SFGN 04/15/21 V12iss15

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE

APRIL 15, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 15

RICKY MARTIN NEW ‘OUTLOVE HATE’ SPOKESPERSON PAGES 4 - 5

Florida Passes Anti-Trans Bill SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

PAGE 14

Manors Takes Over Facebook

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SouthFloridaGayNews.com

OUR FUND FOUNDATION TACKLES VACCINE HESITANCY IN LGBT COMMUNITY

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• 4 .15. 2021

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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pandemic, and one out of three LGBT people of color personally knew someone who died of COVID-19.

“Our Fund Foundation is proud to support the Diversity Unity Coalition, which seeks to combat health disparities and promote our common humanity,” David Jobin, president and CEO of Our Fund Foundation, said in a prepared statement.

COVID patients with HIV have higher rates of acute illness needing hospitalization more than people without an HIV diagnosis, according to a recent report from New York State.

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Our Fund Foundation has grown into the third-largest LGBT foundation in the nation, and it promotes a culture of philanthropy by uniting donors that help LGBT issues in South Florida and support causes within the LGBT community.

“Our members represent diverse political affiliations, religions, races, and backgrounds, but we found common ground and had unanimous agreement to jointly focus our coalition’s resources initially on tackling vaccine hesitancy,” the founder and president of The Humanity Project, Bob Knotts, stated in a press release.

For more information on Our Fund Foundation visit our-fund.org or call 954-565-1090.

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Publisher • Norm Kent

Editorial

South Florida’s only LGBT community foundation has pledged money to the Humanity Project’s newly formed Diversity Unity Coalition, which helps combat COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy within underrepresented communities.

To promote its mission, “Equality for Each, Respect For All,” the coalition will focus its work on combating vaccine hesitancy by education outreach into underrepresented communities. This includes Black, Latino, Jewish Orthodox, Muslim, LGBT, and other underserved communities as well.

According to a report by the New York Times, there is a noticeable hesitancy in LGBT communities of color due to a longstanding mistrust in the medical establishment. The article also notes that LGBT people of color were twice as likely as white non-LGBT people to test positive for COVID-19.

Sexual and gender minorities and people of color are more vulnerable to becoming infected with the coronavirus and also more likely to have underlying conditions that could make them severely ill if they were to contract COVID-19.

Even though Black people are at higher risk of developing the disease, vaccination issues are particularly prominent in this community.

A total of 1,350 men and transgender women, the majority of whom identified as gay or bisexual, were asked how likely they were to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to Williams Institutes School of Law, around 15% of LGBT people of color have tested positive for COVID-19, while 7% of nonLGBT white adults tested positive. The report also states that 12% of LGBT respondents report being laid off from their jobs due to the

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April 15, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 15

COVER: Photos via the ONEpulse Foundation. Designed by Brendon Lies.

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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 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.

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

4 .15. 20 21 •

3

NEWS STATE

49 LIVES

Ricky Martin new ‘Outlove Hate’ spokesperson Damon Scott

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new year has been met with renewed optimism and a fresh lineup of activity and momentum for the onePULSE Foundation.

The foundation was set up after the June 12, 2016, Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando that claimed 49 lives. Pulse owner Barbara Poma founded the nonprofit and serves as its executive director.

This June will mark the fifth anniversary of the tragedy and there will be events to coincide with it — from June 5 to June 12.

Activities are expected to be a hybrid of inperson and virtual.

“We know how to do on-site events but now also how to get the world to see it,” Scott Bowman, the group’s chief communications and government relations officer said.

The annual run will kick off the week and the remembrance ceremony will close it out.

MUSEUM, MEMORIAL TIMELINE Poma said the search for a construction management firm to build the National Pulse Memorial & Museum with a one-third of a mile path between the two — the Orlando Health Survivors Walk — began Feb. 1.

The museum and memorial are located near each other but on opposite sides of the street. The memorial will be at the site of the Pulse nightclub, located at 1912 S. Orange Ave., with the museum and education center located at 438 W Kaley Street.

A list of firms will be narrowed down to about six and then a final selection will happen by the end of May. Poma said the first phase of the walk is expected to break ground this spring, with the memorial done this winter and the museum completed by early 2022.

WELCOME, RICKY MARTIN Because, as Poma said, “the outpouring of love has never stopped” — the foundation

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• 4 .15. 2021

launched the “Outlove Hate” campaign on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14. It’s a push to get one million people to donate $49 each in order to raise $49 million.

The $49 donation buys a place on the “Face of Change” digital mural and on a permanent mosaic at the museum.

“To have a name on the wall would usually require a huge donation,” Poma said. “We wanted everyone to have an opportunity to be part of the museum forever.”

Ricky Martin has signed on to serve as the first “Outlove Hate” national spokesperson — a two-year stint. He’ll do public service announcements, social media outreach, voiceover work for the museum, and Poma hopes to get him to attend an event or two down the road.

Martin, of course, is known far and wide as a singer-songwriter, actor, author, record producer and humanitarian.

“We are thrilled to have one of the bestselling international music artists of all time join our Pulse family,” Earl Crittenden, foundation chair said in a statement. “His global platform allows us to share our mission with even more audiences, ensuring Pulse’s legacy of love lives on forever.”

Martin, who recently visited the Pulse memorial, said in a statement that the campaign was “the perfect way” to launch a partnership.

“I ask everyone to join our movement, commit to change and share the love,” he said.

Organizers are encouraging those who want to be involved in the campaign to start by uploading a selfie to outlovehate.com.

The site then guides participants through a series of steps to choose a special color filter for the selfie and share it on social media channels.

Left: Ricky Martin. Photo via Ricky Martin, Facebook.

Right: The site of the Pulse Memorial. Photo via the onePulse Foundation, Facebook.

ONEPULSE ACADEMY LAUNCHED The foundation also started its onePULSE Academy on Feb. 17 — the group’s educational arm.

It began with a virtual screening of the film “90 Days” followed by a conversation series.

“The purpose is to have conversations and realize that we’re all more alike than we are different,” Poma said.

There are three more virtual film screenings scheduled (one per quarter) with accompanying conversations and panel discussions.

“We are thrilled to partner nationally with these amazing writers and directors to showcase their important work and to have courageous conversations,” Dr. Earl Mowatt, vice president of education at onePULSE said.

Mowart is overseeing other aspects of educational programming as well, including development of a K-12 curriculum.

The three remaining screenings are “Disarm Hate” (editor’s cut) on May 19; “From Selma to Stonewall: Are We There Yet?” on Aug. 18; and “Disarm Hate” (full documentary with cast panel — possible inperson event) on Nov. 17.

LEGACY SCHOLARSHIPS The application period for the second class of Legacy Scholarship recipients ended in January. More than $330,000 will be distributed to 49 recipients, representing the Pulse shooting’s 49 victims.

Poma said 152 people sent in completed applications, representing 26 states and 78 educational institutions of all levels.

“The class is incredible and quite diverse,” she said.

The applications now go through a committee and selection process. The second class of recipients will be announced at the end of April.

More information on all events, including film screening descriptions, are available at onepulsefoundation.org.

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

A MEMORY TOO CLOSE TO HOME EDITOR’S NOTE:

Norm Kent

This story was originally published on June 22, 2016. In light of the recent news of Ricky Martin joining the ONEpulse Foundation, SFGN is publishing it again.

norm.kent@sfgn.com

x

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ere, on the streets of Orlando, the mood is somber. But there is also a new intersection of hope, because the city is holding hands, regardless of sex or status, color or creed.

A week ago, the LGBT community was celebrating Gay Days; thousands of men and women playing and partying under the sun.

A week later at the Pulse nightclub, the pulse of our nation was interrupted, stunned and shattered by bullets and blood.

Gay men and women have emerged from the shadows in America. We no longer worry so much about the “closet.” There is just a small curtain. You can push it aside and step into the sunlight. We are welcome in all walks of life and we lead the way in ever so many ways. But like so many other minorities in America, we have always been, and are still, targets.

Hate has never been far away.

Unfortunately, you don’t have to look to the Middle East or the Islamic State group to find vitriol. It has always been around the corner, too often reverberated in Sunday sermons and then echoed weekly by politicians never affording us dignity or respect.

We have always been second-class citizens to many. Our acts have been perverted, our sex queer and our lifestyles aberrant.

Our rights have been denied, our liberties questioned and our love not sanctioned.

When we got sick, we were ostracized rather than healed, and when we have been tortured and hurt, we have been told it’s God’s will.

You think this is all a relic of the past? No, not when there are world religions still teaching that gays deserve to die. No, not when there are 70 countries who can imprison us simply because of who we are. No, not when we can’t give blood, but our blood still flows on the streets of our cities.

We are a community still fighting for

TODAY, WE KNOW IN OUR HEARTS AND HEADS THAT WE ALL HAVE A LOT MORE IN COMMON THAN WE DO APART.

The Pulse Nightclub in Orlando quickly became a memorial site. Photo credit: WalterPro4755, via Flickr.

equality, from bathrooms to our workplaces. We have battled to serve in the military, marry in our chapels and derive the same legal and tax benefits straight couples have.

We don’t mind rising to courtroom challenges and advocating in public forums for equality, but we should not have to fight for our lives in nightclubs.

Gay bars are our private palaces, secret sanctuaries, homes away from home; our rights of passage into our own ecosystem.

They are where we first came out, met our partners, discovered our identities. Whether with leather, lipstick or lace, we found a world of love that was all our own.

In Orlando, the bullets of another false revenge sought to take us down. They only brought us all together. We can debate about the validity of gay marriages tomorrow.

Today, we know in our hearts and heads that we all have a lot more in common than we do apart.

We celebrated Stonewall with a parade this past weekend. But know this about our community — Stonewall was no parade.

Stonewall was a riot against the police, launched by drag queens and gay bar patrons who simply had enough. No more abuse, they said; no more beatings. They fought back.

Today, it falls upon us to fight back again. We need advocacy, not apathy. First and foremost, we have to be intolerant of intolerance. We can’t look the other way when we are degraded or demeaned. We have to be accepted unconditionally, not tolerated pleasantly.

We lived for years as victims of violence, abused and bullied, ridiculed and wronged.

Unfortunately, the massacre in Orlando is an indelible reminder that the path is not yet so clear for us. The road still needs to be paved, the street widened to provide equality for all.

Like Harvey Milk, like Matthew Shepard, we will not go silently into the night. We will memorialize the victims with our spirit and strength. Where there is hate, we will preach love. Where there is chaos, we will create community.

Mark it down that Orlando will not doom us. It will unite us. Justice and righteousness is on our side.

Hope will prevail, and we hope you will be by our side. This week, so many of you have, so on behalf of the LGBT community of South Florida, we thank you.

4 .15. 20 21 •

5

NEWS STATE

FIRST MAJOR LGBT FESTIVAL RETURNS TO FLORIDA Tampa Pride takes place May 22 Everitt Rosen

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Photo via Tampa Pride, Facebook.

A

s Florida cities begin to open up and more and more people begin to get their vaccines, the return of festivals and parades no longer seems so far-fetched.

Tampa Pride Street Festival 2021 becomes the first major pride festival in Florida to return.

Other major cities in Florida, such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Palm Beach have either canceled or pushed their pride festivals to the fall. Key West looks to be making a return in June, a few weeks after Tampa holds theirs.

City leaders in Tampa have been concerned about large gatherings, but parades and festivals bring crowds of people and millions of dollars to the Tampa Bay area each year.

After Tampa Pride 2020 was canceled, Carrie West, the nonprofit’s president said that they are still recovering.

“It was kind of a drop of the heart and stomach, and a big punch,” West said in a report by News Channel 8. “We have all the money that was paid out for the event itself, for supplies. We’re not the only ones. I think there are a lot of nonprofits that aren’t going to be making it.”

Parades and festivities will not be officially approved until closer to their planned times, according to city officials. This will help the council to assess COVID levels and determine if activities are safe to host.

“What we were told was, move forward slowly at a steady pace,” West recalled to News Channel 8. “At the beginning of March they said to move a little faster, your pace is going well.”

The sixth annual Tampa Pride Diversity Parade will take place at the corner of Nuccio Parkway and E 7th Avenue, down E 7th Avenue to N 20th Street on May 22 at 4 p.m.

While the parade starts at 4 p.m., pride participants can walk around the festival starting at 10:45 a.m. with the Tampa Bay Pride Parade Band and guest speakers followed by featured entertainment. The main stage will be located in the Cuban Club Courtyard.

This year the street festival will feature an arts and crafts area and a community health fair, as well as Tampa Pride’s first food alley.

The food alley will be located on 14th Street between The Cuban Club and HHC, and it will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Visit TampaPride.org for more information.

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NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

8

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Amanda Prendergast, real estate agent at Fierce & Associates, with Amber Taylor, agent at Dettman Realty and singer with Airwaves To Heaven, a Led Zepplin cover band.

Husbands Marc Martorana and Don D’arminio holding Ollie at Art Walk.

Welcoming everyone at Rosie’s is Kristel Babb, Luiz Borges and Stacy Graham.

Winter Music Conference founder DJ Bill Kelly with his husband Richard McVay.

• 4 .15. 2021

NEWS STATE

WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA Sean McShee

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN Cumulative COVID-19 Cases in THREE SOUTHKnown FLORIDA COUNTIES: Three South Florida Counties:

APRIL 7 THROUGH APRIL 13 April 7 through April 13

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 4/07 to 4/13 Palm Beach 1.7%, Broward 2.2%, and Miami Dade 2.0%

135,324

134,854

134,337

4/7

222,445

221,623

220,739

219,792

4/8

4/9

136,675

136,206

136,108

4/10

Palm Beach

224,546

223,356

223,152

135,758

463,365

461,041

460,653

459,493

457,918

456,317

454,405

4/11

4/12

Broward

4/13

Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN THREE SOUTH COUNTIES: Cumulative Known COVID-19 Deaths Cumulative Known FLORIDA COVID-19 Cases inin Three South South Florida Florida Counties: Counties: Three APRIL 7 THROUGH APRIL 13 April 77 through through April April 13 13 April

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 deaths from 4/07 to 4/13 Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 4/07 to 4/13 Palm Beach 0.8%, Broward 0.5%, and Miami Dade 1.1% Palm Beach 1.7%, Broward 2.2%, and Miami Dade 2.0%

2,709

219,792

2,679

2,713 220,739 2,685

4/7 4/7

4/8 4/8

Palm Beach

2,720 223,152

2,721

135,758

4/9 4/9

5,981

222,445

2,692

135,324

134,854

134,337

221,6232,717

2,692

4/104/10

2,690

Palm Beach Broward Broward

223,356 2,721

136,206

4/114/11

5,993

5,980

2,700

136,108

463,365

461,041

460,653

5,969

5,954

5,940

5,930

459,493

457,918

456,317

454,405

4/12 4/12

224,546 2,723

2,701 136,675

4/13 4/13

Miami Dade Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

4 .15. 20 21 •

9

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENDALL LITTLE

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Bisexual

LADY GAGA’S THIRD STUDIO ALBUM RE-ENTERS THE CHARTS It’s not every day that an album released in 2013 resurfaces on the iTunes charts, let alone reach #1.

Lady Gaga fans recently petitioned to have Gaga release the B-side tracks from the album “ARTPOP.” In order to bring attention to the request, fans have brought the album back onto the charts seven and a half years after its initial release by tweeting under the hashtag #buyARTPOPoniTunes.

After watching her album skyrocket to #1 on the pop charts, Gaga tweeted to her fans expressing gratitude.

“The petition to #buyARTPOPoniTunes for a volume II has inspired such a tremendous warmth in my heart. Making this album was like heart surgery, I was desperate, in pain, and poured my heart into electronic music that slammed harder than

B

Lady Gaga. Photo via Facebook.

any drug I could find,” she tweeted.

While Gaga did not say whether or not she plans on releasing an addition to the album, fans still hold onto hope that one day they will be able to listen to an extension of “ARTPOP.”

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

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Queer | Pansexual

JOJO SIWA SPEAKS OUT ON HANDLING BACKLASH AFTER COMING OUT

When young pop sensation JoJo Siwa came out earlier this year, she received a plethora of different reactions from fans, parents, and even celebrities.

The mix of reactions didn’t stop Siwa from expressing her love for her girlfriend Kylie Prew on social media and now the star is opening up on the struggles she faced after coming out.

Siwa says that she googled herself after announcing her sexuality — and it was a big mistake.

“I never should have done that. I was thinking that all the comments were going to be nice and supportive, and they weren’t,” she said. “A lot of them were, ‘I’m never buying your merch again. My daughter’s never watching you again.’ I couldn’t sleep for three days.”

JoJo Siwa. Photo via Facebook.

Now, Siwa has embraced her sexuality fully and doesn’t let the hate affect her as much.

“My thing is, I don’t want people to watch my videos or buy my merchandise if they aren’t going to support not only me, but the LGBTQ community,” she said to People Magazine.

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888-526-0124 208 SE 8th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316 info@detoxcentersofamerica.com 10

• 4 .15.2021

LGBTQIA BITES

GF

Gender-Fluid

GENDER-FLUID MODEL BECOMES FINALIST FOR SWIMSUIT ISSUE

Lewis Freese opened up to People Magazine recently about the possibility of becoming the first male on the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Freese identifies as a male, but considers himself genderfluid.

“I really don’t view myself as the first but as the next,” he said. “The next model to break a barrier, the next model to have these uncomfortable conversations, the next model to be unapologetically myself. I am so grateful to be a part of a group of finalists who all represent completely different messages, yet have the same goal: to further inclusivity.”

He was hesitant at first to apply for the casting call, but ultimately threw his name into the mix.

“My message is so much more about gender variety and how every person’s gender presents itself differently,” Freese said. “With those differences comes a need for acceptance so we can all inspire, encourage, and love each other regardless of how we identify.”

Lewis Freese. Photo via Instagram.

4 .15. 20 21 •

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NEWS LOCAL

STONEWALL MUSEUM KICKS OFF MEMBERSHIP DRIVE Members will receive a subscription to the newly launched journal of queer archives John Hayden

O

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com•954-530-4970

SFGN has been there for you through the good and bad...

AND WE’RE STILL HERE FOR YOU NOW.

Visit SFGN.com and stay up to date on health alerts, event schedules, and everything you need to know in our community.

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• 4 .15.2021

utside of a look at the Stonewall riots, gay history isn’t taught indepth at most schools. But the LGBT community’s story began long before then, and is still being written today. The Stonewall National Museum & Archives (SNMA) in Fort Lauderdale is dedicated to preserving and documenting the struggle. Now, they want you to join them.

They’ve kicked off a membership drive with the goal of nearly doubling the current members. SNMA is a deep, well-catalogued library of LGBT topics, ranging from fiction, non-fiction, biography, theater, poetry, art and more.

“Membership is what keeps Stonewall alive,” Executive Director Hunter O’Hanian said. “It supports our programs and operating expenses. Most libraries and archives are affiliated with a county or city government or an educational institution.

We remain an independent library and archive. Membership helps us keep the lights on and do the things we do.”

In all, they have more than 28,000 books and 1,000 DVDs of gay-themed films.

Memberships start at $35. A household can become members for $50. SNMA’s Society of Donors begins at $250. Part of the campaign is the launch of “Archeion: Journal of Queer Archives.”

THE QUARTERLY PUBLICATION WILL BE A SPACE FOR THE VOICES OF WRITERS, ARCHIVISTS, CURATORS, ARTISTS, PERFORMERS, AND POETS.

Photo via Facebook.

The quarterly publication will be a space for the voices of writers, archivists, curators, artists, performers, and poets.

“I am very excited about this publication,” O’Hanian said. “It is a way that we can look at LGBTQ archives through queer lens. We take the research and writing we develop for our exhibitions and present that, plus we ask artists, writers, research and thinkers to comment and respond. It is a great way to present other voices and new points of view, some which we may not have heard before. It is a mashup of multiple voices on gay themes.”

Archeion will be sent to all members.

The first issue focuses on two recent SNMA exhibitions, BLK: The National Lesbian and Gay News Magazine, and Elected Sisters: Pioneering Bi, Lesbian and Trans Political Leaders, and features writing from contributors Che Gossett, Joe Tolbert, Jr., Dr. Rachel Corbman, and Jamie Grace Alexander.

Archeion will be mailed to all Stonewall members.

SNMA has been working on the community’s story for nearly 50 years, and strong member support will keep it going for another 50 more.

To become a member or learn more about their work and LGBT history, visit their website Stonewall-Museum.org.

COVID-19 safety guidelines will be enforced

Presented by

4 .15. 20 21 •

13

NEWS STATE

FLORIDA HOUSE PASSES ANTITRANSGENDER ATHLETE BILL Brooke Baitinger Sun Sentinel

T

he Florida House voted Wednesday to block transgender children from playing on sports teams that align with their gender.

The bill, a Republican push to ban R-Lake Placid, denied that the bill would transgender athletes from joining girls’ and ban transgender girls from playing. She women’s school sports teams, has become a argued that the bill “does not even mention hot topic — even as the bill’s sponsors admit the transgender language” and repeatedly that transgender girls competing on girls’ referred to transgender girls using an antiteams hasn’t caused any problems. trans slur: “biological males.”

One day before the Florida Florida is one of 16 states House took up the bill, the where high school athletic National Collegiate Athletic associations provide guidance Association Board of Governors that allows transgender said it would consider pulling students to join sports championships from states teams that align with their that ban transgender athletes gender identity, according from participating in women’s to the website Transathlete, and girls’ sports. An NCAA which tracks such policies. boycott could cost Florida 50 The FHSAA requires tournaments and $75 million documentation of “consistent over the next five years, identity and expression” and lawmakers say. medical information as part of State representatives its process to clear transgender discussed the bill for nearly students to play on sports four hours on Tuesday. teams.

Democratic lawmakers offered The amendments appeared up 18 amendments they said to address the bill’s concerns would address the concerns about transgender athletes. about transgender athletes They proposed adopting the competing in a more nuanced NCAA’s language on the use of way than the bill’s blanket ban. hormone replacement therapy - Carlos Guillermo Smith The bill’s sponsors argue and testosterone blockers REP. (D-ORLANDO) that what they’ve named the for transgender athletes, “Fairness in Women’s Sports policies that provide ways for Act” is needed to protect girls who could be transgender athletes to play on high school denied athletic opportunities if they had to and college teams. compete against transgender girls who were That would have been a concession, said assigned male at birth.

Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando.

Critics say the proposal is part of a bigoted “We were told this is not a prohibition movement that targets young and vulnerable because transgender kids can still play on transgender students and proposes team sports,” he said. “I call BS. Here’s why “solutions” where there aren’t problems.

— transgender girls are girls. They look like The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Kaylee Tuck, girls. They go to the girls’ restroom. And

“We were told this is not a prohibition because transgender kids can still play on team sports.

I call BS.”

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• 4 .15.2021

Photo via the HRC website.

yes, they play on girls’ teams. It is not a fair concession to say well the trans girls can still play. They can play on the boys’ team.”

He compared it to North Carolina’s antitrans bathroom bill from years ago. “It’s like saying trans people can use public restrooms.

The trans women can go to the men’s room.

We’re not banning them from using public restrooms ... It’s absurd.”

Other amendments pointed out that the bill would force both transgender and cisgender girls — meaning their gender aligns with the one they were assigned at birth — to undergo invasive examinations of their genitals just to “prove” they’re allowed to play on the team.

Such procedures could further traumatize transgender children experiencing gender dysphoria and survivors of sexual assault.

One amendment, proposed by Rep. Kristen Aston Arrington, D-Kissimmee, suggested

providing a birth certificate instead of the invasive exams.

“I think it’s disgusting that this bill allows big government to peek inside little girl’s panties,” she said.

Florida’s House bill is similar to legislation passed in Idaho, which was quickly challenged in federal court and is now on hold after a judge ruled the state cannot ban transgender students from sports teams. Similar bans have been signed into law by Republican governors in Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.

Lawmakers are debating them in dozens of other states.

A Senate version (SB 2012) that is still in committee would allow transgender athletes to join girls’ or women’s teams if their testosterone levels are below a certain limit for a year before they begin competition.

This is a developing story. Follow SFGN.com for updates.

Republished from the Sun Sentinel, a media partner of SFGN.

4 .15. 20 21 •

15

NEWS NATIONAL

BY COREY ROSE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

WEST VIRGINIA

WEST VIRGINIA SENATE PASSES ANTI-TRANS BILL

On Thursday, The West Virginia State Senate advanced HB 3293 — a bill prohibiting transgender girls and women from playing on women’s sports teams — by a vote of 18-15.

The bill is one of a pack of antitransgender legislation being introduced across more than 20 states, including Florida, Texas, and Montana. While most bans specifically target middle and high schools, state senators have expanded HB 3293 to include college sports as well.

Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David said in a statement, “There is no evidence that supports the need for this legislation, and it will jeopardize the well-being of transgender kids across the state, who are just kids who want to play. The health and safety of children should never be reduced to a

Photo via Pxhere.

political talking point.”

The bill is now headed to the desk of Gov. Jim Justice, a Republican, who said he will allow it to become law.

• 4 .15.2021

The Michigan Court of Appeals has overturned a lower court’s decision involving the lesbian couple’s dispute over the custody of their twin children.

Wayne County Circuit Court ruled that the mother whose eggs were used was the only legal parent. The “non-legal” mother was ordered to be treated as a third-party in custody issues, despite having carried the twins to term and coparenting for several years.

Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project, told Pride Source, “This decision makes it clearer in the realm of same-sex couples [that] you do not have to be biologically related in order to be a legal parent, I think that’s why this decision is very significant.”

Both mothers have been granted interim joint-custody as the case returns

Jay Kaplan, staff attorney for the ACLU of Michigan’s LGBT Project.

Phtoo via the ACLU of Michigan.

to Wayne County Circuit Court, where both will be acknowledged as legal parents.

TEXAS

BIDEN REQUESTS FUNDS TO END HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC

16

MICHIGAN

MICHIGAN COURT RESTORES RIGHTS OF LESBIAN PARENT

WASHINGTON D.C. President Joe Biden’s preliminary budget request for fiscal year 2022 allocates $670 million for ending the HIV epidemic, calling for a $267 million increase in funding.

According to the funding request, the Department of Health and Human Services will use the money to “aggressively reduce new HIV cases while increasing access to treatment, expanding the use of pre-exposure prophylaxis [also known as PrEP], and ensuring equitable access to services and supports.”

The request also directs federal dollars towards addressing racial disparities in healthcare, the opioid epidemic, and veteran mental healthcare and suicide prevention.

Executive Director of the HIV+Hepatitis Policy Institute Carl Schmid said in a

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

TEXAS LEGISLATURE TO HEAR ANTI-LGBT BILLS Joe Biden.

Photo via Facebook.

statement, “While it falls short of what the community has requested, if this funding is realized it will continue the momentum already created and make further progress in ending HIV in the U.S. Efforts to end HIV will help eradicate an infectious disease that we have been battling for the last 40 years and help correct racial and health inequities in our nation.”

The budget is expected to go through negotiations in the Senate before going into effect for the next fiscal year.

This week, the Texas General Assembly will hear several bills targeting LGBT community members, as well as individuals living with HIV. House Bill 1424 would allow medical professionals to refuse to perform procedures, including life-saving care, based on religious or moral beliefs.

HB 1399 and SB 1646 work together to expand the definition of child abuse to include gender-affirming care and prohibit transgender youth from accessing insurance for such care, while HB 369 increases penalties in criminal proceedings for those who expose others to HIV, knowingly or unknowingly.

According to the Equality Texas, the state has seen a 50% increase in antiLGBT legislation being introduced at the capitol. The organization said in an issue

Texas State Capitol building. Photo: Daniel Mayer, via Wikipedia.

brief, “With [state Republicans’] focus on limiting or denying healthcare, these bills are explicit about their disregard for LGBTQ+ lives.”

All of the bills are currently in committee, and would require passage through the state House and Senate to become law.

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 8 APRIL 15, 2021

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE

Survey Says!

OAKLAND PARK

COMMUNITY

OP Residents Want Streamlined Downtown and a Brightline Station

By Christiana Lilly A survey of 400 full-time Oakland Park a stop in Oakland Park, just west of City Hall on residents shows that the majority feel the city Dixie Highway, and 77% of respondents were is “headed in the right direction” and is pleased in favor of this. This topic was also discussed at the city’s last community meeting on March with services.

The 32-question survey, which was presented 31 with residents asking if it was a “done deal.”

“Since that opportunity to the city commission April 7, is before the city, it’s part of was conducted by The Kitchens our plan to ensure that we Group from March 4 to 7 using The 32-question know what is going on and landlines, cell phones and we know how to plan for that online. survey, which was in the development of our “The citizens of Oakland presented to the downtown,” said Renee Miller Park feel very satisfied with of R. Miller Consulting Group. their city and its management,” city commission “It’s something that we have to according to the report April 7, was plan for if it does come our way.” provided by The Kitchens During the meeting, Group. “Lower positive ratings conducted by The consultants said that the city are a result of people not being is expected to add 400 new familiar with [city] services.”

Kitchens Group from 2020 to 2025 Part of the survey was from March 4 to 7 households and that the household income also about the city’s current development of downtown using landlines, cell of Oakland Park residents is to increase 15%.

Oakland Park and the area phones and online. expected As for city services, survey south of it, dubbed OP3D participants gave positive (Oakland Park Design feedback on garbage pickup Development District).

Seventy-six percent said that redevelopment (94% very or somewhat favorable), maintaining of the area is necessary to bring in new jobs parks and recreational facilities (88%), and and businesses, of which 77% said it should be providing EMS and paramedics (78%). Oakland Park also ranked high with participants when it a top priority for the city.

Brightline has also had an interest in creating came to sponsoring community events (73%),

The Brightline. Photo via Facebook.

traffic enforcement (67%), marketing to new businesses (64%), and maintaining libraries (63%).

When it came to the city’s millage rate, 59% said taxes are “what they would expect to pay.”

The racial demographics of the survey

www.WMGAZETTE.com

participants were 56% white, 16% African American, 15% Hispanic/Latino, 10% something else, and 3% did not answer.

Gender was half and half with a slight lean toward men and the ages of participants were also fairly even; the largest group was 30 to 50 years old at 25%.

4 .15. 20 21 •

17

FEATURE

WILTON MANORS

Kareem Awadalla From the Middle East to Wilton Manors

Awadalla brings his journalism to the Island City through his Facebook Group: Wilton Community News

By John Hayden Kareem Awadalla knows what it’s like to face danger as a journalist. He’s survived multiple assassination attempts during his career covering the Middle East.

Journalism runs through his veins and there was no way that was going to stop him. Today Awadalla lives in Wilton Manors, a city he was introduced to in 2012. He fell in love with its small-town charm.

Awadalla still covers the Middle East but now he’s launched a social media news outlet — Wilton Community News.

With more than 100 cities, towns, villages, and unincorporated areas in South Florida alone, even the major newspapers and TV stations can’t follow every board meeting and business opening.

But meetings happen and businesses open, so it’s up to neighborhood news organizations to keep an eye on what’s happening.

Awadalla now brings his lifelong passion for journalism to the Island City.

“I think journalism chose me,” he told The Gazette. But perfecting his craft there was difficult and sometimes deadly. “It was very dangerous being a journalist in the Middle East before the Arab Spring.”

For simply doing his job, Awadalla faced four assassination attempts.

Awadalla grew up in Egypt. In 2012, Awadalla got a scholarship to work in the heart of journalism, New York City. But during a convention in Fort Lauderdale he saw his future. Friends took him out for dinner in Wilton Manors, then showed him a different view of the city.

“He took us on a tour with his small boat, Wilton Manors by the water,” he said. “I was infatuated with Wilton Manors. I was very impressed.”

Awadalla spent the next few years working, saving, and preparing; his dream manifested itself in August 2018.

He tried to dive headlong into his new community by joining city committees and organizations.

“The reason I wanted to volunteer is because I wanted to pay back and help keep Wilton Manors this glamorous glory place that I’ve seen since 2012,” he said.

Things didn’t work out and he wasn’t able to get on any panels. But having faced multiple assassination attempts, a little bureaucratic rejection wasn’t going to stop Awadalla.

“This is my happy place, I didn’t want to be a journalist in Wilton Manors.”

But like when he was a child, journalism called him. If he couldn’t work on things from the inside, he’d cover them from the outside.

Awadalla grabbed his camera, MacBook, some lights, and started Wilton Community News, a hyper-local Facebook page dedicated to anything and everything happening in Wilton Manors. “I see it as a way to pay back my community.”

It started as just a couple posts on issues he didn’t want to get lost in the shuffle. But public response was overwhelming that it took on a life of its own, and now has more than 1,500 followers.

Known for being tough but fair, Awadalla now interviews everyone from candidates for public office, officials in charge of our safety, to local business owners. At the height of the pandemic, he focused on the devastating economic impact on the people who perform on the drive, making sure that even though they were out of sight, they weren’t out of mind.

City Commissioner Chris Caputo has been the subject of multiple videos from Awadalla.

• 4 .15.2021

GAZETTE April 15, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 8 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 Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor • John McDonald

Correspondents

Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970

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

MEMBER

Kareem Awadalla. Photo via Facebook.

“The city is really fortunate to have Kareem,” Caputo said. “He takes his craft seriously and he has really shed a lot of light on the issues facing our city.”

The Gazette plans to partner and collaborate with Awadalla and Wilton Community News.

“The Gazette is a great publication. Without them there would be so many things that would go unseen,” Awadalla said. “I only do videos. I thought maybe we could cooperate together to get the message out more.”

Jason Parsley, the associate publisher of The Gazette’s parent company SFGN, believes this will help intensify the coverage of Wilton Manors and Oakland Park.

“We’re excited about partnering with Kareem and Wilton Community News,” Parsley said. “Kareem’s video work will be an excellent supplement to our journalism, adding a new dynamic to the stories.”

Kareem covers the costs of Wilton Community News out of his own pocket, so he’s still working as a journalist. As a Mideast expert he shows up on TV around the world giving his perspective on major events. Kareem also works on documentaries and has several projects going on at once.

Keep an eye out for Kareem and his camera around the community, follow his Facebook page, and watch for more of his coverage here at SFGN.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 18

THE

2 •

APRIL 15, 2021

Associated Press MEMBER

MEMBER

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

It’s springtime, so if you have pets, be sure to keep your eyes out for cane toads! Dog owners, ask your veterinarian during your dog’s next check-up for advice on what to do if your dog licks one. Photo: PxHere.

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

Lien This!

‘Lazy’ Owner Overruled In Manors Sidewalk Caper

Manors Approves Special Magistrate For Code Enforcement

By John McDonald A Broward County magistrate ruled a Wilton Manors sidewalk adjacent to Lazy Lake is being negatively impacted by overgrown vegetation from the property at Northeast 21st Court.

At the hearing on April 6, code enforcement officers with the Environmental Protection and Growth Management Department of the County’s Building Code Services Division presented testimony and evidence that the sidewalk is impassable to wheelchair-bound people.

Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris Caputo commended the county for taking action.

“For residents in our city, this issue with the collapsed fence on our sidewalk has been a thorn in our side,” Caputo posted on Facebook.

“This update is welcome relief for our city staff, who have been unable to remedy it since it involved the personal property [fence] of another city’s resident.”

The property owner, Oliver Kamm, was not present at the hearing. Kamm was given

By John McDonald Wilton Manors Commissioners passed a new city ordinance moving lien reduction requests from the commission to a special magistrate.

After more than a year of consideration, the new law was passed unanimously. On first reading, under the leadership of the late mayor Justin Flippen, the proposed change to city code passed on a 3-2 vote with former Commissioners Julie Carson and Tom Green in the opposition.

The idea behind the change is to remove political influence from code violation negotiations by handing over authority to a special magistrate.

“The process didn’t have sufficient integrity,” said Vice Mayor Paul Rolli at the March 23 commission meeting. Under the old rules, Rolli said, property owners would fall out of compliance and could not sell or refinance their properties and then come to the commission for relief.

“I’m not as lenient with that stuff because there were plenty of opportunities for these people to come in,” Rolli said. “I just want to see the process have integrity.”

Commissioner Gary Resnick agreed with the vice mayor.

“The process that we had really lacked not just integrity but also predictability,” Resnick said. “There were really no factors that were applied by the commission. It was very political.”

Resnick noted former Commissioner Carson said there was a policy that automatically reduced fines by 25%.

“We’ve never had such a policy and that’s what was misunderstood and to some extent thought of in the community,” Resnick said. “So as much as we tried we didn’t apply our authority to reduce fines to any type of predictable, factual manner which really bothered me because I just didn’t think it was fair.”

A special magistrate, Resnick said, has

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

A close-up shot of the sidewalk.

Photo by Carina Mask.

15 days to perform corrective actions. After 15 days, a $250 daily fine kicks in for noncompliance.

The case is scheduled for a rehearing on May 2. On the 20th day of non-compliance, the county, Caputo said, “is authorized to take any and all necessary action to remedy the issue.”

Paul Rolli. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

more knowledge of cases, sets fines and can determine if property owners have been responsive or not. After the special magistrate’s decision, property owners who are not satisfied can then appeal to the city.

City Attorney Kerry Ezrol said after a lien is recorded for more than 90 days, the city can initiate foreclosure proceedings.

Wilton Manors, Ezol said, is in the middle of a foreclosure action with Hollywood, Floridabased LLIJMASG, LLC. and secured a $1 million summary judgment on five liens. Ezrol reminded the commission the city cannot foreclose on homesteaded properties.

Presently the sum total of liens in the city from May of 2016 to September of 2019 is $2,151,300. Of that total, $980,753.54 was reduced. Of the reduced amount, $769,696.46 has been paid.

Commercial properties saw an average reduction rate of 54%. Homesteaded properties were reduced by 61% and nonhomesteaded properties were reduced by 60%.

A special magistrate, Resnick said, has more knowledge of cases, sets fines and can determine if property owners have been responsive or not.

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4 .15. 20 21 •

19

NEWS

OAKLAND PARK

Art Walk in Wilton Manors Photo by J.R. Davis On Saturday, March 20, the beloved monthly Art Walk returned to Wilton Drive with a special masquerade-themed event. The event was hosted by the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, and sponsored by the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

The event featured cocktails and music to complete the artsy vibe as patrons browsed among local vendors that offered everything from paintings and photography to handmade jewelry and decor.

Pictured here is Charles Tracy with studio@withtheflowllc.com and their flower artwork. Be sure to attend Wilton Manors Art Walk this Saturday, April 17.

P

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PHOTOS

WILTON MANORS

Calusa Coffee Roasters. Photo via Facebook.

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When Luis Arteaga walked into Calusa Coffee Roasters on the morning of March 15, the first sign that something wasn’t quite right was a missing laptop.

Then, he saw that the video cameras were unplugged from the wall.

“At that point I realized something was wrong,” said Arteaga, the co-owner of the Oakland Park coffee shop. “I checked the till and the cash was missing from there.”

Also missing was his personal laptop and some alcohol. He plugged the cameras back in and witnessed the man who broke into the shop that morning at 2:45 a.m. before he unplugged the security system. Arteaga called the police and the Broward Sheriff’s Office was on the scene.

Between the electronics and cash from the register, Arteaga lost about $3,000. But luckily the community came through for Calusa — one customer

overheard that they would have a hard time roasting without the shop’s laptop, and he gifted the shop with one of his own the next day. They also received donations.

“It only took us a few days to get us back roasting then about four more days to catch up with the roasting schedule,” Arteaga said. “It put us back a couple of days, a week.”

Based on the video, law enforcement believes the man is 5’9’’ and possibly has a tattoo on his right wrist. They also think he may have broken in by using a broomstick to open the latch on the window and climb in by stepping on a chair. The same man allegedly burglarized another business in the area, but was unable to take anything.

“If anyone recognizes the guy, contact BSO and let them know,” Arteaga said. “He could very easily do this to a home while someone is in the house and who knows what would happen then. It’s a very dangerous situation.”

Between the electronics and cash from the register, Arteaga lost about $3,000.

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Anyone with information on this case should contact BSO Oakland Park Det. Thomas Arce at 954-202-3115. Or, if you wish to remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or at browardcrimestoppers.org.

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4 •

APRIL 15, 2021

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

Campaign Handout!

Former Wilton Manors Candidates Give Away Leftover Campaign Funds

By John McDonald

Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve in Wilton Manors. Photo via Facebook.

Blooming Buds!

Orchids Coming to Richardson Park in Wilton Manors

By Christiana Lilly Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve want to learn all about it are welcome to join in Wilton Manors is going to be beautified, them. They are also hosting a GoFundMe fundraiser with a goal of $10,000 to keep the thanks to local garden clubs.

The Island City Orchid Project, a partnership Island City Orchid Project going.

“Whoever wants to learn, they are welcome between the Equality Garden Club and Fort Lauderdale Orchid Society, has the lofty goal to come and volunteer and that is also the of planting and maintaining 1,000 orchids in idea, to teach people how to care for the orchids,” Rios said. the park this year.

Both garden clubs have been “Many orchids are extinct active in the community. In in South Florida; people November, they spruced up keep stealing them from the the butterfly garden at Wilton trees,” said Mario Rios, the Manors Elementary School, chairman of the Island City which had fallen into disrepair Orchid Project committee during quarantine.

Last and treasurer of the Equality summer, they also partnered Garden Club. “What we with the cities of Oakland Park want to do is once we install and Wilton Manors to turn their the orchids, they will start public parks organic. reproducing themselves and The Fort Lauderdale Orchid create a new colony.”

Society has teamed up with The Wilton Manors Fairchild Botanical Gardens in City Commission passed a Miami to be a part of the Million resolution on March 23 to Orchid Project. Last summer, enter into a memorandum the club installed 100 orchids of understanding with both Chairman of the Island City in Stunson Park in Oakland garden clubs for the project.

Orchid Project Park. They’ve also planted The 4.5-acre park boasts orchids at Broward Collegenature trails, natural habitat areas for local wildlife, and is home to the South Campus, Riverland Manors and Colee Hammock in Fort Lauderdale. Boy Scouts in Historical Manor Hours and Carriage House.

The two clubs will be installing the plants Davie have also participated in the project. in late June or early July, and volunteers who

“Many orchids are extinct in South Florida; people keep stealing them from the trees.”

- Mario Rios

Final campaign reports reveal Wilton Manors candidates were philanthropic with their surplus funds.

Mayoral candidate Julie Carson had nearly $9,000 leftover after the election.

Carson distributed some of her remaining funds to the Pride Center, Equality Florida, Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, The Pet Project, City of Wilton Manors, Broward County Audubon Society, Broward Sierra Club, Mental Health America of Southeast Florida, Julian’s Fountain of Youth and Ruth’s List Florida.

Carson’s Pride Center donation was $500 in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Her $250 donation to the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group was designated for the Sculpture Walk and $150 went to the city’s Justin Flippen Bridge Project.

Scott Newton’s final campaign account report started with $4,768.40. Newton, who defeated Carson in a close election for mayor, donated $2,808.31 of his remaining funds to charitable organizations and schools — the largest amount was a $600 donation to Manor Lanes Youth Bowling.

The mayor’s other beneficiaries were: Redland Dog Rescue of Homestead, Paw Patrol Dog Rescue of Miami, Wilton Manors Historical Society, Wilton Art, Inc., Wilton Manors Elementary, Wilton Manors Friends of the Library and Fort Lauderdale High School.

Celebrity Chef Josie SmithMalave, who came in a distant third in the mayoral election, used her remaining funds of $413.99 to repay a campaign loan.

In the commission race Mike Bracchi and Chris Caputo prevailed among the field six candidates. Bracchi’s campaign termination report shows he donated $627.31 to four charitable organizations — Wilton Manors Friends of the Library, Wilton Manors Historical Society, Wilton Manors Art Walk and the South Florida Audubon Society.

Caputo donated $503.86 to charity, his

Photo via Adobe.

major beneficiary was the Smart Ride ($333.86).

Doug Blevins, who came in third, donated $1,986 to the city’s Wilton Drive trees and street project. Juan Melecio donated $31.08 to the Pet Project. Joseph Sansone’s final campaign report shows no distributions.

Jason Basilico has not filed his campaign termination report.

Termination reports were due 75 days after the election.

In his last campaign finance report, Basilico had a surplus of $2,390.69. The Gazette tried to reach the Basilico campaign but telephone messages were not returned.

City Clerk Faith Lombardo said candidates must show how they dispersed surplus funds in their termination report, per state rules. Candidates can use any remaining money to pay staff, loans, debt, close offices, purchase thank you for advertising or donate to charities.

Carson’s Pride Center donation was $500 in honor of Transgender Day of Remembrance.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 5 •

APRIL 15, 2021

4 .15. 20 21 •

21

PHOTOS

WILTON MANORS

The Hearts Party A fundraiser benefiting the AIDS Walk

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

Planning & Zoning Board Chair Speaks Out on Wilton Manors Issues

Photo byJ.R. Davis

By John McDonald

As the AIDS Walk approaches, take a look back at one of the creative fundraising efforts on behalf of the event.

The Hearts Party, also hosted as a birthday celebration for Cory David (Mr. Eagle WM), was held on Feb. 20 at the Eagle Wilton Manors. Guests included Cody Elkin, Mr. San Francisco Leather 2016, and American Leatherman 2019 - 2020.

Seen here is Mr. Eagle WM (right) with Starlet Skye, host of Sunday Service at The Eagle 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Commissioners are scheduled to appoint three members to the Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board at Tuesday evening’s regular commission meeting.

The terms of board members Michael Siemer, Peter Flint and Tim Theisen expire on May 1. Of the three only Theisen, a senior instructor in the Florida Atlantic University Biological Sciences Department, is seeking reappointment.

The city received applications from five other residents. The Planning & Zoning Board is composed of nine members — seven with voting privileges, one alternate and a staff liaison.

It’s a volunteer, no pay job that has received much attention of late with potential changes to density regulations in the city’s comprehensive plan. In particular, the extension of the transit-oriented corridor into the eastside created considerable debate among residents and stakeholders.

Along with appointing three members to the P&Z board, Wilton Manors Commissioners have unfinished business to discuss involving the adoption of text amendments to the comprehensive plan. The amendments increase the maximum density in the transitoriented corridors to 100 residential units per gross acre.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, JOIN THE WMG GROUP ON FACEBOOK! Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette

THE GAZETTE REACHED OUT TO PLANNING & ZONING BOARD CHAIR RICHARD SAFATY FOR HIS THOUGHTS ON THE BOARD’S MISSION. 1. What can the planning & zoning board do to increase revenue for the city?

The Planning and Zoning Board has recently reviewed the permitted business use table and has made recommendations to the city commission to better ensure we are supporting local economic growth.

2. There seems to be some contradictions in arguments from those opposed to any code changes. Those opposed to increased density want to keep a small-town feel, but don’t added bicycle lanes, setbacks and landscaping projects help accomplish this small-town environment as opposed to four-lane fast moving roads?

Yes, adding bicycle lanes, setbacks and landscaping projects all help accomplish the goal of maintaining Wilton Manors’ small-town feel.

and

Wilton Manors Planning & Zoning Board Chair Richard Safaty. Photo via Facebook.

3. What does city code say about homelessness, tent camping, shelters and pods? Where are they allowed in Wilton Manors?

The city’s code doesn’t address tent camping, shelters and pods and therefore they are not permitted.

4. Are you in favor of a train station in the city? Do you think it would increase crime?

The P&Z board will review any application that comes before us and at that time we will be able to make an informed decision.

5. Why did you choose to live in Wilton Manors and decide to serve on the P&Z board?

Owning and operating a small business on Wilton Drive since 2008, I fell in love with the city and the people we served. Moving to the city in 2013 as a full-time homeowner was a natural progression. I have always enjoyed being active in my community. My business experience and attention to detail has made the P&Z board a good fit for me to give back to the city I love.

6. I spoke to a Coral Gables resident recently who had some unflattering comments about the architecture in Wilton Manors. How can the city improve its architecture?

Wilton Manors is not a planned community — it is colorful and vibrant, a mini-urban oasis that is unique in its allowances when it comes to architecture style and preferences.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 22

• 4 .15.2021

6 •

APRIL 15, 2021

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

Wilton Manors To Address Powerline Road Safety Concerns Photo at Bayside Marketplace

By Chris Caputo

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The entire audit process should be starting At Tuesday’s city commission meeting, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) soon and take approximately two months provided an update about various traffic and to complete. After the two-month audit traffic safety concerns to the city commission. period, a presentation will be made at a One very important issue that must be city commission meeting outlining a plan addressed in the City of Wilton Manors is for improving road safety conditions along vehicle, pedestrian and cyclist safety along Powerline Road.

As a city commissioner, I Powerline Road. am interested in hearing from Wilton Manors will be anyone who has concerns about working with FDOT and In addition to Powerline Road or suggestions the City of Fort Lauderdale how to make it safer. If to perform a “road audit.” being a recognized on you email me at ccaputo@ During this road audit, accident “hot wiltonmanors.com, I will ensure residents, engineers, and city your comments are shared with representatives will literally spot,” there is FDOT staff during the road walk Powerline Road to an obvious need audit process. discuss issues facing those I look forward to improving that travel along the road via to address the road/pedestrian safety along bike, car, bus or on foot. One Powerline Road and other streets key focus of this road audit is inappropriate use in our city. After addressing the to gather input from residents of bicycle lanes. unsafe conditions on Powerline, who live near or frequently I hope we can begin to address utilize Powerline.

NE 26th Street, which has In addition to being a recognized accident “hot spot,” there is an serious issues with its sidewalks that pose a obvious need to address the inappropriate use safety risks for our residents, especially those of bicycle lanes. Motorists and commercial with disabilities. WMG vehicles frequently treat bicycle lanes like turning lanes or parking spots — posing a — Chris Caputo great safety risk to those residents who cycle WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER on Powerline.

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954-565-1041 7 •

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4 .15. 20 21 •

23

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

Facebook Groups on the Rise for Wilton Manors Residents

By John Hayden From population to land size, Wilton Manors is a very small city. But there is an outsized amount of love, concern, and passion for the island enclave. It’s no secret that social media lets people amplify small concerns and have a voice in big issues usually left to government and corporate leaders. Wilton Manors residents and fans are no exception.

On Facebook alone, quick search finds nearly a dozen pages dedicated to all things Wilton. And the focus of the pages is as diverse as the issues facing the city. You can find one focusing on nightlife, one filled with rightwing political views, then click on one that focuses on the inner-workings and minutiae of city hall. The numbers of followers range from a few hundred to a few thousand. One thing they all have in common is that group members (many pages are public but some are private requiring admin approval) want to be a part of their community.

“What’s

While those pages look at what’s happening out and about, Wilton Community News Group keeps an eye on what’s afoot inside city hall. Kareem Awadalla is an international journalist, and tells SFGN he created the page out of a need for transparency after moving here in 2018.

“I applied to volunteer for 10 local city committees. I was rejected for all of them,” he says. “That’s when I said to myself ‘I am a journalist by trade, I should produce a news report about local issues.’”

CHANGE IS CONSTANT

Over time, the type of people who follow a page change. But the pages can adapt, or, even have spinoffs. Rivera believes the everchanging population of the area keeps fresh ideas coming. “We have people that, of course, live here, but [also those] looking to move been here, or just arrived and have amazing about been told about my group and SEE THE NEED come to us for a good source of Facebook groups info. We have members from Each one is inspired and ... has been Europe, the islands, and all driven by someone seeing a parts of the United States.” need to be addressed. One of connecting to the Despite being a news only the most popular pages, with thousands of other site, Awadalla says his members nearly 8,000 members, is residents who are very active. “Now they are simply titled Wilton Manors. sending me leads to stories Geo Bustamante started the aren’t a part of they want me to cover. One page before Facebook groups that ‘inner circle’ story has led to many additional were really “a thing.” interviews and stories about “I started the page way of residents.” issues important to the back when Facebook groups community.” weren’t as popular,” he told Of course, not all input is SFGN. “I thought that Wilton Wilton Manors City Commissioner positive. Sometimes posters will Manors needed a place where try to hijack the conversation everyone could come together or the page’s mission. Bustamante says it and share their activities and businesses.”

Mark Rivera is the admin for What’s happened to him. “A few years into managing Happening On the Drive. He and a friend this group, we actually got slammed with started running a page focusing solely on the trolls. They trashed the group, bullied people, Shoppes of Wilton Manors, but says his vision and caused a lot of people to leave.”

Rivera says admins must be vigilant. “What expanded.

“I wanted to expand to everyone on what we I strived [for] was to dedicate my time to really all call The Drive. Yes, there were publications be that moderator ... To change the direction, that did this as well, but the internet was a or delete, or block any member that was not following the group rules.” faster way to get the word out.”

- Chris Caputo

The Wilton Community News Group Facebook page. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.

POLITICS UNUSUAL Politics are everywhere on social media, and these pages are no exception. Wilton Manors Issues and Concerns (Residents) has a picture of a Wilton Manors sign at the top, but posts consist mainly of right-wing memes that focus more on national issues than immediate concerns to Wilton or South Florida. As a response, a similarly named page was created: Wilton Manors Residents Issues and Concerns. There we found ads for local businesses, posts on upcoming events, and videos on news relating to South Florida’s LGBT community.

Awadalla strives to keep his page politically neutral. “I am very happy with how the Wilton Community News Group is shaping up to become a place for healthy political debate.

I always end my reports with ‘what do you think?’”

Local politicians see these pages and use them to open a direct line of communication to constituents. Wilton Manors City

www.WMGAZETTE.com 24

• 4 .15.2021

8 •

APRIL 15, 2021

Commissioner Chris Caputo is a prolific poster. He tells SFGN there are about 150 important citizens always giving input, but social media lets many more get involved.

“What’s been amazing about Facebook groups ... has been connecting to the thousands of other residents who aren’t a part of that ‘inner circle’ of residents.”

PRIDE & PASSION The outsized amount of attention paid to Wilton Manors isn’t just nice, the admins we spoke to say it’s necessary. “Unlike other small cities, a lot actually happens here,” Bustamante says. “That’s why having multiple groups is necessary to meet everyone’s likes and dislikes.”

Rivera agrees. “We really have a great group ... I get messages all the time thanking me for having the group, and keeping up with it, and also engaging the members to help each other.

I’m really proud of what we have and everyone enjoys the group.”

NEWS CELEBRITY

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

AWARDS

TELEVISION

KEEP ‘EM COMING!

IS THIS THE END? ‘WYNONNA EARP’ SEASON FOUR ENDS

GLAAD AWARDS FILLED WITH LGBT MEDIA AND STARS The 32nd annual GLAAD awards were no match for “Schitt’s Creek” or Sam Smith.

The popular television series won various awards, one of them being outstanding comedy series. Smith was also given some attention in the outstanding music artists category according to Pink News.

“Schitt’s Creek” said in a recent Twitter post, “It is quite the honour to have won Outstanding Comedy Series at the #GLAADawards for the second year running!

Thank you for everything that you do, and for this wonderful accolade, @ GLAAD!” While “Schitt’s Creek” was out there pulling awards, Smith was right there

Sam Smith. Photo via Facebook.

next to them. Pink News said Smith was given the award by Katy Perry.

As part of their acceptance speech, they said, “Music has remained this constant force of unity throughout the world for people,” according to Pink News.

It seems like “Wynonna Earp” has come to an end. After the season finale ended on April 9, the show is inevitably over. The campy show features several queer women.

According to EW, Syfy announced that the supernatural western’s current fourth season will be its last.

The show’s finale episodes began airing on March 5, with the final episode aired on April 9.

“Wynonna Earp’’ is known for its powerful message conveyed in the series.

“Every once in a while a show comes along with a powerful message, [and] that show has been ‘Wynonna Earp,’” said NBCUniversal Entertainment Networks Chairman Frances Berwick, according to EW.

“Wynnona Earp.” Image via Facebook.

Out.com said that the staff is trying to find a network that would air it in hopes of bringing more content to fans.

“It feels heartbreaking to say goodbye, but like all things that are beautiful, sometimes they have to come to an end, and that’s what makes them special,” show creator Emily Andras told Out.com.

CELEBRITY

SAY NO TO SATAN! LIL NAS X KEEPS THE CONTROVERSY COMING

With controversy over his “Montero” music video and now having to recall his “Satan Shoe” with Nike, Lil Nas X can’t seem to catch a break.

Lil Nas X has had to recall his new shoe with Nike, due to its backlash of its satanic marketing.

Out.com said, “MSCHF [art collective] made the red and black shoes out of Nike Air Max 97s, adding pentagrams and filling the sole with red ink and ‘one drop of human blood.’”

Despite the backlash from conservatives the shoes sold out quickly.

The controversy seemed to be too much for Nike, who filed a lawsuit stopping the distribution of the “Satan Shoe,” along with a limited edition “Jesus Shoe.” According to Out.com, the shoes have stopped being shipped since April.

Some of the biggest groups of people who didn’t

like the shoes, satanic vibe, were conservatives and Christians.

South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem posted in a tweet in retaliation to the shoe saying, “Our kids are being told that this kind of product is, not only okay, it’s ‘exclusive.’ But do you know what’s more exclusive? Their God-given eternal soul. We are in a fight for the soul of our nation. We need to fight hard. And we need to fight smart. We have to win.”

Lil Nas X fired back on Twitter: “Ur a whole governor and u on here tweeting about some damn shoes. do ur job!”

Since the controversy, Lil Nas X released a YouTube titled “Lil Nas X Apologizes for Satan Shoe” — but does he? In the first few seconds of the video, it seems like he is about to apologize, only to cut to his music video “Montero.”

A promotional image for Lil Nas X’s music video, “Montero.” Photo via Lil Nas X, Facebook.

4 .15. 20 21 •

25

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

ASIA

EUROPE

SCHOOL IN CHINA TELLS BULLIED GAY STUDENT TO ‘DEAL WITH IT’

POLISH TOWN ‘FREE OF LGBT’ PAYS A PRICE

At a school in China, a gay teenager was subjected to months of emotional and physical bullying, including multiple instances of sexual assault.

According to Asia One, the student, who chooses not to be identified, routinely asked for help from school administrators who simply told him to endure it.

“I am a homosexual. My dormmates bullied me. But the teachers asked me to put up with them and suggested I should drop out of the school,” he wrote on an online student helpline forum, according to Asia One. After leaving his school, the student tried to commit suicide and was later diagnosed with severe depression.

The eight bullies had to write selfcriticism letters and transcribe rules for student behavior as a punishment.

Photo via Pxhere.

The student hopes the eight bullies get the punishment they deserve, and he is planning on suing them.

The mayor of Kraśnik, Wojciech Wilk, didn’t see any harm in what proved to be a symbolic and legally meaningless act when local councilors approved a resolution declaring their small town in southeastern Poland “clean of LGBT” two years ago.

According to The New York Times, this has become a costly embarrassment for Kraśnik and it has jeopardized millions of dollars in foreign funding.

In protest, a French town broke relations with Kraśnik last year. The mayor had hoped to get $10 million from Norway to finance development projects, but in September the country announced it would not send grants to any Polish town that considers itself free of LGBT. Wilk expressed concern that unless his town’s “free of LGBT” status is revoked,

Kraśnik, Poland. Photo via Facebook.

he will have no chance of obtaining international funds to support electric buses and youth services, which he believes are particularly necessary because young people are retiring.

AFRICA

NORTH AMERICA

BOY GEORGE TO RELEASE SONG IN HONOR OF GHANA’S LGBT COMMUNITY

CANADIAN SCHOOL’S EDUCATION BOARD ORDERED TO MAKE REFORMS AFTER SCANDALS

In support of the LGBT community in Ghana, Boy George, a British musician, announced that he will release a song.

The statement comes in the midst of recent widespread opposition to the group’s efforts to gain recognition in Ghana, including a police raid on the LGBT+ Rights Ghana center in Accra on February 25.

According to Music In Africa, the reggae track implores President Nana AkufoAddo to come to the aid of the LGBT community, many of whom say they live in fear.

“I sing to you, Mr. Nana Akufo-Addo,” Boy George sings in a teaser video on his Instagram page. “We’ve got issues / let’s sing about them / here are my feelings / I can’t live without them ... Can you hear me Ghana? / We stand beside you to live that

26

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

• 4 .15.2021

Boy George. Photo via Facebook.

dream of being free / Can we be free till you are free?”

Boy George’s song for Ghana is expected to be released in the coming days.

The B.C. education minister is ordering the Chilliwack education board to make reforms after an audit study sparked questions regarding its administration after many years of scandals, scrutiny, and concerns.

According to The Georgia Straight, Since 2017, Barry Neufeld, Chilliwack school trustee since 1993, has made headlines for his questionable behaviors and opinions.

Neufeld has been the center of scandals for his stances on LGBT issues, questioning the gender identity of Canada’s chief public health officer, and using an ableist slur against journalists.

In 2018, Neufeld was the subject of two human rights lawsuits, and a Chilliwack resident has filed a lawsuit seeking Neufeld’s removal for breaking conflict of interest regulations at a closed school

Barry Neufeld, Chilliwack school trustee. Photo via Facebook.

board meeting in October.

Despite calls for B.C. Education Minister Jennifer Whiteside to fire the board, she issued a statement April 6 ordering the board to “take concrete steps to build a healthy, supportive, and inclusive school environment for all students.”

“All students deserve to feel their education needs and well-being are supported at school, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity or academic ability,” Whiteside said according to The Georgia Straight.

DUE TO COVID-19, CLERGY ASK THAT YOU STAY SAFE AT HOME. PLEASE WATCH SERVICES ON FACEBOOK AND/OR ONLINE. FIND DETAILS ON HOW TO WATCH ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES AND WEBSITES. THANK YOU AND BE WELL!

We continue building a safe and supportive community  Find new friends, maybe a new partner ☼ Celebrate with those who celebrate you ! Experience a Judaism that brings you joy

Shabbat Service Friday 8pm on our YouTube channel

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

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

SPIRITUALITY

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

Until further notice: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our worship services are streamed on Facebook Live every Sunday at 10 AM, rather than held at our church property. https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

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

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

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

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

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

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM TEMPLE BAT YAM 5151 NE 14th Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-928-0410 Friday Night & Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org

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27

news PA L M B E A C H GAY POLO TOURNAMENT RETURNS TO WELLINGTON WITH A SPLASH Deon C. Jefferson PALM BEACH COUNTY USHERED IN ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL LGBT EVENT AT THE END OF MARCH WITH THE 11TH ANNUAL LEXUS INTERNATIONAL GAY POLO TOURNAMENT, HOSTED BY THE GAY POLO LEAGUE (GPL). DOUGLAS ELLIMAN REAL ESTATE WAS THE PRESENTING SPONSOR. LEXUS WAS THE TITLE SPONSOR. The event took place in Wellington at the Land Rover Palm Beach International Polo Club, America’s only high goal polo venue. In 2020, they did not have a tournament, so this year was much different from the rest.

“Let’s face it, COVID-19 gave us the world a huge halt. It forced us to sit, to think about the world as it was,” said President Chip McKenney. “Twenty-twenty was a year of tremendous loss and profound sadness. On balance COVID brought out the best of us.

So, this weekend, we celebrate the gifts we share.”

Since its founding in 2006, GPL has built an international network of LGBT polo players and enthusiasts in 13 countries.

The tournament was named LGBT Sporting Event of the Year by Connect Sports in 2017.

This year’s performance featured four teams competing on the field, some from Palm Beach County and some from out of state.

Those teams were First Republic Bank, GJ Racing, Provident Jewelry, and Cherry Knoll Farm. Each team has four members.

Saturday’s Game was divided up into GPL Founder’s Cup Finals, the GPL Senator Cup Finals, and The Tailgate Competition. The national anthem was sung by Island Soul singer Ki-Juan Minors.

In the years past, tents were much fuller.

Attendees this year were spread out to make everyone feel safe and comfortable.

However, “safe” was no substitute for spectacular. The GPL made sure new attendees and old feel the good vibes. Decor for the event featured rainbow table clothes that created a rainbow ombre. Guests were treated to an open and a delicious buffet. Friday nights usual Wigstock party was turned into a Masquerade Ball. Randy Roberts did not disappoint. She danced the night away and lifted everyone’s spirits.

The party was a benefit for SAGE, which is a national organization providing advocacy and service to LGBT elders.

Tailgating was still a sight to see. Except, this year there were no big food trucks or Wizard of Oz displays, but there were

28

• 4 .15.2021

The Gay Polo League. Photo via Facebook.

no shortages of flamingos and unicorns.

Overall, the GPL brought back a muchneeded event, and a much-needed break from the new normal.

“It feels amazing to be back,” McKenney said. “We all had to be COVID thoughtful and sensitive. So we scaled it back. We reimagined. We re-invented. The sponsors have been phenomenal, and we had amazing sportsmanship on the field today. It was thrilling to be here today.”

Over $5,000 was raised for SAGE from the festivities.

HERE IS A LIST OF WINNERS: FOUNDERS’ CUP (EARLY GAME) GJ Racing 4-3 over Provident Jewelry SENATORS’ CUP Cherry Knoll Hill over First Republic Bank 8-6 BEST PONY Lucia owned by Tiffany Busch BEST IN SHOW TAILGATE Flockfest BEST MERMAID Celebrity Cruises

CONVICTIONS

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Jesse’s Journal

CONVICTIONS

CORONAVIRUS JOURNAL VIII The Quest for the COVID Vaccine

Jesse Monteagudo

T

he last time I wrote my Coronavirus Journal it was still 2020, an “awful year” that I compared to Barbara W. Tuchman’s calamitous 14th Century. When I wrote that essay, I realized that I was starting to repeat myself and that I could not continue writing this series without risking repeating myself more often. I vowed that that I would continue my Journal if I (1) caught COVID-19 (perish the thought) or (2) acquired a COVID vaccine, which at the time was still being developed. Thankfully not having the virus invade my system (that I know of) I hoped to write about my experience taking a vaccine that would save my life. At the time this article was written, three anti-COVID-19 vaccines were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration: the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine (tozinameran). the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine (mRNA-173) and the Ad26.

COV2.S vaccine, developed by Johnson & Johnson. A fourth vaccine, developed by Oxford-AstraZeneca, is problematic and unlikely to be approved in the USA. After the vaccines were developed and approved, the next step was to distribute them to those who wanted them; in other words, practically everybody. Since demand

LIKE MANY OF MY FRIENDS, I AM OVER 65 AND THUS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THE COVID-19 VACCINE AS SOON AS IT IS AVAILABLE. BUT WHEN?

THERE’S MORE ONLINE! 30

• 4 .15.2021

vastly outnumbered supply as far as COVID-19 vaccines were concerned, government agencies had to decide who was going to get their shots first. Most agreed that healthcare personnel and long-term care facility residents should get the vaccine first, which they did. After that, vaccines were to be given to essential workers, senior citizens, and people with underlying conditions, depending on the state where they live. In Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis decided, perhaps for political reasons, that essential workers are not as vulnerable as seniors and that preference be given to Floridians over 65, almost 4 ½ million of us. This is where I came in. Like many of my friends, I am over 65 and thus eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it is available. But when?

As supplies of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines made their too-slow way into Florida (and other states) seniors who were mostly confined to their homes for almost a year did everything they could to get their liberating shots. They signed up for appointments online or by phone, queued for hours in the hot sun, and did everything short of highway robbery to get a vaccine. Though the powers that be promised that vaccine distribution would be fair, those seniors with more money and lighter skins were more likely to get their shots than those who were poorer and darker. In Palm Beach County, where Publix Supermarkets were given an exclusive right to disperse the vaccine, seniors on the (mostly white) beachside communities near a Publix were more likely to get their shots than those who lived in the (mostly Black and Brown) western towns of South Bay, Belle Glade and Pahokeenear Lake Okeechobee.This has since been corrected, and now one may get shots at Walmart, Walgreens, CVS pharmacies or other venues.

As for me, I kept trying to get an appointment, by hook or crook, online or by

Photo via Adobe.

phone. Not known for my patience, I bristled as my friends bragged on Facebook that they got their first or even their second shots.

However, as the Trump Administration gave way to the Biden Administration, more and more Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were manufactured and shipped to the various states. It was only a matter of time before I got a phone call from Broward Health, giving me the good news. Could I be at Broward Health North Hospital the next morning? Could I? The next day I was up early, rearranged my schedule and drove across Broward County in Quest of the Holy Grail.

Having heard horror stories about feeble ancients being stuck in their heated cars for most of a day, I took a book with me. Happily, my rendezvous with vaccine destiny was a more pleasant experience. After I parked my car at the hospital I walked over to the building where the vaccineswere being given.

I gave the folks at the desk my name and other pertinent pieces of information, sat down with

the other seniors and filled out some more papers. Only a few minutes went by before I was summoned to go behind a screen, where a nurse was waiting to give me the first of two Pfizer vaccines. With the vaccine in my system and my right arm bandaged, I was told to sit in the next room and wait 15 minutes in case I suffered a reaction. (This is where my book came in.) I was then sent home, where I did what everyone else does under similar circumstances: take a selfie and post it on Facebook. (Excessive modesty is not one of my virtues.) Having received my first vaccine, I waited three weeks before getting my second shot. Though this led to an expectedly bad reaction, I soon recovered and was ready to go out and hug my grandchildren, if I had any. It was not long before the required age for vaccines was expanded to include adults below retirement age and both my sister Maggie and my boyfriend Ron (both under 65) were able to get their shots. A new chapter begins.

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.

SWITZERLAND EXPECTED TO HOLD MARRIAGE EQUALITY REFERENDUM Read SFGN.com to find out more.

LIFESTYLE SHOP WITH PRIDE

MINIMALISTIC, STYLISH LGBT-INSPIRED PRODUCTS Kendall Little

A

rlo West and Rosie Symes want to make life easier and more fun for LGBT people through their business Splodge.

Splodge emerged when West, who identifies as non-binary, was undergoing top surgery and the two needed funds to cover the expensive surgery. Now, West and Symes continue their business for the sole purpose of giving back to the community.

The pair sell queer-focused apparel, tote bags, pins, and stickers.

West and Symes offer more minimalist queer apparel, such as t-shirts with pride flags disguised as Pantone paint swatches.

Symes, who identifies as queer, says that her favorite product in the store is the “Everything Will Be Okay” tote bag.

“It’s very cute and makes me happy. When I walk past people, I hope it makes other people feel happy too. I also really like the stickers we do, they bring me joy — it’s the little things in life,” she said.

West shared that a product that is meaningful and important to them is any product in the Dug X GoFundMe collection.

“Arlo’s brother’s puppy, Dug, needs chemo to suppress his immune system. He was diagnosed with meningoencephalomyelitis of unknown cause/origin [aka MUO],” according to the Splodge website.

All profits made from the Dug X GoFundMe collection will go toward the dog’s treatment.

Other than raising money for West’s brother’s dog, West and Symes want to use their business to make LGBT people feel seen.

“Our main goal was just to make queer and LGBT+ feel seen and represented in clothing [and not just by big brands putting rainbows on t-shirts to capitalize on the pink pound,]” the two shared.

West’s design experience came in handy for Splodge’s apparel and other products as it

Arlo West and Rosie Symes.

Photo via @splodgestore, Instagram.

gave them a good eye for attractive products as well as creating something that the LGBT community would wear.

“The pronoun badges and tees are more specifically to normalize the use of telling people your pronouns, and making life easier for trans and non-binary people. It can be exhausting constantly having to tell people your pronouns or correct others so the badges and tees were designed to help people navigate that,” they said.

West and Symes have had their fair share of challenges, but plan on continuing to grow their small business.

“Growing on social media is harder than we thought it was going to be. Also pricing our products was hard, finding out how much to price something to make a profit, but not outpricing ourselves that no one will buy it,” they said.

This year, the pair want to be part of more vendor events and develop a marketing strategy for their social media page.

The thought of helping people in the LGBT community keeps the pair going.

“Splodge was designed to generate income but has become so much more that that, we now think of Splodge as a community and source of information and support for queer people and opposed to a job,” they said.

To support this LGBT-owned small business, visit their website Splodge.bigcartel.com or check out their Instagram @splodgestore.

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

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LIFESTYLE FOOD

BACK TO THE FUTURE DINING Check out these recipes

Rick Karlin

I

have been doing research for a book that has required me to look into some restaurants and clubs from the 1970s which, in turn, got me thinking about some dishes and drinks that were popular back then. Suddenly I had a craving for quiche, that quintessential ‘70s dish. Next thing you know, I’m thumbing through old recipe books to find some other vintage dishes.

Older readers may make these recipes and enjoy a wave of nostalgia, while younger readers can explore what it was like to cook when we didn’t have to worry about glutenfree, low-carb, vegan meals. Of course, back then we all used pre-made products whenever we could, so in that spirit, I suggest you do the same. But, if you really want to make your own crust for a quiche, I’m down with it, as we used to say in the ‘70s.

HERB AND CHEESE QUICHE

There’s nothing that says the ‘70s like a quiche.

INGREDIENTS 1 refrigerated pie crust 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 1 tablespoon minced fresh basil 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley 2 teaspoons minced fresh dill 6 large eggs 1 cup half-and-half cream DIRECTIONS Preheat oven to 400°.

Mix grated cheeses with herbs and place in pie shell.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs and cream until blended.

Pour over cheese/herb mixture.

Place pie pan on a baking sheet to catch any drips.

Bake on a lower oven rack 25-30 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let stand 10 minutes before cutting.

LAYERED SALAD

The original recipe used iceberg lettuce, but I find romaine holds up better. Great for parties as it holds up well in the refrigerator.

INGREDIENTS 1 medium head romaine lettuce, chopped 1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 small sweet red pepper, chopped 1 can sliced black olives, drained 1 medium red onion, sliced and separated into rings 1 package (10-12 ounces), thawed peas 1 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sugar 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 12 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled ½ cup dried cranberries DIRECTIONS In a large, deep glass bowl, layer the first six ingredients.

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and sugar; spoon over salad, spreading to cover.

Sprinkle top with cheese, bacon, and cranberries.

Refrigerate, covered, overnight.

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• 4 .15.2021

Ambrosia Salad. Courtesy of Rick Karlin.

FRITO CASSEROLE

This combines two ‘70s staples, casseroles and a slow-cooker.

INGREDIENTS 1 lb. lean ground beef 1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 can (16 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (16 ounces) pinto beans, rinsed and drained 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce 1 teaspoon chili powder 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/8 teaspoon hot pepper sauce CORNBREAD TOPPING: 2 boxes corn muffin mix 2 large eggs, room temperature, lightly beaten 1¼ cups milk 1 can (8-1/4 ounces) cream-style corn 1 bag Fritos DIRECTIONS In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat.

Add onion, green pepper, and oil (if needed) cook until tender.

Add garlic; cook one minute longer.

Transfer to a greased 5-qt. slow cooker.

Stir in the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, pepper, and pepper sauce. Cover and cook on high for one hour.

In a large bowl, combine the cornbread mix with the eggs, milk, and corn.

Stir in Fritos (saving about ¼ to sprinkle on top), spoon evenly over bean mixture.

Cover and cook on high for two and a half to three hours or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cornbread comes out clean.

Sprinkle top of casserole with remaining Fritos before serving.

AMBROSIA SALAD

Light and refreshing, it requires no cooking, just assembling ingredients, very ‘70s.

Quiche. Courtesy of Rick Karlin.

Harvey Wallbanger. Courtesy of Rick Karlin.

INGREDIENTS 2 cans (8 ounces) mandarin oranges, (do not drain) 1 can (16 ounces) pineapple tidbits, (do not drain) 1 cup miniature marshmallows 1 jar (12 ounces) maraschino cherries, drained 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut 1 cup sour cream 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, combine the oranges, pineapple, marshmallows, cherries, and coconut.

Add sour cream and pudding mix.

Stir to blend thoroughly.

Cover and refrigerate for several hours.

DIRECTIONS Beat eggs well with cream.

Mix grated cheese with stuffing mix and vegetable of choice.

Place stuffing-cheese-veggie mixture in a large greased, oven-proof baking dish.

Pour beaten egg-cream mixture over all.

Cover and refrigerate overnight.

Pre-heat oven to 375°.

Uncover the baking dish and place it in the oven.

Bake 35-45 minutes, or until puffy and golden brown.

HARVEY WALLBANGER

You can’t have a ‘70s meal without a ‘70’s cocktail.

This is a no-fail dish perfect for brunch. You prepare everything the night before and pop it in the oven just before your guests arrive. As soon as they finish their mimosas, the meal is ready.

INGREDIENTS 1½ ounces vodka 4 ounces orange juice ½ ounce Galliano Orange slice, garnish Maraschino cherry, garnish

INGREDIENTS 1 dozen eggs 1 cup cream 1 package (approx. 24 ounces) unflavored stuffing mix 1 lb. grated cheese (cheddar, Swiss, anything that melts well.)

1 lb. frozen corn or spinach

DIRECTIONS Pour the vodka and orange juice into a tall glass with ice cubes.

Pour the Galliano over the back of a bar spoon onto the juice-vodka mixture.

Garnish with an orange slice and maraschino cherry.

FAUX SOUFFLÉ

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor.

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

A&E APPOINTMENTS After more than a year, the Symphony of the Americas will offer two live pops programs at the Broward Center beginning this weekend.

Credit: Symphony of the Americas.

ARTSBEAT CLASSICS AND CAMP FOR ALL J.W. Arnold

ORCHESTRA RESUMES LIVE PERFORMANCES Beginning on Saturday, April 17, the Symphony of the Americas will once again take the stage at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, their first live concerts since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered performance venues more than a year ago.

The performances, April 17 — 18 and 22 — 23, will feature a smaller chamber orchestra and will take place outdoors on the center’s Backlot Live stage.

Performing without a conductor — new Artistic Director Pablo Mielgo is stuck in Spain due to travel restrictions — the orchestra’s principal violinist will lead an opening program including Ravel’s “Mother Goose” Suite and Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker” Suite, along with colorful works by Humperdinck, Dvořák and Johann Strauss II, titled a “Trip Through Europe” in promotional materials.

The second program, “Classical Soundtracks,” celebrates music of the cinema, including Mozart’s oftenused “Eine Kleine Nachtmusik,” and selections from “Cinema Paradiso,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “West Side Story” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.”

All performances begin at 7 p.m. Masks are required and all seating is socially distanced.

Tickets start at $10 at BrowardCenter.org.

Keep your eyes on

South Florida Gay News

Lips, the long-running Oakland Park drag dining restaurant, will be reopening on Thursday, April 22 with dinner shows Thursdays — Saturdays and the popular Gospel Brunch every Sunday, as well as new cast members Tiffany Fantasia, Asheeria Pryce, Aaliyah Jae, Crystal Famouz and Karma Sutra.

Fantasia, the club’s new Thursday night hostess, enjoys a loyal following with a long list of titles, including Miss Ultimate Miami 2018, Ms. South Florida Illusions Plus 2015 and Ms. Miami Beach Pride 2012. Pryce is a former Mz. Nationz, Miss Duval Plus, Carolinas Continental, Illusions Plus, Miss Imperial and Florida Showstopper. And Aaliyah Jae, Crystal Famouz and Karma Sutra are rising stars known for their showstopping performances at local venues.

Guests will continue to be entertained by their favorite ladies of Lips, including Amanda Austin, Nicolette, Franchesque Richards, Selena, Velvet Lenore, April Chanel, Daisy Deadpetals, Nicole T. Phillips, Mirkala Crystal and Trinity Beat.

For more information and reservations, call (954) 567-0987 or visit www.lipsusa.com.

Gasper Arts Center in Dania Beach will celebrate its grand opening on April 21. Founder Laura Gasper said it is the first multi-purpose art facility of its kind in the greater Fort Lauderdale area to serve as an art studio, gallery, teaching center, and professional creative office space.

“Gasper Arts Center is an investment in the thriving Dania Beach art scene,” she said. “It will offer local artists — professional and amateur — one central hub to teach, learn, create, display, and sell their work,” while providing artists “creative camaraderie and the support system of a community.”

For more information, go to GasperArts.com.

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A&E FILM

OUTSHINE MIAMI FILM FESTIVAL

AGAIN GOES VIRTUAL J.W. Arnold

T

he OUTshine Miami Film Festival, April 23 — May 2, will once again showcase the best in new LGBT-themed features, shorts and documentaries with a combination of mostly streaming and outdoor screenings.

The festival will open at Dezerland DriveIn in North Miami with “Potato Dreams of America,” a semi-autobiographical comedy film that chronicles director Wes Hurley’s childhood in Russia and immigration to the United States with his mail-order bride mother.

More than 80 films will then be available via internet streaming beginning April 24.

And, like past OUTshine Miami and Fort Lauderdale festivals held since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered theaters, the online films will be available to viewers across the state and not limited to audiences in either city.

“No matter who you are or what your coming out journey has been, we have a film for you,” promised Victor Gimenez, executive director. “One of the greatest strengths of the festival being virtual is that it allows us to show the films for longer periods of time and to a broader audience across the entire state of Florida.”

Like traditional festivals, organizers will still host virtual Q&A sessions with filmmakers and talent and stream them on OUTshine’s Facebook and YouTube channels.

“These will be great because we can we can really go in depth with talent located across the globe,” Gimenez explained.

The festival will conclude on May 2 with an outdoor screening of “Charlatan” at the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

The pandemic offered organizers an opportunity to introduce viewers to new opportunities to enjoy LGBT programming throughout the year: OUTshine At Home.

After the festival’s conclusion, members will be able to access eight to 10 films every month, a mixture of brand-new titles and older festival favorites that are not available on any other streaming services.

34

• 4 .15.2021

OUTshine at Home “will enable our audience to discover incredible new content and remain engaged in LGBTQ+ film throughout the year,” Gimenez pointed out.

Here are SFGN’s mini-reviews of five films being screened during the festival’s first weekend: “POTATO DREAMS OF AMERICA” East Coast Premiere Friday, April 23, 7 p.m., Dezerland Drive-In U.S./English/95 mins.

The festival opens with this autobiographical dark comedy about a gay boy growing up in the Soviet Union, his mailorder bride mother and their adventurous escape to America. When they arrive in Seattle, Washington in 1990 to live with Lena’s new husband, they both realize life in America is different than they imagined.

SFGN: Fans of the Oscar-winner “The Favourite” or Hulu series “The Great” will appreciate writer/director Wes Hurley’s oddball humor and unconventional approach.

Some audiences will scratch their heads, but there’s still plenty of heart — and art — in his story.

“A GOOD MAN” Florida Premiere France/French with English subtitles/ 108 mins.

Benjamin, a transgender man still transitioning, and Aude are making a life together in Brittany, France. The couple is about to step into uncharted territory, though, as there is no alternative for having a child, other than Benjamin carrying the baby.

SFGN: LGBT festival line-ups are frequently loaded up with coming out stories. It’s refreshing to see trans stories being told, even if this film reminds us of a real-life couple that inspired tabloid headlines in the U.S. a few years ago.

“Beyto,” a Swiss film about a young Turkish immigrant’s relationship with his swimming coach, is one of the films featured in the 2021 OUTshine Miami LGBT Film Festival. Credit: Salzgeber.

“BEYTO” Switzerland/German and Turkish with English subtitles/98 mins.

Beyto is a terrific swimmer and everybody’s buddy. But as the young Turkish-Swiss man falls in love with his handsome coach Mike, his perfect world seems to fall apart. For Beyto’s parents there is only one solution to maintain the tradition and honor of their family: He has to marry a woman as soon as possible.

SFGN: Honestly, we’ve seen this coming out story before, yet it’s still fresh and engaging, thanks to the good looks and onscreen charisma of stars Burak Ates (Beyto) and Dimitri Stapfer (Mike). Definitely one of our favorite films.

“NARCISSUS AND GOLDMUND” East Coast Premiere Germany, Austria/German with English subtitles/94 mins.

In the dark middle ages, young unruly Goldmund is sent to a monastery by his father to atone for the sins of his mother who abandoned them. There, the passionate, outgoing boy meets Narcissus, a brilliant, scholarly novice, who is introverted and aloof. Quickly, a unique and deep life-long friendship is born.

SFGN: Kids today just don’t realize how good they have it. Think “Name of the Rose” (1986), just without Sean Connery and a twinkish Christian Slater … and murder and that monk conspiracy. Not your usual LGBT festival fare.

“SAINT-NARCISSE” Southeast Premiere Canada/French with English subtitles/ 101 mins.

When he learns that his birth mother is still alive, a narcissistic young man embarks on a quest to find her. Not only does he discover her living with another woman, but he also learns that he has a twin brother who’s serving as a whipping boy-toy for a particularly depraved priest.

SFGN: We wish we had thought of this particularly eloquent description from the film’s promotional materials: “Saint-Narcisse” is “[an] occasionally twincestuous tale of doppelgängers, doppelbängers and skewed family values.” Freaky!

Watch next week’s issue of SFGN for more mini-reviews from the festival’s second weekend.

The OUTshine Miami LGBT Film Festival runs April 23 — May 2 and films can be screened from anywhere in Florida. Tickets for most individual films are $12 each with discounted packages available. For tickets and more information, go to OUTshineFilm.com.

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