SFGN 05/06/21 V12iss18 by South Florida Gay News

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE

MAY 6, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 18

JUDAS

HE MARCHED WITH US. HE VOTED WITH US. NOW REP. CHIP LAMARCA HAS BETRAYED US. PAGES 6 - 7

More Transphobia From Vice Mayor PAGE 11 SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

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• 5. 6 . 2021

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Arts Warehouse, BeWellPBC, and Jefferson are bringing together a mix of local artists and organizations to make the ball a true community event. Palm Beach County drag favorite Tyresha Jones will perform, and Monarch Health Group will provide HIV testing. Other organizations, like Compass Community Center, Overeaters Anonymous, and Bridges of Lake Worth will also be available to talk about the services that they provide to the community. Jones was tasked with bringing a performance that both shows her authentic self and draws awareness to mental health. She said she has been preparing her act for months, and is bringing a drag performance to the fashion ball because it’s “one of the key elements of expression for the LGBT community itself. Drag helped me be able to express my true self.” As for COVID safety, Jefferson said the

event will be socially distant and masks will be enforced. Attendees are required to preregister and will be temperature checked on entry. While he knows some may shy away from wearing extravagant costumes or strutting their stuff, Jefferson said that they shouldn’t let the fear stop them from joining in on the festivities. “It’s really about having fun, it’s not a ‘stuffy’ event,” Jefferson said. “We encourage individuality and want people to be as comfortable as possible. Whatever you feel like putting on, come out and show some support.” Out of over 108 artists who submitted artwork in the ball’s theme of Mental Health Awareness, 27 were chosen to have their work — paintings, drawing, sculptures, video installations, even jewelry — on display at Arts Warehouse for the entire month of May.

The ball starts at 6 p.m. on May 8. Attendees can pre-register on eventbrite.com for free.

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ou don’t need a designer gown to be considered “Best Expressed” at Art Warehouse’s upcoming Fashion Art Ball in Delray Beach May 8, just in time for Mental Health Awareness Month. The ball is a collaboration between Arts Warehouse, county initiative BeWellPBC, and creative director Deon C. Jefferson, who says the idea is partially inspired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual themed Met Gala. “I don’t have any background in the health field whatsoever,” said Jefferson, who works in fashion and design by day, “But I knew I wanted to make a difference somehow.” Jefferson teamed up with local organizations like Psyche Signature, an apparel brand that promotes mental health awareness, to center the event around conversations that cofounder Anthony Gonzalez says need to be happening more often. “There’s a unique vulnerability there,” Gonzalez said. “This is a wonderful expression for people of all walks of life, and particularly within the queer community, to be open and more understanding.” While mental health is a community issue, Jefferson said the belle of the ball will be the person who stands out the most. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed in fashion that best highlights their individuality. The winner with the “Best Expressed Outfit” will walk away with a free photoshoot. “I’m looking to be surprised,” said Jefferson, who will judge the competition with Arts Warehouse creative team Grace Gdaniec and Lui Acosta, “I’m looking for people to be their full, authentic selves.”

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May 6, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 18

COVER: Chip LaMarca at Stonewall Pride. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

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5. 6 . 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

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• 5. 6 . 2021

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5. 6 . 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

REP. CHIP LAMARCA VOTES

AGAINST TRANS COMMUNITY SOME LGBT ACTIVISTS CALLED HIS VOTE A BETRAYAL Jason Parsley

Chip LaMarca at Stonewall Pride. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

• 5. 6 . 2021

NEWS LOCAL an unrelated bill LaMarca said this: “Not only did our legislature go back and revive ep. Chip LaMarca, a Republican, has marched in LGBT Pride a questionable policy, but against all odds the Florida Senate stripped Florida of our parades, and voted with the community on numerous issues leadership role that will empower student including banning conversion therapy on minors when he athletes to earn a living off their talent.” Despite the bill being questionable served on the Broward County Commission. LaMarca voted for it – again. “The proposed law relies on baseless But it appears standing up for trans and equality,” he said. arguments to scare people into thinking that student athletes is a bridge too far for Equality Florida shot back: “Him lashing allowing transgender females to participate LaMarca whose state house district includes out at the NCAA and community advocates in the sport of the gender with which they a portion of Wilton Manors. is a pitiful attempt to deflect attention from identify will create huge inequities for female “I’m disappointed but not surprised at his indefensible support for a bill that does athletes. Check the decade-long record. It his betrayal of the trans community,” said real harm. He is supporting legislation that hasn’t happened,” Brinkworth wrote in her former Mayor of Broward County Ken will be the first specifically anti-LGBTQ OP-ED to the Sun Sentinel. “While there Keechl, who lost two elections to LaMarca. legislation passed in more than 20 years. is no evidence of this bill’s necessity, there “When Chip LaMarca participated with the And he did it while never making time to sit is plenty of evidence that our LGBTQ+ LGBT community in the Stonewall Parade, down with the families directly impacted.” youth are suffering, with higher levels of was he simply pandering to the community? LaMarca continued to lash out against depression, higher incidents of drug and This is not the position of an enlightened Equality Florida in an email to SFGN. alcohol use and higher likelihood of suicidal Broward public official.” “I am always open to meet with and ideations and/or death by suicide. The His position was striking enough that The support our LGBT community here in reality of those statistics should be driving Floridian, a local right-wing political news Broward County and the conversation toward outlet, wrote a story on it titled “LaMarca throughout Florida, but in inclusion and support rather Supports Transgendered Athletes ban my mind Equality Florida no than exclusion and division, Bill in FL House.” The story labeled him a longer stands for anything and the positive impact “centrist.” other than profiteering sports has on young people LaMarca pushed back and defended his on the back of true social should be part of that. Being record to SFGN. justice changes,” he said. a teenager is hard enough “Over my 16 years of my public service I “They have become Florida’s when the cards aren’t stacked never have, and never will, stop fighting for Capitol complainers and it is against you. As adults, we “WHEN CHIP LGBT rights,” he said. “I will never vote to drowning out the true voices should do everything we can limit, restrict, or take away the rights of men from our LGBT community.” to promote inclusion and LAMARCA and women to marry who they love, or adopt LaMarca noted in the create safe environments for PARTICIPATED children into loving homes and families. I committee hearing that children.” believe my record over the years shows this.” what did give him pause WITH THE LGBT One Democrat, James Bush The bill now bans trans women and girls was an OP-ED from his (D-Miami), crossed the aisle COMMUNITY IN THE from participating in some school sports friend Heather Brinkworth, in the house voting for the STONEWALL PARADE, bill while one Republican in Florida. It’s been opposed by all of the a former Broward County major LGBT rights organizations and many School Board Member and in the state senate, Gayle WAS HE SIMPLY athletics groups. Republican. Harrell (representing parts PANDERING TO THE Keechl, Broward’s first openly gay mayor, But in the end LaMarca of Palm Beach county), voted isn’t the only one who saw LaMarca’s stance voted for the bill justifying against the bill. COMMUNITY?” as a betrayal. Equality Florida blasted the it by saying “...although Brinkworth’s OP-ED may Broward Republican. I’m not convinced of the have given LaMarca pause, - Ken Keechl “Chip LaMarca’s vote was a betrayal. He necessity of this legislation. FORMER MAYOR OF but it didn’t stop him from BROWARD COUNTY has capitulated to unfounded fears and lies I will support it moving into casting his vote against trans because he was unwilling to stand up to the House floor because this youth. leadership,” a spokesperson from Equality is something that should be In the past though LaMarca Florida wrote to SFGN. “This bill is driven by debated thoroughly by the 120 members of has shown he’s willing to stand up to his own GOP polling and is part of an orchestrated the Florida House…” party. In 2014 both LaMarca and Brinkworth nationwide strategy to target the trans youth Later LaMarca voted with the full House marched in the annual Stonewall Parade to feed the hard right base.” to support the bill. That bill, along with the in Wilton Manors and both were viciously During a committee hearing on the trans state Senate’s version, stalled. It was reported attacked by their fellow local Republicans for bill LaMarca blasted the NCAA for their in the media it looked like there would be doing so. treatment of women’s sports. not enough time left to pass the bills. A week At the time he had this to say about “I’m absolutely shocked any of these later though Republican lawmakers used attending the parade: “Show everybody — groups would come here today, in opposition a procedural shortcut to add the bill as an as attending events in the Black community to this legislation that they would use the amendment to another unrelated bill, just and attending events in less Republican areas NCAA as their example. I would specifically two days before the end of the legislative — I’m a commissioner that’s always there. I’d warn groups like Equality Florida against session. much rather be educated on issues by talking setting the NCAA as a beacon of moral hope When speaking to Sport Illustrated on to people than getting talking points from

Chip LaMarca’s election banner as seen at Stonewall Pride. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

someone or some organization telling me how to think.” Keechl even defended LaMarca at the time telling the Sun Sentinel: “Chip and Heather should not be attacked for participating in the Stonewall Parade. That’s just homophobia at its worst, and the right wingers of the Republican Party should be ashamed of themselves. It’s disgusting.” Flyers and emails were distributed and sent to Republicans disparaging LaMarca and Brinkworth. One such email started off with, “Whores chasing whores, if you will.” Andy Eddy, a former chair of the Broward County Log Cabin Republicans, has long supported LaMarca. He even wrote an OPED in 2010 for SFGN backing LaMarca over Keechl in 2010. “I won’t officially speak on behalf of Rep. LaMarca and his difficult decision on transgender exclusion in competitive sports, apparently based on one’s biologically gender at birth, other than suggesting that perhaps, at this time, the jury may still be out on this controversial and divisive issue for all concerned,” Eddy said. “I will not readily cancel out Rep. LaMarca at this point in time. I’ll digest the divisiveness from both sides of fence, namely that of the Liberal left GLBT community and then the Socially Conservative right within the GOP, and then hopefully and successfully maneuver through those challenging minefields which all too frequently divides, rather than slowly and amicably affords mending and an equitable resolve [...] allowing the willing to foster and enable reconciliation.” In 2018 LaMarca, while still on the Broward commission, voted to ban conversion therapy on minors, saying it was a tough decision: “Try being a Republican in Broward County that supports his gay friends.” After the vote fellow Broward Commissioner Tim Ryan joked, “You’ve been in political conversion since I’ve been here.” Not anymore.

5. 6 . 20 21 •

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5. 6 .12:53 20 21PM • 4/26/21

NEWS MIAMI-DADE

OUT ON THE TRAIL Kevin Burns Campaigning To Turn North Miami Around John McDonald

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Kevin Burns. Photo via Facebook.

e’s done the job before. Executive Director Orlando Gonzales. “His Kevin Burns, a former two-term prior experience as mayor provides him with mayor, is asking voters in North Miami the ability to jump into the new role with to give him another opportunity to serve the virtually no learning curve.” city. A gay man, Burns is campaigning for a It has been reported North Miami has council seat in District 2. an $8 million deficit in its general budget. Burns said he has the endorsement of Burns, Gonzales said, will “help bring the SAVE’s Action Pac, Equality city into a healthy and vibrant Florida, the Miami Realtors existence.” Association and the South The election is May 11 Florida Police Benevolent and a run-off is likely, said Association. Gonzales. Burns is one of “I am working hard to meet seven candidates seeking the and introduce myself to the District 2 seat. voters of District 2 whom SAVE has endorsed Laura may not have been living here Hill, an LGBT ally for the when I was mayor [2005District 3 seat. 2009],” Burns said. “I turned Meanwhile, the Coral our city around back then and Gables run-off did not go I’m sure I will be able to push so well for out gay man for real financial reform that José Valdés-Fauli. Rhonda our city needs.” Anderson, an attorney, North Miami has an defeated Valdés-Fauli, a estimated population of retired banker, in the race - Kevin Burns 70,000 people, Burns said, for Group 2 commission seat. CANDIDATE with a large Haitian-American Anderson received 5,251 votes community. If elected, Burns for 73%, easily blowing past would be the second gay man Valdés-Fauli, who received on the council. District 1 Councilman Scott 1,949 votes for 27%. Galvin has served the city since 1999. Valdés-Fauli was seeking to become the “We are excited to endorse Kevin Burns for first out gay man to serve on the Coral Gables the City of North Miami council,” said SAVE Commission.

“I TURNED OUR CITY AROUND BACK THEN AND I’M SURE I WILL BE ABLE TO PUSH FOR REAL FINANCIAL REFORM THAT OUR CITY NEEDS.”

• 5. 6.2021

NEWS LOCAL

VICE MAYOR OF FORT LAUDERDALE TO BLACK TRANS WOMAN: ‘DO YOU WANT TO ARM WRESTLE ME?’

Christiana Lilly

he issue of LGBT rights returned to the Fort Lauderdale City Commission Tuesday evening when a local trans woman addressed members of the dais who did not vote in favor of a resolution slamming anti-trans bills. Brought forward by Commissioner Steve Glassman, the resolution was in response to HB 1475 and SB 2012, calling for athletes to play on teams according to their biological sex in the name of “equality.” The April 20 resolution passed 3-1, with Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis voting no and Commissioner Robert McKinzie not present for the vote. However, during the discussion, he said he was against it. “Trans women are women,” said Carvelle Estriplet, the owner of Carvelle Bikes, a recent appointee to the Wilton Manors Community Affairs Advisory Board, and a Black trans woman. She spoke before the commission during the neighborhood presentation portion of the meeting. “You have to understand, as a trans woman, we face [discrimination], we are demonized, we are constantly ridiculed. It’s so disgusting right now that the conservative movement is going after trans women. To create issues that do not exist. What is the purpose of that? There’s no purpose for that.” She thanked Mayor Dean Trantalis, Commissioner Ben Sorensen and Glassman for their votes of support of the resolution. She then turned her attention to the rest of the commission. “Commissioner McKinzie, I just want to inform you that Black trans lives matter, as well,” she said to the commissioner, who is Black. Then she turned to Moraitis saying, “It’s so hypocritical, vice mayor, that you champion yourself as a Christian, you champion yourself that you are for women’s rights. You champion yourself that you want to help the underdog, but you’re being hypocritical.”

Pictured: Vice Mayor Heather Moraitis (left) and Carvelle Estriplet. Photos via Facebook.

Moraitis said that she voted against the resolution because it wasn’t fair to girls and women athletes to play against those who were born biologically male, stating that it was a matter of women’s rights. During Tuesday’s meeting, she presented a proclamation to the girls’ soccer team at Cardinal Gibbons High School. “I do have to say I think you have a physical advantage over me, being born a biological female,” Moraitis said. “I have to look at Caitlyn Jenner, what she said this week. I have to look at people who also have experience and see what they say.” Jenner, who recently announced her run for governor of California, made headlines when she said that transgender girls shouldn’t be allowed to play on girls’ sports teams. This went against previous statements she made, in particular, during a speech she made when she won the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2015 after coming out as trans. Glassman questioned how she could say this when she plays golf on women’s teams. Moraitis told Estriplet she appreciated her speaking and sharing her perspective, but also pressed the issue that she believes she is stronger than her. “Do you want to stand next to me? Do you want to compare? Do you want to arm wrestle me?” she asked. “I do believe men are biologically stronger.” Estriplet replied, “Are you calling me a man?” Commissioners also noted that the NCAA has stood for transgender athletes, who are allowed to play on college teams. The organization has gone so far as to boycott states that don’t promote equality for transgender athletes. “This year, 2021, we lost 17 transgender women, the majority of them were Black and brown,” Estriplet said. “Use your Christian heart. You preach that you’re a person of faith … There’s no place for hate. There’s no place for that.”

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• 5. 6.2021

Caitlyn Jenner. Photo credit: David Fitzgerald.

week after announcing her run for Outsports in 2020 when she gave a statement California’s next governor, Caitlyn regarding Idaho Gov. Brad Little’s decision to Jenner said that transgender girls sign two anti-trans bills into law. shouldn’t be allowed to compete in girls’ “I think every trans person, if they’re into sports. athletics, should have an opportunity to Jenner, a trans Republican, was compete and to improve themselves,” Jenner interviewed by TMZ about her opinion on said. “I think sports is such a great way to the anti-LGBT bills making their way across learn a lot about yourself. And yeah, I want the United States, more specifically, the bills to, hopefully they’ll have the opportunity in that would ban trans female athletes from the future to do whatever they can do. I’m all joining girls’ and women’s for it,” she said, and then said school sports teams. again, with more emphasis: JENNER ALREADY “I’m all for it.” “It just isn’t fair,” Jenner said to TMZ. “And we have to protect She also competed in a HAS A ROCKY girls’ sports in our school.” women’s golf tournament for RELATIONSHIP The reporter attempted to the ANA Inspiration Pro-Am ask a follow-up question as in Rancho Mirage, California, WITH THE LGBT to whether or not that would in 2016. COMMUNITY FOR delegitimize trans people who A reality TV personality have already transitioned, but and trans rights activist HER SUPPORT Jenner got into her car without who described herself as OF FORMER giving an answer. “economically conservative, The irony is that in 2015, socially progressive” in a PRESIDENT Jenner gave an acceptance People magazine interview, DONALD TRUMP speech that was contradictory Jenner already has a rocky to her views on trans athletes relationship with the LGBT IN 2016. today when she won the Arthur community for her support Ashe Courage Award. of former President Donald “I also want to acknowledge all the young Trump in 2016. trans athletes who are out there — given the However, when Trump made the decision chance to play sports as who they really are,” to reverse trans access to public school she said. “And now, as of this week, it appears bathrooms and banned trans people from that trans people will soon be serving in the serving in the U.S. military, Jenner criticized military. That’s a great idea. We have come a him for it. long way. But we have a lot of work to do.” Jenner, 71, will face Gov. Gavin Newsom, a More recently Jenner supported trans Democrat, in a recall election later this year. people playing sports in an interview with

5. 6 . 20 21 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENDALL LITTLE

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Lesbian

ALISON BECHDEL OPENS UP ABOUT HER NEW BOOK Lesbian author Alison Bechdel is known for her moving graphic memoirs that tell stories from her life. She has now released her newest addition — the first since 2012. “The Secret to Superhuman Strength” came out on May 4. The book follows Bechdel through her life as she goes on a quest to find her strength. “I thought I would just do a light, fun book about my exercise life. It turned out not to be so light or so fun after all, but rather very complicated,” she said to LGBTQ Nation. Bechdel dives into deeper issues such as self-doubt and intimacy in her latest graphic memoir before explaining how she came to find her true strength. “Real strength is accepting our vulnerability, accepting the ways we depend on each other and meet each

• 5. 6.2021

Alison Bechdel. Photo via Facebook.

other, and I think that’s been really vividly demonstrated in this pandemic, just how really interconnected we all are,” she said.

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

Transgender

PIXAR PREPARES TO CAST THEIR FIRST TRANS CHARACTER

New Pixar character Jess is kind, funny, and loyal — and you could voice her. Trans March tweeted the news that Pixar was searching for a voice actress to voice a 14-year-old trans girl on April 20. The tweet gained lots of traction with more than 32,000 likes and 13,500 retweets. Twitter users voiced their opinions on the announcement, with most stating that they hope a trans girl is cast as the character. “Don’t really know what ‘can authentically portray a 14-year-old transgender girl’ means but I hope they actually hire a trans actress,” a Twitter user wrote. The announcement is noteworthy because Jess is Pixar’s first transgender character. The name of the project has not been

The press call from Pixar. Credit: Pixar.

revealed yet, nor have any other details.

LGBTQIA BITES

Bisexual

‘9-1-1: LONESTAR’ ACTOR COMES OUT AS BISEXUAL

Ronen Rubinstein recently came out as bisexual during an interview with Variety. “I fully identify as bisexual,” he said. “I literally just got goosebumps saying that. It feels so good to talk about it, it feels so good to finally be comfortable with it.” Rubinstein discussed how embracing his true identity had been a long journey. He feared backlash from his community, which he described as unaccepting. “The biggest thing for me is where I come from, it’s like people like me and people who have identified as bisexual or gay or as any part of the community, you’re just not welcomed. It’s as brutally honest as that,” he said. After gaining confidence through the support of his show’s co-creator Ryan Murphy and his girlfriend Jessica Parker Kennedy, Rubinstein came out. “I want people to know that this is a hopeful and a happy story,” he told Variety. “I want people to know that they’re not alone

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Ronen Rubinstein. Photo via Instagram.

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• 5. 6.2021

The U.S. Senate Floor. Public Domain.

lorida gained one seat in Congress, data from the U.S. Census Bureau revealed April 26. The Sunshine State has gained seats in the House of Representatives after every census since 1930. The population of the United States is enumerated every 10 years as mandated by the Constitution. Representation in Washington, D.C. is based on population. The Census listed Florida’s apportionment population as of April 1, 2020 at 21,570,527. As a result Florida will now receive 28 representatives. Lawmakers in Tallahassee will draw the boundaries of Florida’s new congressional district. With Republicans in control, expectations are the new seat will be red. “They’re going to draw it to be an R seat,” former Florida Senator Chris Smith told the Sun Sentinel. Texas saw the largest increase in

“THEY’RE GOING TO DRAW IT TO BE AN R SEAT.” - Chris Smith FLORIDA SENATOR

representation, gaining two seats. Texas has 29,183,290 people and is allotted 38 representatives. Joining Texas and Florida as growth states are Colorado, Montana, North Carolina and Oregon. Colorado Governor Jared Polis celebrated the news. “Colorado’s clout will grow in our nation’s capital,” tweeted Polis, a gay man and former Representative in Colorado’s Second District. “Colorado will get to elect eight members of Congress next year, one more than now. Another Coloradan will soon be on the way to help make the United States of America an even better country!” Oregon Governor Kate Brown, a bisexual woman, also welcomed the increased presence the Beaver State would have on Capitol Hill. “Every Oregonian’s voice matters, and it is great news that as our state continues to grow we will get an additional seat in Congress to represent us,” Brown tweeted. “Thanks to everyone who participated in the 2020 Census to make sure you were counted.” Seven states lost one representative in the count. Those states are California, Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Overall, the U.S. population grew at a 7.4% rate between 2010 and 2020, the secondslowest pace since the first count in 1910. The U.S. resident population on April 1, 2020 was 331,449,28. There are 435 congressional representatives and 761,169 people per representative.

NEWS STATE

WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA Sean McShee

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN Cumulative COVID-19 Cases in THREE SOUTHKnown FLORIDA COUNTIES: Three South Florida Counties: APRIL 28 THROUGH MAY 4 April 28 through May 4

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 4/28 to 5/04 Palm Beach 1.1%, Broward 1.4%, and Miami Dade 1.1%

143,129

142,829

142,456

4/28

236,592

235,971

235,335

234,699

4/29

4/30

144,069

143,904

143,709

5/1

Palm Beach

237,924

237,510

237,067

143,471

486,808

486,025

485,300

484,514

483,371

482,443

481,397

5/2

5/3

Broward

5/4

Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA COUNTIES: Cumulative Known Deaths Cumulative Known COVID-19 COVID-19 Cases inin Three South South Florida Counties: Three Counties: APRIL 28Florida THROUGH MAY 4 April 28 through May44 April 28 through May

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 deaths from 4/28 to 5/4 Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 4/28 to 5/04 Palm Beach 0.5%, Broward 1.2%, and Miami Dade 1.1% Palm Beach 1.1%, Broward 1.4%, and Miami Dade 1.1%

2,886

2,760

234,699

142,456

4/284/28

2,894

2,885 2,767 235,335

2,770 235,971

143,129

142,829

4/294/29

Palm Beach

2,770 237,067

5/1 5/1

Palm Beach Broward Broward

5/2 5/2

2,921

2,905 237,510 2,774

237,924 2,775

144,069

143,904

143,709

143,471

4/304/30

2,904

2,902 236,592 2,770

486,808

486,025

485,300

484,514

483,371

482,443

481,397

6,206

6,186

6,182

6,175

6,159

6,141

6,140

5/35/3

5/45/4

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

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard. 5. 6 . 20 21 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY COREY ROSE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

VIRGINIA

VIRGINIA GOVERNOR ESTABLISHES LGBTQ ADVISORY BOARD

Gov. Ralph Northam has signed a bill into law making Virginia the first state in the South to have its own state-wide LGBTQ advisory board. The purpose of the advisory board is to “advise the governor regarding the economic, professional, cultural, educational, and governmental links between the Commonwealth and the LGBTQ+ community in Virginia,” according to the bill summary. The board will total 26 members, consisting of 21 non-legislative citizens, at least 15 of whom shall identify as LGBT, to be appointed by the governor for staggered terms. The other five spots are seated by secretaries of the governor’s cabinet. Del. Alfonso Lopez (D-Arlington) sponsored the bill in the House and told

Gov. Ralph Northam. Photo via Facebook.

the Richmond Times-Dispatch, “We’ve seen a sea change in how this state treats and serves LGBTQ+ communities. I think we are beginning to recognize the rich tapestry not only of what Virginian is becoming but has become.” The committee could start operating as early as July 1.

NEW MEXICO TRANS WOMAN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR STATE HOUSE Bunnie Benton Cruse made history on Thursday when she announced her candidacy for the New Mexico legislature, before it’s clear whether or not the seat, currently filled by Rep. Melanie Stansbury, will be vacant in June. If Stansbury wins the special election for New Mexico’s first Congressional district, her seat in the state House will be up for grabs. Benton Cruse, if elected, will be serving the House district she has lived in for 15 years. Equality New Mexico Director Marshall Martinez told the NM Political Report, “That I know of, this is the first time an openly trans person is seeking public office in New Mexico and at the state level on top of that.” Benton Cruse is the chairwoman of the Transgender Resource Center of New

• 5. 6.2021

Bunnie Benton Cruse. Photo via Facebook.

Mexico Board of Directors, and is a board member of A Light in the Night, a nonprofit dedicated to helping those who struggle with homelessness. Benton Cruse told SFGN that she is running “to serve my community. New Mexico is diverse and our elected officials should reflect that diversity. Showing other trans folx, especially other BIPOC trans folx, that we can do anything is important as well.”

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

OHIO

OHIO SCHOOL ELECTS FIRST LESBIAN PROM KING AND QUEEN

Kings Local School District congratulated its first queer couple to win Prom King and Queen at Kings High School last month. Eighteen-year-olds Riley Loudermilk and Annie Wise have known each other since the third grade, and told NBC Out News that they were surprised to find out they were chosen by their peers to hold the coveted titles, but also described the moment as unforgettable. “It took me forever to find this suit that I wore, because there’s like no tuxedos for girls in all of Southwest Ohio,” Loudermilk told NBC, “but the response that I got from it is amazing.” When parents complained to the school district about the prom king not being male, the school district considered it a non-issue.

Photo via the Kings Local School District, Facebook.

Dawn Goulding, a community relations coordinator for the school district, told WLWT, “This is solely a Kings High School senior class nominated and voted-on initiative.”

WASHINGTON D.C. TRANS VETERAN NOMINATED FOR TOP SECURITY POSITION Shawn Skelly, the first openly transgender presidential appointee under the Obama administration, has been nominated by President Biden for assistant secretary of defense for readiness. Skelly served in the U.S. Navy for two decades, retiring as a commander. In addition to Co-Founding of Out in National Security, she is a member of the Atlantic Council’s LGBTI Advisory Council. She joined the Department of Defense in 2013 under former President Obama, and was appointed to the BidenHarris transition team in 2020 as a member of its agency review team. Luke Schleusener, co-founder of Out in National Security, congratulated Skelly’s nomination in a statement. “Shawn is first and foremost a

Shawn Skelly. Photo via Facebook.

public servant. She has dedicated her life to serving the United States in and out of uniform. She has been a stalwart advocate for our community and for LGBTQIA+ national security professionals,” wrote Schleusener. If Skelly is confirmed by the Senate, she will become the highest-ranking openly trans Pentagon official.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

LITHUANIA

CAMEROON

LITHUANIAN ARTIST USES HOMOPHOBIC TWEETS TO RAISE FUNDS FOR LGBT GROUPS

CAMEROONIAN LGBT FEMINIST FIGHTS WITH INCARCERATED TRANS PEOPLE

A Lithuanian artist has raised over $6,000 USD for LGBT groups by selling digital collages of homophobic messages that were sent to parliment members who campaign for gay rights. According to Channel News Asia, these collages, created by Erikas Malisauskas, are made up of 400 offensive messages put together in the shape of a cloud. The messages were intended for Tomas Raskevičius, a well-known figure in Lithuania and the first gay rights leader elected to parliament. Though he isn’t a member of the LGBT community, Malisauskas was shocked by the degree of violence directed at Raskevičius and the LGBT community as a whole. “My goal was to monetise the hate speech,” Malisauskas told Channel

Photo of the project via www.neapykantosdebesis.lt.

News Asia. “Now everyone who wrote the hateful messages to LGBT people has contributed money towards LGBT causes.”

Activist and social media influencer Bandy Kiki found it difficult to adjust to her safety in Britain after emigrating from Cameroon where publicly coming out as a lesbian could lead to prison time. “My friends kept saying, ‘Kiki, it’s legal in this country, chill.’ But I said, ‘No, because sometimes the law will say one thing and the police will do something else,’” she told Reuters in an interview via Skype from Manchester. Loic Njeukam, a local social media star known as Shakiro, and Roland Mouthe, who goes by the name Patricia, have been held in custody for more than two months as they await their trial. The crackdown on Cameroon’s LGBT community, according to Kiki, is only a symptom of a wider issue in Cameroonian culture.

Bandy Kiki. Photo via Instagram.

“Homophobia is like a binding glue when it comes to Cameroonians,” Kiki told Reuters. “When it comes to hating LGBTQ people, they all come together.”

CANADA

EUROPE

HALTON CATHOLIC SCHOOLS SUPPORT LGBT STUDENTS AFTER BOARD DENIES PRIDE FLAGS

EASTERN EUROPE’S ECONOMY DAMAGED BY LGBT DISCRIMINATION

After the school board trustees voted on Monday not to fly the Pride banner at its schools in June, all nine high schools in the Halton Catholic School Board District wrote tweets of inclusion, equality, and diversity. Kirsten Kelly, the Burlington student trustee on the board stated that the fight to fly the flag isn’t over yet. According to CBC, Kelly started a petition to support flying the Pride flag that has gained over 18,000 signatures in a two-week span. “They brought it up because many students don’t feel safe in their own school environments because of the homophobia and the transphobia from staff and students alike,” Kelly told CBC. “Having a Pride flag up would be a symbolic show of support from our

SFGN file photo.

Catholic community that shows that we care, we listen and we acknowledge you.”

Discrimination towards members of the LGBT community has cost Eastern European countries almost 2% a year in economic growth. Due to a lack of fair labor opportunities for LGBT citizens, as well as reasons such as increased insurance costs linked to HIV/AIDS and depression, Hungary, Poland, Romania, and Ukraine lose billions of dollars per year, stated a report by Reuters. These countries are also dealing with a “brain drain” of technical labor and finding it difficult to attract global investment, according to OFB, which is backed by Google and Microsoft as well as some accounting firms, such as PWC, EY and KPMG. “Countries that are more open [in terms of LGBT+ rights] are generally

Photo via Adobe.

speaking financially and economically in a much better place,” the report’s lead author George Perlov told Reuters.

5. 6 . 20 21 •

PA L M B E A C H

news

COMPASS PROGRAM AIMS TO HELP TRANS PEOPLE FIND WORK Deon C. Jefferson

Two transmasculine people. Photo via The Gender Spectrum Collection by Broadly, VICE.

TRANSGENDER INDIVIDUALS FACE MORE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE AND HIGHER RATES OF UNEMPLOYMENT. THAT’S WHY COMPASS COMMUNITY CENTER IN LAKE WORTH LAUNCHED THE TRANSGENDER ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM THIS YEAR TO ASSIST TRANS PEOPLE IN FINDING MEANINGFUL, GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT. The TEEP Program provides linkage to services that ultimately help trans folks achieve economic stability and empowerment through career development. In addition to economic stability, the TEEP program will also provide participants with opportunities for self-development in the form of assistance with discovery of career goals, employment readiness services, and direct support from the program coordinator. “Unfortunately, transgender people are disproportionately discriminated against in the workplace” said Jackie Brown, TEEP’s coordinator. “Even though discrimination is illegal, we know that transgender people lose their jobs and their earning potential plummet while their need for things like health insurance and a steady paycheck become crucial. This program addresses a fundamental need that transgender people have, especially at the beginning of their

• 5. 6.2021

transition. This program is flexible and we offer a wide variety of services though our Economic Empowerment Program. We hope that transgender people who are out there and could use these services, actually pick up the phone and call us.” The support is based on the needs of each unique individual, including creating or editing a resumé and cover letter, sharpening interview skills, and professional help with all your “dress for success” needs through direct assistance and referrals to other agencies that are in the area. One of the most beneficial aspects of the TEEP program is the preparation before the actual interview. An individual that identifies as trans may not know exactly how to portray themselves for the interview. Before starting the initial job search each client works with the program coordinator to figure out the best ways to express their gender, in addition to having the appropriate

documentation for the desired gender. are building trust with this community If an individual needs to change a to make sure that they are comfortable name or needs a new ID, guidance and accessing these services and know that we referrals will be given to the client. The will maintain their privacy and dignity. It is TEEP program also helps you practice for important that we understand their needs the interview. This program and are able to assist them in involves interview attire attaining stability.” Before starting consultations, mock Compass welcomes an the initial job interviews, formulating affirming and sex positive search each responses to commonly philosophy in fulfilling its client works with asked interview questions, mission. All trans people the program and help with questions that are highly encouraged to you should and not ask the participate regardless of coordinator to potential employer. Practice past work history (including figure out the best always makes perfect. entertainer or sex work), ways to express They have encountered incarceration, or addiction their gender, in some obstacles since the history. addition to having program’s launch this year. This program is partially “One of the biggest funded by the Jewish Women’s the appropriate challenges we have Foundation of the Greater documentation encountered is reaching the Palm Beaches and Macy’s. for the desired members of the community According to a report from gender. who would benefit most recruitment firm Totaljobs, from this program,” Brown almost two-thirds of trans says. “Many trans people can experience people, 65%, feel that it is necessary to discrimination in many aspects of life keep their identity a secret at the workplace and as a result, don’t live openly. It is very in order to feel safe and also job security. difficult to reach people to offer a program These numbers were different five years that can help them when their participation ago. Over half of trans people felt this way. could potentially be seen by others. We

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 9 MAY 6, 2021

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

Family, Friends Searching for Answers After Hit and Run Near Wilton Manors By Christiana Lilly It’s been one month since a gay Minnesota man was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Fort Lauderdale, and his friends and family are still searching for answers about his final hours. Glen Flaherty, 55, of Minneapolis was enjoying his time in Wilton Manors, his second home, when the trip was cut short by the tragedy. “The world is a little darker today, a little less funny, a lot more boring with Glen not in it,” said his nephew, Patrick Haus. Flaherty was a realtor and owned properties in Minneapolis and Florida, traveling to Wilton Manors a few times a year. On April 8 shortly after midnight, police believe that Flaherty was crossing Northeast Fourth Avenue at the intersection of Northeast 16th Street, near Fort Lauderdale High School, when he was hit by a driver. The driver did not stop. Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded to the scene, taking Flaherty to Broward Health Medical Center, where he died hours later. Tim Jordan, who was vacationing in Florida with him, got the call from police and almost didn’t answer because it was from a restricted number. He was told that his friend, who he’d known since grade school, was in critical condition. “After two years, we finally got to have a vacation and this is how it ended. It’s just tragic on all points,” Jordan said. “He was very, very happy and really enjoying himself during our time there.” Jordan met Flaherty in grade school in St. Paul, Minnesota, where they attended

Catholic school together and grew up playing hockey. The youngest of nine children, Flaherty was proud of his Irish heritage and loved to celebrate holidays — he had a 10-by16-foot storage container filled with holiday decorations. He also attended pride parades every year in his hometown. Still a practicing Catholic, he attended church regularly with an LGBT-affirming congregation. He also volunteered with the Listening House of St. Paul, where he collected clothes and coats for the homeless during the winter months. After partnering with Jordan to run a property in Melbourne, Flaherty started visiting friends in the Fort Lauderdale area and fell in love with Wilton Manors. For the last 10 years, he has been staying at Ed Lugo Resort — he wrote a review on Trip Advisor that his only issue is that he can’t live there. Ed Lugo remembers his friend as a kind man. Whenever someone was down on their luck, he would hire them for plumbing, electrical work or housekeeping. The day he died, Lugo remembers sitting in his kitchen and talking about what Flaherty wanted to do with his life, since he had just turned 55 weeks before. “We were there for four hours, five hours in my dining room talking,” Lugo said. “He was so excited about being here in town. He loved it here, in Wilton Manors, and he was talking about ‘I want to go and see my friends at Ramrod.’” The accident site is a few blocks north of the bar, although friends and family aren’t sure why he was there. Lugo said he got a call

the next day that he had left his credit card at Ramrod. Flaherty also apparently did not have his phone or his driver’s license on him, so Jordan wonders how police identified him. Haus, Flaherty’s nephew, has looked at the area on Google Maps to try and make sense of his uncle’s last hours. “I need answers to my questions to get closure, to put things to rest,” he said. “It’s silly but I want to know everything. The person who hit him is now a part of my life.” With a large age difference between his mother and his uncle, Haus is only 12 years younger than his uncle, who was more of a big brother figure to him. He joked that he had his first beer with him and that because he loved “Cat Fancy” magazine so much as a kid, Flaherty was sure that he would be gay. “Glen was sure I was going to be gay because he saw these pictures of cats all over this room,” he laughed. “So he was highly disappointed I was straight.” A general contractor, Haus partnered with Flaherty on a number of projects and the two were in touch constantly. He even recorded a voicemail message for his uncle, who didn’t like the sound of his voice on the recording. And after being diagnosed with AIDS almost three decades ago and participating in some of the original drug trials, Haus said that his uncle truly treasured every day he had. “He kind of lived his life like he could die tomorrow,” he said. “People say that, but to him it wasn’t a cliché; he definitely always had it in his mind’s eye, ‘Hey man, I could go at any time and every day is a blessing.’”

www.WMGAZETTE.com

Glen Flaherty. Courtesy of Tim Jordan.

And while Flaherty was a practicing Catholic, Haus said he leans more agnostic — growing up, he remembers not wanting to be part of a religion that said his uncle was evil. The family is planning his funeral, a Catholic one, for May 1. They are also organizing a get together at his favorite gay bar in town, eagleBOLTbar. “We wish we had him back,” Jordan said. “We wish we had more answers of what went on. But I suppose we’ll find that out as time goes on.”

5. 6 . 20 21 •

WILTON MANORS

OPINION

Short-Term Rentals Must Go The Island City’s way of life is under is threat

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

Editorial

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

Correspondents

Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun

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J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

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Photo via PxHere, edited by Brendon Lies.

City Commissioner Caputo stated a while back that our city has a code enforcement issue, not a short-term rental issue. Perhaps Commissioner Caputo is correct. Since our state legislators continue to remove local jurisdiction and home rule ability to control or prohibit short-term rentals, having a strong, pro-active and fully staffed code enforcement force is ever more important for our city. The five-year rosy outlook for strong growth in demand for short-term rentals must be met with an equally strong commitment by local governments to control, regulate, and enforce ordinances through firm code enforcement. Now it’s time for our elected officials to put their money where their mouth is. Our city’s code enforcement division is greatly under-staffed and currently operating with just one person. As great of a job this one code enforcement officer is doing with juggling standing in as temporary supervisor, working the street, answering complaints and being ready for magistrate hearings, our neighborhoods are still left under-served, and unable to deal with the growing problem of illegal short-term rentals along with other detrimental code violations taking place daily in our Island City. While our city’s Human Resource

Department continues with their efforts to fully staff our code enforcement division, and while some advocate for additional funding in the upcoming budget for a possible additional code officer, much still should have been done to alleviate the current deficiency of code enforcement in our city. Many city departments utilize outside entities to supplement needed services that current staffing cannot handle. Why has this not been done for Code Enforcement? CAP Government provides necessary services for our Community Services Department to handle building inspections and other as-needed building department services. This same company also offers full and comprehensive code enforcement services. These services are offered on a supplemental level to aid in staffing, field enforcement, transitional planning and all other aspects of the department’s needs. Perhaps city leaders need to have a discussion on how best to expedite getting the needed services we are in present drastic need of. We must become ever more vocal in our complaints to local and state officials. We must become ever more involved with neighborhood associations. We must demand city leaders’ deal with this challenge by allocating adequate resources and we must fight to protect our neighborhoods, our community and our quality of life we cherish here in Wilton Manors. Only by preserving and protecting residential neighborhoods throughout our Island City will residents continue to take pride in the claim that life is just better here….

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 5. 6.2021

May 6, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 9

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

The exodus of resident homeowners from our city will not be a good situation and I fear the tipping point is very near.

GAZETTE Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre There is a dangerous and growing threat to our quality of life here in our Island City. This problem has plagued many in our fair city for some time now, and as this threat continues to spread throughout our residential neighborhoods many more are now waking up to this menacing peril called short-term rentals. Quality of life is the foundation of why life is just better here in Wilton Manors. Unfortunately that foundation is being eroded day by day as another household is sold and turned into a short-term vacation rental. Illegal or not, short-term vacation rentals have no place in residential neighborhoods. We have special zoning districts where such lodging and hotel establishments are allowed to operate. Citizens in our residential zoned areas look to know their neighbors and do not want a rotating cast of unknown characters disturbing them on a daily basis. Now let’s not be confused here. We are not talking about a property owner having the right to rent out their property on a yearly or even monthly basis. We are talking about business owners who buy up single-family homes to operate a motel, renting out on a daily or weekly basis, to make hefty profits. Many of these new owners have done illegal renovations to maximize rental income, some choose not to register with the city, and others do not pay any fees or taxes and don’t give a damn about your quality of life. Residential neighborhoods are suffering from the everincreasing threat of unchecked vacation rentals and our city’s inability to handle the crisis. Complaints of noise, load parties, illegally parked cars up and down the street, garbage left piled up at the end of the driveway, late night disturbances now leave many in our community very concerned about the unpredictability of this new way of life spreading throughout our wonderful neighborhoods. Neighbors are beginning to question their quality of life here in our Island City. Some are looking for communities that prohibit or greatly restrict the operations of short-term rentals in residential communities. The exodus of resident homeowners from our city will not be a good situation and I fear the tipping point is very near.

THE

2 •

MAY 6, 2021

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Oakland Park City Hall. Photo via the City of Oakland Park website.

NEWS

OAKLAND PARK

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

WMPD to Use Smart Home Technology to Keep Residents Safe By John McDonald

Oakland Park Vice Mayor Michael Carn. Photo via Facebook.

Oakland Park Vice Mayor to Run for Florida House By Christiana Lilly “This is my community — it’s my dirt, is After decades of public service to his community, Oakland Park Vice Mayor Michael what I called it,” he said. “Born here, came up Carn is setting his sights on the Florida House here, have always been trained, in fact, by my father to serve. That’s the cost of being here. of Representatives. He filed for the District 94 position in That’s my rent payment, is to serve. I can’t January, which is currently occupied by help it, it’s a habit.” A father of three, Carn then went into term-limited Rep. Bobby DuBose, and he public service in a more will be running against fellow official setting. An electrical Democrats Elijah Manley and engineer, he was elected as Roderick Kemp. Oakland Park commissioner “It’s the next phase of my in 2016, vice mayor in 2020, service,” he told the Gazette. and will be rotating into the “I didn’t at first believe that I mayor’s seat this November. was going to pursue it, but it’s He has also served on just the natural evolution of a number of boards, such things.” as CareerSource Broward, Carn’s family has lived in Greater Fort Lauderdale District 94 since his father, a Alliance, the Broward longshoreman, came to Florida Metropolitan Planning in the 1930s. His mother died Organization, Broward Early when he was a toddler, but his Learning Coalition Board, father raised him, his brother Broward Juvenile Justice Board, and sister to serve the people in Broward Sheriff’s Foundation their community. Living in what Board and more. was then an unincorporated “I’ve been doing legislative part of Broward County, Carn Vice Mayor of Oakland Park advocacy for a number said they became the public of years,” Carn said. “I work department — when neighbors needed help with tree trimming understand the systems, I’ve helped write or other tasks, he and his siblings went to go some legislation.” The election for Florida District 94 is help. As he got older, he would also check in on elderly neighbors to see if there was November 2022. Carn’s campaign website is michaelecarn.com. anything they needed assistance with.

“It’s the next phase of my service. I didn’t at first believe that I was going to pursue it, but it’s just the natural evolution of things.” - Michael Carn

To fight crime Wilton Manors is turning to smart home technology. At the April 14 commission meeting, Wilton Manors Police Chief Gary Blocker announced the department had struck a deal with Ring, a home security company. “This partnership looks to assist our public safety efforts in making our community safer,” Blocker told the commissioners. Ring was invented by Jamie Siminoff, who first pitched the idea of a video doorbell to investors on the ABC entrepreneurial reality show “Shark Tank.” In 2018, Amazon acquired Ring for an estimated value between $1.2 to $1.8 billion. It was Amazon’s second-biggest acquisition behind Whole Foods. The idea is a simple one to follow. With cameras connected to doorbells, lights and other exterior fixtures on homes, operators can remotely use surveillance to detect and deter crime. If an incident occurs, Ring users can then turn over footage to the cops. “Our police department can monitor posts of suspicious or criminal activity posted by Ring. Credit: Amazon. Ring users on Ring’s neighbors portal,” Blocker said. “This will assist us in our search for “It’s proven successful in other investigative leads as well as monitoring and jurisdictions,” Blocker said. “We’re quite assessing neighborhood safety measures.” The new partnership provides an open confident it will be proven a success here.” No commissioner questioned Blocker after channel of communication between residents his announcement. Mayor Scott Newton and investigators, Blocker said. offered a short and positive “Our police department remark. can also message Ring users “I think it will help the regarding incidents that community be safer and if we we are investigating and have criminals here get them these users are provided an quicker,” Newton said. opportunity to work with us In a March 2021 report, the to provide information or New York Times noted that when video footage related to those someone signs up with Ring incidents that are occurring in they are automatically enrolled our community,” Blocker said. in the Neighbors program. There are, however, In the article Ring defended stipulations in the contract, its right to share customer Blocker said. footage, “to prevent physical or “It does not provide WMPD other harm or financial loss,” real-time access or ability or when “in connection with to obtain recorded video an investigation of suspected without owner’s consent,” he or actual illegal activity,” the said. company told The Times. Partnerships between Ring Wilton Manors Police Chief The article quoted the ACLU and law enforcement agencies of Southern California stating are nothing new. More than 200 law enforcement agencies had signed there are no federal privacy regulations to up with Ring, according to a 2019 report by cover the use of home security cameras. Vice. The article revealed the Lakeland Police However, San Francisco, Oakland and Department received 15 free doorbell cameras Somerville, Massachusetts have banned the from Ring and was offered incentives to get use of facial recognition technology by police and city governments. residents to download Ring’s Neighbors app.

“It’s proven successful in other jurisdictions. We’re quite confident it will be proven a success here.” - Gary Blocker

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MAY 6, 2021

5. 6 . 20 21 •

NEWS

OAKLAND PARK

No Good Solutions for Oakland Park Blvd. Congestion Says FDOT By John McDonald Traffic congestion along Oakland Park Blvd. is chronic with solutions few and far between. A traffic engineer for the Florida Department of Transportation delivered an operational evaluation to Wilton Manors Commissioners during the April 13 regular commission meeting. Mark Plass, a 30year FDOT veteran, gave a presentation on the corridor of Oakland Park Blvd. between Interstate 95 and U.S. 1. Almost 52,000 vehicles use the heavily congested arterial road each day, Plass said. It is also home to the second most used bus route in Broward County. The No. 72 bus transports 3,233 riders per day. There are eight traffic signals along the corridor. Safely and efficiently monitoring and coordinating those signals are vital to

traffic flow, Plass said. “The department is becoming much more active in working with Broward County in how we manage traffic signal controls on this particular corridor,” Plass said. The corridor’s average travel time is 7:17. Peak traffic flow is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. east bound and 4 to 6:30 p.m. west bound. The majority of crashes occur in the vicinity of Andrews Ave., said Plass. Having two railroad lines cross the corridor further complicates traffic flow. Plass said FDOT is using optical emitters on traffic signals that communicate with emergency response vehicles, buses and trains. This technology is an important tool for a situation that is unlikely to change anytime soon, Plass said. “I fully expect the number of incident

Having two railroad lines cross the corridor further complicates traffic flow.

Oakland Park Blvd. Photo credit: John McDonald.

responses and timing changes is going to go up over time because we want to leverage our investment in monitoring and we want to get better and better at these sorts of things to keep traffic moving as best we can,” Plass said. Following Plass’ presentation, which was transmitted over his telephone to the virtual Zoom meeting, Mayor Scott Newton acknowledged traffic engineers have a difficult task. “Until we do something with transportation more than just using cars … I wouldn’t want your job,” Newton told Plass. Commissioner Gary Resnick peppered Plass with a series of questions ranging from congestion near I-95 to driveways accessing the Publix shopping center. “Basically I think what you said is yeah

traffic sucks on Oakland Park Blvd. and we don’t really have any great ways to make it better,” said Resnick, who proposed adding pull-out lanes for buses near I-95. Near the end of his presentation, Plass revealed FDOT is conducting a road safety audit on Powerline Road from Sunrise Blvd. north to Oakland Park Blvd. A field team is being assembled and the audit is expected to last two months. The audit, Plass said, is in response to concerns from residents of vehicles traveling at high rates of speed, running red lights and using the bicycle lane. “We try to make sure that team that’s in the field is going to reflect as many different perspectives as possible,” Plass said. “We don’t want to be in an echo chamber on this kind of thing.”

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

Wilton Manors Appoints 3 To Planning & Zoning Board; Reduces Density Proposal By John McDonald Wilton Manors Commissioners filled three positions on the Planning & Zoning Board at the April 13 regular commission meeting. Tim Theisen, Jeffrey Ferraro and Tim Moses were selected from a field of six applicants. Theisen, a senior instructor in the Florida Atlantic University Biological Sciences Department, was re-appointed to his third consecutive term on the board. “I have used my experience as a resident, homeowner, business owner, scientist and member of numerous other committees to cast votes that are based on fact, and are consistent with our code,” Theisen wrote in

Tim Theisen, Jeffrey Ferraro and Tim Moses were selected from a field of six applicants.

his application. “Importantly, I listen to, and consider, the views of both the business and residential members of our community. Most of us volunteer because we want to serve our community, but we also can’t help but bring our own views and opinions. It takes effort and practice to not weigh one’s own views any more than those of another resident, and I believe I have succeeded in this.” Ferraro, a contract administer for the Florida Department of Children and Families, returns to the P&Z board where he served from 2012 to 2018. “We haven’t progressed far enough and now is the time to make a move,” Ferraro told commissioners at the virtual Zoom meeting. “With Fort Lauderdale closer to our borders than ever before and Oakland Park with a new development on Sixth Avenue and Oakland Park Boulevard at our doorstep we can no longer afford to debate the city’s future. Action is needed to move forward and that’s

why I want to return to the Planning & Zoning Board.” Moses is a neurology consultant and realtor with a finance degree from Florida State University. He has worked for the Republican National Committee and moved to Wilton Manors in 2016 with his boyfriend, attracted to the Island City by the renovation of Wilton Drive. “I’ve been in recruiting my entire life,” Moses told the commission. “It’s something where I’ve developed a lot of skills that I do believe could be implemented in the growth of this city.” Meanwhile, commissioners further discussed the pending Land Use Plan Amendment (LUPA) application. Consensus among the commission was to proceed with a maximum density of 60 dwelling units per acre, a decrease from the previous limit of 100. The commission also agreed to remove a 2-for-1 density calculation for micro units

www.WMGAZETTE.com 24

• 5. 6.2021

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MAY 6, 2021

Vice Mayor Paul Rolli. Photo by Carina Mask.

from the LUPA application. “Taking time to carefully consider redevelopment issues is critical before regulations are finalized,” said Vice Mayor Paul Rolli. “There are still unknowns about the demand, economy, and benefits of micro units.” The reworded ordinance will now go back to the Planning & Zoning Board for its approval.

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

Commissioner Objects to Hybrid Meetings Over Safety Concerns By John McDonald

Wilton Manors Police Officers pose next to the new memorial site. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

Friends and Family Honor Justin Flippen at Memorial Dedication By Christiana Lilly In a flurry of black fabric, the memorial announcing to visitors that they have arrived at Justin Flippen Park was revealed. A silvergrey tree bent over black stone, the piece includes a quote from the late Wilton Manors Mayor, who died unexpectedly at 41. “I just get chills looking at the dates,” said Wilton Manors Mayor Scott Newton. “So young.” The city hosted the memorial unveiling and park dedication on April 25, where those who loved and admired him attended. Remarks were made by Jim and Greg Flippen, his father and brother, as well as members of the commission. Those in attendance included Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis and Oakland Park Vice Mayor Michael Carn. Flippen died of a brain aneurysm on his way to a Wilton Manors City Commission meeting on February 25, 2020. Those who knew him felt that not only was his life cut short, but his potential for public service. “I think he was Wilton Manors,” said Randy Bitton, who donned a blue sweater with Flippen’s photo. “He was just a person who was proud of his city and had great things planned, and I really think that if he had lived he would have gone farther than Wilton Manors. He might have been a senator, he might have been the president one day.” Bitton and her daughter, Brooke, teamed up with Flippen as they worked on a murder-

mystery novel based in Wilton Manors. He was the keynote speaker at the book’s launch party, and the two have since created a booklet of his photos and quotes as a fundraiser. After the memorial was unveiled, Jim told the crowd how his son loved his country and had visited almost 400 national parks in the United States and in territories abroad. “Wilton Manors of course was his favorite city in the whole United States. He could be who he wanted to be and not pretend that he wasn’t, here in this city. I admired him for that,” Jim said. “He cared about every one of you.” Greg recounted how his brother always took photos with a thumbs up in front of park signs — the whole group who attended the dedication got together to take a photo by the memorial, smiling with their thumbs up. Beyond the park, his memory has not been forgotten. The Our Fund Foundation created a scholarship in his honor. Prior to his death, he was also open about his experience of conversion therapy and helped ban the practice in Wilton Manors. “We weren’t just comrades on the dais up there, we were friends,” Newton said. “He was a strong man. A big man. A big heart. All he wanted to do was help people. I never heard him say one bad thing about anyone, ever. That’s the kind of person Justin was.”

“He might have been a senator, he might have been the president one day.” - Randy Bitton

Wilton Manors is opening its commission meetings to the general public again. Details of future “hybrid” meetings were discussed during a regularly scheduled city commission meeting. City Clerk Faith Lombardo explained the COVID-19 protocols which limit meetings to 19 people in the commission chamber, per CDC guidelines. Attendees are required to wear masks and maintain social distance, Lombardo said. Entrance will be granted on a first-come, firstserved basis and attendees may be required to submit to temperature checks. A podium will be placed near the dias for public comments. There will be an outside overflow area with seating for 20 people who can watch the proceedings via Zoom on a television. On the dais are seats for the five-elected commissioners, city manager, city attorney and city clerk. Commissioner Gary Resnick objected to the number of people seated on the dais, calling into question social distancing guidelines. “We have plexiglass dividers between every seat,” Lombardo said before Resnick interrupted. “It’s an airborne virus, Faith, that’s not a CDC

Gary Resnick. Photo via Facebook.

guideline,” he said. Mayor Scott Newton said everyone on the dais will be masked and has been vaccinated. He referenced President Joe Biden’s recent remarks that fully vaccinated people can gather together and not have to wear masks. “Outside,” Resnick countered. “Gary, if you don’t want to be here then don’t be here that’s totally up to you,” Newton responded. “I’m going by the news, Broward County and the president of the United States.” Resnick did not indicate if he would attend the meeting in person. Since the onset of the pandemic he has attended all meetings virtually. Commission meetings will remain available virtually via Zoom, Lombardo said. The hybrid commission meeting is scheduled for May 11 at 7 p.m.

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

Stonewall Pride Proceeding As Planned in Wilton Manors By John McDonald Broward County has signed off on the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, organizers announced. Wilton Manors, host of the annual LGBTthemed event, was waiting for Florida Department of Health in Broward County officials to give the go-ahead. Word spread that the county had signed off on the event. “The annual parade and street festival — canceled in 2020 because of the pandemic — has been given the green light by city and county officials to take place as planned on Saturday, June 19,” read a press release by Wilton Manors Entertainment Group. Officials are preparing for a twilight parade along Wilton Drive beginning at 7 p.m. Hours for the one-day event are 3 to 11 p.m. Jeff Sterling, WMEG chief executive officer, is touting the event as the first post-pandemic

Photo via Facebook.

Pride event in South Florida. Stonewall Pride is a celebration of the 1969 riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York City which sparked the modern-day gay rights movement. The Greenwich Village gay bar is now a National Monument.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 5 •

MAY 6, 2021

5. 6 . 20 21 •

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

Cars Are Not Our Future By Chris Caputo

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At a recent commission meeting, a resident in our community referred to me as “living in the world of the Jetsons” because I expressed a desire for our city to focus on other modes of transportation in addition to cars. As an elder member of our community, his perception of cars as the only transportation option is not unusual. Around half of all car owners in the U.S. are over age of 60 years old according to Statista Research Department’s October 2020 report. On the other hand, younger generations are increasingly opting out of automobile ownership, especially in cities that are pedestrian and mass transit friendly. This past weekend, I met a 20-something who recently relocated from New York City to South Beach. His story is a case study on his generations’ attitude about getting around. He chose South Beach over Wilton Manors because he thought it would be a more walkable community. I’m happy to share that he will be moving up to Wilton Manors, sans car, as he has recognized that our great city is more pedestrian friendly and offers a better quality of life for a young, single male then South Beach! In Wilton Manors, you can enjoy life without a car. Our city has a Walk Score of 74, putting it in the highly sought after Very Walkable class. For comparison, NYC which is ranked #1 has a walk score of just 88. Having a walkable city isn’t just good for residents who prefer to ditch the auto addiction, it’s great for property values too. According to an analysis by Redfin, every point increase in a property’s walkability score is associated with a $3,000 increase in property value. (You can get your home’s score at WalkScore.com.)

With over 60% of all trips in the U.S. being less than 5 miles, getting around by bicycle or scooter is a great way to reduce the impact of automobiles on our small city and our environment.

My personal Bird scooter is right at home next to two bikes at Rosie’s Bar and Grill. Scooters and Bicycles are a smart way to get around the city! Photo via Facebook.

Focusing on improving our city for residents who prefer to walk, scooter or bicycle to their destination makes sense. With over 60% of all trips in the U.S. being less than 5 miles, getting around by bicycle or scooter is a great way to reduce the impact of automobiles on our small city and our environment. I can also share, from personal experience, taking a scooter or bike to just about any destination in Wilton Manors is faster than driving and finding a parking spot! Plus, with the abundance of bike racks we have in our city, you’re almost guaranteed a spot close to your destination to secure your bike or scooter. (You can view a map of bike racks at https://bit.ly/WMBikeRacks.) I look forward to turning in my current car when the lease is over. My partner and I will get by just fine with one car, a bike, a scooter, and our own two feet! I hope you’ll consider joining me in improving your health, reducing the impact of automobiles on traffic and the environment, and enjoy some fresh air by foregoing your car next time to head to the drive. May is National Bike Month after all! WMG

— Chris Caputo

WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER

www.WMGAZETTE.com 6 •

3/19/2021 11:17:48 PM

MAY 6, 2021

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

BINGO IS BACK!!

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Let’s have some BINGO fun and maybe win a prize!!

Shabbat Service Friday 8pm on our YouTube channel

Congregation Etz Chaim

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

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

SPIRITUALITY

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

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship. 11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing.

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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

5. 6 . 20 21 •

A&E THEATER

GATEWAY THEATER REOPENING Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival to renovate, run the show Ben Crandell Sun Sentinel

he Classic Gateway Theatre in Fort Lauderdale, closed since the COVID shutdown 13 months ago, will soon reopen under new direction from the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, which also plans for a longoverdue renovation of the beloved 70-year-old venue. FLIFF signed a lease on Friday with building klieg lights, the theater hosted a star-studded owner Franzblau Trust Holdings to take over screening of the film starring George Hamilton, day-to-day operation of Broward County’s oldest Dolores Hart, Paula Prentiss, Yvette Mimieux theater, located at the high-profile confluence of and pop star Connie Francis. Sunrise Boulevard and Federal Highway. Von Hausch is sensitive to the history of the The four-screen, 690-seat theater is scheduled theater and its place in the literal and figurative to reopen on Memorial Day Weekend and will heart of Fort Lauderdale, between the beach and continue to feature the Gateway’s popular mix a rapidly energizing downtown. of independent and mainstream “It’s a pre-eminent films, said Gregory von Hausch, landmark in the city. It’s called FLIFF president and CEO. Gateway for a reason. It’s the FLIFF will give the theater a gateway to the beach, the general cleaning and sprucing gateway to Fort Lauderdale,” up in the next 30 days, but the he says. renovation will require a longer For decades the Gateway planning and design process, he has been one of South Florida’s said. most popular art-house “We have quite a bit of work cinemas, where film buffs to do on the building to bring could watch first-run releases it into the 21st century,” von by a vanguard of young Hausch said. “We want to keep directors who would go on to that retro spirit, but we wouldn’t redefine mainstream movies, mind polishing the funkiness a including Quentin Tarantino, little bit.” Steven Soderbergh, Spike Lee The priority list includes and Pedro Almodóvar. a makeover for the theater’s The Gateway also has been famously inhospitable a longtime home to the annual bathrooms, as well as the bar Fort Lauderdale Gay and and concession area. Lesbian Film Festival and longVon Hausch envisions a lobby running weekly gatherings for with a sleek, full-liquor bar “The Rocky Horror Picture - Gregory von Hausch where people will lounge with Show.” FLIFF PRESIDENT AND CEO a glass of wine or a top-shelf Von Hausch has spent more cocktail. than 30 years at the helm of the “We want to make it a more Fort Lauderdale International pleasurable experience,” he said. Film Festival, scheduled to return Nov. 5-21 The theater’s famed neon-gilded marquee with its signature haul of 200 or so features is damaged and will be retrofitted with cost- and shorts, comedies and documentaries and efficient LED lighting, he said. foreign-language releases. He said FLIFF and the Gateway, which likely HEART OF THE CITY will host the 2021 festival’s opening-night redcarpet festivities, are a perfect match. The Gateway’s place in local history was “We want to create something that reensured about a decade after it opened, making establishes an identity for the community, national news as site of the 1960 world premiere something we’re proud to have as a calling card,” of the filmed-in-Fort-Lauderdale Spring von Hausch said. Break romp “Where the Boys Are.” Bathed in The theater is located among a diverse group

“IT’S CALLED GATEWAY FOR A REASON. IT’S THE GATEWAY TO THE BEACH, THE GATEWAY TO FORT LAUDERDALE.”

• 5. 6.2021

The Classic Gateway Theatre. Photo via Sunny.org.

of restaurants, bars and shops in the Gateway Shopping Center, and von Hausch said he hopes to create some economic synergy with those businesses. ‘THE NEXT STEP’ Leasing and rehabilitating the theater is a financial leap for a nonprofit like FLIFF, but von Hausch believes increased ticket sales, new FLIFF memberships and sponsorships will balance the ledger. FLIFF board chair Skip Margerum called the Gateway relationship “the next step in growing our festival.” The pivotal financial commitment that spurred the deal came from longtime FLIFF donor Scott Bennett, through the Scott L. Bennett Charitable Fund at Our Fund Foundation, which provides support to LGBT causes and culture. Board member and volunteer director Janet Schwartz also provided critical funding. Bennett, a Wilton Manors resident who

attended Gateway screenings once a week when it was open, said his investment was made in support of independent film, but also community. “I feel so good. I’m helping Fort Lauderdale. This is an iconic theater for Fort Lauderdale. The gay community loves it. Everybody loves it,” Bennett said. “Nothing against AMC, but their movies don’t interest me. Batman and violence and all that.” FLIFF will continue to screen films at its longtime homes at Savor Cinema in downtown Fort Lauderdale and Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood. Von Hausch said visitors to those theaters are likely to see more diverse fare, including releases that film distributors would give the larger Gateway first-run exclusives. As part of the Gateway renovation, von Hausch also is looking at the name, likely dropping the word “classic” that was added a few years ago. “It sounds like a cheeseburger,” he said.

For information on the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, visit FLIFF.com or Facebook.com/FLiFFnMore. Republished from the Sun Sentinel, a media partner of SFGN.

CONVICTIONS

Jesse’s Journal

MY ETHNIC SELF

Do not lose your “kool”

Jesse Monteagudo

“Y

ou don’t look Latin,” people sometimes say to me when they learn about my background. “What does a Latin look like?” I reply, knowing full well what their answer might be. The fact is, to many Americans, Latinx are Mestizos with dark skins and curly black hair; in short, we are Brown. This is because, in this country, people are divided into racial categories defined by color: African Americans are Black. AsianAmericans are Yellow; Indigenous people are Red; Caucasians are White and Latinx are Brown. This presumes that Latinx are a race, a hybrid of Indigenous, European, and African ancestries once referred to as la Raza (the Race). But people of Spanish descent whose ancestors lived in Central or South America or the Caribbean represent all races of humanity. Some of us are even white. Not being Brown, except in the political sense of the word, I use other terms to describe my ethnicity. As a person with Spanish ancestry, except for a German grandfather, I am Hispanic. I am also born in Cuba, a Caribbean Island, which makes me a Latino or Latinx. Both Hispanic and Latinx are ethnic terms that encompass a variety of races. The United States Census Bureau uses Hispanic or Latinx to refer to “a person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race and states that Hispanics or Latinos can be of any race, any ancestry, any ethnicity.” According to census reports, the largest number of Hispanics or Latinx are “White,” followed by “Native Americans,” the indigenous people of the Americans. Others are Black, Asian, or even, thanks to Chile’s rule over Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Pacific Islanders. There is more to the debate over Hispanic versus Latinx than semantics. Whether people describe themselves as Hispanic or Latinx depends to a large extent on their country of origin, where they live, their race, their class or even their politics. Many Hispanics are light-skin people who live in

Photo via Pixabay.

the Sun Belt — Cubans in South Florida or Mexicans in the Rio Grande Valley — many of whom voted Republican in the last elections. Many of them are also middle class — in aspiration if not reality — and have marital or romantic relationships with “Anglos,” nonHispanic Whites. Self-described Latinx, on the other hand, tend to be darker, poorer, and politically progressive: Chicanos in California or Puerto Ricans in New York. Of course, all this is gross generalization, which is almost inevitable when discussing racial or ethnic divisions. As a Cuban-American of European descent who lives in South Florida, enjoys white privilege and a middle-class lifestyle, and who is socially and romantically attracted to “Anglos” (actually, Ashkenazi Jews) I appear to be Hispanic in every sense of the word except politics. Hispanic is my ethnicity. But Latinx is also my ethnicity; and I claim the right to use either or both terms to describe myself depending on the situation. But what is my race? While some might come to their own conclusions by looking at me, I won’t encourage them. I am a Cuban-American, a gay Jew, and part of the human race.

Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations.

5. 6 . 20 21 •

Vitamin T

CONVICTIONS

CHILDREN WILL DIE

Let trans youths live their childhood in a way I never could, or they may not make it to adulthood Brendon Lies

hile speaking about his top surgery recently, Elliot Page was asked what would happen if we do not stand up for trans children and their right to play sports. “Children will die,” Page had said. “And it really is that simple.” It really is. In a 2015 Williams Institute study on the trans community, 98% of respondents who had experienced four instances of discrimination and violence in the past year thought about suicide, and 51% of those individuals actually attempted suicide. Yet, that was a study only on transgender adults — the ones in our community who had, in my mind, always been at the forefront of the battle for trans rights… that is, until recently. The world has changed a lot in the seven years since I transitioned to male. In those seven years, I have spent as much time discovering myself as I have spent learning about just how diverse my beloved community is, and how many countless ways there are to be trans. For some trans people, their identity is intimately tied to gender expression, such as the right to paint their nails. There are other trans people who distance themselves from this, for example, feeling that someone may paint their nails regardless of what they identify as. No matter how a trans person identifies or feels about their transition, there’s one feeling that is often shared, and it’s often the glue that holds our wildly diverse community together — it’s the feeling of having fought to become who you are. Which is why there’s only one part of our big, beautiful trans community that I ever really struggled with. Many years ago, I had the great pleasure of being introduced to Jazz Jennings, along with a few other trans youths. In them, I saw myself from a different universe. I remember being 4 years old and devastated that I could not, according to my confused mom, just be a boy. I still own a drawing from kindergarten that I had signed at the time as “Boy Bre,” I refused to wear the

• 5. 6.2021

color pink, and I was absolutely certain by the age of 8 that I would grow a beard and be six feet tall when I grew up. Once upon a time, I was just like these kids! And yet, when I was introduced to these children, I felt like we were worlds apart… and some part of me was bitter for it. There I was, with two decades of memories of what it was like to be told by counselors that I should brush the long hair that I hated and keep those “weird ideas” to myself, or getting rocks thrown at me when I asked to play football with the boys on the playground. I thought to myself that these kids would never have a pre-transition face that’s doomed to lie beneath a tombstone inside their head, or the indescribable joy of rebirth despite losing their partner when they finally came out. Basically, I thought, they could have the childhood that I never had. Deep down, I was jealous. I justified it to myself by thinking that there were probably older members of the trans community who felt exactly the same way towards me, someone who was lucky enough to transition at the age of 23. Yet here we are, in the year 2021, and when I look back, I’m truly ashamed. Now, trans children are on the frontline, and they are making us damn proud. All I can look back on now is the shame of feeling bitter towards trans youths for a life that I thought would be so much easier than my own. I was foolish. Being trans should not require a fight for your right to exist. It’s a frightening, exhilarating process (no matter how much or how little you decide to transition). It involves standing up to a world that says “no,” and saying “just try to stop me.” As I stood aside, feeling somehow indignant as a trans person who had suffered my “due traumas,” I ended up being as blindsided as the average cisgender person by the sudden onslaught of hatred against trans youth under the petty guise of sports. (If you need convincing on why it’s petty, I would like to direct you to the article by the Scientific American, “Trans Girls Belong on Girls’ Sports Teams.”) It should not have been a surprise to me

Photo via PxHere.

that younger trans people would eventually be pulled into the fight, but now that they have been, I’ve finally learned that fight should not define who I am, nor what our community is. After all, every fight has casualties — which is why any good soldier dreams of a day when the war will end. Every time a trans youth is told to sit on the sidelines, to give up their chance at a normal childhood or stay at home, that’s the world saying to these children that they don’t belong… that they should go back to styling their hair the way they hate, or that they should keep those “weird ideas” to themselves. If you’re not allowed to be who you really are, then ask yourself — what options are left? Well, here’s your answer. According to the second annual National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health by the Trevor Project in 2020, 52% of the trans and non-binary youth said they had considered suicide in the past 12 months. These kids are being pulled into the same war that I’ve been fighting for as long as I can remember, and it’s painful to think that, despite all the battle scars we already share, we’re still so far away from victory. If we give up now, children will die. And sure, there may come a day when the battle has been won, and I no longer have

anyone to commiserate with. A day when you really can just live your life in a way that feels right, and you won’t have to worry about your family kicking you out, your psychiatrist doubling your medication when you come out to them, or your school administrators “screening” your genitals before you can join the girls’ soccer team (as the state of Florida almost pledged to do in April). Any person who lives their lives as authentically as possible should be celebrated and protected. Transitioning is scary, and it doesn’t matter how old you are… but it shouldn’t have to be a fight for your right to breathe. I would gladly be the last to carry memories of the battles I fought if I knew I were the last trans person to suffer, but I know better now than to think I will be. So if you’re reading this, keep fighting. Speak out to others who share their harmful thoughts behind closed doors, send letters to your representatives and vote them out when they refuse to listen. Do your research, learn to read between the lines whenever a specific community is targeted. And most of all, just listen to trans kids… let them live their lives in a way I never could. Our community doesn’t need any more pain.

Brendon Lies (pronounced "Lease") is a 30-year-old trans man originally from Fargo, North Dakota, and the current Art Director of South Florida Gay News. In 2020 he moved to Germany, where he now also freelances. All he cares about is his dog. To see his artwork, visit www.DogFoxDesign.com.

CONVICTIONS

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5. 6 . 20 21 •

MARKET PLACES

LIFESTYLE FOOD

Rick Karlin

ree-standing food courts are one of the hottest trends in the hospitality industry. They were starting to take off when the pandemic hit. But as dining restrictions have eased up, we’re seeing some new places open and some veterans in the field rebranding themselves. Here are a few we’re excited about. THE WHARF

20 W Las Olas Blvd. 954-372-7606 wharfftl.com Thursday 4 p.m. — midnight Friday 4 p.m. — 3 a.m. Saturday noon — 3 a.m. Sunday noon-midnight Street parking available A recent addition to the HimmarsheeVillage area, The Wharf is focusing on event programming and cocktail hours. It has partnered with iconic Broward and Miami-based chefs, and restaurateurs to offer rotating pop-ups including Even Keel’s seafood concept by chef-restaurateur Dean James Max, Mrs. Balloo panAsian fare by chef Timon Balloo, The Lunchroom with American food by Be Nice Restaurants, and The Pie Father, a pizza & pasta food truck concept, by worldrenowned chef Jose Mendín. Among some of the regularly scheduled events are “Knot Your Average Thursday” with $1 Wharf lagers and $3 wine by the glass, from 4-7 p.m. Friday’s “Riverfront Happy Hour” starts with $4 — mules, mojitos + margaritas, prices increase $1 every hour — ’till 7 p.m., and Sunday night’s “Industry” event with discounted Tito’s vodka cocktails for those in the hospitality industry (with proof of employment), from 6 p.m. to closing.

SISTRUNK MARKETPLACE 115 NW 6th St., Fort Lauderdale 954-329-2551 sistrunkmarketplace.com Thursday 4-10 p.m. Friday & Saturday 4-10:30 p.m. Sunday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Valet and street parking available

Perched on the north end of FAT Village, Sistrunk Market is a dining and event venue offering a variety of dining experiences. Plenty of outdoor seating is available as well as inside the air-conditioned former warehouse. Among the dining options are Senbazuru featuring lunch bento boxes, ramen, and Asian fusion

THERE’S MORE ONLINE! 32

• 5. 6.2021

tapas, Needa’ Pita with authentic Mediterranean dishes, The Chop Shoppe featuring dinner from your neighborhood butcher with house-made bratwurst and sausages, aged sirloin steaks, lamb chops, pork tenderloins. The Empanada Bodega dishes up baked empanadas using authentic Latin American inspired dough, Nellie’s Southern Table prepares family recipes, while Fuoco focuses on classic Italian fare. HotLime is a craft taco and ceviche concept, and Poke OG specializes in make-your-own bowls and five signature dishes. Osom Crepes offers everything from savory to sweet enveloped in a delicate crepe, while Bean and Rose Coffee is the newest project by the couple behind The Little Sugars.

DELRAY BEACH MARKET

33 SE 3rd Ave., Delray Beach 561-562-7000 delraybeachmarket.com Open daily 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Parking is $3 an hour, $18 daily max, and 50% off with validation from vendors. A new entry to the attractions in Delray Beach is already causing a lot of buzz. Delray Beach Market is an expansive retail space and food hall ready to satisfy any craving; craft cocktails, visionary art, immersive pop-ups — here they all collide in unexpectedly delightful ways, creating a unique and playful destination. The sheer variety and number of offerings guarantee something for everyone. Among the dining options are Alpine 210 with sausage links made in-house, Big T’s Deli offers traditional and specialty sandwiches and Bona Bona from chef Nick Di Bona features small-batch ice cream. Cellar and Pantry is a wine, cheese, and charcuterie bar, while Central Bar, a chic cocktail bar, is quite literally the center of attention inside Delray Beach Market. Circus Eats features creative and fun circus-style foods and County Line offers classic Southern fare. Dad’s Favorite is an old-school, no-nonsense classic burger joint, which goes well with Delray Craft beers. Ferdos Grill is an outpost of the popular Fort Lauderdale

Sistrunk Marketplace. Photo via Facebook.

spot featuring a wide array of delicious Mediterranean dishes. Guaca Go serves healthy foods and fresh guacamole, while IncrediBowl is a chef’s take on the meal in a bowl concept. Lovelee Bakeshop offers everything from tiered cakes to brownies and chocolate chip cookies. Professor Pops is a Florida-based gourmet ice pops company and Roots is the place to go for hip and unique plant-based eating bliss. Salvo’s Pizzeria has a big personality and even bigger slices. Sorella’s is a pasta company offering build-your-own pasta and fresh pasta to take home. Surry Co. Smoke House offers classic Q, while Tanuki has unique Asian and Hawaiian-inspired savory and dessert offerings. Tekka Bar has hand-rolled sushi, The Modern Rose is a unique cafe serving locally roasted coffee, organic teas, vibrant and beautiful drink creations, as well as empanadas, avocado toasts, vegan and gluten-free treats. Tiffin Box brings the fast-casual concept to Indian cuisine. Tip To Tail is a sustainably sourced retail fish market with a raw bar and prepared seafood dishes and Vote for Pedro New York is a Mexican cantina.

THE YARD

2430 NE 13th Ave., Wilton Manors 954-266-9434 facebook.com/theyardatwiltonmanors Open daily from 8 a.m.-9 p.m. (although not all shops are open all day) Parking is available on Northeast 13 Avenue, Northeast 24 Street, and at the former Lauderdale Lumber located next to The Yard. For a long time, it was Fort Lauderdale’s best-kept secret. Then known as Eucalyptus Gardens, it was a secret oasis of hippie-dom, featuring everything from vegan fare to French cuisine, to pan-Latin food and a giant warehouse where you can buy everything

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Big T’s Deli at Delray Beach Market. Photo via Facebook.

The Yard. Photo via Facebook. from vintage furniture and clothing to shea butter and candles. It was only a matter of time before it was discovered by the hipsters, and, while it still retains that hippie vibe, it now has a hip new name The Yard. Luckily the name seems to be about all that’s changed. It is still a beautiful place for anyone to come and unplug and unwind! The urban oasis amid majestic rainbow eucalyptus trees hosts several shops including The Alchemist Coffee & Slicers specializes in open-faced sandwiches and fresh-roasted coffee, while Voo La Voo offers classic French crepes and more. New Day Desserts Bakery, Seed of Life Vegan Restaurant, Chateau D’vine Wine, Beer & Tapas, EG Farm Store, Zen Orchids, Leviathan Plants, Lola’s Market and Sofla Urban Farms, and the trendy La Mexicana for classic Mexican-American cuisine.

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.

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5. 6 . 20 21 •

LIFESTYLE CELEBRITY

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

EVENT

CELEBRITY

WRITTEN IN THE STARS!

LOVEBIRDS!

HANNAH GADSBY TIES THE KNOT!

THE AID FOR AIDS

While AIDS still complicates the lives of many people of all communities, efforts on trying to find a cure for this disease is still on its way. Lady Gaga, Sir Elton John and Neil Patrick Harris raised three million dollars during their annual Oscars viewing party, according to Out. John’s parties are infamous in the celebrity world, not only for the celebrity glam and fun, but the fact that it’s for a good cause. According to Out, John told viewers of the event, “We haven’t missed a year yet and we certainly weren’t going to miss our 29th annual Oscar Party to benefit my Foundation, even if it meant going virtual.” The lockdown hasn’t slowed the party down either. For the first time ever the Elton

Elton John. Photo via Facebook.

John AIDS Foundation Oscar party (EJAF) invited the public. They announced this on YouTube where they also announced small details of the performances that would be going on during the party.

The Australian Comedian and actress Hannah Gadsby, notably known for her hit Netflix special “Nanette,” just announced that she got married. Gadsby announced in her most recent Instagram post that she and her producer Jenney Shamash made it official. “It is a joy to behold. We got married in January and we are very chuffed about it. For the record: this is me gushing. I am full of very positive feelings. This is a nice story. My heartfelt thanks to everybody who voted for marriage equality,” Gadsby said in her post. Gadsby, 46, shocked her fans, as their relationship was under the radar to many. Shamash was one of the seven producers who worked on Gadsby’s

Hannah Gadsby (left) with Jenney Shamash. Photo via Instagram.

newest Netflix special “Douglas.” If it wasn’t for marriage equality, these two lovebirds could have never shared a nest.

TELEVISION

REAL TALK!

ELLIOT PAGE SHARES TRANSITION STORY WITH OPRAH With an extensive list of movies and TV shows under his belt, Elliot Page gives fans a peek into his life away from the big screen. Since his decision to publicly come out as transgender, renowned actor and LGBT activist Page sat down with Oprah for the first time to discuss, in a clip shared by Vanity Fair, his experience transitioning. Page has received lots of challenges since he told the public about his identity. “It was something I needed to sit with for a moment, because the backlash right now is so intense … but the rhetoric coming from anti-trans activists … it’s devastating. These bills are going to be responsible for the death of children. It is that simple,” Page told Oprah. Despite the large amount of transphobic and

• 5. 6.2021

anti-trans activists hate, Page still manages to overcome most of the hate and find joy in his decision. “I am just a lot more fucking comfortable and present, so it’s hard to imagine that that’s not affecting the work, because, really, being present’s ultimately what you’re going for — you’re just ultimately trying to crack open and be present and connect to the truth of a moment,” he said in an over the phone interview with Vanity Fair. Ever since his decision to make his choice public, Page has been one of the most popular transgender male figures in recent time. With his bravery, Page, like many others in the community, continues to pave the way for the future of the LGBT community.

Elliot Page on “Oprah.” Photo via Apple TV+.

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eorgia Lees wanted a way to show her pride in a unique way, so she asked her mother to crochet her something to honor her bisexuality. Then, the bisexual bee was born. Lees posted a photo of the crocheted bee to Facebook to share her mother’s talents. Soon after, the pair began receiving orders for the bees. “After 30 orders and a lot of kind words, we decided to open an Etsy shop,” Lees said. The shop dynamic is unique as Lees’ mother creates the products while Lees manages the business side. As business grew, so did the range of products Lees and her mother offer. “Our main products are crochet LGBTQ+ Bees, bee keyrings and octopus,” Lees said. “We also have headwarmers, both plain colours and with a rainbow stripe along with face pads, and earrings, but our main items are the bees and octopus. We are about to release single colour octopus too in the next few weeks. We are constantly adding new items and flags.” Lees mentioned how the business allows her mother to do what she loves while supporting a great community. “My mum has crocheted since she was young, usually crochet items for charities, especially hospitals and homeless charities,” she said. Lees is grateful for the opportunity her business gave her to spend more time with her mother. “My favourite thing is getting to work with my mum who has been an incredible supporter and showing her that her crochet is incredible and worth selling,” she said. The pair have had over 750 sales

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since they opened their Etsy shop, Just Bee Yourself. The biggest challenge they faced was the number of orders they received around Christmas. “We are very lucky that we haven’t faced many challenges yet,” Lees said. “Our main challenges have been at Christmas. We were not expecting so many orders but we are certainly prepared now.” Lees and her mother share a simple common goal for the business. “Our main goals are to make people happy! As cheesy as it is we want to spread positivity especially among people who don’t usually see their flag represented,” Lees said. Just Bee Yourself offers products showcasing all sorts of pride colors, such as lesbian, nonbinary, omnisexual, and more. Though the shop is named after the bee that started it all, Lees says that her favorite product she sells is the pride octopus collection. The crocheted items in the shop are affordable for buyers with nothing costing more than $8. The pair always has their DMs open on Instagram for custom orders or special requests such as discrete packaging.

To support this LGBT-owned small business, visit their Etsy shop JustBeeYourselfCraft, or check out their Instagram @just_bee.yourself.

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Live streaming • wwnnradio.com 5. 6 . 20 21 •

A&E TELEVISION

THEATER PRODUCER LAUNCHES NEW SHOW ‘BARE NAKED CHEFS’ J.W. Arnold

hen described as “prolific,” affable local playwright and producer Ronnie Larsen recoiled just a bit: “What else am I going to do?” he retorted. “This is my job … who I am.” Before the pandemic, he would frequently have two and three different productions running simultaneously. After COVID shuttered arts venues, Larsen quickly pivoted last summer, offering a series of small oneand two-man shows, as well as readings and other socially distanced programming at his intimate Foundry space at Wilton Theater Factory. He continues to write, using the time to finally complete a series of plays and collaborate with composer Dennis Manning on another musical. And Larsen devoted what little free time he had left to learn video editing, turning recordings of his plays into slick broadcast quality programs. On Friday, May 7, he will launch RonnieLarsenTV.com, premiering new content every Friday using a pay-per-view model. His first new program will be “Bare Naked Chefs,” but it’s really not a surprise that the creator of “The Penis Talk Show,” “Making Porn” and “The Totally Naked Comedy Tour” would introduce a naked cooking program. “They’re nudists and they like to cook,” Larsen said of stars Patrick Clayton and Marc Howard, “so I said, let’s do a show.” He was also quick to point out that there may already be “naked” chefs on the internet, but they’re never really naked, “They wear an apron or hide behind a mixing bowl. We put it all out there.” While producing a cooking show or even videos of his plays might be simple enough, not all of Larsen’s signature programs translated easily to the screen. Over the winter, he and his producing partner Chris Caputo attempted several times to stream “The Penis Talk Show” to a live audience. The premise of that show is straightforward enough: three or four anonymous naked men are questioned by Larsen and a live audience. Regardless of the penises, the less inhibited — and more inebriated — the audience, the better the show. Larsen quickly realized that it was difficult to capture that spontaneity

Patrick Clayton is one the “Bare Naked Chefs,” a new cooking program premiering this weekend at RonnieLarsenTV.com. Credit: Ronnie Larsen Presents.

inside the theater for an audience watching from home. He and Caputo added multiple cameras and upped the production values, which helped, and also tweaked the format. “It’s never as simple as just setting up a camera and putting it on the internet,” Larsen admitted. “In fact, it’s very challenging because the experiences are so different and we had to take that into account … but we finally got it right.” While the large local gay population can support several theaters providing live LGBT entertainment, Larsen sees this venture as a way to reach national and international audiences without the expense of mounting productions in other cities like Atlanta, Los Angeles or Chicago. He still has his eye on New York, where his hit “Making Porn” thrived Off Broadway for years, but he’s confident RonnieLarsenTV.com will be successful until that time. “I create and I’ve never had so many ways to get my stuff out there,” he concluded.

“Bare Naked Chefs” premieres on Friday, May 7 at 9 p.m. at RonnieLarsenTV.com. 36

• 5. 6.2021

A&E DANCE

DANCE NOW! BRINGS WORLD PREMIERE TO BROWARD

Epiphany Theatre Presents

NUNSENSE AMEN !

J.W. Arnold

The Musical By Dan Coggins

ore than a year ago, Diego Salterini knew COVID was going to be very, very bad. The choreographer, dancer and co-founder of Dance NOW! Miami was collaborating with an Italian dance company last March when his homeland was the epicenter of the pandemic. “We saw what was happening in Italy and we knew what was about to happen here,” he recalled. “We were not caught by surprise and knew we would have to reorganize.” As the country shut down and most performers self-isolated at home, Salterini, his Dance NOW! co-founder Hannah Baumgarten and their 10 dancers quickly got familiar with Zoom. They choreographed works specifically to be rehearsed and performed on the videoconferencing app. The company’s annual gala, also held on Zoom, turned out to be the most successful in the company’s 20-year history. Dance NOW! Miami presents the world premiere of “We did take seriously that we [also] had “Dorian’s Reflection” at the Broward Center on May 15. Credit: Dance Now! Miami. grant money coming from taxpayers, and we had an obligation towards our audiences to continue to offer some sort of relief from “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The ballet, this nightmare,” so the company produced choreographed by Salterini and Baumgarten 10 performances — dubbed “COVIDeos” with an original score by Davidson Jaconello, — and continued to seek safe ways to share explores the themes of fear, loneliness, loss and moral deterioration embodied in Dorian their art, he added. and his relationship to his Maintaining safety protocols, image. The work updates the as well as recognizing outdoor AS THE COUNTRY narrative to the modern era of activities were largely nonSHUT DOWN AND selfies and social media, plastic transmissive, Dance NOW! MOST PERFORMERS surgery, Tinder and Grindr. Miami planned to record a full“Anusim, what is hidden is length program in December SELF-ISOLATED AT never lost,” also from Salterini at the North Beach Bandshell HOME, SALTERINI, and Baumgarten, was inspired in Miami Beach. After rigorous HIS DANCE NOW! by the 1497 decree in Portugal regular testing, one of the CO-FOUNDER HANNAH forcing all Jews to be baptized as dancers came back positive for BAUMGARTEN AND “New Christians,” but allowing COVID just two weeks before THEIR 10 DANCERS them to practice their own the performance. The show religion in secret. was postponed to January. QUICKLY GOT The contemporary program “Testing, testing, testing and FAMILIAR WITH is rounded out by “La masks all the time, but now ZOOM. Malinche,” the first piece famed almost everyone is vaccinated,” choreographer José Limón he pointed out, and just in time for the company’s latest performance on May created for his own company in 1947. It is based on the true story of an indigenous 15 at the Broward Center. That live program in the Amaturo Theater Nahua woman who played a key role in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire will include two premieres: “Dorian’s Reflection” is a contemporary and who is now a prominent character in treatment of Oscar Wilde’s iconic novel, Mexican cultural history.

TICKETS

Directed By Ed Sparan For Tickets (754) 213-7125 NunsenseAmen@eventbrite.com

$20 7pm Thurs. Fri, Sat. May 6-8 May 13-15 May 20-22

Dance NOW! Miami presents Program III on Saturday, May 15 at 8 p.m. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $40 at BrowardCenter.org. Seating is limited and socially distanced. Masks are required inside the theater. 5. 6 . 20 21 •

A&E APPOINTMENTS The Classic Gateway Theatre in Fort Lauderdale will reopen later this month under the auspices of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. Photo via Facebook.

ARTSBEAT MOVIES, MAGIC AND MUSIC J.W. Arnold GATEWAY THEATRE SET TO REOPEN, NEW MANAGEMENT The Classic Gateway Theatre, closed for more than a year due to COVID, is expected to reopen soon under the management of the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF). The festival signed the lease agreement late last month and immediately set out cleaning the historic 70-year-old movie house. The Sunrise Boulevard theater hosted the 1960 premiere of “Where the Boys Are” and, in later years, featured art films and was a regular venue for FLIFF and the Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. In an interview with the South Florida Sun Sentinel, longtime FLIFF president Gregory von Hausch said the four-screen, 690-seat building would be cleaned up and updated for reopening on Memorial Day weekend. “We have quite a bit of work to do on the building to bring it into the 21st century,” he told the Sun Sentinel. “We want to keep that retro spirit but we wouldn’t mind polishing the funkiness a little bit.” The Classic Gateway will feature a mix of commercial and independent films. FLIFF will also continue to operate the Savor Cinema south of downtown Fort Lauderdale and Cinema Paradiso in Hollywood. For more information, go to FLIFF.com.

MAGIC MANUFACTURED AT WILTON THEATER FACTORY Ronnie Larsen continues to mix up the programming at the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. In addition to LGBT-themed theater and the hilariously raunchy Penis Talk Show, Larsen’s nonprofit production company, Plays of Wilton, is bringing magic to the intimate venue. On Friday, May 14 at 8 p.m., Larsen presents Magic Jack, a young magician who remains completely clothed during the act, but reveals an uplifting personal story while performing astounding illusions. “I saw him perform a few weeks ago and he blew me away. I couldn’t stop thinking about him. He’s brilliant. He put a kiwi fruit on my table … then, he had me write my name on a dollar bill. Then he cut open the kiwi fruit and my bill was inside the fruit. Seriously! He’s amazing. And so funny and charming,” Larsen promised. Tickets start at $30 at RonnieLarsen.com.

SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY ANNOUNCES 2021-22 SEASON The South Florida Symphony will perform at the newly renovated and expanded Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale, in addition to venues in Key West and Miami Beach, when live concerts resume next fall. Artistic Director Sebrina María Alfonso and President Jacqueline Lorber announced the five-concert classics season on the symphony’s website: Masterworks I, Nov. 17 — 20, will feature the return on violinist Lara St. John in a program of works by Piazzolla, Bach and Strauss. The symphony and chorus, along with bass Neil Nelson, will sing in the holidays with Masterworks II: Handel’s “Messiah,” Dec. 1 — 2. Masterworks III will include Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 6 “Pathétique,” and the world premiere of composer-in-residence John Gottsch’s “Princess Yurievskaya.” Pianists Catherine Lan and Tao Lin will perform Mozart’s Concerto for Two Pianos in E-flat Major, along with Beethoven’s epic “Eroica” Symphony on Masterworks IV, March 23 — 26. The season concludes with Masterworks V: Beethoven/Copland/Kodály with clarinetist David Shifrin booked for Copland’s Concerto. Season subscriptions are available. For tickets and more information, go to SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

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