SFGN 04/07/22 V13iss14 by South Florida Gay News

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE APRIL 7, 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 14

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

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FORT LAUDERDALE VICE MAYOR ANNOUNCES NOVEMBER RESIGNATION

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April 7, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 14 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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

Editorial

Christiana Lilly

Graphic Design Consultant • Brendon Lies Webmaster • Kimberly Swan Webmaster@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Graphic Designer • Julie Palmer Graphic Designer • Greg Bistolfi Artwork@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • John McDonald HIV Editor • Sean McShee Community Editor • John Hayden Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

ort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis announced in an email statement April 1 that she will be resigning from her post in November to pursue opportunities in education. “Representing the people of Fort Lauderdale as a city commissioner has been the highlight of my career,” she said in the statement. “Fixing our water and sewer pipes, navigating uncertainty during a pandemic, planning for the future of transportation, and planning a 20-acre park for residents at Lockhart Park have been important initiatives I have been proud to prioritize with you over the past five years.” She was not specific about her next steps, but cited her experience working in schools as she looks to the future. “Exploring new and innovative ways to teach our young people has always been a passion of mine and I look forward to returning my primary focus to education and more time with my family,” she wrote. Mayor Dean Trantalis recently announced during a press conference that he would not be running for Florida Congress. In her five years on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, Moraitis repeatedly voted against resolutions taking a stand for the LGBT community. She was a dissenting vote in a resolution that showed the city’s support for trans athletes — she said that it went against women’s rights. When Carvell Estriplet, a trans woman, came before the commission at the next meeting sharing her thoughts on the struggles of the transgender community, Moraitis held her ground and even challenged Estriplet to arm wrestle. “I do have to say I think you have a physical advantage over me, being born a biological

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• 4 . 7. 2022

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

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

Contributing Columnists

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

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis. Photo via Facebook.

female,” Moraitis said. “I have to look at Caitlyn Jenner, what she said this week. I have to look at people who also have experience and see what they say.” Moraitis also offered to step down as the city’s representative to the Broward and Florida League of Cities when Commissioner Steve Glassman suggested that lobbyists to Tallahassee attach their resolutions to an appropriations bill. An active member at Coral Ridge Presbyterian, she presented the church with a proclamation celebrating the church’s 50th anniversary — many in the community were against this action because

of the church’s long anti-LGBT history. Moraitis touted that her grandfather came out as gay and she still loved him. She also left the dais before a series of resolution votes, including the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Even so, Moraitis has voted in favor of more progressive resolutions, however, including condemning the attacks on the Capitol, joining an amicus brief against conversion therapy, and banning discrimination against LGBT people in employment, housing and public accommodations in Fort Lauderdale.

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

4 . 7. 20 22 •

NEWS LOCAL

DINING OUT FOR LIFE A FUN WAY TO SUPPORT BROWARD HOUSE

NEWS LOCAL

SFGN RELEASES TRUST FUNDS TO THE PRIDE CENTER ‘TO TELL THEIR STORY’

John Hayden

Staff Reports

Dine out. Give Back. Support your community. It’s that simple. At least it will be on Thursday, April 14. Dining Out for Life (DOFL) is a fun, social way to help Broward House. From breakfast through dinner and dessert, myriad restaurants across the community are donating a portion of sales to Broward House, with most participants giving between 30% to 50%. Rosie’s is one of the participating restaurants, and owner John Zieba said they’re proud to support the work Broward House accomplishes. “We participate in DOFL every year because we strongly believe in their mission to improve every life that they touch, and we all, more than ever, need to work together to help each other live their best life. We consider Broward House as a key partner of Rosie’s in making this community stronger and more resilient.” Broward House provides many services to thousands of clients. That includes

Supporters of Dining Out For Life at Rosie’s Bar and Grill. Photo via Facebook.

driving them to appointments, finding and maintaining housing, mental health and addiction help, providing education and testing in high schools, and more. “Broward House has had such a huge impact on the health and well-being of so many of our staff and community in South Florida,” Zieba said. For a list of restaurants, how much they’re donating, and their hours, visit BrowardHouse.org.

THE

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• 4 . 7. 2022

orm Kent, the Trustee of the Robert Kecskemety Trust and SFGN Publisher, along with Robert Boo, the CEO of The Pride Center at Equality Park, have reached an agreement to donate the $20,000 balance of his trust endowment to The Pride Center. The mutual consensus permits the non-profit agency to illuminate its work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. “By authorizing this disbursement at this time to The Center’s Florida AIDS walk team,” Kent said, “it enables The Pride Center to receive a matching donation from the AIDS Health Care Foundation, doubling the contribution to $40,000.” “It’s a creative use of the balance of the trust,” says Kent, “and just one more example of how much AHF does for the LGBTQ community in generously underwriting our non-profits. The AIDS Walk is a great cause, and we are all beneficiaries.” Kecskemety’s endowment was intended to publish the VOICE for five years, but because of the international pandemic due to COVID, and editorial disagreements between SFGN and The Pride Center, only 16 of 20 issues were published, so a balance remains in the trust. As the trustee, Kent reached an agreement with Boo permitting The Center to use the remainder of these funds in Kecskemety’s donation going forward not limited just to print, but also using visual, social and electronic media to tell the story of The Pride Center, and the work they do for the community. “If everyone in our community knew the life-transforming work that happens on our Equality Park campus every day, we would

“IF EVERYONE IN OUR COMMUNITY KNEW THE LIFE-TRANSFORMING WORK THAT HAPPENS ON OUR EQUALITY PARK CAMPUS EVERY DAY, WE WOULD NEVER HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT FUNDRAISING.” - Robert Boo

CEO OF THE PRIDE CENTER AT EQUALITY PARK

Bob Kecskemety. SFGN file photo.

never have to worry about fundraising,” said Boo. “Bob’s enduring generosity will help The Pride Center tell the real story of lives changed and communities empowered. We couldn’t be more grateful.” Before his death, Bob Kecskemety was a perennial figure in the gay community, not only working with The Pride Center to create and publish The VOICE newsletter, but photographically recording LGBTQ events in and around town, particularly filming the World AIDS Day ceremonies annually. Kecskemety had hired attorney Robin Bodiford to set up the trust just before his passing, directing SFGN to publish the VOICE, and naming Kent as the trustee. Bodiford, a respected probate attorney and long-time gay rights advocate, consented to the disbursement as well. Kent presented Roger Roa, the Director of Development for The Pride Center with the donation from SFGN last week, on his next to last day of work at the organization. “Nobody has worked harder than Roger Roa at his job,” said Kent. “It’s great to be able to deliver this as a parting gift for him and the Florida AIDS Walk. Everyone benefits.” Both Boo and Kent mutually expressed gratitude and appreciation to City Commissioner Chris Caputo and Tim Hart, the owner of R3 Accounting, who helped broker the arrangement to disburse the balance of the trust. “Bob Kecskemety would be proud today,” said Kent. “Our LGBTQ communities live in challenging times and some nationwide and here in Florida want to erase us,” said Boo. “Yet the strength and resilience of our community mean we have good stories to tell. We won’t be erased. Bob’s generosity will help tell the good stories of The Pride Center and the impact of our clients, volunteers, donors, staff, groups and community collaborators.”

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4 . 7. 20 22 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Bisexual

JACK DUNNE SIGNS WITH EXETER CHIEFS Pro rugby player Jack Dunne signed with the Exeter Chiefs, a top division rugby team in Ireland. Last year, Dunne publicly came out as bisexual in an interview with the British press with the hopes of being a role model for LGBT kids. “It’s definitely on my mind that people could be like, ‘he is the bisexual rugby player,’ instead of ‘is a bisexual who plays rugby,’” Dunne said last June. “But at the same time, maybe there are some kids across the country who could do with a role model.” Exeter Executive Rob Baxter is excited to have a strong athlete like Dunne on the team. “He’s a big guy, but he’s a big guy who can really move. He’s young, the right age, and everything I saw in the clips I liked.”

Jack Dunner. Photo via Twitter.

There’s no mention of Dunne’s sexuality in the club’s press release announcing his signing. It looks like Dunne’s fear of being known as the “bisexual rugby player” hasn’t come to fruition.

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

Transgender

WELSH MP JAMIE WALLIS COMES OUT AS TRANS

Conservative MP for Bridgend and Porthcawl came out as trans in a statement shared on social media. “I’m trans. Or to be more accurate, I want to be,” Wallis wrote. “I’ve been diagnosed with gender dysphoria and I’ve felt this way since I was a very young child. I had no intention of ever sharing this with you. I always imagined I would leave politics well before I ever said this out loud.” Wallis planned on hiding this part of himself, but after someone found out and threatened to release the information unless Wallis paid them money, he realized he couldn’t keep the secret forever. In his statement, Wallis thanked the party whips for his support, adding that his ordeal has served as a reminder of how important it is to be yourself.

Welsh MP Jamie Wallis. Photo via Twitter.

“I have never lived my truth and I’m not sure how. Perhaps it starts with telling everyone,” he wrote.

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• 4 . 7. 2022

LGBTQIA BITES

Queer

KRISTEN STEWART DISCUSSES HER SEXUALITY

In an interview with The Mirror, Kristen Stewart explained her struggle with opening up about her private life. “I don’t really want a private life. I don’t want the details of my life to be disgustingly consumed and commodified. But at the same time I don’t want to hide anything,” said Stewart. Stewart identifies as queer and is engaged to screenwriter Dylan Meyer. She previously mentioned that she has faced challenges as a queer woman in Hollywood and been advised to hide her sexuality in order to get highprofile roles. “I have fully been told, ‘If you just do yourself a favor, and don’t go out holding your girlfriend’s hand in public, you might get a Marvel movie,’” she told Harper’s Bazaar. “I don’t want to work with people like that … Literally, life is a huge popularity contest.”

Kristen Stewart. Credit: Georges Biard, via Wikipedia.

4 . 7. 20 22 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

OHIO

GAY TEACHER FIRED AFTER EXPLAINING HIS PRIDE BRACELET TO STUDENTS Jay Bowman has been a teacher for over 30 years. While substituting in a classroom at Huntington High School, students approached him and asked about his bracelet. It was a rainbow and bore the name of a local advocacy group: First Capital Pride. “When approached by students who expressed a certain point of view, I happily slid the band off my arm, offered it to the student, and explained that First Capital Pride offered support groups for teens who may be struggling, are suicidal, are ostracized, and need support,” Bowman told the Guardian. Now he’s been fired. The school district sent out a written statement explaining Bowman broke district policy which prevents “staff from discussing with students on certain

Jay Bowman. Screenshot via WSYX.

subjects, including political, religious and personal beliefs.” While Ohio doesn’t have any antidiscrimination law for LGBT individuals, the federal government does. The U.S. Department of Education said they’ll be reviewing the school district’s actions. Depending on the results of the investigation, the district could lose its federal funding. It’s unclear how much funding they’d lose, but it could be millions.

CALIFORNIA CONVICTED FELON ASKS JUDGE TO OVERTURN JURY VERDICT In July 2021, a Los Angeles jury found Ed Buck guilty on all nine charges including enticement to cross state lines to engage in prostitution, maintaining a drug den, distributing methamphetamine, and providing the drugs that led to the deaths of two men. Now he’s asking a federal judge to overturn the verdict. The Advocate reported that Buck was a donor for California’s Democrats. Some people connect this with the fact that District Attorney Jackie Lacey didn’t indict Buck after two men were found dead in his apartment from an overdose. After a third man was found dead, Buck was finally prosecuted but not by Los Angeles County, by the federal government. Buck was found to have a fetish for injecting Black men with drugs and

• 4 . 7. 2022

Ed Buck. Photo via Facebook.

sexually assaulting them. Several victims spoke in court against Buck, saying they were homeless and looking for a place to rest when Buck took advantage of them. Despite prosecutors presenting evidence, Buck’s attorneys will argue that there wasn’t enough to support his conviction. Victim attorneys say they doubt the motion will be granted.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

GEORGIA

FATHER SHOOTS TRANS DAUGHTER THEN DIES BY SUICIDE Howard Newhouse shot his 19-year-old transgender daughter Kathryn Newhouse, who struggled with her mental health. He then shot himself. Neither survived. According to 11 Alive, Kathryn’s mother was at home at the time of the shooting but wasn’t injured. The family lived in Cherokee County, Georgia. It’s not been reported yet what led to the incident, but this isn’t the first time violence broke out in the home. Both Howard and Kathryn were arrested in 2019 after, according to the arrest report, Howard hurt his daughter “holding her down on a bed by her throat.” Neither of the two were prosecuted. Some news outlets have reported this alongside the fact Kathryn had been arrested twice for reported violence against her father. In one instance she allegedly hit

Kathryn Newhouse. Photo via Facebook.

a cup from his hand, which scratched his face. The PGH Lesbian Correspondance was appalled by the comparison and wrote, “Equating a grown man holding a teenage girl on her bed by her throat with a teenage girl knocking a glass out of his hand as comparable examples of domestic violence is appalling.”

NEW YORK FORMER LEADER ACCUSES HRC OF RACISM The Human Rights Campaign, the largest LGBT advocacy group in the U.S., hired Alphonso David as its first Black president a couple of years ago. But he was fired after the public found out that in 2020 he helped New York’s governor at the time, Andrew Cuomo, respond to sexual harassment allegations. David is now suing the HRC, claiming he wasn’t fired for his involvement with Cuomo, but for racial discrimination. According to the Advocate, other employees agree that there is a culture of racism within the organization. In the lawsuit, David said he was paid less than the previous president, who was white, even though they had the same duties and performed them at the same level. David said that he “was forced to navigate

Alphonso David. Photo via Facebook.

a racially hostile culture at HRC” and that his actions with Cuomo were completely legal. He was obligated to provide advice as Cuomo’s former lawyer. “The work of equality and justice is too important to back away or be underserved by an organization that can’t or won’t live up to its own lofty goal of fighting for equality for all,” David said.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

DEATH OF TRANS WOMAN SPARKS INTERNET UPROAR IN CHINA

ÉRIC ZEMMOUR FACES LAWSUIT AFTER DENYING LGBT DEPORTATION DURING NAZI OCCUPATION

In response to the murder of a trans woman, which sparked passionate outbursts from netizens over the dismal status of trans rights in China, police in a central Chinese province have tightened their crackdown on the internet and social media. On March 9, a 21-year-old trans woman known only as Luo was hacked to death at Wuhan Paradise Walk, a retail mall in Wuhan, Hubei Province’s capital. After a picture of the victim circulated the internet, netizens voiced their displeasure with the mistreatment of LGBT individuals in Chinese culture. According to UCA News, users of Weibo, a Chinese analogue of Twitter, slammed the killer and questioned China’s trans rights, stating authorities

Wuhan Paradise Walk. Photo via Archello.com.

should stop hate transgender people.

crimes

against

In the run-up to France’s presidential election, far-right candidate Éric Zemmour is facing yet another lawsuit, this time from gay rights groups, who claim he denied that LGBT individuals were gathered up and deported during the country’s Nazi occupation. According to France 24, six LGBT rights groups told AFP that Zemmour’s newest book, “France has not said its final word,” prompted their criminal case for “denial of crimes against humanity.” Prior to the first round of France’s presidential election, Zemmour, a writer and talk show host renowned for his divisive comments on Muslims and immigration, is currently polling in fourth place, with roughly 11% of the vote. In his book, the far-right candidate agreed with another politician who stated

Éric Zemmour. Credit: Fabrice Perou, via Wikipedia.

homosexual deportations to death camps were a “myth.” The groups said in their lawsuit that such a claim “distorts history to support [Zemmour’s] homophobic positions.” “It is not Zemmour’s words that are cited in the book,” the candidate’s entourage said. They described the legal effort as a smear campaign before the presidential election’s first round on April 10.

AFRICA

NORTH AMERICA

PAN-AFRICA ILGA WELCOMES UN RULING ENCOURAGING LESBIAN ACTIVISTS

TEAM MEXICO’S WORLD CUP QUALIFIER SEES RETURN OF GAY SLUR CHANT

According to the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women, Sri Lanka’s law prohibiting samesex sexual activity is a violation of human rights. The court’s decision in favor of Sri Lankan activist Rosanna Flamer-Caldera encourages, but does not force, Sri Lanka to modify its anti-LGBT legislation. The ruling provides moral encouragement to campaigners in numerous countries who are working to repeal similar prohibitions in their own countries. These attacks, according to 76 Crimes, are intended to create a state of intolerance in which governments seek to abolish core human rights values, allowing individuals to harm others without consequence. Pan-Africa ILGA, the Africa branch of the international LGBT association, has been monitoring State Sponsored Homophobia

Photo via Adobe.

Reports by partners such as ILGA World and Human Rights Watch, which have recorded and examined comparable circumstances in countries such as Senegal, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and others for many years.

During Team Mexico’s World Cup Qualifier versus the U.S., supporters once again chanted their favorite homosexual slur. As the time crept down toward the end of the game, spectators began screaming the word “puto.” “Puto” is a homophobic slur that FIFA has outlawed, yet Mexico fans continue to scream it. According to Outsports, the public address announcer tried to drown out the crowd, but to no avail. The newest round of “puto” shouts comes after the Mexican Football Federation placed a five-year ban on supporters who scream homosexual insults in stadiums. The FMF designed a Fan ID system to make it easier to identify anyone who violates the restriction. While this system was in place during

Mexican flag. Photo via PxHere.

the match, the fans remained undeterred.

4 . 7. 20 22 •

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Austin W. Bergman, cast member at Beyond the Close and Real Estate Broker at The Carroll Group with Partner David Dunn Luxury Real Estate Agent at The Carroll Group and Brands Solution Manager at Screen Graphics of South FL seen here at the SunServe 20th Anniversary Gala.

Founder CEO at LGBTQ Treatment Center Inspire Recovery Donna Weinberger with partner Jaki Neering LCSW Program Director and Trauma Specialist at LGBTQ Treatment Center Inspire Recovery, seen here at The Subculture Film Festival.

Multiple Emmy award winning journalist Ted Scouten of CBS, with Five-time Emmy award-winning journalist attorney and Gulf War fighter pilot Willard Shepard of NBC-6 at the press conference for former FLPD Police Chief Larry Scirotto.

Friends Paulo Yoshida who works placing International Exchange Students in schools and homes with David Hochberg, who is an Agent for Sculptors and Painters, seen here at The Keith Haring Exhibit.

• 4 . 7.2022

NEWS LOCAL

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John Hayden The sun was hot, the ocean breeze was cool, the excitement in the air was palpable. The Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival felt like its old self on March 19. Thousands turned out to Fort Lauderdale Beach to raise money for AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and had a good time doing it. “The energy was flawless,” Main Stage emcee Kitty Meow said. Along with DJ Alex Ferbeyre, she helped get the crowd pumped up as they checked in and warmed up. Right at 10 a.m. teams stepped off on the 5K route in and around Fort Lauderdale Beach. This year’s event raised more than $2 million, blowing past the $1.5 million goal. “The AIDS Walk is the largest fundraiser of its kind in our state,” Zachary Durand, Community Outreach Director for Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis said. “At a time when the LGBTQ community and other minority group rights are being restricted in the legislature, it’s important that everyone continue to show up in droves. Not just to make a statement that we’re united as individuals and human beings, but also to bring awareness to an epidemic that has affected people all over the world.” Many groups that will benefit from funds raised had booths to educate walkers in a great atmosphere. “I got here at 6:30 this morning and I’m like ‘I love my office!’” Karen Costello-Wilder was there representing Aqua Foundation for Women, for whom she serves as Board Chair. She said Aqua’s work is important because women are underserved when it comes to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment. “We offer a scholarship program at Aqua. Currently one of our scholars is getting her masters in entomology, and we’re discussing putting together a program for women with HIV and Trans with HIV. Having panels there, a testing site, and start talking about it more.” “We do this kind of work. It’s nice to see people recognize the work,” said Ogui Vila from Latinos Salud. “It’s also important to have gay Latino representation in the Miami area.” Once the walk was finished, the party kicked into high gear. LGBT icons Deborah

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Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival. Photo via Facebook.

Cox and Jessie J each took the stage to perform hits and really play to the crowd. “Deborah Cox is someone whom I love and I worship the ground she walks on,” Kitty Meow said. “I had been watching her show off her acting chops on the BET series First Wives Club. Jessie J was amazing, what a voice. She was so kind, so down-to-Earth and so sweet.” There was one technical glitch when Jessie J took the stage. After a rousing musical intro, she had an audio problem and had to stop. After a minute the problem was fixed, she joked that “Everyone is fired!” and continued with her set. Both Cox and J interacted with an adoring crowd. “Amazing. Both girls blew my mind,” said Joshua Seaton, a bartender at The Pub. The Pub, LIT Bar, and Gym Bar formed one big team to show support for the cause. Last year, pandemic health protocols worked to keep everyone socially distanced. This year everyone could mix and mingle and party, a great return to the good old days. “I felt like we were finally getting back to some level of normalcy post pandemic. This is my third year hosting the Florida Aids Walk & Music Festival. This by far is certainly the largest audience I have ever seen in attendance for the event,” Kitty Meow said.

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healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, lightcolored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.

 dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

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BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY

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Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

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medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your

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BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP ASPIRING are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0085 02/22

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44/5/22 . 7. 209:56 22 AM •

NEWS STATE

LGBT STUDENTS, ACTIVISTS SUE DESANTIS OVER ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ BILL Kim Swan

ell that was fast. A collection of LGBT people and groups have sued Gov. Ron DeSantis over the now infamous “Don’t Say Gay” bill he signed into law last week. On March 31 a group of students, educators and advocates filed a lawsuit against DeSantis and Florida’s Board of Education claiming that the “Don’t Say Gay” law “stigmatizes, silences, and erases LGBTQ people in Florida’s public schools,” according to NBC News. The Parental Rights in Education bill prohibits classroom discussions in K-3 regarding gender identity and sexual orientation. In fact, 6 in 10 Americans opposed the bill before it became law. The law is expected to go into effect July 1. The 80-page complaint filed by Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP law firm and the National Center for Lesbian Rights is asking the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida to strike the law down, NBC News reported. Equality Florida and Family Equality are among the plaintiffs. “With the passage of HB 1557, Florida has not only taken a giant step backwards, but it has done so at the expense of our children, the most vulnerable members of society,” Roberta Kaplan of Kaplan Hecker & Fink LLP said in a statement. “It is hard to imagine anything more offensive to our constitutional system than treating one group of school kids as second class based solely on who they are or who their parents are. This law cannot be allowed to stand.” Taryn Fenske, DeSantis’ communications director, called the lawsuit a “political Hail-Mary to undermine parental rights in Florida.” “This calculated, politically motivated, virtue-signaling lawsuit is meritless, and we will defend the legality of parents to protect their young children from sexual content in Florida public schools,” Fenske said, according to NBC News. While Fenske may be expressing

• 4 . 7.2022

Gov. Ron DeSantis. Photo via Facebook.

confidence in the legality of the bill, other laws DeSantis championed last year, such as his so-called anti-riot bill, have not fared well before federal judges. A judge issued a preliminary injunction in September 2021 to block DeSantis’ efforts in enforcing the anti-riot law that civil rights groups claim violates the First Amendment, according to Courthouse News Service. DeSantis appealed that decision to the 11th Circuit March 17. Meanwhile, a controversial election law DeSantis signed last year was recently struck down by a federal judge. The bill tightened the rules on mailed ballots, drop boxes and other popular election methods.

“For the past 20 years, the majority in the Florida Legislature has attacked the voting rights of its Black constituents,” the judge wrote. DeSantis has vowed to appeal that decision too. Fenske also claimed, without proof, that Disney funded the “Don’t Say Gay” bill lawsuit due the “war of words” between DeSantis and Disney over the bill, according to CNBC. “It’s interesting to see that Disney did not directly join the suit as a named Plaintiff, given their recent activism,” Fenske said. “To the extent that Disney has funded these efforts, parents beware: the

dollars you spend to make little boys’ and girls’ dreams come true are being used to sexualize your children in school.” Conservatives have attempted to conflate sex education with sexual orientation and gender identity. They have pushed this false narrative on social media with the hashtag #ReadTheBill. But while the bill was making its way through the legislature one Republican state senator attempted to clarify this by offering an amendment that would specifically ban discussions about “human sexuality or sexual activity,” while removing the words sexual orientation and gender identity from the bill. It was defeated by Republicans.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

LGBT SUICIDE PREVENTION GROUP EXPANDS TO MEXICO Everitt Rosen

nonprofit in the United States, The Trevor Project, which provides suicide prevention and crisis intervention services to thousands of young LGBTQ individuals, announced that it will be expanding its services to Mexico. The Trevor Project, named after the Academy Award-winning short film “Trevor,” about a homosexual adolescent who commits suicide, believes that more than 745,000 LGBT children in Mexico aged 13 to 24 are in crisis each year, but it emphasizes that this figure is an estimate owing to a “severe lack of data.” It is also estimated that every year, approximately 40 million LGBT youth over the world seriously consider suicide. “LGBTQ young people everywhere deserve not just to survive, but to thrive,” The Trevor Project CEO Amit Paley said. “We don’t think that just because you happen to have been

and

Photo via Adobe.

born in one country that means you are more or less deserving of critical, lifesaving services and affirmation.”

COMMUNITY OUTL

SFGN WINS FOUR FLORIDA PRESS CLUB AWARDS South Florida Gay News brought home four Florida Press Club awards in their annual Excellence in Journalism contest for 2021. Executive Editor Jason Parsley won all four of the awards, including first place in Commentary for his story “The Murals at Equality Park: An LGBT Artist Should Have Been Chosen.” Parsley won second place in General News, for his series on a local consignment store scam. Finally he won third place in both Business News and Minority News. “We don’t publish stories to win awards, but it’s always nice when we do, and the hard work of our writers are recognized,” said Norm Kent, publisher of SFGN.

Courtesy photo.

and

4 . 7. 20 22 •

NEWS STATE

FLORIDA SENATOR WALKS BACK COMMENTS ON CONTROVERSIAL EDUCATION BILL John McDonald

lorida Senator Ileana Garcia apologized for comments she made during a highly charged debate over the “Don’t Say Gay Bill.” Garcia, a Miami Republican, angered LGBT activists when she voted for HB 1557, officially titled Parental Rights in Education, saying, “gay is not a permanent thing. LGBT is not a permanent thing.” The bill was signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis last week. “My comments in no way were intended to generalize or disregard the experiences of any member of the LGBT+ community. I was trying to explain my very personal life experiences and did not properly articulate my sentiments,” Garcia wrote in a statement released on Twitter March 17. Garcia stated she is not in favor of publicschool instruction of gender identity or sexual orientation in kindergarten through third grade. “I strongly believe it’s a discussion that should be at the discretion of the parent,” Garcia wrote.

EQUALITY FLORIDA SENIOR POLITICAL DIRECTOR JOE SAUNDERS CALLED GARCIA’S STATEMENT A “SORRY NOT SORRY” GESTURE. 16

• 4 . 7.2022

Ileana Garcia. Photo via ileanagarcia.com.

In her first term in the Senate, Garcia chaired the Children, Families and Elder Affairs Committee. She was elected by just 34 votes in a campaign marred by the discovery of a ghost candidate — a scheme that led to the arrest of former Sen. Frank Artiles on bribery and election fraud charges. Under the new redistricting maps, Garcia faces Representative Michael Grieco, a Democrat and former Miami Beach commissioner, in Senate District 36, which covers parts of Coral Gables, Miami and Miami Beach. Since her comments on the Senate floor, Garcia said she has received intense blowback and threats of physical harm. Equality Florida Senior Political Director Joe Saunders called Garcia’s statement a “sorry not sorry” gesture. “Guess who’s seat is still one of EQFL PAC’s top targets in 2022?” Saunders tweeted.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

US SENDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO LGBT GROUPS IN UKRAINE Kim Swan

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At a past LGBT event in the Ukraine. Photo via Adobe.

he United States is helping LGBT groups in Ukraine by sending financial support. Jessica Stern, the U.S. Special Envoy who promotes LGBT rights abroad, told the Washington Blade March 18 that she held “multiple roundtables” with Ukrainian activists and organizations to build relationships with her office and get information directly from people on the front lines. She also said that she spoke with LGBT rights organizations in Poland, Hungary and other countries that “would be receiving LGBTQI Ukrainian refugees” and regional and international groups “that are closely monitoring and supporting LGBTQI

STERN TOLD THE BLADE THAT HER “TOP PRIORITY” IS TO ENSURE THAT HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE TO UKRAINE “IS DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION.”

Ukrainians in this incredibly difficult time.” “The first and most important thing that the U.S. has been doing has been establishing contact with people who are advocating for and servicing LGBTQI Ukrainians, and then in all instances, trying to find ways to support them,” Stern told the Blade. “One of the things that’s been really important has been to identify the sort of patterns of human rights abuses, violations and vulnerability that they’re tracking that we need to be aware of.” The way Stern said that she will be helping is by sending money. “One of the things we’ve been focused on has been ensuring that LGBTQI Ukrainian organizations and LGBTQI organizations in the surrounding countries have the financial resources to provide emergency support to this population that finds itself facing double and triple discrimination,” she said. Stern told the Blade that her “top priority” is to ensure that humanitarian assistance to Ukraine “is distributed without discrimination.” “One of the messages that my office has been conveying and with—working with others at the State Department to convey is that LGBTQI Ukrainian refugees are at heightened risk and that they should be supported and that anyone providing humanitarian assistance should actually be on the watch for instances of discrimination or violence they may be subjected to,” she said.

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• 4 . 7.2022

MIAMI BEACH PRIDE IS A 10-DAY AFFAIR STRETCHING OVER TWO WEEKENDS. WHILE LAST WEEKEND WAS FILLED WITH EDUCATIONAL AND CULTURAL EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS, THIS WEEKEND WILL LOOK A LOT MORE LIKE WHAT YOU’D EXPECT FROM A MASSIVE PARTY IN MIAMI BEACH. The marquee event is the parade along Ocean Drive. It’s scheduled to step off at noon on Sunday, April 10. Floats, drag queens, cheerleaders and more will liven up the crowd. Afterwards the festival will continue at Lummus Park (the Pride Festival at Lummus Park is also happening

“WE’RE GRATEFUL TO MIAMI BEACH PRIDE FOR RECOGNIZING AND HONORING LONG-TERM LGBTQ+ COUPLES,” - Gregg Shapiro and Rick Karlin LEGACY COUPLE

on Saturday). The parade will be broadcast by Happening Out Television Network. One of the most anticipated floats will carry “Legacy Couples.” Those are LGBT couples that have been together for at least a decade. One of those couples is Gregg Shapiro and Rick Karlin. “We’re grateful to Miami Beach Pride for recognizing and honoring long-term LGBTQ+ couples,” they said. “We’re humbled to be included in the 400+ Years of Love exhibit.” They’ve been together for nearly 30 years. Scheduled entertainers include Robbie Elias, Zehn, Dan Slater, and more. The weekend gets started on Thursday, April 7, with the Legends Ball. Exchange Miami nightclub is becoming a haven for ballroom aficionados. Ballroom houses will compete in several categories to be crowned House Supreme. Friday night is the VIP Beach Affair. Tickets are $225 for the event at Lummus Park. In addition to food and drink, surprise entertainers are promised along with giveaways.

VIP tickets to the weekend’s events are also available. For more details on the schedule and tickets, visit MiamiBeachPride.com

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 7 APRIL 7, 2022

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

SENATOR FARMER CONSIDERS CONGRESSIONAL CAMPAIGN;

TALKS DESANTIS AND ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW By John McDonald “Ted provided exemplary service for the Florida Senator Gary Farmer neither confirmed nor denied he would be entering the little guy and little girl and that’s how I’ve race for the congressional seat held by retiring always viewed my role,” Farmer said. “We need to continue that type of representation in U.S. Representative Ted Deutch. “It’s a tremendous honor to be considered,” Congress.” Farmer, 57, said he will be carefully said Farmer in a Zoom interview with SFGN. “Yes, it is something I am considering and considering his next steps and expects to make a decision in the coming mulling over.” weeks. Florida’s congressional First elected to the Senate redistricting maps have yet to in 2016, Farmer represents “The Republican be finalized. Gov. Ron DeSantis eastern Broward County, Party, which is called a special session for April including Wilton Manors. A 19-22 to hammer out the details. Fort Lauderdale native and largely composed One way or another, Wilton attorney known for taking from an electoral Manors will be in his district, on the powerful insurance Farmer said. He praised the industry, Farmer said it was standpoint of Island City’s community spirit Deutch who inspired him to conservative white and reminisced how his great get into politics. uncle was a pioneering real “Ted Deutch is a longtime men, are scared estate agent with a house on friend of mine,” Farmer said. to death about Jenada Isles. “He was an inspiration to me losing power.” “Wilton Manors is such an early on and I sort of followed accepting, helpful and caring in his footsteps. He ran for city,” Farmer said. “I’m blown the Florida Senate in 2006 away by the sense of community with no prior legislative or Florida Senator representing … I wish we could bottle that up elective experience. I knocked Broward County and teach other communities on doors for him six different District 34 how to come together and live in weekends and he won against peaceful harmony.” more established party Farmer declined to publicly candidates.” Deutch is leaving Congress after 12 years state his choice for governor, but was adamant to become the chief executive officer of the about Democrats uniting behind the eventual American Jewish Committee. His district nominee. “We have several very good candidates,” covers parts of southern Palm Beach and northern Broward County. Farmer said Deutch’s Farmer said. “I think there is a scenario I believe retirement creates a “crater size opening in the that benefits Democrats statewide. Any one of the three — Charlie Crist, Nikki Fried, Annette state of Florida.”

- Gary Farmer

Florida Senator Gary Farmer. Courtesy of the office of Senator Gary Farmer.

Taddeo — would be a universal improvement over Ron DeSantis and his hateful, hurtful, harmful, homophobic agenda that he has been running and if he gets re-elected we’re gonna see this for another two years while he continues with these red-meat issues to gin up his base to get them to turn out and turn up the heat on that fear factor.” Fear, Farmer said, is what’s driving the DeSantis campaign. The now infamous “Don’t Say Gay” law is an example of the Republican Party’s efforts to ignite culture wars.

www.WMGAZETTE.com

“The Republican Party, which is largely composed from an electoral standpoint of conservative white men, are scared to death about losing power,” Farmer said. “They realize as society becomes more tolerant, more integrated — whether it be race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, whatever — fear goes away. Fear is largely based on ignorance, in my experience. As sexual orientation and gender identity become more commonplace, the fear goes away. It’s more understood.”

4 . 7. 20 22 •

OPINION

WILTON MANORS

JUST DON’T SAY THAT WORD SFGN file photo.

By Sal Torre As residents of the Island City scramble to find affordable homeowner’s insurance before their current policy is dropped, our governor and State Legislators are more concerned about the word “gay.” As residents deal with the ever-growing opioid crisis and overdose tragedies plaguing our communities, our governor demands that educators not say the word “gay.” As residents struggle with rising rents and the unavailability of affordable housing for young families and our seniors, our governor claims to be pro-family by banning the word “gay.” “Just don’t say gay and all your troubles will go away” can make a catchy tune for the DeSantis campaign. Unfortunately, this very effective smoke screen works all too well in allowing these charlatans not to deal with the real issues at hand. In signing the bill into law, Governor DeSantis states that parents can send their kids to school to get an education, not an indoctrination. I guess the indoctrination of our children is ok when it is coming from homophobic community leaders, or local religious institutions that advocate for conversion therapy, or the governor’s office — but don’t dare say that word “gay” in our schools. Families in our Island City can rest easy tonight knowing that the governor has signed this vital piece of legislation into law. Come tomorrow, however, when you’re homeless because you can no longer afford rising rents, or you lose your home because you can no longer afford insurance coverage, or your family provider dies from an overdose — unfortunately your governor did not have the time to deal with any of these real problems while posing for pictures and demonizing the LGBT community. Turning attention away from the insanity that oozes out of Tallahassee these days — one can set their gaze on the brighter shores of our Island City. This week the city’s Economic Development Division conducted a virtual presentation on the Wilton Next Branding and

April 7, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 7 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

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

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Graphic Designer • Greg Bistolfi artwork@sfgn.com Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor • John McDonald

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Sal Torre • James Oaksun

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Marketing Project. This presentation offered such welcome and positive news on several issues that many in the community have been pushing for over many years: unique branding of commercial corridors, entranceway signage, streetscaping, attractive lighting, and celebrating our uniqueness as the Island City. This project will offer a positive roadmap for our business community, our city leaders, and our residents to promote and grow our city in a more focused and productive manner. After last week’s City Commission meeting, one area that definitely can use some focusing is how our elected officials view the needs of our Leisure Services Department. The meeting embarrassingly morphed into an episode of “Let’s Make a Deal” as our mayor and commissioners haggled over the possible acquisition of the Kiwanis Club property. Parks and community facilities are a major part of the foundation that supports great cities. Unfortunately, this strong foundation comes at a cost — one that sometimes gets lost in the visionary stages. Hard choices must be made with a firm understanding of what our city actually needs in additional park facilities and how

such a need will be paid for — not just in the acquisition stage but in the year after year budget demands on city coffers. We cannot sustain all the projects currently on the drawing table, such as the Colohatchee Expansion and the Kiwanis Club acquisition, along with continued maintenance and programming at our existing facilities without major budgetary wizardry or an increase in taxes. Of the two current major projects in the works, perhaps the Kiwanis Club might be the better of the two. Our city commission will have to decide to either seize the moment for the acquisition of the Kiwanis Club and pull the plug on the Colohatchee Expansion Project or decide on some other possibility, but having a clear understanding of what the goals and objectives are for our residents and the future of our city must be what guides such decisions, not just the notion that this is yet another deal of the century that is simply too good to pass up. Spring-time holidays are fast approaching, spring breakers and snowbirds will be heading back north, and very soon hotter weather will be with us day after day. Take some time to enjoy the last of the cool mornings as we head into much hotter months ahead, perhaps with a nice walk through your neighborhood, or a quick drive to the beach or sitting out under the stars on a cool evening sipping a cocktail with friends. Taking time to enjoy what makes living here in our Island City so wonderful should fill us all with much enthusiasm as we head outside with our morning cup of coffee to watch the sun rise on the horizon. What a perfect opportunity to shout out loud that life is just better here.

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 4 . 7.2022

GAZETTE

Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

“Just don’t say gay and all your troubles will go away” can make a catchy tune for the DeSantis campaign. Unfortunately, this very effective smoke screen works all too well in allowing these charlatans not to deal with the real issues at hand.

THE

2 •

APRIL 7, 2022

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

OUR COMMUNITY

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

BRIGHTLINE TRAIN COLLIDES WITH TRUCK SITTING ON TRACKS IN WILTON MANORS

CONTINUES

By Christiana Lilly

TO SHINE

It was the community that saved my life Executive Director of SunServe, Tony Lima, when I first tested positive for HIV many years at SunServe’s 20th Anniversary Gala, ago. If Kristofer Fegenbush and Robert Boo “SHINE.” Phoro via Facebook. (of the Pride Center at Equality Park) had not immediately taken me under their wing and connected me to the Center’s “LIFE” program (https://bit.ly/pclifeprog), I doubt I would be living a life that resembled anything close to the life I live today. Not all the work fell on Kristofer or Robert; neither knew me personally then, but both personally connected me to community of people who helped me heal and discover my worth. The COVID-19 pandemic robbed us in many ways of our connection to our community for nearly two years. To protect ourselves, and each other, it was critical for us to avoid the sort of in person gatherings that our community had come to love: galas, celebrations, fundraisers, and the like! During the pandemic, many private donors and community organizations (e.g., Our Fund) stepped up in big ways to continue to fund the causes and critical needs faced by our community. Just If the night’s success was because we weren’t hosting not enough, the weekend fabulous fundraisers didn’t continued with the return Our community mean the need went away — in of Lambda Legal’s annual fact, it increased. really shined, fundraiser at Bonnett House. We’re finally beginning to While I haven’t heard the final showing up and safely emerge from COVID-19. number, I understand it was giving generously Two weeks ago played host to Lambda Legal’s most successful SunServe’s 20th Anniversary to support fundraiser in our community. Gala, named “SHINE.” I had the Lamba Legal continues to SunServe and distinct honor of serving as the fight for the rights of the LGBT host committee chair and take their support community and our allies in great pride on behalf of our our community and beyond. of our Greater community in acknowledging As we safely emerge from that the event not only sold Wilton Manors COVID, we’re stronger and as out (320 tickets!) but raised committed as ever to serving Community. significantly more than our community. If you are intended — $250,000+ in a aware of something great single night and still counting. Our community happening in our community — or perhaps a really shined, showing up and giving generously need in our community not being addressed — to support SunServe and their support of our I would love to hear from you. Please email me Greater Wilton Manors Community. SunServe at ccaputo@wiltonmanors.com or text me at will use this money wisely, serving the most 954-557-2801. at-risk and in need within our community with mental health treatment, substance abuse counseling, housing assistance and other critically needed services. WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER

A Brightline train collided with a truck sitting on the train tracks in Wilton Manors on March 31. No major injuries were reported, but a woman with pre-existing conditions who was on the train asked to be taken to the hospital as a precaution, according to a Brightline representative. The train was traveling through the city when a truck carrying a car was on the train tracks while the barriers were down, the representative added. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue Battalion Chief Stephen Gollan told Local 10 that the truck was transporting a Tesla. “He was stopped on the tracks with one vehicle loaded on the trailer,” he said. “The gates went down and he was unable to get the truck off of the track.” Passengers on the Brightline were stuck on the tracks for two hours before being allowed to continue on their journey. The incident comes just a month after a collision in Oakland Park, also involving a Brightline train. The driver was on the tracks

THE RETURN OF

— CHRIS CAPUTO

Photo via GoBrightline. Photo via Facebook.

when the barriers were down but was able to get out of the vehicle before the train crashed into it. In February, there were three crashes involving a Brightline train in just four days, according to the Palm Beach Post, and more than 50 people have died in collisions with the company’s trains.

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4 . 7. 20 22 •

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DON D’ARMINIO ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR WILTON MANORS COMMISSION By John McDonald Don D’Arminio, a member of the Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board, has filed the necessary paperwork to campaign for city commission. Launching his first bid for public office, D’Arminio said he is prepared to put his extensive background in business administration and accounting to work for the Island City. “I am passionate about growing our city responsibly to ensure that our budget is sustainable and fiscally responsible,” D’Arminio said in a press release. “My six-year tenure on our city’s planning and zoning board has given me a thorough understanding of our municipal code and how our city operates. That coupled with my accounting background gives me a unique skillset to serve our residents and business partners as a city commissioner.” D’Arminio, 60, graduated from Montclair State University in New Jersey and has spent

Don D’Arminio. Credit: Photo via Facebook.

the last 25 years working as an accounting and tax professional. He has been a resident homeowner in Wilton Manors for 14 years and is active in philanthropic efforts across the Island City. D’Arminio and his partner, Marc Martorana, have been together for 25 years. The couple reside in the central neighborhood district and have two rescue dogs, Dustin and Ollie. On his campaign website, D’Arminio lists four campaign priorities: Road safety and traffic, infrastructure, economic development and quality of life. D’Arminio told the Gazette responsible economic development in the transit-oriented corridors is vital to ensure a sustainable city budget. The election is in November with voters to decide on two commission seats and a mayor.

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Courtesy of Broward County Property Appraiser’s office.

NEGOTIATIONS DRAG ON OVER WILTON MANORS KIWANIS PROPERTY By John McDonald Wilton Manors commissioners bounced go to the scholarships,” Platz told the around several proposals in the city’s ongoing commission. Organized with Broward College, the negotiations with the local chapter of Kiwanis scholarships would allow the club to create International. Discussions resumed on March 25 at the a legacy while improving the lives of local regular meeting with Kiwanis requesting children. “Kiwanis Club is very aware of the value a scholarship program in the amount of $350,000 over a seven-year period. In of that property and one of their goals and exchange for the scholarships, Kiwanis would it always has been is to provide for children within this community,” said City Manager gift its riverside property to the city. “Here is a piece of property that is offered Leigh Ann Henderson. Commissioner Gary Resnick to us for less than half of said the city is expected to what is going to sell for in increase employees’ pay by the marketplace and I’m just $400,00 to $500,000 making baffled that it’s not more open the Kiwanis deal a longshot by armed on this commission,” his calculations. Mayor Scott Newton said as he “As much as I loved to opened the discussion. acquire your property I just Sal Torre, president of don’t think we can afford it,” the Westside Association of Resnick said. Wilton Manors, cautioned the Platz agreed to allow another commission to look out for city inspector on site to take a “surprises lurking around the look at the air conditioning and corner.” electrical system, sea wall, roof “This is an aging facility,” and plumbing. Commissioner Torre said. “There’s not been Mike Bracchi said when the many upgrades for some time. Kiwanis Club President latest inspection is completed, The cost of bringing the facility the city would have a more up to current code and ADA accurate picture of what work (Americans with Disabilities needs to be done. Bracchi also asked for no Act) compliance can and will be costly.” The clubhouse, built in 1959, is assessed at deed restrictions in the deal. Platz told the Gazette the club pulls in $207,890. The property’s overall just market value is $415,970. The inside is dated, Torre $24,000 annually in rentals, “without really said, with repairs needed to make the space trying.” That figure is nearly half the annual payment the city would make under the desirable for rentals. Club President David Platz said dwindling current proposal. Kiwanis would also keep membership has forced the service access to the building for meetings twice a organization to the bargaining table. Platz month. “We’ve been at this for over a year now,” said the club has received higher offers than Platz said. “We’ve bent over backward willing what it is willing to agree upon with the city. “We want to work with the city and be a to work with them. Either do it or don’t.” partner with the city and have that money

“We want to work with the city and be a partner with the city and have that money go to the scholarships.” - David Platz

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• 4 . 7.2022

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APRIL 7, 2022

NEWS LOCAL

DESANTIS SUPPORTERS ATTACK STUDENT OPPOSING THE ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW John Hayden

teamrolling hate-fueled legislation through Tallahassee isn’t enough for supporters of Gov. Ron DeSantis. Now they’re directly attacking a student who’s speaking out against their agenda. Will Larkins has led student protests against the recently signed “Don’t Say Gay” law at Winter Park High School. Hundreds of his fellow classmates support his efforts. Adults, however, are another story. “Recently, I have received what feels like endless threats, homophobia, and people calling me a groomer/pedophile,” he tweeted. “I’m 17 and seeing what people say about me is scary. This is a direct result of DeSantis’ homophobic rhetoric.” It seems the same people who want to “protect” students from any LGBT topic being discussed in schools also think it’s fine to bully those same students on social media. He posted screenshots of comments calling him an assortment of vile terms. “The amount of hate I get over social media is disturbing. Complete adults calling me a predator for talking about my experience growing up gay, homophobia, and mental health struggles,” he said. “People have called me a creep, a predator, a groomer, and a pedophile since I was in early middle school. DeSantis is making that worse for us. Who’s sexualizing children when a 12-year-old is called a pedophile because they happen to be gay?”

“THE AMOUNT OF HATE I GET OVER SOCIAL MEDIA IS DISTURBING. COMPLETE ADULTS CALLING ME A PREDATOR FOR TALKING ABOUT MY EXPERIENCE GROWING UP GAY, HOMOPHOBIA, AND MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES” - Will Larkins STUDENT ACTIVIST

Will Larkins. Photo via Instagram.

At one point, Larkin was suspended by his school not for organizing the walkouts, but for handing out Pride flags. He has said legislation like “Don’t Say Gay” is designed to kill queer kids. Studies continue to show LGBT youth are much likelier to attempt suicide than non-LGBT students are. In addition to attacking students, DeSantis and his henchmen are demanding obedience from corporations. Once Disney came out against the bill, albeit after it passed, they turned their vitriol on the Mouse. Nadine Smith, the executive director of Equality Florida, said now is the time to dig in. “If well-resourced companies fear [the governor’s] wrath if they stand up for the safety of their employees’ families, imagine how much more vulnerable are ordinary Floridians to his abuse of power.” She also pointed out that bullies feed on fear. “Here’s the thing about bullies: if you back down they get stronger. This is a gut check moment for every corporation, every institution, and every individual. You stand with the bully or you stand up to him.” The law is already being challenged in federal court. A lawsuit claims it violates federal law and Title IX. The judge assigned to the case once argued against marriage equality in Florida. The case will likely take years to wend its way through the judicial system. Opponents of the bill hope to get an injunction preventing it from being enforced while the case is being litigated. 4 . 7. 20 22 •

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PBC SCHOOLS REMOVE BOOKS ON TRANS KIDS IN LIGHT OF ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW Kim Swan THE PALM BEACH COUNTY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT ANNOUNCED HE WOULD PULL TWO CHILDREN’S LGBT BOOKS OFF THE SHELVES IN ORDER TO REVIEW THEM IN LIGHT OF THE NEW “DON’T SAY GAY” BILL GOV. RON DESANTIS RECENTLY SIGNED INTO LAW. Local LGBT leaders are questioning his adhere to standard processes for evaluating decision to bow to right-wing activists. books and materials that include the diverse The two books in question, “Call Me voices of the school community, not simply Max” and “I Am Jazz,” were pulled from bend to the bullying of those intent on classrooms and library shelves just days erasing LGBTQ people from the classroom.” after DeSantis signed the “Parental Rights in Education” (dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill) NOT SO LOVELY into law, according to the Palm Beach Post. The books feature trans characters who Erin Lovely of Palm Beach Gardens, describe their differences and discuss though, is one of the parents upset over the things such as names, pronouns and children’s book. bathroom choices. She told the Palm Beach Post she was Palm Beach County Superintendent Mike “livid” when she learned that “Call Me Max” Burke ordered the books (that were already was read to her second-grade son at Marsh state-approved) to be pulled Pointe Elementary without a and reviewed due to the law, “heads up to parents.” “THE ‘DON’T which doesn’t go into effect “It’s turned me off SAY GAY’ LAW until July. completely from the public HAS NOT YET Rand Hoch, president school system, to be honest,” TAKEN EFFECT and founder of the Palm Lovely told The Post. Beach County Human Rights She added that references AND IS BEING Council, is also perplexed to mistakes in gendering CHALLENGED IN about Burke’s decision to act that happen to trans people FEDERAL COURT. so quickly. “isn’t appropriate fodder for a HE APPEARS TO “I do not understand why 7-year-old.” BE KOWTOWING [he] has started removing Equality Florida, a statewide books from the schools,” LGBT rights group, is one of TO THE NARROWHoch said. “The ‘Don’t the organizations a part of the MINDED PARENTS Say Gay’ law has not yet lawsuit challenging the “Don’t INTENT ON taken effect and is being Say Gay” law. BULLYING challenged in federal court. It’s decisions like Burke’s HIM INTO He appears to be kowtowing that had LGBT activists and to the narrow-minded leaders worried. Laws like the SUBMISSION.” parents intent on bullying “Don’t Say Gay” bill could hurt - Rand Hoch him into submission.” trans people by limiting their PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER OF Brandon Wolf, press rights, especially in schools. THE PALM BEACH COUNTY secretary for Equality “This is the dangerous HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL Florida, is calling for schools chilling effect that LGBTQ to include diverse voices in books and people have warned would come as a classroom materials. result of anti-LGBTQ policies. It’s always “LGBTQ people are a normal, healthy part been our concern that schools, fearful of of society and we deserve to be seen and frivolous lawsuits, would begin pulling back celebrated alongside everyone else. The on inclusivity,” Wolf added. “Pulling books censorship being promoted by Governor from shelves. Muzzling teachers. Peeling DeSantis is going to weaken our education safe space stickers from windows. This is system and leave vulnerable LGBTQ kids the natural consequence of passing policies feeling more stigmatized and isolated,” Wolf that target LGBTQ people and embolden told SFGN. “School districts must adopt and those who are hoping to censor us out of

• 4 . 7.2022

“Call Me Max” book cover. Photo via Amazon.

society.” Wolf also wondered rhetorically whether the same standards applied to a trans character would also be applied to a cisgender character since the law bans all classroom discussions on gender identity and sexual orientation in K-3. All county teachers had access to “Call Me Max,” and it was described as “an excellent, and potentially groundbreaking, publication choice as an early reader title with a trans protagonist. A welcome title for classrooms, libraries, and … other support organizations’ collections” by the School Library Journal, The Post reported. “In recent months, a national campaign demanding the censorship of books and resources that mirror the lives of those who are gay, queer, or transgender, or that tell the stories of persons who are Black, Indigenous, or persons of color has surfaced,” the American Library Association reported. More than 330 challenges were counted at the beginning of this school year, twice as

many as the year prior, according to the ALA. “I Am Jazz” is one of the most challenged books. It’s a children’s illustrated book written by Jazz Jennings, a Broward resident, who later went on to star in a reality TV series about her life as a trans youth. Julie Seaver, the executive director of Compass, said books like these need to be part of the classroom. “This was expected. School is where a diverse group of kids come together for the first time and learn about all different types of people and families in the world,” she said. “So we are back to the days of book banning and silencing young voices with growing questions about their bodies and the world around them? Transgender children exist and this censorship will not erase them from humanity, nor will it help children build empathy and understanding for other people in their community.” The actions by Burke caught Seaver off guard considering just last month he attended a town hall at Compass where the superintendent met with LGBT students to

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listen to their concerns and find ways to be more inclusive. “Compass’ Authentically Youth family members and the LGBTQ+ students who attended [the town hall] hosted at Compass last month will be disappointed for sure,” Seaver said. “If I were those kids and parents, I would be wondering if he truly heard them?” ‘GUT-WRENCHING’ STORIES “Just sitting here in a circle close to our students, hearing them tell their stories, was incredibly impactful to me,” WPTV reported Burke saying at the event. According to WPTV the students, while sitting in a circle, one by one, spoke of harassment, sexual assault and even bullying from teachers. “I really don’t like hearing that, and it’s tough,” Burke told the TV station. “It was gut-wrenching. It was heartbreaking. I can’t understand how anybody would feel like that’s acceptable behavior.” Seaver added to SFGN: “Those kids told horrific stories with hands wrenched and tears streaming down their face. It was horrific. School Board Member Erica Whitfield and I sat there trying not to cry.” The Trevor Project, a mental health organization for LGBT youth, reported that youths who learned about LGBT issues in classes had 23% lower odds of reporting a suicide attempt in the past year. “Negative treatment by others, such as bullying, is a strong and consistent risk factor for youth suicide, and LGBTQ youth experience bullying at significantly greater rates than their straight and cisgender peers,” reports The Trevor Project, a mental health organization for LGBTQ+ youth. Burke said he is intent on complying with the law and promises to “make schools safe and welcoming spaces for all students,” according to The Post. “We are a large school district with 179 schools and roughly 12,000 classrooms,” he said, unaware of the two books until now. “I expected to find books illustrative of families in our community with children who have same-sex parents,” he said. “However, I was not aware there was a book in our primary grades with a storyline dedicated to a young child’s journey through a genderidentity change.” He hasn’t determined what the review process for the trans books will look like. However, according to Wolf, it should include a diverse community of people. “It can’t be the decision of a single parent who’s frustrated that results in a book being pulled from the shelf,” Wolf told the Post. “Trans parents have the right to have their voices heard in terms of classroom materials as well. That’s a deep concern … how school districts are bullied by a handful

Palm Beach County Superintendent Mike Burke. Photo via Facebook.

of parents into censoring what books are on the shelves.” A MATTER OF INTERPRETATION According to one lawyer, Burke is looking at this law all wrong. Donna Ballman is an employment attorney, who has recently opined on the ambiguities of the “Don’t Say Gay” bill to SFGN. In her legal opinion, gender must be removed entirely from the classroom. So she can’t understand why Burke has decided to interpret the law against the LGB and trans community and targeting queers. “The statute says, ‘Classroom instruction by school personnel or third parties on ... gender identity may not occur in kindergarten through grade 3...’ The bill does not define ‘gender identity.’ Thus, we turn to the dictionary. Webster’s defines ’gender identity’ as ‘a person’s internal sense of being male, female, some combination of male and female, or neither male nor female.’” Hoch concurred with Ballman’s interpretation. “I agree,” he said. “Challenges should be made on materials mentioning pronouns, people with spouses, parents, and children, etc.” Ballman further added: “By the way, it says ‘classroom instruction’ not ‘libraries.’ So this move with libraries seems pretty ham-handed and an overreaction.” “According to the plain language of the statute, all books referring to any person’s internal sense of being male or female must be removed along with all books referring to being neither or both. That’s a whole lot of books,” Ballman said. “I assume that parents of trans kids will demand that the school board comply with the law as written. Should make for an interesting school year.”

4 . 7. 20 22 •

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FACEBOOK CENSORS QUEER ART EXHIBIT John Hayden

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• 4 . 7.2022

A screenshot on the event page shows the censored image for the event. Image via Facebook.

CENSORSHIP OF QUEER EXPRESSION ON “MAINSTREAM” SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS IS NOTHING NEW. THE LATEST VICTIM IS AN ART EXHIBIT BY CONRAD KANE. HE’S SHOWING HIS WORK AT THE BOX GALLERY IN WEST PALM BEACH FROM APRIL 23-JUNE 10. Kane’s work is titled “The Untucked Cup Queen,” and shows mid-torso shots with various coverings. However, Facebook took down the promotional posts, which have since been reposted with pink dots over the areas in question. (It’s important to note the dots are not part of the work.) In a phone conversation with SFGN, Kane said the pieces are designed to challenge society’s stereotypes and morals. The Box Gallery owner, Rolando Chang Barrero, said this is just the latest incident of

“WE’RE AT A TIME AND PERIOD, AT LEAST IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA, WHERE THERE’S SO MUCH NEGATIVITY AGAINST GAYS IN SCHOOL, IN POLITICS, IN REAL LIFE. A LOT IS DAMAGING.” - Rolando Chang Barrero OWNER OF THE BOX GALLERY

queer censorship. “Censorship is all across Facebook but it really hurts the gay community even more,” he said. “When Facebook algorithms censor us, it’s making us even more invisible and that’s a real conflict for me personally because I run a gallery. If I can’t promote the shows that I’m doing, as a civic engagement gallery, then the word doesn’t get out.” In addition to hurting business and expression, Barrero said the real damage is the message it sends to kids. “We’re at a time and period, at least in the state of Florida, where there’s so much negativity against gays in school, in politics, in real life. A lot is damaging.” While this has happened before, he’s usually been able to remedy the situation with a quick note to the platform. That is not the case this time, and he still doesn’t know why. As for Kane, he doesn’t see this as a setback, he sees opportunity. “As soon as I saw it, I said ‘Good!’” He believes this is an opportunity for people to explore his work and themes for themselves and realize there’s nothing to be afraid of. As of this writing, the original picture was still banned by Facebook. In addition to Kane, ContempO! 2022 will feature the work of Gina White and Judy Milazzo.

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GAY POLO GALLOPS BACK TO PALM BEACH COUNTY THIS WEEKEND Deon C. Jefferson PALM BEACH COUNTY IS GETTING BACK ON TRACK WITH ITS LGBT PROGRAMMING. AS THE COUNTY CELEBRATES THE RETURN OF PALM BEACH PRIDE, IT’S NECESSARY TO MENTION THAT THE GAY POLO LEAGUE IS BACK WITH FOUR DAYS OF FESTIVITIES AND RETURNS TO THE INTERNATIONAL POLO CLUB PALM BEACH IN WELLINGTON FROM APRIL 7 - 10. THIS YEAR GAY POLO LEAGUE PROUDLY CELEBRATES 12 YEARS. LEXUS INTERNATIONAL IS THE TITLE SPONSOR OF THE EVENT. “We are grateful to be back this year and invite everyone to join us for an incredible weekend,” said Chip McKenney, founder and president of GPL. 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 recognized 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 allows everyone to be loud and proud. Each year GPL has a not-for-profit organization that benefits from the funds that are raised. This year, onePulse Foundation will actively assume the responsibility. onePulse Foundation is an organization established after the tragic events that took place at Pulse Nightclub, where 49 innocent people lost their lives in 2016. onePULSE Foundation’s mission is to “create and support a national memorial that opens hearts, a museum that opens minds, educational programs that open eyes, and legacy scholarships that open doors,” according to their website. Members from onePulse will be on hand to meet and greet on Thursday night. There will be an invitation-only VIP reception. It will take place at the 7th Chukker. Friday will kick off the GPL Senator Cup preliminary matches. They will be held at 10 and 11 a.m.; this will happen right before GPL Polotin’s Wigstock, which is presented by Baccarat. Wigstock starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Mallet Grille located in the International Polo Club. There are several truths about Wigstock. They always have some of the best performers, and it’s normal for you to leave with your feet hurting from dancing and mingling. To experience this magical night, tickets can be purchased for $250.

Photo via Facebook.

Saturday is the day for the big tournament. The international Polo Club will open the gates at 8 a.m. Teams participating in the tournament include Baccarat, Cherry Knoll Farms, First Republic Bank, and Woodford Reserve. This year, 16 LGBT polo players, representing six countries, will participate in the matches. Tickets range from $30 for general admission to $1,800 for a VIP table for eight. The first match will begin promptly at 10:30 a.m. Tailgating will be a major part of the tournament. Tailgate competitions are always a sight to see. There are five categories that organizations can win. Those categories are Best in Show, Best Cuisine, Best Cocktail, Best Single Tailgate and Multiple Tailgate. First Republic Bank sponsors the awards. GPL has recently received the “Champion of Equity & Diversity Award” from the Palm Beach County Sports Commission. This award is a milestone, considering the recent situations the LGBT community has faced in the world of sports. “Being named the award recipient, from a non-gay organization, is validation for diversity event organizers like us,” McKenney said. “This reflects a belief in the value our event(s) brings to the community. This recognition is crucial for LGBTQ athletes and their supporters. We are proud that GPL has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who may not have known gay people firsthand.” 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.

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For more info on how to participate in this fabulous event, visit https://gaypolo.com. 4 . 7. 20 22 •

Jesse’s Journal

CONVICTIONS

FEELING BLUE IN A RED STATE Jesse Monteagudo

he State of Florida has often been described as a purple state, not as blue as California but not as red as Texas. This is nonsense. The Sunshine State is as red as a tomato, and it has always been that way. Our governors and our legislature have always defended the privileges of the white, the rich and the powerful, whether they be slave owners, land barons, railway moguls or the burgeoning tourist industry. Wealthy outsiders like Henry Flagler or Walt Disney were welcome in the state capitol or in the governor’s office. Newcomers who could be assimilated into the status quo, like Cuban exiles in Miami or white retirees in the Villages, were welcome with open arms. Racial minorities and others who dared to defy the powers that be were persecuted, legislated against, or branded as communist. The only thing that changed was the name of the ruling party, from Democrat to Republican. Nothing else has changed. The political reality that is the State of Florida makes it depressing for those of us who are politically progressive, who believe in racial equality and economic justice. Living in Miami-Dade or Broward counties for most of my life made things somewhat easier as, like in other red states, Florida’s cities are blue oases where racial minorities, LGBT people, intellectuals and workers of all colors migrate to further their ideas and livelihoods and often save their lives. Joined by progressives from other states and countries, Florida’s blue oases at times threaten to replace Tallahassee’s ruling class. This they would not THE POLITICAL permit. Though this is a 50REALITY THAT 50 state, Republicans firmly IS THE STATE OF control the governorship, FLORIDA MAKES IT both branches of the Legislature and the Supreme DEPRESSING FOR Court; and it is unlikely that THOSE OF US WHO things will change in the ARE POLITICALLY foreseeable future. Those of PROGRESSIVE, us who rightly oppose this state’s “Don’t Say Gay” and WHO BELIEVE IN “Stop WOKE” bills ignore RACIAL EQUALITY the fact that our legislators AND ECONOMIC have spent as much time this year curtailing the powers JUSTICE. of Florida’s blue cities and counties as they spent restricting the rights of Black, Brown and LGBT Floridians. It ain’t easy being blue in a red state. But I have lived with it most of my life. As part of a Cuban family that sought political asylum during the ‘60s, I was the member of a minority group that defined itself in opposition to Cuba’s socialist revolution. Being conservative was part of my political DNA. Even so, I managed to outgrow my

• 4 . 7.2022

Photo via Adobe.

limitations, rebelled against the views of those around me, and became a politically progressive Democrat. Some would say that I am ashamed of my Cuban origins. This is not true. I am proud to be Cuban, but I am also proud to be gay, and as the rainbow sheep of my family, I must follow my own path. Other queer Cuban Americans, including some I call friends, remain true to their political background, as members of the Log Cabin Republicans and other conservative groups. That is their choice. All this raises another question. If Florida is so terrible,

why have I chosen to live here for more than half a century? I could have moved to a blue state, like New York or California, where its citizens are more likely to share my views. But Florida is my home, where my family, my friends, and the three men I chose to spend my life with (not at the same time) live or have lived. Florida is a beautiful state, with great scenery, wonderful wildlife, and optimal weather (barring a hurricane or two). This is something that Ron DeSantis and his minions in the legislature cannot take away from me.

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.

CONVICTIONS

Claiming Our Voice

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4 . 7. 20 22 •

LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG

LIVING IN A STATE OF HATE Brian McNaught

hen the Universe manifests itself in us as unexplainable and seemingly unwarranted sanctification, we are said to be living in a state of grace. I’d argue that we always are sanctified. Being aware of it, and embracing it, brings us to the state of grace. When the Universe manifests itself as unexplainable and unwarranted hate, we are said to living in the state of Florida. We have as our governor Ron DeSantis, and our two U.S. Senators, Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, three of the most Far Right people in politics. We’re also stuck with both a State House and State Senate that are dominated by socially conservative Republicans. We’re the Hate State, the State of Hate, call it what you will, but it’s frustrating and embarrassing to acknowledge to others where we live. The latest manifestation of their hateful thinking is a law that prohibits teachers from talking about sexual orientation or gender identity to youngsters. Anyone who assumes the cultural wars are over isn’t paying attention. The award-winning, short animated movie that was based on my book, “What’s ‘Gay’?” Asked Mae, is precisely what children need to see, and exactly what Republicans want to stop from happening. They think children shouldn’t be exposed to talk about sexual orientation or gender identity. It might confuse them. My older sister, Kathy, who died recently, was an extraordinary first grade teacher for many years. It was always fun to go out to dinner with her and have a young adult come to the table to thank her for what a great job she did. My sister was exceptionally gifted at spotting issues that would impact the youngster in the future. With two gay brothers, she was very aware of the fear and loneliness that can come from knowing at an early age that you are different from the others. Had she still been teaching when my book was published and the movie was made, she would have proudly and confidently brought them into her classroom. I don’t know what truly motivates Republicans in their efforts across the country to stop children from hearing the word “gay,” and from acknowledging they are transgender. Despite the protest from doctors, therapists, teachers, and parents, Right-Wing Christians are passing laws that prohibit transgender children from playing sports and using the appropriate locker room and restroom. If they’re successful in Texas in stopping all children from taking the early steps of transitioning, they will do irreparable harm. And for what

THE BATTLE IS NOT OVER, AND WE OLDER LGBT PEOPLE KNOW HOW TO ORGANIZE AND FIGHT, JUST AS GAY PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DOING IN THE UKRAINE.

• 4 . 7.2022

Photo via Adobe.

reason? They know nothing about the experience of being transgender. Nor are they aware of what damage they are doing by stigmatizing being transgender or gay. Florida’s Right-Wing governor is expected to be the GOP nominee for president in 2024. He’s much smarter than Donald Trump, and far more dangerous. If he’s elected, he and his Republican majority in Congress will work to make the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people miserable. But the battle is not over, and we older LGBT people know how to organize and fight, just as gay

people have been doing in the Ukraine. In the past 50 years, we’ve faced down some of the most hateful behavior and devastating negligence possible. Ray and I don’t want to live in a State of Hate, but this is now our home and we will do whatever we can to replace Right-Wing politicians with progressive public servants. If we’re part of an army of resistance, there’s no telling what we’ll achieve, including allowing LGBT youngsters to feel safe and valued in school. They would thus be living in a state of grace.

Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has made his many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The New York Times named him “The Godfather of gay diversity training.” Brian has a weekly YouTube/FaceBook podcast called, “Are You Happy Without the Movie?”

LIFESTYLE READING WITH PRIDE

‘THE SPECTACULAR’ Aurora Dominguez

f you’re interested in novels about viewing the world through the eyes of queer women, then check out “The Spectacular” by Zoe Whittall. WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT NOVEL? “The Spectacular” is a novel about sex, freedom, drugs, abortion, maternal ambivalence and late in life queerness through the eyes of three women in three different time periods as they try not to let attachment trauma ruin their lives. I was inspired to write it because I spent every day of my 30s and early 40s asking myself if I should have a kid or not. My ex-wife didn’t want kids, my next partner already had them and didn’t want more. When you’re queer there is just so much planning and ruminating involved. When I was briefly single I didn’t have the money to do it alone. I really wanted to be a parent but the circumstances of my life never supported it. So I wanted to look at the question of should I or shouldn’t I? from the POV of three very different women in the same family, in different eras. WHAT DOES “READING WITH PRIDE” MEAN TO YOU? To me it brings to mind the idea of all books coming from other books, and my work is part of an ongoing literary conversation with other queer novelists, as we have fought for years to get our work recognized for its merit. It is important to me to read other contemporary queer works and to be a part of this conversation. The generation just five, ten years above me lost so many of our artists and writers. I feel proud to be writing for and about us.

I REALLY WANTED TO BE A PARENT BUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF MY LIFE NEVER SUPPORTED IT. SO I WANTED TO LOOK AT THE QUESTION OF SHOULD I OR SHOULDN’T I?

WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS AND CHARACTERS? I think it’s important to write the story you’re compelled to write, and to reflect the world richly and accurately, if that’s what you’re aiming for. WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU RELATE TO THE MOST AND WHY? I’m write different from Missy in her youth, but I when I was a teenager I didn’t realize I was queer and I kept having really unfulfilling relationships with cis men and it was often quite emotionally muted and similarly to Missy, dating felt a bit like a game because of that lack of investment and I couldn’t figure out why until a girl asked me out and I was like, oh, this is what was missing. Even though later I came to identify as bi and attracted to various masculinities. But at the time it was like seeing in color for the first time. So with Missy, she doesn’t realize this until later in life. I often feel like I could have just assumed I was straight for years and never realized it, I didn’t have the experience of always knowing. Missy comes out in her late 30s and was a way to imagine that possibility. WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK? I hope that it’s a sexy good time, and also has some contemplative moments about reproductive freedoms and gender and the impossibility of love between two people with different attachment styles. WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU IN THE BOOKISH WORLD? I have a book of short stories coming up next called “Wild Failure,” out in 2023. 4 . 7. 20 22 •

EATERS DIGEST SIGNS OF RECOVERY

LIFESTYLE FOOD

Rick Karlin

ou can tell we are heading for an economic recovery. Although inflation is high, there are fewer empty storefronts, and between high season and spring break there was certainly enough business to offer a boost to our local economy. The best indicator? The number of new places that have recently opened or are about to. EVELYN’S (525 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., FourSeasons.com/fortlauderdale) is an eastern Mediterranean restaurant inside the new Four Seasons on Fort Lauderdale Beach. It’s named after Evelyn Bartlett (of the Bonnet House Museum), and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Named for its identifiable pizza pans, BLUE STEEL PIZZA (2460 E. Commercial Blvd., BlueSteelPizzaFTL.com) specializes in authentic Detroit-style square pizza. This is the first location outside of the flagship space in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The dining spot will also feature craft cocktails, crispy CocaCola barbecue wings, and duck confit miso ramen. John Maser has added yet another location to his local PHAT BOY SUSHI (2451 University Dr., PhatBoySushi.com) empire with a new location in Davie. It replaces a Burger 21 and features shoyu ramen bowls, yakitori skewers, katsu sliders, a fullliquor bar with craft cocktails, and sushi staples including toro and Hamachi. Every pizza is a star, or at least star-shaped at MISTER 01 EXTRAORDINARY PIZZA (555 N. Federal, Boca Raton; Mistero1. com). Try the signature pie, topped with spicy salami, mozzarella, tomato sauce and basil, with dollops of ricotta cheese in the eight points. Another location will open this spring in Aventura. Chicago native and chef-owner Tom Azar has opened BROAD SHOULDERS SANDWICHES (2822 E. Commercial Blvd., BroadShouldersSandwiches.com), a gourmet sandwich shop and deli steeped in New Orleans flavors. It bears the nickname of the owner’s hometown, paraphrasing Carl

Sandburg’s line, “The city of broad shoulders.” Florida’s “only all-vegan kava and kratom bar,” LEAVES & ROOTS LOUNGE (1231 NE 9th Ave., LeavesAndRootsLounge.com) moved to the trendy East 13th Street neighborhood late last year, doubling the amount of seating of the original space. Offering something for everyone, NORTH SOUTH GRILL (154 S. Flamingo Rd., NorthSouthGrill.com) in Pembroke Pines features hamburgers on brioche buns, gyros, poutine, buttermilk chicken tenders, Wagyu steak hoagies, and grilled chicken sandwiches on its comfort-food menu. Don’t let the name fool you, SPUD’S COFFEE (3301 NE 32nd St., SpudsCoffee. com), serves up a lot more than just java. Owner Megan Wilson serves house-smoked pork belly eggs benedict, burrata toast and fluffy, sticky cinnamon buns, in addition to her caffeinated creations. SuViche may be gone, but an equally trendy concept has moved into its former home. COYO TACO (401 E. Las Olas Blvd., Coyo-Taco.com), a highend taqueria, is the latest place to migrate from Wynwood to Las Olas. The 2,905-squarefoot restaurant will serve handpressed corn tortillas filled with cochinita pibil, alambre, pollo al carbon and crispy duck, salads, and burrito bowls. Truly exemplifying the American dream, a Virginia-based Korean fried chicken chain opened in Davie, with local owner Daven Sawh. CHOONGMAN CHICKEN (4900 S. University Dr., CMChickenFL.com) specializes in deepfried birds (tenders, drumsticks, wings, and whole-chicken) that are crispy and tossed in a spicy soy-garlic-gochujang glaze. There is also tikkudak, in which Korean fried chicken

BROAD SHOULDERS SANDWICHES IS A GOURMET SANDWICH SHOP AND DELI STEEPED IN NEW ORLEANS FLAVORS.

• 4 . 7.2022

Reuben sandwich at Broad Shoulders Sandwiches. Photo via Facebook. is then baked in charcoal ovens for extra crunch. Pit boss Mitch Liebovich packed up his smokers in Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood and moved his entire WRIGLEY BBQ (3208 Forest Hill Blvd., WrigleyBBQ. com) business to Palm Springs, just north of Lake Worth. He did so to live closer to his parents. Chicago’s loss is South Florida’s gain, with its 12-hour cherry wood smoked brisket, St. Louis-style spareribs, and a pulled pork and brisket combination sandwich. Oakland Park adds another eatery with Jose Salazar’s BOHEMIAN LATIN GRILL (1199 E. Commercial, BohemianLatinGrillFll.com), which opened in late January, in the old Buoy Bites space. Tacos de birria, build-your-own bowls, burritos, quesadillas, beef sliders, and salads grace the menu. RAZZLEBERRY’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM (1499 SE 17th St., RazzleberrysIceCream.com), opened a second location in Southport Plaza.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

It scoops 30 flavors into cones and sundaes. The original location is on the corner of Atlantic and A1A in Pompano. CALVIN DUMPLINGS (1315 W. Broward Blvd.) is a takeout-only restaurant run by Calvin Shea and his 80-year-old mother from the 1315 Kitchen, a rental space at the Jack & Jill Children’s Center. The shop accepts pickup orders only, but serves six types of dumplings, along with complimentary sauces. While it’s not open yet, we look forward to SOUTH BAR & KITCHEN from Mike Linder, who also owns three successful area restaurants; Jet Runway Cafe, Canyon and Yot. The Pompano Beach spot has broken ground at 165 NE 1st Ave. and will focus on Southern cuisine. Expect to see the opening this fall. Also opening in Pompano, but not until 2023, is PAPAMIGOS, an AsianMexican fusion brick-and-mortar from the food truck and Coconut Creek restaurant of the same name.

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. The views Rick expresses are his own and do not represent the opinion of SFGN.

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4 . 7. 20 22 •

A&E APPOINTMENTS

ARTSBEAT MARK YOUR CALENDARS J.W. Arnold

Several South Florida performing arts recently announced their 2022-23 seasons, including Florida Grand Opera, Slow Burn Theatre Co. and Boca Stage. Mark your calendars for these exciting productions. FLORIDA GRAND OPERA Florida Grand Opera (FGO), kicks off their season Nov. 12–15 at the Arsht Center with a special production of Dominic Cimarosa’s comedy “El matrimonio secreto” (“The Secret Marriage”). Originally planned for 2020, FGO’s version is set in the world of the hardworking Cuban diaspora in 1980s Miami Beach with a specially commissioned Spanish translation from the original Italian. Next, they offer a double bill: Puccini’s beloved one-act family drama, “Gianni Schicci,” and the contemporary sequel “Buoso’s Ghost” by Michael Ching, Jan. 28 to Feb. 11, 2023. Puccini’s often-performed “Tosca” follows, March 18 to April 15, and the season concludes with Rossini’s familiar “The Barber of Seville,” April 29 to May 20. The final three programs will be presented at both the Arsht Center in Miami and the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, go to FGO.org.

Florida Grand Opera last performed “The Barber of Seville” in 2010. Rossini’s comic opera will return to local stages next season. Credit: Florida Grand Opera.

SLOW BURN THEATRE CO. Slow Burn Theatre Co. plans five big Broadway musicals for the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale: “Little Shop of Horrors,” Oct. 14–30; “Footloose,” Dec. 16 to Jan. 1, 2023; “Honeymoon in Vegas” Feb. 3–19; Disney’s “Mary Poppins,” March 24 to April 9; and Disney’s “Newsies,” June 9–25. Hard-working artistic director and Carbonell winner Patrick Fitzwater often does double duty as choreographer, so this season is certain to showcase his many talents, especially “Footloose” and “Newsies.” Season packages are now on sale for subscribers and individual tickets go on sale July 7. For more information, go to SlowBurnTheatre.org.

BOCA STAGE Boca Stage at the Sol Theatre in Boca Raton plans four productions for its fourth season, including three South Florida premieres. Keith Garsson will direct Lucas Hnath’s “The Thin Place,” a haunting contemporary ghost story, Nov. 4–20. Genie Croft then helms “Time Alone,” by Alessandro Camon, about a grief-stricken widow, a convict serving a life sentence and their surprising connection, Jan. 6–22, 2023. Croft then tackles Bess Wohl’s “Grand Horizons,” Feb. 10–26, a comedy about the fallout that results when a longtime married couple announce they plan to divorce. Garsson concludes the season with the updated female version of Neil Simon’s “The Odd Couple,” March 17 to April 2. Tickets are now on sale at BocaStage.net.

• 4 . 7.2022

LIFESTYLE BOOKS

ON BEING GAY AND GRAY SFGN columnist’s latest book out now SFGN Staff Brian McNaught, pictured right, poses with his newly released book, “On Being Gay and Gray: Our Stories, Gifts, and the Meaning of Our Lives.” The book is a deeply intimate tribute to the wisdom gained throughout life as an open LGBT person, and how that shapes their journey as an LGBT senior. “This book, ‘On Being Gay and Gray,’ is intended to be that friend who helps take care of the senior members of the gay community by validating their experiences of courage, mirroring their strengths, and celebrating the significance of their unique contributions to the world,” said McNaught. “On Being Gay and Gray: Our Stories, Gifts, and the Meaning Of Our Lives” is available now on Amazon for $19.95 (hardcover) or $14.99 (paperback). READ THE REVIEW AT SFGN.COM/GAYANDGRAY

Brian McNaught. Courtesy photo.

American Classics

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

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Alexander Zenoz

Kyaunnee Richardson

4 . 7. 20 22 •

A&E DANCE

DANCERS OFFER GENDER-BENDING INTERPRETATIONS OF FLAMENCO J.W. Arnold

Male dancers will perform traditional female roles in Compañia Manuel Liñán’s program, “¡Viva!,” featured at Flamenco Festival Miami, opening April 10 at the Arsht Center. Credit: Marcos G. Punto.

outh Florida audiences will be treated to a unique interpretation of traditional flamenco dance when Flamenco Festival Miami returns to the Arsht Center this month. Choreographer and dancer Manuel Liñán will return to Miami on April 23 with an all-male dance company and a new show that explores gender identity through “characterizations inspired by the flamenco woman.” Liñán has garnered international praise for his showmanship and the sincerity with which he challenges the rules of traditional flamenco. In “¡VIVA!,” he is joined by six other bailaores-bailarinas, male dancers dressed in traditional female costumes, for a jubilant expression of flamenco dancing where the feminine is embraced by the masculine body and gender roles are broken — exposing dramatic new forms. The 42-year-old, openly gay Spaniard recently discussed the program and his approach with SFGN. (The email interview has been translated to English and edited for length.) SFGN: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO USE MALE DANCERS IN PLACE OF WOMEN? Manuel Liñán: At no time do I try to replace women, [I] simply dress as I want, comb my hair as I want, put on makeup without abandoning my identity as Manuel. “¡Viva!” was born when I was 6 years old. As a child I had the need to dress in frilly dresses to dance, put on makeup, etc. When I did, people laughed at me and I didn’t understand it because I always did it

normally and formally. [I] didn’t want to be a woman, [I] wanted to be Manuel with ruffled makeup and a wig. IN WHAT WAYS DO YOU ADAPT OR CHANGE THE CHOREOGRAPHY? It is something natural that dancers have in movement. At no time do we stop being Jonatan, Hugo, Betanzos, Daniel, Yoel and Miguel. We like to dress in dresses and use these dresses to dance. When we use the bata de cola, for example, it is a different language … it is a very long skirt and you have to know how to use it. HOW DOES IT CHANGE THE AUDIENCE’S PERCEPTION OF THE DANCES? It’s very different and I think each person has a different perception. Mostly, I just think they see dancing bodies and forget the gender. Others may see transvestite men, others may see disrespect and others don’t even ask to see it. HOW HAVE AUDIENCES RESPONDED TO THIS UNIQUE PORTRAYAL OF FLAMENCO? The public has welcomed us in a very exciting way; although, at some point, I have seen [people] leave the theater knowing that those under those dresses are men. But they have always welcomed us wonderfully well, also [the dance] critics. WHAT DO YOU HOPE AUDIENCES WILL TAKE AWAY FROM THESE PERFORMANCES? A good memory of 12 honest artists who dance and sing from the heart.

Compañia Manuel Liñán will perform “¡Viva!” on Saturday, April 23 at 8 p.m. as part of Flamenco Festival Miami, April 10 – 23 at the Arsht Center in Miami. Tickets start at $25. For a full festival schedule and tickets, go to ArshtCenter.org.

• 4 . 7.2022

FEATURE PETS

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There are always wonderful dogs at the Humane Society of Broward County and one gal that seems to be getting overlooked is 3-year-old Selena (ID A652075) one of most well-behaved and well-mannered dogs currently at the shelter. Selena is easy-going, calm and her mere presence will make you feel relaxed. She is potty-trained, loves her toys and enjoys being pet. Selena is heartworm positive, so her new family must be willing to bring her back as an out-patient for treatment. The Humane Society covers the cost of this treatment. Heartworm is not contagious to other dogs or people and is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. That is why it is so important to keep your dog, no matter what size it is, on heartworm preventative. Selena is a Dolly’s Dream Dog, so her adoption fee is underwritten, and she gets to go home with supplies she needs to settle in.

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Appointments are not necessary to visit the Humane Society of Broward County. However, please complete the preadoption application on the website www.humanebroward.com prior to stopping by if you would like to meet a pet. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I95, and opens daily at 11 a.m. If you have questions call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Can’t adopt, but want to help? The Humane Society has wish lists on Amazon and Chewy. ALL STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND CUSTOMERS SHOULD WEAR A MASK TO ENTER THE SHELTER.

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COMMUNITY OUTL

O, MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH PRIDE HOST QUEER ART SHOWCASE

Miami Beach Pride and O, Miami hosted the Queer Art Showcase at the Moxy South Beach on April 4. The event featured 10 LGBT artists showcasing their photography, paintings, poetry and spoken word. Miami Beach Pride is currently taking place with events continuing through the weekend. Visit MiamiBeachPride.com for more information. O, Miami is an organization that produces an annual, month-long poetry festival with the goal of reaching every person in Miami-Dade County with a poem during the month of April. This year the organization has several more upcoming programs geared toward the LGBT community including “Before Night Falls: The Poetic Life Of Reinaldo Arenas” film screening on April 7 at The North Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach. The evening will also include a poetry reading, and a drag show featuring Bab Papi. Visit Omiami.org for more information. The night included four poets, Ranijun Ruado, Ayari Marie Aguayo, Clayre Benzadón, and Agua Dulce Gloriosa who took to the microphone to recite their heartfelt poems.

Claryre Benzadón recites her poems, “Radish,” “Category Theory,” and “Stein’s Plump with Kink; Gaga Goes (Down) Sloe as Gin” during this year’s Queer Art Showcase. Photo credit: Jason Parsley

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