SFGN 06/17/21 V12iss24

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JUNE 17, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 24

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

FLORIDA ALLIES AND ENEMIES SHOW THEIR TRUE COLORS IN PRIDE MONTH

@SFGN

June 17, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 24

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

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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

John McDonald

Editorial

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

P

ride month is here and so are signals from allies and enemies.

Displaying LGBT support is gaining greater acceptance in corporate America.

Companies such as Levi’s, Macy’s, Nike and countless others have their own Pride collections and events.

Schools too are getting out the message.

Florida State University’s Facebook athletics page posted a rainbow-colored version of the team’s logo with the words “Celebrating equality, diversity and inclusion #Pride2021.”

Public officials have also expressed support.

Florida Representative Bobby DuBose (D-Fort Lauderdale) has a long track record of advocating on behalf of the LGBT community.

When asked why, DuBose responded, “Why not?”

“I don’t want to give cliché answers like ‘I have family members and friends,’ DuBose said. “I want to keep it in a holistic way. We are all humans that should look out for and love one another, especially if you’re a public servant.”

While serving on the Fort Lauderdale Commission DuBose joined forces with Broward School Board member Dr. Rosalind Osgood to seek solutions to alarming suicide rates by LGBT youth. Last fall Broward Schools presented a community forum called “Hear Our Cry” to begin conversations around issues such as suicide, homelessness, depression and bullying.

Openingly supporting LGBT causes may not be easy in some parts of his district, DuBose said, but it’s the right thing to do.

“There’s always some pushback from within different communities around us,” DuBose admitted. “At the end of the day, everyone is someone’s kid. These are young folks

THERE’S MORE ONLINE! SEE OUR NEWS IN VIDEO! Online now!

6

• 6 .17. 2021

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

Photo via Adobe.

who are all born with destinies within them and it’s just a matter of us listening, paying attention and tapping into that. Some of these young folks could have the cure for cancer or scleroderma. We love unconditionally and we say that but why not advocate, why not stand up, why not speak out.”

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis must have missed that memo and is giving the impression he does not respect LGBT people. DeSantis has signed a bill to limit athletic opportunities for trans youth, vetoed mental health services for Pulse survivors, cut funding for homeless LGBT youth and was accused of ordering the Jacksonville Transportation Authority to turn off the rainbow lighting of its Acosta Bridge.

DeSantis’ office denied responsibility for that last one.

Meanwhile, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried tweeted “Love is love #Pride2021.” Fried recently announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination for Florida governor.

In a letter, Fried ripped DeSantis, stating

the aforementioned actions further flames of discrimination against a vulnerable population.

“As governor, it is your moral and constitutional responsibility to serve all Floridians, not only those whose antediluvian predilections you share,” Fried wrote.

“Regardless of your personal preferences, your administration should not continue to deny or obstruct the simple, non-partisan act of lighting our state’s landmarks to recognize legitimate causes.”

In Wilton Manors, recognition is never in doubt and more so a tradition. The city commission issued an LGBT Pride Month proclamation at its June 8 meeting. The proclamation acknowledged the city’s status as a sanctuary for LGBT people with a unique history of majority gay governance.

Pride Center CEO Robert Boo accepted the proclamation on behalf of the LGBT community.

“I look forward to seeing everyone sweating on Stonewall Pride [June 19],” Boo said.

UGANDA POLICE ARREST 44 PEOPLE AT LGBT SHELTER Read SFGN.com to find out more.

Support our advertisers in the pages of SFGN! Their support helps make our journalism possible.

COVER: Photos via Adobe.

Associated Press

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

Contributing Columnists

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

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

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

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

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

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NEWS LOCAL

NEW BLAIR GROUP SPONSORS PRIDE TENT Prior bankruptcy stirs community concern Norm Kent

D

eclaring that he is hosting an “inclusive festival,” and that “I would not deny Donald Trump a place if he wanted one,” Stonewall Pride’s Executive Director, Jeff Sterling, is permitting the man who two years ago ran the Florida Agenda into a $12.7 million dollar bankruptcy to co-sponsor the VIP tent at this weekend’s festival.

Bobby Blair is the CEO of LGBTQ Loyalty Holdings, Inc., which announced last week they “are proud to help donate and underwrite” the costs of the Stonewall Pride VIP tent event.

But after an uproar over the announcement SFGN learned Blair decided to not attend the event.

LGBTQ Loyalty Holdings, on the OTC as LFAP, is a publicly traded company offering itself as an entity that “intends to deliver financial and marketing platforms specific to the LGBTQ community.”

Jeff Sterling is also the CFO of LGBTQ Holdings, a company recently featured favorably on CNN. Sterling also operates the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group, which hosts the city’s Art Walk and Taste of the Island.

Blair was the former CEO of Multimedia Platforms, the company that previously owned the Florida Agenda.

In 2017, Blair filed a Chapter 11 plan for federal bankruptcy reorganization. The petition was eventually dismissed, and the

STERLING EXPLAINED THAT “STONEWALL PRIDE IS HOSTING AN INCLUSIVE FESTIVAL, AND THERE IS NO RULE IN PLACE TO DENY PEOPLE’S PARTICIPATION IN THE FESTIVAL. I WOULD NOT DENY DONALD TRUMP A PLACE IF HE WANTED ONE.”

Bobby Blair, via YouTube.

creditors and investors never repaid.

Blair’s own court filings in 2018 listed a total indebtedness to creditors north of 10 million dollars on his last venture. He told SFGN at the time “there “is nothing more I would like then to make our investors whole again.”

Repercussions from Blair’s announcement were felt immediately.

Sterling first replied that “Bobby Blair is just one person, and the loyalty holdings group includes not just him but a distinguished board of directors.”

Sterling named former congressman Barney Frank, and the world-renowned tennis star, Martina Navratilova as backers of their joint venture.

Nevertheless, Sterling announced on Tuesday that Blair recognized he was “a lightning rod,” and decided his presence would cause more problems than it was worth.

He stated Blair was going back to California and other corporate representatives would host the VIP tent instead.

“We just decided it would be more prudent.

We wanted to err on the side of inclusion, not exclusion,” Sterling stated. “Is it a difficult policy to navigate? Sure. Absolutely. But it would be equally bad if I denied certain people entry.”

In a press release last week, Blair announced that his new company “has a goal of building a pathway for the LGBTQ community to support the companies that are strong supporters for equality.” The release did not mention the prior bankruptcy or the millions still owed to creditors, both locally and nationally.

For a list of all the Florida creditors totaling $783,983, visit SFGN.com.

8

• 6 .17. 2021

From how far we’ve come to how far we’ll go, there’s PRIDE in progress.

As a proud ally to our LGBTQ+ customers, associates and neighbors, Regions recognizes PRIDE doesn’t just celebrate the community that has been built. It also celebrates the challenges this community has conquered and the changes it will create. So as the LGBTQ+ community continues to push for progress, Regions will continue to push our advocacy through our support and services.

regions.com/LGBTQ

© 2021 Regions Bank. Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

6 .17. 20 21 •

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LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENDALL LITTLE

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Lesbian

L

MICHELE RAYNER-GOOLSBY AIMS TO BECOME FLORIDA’S FIRST OUT LESBIAN IN CONGRESS Currently, Michele Rayner-Goolsby is the only lesbian in Florida legislature and she hopes to become Florida’s first out woman in Congress.

“Representation matters. I understand that when you show up as your full self in all the identities that you embody, you’re able to legislate from a place that’s more fully representative of all people.

When we legislate for the least of these, or we legislate for those that are the most marginalized, we open doors for everybody,” she said to the Advocate.

Rayner-Goolsby wants to change the dynamic in the south and in the United States.

“I show up as a Black queer Southern woman,” she said. “I think that all of those identities that I embody need to be present

3RD ANNUAL Queer DAY PRIDE

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

Q

OLYMPIC ICE DANCER COMES OUT

Kaitlyn Weaver, a Canadian ice dancer, came out in an emotional Instagram post this week.

“Over the last year, with a lot of time to think, feel, and connect with myself, I’ve come to a place of acceptance. I identify as queer woman and this is something I’ve known for a long time but was not ready to face,” she wrote in her caption.

Weaver feared that coming out would negatively affect her ice dancing career, but ultimately decided that she wanted to share her identity with the world.

“I’m shaking writing this message, but knowing that I’m moving in a loving, authentic, and compassionate way feels right. You all know me — I follow my heart, and that always leads me to the right place.

I’m ready to move forward living, loving, and

3RD ANNUAL PRIDE DAY Michele Rayner-Goolsby. Photo via Facebook.

because that’s what America looks like.

America is not a monolith.”

Kaitlyn Weaver. Photo via Facebook.

3RD being honest ANNUAL with all of my identity,” she wrote.

PRIDE DAY

JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ALL DAY LONG!

WHEN: June 26, 2021 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science Visit our Rainbow Science Lab, make your own Pride flag, explore theANNUAL amazing colors created with prisms, and see 3RD ANNUAL 3RD 3RD ANNUAL an explosion of colors in our special Pride Kaboom Show! Bring a white t-shirt, and transform it into a PRIDE DAY DAY PRIDE tie-dyed masterpiece!

PRIDE DAY FREE for City of Fort Lauderdale Residents with Proof of Address at the Museum Box Office • JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ALL DAY LONG! $5WHEN: General Admission June 26, 2021 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science

Visit our Rainbow Science Lab, make your own Pride flag, explore the amazing colors created with prisms, and see an explosion of colors in our special Pride Kaboom Show! Bring a white t-shirt, and transform it into a tie-dyed masterpiece!

FREE VIRTUAL FAMILY PRIDE CELEBRATION!

JOIN 12 US p.m.

FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUNOwn ALLHome DAY LONG! WHEN: June 24, 2021 • 10:30 a.m.– • WHERE: Comfort of Your

FREE for City of Fort Lauderdale Residents with Proof of Address at the Museum Box Office • $5 General Admission

WHEN:asJune 2021foam • 10 a.m.– 5 p.m. of • elephant WHERE: Museum of Discovery Gather your family to celebrate Pride virtually!

Watch we 26, create rainbows toothpaste, an and Science Visit our Rainbow Science Lab, make your own Pride flag, explore the amazing colors created with prisms, and see explosive shower of colorful ping pong balls liquid nitrogen and learn to make slime!

A unique zoom link an with explosion of colors in our special Kaboom Show! super Bring a white t-shirt, and transform it into a FREE VIRTUAL FAMILY PRIDE CELEBRATION! JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ALL DAYPride LONG! will be sent to the event. tie-dyed masterpiece!

WHEN: Juneprior 24, 2021 • 10:30 a.m.– 12 p.m.

• WHERE: Comfort of Your Own Home WHEN: June 26, 2021 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science

Gather your family to celebrate Pride virtually!

Watch we create foam elephantcolors toothpaste, an prisms, and see Visit our Rainbow Science Lab, makeasyour own Pride flag,rainbows explore theofamazing created with explosive shower of colorful ping pong ballsinwith liquid Pride nitrogen andFREE learnBring to make super slime!

A uniqueit zoom an explosion of colors our special Kaboom Show! a white and transform into a link for City oft-shirt, Fort Lauderdale Residents with Proof of Address at the Museum Box Office • FREE tie-dyed masterpiece! will be sent prior to the event. $5 General Admission

JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ALL DAY LONG!

26, 2021 • 10 a.m.– 5 p.m.

• WHERE: Museumvisit of Discovery and Science ForWHEN: moreJune information or to register, please mods.org/2021pride

FREE FREE City of Fort Lauderdale withamazing Proof ofcolors Address at the Visit our Rainbow Science Lab,formake your own Pride flag,Residents explore the created withMuseum prisms,Box and Office see • General Admission Virtual Event Sponsored For more information or to register, pleaseShow! visit mods.org/2021pride an explosion of colors in$5our special Pride Kaboom Bring a white t-shirt, and transform it into a by tie-dyed masterpiece!

Virtual Event Sponsored by

JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY ALL DAYFAMILY LONG! PRIDE CELEBRATION! FREEFUN VIRTUAL

WHEN: June 26, 2021 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

• WHEN: WHERE:June Museum of Discovery and Science 24, 2021 • 10:30 a.m.– 12 p.m. • WHERE: Comfort of Your Own Home FREE VIRTUAL CELEBRATION! FREE for City of Fort Lauderdale Residents with ProofFAMILY of Address atPRIDE the Museum Box Office • Visit$5 ourGeneral Rainbow Science Lab, make your own Pride flag, explore the amazing colors created with prisms, seefoam rainbows of elephant toothpaste, an Gather your family to celebrate Pride virtually!

Watch as weand create WHEN: June 24, 2021 • 10:30 a.m.– 12 p.m.

• WHERE: Comfort of Your Own Home Admission explosive shower of colorful ping pong balls with liquid nitrogen and learn toJOIN make super zoom link 401 SW 2nd Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 Gather your family to celebrate Pride virtually!

Watch as we create foam rainbows of elephant toothpaste, an an explosion colors2nd in our Street special Pride Kaboom Show!

Bring a white t-shirt, and transform it into a USslime!

FORA unique FAMILY-FRIEND 401 ofSW FL 33312 explosive shower of colorful• pingFort pong ballsLauderdale, with liquid nitrogen and learn to make super slime! A unique zoom link will be sent prior to the event. tie-dyed masterpiece!will be sent prior to the event.

WHEN: June 26, 2021 • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. • WHE FREE FREE VIRTUAL FAMILY PRIDE CELEBRATION!

Visit our Rainbow Science Lab, make your own Pride flag, explore

FREE 10 FREE • 6 .17.2021 more orthe toOwn register, mods.org/2021pride for City June of Fort with Proof ofinformation Address Museum Box visit Office • an explosion of colors in our special Pride Kaboom Show! Bring a For Lauderdale more or to register, please visit mods.org/2021pride WHEN: 24, 2021information • 10:30Residents a.m.– 12 p.m.

•For WHERE: Comfort of at Your Home please Virtual Event Sponsoredof by elephant toothpaste, an Virtual Event Sponsoredtie-dyed by masterpiece!

Gather your family to celebrate Pride virtually! Watch as we create foam rainbows

LGBTQIA BITES

T

Smile and be proud!

Transgender

ROARING RAINBOW ONLINE CONCERT HELPS TRANS KIDS

This past weekend, the Doubleclicks hosted an online concert called Roaring Rainbow where 100% of proceeds went to Trans Families and the National Center for Transgender Equality.

“Trans kids are already extremely vulnerable, and these laws, and the publicity around them, is a direct and terrible attack on their joy, their lives, and their futures,” the official Roaring Rainbow website said about the new laws against transgender youth.

LGBT musicians and performers played short sets during the concert for those who bought tickets. Online concerts have been a popular method for musicians recently due to the pandemic.

The fundraising event featured Rebecca Sugar, Jeffrey Marsh, SuperKnova, more.

The event was sponsored by eight organizations such as Play Out and Film Joy. Though the concert has passed, there are posters and shirts available for purchase for those who want to help the cause. ind-2879-SFGN-3-AD01-v03-r01-MECH.pdf

$69 The Roaring Rainbow. Art by Teylor Smirl.

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LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Transgender

MONICA ROBERTS INDUCTED TO THE ADVOCATE’S HALL OF FAME The late Monica Roberts, a revolutionary trans journalist, was inducted into The Advocate’s Hall of Fame this month.

Roberts brought trans news to the mainstream and covered stories that would have otherwise gone unnoticed via her blog TransGriot.

TransGriot was one of the only news sources that properly gendered trans people and made sure their story was told from all sides. Like a Griot, a West African storyteller, Roberts told the story of Black trans people and provided visibility to a community otherwise forgotten.

In her lifetime, she received two GLAAD Media Awards for Outstanding Blog in 2014, the Esteem Award in 2012, and the IFGE Trinity Award in 2006 making her the first African-American Texan and

T

Monica Roberts. Photo via Facebook.

the third African-American openly trans person to be given the award.

Roberts dedicated her life to advocacy and education of the trans community making her a figure to be celebrated.

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

GF

12

• 6 .17.2021

LOKI TO BE PORTRAYED AS GENDER-FLUID IN NEW DISNEY+ SERIES

Disney+ and the Marvel Cinematic Universe set released a new series based on the character Loki, Thor’s mischievous brother.

The character, played by Tom Hiddleston, will be portrayed as gender-fluid. Fans first noticed this during a teaser trailer where Loki’s gender was listed as “fluid” on his official documents. This development aligns with the Marvel comics in which Loki is described as being both a daughter and son by his father.

Hiddleston is excited to dive into this side of the character and told outlets that Loki’s fluidity is “really interesting and compelling and very much a part of the fabric of the character,” and said it was “thrilling to get to touch on that this time around.”

L

and

Gender-Fluid

“Loki.” Image credit: Disney.

He also praised Marvel towards their growth in sexual diversity within their films and series.

“Loki” is available on Disney+ and episode one is out now.

Lesbian

DOCUMENTARY RAISES AWARENESS AND MONEY FOR LESBIAN BARS

“The Lesbian Bar Project,” a new documentary produced by “Orange is the New Black” star Lea DeLaria explores the last few remaining lesbian bars in hopes of saving from them permanent closure.

Since 1980, nearly 200 lesbian bars have gone out of business and the roughly 20 that remain are barely keeping the lights on following COVID-19 shutdowns.

The documentary dives into the many reasons why lesbian bars are no longer popular: higher rent due to the gentrification of cities, systematic issues that make it harder for women to take out loans, and the rise in dating apps. More women can meet via apps like Lesly or PinkCupid causing the former need for lesbian bars to go away.

Another reason is the growing

Comedian Lea DeLaria, left, and Cubby Hole owner Lisa Menichino in “The Lesbian Bar Project.” Image via The Lesbian Bar Project.

social awareness and acceptance of the LGBT community. Before, lesbian bars served as safe spaces where couples could go and enjoy a night out without fear of discrimination. Since the general population is more accepting of the community, lesbian-only bars are no longer needed.

The film is available for free on YouTube and offers many resources on how to save the bars.

6 .17. 20 21 •

13

NEWS LOCAL

LOCAL NONPROFIT FOR LGBT HOMELESS YOUTH GOES NATIONAL Christiana Lilly

C

OVID-19 has been an emotionally trying time for everyone.

For Jacob Reide Jennings, the founder and president of Sherlock’s Homes Foundation, he spent it changing the lives of LGBT youth.

“I was living with teenage strangers who were Jennings’ goal is to be in all 50 states by 2025. homeless during COVID,” he said of how his last But Sherlock’s Homes doesn’t just give young year has been. adults a roof over their heads; they stay on But it all began on Thanksgiving 2019, just a scholarships based on their performance, such few months before the world crashed under the as opening a bank account, applying for jobs, grip of the virus. Jennings’ marriage was over, reading books, and learning how to manage a he was laid off from his job, and he was about to budget. Jennings’ goal is to teach them how to be lose his condo. He had hit rock bottom, but he independent so when they move out, they have knew he could persevere because he had been in the tools they need to succeed. low times before.

“They have a place to stay as long as they’re “I thought, you know what, improving,” Jennings said. if I’m going to do something, But since they were unable to I’m going to do something that leave the house during COVID, matters,” he said of the time he the charity got creative. As a real spent on the couch watching estate investor, Jennings used self-help guru Tony Robbins. his savvy to purchase rental “He said, ‘The universe doesn’t properties that are owned by push you; it pulls you in the the charity and used to help direction you’re supposed to house other underserved go.’ That really started to ring populations. It kept the charity my ears.” afloat in its first year.

After meditating, Jennings For Jennings, homelessness thought of the time he spent is a passion project of his homeless in his teens — living because he’s lived it. out of a car and sleeping on “When I was 17, my parents friends’ couches. It hit him kicked me out for being gay,” that his next chapter in life was he explained. “It didn’t quite going to help homeless LGBT match with our religious beliefs youth. and since I was raised to be a “The next day I went out pastor, it wasn’t exactly in the and I rented a house,” he said. plans.”

“The day I moved in, there Living out of his 1993 Ford - Jacob Reide Jennings were already kids waiting in Escort GT that “smelled like FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT line. There was such a need, gas” and “used to shake when OF SHERLOCK’S HOMES FOUNDATION especially for trans kids.”

I used to hit the brakes,” he He filed for 501c3 status for managed to graduate from high Sherlock’s Homes Foundation school and go to college at Old — named for his 7-year-old Jack Russell Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. He Chihuahua mix — in March 2020 and has couch-surfed for about two years, occasionally housed nine homeless LGBT youth over the last sleeping behind a gas station in his trusty car, year. The charity has since expanded to locations before moving into his professor’s home when in Florida, Georgia and Colorado and more they started dating. properties are scheduled to open this summer.

Jennings noted that while he worked hard to

“I THOUGHT, YOU KNOW WHAT, IF I’M GOING TO DO SOMETHING, I’M GOING TO DO SOMETHING THAT MATTERS.”

14

• 6 .17.2021

LGBT youth take a photo outside of their new home with their friends from Sherlock’s Homes Foundation.

Photo courtesy Jacob Reide Jennings.

break the stereotypes, he fell into the statistics: LGBT youth are overrepresented in homeless youth, and they are usually solicited for sex within 72 hours of being homeless.

“Those statistics weren’t any different from me,” Jennings said. “But we didn’t know where to ask for help. You were ashamed. You didn’t know what to say. There’s always a stigma about being homeless.”

Homeless youth often don’t consider themselves to be homeless as their experience is different from the stereotypical homeless adult sleeping on a park bench. Younger homeless people tend to couch surf but don’t always know where they will sleep every night — they’re considered housing insecure.

This was the case for Mason Silva, who Jennings calls his “first kid;” the two met during a community meeting. Silva had moved out of his parents’ home at 19 as things were tense when he came out as transgender. He was also in an abusive relationship and going through mental lows. Although he didn’t officially move

into a Sherlock’s Homes home, Jennings got in touch with Silva’s mom and helped him gain the confidence to find a way to reconcile with his family and stick up for himself. He also met other trans men through Jennings and was able to access resources.

“I told my parents they needed to make the effort to accept me for who I really am. And they did; they really are trying,” Silva said. “[Jennings] was just a really big support system at the time, and he made me feel genuinely not alone … He always pushed me to just do the best I can. He’s still that way with me.”

In a better place, he is joining the Sherlock’s Homes mission by advocating for transgender youth. He’s also excited to join the charity on its upcoming national tour — the charity purchased a school bus converted into a tiny home and they’ll be stopping in cities to discuss nonprofit real estate and how people can work to end homelessness in their communities.

“His ideas and plans are going to change the world in some way,” Silva said of Jennings.

To learn more about Sherlock’s Homes Foundation or to support them, visit SherlocksHomesFoundation.org.

Everybody means everybody. General Motors is proud to support the LGBTQ+ community. As the first automaker to support the Equality Act, we celebrate and embrace diversity as we continue our journey to becoming the most inclusive company in the world.

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6 .17. 20 21 • 15 6/9/21 12:19 PM

NEWS NATIONAL

BY COREY ROSE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

ARKANSAS

WALTON FAMILY FOUNDATION DONATES $1M TO ARKANSAS LGBT GROUPS

As lawmakers continue to strip transgender Arkansans of their rights, members of one of the country’s richest families have stepped in to support the LGBT community with $1 million in grants.

According to a statement from the Walton Family Foundation, the philanthropic organization led by the descendants of Walmart founder Sam Walton, the fund will distribute grants of $25,000 and above to Arkansas-based LGBT organizations that provide “legal, health, education and advocacy services, along with other high-demand needs.”

This year alone, Arkansas legislators have passed two transgender medical care and sports bans, and two religious refusal bills. Last month, the American Civil Liberties Union of Arkansas filed a lawsuit against the state’s ban on gender-

Photo via Adobe.

affirming care for transgender youth.

Olivia and Tom Walton, representatives of the foundation, said in a statement, “Our state is in a moment of reflection where each of us must send a message of acceptance to the LGBTQ community that says ‘you belong here.’ It is also a time for action by recognizing LGBTQ Arkansans face growing challenges that need community-driven solutions.”

NEVADA NEVADA GOVERNOR CELEBRATES PRIDE WITH LGBT PROTECTIONS Gov. Steve Sisolak signed five pieces of legislation at the Henderson Pride Festival last week, introducing changes in education, business, and medicine to better support the LGBT community.

A.B. 261 requires instruction from kindergarten to senior high school to “accurately portray the history and contributions to science, the arts and humanities” of people from diverse backgrounds, including “persons of marginalized sexual orientation or gender identity.” The law also requires schools to highlight the contributions of those from different religious and economic backgrounds.

S.B. 275 decriminalizes transmission of HIV, S.B. 109 requires local officials to collect demographic information that includes LGBT individuals, and S.B. 237

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• 6 .17.2021

allows LGBT business owners to opt-in as “minority-owned” when applying for grants. S.B. 325 requires the State Board of Pharmacy to create a protocol for pharmacists to prescribe HIV prevention treatment, and requires Medicaid and other insurance programs for state and local government employees to cover costs of testing and prevention drugs.

Though the laws are a win for LGBT Nevadans, there were several bills involving trans rights that died during the legislative session. Gender Justice Nevada Executive Director Sy Bernabei told the Nevada Current, “Even though we have a progressive body right now and some really great lawmakers, we still couldn’t get through what we should have.”

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

NORTH DAKOTA

NORTH DAKOTA BANS CONVERSION THERAPY IN SOCIAL WORK

Lawmakers in the state’s Administrative Rules Committee voted 8-7 to approve a measure that bans state-licensed social workers from practicing conversion therapy, without having to push any legislation through the House and Senate.

The rule applies to all mental health professionals that hold a social work license, but does not affect private clergy or church officials who engage in the practice.

Sen. Nicole Poolman told the Grand Forks Herald, “This is within the scope of this organization, and it only applies to this organization. It has been proven how damaging that type of conversion therapy has been, and they just want to ensure that their members understand that it’s unethical.”

Despite the limitations on whom the

The Capitol of North Dakota. Credit: Bobak Ha’Eri, Wikpedia.

rule applies to, the Trevor Project Senior Advocacy Campaign Manager Troy Stevenson still applauded the decision in a June 9 statement.

Stevenson said, “This rule change will stop the vast majority of mental health providers in North Dakota from subjecting LGBTQ youth to the dangerous and discredited practice of conversion therapy. This practice is not therapy at all — it’s abusive and fraudulent.”

NEW YORK BROOKLYN ACTIVISTS MARCH FOR TRANS LIVES Thousands of protesters, dressed in white, gathered just after noon in front of the Brooklyn Museum for the second Brooklyn Liberation March.

In a statement on the event’s webpage, event organizers called the march “an emergency action in response to the more than 100 pieces of legislation that have been filed in over 34 states” and emphasized the link between legislation passed against trans youth in states like Arkansas and Tennessee and epidemiclevel violence against transgender people in 2021.

Twenty-two-year-old Shéár Avory, who is non-binary and transgender, spoke at the march and told the New York Times, “We are here to say that we have a right not just to survive, but to thrive. To demand that our movements

A past march in Brooklyn. Credit: Ted Eytan, via Flickr.

show up and center us.”

By organizer’s estimates, this year’s crowd drew in just over 2,000 people in person, compared with last year’s over 15,000 attendees.

Even though the turnout was smaller, Avory told the New York Times, “In the midst of this chaos, in the midst of these anti-trans bills across the country, there is a legacy of resilience, a legacy of hope, a legacy that young people really came together to birth.”

PRIDE INCLUSION EQUALITY

The Broward Sheriff’s Office celebrates

“In June, we celebrate Pride Month. However, the pride I feel for our LGBTQ+ employees and community doesn’t have a date, a month or a year. BSO stands with the LGBTQ+ community as we work to ensure equal rights for all people. We are committed to the safe, fair and respectful treatment of all LGBTQ+ residents, visitors and public safety professionals.”

– Sheriff Gregory Tony Join Our Team!

jobs.sheriff.org

sheriff.org

SHOP TALK with the Sheriff South_Florida_Gay_News_PRIDE_AD.indd 1

6/11/21 9:48 AM

6 .17. 20 21 •

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

THE WORLD AROUND

ASIA

BY EVERITT ROSEN

AFRICA

Judge Anand Venkatesh. Credit: Madras High Court.

sympathetic.

“I have no hesitation in accepting that I too belong to the majority of commoners who are yet to comprehend homosexuality completely ... I am the society, with all the misconceptions present,” he said in the ruling, according to Reuters.

BY EVERITT ROSEN

PRIDE MONTH TRIBUTES EGYPTIAN ACTIVIST ONE YEAR AFTER DEATH This year’s Pride Month is being dedicated to Sara Hegazy by the Arab LGBT community. Hegazy was an Egyptian activist who died by suicide after being tortured for flying the Pride flag.

According to PinkNews, Hegazy struggled with PTSD and depression following her imprisonment, torture and psychological abuse at the hands of Egyptian authorities.

Her tragic death galvanized LGBT people throughout the world, with campaigners organizing candlelit vigils outside Egyptian embassies from Beirut to Berlin to draw attention to her plight.

Hegazy’s legacy continues on a year later, with a group of Egyptian and Tunisian lesbian and queer feminists launching the inaugural MENA Lesbian

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• 6 .17.2021

OCEANIA

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

NEW ZEALAND LAWMAKER APOLOGIZES FOR VOTE AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE AFTER HIS SON COMES OUT

INDIAN JUDGE FIGHTS HIS OWN BIAS DURING LGBT CASE An Indian judge has been commended for his judgment in a police harassment case that activists believe will raise awareness about LGBT rights after he went to a psychotherapist to address his “ignorance and prejudice” regarding same-sex partnerships.

According to Reuters, Judge Anand Venkatesh of the Madras High Court decided in favor of a young lesbian pair who had accused police of “harassing interrogation” after the women’s disapproving parents filed a missing person’s report.

Venkatesh discusses his personal journey to overcome his own biases and lack of information about homosexual relationships before presenting his verdict in a 107-page decision that LGBT groups praised as candid and

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

Sara Hegazy. Credit: Humena for Human Rights and Civic Engagement, via Wikipedia.

and Queer Women’s Pride Day in her honor.

“On this day, let us remember Sara Hegazy and all the women fighters we have lost on this path,” read a joint statement signed by 39 movements and organizations, according to PinkNews.

On Thursday, June 10, Nick Smith, a New Zealand politician, reflected on his 30-year political career during his retirement speech. He was a member of the center-right National Party and was the longest-serving Member of Parliament.

In 2013, Smith was one of the 44 parliamentarians who voted against the legislative change to legalize gay marriage.

The change ultimately passed with 77 votes from MPs who voted in favor.

“I was wrong,” Smith said. “I made a commitment to my son that before I left Parliament I would apologize and set the record straight.”

His son, Logan, came out three years ago and told outlets that his father has been very supportive and changed the views that he had back in 2013.

Retiring politician Nick Smith. Photo via Facebook.

“I’m really proud of him. I think it’s just important to demonstrate people can learn and their views can change,” said Logan.

Smith said he is happy to see the growing diversity within Parliament and says that in his 30-year career, he has watched the political realm become a healthier place with a variety of leaders.

SOUTH AMERICA

BY EVERITT ROSEN

TRADITIONALISTS CRITICIZE MASS DEDICATED TO LGBT COMMUNITY IN BRAZIL In Brazil, a Mass in commemoration of LGBT community members who were murdered has sparked debate.

According to Crux, traditionalists attacked the event as a political gesture against the church’s teachings, while LGBT Catholic organizations lauded it as a show of solidarity for their cause.

The Archbishop of Salvador, Cardinal Sérgio da Rocha, performed the Mass on May 21, after two local LGBT rights groups, the Center for Advocacy and Defense of LGBT Rights in Bahia State and the Beneficent Institution Conceição Macedo, had requested it.

“We saw it as a gesture of love and greeting from the Church. A lot of LGBT people believe in Christ and love the Catholic Church. A bridge has been built,” Barbosa told Crux.

Cardinal Sérgio da Rocha. Credit: Jane Araújo, via Wikipedia.

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NEWS NATIONAL

HAPPY PRIDE! THE COOKIE CAPER Community rallies behind Bakery under fire for Pride Cookies Michael K. Lavers Washington Blade

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or sisters Dawn and Miranda, owners of Confections, a small family bakery in this small town located in the heart of East Texas 115 miles northeast of Houston, life is about love, love of baking sweet treats for everybody. So when on Wednesday of this past week they posted a picture of heart shaped cookies decorated like a Rainbow flag, the immediate and super negative reaction crushed both them and sales.

“Today has been hard. Really hard,” reads the bakery’s Facebook post from Thursday. “…

My heart is heavy. Honestly, I never thought a post that literally said ‘more love, less hate’ would result in this kind of backlash to a very small business that is struggling to stay afloat and spread a little cheer through baked goods.”

One customer canceled a massive order of cookies that were already baked and ready to deliver; “We received a very hateful message on our business page canceling a large order (5dz) of summer themed cookies for tomorrow morning (that we just finished decorating) because of a rainbow heart cookie we posted.”

What happened next though took the sisters by surprise. After their post was

shared by tens of thousands on Facebook and Instagram as well, orders poured in as did long lines around the block to buy their sweet treats. Within hours the shelves were bare and then they had to close to bake more, and when that supply was exhausted and customers just wanted to donate money with buying baked goods the sisters responded with: “WE LOVE OUR TRIBE SO MUCH! Such an amazing outpouring of support. We’ve had a lot of people wanting to donate money to our shop in the name of kindness, and we appreciate the gesture so much! But. We can’t take y’all’s money like that, but if you would like to donate to one of our local shelters or rescues, that would be so amazing! Y’all are incredible human beings. We’ve always had such faith in humanity, and y’all have just reconfirmed the ABSOLUTE BEAUTY in human nature.”

Sadly the sisters say that they are not set up to ship, but they’re grateful for the outpouring of support that they have received.

Lines literally went out the door and around the block as customers patiently waited to buy the sister’s cookies and other baked goods.

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

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• 6 .17.2021

6 .17. 20 21 •

21

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

Friends Vincent Catalano with Dr. Russell Sassani, head practitioner and medical director at Take Shape Plastic Surgery, and Sassani’s daughter Lauren.

Friends Dr. Zachary Henry, medical director at AHF Northpoint, with Mark LaFontaine, ”The Tax Man.”

FayWhat, anchor at Queer News Tonight, with wife Teresa, nurse practitioner at Jackson Memorial.

Husbands Alex Muñoz, senior community liaison for Gilead, and Oz Munoz, vice president of implementations for Stat Informatic Solutions.

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• 6 .17.2021

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NEWS NATIONAL

‘EX GAYS’ HOLD RALLY ON WASHINGTON MONUMENT GROUNDS Lou Chibbaro Jr. Washington Blade

A

bout 200 people gathered at the outdoor Sylvan Theater on the grounds of the Washington Monument on June 5, for a rally and march to promote the debunked belief that people can change their sexual orientation from gay to straight through faith in Jesus Christ.

The event, which organizers called Freedom Williams added, “Would you offer a brandMarch, was led by an organization called new life to every person who’s confused about CHANGED, which says on its website that their identity, who’s confused about their it provides support for men and women sexuality, who feels that there are labels placed who are sexually attracted to the same sex upon them that they can’t remove but don’t or who are “uncertain of their gender” who want?” seek a transformation away from those Organizers announced plans upon the characteristics. conclusion of the speakers to walk from More than a dozen people who self- the Sylvan Theater around the Washington identified as having changed their sexual Monument grounds to the Lincoln Memorial orientation or gender identity spoke on the reflecting pool and back to the theater, where Sylvan Theater stage with a four-member band the event would end. playing background music. A male vocalist Among those attending the event as sang religious hymns, creating an atmosphere observers were Wayne Besen, executive of an Evangelical Christian church service. director of the LGBT advocacy group Truth “It is not about going from Wins Out, which since 2006 gay to straight,” said a man has waged public awareness who identified himself as a campaigns opposing the minister named Joshua. “It “ex-gay” movement; and is about going from lost to Jared Dixon, an official saved.” with Conversion Therapy Among the speakers were Survivors, a group that Ken Williams and Elizabeth provides support for people Woning, who were identified who have experienced what as co-founders of CHANGED the group says were harmful or the “Changed movement.” effects of conversion therapy.

“I’m a father of four and I’m Dixon, who describes a former LGBTQ identified himself as a gay man in a person,” Williams told the fulfilling relationship with gathering. another gay man for the past Like many of the speakers, nine years, said he entered - Wayne Besen Williams offered a prayer in conversion therapy back in EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE which he said Jesus Christ 2011 as a 21-year-old college LGBT ADVOCACY GROUP saved him and many others student at the urging of his TRUTH WINS OUT by guiding them away from parents, who raised him in “temptations” leading them to a religious setting. He said same-sex attractions they do not want. the conversion therapy caused him to suffer “I pray Father that you would wake up the depression that led to a suicide attempt. people that are supposed to be crossing this He said he joined and became a member of path this afternoon,” he said. “I pray that those the leadership team of Conversion Therapy that are trapped, those that are sad, those Survivors, known as CT Survivors, after that are depressed, those that don’t know several years of therapy with LGBT supportive you personally, that you would have them get therapists who helped him fully accept himself up from whatever they’re doing and come “for who I am.” through here this afternoon.”

Besen said he believes his group has been

“WHAT WE’RE LOOKING AT IS A SLICK REBRANDING AND REBOOTING OF THE SAME TOXIC MESSAGE. AND THEY’RE GETTING BETTER AT IT.”

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• 6 .17.2021

About 200 people gathered on June 5 for a rally to promote the misguided, debunked theory that gays can change their sexual orientation. Blade photo by Michael Key.

successful in debunking what he and other LGBT advocacy organizations have long pointed out — that attempts to change someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity through so-called conversion therapy or “reparative” therapy are strongly opposed as being harmful by all of the nation’s major medical and mental health professional associations, including the American Psychiatric Association and the American Medical Association.

Besen said widespread reports of how conversion therapy, including religious oriented “counseling” programs seeking to change people’s same-sex attractions have led to serious mental health problems, including suicide, led to the disbanding of several prominent “ex-gay” organizations, including Exodus International about five years ago.

But Besen said CHANGED, the group that organized the June 5 event on the Washington Monument grounds, reflects what he believes is an effort to revive the “ex-gay” movement through the use of sophisticated social media campaigns that he says will put many vulnerable people, especially young LGBT people, at risk.

“What we’re witnessing here is disturbing to me,” Besen said. “What we’re looking at is a slick rebranding and rebooting of the same

toxic message,” he told the Washington Blade.

“And they’re getting better at it.”

Besen noted that ex-gay organizers appear to have abandoned the “fire and brimstone” approach of denouncing homosexuality and LGBT people who don’t want to change and instead are expressing an outward “love” and “support” for LGBT people with the aim of leading them to become “free” from same-sex attractions if they choose to do so.

Many of the speakers at the June 5 Freedom March wore white T-shirts with a rainbowcolored design above the slogan, “Rainbow Revival.”

“So, we’re seeing a new and improved ex-gay industry right now,” Besen said. “And that’s why we’re upping our game too, in fighting them with our new campaigns.”

Besen was referring to Truth Win’s Out’s newly launched social media campaign to challenge what it calls a resurgent “ex-gay” industry.

“You can’t ‘pray away the gay’ and efforts to do so inevitably lead to denial, depression and despair,” Besen says in a statement released by his group. “Our videos will debunk the lies peddled by the Freedom March and other ‘exgay’ programs in an effort to educate and save lives,” he said.

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

6 .17. 20 21 •

25

Don’t miss a

PIANO VIRTUOSOSARA

tastE DAVIS BUECHNER MAKES SOUTH FLORIDA DEBUT AT GENVAS JUNE SALONS

Feeling the hunger?

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

sFGn.com/FooD

T

o honor the LGBTQ communityWilliam “Willie” Riddle the President and Artistic Director of Generation Venetian Arts Society, (GENVAS), announcedthat concertpianist Sara Davis Buechner will be the organizations featured artist for Pride Month.

Born David Buechner, this award-winning pianist, is considered to be one of the most vital concert pianists of our time. For over sixty years piano has been her passion and she has toured extensively in Asia, Europe, North America, and South America. She has been a soloist with the New York Philharmonic, San Francisco Symphony, and the Philadelphia Orchestra, among others. The New York Times wrote “Ms. Buechner combines intelligence, integrity, and an all-encompassing technical prowess!”

Her South Florida debut begins on Thursday, June 24th with a virtual round table entitled“A Conversation with the Artist.” On Friday, June 25th, she headlines the monthly 11th Guest Salon at ArtServe. Both the program and the salon will be filmed for GENVAS TV. GENVAS TVis a platform that allows patrons to view GENVAS salons on-demand from the privacy of their own homes.

Sarareceived her undergraduate degree from Juilliard School, and was awarded her doctorate in music from the Manhattan School of Music. She made her recital debut at Lincoln Center’s Mostly Mozart Festival and was the featured pianist for the 2000 gala concerts in Washington, D.C.benefiting the National Symphony Orchestra. She appears regularly with the Film Society of Lincoln Center (Walter Reade Theatre), as one of the few pianists to actively perform piano scores to silent movies, notably the 150-minute-long restored version of Ben-Hur (1925), and the Danish classic Master of the House (1925).

Profiles of Sara Davis Buechner have appeared in The New York Times Magazine, Paris Match, Noticias del Argentina, Out, Blade and Frontiers magazines; and she has been featured on the television programs Entertainment Tonight, Extra, In the Life, and Bynon. Her appearances on radio include profiles on NPR’s The Fishko Files and Performance Today, WFMT’s Dame Myra Hess Recital Series and WNYC’s New Sounds with John Schaefer. She resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her wife.

Limited ticketsremain only for the 11th Guest SalonFriday evening June 25, 2021. Tickets are available by logging on to www.genvas.org or you may call 954-709-7447. Doors open at 6:30 P.M. and the salon concert and filming begins at 7:00 P.M. ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

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6 .17. 20 21 •

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PRIDE IS HERE!

NEWS LOCAL

Stonewall Festival will feature its traditional twilight parade; admission is $5 John Hayden

T

he beads, the parade, and all the Pride is back!

After a year off due to the COVID crisis the Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival is back this weekend. The theme is, appropriately, “Out of the Darkness, Into the Light’’ as the LGBT community and allies come together to reconnect and celebrate.

“We invite all of South Florida to come out and celebrating those who we’ve lost in the past year. celebrate this important day with the LGBTQ+ We need to come together and celebrate with community,” Jeff Sterling said. each other.”

As the CEO of the group organizing the The parade returns at 7 p.m. when the festival, WMEG Community Marketing and temperatures drop slightly and there’s less Events, Sterling is excited to direct sun. Leading the party bring back Wilton Manors’ will be a pair of distinguished premier event.

Grand Marshals. Dr. Requel “We have put together a Lopes is the executive director fun festival and a spectacular of the World AIDS Museum in parade,” he said.

Fort Lauderdale. Joining her The street party starts at is NBC6 Meteorologist Steve 3 p.m. Saturday, June 19, and MacLaughlin. much of Wilton Drive will be Stonewall usually draws closed to auto traffic from The 35,000 people and Dr. Lopes Tropics Bar & Grille to near expects it could be even Five Points. Six stages will line bigger this year. The Co-Grand Wilton Drive with the Main Marshal said her favorite part Stage will be at the intersection is seeing communities come of NE 6th Avenue across from together. the Alibi and Hunter’s. Other “Being able to see the performance spots will include diversity of people who are outside Matty’s, in the plaza part of the march. To watch parking lot outside Hunter’s, as people walk through is as well as down towards The heartwarming,” she said.

Manor. Several bars and “When you see the youth and restaurants plan to set up you see the seasoned people outside service. of our community and the - Terry Dyer SunServe will have a tent and allies that also are there. It’s the DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT a dunk tank, a cooling station, oneness that I like about it.”

AT SUNSERVE and karaoke outside their Stonewall celebrations offices at Wilton Executive in South Florida and across Suites. Director of Development the country remember the Terry Dyer said it’s going to be a busy day, and an Stonewall Riots, the start of the modern LGBT important day personally for him. rights movement. Now there is marriage “We have just endured one of the worst years equality in the public square and lots of positive in history. We need something to celebrate,” role models. he said. “We need pride in who we are. We Back then the fight was to not be harassed need pride in still being alive and healthy and and left in peace. Sterling says that even though

“WE HAVE JUST ENDURED ONE OF THE WORST YEARS IN HISTORY. WE NEED SOMETHING TO CELEBRATE. WE NEED PRIDE IN WHO WE ARE.”

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• 6 .17.2021

Stonewall Pride in 2019. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

we’ve come a long way, the struggle continues.

“It’s been 52 years since the riots at the Stonewall Inn and LGBTQ+ Americans are still treated as less than equal under the law simply because of who they are and who they love. It is still legal to discriminate against the LGBTQ

community in almost 30 states which offer no legal protections in areas such as housing and employment. This is unacceptable,” he said. “Stonewall Pride recognizes both our achievements and struggle for equality and passage of the Equality Act.”

A five-dollar admission charge will help defray the costs of putting on the festival, which runs about a half-million dollars. To learn more go to their website: StonewallPride.LGBT.

6 .17. 20 21 •

29

NEWS NATIONAL

GALLUP POLL SHOWS 70% APPROVAL FOR SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Staff Reports

Washington Blade

Photo via Adobe.

N

ew polling released by Gallup Tuesday showed that 70% of those Americans surveyed approved of same-sex marriage, a new milestone in the trend of approval since 1996 when Gallup first polled Americans on recognition of same-sex marriages, which then only registered a 27% approval.

According to the data kept by the firm, the upward trend steadily increased with majority approval in 2011, followed by a 60% rating at the time of the U.S. Supreme Court’s Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015.

Gallup noted; “Since then, the issue has been less prominent in U.S. politics, and public support for same-sex marriage has continued to increase. Gallup has recorded other shifts in Americans’ ideas on marriage over time, historically, including expanded support for interracial marriage, which had

87% approval as of Gallup’s 2013 update.”

Republicans, who have consistently been the party group least in favor of same-sex marriage, show majority support in 2021 for the first time (55%). The latest increase in support among all Americans is driven largely by changes in Republicans’ views, Gallup reported.

Democrats have consistently been among the biggest supporters of legal samesex marriage. The current 83% among Democrats is on par with the level of support Gallup has recorded over the past few years.

This could be suggested that support for gay marriage has reached a ceiling for this group, at least for now. Meanwhile, support among political independents, now at 73%, is slightly higher than the 68% to 71% range recorded from 2017 to 2020.

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

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NEWS photos

SOUTH FLORIDA BRINGS THE

RAINBOWS!

RAINBOW CROSSWALKS WASH ACROSS STREETS THROUGHOUT PALM BEACH COUNTY

Boynton Beach unveiled its Pride intersection Monday at E. Ocean Avenue and 1st Street in downtown. Photo courtesy of Jason Parsley.

A crosswalk is revealed by the PBCHRC in West Palm Beach.

Photo credit: Rolando Chang Barrero.

Delray Beach transformed one of its intersections downtown into a celebration of pride.

Photo courtesy of Jason Parsley.

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• 6 .17.2021

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

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NEWS PRIDE Photo via Adobe.

DENVER PRIDE JUNE 26-27

Amid the ongoing epidemic, this year’s Denver Pride will combine in-person and virtual events to give a safe way to enjoy the annual festival. A virtual marketplace, an in-person and virtual 5K run, a virtual parade, and a series of “Pride hubs” will be held at various locations across the city this year.

In 2021, they’re launching Pride Hubs as an in-person alternative for people who want to physically gather to celebrate Denver Pride.

While the pandemic is far from over, Denver Pride understands that the situation is very different this year than it was in 2020.

Learn more information about Denver Pride at denverpride.org.

CHICAGO PRIDE JUNE 26-27

In 2019, Pride In The Park made its debut as a one-day event. On Saturday, June 26, and Sunday, June 27, it will reappear as a limitedcapacity, two-day ticketed festival at the historic Grant Park, which is also home to Lollapalooza.

The Queen of Funk and 10-time Grammy winner Chaka Khan will headline the event, which will include a diverse range of musical acts. The other headliners, DJ producer superstars Gryffin and Tisto, should entice electronic music fans.

Betty Who, an Australian singer-songwriter who performed at the first Pride In The Park, has been added to the roster. DJ Tracy Young, the first woman to win a Grammy in the remix category, RuPaul’s Drag Race’s Alyssa Edwards, and famed Chicago DJ and deep house producer Derrick Carter are among the other notable musicians.

PRIDE IS

NOW!

Learn more about Chicago Pride at prideintheparkchicago.com.

NYC PRIDE

PLAN YOUR TRIPS

JUNE 25-27

Everitt Rosen

L

OCALLY PRIDE PALM BEACH JUST TOOK PLACE JUNE 5 IN LAKE WORTH AND THE STONEWALL PRIDE PARADE AND STREET FESTIVAL IS COMING UP JUNE 19.

All around the nation Pride festivals will be taking place over the next few months. So plan your trips now. We’ve highlighted just a few for you to put on your calendars. x

Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the NYC Pride Parade will be mostly virtual in 2021.

After all, it is the Big Apple, so Gay Pride New York is right up there as one of the biggest and greatest gay Prides on the planet. NYC Pride takes place in June, during the height of summer in New York, and features a variety of LGBT-related parties, events, conferences, and, of course, one spectacular and colorful parade.

The theme for NYC Pride 2021 is appropriately titled “The Fight Continues,” and it refers to several national and local concerns, including police brutality, state anti-LGBT legislation, and economic hardship, to mention a few.

Learn more about NYC Pride at nycpride.org.

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• 6 .17.2021

NEWS PRIDE SF PRIDE JUNE

The San Francisco LGBT Pride Parade and Celebration’s Board of Directors and staff are thrilled to announce that #SFPride51 will take place during June 2021. After a year of physical separation and other limitations, the LGBT groups in the Bay Area will be permitted to congregate in restricted, in-person gatherings while following existing safety measures. #SFPride51 will be the greatest version of what is possible at this time, prioritizing public health while giving various chances for LGBT persons and allies to experience visibility, unity, and joy. SF Pride organization’s activities have grown from the final weekend in June to include the whole month of Pride.

SF Pride is working with Frameline and the San Francisco Giants on two film screenings at Oracle Park. These ticketed, socially segregated events, which are subject to state-mandated capacity limitations, stem from SF Pride’s long-standing partnership with the country’s longest-running LGBT film festival.

SF Pride will also host its third annual San Francisco Pride Golf Tournament fundraiser, which is the golf world’s largest and greatest LGBT event.

This year’s SF Pride Golf Tournament will occur on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-9, in cooperation with the Professional Golfers Association (NCPGA) and the First Tee of San Francisco, an international youth development organization.

from noon to 5 p.m. Manatee Pride 2021 will have live performers and renowned bands along with great food, beer, refreshments, health checks and more.

All proceeds will benefit ALSO YOUTH, a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, leadership, support, and outreach for LGBT youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This organization is dedicated to supporting, affirming, encouraging, enabling and empowering all LGBT youth.

MIAMI BEACH GAY PRIDE FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 10-19

This year’s theme is “Out of This World” and will take place along the sand of South Beach along with a parade down Ocean Drive, in the city’s Art Deco neighborhood on Sunday morning.

Each day offers new and exciting events. There is a list of popular weekly events and parties that will help you make the most of your time in Miami during the Pride festival on the website.

It will include a two-day festival and parade that features special events, family-friendly community activations, social mixers and worldclass entertainment.

Plan your trip or learn more at miamibeachpride. com.

CHARLOTTE PRIDE SEASON

SEPTEMBER 25

AUGUST-NOVEMBER

The 2021 Space Coast Pride Festival & Parade will take place on Sept. 25 in Historic Downtown Melbourne.

The events of this festival will kick off with a Rainbow Run 5K on Sept. 24 and will conclude with Pridefest and Parade on Saturday, Sept. 25.

This festival will feature a main stage with allday entertainment, over 160 vendors, and food trucks and vendors.

7TH ANNUAL MANATEE PRIDE FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 18

The 7th annual Manatee Pride Festival will be held at downtown Bradenton Riverwalk Sept. 18

Learn more at fantasyfest.com.

COME OUT WITH PRIDE ORLANDO

NAPLES PRIDE

OCTOBER 9

NOVEMBER 20

Come Out With Pride is excited to announce that an in-person Pride will be held in Lake Eola Park on Saturday, Oct. 9. They are optimistic that it will be able to have a safe celebration for everyone who chooses to join since many in the LGBT community have already been completely vaccinated or will be soon.

The National Trans Visibility March will take place directly before this year’s Most Colorful Parade. Over 5,000 trans and non-binary people, as well as allies, are expected to walk the streets of Downtown Orlando.

The 4th Annual Naples Pride Fest will be held in Cambier Park in Naples, Florida on Saturday, Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Naples Pride supports equality for everyone, celebrates diversity and harmony, and educates the community about LGBT concerns.

This all-inclusive, family-friendly, and opento-the-public event will feature performers, presenters, musicians, vendors, exhibitors, children’s activities, food, and beverages for a day of fun and celebration in the name of equality.

The event will be emceed by MC Liquid and will include music by DJ Kooshie, a fan favorite.

Naples Pride’s continued initiatives will be supported by a $5 registration payment and cash earned at the event, as well as contributions from sponsors.

Learn more about Come Out With Pride Orlando at comeoutwithpride.org.

COME OUT ST. PETE

Learn more about SF Pride at sfpride.org.

Learn more about Charlotte Pride at charlottepride.org.

Learn more about the festival by visiting sfloafropridefederation.org.

Fantasy Fest, both renowned and notorious, is not to be missed.

The theme for this year’s festival is “The Roaring 2020s,” and it spans 10 days of costumes, parades, libations, and exuberance over the island of Key West. This adult event, which is not suitable for children, is one not to be missed.

Visit alsoyouth.org to learn more.

SPACE COAST PRIDE FESTIVAL & PARADE

Charlotte Pride’s yearly events will be held in person this year.

Charlotte Pride’s crew has been hard at work since the beginning of 2021, transforming its regular week of activities into Pride Season 2021.

Charlotte Pride is excited to announce it will extend its customary week-long Pride celebrations into a complete Pride Season, which will stretch from August through November.

Charlotte Pride is Queen City’s method of commemorating, empowering, and uplifting.

educated platform and a safe space for LGBT people of color to celebrate shared cultural norms, feel powerful, included, and a sense of unity and solidarity while raising awareness about inequities and social injustices.

The Afro Pride Festival will not only be a showcase of wonderful and remarkable cultural and performing arts abilities, but it will also be a celebration of African-American culture.

Visit spacecoastpride.org to learn more.

SOUTH FLORIDA AFRO PRIDE PARADE & MUSIC FESTIVAL OCTOBER

Afro Pride Parade & Music Festival is an annual International Pride held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida cultivated for the Black and Brown LGBT community and authenticated by the Black and Brown LGBT community and allies.

The Afro Pride festival provides a culturally

Learn more at naplespride.org.

OCTOBER 16

In mid-October, the Come OUT St. Pete series of events in St. Petersburg and Gulfport will honor the area’s booming LGBT population “coming out of the closet and into the world.”

Come OUT St. Pete promotes community understanding and acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities by hosting a variety of events and activities that promote equality for everyone.

The planning for this year’s series of activities in St. Petersburg to commemorate National Coming Out Day Oct. 11, as well as the area’s developing LGBT population, is well underway. National Coming Out Day falls on the same day as the Come OUT St. Pete events and celebration.

Learn more about the event at comeoutstpete.org.

FANTASY FEST KEY WEST OCTOBER 22-31

GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE PRIDE NOVEMBER 20-21

Fort Lauderdale has confirmed that the 2021 Pride Festival will be held on the beach on Nov. 20-21. The theme for Pride Fort Lauderdale 2021 will be “Glitter and Gratitude,” according to the announcement of the return of the event.

The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will host the Pride Runway Fashion Show on Nov. 18, which will feature designs by Bravo’s Project Runway alumni as well as local designers.

Pride 2021 will feature a street procession on A1A, three stages of entertainment, 150 vendors, headline performers, and sunset concerts. Pride 2021 will also feature an Afro Pride stage for performances throughout the weekend, thanks to a collaboration with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Learn more about Greater Fort Lauderdale Pride at pridefortlauderdale.org.

Fantasy Fest Key West comes close to one of the country’s most spectacular LGBT events.

6 .17. 20 21 •

35

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®

This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

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MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

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BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death.

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Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).

These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.

BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other.

Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.

GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, KEEP ASPIRING, and LOVE WHAT’S INSIDE are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2021 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. BVYC0369 04/21

36

•BVYC0369_BIKTARVY_B_10X10-75_SouthFloridaGayNews_Dimitri_r1v1jl.indd 6 .17.2021

All Pages

DIMITRI LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT

KEEP ASPIRING.

Because HIV doesn’t change who you are.

BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

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Featured patient compensated by Gilead.

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66/8/21 .17. 20 21 AM • 10:19

37

NEWS NATIONAL

VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS JOINS D.C. PRIDE WALK, MAKES HISTORY Lou Chibbaro Jr. Washington Blade

V

ice President Kamala Harris drew loud cheers and prolonged applause when she and her husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, joined more than 1,000 LGBT participants in D.C.’s Capital Pride Walk on Saturday, June 12, becoming the first U.S. vice president to participate in an LGBT Pride event.

Harris’ appearance at the Pride Walk, which Harris wore a shirt with the words, “Love some described as a march, was unannounced is Love” printed on it. Emhoff could be seen and came as a complete surprise to the dozens wearing a T-shirt with a rainbow-colored of onlookers who saw her as well as to leaders design on it. of the Capital Pride Alliance, the group that After walking for a block or two and speaking organizes D.C.’s annual Pride events. at the Pride Walk, Harris and Emhoff got back “Oh my God, I can tell you that I screamed into the vehicle they arrived in and drove past my head off,” said Tiffany Royster, a Capital the rally at Freedom Plaza, waving to surprised Pride official who said she saw and cheering onlookers, Harris at the Pride Walk. according to gay Advisory “The fact that she showed Neighborhood Commissioner up for us means that we Mike Silverstein, who saw what mean something to her he called Harris’ motorcade because she wouldn’t have drive by. Silverstein said Harris stopped by randomly,” and Emhoff did not get out of Royster told an NBC 4 News the car to join the rally, and the cameraman at Thomas Circle vehicle they were in appeared at the conclusion of a separate to be driving toward the White event on Saturday called the House, located a few blocks Pridemobile Parade. “We from Freedom Plaza. didn’t know she was coming.”

Among those speaking at An NBC 4 report showed the rally was D.C. Mayor Muriel Harris making brief remarks Bowser, who received loud while walking along 13th applause when she told the Street as the Pride Walk passed crowd that during her travels the Warner Theater and as across the country and abroad, it approached Pennsylvania she tells people that D.C. is Avenue at Freedom Plaza. “the gayest city in America.”

“So, Capital Pride, we have a The Channel 4 News report lot to celebrate,” the mayor told said Harris called for Congress rally attendees, many of whom to pass the LGBT rights bill - Tiffany Royster waved hand-held rainbow known as the Equality Act and CAPITAL PRIDE OFFICIAL Pride flags. “We have a lot to said the Biden administration work for still,” she said. “We understands the importance know that discrimination and of LGBT rights.

“We need to make sure that our transgender violence are real. We know there’s too many community and our youth are all protected,” guns on the street. And we know when all of us she states in the Channel 4 News broadcast. “We are not safe, none of us are safe,” she said.

“So, I know you’re going to stand shoulder to need, still, protections around employment and housing,” she told people walking beside shoulder with me and I’m going to be with you her and her husband. “There is so much more every step of the way,” she said. “Happy Pride!”

Bowser also announced at the rally that work to do, and I know we are committed.”

“THE FACT THAT SHE SHOWED UP FOR US MEANS THAT WE MEAN SOMETHING TO HER BECAUSE SHE WOULDN’T HAVE STOPPED

BY RANDOMLY.”

Vice President Kamala Harris and her husband, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, at D.C.’s Capital Pride Walk. Photo via Kamala Harris, Twitter.

Sheila Alexander-Reid, who has served as director of the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ Affairs since Bowser took office in January 2015, would be leaving that position soon to go on to “bigger and better things.” Alexander-Reid has said she will be joining a company that provides advice and training in the area of workplace non-discrimination based on race, gender, and LGBT-related workplace competency training.

At the conclusion of the rally, about 50 vehicles that had been parked next to and near Freedom Plaza led by a Capital Pride bus decorated with signs and banners began the city-wide Pridemobile Parade.

The route of the parade released by Capital Pride shows it was scheduled to travel through all four quadrants of the city, including

neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River.

Capital Pride organizers said the parade or caravan of vehicles, all of which were decorated with Pride displays, would be passing by homes and businesses in the city’s residential and commercial areas that also were decorated with Pride displays as part of its “Paint the Town Colorful” Pride event.

The Pride Walk began shortly after noon at Dupont Circle and traveled along P Street to Logan Circle, where it proceeded south on 13th Street to Freedom Plaza.

Capital Pride Alliance President Ashley Smith said a little over 1,000 people participated in the walk, which he noted Capital Pride decided to do and first announced less than two weeks before it was to take place.

TO CONTINUE READING THIS STORY, VISIT SFGN.COM. Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

38

• 6 .17.2021

HAPPY PRIDE! JOURNALISM IS THE

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39

FEATURE FATHER’S DAY

‘THREE DADS AND A BABY’ A GAY THROUPLE’S JOURNEY TO FATHERHOOD John McDonald

Y

ou might say Ian Jenkins is a proud polyamory papa.

In a new book, Jenkins, 46, a California doctor, writes about his unique family’s path to parenting. Jenkins is part of a triad — three men — who became the country’s first gay polyamourus parents to be listed on their child’s birth certificate.

“We kind of want to be a role model for lying about and it’s done without permission,” not being role models in a sense we’re saying Jenkins said. “In our triad it’s all about consent to others you can change the rules, you can and respect for each other’s feelings.” break the mold, you can define your own It is also important to note that none of relationships as long as you are kind to each the men are legally married. Jenkins said he other as long as you’re honest it’s acceptable would only consider marriage if he were to be and okay that’s the standard we want to diagnosed with a terminal illness and needed set,” said Jenkins, a hospital physician and to will his pension to one of his partners. professor of Medicine at the Jenkins, who grew up University of California, San in Virginia, first met Alan Diego.

Mayfield, his partner of 18 In the book, “Three Dads years, in medical school in and a Baby” (Cleis Press, Boston. He asked him out, $18.95), Jenkins describes made homemade pizza and the throuple’s journey the rest is history. Mayfield, to fatherhood. His prose 43, has an “incredibly is witty and reveal the incisive mind” which serves enormous obstacles gay him well in his psychiatry parents face when deciding practice, Jenkins said. He’s to have children. Being in a also handy around the house polyamorous relationship with plumbing and electrical only added to the challenge. matters and taught himself to “The big thing that I play the piano and drums. emphasize is that people Mayfield, as the book believe love is a zero-sum reveals, was often the one to game. There’s a pie and if step forward and challenge you give a slice of that pie some of the restrictions to someone else then I’m the throuple faced — going not going to get that slice of “Mama Grizzly” on one pie, but that’s not how love occasion. works,” Jenkins said. “You “What I love about Alan - Ian Jenkins don’t run out of hugs. You can is his dark and witty sense PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE, give more hugs. You can’t love of humor,” Jenkins said.

POLYAMOROUS FATHER everyone, but you can love “We recognize some people more than one person.” might mistake us for mean Communication, respect and freedom are girls occasionally but it’s coming from a good essential components of polyamory, Jenkins place.” said, and jealousy must be vanquished.

Hence a recurring phrase in the book — These standards are necessary to counter a “Sixteen, Beer, Pickup Truck” — crafted by false narrative that polyamory is basically Mayfield to mock the ease at which teenage infidelity. heterosexuals can breed.

“Cheating is something you are hiding or It takes much more planning in gay

“YOU DON’T RUN OUT OF HUGS. YOU CAN GIVE MORE HUGS. YOU CAN’T LOVE EVERYONE, BUT YOU CAN LOVE MORE THAN ONE PERSON.”

40

• 6 .17.2021

Alan (left), Ian, and Jeremy pose with Parker and Piper. Photo via Facebook.

polyamory. Jenkins and Mayfield met Jeremy Allen Hodges eight years ago through an online dating app. It was Hodges’ sperm that was used to make their first baby. Jenkins describes Hodges, 39, a San Diego zookeeper, as a nurturer.

“Jeremy is wonderful with our children, always with an eye for nurturing,” Jenkins said.

After forming a triad, the men decided to become parents with the help of two women: Meghan and Delilah. Meghan, a close friend of Mayfield, who owns a yoga studio in Argentina, provided the embryo and Delilah, another Mayfield friend from Boston, performed the surrogacy.

Delilah enjoyed the pregnancy process and had the approval of her husband.

“I think it will make you better people,” Delilah told the men upon agreeing to be the surrogate.

“It will teach patience and compassion and will be a beautiful gift that I can give to you.”

In the end 24 attorneys were needed for the legal document which granted three men father status for the first time on an American birth certificate.

“We were lucky the first time we worked

with friends,” said Jenkins.

The family has two children now, Piper and Parker. The book deals with Piper’s birth, complete with a running tab of expenses.

The total cost for a perfect baby came to $120,912.70.

The process led to many frustrations and scares, illuminating the hurdles not only gay parents — but parents in general — encounter.

“About half of American workers qualify for up to 12 weeks of FMLA [Family Medical Leave Act] time, but it’s unpaid time off, so families and babies either miss out on these benefits or they pay dearly for them,” wrote Jenkins. “Only 12% of workers have paid parental leave through their employers.”

Ultimately, Hodges’ Teamsters membership saved the day, the chapter on leave would certainly give pause to working couples considering having a child. Jenkins masterfully describes other challenges involving doctors, testing, expensive medicine and outdated policies.

The passion in which the men respond to each obstacle assures readers of their commitment to raising a healthy family.

TO CONTINUE READING THIS STORY, VISIT SFGN.COM/3GAYDADS.

6 .17. 20 21 •

41

LIFESTYLE photos

FLOATARAMA

PRIDE!

The 2nd annual FLoatarama, in partnership with Boys With Boats, splashed into the New River in Fort Lauderdale from June 12-13 and featured over 40 boats. Funds raised were granted to Pride Fort Lauderdale’s LGBT GED and scholarship programs.

Photos by J.R. Davis

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS ON FACEBOOK. 42

• 6 .17.2021

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43

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

A POST PANDEMIC PRIDE Pride is You x

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

A

ll signs indicate that the streets of Wilton Manors will be packed this weekend.

Weather permitting, it may in fact turn out to be one of the largest gathering of Americans since the start of the pandemic in March of 2020.

There is cause for celebration, of course, but we must not forget, and should reflectively commemorate, how many lives our country has lost in the past year.

These are dreams unfulfilled, lives not lived, futures cut short, loves lost forever.

Our community has lived with a pandemic by our side for 40 years. We know of pain. But because of agencies like the AIDS Health Care Foundation, or efforts like the Smart Ride, we also know of promise and resilience.

As we step into a new era, we must look realistically at the horizons before us.

Politically, in Florida, there are ever so many challenges.

First and foremost, the gay community must stand up and be counted. Mobilize.

In both the state house in Tallahassee and in the United States Senate, our elected representatives are pathetic. They do anything but represent us. Instead, their agenda demeans us, their voices disgrace us. Call them out for the hateful demons they are.

Second, find the Pride to do more than party on the streets of Wilton Manors this weekend. Find the passion to participate in the roads that shape your future. The path ahead may be beyond your vision, but it is not beyond your control.

Join with the groups that speak out and protect your rights, from the Pride Center to Equality Florida, from the Human Rights

Campaign to the National Task Force. If you are not a joiner, an individual become. Be a force of your own.

If you have dollars to donate towards LGBT equality, don’t waste your time and money investing in another mythical stock scheme heralded in the VIP Pride Tent. Invest in our future, not someone else’s index.

Our Fund has earned a place of trust and honor in our community.

The Pride Center at Equality Park has a multitude of programs that need your support and aid. Support the AIDS Health Care Foundation’s initiative to develop an affordable low-cost housing complex in Fort Lauderdale.

If you want your two cents to matter, think about SunServe and Latinos Salud.

If you want Pride to matter, think about neighbors in need and pets requiring rescue. There is much you can do.

There are rivers that need cleaning, food banks that need donations, and good friends suffering insufferable addictions; people who may need your help. The good you do will come back to you. That is the meaning of pride.

Third, never forget that 50 years ago in New York, Stonewall was not a parade, but a protest. Back then, the emerging gay communities spoke out against those who repressed them. They did not cover it up and try to wash it away.

The gay and transgender community in 1969 did not honor mayors who partnered with the churches that condemned you as Sodomites. It censured them. When one part of our community is threatened, so are we all.

Guess what? If you are drowning 50 feet

IF YOU WANT PRIDE TO MATTER, THINK ABOUT NEIGHBORS IN NEED AND PETS REQUIRING RESCUE. THERE IS MUCH YOU CAN DO.

44

• 6 .17.2021

Photo via Adobe.

from shore, and someone throws you a 30foot rope, they are not your friends, even if they met you more than half-way.

Fourth, Pride means never having to say you are sorry. You are who you are. You are God’s little creation, and you can be whoever you want to be, from a dancing bear to an opera star.

Fifth, don’t let anyone put you down. They never had a right to in the first place, and you have nothing to apologize for — only something to be proud of.

Think about it. America’s gay community has endured unjustifiable discrimination for centuries. We have been through Hell and back. We are still standing, stronger than ever.

Our mettle has been tested, and we have won. There is nothing Ron DeSantis can do to us that Nadine Smith and the rest of us can’t conquer. For those that doubt that, let them come to Wilton Manors this weekend.

So enjoy yourself at Pride. Have a drink at the Alibi, a slice of pie at Dolce, or an ice cream cone at the Creamery. Indulge yourself.

Remember, though, that when the tents are torn down, and the streets cleaned up, there are still causes to be fought and battles to be won.

We owe that to those who came before us.

Becoming part of the solution will bring sunshine to your life. Happy Pride. Make it special.

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Mike Luckovich

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45

CONVICTIONS

Guest Column

PRIDE IS MORE THAN A RAINBOW What Companies Need to Learn About the LGBT Consumer

Andrew Isen

P

ride season is here. Tens of thousands of ATMs across the country will sport rainbow adornments, Target and H&M will devote sections of their stores to a panoply of rainbow trinkets and garments, companies from nearly every business segment in America will wish the LGBT community a “Happy Pride.”

Rainbow flags will be festooned across storefronts nationwide and then disappear.

What many companies fail to realize is this annual ritual known as “rainbow washing” can have unintended negative consequences. Pride is 24/7/365 and companies that relegate their LGBT outreach to one month a year are often perceived as pandering and tokenistic.

What forward thinking marketers understand is the need for brands to talk to the LGBT consumer on a year-round basis. So time to move off of the Pride-month-only strategy.

A $1 trillion spending engine, LGBT consumers are recognized as having the highest discretionary household income, estimated to be 23% above the national average. Recent surveys say that a whopping 20% of trendsetting millennials ages 25-34 identify as LGBTQ. The math speaks for itself.

The LGBT segment is not homogenous or monolithic. There is no one-sizefits-all approach, creating the need for nuanced outreach efforts. Fully, 61% of respondents in a recent poll found that diversity in marketing and advertising was highly important, positively impacting a brand’s bottom line. All aspects of marketing messaging can be customized and delivered to segments and subsegments of the LGBT consumer sector through multiple mediums.

LGBT consumers are highly enthusiastic, recognized as the earliest adopters and greatest influencers representing disproportionate control of a brand’s profitability. Brands should develop emotional connections. Qualitative research shows that “positive image enforcement” leads to positive purchasing decisions. Oreo’s “Proud Parent” outreach and commercial is an of-the-moment illustration, making this connection. This community responds favorably to the perception of being treated equally, as friends or family, rather than as outsiders.

Savvy marketers must carefully navigate a fine line,

WHAT FORWARD THINKING MARKETERS UNDERSTAND IS THE NEED FOR BRANDS TO TALK TO THE LGBT CONSUMER ON A YEAR-ROUND BASIS.

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• 6 .17.2021

A window above a business decorated with rainbow colors. Photo via PxHere.

necessitating tactile communication, devoid of stereotypes, while staying laser focused on brand messaging. LGBT relatable lexicon and imagery should be employed, wherever possible, to create a stronger bond between a brand and this consumer. This consumer understands sincerity and authenticity.

Not to be underestimated is the power and outsize impact of social media “influencers” on brand building and purchasing decisions. LGBT influencers have surged on all main platforms, including Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. Over 92% of ages 18-34 respond that they seek recommendations from a trusted source. Choosing relatable influencers that connect with consumers on emotional levels is key. Impactful LGBT “champion,” Tyler Oakley, reaching over 7.5 million followers, connects daily with core consumers’ values and aspirations.

The pandemic has forced companies to be creative in their marketing outreach. For example, many alcohol

companies are hosting online happy hours and dance events with prominent DJs. A prime example is Jack Daniel’s drag queen hosted virtual entertainment parties.

Recently, companies such as Budweiser, Walgreens, IBM and Microsoft, to name a few, have launched consumer specific campaigns representing the “world around us.” Geico’s affectionate portrayal of a male couple is another example of how these slice-of-life moments are all encompassing, reflecting a melting pot of the USA. Sponsorships are also highly effective ways to bond with the LGBT consumer. Molson Coors’ Vizzy Hard Seltzer’s $1 million sponsorship of the Human Rights Campaign is extremely visible, as is Kellogg’s collaboration with GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation) on its “Together with Pride” cereal launch.

When Pride season comes to an end, farsighted companies will cease the 11-month hibernation, and will use 2021 to create a holistic approach to the LGBT consumer, talking to them throughout the year. One thing will become crystal clear: these visionary companies will jump over the rainbow into a pot of gold!

Andrew Isen has over 30 years of experience in brand engagement with LGBTQ consumers and has helped over 1,000 companies successfully target these consumers and create valuable relationships. His expertise in all elements of marketing from concept to execution and his strategic perspective on the past, present and future of the LGBTQ community have made him a leading authority and sought-after expert in the evolving field of LGBTQ marketing. Andrew is the founder and president of the award-winning marketing firm WinMarkconcepts.com.

6 .17. 20 21 •

47

FAITH & PRIDE SPIRITUALITY

OUR PRIDE IS

STILL EVOLVING Rabbi Noah Kitty

Congregation Etz Chaim

T

his is the first year I’ll be eligible for Medicare. I believe that getting older is a privilege that far too many do not enjoy. But lately I’m feeling like the Jewish lesbian version of Rip Van Winkle who wakes up in a world that is practically unrecognizable in wonderful ways. It’s wonderful that it seems everyone is coming out with Pride, and it is glorious to be a witness to the ever-increasing rainbow of sexual orientations and gender identities gracing our newly redesigned streets in Wilton Manors. Living here is the reply to a question asked years ago by Adrienne Rich: What would it mean to livein a city whose people were changing each other’s despair into hope?

The meaning for me is less than what’s been accomplished in Wilton Manors than who has accomplished it — an amazing consortium of folks representing the range of human expression of gender and sexual identity. We built a safe, beautiful, and welcoming home for ourselves, encouraged new businesses to open here, always have more residents vying for elected office than there are seats, and we’re even getting a train station! All this from our people, we who had been vilified, discounted, and savagely treated based on a misbegotten religious argument created for social and economic benefit. We finally refused to accept their assessment of us, and instead created identities that featured our intelligence, beauty, and righteousness, and demanded and received recognition. We should indeed feel very proud of these achievements.

And now a few words of Torah. We all know that the first words in the bible are “In the beginning.” That’s how it’s been translated into English for over 600 years. However, when we actually look at the words of the text

with the commentaries we understand that we’ve made an error in our translation. The first word in the Hebrew Bible is “Bereshit,” and a better translation of the opening words would be, “As God was creating heaven and earth were void and unformed…” The change is significant, because it signals our realization that Creation had already started before the Bible mentioned it. In other words, heaven and earth were already present but their particulars weren’t yet formed. It also teaches that Creation is a process, and that process is ongoing. Creation never stops, and we are always evolving.

And so it is for us still. Our Pride is still evolving. We are finally hearing each other’s stories, and what life has been like living in each other’s orbit. We’ve been called to look more deeply into our words and actions, in order to be better and more effective allies to each other. We’ve had mirrors placed in front of us to have a better view of how we look to others. We’ve been handed the assignment to simultaneously acknowledge each other’s unique history and culture while insisting that ultimately we are united in our ongoing work of perfecting our world. We have been offered the hope that our work will lead to lasting change and enduring grace. Like Creation, we are not yet perfect and are still evolving. May our patience and resolve rise to the challenges that face us today and will tomorrow.

During this fabulous month of Pride, let us celebrate like a Jewish wedding: may we eachbe blessed with joy and happiness, lover and beloved, gladness, jubilation, cheer and delight, love, friendship, harmony and fellowship. May there be heard, speedily and in our day, the sounds of joy and the sounds of happiness, and the sounds of peace throughout the streets of our city!

Congregation Etz Chaim will hold its first in-person Shabbat service on Friday, June 18th at 8pm. They meet on the Pride Center campus in the Auditorium. Join us!

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• 6 .17.2021

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

“Pull up a chair. Take a taste. Come join us.

Life is so endlessly delicious.”

(Ruth Reichl) We’ll be back together soon!

Until then please join us online on our YouTube channel!

Shabbat Service Friday 8pm on our YouTube channel

Congregation Etz Chaim

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

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

SPIRITUALITY

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

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing.

“Love without judgement” Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. 33305 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org

954-633-2987

A home for your spirit.

Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome!

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

LISTINGS CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM TEMPLE BAT YAM 5151 NE 14th Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-928-0410 Friday Night & Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org

6 .17. 20 21 •

49

FOUR STATES AWAY, A PRIDE BLOOMS

By Avraham Forrest.

On June 5 I attended my first Pride event in my hometown of Greenwood in central Indiana, which is around a 15 hour, 45 minute drive from Florida. Our Greenwood Indiana Pride 2021 celebration took place in an extended cement lot wrapping around a local baseball diamond with a little league game running at the same time.

Visiting the booths of businesses and organizations, we collected pins and merchandise of all kinds. We were already weighed with necklaces, stickers, buttons as well as cups of candy and coffee before we even saw half of the vendors.

THE

ISLANDER A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER

Looking back, I am reminded of the common discussion around the commercialization of Pride. The question arises of what Pride is besides a month of marketing and money making.

For me, I choose to view Greenwood Pride as a signpost, a reminder to take a look back. To me, being queer is not something on a shirt, nor an annual event. I am not queer becuase I display it for the world one weekend out of the year.

My identity is perpetual, spanning my past and paving forward.

By Corey Rose

At Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, Artistic Director Andy Rogow and Managing Director Martin Childers are using the grant to help mitigate COVID concerns with a new outdoor lobby.

At Thinking Cap Theatre in Fort Lauderdale Producing Artistic Director Dr. Nicole Stodard said the 11-year old theater company will use the grant money to produce two in-person plays by LGBTQ+ playwrights: “Fefu and Her Friends,” by Latina lesbian playwright María

INTERNATIONAL PICNIC DAY Enjoy a park near you or check out The Friends of Mockingbird Trail who will be picnicking at Smoker Family Park at noon.

SATURDAY PRIDE DAY! The Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride and Street Festival will kickoff at 3 p.m. and end at 11 p.m.

SUNDAY

PETS AND PROSPERITY EVENT Network with owners and their pets at the Pets And Prosperity event by the South Florida Magazine from 6-9 p.m. at La Mexicana Taco Bar.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is using their portion of the money to show full-length concerts, presented both online and at drive-in theater events. The latest grant will help them afford the production company that directs, films, and edits the concerts, as well as cover the costs for security and parking for the drive-in concerts, Executive Director Mark Kent said

ON THE HORIZON July 4th is on it’s way! Join the Beach Boys at Fort Lauderdale Beach to celebrate the national holiday.

At the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center in Fort Lauderdale, the grant will allow the museum to digitize collections and exhibits, portions of which will be housed on the website, and keep hybrid options for future programming.

THE NEWSLETTER YOU NEED NEED. WILTON MANORS NEWS... RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX. From events to local announcements, fun facts and so much more, the Islander is everything you need to wake up ready for a beautiful day in the Island City.

visit sfgn.com/islanderwm to sign up!

• 6 .17.2021

FRIDAY

MONDAY

Irene Fornés, and a new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s Fairy Tales.

Photo via Pixabay.

50

THURSDAY KINKY BOOTS! Kinky Boots will be playing at the Amaturo Theater at Broward Center at 7:30 p.m.

OPEN AIR MARKET Take a look at the goods of History Fort Lauderdale’s New River Open Air Market from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the New River Inn on 231 SW Second Avenue.

OUR FUND SUPPORTS LGBT ARTS The Our Fund Foundation dispersed 18 grants totaling $226,500, part of a mission to “stabilize South Florida’s LGBTQ arts and cultural community...,” according to a statement.

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6 .17. 20 21 •

51

LIFESTYLE CELEBRITY

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

SPORTS

MUSIC

BEST DAD!

OH SNAP!

DID BILLIE EILISH COME OUT?

DWYANE WADE: BASKETBALL AND PARENT SUPERSTAR Retired basketball star Dwyane Wade, has had his fair share of practice on the court as well as off the court.

Wade says that his daughter Zaya has helped him become a strong ally of the LGBT community. Not only making him more knowledgeable about the community and the hardships that the community faces, but also helping him become a stronger parent according to OUT. He said in an interview with Today, “I didn’t know anything, really wasn’t knowledgeable about the LGBTQ+ community. What it has done is open my eyes and my ears to something greater and bigger than I, and my daughter has allowed us gracefully to be her support system.”

Dwayne Wade. Photo via Facebook.

For Wade, growing up in the inner cities of Chicago had reinforced a certain way of thinking when it came to gender identification, OUT wrote.

Supporting his daughter Zaya has helped Wade grow not only as a parent, but as a person as well. Expanding his knowledge of the LGBT community and becoming an ally.

Fans of the renowned popstar Billie Eilish, are speculating if she came out or not.

Eilish, following the release of her new music video “Lost Cause,” has been buzzing around the LGBT community.

Fans have come to a conclusion to think that this music video may really be a coming out kind of music video.

In the video Eilish throws an allgirls slumber party, a pretty seductive slumber party at that.

Fans also took to Eilish’s Instagram, where she posted a picture with the girls from her video, with a caption reading, “I love girls.”

At the moment however, the proof is not directly in the pudding. Eilish is infamously private about her life away

Billie Eilish (front) in “Lost Cause.” Image via YouTube.

from the glamour and glitz, and her hardcore fans have started to find out more about the icon through her reality show called “The World’s A Little Blurry,” according to Pride.

Well it’s safe to say that Eilish fans are definitely on the fences to hear what the popstar has in store for them next.

CELEBRITY

ONE OF US! DAVID ARCHULETA COMES OUT

For all the “American Idol” fans out there, it is a must know that David Archuleta has just come out.

The 30-year-old singer and songwriter took to Instagram to share this in a heartfelt and lengthy post.

“I’ve been open to myself and my close family for some years now that I am not sure about my own sexuality. I came out in 2014 as gay to my family … 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,” he said in his post.

Archuleta, being a Mormon missionary, just wants everyone to understand and accept the

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• 6 .17.2021

feelings of those in the LGBT community.

He also stated, “I think we can do better as people of faith and Christians, including Latterday Saints, to listen more to the wrestle between being LGBTQIA+ and a person of faith. There are more than you may realize going through that wrestle after all the misunderstandings ... I don’t think it should come down to feeling you have to accept one or the other. For me to find peace the reality has been to accept both are real things I experience and make who I am,” he wrote on Instagram.

The second-place winner of season seven of “American Idol” could not have picked a better time to come out. Stay true to yourself Archuleta!

David Archuleta. Photo via Facebook.

6 .17. 20 21 •

53

LIFESTYLE FOOD

PRIDE SWEET PRIDE Rick Karlin

A

fter taking a year off, many Pride events are up and running again, including Wilton Manors’ Stonewall Pride. If you want to be the hit of the parade (without strutting around in your underwear), try whipping up these sweet treats in the colors of the traditional pride flag. If you want to try to incorporate the colors of the more modern version of the flag, simply divide up the portions of the recipe into five more portions and tint those pink, blue, black, and brown, and leave one white.

RAINBOW PEPPERMINT PATTIES Since Charlie Brown’s friend, Peppermint Patty, was the first lesbian in comics, these are an apt salute to Pride festivities.

INGREDIENTS 6 cups powdered sugar (more, if needed) 4 tablespoons light corn syrup 4 tablespoons water 4 tablespoons vegetable shortening 2 teaspoons peppermint extract 24 oz dipping chocolate Food coloring (the gel version works best) red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple (black and brown optional) Wax or parchment paper DIRECTIONS In the large bowl of a stand mixer, beat five cups of the powdered sugar with corn syrup, water, peppermint extract, and shortening at medium speed until just combined.

Knead on a work surface dusted with the remaining cup of powdered sugar until smooth.

(This recipe depends a lot on moisture, if it’s a humid day, you may need to add a bit more powdered sugar, if the dough is too dry, add a teaspoon or two of water.)

Pride swirl cookies. Photo courtesy of Rick Karlin.

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• 6 .17.2021

Divide dough evenly into six balls (11 if doing the modern pride flag).

In a small bowl, color each ball red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple, respectively.

(Adding food coloring could make your ball a little too wet, add more powdered sugar if necessary) until the ball is workable and not sticky.

Working on each ball one at a time, roll the ball into a log.

Place the log between two sheets of parchment paper and roll it into a rectangle about 11”x5”.

Place the sheet of dough in the fridge to chill for about 15-20 minutes.

Repeat for remaining colors.

Once the dough has chilled, remove the paper from one side of the red layer (leave one layer on the bottom so it doesn’t stick to your surface). If the dough begins to tear as you remove the paper, chill it longer.

Remove both sheets of paper, from the remaining rectangles as you stack each layer on top of the other (in the order of the Pride flag: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple. (Add pink, white, blue, brown, and black for the modern Pride flag.)

Once the layers have been stacked on top of each other, slightly roll them to get rid of any air bubbles.

Trim the long end of one side with a sharp knife so that you have an even edge to begin rolling.

Starting with the long side, begin rolling the dough using the parchment paper to help (if your dough is too hard, let it soften a bit before rolling).

Freeze the roll of dough until hardened (about an hour).

Cut the frozen log into ¼-inch-thick circles.

(Dental floss is good to use to cut the dough-if the log begins to flatten, roll it slightly.)

Melt dipping chocolate according to the package directions.

Using a fork, dip one pinwheel, shaking the excess chocolate off, and set it on waxed paper or parchment-lined cookie sheets.

Repeat with all the remaining discs.

Place patties in the fridge or freezer to set.

Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Store patties in between layers of parchment paper so they don’t stick to each other.

Peppermint patties. Photo courtesy of Rick Karlin.

Rainbow shots. Photo courtesy of Rick Karlin.

PRIDE SWIRL COOKIES Packaged cookie dough makes this recipe foolproof.

INGREDIENTS 2 bags (17.5 oz) Betty Crocker sugar cookie mix Betty Crocker Neon and Classic Gel Food Colors Rainbow sprinkles, if desired

Try these yummy shots, they’re magically delicious.

INGREDIENTS 1 box Lucky Charms cereal or a bag of Lucky Charms Marshmallows 1 bottle marshmallow or whipped cream flavored vodka

DIRECTIONS Mix cookie dough according to package directions.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Divide dough evenly into six bowls, and color each with a different food coloring (you may need to blend yellow and red for orange, red and blue for purple).

Assemble as directed in the recipe above.

Bake cookies 10-11 minutes, or until done (golden brown on the edges).

While still warm, roll edges in sprinkles, if desired.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

LUCKY CHARMS RAINBOW SHOTS

DIRECTIONS Separate the marshmallows from the Lucky Charms cereal.

Sort marshmallow pieces by color, mixing red and yellow to make orange, blue and red to make purple, if necessary.

Place marshmallows of the same color in each of eight water glasses.

Divide vodka into each glass.

Let the marshmallows dissolve, chill.

Serve as vodka shots.

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor.

Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.

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954.462.7455 www.thesilklasercentre.com 924 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

owned & operated by J.A. Astaphan MD 6 .17. 20 21 •

55

LIFESTYLE SHOP WITH PRIDE

BATHE YOURSELF IN RAINBOWS WITH

SOFT LIKE ME Kendall Little

A

lexandria Nalepa is tired of oppressive business models, so when she started her small business, she vowed to “do everything right.”

Soft Like Me is a self-care business that sells products like body scrubs and body butters.

“Picking a favorite [product] is hard!

I’m between the tumeric scrub, and the signature butter,” Nalepa said.

“The tumeric scrub has really done a lot for my skin and I hardly have [any] inflammation at all on my face now.”

For Pride Month, Nalepa launched a rainbow collection to pay tribute to her community. As a bisexual woman, she finds it important to give back to the LGBT community by donating a portion of her sales to CasaQNM. Soft Like Me doesn’t just sell body care products. Crystals, produce bags, and scrunchies are also listed on the website.

Nalepa hopes to expand the skin care collection to include a wider variety of products as her business picks up.

“We are working on soaps and more shower products in the future,” she said. “We have to roll out products slowly because zero-waste packaging is more expensive and our products take a lot of research.”

Ethical packaging is a huge priority for Nalepa as she aims to be a zerowaste business.

“We really want to be an easy ethical choice for people: zero-waste, regular donations, buying fairtrade ingredients with no filler ingredients, no fragrance oils, etc.,” she said.

Credit: Soft Like Me, Facebook.

Nalepa says that running her business has been incredibly rewarding.

“I love creative control and we have just gotten some of the sweetest feedback,” she said. “People are saying we make them step up their packaging and others share their before and after results. Talking to and making custom skin care for people with allergies is also very special.”

For Nalepa, finding a purpose for her business was important.

“We didn’t want to throw another random product into the marketplace.

Our products are purposeful and provide value to the people who buy them,” she said.

So far, Soft Like Me has made 127 sales to 25 states in the U.S.

To support this LGBT-owned small business, shop the Soft Like Me website at softlikeme.com or check out their Instagram @softlikeme2020.

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

56

• 6 .17.2021

FEATURE PETS

T A H C U O Y L L WI W I T H M E?

ULISES

Adorable Ulises (ID 641472) is a 2-year-old black and white fellow who might be a little shy at first, but once he warms up he is curious, outgoing and ready to play. It has been noted that this fellow is a real talker and will tell you lots of stories.

Thanks to a local cat lover his adoption fee is sponsored, he just needs someone to love…could it be you?

If you would like to meet a pet at the Humane Society of Broward County, please visit www.humanebroward.com to complete a pre-adoption application. Visit www.humanebroward.com to learn more or call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Appointments are not necessary for the vaccine clinic which is open Monday — Friday 9 AM — 4:30 PM credit cards only. The banners rotate so click on the one that says COVID-19 update adoptions and essential services update and scroll down a little bit. There you will find an application for adoption and other pertinent information. Complete the application (even if you have adopted before) and submit it. Adoptions are being done by appointment only now. For more information call 954-989-3977 ext. 6.

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN COMING TO THE SHELTER.

6 .17. 20 21 •

57

LIFESTYLE BOOKS

‘TMI: MY LIFE IN SCANDAL’ Terri Schlichenmeyer

The cover of “TMI: My Life In Scandal” by Perez Hilton with Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson.

Y

ou’re allowed to change your mind.

You grow, get a few experiences under your belt, and things might look a bit different.

You can have a change of heart then, and pivot your life in a different direction. You can take do-overs and take-backs, but carefully.

And as in the new book “TMI” by Perez Hilton (with Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson), you can ask for forgiveness, too.

If you knew Mario Armando Lavandiera Jr. when he was a child, you’d be surprised at the man he is today. He says he had a good childhood but he was a “different” kid then, and was often bullied: among other indignities, his classmates called him “the Fat Kid” because he loved to eat.

That last part hasn’t changed. What has is that Lavandiera is now thinner, famous, and known by a nicer name: Perez Hilton. And no, if you’re wondering, Paris Hilton “never bothered” to sue him over the lookalike name, “though she definitely could have.”

This transformation didn’t happen overnight.

By the time he moved to New York to attend college, Hilton knew for sure that he was gay; while there, he gained friends, a pile of debt, and a mitt full of credit cards. Down but not out, he started a series of jobs and launched a series of websites that both spanned time in New York and L.A., and that got him into trouble in one way or another. Then a photography-friend leaked a few celeb pictures his way, Perez posted them on his website, and

he was famous, literally overnight.

And that was good — for a while. Hilton partied near-constantly, busted into celebrity events, became “wifey” with Gaga, clubbed with Jessica Simpson, and hung with Paris Hilton. And then he made a video for a national cause that caused him to see the hurt he’d left...

Could it be that the infamous author and gossip blogger Perez Hilton has... softened?

Yes, mostly. There’s a whole lot less venom inside “TMI” than you might expect from Hilton, but fans won’t be entirely bereft.

There’s still a little spark of gossip here, names dropped, and stories propped up and left on the roadside for embarrassment or for examination. Those are accompanied in this memoir by a glint-in-his-eye tone, and the sneakiest of snark hidden here and there, but that’s often tendered by tenderness.

The surprise — or the shock, depending on your level of fandom — is that Hilton apologizes to several people he feels he hurt; and he expresses a degree of regret for having lost good, close friends because he reported gossip about them despite the friendship.

It’s contrition that feels like it came from a battered schoolyard bully, only genuine.

Hilton is a father now and he writes with unabashed love for his kids, from a refreshing, seemingly happier place in his life. “TMI” still includes plenty of Hiltonized Too Much Information, some snickers, and a hint of tattle-tale, but if you’ve never been much of a fan, here’s a chance to change your mind.

“TMI: MY LIFE IN SCANDAL” by Perez Hilton with Leif Eriksson and Martin Svensson c.2020, Chicago Review Press $26.99 / $35.99 Canada 229 pages

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59

LIFESTYLE FOOD

BRUNCH Check INoutWILTON MANORS these luscious lunches Rick Karlin

ALIBI

2266 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors 954-565-2526 alibiwiltonmanors.com

If you can’t find something to eat at Alibi, you are just too damn picky. We stopped by for drag brunch a few weeks ago and I was again astounded by the breadth of the menu offerings.

Take the appetizer section alone, there are more than a dozen options, and that doesn’t even take into account the variety of chicken wing varieties! Feeling like Mexican fare?

Check out the guacamole, quesadilla, nachos, or simple chips and salsa. In the mood for Asian? There’s edamame, sweet and sour chicken strips, wontons, potstickers, or crab Rangoon. Can’t decide between the two? Try the southwest egg roll stuffed with chicken, black beans, and Tex-Mex spices. Italy is represented by mozzarella pockets.

Classic American options include potatoskins, cheesy fries, and chicken tenders. Then there are the wings, available in an equally global selection of flavors, from General Tso’s with sesame sauce, Buffalostyle, or mojito-siracha with lime.

Entrée salad options are equally diverse, including mixed greens topped with everything from steak tips to fried chicken tenders, lemon-dill shrimp, ahi tuna, blackened Mahi or tuna salad, and of course, the classic Caesar. Burgers start with a 9-oz. certified Angus beef patty or veggie burger, served on a toasted challah bun with one side.

As for variety, there are all the usual suspects available; bleu cheeseburger, Southwestern bacon, bacon, cheese, and BBQ sauce, as well as some unexpected options including a turkey burger and an Ahi-tuna burger. Top billing goes to The Champ, “Best burger in FLT,” topping the patty with American cheese, caramelized onions, and chipotle mayo.

Other hot and cold sandwich options run the gamut from a chicken gyro, fresh catch of

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• 6 .17.2021

the day, pulled pork, or grilled chicken breast to a simple grilled cheese, tuna, or chicken salad.

Flatbread pizzas can be topped with anything from cheese to lemon pesto chicken, a trio of meat favorites (pepperoni, ham, meatball), chicken bacon ranch to veggies (Broccoli, onions, red, and green peppers).

If you’re more in the mood for an entrée, crispy sesame chicken or General Tso’s chicken, both with steamed rice and broccoli will satisfy you.

For Latin fare check out the picadillo, pulled pork bowl, tacos or burritos. Daily specials featuring such down-home favorites as meatloaf and fried chicken or fish, help round out the offerings.

When we stopped by for the bar’s Saturday drag queen brunch the other day, we discovered that we were too early, the DQ brunch starts at 2:30 and is served inside. We enjoyed the regular brunch outside and then afterward went inside to catch T.P. Lords and her girls entertain. The Drag Queen brunch offers a separate menu with a four-course meal starting with a hash brown stack with layers of crispy taters, scrambled eggs, cheese, and sausage.

The second course is a dim sum platter featuring Alibi’s yummy potstickers, fried wontons, and a vegetable egg roll. The main course is beef Bourguignon, and the dessert is gourmet French toast with whipped cream and mixed berries. That all comes with your choice of bottomless mimosas, mojitos or bellinis. Remember, the more you drink, the prettier the girls get.

The brunch package is $45, there is always the option of ordering from the regular menu (with the same bottomless cocktail deal), but prices vary for that.

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar. Photo via Uber Eats.

BRUNCH, SIDE OF DRAG QUEEN OPTIONAL These bars also serve brunch, with and without drag queens. Check to see which days and hours brunch is available.

APT. 9F

Whether you want an entrée such as quiche, banana nut pancakes, beef Wellington, or salmon, avocado and eggs on ciabatta or just a scone or big ass cookie to go with your coffee, Carol and Nancy at Apt. 9F will make you feel at home. 2163 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, 954-880-1191, apt9f.com.

HOLY MACKEREL BREWERY

The local brewery presents its “Sunday Funday Boozy Babes” drag brunch featuring Daisy Deadpetals and a trio of guest stars. Showtimes are Sunday at noon and 2 p.m. $15 bottomless mimosas and $20 bottomless beermosas. There’s a special brunch menu. If you choose not to order, there’s a $10 charge. 1414 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors, 954-306-3458, holymackerelbeers.com.

THE PUB

Open from 10 a.m. to closing, the classic breakfast fare and sandwiches are available anytime. The biscuits and gravy are amazing. 2283 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, 754-200-5244, thepubwm.com.

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor.

Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.

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(Only 3 blocks away from Galleria Mall & Beaches) 1800 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 | 954-524-1800 | ILMULINOFL.com

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A&E FILM

‘SUBLET’

Finding Life After Tragedy

Gregg Shapiro

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ince his 2002 breakout film “Yossi & Jagger,” which went from being a hit on the LGBT film festival circuit to gaining an even larger following via home video, gay Israeli filmmaker Eytan Fox has consistently made films of the highest quality.

Included in that list is “Yossi,” Fox’s 2012 “Yossi & Jagger” sequel which greatly improves on the original, as well as “The Bubble,” “Walk On Water,” and the unexpected comedy “Cupcakes.”

“Sublet” (Greenwich Entertainment), Fox’s latest (co-written with Itay Segal), breaks new ground for the writer/director by featuring a gay American actor, John Benjamin Hickey, in the lead role. Additionally, most of the dialogue is in English, with the remainder in Hebrew.

New Yorker Michael (Hickey), writer of The Intrepid Traveler column in “The New York Times,” specializes in writing about what a person can discover and enjoy about a city in five days. Therefore, it makes sense that “Sublet” is separated into five sections, Day One through Day Five.

Day One covers Michael’s arrival at his Tel Aviv sublet. Things get off to an awkward start when the tenant, Tomer (Niv Nissim making his memorable film debut), a student filmmaker, insists that Michael arrived a day early. He’s wrong, of course, and must quickly straighten up the apartment for his shortterm renter. Michael, meanwhile, unpacks and settles in before going out exploring the neighborhood and beach. He ends the day with a Skype call from his husband David (Peter Spears).

Michael’s second day begins with a visit to an art museum. While there, he’s distracted by an unexpected call from a woman regarding the selection of a surrogate for him and David.

This sets the stage for an important reveal later in the movie.

On a lighter note, there is a shift in the way that Michael and Tomer interact. Tomer stops by the apartment to get his weed and ends up hanging out with Michael. The previous day’s tension has subsided (thanks, in part,

“Sublet” movie poster. Photo via IMDb.

to the pot), and their conversation is friendly and funny. When Michael shares his list of places he plans to visit and write about, Tomer teases him, saying that they’re fine “if you’re a Jewish princess on her Birthright tour.” Tomer provides Michael with a local’s perspective and takes him to wonderful places off the beaten path. While eating lunch, Tomer tells Michael about Googling him, learning about his “thrilling debut” novel. But, while flattering Michael, he also inadvertently insults him.

After spending the day together, Michael suggests that Tomer, unsure of where he’ll sleep that night, crash on the couch. They watch one of Tomer’s movies. Then Tomer’s friend Daria (Lihi Kornowski), an actress who was in the movie they just watched, comes by the apartment after having a fight with her Palestinian boyfriend Amir.

On the third day, Michael finds Tomer at the beach. Tomer shows Michael the copy of his book that he found in a secondhand book shop. It’s a sweet moment that leads to a discussion about relationships and Tomer’s sexuality. An uncomfortable Skype call with David almost ruins Michael’s day, which is redeemed when Tomer and Michael

attend Daria and Amir’s dance show. The day concludes with another unexpected turn involving the Israeli version of Grindr, and a visit from sexy Kobi (Tamir Ginsburg).

Unsettled by the events of the night before with Tamir and Kobi, Michael plans to check into a hotel for his last full day in Tel Aviv.

However, Tamir convinces Michael to stay, telling him that his mother Malka (Miki Kam), has invited them to dinner at the kibbutz where she lives (and where Tamir was raised).

It’s one of the more powerful scenes in the movie, combining humor and drama, for a visceral impact.

Back at Tamir’s apartment, “Sublet” makes its most predictable move (can you guess?).

Somehow it follows its natural course and is not as off-putting as you might think. This leads to the day five finale which calls in all of the available feels. Even Tomer’s affectionate acknowledgment of crying at the airport is a kind of wink and nudge to the audience.

Hickey and Nissim are marvelous (every bit as good as Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci in the recent “Supernova”). “Sublet” is a successful and welcome addition to Fox’s canon.

Rating: B+

Screen Savor is a weekly column from SFGN’s film critic Gregg Shapiro. Shapiro is an entertainment journalist, whose interviews and reviews run in regional LGBT and mainstream media outlets. Shapiro is the author of seven books including the 2019 chapbooks, Sunshine State and More Poems About Buildings and Food. Shapiro lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with his husband Rick and their dog Coco.

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• 6 .17.2021

A&E MUSIC

TRANS PIANIST REFLECTS ON CAREER, PLACE IN CLASSICAL WORLD J.W. Arnold

B

y the mid-1980s, David Buechner’s star was clearly on the rise. The Juilliardtrained concert pianist had won prizes in major competitions across Europe and his debut at the 92nd Street Y in New York City received a glowing review in the New York Times.

But his musical success could not cure the growing depression and gender dysphoria he was experiencing. The risk to his career was high, but Buechner, now in his mid-30s, made the decision to begin his transition from male to female and hope for the best.

“It was a choice long deferred from fear of professional ramifications and discrimination.

In September of 1998, with the help of trusted friend Jens Nygaard, conductor of New York’s Jupiter Symphony, I made a ‘second debut’ as Sara Davis Buechner with three soldout performances of the two Chopin piano concertos. A positive profile in the New York Times Magazine also seemed to assist with

the necessity of a public transition. However, it soon became apparent that a new career would have to be built, largely without that support that I had built and enjoyed as David Buechner,” explained Sara Davis Buechner, now 61, in an essay on her website.

Buechner will recount these important milestones in her personal and professional journey on Friday, June 25 and make her Florida concert debut on Saturday, June 26, as part of the “Generation” Venetian Arts Society (GENVAS) 21st Century ULTRA Art Salon at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale.

It was not a smooth ride, Buechner recalled in a recent Zoom call from her Philadelphia apartment: “I still remember the day it hit me [that I was transgender] and suddenly, I had this calm core. My parents were going crazy, my manager fired me, and yet I was calm. It never occurred that I should take my old self and bury it and be somebody different. At the time

in my life, it was so much about finally being authentic and being me,” she said.

As Buechner predicted, her career did suffer, despite the perceived reputation of the classical music community as a liberal haven.

“Conductors who once routinely engaged me stopped returning calls, prestigious teaching offers were withdrawn and concert opportunities vanished. Changing managers did not help. I recall one particularly low point as the time [when] I received a check from a Florida recital presenter several weeks before my appearance — having booked David Buechner, they paid Sara not to come,” she said.

“The classical music business likes to pretend that it is gender- and color-blind regarding the concert stage and that the highminded pursuit of Mozartian Truth is all that is professionally considered in the evaluation of performing musicians. My own experience tells me otherwise,” Buechner added.

A 2003 offer to join the piano faculty of the University of British Columbia in Vancouver gave fresh impetus to Buechner’s career. In the ensuing 13 years, she became a fixture on the Canadian music scene, performing regularly

Transgender concert pianist Sara Davis Buechner will appear at ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale on June 25 and 26. Courtesy photo.

with the major orchestras, on national radio broadcasts and in recital. In 2016, she joined the renowned keyboard department at Temple University in Philadelphia.

She acknowledges that public understanding and acceptance of transgender people has evolved incredibly over the past 25 years: “As a proud representative of the T in LGBTQ, I am happy to speak from the stage, with or without music, to help inspire our younger generations aspire to a fairer and more sincere artistic reality,” Buechner concluded.

Sara Davis Buechner will be the featured artist in the GENVAS “Conversation with the Artist” on Friday, June 25 and will perform in recital on Saturday, June 26 at 7 p.m. Both events will be held at ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale. For more information and tickets, go to GENVAS.org.

G AY M E N ' S C H O R U S O F S O U T H F LO R I DA PRESENTS

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More Info & Tickets at GMCSF.ORG 6 .17. 20 21 •

65

A&E TELEVISION

SYMONE TAKES THE CROWN FOR ‘DRAG RACE’ SEASON 13 Michael Cook

W

e all know that the winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” always needs to have charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent, but this year’s winner had a strong sense of social activism and knew that “making people uncomfortable” sometimes, is crucial.

Symone showed a flair for unique fashion, strong acting chops, and deadly lip-sync capabilities, propelling her to the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar in stunning final lip sync opposite Kandy Muse during the Drag Race Season 13 finale last night. As her Drag Race journey came to a glittering conclusion, Symone and I sat down to discuss her path to the crown, the emotions that came up during the competition, and why she remains compelled to bring forth her activism through her art.

MICHAEL COOK: This season, you showcased high fashion, raw talent and important representation and showed people everywhere a revolutionary style of drag, which has taken you to the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar for Season 13 of RuPaul’s Drag Race.

SYMONE: You got it. That was the plan, the execution point, and I think I did it.

MC: How does it feel now that your Drag Race experience has ended?

S: My God, it was the most beautiful, exciting, crazy and stressful experience of my life. I got to go and live my dream and to show myself to the world, and open myself up. It is all of those things, I can’t even put it into one word.

MC: You are the first queen to ever come from the state of Arkansas to appear on RuPaul’s Drag Race. What is drag like in Arkansas?

S: Arkansas drag was a very pageant, big hair, big lashes, gowns rhinestones, all of those things. Then it got a lot more open and a lot more opening of other types of drag. I think now it is a little bit more well-rounded than how it first started. Let me tell you

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• 6 .17.2021

something; there are no shows like shows in Arkansas. Honestly it is a southern show; in my opinion, the best kind of drag comes from the South. There is just nothing like it around the world and in my opinion, you cannot beat it.

MC: Season 12 finalist Gigi Goode is a sister of yours and in the House of Avalon. Did Gigi give you any advice as you embark on your own Drag Race journey?

S: Yes. It was very helpful advice. The advice that I do sometimes listen to was first and foremost go in there and have fun.

You will never have this specific experience again, so go in there and have fun! Also, you are the best singer, the best dancer, the best actor, and no one can tell you differently. So a healthy sense of delusion darling, that will get you through!

MC: And absolutely no one else has ever coined the phrase “flag factory” which went viral this season!

S: Oh absolutely not darling; it’s the “flag factory.”

MC: Did you have any idea that that phrase would take off the way that it did?

Symone. Photo credit: RuPaul’s Drag Race.

S: I did not. I mean knew people would love it, but not like that. I was very surprised.

When I am speaking, I just say stuff and say how I want to say it. At the moment, I was like “Oh bitch, this is good.” I did not expect everyone to live for it. I am so happy that I did that!

MC: Celebrities have been known to show some love to their favorite Drag Race contestants during the season, but it is very rare that two global superstars share actual “Lip Sync For Your Life” performances, but that is exactly what happened when both Ariana Grande and Janet Jackson showed you some love on their Insta-stories. How did that feel?

S: It is insane! Everyone watches the show, or someone’s stylist or makeup artist, it will get to them somehow. For them to repost it on their stories and to actually acknowledge that they have seen it, that is major. They don’t have to do that, for one. We are drag

queens and we are just playing around on television. For them to acknowledge it is not only just so insane, but it is so validating and is such a rare thing to happen. I am so blessed to have had it happen to me by multiple celebrities, and it is just insane; I don’t even know how to explain it. I am just a little girl from Arkansas, so for them to see my little ass twirlin’ around is insane (laughs)!

MC: While possibly a little girl from Arkansas, you have a truly broad worldview. Whether it was portraying Harriet Tubman in the Snatch Game challenge or that extremely powerful white dress that served as a call to social justice, your art served as a vessel for your message. Have you always been someone who demonstrated their personal perspective on the world through their art?

S: It is something that I did not necessarily have always done, but something that I have always found important. It is something I

A&E TELEVISION wanted to do as I progressed. As I further got hard for me to be vulnerable like that in front to know myself as a queen, it is something of everyone but it was a real moment. That is that is a cornerstone of my drag and it is how I felt in the moment and I have always something that is important to do, especially been emotional, that is why I prefer to be when you get on a show like “RuPaul’s Drag by myself a lot of the time, because I am so Race” that has millions of people watching sensitive and I feel things that are around every week. I knew what I was doing, I me. When that happened to me, it was just knew how many people, I knew the kind of a complete and total breakdown. I felt like I people, and I knew where these people were had been strong the whole entire time, that that watched the show. At the time we were I just needed to get it out. It felt like a flood doing it, I just felt compelled almost (laughs). We are taught … it is who I am. I think it is not to be that way back then, important to speak for people but the whole thing was hard. who may not be able to speak I had been feeling that way for themselves or to speak through the weeks, even after when it needs to happen. We the wins. It is an emotionally have a platform and people charged few weeks when you do look up to us and do listen are doing it so all of that was to us. As much fun as drag very real, I was just letting it all is and while I am always up out. When I cry, I cry. for a good time baby, it is important to say things that MC: What is next for need to be said. You have a America’s Next Drag unique opportunity to do Superstar? so. It does not always call for it, but when it does do S: I want to do everything. it. When it is going to make I want to tour, I want to go people uncomfortable, that out and see the fans. I also - Symone is right too. Things don’t want to act; I feel like I tapped happen unless people are into something that I didn’t uncomfortable. really know that I had, and I really enjoyed the acting challenges. In drag or out of MC: Have you always been an drag, I would love to act. I just want to do emotional performer and person? You everything; I want to do fashion, I want to be were very cool calm and collected and in fashion, I want to be in campaigns, I want as the show continued you truly were to be in photo shoots, runways, and to show letting your emotions shine through. people everywhere that you can come from It almost felt like you looked around, these places and you can do everything that noticed that you were quite possibly you want in this world. When I say I want to going to go all the way, and it got truly do “everything” I want to do every-damn“real.” Is that fair to say? thing (laughs)!

NOW PLAYING

"AS MUCH FUN AS DRAG IS AND WHILE I AM ALWAYS UP FOR A GOOD TIME BABY, IT IS IMPORTANT TO SAY THINGS THAT NEED TO BE SAID."

S: That’s exactly what happened; you got it. I came out of the gate really strong, I did.

It was a lot for me, in the way that I wanted to keep making people proud and I wanted people to keep rooting for me. In my head, you’re in completion and nothing makes sense. It’s like “I’ve failed, people are going to hate me, it’s done, the Symone-train is over.” I didn’t want to disappoint anyone and I didn’t want anyone to look at me in a different way, if that makes sense. I did get very emotional about it … because I care a lot.

I hated to see myself like that, and watching it again got very emotional again and cried; I don’t like to see myself like that. It was very

MC: As a performer and a person, you are so multi-layered. When do you feel the most authentically yourself?

S: I think for so long, I never really felt like I could be myself — ever. Drag even now, allows me to be that. I think that the lesson I needed to learn is that I have that out of drag.

I am going to be very honest, I am still trying to find myself really. For so long, I was the happiest and the most comfortable in drag, but I cannot live my life like that. I am still learning to give myself permission to be that out of drag. I am still figuring it out; maybe call me in a year and ask me this.

Need more drag race? SFGN has you covered.

Check out our full coverage of this season at

SFGN.COM/RUPAUL13 Follow Symone on Instagram @the_symone.

6 .17. 20 21 •

67

A&E THEATER

NEW PLAY FESTIVAL HONORS LOCAL PLAYWRIGHT Draws More Than 100 Entries in First Year J.W. Arnold

Z

oetic Stage, the regional theater company in residence at Miami’s Arsht Center, is honoring local gay playwright and theater patron Tony Finstrom with the first annual Finstrom Festival of New Works, debuting online next week with streamed readings of five new plays.

“Tony Finstrom was a beloved staple of the South Florida theatre community,” said friend and fellow playwright Michael McKeever, a co-founder of Zoetic 10 years ago. “His love of theater and theater artists manifested itself in his constant and unwavering support of the theaters throughout the region.”

After moving to South Florida in 1989, Finstrom quickly became a familiar face at opening night premieres at theaters both large and small. He was a Carbonell Awards judge and co-founded the Silver Palm Awards

presented under the auspices of the South Florida Theatre League. In recent years, he was associate producer of the Jan McArt New Play Reading Series at Lynn University, an incubator for works that would be performed regionally, Off Broadway and beyond.

McKeever and his husband, Zoetic Stage artistic director Stuart Meltzer, along with co-founder Christopher Demos-Brown, had considered a new play festival for several years, but the pandemic provided the impetus in 2021.

“Our festival hopes to remember a man who was not only so generous to this community but also so open with his love of playwriting,” said Meltzer. “Tony was a journalist and playwright who enjoyed the development of new work and the rehearsal room. He got a tremendous kick out of helping new plays grow.”

More than 100 entries were received after Meltzer and McKeever put out a call for unproduced plays. Nearly 40% came from South Florida.

“My hope is to build bridges to playwrights in Florida … as well as nationally. I was thrilled at the level of the plays we received — they were incredibly strong. That is why we added five runners up, in addition to the five plays having readings,” Meltzer said.

The Finstrom Festival will open on Wednesday, June 23 at 7:30 p.m. with “The Equivalent of Sensation’’ by Arianna Rose.

The other finalists are “The Guilt Mongers or Los Traficantes de Culpa (for those not willing to submit to the Anglicization of our people)” by C. Julian Jiménez, June 24; “Baby Camp’’ by Nandita Shenoy, June 25; “Finding Neil Patrick Harris” by Donna Hoke, June 26; and “One-Shot” by Andrew Rosendorf, June 27.

While the plays will be workshopped this year via Facebook Live, both Meltzer and McKeever hope the festival will continue to grow.

“My hope is to eventually be able to run the festival with the finalist plays being produced fully on the same stage with

Zoetic Stage’s new play festival is named after local playwright and theater patron Tony Finstrom, who died in 2018. Credit: Facebook.

a family of directors, actors and writers working in rep[ertory],” Meltzer said.

McKeever is confident Finstrom would approve of their efforts: “Stuart and I both feel that he would be thrilled with a festival like this being named after him.”

Zoetic Stage’s Finstrom Festival of New Works will be presented June 23 – 27 at Facebook.com/ZoeticStage.

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