SFGN 03/11/20 V11iss11

local name global coverage march 11, 2020 vol. 11 // issue 11

LIFE GOES ON EVEN AS COVID-19 HITS BROWARD PAGE 4, 10

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

@SFGN

SFGN.COM SFGN. COM

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

RAINBOW WAVE IN TEXAS John McDonald

A

record number of LGBT candidates celebrated victory in the Lone Star State last week.

Led by Gina Ortiz Jones’ win in the U.S. congressional district 23 Democratic primary, LGBT candidates are winning in Texas like never before.

“Texas is witnessing a rainbow revolution, with openly LGBTQ candidates winning key swing districts that can determine the fate of the state House come November,” said former Houston mayor and President & CEO of LGBTQ Victory Fund, Mayor Annise Parker. “We remain one of the most homophobic and transphobic state legislatures in the nation, in terms of the number of anti-LGBTQ bills put forward, and the best remedy for that nonsense is to elect more LGBTQ leaders who will standup to the bigotry and hatred.”

Jones, 39, an Air Force intelligence officer who served in Iraq, easily defeated four other challengers for the Democratic nomination in Texas’ swing district 23.

Gina Ortiz Jones, the U.S. congressional district 23 candidate.

Photo via Gina Ortiz Jones, Facebook.

The district stretches along the U.S.-Mexico border from San Antonio to El Paso.

Its current representative, Republican Will Hurd, is retiring.

“Folks in South and West Texas are ready to send a leader to Washington who will fight for quality, lower cost health care, responsible and compassionate immigration reform, and an economy that works for everyone,” Jones tweeted last week.

If elected in November, Jones would become the first lesbian from Texas to serve in the U.S. Congress.

Elsewhere, four LGBT newcomers won state house races last week along with five incumbent LGBT state legislators.

“The women of the LGBTQ caucus are changing the hearts and minds of their legislative colleagues every day, but they need backup,” Parker said. “We have the opportunity to nearly double the number of openly LGBTQ state legislators — and that would be transformative.”

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

CEO • Pier Angelo Guidugli piero@sfgn.com

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Editorial

Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo

Correspondents

Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh Christiana Lilly • John McDonald Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod

Contributing Columnists

Brian McNaught • Terri Schlichenmeyer Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Clark Rogers Clark@sfgn.com Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell Bernard Wisneski Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press

SFGN Winner of & 5 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for

NLGJA Journalist of the Year

COVER: CHRIS CAPUTO (RIGHT), THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF THE PRIDE CENTER, WITH DRAG QUEENS NICOLE HALLIWELL, SASHA LORDS AND NICOLETTE AT THE MIMOSAS & MARY’S IN THE SKY AIDS WALK BENEFIT BRUNCH. PHOTO CREDIT: STEPHEN LANG.

Associated Press • 3 . 1 1.2020

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Digital Content Director • Justin Musial Webmaster@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Paul Leary leary.paul@gmail.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Sallie James HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

IF ELECTED IN NOVEMBER, JONES WOULD BECOME THE FIRST LESBIAN FROM TEXAS TO SERVE IN THE U.S. CONGRESS.

2

@SFGN

March 11, 2020 • Volume 11 • Issue 11

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

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

Copyright © 2020 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

3.11.2020 •

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NEWS LOCAL

WILTON MANORS COMMISSION CANDIDATE LEADS

PROTEST AGAINST TRANS VIOLENCE Jason Parsley

C

hris Caputo, a candidate for the Wilton Manors City Commission, led a protest in front of Ron’s Barbershop last week to support a trans friend, who had been fired from the shop after a dispute that turned physical.

According to a police incident report “We will not tolerate violence against Rivera, and the owner of the shop, Ron trans women, period, from no one. No Cerreta, got into a heated argument after justice, no peace in the community,” said Cerreta confronted Rivera Tatiana Williams. While over her station not being Ryan Keeland added: “I want clean. to support our transgender Rivera told police that brothers and sisters. We while the two of them have to stand up for what’s argued over a beauty right and help protect those product Cerreta grabbed her people.” by the hair and pulled her to Cerreta told SFGN he the ground. chalked up the confrontation According to the report to a misunderstanding.

Cerreta told the police the “I started wiping off all same story but said he never the water that she spilled “struck” Rivera. all over the station, and she - Ron Cerreta Two witnesses thought I was touching her OWNER OF RON’S interviewed by the police stuff again, so she ran up BARBERSHOP confirmed that Cerreta was behind me and pushed up the aggressor, and did pull against me, and I pushed her Rivera’s hair, but never struck her. back. Two guys jumped in,” he explained.

About two dozen protestors showed up to “That was the end of it. That was it.” support Rivera.

Cerreta said the incident was over in 10

“TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, IT WAS SO FAST, IT WAS JUST SUCH A QUICK TURN AND IT WAS DONE.”

Tatiana Williams (right) stands with other protesters. Photo by J.R. Davis.

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• 3 . 1 1.2020

Protesters in front of Ron’s Barbershop. Photo by J.R. Davis.

seconds and it happened so quick he doesn’t remember pulling her hair.

“To be honest with you, it was so fast, it was just such a quick turn and it was done,” he said. “I’m not saying I didn’t do it, I don’t remember it.”

According to the witnesses interviewed in the incident report they claim Cerreta was the aggressor.

Rivera told SFGN that on the day of the incident she simply had had enough of his verbal assaults.

“When he fired me I had nothing to lose so I gave him a piece of my mind,” she said. “My fiery words set something off in him. There was a rage that I have never seen in his eyes before. He snapped. He was a completely different person. And he did not snap out of that until the three men jumped on top of him to restrain him and then in an instant, poof, he was back to being himself.”

Martin Gould contributed to this report.

Chris Caputo. Photo by J.R. Davis.

NEWS HEALTH

PLANS FOR ENDING THE EPIDEMIC: MIAMI-DADE AND PALM BEACH COUNTIES Sean McShee On Dec. 30, 2019, the Florida Department of Health (FL DOH) submitted its proposed plan for the Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) Initiative to the Centers for Disease Control. This plan combines the plans for all seven high impact counties in Florida. SFGN has previously reported on Broward’s portion of EHE. This article reports on the plans of Miami and Palm Beach Counties.

This plan is a “living” document.

FOUR INNOVATIONS STAND OUT IN THESE PROPOSED PLANS. First, FL DOH endorsed syringe exchange programs (SEP) or needle exchanges. As of Dec. 15, 2019, Broward, Leon, Manatee, MiamiDade, and Palm Beach Counties have passed ordinances approving SEPs. Second, Fl DOH endorsed “Undetectable equals Un-transmittable” (U = U) health messaging.

Third, some county plans proposed tele-health and mobile clinics to resolve transportation issues. Telehealth refers to healthcare via cell phone or computer.

Fifth and most controversially, FL DOH called for molecular HIV surveillance (MHS).

That refers to using the genotype of HIV to identify new HIV transmission clusters. It is not clear how this works in practice, but it makes some people nervous. MHS shows that HIV transmission has occurred. It cannot show who gave it to whom.

PROPOSED MIAMI-DADE EHE INITIATIVE In Miami-Dade, 28,345 people were living with HIV in 2018. The goal of HIV treatment is to suppress the HIV viral load. This county has fewer people with a suppressed viral load, 60%, than Florida has, 64%. Blacks fare worse.

Only 53% have a suppressed viral load.

From 2014 to 2018, new HIV diagnoses among gay and bi men increased by 3%.

PILLAR 1 DIAGNOSE. Educate non-HIV providers on the importance of routinized opt-out testing. Routinize opt-out HIV testing in hospitals.

Use social marketing to increase number of people testing. Promote home HIV testing kits.

PILLAR 2 TREAT — Reduce time between diagnosis and treatment initiation. Use telehealth.

Provide more transportation options. Develop a housing referral database. Increase number of ADAP pharmacies.

PILLAR 3 PREVENT. Develop social marketing campaigns to promote PrEP among minorities. Use

mobile units and peer educators to promote PrEP in the communities. Promote PrEP among providers.

Develop same day PrEP services. Increase telehealth engagement.

PILLAR 4 RESPOND. Improve the linkage to care in responding to identification of HIV clusters.

Develop protocol for MHS and increase genotype testing. Identify community partners for community education about MHS. PROPOSED PALM BEACH COUNTY EHE INITIATIVE In Palm Beach County, 8,574 people are living with HIV. This county has fewer people with a suppressed viral load, 59%, than Florida has, 64%. Blacks fare worse. Only 55% have a suppressed viral load.

From 2014 to 2018, new HIV diagnoses among gay and bi men increased by 5%.

PILLAR 1 DIAGNOSE. Deploy community outreach teams. Put in place universal HIV testing in emergency rooms. Routinize opt-out HIV testing in primary health care settings. For high risk populations, increase HIV testing in non-health care settings.

PILLAR 2 TREAT. Use telehealth to promote adherence. Provide weekly counseling sessions for people without viral suppression. Decrease time between testing and obtaining antiretrovirals.

PILLAR 3 PREVENT. Increase the number of PrEP providers. Use tele-health in PrEP. Expand access to PrEP. Use community education and social marketing to promote PrEP and to decrease stigma.

PILLAR 4 RESPOND. Increase the number of HIV genotype tests ordered. Use community education and social marketing to promote MHS. HIV has become an intractable problem in Florida. HIV has impacted two overlapping groups particularly hard, Blacks and gay/bi men. It has also greatly impacted transgender people, but Florida has failed to collect and report adequate data on that group. The EHE initiative presents an opportunity to challenge that intractable problem.

3.11.2020 •

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NEWS LOCAL

FLORIDA ORGANIZATION ADVOCATES FOR TRANS WOMEN WITH

HIV, IMMIGRANTS

Arianna’s Center CEO Arianna Lint.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

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• 3 . 1 1.2020

NEWS LOCAL

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

Micheal K. Lavers

Photos by Carina Mask

Washington Blade

T

he founder of a South Florida organization that serves transgender women says her goal remains to change her clients’ lives “in a good way.”

Arianna’s Center CEO Arianna Lint during an interview with the Washington Blade last month at the National LGBTQ Task Force’s annual Creating Change conference in Dallas said her organization is “the first resource for transgender” people in Florida who are in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody and once they are released.

Lint said a combination of grants and private donations allows Arianna’s Center to purchase bus tickets to Florida for trans women after ICE releases them from their custody. Arianna’s Center also provides them with housing, monthly bus passes and access to free health care and English classes so “they can continue their lives.”

“We have to provide everything,” said Lint. “We don’t pay them, but we give them transportation … we put them in school. We try to find them stable housing. We find them a free doctor.”

LINT MOVED TO U.S. TO COMPLETE TRANSITION Lint, 47, was a lawyer in her native Peru before she moved to the U.S. in order to complete her transition. Lint opened an escort service when she was living in New York.

“It gave me the financial life to continue my life, pay my bills,” Lint told the Blade.

Lint moved to Florida after Sept. 11 and

opened a construction company in Orlando.

Lint told the Blade she “had a relationship and everything, and then” she tested HIV positive.

“It was a very big shock for me,” she said. “I left my own business and everything.”

Lint was a volunteer at an Orlando HIV clinic before she became a full-time employee.

Lint worked for the Florida Department of Health before Sunserve, a Fort Lauderdalebased LGBTQ organization, in 2013 hired her as its trans director.

Lint founded Arianna’s Center in 2015.

“I decided to step out and open my organization because I saw in South Florida there were no trans-led agencies,” Lint told the Blade.

Arianna’s Center, which is based in Wilton Manors, offers a variety of programs to its trans clients. These include home testing and linkage to care for those who test positive.

Lint told the Blade her group conducts needs assessment, and encourages clients who are negative to go on PrEP. Lint also said many of Arianna’s Center’s clients are homeless, sex workers and survivors of domestic violence.

“They don’t go to the office,” she said. “We go to where they are.”

Arianna’s Center partnered with Human Rights Watch on its report about trans women of color who live in Broward and Miami-Dade Counties. Arianna’s Center also worked with

Arianna Lint during a garage sale to raise funds for Arianna’s Center. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

the Transgender Law Center on a Florida and national survey about trans issues.

Lint is a board member of the Trans Latin@ Coalition, a California-based group that advocates for trans immigrants and other groups around the country.

Arianna’s Center opened Puerto Rico office in 2019.

Puerto Ricans with HIV are among the vulnerable groups that Hurricane Maria left even more at-risk after it devastated the U.S. commonwealth in September 2017. Arianna’s Center began to work in Puerto Rico a few months later.

Lint told the Blade many Puerto Ricans with HIV come to Florida to receive treatments that are not available on the island. AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Borealis, Gilead Sciences, AIDS United, the Elton John Foundation, the Southern HIV Impact Fund and Miami Dolphins: Football Unites are among the organizations that have given Arianna’s Center funds to expand its work.

Arianna’s Center is working with the University of Puerto Rico to conduct the first needs assessment for people with HIV on the island. Arianna’s Center opened an office in Puerto Rico in 2019.

“They tell us what’s happened in Puerto Rico, so that was of interest for us to go to Puerto Rico and start working over here,” said Lint, referring to Puerto Ricans with HIV with whom Arianna’s Center works.

Arianna’s Center’s staff now includes COO Tony Lima. Lint herself only began to receive a salary late last year.

Casa Ruby CEO Ruby Corado is among those who Lint considers a “mentor.”

Corado in a statement to the Blade said Lint’s “hard work and perseverance have evolved in building a center that is the lifesaving key for many Florida and Caribbean trans people.”

“Her work is priceless,” said Corado.

Trans Latin@ Coalition President Bamby Salcedo echoed Corado.

“Arianna Lint is an example of possibility in the trans community,” Salcedo told the Blade.

“Through hard work and determination, Arianna has been able to build a great center and be one of the leaders of the trans community in Florida and across the nation.”

Lima said Lint “inspires me on a daily basis.”

“She is the consummate advocate, who goes above and beyond to ensure that trans women of color are represented, included, protected and empowered to fight the discrimination they face daily,” Lima told the Blade. “She leads with passion, dedication and love and for this reason she is not only respected throughout Florida but also across the country.”

“WE PUT THEM IN SCHOOL. WE TRY TO FIND THEM STABLE HOUSING. WE FIND THEM A FREE DOCTOR.” - ARIANNA LINT

CEO OF ARIANNA’S CENTER

3.11.2020 •

7

with DESCOVY for PrEP® DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) is a once-daily prescription medicine for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV. It helps lower the chances of getting HIV through sex.

DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone: • It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied.

• You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. DESCOVY® is the smallest pill approved for PrEP. Actual size: 13mm x 6mm

Ask a healthcare provider if DESCOVY for PrEP is right for you. To learn more, visit AboutDescovy.com.

IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT DESCOVY (des-KOH-vee) This is only a brief summary of important information about taking DESCOVY for PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis). This does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine.

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT DESCOVY FOR PrEP Before starting and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP: • You must be HIV-negative. You must get tested for HIV immediately before and at least every 3 months while taking DESCOVY. If you think you were exposed to HIV, tell your healthcare provider right away. They may want to do more tests to confirm that you are still HIV-negative.

• Many HIV tests can miss HIV infection in a person who has recently become infected. Symptoms of new HIV infection include tiredness, fever, joint or muscle aches, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, night sweats, and/or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting or while taking DESCOVY. • DESCOVY does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting STIs. • DESCOVY by itself is not a complete treatment for HIV-1. Do not take DESCOVY for PrEP unless you are confirmed to be HIV negative.

DESCOVY may cause serious side effects, including: • Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have HBV and stop taking DESCOVY, your HBV may suddenly get worse.

Do not stop taking DESCOVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check or give you HBV medicine.

8

• 3 . 1 1.2020

ABOUT DESCOVY FOR PrEP DESCOVY for PrEP is a once-daily prescription medicine for adults and adolescents at risk of HIV who weigh at least 77 pounds. It helps lower the chances of getting HIV through sex.

DESCOVY for PrEP is not for everyone: • It is not for use in people assigned female at birth who are at risk of getting HIV from vaginal sex, because its effectiveness has not been studied.

• You must be HIV-negative before and while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. To help determine your risk of getting HIV-1, talk openly with your healthcare provider about your sexual health.

Do NOT take DESCOVY for PrEP if you: • Already have HIV infection or if you do not know your HIV status. If you have HIV-1, you need more medicine than DESCOVY alone to treat HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and take only DESCOVY, your HIV-1 may become harder to treat now and in the future.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY FOR PrEP DESCOVY can cause serious side effects, including: • Those in the “Most Important Information About DESCOVY for PrEP” section.

• New or worse kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys before and during treatment with DESCOVY. If you develop kidney problems, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop taking DESCOVY. • 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.

Eligible patients may pay as little as a $0 co-pay.*

Actor portrayals

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF DESCOVY FOR PrEP (cont’d) Common side effects in people taking DESCOVY for PrEP include diarrhea, nausea, headache, fatigue, and stomach pain.

These are not all the possible side effects of DESCOVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking DESCOVY for PrEP. 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 DESCOVY for PrEP.

BEFORE TAKING DESCOVY FOR PrEP Tell your healthcare provider if you: • Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis.

• Have any other medical conditions.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: • Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.

• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about medicines that should not be taken with DESCOVY for PrEP.

HOW TO TAKE DESCOVY FOR PrEP • Take 1 tablet once a day, every day, not just when you think you have been exposed to HIV-1.

• Do not miss any doses. Missing doses may increase your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.

• Get tested for HIV-1 at least every 3 months. You must stay HIV-negative to keep taking DESCOVY for PrEP.

HOW TO FURTHER REDUCE YOUR RISK • Know your HIV status and the HIV status of your partners. If your partner is living with HIV, your risk of getting HIV is lower if your partner consistently takes HIV treatment every day.

• Get tested for other STIs. Some STIs make it easier for HIV to infect you.

• Practice safer sex by using latex or polyurethane condoms.

• Talk to your healthcare provider about all the ways to help reduce HIV risk.

GET MORE INFORMATION • This is only a brief summary of important information about DESCOVY for PrEP. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.

• Go to DESCOVY.com/prep or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 • If you need help paying for your medicine, visit DESCOVY.com/prep for program information.

*Advancing Access® co-pay support is available for commercially insured eligible patients only. Subject to change; for full terms and conditions, visit GileadAdvancingAccess.com.

DESCOVY FOR PrEP, the DESCOVY FOR PrEP Logo, the DESCOVY Blue Pill Design, DESCOVY, the DESCOVY Logo, STEP UP. PrEP UP., ADVANCING ACCESS, GILEAD, and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. ©2020 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. DVYC0243 02/20

3.11.2020 •

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NEWS LOCAL

MIMOSAS & MARY’S IN THE SKY An AIDS Walk Benefit Brunch

Photos by Stephen Lang

Chris Caputo (center back) speaking to guests at the brunch.

O

n Saturday Chris Caputo, the chair of the board of The Pride Center, held a fundraiser for the Pride Center’s Florida AIDS Walk team at the Tower Club in Fort Lauderdale. The event featured several drag performances by Nicole Halliwell, Sasha Lords and Nicolette as well as brunch and bottomless mimosas and a bloody Mary station.

Chris Caputo (left) with Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SFGN ON FACEBOOK. Several drag performances kept the vibrant atmosphere going.

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• 3 . 11.2020

A glimpse of the fares offered.

3.11.2020 •

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NEWS HEALTH

HIV NOT ON CORONAVIRUS HIGHEST RISK LIST John McDonald

P

eople with compromised immunity are more susceptible to catching COVID-19, health officials warn.

Heart disease, diabetes and lung disease patients are at the highest risk of catching Coronavirus, noted the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The CDC’s list of serious chronic medical conditions that put people at a higher risk of catching Coronavirus does not include HIV. Steve Pergam is a medical doctor with a master’s in public health. He is on the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division’s staff at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle. Washington is the epicenter of America’s Coronavirus outbreak.

“It’s all based on a level of immune suppression,” Pergam told POZ Magazine. “For an HIV patient who is on stable antiretroviral therapy and has a normal CD4 count, their risk may be slightly increased. People often lump HIV patients with other immunosuppressed patients, but HIV is a different disease than it was years ago. For people who have a reconstituted immune system because of treatment, I think the risk is not going to be

Photo via Pxfuel.

tremendously different.”

Older Americans are at the greatest risk of taking ill from the novel Coronavirus, warned the government. U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams said the average age of death from COVID-19 is 80 and the average age of people seeking medical attention is 60.

Nearly half of the HIV population is over the age of 50. In his interview with POZ Magazine, Pergam advised people to use hand sanitizer, wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, get the flu vaccine and avoid close contact.

Staying home from work if you are ill is the best practice, health officials urge. Social distancing and self-quarantine have become much debated topics with the virus as has paid sick leave for workers.

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VIRGINIA BANS CONVERSION THERAPY John McDonald

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Afternoon Drive... local and LIVE. Ad opportunities:

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• 3 . 11.2020

irginia joined a growing list of states that have prohibited the practice of conversion therapy on minors.

On March 3, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed a bill into law making it illegal for licensed medical professionals to engage in the practice of conversion therapy on individuals under the age of 18.

Virginia is the first southern state to enact conversion therapy regulations. Widely discredited by the medical community, conversion therapy is the practice of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation from gay to straight with the premise being gay is a mental illness.

“No one should be made to feel wrong for who they are — especially not a child,” Northam said in a prepared statement.

“Conversion therapy is not only based in discriminatory junk-science, it is dangerous

and causes lasting harm to our youth.”

Twenty U.S. states and Puerto Rico have now banned conversion therapy.

In Florida, three counties and 18 cities have conversion therapy bans.

3.11.2020 •

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY JOHN PORTER

GAY VINE THE

CELEBRITY

FILM

JONATHAN VAN NESS FIRES BACK AT BERNIE SANDERS CAMPAIGN

ACTOR RICK COSNETT COMES OUT

A Bernie Sanders campaign has developed a reputation for social media bullying and a campaign official has been fired after it was revealed that he ran a private Twitter account which was bashing other candidates and their supporters.

One of his tweets targeted “Queer Eye” star Jonathan Van Ness after he came out as HIV positive.

“Jonathan Van Ness trying to look hot while Daddy Ronald Reagan watches him die of AIDS,” the campaign official wrote.

Van Ness spoke out about the controversy on Twitter, sharing “How many senior Bernie staffers saw these tweets for months and promoted their behavior? It’s commonplace I endure this by extreme Bernie supporters daily.

• 3 . 11.2020

Jonathan Van Ness. Photo via Jonathan Van Ness, Facebook.

The change has to come from inside their campaign.”

While the campaign has terminated the official, a number of supporters continue to tweet in support of the staffer.

Actor Rick Cosnett came out recently with a heartfelt video shared to his Instagram. “Hi everyone,” the Actor began with a nervous laugh before adding “Dramatic pause. I’m gay! And I just wanted everyone to know because I’ve made a promise to myself to live my truth every day.”

Cosnett went on to say that living honestly can be difficult “when you have all these subconscious things you don’t even know about from childhood and from society and from being, you know, just life.”

Despite his “dramatic pause” joke, Cosnett doesn’t consider his coming out to be something that will surprise people. “I’m sure most of you probably knew anyway.”

Cosnett has enjoyed a successful

Rick Cosnett. Photo via Rick Cosnett, Facebook.

TV career with roles in “The Vampire Diaries,” “Quantico” and his most recognizable role as Detective Eddie Thawn on “The Flash.”

MUSIC

TELEVISION

CARDI B TAKES A STAND ON TRANSPHOBIA

WILL & GRACE STAR SEAN HAYES TO STAR IN ‘LAZY SUSAN’

Hip Hop super star Cardi B is taking a stand in defense of Dwayne Wade’s daughter Zaya. Wade shared publicly that his 12-year-old came out to him and his wife as trans and requested to be referred to as Zaya and with she/her pronouns.

Transphobic trolls were quick to weigh in after the Wade family shared their journey, but the “I Like It” singer was not here for the shenanigans.

Cardi shared a pro-trans rant on a recent Instagram live saying, “People are saying that this kid is too young to transition, but it’s like, ‘How old is too young? What’s the point of you being older and then transitioning, and being like, ‘Damn, I shoulda been do this. I coulda been found my happiness if I woulda been do it.’ Let people find their

14

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

Cardi B. Photo via Facebook.

happiness. Especially kids. Let them feel comfortable doing what they want to be.”

Actor Sean Hayes will premiere on April 3 in “Lazy Susan,” a film the Actor co-wrote and will star in opposite the legendary Allison Janney.

Hayes portrays the title character Susan, who is a frumpy, bumbling, unmotivated cis gendered middleaged woman who decides to turn her life around after decades of shrugging off professional and personal pursuits.

The film is described as “A slice-of-life comedy about a woman on the edge with nowhere to go but over, ‘Lazy Susan’ is a story about a spectacularly unmotivated cisgender woman for whom doing nothing is exhausting.”

Hayes, who is an out Actor and known for playing the over the top character Jack on NBC’s Will & Grace (which will wrap up its revival this winter) has been

Sean Hayes. Photo via Sean Hayes, Facebook.

featured in animated films, but this will be his first major role portraying a person of a different gender.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL Grindr represents in Taiwan.

Photo via Grindr, Facebook.

CHINESE COMPANY SELLS GRINDR The popular dating app sold for $608.5 million

Jason Parsley

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hinese gaming company Beijing company faced over Grindr either.

Kunlun Tech Co Ltd announced last In 2018 the president of Grindr, Scott week it has agreed to sell Grindr, a Chen, posted on Facebook that he believes popular gay dating app, for $608.5 million. “marriage is a holy matrimony between a The company acquired Grindr in 2016 man and a woman.” The comments sparked but since then the U.S. government has a backlash and were first reported by Grindr’s scrutinized the company over own digital magazine, Into. its handling of personal data.

Chen later apologized saying, THE COMPANY Kunlan has agreed to sell “I wrote a post on my personal its 98.59% to San Vicente Facebook account meant to ACQUIRED Acquisition LLC. condemn those advocating GRINDR IN Grindr is based in West against same-sex marriage 2016 BUT SINCE Hollywood, California, and in Taiwan. The words I chose has over 4.5 million daily related to marriage between a THEN THE U.S. active users. It describes itself man and a woman were meant GOVERNMENT HAS to express my personal feelings as the world’s largest social networking app for LGBT about my own marriage to my SCRUTINIZED THE people. wife — not to suggest that I am COMPANY OVER Last year Reuters reported opposed to marriage equality.

IT’S HANDLING OF I am an advocate for LGBTQ+ that Kunlun had given some Beijing-based engineers access rights and have been since PERSONAL DATA. to the personal information I was young. I support gay of millions of Americans, marriage and I am proud that including private messages and HIV status.

I can work for Grindr. I apologize that my Reuters reports a U.S. government panel words did not clearly convey these feelings.” asked Kunlun to divest itself of Grindr.

Six weeks later Grindr shutdown down It’s not the first controversy the Chinese their magazine.

3.11.2020 •

15

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

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

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

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

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

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

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

Get HIV support by downloading a free app at

MyDailyCharge.com

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• 3 . 11.2020

BVYC0103_BIKTARVY_B_10x10-75_SouthFloridaGayNews_KeepEmpowering_DR4_r1v1jl.indd All Pages

(bik-TAR-vee)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

KEEP EMPOWERING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

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

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

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

3.11.2020 •

3/4/19 4:42 PM

17

A MAYOR LOST | CELEBRATION OF LIFE

Julie Carson, Wilton Manors City Commissioner, was one of many who spoke in memory of Justin Flippen. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

WILTON MANORS SAYS GOODBYE TO MAYOR JUSTIN FLIPPEN IN

EMOTIONAL CELEBRATION OF LIFE Jason Parsley

M

ore than 700 people came together Friday to say goodbye and celebrate the life of Justin Flippen, the beloved late mayor of Wilton Manors.

His death shocked the city, and its collective grief was on full display at the Venue in Wilton Manors, where the community gathered for an emotional tribute to the 41-year-old, who died Feb. 25 of a brain aneurysm while en route to his City Commission meeting.

“In my deep grief on the loss of my friend, I know that his memory will remain alive and vibrant as we continue to lift up the legacy and spirit of ‘The People’s Mayor’ as we together, heal,” said Julie Carson, a friend and Wilton Manors City Commissioner. “Give us all the

"HE WORKED TIRELESSLY TO BREAK THE MODEL AND CHANGED WILTON MANORS, EARNING A SPOT IN THE HEARTS OF EVERYONE."

- Gregory Flippen Justin Flippen's Brother

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• 3 . 11.2020

strength to live as Justin lived — bold and loud, quiet and tender, doing justice, walking humbly throughout the journey of his life.”

Carson led the celebration that included remarks from rest of the city commission, his brother Gregory Flippen, Broward County Commissioner Nan Rich, Congressman Ted Deutch, and members of the United Church of Christ.

The speakers detailed Flippen’s commitment to his faith, politics, the local community, LGBT rights and children.

“On this occasion, as we reflect on Justin’s life and share in song, stories and prayers, together as a community family, we will live his memory into the future,” Carson said.

The evening also included a candle lighting ceremony, a video tribute, “America the Beautiful” sung by Wilton Manors Elementary School Choir, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Daniel McCrater and Rowan Cannon, two of Flippen’s young friends.

Flippen was born in Hollywood. He was the oldest of five boys. He graduated from Coconut Creek High School and received degrees from Broward College, and Florida Atlantic University. At FAU he was the first openly gay student body president. He also attended the University of Florida where he earned a law degree.

“Justin Flippen was full of life, love and ambition […] building a successful career in public service,” his brother Greggory said.

Justin was first elected to the Wilton Manors City Commission in 2008. He was elected mayor in 2018 in a historic election where Wilton Manors became the second city in the country, and first in Florida, to have an all LGBT commission.

“Because of his grassroots approach to public service, populist appeal, and longstanding history and connection to Wilton Manors, Justin was always known as ‘The People’s Mayor,’” Greggory said. “Justin was a man of, and for the people. He worked tirelessly to break the model and changed Wilton Manors, earning a spot in the hearts of everyone.”

Justin worked full-time for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.

He had a passion for parks and traveling the U.S. He had visited all 50 states, as well as 500

national and state parks by the time he turned 40.

During the service a couple of the commissioners noted Justin’s devotion to protecting local parks and how they’d like to see park named in his honor.

Justin was also a man of faith.

“Justin Stuart Flippen was a devout Christian, his relationship with God shines through everything he did,” Greggory said.

“He strived to be the most honest, just and hardworking man that he could be, loved by many, Justin was also known to have a light heart, finding humor in everything he did. He filled the room with laughter and optimism.

His passing was an unexpected tragedy. He will be forever and deeply missed by those who knew him.”

Carson also noted Justin’s passion for children and families pointing out his Harvey Milk Book Reading initiative. “[This] demonstrated his love for children, our city, education and weaving the fabric of equality into the lives of our youngest residents,” Carson said.

During the video tribute images of Justin’s life, flashed on screen with the song “I Hope You Dance,” playing in the background, while the audience lit candles in the former mayor’s memory.

Instead of flowers or gifts, Flippen’s family is asking for donations to be made to the Justin Flippen Memorial Fund, at www.our-fund.org/justin_memorial, or to the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale, 2501 NE 30th St. in Fort Lauderdale.

A MAYOR LOST | CELEBRATION OF LIFE

‘I Hope You Dance’ COMMUNITY CELEBRATES A HERO Pictured below are more photos captured during the celebration that took place on Friday, March 6.

Photos by J.R. Davis

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SFGN ON FACEBOOK.

Maria Berei, Commissioner Julie Carson and Michael Rajner.

Wilton Manors students led the pledge of allegiance.

Rev. Joel Slotnick of the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale.

Wilton Manors Commissioner Paul Rolli.

3.11.2020 •

19

PALM BEACH DATEBOOK ART AFTER DARK FRIDAYS FROM 5 TO 10 P.M. AT THE NORTON MUSEUM OF ART, 1450 S. DIXIE HWY, WEST PALM BEACH View an exhibition, attend a talk, participate in an art activity, enjoy a performance, concert, or film, sip cocktails, and dine in the Museum’s elegant new bar and restaurant. Free admission. Visit Norton.org.

PALM BEACHES PRIME TIMERS SECOND SATURDAYS AT 3 P.M. AT COMPASS GLCC, 201 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY IN LAKE WORTH An active fraternal and social organization dedicated to bring together mature gay and bisexual men for friendship, activities, support, and personal growth for the best times of our lives.

Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

STD TESTING AND FLU VACCINATIONS FIRST THURSDAYS FROM 3 TO 6 P.M. AT COMPASS GLCC, 201 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY IN LAKE WORTH The Department of Health comes monthly. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

FREE FRIDAY CONCERTS FRIDAYS AT 7:30 P.M. AT THE DELRAY BEACH CENTER FOR THE ARTS 51 N. SWINTON AVE. IN DELRAY BEACH Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.

COFFEE CLATCH AT COMPASS FIRST MONDAY OF EACH MONTH FROM 10 A.M. TO NOON AT COMPASS, 201 N. DIXIE HWY, LAKE WORTH A social group focusing on the mature LGBT+ community in Palm Beach County, providing a relaxed environment for meeting friends, discussing interesting topics, and engaging in community projects.

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

TRANSCENDENCE MEETS AT COMPASS GLCC, 201 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY IN LAKE WORTH A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.

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• 3 . 11.2020

PA L M B E A C H

p o litic s

PBCHRC ENDORSES JOE BIDEN AND BILL WELD IN PRIMARY Check out their local endorsements as well Joe Biden. Photo via Joe Biden, Facebook.

Jason Parsley

T

he Palm Beach County Human Rights Council Voters Alliance has endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the Democratic Primary and Bill Weld in the Republican Primary.

Biden is currently the front runner in Florida with the last poll showing him almost 50 points ahead of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.

“Like many Democratic Party officeholders, Joe Biden took a long time to evolve on LGBTQ issues. But once he came out publicly in favor of marriage equality back in 2012, Joe Biden’s support of LGBTQ rights has not wavered,” said Rand Hoch, the president of PBCHRC. “When he addressed the United Nations as Vice President, Joe Biden called transgender rights ‘the civil rights issue of our time.’ Joe Biden pledged to make the Equality Act a top priority for his administration and he opposes any legislation that would allow religion to be used as license to discriminate. Joe Biden deserves the support of the LGBTQ community.”

Early voting has started in Florida. The election is Tuesday, March 17.

Meanwhile on the Republican side President Donald Trump is almost guaranteed to win Florida and the nomination. So far Weld has received 1

delegate to Trump’s 833.

“Unlike most Republican Party officeholders, Bill Weld has long been an advocate for the LGBTQ community. As Governor of Massachusetts, Bill Weld recognized domestic partnership rights, took steps to protect gay and lesbian students, and signed an amicus brief in support of same-sex marriage,” Hoch said. “Bill Weld created the Governor’s Commission on Gay and Lesbian Youth and supported allowing transgender individuals access to bathrooms of their choice. Bill Weld has earned the support of LGBTQ Republican voters.”

Bill Weld. Photo via Bill Weld, Facebook.

BELOW IS THE LIST OF THEIR LOCAL ENDORSEMENTS. CONSTITUTIONAL TAX COLLECTOR Anne Gannon

HAVERHILL TOWN COUNCIL (SEAT 2) Ray Caranci

PALM BEACH COUNTY COMMISSION (DIST. 1) Karen Marcus

JUPITER TOWN COUNCIL (DIST. 1) Wayne Posner

BOCA RATON MAYOR Scott Singer BOYNTON BEACH CITY COMMISSION (DIST. 2) Woodrow Hay BOYNTON BEACH CITY COMMISSION (DIST. 4) Ty Penserga

NORTH PALM BEACH VILLAGE COUNCIL (GROUP 3) Darryl C. Aubrey PALM BEACH GARDENS CITY COUNCIL (GROUP 3) Chelsea Reed PALM BEACH SHORES MAYOR Myra Koutzen

DELRAY BEACH CITY COMMISSION (SEAT 2) William Bathurst

WEST PALM BEACH CITY COMMISSION (DIST. 1) Kelly Shoaf

DELRAY BEACH CITY COMMISSION (SEAT 4) Shirley Johnson

WEST PALM BEACH CITY COMMISSION (DIST. 5) Christina Lambert

Visit PBCHRC.org/endorsements to check out their endorsements online.

PA L M B E A C H

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FIRST PALM BEACH COUNTY PRIDE 5K TO TAKE PLACE MARCH 27 Jason Parsley

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Members of Night Runners WPB pose together at the Pride Block 2020 party.

Photo via Night Runners WPB, Facebook.

T

he LGBT walking/running group in West Palm Beach has organized a Pride 5K at 7 p.m. Friday, March 27 in Lake Worth Beach in collaboration with Compass.

“Night Runners WPB’s mission is to promote health, diversity and camaraderie through physical activity,” Night Runners President Rudolph Galindo said in a press

NIGHT RUNNERS RECEIVED A $5,000 DONATION FROM BROOKS RUNNING COMPANY TO HELP WITH THE EXPENSES OF THE EVENT.

release. “With the help of Brooks Running, we’re excited to collaborate with the 2020 Palm Beach Pride Festival and host our first Pride 5k while inviting the entire community to join in on the fun.”

The event takes place the same weekend as this year’s annual Palm Beach Pride, March 28-29 at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach.

Night Runners received a $5,000 donation from Brooks Running Company to help with the expenses of the event.

The Night Runners meet twice a week at 8 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays at Howard Park in West Palm Beach.

The cost of the 5K is $40. Registration ends March 26. So far 136 have signed up. They can accommodate up to 400 registrants.

Besides additional runners organizers are also still looking for more sponsors and volunteers.

To register for the event or find out how to get involved, visit www.NightRunnersWPB.com.

3.11.2020 •

21

PA L M B E A C H

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A group photo at the Pride On The Block Party.

Photos courtesy of Rolando Chang Barrero.

O

rganizers declared the first ever Pride On The Block that took place Sunday in West Palm Beach a huge success.

“We superseded our expectations so much so we’re going to ask the city to give us a proclamation establishing the second Sunday as West Palm Beach Pride Day,” said Rolando Chang Barrero, one of the organizers.

Barrero estimates about 500 people attended the 6-hour event that took place on the 500 block of Clematis Street in downtown West Palm Beach.

BARRERO ESTIMATES ABOUT 500 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE 6-HOUR EVENT THAT TOOK PLACE ON THE 500 BLOCK OF CLEMATIS STREET IN DOWNTOWN WEST PALM BEACH.

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• 3 . 11.2020

Barrero said that particular block was chosen because it is home to Respectable Street, a local nightclub.

“Respectable Street has been home to all of the disenfranchised LGBTQ people for the last 20 years,” Barrero said. “It has always attracted an alternative crowd that has been open-minded and welcoming to others.”

The event featured a talent show, drag show, photo exhibitions, and games in the middle of the street.

Barrero said the event drove a lot of traffic into the local restaurants and businesses as well.

Barrero was hoping to use this first ever event as a kickoff party to the upcoming annual Palm Beach Pride later this month March 28-29 in Lake Worth Beach at Bryant Park.

Going forward Barrero is already looking to having the event next year. He’s also hoping to bring other LGBT focused events to other cities throughout the county in the lead up to the local Pride festival.

“We’d like to see every city throughout the county name one day during March as their LGBT Pride Day with some event,” he said.

PA L M B E A C H

polit ics

NEWS LOCAL

SHOWDOWN IN HAVERHILL

Two out men face off against each other for a council seat Jason Parsley IN A TOWN OF BARELY 2,000 RESIDENTS TWO MEN IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY ARE FACING OFF AGAINST EACH OTHER FOR A SEAT ON THE TOWN COUNCIL. Daniel Sohn, 29, is the incumbent, and was first elected to the Haverhill City Council Seat 2 in March of 2018 becoming the first out politician in the town’s history.

“I care about these people. I feel like I’m their only voice on this council,” Sohn said.

“I want to continue fighting for them.”

Meanwhile Ray Caranci, who works for the City of West Palm Beach as a landscape planner, is challenging him.

“I have always been involved with the town. I’ve contemplated [running] for a while,” Caranci said. “I want to do my public service.”

It’s rare for there to be contested elections in the town, but this year both seats up for grabs have two people running.

In Haverhill the saying, “every vote counts” couldn’t be more true. In 2018 Sohn received 47 votes while his opponent received 29.

The two main LGBT groups have split their endorsements with the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council choosing Caranci, and Equality Florida choosing Sohn.

“Equality Florida Action PAC has endorsed Councilman Daniel Sohn in the 2020 election for Haverhill City Council. Our endorsement standard is to support incumbent elected officials who have fought for LGBTQ equality while in office,” said Joe Saunders, Senior Political Director for Equality Florida.

“Commissioner Sohn has been a frequent

Ray Caranci, the challenging incumbent.

Daniel Sohn, the defending incumbent.

and vocal advocate for policies that affect the lives of LGBTQ Floridians and has regularly used his platform as a local elected leader to call on lawmakers in Tallahassee to pass comprehensive nondiscrimination protections.”

Caranci, 59, has been with his partner for 31 years and has lived in the town for 15 years.

Two of the issues that are important to Caranci are public safety and commonsense code enforcement.

“It’s a small town,” he said. “It’s difficult to find qualified people to take these positions on the town council.”

As for why he’s running, especially when an out politician already occupies the seat he said, “I think a resident should be in the council seat.” He did not explain further.

Rand Hoch, president of the PBCHRC said his organization interviewed both candidates and felt Caranci would accomplish more if elected.

“He’s a great guy. He’s smart. His heart is in right place,” Hoch said. “And he’s lived there for years.”

In 2018 PBCHRC endorsed Sohn for the seat.

Sohn recently made history when he married his partner in the Florida Capitol building in Tallahassee, the first time a same-sex marriage had been performed there.

According to Sohn his time on the council hasn’t always been smooth sailing.

“I held my colleague’s feet to the fire and they didn’t like that. I forced them to become more active than they have been.

I’ve challenged their way of thinking,” Sohn said. “I’m not a rubber stamp politician. I’m not a ‘yes’ man. I want to continue be that lightning rod for change.”

SNAPSHOT

OF THE

WEEK

Glen Weinzimer (left) and Mark Byrd (right) were honored by Mark Kent and Fred Boykin on behalf of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida at their annual brunch at Bona Italian Restaurant for their philanthropic work. Photo credit: Chris Caputo.

OUT NOW!

LOOK FOR IT NEAR YOU, OR ASK FOR YOUR COPY AT SFGN

S O U T H

F L O R I D A

G A Y

N E W S

Vol. 9 Issue 1 February - March 2020

WINTER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PREVIEW

READ IT ONLINE AT THEMIRRORMAG.COM

PHOTO VIA ADOBE.

3.11.2020 •

23

NEWS BUSINESS

AMAZON DOESN’T KEEP LGBT OUTREACH IN STOCK Scott Stiffler

F

Washington Blade

rom books to booze to pop-up tents to toiletries, tell Amazon what you want, and they’ll deliver almost anything — except a straight answer about their outreach to the LGBT community, as it pertains to advertising, marketing, and communication.

Photo via Amazon, Facebook.

“THEY KNOW WE ARE CUSTOMERS. THEY BELIEVE IN MARKETING, AND THEY EVEN BELIEVE IN TARGETED MARKETING — YET THEY EXCLUDE US INTENTIONALLY WHILE ALSO APPEARING TO EMBRACE US.” - Troy Masters

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR OF THE LOS ANGELES BLADE

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• 3 . 11.2020

“Hi Scott — we don’t have anything to share at this time. Thanks!”

Peppy use of the exclamation point notwithstanding, Amazon public relations representative Mackenzie Ritter’s sole substantial reply (if one can say that of a 12word email) to this reporter’s weeks-long request for comment cut like the whirling blades of a failed drone delivery test.

“We don’t provide details regarding our marketing programs — you can find out more about how we support the LGBTQ community here,” said Mackenzie in a quote attributed directly to Amazon, which arrived a few hours after one final appeal.

Follow that link and you’ll find “carefully considered and deeply held” progressive positions on everything from the federal minimum wage to immigration reform to heat-induced climate change.

It’s the LGBTQ+ rights section, however, that gives credence to the sticking point of Troy Masters, publisher and editor of the Los Angeles Blade (the Washington Blade’s sister publication).

Amazon cites its “early and strong support of marriage equality” and ongoing commitment to “advocate for protections and equal rights for transgender people,” noting they “stand together with the LGBTQ community,” and crowing about their “perfect score” on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index for the last three years.

Standing together with our community, says Masters, must translate into direct engagement, by going beyond providing gender transition benefits to employees or advocating for legislation at the federal and state level (both of which Amazon does).

“I am unaware that they have a marketing

or philanthropy footprint inside our community,” says Masters. “They don’t seem hostile, but they are not an active flag-raiser, except perhaps via employee groups at very select events. To me, that kind of marketing is dark marketing — it’s dark because it is not at all inclusive.”

Now there’s a zinger Masters says can be applied to “every other company like them, every company that chooses to rub elbows at our multimillion-dollar fundraisers, make a relatively small donation, buy a table at an event, and get their LGBT employees drunk for a night. It’s an offensive strategy, in my opinion, if it is not backed up with general community-wide visibility and outreach.”

“They’re missing the chance to reinforce their already pretty good reputation in the gay community,” says Pride Source Media CFO Jan Stevenson, who, along with her wife, Susan Horowitz, has been publishing Michigan’s weekly newspaper, Between the Lines, for 26 years. “The demographic of the gay community tends to be very close to Amazon’s ideal customer. We’re first adopters. We’re loyal. Even aside from the social aspect of it, I just think it makes good business sense.”

Stevenson recalls attempting to engage Amazon, which has “a huge distribution facility not far from our offices. When they were doing ‘Help Wanted,’ we approached them about ads, but they didn’t take us up on it.”

Masters has a similar tale of unsuccessful outreach at the local level.

“I attempted to get live-streaming release ads from Amazon video,” he says, “since they own nearly every billboard in Los Angeles and they are doing a great deal of LGBTspecific or themed programming as part of

NEWS BUSINESS their multibillion-dollar content spree in how important the LGBT consumer is. Like Hollywood.”

Apple and Starbucks, I feel these are all Nationally, adds Masters, “Todd Evans good companies that just really need to be and his team are the LGBT liaisons for our educated on how to reach large numbers of community, with such accounts.”

LGBTs in ‘our’ specific media.”

As noted in two previous similarly themed One company that got, and continues to articles focusing on Apple and Starbucks, get, the message is Absolut Vodka. As of last Evans is president and CEO of Rivendell year, Absolut had spent $31 million on LGBT Media, which places advertisements for marketing, and donated over $40 million to the National LGBT Media LGBT charities.

Association.

Unlike Apple, Starbucks, Together, the association’s and Amazon — none of members — including which responded to our Boston’s Bay Windows and outreach with detailed NYC’s Gay City News — reach comment — Absolut Vice an estimated 500,000 weekly President Regan Clarke was print and online readers. quick to respond, noting “In 2013,” Evans notes, Absolut “was the first spirits “Amazon did the funny Kindle brand to publicly support the same-sex beach commercial.

LGBTQcommunity, beginning In 2018, they did another one in 1981.” for Fire TV featuring two gay Clarke called that move, men,” and also what Evans unheard of for its time, “a calls “the lonely ad”—a singlerisky decision for mainstream page print ad for Amazon’s brands, because taking a wedding registry, in the April stand for equality meant issue of Out Magazine. risking backlash from The fact that he’s able to cite conventional culture. Today, three ads that acknowledge Absolut is proud to stand LGBT consumers, says Evans, as a beacon of diversity and “is what’s different about inclusivity alongside LGBTQ - Jan Stevenson them. They’re at least doing communities, and continues PRIDE SOURCE MEDIA CFO something, whether it’s to to push the envelope of provoke thought or just test cultural progress — while the waters, to see what various responses celebrating and supporting the people are.” and actions that have made that progress Evans says he’s surprised Amazon didn’t possible.” do a deeper dive.

It’s a far cry from the Amazon approach, “It’s so much easier to carry it to fruition, says Masters, who is confounded by the into LGBT media, where everybody is going chasm between knowledge and action. to be paying attention to it,” says Evans.

“They know we are customers,” says “There are plenty of other gay publications Masters, of Amazon. “They believe in to advertise in.” marketing, and they even believe in Of the Fire TV commercial, notes Evans, targeted marketing — yet they exclude “There are plenty of digital networks you us intentionally while also appearing to could run a TV ad on today. You could even embrace us. It’s been happening much too run it on Logo, where you have a super- long, this equation of elite support. We need friendly gay audience… to reel it in before our own media cease to More than most companies, they already exist and our journalistic voice is replaced target consumers based on buying habits. by rubber chicken dinners at five-star So they should have an understanding of hotels.”

“THEY’RE MISSING THE CHANCE TO REINFORCE THEIR ALREADY PRETTY GOOD REPUTATION IN THE GAY COMMUNITY.”

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

Photo via Amazon, Facebook.

3.11.2020 •

25

Jesse’s Journal

CONVICTIONS

PRESENTING THE

MANATOMY AWARDS Jesse Monteagudo

M

r. Man (MrMan.com) is a website that specializes in locating, rating, and posting instances of male nudity in film and television. Going live in October 2013, Mr. Man is a spin-off from the popular Mr. Skin web site.

Unlike full-frontal female nudity, which is rather common, male nudity is virtually nonexistent in American movies and television. This makes Mr. Man a valuable resource for those of us who are devotees of the male form.

On Feb. 6 Mr. Man announced the winners of the Sixth Annual Manatomy Awards. These Awards, we are told, “shines a spotlight on the past year’s naked male achievements in film and TV.” As the website puts it, “the 6th Annual Manatomy [Awards] are finally here! Our dick, butt, and everything in between experts have rounded up all of the lewdest, crudest, and most importantly nudest scenes of the year from movies and television.”

“For years, nude scenes were primarily the domain of female actresses,” Phil Henricks of Mr. Man noted in a press release. “That has been changing as each year there are more scenes and actors to choose from. We

BEST PICTURE “SAUVAGE”

BEST TV SHOW

“TALES OF THE CITY”

BEST FULL FRONTAL JACK REYNOR “Midsommar”

BEST BUTT

RICKY WHITTLE “American Gods” (this author’s personal favorite)

BEST GAY SCENE

are celebrating the fine actors who have the balls [pun intended] to go naked.”

Winners were chosen through a “comprehensive process” that included the editorial, production and marketing teams from Mr. Man. They selected five contenders for each of their 43 categories and then sat in a conference room, re-watched all the scenes and voted on the winners. “It got heated in the room. Jake [Gyllenhaal] came close, but in the end, it was decided that he didn’t show enough nudity.”

Some categories are new. For example, “Best Locker Room Scene” was created to honor Euphoria’s “iconic” full-frontal locker room scene with 21 guys in it. And “Best Bloomin Onion” was created to honor Orlando Bloom’s butt in Carnival Row. Visit www.mrman.com/ manatomyawards for the full list, and all the Awardwinning scenes. Meanwhile, here are some of the major Manatomy Award winners:

BRIAN JORDAN ÁLVAREZ AND RYAN O’CONNELL “Special”

TARON EGERTON AND RICHARD MADDEN “Rocketman”

BEST GAY MAKE OUT

BEST SUPERHERO NUDITY

BIGGEST COCK

BEST UNCUT COCK

BEST FURRY FRIEND FRONTAL

AARON TAYLOR JOHNSON “A Million Little Pieces”

CHRISTOPHE DE COSTER “Vida”

BEST I JUST BLUE MYSELF

BEST PROSTHETIC PENIS

YAHYA ABDUL-MARTEN II “WATCHMEN”

CONNOR SWINDELS “Sex Education”

BEST TANLINE

JOSHUA ORPIN “Titans”

COLLIN BAJA “Tales of the City”

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD DANIEL CRAIG

CHACE CRAWFORD “The Boys”

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

26

• 3 . 11.2020

Ricky Whittle from “American Gods.”

Photo via Ricky Whittle, Facebook.

CONVICTIONS

Editorial Cartoon

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Mike Luckovich

GFWC PLANTATION WOMAN’S CLUB & CITY OF PLANTATION

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Extravaganza March 21st & 22nd, 2020 Saturday - 9am to 5pm Sunday - 9am to 4pm Great Food & Music • Free Entry & Parking FOR MORE INFO CALL 954.328.6901 OR EMAIL gfwcplantation@gmail.com

Volunteer Park

Community Center 12050 W. Sunrise Blvd.

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3.11.2020 •

27

LIFESTYLE BOOKS

GAY MEMOIR RECALLS ERA LONG GONE David-Elijah Nahmod

N

ow available in hardcover, paperback and kindle, Joseph Caldwell’s “In the Shadow of the Bridge” is a heartfelt memoir about being gay in the New York City of the 1950s and ‘60s, as well as a remembrance of the peak years of the AIDS crisis.

At 203 pages, it’s a short, easy read that packs a lot of punch.

Caldwell, an award-winning novelist, a playwright and a soap opera writer, remembers the life he lived in the New York of long ago. He resided in what was then called a cold water flat in a tenement building that stood literally in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge. His window was so close to the bridge that he could reach out and touch it.

It was the 1950s, a time when homosexuality was something that most gay men swept under the carpet.

And yet, Caldwell found a community. He recalls an early friendship with the great African American gay writer James Baldwin, and eloquently writes about sitting in bars and restaurants with the various creative people who made up his social circle, all of whom seemed to be gay. It was a very different New York then. An apartment could be rented for 24 dollars a month.

Caldwell remembers those early days with wit and heart. He gets a job at WQXR, a classical radio station, writing copy for the station’s on air staff. He begins authoring plays that are produced off Broadway. He also becomes a soap opera writer, not exactly the work he wants to do, but it paid well and enabled him to pursue his theatrical endeavors.

Fans of the horror themed soap opera Dark Shadows will be particularly fascinated by Caldwell’s memories of working on that show. Caldwell co-created the character of Barnabas Collins with fellow gay writer Ron Sproat.

Barnabas was the anti-heroic vampire who put Dark Shadows on the map, giving the show a cult status which endures to this day.

Caldwell and Sproat wrote Barnabas as a “reluctant” vampire, a lonely man who was filled with shame over his bloodlust and who had to hide his true identity from those who knew him—Barnabas was not unlike the two writers, gay men who often had to be “discreet” in a society that would not accept them.

Dark Shadows creator Dan Curtis is referred to by Caldwell as “a committed homophobe” who at one point considered firing an actor he thought might be gay.

Caldwell and Sproat intervened on the actor’s behalf,

CALDWELL REMEMBERS THOSE EARLY DAYS WITH WIT AND HEART.

28

• 3 . 11.2020

Joseph Caldwell.

noting that if Curtis were to dismiss everyone on the show who was gay, he’d also have to let go of most of his writing staff, the actor who played Barnabas, and the show’s romantic lead.

Raised in a strict Catholic, Caldwell had to reconcile his religious beliefs with his sexuality. He examines this dilemma in an insightful section of the book. He questions the hypocrisy of religion, and slowly comes to terms with his faith, which he comes to see not as judgement from God, but as self-love.

The portion of the book in which Caldwell recalls the plague years are the most moving. Himself HIV negative, Caldwell didn’t want to sit around and do nothing. He volunteers at St Vincent’s Hospital, the primary care center for people with AIDS, and becomes an assigned buddy to 10 different patients, moving on to the next after the previous one dies.

“I wanted to do more than just wring my hands and weep or even pray,” he writes.

In the midst of the crisis Caldwell calls Gale, a former boyfriend. Gale was Caldwell’s first love, and he never quite got over Gale.

Fifteen years after they last saw each other, Caldwell invites Gale to the theater. Gale accepts, telling Caldwell that he is sick and that he suffers from Kaposi’s Sarcoma, an AIDS related skin cancer which causes lesions to appear all over the body. They go to the theater and renew their friendship.

As Gale’s illness progresses, Caldwell moves into his house to care for him. What Caldwell did he did out of love, a love that hadn’t diminished some three decades after he and Gale had first met.

Vividly written, In the “Shadow of the Bridge” is an emotional journey through one man’s life. It’s a story about living one’s life authentically and truthfully, a story about a city that was once a mecca for writers, artists and performers, a city that, for all intent and purposes, no longer exists.

But mostly it’s a story of one man’s enduring love for another. Now 91 years old, Caldwell still carries that love with him.

David-Elijah Nahmod is an American/Israeli half-breed who has lived in New York City and Tel Aviv. Currently in San Francisco, his eclectic writing career includes LGBT publications, SF Weekly & monster magazines. A survivor of childhood gay conversion therapy, he lives with PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

SATURDAY, APRIL 25, 2020 • 7PM

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Honoring those who are transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness.

CONTINUOUS OPEN BAR • SEATED DINNER • LIVE ENTERTAINMENT • AWARDS PRESENTATION Benefitting These Organizations:

Presenting Sponsor

Major Presenting Sponsor

Event Sponsors

Don’t miss the event of the year!

Reserve seats at diversityhonors.org

3.11.2020 •

29

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LISTINGS ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 4025 Pine Tree Drive. Miami Beach Sundays at 8am and 10:30am.

305-520-5410 | allsoulsmb.org CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

30

• 3 . 11.2020

FOUNTAIN OF LOVE MINISTRIES 5481 FL-7, Tamarac, FL 33319 954-486-5959 fountainofloveonline.org Pastor Dallas Walker-Green Worship: Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am OPEN HEART MEDITATION Saturdays 3:30 - 5 p.m.

Pride Center - Room #200 www.heartofthemystery.com

HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM

ST. NICHOLAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach 954-942-5887 - stnicholasfl.org office@stnicholasfl.org Sundays 8:00AM & 10:30AM (9:30AM only from Memorial Day through Labor Day)

CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH 1955 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 564-7673 - christlutheranfl.org pastordeborah@christlutheranfl.org Worship: Sunday 10:00am

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST 1415 North K Street, Lake Worth 561-582-6691 - fcclw.org office@lakeworthchurch.org Service Time: Sunday 10:30AM

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM

UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST FORT LAUDERDALE 2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale (954)563-4271 - uccftl.org revpatrickrogers@gmail.com Service Times: Thursdays 10:30AM (Elliot Hall) & Sundays 10:30AM (Sanctuary)

FAITH & PRIDE SPIRITUALITY A REFLECTION ON LENT IN HONOR OF

MAYOR FLIPPEN Jamie Forsythe

Holy Angels National Catholic Community

Join us for Shabbat service Every Friday night at 8pm Saturday, March 14th

$15 Door includes 7 games Specials Game Cards 2 cards for $1 Food available for purchase: Hot dogs, drinks, chips Doors open 6:30pm/Play starts 7pm Cash only please

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

Congregation Etz Chaim

2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus For more information: www.EtzChaimFlorida.org or 954-564-9232

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

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

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

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

954-633-2987

561-733-4000

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

Justin Flippen.

Photo via Facebook.

T

he day before Ash Wednesday Justin Flippen died as a result of a brain aneurism, he was 41. Two days before two people died in New Orleans after being run over by a float. Two years ago 17 people were killed on Ash Wednesday, most of them under 18 years old. These tragic events reflect the traditional formula repeated as ashes are distributed on Ash Wednesday; “Remember O man that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” But while Mayor Flippen respected traditions, he was not traditional.

The other formula that is used as ashes are used to trace a cross on the forehead is “Turn away from sin and believe in the good news.” These words more accurately describe the faith and life of Justin Flippen.

Where he saw evil, he worked to bring good. Where there was injustice, he worked for justice; in division he saw unity through diversity. When others would speak words of hate, Justin would speak words of healing and love. He was a man who lived not by goals, but by ideals.

The best way to honor a person and their

A home for your spirit.

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

Christ Lutheran Church legacy is to pick up the torch they carried. As we continue our Lenten journeys, we take up the challenge to turn away from sin and believe in the good news. We do that in our personal lives and our civic responsibilities.

This is a season that calls us to examine our lives and actions; to see where we are not charitable, where we judge others, where we speak words of hate and hurt, where we hold onto anger and resentment.

It is a time to change and grow spiritually. Lent challenges us to change thoughts and the actions that flow from those thoughts. To acknowledge the evil in our lives and world, but to believe that there is a more powerful good.

I believe that Justin was Wilton Manors’ own Don Quixote. He tried to right the unrightable wrongs he saw in society.

Let us commit during Lent to make the world a better place. In the words of Saint Francis, “where there is hatred let me sow love, where there is injury — pardon, and where there is doubt — faith.” And like Justin Flippen, let us reach for that unreachable star.

1955 East Oakland Park Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 www.christlutheranfl.org

Sunday Service @ 10am Fellowship after Service

A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE

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

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION 3.11.2020 •

31

LIFESTYLE photos

BLACK ART

AWAKENING ON FEBRUARY 5, THE PRIDE CENTER HOSTED AN EVENING OF CULTURE, CUISINE AND COCKTAILS TO HONOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH AND NATIONAL BLACK HIV/AIDS AWARENESS DAY. FREE HIV TESTING WAS AVAILABLE DURING THE EVENT. Photos by Carina Mask Ebony Wilson (left) and Tatiana Williams.

Artist Tee “Teepop” Davis (left).

Artwork by Teepop.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS ON FACEBOOK. 32

• 3 . 11.2020

SFGNITES

FOR THE WEEK OF MARCH 12, 2020 - MARCH 17, 2020 J.W. Arnold

Get Ready for a Wild Ride

jw@prdconline.com

THU

3/12

THEATER The biggest Broadway hit of the 1970s, “A Chorus Line,” opens this weekend at the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton. Mitzi Hamilton, the inspiration for the character Val in Michael Bennett’s phenomenal original production, takes the helm as both director and choreographer.

Catch the Pulitzer Prize-winning show through April 12. Tickets are $75-95 at TheWick.org.

FRI

3/13

THEATER Former porn star Antonio Biaggi stars in “Naughty and Nuts,” tonight at 8 p.m. at Wilton Theater Factory, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors.

Biaggi, who spent 12 years in the adult entertainment industry, shares stories about his experiences both on and off the camera. If talking about sex, sex and more sex makes you uncomfortable, get over it because Biaggi is unapologetic. Tickets start at $40 at Eventbrite.com.

SATURDAY 3/14

COMEDY

It’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years since Pee Wee Herman hit the big screen in his wacky comedy, “Pee Wee’s Big Adventure.” Enjoy a special anniversary screening of the film tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Dr. in—you guessed it!—Coral Springs. Afterward, Pee Wee’s creator Paul Reubens will share amazing stories about the making of the film. Tickets start at $25 at TheCenterCS.com. Be there, or be square!

Photo Credit: LiveNation Entertainment.

SAT

3/14

SUN

3/15

MON

3/16

TUE

3/17

ARTS

FILM

CONCERT

CONCERT

Queer women, lesbians, LGBT women and allies share their talents and their stories at the Thou Art Woman open mic and performance night, tonight at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy poetry, spoken word, dance, comedy, music and whatever else may be inspired during this spontaneous arts event hosted by Ghenete “G” Wright and Nik Harris. Tickets are $25 at ThouArtWoman.org.

Congregation Etz Chaim presents the final selection in the South Florida Israeli-Jewish-LGBTQA+ Film Festival, today at 4:45 p.m. at the Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. “Golden Boys” is a touching documentary about 10 elderly gay men who meet weekly at the LGBT community center in Tel Aviv. These witty and gritty men dispel the misconceptions of aging. Tickets $11 at EtzChaimFlorida.org.

Broadway legend Chita Rivera and former “Phantom” Chris Mann share the Dreyfoos Hall stage with Michael Feinstein and the Kravis Center Pops Orchestra in West Palm Beach for an evening of remarkable music, tonight at 8 p.m. Join them as they honor the legendary crooner Vic Damone and celebrate the many musical legends who also inspired a generation of music lovers. Tickets start at $39 at Kravis.org.

The multitalented Harry Connick, Jr. performs selections from his new album, “True Love: A Celebration of Cole Porter,” tonight at 8 p.m. in the Knight Concert Hall at the Arsht Center in Miami. He’ll also perform many of the jazz classics from his 30-year career. In addition to a fabulous concert by Connick, every pair of ticket holders will receive a complimentary copy of the CD. Tickets start at $75 at ArshtCenter.org.

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• 3 . 11.2020

It’s A Wonderful World!

Including John Rutter’s

Mass of the Children

and a Musical Medley from Broadway’s Les Misérables Chuck Stanley, Artistic Director Anthony Ciotti, Accompanist • Peggy Joyce Barber, Founding Director Emeritus Featuring Floranada Elementary’s After School Chorus, Jared Doyle, Director, on “Mass of the Children”

Friday, 3/13/20 • 8 pm St Joseph Episcopal 3300 S Seacrest Blvd.

Boynton Beach 33435

Sunday, 3/15/20 • 4 pm Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW 9th Ave. Fort Lauderdale 33315

Tuesday, 3/17/20 • 7:30 pm Christ Church 4845 NE 25th Ave. Fort Lauderdale 33308

Presented by Nova Southeastern University All Performances $15 Advance/$20 on Concert Day Children 12 and Under Free • Students with I.D. Free Advance Tickets Available: NOVA.EDU/NOVASINGERS (954) 683-8866/BrowardCounty • (561) 212-2112/Palm Beach County

LATE NIGHT AT THE NEW WORLD SYMPHONY

Late-night lounge meets orchestra! Enjoy live electronic grooves spun by DJ AJ Reddy alongside contemporary and classical performances by the New World Symphony in a lounge-style atmosphere complete with dynamic lighting and videos.

FRIDAY, APRIL 3, 9:00 PM

nws.edu/PRIDE 500 17TH ST. MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 305.673.3331

Chad Goodman, conductor DJ AJ Reddy NWS celebrates PRIDE with a special program featuring LGBTQ+ composers.

3.11.2020 •

35

Your smile should leave a great impression!

Celebrating our 10th Year on Wilton Drive!

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954-565-7666

The hit Broadway musical “Mean Girls,” playing at the Broward Center through Sunday, is punctuated with big production numbers. Credit: Joan Marcus.

THIS TRIP BACK TO HIGH SCHOOL EARNS AN “A”

Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD 1946 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com

Nite Club Law If you drink, don’t drive. If you drive, don’t drink. If you do both, call us.

Criminal Defense Law Center 954.763.1900

Norman Elliott Kent

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2520 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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www.NormKent.com 36

• 3 . 11.2020

J.W. Arnold

A

t one time or another, we have all pondered what it might be like to go back to high school, especially if we could “know” what we know now.

“Mean Girls,” the 2017 musical adaptation of Tina Fey’s campy 2004 film, proves that little has changed in those intervening years.

There is still a cruel caste system that dictates cafeteria protocols, dumb jocks will be dumb jocks and the “plastics” prize superficial beauty above all. The only tangible difference is they’re now all armed with smart phones and social media accounts.

Cady Heron (Danielle Wade) is literally thrown in this untamed jungle after growing up in a literal jungle, home-schooled by her parents in the wilds of Kenya. She meets the flamboyant Damian (Eric Huffman) and the artsy loner Janis (Mary Kate Morrissey), who encourages the newcomer to pretend to be friends with the plastics and learn their secrets.

Cady is successful and soon, at the expense of Regina (Mariah Rose Faith), finds herself the leader of the clique. Barely recognizable and now a “mean girl,” Cady also forsakes Damian, Janis and her math teacher, Mrs. Norbury (Gaelen Gilliland).

Unless you went to the New York City High School for the Performing Arts (“Fame”), it’s unlikely the student body at your high school broke out into full-fledged production numbers over lunch hour. But, wouldn’t it be cool if they did?

The highlights of the show are the big production numbers and their real star is Damian, the comfortably out student we all wished we could have been in high school. In “Where Do You Belong,” Damian and Janice introduce Cady to the various social groups in the cafeteria and the social suicide she will commit if she joins the mathletes. To open the second act, Damian dons tap shoes for “Stop,” a musical intervention and warning of meanness to come. Jeff Richmond’s high energy, pop-infused score and Nell Benjamin’s witty lyrics serve director and choreographer Casey Nicholaw well.

A multi-surfaced LED wall serves well as set, magically transforming from the African plains to the classrooms North Shore High School and more, thanks to moviequality video animations by Finn Ross and Adam Young. The fast-paced maneuvers of students rolling lunchroom tables and desks around the stage mimicked the glitzy, kaleidoscopic choreography of Hollywood filmmaker Busby Berkeley.

In a contemporary show like this, costume design is often overlooked, but Gregg Barnes masterfully dresses the cast for every occasion from classroom and costume party to mathlete competition and spring formal.

“Mean Girls” was famously snubbed by Tony nominators last year, but judging from both the quality of the production and the audience reaction, this show definitely deserves an “A” for effort.

Broadway in Fort Lauderdale presents “Mean Girls” through Sunday, March 15 at the Broward Center. Tickets start at $40.50 at BrowardCenter.org.

A&E IN MEMORIAM

Left: Mart Crowley. Right: a poster from “Boys in the Band.” Public Domain.

MART CROWLEY, ‘BOYS IN THE BAND’ PLAYWRIGHT, DIES AT 84 John Paul King

M

art Crowley, the playwright behind one of the most groundbreaking queer plays of all time, has died at

see people they didn’t have to respect.”

It was only within recent years that the play has been reassessed to take its place 84. as an important piece of LGBT history, a Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi as Edward portrait of gay existence before the Stonewall Martino Crowley, his play “The Boys in the Uprising jump-started the Gay Liberation Band” was the first major American drama Movement the following year. When “Boys” explicitly dealing with the lives of gay men. was remounted on Broadway in 2018 with an Reportedly written at the suggestion of the all-star cast, director Joe Mantello told the actress Natalie Wood, New York Times, “The people for whom he worked as who criticize the play have the a personal assistant, it luxury to do so because of the debuted off-Broadway in play.”

1968 — at a time when The Tony-winning 2018 queer representation on production, which was the the stage and screen was play’s official Broadway debut, is largely non-existent. It being brought to the screen later drew packed audiences, this by Netflix; it will feature the both gay and straight, acclaimed revival cast reprising and was made into a their roles, including Zachary film by director William Quinto, Matt Bomer, Andrew Friedkin in 1970.

Rannells, and Jim Parsons.

While the play has long Crowley wrote a sequel, “The - Joe Mantello BROADWAY DIRECTOR been seen as a seminal Men from the Boys,” in 2002. work in the LGBT canon, He also wrote several television it has not always been embraced by critics scripts, including for “Hart to Hart,” starring or by the community; its caustic, bitchy Robert Wagner, the widower of former characters, who viciously take out their employer Wood who remained a lifelong frustration and self-loathing on each other friend to the playwright. at a birthday party as they get progressively Wagner, speaking to the New York drunker, have been criticized by many as Times in a phone interview after Crowley’s presenting a negative image of gay life — passing, said, “He was his own man at a time such as the legendary out gay playwright when it was really, really difficult.”

Edward Albee, who said in an interview for Crowley died Saturday night in Manhattan the 2011 documentary “Making the Boys,” “I as a result of complications from heart went to see ‘Boys in the Band’ several times, surgery following a heart attack. He has no and more and more I saw an audience there immediate survivors. of straights, who were so happy to be able to

“THE PEOPLE WHO CRITICIZE THE PLAY HAVE THE LUXURY TO DO SO BECAUSE OF THE PLAY.”

3.11.2020 •

37

The South Florida Israeli Jewish-LGBTQA+ Film Festival Sponsored by Congregation Etz Chaim of Wilton Manors

OTLIGHT A&E SPO

Don’t miss our last film held on March 15th!

Films shown at Pride Center Auditorium; B building 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Tickets are $11 each. For tickets, info, film preview clips: www.etzchaimflorida.org

“Golden Boys”

Hebrew (w/ English subtitles) screens: 4.45pm on Sunday March 15th

Thank you to all of our great audiences!

Thank you to our generous Sponsors: Anonymous Donors Michael Tublin/United Realty Group Rainbow Media Corp / Dir. James Basmajian David Yalen, and the following:

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OUT GAY TEACHER IN THE SOUTH Edwin Neimann Welcome to Business Spotlight, the column that thanks advertisers who support SFGN. We invite you to support them, because without their outreach to us, we would not be here to reach out to you. We are a free newspaper that survives on the success of our advertisers so we encourage our readers to support those who support us.

B

eing a fully out gay high school teacher in rural, conservative America just isn’t easy, even with all the progress the country has made over the past several decades when it comes to LGBT rights. In his moving memoir “Southern. Gay. Teacher.” Randy Fair explores what’s changed and what hasn’t for LGBT public school teachers. Over a 30-year career in Fulton County (Georgia) schools, Randy lived and worked through the cultural revolution that allowed to him to go from being “The GAY teacher” to being a teacher who just happened to be gay. His book explores both the changes he has seen in the schools, and his own personal evolution as a teacher.

Surprisingly, Randy still advises young LGBT teachers to proceed with caution, as in some areas you can still be fired for this.

Some school districts were very progressive as far back as the ‘80s and ‘90s, but in some districts, even today, LGBT teachers are at risk if they have pictures with their partner or spouse on their desk. It’s really a rural vs. urban thing. And Randy knows this well as he began his teaching career in rural Alabama, but eventually left to teach in metro Atlanta, believing he would find more acceptance, which he did.

During his years in Atlanta Randy wrote columns for the Southern Voice and cofounded the Atlanta Chapter of the Gay, Lesbian, Straight Teachers Network. But he found that even in Atlanta schools he needed to be careful. Randy shares some powerful memories dealing with homophobic students and parents and with administrators and colleagues who were supportive for the most part, until he became well know as a columnist for a gay publication and a gay rights activist.

And he credits the Milton High School English department head Judy Hammock for being his champion. “I don’t think my career would have been possible without her willingness to say, ‘I don’t care what you think of him as a person. It’s what he does as a teacher that

matters.’ Judy was so willing to go to bat for any teacher in her department. She would find the best thing about each of us and bring it out.”

Randy does reveal in the book that the good far outweighed any negativity that he experienced. “I love teaching. I have a storage box of letters from kids saying, ‘You changed my life!’ ‘You made such an impact on me.’

But the exhaustion of it is just unbelievable.

I don’t think anybody understands what a teacher’s life is like unless you’ve actually lived it.”

And the book has received outstanding reviews as well. The Atlanta Journal called it “A moving memoir” and The Georgia Voice said it was “Groundbreaking.”

SOUTHERN.GAY.TEACHER. IS AVAILABLE FROM AMAZON, BARNES AND NOBLE AND AT SOUTHERNGAYTEACHER.COM.

• 3 . 11.2020

Suddenly Last Summer-Mar 20-001-4.875x5.25-r1.indd 1

MOVING MEMOIR EXPLORES CHALLENGES OF BEING AN

2/25/20 3:25 PM

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DATEBOOK

Theater

MARCH 11 - MARCH 17

Paul Leary

Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes New Listing

broward county *Urinetown the Musical

March 13th - 29th at The Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts, 17195 Sheridan St, Pembroke Pines. Winner of three Tony Awards this hilariously funny and touchingly honest musical is a satire of the legal system and a love letter to musical theatre itself! In a Gotham like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought has led to a ban on private toilets. The citizens must use public amenities, regulated by a single malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs. Amid the people, a hero decides he’s had enough and plans a revolution to lead them all to freedom. More information and tickets at pptopa.com

*Island Song (Regional Premiere)

March 12th - 29th, by Measure for Measure Theatre at the Sunrise Civic Center 10610 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise. A poignant, offbeat dramedy with a kinetic pop-rock score (boasting 7 MAC-nominated songs), takes us through a year in the lives of five twentyand-thirty-somethings sharing a city and the chain of surprising, poignant, and partially random connections that bring them into each other’s spheres at moments that become pivotal. As the city pulses around them, they all must work through their own complex relationships with ambition, distraction, and the search for connection. Information and tickets at measureformeasuretheatre.com

Come Out! Come Out!

Running through March 29 at the Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. Set in 1920s New York. A time when engaging in homosexual activity could get you arrested, beaten, even killed.

Despite the dangers, gay men found areas where they could meet for clandestine trysts.

Most settled for fleeting physical gratification.

But some wanted more. Some longed for affection. Jacob just wanted to be kissed... by another man. See this high energy, light hearted, yet poignant new musical filled with music from the Roaring 20s and joyous tap dancing. Think Eddie Cantor meets Fred Astaire in Central Park. Tickets $35.00 detail at ronnielarsen.com

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Helen on Wheels

March 5th — 29th, at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Another heartwarming comedy by Cricket Daniel about Helen Wheeler is a gun totin’ and whiskey drinking Granny, living in the small town of Crockett, Oklahoma. When Helen isn’t locked up in the local clink, she’s on her front porch shootin’ up critters and the local kids. Not even the local sheriff, can manage to uphold the law when it comes to Helen, her sidekick Zona, and their daily “Thelma and Louise” antics. Helen’s son Nelson thinks it’s time for Mama to move out of Crockett and closer to him. Loss, loneliness and the threat to independence that accompany aging are issues that Helen and the other characters wrangle with zany comedy and touching realism. Helen on Wheels is a delightful heartwarming new comedy proving that feisty old ladies have the right to cause hell, play bingo and to bear arms. Tickets: $39 Info at 866-811-4111or pigsdoflyproductions.com

palm beach county Witness For The Prosecution

Through March 15 at the Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth.

Leonard Vole stands accused of murdering a rich widow. The stakes are high with shocking witness testimony, impassioned outbursts from the dock and a young man’s fight to escape the hangman’s noose.

Generally regarded as one of Christie’s most accomplished plays, this suspenseful thriller keeps audiences guessing until the very end. Box Office (561) 586-6410 or visit LakeworthPlayhouse.org

The SOUND OF MUSIC

Saturdays through April 11th at Showtime Performing Arts Center, 503 SE Mizner Blvd Royal Palm Place, Boca Raton. Featuring cherished songs Climb Ev’ry Mountain, My Favorite Things, Do Re Mi, Sixteen Going on Seventeen and The Sound of Music earned 5 Tony Awards and 5 Oscars. The inspirational story follows Maria, an ebullient postulant who serves as governess to the 7 children of Captain Von Trapp, who brings music and joy to the household. But as the forces of Nazism take hold of Austria, the Von Trapp family

Urinetown the Musical is a satire of the legal system and a love letter to musical theatre itself. See it any time fromMarch 13th - 29th at The Pembroke Pines Theatre of the Performing Arts. Photo via Facebook.

must make a moral decision. Tickets $15.50 kids, $25.50 adults, info showtimeboca.com

miami-dade county A Wonderful World

Performances through April 5th, Miami New Drama at The Colony Theater, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. A world-premiere musical about jazz legend and singular American icon Louis Armstrong, with songs recorded and made popular by Armstrong.

It traces Armstrong’s odyssey, the musical genre he helped define, and the complex history of race in America, from the birth of jazz in Armstrong’s native New Orleans to international stardom and the Civil Rights era.

Details and tickets at miaminewdrama.org or (305) 674-1040

OLIVER!

Runs through March 21st at Area Stage Company at the Riviera Theatre, 1560 South Dixie Highway, Coral Gables. Featuring students from the ASC Conservatory. This award-winning musical adaptation of the classic Dickens novel springs to life on the streets of Victorian England. Oliver, a

malnourished orphan in a workhouse, escapes to find acceptance by a group of pickpockets led by the comedic but sinister Fagin. When Oliver is captured for a theft that he did not commit, the benevolent Mr. Brownlow takes him in. Fearing the safety of his hideout, Fagin employs the sinister Bill Sikes and the sympathetic Nancy to kidnap Oliver back, threatening his chance to find love. Details at areastagecompany.com

key west Priscilla Queen of the Desert

Through March 28th at the Waterfront Playhouse, Mallory Sq, Key West through March 28th. Based on the smash-hit movie, Priscilla Queen of the Desert the Musical is the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of three friends, and features a hit parade of dance floor favorites including “It’s Raining Men,” “I Will Survive,” “Hot Stuff,” “Boogie Wonderland,” “Go West,” “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun,” and “I Love The Nightlife,” this wildly fresh and funny musical is a journey to the heart of FABULOUS! Ticket are $35.00 $80.00 and available at waterfrontplayhouse. org

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The adoption fee for dogs over 6 months is $100 and felines over 6 months are $30. When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County the dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive preliminary vaccinations, cats are feline leukemia tested, and dogs over 7 months are tested for heartworm. They also receive a flea/tick preventative, a 10-day limited health care plan from VCA Animal Hospitals, 30 days of Trupanion Pet Insurance and a bag of Purina ONE pet food. The HSBC opens daily at 10:30 and is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I-95. For more details call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. To see who else is looking for a home visit www.humanebroward.com.

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for rent fort lauderdale FT LAUDERDALE AND WILTON RENTALS • Wilton Manors - 2/1 $1,260 • Live East of Federal Hwy - 1/1 $1,200 Nicely updated with pool.

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CALL NOW MICHAEL TUBLIN, URG 561-703-5533 OR MIKETHERENTALGUY@AOL.COM EFFICIENCY APARTMENT - Pvt Entrance, Patio, Parking, Dixie &14th Ct., A/C, Pet Considered, 1st, Last & Sec. $900. Inc Utilities. Call 954 629 4400 FORT LAUDERDALE 1/1 RENTAL - Updated 1 Bed/1 Bath, 2 blocks from Wilton Drive on NE 15th Street, Quiet 4-plex, New Kitchen with Granite Counter, Tile floors thru-out, Mini-split A/C in bedroom, Off street parking, Laundry, $1100/month, First, Last and Security to move-in, 954-815-2550.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

now hiring VICTORIA PARK 1BD/1BA - Small Quiet Fenced Non-Smoking Complex. Wash/Dry, Dishwasher, Open Floor Plan and Tongue and Groove Beam Ceilings. Small Dogs ok, $1,200 Month • 754-2248535

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HELP WANTED - Busy diner style cafe open 24 hours on weekends. Looking for full time experienced line cooks for breakfast or graveyard shifts. Must be able to work holidays, special events and weekends. Will beat your pay by .50 or more based on experience. Full-time year-round employment. Must have reliable transportation.

Apply in person or by email. No phone calls. Send resume to bumbieee3@aol.com or 2211 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors fl 33305 HELP WANTED $20/hour for PT home healthcare aid NOW. Involves helping with bathing, dressing and driving to appts. CALL 732-713-6176

notary MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES - affidavits, documents in support of disability claims, wills, medical directives and officiant services. Call 954.804.3854

roommates fort lauderdale SHARE LUXURY TOWNHOME IN MIDDLE RIVER Private Bedroom, Bath & Parking, Community Pool, $900 includes utilities+internet, References Required, no pets. Dave 954-803-9417

3.11.2020 •

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DATEBOOK

MARCH 11 - MARCH 17

Community Paul Leary

Calendar@SFGN.com

BROWARD SUPPORT SERVICES PFLAG

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

SUNSERVE YOUTH GROUP

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

SURVIVOR SUPPORT

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

broward county *SAGE & Friends Fort Lauderdale

Friday, March 13th 6 to 8pm, 3003 NE 32nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale. SAGE salutes those who have been at the forefront of the modern LGBT movement. Honoring Sue Wilder for her significant contributions to the local LGBT community. A gift will be made to the South Florida Institute on Aging to support their work in support of LGBT older people.

LGBT elder trailblazers have always stood on the front lines of our community’s struggle for equality, and now, we must make sure they have the support and resources they need to age with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Details and tickets at sageusa.org

*Pee-wee’s Big Adventure 35th Anniversary Tour with Paul Reubens

Saturday, March 14, 2020 at 7:30 pm at Coral Springs Center For The Arts. A special screening of the film Pee-wee’s Big Adventure, followed by amazing stories about the making of the movie told by Paul Reubens. Tickets and details at thecentercs.com

*Pride Skate Nights - St Patricks Day After

Wednesday, March 18th, 8 PM — 11 PM at Xtreme Action Park, 5300 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale. Live music & video with dj TPROMIX and a ton of surprises. Benefiting

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• 3 . 11.2020

the Wilton Manors Stonewall Parade & Festival. Come early to enjoy the entire Park, Skate 7-10 pm, Advance Tix available ALL AGES, Full Bar Available 21 & up, $15 to Skate/$25 VIP. Spread the word! Invite Your Friends! The Stonewall Parade & Festival is a star-studded event featuring local community heroes, dignitaries, and organizations. Bring friends and family along for classic fun on quad skates in our Arena Roller Rink. Tickets and details at facebook.com/prideskatenights

Flagler Village Artwalk

Every last Saturday of the month starting at 6 pm at the Artwalk in Flagler Village, which includes FAT Village, MASS District, and nearby art galleries! Free parking is available at 844 NE 4th Ave, one block south of Sunrise Blvd. on the West side of Federal Highway. flaglervillage.org

palm beach *Tony Sands: It Was A Very Good Year — A Frank Sinatra Tribute

Wednesday, March 18th, 7:30 PM at Lake Worth Playhouse, 713 Lake Ave, Lake Worth.

The show starts with Sinatra’s early days with Tommy Dorsey to the bright lights of New York City to his come back at Madison Square Garden the “Main Event.” Tony, who is uncanny portraying Frank’s mannerism and singing voice, takes the audience on a musical journey. It’s as if Frank walked off of the screen

and on to the stage to perform for the audience.

Don’t miss this one of a kind musical tribute to Frank Sinatra starring Tony Sands. With a Special Guest Holly Faris. Tickets $25.00 details at lakeworthplayhouse.org

*St. PAWtrick’s Day

Tuesday, March 17th from 11 AM — 6 PM at Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League 3200 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach.

Feeling lucky? Try your luck at finding your new best friend this St. Pawtrick’s Day. March 17th, take advantage of FREE adoptions for dogs over 40 lbs and cats 5 months & older. Rabies tag fee applies to Palm Beach County residents, Excludes off-site adoption locations. Details and info at peggyadams.org

IMPULSE

Though March 29th at 512 Clematis Street, West Palm Beach. Experience Impulse, a oneof-a-kind interactive sound and light show in Downtown West Palm Beach. Impulse includes 12 large illuminated seesaws that respond and transform when put into motion. Create a dynamic light and sound wave giving a pulse of warmth and playfulness. FREE and open to the public. Hours are Sunday — Saturday 10am — 11pm. For more information, visit DowntownWPB.com/Impulse.

Art After Dark

Fridays from 5 to 10 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach. View an exhibition, attend a talk, participate in an art activity, enjoy a performance, concert, or film, sip cocktails, and dine in the Museum’s elegant new bar and restaurant. Free admission. Visit Norton.org.

Palm Beaches Prime Timers

Second Saturdays at 3 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. An active fraternal and social organization dedicated to bring together mature gay and bisexual men for friendship, activities, support, and personal growth for the best times of our lives. Free. Call 561- 533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.

miami-dade *Counter Corner

Sunday, March 14th, 10pm at The Corner, 1035 N Miami Ave, Miami. Miami’s hottest and original queer monthly, every third Sunday of

the month. Ready those lewks and join us this month for all the gender non-conforming fun you can handle. Featuring Timba Xxl all night long - showtime at Midnight. This month’s cast: Lolita Cabrøn, Mami Issues, Petty Boop, Stephanie Cockroach, Trinity Beat, Candice Jay Foxx, Victor Vendetta, and Aura Velvet.

Details at facebook.com/thecountercorner

*Get Out the Vote Phonebank!

Monday, March 16th, 6 PM — 8 PM at SAVE, 1951 NW 7 Avenue, suite 600, Miami. Join SAVE, HRC, Equality Florida, and Pride at Work South Florida for an evening of mobilizing Equality Voters to help increase pro-equality voter turnout in Miami-Dade for the Presidential Preference Primary that is on March 17th. Bring your smartphone, tablet, or computer for a text and phone bank encouraging LGBT people and our allies to vote. The stakes couldn’t be higher this election cycle and we need your help to mobilize our members and supporters. RSVP at save.lgbt

*Stand-Up Night Featuring Freddy Stebbins

Friday, March 13th, 10:30 PM at the Villain Theater 5865 NE 2nd Ave, Miami. This event will also feature Mariza (Florida’s Funniest Females), Dan Caso, Jared Sandler (Grown Ups, Sandy Wexler, The Goldbergs) and host Anastasia Pavlinskaya. Freddy Stebbins is a professional comedic artist/performer/ humorist. His craft combines freestyle character impersonations, stand-up comedy, satire and accent (dialectic) expertise.

Recognized for his successful season with the Travel Channel’s “Get Packing!” and extensive national TV commercial work, his voice has been heard by millions of Americans through radio/tv/film/animation/sports/ attractions. General Admission $10.00 info at villaintheater.com

key west Hot Naked Hump Days

Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. Relax in the middle of the week with two-for-one drinks, free shots, videos and music, giveaways, and naked boys at the pool. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest.com

* Denotes New Listing

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

Photo via Facebook.

THE GALLERIA AT FORT LAUDERDALE TO UNVEIL SIGNATURE ART IN SUPPORT OF

PRIDE OF THE AMERICAS Press Release

T

he Galleria at Fort Lauderdale, recognized as Broward County’s premier shopping destination, will unveil a signature artwork by local artist Robert Tabor in recognition and support of the inaugural Pride of the Americas festival in Fort Lauderdale. The sculpture, entitled “All Walks of Life,” will be on display in early April in advance of Pride of the Americas, April 21-26.

“We welcome Pride of the Americas delegates and attendees to The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale,” said Melissa Milroy, senior marketing manager at The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale. “As an official Welcome Center for the event, we are proud to embrace the ideals of equality, inclusiveness and acceptance.”

“All Walks of Life” was conceived, designed and fabricated by Fort Lauderdale artist Robert Tabor who is nationally renowned for his whimsical and elaborate fantasy shoe sculptures and interior design panache. The colorful 3D fiberglass sculpture, standing five feet tall and spanning 16 feet in length, embodies the diverse heritage and playful spirit of sunny South Florida. Tabor has designed costumes, interiors and more for Mattel Toys, MTV, Nickelodeon, Stolichnaya, Seagram’s, Macy’s and Ritz-Carlton. He is the exclusive interior designer for Lips, the

ultimate in drag dining, with locations in Fort Lauderdale, New York City, San Diego, Atlanta and Chicago. Additionally, Tabor’s larger-than-life commissions have appeared at Sawgrass Mills and at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood with numerous other creations being donated for charitable LGBT+ causes.

“It was an honor to commission this sculpture for Pride of the Americas and The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale,” said Tabor. “The concept of shoes and where they can take you in life has always been a passion of mine.

This clever gender-neutral creation reflects both the diversity of our residents and the future significant paths they will continue to trailblaze along our sandy shores.”

The inaugural Pride of the Americas festival is organized by Pride Fort Lauderdale, the oldest Pride celebration in the state of Florida, with the support of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, the presenting sponsor. The festival features a runway fashion show, an arts festival, an LGBT+ Health and Wellness Conference, a Business of the Americas Conference and a Transgender Summit. The celebration will also showcase concerts, a beach party, parade and other social activities at various venues around Greater Fort Lauderdale.

For more information about Pride of the Americas Week 2020 activities, visit www.PrideOfTheAmericas.org.

For information about The Galleria at Fort Lauderdale or for a complete list of retailers and restaurants, please call 954-564-1036 or visit www.galleriamall-fl.com.

3.11.2020 •

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