SFGN 04/22/21 V12iss16 by South Florida Gay News

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE

APRIL 22, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 16

BACK TO THE BEACHES FLORIDA AIDS WALK AND MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS WEEKEND PAGE 12

Florida Anti-Trans Bill Fails SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

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An Open Letter to Mayor Trantalis

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LGBT Film Fest Shines

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CAITLYN JENNER CONSIDERS RUNNING FOR CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR

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• 4 . 22.2021

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Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Caitlyn Jenner speaking about the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation at #TransPride Glam Day 2018, a kick-off party for LA Pride. Photo via the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation, Facebook.

a list of replacement candidates to choose from if more than 50% support removing him from office. People who are familiar with Jenner’s plans, or who are advising her, but were not able to speak publicly said she is evaluating key questions in the possible candidacy: “Is she ready for the rigors of a statewide campaign, the pressure to raise tens of millions of dollars and ultimately, can she win?” “My understanding is she is in the research phase, trying to assess her chances, trying to understand the pathway to victory,” said Jim Brulte, a former chairman of the California Republican Party, according to AP News. Jenner also could face questions about a 2015 fatal crash in which she rear-ended two cars which caused the death of a 70-year-old woman, according to ABC News. Jenner’s team consists of Trump’s campaign manager Brad Parscale, who is helping her assemble an inner circle; longtime Republican strategist Ryan Erwin, a veteran of California

and presidential politics who would become the campaign’s general consultant, and GOP fundraiser Caroline Wren. As a potential run by a first-time candidate, Jenner has spotlighted many unknowns about her positions on critical issues such as handling the pandemic, and slowing down the homelessness crisis, AP News reports. Still, a potential run by first-time candidate Jenner also has spotlighted the many unknowns about her positions on critical issues facing the nation’s most populated state, from how she would manage the coronavirus pandemic to slowing a homelessness crisis. California Republican national committeeman Shawn Steel told the AP News that Jenner “is not to be discounted at all,” if she enters the contest. “Caitlyn adds a whole new level of excitement,” Steel told AP. The election will most likely take place in the fall.

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lthough Republicans will probably be hesitant to line up with a transgender candidate, Caitlyn Jenner annouced that she is considering running to be California’s next governor. According to her tweet, she will “decide soon” if she will be running or not. A reality TV personality and trans rights activist who described herself as “economically conservative, socially progressive” in a People magazine interview, would stand out if she were to run. Jenner, 71, would join the race to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in a recall election this year, according to AP News. A spokesperson for the Republican Governors Association said that she spoke to Dave Rexrode, the executive director, about her potential run. Former San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, former U.S. Rep. Doug Ose and businessman John Cox, are all Republicans who have announced their intentions to run. Jenner had a back-and-forth relationship with former President Donald Trump. She supported him in 2016, but later criticized his decision to reverse transgender access to public school bathrooms, as reported by the AP. She also criticized Trump after he banned trans people from serving in the U.S. military. Newsom has close ties to the LGBT community. As San Francisco’s mayor, he ignored the law and issued marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2004. However, there has been criticism about Newsom’s handling of the pandemic, according to AP News. Voters would be answering two questions if the recall qualifies for the ballot: Whether Newsom should be removed from office, and

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April 22, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 16

COVER: A crowd parties at a past Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival. Photo via the Florida AIDS Walk and Music Festival, Facebook. Picture edited by SFGN.

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NEWS STATE

ANTI-TRANS SPORTS BILL STALLED IN FLORIDA SENATE John McDonald

fforts to strip away the rights of transgender athletes in Florida appear stalled. Senate Bill 2012, which would ban transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports, is likely trapped in committee for the rest of the legislative session. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Kelli Stargel (R-Lakeland), admitted on Tuesday time was running out. “I don’t know that we will have sufficient time to revisit SB 2012 this session,” Stargel said in a prepared statement. While Stargel, the chair of Senate Appropriations, and her colleagues shift their focus to passing a balanced budget, SB 2012 fades away in the Rules committee. Equality Florida was quick to declare victory while acknowledging trans activists must remain vigilant until the end of the session on April 30. “With the temporary postponement of SB 2012 and the subsequent statements from Senator Stargel, it appears that the overwhelming opposition to the Trans Youth Sports Ban makes it unlikely to move forward,” said Gina Leigh Duncan, EqFL Director of Transgender Equality, in a press release. “We will continue monitoring to ensure that no other procedural moves can resurrect it. While the reversal of momentum on this bill is welcome news, the harm inflicted by lawmakers this session is unconscionable.” Last week the House passed a similar bill, by a 77-40 margin. Democrats tried to stop it, protesting the bill’s stipulations that included a medical examination of athletes’ “reproductive anatomy.” Representative Michele Rayner-Goolsby (D-

“CHILDREN ARE CHILDREN. TRANSGENDER, CISGENDER. AND THEY DESERVE TO BE LOVED, SUPPORTED, AND HONORED FOR WHO THEY ARE.” - Michele Rayner-Goolsby FLORIDA REPRESENTATIVE (D-ST. PETERSBURG)

Florida State Capitol. Photo by Michael Rivera, Wikimedia Commons.

St. Petersburg) spoke against the bill, citing the risk of bullying to vulnerable children. RaynerGoolsby said violence and murder claim the lives of far too many Black trans women — who have a life expectancy of 34 years. “Children are children. Transgender, cisgender. And they deserve to be loved, supported, and honored for who they are,” Rayner-Goolsby said on the House floor. SB 2012 left out the controversial genitalia assessment and other stipulations such as DNA and testosterone testing. Stargel said the issue is not going away. “I believe Florida should protect the ability of girls and women to safely participate in athletics, and I think there is consensus among my colleagues surrounding that underlying policy objective,” Stargel said. “We want to get there in a manner that respects the inherent dignity of each person.” While polls are showing greater acceptance nationwide for transgender rights, more than 30 state legislatures introduced anti-trans bills. “Make no mistake, this is a nationally coordinated effort to feed red meat to a socially conservative base at the expense of our kids,” said Duncan. “We are grateful to the coalition of sports icons, major corporations, organizations, business leaders, classmates, parents, and trans kids who stood tall in the face of transphobia to oppose this legislation. This bigoted, damaging bill should never have seen the light of day and lawmakers should reflect on the harm they have caused vulnerable youth to further their political careers. To trans kids across Florida: you are loved. And we will continue to defend your right to thrive.”

4 . 22 . 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

GAY MAYOR OF FORT LAUDERDALE TOUTS RELATIONSHIP WITH

ANTI-LGBT CHURCH IN NEWSLETTER Christiana Lilly

n Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis’ April newsletter, he addressed the city’s proclamation to Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and Westminster Academy, saying “there is more that unites us than divides us.”

The email, titled “Finding a common and beliefs different from your own.” ground amid a diverse community,” also Glassman, who is also gay, has been shared a joint statement between him and critical of the proclamation and the church. Pastor Rob Pacienza. He was also bothered by the joint statement’s “Where once there was a division, I mention of “differing opinions and values.” have sought cooperation to improve our “My response is all of these words, they community,” Trantalis wrote in the email. sound wonderful, but they’re words and Celebrating 60 years this year, Coral I’m just more concerned with actions,” he Ridge Presbyterian was founded by Dr. D. said. “When you’re talking about human James Kennedy who used his platform to rights and civil rights and treating people espouse anti-LGBT rhetoric. The late Wilton with dignity and respect and honoring Manors Mayor Justin their opportunity to live a life Flippen, who was gay, also of liberty and happiness … shared before his death that’s much more than just a that he had undergone difference of opinion. That’s a conversion therapy at the fundamental issue.” church. Commissioner Prior to the election, the Steve Glassman called church took stances that went the proclamation — against this claim of acceptance. which was presented In September, the church by Vice Mayor Heather tweeted that, “As Christians, Moraitis, who is a part of we are not called to vote for the church’s congregation a certain party or candidate, — a “sanitized and but we are called to protect whitewashed history of Dr. the sanctity of human life, to Kennedy and the church.” protect our rights to religious Trantalis, who is Fort freedom, and to protect the Lauderdale’s first openly biblical model of marriage.” gay mayor, wrote in the In October, Pacienza coemail that 30 years ago he sponsored a webinar called was a part of the groups “A Gospel-Centered Approach picketing the church. to Leading in 2020” alongside “There were rhetoric John Stemberger, an Orlando and deeds that denigrated attorney and longtime - Steve Glassman all of us who are gay, opponent of same-sex marriage COMMISSIONER OF lesbian or transgender. We and transgender rights. FORT LAUDERDALE were rightfully outraged,” During the event, he said, he wrote. “But Fort “We are voting for the sanctity Lauderdale is an evolving community.” of human life, we’re voting for God’s He noted that during his time as mayor, definition of marriage, we’re voting for he has made efforts to bridge gaps between religious liberty because these are issues that the city and the religious community. He have always concerned the people of God.” also shared a joint statement from him and During the proclamation ceremony in Pacienza, that said “We seek a community March, Trantalis said, “It’s time for those that accepts the true meaning of tolerance who still harbor resentment to let go of it.” for all — a willingness to accept behavior Upon accepting the proclamation, Pacienza

“... THAT’S MUCH MORE THAN JUST A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION. THAT’S A FUNDAMENTAL ISSUE.”

• 4 . 22.2021

Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis. Photo via Facebook.

said, “I think for far too long, the church has been known more for what they’ve been against than what they’ve been for, and we look forward to building those bridges.” Days after the proclamation, two members of D. James Kennedy Ministries shared in their weekly Facebook Live that gays and lesbians have been “used by the left,” conversion therapy is a “made-up term,” and that they were not convinced by Trantalis’ outreach. “The message to the current pastor is, ‘Well, sure, if you stop teaching that stuff in the Bible about what God says about human

sexuality and the wrath of God that will fall upon sin, then we can all get along together,’” said Dr. Frank Wright, the president and CEO of the ministries. “Even hidden within that reasonableness, even within the velvet glove is still a fist.” Wright also added, “If two people love each other, or some guy and his Volkswagen, he loves his Volkswagen, he ought to be able to marry his Volkswagen.” The ministries were founded by Kennedy but are now separate from the church and is also considered by the Southern Poverty Law Center to be a hate group.

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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.

• 4 . 22.2021

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

R. House Wynwood’s Bryan Amat with Efrain Reyes serving up the cheers.

Latinos Salud Wilton Manors Mario Campos with Nelson Maldonado doing their Florida AIDS Walk fundraiser at Alibi.

Ada Vox with fiancée Roland Ray performed her first show since COVID-19 At The Pub.

Welcoming you to the newly open Alibi Monkey Bar in the Axel Beach Hotel Miami Beach Gay Resort is Alexander Martello and Maicon Furlan behind the bar.

NEWS LOCAL

FORT LAUDERDALE CITY COMMISSION SLAMS ANTI-TRANS BILLS, BUT NOT UNANIMOUSLY Christiana Lilly

he Fort Lauderdale City Commission voted to pass a resolution against the antitransgender bills in the Florida House and Senate. The resolution, brought forth by Commissioner Steve Glassman, a gay man, is in response to HB 1475 and SB 2012, calling for athletes to play on teams according to their biological sex in the name of “equality.” “I completely support this resolution,” Commissioner Ben Sorensen said. “My daughters are 4 and 7 and it’s my hope and dream that they will compete against and side by side with [transgender] athletes.” Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis, though, voted against the resolution and Commissioner Robert McKinzie was not present during voting — however, he did voice that he was against it during discussion. Moraitis shared that her vote was because of women’s rights and asked to not have her name on the resolution if it passed. “I will not be supporting this tonight, and to me, this issue is really about women’s rights,” she explained. “We fought long and hard for equality. Now that we’re almost there, we’re going to change the rules to allow the biologically stronger men to replace females on the field or pool or wherever you are competing.” She noted that her two daughters play water polo, and in times they’ve played with boys, “there was just a huge difference.” McKinzie simply said “I echo the vice mayor.” Glassman fired back saying he was “offended” by the argument and likened the bills to the transgender bathroom bills that swept across the country. “That is such a mischaracterization of these bills,” he said. “Everyone knows why these bills have surfaced in the United States and it has nothing, nothing to do with women’s rights and women’s rights in sports. I’m actually offended by that interpretation of these bills. These bills do nothing but demean and marginalize young people who are already marginalized and demeaned enough in our society.” Moraitis responded to Glassman, saying she herself was offended that “you keep attacking, I feel like me personally and my interpretation of how I feel … You can attack the legislation but I’m entitled to my feelings and my position and I represent a lot of people that feel the same way.” Sorensen shared his support of the resolution

Steve Glassman. Photo via Facebook.

and added he looks “forward to the day where we have continued growth and acceptance of everyone.” Last to speak during the dicussion was Mayor Dean Trantalis, a gay man, who recently wrote a letter to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, urging him to oppose the bills. Edward Martí Kring, the community and field organizer with SAVE, spoke during public comments of the organization’s support of the resolution. The NCAA has also spoken out against the bills that ban transgender athletes from playing on teams. In the past, it pulled a championship game out of Illinois when it passed a discriminatory law against LGBT people. During discussion, Trantalis explained that transgender athletes being allowed to play on the team they identify with doesn’t allow for men to suddenly decide to play for a women’s team. “It doesn’t work that way,” he said. “I don’t think anybody who is transgender is trying to get a one-up on anybody … I don’t think they’re looking for or trying to take advantage of other women. I don’t think it’s intended to be a threat to other women.” He continued, “I don’t think demonizing and marginalizing these folks is the way to address it. The way to address it is to, first of all, love one another and to embrace one another and to try to understand one another. I think that these two bills that are being proposed in the House and Senate are in no way attempting to do that.” With the resolution passed in Fort Lauderdale, it seems that the Senate bill in Tallahassee is not seeing the same success — it appears to have stalled and may not make it this legislative session.

4 . 22 . 20 21 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENDALL LITTLE

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Queer

KELLOGG’S RELEASES RAINBOW PRIDE CEREAL While cereal brand Kellogg’s already has a brand of rainbow cereal, “Froot Loops,” the company has decided to launch a cereal designed to celebrate the LGBT community. The cereal, called “Together with Pride,” will be hitting grocery stores in May. The heart-shaped cereal will be rainbow-colored and covered in edible glitter inside a box featuring various mascots from other Kellogg’s cereal. Last year, the company released a similar pride cereal, but at a greater cost and only sold online. This year, the cereal will be $3.99 a box and sold in stores. Kellogg’s will also be donating $3 for every box purchased to GLAAD, an LGBT organization, if a copy of the receipt is uploaded to their website.

“All Together.” Photo via Kellogg’s.

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

Non-Binary

MODEL SAYS ELLIOT PAGE AND SAM SMITH INSPIRED THEM TO COME OUT

Courtney Stodden wanted to be as comfortable in their identity as they are on the runway. After a long internal struggle, Stodden is now confident in their gender identity — and they have Elliot Page and Sam Smith to thank. “For the longest time I would sit in the shadows and watch brave souls like Elliot Page, Sam Smith and other mainstream celebrities come out,” they said to Page Six. “I knew I felt the same as them, but I was afraid I would be ignored because I present as highfemme non-binary.” Stodden also credits their newfound confidence to their fans. They said their LGBT fans inspired them to “live my truth fearlessly regardless of my presentation.”

Courtney Stodden. Photo via Twitter.

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Fourteen-year-old Rebekah just wants to play sports with her friends. But due to pending antitrans bills, she fears she won’t be able to. A video by the Human Rights Campaign highlights Rebekah, who loves to play field hockey with her friends. “When we’re on the field, my teammates, they just see me as me,” she said. “They see me as a teammate who they’re going to play with, who they’re going to win with, who they’re going to lose with, and just someone who they will work with together.” By sharing Rebekah’s story, the HRC hopes to turn people against the anti-trans bills that will keep transgender athletes from competing within their own gender.

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NEWS LOCAL

THIS WEEKEND’S AIDS WALK WILL INFUSE MUCH-NEEDED FUNDS TO LOCAL NONPROFITS John Hayden

his year’s AIDS Walk & Music Festival hasn’t even stepped off yet, but it’s already a huge success on many levels. From generating a buzz among seasoned walkers and first timers alike, getting big stars to play the event, and raising more money than hoped for, the return of The Walk is taking huge strides.

After having to cancel last year due to the The event is set for Saturday, April 24 at Fort pandemic there were concerns about how Lauderdale Beach Park. Registration starts at to make a return and raise enough money 8 a.m. and the Walk steps off at 10 a.m. Social to give to agencies serving the HIV-positive distancing and COVID safety measures will community. be in place. For an updated list of protocols, Turns out, they didn’t need to worry. as well as how to register and donate, visit Last year they raised three million dollars their website at FloridaAidsWalk.org. despite the event being canceled. This year “All of our teams have continued to be they set a goal of $1.5 million and have already creative and innovative in how they approach blown past that figure before fundraising, recognizing that the festivities. The annual no donation is too small, as event is organized by the it all goes towards a great AIDS Healthcare Foundation. cause and addressing a “The financial success critical public health issue of the Florida AIDS Walk is for this community,” Canady reflected in the giving spirit said. “And with the dollarof this community,” Imara for-dollar match given by Canady of AHF said. “To have AHF, it’s also a great feeling attained this goal, absent for any donor to know their the physical walk taking contribution is doubled.” place, can be attributed to After the walking comes thousands of individuals that the dancing. recognize the importance As walkers complete the of their individual and 5k, they’ll move and groove collective fundraising, and over the finish line to the the impact that these dollars sounds of DJ Alex Ferbeyre. continue to have in support Later South Florida’s own of organizations that are Trina will take the stage. making a difference in our Event organizers are local community.” thrilled to have Lil’ Kim The success of this year, coming as this year’s after a time when many headliner. She was supposed businesses had to cut back to perform at last year’s - Imara Canady on philanthropic giving is event, and Imara said her AHF even more remarkable. team worked with organizers “It also speaks to the to make it happen this year. corporate social responsibility of the “She and her team were very committed corporate community, not only in South to doing what they could to confirm her for Florida, but across the country that also this year’s event,” he said. “Her performance, recognizes the importance of this event and combined with that of South Florida’s own the impact these dollars have in combating Trina, will sure be an electrifying musical the increasing HIV epidemic happening in experience for all of our attendees.” South Florida,” Canady said. Even though the AIDS crisis has fallen from

“THE FINANCIAL SUCCESS OF THE FLORIDA AIDS WALK IS REFLECTED IN THE GIVING SPIRIT OF THIS COMMUNITY.”

• 4 . 22.2021

Photo via the AIDS Walk & Music Festival, Facebook.

the headlines, Imara said events like this are important for keeping people focused on a crisis that is growing, and hitting South Florida especially hard. South Florida is known as the epicenter of the nation’s HIV/AIDS epidemic. “Though our nation is in the midst of addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still seeing a steady increase in new HIV diagnosis, especially in communities across the South,” Canady said. “Events like the

Florida AIDS Walk not only help to raise the critical funds that organizations like those that benefit from the walk desperately need, but also is a time to keep awareness around the growing HIV/AIDS epidemic.” This year’s beneficiaries include AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Equality Florida Institute; Latinos Salud; The Pride Center at Equality Park; SAVE Foundation; SunServe; and World AIDS Museum and Educational Center.

Visit FloridaAidsWalk.org for more information.

4 . 22 . 20 21 •

NEWS NATIONAL

LGBT RIGHTS GROUPS DIVIDED OVER BULLYING CASE BEFORE SUPREME COURT Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

case to be argued before the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28 presents one of those rare instances in which different LGBT groups are on opposite sides.

The case is Mahanoy v. BL, an appeal which asks the Supreme Court to take a new look at a long-standing First Amendment decision from 1969 and say whether it needs to be re-thought, given today’s new social media and cyberbullying realities. In friend-of-the-court briefs submitted in the case, different LGBT groups and leaders are taking different sides. Some argue that schools need the authority to discipline students for inappropriate messages even when those messages are delivered off-campus and after school. Others say students need protection from school authorities over-reaching into the personal views and expressions of students. Both sides say the case, which has no LGBTspecific elements, could have important implications for LGBT students. The case before the court started in 2017, when a student at a small public high school in central Pennsylvania posted an angry message on Snapchat, expressing her anguish at having been rejected for the varsity cheerleading squad. The student, identified in numerous news reports as Brandi Levy, is identified in court documents as B.L., and she attended Mahanoy Area High School. (She has since graduated and is attending college.) On the weekend after learning she would have to stay on the junior varsity squad, Levy was out shopping with a friend when she decided to post a photo of herself on Snapchat, gesturing with her middle finger and adding a caption that read, “Fuck school fuck softball fuck cheer fuck everything.” The post reached about 250 people, including other students at her high school (which had an enrollment of only about 280 students). One of the students who saw the post captured the

Snapchat image and forwarded it to Levy’s JV cheerleading coaches. Mahanoy school officials brief to the Supreme Court said that “Students were visibly upset” over Levy’s Snapchat post, that the post violated school rules against “foul language and inappropriate gestures,” and that they felt they had to take disciplinary action to “avoid chaos and maintain a team-like environment.” So, they suspended Levy from the JV squad for the year. Levy’s parents attempted to reverse that decision by talking with school officials. When they got nowhere, they sued in federal court, charging that the school had violated their daughter’s First Amendment right to free speech. A federal district court agreed, noting Levy’s Snapchat post was done off-campus and had not caused any substantial disruption of school activities. The Third Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals agreed. It cited a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision — Tinker v. Des Moines — which held that students have a right to freedom of speech unless a school can prove that the students’ actions or speech would “substantially interfere” with school operations. The Tinker case involved students wearing black armbands at school during school hours, in protest of the Vietnam War. The Mahanoy case involved something done off-campus after school. While acknowledging that social media have blurred the lines between what constitutes on and off-campus, the Third Circuit said Levy’s Snapchat post was clearly off-campus and that “the ‘online’ nature of that off-campus speech makes no constitutional difference.” Attorneys for the school appealed the Third Circuit decision to the Supreme Court, arguing that other federal appeals panels have ruled that Tinker can apply to off-campus speech “that has

BOTH SIDES SAY THE CASE, WHICH HAS NO LGBT-SPECIFIC ELEMENTS, COULD HAVE IMPORTANT IMPLICATIONS FOR LGBT STUDENTS.

• 4 . 22.2021

SFGN file photo.

a close nexus to the school environment.” The Third Circuit decision, they said, “broke ranks with all other circuits” on the matter. The Mahanoy school attorneys noted that “schools face hard calls about how to address such off-campus speech,” including instances of where students use social media to harass other students and teachers. But “schools have exercised authority to discipline speech that disrupts the campus or harms other students, whether that speech originates on campus or off.” Joining several other anti-bullying organizations, the Garden State Equality group, the Tyler Clementi Foundation, and Stomp Out Bullying — which focus on LGBT issues — all submitted a brief on the side of the Mahanoy school district. They noted that a study found that more than 80% of LGBT youth reported being bullied or harassed at school. They said, “there must be a clear and unmistakable pronouncement that school officials may take reasonable measures to curtail peer bullying that negatively impacts students’ ability to access their education, wherever and in whatever form it takes place.” A large number of other LGBT groups submitted a brief in support of the student.

“Bestowing schools with overly broad authority to regulate off-campus speech risks school overreach,” said the LGBT groups. They said studies show that historically marginalized groups — like LGBT students — “are more likely to receive unwarranted school discipline” for their off-campus speech. At the very least, they argue, the Supreme Court “should make clear that any restrictions to off-campus student speech only apply to prevent invasions of students’ rights to safety and access to equal educational opportunities, and not to regulate all potential substantial disruptions of school activities.” The brief was submitted by Lambda Legal, Equality California, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), the Human Rights Campaign, National Center for Lesbian Rights, and more than two dozen other groups “committed to gender, LGBTQ, racial, and disability justice for students.” “We support B.L. in this case because we believe the school was not within its authority to discipline her and violated her First Amendment rights to speech and expression,” said Camilla Taylor, director of constitutional litigation for Lambda Legal and one of the authors of the brief supporting the student. “When student speech

NEWS NATIONAL occurs off-campus and does not threaten harm “…The Court should reject the Third Circuit’s to anyone,” said Taylor, “…students enjoy an approach and reaffirm the ability of schools to unfettered right to express themselves without address off-campus bullying under the wellschool interference.” established student-speech framework.” The groups’ brief urged the Supreme Court Gary Buseck, senior adviser with GLAD make a very careful ruling — one that enables and a 35-year veteran of LGBT litigation, schools to respond to off-campus speech that acknowledged that “it seems odd” that the pro“invades a student’s rights to be safe and to LGBT briefs stand in support of different sides of access equal educational opportunities” but one the appeal. that “does not impair a student’s off-campus “However, my sense is that all of the parties speech that is otherwise protected under the on these three specific amicus briefs are actually First Amendment.” in agreement on one issue, i.e., that school Acting Solicitor General boards have to be allowed Elizabeth Prelogar submitted to deal with bullying and the Biden administration’s brief harassment that occurs offGARY BUSECK, in March and will be speaking campus but that impacts a before the court April 28. Her student’s life in school and SENIOR ADVISER brief supports the school educational opportunities WITH GLAD AND A district, saying that schools must and experience,” said Buseck. be able to address any speech, All three briefs, he said, 35-YEAR VETERAN including off-campus speech, “are concerned less about OF LGBT LITIGATION, the facts of this case and that threatens or targets specific individuals or groups in the its bottom-line result than ACKNOWLEDGED school community. about possible dangers in the Interestingly, the lesbian Third Circuit opinion bearing THAT “IT SEEMS Attorneys General of on how school must be ODD” THAT THE Massachusetts and Michigan allowed to address bullying/ submitted a brief, along with harassment.” PRO-LGBT BRIEFS the attorneys general of 21 other The Mahanoy argument STAND IN SUPPORT states, including California, comes at a time when Illinois, New Jersey, and North OF DIFFERENT SIDES LGBT groups are anxiously Carolina, saying the Supreme awaiting how the Supreme OF THE APPEAL. Court should vacate the Third Court will rule on a major Circuit decision. The attorneys case that does involve LGBT general explicitly declined to issues specifically: Fulton v. take sides with either the student or the school Philadelphia. That case, argued in November, district, but its argument clearly landed to is the latest in a long line of lawsuits that have benefit the schools. attempted to secure for some people and “Bullying occurs both during and outside of businesses an exemption to laws prohibiting school hours, particularly now that students discrimination based on sexual orientation communicate so frequently via social media,” and gender identity. Those arguing for the said the attorneys general brief. “And regardless exemptions claim that requiring them to obey of when and where it occurs, bullying can create the non-discrimination laws violates their a school climate in which student victims feel First Amendment freedom to exercise of their unsafe and unable to engage in learning. religious beliefs against LGBT people. © 2021 Keen News Service. All rights reserved.

A group against bullying at World Pride in 2012. Photo credit: Tom Morris, via Wikipedia. 4 . 22 . 20 21 •

PA L M B E A C H

WALKING WITH PRIDE WEST PALM BEACH COMPLETES RAINBOW CROSSWALKS Everitt Rosen

est Palm Beach residents now have a place to walk with pride. On Thursday the city completed four Pride crosswalks located in the heart of the city’s LGBT business district: Northwood Village. The project features the six colors of the traditional rainbow flag. “Business owners are thrilled with the crosswalks,” President of the Northwood Village Merchants Association Will Davis said in a press release. “They are beautiful - and definitely worth the wait.” And wait they did. The project took over two and a half years to complete. The crosswalks were initially requested in 2018 by Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. At a 2018 Art in Public Places meeting it was noted the artwork could be incorporated into any of the more than 50 crosswalks throughout the city that needed refurbishment, according to PBCHRC. “Since 2012, cities with LGBTQ communities have painted crosswalks with the colors in the Rainbow Flag [an LGBTQ symbol],” Hoch wrote to Art in Public Places. Hoch said then-Mayor Jeri Muoio and city commissioners all expressed their support for the crosswalks. PBCHRC then asked LGBT people and business owners for input about where the crosswalks could be placed. “The consensus was to install the Pride crosswalks to be at the intersection of

Due to construction delays and a contractor who reneged on completing the project, it took two years for any work to begin.

• 4 . 22.2021

Photo via Pixabay.

Northwood Road and Spruce Avenue,” Hoch said in a press release. PBCHRC gives credit to the efforts of City Commissioner Kelly Shoaf, whose district includes northern West Palm Beach. Due to construction delays and a contractor who reneged on completing the project, it took two years for any work to begin. The city hired Claudia Mendoza of IQ Construction, a Minority Women Business Enterprise, to handle the project earlier this year. IQ Construction was able to finish the project in record time. West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency contributed money to rebuild the intersection and paint the crosswalks. The crosswalks will be maintained for the next five years from funds from Hierromat, a steel import company headquartered in Fort Lauderdale. Current Mayor Keith James of West Palm Beach has announced a June ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate LGBT Pride Month. Delray Beach and Boynton Beach are both planning public art that incorporates the Progress Pride colors. Some other U.S. cities with rainbow crosswalks include Albuquerque, Atlanta, Gainesville, Key West, Miami, Minneapolis, Missoula, Orlando, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, St. Louis, West Hollywood, and Washington, D.C.

NEWS KEY WEST

The Sister Season Fund poses with Mayor Teri Johnston (center) during the opening ceremony for their new location in Key West. Photo via the Sister Season Fund, Facebook.

SISTER SEASON FUND HELPS KEY WEST LOCALS THROUGH PANDEMIC John Hayden

ey West welcomes thousands of they’re out of work through no fault of their visitors each year. Tourism is the life own. blood of the island paradise. But when Even in a year when money was tight for the guests stopped coming, Key West came everyone, Hanson isn’t surprised that Sister together. Season didn’t just survive, it thrived. Financially, COVID hit the Conch Republic “Wow! How did we do this? It worked just as hard as any hurricane. Everyone from like a well-oiled machine,” she said. cooks to bartenders, and street entertainers COVID wasn’t their first test. to hotel staff were suddenly struggling. But Hurricane Irma was the first major storm hometown help was ready. The to hit the Keys since the fund Sister Season Fund has given was created. Hanson said they out $400,000 dollars since the were able to get $170,000 start of the pandemic. to residents very quickly for The fund started way back in shelter from the financial storm. 2005, when a local worker was The Locals Helping Locals incapacitated. His friends came goal of the fund makes their together for financial support. work very personal. That individual effort grew into “We’ve become such a strong the Sister Season Fund, and it family,” she said. “All these was never more needed than people that we’ve helped, we this past year. care about them. We laughed “We normally have 50and cried with them and hugged 75 applications [for help] a them.” - Julie Hanson year,” Executive Director Julie Now that the worst of the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Hanson said. “It was over 400 COVID crisis appears to be this year.” behind us, organizers are The fund recently got a massive, putting the fun back in fund, Key West style. unexpected boost. Bingo is scheduled for Monday, May 3 at the “We were totally surprised by it.” Green Parrot, a party with summer picnic Mark Walsh of the Opal Collection hotels food is set for Memorial Day at Bourbon presented Sister Season with a $25,000 St. Pub, and a “Lucky 70” casino night donation. Hanson said one of the people celebrating Hanson’s 70th birthday on July 7. involved teased her about what was coming. Hanson said it’s all about getting ready for “I was just elated and she wouldn’t tell me whatever comes next. how much it was.” The money given out “Going forward, we all need to be better helps locals with rent or utilities when prepared,” she said.

“WE NORMALLY HAVE 50-75 APPLICATIONS [FOR HELP] A YEAR. IT WAS OVER 400 THIS YEAR.”

To learn more about their events, donate, or apply for help, visit their website at SisterSeason.com. 4 . 22 . 20 21 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY COREY ROSE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

LOUISIANA

BLACK TRANS WOMAN RUNS FOR DISTRICT REP

New Orleans born-and-raised activist Mariah Moore aims to serve her district as the first Black trans woman elected in Louisiana. Moore is running to represent District D, and if elected, she would replace current council member Jared Brosset, who has reached his term limit. Moore said she wants to increase affordable housing, battle wage disparity, and be a reflection of the community as she sees it. “We deserve to see ourselves represented at tables where decisions are being made,” Moore said in her announcement for candidacy. “I have an obligation and a commitment to leave this city and my district better than when I found it.” Moore is currently an Organizing Program Associate for the Transgender

Mariah Moore. Photo via Facebook.

Law Center, and has served on New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s LGBTQ Task Force. With fellow trans activist Milan Nicole Sherry, Moore co-founded House of Tulip, a non-profit collective that seeks to provide housing options for transgender individuals. Citizens will cast their votes in the primary on Oct. 9.

WASHINGTON STUDENTS PROTEST UNIVERSITY’S ANTI-LGBT POLICIES Students at Seattle Pacific University have come together to protest the school’s policies that bar professors from being in same-sex unions. When adjunct professor Jéaux Rinedahl was denied a full-time position with the private university’s nursing department in January, he filed a discrimination lawsuit, claiming it was because he is gay. The SPU Board of Trustees recently voted to uphold the university’s employee conduct policy, which defines marriage as “intended between a man and a woman.” SPU junior Laur Lugos protested alongside his classmates and faculty members on campus, and told KING 5 News, “I’m embarrassed to say that I go to school here when I hear how the school treats the LGBTQ community.” Over 1,200 students, faculty, staff,

• 4 . 22.2021

Photo via Seattle Pacific University, Facebook.

alumni, and donors have signed a joint letter of lament, penned by SPU faculty and staff. The letter requests that the board remove the references to sexuality from the employee conduct guide, and amend university’s the non-discrimination language to protect employment on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, and marital status.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

ALASKA

LGBT COUPLES RECEIVE BENEFITS AFTER YEARS OF DISCRIMINATION For years, LGBT couples were left out of annual state benefits, even after the state’s definition of marriage was declared unconstitutional by a federal judge in 2014, and the Supreme Court the following year. Now, the state has been ordered to issue equal payouts to same-sex couples. In 2019, the Permanent Fund Dividend Division told military spouse Denali Smith she wasn’t able to receive an oil wealth check that is distributed to nearly all Alaskan residents because same-sex unions were not recognized by the state. Attorney Caitlin Shortell, who represented Smith and three other clients who were also denied benefits, told Anchorage Daily News, “We are pleased to have come to an agreement that the state of Alaska will follow the

Attorney Caitlin Shortell helped fight for the change. Photo via the Shortell Law website.

orders of the federal court and U.S. Supreme Court.” The state signed an agreement that it won’t use an unconstitutional definition of marriage to “deny same-sex accompanying spouses and dependents their PFDs in the future.”

COLORADO DENVER’S FIRST GAY SPORTS BAR NOW OPEN After the closing of longtime punk venue Streets Denver, bar owner Steven Alix saw the opportunity to bring what he felt was missing from the LGBT community — a gay sports bar. Alix said the bar, cheekily named Tight End, will be a much-needed space for LGBT sports fans to build a community at a time when the pandemic has forced gay bars and nightclubs across the country to close their doors. Tight End opened on April 12 to positive reactions from the community. “It’s been received really well so far. It’s never been done [in Denver], as far as I know, and all the other major cities have gay sports bars. This one doesn’t, so it’s time,” Alix told Westword.

Photo via Tight End Bar, Facebook.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

DEATH THREATS FLOOD THAI GAY COUPLE’S WEDDING PHOTOS

EU COURT SAYS THAT BULGARIA SHOULD GIVE ID PAPERS TO CHILD WITH TWO MOTHERS

After uploading pictures of his wedding to Facebook, 28-year-old Suriya Koedsang began to attract homophobic comments and raging rants about how homosexuality is a “sin.” According to AsiaOne, the post has attracted more than 469,000 comments and has been shared over 40,000 times. By April 11, the negative comments had turned into death threats that were not only directed towards the couple but also Koedsang’s parents, relatives and their wedding photographer. However, not all of the tweets were negative. The couple’s fellow Thais were swift to defend them, sparking a crosscultural debate in the comments section. “I have never replied and only [thought] that they would stop in a few days. However, they are more severe in their

Photo credit: Suriya Koedsang, via Facebook

comments, threatening, frightening us,” Koedsang said to AsiaOne.

The top EU court’s advocate general stated in an opinion that they are pushing Bulgaria to issue identity papers for a child with two mothers in a samesex marriage. Though, they cannot force Bulgaria to legally recognize their marriage or parenting. According to Reuters, the Attorney General of the European Court of Justice released his opinion in a case involving a Bulgarian-British married couple who are both listed as mothers on their child’s birth certificate, which was issued in Spain where they live. Bulgaria, which doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage, has refused to name both mothers on a national birth certificate. According to Reuters, although Bulgaria cannot prevent its residents

Photo via Pixabay.

from exercising their EU-wide right to free movement, it may refuse to grant a birth certificate that names all women as mothers because of national rules.

AFRICA

SOUTH AMERICA

YOUTUBE BLOCKS NIGERIAN PASTOR WHO CLAIMS TO HAVE FOUND A CURE FOR HOMOSEXUALITY

FIRST LESBIAN LAWMAKER IN PERU VOWS TO BOOST LGBT RIGHTS

Following a complaint from a rights body, influential Nigerian TV evangelist TB Joshua has been suspended from YouTube over allegations of hate speech. According to BBC News, seven videos, uploaded on TB Joshua Ministries’ YouTube channel between 2016 and 2020, show the preacher leading prayers to “cure” gay people. The video is an update of a woman named Okoye’s prayer session, which was first broadcast in 2018. The footage, which had over 1.5 million views before being pulled down from YouTube, later shows her testifying in front of the church that “the devil of women” had been ruining her life but that she had been saved after the preacher’s prayers. According to a YouTube spokeswoman,

the channel was shut down because its policy “prohibits programming that alleges that someone is mentally ill, diseased, or deficient because of their membership in a protected category, like sexual orientation.”

As two social conservatives face off in a presidential run-off vote in June, the first lesbian elected to Peru’s Congress has vowed to fight for LGBT rights in the Andean nation. According to Reuters, Susel Paredes was elected following two previous unsuccessful congressional runs, and she will become the county’s only openly LGBT lawmaker. In comparison to other South American countries such as Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Colombia, which have recently legalized gay marriage, same-sex couples are not permitted to marry in conservative Peru. Paredes achieved the most votes of any female candidate, but she was cautious about the chances of broader LGBT gains following the presidential

Susel Paredes. Photo via @suselparedes, Twitter.

election, which pits socialist candidate Pedro Castillo against right-wing Keiko Fujimori in a second-round decider. “We’re in the middle of a crossfire between right-wing and left-wing fundamentalists,” said Paredes to Reuters.

4 . 22 . 20 21 •

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 14 THROUGH APRIL 20 April 14 through April 20

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 4/14 to 4/20 Palm Beach 1.7%, Broward 1.9%, and Miami Dade 1.8% 468,908

467,464

466,000

464,557

472,941

471,595

470,668

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138,063

137,552

137,132

227,738

226,990

226,054

225,352

139,479

139,199

138,967

138,476

229,641

229,073

228,502

BENEFITS INCLUDE DISCOUNTS AT... 4/14

4/15

4/16

4/17

Palm Beach

4/18

4/19

Broward

4/20

Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA COUNTIES: Cumulative Known in Cumulative KnownCOVID-19 COVID-19 Deaths Cases in Three South Florida Three South Florida Counties: Counties: APRIL 14 THROUGH APRIL 20 April 20 April 14 14 through through April April 20

NATIONALLY-RENOWNED WEEKLY VIRTUAL SERIES FEATURING LGBTQ ARTISTS, WRITERS, THINKERS, & CURATORS

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 deaths from 4/14 to 4/20 Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 4/14 to 4/20 Palm Beach 0.8%, Broward 2.2%, and Miami Dade 1.0% Palm Beach 1.7%, Broward 1.9%, and Miami Dade 1.8%

472,941

471,595

470,668

6,058

6,049

6,044

6,043

6,029

6,014

5,996

468,908

467,464

466,000

464,557

AND MANY MORE

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2,733

225,352

2,704

137,132

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4/144/14

2,741 226,054 2,708

226,9902,762

2,715

4/154/15

Palm Beach

2,717

4/174/17

Palm Beach Broward Broward

229,073 2,784

2,723 139,199

138,967

138,476

4/164/16

228,502

2,769

2,717

138,063

137,552

2,783

227,738

4/184/18

4/19 4/19

2,792 229,641 2,725 139,479

4/20 4/20

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

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

3/19/2021 11:17:50 PM

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

Congregation Etz Chaim

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

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

SPIRITUALITY

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

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

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

954-633-2987

A home for your spirit. Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome!

A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE ALL ARE WELCOME SFGN is here for you, no matter who — or what — keeps you going. Check out the Spirituality Section each week to stay in touch with your local religious LGBT community. The only requirement? Be yourself.

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION 4 . 22 . 20 21 •

COLUMN LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

AN OPEN LETTER TO MAYOR DEAN TRANTALIS AND PASTOR ROB PACIENZA Dear Mayor Trantalis and Pastor Pacienza: I welcome the spirit of your recent joint statement regarding the controversy arising from the proclamation honoring Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and Westminster Academy on the occasion of the church’s 60th anniversary. And I applaud the accomplishment of bringing diverse religious communities together for dialogue, common ground, and common good. While much of what was included in your joint statement is admirable, it is the language of the fourth paragraph, describing the pain that Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and Westminster Academy continue to inflict on LGBT people as a mere difference of opinion, that remains problematic: “Differing opinions and values are ever present in a diverse city like Fort Lauderdale. That’s part of our beauty. We also live in a country that values both a citizen’s freedom to believe and act according to their conscience and a citizen’s right to exercise their religious faith freely.” These “differing opinions and values” include Pastor Pacienza using his position to urge Christian voters to be politically pro-active to help end marriage equality. Westminster Academy has a policy banning children living with gay parents. There is nothing “beautiful” about trying to destroy gay families, punishing a child with gay parents, or degrading the self-esteem of a young person because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. That is not “religious freedom.” That is child abuse. Twentieth century segregationists argued that the civil rights movement was a violation of “religious freedom” and the right to “act according to their conscience.” Jim Crow laws were championed by many white Southern Christians: “God had created the races separate and did not intend for them to mix; cursed by God, Black people were inferior to whites.” Is there anyone in

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com•954-530-4970 22

• 4 . 22.2021

Pictured: Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis (left, rear) and Pastor Rob Pacienza. Photo via the City of Fort Lauderdale, Facebook.

2021, other than a white supremacist, who would argue that requiring white employers to hire Black people, or a white baker to make a cake for an interracial couple, was a violation of sincerely held religious beliefs? There is nothing new in claiming profound religious convictions to justify hatred and bigotry. It was rampant in the South throughout Jim Crow. “A citizen’s right to exercise their religious faith freely” is a cherished American value, but it does not bestow a right to destroy the lives of others. Religious freedom should end at the point where religious-based behavior harms other people, especially children. Claims of religious freedom to justify segregation have always been ugly. The same is true today for any entity that seeks to deny the equality or humanity of LGBT youth, adults or families.

Marc Paige

Fort Lauderdale

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

SFGN ORIGINAL EDITORIAL CARTOON By Brendon Lies

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954-564-7772 www.dunhamins.com 4 . 22 . 20 21 •

LIFESTYLE CELEBRITY

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

TELEVISION

CELEBRITY

PROGRESS!

SURPRISE!

‘SIMPSONS’ TO RECAST CONTROVERSIAL VOICE ACTORS The beloved and long running show “The Simpsons” has received lots of backlash for its inappropriate use of voice actors who don’t match their character. However all that is about to change. According to Pride, “The Simpsons” will “no longer have white actors voice non-white characters.” This goes for characters of the LGBT community as well, such as Julio who is a gay Cuban character. They have also done the same for the very controversial character Apu, who has been voiced by Hank Azaria. American writer Matt Selman, who has been a consistent writer for “The Simpsons,” confirmed in a Twitter post that Tony Rodriguez, a gay Cuban

Julio (right) with Smithers in “The Simpsons.” Credit: FOX.

American actor, will voice Julio. “Welcoming the hilarious Tony Rodríguez @TheTonyRodrig, throwing shade as Julio tonight on @ TheSimpsons,” Selman tweeted.

ERIN KELLYMAN IS QUEER?! Erin Kellyman is queer and shows no fear. Kellyman stars in “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier,” being one of the few open queer actresses in the Marvel universe. Kellyman’s girlfriend, Jordan O’Coy, is active on her Instagram, where the pictures of the two love birds are in a happy abundance. Although it’s no secret that Kellyman is queer, some people may have not noticed it right off the bat. In a viral Tweet, one user posted, “i can’t believe i only just found out erin kellyman has a girlfriend.” Well believe it, because Marvel has started to step its game up with introducing more LGBT characters in recent times. Naturally once fans started figuring

Erin Kellyman. Photo credit: Jojo3gr, via Wikipedia.

out, they took to Twitter to express the joy it brought them, to see one of their own staring in their favorite show. Kellyman even went so far to address her fans’ recent realization of her sexuality via an Instagram story, Pride reported. “IDK why it took you gays so long,” Kellyman said.

VACATION

FINALLY!

DISNEY PLANS FOR MORE INCLUSIVITY The “most magical place on Earth,” just became that much more magical. Disney parks are now including a pair of rainbow mouse ears for all. While it may seem like a small gesture, this is just the tip of the iceberg for the parks. According to Out, “This is just the beginning as we continue to work toward a world where we all belong — including a more diverse and inclusive Disney Parks, Experiences and Products,” Josh D’Amaro, chairman of the park’s division, announced. They’re not just catering to the LGBT community however, Out stated that Disney’s workers conducted a poll and found that “inclusivity was a key area of concern.”

• 4 . 22.2021

Besides the colorful mouse ear hats, Disney will be having costumes in stock for people in wheelchairs, Out reported. D’Amaro also said in a post on Disneyparks, “Our new approach provides greater flexibility with respect to forms of personal expression surrounding genderinclusive hairstyles, jewelry, nail styles, and costume choices; and allowing appropriate visible tattoos.” Disney is taking steps in their way of making everyone feel special, at the magical place where dreams come true. “There’s more to do, but we’re committed to listening, learning and making meaningful improvements,” D’Amaro said.

Photo via Pixabay.

COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

LIFESTYLE PHOTOS

Photo via PxHere.

LGBT MEDIA TO BOYCOTT GEORGIA National LGBT Media Association Press Release

he National LGBT Media Association Segal, 215-925-6626 or visit our website at (NGMA), composed of the 12 largest nationallgbtmediaassociation.com. LGBT publications in the nation, The National LGBT Media Association passed a resolution banning meeting in the is the association of the top LGBT regional state of Georgia. newspapers in the U.S. The 12 legacy The nation’s largest LGBT media publications hit all major LGBT markets association today resolved to not hold any and serve as the publications of record for of its future meetings in the State of Georgia their demographic area. The LGBT market due to the recent passage of draconian voter is still largely untapped by brands looking suppression laws which primarily affect to continuously and consciously commit communities of color. to supporting our community. We in the LGBT community The team at NGMA has been built a movement fighting for on the frontlines of advocating equality, and we stand with for the LGBT community those who fight this “Jim Crow, for decades. Over the years, Part 2” legislation in order to they’ve solidified their roles make their voice heard and in the community as trusted their vote count. Too many leaders. Together, they help people in power wish to keep to curate content, advocate marginalized communities for LGBT rights, and speak invisible and without proper up for this often-ignored or representation in government, often-discriminated-against and we must be vigilant in community. Their readership - Leo Cusimano fighting against their unjust and is dedicated, loyal and CO-CHAIR OF NGMA unfair discrimination. consistently engaged across all “With these laws, it is now 12 NGMA publications. easier to get a gun in Georgia than to vote.” said Leo Cusimano, co-chair of NGMA. •Bay Area Reporter, San Francisco NGMA and its members, which include •Philadelphia Gay News, Philadelphia members in Georgia, will be boycotting all •Bay Windows, Boston future meetings in the state until it creates •Los Angeles Blade, Los Angeles fair election laws that ensure all people have •Between the Lines, Detroit equal and fair access to vote. •South Florida Gay News, Fort Lauderdale/Miami NGMA members are in New York City, •Dallas Voice, Dallas/Fort Worth Los Angeles, San Francisco, Philadelphia, •Washington Blade, Washington D.C. Washington D.C., Dallas/Fort Worth, •Gay City News, New York City Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale/Miami, Orlando/ •Watermark, Tampa/Orlando/St. Pete Tampa, Detroit, Boston and Chicago. •Georgia Voice, Atlanta For more information, please contact Mark •Windy City Times, Chicago

“WITH THESE LAWS, IT IS NOW EASIER TO GET A GUN IN GEORGIA THAN TO VOTE.”

Visit us: www.nationallgbtmediaassociation.com | 212-242-6863

JUSTIN FLIPPEN PARK On April 17, a special park dedication ceremony was hosted by the city at 2109 Wilton Drive to officially designate the area as Justin Flippen Park. The dedication of the park gave honor to the life, legacy and contributions of the late Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen for his many accomplishments in the community. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. To see more, visit SFGN on Facebook.

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LIFESTYLE FOOD

IT’S EASY BEING GREEN Rick Karlin

PS GREEN VEGAN EXPRESS

PAC PASTRIES

2306 E. Oakland Park Blvd. Fort Lauderdale 954-999-5474 psgreenrestaurant.com

2348 Wilton Dr. Wilton Manors 954-530-9783 pacpastries.com

orry to disagree with Kermit, but with the growing number of vegan and vegetarian places around town, it’s easy being green. I recently spent a day being vegan and found myself thoroughly satisfied at a pair of local dining establishments. Although I am a carnivore, my husband is a lacto-ovo-pescatarian (meaning he eats fish, eggs, and dairy, but no meat or meat-based products), so we occasionally go completely vegan or vegetarian and I’ve found that there are some vegetarian places I love. One of my favorite vegan places is the LA-based chain, Native Foods. Its gyros sandwich and fried “chicken” are guaranteed to win over even the most devoted meateater. Until the company opens a branch in South Florida, we have searched for a viable substitute. We may have finally found it. PS Green Vegan Express offers a fastcasual dining concept (order your food at the counter and it is delivered to your table), with a few outdoor tables. The menu focuses on vegan dishes with a Mexican influence. Appetizers include everything from edamame or boiled peanuts to avocado toast and a variety of empanadas, tostadas, and falafel to simple, yet elegant soups, such as the rich coconut tomato bisque (which I tried and found delightful — and I hate coconut). If you have young’uns with you, they are certain to enjoy the chicken nuggets, pizza, or mac and cheese. The main menu features a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, as well as quesadillas, tacos, and entrée salads. The vegan tofu sandwich tops ginger-tamari marinated tofu with avocado, veggies, and chipotle mayo. It is served with roasted potatoes, house salad, or brown rice, for $10.99. For those seeking something

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• 4 . 22.2021

“beefier,” the Beyond BBQ steakhouse burger comes topped with sauteed mushrooms and onions. You may also create your individualized bowl or wrap by choosing from a variety of options, including proteins such as tempeh, jackfruit, chick’n or vegan chorizo. There are also acai bowls, smoothies, and shakes. Main dishes are in the $10-$13 range. Breakfast and brunch are also available all day. Pancakes are made with oatmeal flour, almond milk, and chia seeds. They are more like crepes than fluffy pancakes, but delicious nonetheless. There are a half-dozen oatmeal bowls, from plain to loaded with goji berries, banana, chia seed, cacao nibs, and hemp seeds. I tried the Lumberjack breakfast which paired three pancakes with scrambled tofu (which I’m thinking I might like more than scrambled eggs), sweet potato hash, and veggie sausage links (which I’m thinking I don’t like as much as real sausage). Breakfasts are priced from $7 for plain oatmeal to $13 for the Lumberjack special. The Fort Lauderdale location, next to Times Square Pizza, differs from the original location in Miami. The Miami restaurant serves a more expansive menu and features animal-based products, such as salmon and chicken. Dessert options include brownies, coconut rice pudding, gluten-free chocolate cake, and carrot, banana, or apple cake. We had already planned to stop at PAC Pastries in Wilton Manors on the way home, so we passed on the sweets, but I have to say they did look delicious. Service is friendly and eager to please and our food was delivered to us quickly. I’ll be going back. Don’t let the lack of goodies on display at PAC Pastries fool you. This place is the real

Crunch cake at PAC Pastries. Courtesy of Rick Karlin.

Burgers at PS Green Vegan Express. Courtesy of Rick Karlin.

deal, you just need to get there early before they run out of product because everything is made fresh, and when it’s gone, it’s gone (at least until the next day, when a fresh batch is whipped up). And, to add icing to the cake, everything is gluten-free, dairyfree, and vegan! There’s a saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” the same might also apply to “Don’t judge a bakery by its web presence.” I was attracted to this place by the pictures of its goodies on Facebook, but I almost wrote it off after its Facebook page directed me to a non-existent website and then, when I finally did get to the website, most of the

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

links were inactive as well. Therefore, I can’t give you a run-down on the menu (which changes weekly, if not daily). Let’s just say, what they don’t know about the Internet is more than compensated for by the delicious treats they turn out of their kitchen. I am now addicted to the crumbcake and brownie. The cashew-butter cup less so. It had an overwhelming flavor of coconut, and I’ve already said how I feel about that. Counter service was friendly and wellinformed and the prices are moderate for a vegan bakery; four nicely sized desserts cost $16.

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.

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LIFESTYLE PHOTOS

LIFESTYLE SHOP WITH PRIDE

MOONSHINE SPECTRUM JEWELRY FOR ALL Kendall Little

onica Murray, a queer artist, specializes in celestial-themed genderneutral jewelry options. She started up her small business, Moonshine Spectrum, to give herself a creative outlet that would bring good to the community. “I wanted to create jewelry which was inclusive,” Murray said. “My jewelry has always been for everyone and I try my best to create things I think lots of people would like. I also have made earrings which are designed with creating a statement in mind, whether it be political or simply style wise.” Her jewelry always has a little bit of a unique twist, whether it be handmixed clay colors or multi-colored beading that are different for every pair of earrings. “I mostly sell jewelry which is a combination between polymer clay and gold findings. Usually, the themes are celestial and political,” Murray said. She even has a couple favorites up in her shop. “I think I’d have to say that my favorite items are either the new Nab these “cloudy bois” on Etsy. Photo via Instagram.

Monica Murray modeling some Valentines earrings. Photo via Instagram.

crystal earrings or the very loved dyke earrings,” Murray shared. There’s a piece for everyone in Murray’s shop as her products range from bold, colorful earrings to simple and dainty rings. Moonshine Spectrum recently reached 300 sales, which was a big accomplishment for Murray. She has even loftier goals for the coming year. “My main goal is just to keep learning, bettering myself and providing people with packages of joy. In a more business sense, I think it would be to be able to break even as a business and to grow the number of people who know Moonshine Spectrum exists,” she said. Owning a small business has allowed Murray to not only grow as an artist, but also as a member of the LGBT community. “I love being able to create anything that fulfills me at that time and getting to share that with likeminded people,” she said. For Murray, her love of creating ties into a bigger goal of creating a unique community of LGBT jewelry lovers. “I’d say the purpose of my business is to create a shop and a community of queer, kind-hearted people who all enjoy quirky, celestial and fun jewelry,” she said.

SALOON GIRL On Saturday, March 13, Scandals Saloon hosted its annual competition to find their Mizz Scandals 2021. The event featured limited seating, but there was no shortage of heart-filled performances. Pictured here is Lady Marisa (Anthony Sabrato), the winner of Mizz Scandals 2021 with the other six gorgeous competing queens at her back. Photo credit: J.R. Davis. To see many more photos, visit SFGN on Facebook.

To support this LGBT-owned small business, visit the Moonshine Spectrum Etsy shop or follow the shop on Instagram @moonshine_spectrum.

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

4 . 22 . 20 21 •

LISTEN TO THE FOUNDER OF NORML ON WWW.NORMKENTSHOW.COM ON THE 4/20 SHOW Mr. Keith Stroup is a Washington, DC public-interest attorney who founded NORML in 1970. NORML stands for The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

A&E APPOINTMENTS This weekend, the Wick Theatre in Boca Raton brings back “A Chorus Line,” the production interrupted by the COVID-19 shutdown in March 2020. Credit: The Wick Theatre.

ARTSBEAT THEATER SEASONS SURPRISE, DELIGHT J.W. Arnold As the widespread COVID-19 vaccination rollout bolsters confidence, South Florida regional theaters are announcing ambitious and enticing schedules for the 2021-22 season:

ISLAND CITY STAGE, WILTON MANORS Island City Stage, the LGBT-centric company in residence at Wilton Theater Factory in Wilton Manors, celebrates its 10th anniversary season with an eclectic line-up including an old favorite, a world premiere and classics from two gay icons. Artistic Director Andy Rogow revives Tom Jacobson’s “The Twentieth Century Way,” a critically acclaimed examination of evolving sexual morays from the company’s first season, Oct. 1 - 31. Next up, playwright Andrew Kramer confronts racism, homophobia and self-hatred in his world premiere drama, “Armature,” opening January 27, 2022. Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece, “Suddenly Last Summer,” opens March 17, followed by Charles Ludlam’s campy classic “The Mystery of Irma Veep,” June 9 – July 10, 2022. The season concludes Aug. 4 – September 4, 2022 with Donja R. Love’s unflinching portrait of what it means to be Black and gay in America today, “One in Two.” For tickets and more information, go to IslandCityStage.com.

THE WICK THEATRE, BOCA RATON

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While most companies are still playing it safe with small cast shows – at least through the end of the year – the Wick Theatre in Boca Raton continues to go big, reopening this weekend with the resumption of the Broadway hit “A Chorus Line,” which closed after just a couple of performances in 2020. Most tickets are reserved for 2019-20 season ticket holders, unfortunately, as reported at Florida Theater on Stage. The theater, also home to an unmatched museum of historic Broadway theatrical costumes, has also begun booking the upcoming season with big cast, crowd pleasing musicals: ABBA jukebox musical “Mamma Mia!,” Oct. 7 – Nov. 14; another “mother” of a show, “Gypsy,” Jan. 6 – Feb. 13, 2022; Shoeless Joe’s deal with the devil, “Damn Yankees,” March 3 – April 3, 2022; and “Breakin’ Up is Hard to Do,” crooner Neil Sedaka’s own 2006 jukebox musical, April 21 – May 15, 2022. For tickets and more information, go to TheWick.org.

PALM BEACH DRAMAWORKS, WEST PALM BEACH

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Palm Beach Dramaworks on West Palm Beach’s busy Clematis Street has long focused on 20th century American classics, but this season, plans a season of “new” works – all from this millennium. The season begins with John Cariani’s “Almost, Maine” (2006), nine vignettes about falling in and out of love, opens Oct. 15, followed on Dec. 10 by the world premiere of Michael McKeever’s “The People Downstairs” (2021), a commission that explores the challenges faced by the brave individuals who hid Anne Frank and seven others during the Holocaust. Joanna McClelland Glass’s “Trying” (2004), opening on February 4, 2022, is a memory play based on the playwright’s stint as secretary to Francis Biddle, former President Franklin Roosevelt’s attorney general. The fourth production, opening April 1, is Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” (2003), the story of an African-American seamstress who enters into correspondence with a man she’s never met in the hope of finding love. For tickets and more information, go to PalmBeachDramaworks.org.

A&E FILM

‘NOMADLAND,’ ‘MA RAINEY’ TOP LGBTQ CRITICS AWARDS J.W. Arnold

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tastE Feeling the hunger?

Read SFGN’s weekly food column for an exclusive bite on local bars, restaurants, and seasonal flavors.

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“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was named Best LGBTQ Film of 2020 at the Dorian Awards Toast on Sunday, April 18. Credit: Netflix.

ith the Oscars just days away, GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics weighed in with their picks for the Dorian Awards, presented Sunday, April 18 on the Revry streaming service. (SFGN Arts & Entertainment Editor J.W. Arnold is a longtime member of the group.) “Nomadland,” the spare drama of a group of struggling Americans living off the grid, earned the most trophies of the evening, including Best Film, Best Director for Chloé Zhao, and Most Visually Striking Film. Three films snagged two: “Minari,” the family tale of Asian immigrants living in the South, earned Best Non-English Language Film plus a supporting actress nod for Youn Yuhjung. “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” was deemed Best LGBTQ Film by GALECA, and the musical drama’s male lead, the late Chadwick Boseman, earned Best Film Performance — Actor. “Promising Young Woman” star Kerry Mulligan took Best Film Performance – Actress for “Promising Young Woman” and Emerald Fennell’s screenplay was named best of the year. Jessie Tyler Ferguson and Laverne Cox, both performers who’ve taken to producing documentaries in recent years, saw their respective projects, “Welcome to Chechnya” and “Disclosure,” with critics deadlocked in two categories; Best Documentary and Best LGBTQ Documentary. The Wilde Artist Award, meant for “a truly groundbreaking force in entertainment,” went

to singer-songwriter-actress-humanitarian Dolly Parton, whose memorable role in the landmark feminist comedy “9 to 5” has received revived interest just as she made headlines for her deep-pocketed advocacy in helping get Americans vaccinated during the pandemic. Parton’s friend, actor and social media superstar Leslie Jordan, currently on screens in “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” was named the group’s latest Timeless Star, a career achievement previously awarded to Sir Ian McKellen, Jane Fonda, George Takei, John Waters, Lily Tomlin, Betty White and Angela Lansbury. Trans filmmaker and actress Isabel Sandoval (“Lingua Franca”), accepted the Society’s inaugural, Board-selected Trailblazer Award “for creating art that inspires empathy, truth and equity.” Charo presented the Campiest Flick honors with her usual gusto to “Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga” and celebrity impressionist Chad Michaels (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”) evinced his favorite stars from Joan Crawford to Cher in a special appearance. Among the other celebrity presenters participating in the special were Cynthia Nixon (“Sex and the City”), Jharrel Jerome (“Moonlight,” “Concrete Cowboy”), comedian Margaret Cho, Rosanna Arquette (“Pulp Fiction,” “Crash”), Harry Hamlin (the groundbreaking gay romance “Making Love”), Brad Rowe (“Billy’s Hollywood Screen Kiss”), Rafael Silva (“9-1-1: Lone Star”) and writercomic Bruce Vilanch.

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The “Dorians Film Toast 2021” is currently available on-demand on Revry, including the Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Comcast Xfinity X1, Cox, TiVo, and LGBTQ+ virtual reality channel on RAD available on PlayStation devices. For a complete list of winners and nominees, go to DoriansToast.com. 4 . 22 . 20 21 •

A&E FILM

LGBT FILM FESTIVAL HONORS

LEA DELARIA J.W. Arnold

he OUTshine LGBT Film Festival will honor actor, comedian, and jazz singer Lea DeLaria with the Vanguard Award at its opening night ceremony, Friday, April 23 at 7 p.m. at Dezerland Drive-In in North Miami. The award recognizes entertainment revival of “On the Town,” and played both industry performers and professionals for Eddie and Dr. Scott in the gender-bending their contributions and leadership to the Broadway musical, “The Rocky Horror LGBT community and support of equality, Show.” representation and education, according to A multi-talented artist, she released six jazz Executive Director Victor records on the Warner Jazz Gimenez. and Classics label and her “Lea DeLaria was the book, “Lea’s Book of Rules first openly gay comic on for the World,” is in its third television in America and printing. has enjoyed a multi-faceted, “It’s an honor to finally decades-long career as be recognized for a long an actor, comedian and and illustrious career musician,” Gimenez said in for muff diving,” the the announcement. “We’re comedian responded to the thrilled to honor and embrace announcement. her talent and support for The drive-in style ceremony the LGBTQ community with and screening of Wes Hurley’s this Vanguard Award, which autobiographical comedy we hope will inspire others “Potato Dreams of America” to excel and achieve their on April 23 will kick off a twodreams.” week festival featuring more In addition to her threethan 80 LGBT-interest films time, Screen Actors Guild from around the world. Most Award-winning, stand-out of the features, documentaries role as Carrie “Big Boo” Black and collections of shorts are in the Netflix series “Orange available on-demand within is the New Black,” DeLaria the state of Florida. The - Lea DeLaria has also appeared in “Will & Miami edition of the festival COMEDIAN Grace,” “Friends,” “The Jim concludes on Sunday, May Gaffigan Show’’ and “One 2 at 7 p.m. with a socially Life to Live.” Her film credits distanced outdoor screening include “Cars 3,” “First Wives Club’’ and “Edge of “Charlatan” at the Miami Beach Botanical of Seventeen.” Gardens. DeLaria received Obie and Theater World Last week, SFGN offered mini-reviews of Awards and a Drama Desk nomination for several films from the first week of the festival. her portrayal as Hildy in the Public Theatre’s Here are some highlights of the second week:

“IT’S AN HONOR TO FINALLY BE RECOGNIZED FOR A LONG AND ILLUSTRIOUS CAREER FOR MUFF DIVING.”

• 4 . 22.2021

Lea DeLaria will be presented the Vanguard Award at the opening night of the Outshine Miami Film Festival on April 23. Credit: OUTshine Film Festival.

“SUMMERTIME” Southeast Premiere U.S./English/2020 Over the course of a hot summer day in Los Angeles, the lives of 25 young Angelinos intersect. A skating guitarist, a tagger, two wannabe rappers, an exasperated fast-food worker, a limo driver — they all weave in and out of each other’s stories. Through poetry, they express life, love, heartache, family, home and fear. One of them just wants to find someplace that still serves good cheeseburgers. SFGN: This film highlights just how much the experiences of diverse young people on the West Coast are compared to here in Florida. But never fear, the future looks promising in this refreshing and uplifting feature.

“CALAMITY, A CHILDHOOD OF MARTHA JANE CANNARY” Southeast Premiere France/French with English Subtitles/ 85 mins. The great American frontierswoman Calamity Jane, renowned for her sharpshooting skills, daredevil nature and rejection of gender norms, has been immortalized in popular culture for decades. But before she traveled to Deadwood to become a legend, she was a high-spirited 12-year-old girl named Martha and this exciting family friendly adventure tells her story. SFGN: There are several fantastic films in the festival this year that focus on women’s stories, but this one is animated! It’s hard enough for filmmakers to get funding for live-action films,

A&E FILM

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A skating guitarist, a tagger, two wannabe rappers, an exasperated fast-food worker, a limo driver — in “Summertime,” they all weave in and out of each other’s stories. Credit: OUTshine Film Festival.

so a full-length animated feature is a feat in itself. And, did we mention it’s fun, too? “ONCE A FURY” Southeast Premiere U.S./English/83 mins. The Furies were a 1970s lesbian feminist collective that advanced the notion of lesbian separatism to correct what they called the “zig-zag and haphazard” straight women’s movement. The Furies were intense: 12 women began the group, worked together, and then broke up in just under two years. In that short time, they wrote and published a widely read newspaper (also called The Furies) that still seems relevant 50 years later. SFGN: Women’s history is so often overlooked in our gay male-dominated culture, making this well-made and engaging documentary even more important. Whether you’re lesbian or gay (or trans, bi, pan, etc.), there’s plenty to learn from these women’s stories. “TRUMAN & TENNESSEE: AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION” Southeast Premiere U.S./English/81 mins. This is a story of two of the greatest writers of the past century, Truman Capote and Tennessee Williams, who are examined in a dialogue that stretches from their early

days of friendship to their final unsparing critiques of each other. Both are icons and also anti-heroes, in an era that has become glutted with one-named celebrities. SFGN: Whether the world needed yet another documentary about Capote is a valid question, but in the hands of filmmaker Lisa Immordino Vreeland and the voices of Jim Parsons (Capote) and Zachary Quinto (Williams), the letters and writings of these unmistakable figures provide the inspiration for a different kind of film. “CHARLATAN” Sunday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. Miami Botanical Gardens Czech Rep./Czech, German with English Subtitles/118 mins. Few true stories tread the thin line between good and evil as precariously as that of Jan Mikolášek, a 20th century Czech herbal healer whose great success masked the grimmest of secrets. Mikolášek won fame and fortune treating celebrities of the post-WWI, Nazi, and Communist eras with his uncanny knack for “urinary diagnosis.” SFGN: We’re not sure which colored hankies you should stuff in those back pockets for the outdoor screening. Yellow for sure, but you might also choose others. We’ll leave it to you to look them up. Definitely a defining film to close out the festival.

The OUTshine LGBT Film Festival Miami edition 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. 4 . 22 . 20 21 •

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Appointments will now be required to visit the adoption areas at the Humane Society of Broward County on weekends and select days. Visit www.humanebroward.com to learn more or call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Appointments are not necessary for the vaccine clinic which is open Monday — Friday 9 AM — 4:30 PM credit cards only. The banners rotate so click on the one that says COVID-19 update adoptions and essential services update and scroll down a little bit. There you will find an application for adoption and other pertinent information. Complete the application (even if you have adopted before) and submit it. Adoptions are being done by appointment only now. For more information call 954-989-3977 ext. 6 FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN COMING TO THE SHELTER.

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ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM 2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 4 . 22 . 20 21 •

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