SFGN 04/29/21 V12iss17

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE

APRIL 29, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 17

HYPOCRITE FORT LAUDERDALE VICE MAYOR SHOWS HER TRUE COLORS ON TRANS RIGHTS “WHOEVER CLAIMS TO LOVE GOD YET HATES A BROTHER OR SISTER IS A LIAR. FOR WHOEVER DOES NOT LOVE THEIR BROTHER AND SISTER, WHOM THEY HAVE SEEN, CANNOT LOVE GOD, WHOM THEY HAVE NOT SEEN.” — 1 JOHN 4:20 PAGES 12 - 13

Pride Returns To Embassies SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

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AIDS Walk Raises $2 Million SFGN.COM

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Restaurants Returning To Normal

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

FLYING PROUD! Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

US EMBASSIES ALLOWED AGAIN TO FLY PRIDE FLAG

Michael K. Lavers Washington Blade

S

ecretary of State Antony Blinken has said he will once again allow U.S. diplomatic installations to fly the Pride flag.

The New York Times and Foreign Policy reported they obtained a cable from Blinken that announced the policy.

The Trump administration in 2019 banned U.S. embassies and consulates from flying the Pride flag on official flagpoles.

Georgia Congressman Jeff Duncan (R-Ga.) has introduced the Old Glory Only Act, which would “prohibit the flying of any flag other than the U.S. flag over U.S. diplomatic and consular posts.”

Former U.S. Ambassador to the Dominican Republic James “Wally” Brewster — one of the openly gay men who served as ambassadors during the Obama administration — on Friday applauded Blinken’s decision.

“As one of the constant supporters of Human Rights and LGBTQ rights throughout his life, President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken are showing the commitment to fighting for the rights of the marginalized around the globe,” Brewster told the Washington Blade. “So proud of our global leadership once again!”

President Biden in February issued a memorandum that committed the U.S. to promote LGBT rights abroad.

Blinken is among the administration officials who publicly acknowledged the Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31.

THERE’S MORE ONLINE!

Online now!

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• 4 . 29.2021

@SFGN

April 29, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 17

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

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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

Editorial

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

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

Donald Cavanaugh • John McDonald Deon Jefferson • David-Elijah Nahmod Denise Royal • John Hayden • Elliot Rodriguez Kendall Little • Everitt Rosen • Corey Rose

Contributing Columnists

Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Rick Karlin • Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing Pictured is an LGBT flag that flew outside of the Embassy of the United States in Uruguay in 2018.

Photo via the Embassy of the United States in Uruguay, Flickr.

The State Department has also disbanded the Commission on Unalienable Rights that LGBT activists sharply criticized.

“Sec. Blinken is committed to the rights and prosperity of our LGBTQ+ community, both our employees at State and all around the world,” said State Department spokesperson Jalina Porter on Friday in response to the Washington Blade’s question about Blinken’s cable during a press briefing with reporters.

“The department issues Pride guidance

to our missions on a regular basis,” added Porter. “Overseas facilities actually don’t require Washington approval. However, flying the flag from the same flagpole as the U.S. [flag] actually doesn’t require approval as well.”

“In prior years the department has issued a blanket authorization or requested that posts request permission from Washington to fly a Pride flag from the same flagpole as the U.S. flag,” Porter further noted to the Blade.

FAMILY, FRIENDS SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS AFTER HIT AND RUN NEAR WILTON MANORS Read SFGN.com to find out more.

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SEE OUR NEWS IN VIDEO!

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

COVER: Heather Moraitis. Photo via Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis, Facebook. Edited by Brendon Lies.

Associated Press

Glen Flaherty.

Courtesy of Tim Jordan.

For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Stuart Web Inc.

SFGN Winner of & 5 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for

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 of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.

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

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

4 . 29. 20 21 •

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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

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Husbands Lenny and Alan Brooks from SERVPRO of Fort Lauderdale South.

Napier Velazquez and Raymond Kawski, realtors for LoKation Real Estate.

Keith Blackburn, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce, with Broward County Commissioner Dr. Barbara Sharief and Richard Gray, managing director of the LGBT Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Fort Lauderdale Captain Bill Schultz with the new Chief Of Police in Wilton Manors Gary Blocker.

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CALL TODAY! CALL TODAY! CALL TODAY! Through the pandemic the group took the mixing and mingling virtual. Their weekly Saturday Morning Klassic Coffee Klatch moved to Zoom. ACOF President Tom Walk-in HIV testing available.

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“AS CANTANKEROUS OLD MEN WE’RE VERY PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR FEELINGS.” - Tom “Tomcat” Pence ACOF PRESIDENT

Tom “Tomcat” Pence in Key West. Photo via Facebook.

from India, China, and Japan also join in along with people as far away as California, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and many of the other 50 states.”

ACOF is designed to be a group for older men to meet other men in an environment different from the often youth obsessed culture. Their mission is to promote selfworth, dignity, kindness and friendships within our senior population. But that doesn’t mean you have to be ready to receive a monthly Social Security check to be part.

Anyone over 21 can join the Saturday Klatch.

While the virtual Klatch is fun, ACOF members are ready to party, and they’re going to party in paradise: Key West.

“Over a hundred gay senior men and their admirers are looking forward to sun and fun at the end of the road,” Pence said. “There will be parties, games, costume contests, food, and fun for all, with maybe a pirate or two in attendance. Did I mention, grog? Plenty of grog will be available in Margaritaville. It’s a good time for all to let your hair down.”

The get-together is set for June 10-13, and hotels are filling up fast. To learn more about their Key West party or sign up to join the Klassic Coffee Klatch, you can check out their website at CelebrationOffriends.org.

6

• 4 . 29.2021

4 . 29. 20 21 •

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NEWS LOCAL

AIDS WALK RAISES $2 MILLION FOR LOCAL NON-PROFITS The Pride Center at Equality Park, Equality Florida Institute, and SunServe will all benefit.

John Hayden Photos by J.R. Davis

A

n event two years in the making finally stepped off Saturday morning at South Fort Lauderdale Beach. The Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival returned after being canceled last year due to the pandemic. While it may have been gone, it wasn’t forgotten.

Hundreds of loyal and excited walkers showed up ready to restart the event. Most teams wore matching shirts. In bright red shirts, Team Latinos Salud was easy to spot anywhere in the crowd. Others showed up to walk the 5K in drag.

One even came dressed in a head-to-toe Yoda costume and said the outfit helped him raise a lot of money for the walk.

The fundraising Jedi wasn’t the only one bringing in big dollars. The walk raised more than two million dollars, blowing past its goal of $1.5 million. The COVID crisis has dominated headlines this past year and charitable donations have gone down. Despite those extra challenges, Imara Canady with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation told SFGN that he’s glad people haven’t lost sight of the ongoing need for HIV/ AIDS funding. “As we transition into society’s ‘new normal,’ we are so pleased that the community remains committed to supporting the fight against HIV and AIDS throughout South Florida.”

Walkers stepped off right at 10 a.m. and came back to a party in progress. Deep Fried Funk Band jammed for more than an hour, playing old school hits that had the growing crowd singing along.

Once everyone was warmed up, South Florida’s favorite Trina took the stage. The hip-hop legend from Miami’s Liberty City area delivered a high energy set that had her fans on their feet the entire time.

The only way to follow up a performance by a legend is with a performance by an icon. Lil’ Kim was fierce and fabulous and had the crowd in the palm of her hand from the moment she stepped on stage.

8

• 4 . 29.2021

Hundreds of walkers took part in the Florida AIDS Walk on Saturday morning, marching together for 5 kilometers.

More than a thousand fans sang along as she performed some of her biggest hits including “Ladies Night,” “How Many Licks?” “It’s All About the Benjamins,” and “Lady Marmalade” from the “Moulin Rouge!” soundtrack.

Two unplanned moments of her show were the sweetest and most memorable. When she spotted Trina watching from the back of the stage, Kim brought her upfront for a hug and some love.

Later Lil’ Kim brought her young daughter on stage to bust a move while mama rapped.

Money raised from the event benefits several South Florida organizations, including The Pride Center at Equality Park, Equality Florida Institute, and SunServe. Terry Dyer, SunServe’s director of Development, said he couldn’t be happier.

“After such a trying year, it was wonderful to get together, walk, celebrate, and raise important funds,” he said. “Our hats off to [the AHF] team for organizing a pandemic safe exciting event.

The fight to bring awareness and raise funds to end the epidemic of HIV/AIDS continues.”

A check showing the amount raised was revealed on stage.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS ON FACEBOOK.

NEWS LOCAL

CRAIG JUNGWIRTH SPOTTED IN FORT LAUDERDALE CONTINUES TO EVADE AUTHORITIES Jason Parsley

WE ARE A FACTORY CERTIFIED REPAIR FACILITY FOR HONDA, CHRYSLER, NISSAN, ACURA, FORD, HYUNDAI, INFINITI, GM, KIA AND FIAT

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here was a hearing April 27 to determine whether a restraining order would be issued against Craig Jungwirth, the man best known for being accused of threatening the Wilton Manors LGBT community with a “Pulse” like the attack in 2016.

Several queer men over the past several months have accused Jungwirth of cyber stalking and harassment. Two have attempted to file a restraining order against him.

But in order for that to happen Jungwirth must be served with the proper paperwork.

Jungwirth has been known to evade lawsuits by avoiding being served. While his official address is in the Orlando area he’s been known to frequent the greater Wilton Manors area.

This weekend someone Facebook posted a photo of him at Andrews Diner.

According to the judge in the restraining order case law enforcement will only visit an individual’s address that has been listed on the paperwork. They will not hunt someone down.

And since it appears Jungwirth is constantly on the move it will be difficult for anyone to track him down.

One of the men accusing Jungwirth of wrongdoing is James, a local barber, who asked that his last name not be used for fear of further harassment.

It all started when James made a comment on someone’s Facebook post about Jungwirth where he wrote “This fuckers at it again, he needs to be locked up.”

“I made a comment, not knowing that my safety or my sanity is going to be jeopardized,” James said.

When James went to work the next day he noticed an appointment with Craig Jungwirth.

“I canceled the appointment,” he said.

Later that afternoon Jungwirth called the barbershop and James spoke to him briefly before handing the phone back to the receptionist. James said Jungwirth allegedly told the receptionist he was going to show up to the shop at 4 p.m. to “beat the fucking hell out of that fucker.”

In the next two weeks following their interaction Jungwirth booked 188 appointments through the online system forcing James to go offline.

Jungwirth made national news when he was accused of posting this message on Facebook:

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“My events are selling out cause you faggots are total patsies. None of you deserve to live,” a man wrote on Facebook with the profile name Craig Jungwirth. “If you losers thought the Pulse nightclub shooting was bad, wait till you see what I’m planning for Labor Day.” Another message read: “I’m gonna be killing you fags faster than cops kill niggers. It’s time to clean up Wilton Manors from all you AIDS infested losers.”

SFGN was never able to independently verify whether those messages came from Jungwirth since he was known to create multiple fake profiles to promote his Beach Bear Weekend events.

Jungwirth spent months behind bars in 2016 while prosecutors attempted to gather evidence against him when he allegedly made those threats. In the end though investigators were not able to link the threats to any of the 59 Facebook profiles Jungwirth had access to so they dropped the case.

Adam Dupuis is the other local man who attempted to file a restraining order against Jungwirth. Dupuis accused Jungwirth of impersonating him on a gay dating app, GROWLr, creating dozens and dozens of fake profiles using his name and photo.

James and Dupuis’ cases were heard by a judge on March 29 and then again on April 27.

In both hearings the judge explained that since Jungwirth had not been served the paperwork her hands were tied. If Jungwirth isn’t served within 120 days the cases will be dismissed.

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com•954-530-4970 4 . 29. 20 21 •

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NEWS NATIONAL

THREE BLACK TRANS WOMEN KILLED IN APRIL

Jaida Peterson.

Kim Swan

Photos via the HRC.

Remy Fennell.

Dominique Lucious.

I

n a span of two weeks, three Black trans “I love you, baby,” Credle said as she women were shot to death — two in released balloons in the air.

North Carolina and one in Missouri.

Family members said that Fennell was a The Charlotte-Mecklenburg police sent beautiful soul who was talented with hair, out a warning to the LGBT community that and dreamed of opening her own hair salon. a suspect (or suspects) may be targeting Therefore, her sisters want to complete her them after two trans women, Remy Fennell dream, according to 13 News Now. and Jaida Peterson, were found dead in hotel In the killing of Dominique Lucious, rooms 11 days apart, according to ABC News.

Springfield police have arrested and charged Peterson, 29, was found by police in West Charles Nelson with second-degree murder Charlotte April 4 — Easter Sunday. and armed criminal action, according to The Loved ones told Charlotte Observer that Rolla Daily News. she had been a sex worker for some time.

According to court documents, the police “You’re so used to hearing found Lucious, 26, shot to about trans violence everywhere death in a home April 8. else,” Brittany Johnson, who The court documents show was close to Peterson, told that Nelson and Lucious met on the Charlotte Observer. “But a dating website and planned to when it happens to your own meet up at Lucious’s apartment, sister, it brings another type where they believe Nelson shot of perspective to you ... That’s her, as reported by The Rolla the hardest part for me — the Daily News. person who took her life didn’t The police do not know a understand who she was.” motive.

The police believe Fennell, The GLO Center in who was in her 20s, was also a Springfield posted a statement sex worker since she was found of support for Lucious on - Brittany Johnson dead in another hotel April 15, social media: “Trans women, FRIEND OF JAIDA PETERSON according to 13 News Now. particularly trans women of However, Fennell’s mother, color, are disproportionately Michele Credle, disagrees with the police. victims of violent crime. This murder and the “That was not who my child was,” Credle other senseless slaying of trans folks must be told 13 News Now. contextualized within the anti-trans rhetoric Two men, 21-year-old Dontarius Long and and actions taken by too many. It is 2021 and 33-year-old Joel Brewer, have been arrested as we must understand that trans rights are suspects in both of the women’s deaths April human rights.”

16, according to WCCB Charlotte.

The Human Rights Campaign reported Fennell’s family and friends celebrated her that at least 15 transgender or gender nonlife at the Y.H. Thomas Park in Hampton for conforming people have been killed in 2021, a vigil and balloon release since it’s a familiar with 44 deaths in 2020, marking 2020 as the place full of memories for Fennell and her most violent year on record since HRC began sister, 13 News Now reported. tracking the crimes in 2013.

“That’s the hardest part for me — the person who took her life didn’t understand who she was.”

4 . 29. 20 21 •

11

NEWS LOCAL

TRANSPHOBIC

VICE MAYOR USES ‘WOMEN’S RIGHTS’ AS SWORD TO SUPPRESS TRANS EQUALITY FROM CHILD MARRIAGE TO BULLYING — HEATHER MORAITIS’ HYPOCRISY KNOWS NO BOUNDS Jason Parsley

H

eather Moraitis is known for being the conservative voice on the Fort Lauderdale City Commission. But despite the vice mayor’s ideology she’s often voted with the LGBT community — most notably in 2019 when she voted in favor of banning discrimination against LGBT people in employment, housing and public accommodations in the city.

That ordinance also established domestic partnership protections and a ban on conversion therapy for minors.

But that was then.

Six weeks ago Moraitis brought forth a proclamation honoring her church Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church and the school she formerly worked at, Westminster Academy.

Both institutions were celebrating milestone anniversaries, 60 and 50 years respectively.

Proclamations, normally benign city affairs, erupted in controversy when Commissioner Steve Glassman pointed out the anti-LGBT history of the church and school.

While the proclamation may have been brought forth at Moraitis’ suggestion it would be Trantalis who became the focal point of the controversy within the LGBT community in the following weeks because of his support of it.

Meanwhile, Moraitis got a pass.

At that time she told the Sun Sentinel, “I’m not here to judge anybody. There’s enough hate in this world, and I don’t want to have a part of that.”

During the public debate over the proclamation she also noted her grandfather is gay.

“I’ve loved many other gay men and women, including you, Steve, and you, Dean, Heather Moraitis. Photo via Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis, Facebook.

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• 4 . 29.2021

and it’s a privilege to serve with you,” she said. “Today, I’m just speaking from a point of love and recognition.”

After the furor broke out she later told the Sun Sentinel, “I understand if there’s still some mistrust and reservations about Coral Ridge. We need to come together and work alongside one another. I do want to make this the best city for the LGBTQ community to live and to thrive. I do believe we can work alongside each other.”

But that love and tolerance does not appear to extend to the trans community.

Five weeks later Moraitis was singing a different tune when Glassman, a gay man, asked the commission to stand up for trans rights. He brought forth a resolution condemning the anti-trans bills making their way through the state legislature. Those bills would have banned trans girls from playing in girls’ sports. The house bill was especially egregious — it would have allowed a school to conduct invasive examinations of a child’s genitals just to “prove” they’re allowed to play on the team.

Moraitis forcefully opposed the resolution

NEWS LOCAL

— even going so far as to ask that her name Equality Florida blasted Moraitis. be removed from it. In Fort Lauderdale, “Commissioner Moraitis’ vote against Commissioners’ names are not typically this resolution and endorsement of the listed on resolutions — only the city. anti-trans youth sports ban is both hurtful “To me this is about women’s rights and and harmful,” said Senior Political Director women’s equity in athletics. I will not be and Former State Lawmaker Joe Saunders. supporting it,” she said during the meeting.

“For nearly a decade, schools across Florida Glassman skewered Moraitis’ have had policies that protect position. transgender youth and “SUPPORTERS “These bills have nothing ensure a level playing field to do with women’s rights and for all students — and they’re OF THE women’s rights in sports, that working.”

TRANSGENDER is such a mischaracterization of Later Moraitis doubled STUDENT ATHLETE down these bills,” he said. “Everyone on her anti-trans BAN DO NOT knows why these bills have stance on Twitter and in her surfaced in the United States, it newsletter attempting to REALIZE, OR has nothing, nothing to do with to cast herself as a RECOGNIZE, THAT continue women’s rights [...] I’m actually champion of women’s rights.

TRANS WOMEN offended by that interpretation “Women have had to work of these bills, because it’s so far ARE WOMEN.” hard for equity and fairness from the truth. These bills do in sports and that’s why - Steve Glassman nothing but demean and also this week I voted to protect COMMISSIONER marginalize young people who traditional women’s sports,” are already marginalized and she wrote in her newsletter. demeaned enough in our society.”

“There are already limited opportunities Moraitis shot back at her fellow to make the team, start on the team and commissioner saying she felt personally get scholarships to play at the next level. attacked by him and was offended.

That is why I voted against the resolution “I do believe this is an attack on women’s introduced at the city commission meeting rights and women’s opportunities in sports, this week opposing HB 1475 and SB 2012.” and that’s my interpretation,” she said. “I’m Glassman pushed back on that narrative, entitled to my feelings in my position, and I telling SFGN, “Supporters of the transgender represent a lot of people that feel the same student athlete ban do not realize, or way.” recognize, that trans women are women.

The final vote ended up being 3-1. Women’s rights are trans women’s rights.

Commissioner Robert L. McKinzie expressed Period.” support for Moraitis’ position, but then left Before Moraitis won her seat on the city the meeting before the vote was called. commission she cast herself as someone The trans community has become a frequent target of politicians across the U.S. in recent months. Photo via Adobe.

who stood up for marginalized communities.

“I’m a fighter for the underdog. It’s kind of how I’m wired. I want to defend people when someone’s bullying them,” she said, according to the Sun Sentinel.

Transgender individuals are one of the most marginalized communities in the U.S. “Transgender youth experience the most bullying and marginalization and are the least understood,” Saunders said. “They need love and support, not coordinated, farright political attacks on their identity.”

LGBT activist Michael Rajner wasn’t surprised at how Moraitis voted on the resolution. He said she’s harbored an antitrans stance for years.

He said they first met in 2017. He gave her credit for having a discussion with him at that time over LGBT rights and equality, but also remembered her anti-trans views.

“She shared her experience of being in the locker room at LA Fitness and repeatedly Commissioner Steve Glassman took on Heather misgendered a transgender person — Moraitis for her position. Credit: Carina Mask. even after I attempted to correct her,” he recalled. “She demonstrated zero tolerance or understanding of transgender individuals simultaneously turned their backs on the as she went on to describe her locker room young girls at home suffering from the same encounter. What she didn’t realize is I knew abuse.” the person she was discussing, whom she Before 2018 in Florida girls under 18 could robbed of any dignity.” get married if they were pregnant — as long Rajner went on to claim Moraitis has made as a judge approved. There was at least one little effort to reach out to the documented case of a 13-yearLGBT community. old that got married in the state “SHE STANDS “She has not exercised any since 2012.

Moraitis opposed the effort to meet our community AT ONE SIDE OF effort to change Florida’s to better understand how A MOUNTAIN law, according to the Sun issues impact our lives,” Rajner AND REFUSES Sentinel. Her husband George, said. “She stands at one side of TO CROSS THAT a Republican representative a mountain and refuses to cross in the state House at the time, that proverbial bridge Mayor PROVERBIAL did not believe the law needed Trantalis speaks about so often.

BRIDGE MAYOR to change either. The final vote As an elected official who has TRANTALIS SPEAKS in the house was 109-1 with LGBTQ residents in her district, she has continually failed to ABOUT SO OFTEN.” George the only no vote.

“George was speaking on show up in our community.”

- Michael Rajner behalf of people like my parents Today Moraitis frames herself LGBT ACTIVIST who got married at 16 when as a champion of women’s rights my mom was pregnant with but it was just a few years ago when she opposed changing Florida’s laws to me. Thankful for their marriage and my ban child marriage in the state. The National brothers,” the Sun Sentinel quoted Heather Organization for Women is strongly opposed as saying. “Wasn’t quite ready to share that, to child marriage writing, “Child marriage is but there is hope if you are 16 and pregnant, not a practice unique to one region, faith, or and yes, marriage should be an option.”

Eventually the state did change the law community. It is instead an issue based on controlling women that permeates across that year, but still provided an exception to borders, classes, and ideologies. Our foreign allow 17-year-olds to get married as long as policy has categorically demonstrated an their partner was not more than two years intentional and deep recognition of the older, and the minors would also need harms of child marriage, but legislators have parental consent.

Moraitis did not respond by press time to an email from SFGN asking for comment.

4 . 29. 20 21 •

13

NEWS NATIONAL

BY COREY ROSE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

NEW JERSEY

OUT MILITARY VETERAN NOMINATED FOR NATIONAL SECURITY POSITION

President Joe Biden has nominated out New Jersey official Brenda “Sue” Fulton for assistant secretary of defense for manpower and reserve affairs, a senior position in the Department of Defense.

Fulton, who is currently the New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission chief administrator, graduated from the first West Point class to admit women, and served in the U.S. Army, reaching the rank of captain before her honorable discharge.

Former President Obama appointed her to the West Point Board of Visitors, where she was elected chair twice. Through organizations she helped create, like Knights Out and OutServe, Fulton was able to be a strong voice in the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

NJ Gov. Phil Murphy congratulated Fulton’s nomination in a statement.

Brenda “Sue” Fulton. Photo via @suefulton, Twitter.

“President Biden has made a tremendous choice in his nomination of Sue Fulton to serve our nation,” wrote Murphy. “I have relied upon her clear, calm, and flexible approach to serving the needs of millions of New Jerseyans during one of the most challenging times in memory. I know she will be the capable partner President Biden needs working alongside Secretary Austin at the Pentagon.”

MICHIGAN MICHIGAN BILL SEEKS TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY As lawmakers across the country continue to pass legislation that targets LGBT youth, Michigan legislators have introduced bills that would ban conversion therapy for minors in the state.

The bills, HB 4651 and SB 367, were introduced in both the House and Senate

by State Rep. Yousef Rabhi and Sen. Mallory McMorrow. According to the bill, if passed, mental health professionals who administer conversion therapy would become “subject to disciplinary action and licensing sanctions for unprofessional conduct.”

The act is already banned in 16 states and in three Michigan cities, punishable by a $500 fine and up to 93 days in jail. McMorrow made her case for the bill on the senate floor, calling on the

14

• 4 . 29.2021

Photo via Unsplash.

Republican-controlled legislature to consider the perspectives of those who have been subject to the practice.

“Conversion therapy is not therapy. It is not grounded in science, it is immoral, it is unethical, and it is harming our young people by telling them that at their core, they are broken,” said McMorrow.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

TEXAS

CALIFORNIA

SCOTUS WILL NOT HEAR TRAVEL BANS, RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS DISPUTE BETWEEN TEXAS AND CALIFORNIA The Supreme Court has chosen not to settle a dispute between the country’s two most populous states over travel bans and religious exemptions.

In 2017, California passed legislation prohibiting state funds from being used to travel to states with anti-LGBT legislation on the books, including Texas, Alabama, and Kentucky. In response, Texas Atty. Gen. Ken Paxton petitioned for the Supreme Court to hear the case directly, citing the court’s obligations to intervene in states’ conflicts.

Texas was added to the list over a 2017 Texas law that allows child welfare organizations to refuse services to people due to religious beliefs, allowing for discrimination against LGBT couples.

The Supreme Court. Photo via PxHere.

Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel A. Alito Jr. dissented from the majority decision to not challenge California’s policy. In the dissent, Alito wrote that when they became states, California and Texas “acquired the right to have their disputes with other States adjudicated by the Nation’s highest court. The Court now denies Texas that right.”

CONNECTICUT CONNECTICUT JUDGE DISMISSES ANTI-TRANS ATHLETE LAWSUIT A lawsuit that sought to ban transgender girls from playing on high school teams that align with their gender identity has been dismissed by a federal judge.

After their initial complaint to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights was denied, the lawsuit was launched against the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference by the parents of three students, who alleged that trans girls had an unfair advantage over their daughters.

U.S. District Court Judge Robert Chatigny dismissed the case on the grounds that the two trans athletes whom the lawsuit initially targeted already graduated, and the plaintiffs couldn’t identify any potential transgender athletes that they could compete against.

Photo via PxHere.

Elana Bildner, staff attorney for the ACLU of Connecticut, said, “The dismissal of this meritless lawsuit is a victory for trans youth in Connecticut and across the country, and it would not have been possible without incredible bravery from Andraya and Terry, who have carried more on their shoulders as two Black trans youth than most adults face in a lifetime.”

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AM 4 .2/25/2020 29. 20 218:42:59 • 15

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

ASIA

EUROPE

INDIAN DIRECTOR CHALLENGES CRITICS QUESTIONING SAME-SEX LOVE STORIES

TEACHERS AFRAID OF LOSING JOBS IF THEY ADMIT TO BEING LGBT

Ekta Kapoor, a producer and director, took to Twitter to defend her right to explore LGBT storylines.

According to Gay Times, Kapoor reflected on the positive reception they have received online and in the press.

Her most recent project follows the life of a woman who is trying to discover her true identity.

“This is for everyone who has been asking me why we are releasing two same-gender love stories in a span of two months. To them, I would like to say that we do millions of opposite-sex love stories & no one asks that,” Kapoor tweeted.

Kapoor has pushed for greater acceptance and tolerance in her six-part post.

“Staying closeted could be

Ekta Kapoor. Photo via Bollywood Hungama, Wikipedia.

claustrophobic, in a world where accepting one’s sexuality and gender choice is a constant struggle, let’s normalize these love stories one step at a time,” Kapoor said, according to Gay Times.

Out of the 4,000 primary teachers across Ireland, many of them are afraid to come out about their sexual identity or gender orientation in the case it will affect their chances of getting a job or promotion.

Despite legislation making it illegal for religious-run schools to discriminate against LGBT teachers, it continues to happen.

According to The Independent, Joe McKeown, the incoming president of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation (INTO), told the union’s annual conference that much has been accomplished in recent years in terms of protecting job rights for teachers, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation, in both the north and south.

McKeown stated that patron bodies

Photo via PxHere.

and boards of management would show their inclusiveness by displaying a notice in the staffroom, making LGBT books accessible, and delivering instruction on homophobic and transphobic bullying, among other things.

AFRICA

CARIBBEAN

UNITED NATIONS STEPS UP PROTECTIONS FOR LGBT REFUGEES

TWO CUBAN ADVOCATES START A MOVEMENT FOR MARRIAGE EQUALITY

Following the death of a gay man who was set on fire in the latest attack targeting sexual minorities at the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, a United Nations official said on Tuesday that security will be beefed up for LGBT people staying in the camp.

According to Reuters, The 32-year-old Ugandan died on Monday in a Nairobi hospital while being treated for burns suffered in the March 15 attack with another LGBT refugee. The other man is scheduled to be released shortly, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency.

“We will do our best to support the police investigation. Additional security is being deployed. Psychological support is available and our teams are on the ground and are available to help in

16

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

• 4 . 29.2021

The United Nations flag. Credit: sanjitbakshi, via Flickr.

this difficult moment,” Dana Hughes, UNHCR’s regional spokesperson, told Reuters.

In Cuba, two LGBT activists have started campaigns to legalize marriage equality.

According to the Washington Blade, Jancel Moreno and Dasiel González, better known online as Pinky Unicorn, started the petition “Yes! Fair Marriage in Cuba” with the aim of raising awareness about the need for marriage equality on the island both within and outside Cuba.

The petition has been shared on the website of All Out, an independent LGBT rights organization.

The Cuban government intends to change the country’s Family Code this year.

The revised Family Code is intended to recognize marriage between two persons of the same gender as well as the different types of families that exist in the country.

Washington Blade photo by Michael Key.

This would then be put to a referendum for full approval by Cuban voters.

“Taking something as important as human rights to a referendum is an aberration and also discriminatory,” Moreno told the Washington Blade.

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17

PA L M B E A C H

news

‘TRANS LIVES ARE PRECIOUS’ BILLBOARD FLIES HIGH IN WEST PALM BEACH John Hayden

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The billboard in West Palm Beach. Photo courtesy of FOLX Health.

THE MESSAGE IS LOUD AND CLEAR. AND BIG. VERY, VERY BIG. A BILLBOARD RECENTLY WENT UP WITH THE SIMPLE YET POWERFUL PHRASE: “TRANS LIVES ARE PRECIOUS.” WHERE THE BILLBOARD IS PLACED IS AS IMPORTANT AS THE MESSAGE ITSELF. IT WENT UP IN WEST PALM BEACH, JUST OFF OF I-95 OUTSIDE MAR-ALAGO, FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S MAIN RESIDENCE. The project comes from FOLX Health, a medical company specializing in treatments for the trans and queer communities, and is the brainchild of their VP of Marketing, Rocco Kayiatos and A.G. Breitenstein, the founder and CEO. It was put up in late March for Trans Visibility Day, and they made sure it was visible to the former president.

The Trump administration was openly hostile towards trans rights. He supported

“The ‘precious’ language was used to get the attention of people who prioritize money.”

- Rocco Kayiatos

VP OF MARKETING, FOLX HEALTH

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3

legislation or administrative rules to end protection for trans children in schools, banned trans people from serving in the military, ended some protections for trans prisoners and fought trans recognition in federal employment laws.

The message is bigger than just one person. Rocco said that while it appears to be for an audience of one, it’s about reaching the entire Palm Beach County community.

“The ‘precious’ language was used to get the attention of people who prioritize money,” he said.

He also points out that Florida isn’t very friendly to the trans community. The latest assault on trans people comes from the Florida House of Representatives, which passed a bill that would require proof of a student’s biological sex to play sports.

State Representative Omari Hardy (D-Palm Beach County) is an opponent of the bill and tweeted that it could lead to genital inspections.

In addition to making a statement on Trans Visibility Day, Rocco said it was inspired by all the community has been through over the past year; the pandemic, the election, and the overall political climate made it seem like everything was turning up the heat all at once. The response has been very positive.

FOLX Health has gotten letters of thanks and encouragement for getting the message out, and Rocco said there hasn’t been much, if any, negative blowback.

FOLX Health serves the queer and trans communities in 15 states, including Florida. To learn more about their services, you can visit FolxHealth.com.

3/19/2021 11:17:49 PM

PA L M B E A C H

news

PBCHRC’S ‘WINTER FETE’ RAISES $90,000 A RECORD AMOUNT Jason Parsley

Rand Hoch and Michael Kagdis at The Winter Fete. Photo credit: Gail Haines.

THE PALM BEACH COUNTY HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL’S ANNUAL WINTER FETE TOOK PLACE APRIL 10 AT THE ANN NORTON SCULPTURE GARDENS RAISING A RECORD AMOUNT FOR THE LOCAL LGBT RIGHTS ORGANIZATION — MORE THAN $90,000.

“This year’s Winter Fete was magical — and our most successful event ever,” said Rand Hoch, PBCHRC’s president.

About 165 people attended this year’s event.

“Most of our supporters had not been able to socialize outside of their immediate pods for more than one year,” Hoch said.

“Watching people reconnect — still in a socially distant way — in this beautiful venue was heartwarming.”

- Rand Hoch

PRESIDENT OF THE PBCHRC

“Watching people reconnect — still in a socially distant way — in this beautiful venue was heartwarming.”

Despite the pandemic PBCHRC has had a busy year so far. Here are just a few of their achievements according to their website.

— By unanimous vote, the West Palm Beach City Commission voted to designate H.G. Roosters as a Historic Preservation Site.

— The Town of Lake Park enacts an LGBT-inclusive civil rights ordinance.

— The School District of Palm Beach County requires public schools to require gender-neutral caps and gowns for graduations.

— Palm Beach County amends its Equal Opportunity Ordinance by extending protection from discrimination to employees working for small businesses (those with 5-14 employees).

Visit www.pbchrc.org to learn more about PBCHRC.

4 . 29. 20 21 •

19

CONVICTIONS

My Best Gay Self

YOUR OWN HERO PT. 2

BEING PRESENT Mark Turnipseed

U

pon closing my eyes and dreaming up my hero, two images appear. One is a beautiful strong and tall Jason Momoa who sets his beach towel next to mine. The other one is a medic who has come to my aide after a bullet tore through my gut and I lie gasping for air in a tragic “Saving Private Ryan” theatrical scene.

Both of these types of heroes are wildly different in many respects, but in one way they are the same: they’re present.

They aren’t in the future; they aren’t in the past.

Jason Momoa is there saving me from loneliness on beach wondering if I’ll ever find love or just give up and the medic is saving me from a bullet hole that has torn through me leaving me wondering if I can continue to live. In both cases my fear is larger than life and it’s only healed in the moment. Well, OK, it’s only healed by a collection of moments that lead to love in one case or life in the other, but this collection of moments starts now, in the present; the moment each kneel down by my side on the sandy beach.

These instances may be slightly dramatic, but how different is this from taking a medication that your body needs to survive, or providing your body with its essential vitamins and nutrients to function? Further, how different is it from managing stress so that you don’t continue to strain your heart leading to eventual cardiovascular failure? How different is it than abstaining from sugar so that your blood sugar doesn’t dip into a diabetic stage setting you up to need insulin the rest of your life?

It isn’t any different other than the face that you have complete control over it. You don’t have control over Jason Momoa to love you and you don’t have control over the medic’s skills to save you, but you do have control over the choices you are faced with today, in this moment, that either lead to unobstructed living or struggle and hardship. We have learned in the last article that you can’t wait for someone to rescue you here. You have to be your hero.

WE HAVE LEARNED IN THE LAST ARTICLE THAT YOU CAN’T WAIT FOR SOMEONE TO RESCUE YOU HERE. YOU HAVE TO BE YOUR HERO.

20

• 4 . 29.2021

Mark Turnipseed. Photo via Facebook.

How? By doing the same thing Jason Momoa and the medic did. Come to your own side, right now. Be present.

Close your eyes and feel your breath. Downloading a mindfulness app could be helpful. Just check in with yourself. Sit by your side, listen and diagnosis yourself with what you need. When you find it, give it to yourself?

Mindfulness is something that is built. Take time

to connect through the app, but then start applying mindfulness to every situation. When things get hectic, step back, check in, save yourself from the stress; be your hero. When things get morose, dark, or melancholy, take a step forward — go on a walk or a jog; be your hero. When things get sad, take a step in, feel your sadness and recognize what you need to be happy; be your hero!

My Best Gay Self is a column by author, speaker, fitness coach and LGBTQ addiction and wellness advocate, Mark Turnipseed. He is also the Owner and CEO of Integrity Endurance, a network of personal trainers with the goal of fighting the opioid crisis through fitness. Visit www.markaturnipseed. com to learn more/contact or to find his book “My Suicide Race: Surviving the trauma of addiction, recovery and coming out.”

ind-2879-SFGN-3-AD02-v04-r01-MECH.pdf

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Andy Marlette

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4 . 29. 20 21 •

21

1

LIFESTYLE CELEBRITY

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

TELEVISION

CELEBRITY

BE STILL MY BEATING HEART!

THE MORE THE MERRIER! EZRA FURMAN COMES OUT AS TRANS

‘HEARTSTOPPER’ LIVE ACTION SERIES TO APPEAR ON NETFLIX

Fans of “Heartstopper,” get ready for a live action adaptation of the beloved graphic novel.

The cast has been revealed for the main characters, Out reported that newcomer Joe Locke will join Kit Connor (“His Dark Materials”) in the roles of Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson. The series will appear on Netflix, even getting praises from Alexi Wheeler, director of Kids & Family Content at Netflix.

Even though stories like these are starting to become more abundant, we still don’t see as much of them as we want to.

According to Gay Times, “The whole thing is just so poignant and beautifully crafted. To tell a love story between two boys who meet at school involves such

“Heartstopper.” Credit: Alice Oseman.

vision and creative focus, Alice [the author] has absolutely delivered this here,” Wheeler said.

The series is set to be directed by Euros Lyn, best known for her work in “Sherlock” and “Doctor Who.” The official release date has not been set, but recent speculation suggests that it will come out in the beginning of 2022.

Ezra Furman, the 34-year-old folk singer has revealed that she is a transgender woman.

Furman posted a long heartfelt post on Instagram, describing it to be something she wanted to do for two plus years.

Furman wrote, “I have often described myself as non-binary, which maybe is still true … But I’ve come to terms with the fact that I am a woman, and yes for me it’s complex, but it’s complex to be any sort of woman. I am very proud to be a trans woman and to have come to know it and be able to say it. This has not been an easy journey.”

Furman also took this chance to not only describe her feelings and her hesitation of coming out as a transgender woman, but she also described her

Ezra Furman. Photo via Facebook.

feeling as a transgender mom as well.

Out reported that she explained there were “zero examples” of trans mothers raising their children for Furman to consult or emulate.

MUSIC

ONE OF US! KEHLANI COMES OUT!

Famous Pop/R&B icon Kehlani, has just come out to the public, confirming that she is lesbian.

She casually pointed out her sexuality in an Instagram live video, but confirmed it via Tik Tok. Kehlani has amassed lots of success as a queer artist such as Grammy nominations and appearances on Billboard’s Top 200 list, according to The Advocate.

Kehlani, who goes by she/they pronouns, gives insight as to how people’s experiences differ when they come out.

“I don’t walk down the street and people look at me and go, ‘Oh, I bet she’s queer.’ Or ‘I bet that she’s into women’ or anything like that …

I was able to make being 100 percent myself because of the way they present and the biases

22

• 4 . 29.2021

and the phobias of the American public and the world ... I’ve been lucky, super lucky,” she told The Advocate.

Kehlani’s seen lots of success as a queer woman. She is one of the few people in the LGBT community to have reached such a mainstream audience and redefine the industry.

As an artist she is a 24/7 factory of ideas and collaborations, she’s worked with the industry’s biggest names as Advocate states, such as Lesbian Jesus herself (Hayley Kiyoko), Musiq Soulchild, Jhené Aiko, Cardi B, Ty Dolla $ign, Justin Bieber, Zayn Malik, and James Blake.

The singer has a 2-year-old daughter with guitarist Javaughn Young-White which, according to Pride, they plan on raising in a progressive loving environment.

Kehlani. Photo via Facebook.

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ucas DeGori and Dominic Clatterbuck were inspired to create their shop after buying from small businesses for years.

“I grew up in a small town that’s built on small businesses, it’s always something I’ve always wanted to be a part of,” Clatterbuck said.

The pair teamed up to create Bear Bytes, which is a small Etsy shop that specializes in resin and epoxy art.

“We sell things like keychains and earrings, but in the coming months we’re planning on expanding to more jewelry like necklaces as well as home decor items such as coasters, trays, magnets, and ashtrays,” they said.

To honor the shop name, DeGori and Clatterbuck sell resin bear keychains with a variety of colors and glitters within them.

The two gay artists say that “the [strawberry] earrings are our first favorite thing we’ve made and the bear keychain is a very close second.”

Bear Bytes sells products with subtle references to LGBT pride as well, such as Photo via @bear.byte, Instagram.

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Lucas DeGori and Dominic Clatterbuck.

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keychains made with the transgender pride flag colors.

DeGori, who identifies as nonbinary, loves running a small business because of the impact they are able to have on customers.

“The idea that something we created could make someone so happy is the best part of it honestly,” they said.

Clatterbuck, who identifies as agender, enjoys the creative control they are able to have while running their business.

“I really enjoy working at my own pace,” they said. “Doing something creative that other people like is really rewarding, and I’ve always enjoyed doing art but I’ve never sold it before, so it’s a really cool new experience to see people getting use out of and enjoyment from things I’ve created.”

Since the business is relatively new, their product is limited. But the pair assure customers that new products are coming soon, including blind bags.

Their goal for this year is simple: “We honestly just want to see our products get to owners who will love and enjoy them as much as we loved and enjoyed making them.”

To support this LGBT-owned small business, visit the Bear Bytes Etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/BearBytesEpoxy or check out their Instagram @bear.byte.

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Live streaming • wwnnradio.com 4 . 29. 20 21 •

23

LIFESTYLE FOOD

OPEN WIDE

THE RESTAURANT BIZ IS SLOWLY RETURNING TO NORMAL Rick Karlin

T

he restaurant business is mercurial at best and the pandemic didn’t make things any easier. However, for every place that the pandemic shuts down, another seems to pop up in its place, like a game of restaurant Whack-A-Mole.

You don’t expect to see a landmark like FRANCO AND VINNY’S going out of business.

The community institution on Sunrise Boulevard has been around for 50-plus years, and the décor looks unchanged. However, this is not a closure due entirely to COVID. Owner Vincenzo Esposito’s decision to retire, at age 79, is the driving force, “My health is good, but I don’t have no life. I want to enjoy, a little bit, my life,” he says. “My brother had a heart attack at 76 [Franco Esposito, cofounder of the restaurant, died in 2014], I want to enjoy life with my wife, my daughter, you know?” Esposito reiterates that the decision to close is unrelated to the pandemic. “We’re still busy like crazy,” he said.

The landmark opened in 1971 in a storefront just east of the Intracoastal waterway and has always featured a classic Italian-American menu of pizza, pasta, seafood, meat and poultry dishes, and desserts. Many dishes were prepared from Esposito’s mother’s recipes. In the pre-pandemic days, Esposito would have easily been able to sell the business. Now, with investors less likely to take chances, all he can do is retire.

Fort Lauderdale Buckeyes mourned when their iconic SKYLINE CHILI on Federal and 26th St. closed a few months ago. After 50 years, the building will be demolished to make way for a Valvoline Instant Oil Change shop. But fans needn’t be depressed, there is another Skyline Chili in Sunrise, at 2834 N. University Dr. Sure, the strip mall storefront doesn’t have the same retro feel as the beloved Fort Lauderdale location, but the menu is the same, as is the interior.

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• 4 . 29.2021

BROWN DOG EATERY, the comfort food restaurant from the Be Nice chain (Coconuts, Foxy Brown’s, Top Hat), on Oakland Park Blvd, west of Federal, never quite caught on. Let’s hope the new tenant in the space KRAFT BISTRO DELI has better luck. Mangos restaurant closed long before the pandemic, with promises to reopen after a remodeling.

It sat empty for a while, and now after extensive remodeling, has reopened as the Fort Lauderdale outpost of the CUBRA LIBRE chain with outposts in Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Orlando, and Atlantic City. We’ll see how it fares where there are dozens of real Cuban restaurants to compare it to. The restaurant will be open for lunch, dinner, and brunch.

Another place that sat vacant for a long time is the former barbeque spot at 500 E. Oakland Park Blvd. We kind of guessed what was going on there when it was repainted a stark white and sky-blue, the colors of the Greek flag. GYRO EXPRESS opened quietly and if you’re expecting a place run by a bunch of swarthy, muscled, Greek men, sweating behind the grill (calm down, Rick), you’ll be surprised to hear a thick Russian accent from the woman staffing the counter and the folks speaking Spanish working in the kitchen. It is a global enterprise. The menu is limited, the namesake sandwich, the Gyro Express is a typical gyro, topped with fries; better to go for the classic version. I tried a trio of the souvlaki, pork, chicken, and ground lamb ($2.50 each).

Each was juicy and well-prepared. The thick tzatziki, almost a cheese spread, clung well to the souvlaki. I’ll be back.

Spread your LIPS, hunty! Yes, the show

Franky & Vinny’s. Photo courtesy of Rick Karlin.

Lips masked. Photo courtesy of Rick Karlin.

Skyline Chili. Photo courtesy of Rick Karlin.

lounge and restaurant is open again, after having weathered the pandemic. Nothing can keep a good drag queen (or chorus line of them) down! By the time you read this, they’ll be dishing up sass and surprisingly good food and putting on shows, although, for the time being, things will look a little different.

Lips was founded 30 years ago in New York City. Owner and founder Mark Zschiesche brought the concept to South Florida in November 2007. He said, “Lips closed down because the large groups weren’t coming.”

Zschiesche says demand is back thanks in large part to the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, “It’s been a hard year, and people want to loosen up.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

It seems that people are eager to go out.”

There will still be minor differences from the pre-pandemic experience. Celebrations will have to be muted to maintain social distancing. Rather than parade a bachelorette party or birthday celebrant on stage, the festivities will be centered at each party’s dining table. While serving, the queens will wear masks, of course, but those precautions will also extend to the stage, with performers wearing masks or face shields during performances. (Didn’t Valentina get booted off “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for just that?) Whether wearing masks or face shields, expect the queens to make it absolutely fabulous.

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.

FLORIDA GAINS ONE SEAT IN 2020 CENSUS Read SFGN.com to find out more.

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A&E APPOINTMENTS

The Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale has been nominated for Theatre of the Decade award. Credit: Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

ARTSBEAT BROWARD CENTER NEEDS YOUR VOTE J.W. Arnold BROWARD CENTER NOMINATED FOR TOP INDUSTRY AWARD The Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale has been nominated for the “Theatre of the Decade Award” by Pollstar, a live entertainment industry data and content company similar to Nielsen.

The 32nd Annual Pollstar Awards will recognize artists, venues, and individuals who rose to the occasion during the pandemic shutdown through streaming of live events, alternative delivery of live performances, philanthropy and innovation.

Because venues were particularly hard hit, the “Theatre of the Decade Award” celebrates the theater that showcased superior talent booking, effective promotion, quality production values and staff, an exemplary experience for fans and artists and consistent box office success over the last decade.

The only venue in Florida to be nominated, the Broward Center is pitted against hefty competition: Radio City Music Hall and the Beacon Theatre in New York City, Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Chicago Theatre, Durham Performing Arts Center, and the Auditorio Nacional and Auditorio Telmex in Mexico.

Voting is open to the general public now through May 14 at SurveyMonkey.com/r/WY658FB.

EPIPHANY THEATRE ANSWERS YOUR PRAYERS The latest local theater company to reopen following the COVID-19 pandemic is Ed Sparan’s Epiphany Theatre at Eliot Hall on the Fort Lauderdale United Church of Christ campus, 2501 NE 30th St. “Nunsense A-men!” is a hilarious spoof of the long-running Off Broadway comedy about the misadventures of five nuns trying to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the sisterhood died from botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia Child of God. Thus, the remaining nuns — ballet-loving Sister Leo, streetwise Sister Robert Anne, befuddled Sister Mary Amnesia, mistress of the novices Sister Hubert and Mother Superior — stage a talent show in order to raise the money to bury their dearly departed.

Here’s the tasty twist: “Nunsense A-men!” is performed by a cast of men and dishes up a plate of irreverent comedy to accompany the bread and wine at any Mass. Sparan directs with musical direction by Ryan Crout and choreography by Michael Gillespie.

The production runs May 6 — 27. Tickets are $20 at NunsenseAmen.Eventbrite.com.

LAST WEEKEND FOR OUTSHINE MIAMI It’s not too late to enjoy many of the outstanding LGBT-themed features, documentaries and shorts being featured by the OUTshine LGBT Film Festival Miami edition, running through May 2. The festival is once again virtual, with just a few live socially distanced screenings, and the films are available for viewing from the comfort of your own home throughout the state of Florida.

Tickets for most individual films are $12 each with discounted packages available. For tickets and more information, go to OUTshineFilm.com.

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• 4 . 29.2021

A&E THEATER

ACTOR CHANNELS ‘GOLDEN GIRLS’ STAR AT EMPIRE STAGE J.W. Arnold

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sk just about any gay man which “Golden Girls” character he identifies closest and the overwhelming answer is likely going to be “Blanche,” but not Jason B. Schmidt.

For more than a decade, the New Jerseybased actor has been performing as Dorothy in “Golden Girls” parodies and is now bringing a cabaret show celebrating all the iconic roles of Bea Arthur to Fort Lauderdale’s Empire Stage.

“I saw a casting call for a campy drag version of ‘Golden Girls’ in the East Village and they needed someone who was tall with a deep voice,” Schmidt recalled. “That was where I started to make the connection. I had watched ‘Golden Girls’ and knew who ‘Maude’ was, but I had never really studied her.”

Actually, the actress first made an impression on him years earlier when a friend gifted him a CD of Arthur’s 2002 one-woman Broadway cabaret show “Just Between Friends.”

“That show was how I first got to know Bea Arthur … I popped that CD in my Walkman on the bus. I loved the way she told her stories, then sang a song and then back to the stories.”

The actor took a deeper dive into Arthur’s work and soon discovered other unforgettable performances, including Vera Charles from “Mame,” a role that earned a Tony on Broadway in 1966 and a contract to reprise the role on the big screen with Lucille Ball in the lead.

He immersed himself into endless reruns of “Maude” and “Golden Girls,” the sitcom that remains a favorite among gay men and is a pillar of weekly programming on several cable television networks.

Her secret, Schmidt discovered was “her seriousness and the way she delivers a joke.

The reason it was so funny was because she took it so seriously — the timing, the wait — she always took little bit longer than someone should to get to it.”

By 2014 or 2015, Schmidt realized that he had more material than the “Golden Girls” spoofs allowed and he began writing and performing a cabaret-style show celebrating the full range of Arthur’s work.

Jason B. Schmidt performs as Bea Arthur in a cabaret show at Empire Stage, May 5 — 9.

Credit: Jason B. Schmidt.

He had never been intimidated by performing in drag, the “sissy boy from Lubbock, Texas” admitted. After moving to Denver while in high school, he discovered opera, acting and the escape that roles, costumes and make-up afforded. He thought he might become an opera singer, but really liked hanging around with the theater majors on the University of Denver campus.

“Even in college, I have been blessed with playing several female leading roles, so I wasn’t afraid of it,” he said of female impersonation. “Over the past three or so years, I’ve become more interested in the art of drag because of the abundance of drag on TV right now … and with YouTube, it’s easy to find the people who do makeup the way I might like to do make-up.”

After appearances on the East and West Coasts, Schmidt will debut “Bea Arthur: Astral Dame” in South Florida and describes the show simply as “Bea Arthur comes back from the heavens — the Astral Plane — to sing a few more songs and tell a few more stories the way she’s always wanted.”

He concluded, “Once I opened the door and allowed Bea into my life, so many opportunities have followed,” and he thinks Arthur couldn’t be happier.

Jason B. Schmidt stars in “Bea Arthur: Astral Dame,” May 5 — 9 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $35 and $25 for a live-streaming performance on May 7. Seating is limited and socially distanced. Masks are required. For tickets and more information, go to EmpireStage.com.

4 . 29. 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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