores of polluted blood! And men!”

This all but confirmed that Peacemaker is in fact bisexual, and in earlier episodes

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B

Photo credit: HBO MAX.

the showrunners alluded to the possibility.

Over the past couple of years, DC Comics has continued to introduce LGBT characters to its universe, to the delight of many fans.

The season finale of “Peacemaker” airs this week on HBO and HBO Max.

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

L

Lesbian

‘REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ORANGE COUNTY’ STAR’S DAUGHTER COMES OUT AS LESBIAN

Kat Dubrow, 15-year-old daughter of “Real Housewives of Orange County” star Heather Dubrow and celebrity plastic surgeon/”Botched” host Terry Dubrow, has come out as lesbian.

In a recent article in People Magazine, she opened up about what it was like to come out in a loving and supportive family and will be sharing her story on this season of RHOC. “We’ve got four kids, they are different genders, different sexualities, and all at interesting places in their lives, figuring out who they are and where they belong as humans,” said Heather Dubrow. “I felt like our purpose is to keep those conversations going in other families.”

In an effort to reduce the stigma behind coming out, Kat will be discussing her

Kat Dubrow. Photo via Instagram.

sexuality on the show.

“I was really stressed about it,” Kat said about that experience. “But I’m really grateful that I have Max as an older sister, that she has already gone through all of this.

Seeing my sister be so proud, and to see her be so comfortable with herself, it just makes me feel like I have nothing to worry about.”

The latest episode of RHOC is on Peacock.

LGBTQIA BITES

T

Transgender

EMIRA D’SPAIN BECOMES THE FIRST BLACK TRANS MODEL TO WORK WITH VICTORIA’S SECRET Emira D’Spain, better known as XOXOEMIRA on social media, is making history with Victoria’s Secret.

The 25-year-old is the first Black transgender model to work with the popular lingerie brand. D’Spain is collaborating with them to make a Valentine’s TikTok showing users how to enjoy the day if they’re single.

In the video, she tries on different VS items, takes herself out to lunch, buys herself a bouquet of flowers and diamond earrings, and then ends the day by doing her skincare routine in a VS pink heart pajama set.

“My entire platform is built on confidence and self-love,” D’Spain told Page Six. “I want to empower young trans women and men around the world to show them that the beauty and fashion industries are changing. Especially if you are a person of color. I am so grateful to work with Victoria’s Secret and hope this

Emira D’Spain. Photo via Instagram.

paves the way for others after me.”

She also took to Instagram to express how honored she was to work with the brand.

“As a kid I only DREAMED of being a part of Victoria’s Secret,” she wrote. “Valentina Sampaio paved the way and it’s such an honor to continue that legacy on the first day of Black History Month.”

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NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

UTAH

COURT DECIDES UNIVERSITY CAN DISCRIMINATE AGAINST LGBT STUDENTS Brigham Young University removed its ban on same-sex dating from the honor code but continued to enforce the rule, prompting an investigation from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR). The department found that BYU was exempt from federal anti-discrimination rules because of its religious affiliation.

BYU is a private institution that is sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, also known as the Mormon church.

The university issued a statement saying that the decision was expected “because OCR has repeatedly recognized BYU’s religious exemption for Title IX requirements that are not consistent with the religious tenets of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”

Brigham Young University. Photo via Facebook.

Zachary Ibarra, a gay Mormon and recent BYU graduate, was one of the many people disappointed by the ruling.

“I’m not sure how long we will allow ‘religious liberty’ to supersede the rights of queer people,” he told the Salt Lake Tribune. “I should not be surprised, but it is still deeply disappointing. When will the rights of queer students be upheld to the law without exception?”

TENNESSEE LAWMAKER REVIVES ANOTHER ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL Florida lawmakers have been trying to pass a “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which would prohibit schools and teachers from discussing LGBT-related topics — sparking controversies. Now, a Tennessee lawmaker is reviving the state’s own version of the bill.

The Democratic Party tweeted, “Make no mistake: The ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill is not an isolated action in Florida.”

Rep. Bruce Griffey is leading the way in the latest revival — Tennessee legislatures have tried to pass the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in 2012 and 2013. He also tried to introduce the bill more recently but it was delayed because of the pandemic.

“The state of Tennessee is not allowed to teach my daughters Christian values that I think are important and they

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Rep. Bruce Griffey. Photo via Facebook.

should learn, so I teach those at home,” Griffy told WMC. “So if those are not part of the school curriculum, I don’t see how LGBTQ and other issues and social lifestyles should be part of the curriculum.”

Griffey’s bill would prohibit public schools from using textbooks that “promote, normalize, support or address LGBT issues or lifestyle,” according to the Advocate.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

TEXAS

RUBI DOMINGUEZ: 54TH TRANS WOMAN KILLED IN 2021 Rubi Dominguez was killed in a hit-andrun car accident in Arlington, Texas on July 16 but was misgendered and deadnamed by media outlets that initially reported on her death.

“In an injustice compounding this tragedy, Dominguez was misgendered in some media and police reports. Antitransgender stigma is exacerbated by callous or disrespectful treatment by some in the media, law enforcement, and elected offices,” the Human Rights Campaign wrote.

Three quarters of all transgender victims are misgendered by the media or law enforcement.

Dominguez’s death is at least the 54th violent killing of a trans or gender nonconforming person in 2021, according to the HRC. “We say ‘at least’ because too often these

Rubi Dominguez.

Photo via the HRC.

deaths go unreported — or misreported,” the HRC wrote.

Monica, Dominguez’s sister, spoke of her pain and called for justice.

“I think whoever was in our place would understand the pain and anger we have,” she said. “Make yourself responsible because it has caused great pain in my family, both emotionally and psychologically. It’s something irreparable.”

The Arlington Police Department is encouraging those with information to contact Crash Investigator S. Bridges at 817575-8602.

WASHINGTON, D.C. FIRST LGBT PERSON OF COLOR TO RECEIVE AMBASSADOR-LEVEL POSITION This month, the U.S. confirmed Chantale Wong as the United States Director to the Asian Development Bank, an ambassador position. Wong is the first lesbian and first person of color to hold such a title.

According to the Victory Institute, Wong was previously the CFO of the Millennium Challenge Corporation, Budget Director at NASA, and Acting Budget Director of the U.S. Treasury Department. The Victory Institute advocated for Wong’s nomination after the Biden administration came into office.

“Ambassador Wong is now one of the highest-ranking leaders of U.S. economic and international policy in Asia and is well-positioned to leverage her exceptional qualifications and experience. As the first out LGBTQ person

Ambassador Chantale Wong. Photo via Facebook.

of color confirmed to an ambassadorlevel position, Ambassador Wong is also a symbol of hope and strength,” Mayor Annise Parker, president and CEO of LGBTQ Victory Institute, wrote in a statement. “Millions of people still live in countries that criminalize LGBTQ people and deny them the right to marry, including many member states of the Asian Development Bank. Her appointment is a powerful statement to those nations.”

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

CHINA CENSORS ‘FRIENDS’ PLOTLINE

SCOTTISH LABOUR CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF ANTI-GAY POLICY’S TERMINATION

Major Chinese streaming services have blocked an LGBT subplot in the iconic TV sitcom “Friends,” prompting fans to vent on social media.

Conversations about the character Ross’ ex-wife, Carol Willick, who divorces him after discovering she is a lesbian, were cut from the first episode. Other sexually provocative conversations were also left out.

Ross notes in the original version that “there was only one lady” for Carol, who leaves him for her friend, Susan Bunch.

According to CNN, the program aired without censorship on Chinese streaming platforms Sohu video and iQiyi in 2012, and it remained available to view until its streaming arrangement expired in 2013.

Following the rising success of the

The cast of “Friends.” Credit: Warner Bros. Television.

2021 special “Friends: The Reunion,’” which saw the six core actors reunite to reminisce about the sitcom, Chinese streaming companies acquired the broadcasting rights to the show collectively.

As West Scotland MSP Paul O’Kane was preparing his first speech in May, he felt a historic wrong had been righted.

Being the first gay Scottish Labour MSP, O’Kane is no stranger to hurtful words and discrimination, but was lucky to have supportive figures in his life.

O’Kane stated that this mix of knowing what it is to struggle and the feeling of support encapsulates LGBT History Month.

Section 28, a rule that forbade municipal governments from promoting homosexuality, was removed more than 20 years ago.

This was a policy that exacerbated the stigma and prejudice against LGBT people by attempting to wipe all traces of them and their lives in classrooms.

“The 20th anniversary of the law’s

Paul O’Kane. Photo via Twitter.

demise was something to celebrate, but 20 years wasn’t really that long ago, and so when we see homophobia today — both blatant and subtle — and wonder why it persists, we should remind ourselves of that,” said O’Kane to Daily Record.

AFRICA

OCEANIA

ACTIVISTS RISK THEIR LIVES FOR EQUALITY RIGHTS

LAWMAKER DELIVERS HEARTFELT SPEECH AGAINST RELIGIOUS DISCRIMINATION BILL

On Feb. 28, 2014, when Ugandan LGBT activist Clare Byarugaba got up and checked her phone, she was confronted by the same frightening message: “Have you seen the newspaper?”

Yoweri Museveni, Uganda’s president, had passed into law a statute that would sentence participants in certain sexual acts between two individuals of the same gender to life in jail and threatened anyone who offered services and support to the LGBT community with incarceration.

In response, Byarugaba’s name and photo appeared on the main page of a prominent tabloid newspaper that day with the headline “Top Ugandan Gays Speak Out: How We Became Homos.”

Byarugaba is part of a new generation of proud and out African LGBT activists who refuse to remain silent in nations

Clare Byarugaba. Photo via Twitter.

where being gay is not only hazardous, but also lethal. According to Essence, LGBT marriage equality is gaining traction in Western countries, where it is now legal in 22 countries, including Brazil and, most recently, Mexico.

Stephen Jones, an opposition legislator, made an emotional plea for LGBT rights, citing a family tragedy and his own anxieties as a father. It attracted praise on social media and came just as the Australian government dropped the religious discrimination law he was protesting. Proponents of the law contended that it would empower religious institutions to discriminate against LGBT pupils.

The Labor Party MP stated in Parliament on Tuesday that the measure may cause emotional harm to LGBT youth, citing his son, Paddy QuilterJones, and nephew, Ollie.

He highlighted Ollie’s battle with his gender identification.

“He was just 15 when he took his own life. He was a beautiful, creative,

Stephen Jones. Photo via Facebook.

courageous young man ... His mum and dad are in anguish. We all are. He was gay. He was uncertain about his gender and struggled with his mental health,” Jones said, according to NBC News.

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7

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

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

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death.

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

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

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

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

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

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

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

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

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP CREATING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0369 04/21

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All Pages

CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP CREATING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

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

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

See Chad’s story at BIKTARVY.com.

Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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

4/26/21 12:53 2 .17. 20 22PM•

9

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

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• 2 .17.2022

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

DJ and Director Chi Chi LaRue with Charles Horton, owner of LeBoy and Lit.

From Chef Nate’s, Steve Williams, Henry Sedutan, Robert Isbell and Nelson Matias.

Steve Margolis, Realtor at REMAX Experience, with Richard Mandel from Assure America Title Company.

The team at Worthington Alcazar Resorts: Rick Rutledge, Gary Woods and Rocky Rockett.

NEWS MIAMI-DADE

MIAMI BEACH PRIDE SEEKING LGBT LEGACY COUPLES Jose Cassola

Miami Gay News

M

iami Beach Pride is looking for committed partners to add to their LGBTQ+ Legacy Couples program.

Registration is now open through March 25 for LGBT couples in committed relationships of 10 years or longer who are interested in participating in the 14th edition of the Miami Beach Pride Parade along Ocean Drive on Sunday, April 10, commencing at noon.

Miami Beach Pride’s Legacy Couples program, established during the first Pride parade in 2009, recognizes same-sex couples who have been in committed relationships of 10 years or longer. There are currently 88 couples in the program, spanning Baby Boomers, GEN X and Millennials.

A Miami Beach Pride spokesperson said in a statement: “While all of us who are openly a part of the LGBTQ+ community are living and writing the history of our movement, it’s oftentimes the hidden stories of our queer

Photo via Adobe.

elders who were at the forefront of the fight for equality and fairness who paved the way for our community to live as freely as we do today.”

TO REGISTER GO TO MIAMIBEACHPRIDE.COM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, EMAIL LEGACY@MIAMIBEACHPRIDE.COM. Courtesy of Miami Gay News.

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NEWS PALM BEACH

DELRAY PRIDE INTERSECTION VANDAL CASE POSTPONED Christiana Lilly

The new Pride intersection in Delray Beach was defaced two days after its dedication. Photo courtesy PBCHRC.

W

hat was supposed to be a trial date on Feb. 11 turned into a calendar call in the case of the man alleged to have vandalized the Pride intersection in Delray Beach.

Alexander Jerich and his new attorney met with the State Attorney’s Office Friday morning and decided on a potential plea conference for the morning of March 1.

If the case is not resolved that day, or if Jerich doesn’t file a motion for continuance, there is a potential trial date of March 8, said Richard T. Clausi Jr., chief of the Misdemeanor Division at the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office.

The “calendar call” on Feb. 11 was originally scheduled to be a trial date back in October.

JERICH WAS ARRESTED ON JUNE 17 AND CHARGED WITH CRIMINAL MISCHIEF OVER $1,000, RECKLESS DRIVING AND EVIDENCE OF PREJUDICE (FELONY ENHANCEMENT).

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Just days later, Jerich was pulled over for driving 87 miles per hour in a 40-mile-perhour zone. He paid $356 in fines and court fees and is also required to take a defensive driving course. Jerich also appears to have a new lawyer; he is now being represented by West Palm Beach attorney Robert Pasch.

Jerich, 22, is accused of burning out his truck over the intersection during a birthday celebration caravan for former President Donald Trump just days after the intersection was dedicated in June 2021. A video was posted to social media of the burnout, and a witness from the caravan came forward to report the incident to the Delray Beach Police Department.

Jerich was arrested on June 17 and charged with criminal mischief over $1,000, reckless driving and evidence of prejudice (felony enhancement). However, in August, Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg dropped the hate crime charge. He explained in a press conference that the case did not meet one of the requirements of the law to move forward with a hate crime — he explained that the victim was the city of Delray Beach, which does not have a sexual orientation or gender identity.

The office also looked into charging Jerich under Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ new Combating Public Disorder statute, but Aronberg said that the case did not meet the requirement of the memorial honoring or recounting “the past or public service of a Florida or United States resident.”

NEWS STATE

EQUALITY FLORIDA HINTS DARK FUTURE IF ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL PASSES John Hayden

L

ife in the world of “Don’t Say Gay” is a dark place. A world where students, both LGBT and straight, are intimidated into silence and trusted teachers are scolded for even the slightest breach of governmentenforced conservative orthodoxy.

This world is depicted in a new ad created

by Equality Florida. They are fighting to keep SB 1834 and HB 1557, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bills, from passing the legislature, which would almost certainly be signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis. The bills prevent any discussion of sexual orientation in lower grades, but is intentionally written to be as vague as possible so that it could be read to include discussions in junior high and high schools, prevent gay/straight alliances, and even keep teachers from having a picture of their same-sex spouse on their desk.

In the ad, a student gets up to read her essay about her heroes, her two moms and is encouraged by her teacher. A red light starts flashing, an alarm pierces the air, and the teacher is summoned to the principal’s office.

This may seem like an extreme dramatization, but it is a look at the real consequences that will face students and teachers once “Don’t Say Gay” becomes law.

Nadine Smith, Equality Florida’s executive director, says DeSantis is using students to score political points.

“Governor DeSantis is pushing legislation to curb free speech, propagandize school curriculums, and monitor classroom conversations, private workplaces, and

“AS A PARENT OF A 10-YEAR-OLD, THESE BILLS FAIL TO PROTECT MY CHILD AND OUR FAMILY.” - Nadine Smith EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF EQUALITY FLORIDA

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doctor’s offices — all in order to outflank Donald Trump to the right and build an onramp to run for president in 2024. As a parent of a 10-year-old, these bills fail to protect my child and our family. It is a tool for the state to censor and that encourages lawsuits against schools as a means of intimidation.”

Equality Florida plans to release a second ad in the campaign.

Meanwhile, citizens are using guerilla tactics to get the attention of Republican legislators. Rep. Anna V. Eskamani, a Democrat representing District 47 outside Orlando, tweeted that people are calling lawmakers’ offices, saying “Gay!” and then hanging up.

In the current, GOP dominated legislature “Don’t Say Gay” appears undefeatable.

Any path to killing the bills is up to voters supporting groups like Equality Florida and making their views known, loudly and often, that they support students and teachers.

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KNOW YOUR STATUS

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THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 4 FEBRUARY 17, 2022

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

TERM LIMITS TO BE DECIDED BY WILTON MANORS VOTERS & MORE NOTES FROM THE COMMISSION MEETING

By John McDonald Voters will get to decide if elected officials OTHER NOTES FROM THE FEB. 8 in Wilton Manors should have term limits.

MEETING: Commissioners gave their final seal of approval for a 2022 ballot referendum that The Commission approved the creation of would establish term limits for elected office. a Financial Advisory Board. All five members This fall voters will decide if 12 years is enough of the Budget Review Advisory Committee for elected city officials. Commissioners (BRAC) will transition to the new volunteer would be allowed a maximum of three four- board. year terms and the mayor allowed to serve Commissioners unanimously approved a a maximum of six two-year request by Manor Bowl Inc. to terms. vacate a portion of the rightThe ballot proposal, debated of-way north of its property at In this atmosphere in one form or another for 1517 NE 26th St. The parcel of years, passed unanimously land vacated is 12 feet in width of hated fueled on a 5-0 vote, but not and 155.80 feet in length for a by big money without resident Michael total of 1,869.60 square feet Rajner’s last minute plea for in area. The bowling alley was from right-wing reconsideration. built in 1959. Propane tanks are billionaires such “It’s a small city,” Rajner currently on the vacated rightsaid. “I think you’re going to of-way. as Peter Thiel, we miss out on talent.”

Lynn Lawrence was selected Rajner said the election need to be ever as the city’s Black History format Wilton Manors uses honoree. Lawrence is more diligent in our Month involving multiple candidates the owner of the Wilton Drive also poses problems for Dairy Queen. pursuit to protect overseas ballots.

“She’s been operating that and defend our Community Affairs successfully, as not only a Advisory Board Chairman woman but as a minoritydemocracy.

Michael Sansevero disagreed owned business for 22 years,” with Rajner.

Sansevero said. “To have such “It’s a small city but there’s no shortage of a minority-owned business operating in candidates,” Sansevero said. “If someone’s Wilton Manors over that long period of time term-limited out there’s six or seven especially in the early years is historical and other people ready to take it. Many of the groundbreaking and commendable.” commissioners come in with very little The Commission was united in opposition experience … you learn on the job, but that’s to seven bills currently proposed in the state what brings in fresh ideas and leads to legislature. Those bills are SB 974, SB 510, SB positive changes and new approaches and I 148/HB 7, SB 1820/HB 747, SB 1834/HB 1557, think that’s a good thing for the city.”

SB 1842/HB 1305 and HB 211. Sponsored by

Photo via Adobe.

Sen. Dennis Baxley and Rep. Joe Harding, SB 1834/HB 1557 — dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill has garnered national attention and condemnation from President Joe Biden.

The second and final public hearing for Community Development Block Grant funding was held. Todd DeJesus, Capital Projects Administer, said the city will receive $76,000 in its 48th year participating in the program. The primary objective of CDBG funds, DeJesus said, is to improve the quality of life for low to middle income persons or neighborhoods. DeJesus said the city’s Parks & Recreation Advisory Board is “adamant” the funds be used for a new children’s playground at Hagen Park.

www.WMGAZETTE.com

Economic Development Manager Kimberly Allonce gave a quarterly report. Allonce said the city’s office occupancy rate is 97.9% with a $33.43 cost per square foot. Retail occupancy rate is 98.1% with an average price of $29.54 per square foot, up nearly $8 this year. The multi-family apartment occupancy rate is 97.7% with an average asking rent of $2,095 per unit. Vice Mayor Paul Rolli asked Allonce to do a better job of contacting and cultivating relationships with developers.

“I just don’t see the result of high-level outreach or marketing and that’s what we’re looking for,” Rolli said.

The next regular commission meeting is Feb. 22.

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WILTON MANORS

OPINION

LAW AND DISORDER

A recent news cycle reported on the Republican National Committee’s declaration that the attack on the Capitol a little over a year ago on January 6, 2021 was just “legitimate political discourse.” The RNC makes it sound like these thugs were at a tea party instead of killing and injuring police officers. The Grand Ole Party of law and order has become the party of mob rule and deadly seditious complicity.

The censorship is real, the threat to our democracy is real, the dead capital police officers are real, and yet the mainstream Republican establishment that make up the RNC turn a blind eye, attach those who break from the party line and dare to speak the truth. Just ask Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger about the price to pay for being a true patriot, for defending the constitution and our democracy. The RNC should be proclaiming Cheney and Kinzinger as American heroes, instead they censor them, ostracize them, pour millions into primary challenges to defeat them, all while embracing lies, criminals, and traitors.

Just take a moment to imagine if a rioting mob of Black Lives Matter protesters stormed Storming of the United States Capitol in 2021. Photo credit: Tyler Merbler, via Wikipedia. the Capital Building on that Jan. 6. The cries from the right would be loud, harsh, and swift mass incarceration; quick arrest of to the long hard fight of so many left-wing blinded by falsehoods should cause us all a leaders nation-wide and total lock down of activists. Peter and hubby Matt might think few sleepless nights. But not to worry, the that their billions will protect same right-wing zealots who want you to communities.

Somehow them from the gay-bashing thugs believe that the election was stolen and peaceful protesters of color they are helping to release in that deadly riots are just legitimate political are much more dangerous In this atmosphere our society but history should discourse are the same ones that came up to our way of life than the tell them something different. with the catchy phrase, “Guns don’t kill hordes of right-wing thugs of hated fueled Money and connections did people, people kill people.” So just rest easy who kill, destroy property, by big money not help the millions who Islanders, those deadly weapons uncovered attach lawmakers, and were led away to concentration by our Police Department are no threat at wish to bring down the from right-wing camps once the Nazi hordes all — just the collection of a law-abiding gun legitimate government billionaires such took control and wiped away enthusiast, perhaps not. of the United States. Just This week marks the four-year anniversary the democratic institutions of when you thought you saw as Peter Thiel, we of the deadly shooting at Stoneman Douglas Germany and most of Europe. it all! And stay tuned there need to be ever These right-wing zealots High School. As many mourn the tragic is much more to come of seem all too eager in their loss of life on that February 14, 2018, let this so-called legitimate more diligent in our determination to rip open us be ever more vigilant to put an end to political discourse. pursuit to protect Pandora’s Box, unleashing the hatemongering, stop glorifying lawless In this atmosphere of hatred, discourse, lies and many behavior of many on January 6, 2021, hated fueled by big money and defend our unknowns into every corner of get deadly assault weapons out of our from right-wing billionaires democracy.

American society. This reality communities, and make those who bankroll such as Peter Thiel, we need makes the recent discovery of such behavior pay the price of public outrage. to be ever more diligent in the stash of deadly weapons by We have much work to do as a community our pursuit to protect and defend our democracy. I find it a bit ironic our Wilton Manors Police Department so and a nation if we want to continue to that this far-right conservative was able to unnerving for our community. Such weapons honestly say that life is just better here. marry his life-long same-sex partner due in the hands of those filled with hatred and

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 2 .17.2022

GAZETTE February 17, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 4 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

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COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

WILTON MANORS HONORS DAIRY QUEEN OWNER FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By John McDonald

The recognition came as a surprise, said Lynn Lawrence.

“It’s a little shocking,” Lawrence told the Gazette.

At the Feb. 8 Wilton Manors Commission meeting, Lawrence was selected as the city’s Black History Month honoree. She has owned and operated the Wilton Drive Dairy Queen for 22 years.

“It’s a good community,” Lawrence said.

“I love being here. Wilton Manors is a very friendly place. It feels like home. Everybody looks out for each other. It’s a great place to be and I’m blessed to be here.”

Lawrence moved to Florida from North Carolina in 1990 and after working a less than fulfilling job, she went to the bank, got a loan and took a chance on the iconic softserve ice cream franchise.

“I was in the right place at the right time and God showed me the way,” she said.

Lawrence said her daily business approach is to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

“It’s all about how you treat people,” Lawrence said. “I love working here and

serving our customers. If you are good to your customers, they’ll be good to you and our customers are very loyal.”

Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton said the honor was well-earned.

“Lynn has been an outstanding resident of this city for a long time,” said Newton. “I think she should have been recognized a lot sooner.”

Located at 1950 Wilton Drive, the Dairy Queen is a throwback to a bygone era.

Customers order their treats at a window.

The tiny building is 69 years old, Lawrence said, and she fondly recalls first taking over.

“It was like the Andy Griffith show here,” she said. “The police officers would stop by and say hello and give me their cards.

Everybody knew everybody.”

Mary Ulm, president of the Board of Directors for the Wilton Manors Historical Society, said she uses the Dairy Queen as a wayfinding landmark for directions.

“People always know where it is,” said Ulm. “I often use it as a point of reference

Lynn Lawrence. Photo courtesy of Lynn Lawrence.

when sending people to Richardson Park.”

Ulm said Lawrence’s gentle and giving spirit have served her well through the years, remembering how she sent financial support across the street to the annual Taste of the Island event.

“That impressed me,” Ulm said.

As a Black woman, Lawrence said she is grateful for the work of the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and does not view her race or gender as hindrances, instead acknowledging those identifiers have instilled a strong desire to succeed.

“I feel like in life whether you are white or Black, if you want to do something you have to push hard and make it happen,” she said. “You have to keep trying and never give up and treat every failure as a learning experience. If you really want something you have to work hard for it.”

Outside the iconic Wilton Manors Diary Queen.

Photo via Zomato.

“Lynn has been an outstanding resident of this city for a long time. I think she should have been recognized a lot sooner.”

- Scott Newton

Mayor of Wilton Manors

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FEBRUARY 17, 2022

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REAL ESTATE

WILTON MANORS

HAVE SKYROCKETING HOUSING PRICES MADE WILTON UNAFFORDABLE?

By James Oaksun

T

he recent rapid increase in housing costs — whether to buy or rent — has stressed many current and prospective Wilton Manors residents. As a result, living in the Island City is no longer an affordable option for many who work here or wish to relocate.

Chart 1 shows median (half of sales above, and half below) prices for purchase of a single-family home, townhome, and condo, in Wilton Manors in the fourth quarter of each of the last four years. Also included are median rents for one- and two-bedroom apartments (all data from MLS).

Rents were relatively stable from 2018 through 2020, but have recently jumped significantly — 24% in one year for a onebedroom apartment, and 59% for a twobedroom.

The increase in the prices of homes, townhomes and condos may not be as surprising, as it has been noted amply here and elsewhere. Compared with just two years

ago, the price of the median single-family home has increased by 31%. The median townhome is up 42%, and the median condo has had a 39% increase in price.

A household is considered “housing stressed” if their cost of housing exceeds 30% of gross income, and “extremely housing stressed” at a housing cost more than 50% of income. Since the median one-bedroom apartment in Wilton Manors rents for $1,550/ month, a renter of that unit would be housing stressed with a household income less than $62,000 per year, and extremely stressed at an annual income less than $37,200.

The situation is magnified when looking at two-bedroom rentals in the Island City. With

Photo via Adobe.

Chart courtesy of James Oaksun.

the median rent being $2,550/month, that household would be stressed at an annual income less than $102,000, and extremely stressed at an income less than $61,200 per year.

Hard information on recent buyer demographics is difficult to come by. But to purchase the median condo, townhome, or single-family home in Wilton Manors, assuming a 20% down payment and allowances for property taxes and insurances, would generally require the buyer(s) to have annual income of at least $60,000, $120,000, and $170,000, respectively.

While it is likely that many purchases are being made for cash or with higher-thanstandard down payments, the US Census reports that the median household in Broward County has an annual income of about $60,000.

“Rapidly rising home costs are certainly impacting affordability for residents throughout South Florida,” according to Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Paul Rolli, who noted that the state and county have programs to assist with affordable housing. He added, “Wilton Manors is one of the few cities that has its own affordable housing impact fee.

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Funds from that have recently supported the construction of low-cost rental units and several grants for first-time, low-income home buyers.”

The fact remains, however, that with the run-up in prices in the last several years (and this past year in particular), many people can no longer afford to live in Wilton Manors. Although no one has a divinely ordained right to live in the Island City, the reality is that many people work in Wilton, and increasingly city businesses have workers who are housing stressed (or unable to live near their work) providing goods and services to wellheeled vacationers and a local moneyed elite. This is also the case with destinations like Palm Springs, Rehoboth, and Provincetown. Wilton Manors is now part of that mainstream.

The fact remains, however, that with the runup in prices in the last several years (and this past year in particular), many people can no longer afford to live in Wilton Manors.

James Oaksun, Florida’s Real Estate Geek(SM), is Broker-Owner of New Realty Concepts in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).

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OUT NOW! S O U T H

F L O R I D A

Vol. 11 Issue 1

S O U T H

• FEBRUARY 2022

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POLITICS

WILTON MANORS

N E W S

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N E W S

Paul Rolli. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

PAUL ROLLI RUNS FOR RE-ELECTION TO WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSION

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Continuity and cooperation were the from police and citizens.

Rolli also laid out a vision for Wilton Manors themes of the day when Paul Rolli, Wilton Manors city commissioner and vice mayor, that will extend well beyond his tenure and those of anyone serving in the city today. announced his re-election campaign.

A 20-30-year master plan On Feb. 6, supporters of Rolli deals with city infrastructure gathered at Richardson Park to updates including the water hear him lay out his plans for a Part of the and sewage system. He says new term. strategy is a five$4M has already been spent.

“I love and believe in Wilton Much of his agenda Manors. My only agenda is to year plan that mirrors that of Mayor Scott work for the people of Wilton Newton, who is also running includes finding Manors,” Rolli said. for another term. Newton He laid out a developer and was in attendance and gave accomplishments, including a full endorsement of Rolli’s the updating of regulations tenant for a campaign. He was joined by and zoning rules that were boutique hotel, Wilton City Commissioners up to 60 years old and touted Mike Bracchi and Chris Caputo. that, despite the financial addressing sea Also joining Rolli was Fort body blow from the pandemic, Lauderdale Mayor Dean the city hasn’t dipped into its level and climate Trantalis, as well as elected reserves. change challenges, officials from surrounding Part of the strategy is a fivecities including Oakland year plan that includes finding and traffic issues.

Park. The message was a developer and tenant for a clear: continuity at home boutique hotel, addressing sea level and climate change challenges, and and cooperation with neighbors is key for traffic issues. He has also met with the city’s everyone’s success.

The election is scheduled for November 8, chief of police to address speeding issues in parts of the city, and says officers will soon be 2022, with early voting running from Oct. 24 wearing body cameras for better transparency through Nov. 6.

SFGN will be sitting down with Paul Rolli soon for a more detailed look into his plans for a new term.

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• 2 .17.2022

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www.WMGAZETTE.com FEBRUARY 17, 2022

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

ROAD SAFETY SHOULDN’T BE SO COMPLEX As an eager freshman commissioner back in December 2020, I volunteered to be the city’s representative for the Broward Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). Their mission of planning, prioritizing, and funding diverse transportation options appealed to my desire to see more bike and pedestrian friendly roads in our city and more viable public transportation options in the future. I was confident my participation in the MPO would eventually make our streets in Wilton Manors safer and more accessible to everyone.

Sometime during the January new board member training on the 90+ acronyms that were essential in MPO speak, I realized progress might not come as quickly as I had hoped. I relied heavily on city staff to help me navigate the issues being faced by the MPO board as well as our city, especially around road design, safety, and maintenance. Most importantly, I began to understand the challenges associated with designing and maintaining roads that are managed by different entities: the city, the county, or the state via FDOT. Some of the challenges we face in designing and maintaining our roads: • Lack of autonomy in decision making about crucial safety aspects like speed limits • Inconsistent design approaches to bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways • Complex funding rules or uncertainty depending on who manages the road • Multiple design manuals and differing best practices We’re seeing how these challenges affect us personally with two of our own roads: Powerline Road and NE 26th St. Powerline Road FDOT recently completed its Powerline Road Safety Audit (https://bit. ly/3JmswpP). While they did reduce the speed limit on the road, as a city we are interested in seeing additional changes implemented that so far have not been agreed to. We are requesting an acceleration of all safety improvements recommended in the report, a further reduction of speed limit, improvements to ensure bicycle lane safety, and a pedestrian crosswalk.

NE 26TH STREET The city has some funding for improvements to Northeast 26th Street on the east side of Wilton Manors. City staff recently provided an

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overview of the proposed changes to the Three Bridges Neighborhood Association. Noticeably missing from the plan were bike lanes and landscaping/lighting improvements. Todd de Jesus, our city lead on the project, expressed his commitment to pursuing all possibilities, but shared with residents that the road is county owned and that traffic engineers from the county were unwilling to approve some of our requests.

These two examples — one a state road and one a county road — show the need for us to be innovative and comprehensive in our approach to the problem. At the last Westside Association of Wilton Manors meeting, Hunter Stephens suggested a city-wide resident-driven task that could work with the commission and city staff to engage both County and FDOT officials.

Since we’re experiencing challenges across the city, a unified task force like this may be the right next step. If you would be interested in supporting a task force in its outreach efforts or have another idea on how we might address the issue, do not hesitate to contact me via email at ccaputo@wiltonmanors.com or text message at 954.557.2801.

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2 .17. 20 22 •

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IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE

BELOVED LOCAL SERVER DIES AT 32 John Hayden Photo via Facebook.

S

outh Florida’s mourning the loss of yet another familiar face. Nick Coleman, 32, passed away after a brief but tough illness. And while COVID-19 didn’t cause his death, it is to blame.

“It was about two days of symptoms and so sad at the same time. Hold that he thought was COVID,” his those you love oh so close. Make the friend, Gary Hill, said. “He thought he memories that’ll last for a lifetime. And would get through it. But the coroner always be right here right now.” said it was bacterial meningitis.”

Hill remembers his friend as Many people, including medical someone who stood out for all the professionals, assume any minor cold right reasons. or respiratory issue is “Very outgoing, loving, COVID-19, and don’t run caring.”

THE NEWS OF a test since there’s no Because he had friends HIS DEATH WAS treatment for mild cases. and family in so many Coleman moved to places, several Celebrations SUDDEN AND South Florida in 2015 of Life are being held, SHOCKING, AND after growing up in including one that took HIS MOTHER, Missouri. He was a server place in Lauderdale By the ANGELIQUE at several restaurants Sea last week. in and around Wilton Coleman was considered OVERSTREET, Manors, and quickly the life of the party URGES EVERYONE endeared himself to the anywhere he went, and TO CHERISH THOSE gathered a “chosen family” community.

CLOSE TO THEM. The news of his everywhere he went, from death was sudden and Springfield, Kansas City, to shocking, and his mother, Angelique Fort Lauderdale. Hundreds of people Overstreet, urges everyone to cherish have posted pictures and memories those close to them. recalling the times they spent with “People have been reaching out and him. that is so much appreciated. Friends, A GoFundMe was set up to help with family and kindness have come in so final expenses, and has raised more many different forms. I feel so blessed than $10,000.

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• 2 .17.2022

CHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS.

s

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

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

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A home for your spirit.

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

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Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

CRITICS: LEGLESS MEN WHO TEACH RUNNING

WTF?!? — CAUSTIC COMMENTARY IS WHAT DRAMATIC CRITICISM IS ALL ABOUT Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

S

everal people are upset and have written to SFGN over the tag “WTF?!?” as part of a headline in an art review. Angry they are.

I don’t disagree that it stings, but that is why writers who review theater are called critics. Don’t be offended. Generally, no one really likes critics. Once asked to donate $10 dollars to help bury one, Milton Berle replied, “Here’s $20. Bury two.”

SFGN, distributed for free to you, has been reviewing theater in South Florida for over 10 years. One week before the review at issue, SFGN even spent a half page profiling the author’s world premiere at Island City Stage, just one of our town’s many terrific, magical local community theaters.

Not every headline or story will salute a singular production though. Don’t expect it too.

Would you think any producer launching any production anywhere might have been happier with a headline that read: “Not an Easy Play to Watch”?

What if a review began with a headline “New Show is an Old Mess”? Would anyone have praised that?

Caustic commentary is just that: caustic and biting.

Critics can be brutal, but heck, you can review the reviewer too. We want to hear your competing thoughts, and we respect divergent voices. We don’t hide from them. We print them.

JW Arnold is an award-winning writer whom SFGN is fortunate to have as our theater reviewer. He is one of the best, but please, make your own call. The same play that our talented critic panned, dozens of

others have praised on Facebook.

We have a wealth of shows and theaters, even restaurants, in this market and our town, for you to choose from. We want you to experience them all. There are only so many times you can see Ronnie Larsen barefoot and naked on the stage — not that there’s anything wrong with that. I love the guy and his shows, but one of his plays that had a cast of ten were all buried in one very small plot.

Percy Hammond once called dramatic criticism “venom from contented rattlesnakes.” Critics search for failure, highlighting planes that crash, cookies that crumble while you are baking them. That’s what they do.

I have collected many biting remarks from reviewers over the years, like the journalist who wrote of one play, “The trouble with this show is that the theater is constructed improperly; the seats face the stage.”

Groucho Marx had a similar comment when he stated he “saw the show at a disadvantage. The curtain was up.”

Sometimes those critics can get personal too, like the day a Dolly Parton show was reviewed with the comment that “she has one more bust than she needs.”

YOU CAN’T BE THIN-SKINNED IN AN INDUSTRY THAT DEPENDS ON EXPOSING YOUR CRAFT AND YOURSELF TO THE PUBLIC NIGHTLY.

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Some shows deserve your praise, others your pity. Photo via PxHere.

Anyway, neither SFGN nor our critic, JW Arnold, intended to hurt a great community theater or talented actors with a stinging headline that has apparently struck a nerve.

But it was nicer than Dorothy Parker’s review of a young Katherine Hepburn’s performance in The Lake: “She ran the gamut of emotion from A to B.” You can’t be thin-skinned in an industry that depends on exposing your craft and yourself to the public nightly. You gotta bite the bullet. One of my friends just said about a new Broadway show he hated, “I envied my feet; they were asleep.” It’s a tough crowd out there.

Secretly, under a pseudonym — a pen name — in an earlier life, I was a theater critic. Forgive me, for I have sinned. I was even a Carbonell Awards judge in their earliest years about a half century ago. I am that old. But be grateful for the words of your reviewers. At least they are not critiquing your home cooking. They are helping you use your money wisely and choose your food

and entertainment cautiously.

Don’t hold it against SFGN if we do a critical headline or review here and there.

Feel free to chirp your own song; write your own letter to us. But please, stop and say to yourself that with 12 years of publishing behind us, at 52 issues a year, at least a couple of reviews an issue, we probably have run well over a thousand of them.

Add in the openings we have covered, the actors profiled, the theaters illuminated, and between the Mirror Magazine and SFGN you have probably the best two publications covering arts and entertainment in South Florida, from Key West to Palm Beach, and that does not even include when Joe Pallant and I do Karaoke together barefoot at the Alibi.

The bottom line is that our paper, like a critic, is a lot like your longtime lover: he can find a little bad in the best of things.

Be kind to critics. If they don’t deserve your respect, they may at least deserve your pity.

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Mike Luckovich

GET YOUR VOICE

HEARD

FRUSTRATED BY BEING DROWNED IN A SEA OF UNREAD FACEBOOK COMMENTS? Get your voice heard and letters read visibly on SFGN.com and in our newspaper every week.

Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

2 .17. 20 22 •

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CONVICTIONS Raising the bar for Telehealth

BLACK HISTORY MONTH Remembering Author and Activist James Arthur Baldwin

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www.healthkarma.org 28

• 2 .17.2022

Off The Wall

Pier Angelo

AMES ARTHUR BALDWIN (August 2, 1924 – December 1, 1987) was an American writer and activist. As a writer, he garnered acclaim across various media, including essays, novels, plays and poems.

His first novel, “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” was published in 1953; decades later, Time Magazine included the novel on its list of the 100 best English-language novels released from 1923 to 2005. His first essay collection, “Notes of a Native Son,” was published in 1955.

Baldwin’s work fictionalizes fundamental personal questions and dilemmas amid complex social and psychological pressures.

Themes of masculinity, sexuality, race, and class intertwine to create intricate narratives that run parallel with some of the major political movements toward social change in mid-twentieth century America, such as the civil rights movement and the gay liberation movement. Baldwin’s protagonists are often but not exclusively African American, and gay and bisexual men frequently feature prominently in his literature. These characters often face internal and external obstacles in their search for social and selfacceptance. Such dynamics are prominent in Baldwin’s second novel, “Giovanni’s Room,” which was written in 1956, well before the gay liberation movement.

In the novel, the protagonist David is in Paris while his fiancée Hella is in Spain. David meets the titular Giovanni at the bar that Giovanni owns; the two grow increasingly intimate and David eventually finds his way to Giovanni’s room. David is confused by his intense feelings for Giovanni and has sex with a woman in the spur of the moment to reaffirm his sexuality. Meanwhile, Giovanni begins to prostitute himself and finally commits a murder for which he is guillotined.

David’s tale is one of love’s inhibition: he cannot “face love when he finds it,” writes biographer James Campbell. The novel features a traditional theme: the clash between the restraints of puritanism and

James Baldwin. Photo credit: Allan Warren, via Wikipedia.

the impulse for adventure, emphasizing the loss of innocence that results. To Baldwin’s relief, the reviews of “Giovanni’s Room” were positive, and his family did not criticize the subject matter.

His reputation has endured since his death and his work has been adapted for the screen to great acclaim. An unfinished manuscript, “Remember This House,” was expanded and adapted for cinema as the documentary film “I Am Not Your Negro” (2016), which was nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the 89th Academy Awards. One of his novels, “If Beale Street Could Talk,” was adapted into the Academy Award-winning film of the same name in 2018, directed and produced

by Barry Jenkins.

In addition to writing, Baldwin was also a well-known, and controversial, public figure and orator, especially during the civil rights movement in the United States.

Pier Angelo was born in Italy, moved to England at the age of 17 and learned English at the Nelson School of English. He attended college and graduate school in Manhattan. In 2009 he founded SFGN with Norm Kent. Now he’s retired with his husband Tom and his Affenpinscher Cabbage. He still enjoys writing his column Off The Wall for SFGN.

SPORTS PLAYING WITH PRIDE

SPORTS OLYMPICS

PRO WRESTLING VIBE NAMES THREE INDUCTEES

BROADCASTERS FAIL TO MENTION LGBT PRESENCE IN OLYMPICS Everitt Rosen

Everitt Rosen

L

D

espite a record number of LGBT athletes at the Beijing Winter Olympics, it is the broadcasting network’s choice of whether to specifically talk about these athletes being a member of the LGBT community.

In the United States, coverage of the Beijing Winter Olympic games falls to NBC, but after the opening ceremony and a few nights of competition, NBC has once again chosen to ignore the words “gay,” “lesbian” or “LGBTQ” during their coverage.

NBC played footsie with LGBT athletes at the Olympics Opening Ceremony, neglecting to recognize the presence of the community in any significant way throughout the network’s three-hour coverage of the Opening Ceremony.

While failing to recognize LGBT competitors, the network’s major commentators — Mike Tirico and Savannah Guthrie — spent a lot of the time emphasizing the human rights issues surrounding China hosting the Winter Olympics. They also invited China specialists to discuss the crackdown on democracy in Hong Kong as well as the oppression of Muslim Uyghurs in the nation.

According to China Daily, this may be a new tradition that started in 2008, during the Beijing Summer Olympics with Matthew Mitcham.

With his boyfriend in the stands, Mitcham single-handedly stopped a sweep of Olympic Diving medals, which was a major story to come out of those games. Mitcham had come out several months before the Olympics and despite

his success, NBC didn’t say anything about Mitcham being gay or his boyfriend being there to support him.

According to The Advocate, the network’s disregard for the community has persisted, with the network removing Tom Daley’s Oscar-winning husband and referring to a lesbian volleyball player’s wife as her “husband.”

Another example is Brittany Bowe, who was one of Team USA’s two flag carriers in the Parade of Nations. Bowe has been openly gay for many years. According to LGBTQ Nation, Bowe was the first and only LGBT flag bearer.

The network emphasized Bowe’s reaction to learning she had been chosen as a flag bearer, and then concentrated on her throughout the Procession of Nations, even chatting with her during the parade.

Despite this, there was no mention of Bowe being the only LGBT athlete carrying any country’s flag. While they devoted an entire piece to the family of the other flag bearer, curler John Shuster, Bowe’s family received only a fleeting mention.

Charley Cullen Walters, the creator of Gold Meets Golden and a prominent gay Olympics reporter, has stated he has spoken about and noticed the same thing.

“As someone who has covered LGBT Olympians on the ground at the Games in the past, it’s disheartening to see them not be featured this year,” said Walters to Outsports. “I hope NBC can still turn it around as these are prime stories to be applauded and we need to continue to raise the bar and expectation of LGBTfocused coverage with each Games.”

FRI MAR 25

Dark Sheik. Photo via Instagram.

LGBTQ pro wrestling scene.

McQueen, the queen of looks and champion of divas, forged his own route and paved the way for LGBT pro wrestlers to thrive in New York and New England.

$5 OFF CODE: SFGN2022

B R YA N T P A R K , L A K E W O R T H B E A C H

Photo credit: Olga Kholyavina, via Adobe.

GBT-focused professional wrestling promotion company Pro Wrestling Vibe has announced three honorees for the 2022 class of the Paris Honors, LGBTQ pro wrestling’s version of a hall of fame. According to OutSports, pro wrestlers Dark Sheik and Eddy McQueen, as well as ring announcer/host Larry Legend, will be inducted in 2022.

Sheik, a trans pro wrestling legend, received her roses after 22 years in the ring, 12 of which she spent as the leader of the Oakland-based counter-culture wrestling sensation Hoodslam.

Since its inception in 2010, the business has had a significant impact on independent pro wrestling. Sheik, therefore, has become a role model for LGBT and trans wrestlers and fans alike.

After more than a decade in the ring, McQueen remains a leader for New York’s

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LIFESTYLE FOOD

MANGIAMO ITALIANO Rick Karlin

Noodles Panini pasta. Courtesy photo.

I

have a friend who says that Italian food is like sex: even when it’s bad, it’s good. While I debate that (he’s never tasted my mother’s attempts at Italian cooking or slept with my first husband), I get his point. When you’re combining pasta, cheese, and sauce, how bad can it be? I don’t know if it was the cold weather snap or from watching The Godfather, but suddenly I was craving Italian food.

DI FARINA PASTA

1915 E. ATLANTIC AVE., POMPANO BEACH 954-953-6771 DIFARINAPASTA.COM

In the short time Di Farina Pasta has been open, it has developed a loyal following. On a recent Monday night visit not only was every table filled, but people were being turned away. The reason that they’re at Di Farina is the terrific food. The pasta and sauces are prepared in-house and impeccably made. Di Farina does a lot of daytime business with folks ordering fresh-made pasta and sauces to cook at home. At night it becomes an intimate dining room presided over by proprietor Emanuel Fernandez, who sounds and acts as if he was just assigned by Central Casting to play the charming owner of an Italian restaurant.

We began our meal with the antipasto platter featuring imported artichokes, olives, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, grilled squash, and eggplant. Although delicious, it was a bit of a skimpy portion, barely enough for one alone, much less for a table to share.

When we ordered the antipasto, Mr. Fernandez suggested we add the fresh mozzarella, which we did. We should have asked the cost as it increased the price of the antipasto by 110%, and there was barely enough for four of us to get a sample of the admittedly delicious cheese.

The menu offers an unusual mix and match option, which allows you to pair your favorite pasta with any of the sauces available. Among the pasta options are whole wheat penne, fusilli, gnocchi (the standard potato, red pepper, ricotta, or spinach), ravioli (stuffed with a choice of ricotta, spinach, chicken, or beef), sorrentina and pansotti (both with a variety of fillings), and fettuccine, linguine, pappardelle, spaghetti, or angel hair flavored with spinach, black squid ink, whole wheat,

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red pepper, or tricolor. The sauce pairings are just as varied, including tomato, alfredo, Bolognese, lobster, puttanesca, arrabbiata, pesto, amatriciana, butter sage, olive oil and pepperoncini, and carbonara. Those lists are nowhere near complete, but I only have so much room. As if that weren’t enough variety, you can augment pasta dishes with meatballs, shrimp, tuna, chicken, meat ragu or salmon.

Additionally there are meat, chicken and fish-based entrées and pasta specials. On the night we dined there I opted for grilled octopus.

Regular readers know that this is a dish that I use to judge a chef’s skills. Cooked too long, it is rubbery and chewy. Somehow the chef at Di Farina managed to make half the serving perfect, the other half until it was burnt to a crisp. The sauteed kale accompanying the dish was too salty to eat. Another diner in our party ordered the grass-fed NY strip with roasted potatoes and asparagus and all were perfectly prepared. Both pasta dishes were also cooked perfectly.

This restaurant is a family affair, and the service shows it. We had to ask numerous times for simple items such as a slice of lemon.

In the evening, Farina offers an intimate ambiance for the dinner crowd, until they turn on the bright fluorescent lights in the deli display case. I kept expecting someone to come up and grill me about a crime. The only crime here is that Di Farina isn’t as good as it could be.

NOODLES PANINI 821 E. LAS OLAS 954-462-1514

NOODLESPANINI.COM

According to our server, Noodles Panini has been offering casual dining on Las Olas Blvd. for more than 20 years. And, although the rest

DiFarina octopus. Courtesy photo.

DiFarina antipasto. Courtesy photo.

of the history she gave us doesn’t match the story on the restaurant’s website, I don’t care.

This is good Italian food, served with loving care and attention to detail.

At Noodles Panini they make their own mozzarella cheese, bake all desserts in house, and make the soups, dressings, spreads, and sauces from scratch. Although the pasta is not made in house, it is all imported from Italy.

We were dining with friends, including Rosalyn and Loren, who had raved about the place, and at their suggestion we started with the bruschetta with warm mozzarella and tomato. You might think $18 a bit pricey for an appetizer, but it was enough for six of us to share. It is an entire loaf of bread topped with warm cheese and chopped tomatoes with balsamic dressing. The presentation was breathtaking, and we cleaned up every crumb.

We also split the caprese salad, again pricey at $19, but enough for a healthy entrée or for six to share.

Four of us ordered pasta. My hubby had

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

the bombolotti (sort of a short rigatoni) with tomato sauce, while our friend Ed ordered the same pasta “alla Nicholas,” which meant chunks of hot sausage, roasted peppers and fresh mozzarella topped by a charred chili pepper. Rosalyn and Loren shared linguine alfredo and grilled chicken. Ward and I had sandwiches; he opted for prosciutto di Parma with grilled artichokes, baby greens, and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese on ciabatta, and I tried vainly to finish chicken parmigiana on grilled ciabatta.

As full as we were, we still managed to try some of the desserts. The cannoli tray is easily enough for three to share and features perfect cannoli. A towering slice of carrot cake was among the best I’ve ever had, and the flourless chocolate cake was as rich and decadent as you’d expect.

Service was friendly, attentive, and efficient, and even on a busy Saturday night, we never felt rushed. There’s a reason Noodles Panini has been so popular for so long.

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.

LIFESTYLE READING WITH PRIDE

‘THE CARDBOARD KINGDOM’ Aurora Dominguez

A

uthor Chad Sell takes a different approach to write “The Cardboard Kingdom” about exploring one’s gender identity.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT NOVEL? The second book in my CARDBOARD KINGDOM graphic novel series came out this summer, and it’s called ROAR OF THE BEAST! In the Cardboard Kingdom, kids dress up in homemade cardboard costumes to explore aspects of their identity and have amazing adventures together. In ROAR OF THE BEAST, a mysterious monster threatens the kingdom, and all the kids will have to join together to overcome it. I was interested in exploring lots of ways to confront doubt and darkness in your life, and how the scariest things are often the ones you can’t see or understand.

WHAT DOES “READING WITH PRIDE” MEAN TO YOU? It’s a celebration of visibility and inclusivity in the book world right now. So many publishers, booksellers, educators, and parents are championing books that explore aspects of queer and marginalized identities. Readers of any age have so much to choose from, and I feel so lucky when I hear from families about the impact my work has had on them!

WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS AND CHARACTERS? I know how important it is to see yourself in books and media. When I was a kid growing up in the Midwest, I would hunt down anything that was even the tiniest bit queer. Sometimes I recognized myself in those characters and storylines, and sometimes I didn’t. But they were so formative and important to me, and I can only hope that I’m offering positive, uplifting depictions of a huge variety of different kids and families in my own books!

WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU RELATE TO THE MOST AND WHY? One of the first characters you meet in THE CARDBOARD KINGDOM is Jack the Sorceress. In his everyday life, Jack feels like a pretty ordinary boy, but in his dreams, he sees himself as a magical and glamorous Sorceress. Much of Jack’s journey is in learning to feel just as magical and amazing as the Sorceress in his everyday life. I deeply relate with Jack, but I can’t claim to be nearly as fabulous as he is.

WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK? My books are all about courage, creativity, and community. There are epic battles and deep emotional journeys, imaginary monsters and everyday problems. So: Lots of cool costumes and characters, but also BIG FEELINGS! WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU IN THE BOOKISH WORLD? I’m so excited to have two different all-ages graphic novel series coming out right now!

The sequel to my children’s graphic novel DOODLEVILLE will be out next summer, and after that, there will be more adventures in THE CARDBOARD KINGDOM! 2 .17. 20 22 •

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WINTER CLASSES BEGIN JANUARY 24

UNLEASH YOUR INNER PERFORMER! Enroll today in our popular adult classes in ACTING, SINGING, BROADWAY DANCE & COMEDY IMPROV

A&E APPOINTMENTS

ARTSBEAT ART IN COCONUT GROVE AND ICONS AT EMPIRE STAGE J.W. Arnold

MIAMI ARTIST BRIDGES GAP BETWEEN CIVILIANS AND MILITARY

BrowardCenter.org/classes 954.414.6904

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE

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

SFGN.COM/SFGN-ARTICLES/AE

Miami artist Mary Ellen Scherl will capture the stories of local active duty servicemembers and veterans for her project, “Defending Democracy: Portraits of U.S. Military Women on Canvas and Film,” at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival, Feb. 19 – 21.

“Seeing the escalation of social and political strife across the United States, for the first time in my life I feared for our democracy. I wondered if, through my art, I could soften the antipathy, build bridges between communities, and remind my fellow citizens that freedom and democracy rise from commitment and sacrifice,” Scherl said. “Why female service members? What better example of sacrifice than the women who are willing to give their lives to protect us, our democratic values, our freedom, our country, and our Constitution. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt, ‘Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being.’ This project is about awakening

SCHERL’S PROGRAM INVITES THE PUBLIC TO CONTEMPLATE THE LIVES AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF THESE HEROES THROUGH THEIR STORIES OF BREAKING THE “BRASS” CEILING, FEMALE “FIRSTS,” HEROISM, HEARTACHE, HUMOR, BASIC TRAINING, DEPLOYMENTS, COMBAT, PTSD, PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, SEXUAL ASSAULT AND HARASSMENT.

Local artist Mary Ellen Scherl will be recording the stories of women veterans and active-duty military this weekend at the Coconut Grove Art Festival in Miami. Credit: Courtesy. the personal responsibility that comes with freedom.”

Scherl’s program invites the public to contemplate the lives and accomplishments of these heroes through their stories of breaking the “brass” ceiling, female “firsts,” heroism, heartache, humor, basic training, deployments, combat, PTSD, physical disabilities, sexual assault and harassment. All topics are welcome, Scherl said.

Contact Scherl at info@usmilitarywomen.orgto sign up for an oncamera recording session. Participation is free.

Military ID required, uniform optional.

BARBRA AND JUDY AT EMPIRE STAGE New England’s leading Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand Impersonators, Summer Orlando and Tony Di Pietro, return to Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale, Feb. 18 – 27, in a new, scripted cabaret-style show, “Hooray for Love.”

Orlando and Di Pietro have performed to sold out audiences across New England, New York City and South Florida, and are now embarking on a national tour. Following their residency at Empire Stage, the winners of nine BroadwayWorld cabaret awards will appear in Delaware and South Carolina.

“Summer and Barbra truly go BEYOND impersonation; this is more than a tribute show. They truly become these icons when they are on stage. This is a completely live vocal show with dazzling visual effects, replica costumes, lots of laughs, storytelling, and songs of the past. It promises to give the audience everything they expect from a Garland and Streisand show and maybe even a little more than they didn’t even know they needed,” according to promotional materials for the tour.

Tickets are $35 at EmpireStage.com.

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A&E TELEVISION

GAYS OF OUR LIVES David-Elijah Nahmod

T

he long-running daytime drama “Days of Our Lives” has positioned itself as the gayest destination on the afternoon TV dial. For nearly a decade the series enthralled gay viewers with the story of Sonny and Will (Freddie Smith, Chandler Massey), a gay super-couple.

Sonny and Will were written out of the world as a single man after the death of his series in 2020, but now, a “Days” preview husband. In addition to starring, Spirtas has posted on YouTube reveals that Sonny and co-written and co-created “After Forever” Will are returning, though Sonny will now with Michael Slade. Spirtas was awarded a be played by Zachary Atticus Tinker. The Daytime Emmy Award for his acting on the show recently aired an episode in which best series, one of five Emmys the show won. girlfriends Chanel and Allie (Raven Bowens, In an interview Spirtas spoke about how Lindsay Arnold) made love in the aftermath his return to “Days” came about. of Chanel’s sudden and unexpected divorce.

“In 2019 when ‘After Forever’ won the The two have promised to never do it again, five Emmy Awards, the head writer of ‘Days though there have been hints of Our Lives,’ Ron Carlivati, that their attraction to each was at the Emmys,” Spirtas other isn’t over. recalled. “And he came up A few weeks ago there was to us and said that he really yet another gay plot twist supported us and loved what on the popular series. Two we did. And then he took off. characters from the show’s And I heard this voiceless past who’ve been off the voice very loud, go off in my canvas for a number of years head that said Craig’s gonna have returned to the town come back gay one day.” of Salem. Nancy Wesley When the casting director (Patrika Darbo) suddenly for “Days” called to ask appears one afternoon and Spirtas if he was available, turns to her daughter Chloe he asked if Craig was coming (Nadia Bjorlin) for support out. and comfort. Nancy thinks “I think it was the coming her beloved husband Craig together of a lot of elements,” (Kevin Spirtas) is having said Spirtas. “The time and an affair. Turns out, she’s the world we’re living in right right, Craig has indeed been now, I think it makes sense.” unfaithful, albeit with a man.

The audience, Spirtas On a recent episode, Craig reports, will get to meet admitted to Nancy that he’s Craig’s boyfriend and see gay. Nancy didn’t take it well. what happens to them. He - Kevin Spirtas Kevin Spirtas is the perfect promises there will be a ACTOR actor to play this new plot surprise twist. twist involving Craig, as the “For those of you who feel handsome actor is an out gay that this story is outrageous, man. He’s no stranger to playing gay roles. A because how dare a man this age suddenly few years back Spirtas co-starred in “Green say that he’s no longer interested in having Plaid Shirt,” a gay independent film. Spirtas a relationship with a woman, that he’s now is currently starring in “After Forever,” a web gay and wants to explore that, that’s a very series about a 50-ish gay man navigating the challenging, very hard path to navigate,”

“THE TIME AND THE WORLD WE’RE LIVING IN RIGHT NOW, I THINK IT MAKES SENSE.”

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Kevin Spirtas. Courtesy photo.

Spirtas said. “I have never had to do that, but I do know people who have. I’ve known it through friends, and I’ve known it through family members.”

Reaction from the “Days” fan base has been mixed. Viewers love the characters of Craig and Nancy, and they don’t want the family to fall apart. But Spirtas is confident that fans who are upset will ultimately be happy with how the storyline plays out.

Spirtas has nothing but kind words for Patrika Darbo, who plays Nancy.

“She’s a talented actress,” he said. “She shows up and delivers. We have the best

time. We laugh, we’re like family in a sense.

It’s been great. She’s got a lot that she’s offering in this storyline right now. Watching Patrika go through this makes my job a lot easier because I have to play against that.”

The actor hopes that the audience will give this storyline a chance to tell its truth and will ride the waves of its emotions. The audience, he believes, will end up loving Craig’s story.

“My wish is for people to see that Craig and Nancy and everybody are just people,” he said. “We all come from the same place, we all want to be loved, and we all want to find our truth and live it.”

2 .17. 20 22 •

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ai1643746449163_CFOB5388701_Larry_Print_Resize_South_Florida_Gay_News_FP.pdf

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2/1/22

3:14 PM

BE A LEADER. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. FOR BROWARD. BE BOLD.

Larry Feuer wants to be remembered as someone who gave back to his community. He says, “The status quo is unacceptable. We have to BE BOLD to address problems that will happen decades from now.” That’s why Larry is using his estate plan to create an endowed charitable fund at the Community Foundation of Broward.

He wants to impact a wide range of causes, including assistance to Broward’s LGBTQ+ community, which the Community Foundation has directly supported for more than 35 years. Thanks to generous donors like Larry, the Foundation has provided over $9 million towards LGBTQ+ issues so far.

Larry is proud to have locked in a legacy that makes a difference in the place he calls home. “The Community Foundation of Broward ensures that I’ll be remembered as someone who helped people and created a better Broward for everyone.”

Underwriting support generously provided by:

NORTHERN TRUST and CASTLE GROUP

Visit the website to learn more

CFBROWARD.ORG/BE-BOLD