SFGN 03/17/22 V13iss11

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE MARCH 17, 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 11

WALK ON! EVEN IN 2022, STILL FIGHTING THE GOOD BATTLE PAGES 10, 40 ‘Don’t Say Gay’ Walkout Gone Wrong PAGE 2

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‘DON’T SAY GAY’ WALKOUT GONE WRONG AT BROWARD HIGH SCHOOL Brooke Baitinger

- Jimmy Arrojo WESTERN PRINCIPAL

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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

Editorial

S

“WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL WILL CONTINUE TO BE A PLACE THAT SUPPORTS DIVERSITY AND PROMOTES TOLERANCE.”

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Sun Sentinel

tudents at Western High School in Davie joined high schools around the state in protesting Florida’s so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill on Friday, holding what was meant to be a peaceful walkout.

Videos on social media show it didn’t quite go as planned, as some students carried proLGBT banners, others showed up with a Trump 2020 banner, and a tussle broke out.

Videos uploaded to TikTok and Snapchat show the walkout starting peacefully, with many students carrying gay, trans and bi Pride flags and repeatedly chanting “Gay! Gay! Gay! Gay! Gay!” It didn’t take long for tensions to rise after a group of students hoisted up the Trump banner in the parking lot. The videos show

@SFGN

March 17, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 11

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

Screenshot via CBS Miami, YouTube.

they eventually climbed up on parked cars to elevate the banner.

In one video, a water bottle flies through the air into the crowd, and a student in the crowd gestures with their middle finger toward the Trump banner.

Other videos appear to show students shoving each other, with some being thrown or knocked to the ground. Snapchat videos taken around 2 p.m. show a student with blood streaming down their face.

Davie is a semi-rural town on the western edge of Broward County known for its horse and cattle pastures and rodeo grounds.

A student who declined to provide their name said they went back to class before the melee, but their friends eventually walked into class sweaty and breathless from the experience. The student said their friends alleged that some of the kids holding the Trump banner used anti-LGBT slurs and at one point chanted “white power.”

A Davie Police spokeswoman said no

one was seriously hurt and officers did not take anyone into custody or make arrests.

According to the police department, some students had tripped over parking curbs and officers treated them for minor scrapes.

In a robocall sent to parents, Western principal Jimmy Arrojo thanked the “vast majority of students who participated and acted appropriately.”

“Our school supports the diversity of our students and their rights to make their voices heard,” the call starts. Arrojo goes on to explain how the students walked out at 1 p.m., during the last class of the day, in a student-led protest against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

“Students who chose to participate in this protest and behaved in a manner that does not comply with the Code of Student Conduct may receive disciplinary consequences,” he said. “Western High School will continue to be a place that supports diversity and promotes tolerance. Thank you for your support and as always, GO WILDCATS!”

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3.17. 20 22 •

3

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Pansexual

JOJO SIWA GIVES SPEECH TO HER YOUNG LGBT FANS In 2021 JoJo Siwa came out as pansexual and ever since then has used her platform to inspire and educate others to be comfortable with who they are.

During her concert in Charlotte, North Carolina, Siwa gave a heartfelt speech geared toward her LGBT fans and their parents. When she started the speech a lot of attendees stood up and walked out, but that didn’t stop her.

“I just said I’m gay and every single human in here screamed — the world that we live in right now is so loving. [To the] parents in here, the best thing that my mom did for me when I told her that I loved another girl was nothing.

She changed absolutely nothing,” Siwa said.

“She didn’t change the way she looked at me.

She didn’t change the way she talked to me.

I’m still her daughter, and she loved me the

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• 3.17. 2022

P

same as she did yesterday, if not more.”

She then addressed the younger fans saying, “Being yourself is not scary at all ... every single day, I want you to wake up and I want you to be proud of who you are. I want you to celebrate who you are and I want you to love who you are. No matter what you look like, no matter where you’re from, no matter who you love, you are perfect.”

Following the concert, Siwa spoke to Seventeen on the continued effect she has had on her younger audience concerning queer representation.

“It’s been a wonderful journey since [I came out in] January 2021, and there are a lot of people that have come to me and said that I helped them and said that I made them realize that they were gay, that I’d made them realize it was okay to be gay.”

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

NB

Non-Binary

DEMI LOVATO SCHEDULED TO PERFORM AT ILLINOIS STATE FAIR GRANDSTAND LINEUP

Non-binary pop star and actress Demi Lovato is set to headline at the Illinois State Fair this summer after its hiatus due to COVID-19. Lovato has been a strong advocate for the LGBT community and has been pushing for more representation for the community.

“We are excited to bring Demi Lovato to the Illinois State Fair not only for their artistic showcase but to help amplify the message that they bring to the table including mental health awareness, acceptance and inclusiveness,” Illinois State Fair Manager Rebecca Clark said in a statement.

The fair has a goal of having something for everyone so that the event can have a diverse turnout.

“Our number one goal is to have

Demi Lovato. Photo via Facebook.

something for everyone’s musical taste,” Clark said. “I think we are well on our way to accomplishing our goal.”

LGBTQIA BITES

T

Transgender

‘NAKED AND AFRAID’ FEATURES ITS FIRST TRANS WOMAN

Terra, a US Air Force veteran and lifelong bow hunter, made history by becoming the first transgender woman to compete on the survival reality show “Naked and Afraid.”

The show places two people, generally one heterosexual male and female, in the wilderness with no food, shelter, or clothes.

Her episode took place in Zambia, Africa, and she successfully completed the show’s 21-day challenge.

“People like me don’t get chosen for things like this,” said Terra, when discussing what it meant for her to be on the show. She began her transition four years ago stating that she had “always felt female” growing up.

“Transitioning is the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but so worth it,” Terra said.

“Things on the outside aren’t what they are supposed to be at this point in my transgender transition. I do have breasts, and I do have the male genitalia still.”

These realities made Terra nervous of what her partner in the show would think of her.

Terra. Credit: “Naked and Afraid.”

“When it comes to my partner, they’re either gonna accept everything or they’re gonna go off the deep end, and we’re gonna see some bad shit,” said Terra before meeting her male companion. Luckily, her partner, a South African farmer named Shaun, literally welcomed Terra with open arms.

“I’m not a gender, I’m not a label, I’m just a human,” she said while being extracted at the episode’s end. “It’s empowering. I’m going through my own transitional journey and I know now that if I just stick with it, there’s nothing I cannot do in this world.”

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3.17. 20 22 •

5

NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

TEXAS

TEXAS SUES FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER TRANS-AFFIRMING CARE POLICIES The state Attorney General Ken Paxton recently issued an order that labels genderaffirming care for minors as “child abuse,” prompting investigations into families that provide this care. Gender-affirming care includes hormone treatments, puberty blockers, and surgery (although surgery for minors is extremely rare).

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance saying that healthcare providers who refuse to treat patients seeking gender-affirming care and report these families to authorities could be violating federal law.

CNN reports that the guidance also says that families who are denied care can file a report with the Office for Civil Rights.

Paxton is now suing the Biden administration because of the guidance since it conflicts with his own legal

Texas State Attorney General Ken Paxton. Photo via Facebook.

opinion. His court filing says that protecting transgender care for minors is an “erroneous interpretation of federal law.”

“It is time for the Biden administration to quit forcing their political agenda,” Paxton said.

Texas is adding this complaint to an existing lawsuit requesting they be exempt from the federal law that says employers must let employees use bathrooms and dress in accordance with their gender identity.

GEORGIA ANOTHER STATE INTRODUCES ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL Lawmakers in Georgia turned to their southern neighbor and decided to take notes. On the same day that Florida’s Senate passed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, legislators introduced their own version, which would ban subjects like gender identity and sexual orientation in private schools.

Formally known as the Common Humanity in Private Education Act, The Guardian says the bill makes it so private schools can’t “promote, compel, or encourage classroom discussion of sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels or in a manner that is not appropriate for the age and developmental stage of the student.”

While supporters say it promotes parental rights, opponents to the bill say that it’s another attack on LGBT youth.

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• 3.17. 2022

Georgia State Capitol. Credit: J. Glover, via Wikipedia.

“We know it’s not about parental rights,” said Jeff Graham, the executive director of Georgia Equality, an LGBT advocacy group. “It really is about restricting the activities, participation, and learning of children in school.”

Although the bill is aimed directly at private schools, critics say the wording could allow it to apply to publicly funded programs.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

SOUTH DAKOTA

LAWMAKERS PASS BILL BANNING ‘DIVISIVE CONCEPTS’ The state’s House of Representatives and Senate approved HB 1012, which bans “divisive concepts” from being taught in state colleges and universities.

Now Republican Gov. Kristi Noem, who wrote the bill, will be able to sign off on it.

It initially was written to target critical race theory, according to The Advocate, but broadened to “divisive concepts.”

These concepts include, “that an individual, by virtue of their race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive, whether consciously or subconsciously.”

It also includes subjects that teach “that individuals, by virtue of race, color, religion, sex, ethnicity, or national origin, are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by other members of the same race, color, religion, sex,

Photo via PxHere.

ethnicity, or national origin.”

The Human Rights Campaign called it a “curriculum censorship bill.”

“Students should be taught an honest and accurate history of our nation, including the good and the bad,” the HRC wrote in a statement.

Not only was she the writer of the initial bill, but Noem was also the first governor to pass an anti-trans sports bill this year.

IDAHO LIBRARIANS FEAR CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OVER LGBT BOOKS Lawmakers are now threatening librarians with fines and jail time for exposing children to material that the state deems to be harmful.

The bill (HB 666) has already passed the Idaho House of Representatives.

Like many other states, Idaho has a law that prohibits adults from showing minors imagery or descriptions of nudity, sexual conduct, or sadomasochism. There are a few exceptions, including for people acting as employees of a library, school, university, museum, or educational organization. The new bill would remove that exception and not add any amendments replacing it.

According to Reason magazine, this has left librarians afraid that they could be prosecuted for materials that contain any forms of nudity or sexual contact.

The law defines “harmful” as based

Photo via Adobe.

on the “prevailing standards in the adult community,” which is incredibly vague when it comes to issues pertaining to the LGBT community.

House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel asked the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Gayann DeMordaunt, whether a librarian could be prosecuted for stocking a Judy Blume book that mentions masturbation, but did not get an answer. The bill is vague and could be enforced one-sidedly.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

INDIA BANS CONVERSION THERAPY

GAY DATING APP HELPS UKRAINIANS FIND LGBT-FRIENDLY SHELTER

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has advised the Madras High Court that conversion therapy by medical experts amounts to professional misconduct.

A lesbian couple in Chennai has petitioned the High Court for protection against police harassment. The High Court bench of Justice A Venkatesh recently issued a ruling in which it also published a lexicon of LGBT terminology compiled by gay communities and people, and in which the HC also recorded the medical council’s argument.

According to The News Minute, the High Court noted the expert committee “made it very clear” that any attempt or intervention to modify a person’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity “should be construed as professional

Photo via Pixabay.

misconduct on the part of the medical professionals.”

In only two weeks, more than two million Ukrainians have departed the nation. Romeo, a gay dating app established in Germany and the Netherlands, is one of the numerous firms helping Ukrainians. With its geolocation-based grid of users, Romeo, which is comparable to Grindr, has developed a group called “Shelter For Ukraine,” where members may give LGBT-friendly shelter to displaced Ukrainians.

Romeo’s organization, which provides sanctuary for Ukrainians, has over 10,000 members. People have offered their houses in Poland, France, Belgium, Germany, the Czech Republic, Italy, London, and the Netherlands.

“There has been such an outpouring of support and solidarity for the people

Screenshot via Romeo.

of Ukraine,” a spokesperson for Romeo told Fast Company. “We saw hundreds of offers of shelter in the first hours, people opening up their homes in order to help.”

AFRICA

SOUTH AMERICA

SAME-SEX COUPLE IN NAMIBIA SCORE PARTIAL VICTORY IN TOP COURT

FIRST SAME-SEX COUPLE MARRIES IN CHILE

Namibia’s Supreme Court handed down a partial win to a same-sex couple, ruling that the government had discriminated against them by rejecting the residence application of one of the two, who is Mexican-born.

The court ordered that the home affairs ministry evaluate Guillermo Delgado’s application for permanent residency in the southern African country.

Delgado filed an appeal with the Supreme Court after a lower court dismissed his residence request in February 2021, agreeing with the government, which had refused to recognize his marriage to Namibian Phillip Lühl.

Permanent residence is automatically granted to foreigners who marry native spouses in Namibia; however, same-sex

Namibia Supreme Court. Photo via Facebook.

weddings are not legally recognized.

Delgado received citizenship by descent for their son, born in South Africa through a surrogate in 2019.

“It was a partial victory … We will have to see what the way forward is,” said the couple’s lawyer, Uno Katjipuka-Sibolile, to Africa News.

Chile’s Javier Silva and Jaime Nazar became the first two males in the South American country’s history to marry, after the country implemented legislation permitting same-sex marriage.

After a decade-long campaign by LGBT communities and rights groups, Congress adopted legislation in December providing legal rights for same-sex couples, marking a watershed moment for the conservative nation.

“Being the first couple to get married in Chile for us is an honor, something to be proud of,” Silva told NBC News after the civil ceremony. “We did it! It’s something we didn’t think could happen.”

Silva and Nazar have two small children and have been together for seven years. They’ve been in a civil partnership for three years, but marriage

Photo via Adobe.

represents a huge step forward for their entire family.

3.17. 20 22 •

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NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

8

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Brian McNaught, author and recent first prize winner in animation at the Toronto LGBTQ Film Festival, with Dr. Stephen Fallon, co-founder and CEO of Latinos Salud, at the Latinos Salud 25th Anniversary Gala.

Claudia Castillo, artist and activist, with former Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Tom Green at the World AIDS Museum Keith Haring Exhibit.

Harry Watters of AHF with his friend Tommy Forcella, Realtor, at the Latinos Salud Gala.

Robin King of King Law with Jeffery Selzer of Selzer Law at the WMBA lunchen held at Bona Italian Restaurant.

• 3.17. 2022

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

PRESIDENT OF GUATEMALA VOWS TO VETO SAME-SEX MARRIAGE BILL

Sixteen Years Serving the CommUNITY

MARCH MADNESS FOR MEN

Everitt Rosen

G

uatemalan President Alejandro Giammattei announced he will veto a bill that would boost abortion penalties to up to 25 years in jail and outlaw same-sex marriage, calling it unconstitutional and in violation of international treaties.

The bill, which was resurrected by the conservative Viva Party after being placed on hold in 2018, was passed by parliamentarians from several parties, including some of Giammattei’s allies.

“I have spoken with the president of the legislative body to ask that Congress shelve this law, and, if it is not, I have decided that if this law reaches my office it will be vetoed,” Giammattei said according to Reuters.

Giammattei stated the bill has not been supported by his administration and that he could not support it because it would violate two international treaties to which Guatemala is a signatory as well as the country’s constitution.

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3.17. 20 22 •

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COMMUNITY OUTL

K

NEWS LOCAL

AIDS WALK AND MUSIC FESTIVAL READY TO ROCK THIS WEEKEND John Hayden

W

A FOND FAREWELL Popular server, Phil Askenbach (r) is retiring after 20 years at the Courtyard Cafe, to Thomasville, Georgia. The photo is with Tim Hart, SFGN shareholder and owner of R3 Accounting .

alk! Chant! Dance! Worship two of the community’s biggest icons! The 2022 Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival is back and looks to be a return to the atmosphere of past major events.

“It’s a party with a purpose,” Imara Canady, AIDS Healthcare Foundation’s (AHF) National Director, Communications & Community Engagement, said. “It’s a great afternoon, there’s going to be a lot of fun this year.”

The event is Saturday, March 19, at South Beach Park along Fort Lauderdale Beach.

Check-in starts at 8 a.m., with the 5k walk stepping off at 10 a.m. This is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for AHF, who is the world’s largest provider of HIV/AIDS medical care in the world.

“It directly impacts the lives of thousands of individuals across Broward.”

This year’s goal is $1.5 million, and they appear poised to exceed it. With about one week until the event, nearly $1.4 million has already been raised.

Money raised is distributed to AHF’s affiliates, organizations that help further the goal of HIV prevention and care. Their newest South Florida affiliate is Broward House, who always has a team showing up for the walk.

“People are really excited about the team.

We have so many good memories of the AIDS Walk. AHF is generous in matching the benefitting agencies,” Stacy Hyde, Broward House’s CEO, said.

She said clients love being part of their AIDS Walk team not only because they are involved in the community, but because they feel seen.

“We always take our residents for a walk. I remember driving back and one of the clients said, ‘I can’t believe that many people care about me who don’t know me.’”

Part of their mission is delivering dignity, and the event helps do that.

“With all the stigma that still surrounds HIV 30-some years later, people showing up on the beach that day says to people that people care about them.”

HEADLINE GRABBING HEADLINERS Once the walk is finished, teams will return to a party and concert they’ll be talking about for years.

Photo via Facebook.

“We’re dual headlining,” Canady said. “First is South Florida’s own Deborah Cox. Then most recently we added Jessie J to the headline.

It’s gonna be a good time on the beach that Saturday.”

Both ladies have a lot of fans in South Florida’s LGBT community, and they’re fans of South Florida.

“These artists are already so connected to this work. They’re gonna bring it. They’ve been very engaged with a lot of excitement.”

Music will start at 11:30 a.m. with DJ Alex Ferbeyre spinning as walkers return and rehydrate. Deborah Cox and Jessie J will take the stage a little later. The entire event is expected to wrap up around 1 p.m.

IMPORTANT DETAILS You can register to walk on-site the morning of the event or just come and enjoy the concert.

Organizers have lists of things to bring and things to leave at home.

Bring sunblock, sunglasses, ID, comfortable shoes, fully charged phone &/or camera, and a credit card for food and drinks.

Do not bring weapons, drones, glass, your own alcohol, pets, wagons, coolers, beach umbrellas, picnic baskets.

Due to the size of the event and it coinciding with spring break vacations, parking is expected to be very limited. Attendees are encouraged to carpool, rideshare, or use water taxis.

For more details and information on joining the walk, go to FloridaAIDSWalk.org.

10

• 3.17.2022

NEWS NATIONAL

TEXAS PASTOR: ‘I JUST CAN’T WAIT FOR GAY PEOPLE TO GO TO HELL’

Compass Community Center Presents

Palm Beach Pride

In February he openly hoped for the killing of queer people Kim Swan

30th Year

Jonathan Shelley, a pastor for a church considered a hate group by activists.

Screen capture via YouTube.

W

hile some people giggled at Pastor Jonathan Shelley’s sermon, some were left in shock after he said “fornicators” were not welcomed in his church.

“Love is love? No. There’s no promise you could make, there’s nothing you can say, you’re never welcome, go away. I just can’t wait until you just go to Hell,” he said during a live stream of the sermon March 6.

People off screen cheered in agreement while others were silent.

Shelley also supported the the killing of queer people in February.

“And, you know, it’s great when trucks accidentally go through those, you know, parades,” Shelley said. “I think only one person died. So hopefully we can hope for more in the future.”

He’s referring to the Pride Parade tragedy back in June 2021 where a member of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, James Fahy, was killed in an accident caused by a member of the same chorus, Fred Johnson, Jr. Shelley is a part of the Steadfast Bible Church in Texas, which is considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, Pink News reported.

This is the same state where the governor, Greg Abbott, and its attorney general, Ken Paxton, consider genderaffirming care for trans children “child abuse.”

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3.17. 20 22 •

11

NEWS STATE

PREP SERVICES SHOULD NOW BE FREE FOR INSURED PATIENTS Sean McShee

N

ew governmental PrEP regulations should eliminate almost all patient expenses for PrEP. Most insurance plans now have to follow those regulations. Enforcement, however, remains unclear.

THE RECENT CHANGES

about these changes with Robert Shore, PharmD. Shore serves as Community CoChair, Biomedical Advisory Group, of the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council.

Shore said that insurers and providers had interpreted the no cost sharing mandate as only applying to medications, not to those other services. He stated that as a result of these changes, “a PrEP patient with health insurance that falls under these laws should not have any out-ofpocket costs for PrEP.” Shore explained how these changes affect non-Marketplace health insurance, “If you buy a full major medical health insurance plan from an insurance company directly, it should apply …

Marketplace, and employerbased insurance plans are included. Medicare and Medicaid may be ‘informed by’ these regulations.”

Only one part of the medical regimen PrEP involves taking a pill. Other required parts of that regimen are medical testing, lab work, and adherence counseling. Costs for these services have been a barrier to people in the past.

The National Alliance of State and Territorial AIDS Directors (NASTAD) issued a fact sheet, “‘NASTAD PrEP Coverage Brief: PrEP Services Covered with No Cost-Sharing.” The US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) gave the medical regimen of PrEP its highest ranking. PrEP now has an “A” grade. That ranking automatically triggered part of the Affordable Care Act. ACA regulations affect both marketplace and nonmarketplace insurance plans. All parts of a medical regimen with that rank have to be available free of charge to the patient.

ENFORCEMENT ISSUES The NASTAD fact sheet reported that all An insurance company PrEP services should be or provider may fail to available without cost to - Joey Wynn follow this policy, in which insured patients. These CHAIR OF SOUTH FLORIDA AIDS NETWORK case Shore recommended no-cost services include questioning the doctor, lab, testing for HIV, creatinine or insurance company. He testing, pregnancy, and STI testing. Testing for Hepatitis B and C are said, “I realize it can be intimidating to ask. also included without cost, as is adherence We often assume these bills must be correct.

I think starting with whatever entity sent the counseling.

Chair of South Florida AIDS Network bill to you is a good place to start.”

If their response fails to resolve the (SFAN) Joey Wynn said, “We welcome this move as another step forward in ending the problem, the patient can complain to the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation. epidemic in the U.S.” Shore said that few people in the South Florida Gay News recently spoke

“WE WELCOME THIS MOVE AS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN ENDING THE EPIDEMIC IN THE U.S.”

12

• 3.17.2022

Photo via Adobe.

community knew about these changes.

For many people, the intricate billing and legal issues might as well be in a different language written in a different alphabet.

He said, “As a Case Manager for a doctor’s office in the recent past, I was often the staff member helping patients understand the basics of their insurance and I found most patients simply do not understand

how their insurance works [e.g., deductible, coinsurance] let alone something as detailed as all this! The nice thing about this policy is that the insurer and provider are the responsible parties to ensure there are no costs to the patient and they can be held responsible … But only if the patient complains that they are being charged. This goes back to enforcement.”

If you would like more information about this issue, contact the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council, BioMedical Advisory Group at BiomedicalAG.Broward@gmail.com.

If you want to file a complaint with the State Insurance Commissioner, visit https://bit.ly/3HXtAzu. To read the NASTAD fact sheet, visit https://bit.ly/3fc6Yis.

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ur Fund Foundation took a moment to give thanks to those who give their time, treasure, and talent. The South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards & 10th Anniversary Founders’ Recognition ceremony was held at the Broward Center on Feb. 26. The event brought together a who’s who of South Florida’s LGBT community, including business leaders, politicians, non-profit directors, and media.

Created in 2010, Our Fund began with a small group of philanthropists who saw a lack of philanthropy directed towards the LGBT community. Over the past 10 years, Our Fund has raised more than $25 million to support Doug Ames, Jayne Baron Sherman and local organizations and set up a financially Jonathan Freidin were recognized for their sound future for our community for years to philanthropy. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. come.

The Next Generation of Philanthropy Award In addition to recognizing the founders, who looked back on the group’s humble beginnings, went to attorney Jonathan Freidin. He’s spent Our Fund also presented three awards to much of his young career working to protect people who have made a difference in South LGBT rights, as well as serving on the board of Florida’s LGBT community. Jayne Baron SAVE. “I have a passion for the community and Sherman received the Raising the Bar Award.

She and her wife, Deby Zum, were part of Our I want to help in every way I can. Where I Fund’s First 100 Funders and have been giving see an opportunity to help, I jump at it,” he said. “There’s a need for younger leadership generously ever since. out there, and getting the next “It’s community based and generation involved. I’m happy they do what a community OUR FUND to be a part of it.” fund should do, which is Our Fund CEO and President foster philanthropy. They get IS LOOKING David Jobin said the night was a people who can give money to understand where there is FORWARD TO success.

“Tonight’s amazing for us. It additional need.” Sherman said.

THE NEXT 10 speaks so clearly to the point of “But as importantly they put why Our Fund exists. Celebrating all those groups together and YEARS, AND and showing instead of competing for money AS SHERMAN philanthropy people what can be done by they work together.”

Doug Ames was presented POINTED OUT, giving back to your community.

One person can make a difference with the Commitment to A THE WORK and we’re bringing three of those Cause Award, recognizing him as a volunteer with time and energy MUST GO ON. examples tonight.”

Our Fund is looking forward to help take any event to the next to the next 10 years, and as level. He doesn’t just volunteer his own time, he’s a master of rounding up Sherman pointed out, the work must go on.

“I’m a gay woman, a lesbian, and when I others to follow him, and is a big fan of Our came out none of this existed. We’ve come a Fund.

“They have a unique way of handling the very long way. I’ve been an activist for years. community in Fort Lauderdale, with all of the I was on the board of Lambda Legal and the other organizations. Sponsoring them, giving original Stonewall Foundation in New York. them foundation money, and it makes them But there is still so much that needs to be done.” the cream of the crop,” Ames said.

To learn more about how Our Fund Foundation works and who is helped, visit Our-Fund.org.

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FEATURE COMMISSIONER STEVE GLASSMAN

FORT LAUDERDALE COMMISSIONER

CONSIDERS MAYORAL RUN REFLECTS ON ACTIVIST TENURE

Steve Rothaus Special to SFGN

I

f Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis steps down to run for Congress, gay City Commissioner Steve Glassman says he’ll consider entering the race to succeed him.

City Commissioner Steve Glassman. Photo via reelectsteve.com.

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• 3.17.2022

“Is it correct to say that you haven’t ruled LGBT activists throughout Florida and out a run if or when the mayor’s seat is beyond condemned the proclamation. vacated?” South Florida Gay News asked Fort Lauderdale’s two gay elected officials Glassman, who has served as the city’s took different positions on the proclamation, District 2 commissioner since 2018. which honored a church that Southern “Correct,” Glassman replied Monday night. Poverty Law Center (SPLC) calls an “antiOn Feb. 28, Trantalis, the city’s out mayor LGBTQ hate group.” since 2018, said he’s thinking about running Coral Ridge Presbyterian campaigned for Congress to replace Democrat Ted Deutch, against same-sex marriage “and has a history who that same day announced he’s leaving of maligning the entire LGBTQ community,” politics to become CEO of the American according to SPLC. Jewish Committee.

Trantalis said during the proclamation Heather Moraitis, the conservative Fort ceremony in March 2021: “It’s time to build Lauderdale Vice Mayor representing District a future based on love and not hate, and it’s 1, said she would be interested time for those who still harbor in running for mayor if Trantalis resentment to let go of it. I GLASSMAN, decides to move on. know I have and I know my A RETIRED She told the South Florida community has.”

Sun-Sentinel: “If he’s [Trantalis Not so, according to SCHOOLTEACHER is] thinking about it, I would Glassman, who declared just AND DECADESthink about running for mayor. before the proclamation was LONG LGBT I believe I’m the most qualified,” read aloud: “It is a sanitized ACTIVIST, she said, adding that “if George and whitewashed history of Dr. DECLARED HIS was in D.C. during the week, it Kennedy and the church.”

RESPONSE TO would give me more time to run Glassman, now 69, came out A MORAITIS around the city and take on the in the early days of the modern responsibilities of mayor.” gay rights movement.

MAYORAL BID Glassman, a retired “I pretty much came out IN ONE WORD: schoolteacher and decadesofficially or openly first year “YIKES!” long LGBT activist, declared his of college. I was 18. I obviously response to a Moraitis mayoral knew before that, but I bid in one word: “Yikes!” guess that’s when I really acted on it,” said Heather Moraitis for years taught at and Glassman, who was born in Brooklyn, New raised money for Westminster Academy — York, grew up on Long Island and eventually the Fort Lauderdale Christian school founded earned a master’s in education at the State in 1971 by national anti-gay activist D. James University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo.

Kennedy of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church.

“You have to remember that was sort of the Last year, Moraitis caused an uproar when end of the Vietnam War era, the ‘60s were she sponsored a city proclamation honoring a time of a lot of social activism,” he said.

Westminster Academy’s golden anniversary. “The state University of Buffalo always had

FEATURE COMMISSIONER STEVE GLASSMAN a very progressive, active, leftist reputation. I Glassman is particularly pained by Florida’s always felt it was a really open environment. new “Don’t Say Gay” law, which passed in It was not an unheard-of thing. It was pretty the Senate on March 8 and now awaits the common. There were gay rights groups.” governor’s signature. It will ban educators After graduating college in 1975, Glassman from discussing sexual orientation and returned to New York City to pursue a career gender identity with younger students. in theater. He auditioned a lot, modeled a bit In February, Glassman sponsored a Fort and ended up a “stereotypical waiter.” After Lauderdale resolution opposing the law. He, two years, he returned to Buffalo to teach Trantalis and District 4 Commissioner Ben there in a new performing arts magnet school. Sorensen supported the resolution; Moraitis The real reason Glassman returned to and District 3 Commissioner Robert L. upstate New York was to be with native McKinzie walked out just before discussion Buffalonian Randolph “Rande” Morris, a and didn’t vote. The resolution passed 3-0.

Vietnam war veteran he fell “We can’t afford to go in love with during his college backward,” Glassman said HAVING years. about the current conservative BEEN AN OUT In 1973, they met through a push in Tallahassee. “That’s SCHOOLTEACHER, friend in a downtown Buffalo why we have to stay, so vigilant, GLASSMAN IS gay bar. On April 15, Glassman and on top of this, and we have PARTICULARLY and Morris will celebrate 49 to express ourselves when years together, including the legislation like this is proposed, PAINED BY FLORIDA’S past eight legally married. such as the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill.

NEW “DON’T SAY The couple has always lived When children in high school GAY” LAW, WHICH openly. or middle school or elementary PASSED IN THE “I came out in the first year school can’t feel comfortable, or SENATE ON MARCH of college and I never really hid can’t talk about something, or 8 AND NOW AWAITS who I was, because I felt I just don’t feel safe, we all have to say, THE GOVERNOR’S had to live honestly,” Glassman ‘No, that’s not acceptable.’”

SIGNATURE. recalled. “My colleagues on the Last year Glassman brought faculty always knew. Actually, forth resolutions opposing I never really hid it from my students. They the ban on student trans athletes in Florida, always knew there was a Rande [pronounced which the state eventually enacted.

Randy]. They knew because Rande went on In 2019 Glassman took the lead on to have a really well-known hair salon that he crafting an ordinance in the city that owned in Buffalo.” banned conversion therapy on minors and Glassman said that for the 18 years he spent discrimination against the LGBT community as a Buffalo schoolteacher, “I was just always in the areas of employment, housing, and my authentic self. I always worked hard and public accommodations. tried to be the best citizen that I could be.

Glassman grew up visiting South Florida Maybe I changed a few hearts and minds over with his parents, first in Miami Beach and the years because I think people saw me just later Fort Lauderdale. functioning as anybody else would function.”

In the mid-1990s, Glassman and Morris Having been an out schoolteacher, decided they “grew a bit tired of the cold

Commissioner Ben Sorensen, District IV, Commissioner Steven Glassman, District II, Mayor Dean J. Trantalis, Commissioner Robert L. McKinzie, District III, and Vice Mayor/Commissioner Heather Moraitis, District I. Photo via the City of Fort Lauderdale website.

weather” and moved to Broward County.

“Rande briefly styled hair and did interior design work in South Florida and retired at 55,” Glassman said.

“When I came down here, I worked for a television production company for about three years. And then I took a job for almost a decade with the Broward County Cultural Division, where I did a variety of things. I did arts education work for the county, I did advocacy in Tallahassee for the arts,” he said.

“It was a perfect fit and I really loved it. I got to work with all the schools because I was doing arts education. I was a project manager for several arts parks that we developed in the county, including the really nice one in Hollywood Young Circle.”

Working in government, Glassman said he “learned a tremendous amount.”

“You learn the process, you learn what it is to work with a bunch of folks that are maybe coming from different perspectives,” he said.

“I found it to be a really excellent learning experience because most of my work was done with the community. So I was always out there trying to build a sense of community with helping arts and culture permeate almost every aspect.”

In 2009, Glassman retired from the Broward government and became a full-time activist. He and Morris now live in a North Ocean Boulevard condominium.

Glassman served as president of his neighborhood association, two three-year terms on Fort Lauderdale’s Planning and Zoning Board, as well as the city’s Beach Redevelopment Advisory Board and the Broward County Historical Commission.

“I was also at the time president of the Broward Trust for Historic Preservation,” he said. “All of those things meshed and they’re all connected, but they also gave me a really good foundation. When I ran for office and got elected, I think all of that experience was a tremendous asset for me. It just gave me a foundation that I think not a lot of people that run for office have.”

Glassman first ran for city commission in 2009 against then-incumbent Charlotte Rodstrom. He and a third candidate “split the anti-incumbent vote” and Glassman came in second, missing a runoff by 40 votes.

In 2017, when then-Commissioner Trantalis announced he was going to run for mayor in 2018, Glassman decided to run again. This time, he defeated former Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Tim Smith and three other candidates.

Glassman represents “most of the beach,

City Commissioner Steve Glassman.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

… Victoria Park, Lake Ridge, Middle River Terrace, South Middle River, historic Sailboat Bend, Downtown’s Flagler Village, MASS District and Progresso Village.”

In 2018, Fort Lauderdale voters changed the city’s spring election cycle to coincide with November presidential elections. Glassman won a new four-year term in 2020.

Glassman is active in progressive political groups, including Broward Young Democrats (his commission aide Nancy Fry is their new president), as well as queer organizations, including Equality Florida, SAVE LGBTQ and the statewide LGBTQ Democratic Caucus.

“There are so many groups that do great work. In fact, when I had excess campaign funds left over from the 2020 race, I did make donations to a wide range of them,” he said.

“The Pride Center does great work. Stonewall Library. I even donated some materials that I had from the ‘70s to them.”

He’s particularly fond of Dolphin Democrats, which he joined just after moving here.

“Steve is a fantastic guy. He’s always there to help. We are lucky and blessed to have him,” Dolphin Democrats President Alfredo Olvera said. “He is a true fighter for the LGBTQ community. He’s a strong supporter of the Dolphin Democrats and its members.

Since he got elected as a commissioner, he has been doing a fantastic job for the City of Fort Lauderdale and the LGBTQ community in general.”

Olvera, 47, said that “as a gay person, we always have to acknowledge the people who were here before us, the shoulders we stand upon. It is important to have that knowledge from commissioners like Steve Glassman to continue to do the work.”

JOURNALIST STEVE ROTHAUS COVERED LGBTQ ISSUES FOR 22 YEARS AT THE MIAMI HERALD. @STEVEROTHAUS ON TWITTER.

3.17. 20 22 •

15

NEWS LOCAL

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE...

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ROWLING CLAIMS ‘INNUMERABLE GAY PEOPLE’ SUPPORT HER TRANSPHOBIA

John Hayden

Kim Swan

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he only thing cuter than a dog snuggled up on your lap is a dog snuggled up on a bed, feeling warm, safe and secure.

Thousands of dogs across South Florida are experiencing that feeling thanks to a generous donation. BARK donated 3,000 brand new pet beds to Greater Good Charities. Greater Good in turn gave them to The Pet Project for Pets, which is their local ambassador.

The Pet Project will be giving the beds away to supporters and community members. Sue Martino, executive director of The Pet Project for Pets, said, “I thought this would be a nice time to give back to the community. All the people who support The Pet Project … this is a way we can give something back.”

People interested in getting a pet bed can go to RE/MAX Experience Friday, March 18, from 3-6 p.m. On Saturday, March 19, The Pet Project will be giving beds away at their headquarters from noon-3 p.m., and from The Pub from 3-5 p.m. Donations will be accepted, but are not required.

Photo via PxHere.

The Pet Project works to keep people and their pets together during difficult circumstances. Illnesses, tight budgets, and other obstacles often force people to surrender their pets. Pet Project raises money to fulfill their mission statement: “People and pets, together forever.” From pet food to vet care, they work to keep families together, as a pet is often the only friend or family people, especially the elderly, disabled, and/ or seriously ill, have left.

Martino and Pet Project workers are also preparing for their big annual fundraiser, their Bowl-A-Thon. It’s set for Saturday, May 7, at Manor Lanes with the after party at The Pub. Teams are forming now.

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J

.K. Rowling’s tweets seem to keep getting worse as she now claims that “innumerable gay people” have been saying to her that trans rights are “undermining” women’s rights.

“Like women,” she wrote March 12, “they – especially lesbians – are under attack for not wishing to be redefined for refusing to use ideological language they find offensive.”

This comes after Labour Party leader Keir Starmer answered that trans women are women and that “is the law” after being asked to define what a woman is in an interview with The Times.

He referenced the 2004 Gender Recognition J.K. Rowling. Photo via Facebook.

Act and the 2010 Equalities Act, covering gender recognition and non-discrimination that she’s chosen to use her considerable law, respectively.

The author of the Harry Potter series was power to punch down on trans people.”

Rowling’s transphobic views first came quick to disagree with him, claiming that the human rights lawyer “misrepresented to light in June 2020 when she linked an equalities law, in yet another indication that article on Twitter titled “Opinion: Creating the Labour Party can no longer be counted on a more equal post-COVID-19 for people who menstruate,” and responded with “‘People to defend women’s rights.”

Just like how Rowling disagreed with who menstruate.’ I’m sure there used to be a Starmer, LGBT people disagreed with her as word for those people. Someone help me out.

Wumben? Wimpund? Woomud?” well.

After receiving backlash for her tweet, “I’m here, gay, my husband too and our housemate,” tweeted “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” she wrote an essay she titled “TERF Wars,” icon Divina De Campo. “We ran LGBTQ venues explaining why she decided to speak out on sex and gender issues. She lists five reasons, which for 20 years.” include that using inclusive Many queer people across language that calls people the world blasted Rowling for MANY QUEER “menstruators” and “people her tweets, creating the hashtag “JK Doesn’t Speak For Me.” Lisa PEOPLE ACROSS with vulvas,” strikes many ciswomen as “dehumanizing and Power, 68-year-old sexual health THE WORLD demeaning.” activist who co-founded the Pink “I understand why trans Paper and Stonewall, said she has BLASTED activists consider this language “seen it all before,” according to ROWLING FOR to be appropriate and kind, Pink News.

HER TWEETS, but for those of us who’ve had “I have lost no more than a degrading slurs spat at us by handful of women friends to CREATING THE violent men, it’s not neutral, it’s TERFdom,” she said. “I’m really HASHTAG “JK hostile and alienating,” Rowling sad that she can’t tell when she’s DOESN’T SPEAK wrote in the essay. being love-bombed by a minority Daniel Radcliffe, who played and sucked into a cult.”

FOR ME.” Harry Potter in the series, Power said that transphobes responded in a blog post on told her that she can’t be a lesbian The Trevor Project to Rowling’s tweet stating because she’s “pro-trans rights.”

“I didn’t know there was a qualifying exam,” “Transgender women are women.”

“Any statement to the contrary erases the she joked.

Julie Cohen, a bisexual woman and best- identity and dignity of transgender people and goes against all advice given by professional selling author, blasted Rowling as well.

“Being a feminist is about wanting equality health care associations who have far more for everyone, cis and trans. As a woman from expertise on this subject matter than either the same generation as JK Rowling, I’m angry [J.K. Rowling] or I,” he wrote.

NEWS NATIONAL

LOCAL LEADERS, ORGANIZATIONS HOLD RALLY TO ‘SAY GAY ANYWAY’

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llies of the LGBT community, including local leaders and nonprofit organizations, came out to support the fight against the “Don’t Say Gay” bill recently passed by the Florida Senate.

A coalition of organizations — including Safe Schools South Florida, SAVE, Pridelines, Unity Coalition|Coalicíon Unida and more — held a rally Sunday afternoon in Miami Beach to “say gay anyway.” The gathering took place at Pride Park at the intersection of Harvey Milk Way and Convention Center Drive.

Several individuals — among them high school students; Karla Mats, president of United Teachers of Dade; Fedrick Ingram, secretary/treasurer of the American Federation of Teachers; and Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber — gave impassioned speeches calling out Florida Gov. Ron Desantis and the senate for passing the bill. Florida’s Senate bill, which passed on March 8, reads, “A school district may not encourage classroom discussion about sexual orientation or gender identity in primary grade levels,” according to the text.

“The reason why we wanted this rally, and I want to be very clear, is all of us were really inspired when we watched students, teachers, parents travel to Tallahassee to try to convince a wrong-headed legislature that they were wrong in passing this poorly intended bill,” Mayor Gelber said. “We asked them not to do it, but they did it anyway. So, we’re having this rally to let people know they don’t speak for us.

This is our community, and there are people who think differently.”

Gelber added, “there’s a lot more work to do. This journey is not over. It’s up to us to respond to contemptuous, objectionable and irresponsible behavior with contempt and with outrage. We are not the legislature, we are not the governor, we are the People and we want people to know, especially the teachers, the parents and the allies of the world that absolutely no one should be marginalized because of who they are.”

Javier Gomez, a 17-year-old high school senior who emceed the event, said “to see [his] community, allies and anyone that is opposed to anti-LGBTQ+ legislation all in one place” filled him “with eternal glee.”

“When I was little, I thought I was alone in this really vast world. I didn’t have anyone to relate to. I felt alone. I had no role models, I

SFGN.COM/SCREENSAVOR

A

Photo by Jose Cassola, Miami Gay News.

had nothing,” Javier said. “But as I grew older, I found my space, like we all find our spaces, and with the help of teachers and counselors, I knew it was my time to step out of the closet and into the world of opportunities. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Javier added “our voices might be constantly silenced and shunned but we are so strong in the sense that we create change despite our odds. We are not going anywhere, not now, not tomorrow and not in a million years. Thank you to everyone who has come out in support of the LGBTQ+ community. United we stand, divided we fall. They can rain on our parade but like a phoenix, we rise from the ashes, no matter the circumstance.”

The rally drew out several leaders of the community including former Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora, current Miami Beach Commissioners David Richardson and Alex Fernandez and North Miami Councilman Scott Galvin — all gay politicians.

“Our message to everybody now is to not give up. Keep fighting. This is going to be a long battle,” Councilman Galvin said. “Just because the law has been passed doesn’t mean the fight is over. So keep pushing, keep rallying, keep up the fight because we’re all going to need to band together for this.”

Courtesy of Miami Gay News.

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19

NEWS STATE

Senator Marco Rubio. Photo via Facebook.

SHOCKER: MARCO FLIP FLOPS! Sen. Rubio Changes Tune on Supporting LGBT People - Again Kim Swan

A

few years ago, Sen. Marco Rubio was defending LGBT people against Christian conservatives. But now, he’s changing his mind.

The Florida Senate passed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that prohibits topics covering sexual orientation or gender identity that Gov. Ron DeSantis will most likely sign into law. The bill would be detrimental to LGBT students. Even so, Rubio has shown support for the legislation.

On March 14, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy warned that the Florida bill “sends a signal to LGBTQ+ youth that they are not fully accepted.”

In response, Rubio tweeted that Murthy “argues that schools should be having discussions with children from 5 to 8 years old about sexual orientation & gender identity,” the American Independent reported.

Rubio then posted a Bible quote from the Book of Isaiah about Sodom and Gomorrah — two ancient cities that LGBT rights opponents often cite to condemn same-sex relationships: “Hear the word of the LORD, princes of Sodom!

Listen to the instruction of our God, people of Gomorrah!”

THE HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN SCORED RUBIO A ZERO ON HIS RECORD ON LGBT RIGHTS IN THE LAST THREE SESSIONS OF CONGRESS.

20

• 3.17.2022

In 2016, however, he voiced his support for the LGBT community when he was running for re-election for the Senate after losing the Republican primary to former President Donald Trump. He claimed to be an ally after the Pulse Massacre where 49 people died in an LGBT nightclub.

“You know, I haven’t even given it thought in that perspective other than to say that I’ve been deeply impacted by it, and I think when it visits your home state, and it impacts a community you know well, it really gives you pause to think a little bit about, you know, your service to your country and where you can be most useful to your country,” Rubio told radio host Hugh Hewitt during an interview in June 2016.

Also in 2016, he told a group of Christian conservatives that “loving our LGBT neighbors is not a betrayal of what the Bible teaches” and that the United States “has been marred by discrimination against and rejection of gays and lesbians,” according to the New York Times.

“Do not judge, or you will be judged,” Rubio said at the time. “To love our neighbors we must recognize that many have experienced sometimes severe condemnation and judgment from some Christians. They have heard some say that the reason God will bring condemnation on America is because of them — as if somehow God was willing to put up with adultery and gluttony and greed and pride, but now this is the last straw.”

The Human Rights Campaign scored Rubio a zero on his record on LGBT rights in the last three sessions of Congress.

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 6 MARCH 17, 2022

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

WILTON MANORS POLICE CHIEF VOWS TO ACHIEVE CONVICTION IN DOUBLE MURDER CASE AGAIN

By John McDonald Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker impactful and it should be as we move forward announced his department is recommitting yet again.”

Adams and Powell had been together for 29 efforts to achieve a conviction in the horrific years before they were shot and bludgeoned to murder of a gay couple.

Earlier this year, citing a procedural error, the death days before Christmas in 2010. Avsenew, Florida Supreme Court granted Peter Avsenew now 37 and an inmate at Union Correctional a new trial. Avsenew is charged with the 2010 Institution in Raiford, allegedly met the couple killing of Wilton Manors couple Stephen through a sexually suggestive ad on Craig’s List Adams and Kevin Powell. The case has been and moved in with them weeks prior to the sent back to the 17th Judicial Circuit because killing. a key witness — Avsenew’s OTHER NOTES FROM THE mother — testified virtually in MARCH 8 MEETING: a way that prevented her from seeing the defendant.

Blocker awarded officer Daniel “We believe the killer Leone and code compliance murdered Stephen and Kevin administrative assistant Denise because they were gay,” Smith with officer and civilian Blocker said. “We will stand employee awards for the up for Stephen, Kevin, their quarter. Officer Daniel Plunske families, our community received the 2021 Officer of and the greater LGBTQ+ the Year Award and Alberto community and our allies Carrillo, crime intelligence working toward a second analyst, was posthumously conviction. Anything less awarded the Civilian Employee would be unacceptable.” of the Year Award. “Al achieved Blocker said a trial date has great success because of one not been set but asked for simple yet powerful word: love,” thoughts and prayers for the - Gary Blocker Blocker said. families that will have to relive Wilton Manors Police Chief Community Affairs the tragic killings in court Advisory Board chairman again. Avsenew was convicted of first-degree murder in 2017 and given the Michael Sansevero announced a new public death penalty. He boasted that he “was not art installation. The sculpture, titled “Ice sorry” and in a hand written letter to a judge Pops,” is located at Rachel Richardson Park. wrote, “homosexuals are a disease to mankind “It’s a beautiful addition to the central neighborhood,” Sansevero said. Elsewhere, and must be put down.”

“Back then this crime was big for our Sansevero is accepting donations to repair the community,” Blocker said. “It was big and “Slices of Heaven” sculpture at the SunServe

“We will stand up for Stephen, Kevin, their families, our community and the greater LGBTQ+ community and our allies working toward a second conviction.”

Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker. Credit: The City of Wilton Manors Police Department.

building. The citrus themed piece collapsed due to water leakage.

On a 3-2 vote, commissioners approved a lease agreement with Echo Air Conditioning for 1,200 square feet of floor space at 2200 NE 12th Avenue. Commissioners Mike Bracchi and Gary Resnick objected to the deal on the grounds rent was well below market rate. The lease will provide $1,140 monthly revenue to the city’s water utility fund.

Commissioners gave the go ahead to join national litigation in opioid-related settlements.

“This resolution wisely states that this also applies to any future opioid settlements,” resident Paul Kuta said. “This is important

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because just last week Purdue Pharmaceuticals finally agreed to a revised, multi-billion-dollar settlement over its role in the opioid crisis with almost all states and thousands of local governments.”

Commissioner Chris Caputo asked for more focus on traffic safety. Commissioner Gary Resnick echoed Caputo’s request and proposed getting Florida Senator Gary Farmer and other state representatives involved.

Resnick said either a change in design or lower speed limits are desperately needed on Powerline Road. “It’s absolutely not safe,” he said.

The next regular commission meeting is scheduled for March 22.

3.17. 20 22 •

21

WILTON MANORS

OPINION

VACATIONLAND, USA

By Sal Torre

People buy homes in residential neighborhoods to be part of a community, to live in a not so hustle and bustle environment, to raise a family, to walk their dogs and go bicycle riding away from traffic. Unfortunately, not so in Wilton Manors and throughout the great state of Florida. Local laws protecting our residential neighborhoods have been wiped away by state leaders, and our communities are turned into the Wild West with the proliferation of uncontrolled short-term rentals better known as vacation rentals.

Party houses, transient neighborhoods, litter, urinating drunken college students, cars parked on your lawn, and load music are not good selling points when pitching the quality of life for potential residents seeking a great place to live, work and play. This problem is not getting any better as vacation rentals continue to grow in number like a cancer within our residential communities. The latest trend is the purchase of multi-unit properties, kicking out long-term renters, and turning the units into vacation rentals. This basically turns these residential properties into small hotels in areas not zoned for such activity. Over 10% of the properties here in Wilton Manors are now being operated as some form of short tern vacation rental — and with recent conversion of multi-unit properties and additional conversion of singlefamily residences, the number continues to grow.

Our city has created mixed-use zoning corridors for development. We have created districts for Bed and Breakfast lodgings to operate.

We have publicized the interest in bringing small boutique hotels to the city. We did this because we understand the need of tourism dollars, a strong and vibrant business community, and the unique vibe we all enjoy along the Arts and Entertainment District.

We did not do this to have our residential neighborhoods turned into Vacationland USA. With the current trend of turning multifamily units into vacation rentals, why would anyone look to open a hotel, which requires much more regulation and oversight. We are allowing businesses to invade our residential neighborhoods, diminishing our quality of life, diminishing the prospect of beneficial

March 17, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 6 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

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Editorial

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Sal Torre • James Oaksun

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businesses from investing in the city, and diminishing the availability of housing for long-term community minded residents.

Defending our residential neighborhoods and speaking out about the detrimental effect of short-term vacation rentals is not anti-tourism, not anti-LGBT, and not anti-business — as some scream and holler every time I write about this problem.

The recent headlines about the tragic overdose incident at a party house here on the Westside of our Island City highlights the growing problem of vacation rentals. Leave aside for now the horrific reality of illegal fentanyl use by drug dealers selling to unsuspecting recreational drug users. The incident tells of the daily problems now faced by many in our community. Residents that use to live next to other longterm residents now live next to a party house, where large numbers of guests descend to have a loud, rambunctious, drug and alcohol fueled good ole time at all hours of the day and night.

This is not like buying next to an airport and then complaining about the noise — this is about buying a beautiful home in a residential community, only to wake up one morning to find a for-profit business being operated right next door that disrupts your

quality of life on a daily basis.

This problem is also a huge drain on city resources — having staff to track these properties, code enforcement officers and police to respond to calls, and much more… costing the taxpayers of this city a lot of money. Time for residents to make a stand before our residential communities are lost forever. A good place to start is with our state leaders who decided to take away local control over where such businesses could operate.

Let the governor and state legislators hear about the real threats to our communities — not the made-up threats by the religious right over “Don’t Say Gay” or of trans youth’s use of a particular bathroom. The continued break down of our residential communities pose a real threat to our quality of life, to our neighborhoods, to our families and we need to start shouting this at every opportunity. While you have the state’s attention — let them also know that they should have passed the legislation legalizing fentanyl test strips. This way when our children and younger relatives make wrong choices that are a part of growing up, it does not have to be a death sentence just by doing a line of cocaine at a party during spring break.

Building strong communities, creating wonderful neighborhoods for people to live, work and play, having a thriving Arts and Entertainment District, along with vibrant mixed-use corridors, and secure and safe residential neighborhoods will continue to make life just better here.

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 3.17.2022

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

Time for residents to make a stand before our residential communities are lost forever.

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THE

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MARCH 17, 2022

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping 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.

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NEWS

WILTON MANORS

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

MEMORIAL FOR DAVID GUZDEK SATURDAY AT MATTY’S IN WILTON MANORS

By John Hayden

Broward County Commissioner Jared Moskowitz. Photo via Facebook.

BROWARD COUNTY COMMISSIONER SEEKS RETIRING CONGRESSMAN’S SEAT

By John McDonald Broward County Commissioner Jared Moskowitz set the game of musical chairs in motion, announcing he will campaign for the seat held by retiring Congressman Ted Deutch.

On Feb. 28, Deutch announced he would not seek re-election and instead become chief executive officer of the American Jewish Committee. Deutch, 55, a Democrat and staunch advocate for better gun control laws, has served in Congress since 2010.

“I was shocked and surprised by Ted’s news, and then I thought how wonderful it was for him and our community,” said Rabbi Noah Kitty of Congregation Etz Chaim. “Ted has been an outstanding and successful advocate for his constituents for many years, and I look forward to seeing him continue his important work with the American Jewish Committee.”

Deutch chairs the House Committee on Ethics and Foreign Affairs subcommittee and is the senior member of the House Judiciary Committee. He represents Congressional District 22, which includes Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park and Wilton Manors.

Redistricting maps are still being passed back and forth between the Florida legislature and Gov. Ron DeSantis, making future representation uncertain. Census calculations increased the state’s congressional delegation to 28 districts.

Moskowitz, appointed to the county

commission by DeSantis, is the first to publicly declare for the Deutch’s district. He immediately drew the support of Florida Senator Shevrin Jones.

“There was no secret where I was on this,” Jones tweeted. “@JaredEMoskowitz is more than just my best friend, but he’s also a damn good public servant. I am proud of my brother!

Good luck, J!” Florida Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith also expressed support for Moskowitz, who served in the statehouse before DeSantis appointed him director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management. Smith said Moskowitz has dedicated his life to public service.

“He always puts PEOPLE over politics and South Florida would be lucky to have him representing them in Congress,” Smith tweeted. “I’m 100% with Jared!”

Olvera said some of the more prominent names mentioned for Deutch’s seat are Florida Senator Gary Farmer, Florida Representative Chip LaMarca and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.

Meanwhile, Deutch said he would continue to raise awareness in Congress about the threat of fentanyl. Deutch’s nephew Eli died last year from accidental fentanyl ingestion. Deutch is scheduled to begin his new role as AJC CEO on Oct. 1.

A softball Hall of Famer, friendly server, and loving husband, David Guzdek is being remembered in South Florida.

Friends and family, customers and teammates will gather at Matty’s in Wilton Park, this Saturday, March 19, at 5 p.m. He died last month from lung cancer at the age of 47.

He moved from Buffalo, New York, to South Florida in the ‘90s. Shortly after arriving, Guzdek became a familiar face at LGBT hot spots. He worked at Cathode Ray in Fort Lauderdale and several other places over the years, most recently at Matty’s.

He married Butch Fornaza in 2016. At the time of his death, Fornaza said, “All who knew him knew what a kind and generous soul he was.”

Fornaza wrote Wednesday morning on Facebook: “He was one of a kind. My heart hurts and my life will never be the same without him.

I know he is in a better place, but we are going to miss him terribly.”

They married on Feb. 29, Leap Day, because Guzdek said he only wanted to remember an anniversary once every four years. The date, much like himself, is unforgettable.

David Guzdek. Photo via Facebook.

Guzdek was a fierce competitor. He was a familiar face at poker tables, bowling lanes, and the local softball league. And it was softball that was his true passion. He was inducted into the SFAAA Hall of Fame in 2015, and this past November, he was finally on a championship winning team.

“He was more than just a member in our league,” SFAAA Commissioner Jarvis McCray said. “He was an integral part of SFAAA. He was family to many.”

The Celebration of Life begins at 5 p.m. at Matty’s, at 2100 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors.

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3.17. 20 22 •

23

NEWS

OAKLAND PARK

LET’S CLEAR THE AIR, MR. CAMPBELL

DRIVER SURVIVES BRIGHTLINE-VERSUSVEHICLE CRASH IN OAKLAND PARK

By Christiana Lilly A driver is in the hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries after a crash with a train in Oakland Park.

According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred at 5:25 p.m. March 6 at the intersection of North Dixie Highway and Northeast 34th Court. The driver was taken to an area hospital and their injuries were listed as non-threatening by BSO. Roadways were closed for about three hours while first responders from BSO and Oakland Park Fire Rescue worked the scene.

A witness told the Sun Sentinel that when she saw the crash, the gates at the train tracks were down.

“He was able to get out of the car on his own and had scratches and bruising on his left arm and his legs,” Amber Cartier told the newspaper. “He was disoriented and in shock.

He passed out on the scene from the shock I believe.”

She helped the man retrieve items from his vehicle, the back of which she said was “unrecognizable” before first responders arrived.

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

Submitted by Scott Herman.

According to the Palm Beach Post, more than 50 people have died in train-versusvehicle crashes involving the Brightline since its inception.

COMING SOON THE

It is unbelievable that my opponent refuses to apologize for the harm his campaign has caused myself and our community. Many of you in this district received dozens of nasty text messages, emails, and flyers that made issue with my sexuality during the campaign.

These communications were without disclaimers, which was illegal.

As a result of these nasty attacks, the Sun Sentinel released a story, asking folks to be wary of these kinds of last-minute sketchy attacks. They endorsed me. These vicious attacks called me a transgender who was trying to “turn little black boys into girls.”

It mocked my focus on LGBTQ+ issues, and made very painful caricatures of me and my campaign staff. Many of you have posted screencaps of what you received before the election. I actually found out about the attacks from an elected official in the district.

The person or entity behind these attacks used the name of my former opponent, Mr. Josephus Eggelletion III, as the disclaimer.

In fact, Mr. Eggelletion never paid for these electioneering communications, nor did he send any of these attacks. Myself and Mr. Eggelletion both are mentored by the same person, Mr. Don Mizell. We have a level of respect for each other that transcends politics.

During the campaign, I’m proud of the fact that I did not send any nasty attacks or dirty mail. Zero pieces. The same can’t be said for Daryl Campbell. I kept my focus on the issues that matter most to you. I was praised by journalists and organizations for my issues-based campaign. Even the other two candidates who lost the race, thanked me for running an exceptionally clean campaign despite everything that was said about me.

I’ve been nothing but respectful to Mr. Campbell. I essentially ignored him and his campaign, keeping it cordial because he was virtually a nonfactor to me. In my mind, the true threat in the race to me was Mr. Josephus Eggelletion, the only other person with name recognition in the race besides me, and we still kept it cool. In fact, my 2020 campaign against Bobby DuBose was much more contentious and messier than this special election. The issue here is that everyone is wrong and Mr. Campbell is right. Phew, I roll my eyes at

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• 3.17.2022

Elijah Manley.

Photo via Facebook.

this assumption that is obviously wrong. He has refused to even have dialogue with folks about this subject. What a messy charge from a guy who can barely read the bills and formulate arguments during house committee meetings.

Don’t let yourself be gaslit by someone who does not have your best interests at heart, and has said so. I’m 23, and I have run for office three times, doing something productive and history making as one of the youngest persons to seek office in our state’s history. I will continue to fight for what I believe in, despite the nastiness of politics.

Might I remind Mr. Campbell, 60% of this district did not vote for him. If he wants to be a representative for everyone, it’s time to act like one.

Now, back to the issues.

During the campaign, I’m proud of the fact that I did not send any nasty attacks or dirty mail.

2022 • SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS

GUIDE 24

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

— ELIJAH MANLEY

CANDIDATE FOR THE FLORIDA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

www.WMGAZETTE.com 4 •

MARCH 17, 2022

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

FLORIDA REPRESENTATIVE QUESTIONABLE PROCESS CLOUDS DENIES ALLEGATIONS OF WILTON MANORS’ WOMEN’S HOMOPHOBIC CAMPAIGN TACTICS HISTORY MONTH AWARDS

By John McDonald

By John McDonald Wilton Manors is scheduled to honor a police officer and a former commissioner for Women’s History Month, but the city’s selection process was clouded by a fictitious nominator.

At a meeting, commissioners voted to honor former commissioner Julie Carson and police officer Nikki Cox for Women’s History Month, but not before sharply criticizing the process conducted by the Community Affairs Advisory Board.

“I feel like this is supposed to be a good, happy moment to recognize someone in our community and I feel like some of that is just drained,” Commissioner Mike Bracchi said.

“I’m not sure it’s the right process.”

CAAB put forth four nominees — Carson, Cox, small business owner Carvelle Estriplet and real estate agent Adrienne Foland — ultimately recommending Carson and Julie Carson (top) and Nikki Cox. Estriplet. Vice Mayor Paul Rolli said he was Photos via Facebook. unable to verify the person who nominated Estriplet. The name listed on the application was Julian Bashir, Ph.D. No address or phone respect and courtesy towards all,” Ballantyne wrote. number was listed for Bashir.

Mayor Scott Newton went to bat for Carson, “If we have a fictitious person nominating someone what do we do?” Rolli asked. “It’s not highlighting her decades’ worth of service on really transparent. There’s a lack of integrity the dais as “well-deserving.” Newton defeated Carson in the last mayoral there.” election by a razor-thin margin.

Rolli said the nominating Commissioner Gary Resnick process was extremely insular, said he was disappointed the noting only one member process had morphed from a of the public submitted fun event into a “gotcha” game. a nomination. He said he Resnick thanked Amy Waxman, conducted an exhaustive a nurse, for volunteering search for Bashir and could to administer COVID-19 only turn up a reference to a vaccinations at Richardson Star Trek character.

Park. “She was there for “If you have a fictitious weeks and made everyone person making a nomination, feel comfortable and safe and how do we know what they’re secure,” he said. saying is correct?” Rolli asked Sansevero admitted the CAAB Chairman Michael board had been “pranked” Sansevero. “You’re asking us and cautioned other city to judge an application that boards to thoroughly vet their was put in by someone who - Paul Rolli nominators.

Commissioner we don’t even know who it is.”

Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Chris Caputo said he would Resident Aimee Ballantyne personally nominate Estriplet nominated Cox, vouching for next year. her problem-solving skills and resiliency.

“Carvelle is a completely worthy person for “I have personally witnessed her face down — and shrug off — sexism — and this award,” Caputo said.

The women will receive their awards at unpleasantness — even from her own male colleagues! — as she works in a predominantly the next commission meeting on March 22. male industry. She holds her own. She extends

“If we have a fictitious person nominating someone what do we do?”

Florida Representative Daryl Campbell denied allegations that he took part in a homophobic whisper campaign that propelled him to victory during a special election earlier this year.

Campbell, elected in January to fill the open house seat in District 94, said the charges made against him by queer activist Elijah Manley are simply untrue. Manley has suggested Campbell was involved in a calculated effort to use sexual orientation as a wedge issue in parts of the district where Black and Caribbean voters are susceptible to such messaging.

“I am not homophobic nor have I ever been,” Campbell told SFGN in a Zoom interview from Tallahassee last Thursday.

“My voting records have shown from day one, since stepping into office, that I have been helping and been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. Even when I was campaigning I was in the community, showing my face, talking with individuals in the community. I don’t know where this is stemming from, it’s just an unfortunate effect.”

Campbell, who served as a top aide to former Representative Bobby DuBose, won the election with 40% of the vote, while Manley finished third with 26%. All four candidates were Democrats. Shortly after the results were certified, Manley penned an op-ed to SFGN accusing Campbell, among other things, of saying Manley’s focus on LGBTQ+ issues was “a slap in the face to Black issues and race relations.”

“These allegations, at first they did bother me,” Campbell said. “Being called something that you are not and really trying to defame your character is something that I expected Republicans to do, not my own Democratic party member. It’s just unfortunate.”

Redistricting has changed the map slightly and Campbell said he will seek re-election in the newly drawn District 99. Manley too has announced plans to run for office again as the district has expanded to take in all of Wilton Manors, home to precincts where Manley performed well.

“Mr. Manley, I wish him the best,” Campbell

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Florida Representative Daryl Campbell.

Photo courtesy of John McDonald.

said. “I know he’s probably working to run against me again and he has another shot at it and so I welcome the challenge. But right now I am not focused on him, I am focused on ensuring that my district, members in my community and the state of Florida is being spoken for and I’m representing well.”

Campbell voted against HB 1557, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which passed the lower chamber by a 69 to 47 vote. It wasn’t enough to appease Manley, who in a press release announcing his decision to run again, said, “we need a new type of representative who is not afraid to take on the wellconnected and powerful.”

“I can’t get caught up in his smear campaign,” Campbell said. “He’s run four times and he’s said the same thing about every single body tarnishing him in some kind of way if you look at his receipts. So there’s history of him gaslighting previous representatives and he’s just continuing to try to make a name for himself. I’m not concerned about it. I wish him well, I am upset he would try to defame my character because all I did was nothing but nice to him.”

Campbell, who served as a top aide to former Representative Bobby DuBose, won the election with 40% of the vote, while Manley finished third with 26%.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 5 •

MARCH 17, 2022

3.17. 20 22 •

25

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

COMMUNITY PUTS WILTON MANORS ‘ON THE MAP’

6 COLLEGE STUDENTS OVERDOSE AT RENTAL PROPERTY IN WILTON MANORS

By Angie DiMichele | Sun Sentinel At least six college students apparently overdosed on Thursday evening, Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue officials said.

Multiple people were in respiratory arrest, said Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan. All were being taken to area hospitals, he said.

Six ambulances were in the 800 block of Northwest 29th Court in Wilton Manors shortly before 5:30 p.m., Gollan said. The address is a rental property, where the college students were staying.

There are other students, in addition to the six hospitalized, who were staying at the property, Gollan said. The drug in question is still being tested but is believed to be fentanyllaced cocaine, he said.

Fentanyl is a synthetic prescription opioid that is commonly made illegally. It is about 100 times more powerful than morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose, according to a public safety alert from the DEA. Gollan said it was not immediately clear the ages of the patients.

Spring Break in South Florida draws

“Come Out! Come Out!”

Six college students overdosed on an unknown substance in a Wilton Manors home on March 10. Credit: WSVN-7.

hundreds of college-aged students to its many beaches each year, which typically runs from March 4 to about April 3 depending on the schools.

Further details were not immediately available.

NEWS

OAKLAND PARK

MAN DIES IN OAKLAND PARK VEHICLE FIRE AFTER SPEEDING

By Christiana Lilly A driver was killed in a fiery accident March 2 after losing control of his car.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office has withheld the name of the driver, who died around 1:15 a.m. near the intersection of Oakland Park Boulevard and Dixie Highway.

According to BSO, a man driving a 2016 Hyundai Genesis sedan was driving west on Oakland Park Boulevard at an “excessively high rate of speed.” When he drove over the train tracks, he lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a wooden utility pole, then ricocheted onto a concrete pole.

Because of the high speed, the car wrapped around the pole and burst into flames. BSO says that “bystanders were unable to remove the driver before the vehicle caught fire.”

The agency’s homicide team is investigating the incident but believe that speed was the cause of the deadly accident.

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• 3.17.2022

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

As one of your Wilton Manors city Credit: Ronnie Larsen. commissioners, I am committed to ensuring Life Is Just Better Here for residents, businesses, and visitors. I’ve learned that our community is the heart and soul of our city, and they are truly the source of everything amazing that happens here. Like many residents, I also believe that the arts improve the quality of our lives and make our city more livable… and notable.

Our community has been the source of so many of our city’s greatest art experiences, whether they be paintings, sculptures, musical or theatrical. I’m excited to share some newsworthy arts and theater updates with you today.

Many residents have already had a chance to check out the “In Plain Sight Arts & Culture Map.” The map is a printed (or digital!) guide to over two dozen murals, sculptures, distinctive architecture, and design experiences throughout Wilton Manors. This beautiful guide, available at inplainsightwm. com, was conceptualized by Hunter Stephens Pallant, Scott Bennett, Jim Morgan and Joe and creatively designed by Andrew Spina. Rodonis, Scott Clearwater and Chris Ambs, Hunter and Andrew were assisted by Meghan Kim Nickson, Scott Rappaport and Dr. Joe Gao, Pearson along the way. Their beautiful guide Rick Wetzler, Barry Eikle, Irwin Rosen, Dennis can serve as the perfect itinerary for residents Marshall, Steve Lutz, Jimmy Cunningham, and and visitors alike who want others. I am looking forward to to walk the city and see art by flying to New York City to be local and national artists, the there opening night!

Our community sculptures curated by Sculpture Community-led arts has been the Walk Wilton Manors, Wilton initiatives like these really Arts upintheair.2020 project do put Wilton Manors on the source of so featuring Spencer Little’s work, map. It’s one of the reasons our many of our and more. city’s strategic plan includes Those who enjoy theater city’s greatest the creation of a Public Art undoubtedly heard (or more policy by the end of this year. art experiences, likely, saw!) Come Out! Come With the support of my fellow whether they Out!, the musical created by commissioners, I’ve agreed to Ronnie Larsen thanks to the take a lead role in drafting a be paintings, support of Plays of Wilton. I for them to review and sculptures, musical policy am beyond please to be able provide their valuable input to share that the show was a on. I’d love to have your input or theatrical. wild success — so much so as a member of our community that it will be making its way on what policy decisions we to New York for its off-Broadway debut later should enact that will help support the arts this year. This locally written show relied on in our community. If you have ideas to share, community funding to come to life on stage, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at and the community stepped up to ensure it ccaputo@wiltonmanors.com or via text at would make it New York and represent our city 954.557.2801. well. Come Out! Come Out! will be produced by Marty and Susan Elleman and Bill Boyd with special thanks along the way to a well-known WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER cast of supporters including Tom Moran, Joe

— CHRIS CAPUTO

Photo via Adobe.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 6 •

MARCH 17, 2022

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27

NEWS NATIONAL

NEWS NATIONAL

IDAHO LAWMAKERS WANT PARENTS OF TRANS CHILDREN TO SERVE LIFE IN PRISON Kim Swan

Photo via Adobe.

Photo via Adobe.

T

o join the other states that have passed protect Idaho youth and families, and anti-LGBT bills (including Florida), Idahoans deserve better,” Chase Strangio, Idaho approved a bill that would send the deputy director for transgender justice anyone who performs medical treatments at the American Civil Liberties Union, said. for trans youth to life in prison.

“Criminalizing health care for transgender Yes, you read that right — life in prison. adolescents is counter to science, medicine It would make it a felony either to and ethics and we stand ready to fight any perform gender-affirming surgery on trans attack on transgender youth and their youth or to provide medication meant to families.” block or delay the onset of Advocates also pointed puberty. This bill would also out specific provisions that ban medical care for trans include medicine meant to THIS BILL youth, or transporting a child block or delay puberty shows WOULD ALSO to another state to receive the that the bill goes far beyond BAN MEDICAL care. a ban on surgery, The Hill “This bill is about protecting CARE FOR TRANS reported. According to a study children, which is a legitimate conducted by The Trevor YOUTH, OR state interest. We do that all Project, transgender and TRANSPORTING of the time,” the bill’s lead non-binary youth showed sponsor, state Rep. Bruce lower rates of depression, A CHILD TO Skaug (R), said according to suicidal thoughts, and suicide ANOTHER STATE attempts when they received The Hill. “We need to stop sterilizing and mutilating TO RECEIVE THE gender-affirming hormone children under the age of 18. therapy.

CARE. This bill is not about the adults Only one Republican, or adult trans community at State Rep. Fred Wood — the all. It is about children.” only physician serving in the state House Skaug also compared transgender — voted with Democrats against the bill, medical treatment to allowing children to according to The Hill. get tattoos or drink alcohol.

The bill is now moving to the state Senate, Advocates were quick to defend trans where Republicans are in the majority. It’s rights. unclear whether it will pass Idaho’s state “These bills do nothing to invest and Senate.

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6 IN 10 AMERICANS OPPOSE ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL Kim Swan

T

he “Don’t Say Gay” bill that will most likely be signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis would prohibit classroom topics covering sexual orientation or gender identity. Perhaps that’s why more than 6 in 10 Americans oppose the legislation, according to a new poll.

The poll conducted by ABC News/Ipsos on March 13 shows that 62% of Americans oppose such legislation, while 37% support it. It also shows that 61% of Republicans

THE POLL ALSO SHOWS THAT 61% OF REPUBLICANS SUPPORT IT, COMPARED TO 20% OF DEMOCRATS AND 35% OF INDEPENDENTS.

support it, compared to 20% of Democrats and 35% of independents.

It should be no surprise that LGBT respondents strongly oppose it at 87%.

Those who aren’t LGBT oppose it at 59%.

Floridians also oppose the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, but just barely. The Public Opinion Research Lab (PORL) at the University of North Florida polled a sample of 685 voters registered statewide and found 49% of respondents oppose the legislation and 40% support it.

Among Republicans, 44% strongly approve of the legislation, compared to 19% of Democrats. Whites and Hispanics were equally strongly in favor of the legislation (32%), while 26% of those who identified as Black felt that way.

Age also played a strong factor in these bills. Among 55- to 64-year-olds, support for the bills is the strongest, with 48% somewhat or strongly supporting the idea that teachers should not encourage or allow these discussions.

Respondents were also told that if the bills become law, parents would have the right to sue school districts if they believed a policy or practice was being violated on this issue, according to FloridaPolitics.com.

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NEWS NATIONAL

HRC LAUNCHES NEW CAMPAIGN TO URGE CONGRESS TO ENACT EQUALITY ACT Kim Swan

Screenshot via YouTube.

T

he Equality Act, if passed, would be blocks away from the White House, The a monumental victory for the LGBT Blade reported. community. That’s why the Human The Equality Act, if passed, would Rights Campaign launched a new campaign end LGBT discrimination in housing, to urge Congress to enact it already. employment, education, and more.

The campaign, called the “Reality Flag,” David Stacy, HRC’s Government Affairs features videos of the American Flag with director, told the Blade in a statement that 29 of the 50 stars removed to represent the passage of the Equality Act remains a high states that have not passed legal protections priority for HRC and the LGBT community. for the LGBT community, “Getting any legislation according to The Washington through the U.S. Senate is PRESIDENT JOE Blade. The purpose is to tell not easy,” Stacy said. “In the the stories of how individual meantime, support continues BIDEN, IN HIS LGBT people are affected by growing for the bill, and we STATE OF THE discrimination. believe the Reality Flag campaign UNION SPEECH “The Reality Flag campaign will continue to generate the MARCH 1, URGED is designed to point out awareness and education needed the inequalities LGBTQ+ to continue growing support and CONGRESS TO individuals face every day — in pressure for action.”

ENACT THE BILL our own voice,” Joni Madison, HRC is not the only one calling SO HE COULD HRC’s interim president, on Congress to pass it. President said. “From housing and Joe Biden, in his State of the SIGN IT INTO educational discrimination Union speech March 1, urged LAW. to denial of government and Congress to enact the bill so he health services, LGBTQ+ could sign it into law. people are confronted by hurdles to simply “For our LGBTQ+ Americans, let’s finally exist every day.” get the bipartisan Equality Act to my desk,” “This needs to change,” she added.

Biden said.

The campaign officially launched Feb. 23 The legislation has been pending in the when HRC unveiled an 85-foot-long version U.S. Senate for nearly a year, despite the of the Reality Flag on the outer walls of its promise Biden made of signing it into law in building in Washington D.C., which is six his first 100 days in office.

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NEWS LOCAL

LOCAL NONPROFITS RECEIVE GRANTS TO HELP CREATE SOCIAL, RACIAL EQUITY FOR LGBT PEOPLE John Hayden

Community Foundation of Broward President and CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson and Our Fund Foundation CEO and President David Jobin. Photo credit: Downtown Photo, via Pierson Grant Public Relations.

S

ocial Justice takes a lot of work and a lot of money. Now Our Fund Foundation and Community Foundation of Broward are giving money to the people doing the work.

RECIPIENTS ARE: CHAINLESS CHANGE, INC.

PEERS OPTIMISTICALLY WORKING TO END RECIDIVISM (POWER)

EQUALITY FLORIDA INSTITUTE SAFE AND HEALTHY SCHOOLS

MAVEN LEADERSHIP COLLECTIVE BUILDING BELONGING IN BROWARD

SUNSERVE

BE THE CHANGE

TRANSSOCIAL, INC. THE LIFEBOAT PROJECT

UJIMA MEN’S COLLECTIVE, INC. B.R.O.T.H.A.S. PROJECT

WORLD AIDS MUSEUM AND EDUCATIONAL CENTER

FIGHTING STIGMA AND BUILDING COMMUNITY THROUGH THE ARTS

Their new LGBTQ+ Social Justice & Equity Partnership is awarding $400,000 in grants.

Seven local nonprofits will benefit from this concerted effort toward social and racial equity for LGBTQ+ and BIPOC (Black & Indigenous People of Color) residents.

“As longtime champions of LGBTQ+ residents, Our Fund Foundation and the Community Foundation of Broward are natural partners, both supported by generous donors who prioritize inclusion and equity in Broward County and beyond,” said Community Foundation President and CEO Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, Ph.D. This has been in the works for several months. Last fall the two community foundations launched a strategic partnership and new grantmaking collaboration, teaming up to pool their respective expertise and critical philanthropic resources to maximize the greatest positive impact for Broward County LGBT residents.

“We are ecstatic to partner with the Community Foundation of Broward for this new Social Justice grant which seeks to reveal and tackle discrimination and disparities in health care, education, economic independence and other essentials and better the quality of life for LGBTQ+ residents,” said David Jobin, Our Fund Foundation president and CEO.

3.17. 20 22 •

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SPORTS PLAYING WITH PRIDE

FIRST TRANS WOMAN TO COMPETE IN IDITAROD Everitt Rosen

A

s the blizzard overtook Rosebud Summit, the snow was drifting sideways. During the 2019 Yukon Quest, then-21-year-old musher Apayauq Reitan battled to find the path along with her dog team more than 3,500 feet up in Alaska’s inhospitable White Mountains.

Reitan is set to make history as the first trans woman to compete in the Iditarod when she returns to the world of longdistance mushing.

“Being a trans woman is kind of like life on hard mode,” she said.

But she’s been there before. She intends to return to Kaktovik to work after the Iditarod and is considering obtaining a degree in Alaska Native studies in the future.

On the one-year anniversary of her coming out to the world, she’ll be mushing through the Alaska backcountry, adjusting to whatever the path has in store for her.

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Apayauq Reitan. Photo via Instagram.

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON

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Registration Dates: Dec. 1 - Dec 31 $35

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3.17. 20 22 •

33

CONVICTIONS

ERIN GO BRAGH

Off The Wall

Homo History

Pier Angelo

I

n 1922, after the Irish War of Independence and the Anglo-Irish Treaty, the larger part of Ireland seceded from the United Kingdom to become the independent Irish Free State; and after the 1937 constitution, Ireland. The six northeastern counties, known as Northern Ireland, remained within the United Kingdom.

As a newly independent country, Ireland turned into a very insular, conservative society, dominated by the Catholic Church.

Homosexuality was illegal and underground until the 1970s, when the Campaign for Homosexual Law Reform was led by David Norris, who campaigned for then-current criminalization of homosexuality to be dismantled. In 1980, the case was taken before the Supreme Court of Ireland; losing the case, Norris took it to the European Court of Human Rights, which ruled in 1988 against the Irish government. The laws were finally reformed in 1993 by Minister for Justice Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, due to Labour Party pressure. In 2011, civil partnership legislation was passed by the Dail and Seanad and was enacted into law. Also, in 2011, Dominic Hannigan and John Lyons, both of the Labour Party, became the first openly gay TDs to be elected to the Dail, and Katherine Zappone became the first openly lesbian senator.

Same-sex marriage in Ireland became official on November 16, 2015. A referendum on May 22, 2015, amended the Constitution of Ireland to provide that marriage is recognized irrespective of the sex of the partners. The measure was signed into law by the president of Ireland as the Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution of Ireland on August 29, 2015. The first marriage ceremonies of samesex couples in Ireland occurred on November 17, 2015. Ireland became the first country in the world to do so by popular vote in a move hailed as a social revolution and welcomed around the world. Some 6% of the Irish Republic’s electorate voted in favor of gay marriage.

To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day it is only appropriate that we showcase some famous Irish personalities.

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OSCAR WILDE (1854 –1900)

“It is impossible to imagine the universe without Wilde’s epigrams,” someone said.

Their secret is that they can be at once true and false. As we absorb the paradox, our view of life is extended and enlarged. Here is a small collection of some of Wilde’s best sayings, from his plays and other writings. His wit is never ponderous or pretentious. Wilde is not only gay himself but the inspiration of gayety in others.

ON WOMEN: All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does.

That is his.

ON MEN: The happiness of a married man… depends on the people he has not married. By remaining single a man converts himself into a permanent public temptation.

ON LOVE & MARRIAGE: In married life, three is company and two is none. The one charm of marriage is that it makes a life of deception absolutely necessary for both parties.

ON YOUTH & AGE: The soul is born old but grows young. That is the comedy of life. The body is born young and grows old. That is life’s tragedy.

ON OTHER PEOPLE: Whenever people agree with me, I always feel I must be wrong.

ON MORALS & RELIGION: The only difference between a saint and a sinner is that every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future. There is no sin except stupidity.

ON BOOKS: The books that the world calls immoral are books that show the world its own shame.

ON ART & MUSIC: No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did he would cease to be an artist.

ON MODERN TIMES: We live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities.

Nothing is so dangerous as being too modern.

One is apt to grow old-fashioned quite suddenly.

DAVID NORRIS (31 JULY 1944)

David Norris is an Irish scholar, independent Senator, and gay and civil rights activist. Internationally, Norris is credited with having “managed, almost single-handedly, to overthrow the anti-homosexuality law which brought about the downfall of Oscar Wilde,”

Oscar Wilde. Photograph by Napoleon Sarony, c. 1882.

a feat he achieved in 1988 after a 14-year campaign. He has also been credited with being responsible for rehabilitating James Joyce in once disapproving Irish eyes.

KATHLEEN O’BRIEN (1897 – 1974)

Kathleen O’Brien was an Irish writer whose books dealt with issues of female sexuality in ways that were new and radical at the time.

Her 1936 novel, “Mary Lavelle,” was banned in Ireland and Spain, while The Land of Spices was banned in Ireland upon publication.

In addition to novels, she wrote plays, film scripts, short stories, essays, copious journalism, two biographical studies, and two very personal travelogues. A feminist, her novels promoted gender equality and were mostly about young women yearning for independence. Kate O’Brien’s determination to encourage a greater understanding of sexual diversity — several of her books include positive gay/lesbian characters — make her a

pioneer in queer literary representation. She was very critical of conservatism in Ireland, and by spearheading a challenge to the Irish Censorship Act, she helped bring to an end the cultural restrictions of the 1930s and ‘40s in the country. Like many other Irish writers and artists, she lived much of her life in England.

GRAHAM NORTON (BORN 4 APRIL 1963)

Graham Norton is an Irish comic presenter.

Based in the United Kingdom, he is the host of comedy chat show The Graham Norton Show on BBC One. He also presents on BBC Radio 2 and is the BBC television commentator of the Eurovision Song Contest. Norton is known for his innuendo-laden dialogue and flamboyant presentation style, and has won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Entertainment Performance on five occasions. In 2014, he was named in the top 10 on the World Pride Power list.

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

CONVICTIONS

Guest Column

FLORIDA ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL ARGUABLY REQUIRES 100% GENDER NEUTRALITY UNTIL 4TH GRADE Donna Ballman

F

lorida teachers and school boards will have to be very careful now that the Florida legislature has passed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. It’s actually called the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, and it addresses a number of issues. The big one, the most controversial one, is meant to keep teachers and schools from discussing LGBT issues in class. But that’s not quite what it says.

Here’s the provision: Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on sexual orientation or gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3 or in a manner that is not age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students in accordance with state standards.

Nowhere does the bill define either “sexual orientation” or “gender identity” to limit those terms to only LGBT issues. So we’re left with the standard definitions of those terms.

Websters defines “sexual orientation” as “a person’s sexual identity or self-identification as bisexual, straight, gay, pansexual, etc.: the state of being bisexual, straight, gay, pansexual, etc.”

Yes. Straight is included. Heterosexual is included.

Websters defines “gender identity” as “a person’s internal sense of being male, female, some combination of male and female, or neither male nor female.”

Yes, people born male and identifying as male are included. People born female and identifying as female are included.

As I read this, strictly construing the actual words used in the statute, there can be no instruction in K-3rd grade using the terms “boys,” “girls,” “husband,” “wife,” “mother,” or “father.” All instruction must be completely gender neutral, using “they” or “them.”

Students cannot be instructed to use the “boy’s room” or the “girl’s room.” For gym, they cannot be instructed to use the “boy’s locker room” or the “girl’s locker room.”

Is this what the legislature intended?

Probably not. It was intended as a measure to bully LGBT students and their parents.

But I think those parents can fight back by

Photo via PxHere.

demanding absolute gender neutrality in their student’s education in K-3. Once they’re in 4th grade, the school can then instruct them about gender identity, including boy/girl, and sexual orientation, including heterosexuality.

So when teachers tell their students to draw a picture of their families, they can say the picture is of a parent, but not mom or dad.

When teachers discuss married couples in history, they can say they were spouses, not husband or wife. And maybe that’s the way it should be.

I think parents of LGBT should demand their rights under this statute once it’s signed by the governor. If my kids were still in school, I’d do it immediately. Tell the Florida legislature to be careful what they wish for.

Under the rest of the bill, there’s a process.

School districts must develop a plan and notify parents of the process to address any concerns, first at the school level, and then at the district level. Then, if not resolved, the parent may either ask for an administrative magistrate to hear the issue or file a lawsuit.

Teachers should advise the schools that they will only teach in gender neutral terms. School boards should set policies in accordance with the actual language of this bill.

Teachers who object to any other form of non-gender-neutral instruction can argue they are protected whistleblowers if they are disciplined for refusing to disobey this ridiculous law.

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HELLO DELI!

LIFESTYLE FOOD

Rick Karlin

Mitch’s Downtown Deli. Photo courtesy of Mitch’s Downtown Bagel Cafe.

MITCH’S DOWNTOWN BAGEL CAFE 540 N Andrews Ave., Ft. Lauderdale 754-779-7599 Mitchsdowntown.com

I’ve dined in five-star restaurants and had elaborate multi-course meals that go for $350 a person, but sometimes there’s nothing that satisfies like a great sandwich and a bowl of soup from an authentic Kosherstyle deli. New Yorkers always complain that the bagels here aren’t the same as in New York (supposedly it has something to do with the water). However, I’m from Chicago and I think the bagels in South Florida taste just fine. I am referring, of course, to the Jewish boiled and baked circles of dough you get from a real deli, not those doughy doughnuts from mass chains such as Dunkin’ and Einstein’s.

South Florida has no shortage of authentic Kosher and Kosher-style delis (see sidebar), but a recent addition to the landscape, Mitch’s Downton Bagel Cafe, just happens to be a few blocks from my house, so of course, I had to check it out.

This is not Mitch Shidlofsky’s first foray into the field. In 1993, Shidlofsky moved to South Florida from New York to seek a better life for his family. Two years later, his second son, Adam, was born. Mitch purchased an existing deli in 1993 in Sunrise, Florida, where he learned from the ground up. In 1998, he sold the deli and two months later purchased another deli in Coral Springs. In 2002 he sold that one and signed a lease in an up-andcoming section of Coral Springs called Heron Bay. Fast forward to today, and Mitch has opened a new namesake with his 27-yearold son, Adam (a tall handsome ginger) who brings his skills in social marketing to the family business. The combination of 30 years of experience with the addition of social media, new menu items, and a modern twist has adapted the business for the future.

One of the ways that this deli signals a new generation is that it does not accept cash,

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only credit, debit, and apps such as Apple and Google Pay. That and the multi-colored hair of the diverse staff are the only hint that this isn’t your grandmother’s deli; everything else feels old school. There are racks of bagels and a deli case filled with knishes, lox, spreads, and salads. It’s all food that tastes just like Bubbie used to make, only now she’d order it on an app on the way home from her Pilates class.

The fresh, warm, bagels come in all the classic variations: plain, sesame, everything, poppy, onion, garlic, pumpernickel, egg, and bialys. There are a few nods to more modern tastes with sunflower, multi-grain, rainbow, and gluten free. The only sweet bagel offered is the acceptable cinnamon raisin. No apple, blueberry, or other abominations. Schmears & spreads include plain cream cheese, veggie, scallion, nova, and the decidedly not traditional (but I love it anyway) bacon scallion. The only other nods to trendiness include Nutella and avocado spread.

Breakfast sandwiches (served on a bagel or as a wrap) come in any combination of eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, ham, egg whites, and turkey sausage/bacon you can dream up. You can also get one with pastrami and two over-medium eggs. Omelets feature five eggs and come with a choice of home fries or sliced tomato and a bagel or toast with butter or cream cheese. Benedicts are available in traditional, Florentine, nova, and avocado varieties. French toast and pancakes top off the breakfast menu.

The lunch menu (Mitch’s closes midafternoon) features all the standard deli sandwich meats you’d expect; corned beef and pastrami (shipped in from Carnegie Deli), white meat turkey off the frame, roast beef, brisket, Hebrew National salami, or

ON THE SIDE… Here are a few other places to get a deli-cious meal.

BAGEL SNACK 1237 S. Powerline Rd., Pompano Beach 954-974-4564 bagelsnack.com

egg, tuna, and chicken salads. Specialty combinations and melts are also available, as are burgers. Every sandwich is available as a wrap, on a bagel, or choice of bread (Jewish rye or challah — disappointingly, no pumpernickel).

Side dishes and plated entreés include knishes, potato pancakes, blintzes, smoked fish, white fish, and salmon. The soups are so good that my only complaint is that there’s not enough variety. Matzoh ball and chicken noodle are the only options. A daily special, featuring such favorites as cabbage and mushroom barley, would round out the menu nicely. For those seeking something lighter, a nice variety of salads is offered.

If Mitch’s Downtown is the future of delis, I’m all for it.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

FLAKOWITZ OF BOYNTON 7410 W. Boynton Beach Blvd., Boynton Beach 561-742-4144 flakowitzofboynton.com

NEW YORK DELI 3916 N. Ocean Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-566-2616 nydeli.us

POMPERDALE DELI 3055 E. Commercial. Fort Lauderdale 954-771-9830 pomperdalenydeli.com

TOP HAT 415 NE. 3rd St., Fort Lauderdale 954-900-3896 tophatftl.com

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor.

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

20th Anniversary Gala Celebration

Lorem Ipsum

3.17. 20 22 •

37

OUT NOW! S O U T H

F L O R I D A

Vol. 11 Issue 1

S O U T H

• FEBRUARY 2022

- MARCH 2022

F L O R I D A

•

G A Y

THEMIRRORMAG.CO

G A Y

N E W S

M

N E W S

A&E APPOINTMENTS

Slow Burn Theatre Co. at the Broward Center specializes in big Broadway musicals, including a recent criticallyacclaimed production of “Once on this Island.”

Credit: Gregory Reed.

ARTSBEAT EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! J.W. Arnold

SLOW BURN ANNOUNCES 2022-23 SEASON

WINTER ARTS & ENTER TAINMENT

A NEW FACE GABE SALAZAR TO CO NDUCT THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS Begin s on Page 20

WINTER ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT THEATER, MUSIC, DANCE AND MORE...

THE NEW MIRROR IS AVAILABLE IN RED BOXES ACROSS TOWN 38

• 3.17.2022

Slow Burn Theatre Co., the resident regional company at Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center, announced its 2022-23 season recently, and Disney’s dance-heavy musical “Newsies” is one of the big Broadway musicals on the schedule.

The season kicks off with “Little Shop of Horrors,” Oct. 14-30, followed by “Footloose,” Dec. 16-Jan. 1, 2023; “Honeymoon in Vegas – The Musical,” Feb. 3-19; Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins,” March 24-April 9; and concluding with “Newsies,” June 9-25.

Tickets will go on sale to current subscribers on April 3 and new subscribers on May 12. For more information, go to SlowBurnTheatre.org.

ROCK ME, AMADEUS! On March 24-25, the Florida Grand Opera studio artists will address the infamous rivalry between the great composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and his contemporary, Antonio Salieri, popularized in the 1984 film “Amadeus.”

Designed for the music lover who enjoys a side of fun facts along with their arias, the Songfest Series concert “Mozart vs. Salieri” features dueling excerpts from Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” “Don Giovanni,” “The Magic Flute” and “Così fan tutti” and Salieri’s “La grotto di Tronfonio,” “La scuola de’ gelosi,” “Armida” and more. During the hour-long concert, Matt Cooksey will provide historical context about the very real clash of the composers.

The concerts will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on March 24 at St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Miami and on March 25 at the Center for Spiritual Living in Fort Lauderdale.

Tickets are $10 at FGO.org.

THEATERS, ARTS VENUES LOOSEN COVID POLICIES With the rapid decline of the omicron variant in South Florida, many local arts presenters and venues have reevaluated their COVID policies.

Island City Stage in Wilton Manors recently announced that it was dropping its mask requirement for audiences, in accordance with the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. The Arsht Center in Miami and the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale now only recommend masks, although they are still required for some touring Broadway productions and concerts by the South Florida Symphony at the Broward Center’s affiliate, the Parker.

As of press time, the Kravis Center’s stricter protocols remain in place, including mandatory masks and documentation of recent negative COVID tests or vaccination for all patrons over the age of 12.

AUDITIONS! REGISTER

WHERE

WHEN

20 R MA PM 0 1:3

REGISTER TO AUDITION AT GMCSF.ORG/AUDITION SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL 1480 SW 9TH AVE, FT LAUDERDALE SUNDAY, MARCH 20TH, 2022 STARTING 1:30 PM

COVID-19 protocols required.

Visit gmcsf.org for details.

3.17. 20 22 •

39

A&E FESTIVAL

AHF MUSIC FESTIVAL FEATURES DEBORAH COX AND JESSIE J Deon C. Jefferson

F

or the past two years or so, we’ve been a bit preoccupied with the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, some of the members in the community are still dealing with AIDS. The Florida AIDS Walk aims to bring awareness to this pressing issue, educate and motivate the community to come together, and end the epidemic once and for all. With much fanfare, The Florida AIDS Walk and Festival returns on March 19 at Fort Lauderdale Beach Park.

“We are so appreciative of the tremendous support of so many individuals and corporate partners who continue to rise to new heights to ensure the continued impact of the Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival,” Michael Kahane, AHF Southern Bureau Chief to Business Wire.com, said. “Even in the midst of our community addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still seeing an increase in new HIV diagnosis. The walk not only provides critical funds to continue the fight against HIV/AIDS, but also brings awareness around the HIV epidemic and its impact on our community.”

Aside from raising money for the event and raising awareness, the festival also hosts some of the hottest performers. Last year, the festival featured local band Deep Fried Funk, as well as two hip hop heavyweights — Trina and Lil Kim — as the headliners. There were many viral moments during last year’s event.

One moment that definitely stuck out was when Lil Kim brought out her daughter Royal Reign to dance with her onstage. We witnessed her daughter make her stage debut. The most memorable moment occurred when both Lil Kim and Trina hugged each other onstage. Trina was even seen offstage grooving to Lil Kim’s music as she sashayed through her legendary catalog.

This year’s entertainment is going to be just as exciting. Co-headlining the music festival for 2022 will be none other than

Deborah Cox and Jessie J. Multiplatinum Brit Award-winning and Grammy Award-nominated songstress Jessie J has been wowing audiences with her soul-stirring voice since her debut album “Who You Are” premiered in 2011. Jessie J had a very impressive run on the Billboard charts her first go-round. She had not one, but six top 10 smash singles. “Who You Are” also included the collaboration “Price Tag,” which featured rapper B.o.B. and went quadruple-platinum.

In 2014, Jessie J found success with another collaboration, “Bang Bang,” which features Niki Manaj and Ariana Grande. The song managed to be another win for the singer as it went platinum six times.

Cox has been a vocal staple in the music industry for decades. Throughout her career, Cox has been involved in Broadway productions like Aida and Josephine. Her dedication to being a performer was put to the ultimate test when she played the role of Rachel Marron in The Bodyguard: The Musical, which is the role that made Whitney Houston a genuine movie star. Cox has a staggering 13 #1 hits on the Billboard Dance Charts and has been nominated for a Grammy. The artist is known for her global smash “Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here,” which held the #1 spot on Billboard for 14 consecutive weeks.

Cox has also been recognized for the work that she has done in the LGBT community.

The Canadian-born star has been recognized

ASIDE FROM RAISING MONEY FOR THE EVENT AND RAISING AWARENESS, THE FESTIVAL ALSO HOSTS SOME OF THE HOTTEST PERFORMERS.

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Deborah Cox (top) and Jessie J. Photos via Facebook.

for her longstanding commitment to various social issues in the LGBT community.

During June 2019 Pride Month, Cox was presented with a Proclamation by the Borough of The Bronx for her recognition of and dedication to the LGBT community.

“I am beyond excited to see both performers,” mentioned Fort Lauderdale resident Craig Donaldson. “I’ve been a huge fan of Deborah Cox for a while. Nobody can sing like her. Seeing her is going to bring me back to my ‘90s days.”

This is the festival’s 17th year. FWMF generously supports seven local nonprofit organizations that are providing HIV/ AIDS education, treatment and prevention

services across the metro area. The 2022 benefiting organizations include AQUA, Broward House, Equality Florida, Latinos Salud, The Pride Center at Equality Park, SAVE Foundation, South Florida Afro Pride, SunServe and the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center. Attending the Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival is one of the best ways to give back to the community. Along with the concert there will be delicious food trucks and bars with non-alcoholic selections. There will also be a selfie spot for all of your social media needs, as well as a Memory Wall, so you can remember those we have lost to HIV/AIDS.

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

s

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

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

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

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

954-633-2987

SPIRITUALITY

A home for your spirit.

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

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

In Person Worship Resumes Join us for live services

our beautifully7th updated Joininus November at 10 AM also continue for sanctuary. services inWe ourwill beautifully updated streaming theWe service on Facebook! sanctuary. will also continue streaming the service on Facebook!

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CallCall today for an appointment! today 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Sunday Service 10AM Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. ine Dowdy, DO, FACP Lorraine Dowdy, DO, FACP Lorra TEMPLE BAT YAM amchandani, MD, FACP Raj Uttamchandani, Raj MD, FACP Utta HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC 5151 NE 14th Ter COMMUNITY Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 denas, MSN, APRN, Steven FNP-BC Steven Cardenas, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Card 954-928-0410 1436 NE 26th St gues, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC João Rodrigues, João MSN, APRN, Rodri FNP-BC Friday Night & Saturday Morning Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Streaming Online at templebatyam.org 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Ave. | Wilton Manors, 2608 2608 NE 16th FL Ave. | Wilton 33334 NE Manors, 16th FL 33334 A Sunday Mass at 11AM

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A&E MUSIC

Raising the bar for Telehealth

GMCSF SWINGS INTO SPRING, PLANTS YOUTH CHORUS J.W. Arnold

Artistic Director Gabe Salazar will lead the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida in a jazz concert on March 25 at the Parker. Credit: Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.

­

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GET STARTED TODAY!

www.healthkarma.org 42

• 3.17.2022

T

he Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) and their new Artistic Director Gabe Salazar are celebrating the spring season with a concert of jazz favorites and the launch of a new Youth Pride Chorus.

On March 25, Salazar will lead the 125-voice chorus in “Driven by Jazz” at the Parker in Fort Lauderdale.

“It’s going to be a totally different experience from any concert this group has ever done,” Salazar hinted. “The stage will be set up like a nightclub and the guys will be sitting at tables. There will also be an emcee for the concert who is the maitre d’ of the ‘club’.”

The full chorus, along with smaller ensembles and soloists, will perform both classic and contemporary jazz standards and selections from the “Great American Songbook.” Gershwin’s “Summertime,” Frank Sinatra’s signature “Come Fly with Me” and Michael Bublé’s recent rendition of “Don’t Save the Last Dance” are among the toe-tapping tunes on the program.

The following week on March 30, Salazar and his GMCSF are planning the orientation meeting for the Youth Pride Chorus of South Florida, a new ensemble to open to high school-aged singers of any gender identity and sexual orientation to make music together.

“We want to create a place where young people feel safe and welcome and able to express themselves,” Salazar explained.

“This is the perfect time – especially with the Florida [“Don’t Say Gay”] legislation – to

spotlight these youth and who they are.”

Already eight students have registered to participate and Salazar would eventually like to see 20 to 40 singers with the group, noting “it will take time to get the word out and build a reputation.” The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble followed a similar concept with an honor band for high school students a decade ago and that program has grown to more than 100 students each year.

“Obviously, I want to do music that connects with the youth, message pieces that they want to sing,” Salazar. “I’ll be meeting with them to get their input. It’s a more of a fun endeavor, but I think the music will also resonate with our audiences.”

Twice-monthly rehearsals are planned beginning on April 2, and he anticipates the Youth Pride Chorus will be ready to take the stage at the GMCSF Pride Month concerts in June at the Sunshine Cathedral.

Volunteers from the chorus have already been underway with preparations for the first rehearsals, an advisory board has been formed and the organization has been incorporated to aid fundraising.

Salazar’s debut performances with the GMCSF in December were interrupted by the COVID-19 omicron variant, but he’s ready to make music again.

“I’m having the best time,” he said. “It’s so much fun to dream up concepts from the Youth Pride Chorus to the jazz concert and see them come to life so quickly. We have such great volunteers and staff and singers who are just willing to do anything for the chorus. I’m so excited.”

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida presents “Driven by Jazz” on March 25 at the Parker, 707 N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $36.50 at ParkerPlayhouse.com. For more information about the Youth Pride Chorus of South Florida, go to GMCSF.org/Youth-Pride-Chorus.

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• 3.17.2022

FEATURE PETS

T C E F R E P E H T U O Y R O F Y BO

FREDDIE

Calling big dog lovers, Freddie (ID 651668) is 5 years old, 75 pounds and waiting to meet you at the Humane Society of Broward County.

He looks like he might have some Chesapeake Bay retriever in him, with his beautiful, brown-tipped fur coat. Freddie knows a few basic commands, especially if a tasty treat is involved. This fellow enjoys running around, but also likes his naps and might want to snuggle with you. While Freddie is not a fan of felines, if you have another dog at home, we recommend a meet and greet to see if they get along. Thanks to Dolly’s Dream, Freddie’s adoption fee is sponsored, and he gets to go home with goodies to help him settle in. Freddie has been waiting over a month and we think he is getting passed by because he is a big boy.

Big dogs need loving homes too, don’t you think?

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Appointments are not necessary to visit the Humane Society of Broward County. However, please complete the preadoption application on the website www.humanebroward.com prior to stopping by if you would like to meet a pet.

The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I95, and opens daily at 11 a.m. If you have questions call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Can’t adopt, but want to help? The Humane Society has wish lists on Amazon and Chewy.

ALL STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND CUSTOMERS SHOULD WEAR A MASK TO ENTER THE SHELTER.

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