SFGN 03/25/21 V12iss12

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE MARCH 25, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 12

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

THE QUEEREST GRAMMYS YET Kim Swan

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• Best Rock Song: “Stay High” — Brittany Howard • Best Dance/Electronic Album: “Bubba” — Kaytranada • Best Dance Recording: “10%” — Kaytranada • Best R&B Song: “Better Than I Imagined” — Robert Glasper feat.

H.E.R. & Meshell Ndegeocello

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Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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

Editorial

he LGBT community have made a name for themselves when most of them took home trophies during the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards ceremony.

The event took place March 14 at night in Los Angeles with Trevor Noah hosting it on CBS on a rooftop at the Staples Center. The winners and nominees include many singers and filmmakers such as Lady Gaga and Rob Epstein, with many of them being a part of the LGBT community.

In fact, Gaga and Ariana Grande won the Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their song “Rain On Me,” marking Gaga’s 12th Grammy win. Gaga identifies as bisexual.

IN A PRESS RELEASE, IT LISTS OUT MORE LGBT WINNERS INCLUDING:

@SFGN

March 25, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 12

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Webmaster • Kimberly Swan Webmaster@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • John McDonald HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Correspondents

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

Contributing Columnists

QUEER MUSICIANS SOPHIE AND ATI GOLD WERE HONORED DURING THE IN MEMORIAM SECTION.

• Best Country Song: “Crowded Table” — The Highwomen (Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby, and Lori Mckenna) • Best Music Film: Linda Ronstadt: The Song of My Voice — Rob Epstein & Jeffrey Friedman

Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily

Associate Photographers Lady Gaga at a recent performance. Credit: Alexis W., via Flickr.

• Best Spoken Word Album: Rachel Maddow — Blowout: Corrupted Democracy, Rogue State Russia and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth • Best Musical Theater Album: Jagged Little Pill

Popular lesbian MSNBC host Rachel Maddow won a Grammy for Best Spoken Word Album for her book “Blowout: Corrupted Democracy,

Rogue State Russia and the Richest, Most Destructive Industry on Earth.”

Bisexual singer and rapper Meshell Ndegeocello won Best R&B Song for “Better Than I Imagined” by Robert Glasper that featured H.E.R. and Meshell Ndegeocello. The award also included a songwriter’s award, which Ndegeocello won along with Robert Glasper and Gabriella Wilson.

Queer musicians SOPHIE and Ati Gold were honored during the In Memoriam section that included performances from Brandi Carlile and Brittany Howard.

More information about the Grammy winners can be found on GLAAD.org.

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• 3. 25.2021

COVER: Photo via Adobe, edited by Brendon Lies.

Associated Press

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

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

Copyright © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

NEWS NATIONAL

LESBIAN CHALLENGES GOVERNMENT’S DENIAL OF SURVIVOR BENEFITS John McDonald

The U.S. Department of Justice headquarters. Photo by Coolcaesar, Wikimedia Commons.

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widow seeking survivor benefits is hoping for a change of heart from the Justice Department.

Patricia Rolfingsmeyer, 71, is challenging the federal government’s denial of employee death benefits. Rolfingsmeyer’s spouse, Tina Sammons, was an Air Force veteran and Postal Service employee.

The women had been in a 16-year relationship, but were married just three months when Sammons died of breast cancer. At the time, same-sex marriage was not legal in the couple’s home state of Pennsylvania.

Rolfingsmeyer’s attorney Jonathan Franklin told the Washington Post he is hopeful the Biden administration will do the right thing and grant his client “the same benefits she would have gotten had she been in an opposite-sex relationship — the benefits she was denied for one reason and one reason only, and that is being unconstitutionally prevented from being married.”

The Office of Personnel Management previously refused to pay Rolfingsmeyer survivor benefits due to a nine-month minimum marriage requirement. The Trump administration upheld that decision to prevent what it termed in court filings as sham deathbed marriages without regard to gender or sexual orientation.

Pennsylvania legalized same-sex marriage on May 20, 2014, three months after

Sammons’ death. The women had traveled to Maryland in November of 2013 where they were married at the Baltimore County courthouse.

Rolfingsmeyer and Sammons went on their first date in 1997. They bought rings in 2003 and enjoyed spending time fishing and camping with their dogs. Rolfingsmeyer stayed by Sammons’ side when she underwent chemotherapy, radiation and a double mastectomy.

Surviving spouses of federal employees who work for the government for more than 10 years as Sammons did are provided a death benefit and annuity. Rolfingsmeyer is seeking to claim an estimated six-figure monetary amount in survivor benefits.

Lambda Legal’s Defense and Education Fund filed a brief in support of Rolfingsmeyer.

“Same-sex couples have suffered for decades under discriminatory marriage laws that treated them as second-class citizens, and robbed them of the very safety net benefits to which their spouses contributed to throughout their entire working lives,” Lambda Legal argued. “After suffering a lifetime of being denied the benefits of formal relationship recognition, no survivor should be told that — because of those same discriminatory laws — they must now spend their later years further impoverished or without the same economic security afforded to others.”

3. 25. 20 21 •

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DENIED! NEWS NATIONAL

UnitedHealthcare plays games with gay men’s health Damon Scott

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ichael Nemerof, 35, has been using PrEP for several years. Like many gay men he used Truvada to prevent HIV. But when Descovy was introduced for PrEP his doctor recommended switching since he had experienced elevated liver enzymes on Truvada.

It worked.

But then the attorney, who lives in Wilton PrEP in 2012 and has since changed the lives Manors, switched jobs and with that came a of many gay men and revolutionized HIV new insurance company — UnitedHealthcare. prevention. But from the beginning there were Despite already being on Descovy, UHC denied concerns about the long-term effects the drug him the drug. Instead they wanted him to take would have on a person’s kidneys. Descovy a generic form of Truvada. though appears to have less side effects. “[UHC] gave me a huge runaround,” Nemerof UHC members that were already on Descovy said. He said UHC kept sending denial letters had to switch drugs unless they presented an for coverage of Descovy. approved medical exception.

Nemerof isn’t alone.

Some members had been It was reported last year in on Descovy for some time August UHC would no longer — the U.S. Food and Drug cover Descovy and would force Administration (FDA) approved their members to switch over it in late 2019. to the generic form of Truvada.

“The rationale seems to be: They said Descovy would If you have side effects you then be subjected to prior have to show it and get a prior authorization. authorization for it from your That did not sit well with doctor. However, this can take Nemerof. He said he went back months,” Nemerof said. and forth with the insurance He worries that the average company for weeks. Eventually person might just give up and though they approved the new stop taking PrEP — a situation drug. providers say they rigorously South Florida PrEP providers try to prevent.

- John Anderson like Care Resource and Latinos “I’m an attorney and I’m used UHC MEMBER Salud report that denied to the back and forth,” Nemerof coverage and preauthorization said. “The layperson might get has been an issue for some of their clients. a denial letter and be taking something with a Nemerof said he eventually enlisted the help chance of greater side effects.” of Latinos Salud and after some time had his Another UHC member John Anderson, who medical exception approved by UHC. He’s now lives in Texas, was also denied Descovy. Like taking Descovy.

Nemerof, Anderson also had elevated liver SFGN requests for comment from a UHC enzymes while taking Truvada. spokesperson were not returned.

In March of 2020 he first switched to Both Truvada and Descovy were developed Descovy.

by Gilead Sciences and are highly effective “I watched my labs go from elevated to at preventing HIV. Truvada was approved for borderline to normal in my most recent test.

“INSURANCE COMPANIES SHOULD STICK TO PAYING FOR MEDICATION — NOT PRESCRIBING IT.”

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UnitedHealthcare. Photo via The Corporation for Supportive Housing website.

I believe that being forced by my insurance company to switch back to Truvada poses a risk to my liver health,” Anderson said. “For an insurance company and their ‘Licensed Board Family Physician’ with no name or face to tell me what I need above and against my [primary care provider’s] recommendations is just crazy.”

The process has left Anderson frustrated.

“Insurance companies are for profit and they serve their shareholders and their own interests first and foremost. That means that medical decisions they make are made with their financial interests at heart. When an insurance company consciously chooses to sacrifice ‘some’ safety to save cost by forcing someone to take one medication instead of another highlights this fact,” he said. “I know others who have argued with them for a month and were finally approved for Descovy. I feel like with some effort I can probably get it as well. The bottom line here is that they are making this extremely difficult and it shouldn’t be. Insurance companies should stick to paying for medication — not prescribing it.”

ONGOING CONCERNS Stephen Fallon, CEO of Latinos Salud, said he has seen clients go through the back and forth with insurance companies and doctors and that any given situation is complex and can be frustrating.

He said that while the move to generic Truvada was indeed based on financial incentives, he reiterated that the difference in side effects between the drugs is low.

“Most could take either drug; for most people Truvada is fine. However, Descovy does have advantages for those with kidney issues,” he said. “They’re half as likely to have problems.”

One other difference, Fallon said, is that Descovy appears to have a slightly stronger half-life, which could make a difference if “you’re not as perfect with dosing as you thought — it would be slightly more forgiving.”

He said one of the ironies is that those with insurance often got bumped to Truvada or the generic, but those without insurance could get Descovy, because Gilead Sciences gets reimbursed from the government the same way it would an insurer.

“It’s easier to get Descovy if you’re uninsured,” Fallon said.

That irony notwithstanding, Fallon said he and his staff are focused on high-risk populations that often lack PrEP access and coverage.

“What we’re working on is trying to get PrEP for people who are the least likely to receive it — that’s people of color in general. African Americans and Latinos by far lead the nation in new cases of HIV,” he said. “PrEP is mostly going to white, gay men. Don’t get me wrong — white, gay men should be on PrEP too.”

Fallon noted that the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that only 21% of Hispanic/Latino gay and bisexual men take PrEP compared to 31% of white gay and bisexual men.

African Americans and Latinos had the highest HIV diagnosis rates, but only accounted for 8% and 9% of those on PrEP, respectively.

Contact Latinos Salud at latinossalud.org and Care Resource at careresource.org for more information.

NEWS NATIONAL

BLACK TRANS WOMAN SHOT TO DEATH IN ROBBERY IN OHIO Kim Swan

Diamond “Kyree” Sanders. Photo credit: Preston Charles Funeral Home.

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he number of deaths of transgender to the Cincinnati Enquirer. She was taken people keeps growing as Diamond to a nearby hospital where she died shortly “Kyree” Sanders was found dead in thereafter.

Cincinnati, Ohio, bringing the number up to “Barely three months into this year, and we 11 this year. continue to see devastating violence against Sanders’s family and friends transgender and non-binary wrote an obituary upon her people in the U.S.,” said Tori SANDERS’S death, sharing how she valued Cooper, director of community her family and enjoyed spending engagement for the Human FAMILY AND time with them.

Rights Campaign’s Transgender FRIENDS WROTE “At the last family Justice Initiative, in a press AN OBITUARY Thanksgiving dinner, Diamond release. “This is unacceptable.

UPON HER DEATH, Diamond was loved by her let her family know she was thankful that they accepted friends and family, and should SHARING HOW her for who she was as a not have been taken from her SHE VALUED transgender,” the obituary reads. community. We will continue to HER FAMILY It also talks about how speak out against this violence AND ENJOYED Sanders was really into fashion, and to support transgender and would say things like “I have and non-binary people, and we SPENDING TIME to be cute, honey!” need everyone to do the same.”

WITH THEM. “Diamond’s unique style, The Enquirer reported charm and personality will be that police have not released greatly missed,” the obituary reads. any details about the shooting or possible Sanders, a Black 23-year-old trans woman, suspects, and that the investigation is still was shot to death during a robbery March 3. ongoing.

The police said it was a “crime of greed” and The HRC reported that at least 44 not because of her gender identity, according transgender people have died in 2020.

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NEWS LOCAL

KENNEDY MINISTRIES CLAIMS LATE PASTOR ‘HATED NO ONE’ Christiana Lilly

D

. James Kennedy Ministries responded to the outcry from the LGBT community after Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church was celebrated by the city of Fort Lauderdale, saying it was “deeply disappointed.”

The church, which has a long anti-LGBT history, was given a proclamation for its 60th anniversary. Its school, Westminster Academy, also received a proclamation for its 50th anniversary.

“We are deeply disappointed at the furor that has erupted over the city of Fort Lauderdale’s recognition of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church at its 60th anniversary,” John Aman, spokesman for D. James Kennedy Ministries, said March 17 to the Sun Sentinel.

The media outreach ministry was created by the founding pastor of the church and advocates for religious freedom and stamping out “discrimination against Christians and conservatives.” It is considered a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a label the ministry has sued them over. Its website says, “They denounce pro-family groups that stand for traditional marriage.”

Yesterday, there was also a banner on the site encouraging visitors to sign a petition against Bethany Christian Services, which

ONE OF THE MOST-WATCHED CHRISTIAN BROADCASTERS OF HIS TIME, [KENNEDY] WROTE AN ENDORSEMENT OF THE COMIC BOOK “HOMOSEXUALITY: LEGITIMATE, ALTERNATE DEATHSTYLE,” WHICH WAS PRINTED ON THE BACK COVER.

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earlier this month began allowing LGBT people to use its adoption services.

Kennedy was the author of a number of books, including “What’s Wrong With SameSex Marriage?” in 2004, where he wrote about how “a tiny fraction of our population is on the verge of redefining the institution of marriage for all of us.” One of the mostwatched Christian broadcasters of his time, he wrote an endorsement of the comic book “Homosexuality: Legitimate, Alternate Deathstyle,” which was printed on the back cover.

According to the SPLC, Kennedy called “essential” the work of R.J. Rushdoony’s Chalcedon Foundation, which devoted an entire issue of its Chalcedon Report magazine to “the fallacy of gay marriage” and preached that practicing gays should be executed.

In 1989, in his own newsletter, SPLC says Kennedy ran photos of children with the words, “Sex With Children? Homosexuals Say Yes!” In September, Coral Ridge tweeted about being called to “protect the biblical model of marriage” when thinking about who to vote for — one of only three issues they highlighted.

“For the record, D. James Kennedy hated no one. Instead, he faithfully served this community for nearly half a century, helping thousands of people find Christ and lead full, happy and productive lives,” Aman continued in his statement. “But Dr. Kennedy also, as a matter of conscience and well-informed conviction, subscribed to the moral teaching of the Jewish and Christian scriptures that all sex outside man-woman marriage is wrong. Holding that opinion and espousing it is what has aroused such animosity.”

SFGN also discovered that Dr. D. James Kennedy and former Pastor Tullian Tchividjian’s names were removed from

D. James Kennedy. Image via YouTube.

the final draft of the proclamation before it was read aloud by Commissioner Heather Moraitis — a Sun Sentinel reporter who tweeted out both versions of the proclamation on March 18. Moraitis serves as Westminster Academy’s director of development and whose husband is a church elder. She told the Sentinel that she was fine with the deletion.

In response to the controversy surrounding the proclamation, Mayor Dean Trantalis, the city’s first gay mayor, said, “It’s time to build a future based on love and not hate, and it’s time for those who still harbor resentment to let go of it.” He added, “I know I have and I know my community has.”

Equality Florida, Florida’s statewide LGBT rights organization, condemned the proclamation.

“We believe in redemption. We organize around the principle that people and, therefore, institutions can and do change.

However, that change requires public contrition and meaningful amends for harm inflicted,” said Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida. “That we have not seen and invite Coral Ridge to engage in that work. We would need more evidence

that they have changed and have begun and will make further amends to be able to support honoring a church with such a deeply damaging history.”

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steven Glassman, who is also gay, called the proclamation “a sanitized and whitewashed history of Dr. Kennedy and the church,” questioning whether an LGBT child or a child with LGBT parents would be welcomed at Westminster Academy.

SAVE, another local LGBT rights organization, blasted the City Commission for its celebration of an anti-LGBT church.

“The church’s long history with the dissemination of anti-LGBT rhetoric and practice of conversion therapy ministries is not commendable by a municipality like the City of Fort Lauderdale. The city has previously passed a ban on conversion therapy and is part of Broward County which was an early adopter in the passing human rights ordinances that include protections for LGBTQ people,” SAVE wrote on Facebook.

“Presenting this proclamation to a church that is listed by The Southern Poverty Law Center as a hate group in Florida would tarnish the city’s pro-LGBTQ record.”

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LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENDALL LITTLE

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Queer

QUEER STAR REVEALS ENDING ENGAGEMENT HELPED FIND HERSELF Demi Lovato is known for her transparency about her life. In a recent interview with Glamour Magazine, she shared how breaking off her engagement was the best thing to happen to her.

“This past year I was engaged to a man and when it didn’t work, I was like, ‘This is a huge sign.’ I thought I was going to spend my life with someone. Now that I wasn’t going to, I felt this sense of relief that I could live my truth,” she said in the interview.

After the breakup, Lovato realized that she doesn’t want to be in intimate relationships with men for the time being.

“I just found myself really appreciating the friendships of those people more than the romance, and I didn’t want the romance from anybody of the opposite sex,” she said.

The singer and actress explained how her

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Q

Demi Lovato. Photo via Facebook.

identity became more apparent to her as she grew older.

“When I started getting older, I started realizing how queer I really am,” Lovato said.

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

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Pansexual

PANSEXUAL ACTRESS, MODEL SHARES COMING OUT EXPERIENCE

Cara Delevingne exudes confidence when she struts down the runway but in a recent interview with Gwyneth Paltrow, the star shared that she was anything but confident while discovering her sexual orientation.

“The idea of being with same-sex partners, I was disgusted by that, in myself,” she said.

Internalized homophobia is something that Delevingne dealt with for years before coming out — and it almost drove her past her limits.

“I do correlate the massive depression and the suicidal moments of my life to that because I was so ashamed of ever being that,” the actress said.

Now, Delevingne is happy with herself and takes pride in her identity.

Cara Delevingne. Photo via Facebook.

LGBTQIA BITES

T

Transgender

TRANS ACTOR APPEARS ON THE COVER OF TIME MAGAZINE

Elliot Page made waves when he came out in December of 2020. Since then, he has been using his platform to advocate for LGBT rights. Now, he is the first transgender man to appear on the cover of Time Magazine.

His interview in the magazine is primarily about his coming out journey and his transition.

Before coming out as transgender, Page came out as gay in 2014. “The difference in how I felt before coming out as gay to after was massive,” he said in the interview. “But did the discomfort in my body ever go away?

No, no, no, no.”

Even now Page is still figuring out exactly who he is. Currently, he identifies as nonbinary and queer, but refers to himself as a “transgender guy.”

Page tweeted how grateful he is for the opportunity to be included in the magazine.

“With deep respect for those who came before me, gratitude for those who have supported me & great concern for the

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EUROPE

ASIA

LGBT ACTIVISTS PUSH FOR BAN ON CONVERSION THERAPY IN UK

THAILAND ON PATH TO RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX PARTNERSHIPS

LGBT supporters from eight political parties in the United Kingdom have written to Parliament pleading for it to ban conversion therapy.

According to BBC News, the letter sent to Equalities Minister Liz Truss stated, “We have waited almost 1,000 days since the U.K. government announced its intention to ban conversion therapy.

We understand that there has been little engagement between ministers and survivors of conversion therapy within this time frame.”

In the petitions debated in Parliament, fellow Equalities Minister Kemi Badenoch stated that conversion therapy has no place in a civilized society, yet added that there are already laws in place that deal with violence and sexual assault towards LGBT people.

Kemi Badenoch, MP. Photo credit: UK Parliament.

Those who wrote the letter are concerned that Badenoch had suggested that the current laws in place were enough. They later added that they know that these laws are not enough to protect them.

Thailand could possibly become the next country in Asia to recognize samesex partnerships, which would be a significant move for this self-proclaimed liberal destination for LGBT people.

According to The Japan Times, the country now has three potential paths towards recognizing same-sex partnerships: a bill that received the Cabinet’s nod in 2020; a proposed legal amendment that would allow same-sex marriages; and a court ruling in April on the constitutionality of denying same-sex couples the right to marry.

Despite its welcoming attitudes to LGBT visitors, its government has been dominated by older men who hold conservative, patriarchal values.

In the story reported by The Japan Times, Deputy Director General of

Bangkok Pride. Photo credit: Charles Roffey, via Flickr.

the Rights and Liberties Protection Department Kerdchoke Kasamwongjit stated, “In one way or another, these paths will lead to more rights, if not equal rights, for same-sex couples in the country. There’s really no negative outcome.”

AFRICA

CENTRAL AMERICA

LGBT RIGHTS ACTIVIST RELEASED IN TUNISIA FOLLOWING UPROAR

MEXICO’S SUPREME COURT TO RULE ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

After international protests, a Tunisia appeals court ordered the release of Rania Amdouni, who was jailed for shouting at police.

According to Erasing 76 Crimes, Amdouni, a women’s rights and LGBT activist who is also a member of the human rights group Damj, was sentenced to six months in prison and fined for “insulting police and abuse of morals.”

“We are happy that Rania was freed today by the appeal court, but our concerns about freedoms continue, because for months Rania has been subjected to harassment by some Facebook pages of police unions,” said her lawyer, Yassin Azzaza, in the report from Erasing 76 Crimes.

Amdouni’s release was welcomed by the Solidarité Internationale LGBTQI

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EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

• 3. 25.2021

Rania Amdouni. Photo via Facebook.

and the Committee for the Respect of Freedom and Human Rights in Tunisia, both activist groups.

In a joint statement these groups stated that Amdouni’s sentence had been reduced to a fine of 200 dinars, roughly 73 U.S. dollars.

In 48 hours, more than 160 people and 70 organizations signed the appeal.

Mexico’s top court is due to vote on whether the state of Yucatán will legalize gay marriage, which would create a wave of similar judgments in other areas of the country.

According to reporting from Reuters, banning gay marriage was found to be unconstitutional by Mexico’s Supreme Court. While some states allow samesex unions, in others they must ask a judge to approve their marriage application.

In 2019, the Congress of Yucatan rejected an initiative to allow equal marriage, a decision which Colectivo por la Protección de Todas Las Familias en Yucatán, an LGBT rights group, is challenging.

If it is ruled that Yucatan must legalize same-sex unions, it could cause related

Photo credit: Hector Lazo, Creative Commons.

cases to arise in the 11 remaining countries where it is also illegal.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

CELEBRITY

FILM

REAL TALK!

HOLY TRANSPHOBIA!

VOLDEMORT ACTOR PLAYS DOWN ROWLING’S HATE SPEECH

DEE REES GETS CRITERION TREATMENT Dee Rees, the director of “Pariah,” gives the viewer a first-person point of view of the world through the eyes of a teenage Queer woman of color.

On top of receiving a lot of praise for the movie, Dee Rees has made history for being the first Queer woman of color to receive the Criterion Treatment, according to Out. The film was released back in 2011 at the Sundance Film Festival, where it received the Excellence in Cinematography award, according to Out. Dee Rees’s track record isn’t just limited to “Pariah.” Out says Rees has earned Emmy nominations for writing and directing the HBO biopic “Bessie” starring Queen Latifah. Her next film “Mudbound” was nominated for Best

Dee Rees. Photo via IMDb.

Adapted Screenplay at the 2016 Oscars, and won a Directors Guild Award, Independent Spirit Award, New York Film Critics Circle Awards and more.

It’s no surprise that J.K. Rowling, best known for her creation of the Harry Potter series, has received a lot of backlash about being transphobic and how ironic it is that a villain would come to her aid. A movie villain that is.

Ralph Fiennes, the actor who plays Voldemort, has come to protect Rowling and her views, while other members of the Harry Potter cast have spoken out against Rowling.

“I can understand the heat of an argument, but I find this age of accusation and the need to condemn irrational. I find the level of hatred that people express about views that differ from theirs, and the violence of language towards others, disturbing,” Fiennes said in an interview with Telegraph.

Ralph Fiennes. Photo credit: Dick Thomas Johnson, via Wikipedia.

Other actors, such as the popular and renowned Emma Watson, is in full support of the trans community and is making sure she voices it.

She said in a 2020 Twitter post, “I want my trans followers to know that I and so many other people around the world see you, respect you and love you for who you are.”

COMICS

GAY CAPTAIN AMERICA MARVEL UNVEILING A NEW STAR IN TIME FOR PRIDE MONTH

If you’ve been waiting for a major marvel character to step into the LGBT community, then wait no more. Marvel is introducing Aaron Fischer, a gay teenager who will star in “The United States of Captain America.”

According to the Guardian, Marvel is celebrating their 80th anniversary by releasing their new series which is scheduled to debut during Pride Month.

The comic storyline will have the new hero, alongside longtime friend Bucky Barnes, travel across the United States in search for his notorious shield.

This character is inspired by heroes and activists of the LGBT community.

Series Writer Josh Trujillo has high hopes

for the new character. Trujillo said, “He stands for the oppressed, and the forgotten. I hope his debut story resonates with readers, and helps inspire the next generation of heroes.”

Marvel shows its support for the LGBT community, but that hasn’t always been the case.

The Guardian says, “Marvel reportedly had a ‘No Gays in the Marvel Universe’ policy in the 1980s and, in the 1990s, placed an ‘Adults Only’ label on any comics featuring prominent LGBTQ+ characters in response to conservative protests.”

As the comic universe changes, hopefully more characters will too.

Aaron Fischer, a gay teenager starring in the new Captain America comics. Credit: Marvel.

3. 25. 20 21 •

11

PA L M B E A C H

news

GAY POLO RETURNS TO WELLINGTON THIS WEEKEND Deon C. Jefferson WELLINGTON IS KNOWN FOR BEING A MAGICAL CITY TO LIVE AND WORK. IN 2010 AND 2019, THEY WERE AWARDED MONEY MAGAZINE’S TOP 100 PLACES TO LIVE. WELLINGTON IS ALSO HOME TO THE GAY POLO TOURNAMENT, LAST HOSTED IN 2019.

This year Gay Polo League celebrates 11 years. Lexus International is the title sponsor of the event.

“We are thrilled to partner with GPL and continue the rich tradition of the International Gay Polo Tournament,” said Mia Phillips, senior manager, Lexus Marketing.

Presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate, the tournament will be hosted at the International Polo Club Palm Beach’s Field One, which is one of the most prestigious and sought-after venues in the world. Known for being a jewel in the winter social and polo season in North America, the event has a reputation for being a fabulous gay event that guarantees to be one of the highlights of the season.

Organizers promise a safe and chic destination fete for wanderlusters and polo aficionados alike. Each year GPL has a “not for profit” organization. This year, SAGE will actively assume the responsibility. SAGE is the nation’s oldest and largest organization dedicated to serving and advocating for LGBT older adults.

Things will be a little different since we are living in “different times.” GPL will closely be adhering to the CDC guidelines, just so attendees have a safe and fun weekend. All events will be held outdoors with masks, and regular social distancing will be in full effect and highly encouraged.

This year there will be no general admission.

Attendees will need to either be a part of a tailgating group, or they will need to purchase a seat in the VIP area. Tailgating is a very big part of the tournament, and it’s also one of the biggest attractions. If you are participating in tailgating, it will be limited to 12 people and will be spaced out to ensure social distancing

TAILGATING IS A VERY BIG PART OF THE TOURNAMENT, AND IT’S ALSO ONE OF THE BIGGEST ATTRACTIONS.

Photo via the Gay Polo League, Facebook.

is possible. As far as masks are concerned, they can be removed when mingling in your tailgate group, but must be worn at all other times and locations.

Some of the sponsors this year include Celebrity Cruises, Cherry Knoll Farms, GJ Racing, Provident Jewelry Wellington, and Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

“Our sponsors represent organizations that proactively support and advance equality and diversity,” said Chip McKenney, founder and president of GPL. “It is important that we recognize the importance of our LGBTQ allies — the people, brands and companies, like Lexus, who enthusiastically embrace and support our community. To these people and companies, we extend a heartfelt thanks. We are PROUD and grateful to be associated with you.”

One of the highlights of the weekend is the party on Friday. Normally, they have a Polotini Wigstock Party, this year you will still be encouraged to wear your wig, but also urged to wear your best mask.

GPL turned the Friday night party into a masquerade ball. The sit-down dinner, hosted bar and a live performance by the worldfamous Randy Roberts are the ingredients for an extraordinary night of fun and memorable surprises. There will be a silent auction. Funds raised from the auction will be donated to SAGE. Come early. The party is from 6 — 10 p.m.

GPL is the only LGBT-identified polo league in the world. Since its founding in 2006, GPL has built an international network of LGBT polo players and enthusiasts in 14 countries.

The league embraces a cross-section of ages, abilities, professions and riding experience.

Through its enthusiasm for the sport, the league works to foster positive perceptions about gay athletes and the LGBT community.

For more info on how to participate in this fabulous event, visit https://gaypolo.com.

12

• 3. 25.2021

CONVICTIONS

Editorial Cartoon

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Andy Marlette

3. 25. 20 21 •

13

NEWS LOCAL

GAYS AND LESBIANS HAVE BEEN USED

BY THE LEFT, SAYS ANTI-GAY MINISTRY Christiana Lilly

D

. James Kennedy Ministries, created by the same pastor who founded Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church, addressed the fervor surrounding Fort Lauderdale giving the church a proclamation during its weekly Facebook Live.

Dr. Frank Wright, the president and CEO of the ministries, and John Rabe, director of creative production, discussed the proclamation, their ongoing lawsuit with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), conversion therapy, and Mayor Dean Trantalis having ulterior motives in appearing moderate.

“I hate to break it to them, but many of our gay and lesbian friends have just been used by the left to destroy the historic definition of marriage and change the criteria to only be that of love,” Wright said. “The principal purpose is the welfare of the family, the protection of the family.”

The 35-minute Facebook Live on March 18 first addressed the church’s 60th anniversary, which prompted the proclamation and coverage

by SFGN and the Sun Sentinel.

While LGBT groups were outraged by the proclamation, citing the founding pastor’s long history of anti-LGBT actions, Trantalis encouraged them to “let go of it.”

The ministries, which were created by the founding pastor and share a campus with the church but are not connected to it, are listed on the SPLC’s website as a hate group in Florida. This prompted the ministries to sue the advocacy group in 2017, but a judge dismissed the case in 2019. D. James Kennedy Ministries has appealed that ruling and the case has made its way to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. Wright said they would not give up, and if they will take it to the Supreme Court if they have to.

“We filed the suit because if you use

[SPLC’s] definition, every Bible-believing Christian church in America is a hate group.

Their definition really is, in its simplistic form, is if you disagree with progressive, leftwing political philosophy, you’re a hater,” Wright said.

Rabe noted the danger of being listed as a hate group, citing the 2012 shooting at the Family Research Council. Floyd Corkins was sentenced to 25 years after attempting to shoot up the group because of its stance against gay marriage — the security guard was injured but no one else was harmed. The FRC claims that it was because they were listed on the SPLC’s site that Corkins attacked them.

“They have characterized us as a hate group. We of course are not a hate group and it requires a redefinition of the word ‘hate’ in order to characterize us as one,” Rabe said. “This is a little game that the SPLC plays.”

During the proclamation, Trantalis, who is the city’s first openly gay mayor, said he wanted to “build bridges before there were none” and that he has spent time reaching out to faith-based communities. However, the men were not convinced.

Wright interpreted the mayor’s words to be veiled and possibly a part of his ambitions for higher office.

“The message to the current pastor is, ‘Well, sure, if you stop teaching that stuff in the Bible about what God says about human sexuality and the wrath of God that will fall upon sin, then we can all get along together,’” Wright said. “Even hidden within

THE LATE WILTON MANORS MAYOR JUSTIN FLIPPEN SHARED BEFORE HIS DEATH THAT HE ATTENDED THE CHURCH MANY YEARS AGO FOR “GROUP COUNSELING” TO UNDO HIS HOMOSEXUALITY.

14

• 3. 25.2021

Pictured: Dr. Frank Wright, the president and CEO of the ministries, and John Rabe, director of creative production, during the D. James Kennedy Ministries’ weekly Facebook Live. Image captured via Facebook.

that reasonableness, even within the velvet glove is still a fist.”

The two also defended the church’s antiLGBT stance. Rabe said that LGBT people are not asking for equal rights, but “special rights.” He gave adoption as an example, noting that no one is guaranteed the right to adopt and that someone’s “sexual behavior and sexual proclivity is a legitimate aspect when we’re talking about adopting.”

Currently, the ministries are collecting signatures in a petition to stop Bethany Christian Services from allowing LGBT people to adopt; a mandate it made earlier this month.

The two also touched on conversion therapy, as there have been claims that Kennedy promoted it. The late Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen shared before his death that he attended the church many years ago for “group counseling” to undo his homosexuality. Rabe said that conversion therapy is a “made-up term” by the left and is

simply “psychological and therapeutic ways of dealing with sexual issues.”

Wright went so far as to say “everyone needs conversion therapy” but that it’s not something you can force on anyone.

“There were always ex-gays,” he said.

“There were always people who were in the gay lifestyle and left it, some of them because they were converted to Christ. We all need to be converted to Christ. It’s not the kind of conversion you can force on anybody, nor is a psychiatrist or psychologist talking to someone about their childhood issues that lead to their sexual choices or lifestyle choices, that’s not going to convert anybody.”

The two also announced that their programming, which was recently removed from Lifetime, will be airing on the Trinity Broadcast Network. The group’s goal is to be on secular television so that “people who don’t normally encounter the Gospel might stumble upon the Gospel and be saved,” Wright said.

CONVICTIONS

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954-565-7666 Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD The Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church. Photo via crpc.org.

The city commission in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has ratified a proclamation declaring March 21, 2021, as Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church Day and Westminster Academy Day in the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Among those specifically listed in the proclamation is Dr. D. James Kennedy — the founder of the D. James Kennedy Ministries, an organization which remains today on the Southern Poverty Law Center’s list of antiLGBT hate groups.

Scott D. McCoy, interim deputy legal director for LGBT rights and special litigation for the SPLC, has issued the following statement in response to the vote on the proclamation: “SPLC is appalled that the Fort Lauderdale City Council even considered, let alone approved, a proclamation honoring antiLGBTQ activist Dr. D. James Kennedy and his legacy. Fort Lauderdale is known as ‘Florida’s Gay Capital’ and was one of the first to make it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation, and the vote is a slap in the face to the hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ residents that call the area home. It’s particularly egregious that Mayor Dean J. Trantalis, the first openly gay mayor of Fort Lauderdale, refused to condemn the effort to honor someone who for years spewed hatefilled views.

“Kennedy’s D. James Kennedy Ministries, formerly Coral Ridge Ministries, has actively campaigned against same-sex marriage

and has a history of maligning the entire LGBTQ community. Over the years, Kennedy emphasized anti-gay rhetoric, particularly in his TV ministry. In an especially nasty 1989 edition of a newsletter, Kennedy ran photographs of children along with the tagline, ‘Sex With Children? Homosexuals Say Yes!’ “It is unconscionable that the Fort Lauderdale City Council chose to commend Kennedy and those connected to him for ‘60 years of prayer and service for in our community’ and extended its ‘best wishes for its continued success.’

“At a time when lawmakers across the country have filed a record number of bills this year that would impact the rights of transgender people, there are so many more important issues to be dealt with than observing a commemorative day for those like D. James Kennedy who actively seek to demonize LGBTQ individuals and drive them back into the closet.

“We are deeply committed to protecting and advancing the rights, dignity, and freedom of the LGBTQ community in the Deep South and to removing barriers to equality.

SPLC will not sit quietly as people like D. James Kennedy are honored, and we will continue to sound the alarm about why we designate these types of groups as hate groups and raise public awareness.”

1946 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com

[Editor’s note: Dr. D. James Kennedy’s name was quietly removed from the official proclamation honoring the church and school] 3. 25. 20 21 •

15

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.

16

• 3. 25.2021

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Abe Alemar with Nick’s Pizzarelli owner Dominic Santarelli.

Owner Antonio Dumas with William Newcomb in front of To The Moon.

Nancy Goldwin and Carol Moran, owners of Apt 9f.

Flavio Nisi and Tod Halsey enjoying Tee Jay Thai Sushi, a restaurant on The Drive.

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 7 MARCH 25, 2021

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS & OAKLAND PARK

Wilton Manors and Oakland Park Shine Light On Suicide

By John McDonald Know the signs.

“I have an autographed Mickey Mantle baseball, if I gave that away you should be worried about me,” said Joel Smith, program director for the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention.

Smith was the featured presenter at March 18 evening’s Suicide Prevention Virtual Town Hall hosted via Zoom by the City of Wilton Manors and the City of Oakland Park.

A diehard New York Yankees fan, Smith said his baseball, signed by the Hall of Fame slugger, is a prized possession and when people start giving away their prized possessions that’s a troubling sign.

Other indicators of potential suicide risk, Smith said, are loss of energy, staying in bed, not bathing, a change in eating habits with either significant weight gain or loss and not communicating.

Suicide claimed the lives of more than 47,500 Americans last year making it the 10th leading cause of death. Additionally alarming, 12 million Americans seriously thought about suicide in 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Anxiety, trauma and depression — all forms

of mental illness — are principle drivers of suicide, Smith said.

Smith also emphasized a change is needed in how suicide is reported, cautioning Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton for using the term, “committed suicide.”

“We need to rethink that and to say died from suicide and no longer say ‘committed suicide,” Smith said.

The new phrasing recognizes mental illness is a treatable condition, Smith said.

Oakland Park Mayor Jane Bolin disclosed her niece’s husband died from suicide in November last year.

“It was quite shocking,” she said. “So this is very personal to me.”

Broward County averages 250 suicides a year, Smith said. White working-class men between the ages of 45 and 62 have the highest suicide rate in the nation.

Other high-risk groups include older gay men who have recently lost a partner or are living alone and transgender youth often times surviving on the streets.

Sexual minorities, Smith said, tend to create their own family units for support.

“It’s harder to feel isolated when you are a

Anxiety, trauma and depression — all forms of mental illness — are principle drivers of suicide, Smith said.

Photo via PxHere.

part of something,” Smith said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately broken some of those units apart and the long-term effects have yet to be measured, Smith said.

The Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention operates under the auspices

of Mental Health America of Southeast Florida and was created out of tragedy by five families in the mid-1980s. Smith said Florida ranks last in the country in funding for suicide prevention and changing that is a priority for First Lady Casey DeSantis.

For more information on suicide prevention, contact MHA at 954-746-2055.

www.WMGAZETTE.com

3. 25. 20 21 •

17

WILTON MANORS

OPINION

GAZETTE As a Community Let’s Embrace Amanda Gorman’s Poetic Words During National Poetry Month

Holding back from tossing myself into the fray caused by the proclamation coming out of Fort Lauderdale City Hall last week, I will turn my attention to springtime and all its wonder.

Perhaps not so noticeable here in South Florida as is north of our borders, where flowering bulbs are popping out of the ground as snow still falls, springtime has a magical effect on people.

Coming out of the dark and cold, one begins to see sunlight, warmer tomorrows, flowering beauty, and an overwhelming awareness that life is just an amazing miracle to embrace and enjoy. Perhaps that is why the month of April was selected to be National Poetry Month, since the power of poetry and the power of springtime are the perfect match. Poetry can describe the absolute beauty one sees in the budding flower on a sunny morning, and can also shine light on our darkest fears.

Back in January a young poet named Amanda Gorman reminded a nation of the power of poetry. Spoken words that brought a nation out from the darkness of the past four years, words fortified with hope and inspiration. We had become all too familiar with words used to insult, to harm, to degrade, to demonize, to tweet out hate and lies. What a refreshing moment to hear life return to our language, to hear inspiration, to hear hope, to hear poetry move a nation.

When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid The new dawn blooms as we free it For there is always light, if only we’re brave enough to see it Reading Amanda’s words tonight as I write is pulling me back where I did not want to go when I began writing this article.

Amanda talks about breaking the time worn habits that do not move us forward as a community.

And many in our community had their eyes on the past this past few weeks as shouts of

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Amanda Gorman. Photo via Amanda Gorman, Facebook.

shock and disbelief rose up as Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis talked about leaving the past behind. Myself amongst those expressing such feelings, my reactions based on a need for justice of past wrongs, a need to have past atrocities atoned for, to have some statement acknowledging past misdeeds.

Rather than receiving any demonstration of contrition, members of the Coral Ridge congregation made statements showing no regret or remorse for the damage caused to so many in our community over the years. Such actions just expose the hypocrisy practiced by many in the name of Christianity.

While looking back in the past, we should take a look at another poem, this one written in the 14th century

by Dante Alighieri entitled Divine Comedy. Dante depicts hell as a realm of those who have rejected certain spiritual values.

Those rejections or sins where laid out as nine concentric circles, each ranked in their degree of severity. The deepest levels reserved for hypocrites, deceivers, falsifiers and liars. Not for me to judge, but you can see where I am going with this.

So perhaps Dean Trantalis is more of a

spiritual leader in our community than those pounding the pulpit at some local houses of worship. Judging by Dean’s words, “It’s time to build a future based on love and not hate. And it’s time for those who still harbor resentment to let go of it. I know I have. And I know our community is better off for it,” causes me to stop, pause and really reflect on what we need to do to become a better community. That reflection brings me back to Amanda Gorman’s enlightening words on that cold January day on the steps of the Capital Building: “When love becomes our legacy … let us leave behind a country … better than the one we were left with … we will raise this wounded world into a wondrous one … our people diverse and beautiful will emerge … When day comes we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid, the new dawn blooms as we free it …

For there is always light.”

We celebrate that light in springtime — during spring time holidays and festivities as we rejoice in rebirth and reawakening. We celebrate that light in the coming month of April with its designation as National Poetry Month.

We celebrate that light as we recognize the magic and wonder of poetry and poets who bring words to life. Let that light guides us as we move beyond the hatred of the past, as we continue to move beyond the dark days of the COVID pandemic, and as we come together once again as a community to celebrate what makes life just better here…

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 3. 25.2021

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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

READING AMANDA’S WORDS TONIGHT AS I WRITE IS PULLING ME BACK WHERE I DID NOT WANT TO GO WHEN I BEGAN WRITING THIS ARTICLE.

For while we have our eyes on the future history has its eyes on us…

We will not march back to what was but move to what shall be…

March 25, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 7 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre

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THE

2 •

MARCH 25, 2021

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BUSINESS

OAKLAND PARK

Medical Marijuana Dispensary Gets OP Approval To Open

NEWS

WILTON MANORS Kareem Awadalla. Photo via Facebook.

By Christiana Lilly The Oakland Park City Commission approved a conditional use request from One Plant, a medical marijuana dispensary, to open its doors in the city.

The building is currently a vacant restaurant space and the business needed approval to turn the structure at 499 E. Oakland Park Boulevard into a dispensary. The vote passed 4-1 after a quasi-judicial hearing, with Vice Mayor Michael Carn being the one dissenting vote.

“This is meeting security standards; it’s a highly secure facility, the landscape improvements are pretty phenomenal,” Mayor Jane Bolin said of the plans from the business.

“If you can imagine how it will actually increase the look and feel of that particular part of Oakland Park Boulevard, it’s pretty amazing.”

One Plant has eight locations around the state, including Jacksonville, Orlando, St. Petersburg and Port St. Lucie. It sells medical marijuana for patients with a prescription written by their doctor for ailments such as anxiety and pain. On its website, products include marijuana flower, pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes and cartridges for vape pens.

There are currently no medical marijuana dispensaries in Oakland Park. The commission did approve another facility, but construction has not started on that one yet. Floridians voted to legalize medical marijuana in November 2016 with the passage of Amendment 2.

The work to open One Plant’s doors started over a year ago, with neighborhood participation meetings in January and November 2020, a hearing with the city’s Planning & Zoning Board in December, and finally approval from the commission.

The Planning & Zoning Board approved the business’s request 5-0.

The approval did not come without stipulations, though. The dispensary cannot have a marijuana plant as a logo or on any signage, open a drive-through, or have doctors write prescriptions on site. Structural and landscaping improvements will also be made to the more-than 13,000-square-foot space, including nearly tripling the landscaping space on the lot.

Perhaps the biggest stipulation is that the dispensary can only sell medical marijuana, even if the state legalizes recreational marijuana. Should that occur, One Plant must come back to the commission for further approval.

“We are gratefully accepting the conditions

Kareem Awadalla. Photo via Facebook.

Journalist Removed From Wilton Manors Commission Meeting

By John McDonald Photo via One Plant, Facebook.

that you proposed, that we would not be able to change from medical use if changes come from the state without coming back to you,” said Stephanie Toothaker, the lawyer representing One Plant.

Law prohibits dispensaries to open within 500 feet of a school or childcare facility — Mt. Zion AME Church, which is two blocks away, wrote a letter confirming that their childcare facility would be moving before the opening of the dispensary. Hammerhead Aquatics, though, wrote a letter against the dispensaries opening as they will be opening an aquatics center across the street. However, it was deemed that the swim school did not qualify as a school.

“I know that ‘harmony’ is one of the requirements, it’s one of the criteria,” said Commissioner Aisha Gordon. “How does harmony look in this situation when you have your neighbors who are really concerned about having this facility put in place?”

Vice Mayor Carn asked the city attorney if there are rules in place to space out dispensaries — the city attorney said since it qualifies as a pharmacy, there are no rules.

“The state has told us that we cannot regulate these types of businesses more than we regulate a pharmacy, am I correct?” Carn asked.

He ended up voting against the conditional use.

Kareem Awadalla was there to do his job.

Awadalla, a freelance broadcast journalist, was asked to leave the Wilton Manors’ Commission chamber on Tuesday night prior to the start of the city’s regular commission meeting. Due to the on-going coronavirus pandemic, Wilton Manors has not opened its commission meetings for public attendance.

“Since the CDC guidelines allow in-person meetings with minor modifications, why are Wilton Manors residents not allowed to attend the city hall meeting, let alone journalists?”

Awadalla asked.

Awadalla was originally granted access to the meeting room by a police officer who returned minutes later and asked him to leave.

“Virtual meetings are the exception and will NOT become the new norm,” Awadalla posted on his Facebook page, Wilton Community News.

Johnnie Goodnight, spokesman for the office of City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson, said Wilton Manors is working on a plan to re-open commission meetings to the public.

A discussion will be held on this topic at the April 13 meeting.

Currently commission, board and committee meetings are held via Zoom to comply with health measures. Awadalla, however, notes the White House allows journalists to attend meetings and neighboring Fort Lauderdale is giving the public access to attend meetings.

Awadalla’s removal from the chamber was peaceful although it did spark a robust discussion online.

“The Commission meetings should be open and socially distanced on a first-come, firstserved basis,” wrote Mike Sansevero, chair of the city’s Community Affairs Advisory Board, in response to Awadalla’s Facebook post.

At the March 24 meeting, Commissioner Mike Bracchi asked Henderson’s office to develop a plan to begin hybrid meetings that ensure the safety of residents and staff.

Commissioner Chris Caputo, in a Facebook post, wrote he was “looking forward to reopening these meetings to the public.”

Goodnight said the commission chamber’s capacity is close to 90 people.

The CDC recently relaxed social-distancing requirements to three feet for schools. At the time of his removal, Awadalla said there were four commissioners, a police officer and an internet technician in attendance.

There has been greater public demand for city proceedings of late. Wilton Manors increased its Zoom capacity for planning and zoning board meetings from 100 to 500 people due to interest in eastside development.

Awadalla believes in-person meetings must come back, safely of course, but suggested some public officials have been using the pandemic as cover.

“It seems some politicians are enjoying being distanced from the residents,” he said.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 3 •

MARCH 25, 2021

3. 25. 20 21 •

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

It’s Time To Safely Reopen Our Commission Chambers

By Chris Caputo

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This past Tuesday, Kareem Awadalla walked into the City Commission Chambers. As a journalist, he was there to look his elected officials in the eye and listen to their views on the many critical issues our commission planned to address that evening. Kareem was politely escorted out by a member of the Wilton Manors Police Department since the chambers are not yet open to the public.

Awadalla’s Facebook post in the Wilton Community News Group that evening asked, “Since the CDC guidelines allows in-person meetings with minor restrictions, why are Wilton Manors residents not allowed to attend the city hall meeting, let alone journalists?”

Residents who attended the meeting virtually also heard Jake Valentine of West Wilton Manors express concerns about any member of our commission regularly attending meetings remotely using a virtual background of the dais, without disclosing their physical location, while the city requires the public to clearly state their physical address before speaking. Jake asked on Facebook later that night, “Why is the public required to provide their home address to speak at a commission meeting while our commissioners may be out of the city or even state without the knowledge of their constituents during a commission meeting?”

To be clear, the commissioners, vice mayor and mayor who were physically present on the dais expressed interest in seeing our city staff put together a plan to re-open the commission chambers to the public. There was a strong consensus among those physically present that our city staff should create a plan for a COVID-19 safe reopening while continuing to offer remote access to anyone uncomfortable or unwilling to attend in person. The more ways to participate at a city commission, the better, in my opinion!

It’s worth mentioning that working in a purely online environment has made it easy for a small number of dishonest residents in our community to spread misinformation — like one particular resident who struck fear in residents by claiming some commissioners wanted to build 36-story buildings in our city.

(No, not a single commissioner has ever voted for even 1/3 as much height!) I am confident that when we safely reopen our commission

Journalist Kareem Awadalla from Wilton Community News captures a photo of an empty Commission Chambers where he briefly sat alone with Mayor Scott Newton, Vice Mayor Paul Rolli, Commissioner Mike Bracchi and Commissioner Chris Caputo.

chambers, we’ll see more honest and productive discussions of our city’s future.

Our city is a critical junction. We’re facing both serious challenges and exciting opportunities. As elected officials, we are accountable to those we serve in our community. Being able to look those residents we serve in the eye and navigate sometimes difficult discussions is the job we signed up for. It is a duty I take seriously and am very grateful for.

I want to thank my fellow commissioners on the dais who urged the city to begin planning to reopen our commission chamber to the public. I also want to encourage the public to call the city and let them know that you, too, would like to see our commission chambers reopen safely. I look forward to the day when hybrid meetings — ones that are both in-person and online via Zoom — bring the greatest resident participation we have ever seen as a city. We’re better together here in the City of Wilton Manors. WMG

www.WMGAZETTE.com MARCH 25, 2021

— Chris Caputo

WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER

FAITH & PRIDE SPIRITUALITY

PONTIFF IS WRONG ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE, CHURCH LEADER SAYS

Join us for our Annual 2nd Night Seder– Sunday, March 28 at 6pm No charge for members, Guest donation is $36 Pick up your boxed Passover dinner and join in our zoom Seder!

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Metropolitan Community Churches

Congregation Etz Chaim

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

Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 s. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www,churchofoursaviormcc.org Until further notice: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our worship services are streamed on Facebook Live every Sunday at 10 AM, rather than held at our church property. https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

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

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continuation of the long-held and misguided belief that same-sex unions are inherently sinful, the leader of an LGBT-affirming global denomination said.

Rev. Cecilia Eggleston, moderator of the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (UFMCC), said the Vatican’s statement fails to recognize the legitimacy, love and permanence of samesex unions and is anathema to Christian tenets of “loving thy neighbor.”

The UFMCC and its Global Justice Institute have released a statement on the sanctity of same-sex unions which reads, in part: “Although there has been progress around the world in protecting rights of persons to marry, to adopt children and to gain access to health care regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, those refusing to recognize these legal protections, including appointed and elected civil servants, have asserted that they are exercising their ‘religious freedom’ in this refusal. In direct response to this assertion, the Council of Elders of

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of all genders, and supporting the right to adopt and access to health care, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

“This is part of our church’s doctrine, core values and the religious freedom of both clergy and those choosing to get married,” Eggleston said. “The Vatican’s statement yesterday only further wounds those who have been marginalized by possibly well-meaning but misinformed Christians.

Our denomination welcomes all people, knowing that God created us uniquely and as we are. Those who have been alienated by such doctrines as this can find a home with us in any of our churches around the world.”

“UFMCC has been on the front lines of fighting for marriage equality since the late 1960s,” said Rev. Dr. Jim Merritt, director of Eastern European affairs for the Fellowship’s Global Justice Institute. “The Vatican’s statement saddens me, but only reinforces the need for our mission to advocate for equality and justice for all people around the world.”

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21

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

FLORIDA STAGE HANDS INTERIOR STAGING & DESIGN

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

F

lorida Stagehands & Designs of Wilton Manors have been staging homes since 2009.

They are South Florida’s number one home staging company.

Their founder Robert Geary MacKilligan explains, “We give properties the personality that it deserves.”

After the team stages a home, the average time to sell a home is only 47 days.

With 21 years in the real estate industry, MacKilligan explains how pivotal staging is to sell a property at its highest value.

“We source our inventory from furniture companies and designers at local and international levels.”

“When I travel, I like to bring unique furniture and treasures back to South Florida to give our staging a special touch to every property,” he says.

“When my team of designers decides to transition to a newer collections Florida Stagehands sells the current pieces in their retail showroom at highly discounted pricing. It’s affordable furniture shopping and it’s not used; it just sits in a vacant home.”

The company works closely with vacation rentals to furnish for investors at affordable pricing.

Founder

Robert Geary MacKilligan Executive Vice President and Realtor

22

• 3. 25.2021

MacKilligan notes that, “Alongside the local support from the real estate community, our network of investors has been working with us since our inception.

I am also a realtor with Coldwell Banker Realty on Las Olas Boulevard, our design team also works with individual homeowners to help re-design their homes.”

Also, “twice a year we tackle our warehouse and donate items to our local charities, such as Out of the Closet.”

MacKilligan says it feels so good to give back to the community.

“A STAGED HOME IS A SOLD HOME !”

With his team at Florida Stagehands, Robert MacKilligan believes in supporting the community, providing a seamless staging service and expediting the selling experience.

The retail showroom is located at 1438 NE 26th Street in central Wilton Manors.

The hours of operation are Tuesday, through Saturday from noon-5 p.m.

“Come on into our showroom. You never know what hidden treasures you might find.”

1438 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors

954.234.8759 FloridaStageHands.com

3. 25. 20 21 •

23

COLUMN LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WE FORGAVE PRESIDENT OBAMA. ISN’T IT TIME TO FORGIVE CORAL RIDGE? Former President Barack Obama.

Photo credit: Marc Nozell, via Flickr.

A

s a long-time member of the LGBT community, I was dismayed by the reaction to the mayor’s action. Many readers of the community were not present or alive when Rev. Kennedy was leading the church. As a person who does not belong to a church, I feel compelled to offer some insight.

During those times, there was hate and fear of LGBT people.

For context, Bill and Hillary Clinton supported DOMA, the Defense of Marriage Act that stated a man and a woman were the only people who could marry. Former President Clinton signed the bill into law.

The Clintons supported “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” which forced thousands of gays from the military, many of whom were career members. Clinton signed the bill.

LGBT support for both terms of Clinton was overwhelming. Further, the Wilton Manors rally for Hillary in 2016 was overwhelming. It seems they were forgiven for the oppression of the 1990s.

Former President Obama didn’t support gay marriage until AFTER he was elected for his second term in 2012 with overwhelming LGBT support. He was forgiven for not supporting gay marriage earlier.

Isn’t it time to move on and forgive some past injustices?

We will never agree with every policy or opinion of every group, but we must live with the premise that we all are different with different ideas.

Mayor Dean Trantalis acted as a mayor should have, serving all segments of the city. It is time for the LGBT community to act as if they are a responsible segment of the community also.

Neil Burmeister Fort Lauderdale

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!  Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 24

• 3. 25.2021

CONVICTIONS

Jesse’s Journal

GOOD NEWS FROM VITAMBI SPRINGS The fabled campground has made a comeback Jesse Monteagudo

Ronald Farago and Jesse Monteagudo in front of Vitambi Springs. Photo courtesy of Jesse Monteagudo.

I

n a previous column I wrote about the a private individual who is committed to financial troubles of Vitambi Springs the campground’s long-term growth. The Florida Wilderness Resort & Camp previous mortgage holder is now out of the and worried that this LGBT picture, and Vitambi Springs community treasure might forges ahead without not be with us much longer. interruption.”

Happily, Vitambi Springs McCloud continued: has made a comeback.

“Most of you are aware of the According to a Feb. 14 announced troubles late last Facebook post by Rick year and the efforts to secure McCloud, “Vitambi Springs a future for the resort. This has been able to address the beloved property has proven issues that threatened its to be a treasured asset to survival.” Though McCloud our community. Our guests did not tell us how VS stepped up to the challenge addressed its “issues,” an and incredible action within - Rick McCloud email from the gay men’s our own community has led social group WildFyre to a better horizon. Vitambi Feb. 25 explained that the Springs will continue working “Camp has solved its immediate financial hard to bring you the best communityproblem by refinancing its mortgage with inspired resort.”

"THIS BELOVED PROPERTY HAS PROVEN TO BE A TREASURED ASSET TO OUR COMMUNITY."

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

3. 25. 20 21 •

25

LIFESTYLE FOOD

A TALE OF TWO BRUNCHES Rick Karlin Photo via Facebook.

BULEGREEN CAFÉ

3299 N Dixie Hwy, Oakland Park 954-530-5852 Bulegreen.us

I

f you’re like me, you might have driven past Bulegreen Café, located on Dixie just north of Oakland Park Blvd., dozens of times and said, “I should check that out.” Yet, somehow, it just never happened. The other day we were having brunch with a friend before he returned north and I thought of Bulegreen, as it has a nice outdoor patio and side yard seating. It proved to be an inspired choice, as I finally learned what Bulegreen means.

Bule is the name of the pot that the café uses to brew coffee at your table. It is basically a drip filter, commonly used on Brazilian farms. Most of the café’s bules are green and it is an eco-friendly establishment, hence Bulegreen. Bulegreen is more than a coffee shop, though. It is a full-fledged restaurant offering brunch and lunch items all day (or at least until its 3 p.m. closing time).

While there are plenty of salads and sandwiches, the focus is primarily on breakfast/brunch items, which it does with great success. Many of the dishes are classics, such as build your own omelets, frittatas, and the ultimate French favorite: croque monsieur; two slices of bread dipped in homemade béchamel sauce, filled with ham then perfectly grilled, covered with melted Swiss cheese on top. Top it with a fried egg and it becomes a croque madame! Either way, it is served, as are most sandwiches with a choice of chips, house salad or coleslaw.

There are also some truly original creations. The breakfast pizza combines béchamel sauce, cheese, eggs, bacon and sausage atop a thin and crispy crust.

Bulegreen’s signature sandwich proved to be one of my husband’s favorites. The banana melted cheese combines the yummy fruit with melted American cheese, butter, sugar and cinnamon on a choice of white or wheat bread, croissant or waffle. The waffle also serves as the base for a BLT or a Caprese sandwich.

If you are indecisive, check out the Tres Salad: mixed baby greens and one scoop each of chicken, tuna salad and egg salad. The chicken salad is bright pink, as it’s flavored with beet juice, which works better than you’d think. The plate is accompanied by the house dressing, made with beets, ginger and honey.

It’s delicious and tangy. I didn’t use it on my salad, but drank it like a shot afterwards.

There are plenty of options for vegetarians, and a section of the menu devoted to vegans offering a burrito like tortilla “pillow” stuffed with quinoa, carrots, spinach, corn, mushrooms, crispy garlic, and humus before being baked. There’s even an organic vegan crispy crepe with peanut butter, sliced bananas, roasted almonds, then wrapped and baked, drizzled with agave and served warm with banana chips.

As should be expected coffee drinks are plentiful, as are juices and teas. Service is friendly and efficient, if not the most-refined. Bulegreen is popular and rightfully so.

There’s plenty of outdoor dining, but to avoid waiting during busy hours, you can put yourself on the waitlist on the restaurant’s website before you arrive. Parking is limited.

BULE IS THE NAME OF THE POT THAT THE CAFÉ USES TO BREW COFFEE AT YOUR TABLE.

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• 3. 25.2021

Photo via Facebook.

REUNION KTCHN BAR 18167 Biscayne Blvd., Aventura 305-931-7401 reunionkb.com

After dropping in some info about Reunion Ktchn Bar’s newly offered brunch a few columns ago, I just had to stop by and check it out for myself. The menu is tapas style with dishes listed as small, medium, or large. Sometimes those listings are an understatement, such as with the Alpine raclette, which provided enough cheese (six thick slices) for a small army. Unfortunately, we were sitting outside, and the wind kept blowing out the candle making the melted part (the main focus of the dish) impossible. We took the leftovers home, melted the cheese on our own, and enjoyed it over the provided toast points and fried potatoes. Pear Fiocchi (a pasta similar to tortellini) in brown butter sage was nearly orgasmic and no matter how large, the portion wouldn’t have been enough.

Reunion Ktchn Bar’s new brunch menu is terrific and the place hasn’t been discovered (yet) so get there while you can.

There is an array of exotic cocktails and a surprising number of mocktails for the non-drinkers, all are equally delicious.

It’s not cheap, but then the best rarely is, is it?

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.

LIFESTYLE TAX TALK

MATCH THIS! What if You Get an IRS Audit Letter Through the Mail?

Michael Sullivan

A

s a former IRS agent, I get called all the time from prospective clients that say that they received a “nasty gram” from the Internal Revenue Service.

Nasty grams come in those manila envelopes that say in the corner, “Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service.”

They come in all sizes but will ruin your day.

As you open this letter, a little bit of panic sets in, because you probably know you do not have a green federal check waiting inside the envelope.

WHAT IS THE SURPRISE INSIDE, INSTEAD? One particular nasty gram that the IRS sends out to millions of taxpayers is under the auspices of its “Matching Program.”

WHAT IS THE IRS MATCHING PROGRAM? When a taxpayer earns income, the issuing party will provide them with an IRS form.

This may include a Form W2, Form 1099MISC, Form 1099-DIV, Form 1099-INT, etc.

The key thing to remember is that not only does the taxpayer receive this form, but so does the IRS. Well, at some point in time, the IRS runs “checks” to make sure that the income reported on these forms “matches” what is reported on the tax return.

IF THERE IS A MISMATCH? Well, let’s just say that the IRS will send you a “love letter” bringing the discrepancy to your attention.

With this program, the IRS scrutinizes income reporting before issuing a taxpayer’s refund. If the IRS finds a mismatch, the IRS freezes the refund and sends a notice to the taxpayer asking for more information to prove their income and withholding.

Photo via Adobe.

Unfortunately, taxpayers often forget to include W-2s, 1099s, W2Gs or other income source documents that should have been included with your tax return.

If you fail to make sure all your 1099s, W-2s, you may receive a bill from Internal Revenue Service, because they got notice of them, even if you did not turn it in.

The scary IRS letter is letting you know that they know you failed to report all your income with your federal income tax return.

The penalties and interest can be harsh for that error.

The document matching program is a powerful IRS tool for detecting, on a mass scale, taxpayers who under-report or do not report their income. It also provides their auditors with a way of detecting unreported income.

The IRS collects about $5 billion a year through this matching program, and usually nails at least 1.5 million taxpayers through this match.

MEDICARE AND PRIVATE INSURANCE ACCEPTED

SO WHAT DO YOU DO IF THIS HAPPENS TO YOU? Many people just have to take their medicine, and pay the penalties, along with the added interest. They then make sure they do not do that again. Lesson learned.

However, individuals who received 1099 income may also have options to deduct certain legitimate business expenses, which allow them to offset some of that income.

THE KEY TIP: Make sure you include all your income on your tax return, and consult a tax professional on a timely basis, because the IRS medicine is no fun.

Michael Sullivan is a former IRS Agent & Teaching Instructor, once an ABC news correspondent in Washington, now affiliated with R3 Accounting, Mr. Sullivan has also contributed to the Bloomberg News and Wall Street Journal.

To read more advice from Michael Sullivan, visit SFGN.com/TaxTalk.

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LIFESTYLE SHOP WITH PRIDE

‘WASH THIS WAY’ WITH SOAP INSPIRED BY BLACK MUSICIANS Kendall Little

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ntrepreneurship runs in the Hicks family, so it was no surprise when Dennis Hicks took up soapmaking.

“I’ve always been some sort of entrepreneur. It’s pretty much a family trait. I grew up watching my grandmother make and sell cakes, pies, and catering events,” Hicks said. “As a kid, my mom encouraged my creativity and supported my entrepreneurial behavior by selling whatever I happened to be selling at the time to her friends and coworkers.”

Now, Hicks runs his own small business called Blaq Star Soaps.

“I’m an artist and I was selling artwork for a while but people don’t really need that but it’s nice to look at.

So, I turned to another creative outlet that people would also need. Soap!” he said.

Hicks noticed that there weren’t many male Black soap makers or unique soap businesses, so he took it upon himself to make his business special.

“I chose Blaq Star Soaps as the name because I wanted to focus on Black stars in music and I have always been fascinated with the universe,” he said.

“The reason I spell Black with a ‘Q’ is to signify my queerness.”

The names of Hicks’ products are inspired by Black musicians as well.

“I primarily sell cold-process soaps.

Other items include body butter, body oils, sugar scrubs, beard balms, and beard oils,” he explained.

His favorite product so far is his “Wash This Way” unscented soap, which is a reference to Run-D.M.C.’s song, “Walk This Way.” Hicks loves that he’s able to channel his creativity into a business that not

Dennis Hicks.

Photo via @blaqstarsoaps, Instagram.

only pays his bills, but also makes people happy.

“Just knowing that something that I’ve made is bringing someone some sort of happiness is really cool,” he said.

“Making money is great but honestly, I really just love creating.”

Twenty-twenty put a damper on Hicks’ plans for his business, but he never lost hope.

“I started making soap in 2019 with the intent of selling in 2020. I started building up inventory in preparation.

When the pandemic hit, I got email after email about how each of these selling opportunities was now canceled except for one,” he said.

Hicks took the selling opportunity and ran with it.

“I was a little unsure about participating in that farmer’s market because of the COVID restrictions but I’m glad I did,” he said. “I learned a lot and was introduced to a new audience.”

The gay soap maker has big goals for 2021 and is already achieving them.

“This year my goal is to get products into local shops, gain new loyal customers, and increase sales by 20%.

So far in 2021, I have gotten a small placement in a local florist shop!” he said.

You can support this LGBT-owned small business by visiting his website at blaqstarsoap.com or following him on Instagram @blaqstarsoaps.

Got the itch to shop for more? Visit SFGN.com/ShopWithPride.

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• 3. 25.2021

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Do not lose your “kool”

A&E THEATER

NEW NONPROFIT THEATER FORMED TO PRODUCE LGBT-THEMED PLAYS J.W. Arnold

T

here’s an old joke among winemakers: “How do you make a million dollars in the wine business? Start with $2 million.” The same holds true for theater producers. For every “Phantom of the Opera,” “Book of Mormon” and “Hamilton,” there are dozens of shows on Broadway, Off Broadway and in regional theaters that barely break even or, more often, lose money.

While most regional theaters operate as 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, there are a few independent producers out there making a living. For nearly 25 years, Ronnie Larsen was one of them, with successful productions of his LGBT-themed comedies like “Making Porn” playing around the globe.

The last five years, he called the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory in Wilton Manors home, mounting critically-acclaimed, award-winning new works.

After a tough year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Larsen recently announced that he was joining the ranks of the nonprofit theaters that dominate South Florida’s theater scene. After months of struggling to keep the lights on with socially distanced, limited ticket shows, he mobilized an army of volunteers, assembled a board and filed the paperwork to form Plays of Wilton, which he affectionately shortens to “POW!” “We’ve been working tirelessly over the past three months to make this a reality,” Larsen said. “POW! is committed to creating, developing and presenting art and entertainment that celebrates and explores LGBT stories and storytellers. It is a continuation of the work we have been doing at the Foundry these last few years. But having a non-profit with a super dynamic board of directors will allow us to grow and develop in new and exciting ways.”

With a coveted 501(c)3 status from the Internal Revenue Service, Larsen can now pursue funding from foundations, cultural affairs agencies and other grantmaking organizations. And individual donations from his loyal fans can now be classified as deductible charitable contributions for tax purposes.

His board is already at work raising funds and in-kind support. Dennis Manning, composer and Larsen’s collaborator on the musical “Now & Then,” is serving

Independent producer Ronnie Larsen has formed a nonprofit organization to produce new LGBT-themed plays at the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory. Photo courtesy of Ronnie Larsen.

as president. Other directors include businessman and Wilton Manors city commissioner Chris Caputo; performer and SunServe development director Terry Dyer; insurance agency owner Joe Pallant; and theater producer Caryn Horwitz. They are joined by Marc Martorana, Harvey Owen and Carol Wartenberg.

Larsen says nonprofit status also frees him to explore new genres and expand his audience with a broader series of new play readings, professionally edited streaming presentations and Lesbian Thespians, a series featuring women’s stories.

He explained, “As a producer, I have often been forced to pursue projects that I knew would be commercial. I’ve also been incredibly lucky with several plays — like “Grndr Mom” and “An Evening with John Wayne Gacy, Jr.” — that I didn’t think would be profitable. This will ensure that the Foundry continues to be a place for development, growth and risk-taking… the future is bright.”

To learn more or support POW!, go to PlaysOfWilton.org.

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A&E APPOINTMENTS

The Stonewall National Museum & Archives, one of the largest LGBT lending libraries, kicked off an ambitious membership campaign this month. Credit: Stonewall National Museum.

ARTSBEAT STONEWALL WANTS YOU! J.W. Arnold

STONEWALL MUSEUM LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN, JOURNAL The Stonewall National Museum & Archives in Fort Lauderdale, one of the largest facilities of its kind in the nation, recently launched a campaign to nearly double paid memberships from 350 to 600 by June 30.

Membership, which starts at $35 for individuals and $50 for households, supports SNMA programs and exhibitions and also comes with the opportunity to check out materials from more than 28,000 books and 3,000 DVDs in the lending collection. As an additional incentive, new and renewing members will receive discounts from area businesses and cultural attractions.

Museum Director Hunter O’Hanian also announced members will receive complimentary subscriptions to SNMA’s new quarterly journal, “Archeion: Journal of Queer Archives.” The journal offers in-depth scholarly articles reflecting on recent exhibitions and drawn from the archive of over six million pages, as well as a platform for writers, archivists, curators, artists, performers, and poets.

“Stonewall is poised to actively share contributions from a range of contemporary professionals working in LGBT culture and history,” O’Hanian said. “It allows us to chronicle contemporary voices in a timely way.”

To become a member or for more information, visit stonewall-museum.org.

WEST PALM BEACH, CORAL GABLES THEATERS MOVE ONLINE After nearly a year into the pandemic, Palm Beach Dramaworks in West Palm Beach is finally resuming operations with William Luce’s “The Belle of Amherst,” streaming online April 2 — 6 and co-produced with Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables.

Luce’s 1976 one-woman show stars award-winning actress Margery Lowe and explores the life and writings of enigmatic poet Emily Dickenson, although it avoids longstanding questions about her sexual orientation.

“It’s a big deal for us, and very exciting,” said Dramaworks Managing Director Sue Ellen Beryl. “To see our rehearsal space, our costume shop, our scenic shop and our mainstage alive with activity is really quite moving. We exist to put on shows for a live audience. Although we can’t do that right now, watching ‘The Belle of Amherst’ come to life gives us a sense of normalcy and reminds us that there are better days ahead.”

Dramaworks plans to resume live productions in their Clematis Street theater in October with the world premiere of Michael McKeever’s “The People Downstairs,” based on the people who hid Anne Frank and her family from the Nazis during World War II. Tickets for “The Belle of Amherst” are $30 at PalmBeachDramaworks.org or by calling 561-514-4042 ext. 2.

MIAMI CITY BALLET RETURNS TO BROWARD Miami City Ballet will present a special outdoor pop-up performance in Fort Lauderdale’s Esplanade Park near the Broward Center at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 28. The free 50-minute program will include several short new works choreographed and performed by the company’s dancers. Each of the works was inspired by a vibrant Miami neighborhood. From classical ballet to modern to flamenco and more, the movement and the music come together to reflect the unique cultures of South Florida.

The performance is free, but tickets are required. Use the promo code POPUP. Masks are required and social distancing will be observed. Seating will not be provided. For tickets and more information, go to MiamiCityBallet.org. The program can also be viewed online through Friday, April 30.

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• 3. 25.2021

Galluccio served as the Board President of The Pet Project, an organization dedicated to helping animals find new homes when their owners can’t take care of them anymore. It was founded in 2002, originally established to assist individuals with HIV. In 2007 they expanded their services to include the terminally ill, the elderly and the disabled.

Sue Martino, his friend and fellow board member, announced the news on Facebook, saying “It is with my deepest sadness that the Pet Project for Pets CEO [and] Board President Paul Galluccio has passed away. He was a major inspiration and leader who pushed the Pet Project for Pets to new highs, he knew no limits to what we could achieve. He was an amazing leader, mentor and friend. He always made it possible for us to get what we needed to keep pets and people together no matter the cost. He will be deeply missed. Pet Project for Pets has lost a great leader and we all have lost a great friend. RIP Paul Galluccio our friend and be at peace.”

Galluccio was a business investor with more than 45 years of investment experience. He split his time between Fort Lauderdale and New York. He joined The Pet Project board in 2009, and they say he brought “a dedicated, strong focus” of growth and financial stability to the organization.

Pet Project benefited from his decades of success in business. Galluccio developed bars, restaurants, and hotels across much of the country, including Manhattan to Fort Lauderdale.

Galluccio was also an honorary of tthe board of the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center.

“I think we’re both hit by the loss of that wonderful spirit and life force, Paul Galluccio.

He always managed to stay positive and hopeful, even when dealing with frustrating issues.

When I was CEO of the World AIDS Museum, Paul NEVER said ‘no.’ Even before there was a museum, we asked for money and he said of course and wrote a check for thousands of

Pet Project for Pets CEO and Board President Paul Galluccio. Photo via Sue Martino, Facebook.

dollars. He then encouraged others to follow suit and they did,” Hugh Beswick said. “In our second year at the museum, Paul threw a large party for WAM at his home which netted thousands more. Paul was my friend and I felt responsible to him. I knew he would always say yes and had to use care not to take advantage of his generosity. After the museum became a recipient of the AHF matching gift program Paul would routinely give us $5,000 to be matched

by AHF. Galluccio is survived by his son, John, his daughter, Pamela, and two grandchildren: Hayden and Shane.

“For those of you that knew Paul, he was always the life of the party,” said his daughter Pam. “He spent every day with the biggest smile on his face, and laughing with that special twinkle in his eye.”

Pam said Paul was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in 2017. IPF is an autoimmune disease that attacks the lungs.

“A disease that would typically devastate any person receiving that news, only fueled his determination to live the next 3.5 years to the fullest. He never went a day without working, never went a day without calling and laughing with his closest family and friends, and never went a day thinking this disease would stop him. He spent every moment until his last being the most amazing, caring, loving, determined, and brave man any of us have ever know,” she said. “We are all so lucky to have had him in our lives and want his legacy to continue to live on forever. We as a family want to give back to the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, and scientists that work so hard to battle, and try to beat this disease.”

In lieu of flowers, Pam asked people to donate to a cure and/or treatments to prolong life for sufferers of IPF.

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