SFGN 05/19/22 V13iss20 by South Florida Gay News

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE MAY 19, 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 20 THE

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‘LIFE, LOVE & LASHES’ ALYSSA EDWARDS COMES TO BROWARD CENTER MAY 31 PAGE 33

Sunshine Cathedral Gets A Fresh Look Page 9

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19 Public Figures You (Probably) Didn’t Know Were Asexual Page 16

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HIGH SCHOOL REVERSES DECISION TO CENSOR PHOTOS

PROTESTING ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW IN YEARBOOK

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May 19, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 20 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

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hen photos of a high school walkout to protest the “Don’t Say Gay” law appeared in a yearbook, the Seminole County School Board wanted to cover them up, but scrapped the plan after a public backlash. Lyman High School students held the walkout in March, holding rainbow flags and a “love is love” sign, MSN reported. A recent graduate, Madi Koesler, captured the images during the protest. “These are my photos and I think the students should be able to see them because taking away these photos is silencing their voices,” Koesler told wesh.com. “This was a protest that wasn’t met with much resistance by administration and we were easily able to take pictures of the kids in the courtyard. They were celebrated; they were chanting.” The school board wanted to put stickers over the photos, but voted 5-0 to not censor the photos after yearbook staffers, advocates and other public speakers said doing so would “erase a moment in Lyman High School’s history and stifle free speech.” “It is silencing the LGBTQ-plus community and silencing the journalistic community,” said Sara Ward, a Lyman High student who worked on the yearbook. Instead, an alternative sticker will be placed on the page explaining that the protest was not sponsored by the school and was student-led,

“WE ALL MAKE MISTAKES ... WE OWN UP TO IT, AND WE TRY TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO FIX IT.” - Abby Sanchez

SCHOOL BOARD VICE CHAIR

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• 5.19.2022

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Special to SFGN A photo from Lyman High School’s “Don’t Say Gay” protest earlier this year. Photo: Skye Tiedemann/Madi Koesler

according to MSN. Amy Pennock, the school board chair, and other board members said they would purchase the new stickers that wouldn’t cover the yearbook staff’s work. “We all make mistakes ... We own up to it, and we try to do what we can to fix it,” said Abby Sanchez, the school board’s vice chair. “As students, I am proud of you for bringing it to our attention.” When the Florida Scholastic Press Association first heard that the school board planned on censoring the photos, it released a statement objecting to the decision, saying that it’s a journalist’s job to not only report facts but to act as “gatekeepers of information” to record history as it happens. “Instead of punishing these journalists for the work they did accurately covering the walkout that happened on the school’s campus, Michael Hunter [the principal] and the Seminole County School Board should be encouraging students and providing them authentic opportunities to report on the lives around them in a safe and protected environment embracing the

freedoms of the First Amendment,” FSPA wrote in a press release. Superintendent Serita Beamon said covering the content was the “best way” to comply with the board policy since the section didn’t make it clear that the protest was student-led, MSN reported. “I want to be clear to each and every student that this was not about the Lyman High School administration looking to try and target any student, to try and silence any voice,” she said. “This instead is a situation where there was an issue that was not caught earlier in the required review by the administration.” Students pointed out that yearbooks at Hagerty and Oviedo high schools also had sections mentioning protests against the “Don’t Say Gay” law but were not censored. There has been much public outcry ever since the Parental Rights in Education, dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was introduced. The law, that goes into effect in July, bans classroom discussions on sexual orientation and gender identity in K-3, but is so loosely worded that it could include any grade level.

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

5.19. 20 22 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G LESBIAN

SOAP OPERA HAS ITS FIRST EVER SAME-SEX WEDDING A fan favorite couple on “The Young and the Restless” is finally tying the knot. Mariah Copeland and Tessa Porter, whose ‘ship name is Teriah, are about to have the first ever same-sex wedding to take place on the show. They were introduced as a couple in 2017 and got engaged earlier this year. Camryn Grimes, who is bisexual, is proud to be able to portray the LGBT storyline. “Our relationship has been incredibly supported by the fans so far, and that’s what makes this such a joy,” she told People. Cait Fairbanks echoed her co-star. “I feel honored to be a part of this moment because I understand the importance of it. It’s like the best coffee you could ever have going into a scene because you know that

Cait Fairbanks and Camryn Grimes. Photos via CBS.com

this isn’t just a couple talking, it’s also representing on screen so many people who haven’t really had that opportunity to be themselves, and every time I come to work I am reminded of that.” The episode premieres May 16 on CBS.

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

NONBINARY

DEMI LOVATO IS ‘PROUD TO BE NONBINARY’ & WILL EMBRACE IT IN NEW SONGS

Demi Lovato has been teasing their eighth studio album throughout the year and have now given fans more detail. In an interview with Inked magazine, Lovato revealed that some of the lyrical themes will be centered around people’s reaction to their gender identity. Lovato emphasized that their gender identity has nothing to do with their music or the direction it takes but said they’re “proud to be nonbinary” and will talk a little about acceptance from others in the lyrics of their new songs. Lovato came out as pansexual and nonbinary in 2021 and changed their pronouns to “they/them/she/her” via social media last month. They also revealed that the album will not be R&B or soul but is more on the rock

Photo via Facebook.

end of the spectrum. The album is set to release sometime this year.

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• 5.19.2022

LGBTQIA BITES

TRANSGENDER

TOMMY DORFMAN MAKES HER MET GALA 2022 DEBUT IN RUBBER GOWN

“13 Reasons Why” star Tommy Dorfman made her Met Gala debut this year. She wore a Christopher Kane gown and shoulder length black gloves, drawing inspiration from “The Matrix.” Dorfman also added a bag that had “Protect Trans Kids” written on it in gold. “I’m deeply obsessed with the Gilded Age, so for this to be my first Met feels like a beautiful alignment. I love anything cinched, corseted, and to the floor,” she said. She also teased her look, saying that it was from a designer she loved. Dorfman came out publicly last summer after years of privately identifying and living as a woman. “I view today as a reintroduction to me as a woman, having made a transition medically,” she said. “Coming out is always viewed as this grand reveal, but I was never not out. Today is about clarity: I am a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her. My

Screenshot via E! News.

name is Tommy.” While this marks the star’s first Met Gala, she said there are many more on the way.

5.19. 20 22 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY KIZZY AZCARATE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

SOUTH CAROLINA

NEW LAW MAKES IT HARDER TO SUE MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

South Carolina patients will no longer be able to sue doctors or healthcare professionals who refuse to perform nonemergency procedures. This comes after a 28-15 vote in the state Senate May 10. According to the Post and Courier, this law will give medical professionals the ability to sue their employer if a doctor or medical professional refuses to perform a procedure that is non-lifesaving. Supporters see the bill as morality law, where healthcare workers won’t have to be forced to participate in a procedure they don’t agree with. Opposers say they find the bill to be exclusionary under the guise of “medical freedom.” Opponents of the bill see the danger that women and the LGBT community will face regarding abortion, gender reassignment procedures, and puberty blockers.

Sen. Larry Grooms. Photo via Facebook.

Republican Sen. Larry Grooms said that the law is not meant to discriminate. “No physician should lose their job because they decline to perform these services,” Grooms said, according to the Post and Courier. South Carolina is among multiple states that have been pushing bills that would limit healthcare access for marginalized communities.

TEXAS PAGEANT ALLOWS LGBT TEXANS TO EMBRACE THEMSELVES

Eleven contestants dazzled during the annual Miss Gay Texas USofA Classic. From color-popping lipsticks to volumized lashes and hair teased to the heavens, contestants prepared themselves to impress the judges. The 18-year-old pageant has been a home for the LGBT to embrace and celebrate their uniqueness and choose to celebrate 40 and over contestants. “Prior to us, these shows were in gay clubs at night and people were hanging over the railings. Now it’s sophisticated,” said Dallasite Adam Beale to Texas Monthly. The three organizers, Kofi (pronounced “coffee”), Kelexis Davenport, and Erick Castillo (aka Kayla Monroe) took over the pageant to honor the late Craig Henderson. “It’s a safe space where you can come and be free and unapologetically yourself,

• 5.19.2022

Symphony Capri. Miss Gay Texas USofA Classic 2022. Photo via texasusofapageants.com.

especially with all the rollbacks happening in Texas right now,” Texas drag legend Tommie Ross said. The show has similar categories to the usual Miss America pageants except in order to win Miss Gay Texas USofA contestants must bring sass, ferocity, and endless amounts of colors, glitter, and rhinestones to make an impression on the judges.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

TENNESSEE

BEING TRANS LANDS STUDENT IN FOSTER CARE

A Tennessee teen, Wynn, was livestreaming on Twitch while playing “Minecraft” when police officers entered her bedroom. What led to the 16-year-old’s detainment and relocation into foster care was the fact that she was pressured by her school to transition into virtual schooling due to her being trans, the teen claims. “This will probably be the last stream ever because they’re trying to get me to either kill myself or go into foster care or something instead of just giving me an education. Honestly, I just want to go to school. But they don’t want me to go to school because I’m trans. I’m just really stressed out,” said Wynn during her livestream, according to the Motherboard. During Wynn’s court date on April 27,

Screenshot via YouTube.

she was labeled a “truant” by the state because she decided that she did not want to receive her education online but instead in person. “I don’t understand why Tennessee would rather ruin a child’s life than just let her go to school, but it really shows where their priorities are,” she said livestreaming.

MASSACHUSETTS LOCALS DENY EXISTENCE OF NEO-NAZI GROUP DESPITE RISE IN HATE CRIMES

Nationalist Social Club, or NSC-131, has been audacious since a spike in their membership last fall. Waltham’s Night Watch, an organization that documents hate groups, hate crimes, and far-right activity in Boston and other nearby areas, said they witnessed a meeting recently by the Park Street MBTA station on May 7, according to Boston.com. The night watch said that there has been an increase of hate crimes and speech but Bostonians have a difficult time accepting the fact because of the city’s diversity. “What makes Massachusetts different is that people here are very reluctant to believe that hate groups can exist here. We have a long history of confronting bigotry in other places and denying it at home,” a Night’s Watch representative told Boston.

NSC-131 members holding a ‘Keep Boston Irish’ sign at the 2022 Boston St Patrick’s Day parade. Screenshot via NBC10 Boston.

com. A study by Southern Poverty Law Center found that there were 14 hate groups in the state as of 2021. These hate groups range from anti-LGBT to antiMuslim while identifying themselves as white nationalists and neo-Nazi. “It’s important to document these things so people can’t deny them,” said a Night’s Watch representative.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

TOKYO TO START SAME-SEX PARTNERSHIP SYSTEM

MALTA: A TOP SPOT FOR LGBT RIGHTS

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government announced that it aims to implement a system that recognizes partnerships including sexual minorities beginning in November after unveiling a revised draft version of the scheme. Officials added that in order to implement the policy in November, a draft modification to the current human rights code that contains references to the partnership system would be submitted to the Tokyo metropolitan assembly in June. According to Kyodo News, although marriage between members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities is not legally recognized in Japan, many prefectural and municipal governments offer legally nonbinding diplomas recognizing sexual minority couples.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride at Taiwan Pride 2019. Photo by Lei Kuang, via Wikimedia Commons.

Following Aomori, Akita, Ibaraki, Gunma, Mie, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Saga, Tokyo will be the ninth of Japan’s 47 prefectures to implement some type of partnership system.

A new dynamic has evolved in preserving the rights of Europe’s LGBT populations, but enormous challenges remain, and youth are particularly vulnerable, campaigners warned on Thursday. According to Reuters, Malta held its top place in the “Rainbow Europe” for 2022 for human rights and complete equality, while Azerbaijan, Turkey, Russia, and Armenia were at the bottom of the rankings prepared by ILGA-Europe, an umbrella organization for 600 rights advocacy organizations. The United Kingdom fell behind on reform commitments, while Bulgaria and Romania came close to having the lowest ranks in the EU, along with Poland. “After complete stagnation last year, which was extraordinarily worrying to

Photo by Hyakinthos.eu, via Wikimedia Commons.

us, there is a new upward dynamic,” said Evelyne Paradis, executive director of ILGA Europe.

AFRICA

CARIBBEAN

LGBT GROUP IN GHANA POCKETING FUNDS TO HELP THE COMMUNITY

HOMOPHOBIC LIES GO VIRAL IN HAITI

Ohemartin, a trans Ghanaian, claims that an LGBT organization in the nation is benefiting from monies intended to support queer individuals in the country. According to Pulse Ghana, the organization claims to be for the LGBT community, but its actions do not match its words. LGBT people are not only rejected, but also mocked and, in some cases, mobbed. There was a major commotion last year regarding whether or not the community’s actions should be criminalized. Despite the fact that a large proportion of the Ghanaian people want the LGBT community to be outlawed, the group does not appear to be changing its mind about being accepted in society.

Ohemartin. Photo via Facebook.

Héritage pour la Protection des Droits Humains (Heritage for the Protection of Human Rights), a Haitian human rights organization, has issued a statement condemning a tweet by a high-profile lawyer detailing a false and defamatory story that went viral last month about a group of LGBT people being caught having sex in a national historical site. The group, which campaigns for the human rights of LGBT individuals in northeast Haiti, has demanded a public apology to the LGBT community and the deletion of the tweet. According to Erasing 76 Crimes, this is the latest in a series of social media attacks on the LGBT community in the French-speaking Caribbean, following occurrences in Martinique and Guadeloupe earlier this month.

Photo via Adobe.

5.19. 20 22 •

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Alison Burgos, co-owner of Pandora Events, with friend Cindy Brown, senior program manager at Lambda Living, at the Outshine Film Festival.

Joe Pallant, retired from insurance, with Marc Martorana, board member of Dolphin Democrats, and Marc’s husband, Don D’Arminio, Wilton Manors city commissioner candidate, at The Sunserve Gala.

Husbands DC Allen and Ken Flick receiving the 2022 Pioneer Award at The SAGE & Freinds Gala held at The Grateful Palate.

Bruce Howe, general manager of Hunters Wilton Manors with his partner, Pollo Valk, at Hunters.

• 5.19.2022

NEWS LOCAL

SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL GETS A FRESH LOOK John Hayden

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ichelangelo would be proud. A bright, huge mural connecting several buildings on the campus of Sunshine Cathedral was dedicated on May 7. “We wanted to say something about who we are. We have signs and the steeple. But this really says us,” Sunshine Senior Minister Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins said. The church is in a southwest Fort Lauderdale neighborhood and has long been a spiritual touchstone for the LGBT community. Now it’s a living, breathing art installation. They came up with the idea to make the bare white buildings not only eye-catching, but engaging. They reached out to local creative genius Topp Artist (aka Trey Opp, who created his professional moniker by combining the first letter of his first name with his last name and profession). “We said to him, ‘Blank canvas, do what you want,’” Watkins said. “I did a proposal and put the whole idea together and it turned into what it turned into,” Topp Artist said. “The rainbow represents the sun’s rays for the sunshine state, wrapping around the building. It turns into flamingos and palm trees in geometric

shapes.” At some points, the rainbow colors diverge but always come back together, representing how people go their own way in life but are still tied to the people and institutions that are important to them. In addition to the rainbow, there are symbols that are uniquely Florida, but you have to look for them. Watkins is delighted. “They included Florida flora and fauna. So you see the birds and flowers and reptiles. They put that in but funky pixelated.” Topp Artist said a lot of thought went into every square inch of the mural. “The rainbow represents the sun’s rays for the sunshine state, wrapping around the building. It turns into flamingos and palm trees in geometric shapes.” Church board member Penny Sanfilippo said it gives a new vibe to a part of the church that needed it. “You had a dead space that you passed through. Now you want to come through to see. You can’t help but be uplifted by the colors, the motion, things that are going on here.”

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NEWS LOCAL

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NEWS LOCAL

AHF President Michael Weinstein (middle). Courtesy photo.

AHF OPENS NEW CLINIC IN FORT LAUDERDALE WITH NO WAITING ROOMS John Hayden

he waiting room is one of the most ubiquitous, and dreaded, parts of healthcare. Now, at one busy clinic, it’s a thing of the past. AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new Northpoint facility on May 10. One of the key features is the feature that doesn’t exist: waiting rooms. “The inconveniences of other health care clinics, like waiting rooms, are alleviated,” Dr. Zachary Henry said. “This new clinic has a setup where patients are able to check-in at the front counter and are immediately brought back into an exam room.” As the medical director for AHF Northpoint, he knows that top-level care is something that is deserved by everyone, not just people with great insurance. The location itself adds dignity and convenience

TOP-LEVEL CARE IS SOMETHING THAT IS DESERVED BY EVERYONE, NOT JUST PEOPLE WITH GREAT INSURANCE.

to the patient experience, as AHF President Michael Weinstein observed. “The old facility served us very, very well, but it was a bad layout. It was broken up into three different pieces. Also it was way in the back. So when people came on public transportation they had to walk a long way in the heat of the summer to get there.” The clinic will serve around 3,600 patients a month, with the vast majority being HIVpositive or on PrEP. This is important to the South Florida community, as the area continues to be one of the leaders in new HIV infections. “This is a way to start a new facility with a new vision to give the same high level of service and care to people who need it,” Dr. Henry said. Patients aren’t the only ones benefiting from new facilities. The staff that serves clients have more space, newer equipment, and a better arsenal of diagnostic tests. “As any organization grows, eventually there comes a time to upgrade your facility and what you do to execute your business. So the staff benefits from having a new facility because there is new, sometimes better, equipment which means easier ways for the staff to do their jobs and do what they enjoy,” Dr. Henry said. “Help them feel like they’re doing something for the community and doing what they do best: providing care for patients who need us to be there for them when others may not be.”

and

AHF’s new Northpoint facility is at 6333 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. For more information on AHF’s services, please visit AIDSHealth.org. 5.19. 20 22 •

NEWS NATIONAL

UNICORN ELICITS OUTRAGE IN OHIO – YES, A UNICORN Ohio school bans a reading of a book that features the mythical creature Kim Swan

ccording to a school in Ohio, one children’s book featuring unicorns was “too controversial” and recently banned.

Jason Tharp, a 45-year-old children’s book author, was prepared to read “It’s Okay to Be a Unicorn!” when he got a call from the principal saying that the higher-ups didn’t want him to read the book to students. “I just straight up asked him, ‘Does somebody think I made a gay book?’” Tharp told the Post. “And he said, ‘Yes. … The concern is that you’re coming with an agenda to recruit kids to become gay.’” With his book, Tharp wanted to reach that “one kid” who needs to feel seen since he sometimes felt invisible himself, according to the Washington Post. “I sat down and tried to figure out what kind of character would be non-threatening, that they would be instantly lovable and I would be able to kind of get them … to be invested in the story,” Tharp told the Post. He thought of the perfect character: a unicorn. However, an elementary school in the Buckeye Valley Local School District felt differently. It appears this was in response to a complaint by a parent who was concerned by the book, according to Jeremy Froehlich, the interim superintendent.

KAYLAN BRAZELTON, A PARENT AND EDUCATOR AT THE SCHOOL, SAID TEACHERS WERE TOLD TO TAKE DOWN DRAWINGS OF RAINBOWS AND UNICORNS THAT STUDENTS MADE IN ANTICIPATION OF THARP’S VISIT. 12

• 5.19.2022

“They just wanted to make sure that we vetted the book and our staff thought that they had vetted it,” Froehlich told WBNS. “I was just shocked — and all from one parent,” Tharp said. “I never ran into an issue like this … I never in a million years thought I’d have to defend this book.” “It’s Okay to Be a Unicorn!” is about a unicorn named Cornelius who hides his identity from the horses who don’t like unicorns. At the end, he reveals his true self and is accepted by them. Tharp then offered to read a different book called “It’s Okay to Smell Good!” – about a skunk who lives in a stinky world but likes good-smelling things, according to the Post. In the end, the skunk finds one friend who is like him and makes him feel less alone. However, that book wasn’t good enough either, despite not having rainbows or unicorns. The principal emailed Tharp saying that the higher-ups wanted him to focus on his “positive message and illustrations.” Tharp was still able to present the following day, but without any references to the unicorn book. Not all parents had complaints about the book. Angry parents who liked it protested the superintendent’s decision, the Post reported. The school board held a meeting April 8 to address the issue. Kaylan Brazelton, a parent and educator at the school, said teachers were told to take down drawings of rainbows and unicorns that students made in anticipation of Tharp’s visit. “It’s a rainbow. The fact that we had to take all of the students’ artwork down — it was gut-wrenching, and we couldn’t even believe we were in that position to do so, but we did what we were told,” Brazelton said at the meeting, adding that the children “were

Jason Tharp. Photo via Facebook.

so confused.” Another parent started a GoFundMe with Tharp to raise money for a free event in May when he will read his unicorn book and share his story. Tharp is convinced that those who object to the book never read it, because it doesn’t have any references to the LGBT community, according to the Post. “They are projecting their agenda [because] there is a rainbow … on the back of the book,” Tharp said. But the author, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year and is now in recovery, said he doesn’t let people’s uninformed opinions consume him. “There’s a lot of clarity a brain tumor brings,” Tharp told the Post. “I don’t spend

my time catering to people with an agenda because there’s so much joy out there, there’s so much love to be had.” Ohio isn’t the only state banning LGBT books. In March, Gov. Ron DeSantis signed CS/HB 1467 into law which allows parents of students the ability to challenge books they disagree with. Under the “Don’t Say Gay” law, Palm Beach County School Superintendent Mike Burke said he removed two children’s books to be reviewed for featuring trans characters, even though the law doesn’t go into effect until July. “In Florida, we believe parents not only have a role, but a fundamental role in the education of their kids,” DeSantis said, according to Florida Politics.

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he WNBA season has begun while the league’s best player remains locked up in Russia. Brittney Griner, all-star center for the Phoenix Mercury, has been in Russian custody since February. She was arrested at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo airport after customs officers allegedly found cannabis oil in her luggage. “It’s concerning on a lot of fronts,” said Florida Representative Michele Rayner, a civil rights attorney. “She’s a Black woman in Russia, we also know Russia has issues with Black folks. She’s a Black gay woman in Russia and we also know Russia has issues with homosexuality.” Earlier this month, the State Department changed its classification of Griner’s case to “wrongfully detained,” signaling an attempt to negotiate her release instead of waiting for the Russian judicial system to play out. In a press release, the State Department said it “will continue to undertake efforts to provide appropriate support to Ms. Griner.” Rayner said more people in the gay and Black

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communities need to speak up for Griner’s freedom. Had the detainee in this case been Tom Brady or LeBron James, both athletes would have been released by now, Rayner said. Rayner also raised the issue of why Griner went to play overseas in a Russian basketball league in the first place. “When we think about women’s sports and what we pay them … would it have even been necessary for her to travel to Russia to make sure she can to do what she needs to do?” Rayner asked. Meanwhile, a BG 42 logo has been placed on the courts of all WNBA teams in honor of Griner, a seven-time all-star.

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5.19. 20 22 •

FEATURE ASEXUAL CELEBRITIES

19 PUBLIC FIGURES YOU (PROBABLY) DIDN’T KNOW WERE

ASEXUAL Kim Swan

here is a lot of news covering transgender, gay, and bisexual celebrities, but two particular sexual orientations don’t get much coverage: asexuals and aromantics.

Aromanticism describes people who feel little or no romantic attraction, while asexuals, on the other hand, lack sexual attraction or sexual interest. Therefore, we wanted to list 19 public figures you (probably) didn’t know were asexual.

YASMIN BENOIT

First on the list is Yasmin Benoit, a Black model who is also an activist dedicated to educating the world that everybody experiences romantic attractions in different ways. “I think the community’s particularly good at diversifying conversations, but at the same time, it is kind of limited in that there is a heavy focus on the sex you’re having and the way you’re doing it and who you’re doing it with,” Benoit said in an interview with PinkNews. “We tend to use romantic love to validate orientations, as you can see in the mantra ‘love is love.’ You can still be queer and not experience romantic love and romantic attraction and that doesn’t make you any less of a person.”

TIM GUNN

“I knew what I wasn’t: I wasn’t interested in boys, and I really wasn’t interested in girls,” Tim Gunn wrote in his 2011 book, “Gunn’s Golden Rules: Life’s Little Lessons for Making It Work.” He is an American author, actor, and television personality who became well-known in the reality TV show “Project Runway.”

JANEANE GAROFALO

Janeane Garofalo is an American comedian who discussed her sexuality in a podcast interview with Dyking Out. “The reason I say I’m asexual is my libido has always been incredibly low,” Garofalo said. “I never have been particularly driven by sex ... I could take it or leave it.” David Archuleta from “American Idol.” Photo via Facebook.

• 5.19.2022

FEATURE ASEXUAL CELEBRITIES KERI HULME

PAULA POUNDSTONE

Comedian Paula Poundstone explained why sex isn’t mentioned in her comedy routines in a 2014 interview with Pride Source. “I don’t talk about sex a lot because I don’t actually have sex,” Poundstone said. “It involves much more work than I’m willing to put out. The idea that I’d go to my room after everything else I go through in a day and that there’d be someone in my room that might expect something like that from me — I just can’t even.”

MORRISSEY

Morrissey, a singer, songwriter, and author, said he was “humasexual” in a 2013 statement. “Unfortunately, I am not homosexual. In technical fact, I am humasexual. I am attracted to humans. But, of course … not many.”

SRITI JHA

Actress Sriti Jha recited a poem to talk about the struggles of being an asexual romantic. “You can feel all the butterflies and your heart skip a beat for someone and yet not want to do ‘it.’ Does that make your love any less? Does that make you incomplete?” she recites in “Confessions of an Asexual Romantic.”

MIKEY NEUMANN

Mikey Neumann is a YouTuber who came out in an essay for the Mary Sue. He has also tweeted about a lack of ace representation in the past. He writes, “Being an asexual is super weird a lot of the time because, I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but we live in a hell of a sexually charged entertainment landscape. We notice all of that and it can be overwhelming sometimes.”

ERICA MENDEZ

Erica Mendez is a voice actor who uses her Twitter account to be LGBT-inclusive. “My Twitter is a safe space for all LGBTQIA+ people, but as an ace myself, this particularly resonates with me,” she tweeted in 2020.

BRADFORD COX

The lead singer for Deerhunter called sexuality “really a waste of time” in an interview with Out Magazine in 2019. Bradford Cox also explained that, although he abides by being asexual, he chooses not to identify as anything other than “queer.”

DAVID ARCHULETA

The “American Idol” alumnus explained his journey of discovering his sexual orientations in an Instagram post. “I came out in 2014 as gay to my family. But then I had similar feelings for both genders so maybe a spectrum of bisexual,” David Archuleta wrote. “Then I also have learned I don’t have too many sexual desires and urges as most people which works I guess because I have a commitment to save myself until marriage. Which people call asexual when they don’t experience sexual urges.”

The late author Keri Hulme made her sexuality very clear in an interview with NZME. “It is part of who I am: the major impact is that I am not — and never have been — interested in sex. I am not sick, I am not deficient; I may not be normal but I am thoroughly natural. And I don’t want to be any different from the way I am.”

DAVID JAY

David Jay, an activist and the founder of the Asexual Visibility and Education Network, explained in 2015 to an audience what it means to be asexual. “The important thing to understand about our community is that we have the same desire for connection as everyone else,” Jay said. “We just don’t have a desire to express that connection sexually. And there’s a whole community of us out there.”

KIM DEAL

When asked if she had a “gay bone in her body,” the singer responded with, “You know what? I’m just so...asexual,” followed by, “I wish I had a gay bone.”

EDWARD GOREY

An article in 2018 detailing Edward Gorey’s life revealed an interview with Lisa Solod where the author discussed his sexuality. “I suppose I’m gay. But I don’t identify with it much,” Gorey said.

CAVETOWN

Singer and songwriter Cavetown wrote in a tweet in 2019 that he defines himself as on the ace/ aro spectrum. “For me it’s very rare and I often struggle to relate to people who feel attraction so I feel comfortable in defining myself as on the ace/aro spectrums,” he tweeted.

JOHN FRUSCIANTE

Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist John Frusciante discussed his lack of interest in sex in a YouTube video. “Lately, I just haven’t been having sex ‘cause I just don’t enjoy it,” Frusciante said. “I just stopped enjoying sex at one point, so right now I just concentrate on writing music for [our next] album.”

TEMPLE GRANDIN

Temple Grandin is an autism activist and scientist who expressed her asexuality in a 2013 interview with the New York Times Magazine. She was asked about sexual urges, to which she replied, “Now I’m old enough to where that’s all gone, and it’s like, good riddance.”

EMILIE AUTUMN

Although the singer doesn’t make her sexuality clear, Emilie Autumn hints at it while speaking with Curve Magazine. She also tweeted, “Press asked if I still consider myself asexual. Shared revelation: Wasn’t that I disliked sex, just never been with anyone who was any good at it.”

ANA GABRIEL

Mexican singer-songwriter Ana Gabriel has decided to end the rumors about her sexuality when she announced in a 2015 interview that she’s asexual. “Why do they always ask me the same question? I have not been seen with a man; but not with a woman either. At this age I will have to grab someone bigger and without an umbrella, so I do turn around. I’m better off being asexual like angels,” Gabriel said, according to Diario Libre.

5.19. 20 22 •

PA L M B E A C H

news

PBCHRC AWARDS $2,500 IN SCHOLARSHIPS TO HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS Deon C. Jefferson

t the start of May, the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council announced the winners of the annual 2022 Daniel S. Hall Social Justice Scholarship.

Each of the students will receive a well-deserved $2,500 scholarship. “Calvin Brown, Emma Kutcher, and of the Legacy Project, as well as a Tatiana Venero have worked as passionate participant in the National LGBTQ Task advocates for the local LGBTQ+ Force’s Creating Change Conference. community,” said PBCHRC Board Member “Showing LGBTQ+ representation in and Chair of the Charitable Foundations media and film is important and has Scholarship program Jasmine Lewis. “The shaped my coming out experience,” said foundation is proud to recognize their work Calvin. “I hope my work will someday help by presenting them with the 2022 Daniel S. other queer kids like me.” Hall Social Justice Awards.” Tatiana Venero is another scholarship PBCHRC is Florida’s oldest independent, recipient. She is a resident of West non-partisan political organization, a Palm Beach County and attends private political organization that is committed school at Coastal Middle and High to ending discrimination based on School. While in high school, she actively sexual orientation and gender identity or participated in the Youth Group with expression. Compass Community Center, and she The Social Justice Awards is an arousing has impressively completed more than tribute to local attorney one hundred hours of Daniel S. Hall, who has community service.. mentored a number of Venero also has done “THIS LGBT students, manages her part to protest antiSCHOLARSHIP a financial counseling LGBT bills. company, is a father of “While I first started AIMED FOR three, and is PBCHRC’s at Compass, I was LGBTQ+ AND longest-serving board immature, but over HUMAN RIGHTS member. the years, I gained “Using my voice confidence and am ADVOCACY ALSO for positive impact is now a youth leader,” ACKNOWLEDGES something I’ve always Venero said. “As one been drawn to,” said who can easily relate A SIGNIFICANT Calvin Brown. “I hope I to other students being ASPECT OF MY can push that dream far misunderstood and LIFE IN HIGH beyond my high-school having to hide parts of education and have an themselves, I now help SCHOOL, AND WILL impact on queer youth.” educate, aid and get CONTINUE TO BE Brown is a resident of them out of their shells.” Jupiter and a graduate Tatania also creates INSPIRATIONAL of Jupiter High School. personal stories that FOR THE REST OF He has developed useful discuss the trauma and MY LIFE.” skills needed to give joy of being LGBT and a voice to help create plans to publish the - EMMA KUTCHER changes in Jupiter and stories as comics, using SCHOLARSHIP WINNER throughout the entire the visual aspect of the School District of Palm medium. Tatania will be Beach County. Brown has established a attending Palm Beach State College to relationship with Compass Community earn a degree in the arts. Center as well. He is an Ambassador Emma Kutcher is a resident of Boca

• 5.19.2022

Image created with elements from Pixabay.

Raton. She studies communications at Alexander W. Dreyfoos School of the Arts. Kutcher has had quite the high school journey. She serves as the president of the school’s Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA). The school’s GSA includes close to 100 members, which means it’s one of the largest GSAs in Palm Beach. Kutcher is also the editor-in-chief of the school’s Marquee Yearbook. “As a first generation, low-income student, PBCHRC’s assistance with college expenses means the world to me and my family,” Emma said. “This scholarship aimed for LGBTQ+ and human rights advocacy also acknowledges a significant aspect of my life in high school, and will continue to be inspirational for the rest of my life.” Kutcher has included coverage providing LGBT and minority students

with a voice to tell their stories. She has spent countless hours volunteering and writing content for PRISM, which is a nonprofit organization that advocates for all LGBT youth. In the fall, Emma begins her Public Policy studies at Carleton College, where she will continue to work toward achieving social equality. Applications are generally available in February. During that time information is sent out to local high school counselors in Palm Beach County and also GSA sponsors. Interested students have a deadline of April to complete the application. One of the major prerequisites for the applicant is that they must showcase a passion for high academic achievement and express dedication to social justice in the LGBT community. Altogether, PBCHRC has given a total of 20 scholarships.

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 10 MAY 19, 2022

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WILTON MANORS

WILTON MANORS COMMISSIONERS

SPLIT ON WILTONNEXT By John Hayden

Accept, but don’t approve. That was the decision of the Wilton Manors City Commission when grappling with a plan laying out visions for the future of the city. The report, titled WiltonNext, was created by an outside consulting firm to study real estate, business, residential conditions, etc. in an effort to get ahead of trends and position the city for the future. The original report riled many westside residents. It called for Wilton Manors to embrace an atmosphere of “wellness,” especially along Andrews Avenue. Many interpreted that as a plan to build four-story medical complexes and not be particularly useful for westside residents on a day-to-day basis. Redevelopment Management Associates (RMA) prepared the plan and had representatives on hand to clarify and answer questions from city officials. They explained that the term “wellness” encompasses much more than staid medical buildings like you see near hospitals. The vision includes spas, fitness centers, and similar businesses. RMA’s report also mentions St. Clements Catholic Church as a potential

development site, which was particularly irksome to people living in that area. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson reported this was a moot point, as the property isn’t for sale and the church has no plans to sell and move. This all came after four westside residents passionately spoke out against the plan. In the end, the commission decided to accept the plan, but not approve it for implementation at this time. Commissioner Mike Bracchi pointed out that rejecting it would mean the city would have to return grant money for a report that was completed. Commissioner Gary Resnick pointed out that city development is committed to building commercial/ residential mixed-use housing, a point that was driven home when the Office of Economic Development report was presented. “It’s what I hoped for,” Commissioner Chris Caputo told SFGN afterward. “We recognize the national trend [of wellness] as well potential future businesses for the area.” The commission agreed that some of the ideas in the report are feasible and good for the city. By not “approving” the plan,

They explained that the term “wellness” encompasses much more than staid medical buildings like you see near hospitals. The vision includes spas, fitness centers, and similar businesses.

Wilton Manors commissioners during a meeting. Credit: Carina Mask.

they can cherry-pick which ones they want to implement going forward.

OTHER BUSINESS Code Enforcement and Wilton Manors Police Department gave an update on tracking vacation rentals in the city. A breakdown of the past several years shows most violations are related to the issue of people not registering their property with the city.

www.WMGAZETTE.com

They discussed buying new software that could help in tracking down under-theradar violators. Wording was updated to many parts of the city code, and the changes were adopted unanimously. The commission also recognized May as Mental Health Awareness Month and National Police Week, noting a sharp increase in attacks on law enforcement in recent years.

5.19. 20 22 •

OPINION

WILTON MANORS

ENA’S PYRRHIC VICTORY

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

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Site of proposed project. Image via Broward County property appraiser website.

derelict property sit unused and undeveloped culminating with the recent fire that gutted the boarded-up building. ENA might have won those few battles back then, but it now appears they will wind up losing the war…and instead of having a much smaller development of luxury residential condo units with amazing architectural design and detail that embraced the surrounding landscape, are now faced with a much larger development to include rental apartments and parking garage. One thing for certain is that this property and a few others located around our small two square mile city hold the key to the collective future success for our Island City. As we continue to celebrate our city’s 75th birthday, we must make the right choices now to safeguard the next 75 years. Those choices include maximizing the benefit for long-term growth and sustainability by bringing in the right development for these few unique larger parcels throughout our city. We cannot go back in time and alter history, to have our city commission approve a lost opportunity. What we can do is support our city staff and our elected officials in making

the tough decisions needed to move us along as we celebrate many more birthdays in our city’s future. The Island City is not the only one celebrating this month, local Friends of the Wilton Manors Library celebrates their 50th Anniversary this year. The Friends support the many programs that our own municipal library, the Richard C. Sullivan Public Library of Wilton Manors, offers our community. Public access computers, large print books, and educational and cultural programs for adults, children and teens are sustained from the fundraising and support of the local Friends organization. If you have not stopped by the library, then take a moment to check out this wonderful gem located at 500 NE 26th Street. Come Saturday, Leisure Services will host the 29th Annual Island City Canoe Race, which will finish at Richardson Park in time for the big 75th Birthday Bash for the Island City. Cheer on the canoe teams as they make their way around the waterways of the Island City. Residents are welcome to come out and celebrate as the city hosts a birthday BBQ with DJ and presentations of trophies and certificates for the Canoe Race winners. Taking part in your community, looking to make a better tomorrow, and celebrating together is what makes life just better here.

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 5.19.2022

May 19, 2022 • Volume 9 • Issue 10

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

ENA might have won those few battles back then, but it now appears they will wind up losing the war.

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

By Sal Torre As I returned to Wilton Manors this past week from my recent trip up north, there was plenty of local news for me to catch up on. As I paged through some material left at my doorstep by a fellow city news junkie, one item particularly caught my attention. There among the recent edition of the Town Crier, a copy of the Wilton Next Market Analysis Recap presentation, and various other items was a copy of a proposed project to be located at the former church property on NE 26th Street, called Wilton Gardens. What makes this proposed project stand out is its size and scope. From what I can gather, Wilton Gardens would consist of 250 apartment units along with a sizeable parking garage structure attached. For many of us who have witnessed a whole slew of proposals for this particular site fail to get final approval from our city commission over the past five or six years, this project would seem to be dead on arrival. This time around however, things might be a bit different. Every project in the past was met with a solid block of opposition from the East Neighborhood Association (ENA). One of the last projects led to the chopping block by ENA was an award-winning design of luxury residential condo units, designed by Rene Gonzalez. This project had unanimous approval from the city’s Planning and Zoning Board and was praised by many in the community. P&Z members voiced very strong opinions on the project, stating the positive impact it would have on the surrounding area and on its unique design. Local community leader Michael Rajner echoed many voices in the community, stating, “It’s really time Wilton Manors has a project of this stature, having world class designed buildings is important for our community.” Unfortunately ENA was victorious in their battle to stop the project by getting the city commission to request unfeasible reductions in the number of units, from 100 down to 70, along with other roadblocks that eventually caused the developer to scrap the project. Then for the past five years we all had to watch this

THE

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MAY 19, 2022

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LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE FOR RESIDENTS (AND THEIR PETS!)

In the last 18 months, our current commission has worked with residents and city stakeholders to strategically change our code to encourage the right kind of development for our city, improve resident qualify of life, upgrade, and maintain infrastructure, and remain fiscally responsible. I am grateful for everyone who played an active role in helping us to make the best decisions for our city’s residents. Today, I want to share with you some proposals coming in front of the commission over the next 30 days in hopes of hearing your feedback and suggestions.

As I have stated before, my own house in Wilton Manors was a vacation rental for about six months. While it’s no longer a vacation rental today, I currently manage a vacation rental located in Fort Lauderdale. I believe that most vocational rental owners manage their properties properly to ensure neighborhoods are respected and properties are well-maintained. A small number of bad apples remain, however. Our commission is considering changes to our vacation rental regulations that will help us identify and deal with problematic properties. The new proposed regulations include sound detection and alert devices, limits on the number of property guests, requirements of timely on-site responses from a local responsible party, and requirements of timely property inspections between stays. While Florida law prevents us from banning or limiting the number of vacation rentals in the city, these new proposed regulations will help address problem properties that pose a threat to our quality of life. Professional property managers I have spoken with welcome the changes, eager to weed out those short-term rentals that threaten the reputation of their entire industry.

NEW DOG PARK REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS At our last commission meeting, Mayor Scott Newton asked that a discussion of dog park registration requirements be considered. As he shared during the meeting, our city charges a fee to issue residents a key fob for park access. Currently, dog owners are required to show proof of a current rabies vaccine, but not any of the other commonly required vaccines. I share Newton’s belief that we should require dog owners to have the

ART WALK WILTON MANORS

RETURNS MAY 21

By John Hayden

Colohatchee Park. Image via Facebook.

STRENGTHENING OUR VACATION RENTAL REGULATIONS same vaccines to enter our park as they would be required to enter an overnight boarding facility. Requiring these vaccines will help keep all our four-legged friends safe.

CITY WIDE SHUTTLE SERVICE BEING CONSIDERED Revenue generated from residents and visitors parking in our city-owned parking lots can be used only for parking and transportation related expenses. Besides maintaining our existing parking services, parking revenue also pays for our ride sharing discounts (https:// bit.ly/WiltonUberRides). At an upcoming commission meeting, we’ll consider a proposal to use our parking fund revenue to pay for a new city-wide electric shuttle. City staff posted an RFP for an electric shuttle operator and identified a potential partner for consideration by the commission. Their proposal would provide the electric shuttles and staff for residents to use anywhere within city limits. Rides would cost a nominal fee, designed to offset operational costs along with advertising that would appear on the vehicles. I support the addition of a shuttle service for residents to use, especially given that it is being funded from our parking revenue and not an additional tax on residents or burden on our general operational budget. I would love to hear from you, however. Would you use a shuttle service? Would you like see the commission accept this vendor’s proposal? You can email me at ccaputo@wiltonmanors.com or text me at 954.557.2801.

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

From a rainbow bridge to murals on buildings and wall-sized paintings in businesses, Wilton Manors’ art scene is vibrant and alive. On the third Saturday of each month, it’s on display even more. Art Walk Wilton Manors brings local artists out of their studios and onto the sidewalks. Creators will line Wilton Drive, showing off their work to everyone passing by. This month the event is May 21 from 6-9 p.m. The open-air event is free, letting the public peruse at their own pace. You can walk a block and look at different work, then sit for a drink or a bite before moving on to more art, more food, and more drinks.

ARTIST INFO While families and their pets are all welcome for free, vendors pay a small fee to display their wares ($50 first time/$25 additional months). Usually artists are able

Artwork in Wilton Manors. Credit: Carina Mask.

to have their pick of positions along Wilton Drive, and organizers work with artists to accommodate most requests. If an artist’s exhibit needs electricity, it can be provided. However, it will limit the choice of space, and organizers need to know ahead of time. The fee buys the space, but artists must bring their own tables, chairs, display needs, etc.

THE

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DJ John Bata. Image via Facebook.

The revolution of digital technology over the past 15 years has given us music that doesn’t degrade from the moment it’s recorded to when it’s played, no matter how many times you listen. It is perfect sound. Maybe too perfect. Now old school technology is making a comeback. Eagle Wilton Manors is hosting 100 Percent Vinyl Night on the first and third Thursdays of the month. There’s a certain something that vinyl sound brings. Perfect imperfections, perhaps? Spinning the tunes is veteran DJ John Bata. “100 Percent Vinyl is a first of its kind dance party in Wilton Manors that tries to recapture the energy and vibe of famous parties in late ‘80s, ‘90s, and 2000s in NYC, Chicago, Miami and the U.K., when DJs spun exclusively with vinyl records before digital music was a thing,” he said when announcing the event. While vinyl may be a sentimental and retro format, Bata said these parties aren’t retro night. “100 Percent Vinyl is not a ‘retro’ party, but something meant to be a time machine back in

“100 Percent Vinyl is not a ‘retro’ party, but something meant to be a time machine back in time when house music was still forming and growing hadn’t reached world domination and mass appeal and was truly underground.”

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Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 22

• 5.19.2022

time when house music was still forming and growing hadn’t reached world domination and mass appeal and was truly underground.” Bata said much of the music played features remixes, rare white labels and originals by world famous DJs Junior Vasquez, Danny Tenaglia, Frankie Knuckles, Peter Rauhofer, David Morales and other kings of gay nightlife at that time. There will also be forgotten classics of that era. Many of the tracks are not available for download or online, meaning this is one of few places, if not the only place, you’ll hear these tracks. A DJ for 30 years, Bata started out spinning with vinyl in the best clubs in Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, and New York City. That was the era of house, techno, trance, and progressive. Now he’s bringing his skills, and his records, to Eagle. And if you want two-for-one drinks, wear a harness. Because it doesn’t matter if you’re celebrating the ‘80s, ‘90s, or beyond, a good harness and cheap drinks are always fashionable.

4•

MAY 19, 2022

CONVICTIONS

Publisher’s Editorial

LESSONS IN LIFE 2022

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON Andy Marlette

Jackie Robinson. Photo via Pixabay.

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

eople ask me about getting cancer a second time. It is just not the kind of “déjà vu” you ever want to have. A Charlie Brown cartoon summarizing my life is taped to a miniature 50-year-old Sebring computer on my desk. In the first panel, he is in bed looking out at the stars asking why so many bad things happen to him. The answer from the skies is simple: “Nothing personal. Your name just happened to come up.” As the wise book, “The Little Prince,” taught us, “So it Goes.” I got out of the hospital last week and my caretaker posted a Facebook picture of me in my living room recovering, with one of my dogs under a blanket smiling. It was nice. Over 350 people responded. It was legacy of love and laughter from a span of five generations of Facebook friends. Have I really meant that much to so many people, even Leatrice Slote Spanierman, from the Nassau Herald on Long Island, who literally gave me my first job in journalism, publishing a weekly newspaper called “Youthquake,” capturing the 1960’s generation in print? One of my first columns praised former President John F. Kennedy, declaring him to be a youthful leader that would light a torch leading America to seek a newer world. Ten years later, my generation lived not through his light and life, but his assassination. And his brother’s. And Martin Luther King’s too. I would go to Woodstock, Mankind would go to the Moon, but America would go to hell, with racial unrest, the Vietnam war, campus violence, and discrimination against women, gays, and minorities. The world would not be what we wanted it to be. Fifty years later, now thanks to Vladimir Putin, it still is not. In two weeks, the South Florida Gay News will celebrate an anniversary party at Greico Ford in Fort Lauderdale. Join us, because despite so many wrongs in this world, the LGBT community brings us right, love, compassion and equality. We have been advocates for justice in a

world that has seen too much injustice. This year, thanks to a Supreme Court marching us back a half century, we have to fight back again. Don’t you dare not join the battle. It is our lives and freedoms we are fighting for. We can’t control the distance of our lives, only its depth, diversity, and character. Fate has dealt me a few blows this past year, but I am still here, plugging today for a newer world tomorrow. I may not get there with you all, but like John Kennedy, I am going to try to carry that torch. I urge you to do the same. My hero has always been Jackie Robinson, the athlete who broke the color barrier in pro baseball. A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. Bring a Xanax just in case, but never forget “If it is to be, it is up to me.” I have been writing the “cancer comedy chronicles” lately. The truth is there is not a lot funny about it. But you play through and hope for the best. Here’s one anecdote I think you will like. When the doctor first told me I was sick, I said, “What the hell,” and went away for a month to some baseball games. When I came back to see him, I asked what’s up? He said I have good news and bad news. “Give me the good news first,” I said. He said, “You have 30 days to live.” But I replied, “I wanted the good news first.” “That was the good news, Norm. We have been trying to reach you for a month. How were those baseball games, anyway?”

MY HERO HAS ALWAYS BEEN JACKIE ROBINSON, THE ATHLETE WHO BROKE THE COLOR BARRIER IN PRO BASEBALL.

5.19. 20 22 •

COLUMN GUEST

DISNEY, DESANTIS, AND THE FIRST AMENDMENT Sabrina Haake

hen Ron DeSantis and the Florida GOP punished Disney for its criticism of “Don’t Say Gay,” corporate speech that was clearly political in nature, their retaliation was not just fiscally shortsighted, it was illegal.

Any government attempt to restrict a corporation’s speech based on the content of that speech must satisfy the strictest scrutiny, meaning the restriction adopted by the government must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest, while restrictions based on political viewpoint have long been prohibited. Stripping Disney of its special taxing status in two democratleaning counties in Florida, while leaving intact more than 1,800 similar tax districts in largely Republican counties, is not narrowly tailored to achieve any clear objective, nor is silencing political critics a compelling or even legitimate government interest in the first instance. More than 10 years ago SCOTUS vested corporations with the same legal protections as other individuals when speaking on political issues. The Court in Citizens United [558 U.S. 310 (2010)] elevated the protection due corporate political speech, shielding corporate expenditures for political speech under the First Amendment. Maligned by the left, Citizens United empowers big oil, utilities, and other deep pocket industries to boost politicians like DeSantis, who symbiotically protect their corporate profits instead of protecting constituents worried about climate, even as Florida’s coasts sink visibly around them. Vesting well-funded corporations with expanded rights of political speech may have sealed the fate of our rising oceans, but Citizens United also arms corporations like Disney with legal ballast to protect themselves against would-be autocrats who seek to silence them. Although DeSantis was quick to disavow any retaliatory motive in his move to strip Disney of its independent taxing status, his disavowal is absurd in light of the timing and his own comments. Late in 2021, DeSantis warned Florida’s most powerful companies not to display “corporate wokeness,” widely regarded as showing support for LGBT rights and racial justice. DeSantis threatened that if corporations did display “wokeness,” the state would “look under the hood” of their operations, meaning they would examine more closely business practices previously deemed acceptable.

• 5.19.2022

Several months later, DeSantis made good on that threat. On March 28, DeSantis signed the controversial “Don’t Say Gay” bill into law, prohibiting teachers from discussing sexual orientation and encouraging parents to sue for ill-defined violations. On that same day, Disney’s CEO criticized the new law, vowing to see it repealed. Disney released a statement that the “Don’t Say Gay” bill “should never have been signed into law … Our goal as a company is for this law to be repealed by the legislature or struck down in the courts, and we remain committed to supporting the national and state organizations working to achieve that. We are dedicated to standing up for the rights and safety of LGBTQ+ members of the Disney family, as well as the LGBTQ+ community in Florida and across the country.” DeSantis was triggered. The next day, he responded scathingly, rebuking Disney for its criticism, warning Disney that it doesn’t “run this state” and that it “will never run this state as long as I’m governor.” Two days later, after over 50 years of mutually beneficial operations, and during a special legislative session convened for an entirely unrelated purpose, DeSantis and the GOP announced plans to revoke Disney’s legal entitlement to independent tax status, while preserving over 1,800 similar tax districts in the state. Evidence of DeSantis’ retaliatory motive isn’t limited to the calendar, sequence of events, or commonsense inference that Disney’s 50 plus years of successful taxing authority would not be revoked out of the blue. DeSantis’ and the GOP’s own statements render obvious their lust for retaliation, and make clear that they moved against Disney in direct consequence of Disney’s politically motivated speech against “Don’t Say Gay”: · Florida Gov. DeSantis: “Disney and other woke corporations won’t get away with peddling their unchecked pressure campaigns any longer… [We] view corporations like Disney trying to impose a woke ideology on our state as a significant threat … we take a very big stand against that … If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy.” At the bill signing ceremony, DeSantis continued, “You’re [Disney] a corporation based in Burbank, California, and you’re

Graphic created with images courtesy of Joe Penniston and Blue Diamond Gallery.

gonna marshal your economic might to attack the parents of my state ... We view that as a provocation, and we’re going to fight back against that.” Florida Lt. Gov. Jeanette Núñez: “How dare they. [The Disney corporation] has no right to criticize legislation by duly elected legislators … Governor DeSantis and I won’t stand for it.” Appearing on Fox News, Núñez questioned whether companies like Disney even have the “right to criticize” state policymakers’ efforts. · DeSantis’ Press Secretary Christina Pushaw: “It was unfortunate that Disney decided to wade into a political debate and attempt to overturn a common-sense law … The opponents of ‘Don’t Say Gay’ are ‘probably groomers.’” (slang for pedophiles). · Republican Rep. Randy Fine, who sponsored the bill to strip Disney of its status: “When Disney kicked the hornet’s nest several weeks ago [by criticizing ‘Don’t Say Gay’], we started looking at special districts … This is something that makes sense to do in general but because of the way Disney has behaved, there’s now the political will to do it. Disney had the political power to prevent [stripping its status] for decades. What changed is bringing California values to Florida … You are a guest. Maybe you don’t deserve the special privileges anymore.” · Republican Rep. Joe Harding, sponsor of “Don’t Say Gay”: “Large corporations must be held accountable.” · Republican Jackie Toledo: “Once upon a time Disney was a great partner with the state of Florida … We’ve granted them privileges because of our shared history, shared goals and shared successes. Shamefully, Disney

betrayed us [by opposing ‘Don’t Say Gay’].” · Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes, who opposed the measure: The retaliatory law “leaves the sword of Damocles over Disney’s head for 13 months … It shuts them up.” Brandes’ reference to 13 months reflects the effective date of the law, given that it won’t take effect for over a year, further suggesting it was political theater and a misuse of state power. Allowing over a year to pass will afford DeSantis and the GOP time to modify, retract or edit their work, and it will also give DeSantis room to try to address the fiscal implications. Since dissolution of the district will mean that the counties have to provide services Disney used to provide, like maintaining roads, and also requires the two counties to absorb nearly $1 billion in Disney debt, DeSantis clearly needs time to figure out who might pay for it. Delaying the measure by over a year suggests he knew it would never take effect as passed, but he wanted to show that he could and would punish Disney for its political statements. Brandes, the lone Republican vote against the measure, went on: “Nobody actually thinks this is going to happen. The cost to the state would be astronomical, potentially billions of dollars … DeSantis is relishing the feud … This is about staying on Fox. This is about extending the media life of this storyline. This is gold for him.” Last year, in an ominous but prescient warning of exactly this kind of GOP retribution targeting “woke” entities, Mitch McConnell said, “My advice to the corporate CEOs of America is to stay out of politics.” Unfortunately for McConnell, DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Núñez and the rest of the GOP whose

COLUMN GUEST lust for punishing critics is palpable, the controls the narrative, freed to create, spin, Supreme Court has forcibly struck down and disseminate alternative “facts” which government efforts to deter corporations are almost always designed to keep them from speaking out in the first instance. Pacific in power. Gas & Elec. Co. v. Public Util. Comm’n of During our time, silencing critics and Cal., 475 U. S. 1, 10 (1986). In Pacific Gas, the controlling political speech means autocrats Supreme Court noted that “[T]he essential can say anything they want, the public thrust of the First Amendment is to prohibit won’t hear information to the contrary. It improper restraints on the voluntary public means an entire country believes Ukraine expression of ideas.” The Supreme Court is the aggressor, and that the United States struck down the government order at issue should be punished for provoking Russia. It because it “discriminate[d] on the basis of means an entire country would feel justified the viewpoints of the selected speakers.” in a preemptive nuclear strike that could Similarly here, the GOP seeks to punish wipe out millions. During our founders’ Disney, a corporation that has significantly time, silencing political critics meant the benefitted Florida, that led the meteoric rise Intolerable Acts, passed in 1774 to punish of Florida’s tourism industry, and employs colonists for their political speech against more Floridians than any other employer the British Government. That act of political in the state, specifically and demonstrably suppression led to the Revolutionary War, because of its disfavored political speech which eventually produced a brilliant criticizing DeSantis and treatise that was centuries “Don’t Say Gay.” ahead of its time. In laying Political speech is the heart out principles of freedom “CONGRESS SHALL MAKE and free governance the of the First Amendment. Based on our founders’ world had not yet seen or NO LAW RESPECTING mistrust of governmental conceived, the framers of the power, the premier and U.S. Constitution showed AN ESTABLISHMENT exalted amendment to singular and unmatched OF RELIGION, OR the U.S. Constitution was genius that continues to crafted to protect against inspire the world, including PROHIBITING THE FREE the government’s “attempts new countries like Ukraine, to disfavor certain subjects fighting now to the death EXERCISE THEREOF; or viewpoints,” and soundly for democracy and freedom OR ABRIDGING THE “prohibits the government of speech. Having suffered from restricting speech from state-imposed religion, FREEDOM OF SPEECH, based on content of that our founders forged a new speech.” United States v. OR OF THE PRESS…” government scrupulously Playboy Entertainment separated from the church. Group, Inc., 529 U. S. 803, Having been punished and 813 (2000) (striking down content-based taxed for their speech against government, restrictions). Using state power to silence our founders wrote the First Amendment. political speech of critics has far wider, and Understanding our nation’s history, fully more frightening implications, than whether grasping what led desperate men to give sex education is taught in schools. That their lives to separate church and state, and Florida is attacking gays, reproductive rights, why they took up arms to defend the right to and racial minorities simultaneously may criticize the government, is the only way to be alarming, but it isn’t nearly as ominous appreciate the First Amendment: “Congress as DeSantis’ and the GOP’s trampling of shall make no law respecting an establishment the First Amendment. Silencing political of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise opponents, whether by imprisonment or by thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, imposing an effective ideology tax, presents or of the press…” To understand the historical the steepest of autocratic slopes. If Floridians underpinnings of the First Amendment is lose the right to publicly criticize or disagree to revere it for the stroke of genius, timeless with their government, they have lost the insight into human conduct, and beacon for right to choose who that government will universal freedom that it was. To understand be. The principal reason autocrats and its singular beauty is also the only way to dictators control speech is to consolidate grasp the danger of allowing DeSantis and the power. Silencing critics means the state GOP to trample it. Sabrina Haake is a 20-year federal litigator in Chicago, transitioning to South Florida. Haake’s legal and political essays have been published in The Chicago Reader, Chicago Tribune, Howard University Rights and Globalization Law Review, Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education, Indiana International & Comparative Law Review, Inside Indiana Business, National Institute of Criminal Justice, Northwest Indiana Times, Post Tribune, SALON, Tulane Journal of International & Comparative Law, TEDx, and Windy City Times.

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CONVICTIONS

Jesse’s Journal

A LITTLE GOOD NEWS Jesse Monteagudo

n May 12, NBC’s “Today Show” began its broadcast with the usual array of bad news. A story about California wildfires was followed by stories about the impact of inflation; one million COVID deaths (so far) in the United States; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; and the violent death of Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh. Even the local news summary at 7:25 told us about a deadly double shooting along with the weather and traffic. Though Today’s second half hour started on a positive note with a story about an emergency plane landing by an untrained passenger (after the pilot lost consciousness), the show soon devolved into stories about a baby formula shortage; a great white shark; and a “lone star” tick whose bite causes allergies. Even Hoda Kotb’s “Morning Boost” did not help much. As we all know, journalism accentuates the negative. But so does history, which covers the past the way journalism covers the present. Since the days of Herodotus, the fifth century B.C.E. Father of History, historians have dwelled upon such topics as crime, genocide, violence, and war. Voltaire and Edward Gibbons, the 18th century’s greatest historians, defined history as “a collection of the crimes, follies, and misfortunes” of humanity. This is certainly true of political or economic history, which mostly deal with the struggle between people, classes, races, sexes, groups, or nations. However, when it comes to social or cultural history, the verdict is not so negative. One of the last century’s greatest historians was Barbara Wertheim Tuchman (1912-1989). She won the Pulitzer Prize twice: in 1963 for The Guns of August [1914] and in 1972 for [Joseph] Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-45. Though these are historical classics, my favorite Tuchman book is A Distant Mirror: The Calamitous Fourteenth Century, (1978), which won the National Book Award. Covering a century full of “plague, war, taxes, brigandage, bad government, insurrection, and schism in the Church” (sounds familiar?), Tuchman’s book mostly ignored those who led humdrum lives, even in that awful century. This inspired Tuchman to coin her own “Tuchman’s Law”:

Barbara Wertheim Tuchman. Photo via Wikipedia.

“Disaster is rarely as pervasive as it seems from recorded accounts. The fact of being on the record makes it appear continuous and ubiquitous whereas it is more likely to have been sporadic both in time and place. Besides, persistence of the normal is usually greater than the effect of the disturbance, as we know from our own times. After absorbing the news of today, one expects to face a world consisting entirely of strikes, crimes, power failures, broken water mains, stalled trains, school shutdowns, muggers, drug addicts, neo-Nazis, and rapists. The fact is that one can come home in the evening — on a lucky day — without having encountered more than one or two of these phenomena. This has led me to formulate Tuchman’s Law, as follows: ‘The fact of being reported multiplies the apparent extent of any deplorable development by fiveto tenfold’ [or any figure the reader would care to supply].” As a contributor to LGBT journals, I realize that much of what I write about is negative: what we do to others and what others do to us. Much of our print and online periodicals deal with bad news: youth or adult suicide; antiLGBT violence; prejudicial laws or attitudes; the ravages of AIDS, COVID and meningitis. By doing so, we often do not cover the ordinary lives that most of us enjoy, because they are so common. News organizations like SFGN, to its credit, often deal with positive events, whether it be a coming out, an achievement by one of our sisters or brothers, or even a couple’s wedding or anniversary. So let us recognize the positive, even as we report and denounce the negative. As Canadian singer Anne Murray famously sang, “We sure could use a little good news today.”

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.

• 5.19.2022

Off The Wall

CONVICTIONS

JAKE DANIELS

ROCKS

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Stonewall’s nationally-renowned virtual programming series features LGBTQ artists, writers, thinkers, curators, and advocates. Past guests have included Jeffrey H. Jackson, Allen Ellenzweig, and Sarah Shulman.

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Screenshot from Sky Sports News via YouTube.

lackpool’s Jake Daniels has become the first active gay professional male footballer in the U.K. since 1990 after coming out publicly and making an announcement on Monday. The 17-year-old recently signed a professional contract with the Championship (second tier of English soccer) team and made his club debut earlier this month. In an interview with Sky Sports, Daniels said he hopes he can become a role model for others and hopes there will be a gay Premier League footballer in the future. “Of course I am aware that there will be a reaction to this and some of it will be homophobic, maybe in a stadium and on social media, it’s an easy thing for people to target. The way I see it is that I am playing football and they are shouting stuff at me, but they are paying to watch me play football and I am living my life and making money from it.

So shout what you want, it’s not going to make a difference. I won’t stop people from saying that stuff, I just need to learn how to not let it affect me. I am hoping that by coming out, I can be a role model, to help others come out if they want to. I am only 17 but I am clear that this is what I want to do and if, by me coming out, other people look at me and feel maybe they can do it as well, that would be brilliant.” After Daniels’ announcement, professional players representative organization FIFPRO tweeted out words of support, saying, “We are so proud of Jake Daniels for deciding to share his story. No one should ever have to hide who they are. Thanks to Jake’s teammates and club who stand beside him and the LGBTQIA+ community.” One at a time, and remember what Dr. Seuss said, “Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.”

Pier Angelo was born in Italy, moved to England at the age of 17 and learned English at the Nelson School of English. He attended college and graduate school in Manhattan. In 2009 he founded SFGN with Norm Kent. Now he’s retired with his husband Tom and his Affenpinscher Cabbage. He still enjoys writing his column Off The Wall for SFGN.

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3/8/2022 7:48:59 AM

• 5.19.2022

LIFESTYLE READING WITH PRIDE

‘THE BONE SPINDLE’

Raising the bar for Telehealth

Aurora Dominguez

f you’re interested in fairytales that feature a heroine who is the one who saves a prince and that has queer characters, then check out “The Bone Spindle” by Leslie Vedder.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT NOVEL?

I’ve always loved the magic of fairytales — poison apples, enchanted castles, and glass slippers abandoned on the steps. But a lot of the original fairytales don’t offer much in the way of agency for the girls involved. In fact, there’s quite a bit of sleeping, housework, and waiting to be rescued. In “The Bone Spindle,” I wanted to write a fairytale retelling that would turn that dynamic on its head. Instead of a princess, “Sleeping Beauty” is a prince waiting for a kiss. The girl destined to wake him is a no-nonsense treasure hunter who doesn’t believe in true love, and her partner is a queer, ax-wielding warrior with a penchant for cracking skulls. The fierce friendship between the girls is really the heart of the story, and my favorite part.

WHAT DOES “READING WITH PRIDE” MEAN TO YOU?

For me, Reading with Pride means having the opportunity to pick up a book and see queer characters in any role at all, with no limitations. Queer romance — definitely. Queer space adventures — bring it on. Queer characters in ghost stories, and spy thrillers, and epic fantasies — all that and more. Queer characters of all stripes grappling with themselves, or the world, or just the murderous pirates whose treasure they stole!

WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS AND CHARACTERS?

There’s an old adage that, whether we mean to or not, writers put a little of ourselves into everything we create. This rings very true to me. Ultimately, each and every writer is one person, peering around at the world and trying to understand it, and then writing a story that conveys some version of their experience. That will always be an incomplete picture. We need all kinds of perspectives, all kinds of writers telling their stories. Only a kaleidoscope of different views could ever hope to represent the world in all its richness and complexity.

WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU RELATE TO THE MOST AND WHY?

The character I love the most is Shane. She’s a mercenary with a past she’s left in the dust, one who’s brash and loud and unapologetically herself at every moment — especially when she’s flirting with pretty girls. She’s everything I loved in my favorite heroes as a teen, all packed into one kickass queer girl. But honestly, she’s way too cool

Leslie Vedder. Photo via Twitter.

for me! Her partner, Fi, is a historian and scholar who grew up with her nose buried in a book and who’s more interested in ancient magic languages than making friends. She’s way more my speed (though still cooler than I am).

WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK?

“The Bone Spindle” is a fast-paced actionadventure with plenty of treasure hunting and romance, both of the m/f and f/f variety! It’s my love letter to fairytales and action movies like Indiana Jones and The Mummy, with characters who laugh in the face of danger and take on traps, ruins, and riddles while running for their lives. It’s also set in a world where queerness is totally accepted and lines of succession have nothing to do with gender. So while there’s plenty of heartache and trouble in store for Shane and Fi, none of it is rooted in discrimination.

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU IN THE BOOKISH WORLD?

“The Bone Spindle” is a trilogy, so I’m working on book two right now. Book one has a lot of twists and turns, and I’m loving that book two (coming in 2023) is finally giving me the chance to really dig into the love stories, including some serious sapphic enemies-to-lovers!

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www.healthkarma.org 5.19. 20 22 •

LIFESTYLE FOOD

BROAD SHOULDERS & FULL MOUTHS Rick Karlin

BROAD SHOULDERS 2822 E. COMMERCIAL BLVD., FORT LAUDERDALE 754-779-7220 BROADSHOULDERSSANDWICHES.COM As a former Chicagoan, I can tell you that Chicago is known for many things: great architecture, die-hard sports fans, corruption, and great food. The one thing it is not known for is subtlety. Broad Shoulders Sandwiches, named after one of Chicago’s nicknames (City of Broad Shoulders, in addition to Windy City, Second City, and a slew of others) recently opened by Chicagoan Tom Azar is no exception. Azar came a long way since he received a degree in culinary arts from Chicago’s noted Washburn Trade School. He was employed by the legendary chef Emeril Lagasse, and he worked his way up from cook to Chef de Cuisine (at Emeril’s Miami Beach location). He has now embarked upon a new chapter in his career. His gourmet sandwich shop specializes in scratch-made condiments, sides, and desserts, all of which are packed with a punch of flavor. Let’s start with the soups. There are only two options: chicken and andouille gumbo (served with potato salad or steamed white rice) or shrimp and sweet corn chowder. On the night of our visit we tried the chowder. Plentiful corn and potatoes swimming in a deep, dark, thick, seafood stock base had a stick to the ribs quality. At $8, the large bowl provided a satisfying meal or could be split as an appetizer. Sandwiches are the stars of the menu though, with eye-popping (and possibly jaw-dislocating) favorites from Chicago and around the world. Of course, I had to check out the Chicago standards, a hot dog and Italian beef. The Chicago style hot dog checks almost all the boxes, with its combination of an over-sized Vienna all-beef hot dog, yellow mustard, chopped white onions, green sweet pickle relish, dill pickle, tomatoes, homemade sport peppers, and celery salt served on a poppy seed bun. The only thing missing were paper thin tomato slices. The bun wasn’t steamed, as

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• 5.19.2022

is traditional, but that was actually a better choice as it made it able to contain all the condiments. The Italian beef is a Chicago classic. For those unfamiliar with the sandwich, it is similar to a French dip, with thinly shaved roast beef dipped in an Italian seasoned au jus. It is traditionally served with roasted sweet green peppers or spicy giardiniera (spicy pickled veggies) on an Italian roll. Big Shoulders serves an up-scale version, smothered with plenty of roasted sweet peppers and a side of house-made giardiniera, which packs a nice vinegary punch. The roll is a little softer than up north and the jus is served on the side. I poured a little over my sandwich, and also dipped into it. I managed to finish half of it. At $16, it’s a little more than you’d pay at a beef stand, but a much larger portion. For an additional $3 you can make it a combo with an Italian sausage thrown on top (very Chicago, where more is more). There are other delights as well. My hubby was delighted to find three fish dishes on the menu. He was pleased with the perfectly grilled mahi mahi, topped with shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, homemade pickles, and tartar sauce, on a brioche roll. His other options were a fried fish sandwich and a shrimp po’boy. A Reuben with house made corned beef, spicy fried chicken, the Broad Shoulders burger featuring a half pound special blend beef burger, brie cheese, caramelized onions, and apple-wood bacon, a Cuban and BBQ rib sandwiches round out the menu. For those seeking something lighter, there are Caesar and Italian chopped salads. Sides include creamy coleslaw (which also accompanies some sandwiches), potato salad, macaroni and cheese and BBQ baked beans. Desserts are worth a look. The New Orleans style bread pudding with whisky sauce is a house specialty. Other southern staples include chocolate pecan pie and a deep dish take on Key Lime pie. On a side note, everything is served on real plates. Better for the environment and a lot classier.

Top: Corn Chowder. Bottom: Reuben Sandwich. Images via Facebook.

SIDE DISH OTHER NEW DINING SPOTS Fort Lauderdale’s Flagler Village is quickly becoming a dining destination. The most recent place to open is Santiago’s Bodega, the fourth outpost of the Key West based mini chain. An Argentine craft-beer taproom, Prison Pals, has opened in Oakland Park’s Culinary Arts District. It’s an offshoot from owner Juan Pipkin’s Doral-based brewery and features both blonde and American Pale ales. Kava Jive in the Shoppes of Wilton

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

Manors will offer a variety of specialty botanically infused teas in addition to kava when it opens next month. It will also highlight local art and live entertainment. The latest place to take over the spot formerly occupied by Wolsen Café and Via Vie is Mamma Mia Italian Bistro. Expected to open this month, it is the first U.S. eatery from Federica Priolo, who comes from a family of restaurateurs in Italy and says, “Mamma Mia is gonna be an Italian bistro, not a gourmet restaurant.”

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

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

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A&E FILM

ONLINE PBS DOCUSERIES EXPLORES GAY RODEO David-Elijah Nahmod

“S

ubcultured” is a 14-part online docuseries from PBS that shines a light on lesser-known subcultures. The series can be seen on PBS Voices, a YouTube channel from PBS Digital Studios dedicated to helping people understanding each other a little bit better. “Subcultured” is produced and hosted by Josef Lorenzo, who is described by PBS publicity as “ultra-curious.” At least one episode of “Subcultured” is of definite interest to the LGBT community. In “How Is the Gay Rodeo Different?” Lorenzo Photo provided by Josef Lorenzo. talks to gay cowboys and a gay cowgirl about the gay rodeo, which came about in the 1970s as a safe haven for all those who had faced more emphasis on that safety than a traditional bigotry and discrimination in the traditional rodeo. At the end of the day the story is about rodeo. trying to understand the contestants and the “The great thing about it is that I could reason that the community was formed and be open,” one cowboy said in the episode, not about the backlash they received.” which packs a lot of information into its scant Lorenzo added that what he found most 10-minute running time. “I couldn’t be open fascinating about the gay rodeo is that when the way I wanted to be walking down the it was first formed in the 1970s, it began as a street. So here was a place where I could open charity event. up. That was what really struck me. This is my “It was really more about helping others place. This is where I need to than helping themselves and be.” I thought that camaraderie As the episode continues, it among the community and AT ONE POINT IN appears that the gay rodeo is no the contestants was THE FILM LORENZO among different from the mainstream really unique and not something MENTIONS THAT rodeo. Gay cowboys are seen that is really common,” he said. roping steers, riding bulls, and The film also delves into the THE GAY RODEO taking part in other activities homophobia faced by the gay WAS CONDEMNED that are associated with the rodeo, and how the rodeo was BY ANIMAL RIGHTS impacted by the AIDS epidemic, rodeo. But there are a few activities that set the gay rodeo ACTIVISTS WHO FELT with one cowboy stating that apart, like Goat Dressing and he’s had full blown AIDS for 30 THAT THE SPORT the Wild Drag Race. In Goat years. Dressing, teams of two race to WAS CRUEL TO THE “It ripped through gay put underwear on a goat, while rodeo,” he said of AIDS. “They ANIMALS INVOLVED. lost literally the Wild Drag Race entails hundreds of someone in drag riding a steer contestants. But we got past across the finish line. These are timed race it. We still lose people from time to time from events, according to Lorenzo. HIV-related diseases. Exactly how I’m still here At one point in the episode Lorenzo I’m not sure.” mentions that the gay rodeo was condemned One of Lorenzo’s primary goals in making by animal rights activists who felt that the “How is the Gay Rodeo Different?” is to let sport was cruel to the animals involved. people know the origin story of the gay rodeo, “The biggest thing that the gay rodeo how it came to be and why it was formed. members told us is that they do prioritize the “I feel that if more people knew about it safety of the contestants and the safety of maybe more people would want to give it a their animals,” Lorenzo said in an interview shot,” he said. “It’s a cool thing, why don’t more with SFGN. “They pride themselves in putting people know about it?” To watch “How is the Gay Rodeo Different?” visit the PBS Voices/Subcultured channel on YouTube.

• 5.19.2022

A&E THEATER

ALYSSA EDWARDS TALKS ABOUT LIFE, LOVE AND LASHES J.W. Arnold

Alyssa Edwards will bring her “Life, Love & Lashes Tour” to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center on Tuesday, May 31. Credit: Aeveraal,via Wikimedia Commons

“R

uPaul’s Drag Race” fan favorite Alyssa Edwards is hitting the road again — her “yellow brick road to fame” — on the “Life, Love and Lashes Tour,” a onewoman show that chronicles her dreams as a shy young gay kid growing up in Texas and eventually achieving international stardom. “Never in a million years, 11 years after appearing on ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 5, could I have imagined this is the life I’d be leading,” said Edwards in a phone interview. Following a sold out, critically acclaimed residency at the Vaudeville Theatre in London’s West End last year, this expanded production promises “longer lashes, bigger wigs and louder tongue pops.” “I actually began planning the show three years ago and knew the show had to be a combination of Elvis Presley, Liberace, rhinestones, drag and all of the above. Then, all of a sudden COVID hit and sent me on a detour. But that gave me time with a pen and pad to share my life and plan, the emancipation of Alyssa Edwards — life, love and lashes,” she said. She described the emotions she felt each night on that stage on London: “I remember being there and thinking this is the world I’ve always dreamed of, standing on these stages in front of all these people and entertaining them. It’s the heart, the lifeline, the blood. It’s my life,” said Edwards, whose male alter ego, Justin Dwayne Lee Johnson, still juggles lessons at his Garland, Texas, dance studio in between his performances. Edwards was well received in Europe, where

“Drag Race” still tops the ratings each season, but she was concerned audiences would still be concerned about the pandemic and stay away from crowded theaters. “It was a packed house every night,” she recalled. “People were so thankful, so grateful and appreciative. I would come out of theater doors and it was lined with people. It was incredible, so many different types of people.” This spring and summer, he’ll be tucking in 26 cities, including stops in Fort Lauderdale on May 31 and Orlando on June 1. “I am going to live out a stage fantasy on this tour. I have pictured myself doing this — all the things people are expecting — tongue pops will be load and the wigs will be higher and the stories will be magical. It’s going to be one night, one queen, one spectacle and you’ll never forget it,” the 42-year-old said. “I didn’t want it to be too scripted because it has to be authentically fun, too.” And, after three to four hours getting into drag, followed by a 90-minute performance each night, Edwards basks in the light and love of her fans. For her the biggest thrill is “unveiling the magic that sets this show in Wonderland.” When the tour is over, Edwards and her partner plan to take a trip to Disney or perhaps a tropical vacation. But she won’t be idle for long, as plans for a second season of her Netflix series “Dancing Queen” are in the works and an autobiography might be, too. She concluded, “I do believe my Book of Lives has been written … it’s just now being read out loud.”

Alyssa Edwards brings her “Life, Love & Lashes Tour” to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, May 31. Tickets start at $60.93 at BrowardCenter.org.

5.19. 20 22 •

A&E APPOINTMENTS

A&E TELEVISION

‘DAYS OF OUR LIVES’ EXPLORES BISEXUALITY David-Elijah Nahmod

he long running soap opera “Days of Our Lives” has been a ground-breaker in terms of LGBT visibility. For several years the show highlighted the complicated love story of Sonny and Will, a popular gay supercouple. The characters were written out of the series in 2020 but have since returned to the fictional town of Salem. More recently “Days” explored the love between longtime character Dr. Craig Wesley and gay con artist Leo Stark, which culminated in a disastrous wedding in which Leo was revealed to already be married to a drag queen. Now, “Days” is breaking ground in a new way by presenting the story of Allie Horton (Lindsay Arnold), who might be the first bisexual character in soap-land. Allie was all set to marry longtime boyfriend Tripp (Lucas Adams), who was unaware of the fact that Allie had recently slept with her female best friend Chanel (Raven Bowens). When he found out, an enraged Tripp broke off their engagement. Allie and Chanel decide to make a go of having a relationship with each other as Allie, who still finds herself attracted to men, comes to the realization that she is bisexual. Lindsay Arnold is quite active on Twitter and spoke about the reaction she’s gotten from fans regarding Allie’s newfound sexuality. “I feel like it’s been from what I’ve seen mainly really positive,” she said. “People are really enjoying seeing this kind of story-line explored which is always nice to see because it’s a really important story that hasn’t been told so I’m glad it’s finally getting the spotlight on this show. And I think that there’s so many fans, specifically LGBTQ fans who are now getting to see something they’ve probably wanted to see for years.” The actress reported that she’s received tweets from LGBT viewers who say that Allie’s coming out has made them feel seen. Unfortunately, there have also been negative responses, but Arnold said that she pays no mind to such comments. She feels it’s important to have representation on television, given Florida’s recent passing of the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which forbids teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity to students from first through third grades and is so vaguely written that it can affect any grade level. “Seeing somebody who is a gay character, who is bi, who is uncovering these new parts

Raven Bowens (left) and Lindsay Arnold (right). Photo by JPI Studios

of their sexuality, seeing that onscreen is so helpful and beneficial to ending the discomfort and fear that people have when it comes to LGBTQ issues,” she said. Arnold added that she loves working with Bowens, her onscreen female love interest. “It’s really so easy to be in love with her,” Arnold said. “She’s just this magnetic person. She’s really similar to her character in that way. She’s so free, she’s so magnetic, she’s down for anything, she just loves living life. It’s so refreshing and exciting to be around when you find someone who just looks at life with so much enthusiasm, and it just makes her this really magnetic presence to be around. I love Raven, I find it very easy to play her best friend and more than her best friend.” Unfortunately, Allie and Chanel’s love story didn’t last long due to a bizarre plot twist which is typical of the sometimes campy “Days.” In recent weeks Allie has been possessed by Satan himself, and for several weeks wreaked havoc upon the residents of Salem, though that story appears to be coming to a conclusion as of this writing. This amusing plot twist, gave Arnold a wonderful opportunity to show off her versatility as a performer. She plays evil beautifully. “I had so much fun being evil,” she said. “I think it showed through a lot.” And while the devil possession story-line may come to an end, Allie’s bisexuality will remain a permanent part of the “Days” canvas. Arnold has a simple message for anyone who takes offense to Allie’s truth. “This is not a sin for young people,” she said. “It’s actually very reflective of a lot of people in general and specifically a lot of young people who now live in a society that’s more accepting. A lot more young people are embracing these feelings and opening themselves up to having feelings for multiple genders, multiple people, and so it’s actually just reflective of society, and there’s nothing wrong with it at all. It’s all love.”

“Days of Our Lives” airs weekdays on NBC and streams on Peacock.

• 5.19.2022

For Pride Month, Taco Bell is serving up spicy drag at its five Cantina locations, including one in Fort Lauderdale at Beach Place. Credit: Taco Bell.

ARTSBEAT PRIDE MONTH IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER J.W. Arnold

PRIDE MONTH FUN AT TACO BELL Taco Bell is launching a one-of-a-kind fan experience, Taco Bell Drag Brunch, a multi-city tour to celebrate the LGBT community and drag culture during Pride Month. The events will feature saucy performances from local queens and kings that will “transform any morning [or brunch] from mild to fire.” Hosted by legendary drag performer Kay Sedia, the party will highlight Taco Bell’s breakfast menu items, including the new $5 Bell Breakfast Box and Cinnabon Delights® Coffee, mimosas and more. The tour stops at the Taco Bell Cantina at Beach Place on Fort Lauderdale Beach on Sunday, June 26. The concept was suggested by members of Live Mas Pride, Taco Bell’s LGBT employee resource group, which was launched in 2020 and now includes over 100 employees. Proceeds benefit the It Gets Better Project.

Reservations are available on OpenTable.com.

TOUR THE STONEWALL NATIONAL MUSEUM Florida Atlantic University will host a free Pride Month tour of the Stonewall National Museum & Archives (SNMA) in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, June 3 at 11 a.m. Executive Director Hunter O’Hanian will lead the tour and describe how the collection developed and grew to contain over 27,000 books in the library and more than six million pages of LGBT history from the 1950s to the present day in the archives. O’Hanian might even pull out RuPaul’s bathrobe or Ricky Martin’s leather pants.

To learn more, go to Stonewall-Museum.org. To reserve a space on the tour, go to https://bit.ly/3a4OuRL.

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY WITH COMPASS Compass Community Center in Lake Worth will host its 2022 Stonewall Ball on Saturday, June 25 at a new venue, the Cox Science Center and Aquarium, 4801 Drehler Tr. N. in West Palm Beach. The theme is “Electric Disco,” and the evening will include food and drinks, silent auction, live entertainment and an awards ceremony. The VIP reception will take place inside the center, but the dance party will move outside to the “Electric Disco Forest.” Stonewall Ball raises funds for Compass programs in Palm Beach County, including HIV/AIDS insurance premium and co-pay programs, peer support groups, transgender resources and programs, free mental health services and cultural competency training for government agencies, corporations and small businesses.

Tickets are $45 for the dance party and $300 for the VIP reception at compassglcc.com.

SPORTS PLAYING WITH PRIDE

FEATURE PETS

SPECTACUL AR C U D D L E R!

Shelter volunteers and staff at the Humane Society of Broward County have only wonderful things to say about Oliver (ID A651067), in fact they say he is a “spectacular” dog! At just over a year old, Oliver is unbelievably gentle and sweet! This fellow would make the perfect companion. He likes to play but he is also a big cuddler and loves to give kisses. The trainers say he is extremely smart! And wait until you see his spiral piggy tail, this boy is just adorable. Hurry up and come and meet him. He won’t last! And, thanks to a dog lover, his adoption fee has been sponsored.

SPOT

Appointments are not necessary to visit the Humane Society of Broward County. However, please complete the preadoption application on the website www.humanebroward.com prior to stopping by if you would like to meet a pet. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I95, and opens daily at 11 a.m. If you have questions call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Can’t adopt, but want to help? The Humane Society has wish lists on Amazon and Chewy. ALL STAFF, VOLUNTEERS, AND CUSTOMERS SHOULD WEAR A MASK TO ENTER THE SHELTER.

LIFESTYLE BOOKS

ON BEING GAY AND GRAY SFGN columnist’s latest book out now SFGN Staff

Brian McNaught, pictured right, poses with his newly released book, “On Being Gay and Gray: Our Stories, Gifts, and the Meaning of Our Lives.” The book is a deeply intimate tribute to the wisdom gained throughout life as an open LGBT person, and how that shapes their journey as an LGBT senior. “This book, ‘On Being Gay and Gray,’ is intended to be that friend who helps take care of the senior members of the gay community by validating their experiences of courage, mirroring their strengths, and celebrating the significance of their unique contributions to the world,” said McNaught.

DEVON CAMPBELL COMES OUT AS OMNISEXUAL Everitt Rosen

eferee Devon Campbell came out publicly as omnisexual in an impassioned Twitter statement, adding another name to the LGBT community of independent pro wrestling. Campbell, who is based in the Seattle region, has refereed fights in a number of Pacific Northwest indie wrestling outfits, including Without A Cause, DOA Pro Wrestling, Relentless Wrestling, POW! Pro Wrestling, and Prestige Wrestling. Campbell, who is still early in his career, trains at the Drgnxplex Dojo with pro wrestler and Without A Cause Co-founder Dave Turner. “I’ve been holding back on this for a while but finally in the right headspace to say this. I am omnisexual,” Campbell wrote. “It’s been a stressful journey of self-discovery, but I’m now free. I am me.”

Devon Campbell. Photo via Instagram.

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