SFGN 04/28/22 V13iss17 by South Florida Gay News

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE APRIL 28 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 17

OPIOID EPIDEMIC HITS LGBT COMMUNITY PAGE 8-9

Senior Program Returns to Pride Center PAGE 11

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Local Gay Man Attacked PAGE 21

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‘Pup-ular’ Dining Spots PAGE 24

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ROOMMATE INDICTED IN MURDER OF MAN WHO HELPED LEGALIZE GAY MARRIAGE IN MIAMI-DADE

HUSBAND OF JORGE DIAZ-JOHNSTON

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• 4 . 28.2022

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Editorial

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“I CAN’T STOP CRYING AS I TRY TO WRITE THIS. BUT HE MEANT SO MUCH TO ALL OF YOU AS HE DID TO ME. SO I AM FIGHTING THROUGH THE TEARS TO SHARE WITH YOU OUR LOSS OF HIM.” - Don Diaz-Johnston

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Christiana Lilly he roommate of Jorge Diaz-Johnston, whose body was found in a landfill outside of Tallahassee in January, was indicted for murder. The grand jury handed down the indictment on April 14, and they also indicted Steven Yinger on counts of tampering with evidence, grand theft auto, grand theft, and criminal use of personal information. Jorge and his husband, Don, were plaintiffs in the court case that eventually legalized gay marriage in Miami-Dade County. He is also the brother of former Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. Jorge’s body was found wrapped in bedsheets in a landfill outside of Tallahassee the morning of Jan. 8 and an autopsy revealed that he had been strangled to death. His roommate, Yinger, was arrested in January on other charges, including driving with a suspended license, trespassing and possession of paraphernalia. Assistant State Attorney Jon Fuchs announced in February that the case would be going to a grand jury, but he did not share who the suspect was. Don reported his husband missing when a coworker said that Jorge hadn’t shown up at work; the couple was in the middle of a divorce and did not live together anymore. A

@SFGN

April 28, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 17

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

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

From left: Steven Yinger (Courtesy of Florida Department of Corrections) and Jorge Diaz-Johnston (Photo via Facebook).

friend told police that when he confronted Yinger about Jorge’s whereabouts, the roommate said that he was at Don’s home and that he was planning on picking him up with his BMW. Don confirmed this was false, and also noted that the roommates were not getting along and Yinger was supposed to be moving out soon. Yinger was later found at a park with his girlfriend in Jorge’s car, even though he does not have a valid driver’s license. Later, he told police he hadn’t actually seen Jorge for a few days and that he had rented out his car to a friend. That friend’s email address was used later to activate Jorge’s Apple watch. Police also discovered through phone records that Jorge’s cell phone was shut off on Jan. 6, the day after Yinger’s girlfriend said she heard the phone ringing in their home at the time she was told Jorge was in Miami. Yinger’s

phone records showed he searched for how to reset an iPhone — even though he does not own one — and on Jan. 7, he sold Jorge’s cell phone for $385. Traffic cameras showed someone driving the vehicle west through Calhoun County, and on social media, Yinger posted photos of himself in Panama City Beach. Police arrested Yinger for driving without a valid license, and he was later charged with murder. Don shared on Facebook, “I can’t stop crying as I try to write this. But he meant so much to all of you as he did to me. So I am fighting through the tears to share with you our loss of him.” Yinger, who pleaded not guilty to the charges, is being held at the Leon County Jail without bond. He is being represented by a public defender.

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Contributing Columnists

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

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

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

4 . 28 . 20 22 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G NONBINARY

JANELLE MONÁE COMES OUT AS NONBINARY Singer and actress Janelle Monáe came out as nonbinary in an interview on “Red Table Talk” with Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith, and Adrienne Banfield Norris. “I’m nonbinary, so I just don’t see myself as a woman, solely,” Monáe said. “I feel all of my energy. I feel like God is so much bigger than the ‘he’ or the ‘she.’ And if I am from God, I am everything … But I will always, always stand with women. I will always stand with Black women.” Monáe previously came out as pansexual in 2018 but had more time to discover their sexuality. Monáe said they waited until they had worked everything out and discussed it with their family since they’re religious. “My whole family is church ... church, church,” they explained. “So I was just like

Janelle Monáe. Photo by Myles Kalus Anak Jihem, via Wikimedia Commons.

‘What does it mean to go against your whole family on this thing?’ But I was ready! I was like, ‘if they don’t love me, don’t call me asking for no money. You will not get my LGBTQIA+ money.’ How about that?”

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

QUEER

‘TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS’ CROWNS QUEER CHAMP

Food Network brought back the chef competition series “Tournament of Champions” for a third season. In the latest season, they crowned the first queer winner, Tiffani Faison. Faison had previously competed on “Top Chef,” which has an extensive history of LGBT chefs but this win was especially special for the chef. “I learned more about myself with every battle and I learned more how deeply talented the other warriors in this tournament are. Every week is a test that requires your whole heart to show up and then takes your breath away,” she said. Faison took home $100,000, the largest cash prize in Food Network history. “Winning has been one of the most affirming and rewarding experiences of my

NEEL AMIN, MD

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Tiffani Faison. Photo by Mike Diskin, via Wikimedia Commons.

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• 4 . 28.2022

LGBTQIA BITES

ASEXUAL

GREEN ARROW’S SON REVEALED TO BE ASEXUAL

Connor Hawke, son of Green Arrow, came out as asexual in “Think of Me,” an eight-page story by Ro Stein, Ted Brandt, and letterer Frank Cvetkovic. The character’s sexuality has been in question since his creation in 1994 as Hawke repeatedly made his lack of sexual interest clear. Fans speculated that it could be because of his Monk upbringing but others thought it was due to his sexuality. To make the story as accurate as possible, the entire writing team is asexual. “It was that extra little bit of help, having the entire team be asexual,” Brandt told Them. “It really felt like it was a personal story for all of us on some level.” This story will be a part of this year’s DC Pride anthology and will officially be released on May 31.

Connor Hawke. Image via DC Comics.

4 . 28 . 20 22 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY KIZZY AZCARATE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

TEXAS

GOVERNOR’S ANTI-TRANS LAW HAS CPS WORKERS RESIGNING

Child Protective Services worker and trans man Kelly Morgan Davis put in his two weeks’ notice after being morally unable to turn in families with trans children. “All we do is protect children, that’s all we’re supposed to do. And then we’re genuinely on a path to hurt and, or terrify families,” he told KXAN. This comes after Feb. 22 when Gov. Greg Abbott wrote a letter that doctors and parents who seek out trans healthcare options will face investigation. Davis said that since the directive, caseworkers in Travis County are now seeing 34-45 cases at a time where previously it was roughly 15. “You have case workers calling in sick just because they need a break,” Davis said, according to KXAN.

Gov. Greg Abbott. Photo by MarkKirkFan, via Wikimedia Commons.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton previous wrote on Feb.18 a 13-page legal opinion on his website, that there were trans procedures that would constitute child abuse and in a statement defending his letter he said he’d “do everything he can to protect against those who take advantage of and harm young Texans.”

MICHIGAN SENATOR ACCUSES ANOTHER SENATOR OF GROOMING

On April 19, Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Mich) went to the senate floor to denounce the accusations from Sen. Lana Theis (R-Mich) that she was “grooming” and “sexualizing children” according to emails between Theis and her fundraisers. In a thread of tweets obtained by The Week, McMorrow said, “So I sat on it for a while wondering, ‘Why me?’ And then I realized it’s because I am the biggest threat to your hollow, hateful scheme. Because you can’t claim that you are targeting marginalized kids in the name of ‘parental rights’ if another parent is standing up to say ‘no.’” Attached to the tweet is a four-minute video of McMorrow speaking on the senate floor about how Theis’ emails were a way to question McMorrow’s Christian faith.

• 4 . 28.2022

Sen. Mallory McMorrow. Photo via Facebook.

“My mom taught me at a young age that Christianty and faith was about being part of a community, about recognizing our privilege and blessings, and doing what we could in service to others, especially people who were marginalized, targeted, who had less … often unfairly,” McMorrow wrote in a series of tweets.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

NEW YORK

SUSPECT CHARGED IN ARSON ATTACK ON GAY BAR

On April 15 John Lhota was charged for setting fire to a gay club in New York City. The suspect is also being charged with “strangulation, assault and harassment” according to the Advocate. Everyone was able to evacuate the premises, although two were escorted to the hospital for their injuries. The fire and police department were on the scene for an hour trying to wipe out the flames. “Last night before the party started, someone came into our bar, poured gasoline on the floor causing an explosion that set the bar in flames. He was wearing a dark hoodie and a backpack and immediately ran from the scene. Everyone inside made it out, but two people were brought to the hospital and are in stable condition,” the club wrote in an Instagram post.

Screenshot from the surveillance footage of the arson suspect. Photo courtesy of NYPD.

The post shows Lhota with a gasoline canister being spilled over the club floor while he smokes a cigarette. At first attempt, he is unable to light the fire when throwing the cigarette butts and later throws his lighter instead to start the fire.

GEORGIA RELIGIOUS LEADERS AND ACTIVISTS UNITE TO FIGHT ANTI-LGBT BILL

In an open letter in the Atlanta JournalConstitution, 54 religious leaders and gay rights activists signed that they are against Georgia considering their own “Don’t Say Gay” bill. At the top of the list of names against the bill is “Elder M. Andrew Galt IV, an Area Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints” according to DesertNews. In previous years, the church has openly denounced and has signed open letters similar to this one stating that LGBT rights and religious freedoms are intersectional. “We are extremely concerned that the ongoing conflicts between religious liberty and LGBTQ rights are poisoning our civil discourse, eroding the free exercise of religion and preventing diverse people of goodwill from living together in

SFGN file photo.

peace and mutual respect,” they wrote in the letter, according to DesertNews. Their goal is to ignite Georgians to reach out to their representatives and ask them to condemn any anti-LGBT bill that may be presented during session. The letter is to show solidarity between religious freedoms and LGBT community and that one does not oppose, but embraces, the other.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

AFRICA

NAMIBIA RULES IN FAVOR OF SAME-SEX MARRIAGE The Supreme Court of Namibia has ordered a government agency to re-evaluate a same-sex couple’s application for residence rights. The Ministry of Home Affairs should reconsider an application for resident status from Mexican national Guillermo Delgado, according to

LGBT ACTIVIST NDILOKELWA NTHETWA TOLD VOA THAT THE COURT’S DECISION REPRESENTS A SUCCESS FOR THE COUPLE, DESPITE ITS NARROWNESS.

Namibia Supreme Court Chief Justice Peter Shivute. Delgado, who is in a same-sex relationship with Namibian Phillip Luhl, claims he is domiciled in Namibia and hence does not require a visa to enter the country. LGBT activist Ndilokelwa Nthetwa told VOA that the court’s decision represents a success for the couple, despite its narrowness. Nthetwa also acknowledged the decision had no impact on the LGBT community as a whole. Another same-sex couple, Namibian citizen Johan Potgieter and South African national Danie Digashu, has indicated that they would petition the Supreme Court to have their South African union recognized by the Namibian government.

Photo via Adobe.

ASIA

SOUTH AMERICA

CHINA CENSORS GAY DIALOGUE IN NEW ‘HARRY POTTER’ MOVIE

LGBT PEOPLE FORCED TO LEAVE VENEZUELAN MILITARY

For the Chinese release of the newest “Harry Potter” film, Warner Bros. eliminated two lines of dialogue about a same-sex relationship. The relationship between male characters Albus Dumbledore, played by Jude Law, and Gellert Grindelwald, played by Mads Mikkelsen, was explored in the six seconds of conversation in “Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.” The lines cut are, “I was in love with you” and “the summer Gellert and I fell in love.” The picture premiered in China, the world’s largest movie market and one where the government is increasing its censorship of the media. A Warner Bros. spokesperson told CNN it’s “committed to safeguarding the integrity of every film we release”

Mads Mikkelsen as Gellert Grindelwald, and Jude Law as Albus Dumbledore. Photos courtesy of Warner Bros.

and that “extends to circumstances that necessitate making nuanced cuts in order to respond sensitively to a variety of inmarket factors.”

After years of hardship, Jose, an army captain, deserted. Rafael, a lieutenant, was charged and discharged from the army. Both had good records in the Venezuelan military, but being in the LGBT community caused them to be persecuted, discriminated against, and humiliated before they departed. According to Venezuela’s military justice system, “unnatural activities” are punishable by three years in prison and a dishonorable discharge, making homosexual service in the military unthinkable. Despite subsequent revisions and activist appeals to parliament, the contentious provision remains. “It is worse to be gay than corrupt,” said Jose, 36, a former National Guard captain

Photo via Adobe.

who did not want his real name used, to ABS-CBN News. “There are members of the military that are corrupt, thieves, drug traffickers, under investigation who are punished and then carry on working as if nothing happened.

4 . 28 . 20 22 •

FEATURE NEWS

UNITY NEEDED TO BEAT OPIOID CRISIS John McDonald

eating the opioid epidemic is the first step in President Joe Biden’s Unity Agenda, but getting all the moving parts to come together is no small task. There is the hot button border security issue, stigma, stressors and prejudices against vulnerable populations and varying professional opinions on pain management. More than 500,000 people have died from opioid overdoses in America during the past two decades, reports the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, with 136 people falling victim to the drugs daily. “We’re definitely seeing an increase in opioid use,” said Donna Weinberger, chief executive officer of Inspire Recovery, a West Palm Beach-based LGBT drug & alcohol rehab program. Opioids are a class of drugs that includes illegal substances such as heroin and prescription painkillers like oxycodone, hydrocodone, methadone and fentanyl. For a person going through gender confirmation surgery, getting hooked on a pain numbing opioid is certainly a risk, Weinberger said. “Eventually, it can become a coping mechanism,” they said. “When you are immersed in drugs and alcohol you don’t even know what’s going on.” After several brushes with death, Nadia found her way to Inspire Recovery. A trans woman and Cuban immigrant, Nadia said she started using drugs at the age of 12. Casual puffs of marijuana led to PCP use while going to raves in Miami and three years later she was a full-blown cocaine addict, popping Xanax pills and taking money for sex. Now 26, Nadia believes she was pushed into that life because of sexual trauma she experienced at home. She was frequently raped by an older cousin. “I had a really rough upbringing,” she said.

• 4 . 28.2022

“The sexual trauma from him. I didn’t even know that was what it was until years later. From a very early age I was groomed to expect that even when you don’t want it. In my family you didn’t talk about those things, you don’t talk about what a gay person is, a trans person is, what rape is.” Nadia first came to Inspire Recovery in 2018, but didn’t stay long. She was turned off by the program’s positive attitudes and still not at peace with her identity. “I had a lot of internalized transphobia and homophobia from not being able to accept who I am and hating myself so much I took that out on other people like myself,” she said. “I wasn’t comfortable because there were so many people like myself who loved themselves and I couldn’t handle that.” That’s when the opioids took hold and Nadia found herself turning tricks with strangers who were her grandfather’s age, committing crimes and waking up in emergency rooms. “It was cheaper to get heroin and I was doing a lot of opiate pills,” she said. “Towards the end, heroin wasn’t heroin anymore, it was fentanyl. A normal day in my life was waking up sick, drenched in sweat. Things just got progressively worse and worse and all I knew was dingy motel rooms and abusive pimp boyfriends and robbing people at gunpoint. That kind of life, really unsavory things. I still get disgusted thinking about it.”

COUNTER MEASURES Nadia said she was usually given naloxone to reverse overdoses. Often referred to by its brand name, Narcan, naloxone has become an

Founder CEO at LGBTQ Treatment Center Inspire Recovery Donna Weinberger with partner Jaki Neering LCSW Program Director and Trauma Specialist at LGBTQ Treatment Center Inspire Recovery. Photo by JR Davis.

important tool for first responders during the opioid crisis. Some cities have gone as far as distributing naloxone and fentanyl test strips for free to residents, schools, restaurants and bars. Fentanyl, the DEA reports, is a synthetic opioid manufactured in clandestine foriegn labs and smuggled into the country through Mexico. Much more potent than heroin, two milligrams of fentanyl is considered a lethal dose. Last year alone, illicitly manufactured drugs like fentanyl were the primary driver in overdose deaths. “The numbers don’t lie,” said U.S. Congressman Ted Deutch. “Drugs laced with synthetics like fentanyl are killing our children more and more each year. We must

take action NOW to get test strips into our communities, saving lives all the while.” Last month, four cadets from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point were hospitalized from an overdose of fentanyl laced cocaine while staying at a Wilton Manors Airbnb for spring break. The incident highlights the widespread range of the opioid crisis that not even the nation’s service academies are immune from. In his State of the Union address, President Biden said it was time to “get rid of outdated rules that stop doctors from prescribing treatments.” Sheryl Zayas, D.O., Medical Director at Care Resource said there are excellent treatments for opioid use disorder but they are difficult

FEATURE NEWS

Raising the bar for Telehealth

From left, Jay Beskin from Care Resource’s Board of Directors, Peter B. Cinelli, MD, Emelina Martinez, Safe Syringe Exchange Services Manager, and Thomas Smith, Ph.D., LMHC, LMFT, MCAP, Care Resource’s Director of Behavioral Health Services. Photo by JR Davis.

to access. The Substance Use Disorder settlement money is sure to attract interest Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and calls for atonement. and Treatment for Patients and Communities Weinberger said the Republicans’ current Act of 2018 (SUPPORT Act) allows providers political strategy of attacking the very to prescribe buprenorphine without specific existence of LGBT people is putting undue training, Zayas said. pressure on rehab programs. Surveys have “However, they still have to apply for the found LGBT people have higher rates of X waiver and get that number added to your substance misuse and substance use disorders DEA license to prescribe,” Zayas said. “Many than people who identify as heterosexual, will not take this extra step if they don’t have reports the National Institute on Drug Abuse. a practice with a lot of these patients; and if “Our clients are scared,” Weinberger said. in a blue moon someone “These bills are going to have walked in who needed it, an effect on kids and increase that person would have to the risk of substance abuse, THAT’S WHEN THE be referred somewhere else. self-harm and even suicide OPIOIDS TOOK HOLD Furthermore, because of this and there will be issues arise special requirement, many — as a result of bills like HB AND NADIA FOUND providers are afraid to do it.” 7 (Stop WOKE Act) — with Care Resource is doing its our best practices as it relates HERSELF TURNING part by distributing naloxone to other businesses and lifeand safe syringe needles TRICKS WITH STRANGERS saving interactions.” through its Special Purpose For Nadia, clean now WHO WERE HER Outreach Team (SPOT). In for two years, communityBroward County, the team minded places like Inspire GRANDFATHER’S AGE, makes weekly scheduled Recovery have to be part of stops in Pompano Beach, Fort the solution. COMMITTING CRIMES Lauderdale, Hollywood and “Providing more space AND WAKING UP IN Wilton Manors. for trans people and queer people to exist and feel EMERGENCY ROOMS. welcome in treatment centers FLORIDA’S SCORE is so important,” she said. Last month, Florida “Often what made it so hard reached a $878 million settlement with CVS was having to hide who I was in treatment and three other drug companies for their centers, like I had leprosy. It was miserable role in enabling the opioid crisis. A similar and I was in agony. It’s much easier to recover trial against Walgreens is underway in and enjoy the therapy when you are treated Pasco County. What the state does with its like a normal human being.”.

GET STARTED TODAY!

www.healthkarma.org 4 . 28 . 20 22 •

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

CEO of Jabba Fine Foods Jochen Morczinczyk with partner and Recording Artist Shemuwel LaVoz, who is also the fitness director at Crunch Fitness, at Sunserve Gala.

Wives Lydya Chapman and Linda Edin volunteering at The Sage Benefit representing Sunshine Cathedral.

Fellow volunteers Doug Ames and Sebastian Siciliano helping the Sage Benifit at The Grateful Palate.

Owner of Island City Massage and Board Member of Wilton Mannors Business Association Christian Perez with boyfriend Cory Infantino at Hunters for the WMBA Brian J Crum concert.

• 4 . 28.2022

NEWS LOCAL

Coffee & Conversation at The Pride Center in 2016. Photo by J.R. Davis.

SENIOR PROGRAM RETURNS

TO PRIDE CENTER John Hayden

he isolation of the COVID pandemic is the one moment each week when they was especially dangerous for the LGBT overcome isolation and connect with others senior community. After more than two in meaningful, vital ways. Plus they have a lot years of caution, including one year when of fun,” Williams said. many rarely left their homes due to health People have met at the C&C events, fallen concerns, life is getting back to normal. Coffee in love, and gotten married. Williams said the & Conversation is returning, in person, to The events help keep seniors connected during a Pride Center. stage in life when it’s easy to let society and “Folks are absolutely delighted to be back culture pass them by. together,” Bruce Williams, Pride Center’s “Most folks address aging only during a Active Aging manager, said. “The isolation period of crisis. No one picks up the scatter caused by the pandemic has been devastating rugs until after they break their hip. Coffee & to everyone but even more so to the senior Conversation allows The Pride Center to equip set. [On a recent] Tuesday, each attendee with at least we welcomed over 100 one additional resource attendees. Our crowd is each week. As human growing so quickly.” beings, we are afforded C&C happens Tuesdays only two paths: we either at 10 a.m., but Williams die or we get older. The said people start lining sooner one recognizes and up at 9 a.m. The first hour accepts the aging process, is exactly what the title the more palatable implies: people having their ensuing years will coffee and conversations. become.” Around 11 a.m. they have Now that C&C is up and announcements and a running again, Williams message from a local and his team are working - Bruce Williams business that serves to bring back another PRIDE CENTER’S ACTIVE AGING MGR. Active Agers or a local event important for South nonprofit. They share Florida seniors. information that is vital to meeting one or “We’re busy preparing for our annual Active more of the challenges that people encounter Aging Expo on Oct. 15. The free, in-person as they continue their journey through life. Active Aging Expo is the premier opportunity After, some make lunch plans and head out, for providers to connect with the LGBTQ+ while others linger for a last cup and more Active Aging community. The 13th annual chatting. Expo will connect businesses and service “They laugh, they forge friendships, providers with our ever-increasing LGBTQ+ they tell some bawdy jokes, they celebrate Active Aging community.” milestones, they ask for support, and they The event will be presented live at The learn about life-saving services. They flirt. Pride Center at Equality Park on Saturday, Oct. They learn something new. For some, this 15 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“FOR SOME, THIS IS THE ONE MOMENT EACH WEEK WHEN THEY OVERCOME ISOLATION AND CONNECT WITH OTHERS IN MEANINGFUL, VITAL WAYS. PLUS THEY HAVE A LOT OF FUN.”

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FOURTH ANNUAL PRIDE DAY JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ALL DAY LONG!

JUNE 25, 2022

Our day-long event is filled with colorful fun and educational activities for everyone.

WHAT CAN FAMILIES DO AT THE MUSEUM? • Activities Participate in the rainbow science lab and make-and-take a Pride flag, prisms and tie-dyed t-shirt (purchase a white shirt for $5)! • Exhibits, Shows and Demos

See an explosion of colors with a special Pride KaBOOM! Show and attend a storytime with a drag queen. • Career Connection

See healthcare, legislative affairs and local diversity community partners in action.

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2022 • 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. FREE for MEMBERS and city of Fort Lauderdale residents with proof of address at the box office. NON-MEMBERS: $5 General Museum admission. For more information and to register, please visit mods.org/2022pride 401 SW 2nd Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 • 954.467.6637

• 4 . 28.2022

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NEWS LOCAL

Image via Facebook.

SURROGACY CONFERENCE FOR GAY MEN

REFUSES TO BOYCOTT FLORIDA ‘MEN HAVING BABIES’ RETURNS THIS WEEKEND Denise Royal

fter Florida lawmakers passed a bill that restricts instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools, a nonprofit that helps gay fathers become parents is refusing to boycott the Sunshine State. There were calls by some to not come to Florida given the current climate. But Men Having Babies (MHB) will return to South Florida this weekend for its 4th annual Southern Surrogacy Conference and Expo. The organization said that in the face of bigotry, this was an opportunity to double down on its mission. “It’s a no brainer for us that we want to continue helping prospective parents and quite frankly, provide support for surrogates from Florida who want to help people for our community, and others become parents,” said Ron Poole-Dayan, executive director of Men Having Babies. “We’ve obviously seen a lot of anti-gay sentiments in our lifetime. What’s

“IT’S AN EVENT WHERE PEOPLE CAN IMMERSE THEMSELVES WITH THE PEER ADVICE, EXPERT ADVICE, PEER SUPPORT, PERSONAL STORIES AND RESOURCES THAT THEY NEED TO FIRST EVALUATE WHETHER THIS IS RIGHT FOR THEM” - Ron Poole-Dayan EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

happening right now is punitive politics. It’s the politics that they think that if they make life miserable enough for us, then we’ll just cease to exist or cease to be gay or something like that.” Politics aside, the conference is an opportunity for any prospective parent to learn the ins and outs of surrogacy from people with first-hand knowledge. “It’s an event where people can immerse themselves with the peer advice, expert advice, peer support, personal stories and resources that they need to first evaluate whether this is right for them,” Poole-Dayan said. Attendees can also learn about budgetary concerns, ethical considerations, medical issues, and the legal aspects of surrogacy. They will have an opportunity to dive into details, numbers, and facts. They can hear from parents who have successfully navigated the surrogacy journey. “The exhibitors to our conferences are not only gay friendly, but experienced in helping the LGBTQ community,” said Poole-Dayan. “Almost all of them provide discounts and financial assistance to our members. A majority are members of GPAP, the Gay Parenting Assistance Program, which means that they provide discounts to people with demonstrated financial need.” More than 100 people are expected at Saturday’s event at the Pride Center. There are COVID protocols in place for safety. All attendees are required to be vaccinated, and rapid tests will be available to all. For more information or to register (walk-ins welcome), please visit menhavingbabies.org/ surrogacy-seminars/south.

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NEWS LOCAL

ANIMAL ATTRACTION ANNUAL BOWL-A-THON IS MAY 7 John Hayden

Photo via Pxhere.

ace up your shoes and grab a ball, it’s time for one of the most fun fundraisers of the year. The Pet Project For Pets is holding its annual Bowl-A-Thon on Saturday, May 7, at Manor Lanes. The annual event raises money for The Pet Project, which works all year to help keep pets and their humans together in South Florida. It’s not an easy job. “All proceeds raised from our fundraisers go to purchase pet food and pet supplies also for vet care for our clients’ pets,” Director Sue Martino said. “We are providing for over 2,000 pets in Broward and Miami Dade. They all depend on us for their food, supplies and wellness vet care. It is a huge undertaking but thanks to all our supporters we never leave a pet hungry or in need.” The elderly and people with serious, chronic conditions are often forced to give up their pet companions due to financial or physical limitations. The Pet Project works to keep them together as long as possible, and it is marking the 20th anniversary of its work. Martino loves the work. “[At] the end of the day ... I can say to myself we did all we could, we saved both pets and people, we did not have to turn anyone away who needed our help. It is very rewarding.” The event starts at 10 a.m. with bowlers encouraged to raise $200 per person and

$1,000 per team. Non-bowlers who are pet lovers can contribute as well. The after party is at Pub On The Drive (The Pub). They have hosted the event for a long time, and Mike Connell said The Pet Project is very special to their heart. “The history of the Pet Project dates back to a time in our local community when many with life threatening health conditions could not afford medicine and their pet. Helping provide food and support and in circumstances of an owner’s death a common commitment to ensure their beloved pet was adopted into a loving home is the background of this organization. This is one truly fantastic nonprofit agency.” The after party will have a free food buffet, and bowlers will get a free drink. Bowlers also get a raffle ticket for a new 65” TV for every $200 they raise. The drawing will be held at the party. Connell said The Pub will have two teams in the Bowl-A-Thon, and they love animals all the time. “Personally we have known close elderly friends living alone and desiring a companion pet and then experiencing hardship with covering animal costs. We have also personally adopted a support cat from the Pet Project after the 92-year-old gay owner died in assisted living and the cat needed another loving home.”

Manor Lanes is at 1517 NE 26th St. in Wilton Manors. For more information on the event and their work, visit ThePetProjectFL.org.

• 4 . 28.2022

NEWS LOCAL

FORMER SOUTH FLORIDA RESIDENT EXPANDS PRIDE CENTER WEST TEXAS Damon Scott

ormer South Florida resident Bryan Wilson is known locally as an LGBT rights activist, fundraiser and volunteer, and he also worked for several years at SunServe in Wilton Manors. He ran a gay social club and business-consulting firm in Fort Lauderdale as well.

But Wilson and his husband Clint took a leap during the early days of the pandemic and fast-tracked their dream of opening Pride Center West Texas in the city of Odessa. While the dream became a reality in 2020, 2022 is looking like a banner year for the center already. Wilson and his board announced in early February the hire of its first therapist — a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)registered intern. Luis Trajo will offer free or reduced-price therapy to the center’s clients. Wilson said Trajo is a queer-competent therapist and will be overseen by board president Emily Parks, who is a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW). The plan is that Trajo will eventually become a fully licensed LPC at the center. Wilson, who is from Odessa, admits such a hire might not seem like a big deal to his friends and colleagues living in South Florida where such services are more available, but it’s a big deal for West Texas, and particularly

for the center’s youth clients. Wilson said the center has had a youth focus since day one, and that’s where most of the programming has been directed so far. “It was really one of our primary motivations out here — things that we take for granted in South Florida — the availability of queer affirming therapy — even down to our next thing we’re trying to tackle, which is free HIV testing,” Wilson said. As it stands right now, Wilson said the only place a person can get HIV or STI (sexually transmitted infection) testing is at the county health department — and on just two days of the week, in the morning hours, on a first come, first served basis.

BIGGER DIGS Since its inception, the center has been operating out of a 1,000-square-foot rented office suite in a corporate building in downtown, but that’s about to change in a big way.

Bryan Wilson, left, and husband Clint, on a recent vacation. Photo courtesy Bryan Wilson.

Wilson said he recently got confirmation that the center will be able to move into a former Episcopalian church in a lease deal of $1 a month. The former church is 3,000-squarefeet with multiple indoor spaces, a dedicated parking lot, a playground and an outdoor patio. It’s owned by the Odessa Episcopal Community, and one of the center’s board members, Rev. Rick Lopez, who is a chaplain at the St. John’s Episcopal School, helped broker the deal. It’s not lost on Wilson that a former church will be transformed into a gay community center — in West Texas no less. “Here’s this formerly anti-gay Episcopalian church being handed over for our use,” he said in amazement. Wilson said that while the space needs some work, he hopes to be moved in by the fall, with an increase in staff to help oversee the center’s programming.

PRIDE ON DISPLAY Meanwhile, Pride Center West Texas partnered with the local chapter of PFLAG to host an Odessa Pride celebration. The center offers a variety of programming for the gay community. Photo courtesy of Bryan Wilson.

Wilson said about 300 people came out in the summer heat, and while it was a dry (no alcohol) event, he said there was plenty of enthusiasm. “It was a big family-friendly day of vendors and activities and a kids’ corner. There were very diverse performances — a death metal band led by an early 20s transgender singer — and a 65-year-old drag queen/Reba McEntire impersonator,” Wilson said. The first Pride celebration ever held in the city was in 2018. Wilson is also happy to report that the community, nonprofit agencies and local leaders have largely embraced the center since he arrived, even as clients have shared plenty of stories of rejecting behaviors and physical violence for being LGBT. “In 2020, we were planning to move to Odessa in five to 10 years and adopt a child. But COVID presented this opportunity — to be closer to family and fast track this passion — to create a safe community space in the middle of nowhere. It’s been remarkable.”

More information is at pridecenterwt.org.

4 . 28 . 20 22 •

NEWS LOCAL

ATHENA DION GOES ‘BACK HOME’ TO FIU Jose Cassola

Photos courtesy of Athena Dion.

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rag entertainer and R House Wynwood’s resident brunch hostess Athena Dion served as the keynote speaker at Florida International University’s Spring 2022 Lavender Graduation and Leadership Recognition on April 23. Dion was asked by the university’s Pride Center to speak at the Lavender ceremony, which is the graduation event for LGBT students at FIU. The ceremony is a celebration each semester that recognizes LGBT graduating students’ academic achievements and acknowledges leadership contributions of members in the LGBT community. The special event is open to all LGBT graduating seniors, friends, family and community members. All graduates receive a Lavendar medallion for their own graduation ceremony. For the Greek goddess known in his day-today life as Stavros Stavrakis, the experience was a “real full circle moment” as Dion graduated from FIU in 2011. He said “back then, there was no Pride organization or Lavender graduation.” Dion says he was “just so honored to be asked to speak” and is happy that the “class of 2022 has this community and visibility.” On Facebook the day of the ceremony, Dion posted “although I’m not shy on a microphone and speak publicly for a living, today I have some butterflies in my stomach. So, wish me luck!” The next day, Dion was happy to report how it went and how exhilarated he felt, posting photos from his 2011 graduation and the weekend ceremony he presided over — two photos, 11 years apart. “I graduated from FIU in 2011, and yesterday I gave the keynote speech for the Lavender Graduation ceremony for the FIU Pride Center at my old alma mater,” Dion wrote on Facebook

on Sunday, April 24. “This moment really forced me to take pause and look back at the past 11 years since my graduation. I’m the same person…so different, yet with so much still in common. Talk about a full circle moment!” Dion said 11 years ago, he was “young and curious with a head full of questions and fears.” Today, he’s “still young[ish] and just as curious but also with an immense amount of pride” for his “younger self.” Dion wrote: “I’m proud of his drive and his desire to learn and dive into the unexpected. I’m proud of him for being scared of every new opportunity, yet still taking it head on and making the best of it. I’m proud of him for his persistence, even when he thought no one else was proud of him. I’m proud of him for living his genuine truth and coloring his world with every color in the crayon box. I’m proud of him for getting me this far in life, even when he didn’t know what his tomorrow would look like. I’m proud of him for inspiring himself enough to get to a point where I can now inspire others.” Dion continued: “This journey is far from over as I hope in another 11 years to be thanking today’s version of myself for even more adventures that will take me to higher levels of self-love and understanding. I guess a lesson I learned yesterday was a lesson of self-love. To Stop from time to time and give yourself a pat on the back because you’re still here, which means you’ve gone through a lot, but you still have a lot to do!” Dion closed his post by saying, “it was such an honor to speak to the graduates and leaders of the class of 2022. I want to thank Dr. Erica Jayne and the FIU Pride Center for this incredible honor. Here’s to a future of fun and adventure.” Courtesy of Miami Gay News

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HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB SUPPORTS WORLD AIDS MUSEUM EVENT John Hayden

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he World AIDS Museum (WAM) is adding its own high-profile event to South Florida’s social calendar. They’re bringing a Red Dress Dress Red gala to the community. The organization, which has lacked a high-profile fundraiser, has announced that the event will be February 4, 2023. “We’re excited to bring such a national event here to South Florida which is going to be so great and hopefully well received,” Executive Director Terry Dyer said. He made the comments while announcing that Hunters Nightclub will be the presenting sponsor. “We’re entering into a great partnership with Hunters Nightclub that we’re very excited about.”

“IT’S ALSO ABOUT CONNECTING YOUNGER GENERATIONS TO THE MUSEUM AND THE WORK THAT’S BEING DONE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE WORK AT THE MUSEUM.” - Terry Dyer

The Red Dress Dress Red franchise began out west, and was most recently held last month in Palm Springs. Dyer attended the event to get ideas while still imbuing the event with South Florida flavor. After the announcement, Hunters’ owner, Mark Hunter, talked about why WAM is important to him and our community. “It tells a very important story that our community needs to know. The history of AIDS and HIV and the struggles that people went through. It’s important. It’s important.” The event will kick off the COVID-delayed Pride of the Americas, a tie-in Dyer said matches the importance of WAM and the event. “It’s important for us to preserve the history of HIV/AIDS and this event does just that.” While a venue hasn’t been announced yet, Dyer said the event is a big step to making the dream a reality. “Bringing in a presenting sponsor for an event that’s going to happen next year is a huge opportunity for us.” An event like this is important to financially supporting WAM, but it’s also about raising awareness of their work. “It’s also about connecting younger generations to the museum and the work that’s being done and the importance of the work at the museum.”

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KEN KEECHL RUNNING

FOR FORT LAUDERDALE CITY COMMISSION Christiana Lilly

en Keechl, who served as the first openly gay mayor of Broward County, has filed to run for Fort Lauderdale City Commission. The attorney made his run official on Monday, vying for the seat of Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis, who recently announced that she would be ending her term two years early. “People have encouraged me to run for the Fort Lauderdale City Commission and the timing just didn’t seem right,” Keechl told SFGN. “Then when [Moraitis] surprisingly resigned two years early, I thought, ‘What a good opportunity.’ All the stars aligned, if you will.” If he were to win the seat, he would be the third LGBT member of the commission. As a self-described “politics junkie,” Keechl said he has been following upcoming projects in Fort Lauderdale, including the bridge vs. tunnel debate and the joint government center campus project. He also noted the importance of infrastructure projects, citing the city’s ongoing struggle with bursting pipes. “I have been a smart growth advocate my entire career. I’m pretty conservative when it comes to millage rates and taxation,” he noted. Thanks to his experience on the county commission, he has garnered relationships with big players in Broward County and Fort Lauderdale alike. “I am good friends with everybody on the county commission. I’ve been following these issues for a while,” he said. “Who better to deal with these issues and to assist the mayor

and

“WHO BETTER TO DEAL WITH THESE ISSUES AND TO ASSIST THE MAYOR THAN ME? I KNOW ALL THE PLAYERS AND THEY ALL RESPECT ME. THAT IS ONE OF THE MAJOR REASONS I’M RUNNING.” - Ken Keechl

• 4 . 28.2022

Ken Keechl. SFGN file photo.

than me? I know all the players and they all respect me. That is one of the major reasons I’m running.” The city commission has taken stances on controversial issues affecting the LGBT community, including the right for transgender athletes to play on the team aligned with their gender identity. The commission also passed a resolution against the “Don’t Say Gay” law when it was still a bill and against the Stop WOKE Activism Act. Keechl said that he supports the city making these bold statements, and he noted his successful fight to protect transgender people from discrimination in the county. “It’s an obligation. When the people of a city or county or state elect you to help lead, you need to do that,” he said. “You should be sending a message to the county, to the state, and to the nation. I think it’s a moral imperative, so I agree with that.” Keechl served on the Broward County Commission from 2006 to 2010 and served as mayor from 2009 to 2010. Previously, he worked as the assistant city attorney for the City of Plantation from 1992 to 2006, when he was an associate and partner at Brinkley Morgan and then a partner at Kopelowitz Ostrow. In his private practice, Keechl Law, he handles cases involving LGBT people and discrimination. He served as the president of the Dolphin Democrats as well as the SunServe board of directors. Keechl has lived in the City of Fort Lauderdale since 1987, after he graduated from Florida State University. He and his husband, Ted Adcock, have been married since 2011.

NEWS LOCAL

GAY MAN ALLEGEDLY ATTACKED IN FORT LAUDERDALE John Hayden

ust four months after being released from prison, Maurice Antwan Charles is back in custody. He has a violent criminal history and is now accused of attacking a man in Fort Lauderdale with gay bashing as a possible motive. James Garcia told WPLG that he was out walking his dog when a person, identified later as Charles, came up to him and asked if he was gay. Before Garcia could answer, he said Charles violently punched him. The attack happened around 8 a.m. April 17 near Garcia’s condo on A1A near 27th St. Garcia said he needed 10 stitches and suffered fractured cartilage in his nose. Garcia picked Charles out of a photo lineup, and two days later, Charles was arrested. He is charged with third degree felony battery, and investigators could still charge him with a hate crime. Garcia told WFOR that he believes the attack was motivated by anti-gay prejudice, and that he is concerned that a hate crime

James Garcia. Photo via LinkedIn.

charge hasn’t been filed. Bond was set at $15,000, and court records show Charles was released and is being electronically monitored on home detention. The 36-year-old Charles is a convicted felon who had been released from prison just before Christmas last year.

SPORTS PLAYING WITH PRIDE

WELSH HAMMER THROWER COMES OUT Everitt Rosen

oming out for Osian Jones, a Welsh hammer thrower, was a whole lot of nothing in a good way. “In some aspects, it felt like the most underwhelming thing I’ve ever done, because I played it up and became so paranoid — and then you say it and instantly feel better because you’ve said it,” Jones told Outsports. Jones had framed the event as a negative experience since he was struggling with a lot of internal homophobias, and when it went off without a hitch, he questioned what all the commotion was about. Jones does not identify himself as a member of any particular orientation other than “part of the LGBTQ community,” but he is in much better physical and mental shape this season than he was in 2021; he

Osian Jones. Photo via Instagram.

said, “I hated every single second of last season.”

4 . 28 . 20 22 •

NEWS STATE

MATH BOOKS REJECTED

FOR ‘CRITICAL RACE THEORY’ Kim Swan

overnor Ron DeSantis has launched a full-scale war against books he disagrees with. The latest casualty — math textbooks. Yup. Even calculations have now offended the governor. The Department of Education said it has found many math books containing “prohibited topics” such as references to critical race theory, a legal framework taught in graduate school and college-level law courses, according to the Sun Sentinel. The education department approved only 78 textbooks out of 132, rejecting more than ever before, according to a press release. It rejected 54 for including critical race theory and other “prohibited subjects.” “Reasons for rejecting textbooks included references to Critical Race Theory, inclusions of Common Core, and the unsolicited addition of Social Emotional Learning in mathematics,” the press release read. “The highest number of books rejected were for grade levels K-5, where an alarming 71% were not appropriately aligned with Florida standards or included prohibited topics and unsolicited strategies.”

“IT IS UNFORTUNATE THAT SEVERAL PUBLISHERS, ESPECIALLY AT THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GRADE LEVELS, HAVE IGNORED THIS CLEAR COMMUNICATION AND HAVE ATTEMPTED TO SLIP REBRANDED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS BASED ON COMMON CORE STANDARDS INTO FLORIDA’S CLASSROOMS, WHILE OTHERS HAVE INCLUDED PROHIBITED AND DIVISIVE CONCEPTS SUCH AS THE TENETS OF CRT OR OTHER UNSOLICITED STRATEGIES OF INDOCTRINATION — DESPITE FDOE’S PRIOR NOTIFICATION.”

• 4 . 28.2022

Image via Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons

This troubled Broward School Board Member Sarah Leonardi, a frequent critic of the DeSantis administration, according to the Sentinel. “It’s disturbing, borderline authoritarian, and definitely censorship,” Leonardi said. “Notably, it denies the existence of much of our student population. If state leadership made decisions with children in mind, they wouldn’t be engaging in these fallacious culture wars at all.” According to Education Week, critical race theory is “the core idea is that race is a social construct, and that racism is not merely the product of individual bias or prejudice, but also something embedded in legal systems and policies.” The rejected math textbooks included word problems that cover racism and practicing empathy with others, according to examples released by the Department of Education. DeSantis has attempted to ban critical race theory elsewhere as well, signing the

Stop W.O.K.E. Activism Act into law earlier this year. It will supposedly give businesses, employees, children and families tools to “fight back against woke indoctrination.” “It violates Florida standards to scapegoat someone based on their race, to say that they are inherently racist, to say that they are an oppressor, or oppressed or any of that and that’s good and that’s important. But we also have to realize that we have to do more to make sure that that actually carries the day in our classrooms and in our society,” DeSantis said in December 2021. The Florida Education Department said it informed publishers last summer that textbooks “must align with the state’s new standards,” the Sentinel reported. “It is unfortunate that several publishers, especially at the elementary school grade levels, have ignored this clear communication and have attempted to slip rebranded instructional materials based on Common Core Standards into Florida’s classrooms,

while others have included prohibited and divisive concepts such as the tenets of CRT or other unsolicited strategies of indoctrination — despite FDOE’s prior notification,” the press release read. DeSantis is no stranger to banning books and information. He recently signed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law which bans classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in K-3. However, it’s so loosely worded that it could affect any grade level. In light of the “Don’t Say Gay” law, the Palm Beach County School Superintendent Mike Burke said he would pull two children’s LGBT books off the shelves in order to review them because they feature trans characters, even though the law takes effect in July. DeSantis also signed the CS/HB 1467 bill which imposes school board term limits and grants parents and others the ability to object to books they don’t like in school libraries and the classroom.

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their deaths,” Buck said, according to NBC News. Moore’s mother, LaTisha Nixon, continues to mourn the death of her son. She wrote in a letter: “All I can think about is how my son died naked on a mattress with no love around him. No one to hold his hand or tell him good things.” Prosecutors argued that since Buck preyed on vulnerable, young Black men to please his sexual fetish, he should be given a life sentence. Buck’s attorneys, however, argued for a sentence lower than 25 years so he could “receive rehabilitation,” NBC News reported.

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Kim Swan f it weren’t for the third Black man surviving an overdose, Ed Buck may never have been charged and later convicted in the killing of two Black men. Buck, 67, who was a donor to Democratic, LGBT and animal rights causes, was sentenced to 30 years for fatally injecting two Black men, Gemmel Moore and Timothy Dean, with drugs. Buck had a fetish for luring gay Black men to his home, injecting them with methamphetamine and exploiting them for sexual favors, according to Yahoo. In July 2021 a jury found Buck, who lived in California, guilty on all nine charges, including enticement to cross state lines to engage in prostitution, maintaining a drug den, distributing meth, and providing the drugs that led to the deaths of two men. In April 2022, he asked a judge to overturn the verdict. In court, Buck told the judge that he loved men and wasn’t responsible for the deaths. “Their deaths were tragic, but I did not cause

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LIFESTYLE FOOD

‘PUP-ULAR’ DINING SPOTS Rick Karlin

et’s face it, many of us treat our dogs like they are our children. We buy them presents and often take them out to dinner with us. And just like human children, some of the four-legged varieties are better behaved than others. Also, as with human children, the fault for bad behavior should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the parents. In most South Florida restaurants, dogs are allowed to dine outdoors with their caretakers. Indoor dining is restricted to service animals that have been trained to do a specific job for their companions. If a dog is barking or misbehaving in public, it is most likely NOT a trained service animal, but may have a certificate as a support animal. Now before you get all hot and bothered, I will stipulate that there are indeed companion dogs that help those with anxiety and other mental health issues but do we all know this? And they’re more likely being claimed as “support” animals. However, your dog doesn’t need to be a service animal to be welcome at your dining table; just as with children they just need to be trained to act appropriately. With so many South Florida restaurants offering outdoor dining, there are plenty of options to dine al fresco with your canine companion. The number one rule is to always check with the establishment beforehand. While many restaurants are pet friendly, it is entirely up to the establishment to set its own policy. Some of the dog restaurant etiquette tips that follow are basic common sense, but we all know that many folks don’t have common sense when it comes to dogs or children. This goes for other diners: if you see a dog, no matter how adorable, ask the owner before you attempt to pet it or speak to it. Of course, you should never feed someone else’s dog without their permission. • Teach your pooch essential training commands. “Sit,” “Stay,” and “Down” are all musts, while “Leave it” will ensure that your furbaby doesn’t eat something they shouldn’t.

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• 4 . 28.2022

• Tire them out before you go; take your dog for a nice long walk, play time, or a training session before heading to the restaurant. This should make them much more likely to lie quietly at your feet while you enjoy a relaxing meal. Feeding your dog before you go to the restaurant may also help. • Find a quiet spot; restaurants can be a stimulating environment with a whole lot of distractions for your dog. This can cause too much excitement for your pup, which isn’t what you want, so search for a table in a quiet corner away from other diners. • Always keep your dog leashed and train it to sit under your table. This is for the safety of your dog (you don’t want him/her stepped on), and those walking nearby. • Excessive barking or any aggressive behavior should not be allowed. • Don’t tie their leash to furniture. This is a recipe for disaster if your dog decides to make a run for it. • Don’t let your pup beg. Training your dog so they understand that begging won’t get them what they want is good in general. • Keep them off the furniture and your lap. A small dog may stay in its carrier on a chair. • NEVER let a dog eat from restaurant plates or flatware (unless disposable). Ask for a paper or plastic bowl for food or water. • Don’t let your dog become bored at the restaurant. Take along a favorite chew toy as a distraction, or a snack or food-stuffed puzzle toy to keep them occupied. • Never leave your pooch unattended at any time. • Be considerate of other customers. If your dog’s having a tough time, get your check and leave early. By following the simple etiquette tips above you’ll ensure that you and your pooch are welcome back. And there are plenty of places along Wilton Drive that are more than happy to welcome you and your fur-baby to dine outdoors. I’ve spied folks dining with doggies at Bona, Rosie’s,

Happy Dog at Nauti Dawg. Image via Facebook. Hamburger Mary’s, Spencer’s, Gym Bar, Pub, Courtyard Café, Alibi Monkey Bar, Java Boys, Tulio’s, Apt. 3f, Ethos, Nate’s, Tropics and, of course, Dairy Queen. Along Las Olas, Louie Bossi and The Floridian are among the places welcoming pups. Some places even have special menus for their canine diners. Shooter’s Waterfront offers a chicken thigh with russet potatoes and ground beef with whole-wheat macaroni. Casa Sensei has an extensive dog menu as well as “Lucky Dog Happy Hour.” Kelly’s Landing always has free dog biscuits on hand, and Nauti Dawg has a “For the Dawgs” menu at all times and “yappy hour” every Monday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. when entrees for dogs are half-price. With a little preparation and attention, you and your canine companion can truly enjoy dining out during the dog days of summer.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

Pup enjoying a very delicious meal at Shooter’s Waterfront. Image via Facebook.

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com. The views Rick expresses are his own and do not represent the opinion of SFGN.

GAY STATE SENATOR ENDORSES CHARLIE CRIST FOR GOV Read SFGN.com to find out more. | Photo: Courtesy of office of Jones.

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

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

In Person Worship Resumes Join us for live services

our beautifully7th updated Joininus November at 10 AM also continue for sanctuary. services inWe ourwill beautifully updated streaming theWe service on Facebook! sanctuary. will also continue streaming the service on Facebook!

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!

SPIRITUALITY

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

https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

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

Congregation Etz Chaim SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

LISTINGS

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

A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE ALL ARE WELCOME

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

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

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 . 28 . 20 22 •

COLUMN LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A&E APPOINTMENTS

Amir Darvish directs the Empire Stage production of Yasmina Reza’s multiple award-winning play, “Art,” April 29 to May 15. Credit: Courtesy.

ARTSBEAT ‘ART’ & MUSIC EVERYWHERE J.W. Arnold

‘ART’ AT EMPIRE STAGE

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON Andy Marlette

Empire Stage, the intimate theater space tucked against the train tracks on Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale, is elevating the conversation with a production of Yasmina Reza’s Moliere, Olivier and Tony Award-winning drama, “Art,” April 29 to May 15. In the 1994 French play (subsequently translated to English), Reza asks: How much a collector would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art? “Art” delves into a clever and often comedic exploration of both art and friendship as a longtime trio of friends finds their relationship tested after one buys the aforementioned expensive white painting. Dean Nigro stars, along with Ben Prayz and Empire Stage producer David R. Gordon. Director Amir Darvish said, “To me, productions that really resonate are those that delve deep into relationships and how those bonds are tested. I want to make audiences think and laugh at the same time. How a simple event can mean so many things to different people and the viewing audience. What can we tolerate? When do we speak up? Who are our friends?”

Tickets are $35 at EmpireStage.com.

FUN IN THE SUN IN WEST PALM BEACH The gays will be out, loud and proud this weekend, April 28 to May 1, at SunFest, the annual musical festival in downtown West Palm Beach that attracts up to 100,000 fans. After a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, the lineup is epic, including a number of LGBT artists and allies. Melissa Etheridge and Adam Lambert will take the main stage, along with Nelly and the Goo Goo Dolls. Also, keep an eye out for Rainbow Kitten Surprise, with gay front man Sam Melo and trans bassist Charlie Holt, and up-and-coming LGBT solo act Chris Pierce.

Tickets at SunFest.com.

WHY THE FORT LAUDERDALE GAY MEN’S CHORUS SINGS The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus (FTLGMC) will celebrate its 35th anniversary with a special concert and retrospective exhibit, Saturday, May 7 at 8 p.m. at United Church of Christ, 2501 N.E. 30th St. in Fort Lauderdale. “Why We Sing” will showcase favorite songs from the vocal group’s past and present repertoire, along with a historical showcase of banners, art, posters and other ephemera, costumes and photographs. Dr. Gary Keating will conduct the eclectic program, including “Walk Hand in Hand,” “Somewhere Only We Know,” “Where the Boys Are” and “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel. Former members will be invited to the stage for a special surprise finale.

Tickets are $35 at FortLauderdaleGayMensChorus.org.

• 4 . 28.2022

FEATURE PETS

APRIL 30

IS ADOPT A SHELTER PET DAY!

YOU KNOW WHERE TO FIND US... BUT WE MIGHT BE CLOSER THAN YOU THINK.

INSIDE THE PRIDE FACTORY

GRISELDA

850 NE 13th St Fort Lauderdale

TRAX

Adoption Fees ½ Price for Animals 6 Months & Older April 30th is celebrated nationally as “Adopt a Shelter Pet Day” and the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) hopes you’re ready to open your heart and home to a pet in need. According to Cherie Wachter, VP of Marketing at the HSBC, “there are so many incredible dogs, cats, rabbits, and Guinea pigs waiting for a second chance, and we hope all those looking to add a furry friend to their family will stop by. Whether you’re looking for a jogging partner or a pal to snuggle on the couch with, a dog that enjoys leisurely walks or a pal for your kids to play with, there are a variety of pets longing for the chance to be part of a family.” In honor of Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, the Humane Society will be offering ½ price adoption fees for pets six months of age and older, and some pets have had their adoption fees sponsored. You’ll save $75 on a dog adoption and $20 on a cat! With the savings you can spoil them with lots of

treats and toys. If you can’t adopt, but want to help, follow the shelter on Facebook and Instagram and be sure to share the posted pets in need of new homes. Spread the word, your share might be the one that makes a difference for a pet. You can see all the pets available, learn about volunteer opportunities or donate by visiting humanebroward.com Before going home all pets are spayed or neutered and receive preliminary vaccinations, treatment for fleas and ticks, wellness check, microchip, feline leukemia test for cats, heartworm test for dogs seven months and older, complimentary bag of Purina ONE pet food, and a limited 14-day follow-up care at participating VCA Animal Hospitals (restrictions apply). The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffin Road, just a block west of I-95 and opens daily at 10:30 a.m. For more information call 954-989-3977 ext. 6.

The Humane Society of Broward County is a private nonprofit organization made possible by generous donations from animal enthusiasts like you. The shelter is not affiliated with any other animal welfare organization and receives no funding from them or the state.

MIDWAY SPECIALTY CARE CENTER 2608 NE 16th Ave Wilton Manors

INSIDE COUNTRY HAM N’ EGGS 2671 E Oakland Park Blvd Fort Lauderdale

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