SFGN 03/24/22 V13iss12 by South Florida Gay News

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE MARCH 24, 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 12

PRIDE SUNSERVE TURNS 20; PALM BEACH PRIDE RETURNS PAGES 10, 12

SAY GAY! DeSantis Slams Trans Athlete PAGE 9 SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

SAY GAY!

Florida Dems Cancel Disney Gala After Backlash PAGE 12

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MAYOR DEAN TRANTALIS NOT RUNNING FOR CONGRESS

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John Hayden

ort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis has decided he will not launch a bid for the Democratic Party’s nomination in Florida’s 22nd Congressional District (FL22). The announcement was made March 21 outside his offices in Wilton Manors. “I have heard from many friends and neighbors with advice on what I should do,” he said in a prepared statement. “I also have put a lot of time and effort into weighing the pros and cons of such a decision, including the impact on the city of Fort Lauderdale if I were to step down as mayor. While I firmly believe I would provide excellent service to the region as a member of Congress, I have decided not to run.” He said many community and neighborhood leaders encouraged him to stay on as mayor. Several of them were on hand and could be heard expressing their relief at his decision. Mayor Trantalis took questions, and SFGN asked if the turmoil inside City Hall, such as the firing of the new police chief after less than seven months and a long time auditor, played into his decision. “In a way they did,” he responded. “Being mayor, participating in the decision making and trying to steer the city in the right direction, is where I felt where I was most needed.” He said overseeing the infrastructure and growth plans begun under his administration is his priority, and said he hopes to run for reelection in 2024. Trantalis was first elected mayor in 2018 and was re-elected in 2020. Previously he

@SFGN

March 24, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 12

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

Kendall Little • Everitt Rosen • Donald Cavanaugh Deon Jefferson • David-Elijah Nahmod Aurora Dominguez • Gillian Manning Denise Royal • Corey Rose • Kennedy McKinney

Contributing Columnists

Sean Conklin • Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Gregg Shapiro • Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily

Dean Trantalis. Photo via Facebook.

represented District 2 on the City Commission from 2003-2006, and again from 2013 until he became mayor. He was vice mayor from 2005-2006 and again from 2016-1017.

DISTRICT DETAILS Incumbent Ted Deutch (D) has announced he’s retiring after this term. FL22 currently runs from Boca Raton down through Fort Lauderdale, including the communities of Parkland, Margate, and Coral Springs. The average household income is about $105,000, and 92% have a high school degree or higher, with 41% holding at least a bachelor’s degree. Despite being tinkered with during the decennial redistricting process, it is expected

to still lean heavily in favor of the Democratic nominee. According to Ballotpedia.org, so far only one other candidate, former State Representative Jared Moskowitz, has declared for the Democratic primary. Moskowitz announced his candidacy two weeks ago and has a strong lineup of endorsements, including one from State Sen. Shevrin Jones (D), Florida’s first, and only, out gay State Senator. Two Republicans, Darlene Swaffar and Steve Chess, are running for their party’s nomination. Two independents, Mark Napier and Christine Scott, have qualified for the general election. The primaries are set for Aug. 23, and the general election is Nov. 8.

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• 3. 24 .2022

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SFGN COVER: Left: A volunteer with SunServe. Photo via SunServe, Facebook. Right: Miss Florida FI at Large, Velvet Lenore, pictured at a past Palm Beach Pride. Photo via Compass, Facebook.

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NLGJA Journalist of the Year SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS.COM, INC. — — FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009 BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN. SFGN contracts with independent entities for stock images. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

3. 24 . 20 22 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Non-Binary

VICO ORTIZ TO PLAY NON-BINARY PIRATE IN NEW HBO SERIES Non-binary actor Vico Ortiz plays a nonbinary pirate in new HBO series “Our Flag Means Death.” Ortiz has been in an activist and advocate in the trans and queer communities for a while and has appeared on various shows to rally for the cause. In an interview with Out, Ortiz shared the moment they learned their character Jim would be nonbinary. “I was like, ‘We’ll use Jim and probably either use she/her or he/him. But they were like, ‘No, we’re going to use they/them,’ and I said, ‘Really? Okay that’s great, this is incredible. Wow, fantastic, yes, let’s do it!’” Ortiz admires the show for its sexual diversity and also the way it looks at masculinity. “We opened up so many beautiful conversations about what is masculinity?

• 3. 24 .2022

Vico Ortiz. Photo via Instagram.

What does it mean to be a man? What does it mean to be a woman? What does it mean to be a feminine? And reclaim these things,” Ortiz said. Right now the first six episodes of “Our Flag Means Death” are streaming on HBO Max and the rest of the show will premiere March 24.

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

Lesbian

DISNEY RESTORES LESBIAN SCENE IN ‘LIGHTYEAR’

Following the internal backlash that Disney CEO Bob Chapek has received following his statements about the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, Disney has decided to restore the lesbian scene in “Lightyear,” the new film about the real Buzz Lightyear. The scene in question is between Hawthorne, a character voiced by Uzo Aduba, and another woman. The characters’ relationship itself was never called into question during production, the source said, but a kiss between the characters was removed before being restored last week. In a statement by Pixar employees that was later leaked to the press, creators said they’ve been encouraged not to depict same-sex relationships.

“Nearly every moment of overtly gay affection is cut at Disney’s behest, regardless of when there is protest from both the creative teams Credit: Disney. and executive leadership at Pixar. Even if creating LGBTQIA+ content was the answer to fixing the discriminatory legislation in the world, we are being barred from creating it.” The re-addition of this scene would mark the first time Disney has outwardly displayed LGBT affection between two characters and is a huge step toward representation for viewers.

LGBTQIA BITES

Transgender

TRANS PLAYWRIGHT SHOWS WHAT IT’S LIKE TO LIVE IN A TRANSPHOBIC WORLD “The Queers” follows a group of trans women and non-binary people as they navigate life in a transphobic world. The play is written by Mikki Gillette, who said the show is semi-autobiographical since parts are based on her experience as a transgender woman. “Being transgender — especially, this play is set in 2011 — it’s such a unique experience, and trans people were not very understood or very visible at the time. So, I think the community kind of gravitates together because they need a reflection of themselves, they need to process what’s happening for them,” Gillette said in an interview with OPB. The play deals with job discrimination, family rejection, relationships, long-term trauma, the challenges of activism, and more. When asked why the show focused so heavily on the trauma surrounding being trans, Gillette said it would have been hard to speak on the experience without addressing the trauma.

“I think it came out of a really specific moment in my life when I was writing it. It was a time when I was thinking about gender nonstop, it couldn’t really turn off in my mind. I was really steeped in reading about it, Photo: Instagram. and also attending a lot of community events. And there was this … confusion. Inside I felt a kind of elation at finally being myself and being seen as myself, but then there was so much sorrow too, and so much pain, that was coming out of negative experiences and hearing about the negative experiences of others.” Produced by Fuse Theater Ensemble, the show will run through April 10 in Portland, Oregon.

3. 24 . 20 22 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

MINNESOTA

MINNESOTA SCHOOL BOARD HOSTS ANTI-LGBT GROUP A school board in Beckers, Minnesota, invited the Child Protection League, an anti-LGBT group, to speak at a special meeting in order to present the “other side” of controversial issues. The board was met with protestors, many of whom were local students. According to the Star Tribune, the Child Protection League was reportedly invited because OutFront Minnesota, an LGBT advocacy group, spoke at a meeting last August. Barb Anderson formed the League as well as another group, called the Parents Action League, which the Souther Poverty Law Center has classified as a hate group. Anderson was not at the meeting, but the League’s chair, Julie Quist, was. She spoke out against books that are

Photo via PxHere.

inclusive of different gender identities. During her nearly hour-long talk, she was interrupted several times by protestors chanting “gay rights are human rights.” “It’s just really hard to even process the kinds of discrimination that we’re going through and the ways in which the school board and administration aren’t listening to us,” Austyn Clemen, a local high school senior, said.

KENTUCKY KENTUCKY ANTI-TRANS BILL MOVES FORWARD The Kentucky House of Representatives passed a bill that would ban trans girls from competing on girls’ sports teams at the middle school, high school, and college and university levels. The bill claims to ban males from participating in girls’ sports teams, however, it defines “male” as the gender on the birth certificate given at the time of birth or adoption, according to the Lexington Herald Leader. When justifying his vote, state Rep. Bill Wesley (R) Ravenna said, “God … hates sin.” He elaborated that students should be encouraged to stick to the sex they were assigned at birth. “We are not talking about elite athletics,” said state Rep. Lisa Willner, who opposed the bill. “We are talking about Kentucky kids.”

• 3. 24 .2022

Inside the Kentucky State Capitol. Credit: Daderot, via Wikipedia.

The bill was ultimately approved in a 7023 vote and will now go to the Senate. Leaders of the Kentucky Youth Law Project, a nonprofit, opposed the bill and said that it subjects an already marginalized group to even more discrimination. “No transgender student should be singled out for further bullying and discrimination,” said the Project’s legal director, Keith Elston. “But that is exactly what this law, if enacted, would do.”

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

MISSOURI

MISSOURI STATE SENATOR ASKS NON-BINARY STUDENT ABOUT THEIR GENITALS The Human Rights Campaign posted a video of Missouri Sen. Elaine Gannon at a March hearing for a bill that would ban trans girls from playing in sports teams that match their gender. In the video, Gannon is seen asking a non-binary teen inappropriate questions. Avery Jackson is 14 years old and was advocating against the bill at the meeting. Gannon told Jackson that it must cause “issues” when Jackson tries to go to the “ladies’ room.” Jackson told her that it didn’t. “They probably don’t realize because you have such long hair,” Gannon said then asked, “Are you gonna go through the procedure?” When Jackson asked the senator if she thinks people go into bathrooms showing off their genitals, Gannon said

Missouri Sen. Elaine Gannon. Photo via Facebook.

she “was just curious.” Debi Jackson, Avery’s mother, asked, “You’re asking a 14-year-old on public record about genitals and if people could see that?” Debi told the Advocate after the hearing that Avery left the room shaking and in tears. The chair of the meeting committee, Sen. Cindy O’Laughlin, did not intervene during the interaction between the Jacksons and Gannon.

IDAHO IDAHO GOP STATE SENATORS END ATTEMPT AT BANNING GENDER-AFFIRMING CARE Republicans in the Idaho State Senate killed a bill that would have likely passed the House of Representatives. The bill would have criminalized doctors who provide gender-affirming care to minors, possibly putting them in prison for life. GOP leaders said they still oppose “any and all gender reassignment and surgical manipulation of the natural sex of minors.” According to The Advocate, they said that the bill would be a government overreach and that it could impact medical care unrelated to gender affirmation. “We believe in parents’ rights and that the best decisions regarding medical treatment options for children are made by parents, with the benefit of their physician’s advice and expertise,” the Idaho State Senate Majority Caucus wrote in a statement.

A patient being instructed on HRT. Photo via Broadly, VICE.

The bill would have banned genderaffirming surgery (which is rarely given to minors anyway) as well as hormones and puberty blockers. It would have also made it a felony to take a minor out of state to get such medical treatment. “This legislation is a mean-spirited attack on transgender children, contrary to what medical experts advise, and an unprecedented government intrusion in the lives of Idahoans,” the Human Rights Campaign said.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

EUROPE

LGBT RUSSIANS LIVE IN FEAR OF PUTIN, BUT ESCAPE IS DIFFICULT Vladmir Putin’s war in Ukraine is part of a plan to revert Russia to the Soviet period, which is terrifying to LGBT Russians. Maria, a Russian LGBT activist whose name has been altered to protect her identity, claimed LGBT people have been fleeing her country since Putin initiated his invasion of Ukraine, which many believe is part of a frightening plan to restore Russia’s supremacy. She claimed that this vision excludes LGBT persons. According to Pink News, Russia has been participating in the so-called homosexual purges in Chechnya, in which scores have been abducted, tortured, and killed. Activists like Maria, on the other hand, have stayed put, working tirelessly to transform society and ensure a brighter

Photo via Pixabay.

future for LGBT Russians. “She inspired and motivated not only our team but all volunteers around. People followed her into her struggle for freedom and equality. And when she smiled, everyone smiled back,” Ukraine Pride said.

GAY RIGHTS ACTIVIST KILLED IN UKRAINE Before the Russian invasion, Elya Shchemur, also known as Elvira, studied law. In Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, she was also a prominent member of the local Pride organization. She enlisted for the Kharkiv regional defense at the start of the Russian invasion. A Russian missile struck the regional administrative office where she was volunteering on March 1, killing her. According to Q News, since the invasion began, local officials claim that Russian bombs have killed at least 500 people and destroyed 600 structures in Kharkiv. Despite the fact that the Russians have yet to completely encircle the city, the unrelenting bombing assault has already damaged significant infrastructure. Shchemur, 21, was hailed as an activist and patriot by Ukraine Pride.

Photo via Instagram.

AFRICA

CENTRAL AMERICA

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WISHES TO EXTEND JAIL TERM FOR LGBT PEOPLE

GUATEMALAN LAWMAKERS WITHDRAW BILL BANNING SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana has recommended a three-year minimum prison sentence for anybody who engages in LGBT activities in Ghana. This suggestion was made when the church, led by a representative, presented a memorandum to the Constitutional, Legal, and Parliamentary Affairs Committee of Parliament at a public hearing on a private member’s bill titled Promotion of Proper Human Sexual Rights and Ghanaian Family Values. According to Africa News, Rev. Nii Amarh Ashitey, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Director of Ecumenical and Social Relations, stated that the punishments provided in the anti-LGBT bill presently before parliament must be sufficiently deterrent. “As Christians, we believe in mercy and

Photo via Adobe.

forgiveness but we equally believe that punishments are meant as deterrents not only for the offender but also for people who harbor similar intent.”

A terrifying measure that would have prohibited same-sex marriage and quadrupled prison sentences for abortions was withdrawn by Guatemalan lawmakers in a remarkable turnaround. According to Pink News, on International Women’s Day, the so-called “Life and Family Protection Law” was enacted by a landslide majority in the Republic’s Congress. The U-turn comes after Guatemala’s president, Alejandro Giammatte, promised to veto the bill despite the fact that it was pushed through the legislature by his own conservative friends. Women’s rights and LGBT activists were outraged by the bill’s passage since they had been urging lawmakers to reject the bill since its original proposal in 2018.

Photo via Facebook.

3. 24 . 20 22 •

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.

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Celebrating their 9th wedding anniversary are Adam (Nicolette) Northrop and Greg Johnson at the Arts United Celebration Dinner held at Lips.

Christie Meade, director of service operations at Tech Service Today, with Alexander Garay, senior manager of global events for NANODimension, at the GFLGLCC Mixer held at the AC Hotel.

Husbands Andrew LaRochelle, Realtor for Coldwell Banker Realty, and Steven LaRochelle, relationship manager at First Republic Bank, at the WMBA evening with Brian J. Crum held at Hunters.

Josue Santiago, director of HR Transformation at Royal Caribbean Group, and friend John Fiuowski, district sales manager in tech, stand together at the Our Fund Gala.

• 3. 24 .2022

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ov. Ron DeSantis made no effort to hide his anti-LGBT views when he signed a proclamation declaring a ciswoman the “rightful winner” after she lost to a trans swimmer in a championship event. Lia Thomas is the Penn swimmer who became the first trans athlete to win an NCAA Division I championship, USA Today reported. Emma Weyant is an Olympic silver medalist who swims for the University of Virginia. Thomas beat Weyant in the NCAA 500-yard women’s freestyle swimming competition. Even so, DeSantis still declared Weyant the winner because she is a “native.” “Since she is a native Floridian from Sarasota, I, Ron DeSantis, Governor of the State of Florida, do hereby declare in Florida that Emma Weyant is the rightful winner of the 2022 NCAA Division I Women’s 500yard Freestyle,” he wrote in the proclamation March 22. “Florida rejects the NCAA’s efforts to destroy women’s athletics, disapproves of the NCAA elevating ideology over biology, and takes offense at the NCAA trying to make others complicit in a lie,” DeSantis added. DeSantis signed legislation prohibiting student trans athletes from participating in women’s sports last year. To make matters worse, he said he will sign the “Don’t Say Gay” bill “relatively soon.” If this bill becomes law, it would ban classroom discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in grades K-3 and possibly more. DeSantis claims that critics of the bill are “supporting sexual instruction for young kids.” “Understand, if you are out protesting this bill you are by definition putting yourself in favor of injecting sexual instruction to 5-, 6- and 7-year-old kids,” DeSantis said, according to USA Today. “I think most people think that’s wrong. I think parents especially think that’s wrong.” DeSantis’ rhetoric though doesn’t match reality. The governor, and other Republicans, have conflated sexual orientation and sex education. In fact, Republicans had an

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Front: Lia Thomas. Photo via Penn State.

opportunity to amend their bill to focus on sex education while it was making its way through the legislature. They voted it down. This isn’t the first time Thomas has made headlines because of her gender identity. Some of her teammates publicly expressed concerns about sharing a locker room with her. In January, parents of other Penn swimmers wrote to the NCAA and the school to express their concerns with the regulations that allow Thomas to compete against cisgender women and the precedent she is creating, which they described as a “direct threat to female athletes in every sport,” according to the Washington Post. However, there was one Olympic swimmer who defended Thomas, saying she “would not wish this experience on anyone.” “I have great respect for Lia,” Brooke Forde, who earned a silver medal at the Tokyo Games, told USA Today. “Social change is always a slow and difficult process, and we rarely get it correct right away. Being among the first to lead such a social change requires an enormous amount of courage and I admire Lia for her leadership that will undoubtedly benefit many trans athletes in the future.”

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3. 24 . 20 22 •

PA L M B E A C H

news

PALM BEACH PRIDE RETURNS IN FULL FORCE John Hayden

TIME SENSITIVE: THIS WEEKEND!

MUSIC, FOOD, AND A FABULOUS PARADE ARE RETURNING FOR THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF PALM BEACH PRIDE. THE TWO-DAY PARTY IS SET TO GO DOWN THIS WEEKEND AT BRYANT PARK IN LAKE WORTH BEACH. Due to COVID-19, last year was a much “As a transgender woman myself, it more laid-back affair, with a “Pride Market” is a clear message of Compass and held one morning. Not this year! Dozens of Palm Beach Pride’s commitment to entertainers are lined up for Saturday and creating awareness and support for the Sunday, as well as a parade taking over the transgender community,” Riordan said. streets. “Black transgender women experience “We have more of everything,” Compass higher levels of discrimination and are Community Center’s Michael Riordan said. the targets of hate crimes more than any “More food vendors, more other LGBTQ+ group. To retail vendors, a larger see Velvet recognized as a Youth and Family Area and leader against this level of of course, this year we are hate is truly special.” having a mass wedding The parade will be ceremony at 1pm on broadcast by Happening Sunday in the park!” Out Television Network. The wedding ceremony Entertainers will fill the is open to any couple stage both afternoons. looking to get married or More than a dozen local renew their vows. performers are scheduled, Riordan said the including Melissa St. John, parade will reflect the Anahi Santos, and DJ Will amazing simplicity of our Mello. community. The party gets off to “It’s going to look like a running start Friday a bunch of people who evening. Night Runners are ready to celebrate WPB will be hosting their - Michael Riordan living their true lives annual Pride 5k at Bryant COMPASS COMMUNITY CENTER and celebrating being Park at 7 p.m. Friday. themselves and the LGBTQ+ community. It’s going to be huge.” PLAN AHEAD It will also feature a tribute to RaeJean Cox. She was a longtime participant in Parking will be extremely limited. There Palm Beach Pride, and died last summer in won’t be any spaces at the park, and anyone a car accident. at Bryant Park boat ramp will be ticketed Miss Florida FI at Large, Velvet Lenore, or towed. Rideshare is encouraged, but is this year’s Grand Marshal and is being several streets will be closed on Sunday for recognized for her tireless efforts to the parade so you may have to walk a bit. promote safe spaces for the community’s Firearms, coolers, food, beverage, youth and serves as a beacon of hope for alcohol, glass bottles or open containers people everywhere who are looking to live from outside the festival grounds are not their authentic lives. permitted.

“... THIS YEAR WE ARE HAVING A MASS WEDDING CEREMONY AT 1PM ON SUNDAY IN THE PARK!”

Daily tickets are $8 presale and $10 at the gate (and along the parade route on Sunday). To buy tickets or get more details, visit CompassGLCC.com.

• 3. 24.2022

A past Palm Beach Pride. Credit: Compass, via Facebook.

Texas Roadhouse Joins the Parade Sean Conklin When Justin Smith started working at Texas Roadhouse in Boynton Beach, he didn’t go in thinking he was going to be an activist for the LGBT community. But fast forward a few years and he’s now spearheading the chain restaurant’s first march in a pride parade. Texas Roadhouse in Boynton is a longtime supporter of the LGBT community. The restaurant often sponsors the Pride Business Alliance mixers hosted by Compass Community Center and is the food sponsor for this year’s Palm Beach Pride event, donating two days’ worth of food and over 50 volunteers for the event. While sponsoring and donating to community events is a regular occurrence, this is the first time the restaurant is marching in the parade. “I wasn’t sure if I’d have people interested, but I’ve already gotten 20 people to sign up to march in the parade,” Smith said, who serves as a service manager for the location. Previously he served as the marketer for the store, which is how he was able to make the relationship with Palm Beach Pride. “The corporate office has marched in the parade in Louisville, Kentucky,” Smith added, “but they told me we would be the first location to march in a parade outside of that.” It is possible that other locations have marched in Pride without the corporate office knowing or notating it, but this would be the first time that the corporate office can identify. Smith also designed T-shirts for the staff to wear while they march and got special approval for a Pride-themed logo from the corporate office. During the parade, they will be passing out snacks with free appetizer coupons. They will also be participating in the festival itself, providing information and handouts there. Texas Roadhouse is located at 3001 Old Boynton Road in Boynton Beach, right near the Boynton Beach Mall. Be on the lookout for their staff at Palm Beach Pride, March 26 and 27.

NEWS NATIONAL

JUDGE RULES AGAINST KIM DAVIS, KENTUCKY CLERK WHO OPPOSED MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Compass Community Center Presents

Palm Beach Pride

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Kim Davis. Photo via the Carter County Detention Center.

ustice was served for two same-sex couples after a judge ruled that a former county clerk violated their rights when she refused to grant them marriage licenses. Kim Davis, a former Rowan County Clerk in Kentucky, was sued by two couples — David Ermold and David Moore, and James Yates and Will Smith — in 2015, and it looks like they will finally get their day in court, according to the Los Angeles Blade. “The plaintiffs could not be happier,” Michael Gartland, an attorney for the plaintiffs, told WKYT. “As the court notes in the decision, this case has been pending since 2015. They couldn’t be happier that they’re finally going to get their day in court and they’re confident justice will be served.” Davis, who served five days in jail for refusing to comply with the Supreme Court’s ruling on Obergefell v. Hodges, previously asked state lawmakers for an accommodation for her religious beliefs so that she would not have to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples. She never received one. The state later removed her signature from marriage licenses, WKYT reported. Davis was represented by Mat Staver, an attorney who is a part of an anti-LGBT legal firm Liberty Counsel that has been deemed a hate and extremist group by Southern Poverty Law Center. “Kim Davis is entitled to protection of an accommodation based on her sincere religious belief,” Staver said in a release. “This case raises serious First Amendment free exercise of religion claims and has a high potential of reaching the Supreme Court.” United States District Judge David L. Bunning denied Davis’ request for summary judgment on the question of damages, meaning that decision will still go to trial and be left up to a jury. The plaintiffs are asking for compensatory and punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, costs and attorneys’ fees, The Blade reported.

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3. 24 . 20 22 •

NEWS STATE

NEWS LOCAL

FLORIDA DEMS CANCEL DISNEY GALA AFTER BACKLASH Kim Swan

Tony Lima. Photo via Facebook.

SUNSERVE CELEBRATES ROARING ‘20s John Hayden

o far, the 2020s have been the boring ‘20s. But SunServe is ready to celebrate the Roaring ‘20s. They’re marking their 20th anniversary with SunServe’s SHINE: A 20th Anniversary Gala Celebration presented by AIDS Healthcare Foundation. Being held at The Manor this Saturday, March 26, guests will be transported back to a glamorous, 1920s supper club with a modern twist. The affair is black tie, but beyond that, retro creativity is encouraged. 1920s period wear, sparkles and sequins are expected to be on full display. The evening starts with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m. followed by dinner in the Crystal Ballroom. Unlike the 1920s, there will be a very visible open bar. The night will honor SunServe’s founders Dr. Jim Lopresti and Sunshine Cathedral with the Visionary Award. Thou Art Woman will receive the Future Legacy award, for their commitment to celebrating LGBT women and their allies through performance and visual art. The party will continue after dessert with DJ Sushiman and surprise performances. The afterparty starts at 11:30 p.m. in the Epic Room with DJ

Nina Flowers of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fame. Emcee for the night will be Tony Lima, SunServe’s executive director. “It’s a very exciting time for SunServe as we turn 20 this year, with a legacy of supporting our community,” he said. “After a rough patch that included the pandemic, I am happy to report that we’re in a strong place to move forward.” Over 20 years, SunServe has become a goto organization for underserved members of South Florida’s community. Lima points out that SunServe is the only organization in South Florida dedicated to providing mental health and social services for the LGBT community. Those include senior day care services, youth therapy, life coaching and group sessions, substance abuse disorder case management, providing housing and support to people living with HIV, mental health therapy for LGBT adults with their network of therapists, supporting women’s healthy living and a team that goes out to educate corporations, civic organizations and nonprofits on LGBTQ inclusivity. “Our legacy of work runs the gamut. The community knows we’re here for them,” Lima said.

Tickets for the gala are sold out, but there is a waitlist in case of cancellations. For more information on the gala and SunServe, go to Sunserve.org.

• 3. 24.2022

he Florida Democratic Party was supposed to host their biggest gala at Disney World this year. However, they scrapped their plans after facing backlash from the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus. Disney is under fire right now for their tepid and ever evolving response to Florida’s ‘Don’t Say Gay Bill.” The LGBT caucus threatened to boycott the event if it went through, criticizing Disney for not taking an early stand against the anti-LGBT bill, according to Politico. Disney didn’t publicly push back against it until the GOP-led legislature approved it and the company faced enormous pressure to act. “Our timing was not ideal,” Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz said in a statement March 22. “We also acknowledge that in our fight for freedom and fairness, we can always do more. In that spirit, the Florida Democratic Party will choose new dates and venues to hold Leadership Blue. We will share information about new arrangements once we have explored available options.” The “Don’t Say Gay” bill will ban classroom discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in grades K-3, and possibly more, if Gov. Ron DeSantis signs it into law. Many Democrats are outraged that the party wants to host the fundraiser at Disney, Politico reported. “Disney is on the front page of every newspaper,” said Stephen Gaskill, president of the Florida Democratic LGBTQ caucus. “It’s just inconceivable that it would be unknown to the Florida Democratic Party while planning the event.” State Rep. Anna Eskamani, an Orlando Democrat, said she understands why Democrats have chosen to use Disney hotels in the past because they employ union workers. But she points out that even before the recent controversy, most of Disney’s political donations have gone to Republicans in Florida. Disney has since agreed to halt all political donations over the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, according to Politico. “It gives the impression that Florida Democrats are not watching the news,” Eskamanit told Politico, who said she would

Disney World. Photo via PxHere.

boycott the event as long as it remained at Disney. “Hopefully the party will change the location.” Disney’s CEO Bob Chapek has been criticized the most for trying to handle the fallout over the bill only after its passage despite an uproar among staff and others that the company should publicly denounce the bill. “Disney’s response to the ‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill was tepid, short-sighted, and disappointing at best,” Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried said, according to Politico. “If the Democratic Party keeps the Leadership Blue Gala at Disney, and Disney leadership does not do more to stand against hate, I will not attend.” Opponents of the bill, including President Joe Biden, have condemned the legislation as an attack on LGBT students. DeSantis argues that it gives parents more control and information over their children’s education, and said opposers of the bill are “supporting sexual instruction for young kids.” Despite what the governor claims, he and other Republicans, have conflated sexual orientation and sex education. In fact, Republicans had an opportunity to amend their bill to focus on sex education while it was making its way through the legislature. They voted it down.

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

NEWS NATIONAL

CAYMAN ISLANDS, BERMUDA BLOCK SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Everitt Rosen The Privy Council of the United Kingdom sided with Bermuda’s government on Monday, declaring that the Cayman Islands’ Constitution prohibits gays from marrying. The judgment comes after a decision by the local Supreme Court to legalize homosexual marriage. Colors Caribbean, an activist group deeply involved in the ruling, has been fighting for Caymanian same-sex couples to have the same rights as married different-sex couples. The Cayman Islands government has refused to grant these rights to same-sex couples. The case was subsequently moved to The Privy Council after the local Supreme Court’s judgment. The Privy Council has jurisdiction over the Cayman Islands and Bermuda, and same-sex marriage is not permitted. “It would seem to me that everyday life in our community was not affected

Admiral Rachel L. Levine, M.D., assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Photo credit: Chris Sean Smith, U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps.

The Cayman Island’s first Pride parade on July 31, 2021. Photo via Facebook.

by Civil Partnership legislation. But it is important to those who have entered into Civil Partnerships. We owe it to all to create a safe environment for people to be who they want to be,” said the Governor of the Cayman Islands Martyn Keith Roper.

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WHITE HOUSE MEETS VIRTUALLY WITH FLORIDIAN STUDENTS ABOUT ANTI-LGBT BILLS Kim Swan

he White House met with Florida students and families to show support for the LGBT community as Republicans continue their anti-LGBT crusade. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, alongside Admiral Rachel L. Levine, M.D., assistant secretary for health at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, held a virtual roundtable March 17 to share mental health resources available from the government, according to the Los Angeles Blade. “The Department and the Biden-Harris

“OUR COMMUNITIES HAVE A CHAMPION IN PRESIDENT BIDEN. THE PRESIDENT SUPPORTS EQUALITY AND WORKS TO ENSURE EVERYONE IS REPRESENTED.” - Admiral Rachel L. Levine, M.D. ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AT THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration stands with LGBTQI+ students and families in Florida and across the country. Laws around the country, including in Florida, have targeted and sought to bully some of our most vulnerable students and families, and create division in our schools,” Cardona said. “My message to you is that this Administration won’t stand for bullying or discrimination of any kind, and we will use our authorities to protect, support, and provide opportunities for LGBTQI+ students and all students.” Students and families shared some of the concerns and fears they are facing regarding the anti-LGBT bills becoming close to law, such as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that, if signed into law, would prohibit classroom discussions about gender identity and sexual orientation. Gov. Ron DeSantis has voiced support for it and will most likely sign the bill soon. “We need to support LGBTQI+ youth, their parents and families to help them achieve the good health and quality care they deserve,” Levine said, according to the Blade. “Our communities have a champion in President Biden. The President supports equality and works to ensure everyone is represented. And that gives people a voice, a chance to effect change, to help people understand the diverse needs of our nation.”

The full statement can be found at www.ed.gov.

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ANTI-LGBT BILLS HARM QUEER YOUTH Kim Swan

new report shows that even the introduction of anti-LGBT bills, and their subsequent public debates, are causing harm to LGBT youth. A report by the Movement Advancement Project, in partnership with the Equality Federation, shows that in 2020 and 2021, over 59 million young people — more than 80% of the nation’s youth — lived in 42 states that considered anti-LGBT bills. Even when those bills did not become law, the public debate about them caused harm, The Los Angeles Blade reported. So far, 280 bills have been introduced that would restrict inclusive curricula about race, LGBT people, and more. One of these bills is the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Florida. If Gov. Ron DeSantis signs this bill into law, it would prohibit classroom discussions regarding gender identity and sexual orientations. “Unfortunately, it’s no surprise that these legislative attacks on school curricula and Photo via Adobe. school climate are happening right now,” the report states. “These bills reflect a “The politicians and groups behind these coordinated effort on behalf of well-financed, far-right lobbyists seeking to undermine bills want to use our laws to control what the progress made in recent years toward students can and cannot read, what they can addressing racism and advancing LGBTQ and cannot learn, and — most troublingly — who they can and cannot equality. This coordination is be,” Executive Director of MAP evident in the copy-cat language A 2021 SURVEY Ineke Mushovic said according seen in bills across many states, BY THE TREVOR to The Blade. and further in publicly released PROJECT SHOWED “Our schools should protect campaign strategies from the THAT 66% OF LGBTQ all students — including lobbyists behind these bills.” YOUTH REPORTED LGBTQ students and students The report also shows that THAT THEIR of color — so they can at least 40 states considered MENTAL HEALTH learn and thrive in a safe what are termed “hostile environment. America is a school climate bills.” Hostile WAS NEGATIVELY country of freedom of speech school climate bills cover IMPACTED BY THE and freedom of ideas. Those many threats to LGBT children: STATE LEGISLATIVE freedoms end when politicians being subjected to harmful DEBATES ABOUT start banning books and “conversion therapy,” verbal or TRANSGENDER censoring curriculum simply physical abuse, or being kicked PEOPLE. because some people find out of their homes. them uncomfortable. All our A 2021 survey by The Trevor Project showed that 66% of LGBTQ youth kids deserve an education that is honest, reported that their mental health was accurate, and gives them the tools to learn negatively impacted by the state legislative from our past so they can help create a better future.” debates about transgender people.

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Brittney Griner. Photo credit: Lorie Shaull, via Wikipedia.

merican basketball star Brittney The 6-foot-9 center is part of a rare group Griner remains detained in Russia of athletes who have dunked in women’s on drug charges while concerns grow games, and her dominant play prompted over human rights as relations between the Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban to two countries deteriorate. float the idea of an NBA tryout. Through an Griner was arrested Feb. 17 after customs endorsement deal with Nike, Griner often officers allegedly found cannabis oil in her breaks the mold by wearing gear designed luggage at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport. for men. If convicted, Griner faces up to 10 years in In a 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated, prison. Griner came out as a lesbian. U.S. Secretary of State She is married to Cherelle GRINER, A Anthony Blinken told Griner, a writer and law school SEVEN-TIME journalists on Friday the United student, and has two children States is in “very active contact” with her first wife and fellow ALL-STAR FOR with Griner’s team, lawyers, WNBA player Glory Johnson. THE PHOENIX representatives and the WNBA. Griner, a seven-time allMERCURY, Russia, Blinken said, is required star for the Phoenix Mercury, WAS IN RUSSIA by international law to give the was in Russia playing for PLAYING United States consular access UMMC Ekaterinburg during FOR UMMC to Griner. Thus far, access has the WNBA’s offseason. Her EKATERINBURG been denied, said Blinken. detainment sparked a new “So we are working very version of the #FreeBritney DURING THE hashtag and galvanized hard on getting it, on being WNBA’S efforts from LGBT groups who able to get access to her, to hear OFFSEASON. understand the dangers that directly from her how she’s come with being openly gay in doing, and to make sure we’re doing everything we can to see to it that her Russia. “As a queer woman of color my hope is rights are being respected and upheld in the Russian system and in terms of international that the Russian government is honoring the humanity of Brittney Griner and that she is law,” Blinken said. Griner, 31, is a perennial all-star being treated with respect and dignity and basketball player who has led her teams will be returned to the U.S. promptly,” said to championships at the college and Kierra Johnson, Executive Director of the professional levels and the Olympic Games. National LGBTQ Task Force.

SPORTS PLAYING WITH PRIDE

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS TO RELEASE CARL NASSIB Everitt Rosen

arl Nassib, the defensive end who made history as the first gay active player in NFL history last year, will be released by the Las Vegas Raiders. According to NBC, Nassib, a six-year veteran, has played for the Raiders for two seasons and has four sacks, 49 tackles, and an interception. It was stated that the decision to fire Nassib, who had a base salary of $7.75 million per year, was based on financial considerations. “Carl had a big paycheck coming this year, and they just made a determination that they wanted to find somebody cheaper,” the co-founder of Outsports, Cyd Zeigler said. “That’s the economics of the NFL.” Nassib, 28, signed a three-year free agent contract worth more than $25 million in March 2020, with $16.75 million guaranteed. Starting in June, the Raiders will save $8 million in salary cap space by cutting him.

Carl Nassib. Photo via Facebook.

According to Zeigler, Nassib’s sexual orientation had no bearing on the decision.

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3. 24 . 20 22 •

NEWS LOCAL

DOLPHIN DEMOCRATS: BRING BACK FORT LAUDERDALE POLICE CHIEF LARRY SCIROTTO Christiana Lilly

he Dolphin Democrats unanimously passed a resolution calling for the reinstatement of fired Fort Lauderdale Police Chief Larry Scirotto and suspension without pay for City Manager Chris Lagerbloom. Larry Scirotto. Photo by JR Davis. Scirotto, who was sworn in as chief in August 2021, is accused of prioritizing minority promotions within the department and was change that” on more than one occasion. There fired earlier this month by Lagerbloom. was also an allegation that during a meeting to “The City of Fort Lauderdale has a history of discuss promoting an officer to captain, Scirotto racism in the police department and it needs asked “which one is Blacker” when comparing to continue to address those issues to create a two Black candidates. A witness told Rossman more inclusive department,” Alfredo Olvera, that when they asked the chief why they were president of the Dolphin Democrats, said in a passed over for a promotion, he responded, “I press release. “The firing of Police Chief Scirotto have to consider diversity and equity.” not only impacts the department but also the Rossman concluded, “The Chief’s own residents of our city.” words, admitted by him, are ill-conceived if The organization said not plainly discriminatory. the police department has They are not part of a well“struggled with the issue of conceived, adopted plan of race and law enforcement for affirmative action or diversity many years,” citing three police implemented by ordinance or officers who were fired for court order.” sending racist text messages The Dolphin Democrats are and videos, and officers using demanding that Rossman’s “THE CITY OF FORT tear gas and rubber bullets report be “set aside as LAUDERDALE HAS A during a Black Lives Matter of questionable value,” HISTORY OF RACISM protest. reinstating Scirotto; a 30-to Scirotto, who is biracial and IN THE POLICE -60-day suspension without gay, was previously assistant pay and retraining of EEOC DEPARTMENT AND IT chief with the Pittsburgh Police law for City Manager Chris NEEDS TO CONTINUE Department. He was hired in Lagerbloom; an investigation TO ADDRESS THOSE June 2021 and was on board to by the EEOC; and for ISSUES TO CREATE make big changes within Fort Lagerbloom and the city A MORE INCLUSIVE Lauderdale, including creating commission to “recommit DEPARTMENT.” a police force that was reflective themselves” to improving of the city it serves. In a press diversity, and issues of use-ofAlfredo Olvera conference with the NAACP of force and racial bias. PRESIDENT OF THE DOLPHIN DEMOCRATS Broward County, he said that During the NAACP press he made 15 promotions during conference, Scirotto denied his tenure, nine of whom were the allegations and said that white men and the remaining six were ethnic when he was hired, he was asked to make or gender minorities whose “credentials stand changes in the department and that the city on their own merits.” Four EEOC complaints would have his back. were filed against Scirotto by white officers who “The city manager warned me that the claimed that their promotions were overlooked changes that I would need to make would meet because of their race. great resistance, and that is ever true today,” The City of Fort Lauderdale hired Rossman he said. “I guess that was true until the actual Legal to conduct an investigation into the changes started to happen. And here we are matter. In his report, Greg Rossman said officers today.” told him that Scirotto allegedly pointed to a wall NAACP Broward President Marsha Ellison of photographs in the chief’s conference room said, “Apparently he did his job too well” and and said “that wall is too white” and “I’m gonna called his firing a “set up.” Since this story appeared online, the city of Fort Lauderdale has hired Patrick Lynn as its new police chief.

• 3. 24.2022

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

Larry Feuer wants to be remembered as someone who gave back to his community. He says, “The status quo is unacceptable. We have to BE BOLD to address problems that will happen decades from now.” That’s why Larry is using his estate plan to create an endowed charitable fund at the Community Foundation of Broward. He wants to impact a wide range of causes, including assistance to Broward’s LGBTQ+ community, which the Community Foundation has directly supported for more than 35 years. Thanks to generous donors like Larry, the Foundation has provided over $9 million towards LGBTQ+ issues so far. Larry is proud to have locked in a legacy that makes a difference in the place he calls home. “The Community Foundation of Broward ensures that I’ll be remembered as someone who helped people and created a better Broward for everyone.”

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Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

THE CANCER CHRONICLES, PART 3 MACHINATIONS OF A MEDICATED MIND

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

1. THE COMMISH AND COBB So my cancer chronicles open with a humorous story of Doctor Lessen, my oncologist, telling me I need to hydrate more. Apparently, he does not mean with Jack Daniels though. Hell, I thought a strong dose of Jack can kill anything. But seriously, there is nothing like a fine class of Merlot with the Shrimp Escargot at Kaluz, looking out onto the Intracoastal. Still, drinking has limits. One hundred years ago, the Commissioner of Baseball tried to show Hall of Famer Ty Cobb how dangerous drinking can be. He took a bottle of water and one of Jack and put them side by side. First. he dropped a worm in the bottle of water, and it swam around freely, even ordering a year’s subscription to Amazon Prime. Then he took the second worm, the first one’s gay cousin by the way, and dropped it into a bottle of Jack. It swam for a few seconds, but then dropped to the bottom of the bottle very dead, without a pre-need plan for his funeral either. The commissioner turned to Cobb and asked him what he had learned from this. The star player promptly looked at the commissioner and replied, “I guess if I keep drinking, I will never have worms.”’

2. THE BUCKET LIST

he was wearing a mask. Safety first! Our government is hilarious. The day I got my free COVID tests in the mail was the day the CDC said you don’t have to wear masks anymore.

4. CLEAN COOKING CONGRESSWOMAN I can’t cook at all, but I am learning how. My favorite Instagram account has been posted intermittently for years by Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz. A mom and cancer survivor, she publishes ingenious healthy recipes personally created for cancer patients, survivors, and anyone else looking to eat well. Don’t think I have found one yet on best recipes for Nathan’s hot dogs and their French fries. Try “Normie’s Brooklyn Special” though, at the hot dog cart run by John Fugate this weekend behind the Eagle.

5. THE SENATOR’S ENDURANCE Norman Coleman, the former Republican United States Senator from Minnesota with an incisive line about his surviving cancer, and for any major medical adversity in your life: “Be appreciative and grateful because it gives you memories today that you might never have had before.” Thoughtful insight. Okay, Norm, but one memory we can all agree to pass on is that new national TV commercial now playing daily, with the little girl staring at her father’s toenail fungus. Gross.

6. GETTING GAS FROM GAS PRICES?

I counted my bucket list items. I need 278 more years to live, startling with being a folk guitarist singing protest songs in Central Park in NYC. Not sure I can make it. May have to settle for 178. A stand-up solo performance in Ronnie Larsen’s theatre is a must. But with clothes on. Dean Trantalis will have to get his thrills somewhere else.

Congratulations to John Castelli’s real estate office. They closed this week on a full tank of gasoline. And just in time, JR and “Dallas” is coming back to TV. To make things more contemporary, he will be shot by a drive-by shooter instead of Sue Ellen.

3. THE BANK ROBBER

7. JUDICIAL WISDOM

A man walked into and robbed the new Truist Bank at SE 17th Street and Federal in Fort Lauderdale last Thursday at gun point, but the police decided to let him go because

Miami jurist Alberto Milan on Facebook: “In youth we learn; in age we understand.” OK, but Al, you left one out: “As seniors, we just damn forget.”

• 3. 24.2022

A cancer survivor and congresswoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz has a cooking website on Instagram with recipes you might find appealing. Photo via Facebook.

Alberto is a former prosecutor, whose dad, Emilio, himself was a renowned radio talk show host in Miami, tragically assassinated while practicing his profession. For two years, Al and I hosted an afternoon radio show called “Weekday Legal” on 1400 AM WFTL. What battles we had, a conservative Cuban versus a liberal Jewish gay man. But while we vigorously debated, we loved and bonded as friends forever. We all need to emulate the musical words of famed songwriter Dave Mason: “It’s not you, it’s not me. We just agree to disagree.” You can love your partner and still disagree now and then. Just don’t do it while you are skydiving together.

8. POLICE AND POT POLICY If the Manors police decide not to arrest pot smokers anymore, it does not mean I will let SFGN drivers use cannabis while delivering papers weekly. The papers may take longer to deliver though. What is this with West Point cadets overdosing on fentanyl and cocaine here in the Manors while on Spring Break? Is something wrong with good oldfashioned beer drinking? Anyway, because I have developed a reputation as a criminal defense lawyer fighting for the legalization of marijuana laws, people now ask me how

much I smoke pot now that I have cancer. Irrelevant. What matters is that smokable cannabis quiets nausea and edibles can help with your appetite. A caveat, though: most edibles are very high in sugar content. But it beats fentanyl and coke because you live!

9. CONSERVATIVE COLUMNIST PASSES P. J. O’Rourke, a conservative humorist who crossed the political aisles, has sadly passed away. Funny man; great writer. One of his best lines, which I will use as soon as the Dolphin Democrats invite me there: “Republicans are people who tell us government does not work, and then they get elected and prove it.” If you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to be amused.

10. SHOULD WE NOT ‘COME TOGETHER FOR UKRAINIANS?’ Can all the gay bars come together on one night in a benefit for the Ukraine? PLEASE someone set it up. SFGN will run all the ads for free. And by the way, we are still looking for a full-time graphic designer to lay out our, your, newspaper weekly. It’s a secure, solid job, working for a good cause. Contact us ASAP. Take care, Norm

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON By Mike Luckovich

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3. 24 . 20 22 •

LIFESTYLE FOOD

YA MAS! CELEBRATES MEDITERRANEAN LIFE Rick Karlin

The Greek Tini at Ya Mas! Photo via Facebook.

YA MAS!

1103 East Las Olas, Fort Lauderdale 954-306-8388 yamastaverna.com A slice of Mediterranean life has wedged itself into a corner on Las Olas. Ya Mas! has converted a dark and dank biker bar into a celebration of all things Greek, and some neighboring countries as well. The minute you walk in you feel as if you are in the middle of a party scene from “Mama Mia!” I half expected a helicopter to land on Las Olas and drop off Cher. From the large sidewalk café to the large communal table running down the center of the colorful dining room, this place feels like a movie set, and I mean that as a compliment. The décor is beautiful, but the staff is even better looking; they all look like they just stepped out of central casting. The best part is not only are they all gorgeous, but they are also friendly, efficient, knowledgeable, and hospitable. I felt as if I were a guest at a party. Even more remarkable because I visited Ya Mas! in the middle of high season and during spring break. When Greeks are overjoyed, they yell “Opa!” and break plates and throw napkins in the air. And while I don’t recommend you do that, you’ll certainly have the urge to do so. “Ya Mas!” means “Cheers” in Greek, and this latest taverna from Garrett Hospitality Group (they also own No Man’s Land), is a vibrant new concept, transporting diners to the Mediterranean through fresh, chefdriven dishes and a curated beverage program. The only negative I have is that the thumping house music played doesn’t fit the mood of the restaurant. It is also overly loud and too bass driven. The house cocktails are inventive. We started with a signature cocktail, the Sevilla Sunset, a spritz with a refreshing blend of Tanqueray Seville Orange, Ramazzotti Amaro, Pellegrino Blood Orange, and

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• 3. 24.2022

sparkling wine, before moving on to a glass of the Selby, sauvignon blanc, with dinner. Some of the other cocktails are a Greek Salad Martini and the Santorini Sour. There are also sangrias available. Both the sangrias and spritzes are also available in large pitchers, perfect for sharing. And you will want to sit, socialize, share the wide variety of dips, and enjoy small and medium plates. The small plates include artichokes with vegan tzatziki, mussels with sun-dried tomato, harissa Buffalo wings, and ceviche. Medium dishes showcase such delicacies as saganaki (flaming Greek cheese) and an outstanding Greek salad with tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes. Whatever your dining choices, be certain to include a flight of hummus and tzatziki — and you must try the muhammara, an earthy dip made with walnuts, pomegranate molasses, and red bell peppers. It’s got a subtle spiciness that is addictive. For our large dish, we went with the whole branzino, and it arrived boned and perfectly prepared with nice, charred skin and moist flesh. I want to go back and order the short rib moussaka; the cross between eggplant parmesan and lasagna sounds exquisite. We ordered a side of Greek potatoes, and they were crispy and lemony, just as they should be, but we were so full we could barely put a dent in the order. However, we still shared an order of baklava for dessert. After all, how could you take a trip to Greece and not have baklava? Oh, right. We didn’t go to Greece, it just felt as if we had. Ya Mas! is the perfect place to spend an evening sharing food and visiting with friends, creating new memories. Even without a visit from Cher.

WHAT’S UP DOC’S? Doc’s, the landmark burger and ice cream shop, looks like a set for “Happy Days.” The former Dairy Queen, once owned by a local dentist (irony), operated on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Swinton from 1951 until last year. It served generations of Delray Beach residents. After being shuttered for more than a year, it looked as if the place was going to be torn down to make room for an office building and retail space by MDG Banyan Partners. After an uproar from the community about the proposed demolition of the structure, the company is now in negotiations with the City of Delray to save the landmark building. MDG spent the past six months on a plan to renovate and reopen Doc’s, in which it would retain its vintage charm while getting upgrades to its air conditioning, kitchen, and outdoor area. The company presented a proposal, including a rendering to the City of Delray, and is awaiting approval before moving ahead.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

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.

GMCSF SWINGS INTO SPRING, PLANTS YOUTH CHORUS Visit SFGN.com to read more. | Photo: Artistic Director Gabe Salazar. Credit: Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.

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

Shabbat services Friday night at 8pm. Find us online at our Facebook page!

Congregation Etz Chaim 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

SPIRITUALITY

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LISTINGS CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM

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A&E APPOINTMENTS

Angie Radosh and Jonathan Furedy star in Island City Stage’s production of Tennessee Williams’ “Suddenly Last Summer,” playing through April 17. Credit: Matthew Tippins.

ARTSBEAT HOT TICKETS AROUND TOWN J.W. Arnold

“SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER” AT ISLAND CITY STAGE Island City Stage is tackling gay playwright Tennessee Williams’ most enigmatic play, “Suddenly Last Summer,” playing through April 17 in Wilton Manors. Director Andy Rogow has assembled an A-list cast, including Angie Radosh, Jeanine Gangloff Levy and Jonathan Furedy, for this tale of “aging, beauty, hypocrisy, greed, sexual repression and cannibalism.” Yes, you read that right, cannibalism. Set in 1936 on a hot, steamy afternoon in New Orleans, Violet Venable (Radosh) and her niece, Catherine (Levy), wage battle in a war that will cement the legacy of Violet’s presumably gay son, Sebastian. Was he a brilliant artist, devoted son or sexual predator? What really happened last summer? Tickets start at $35 at IslandCityStage.org.

“SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM” AT ZOETIC STAGE Zoetic Stage, helmed by Artistic Director Stuart Meltzer and playwright/designer Michael McKeever, have staked out a reputation as the foremost interpreters in the region of Stephen Sondheim musicals and they have the Carbonell Awards to prove it. COVID sank previous plans for a production of “A Little Night Music” this spring; however, “Side by Side by Sondheim,” a delightful “musical entertainment” featuring music from Sondheim’s most beloved musicals, along with classics written with musical theater giants Leonard Bernstein, Jule Styne and Richard Rodgers, is a welcome and well-performed substitute. Meltzer even takes the stage through April 10 with Carbonell-winner Jenny Hacker, Jolene Mujica and Aloysius Gigl in the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater. Tickets are $60 at ArshtCenter.org.

“MATILDA THE MUSICAL” AT SLOW BURN THEATRE CO. When it comes to contemporary Broadway musicals, Slow Burn Theatre Co. at the Broward Center is in their element. If you missed the most recent production of “Once on this Island,” don’t make the same mistake with “Matilda,” inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl. Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater has a real knack with scaling and interpreting these big cast, big bang musicals for the 584-seat Amaturo Theater. In addition to an army of talented child actors, look for the genderbending performance by Bryan Austermann as the despicable headmistress Miss Turnbull. “Matilda the Musical” opens March 25 and runs through April 10 at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $49 at BrowardCenter.org.

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A&E FILM

LGBT CRITICS HAND TOP HONORS TO ‘POWER OF DOG,’ KRISTEN STEWART

Netflix’s “The Power of the Dog” took top honors from LGBT film critics as Hollywood prepares to hand out the Oscars this weekend. Credit: Netflix.

J.W. Arnold

s Hollywood prepares for the biggest night of awards season this weekend, LGBT critics weighed in with their picks for the best films of 2021. On March 17, GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics announced the winners of the 13th Dorian Film Awards, honoring movie content ranging from mainstream to LGBT. First presented in 2010, GALECA’s Dorian Awards go to the best in film and TV, mainstream to queer+, at separate times of the year. GALECA consists of over 350 critics, journalists and broadcasters who work for some of the most prominent and influential media outlets in the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. SFGN Arts & Entertainment Editor J.W. Arnold is a longtime member. Netflix’s noirish western “The Power of the Dog” lassoed three major prizes, including Best Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay, the latter two Dorians going to Jane Campion. In the studio numbers race, Netflix itself was top dog with 23 nominations for its titles and

capturing five awards. “Flee,” the documentary utilizing graphic novel-style visuals to tell the harrowing story of a gay Afghan refugee, actually ran past “Dog” with four wins. The Neon/Participant film, produced in part by actors Riz Ahmed (“Rogue One”) and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (“Game of Thrones”), won Best LGBTQ Film, two documentary awards and GALECA’s first-ever Best Animated Film honor. “Passing,” director Rebecca Hall’s adaptation of the Nella Larsen novel about two female friends confronting racial and sexual identity issues in 1920s Harlem, was named Best Unsung Film. The Japanese relationship drama “Drive My Car” drove off with Best Non-English Language Film, while first-time director LinManuel Miranda’s “Tick, Tick… Boom!,” starring Andrew Garfield as “Rent” creator Jonathan Larson, took Best Film Music. Director Denis Villeneuve’s sci-fi adventure “Dune,” from Warner Brothers, took Most Visually Striking Film.

For the first time, GALECA dropped genderspecific categories for Best Film Performance and Best Supporting Performance. The critics chose Kristen Stewart over nine other contenders for her portrayal of Princess Diana in “Spencer,” and Broadway’s Ariana DeBose, one of several breakouts in Steven Spielberg’s reimagining of “West Side Story,” grabbed both Best Supporting Performance and Rising Star honors. “Parallel Mothers” director Pedro Almodóvar scored GALECA’s special Wilde Artist accolade — meant for “a truly groundbreaking force in film, theater and/or television” — over Campion, Miranda, Lil Nas X and Jennifer Coolidge. In addition, Almodóvar was named GALECA’s latest LGBTQIA+ Trailblazer, a relatively new award reserved for those “creating art that inspires empathy, truth and equity.” Previous recipients are “Pose” actor Mj Rodriguez and actress-filmmaker Isabel Sandoval. Rita Moreno, the film, stage, music and

W EL C O M I NG AL L L G BT QI A+ S I NGE R S OF AL L G E ND ER I D E NTI TI E S, WH O ARE OF H I G H SC H O OL A GE IN T HE CU RRE NT SC HO O L YE AR

Orientation will take place on Wednesday, March 30, 6:30 p.m. at Sunshine Cathedral, Fort Lauderdale.

Artistic Director Gabe Salazar brings many years of choral music education experience.

TV legend, became the group’s first Latina Timeless Star winner. Past winners of GALECA’s career achievement award include Jane Fonda, Sir Ian McKellen, John Waters, George Takei, Dame Angela Lansbury, Meryl Streep, Harvey Fierstein, Betty White and Meryl Streep. And in GALECA’s signature Campiest Flick contest, the honor went to “House of Gucci,” starring Lady Gaga and Oscar-winner Jared Leto. “You could say the movies and performances chosen by our Society’s members are a reflection of what appeals to the entire trendsetting queer and trans community,” said GALECA President Monika Estrella Negra. “As our representation grows in the industry and beyond, expect the Dorian Awards to continue to shine light on the importance, and excitement, of having diverse critical eyes on cinema. There is much work to be done in advancing a variety of voices and images that often go unheard and unseen.”

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The Youth Pride Chorus of South Florida is a part of the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. 3. 24 . 20 22 •

A&E THEATER

PERFORMERS TAKE IT OFF ‘AGAIN’ AT FOUNDRY J.W. Arnold

Boyfriends Adam Sank and Patrick Bodd will present an evening of naked comedy and music at the Foundry in Wilton Manors, March 31 – April 3. Credit: Courtesy.

“N

udity returns to the Foundry” was few years as the gay naked comedian. When the subject line of an email from I introduced Patrick as my boyfriend, Ronnie producer and playwright Ronnie said, ‘Perfect! I want you both.’” Larsen and broadcast to thousands of LGBT Bodd weighed in on the unique theater patrons last week. opportunity: “I told him I’ll do a naked Larsen may be best known for his show. I’ve been naked in front of plenty of sex-themed comedies “Making Porn,” people … just never while performing. We’ll “Cocksucker – a Love Story” and “Happy forget about it after two seconds. That’s our Ending,” but audiences have more recently costume. There’s nothing more exposed than been treated to his more serious side with a doing comedy and original songs, so why not revival of the tap-dancing musical “Come go ‘full Monty?’” Out, Come Out!” headed for an Off Broadway And Sank added, “You’ll see our goods — debut this summer. Lots of fancy steps, not so all of them. Patrick has more goods than I do.” much skin. Without missing a beat, Bodd responded, “I For one weekend only, March 31 – April just hope it’s warm in the theater. The vanity 3, Larsen will be offering his nudity-starved could fade fast.” audiences a cabaret program, “April Fools: Both are excited to perform in front of the A Night of Naked Comedy and Music,” Foundry’s largely gay audience. Even though featuring Adam Sank and Patrick Bodd. both grew up outside of New York City and ServicesServices Offered: Offered: Sank — and his penis — may already be have called the city home for many years, familiar. He PrEP was one of the stars of Larsen’s they appreciate the critical mass the region’s • HIV Care, • PrEP HIV Care, “Totally Naked Comedy Tour” in 2019. Bodd, LGBT population provides for arts and Treatment • Hepatitis • C Hepatitis Testing & Treatment C T esting & T Sank’s boyfriend of nine months, will be theater organizations. baring his songwriting and singing talent — “It’s so impressive that there’s two [gay] ent • STD Testing • STD & Treatment Testing & T reatme along with his birthday suit — for the first theaters down there,” said Sank. “It’s not a time. big city, but there’s an audience there. I’m atment • Infectious • Disease Infectious Treatment Disease T re Ironically, Sank never met Larsen during so excited to have discovered this. I’d heard • In-House • Pharmacy In-House the run of Pharmacy the naked comedy show. Only about the gayborhood, which is what a friend while attending a performance of “Come from Fort Lauderdale used to call it. It’s like Out” did they finally meet. the promised land.” “We had done everything via long distance Bodd added, “It’s going to be like arriving texting,” Sank recalled. “When wean met, in the Emeraldappo City. I write country/folk/ ointment! CallCall today for an appointment! today for Ronnie said, ‘Oh my God! I want you to come rock — totally gay songs — so I’m especially back and do more naked comedy.’” excited to perform for an audience that will Sank had technically been in retirement appreciate them. I can’t wait to see how they FACP Lorraine Dowdy, DO, FACP Lorraine Dowdy, DO, when he journeyed to Wilton Manors for the land.” first time, but decided to give it another go, But, again, it will help if the theater is warm D, FACP Raj Uttamchandani, Raj MD, FACP Uttamchandani, MD this time with his musician boyfriend in tow. enough, they again pointed out. Take note, RN, Steven FNP-BC Steven Cardenas, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC Cardenas, APR After all, he said “[I] fell into a lane there for aMSN, Ronnie Larsen.

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Ronnie Larsen presents Adam Sank and Patrick Bodd in “April Fools: A Night of Naked Comedy and Music,” March 31 – April 3 at the Foundry, N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets start atMa $35 at Ave. | 2306 Wilton RonnieLarsen.com. midwaycare.org

In remembrance Our organization lost two incredible people this month.

ALEX CROTTS

GREGG BENNETT

1951 - 2022

1955 - 2022

Alex joined the organization in 2011 as a Tenor 1 and served as a vocal advisor for the section. He studied music education at Brigham Young University and sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Alex recently lived in Palm Aire, Pompano, and in Plantation. Music was his bond with his friends and co-workers. Gregg was a native New Englander who joined the chorus in 2016 after relocating from Provincetown. A member of Tropical Wave, he was a dedicated Bass Section Administer for four years. He loved to bake, play cards, and dine out with friends. In addition, Gregg was a fantastic painter and decorator. We remember and thank them for the contributions to the chorus and the community of South Florida.

American Classics

Gershwin & Bernstein's Broadway Tuesday, April 12, 7:45pm Anna Lise Jensen

Broward Center for the Performing Arts Tickets Available Now SOTA.org or 954-462-0222

Alexander Zenoz

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3. 24 . 20 22 •

A&E CABARET

YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND US...

DON’T ACCUSE ALAN CUMMING OF ACTING HIS AGE!

BUT WE MIGHT BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.

J.W. Arnold

Alan Cumming brings his new one-man cabaret show to the Kravis Center and the Parker this spring. Credit: Courtesy.

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lan Cumming is used to being labeled — Tony- and Emmy-winning actor, author, singer, the list goes on and on — but just don’t accuse him of acting his age. The Scottish-American performer has performed in concert halls across the globe, including the Sydney Opera House, London Palladium, Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall. He’s played God, the Devil, Hitler, the Pope, a teleporting superhero, Hamlet, all the parts in “Macbeth,” and the enigmatic “Emcee” in “Cabaret” in the West End and on Broadway. He’s back on the road and using the opportunity to comment on the stodgy stereotypes society places on the more mature generation. And, he’ll be singing and dancing and talking all about it at two South Florida appearances. “I am getting older,” he said in a phone interview, his highland brogue seeming softer than in previous conversations. “I enjoy where I am right now [he just turned 57 in January] and feel like I connect to young people, people in their twenties. I feel I have some sort of peer relationship, but I have been around the block a few times and have some wisdom to give back, too.” Cumming took a few minutes to consider the cyclical nature of fashion, musical tastes, and the other arts: “I do enjoy seeing the patterns that sort of happen and the cyclic nature, like seeing the same show, but with different costumes. Even today, we were talking about podcasts, for me that’s what I used to do 20 odd years ago when I did radio plays for the BBC.” He had plenty of time to reflect on the cycle of life and plan this latest outing while quarantined during the early months of the pandemic when most theaters

and performing venues were shuttered indefinitely. “I loved it. I was in my place in the Catskill Mountains, me and my husband and my dogs,” Cumming explained. “For so long leading up to the pandemic, I wanted a time to just spend time up in the mountains and stand back from life. Obviously, it was a terrible time, but the situation couldn’t have been any better. It changed how I think about my work, my time, how much I value my quiet time. It was a beautiful sort of rebooting of my life.” In addition to creating this show, he finished a book, “On Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life,” that was featured at Miami Book Fair International last November. His Apple TV+ series “Schmigadoon!” with Kristen Chenoweth was greenlit for a second season and he still found time to film two movies. When we spoke two months ago, Cumming had just returned from his native Scotland, where he performed in “Burn,” a brand-new piece of dance theater that challenged the “biscuit tin” image of the country’s national bard, Robert Burns. “I’m still recovering from dancing for two weeks,” he mildly complained. “Most dancers I know would have ended their [dancing] careers 30 years ago, but why not? I wanted to tell the story. Any artist wants to tell the story, and as a dancer, you use your body to tell the story. I’d never done a show like that.” Many 57-year-olds are focused on those bucket list items they have yet to experience, but not Cumming: “I don’t like the notion of a bucket list. If you want to do things, you should do them. You shouldn’t bank them up in case you’re going to die.”

Alan Cumming will appear at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach on Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25 at Kravis.org. He’ll repeat the show at the Parker, 707 N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale, on Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $48 at ParkerPlayhouse.com.

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LOOKING FOR A SECOND CHANCE

MILO

Please read all information before calling! Say Hello to this precious little boy named Milo. He is a three-year-old Lhasa Apso and weighs about 20 pounds. So many people call me to adopt girls because they say little boys lift their legs, but the great thing about Milo is that he squats just like a girl. His parents were working long hours in the medical field and just did not have time for little Milo. They were about to take him to the shelter, not even caring where he might have wound up, when a nice rescue lady intercepted their surrender. Fortunately, now I’ll be adopting him out instead. With me, he will be guaranteed a wonderful home because I will not allow anything less. That’s how little Milo finds himself needing a forever home, hopefully for the last time. Milo is not a good candidate for a condo because he is a barker. He is also not a good candidate for a family with children. He also has separation anxiety, so he would not do well with somebody who’s going to work full-time and leave him home all day. The ideal candidate would be a family who has one member of their family that is retired or stays at home, because Milo

demands a lot of attention. Milo was born with front teeth that turn outward, but he functions just the same — he’s just a bit unusual to look at. He is sweet, but he’s also guarded and nervous and it takes him a while to warm up to you. Once he does, though, he will be your best friend forever. He’s playful and loving, adores his toys, and once he gets to know you, he loves to sit with you — or even sleep in the bed with you if you let him. Milo is the friend you’re looking for and will love you forever… He needs a home where he will never be abandoned again. Are you that family? Milo is potty trained to go outside. All of his shots are up-to-date and he has a certificate of clean health. He is neutered, heartworm negative and on heartworm, flea and tick prevention. If you adopt him, you MUST keep him on his prevention medication, as well as up-to-date with yearly checkups and vaccines. An application home check vet reference and rehoming fee will be required. Please call Heather at 954-534-5606 with any questions or interest ... THANK YOU!

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Help us evaluate a new approach to HIV treatment

with the DYNAMIC (research) study. If you recently learned that you are living with HIV, joining a clinical research study may be one option for you to consider. You may qualify for the DYNAMIC study if: • You are at least 18 years old. • You have been diagnosed with HIV. • You have not started treatment for HIV.

Participation is voluntary. If you join this study, you can change your mind and leave at any time. It is always best to discuss a research study with your doctor first so he or she can help you decide if the study may be right for you.

There are other requirements you will need to meet. The study doctor will review these with you.

Investigational medications and study-related tests and procedures will be provided at no cost.

The DYNAMIC study is testing an investigational medication in combination with an approved HIV medication. By joining a study like DYNAMIC, you can help move HIV research forward.

To learn more, visit dynamichivstudy.com or call:

Triple O Research Institute PA Rebbeca Stremel 561-855-7871

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