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june 19, 2019 vol. 10 // issue 25
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SouthFloridaGayNews.com
‘Make America Straight Again’ Conference
Met With Over 100 Protestors
@SFGN
June 19, 2019 • Volume 10 • Issue 25
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
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A
“Make America Straight Again” (MASA) conference was held in Florida between June 14 and 16 by evangelical congregations to coincide with the threeyear anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting and was met with an estimated 150 protestors. “Truth Wins Out joined an estimated 150 protesters today to demonstrate against the Make America Straight Again hate event,” said a Truth Wins Out press release.” “A group of bigoted pastors who want to put LGBT people to death held a conference this weekend in Orlando on the third anniversary of the Pulse nightclub massacre.” “More than 100 people opposed the antigay message of Revival Baptist Church’s
Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo
Correspondents
Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod
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“Truth Wins Out joined an estimated 150 protesters today to demonstrate against the Make America Straight Again hate event.” - Truth Wins Out Press Release
Protesters at the Make America Straight Again conference in Orlando, hosted by Revival Baptist Church. Image via YouTube.
‘Make America Straight Again’ conference this weekend,” reported Florida news source Daily Commercial. “Fight The Radical Right” a protestor of the church wrote on their sign according to pictures of the outside protest on Daily Commerical. “This Church Wants to Kill Me” another protester wrote. A pastor said that he wishes “every homo would die” after confronting protesters with cell phone video outside, according to Gay Star News. Live streams of the anti-gay conference were uploaded to YouTube. Some though MEMBER MEMBER
have been removed for violating the platform’s hate speech policy. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office confirmed earlier in a statement that it refused a protection request for the church, according to Newsweek. “The fact that the timing of this conference coincides with the three-year anniversary of the Pulse nightclub shooting in nearby Orlando did not go unnoticed by our staff. We felt as though the timing of the conference is in poor taste and we chose not to allow the group to hire our deputies,” a spokesperson added.
Cover: Wynwood Pride. Adobe stock photo.
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6 . 19.2019
Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Clark Rogers Clark@sfgn.com Assistant to the Editor • Nick Adkins Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell, Lee Curtis Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press
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NLGJA Journalist of the Year South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2019 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
MEMBER
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6.19.2019 •
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PATIENT INFORMATION What is TROGARZO? TROGARZO is a prescription medicine that is used with other antiretroviral medicines to treat Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 (HIV-1) infection in adults who: • have received several anti-HIV-1 regimens in the past, and • have HIV-1 virus that is resistant to many antiretroviral medicines, and • who are failing their current antiretroviral therapy HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if TROGARZO is safe and effective in children. Before you receive TROGARZO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you: • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if TROGARZO may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment with TROGARZO. Pregnancy Registry: There is a pregnancy registry for women who take antiretroviral medicines, including TROGARZO during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed if you are receiving TROGARZO.
What are the possible side effects of TROGARZO? TROGARZO can cause serious side effects, including: Changes in your immune system (Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome) can happen when you start taking HIV-1 medicines. Your immune system might get stronger and begin to fight infections that have been hidden in your body for a long time. Tell your health care provider right away if you start having new symptoms after receiving TROGARZO. The most common side effects of TROGARZO include: • diarrhea • nausea • dizziness • rash These are not all the possible side effects of TROGARZO. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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You may also report side effects to at 1-833-23THERA (1-833-238-4372). General information about the safe and effective use of TROGARZO.
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How will I receive TROGARZO? • You will receive TROGARZO by your healthcare provider as an infusion given into your vein over 15 to 30 minutes. A healthcare provider will monitor you during the TROGARZO infusion and for a period of time after your infusion.
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• You will receive TROGARZO every two weeks.
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6 . 19.2019
Inactive ingredients: L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, and sucrose. TROGARZO does not contain any preservative.
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news international
By Cameren Boatner
the world around
Africa
middle east
Gay sex legalized in Botswana
Reporter calls out Iranian Forgein Minister over gay death penalty
Botswana’s High Court voted unanimously to legalize gay sex, scrapping colonial-era laws. The three judges said Tuesday that the laws were unconstitutional, according to the New York Times. A gay applicant who wasn’t named challenged the laws, saying they weren’t asking for people to agree with homosexuality, but to accept it. Previously, those who engaged in gay sex could face up to five years in prison. “Human dignity is harmed when minority groups are marginalized...” Judge Michael Leburu said while announcing the judgment, according to the Times. “Sexual orientation is not a fashion statement. It is an important attribute of one’s personality.” Gay sex is still criminalized in over 30 countries across Africa, but Tuesday’s
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6 . 19.2019
Photo credit: LGB of Botswana.
ruling was a step towards gay rights on the continent.
Paul Ronzheimer, an openly gay, German reporter with the tabloid Bild, asked Iran’s Foreign Minister Javad Zarif why gay people were executed during a press conference. The Iranian court system is known to punish gay sex with the death penalty, though many activists say gay people are arrested on the mere suspicion of their sexuality, according to Fox News. Zarif’s explanation of the executions led the U.S. Ambassador to Germany Richard Grenell to say Iran is violating the principles of the United Nations. “Our society has moral principles. And we live according to these principles. These are moral principles concerning the behavior of people in general. And that means that the law is respected and the law is obeyed,” Zarif said, in defense
Photo: Javad Zarif, Facebook.
of gay execution, according to Germany’s public broadcaster. Fox News reported there are no official statistics, but that experts estimate that thousands have been executed over their sexuality since the 70s.
South America
Oceania
Ecuador legalizes gay marriage
‘Rocketman’ banned in Samoa due to gay scenes
Ecuador’s highest court approved same-sex marriage on Wednesday, following five other South American countries’ rulings. In a five to four ruling, Ecuador sided with plaintiff Effraín Soria, who has been in a civil union with his partner since 2012, according to the Associated Press. Same-sex unions have been legal in Ecuador for a decade, but civil partners don’t enjoy the same rights as married couples. Soría, the president of the Ecuador Equality Foundation, told AP after the ruling that he would begin planning a wedding with his partner immediately and the ruling is “a joy for our entire community and Ecuador.” Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Uruguay are the other
6
Exploring LGBT News Events Across the Globe
Photo: Love Is Love Ecuador - LGBT, Facebook.
South American countries that legalized gay marriage.
Apollo Cinemas, a theater in Samoa, said the Elton John biopic “Rocketman” was rejected by Samoa’s censorship office over its gay scenes. The theater had “Rocketman” scheduled for screening, but took it down, explaining the situation over Facebook, according to ABC. Leiataua Niuapu Leiataualesa, Samoa’s principal censor, said the office was abiding by the Film Control Act of 1978, which rules out sexual content, drugs, or offense to religion. “We’re concerned with the cultural values and also the Christian beliefs here in Samoa — it’s not appropriate for public viewing,” Leiataualesa said, according to ABC. There was a public outcry from Samoans who wanted to see
Photo from David Appleby/Paramount Pictures.
“Rocketman,” saying they would source the movie online instead. Others said the censorship office is inconsistent and gets too much power.
NEWS state Ron DeSantis in 2018. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore.
Florida Gov. Apologizes for Leaving LGBT Out of Pulse Proclamation Jason Parsley
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ast Tuesday Gov. Ron DeSantis issued innocent victims of an ISIS-inspired terrorist a proclamation remembering Pulse attack at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando that and ordering the state’s flags to be targeted the LGBTQ and Hispanic community, flown at half mast Wednesday, the three- and Florida as a whole. In honor of their memory, I am ordering flags year anniversary of the deadliest to be lowered to half-staff,” attack on the LGBT community “Actions speak DeSantis tweeted Wednesday in U.S. history. morning. But there was one problem: louder than words, Orlando Democratic Rep. the document did not mention and this mistake Anna Eskamani, who initially the LGBT community. blasted DeSantis, thanked him “The state of Florida has come deserves a bigger on Wednesday for the correction together to stand boldly with response than but also tweeted: “Actions Orlando and the Central Florida just a corrected speak louder than words, and community against terrorism,” this mistake deserves a bigger the document reads in part. proclamation.” response than just a corrected DeSantis immediately came proclamation.” under fire and by Wednesday - Anna Eskamani Local LGBT activist Michael had reversed course, issuing a Orlando Rep. Rajner also thanked the new proclamation with his office governor but added in a tweet: blaming the omission on staff. According to the Tampa Bay Times, “Now how about issuing an executive DeSantis is scheduled to visit the Pulse order to protect #LGBTQ state workers & contractors from #discrimination to memorial at 5 p.m. Wednesday. “Today we mourn the loss of life of 49 #HonorThemWithAction.”
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LGBTQIA bites
B
Bisexual
23 percent of young black women identify as bisexual
The most recent General Social Survey by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) found that 23 percent of black women ages 18-34 identify as bisexual. According to media site Big Think’s sociologists, that number is nearly three times higher than a decade ago. They compared the spike in young black bisexual women to the gender gap in college completion. In 1980, black women started outpacing black men
in college degrees. “Perhaps when it comes to sexuality, black women are also ahead of the curve. If that’s the case — and if this trend continues — we might expect women of other races to follow suit,” sociologists Tristan Bridges and Mignon Moore wrote. Bisexuality among women of other races is still up from a decade ago — 5.5 percent versus 1.5 percent — but not to the same degree as black women.
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I
By Cameren Boatner
Intersex
Woman denied prison officer job for being intersex
Nicole Smith, a 35-year-old Phoenix woman, applied for a job as a correctional officer with the Arizona Department of Corrections, but was turned down because she’s intersex. Smith met with a recruiter and notified them of her intersex status, and according to AZ Central, they said it wouldn’t be an issue. However, Smith says she passed her physical fitness, psychological, and departmental policy tests, but was denied based on her medical exam.
“I’d said I would work with whatever population they wanted, that if it was my physical gender that would keep me back, I would work with men,” Smith said. “But it didn’t matter.” The Department of Corrections cited the 2003 Rape Elimination Act which says that to prevent cross-gender examinations of inmates, applicants must have sexual characteristics adhering to one gender.
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LGBTQIA bites
T
Transgender
Texas man charged with murder of transgender woman Kendrell Lavar Lyles, a 32-year-old Texas man, was charged with the murder of Muhlaysia Booker, a transgender woman. Lyles was arrested by Dallas police on June 5 in connection to a murder of an unnamed female victim, and was later tied to two other murders, including Booker’s, according to the New York Times. LGBT rights activists applauded police for taking the murder investigation seriously. “They’re taking seriously getting this conceivable serial killer off the road to make the trans community safer,” Lou Weaver, transgender programs community coordinator for Equality Texas, said, according to the Times. “They can start the healing process after the grieving process.” Lyles has been charged with three counts of murder and is being held in jail without bail.
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PRIDE DAY
JOIN US FOR FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN ALL DAY LONG! WHEN: June 22, 2019 • 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science • • • • • • • •
Meet Honoree of the Day Mayor Dean Trantalis at noon Watch the documentary Families Like Yours in IMAX® Listen to LGBTQ+ science speakers from various fields Participate in Story Time with Drag Queens Watch a special Pride edition of our explosive KABOOM! show Enjoy a performance by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Learn all about the science of rainbows Create your very own spin art and take it home with you
$5 admission • Free for City of Fort Lauderdale residents The program has been made possible by support from the following Community Foundation of Broward Funds: Richard Frisby and Edward Burkhart Fund, Gay and Lesbian Broward Community Fund, Edwin A. and Jane N. Huston Fund, Everett H. Metcalf, Jr. Unrestricted Fund and Mary N. Porter Community Impact Fund.
401 SW 2nd Street • Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
6.19.2019 •
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NEWS MIAMI DADE
First ‘Wynwood Pride’ Looks to Mix Fun, Art and Nonprofit Awareness Damon Scott
Pabllo Vittar. Photo via Facebook.
T
he organizers of the first “Wynwood Pride Music Festival” said attendees can expect to be treated to a mix of performers, talented artists and more than 20 nonprofit groups. The event is set to take place June 21 through June 23 at the Wynwood Marketplace, located at 2250 NW 2nd Ave. in Miami. General admission to the event is free, although there are other access levels ranging from $25 to $75. The event coincides with LGBT Pride Month in June – chosen to commemorate the Stonewall riots of June 1969. While South Florida hosts many other Pride events throughout the year, including in Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, Key West and Hialeah, organizers said Wynwood Pride will be the first for the city of Miami. The three-day festival will host panels on gay issues, film screenings, and mural installations. The “community village” is where the nonprofits will be located – representing groups focused on LGBT, youth justice and health issues. The village is expected to
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offer HIV testing, counseling information, clothing donations and more. “The overall goal of Wynwood Pride is to serve as a catalyst for communication, education, empowerment and unification of the LGBTQ community through many different mediums,” organizers said in a statement. Wynwood Pride organizers said three nonprofits will benefit from money raised at the event. The nonprofits are Pridelines, the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice and Survivors' Pathway. Pridelines provides services and support to South Florida LGBT youth, such as emergency housing, transportation/ relocations assistance, and other help for queer youth experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. Astraea raises and distributes funds to programs and initiatives led by lesbians and queer women, transgender, non-conforming
people, intersex people and people of color. of the AXS Law Group, will be on display It has granted more than $40 million to 1,700 by appointment from June 1 until August partners since 1980. 31. An opening art reception takes place Survivors' Pathway provides services that June 6 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The exhibit is focus on mental health. It runs a center in located at 2121 NW 2nd Ave. Suite 201 in Miami-Dade County that serves Wynwood Latino and LGBTQI victims and The installation features seven award-winning survivors of domestic violence, Wynwood Pride LGBT artists who “have sexual assault, human been influenced by their trafficking and hate crimes. organizers cultural roots and whose craft uniquely illustrates Entertainment, art said three South Florida’s diverse nonprofits will community,” AXS Law Expect local and Group said in a statement. international LGBT talent benefit from Artists in the exhibit during the three-day run, organizers said. Scheduled to money raised at include Lazaro Amaral, Rolando Barrero, Marco appear so far are Pabllo Vittar, the event. Caridad, Paul Cormack, Aja, Dorian Electra, DJ Citizen Jennifer Maria, Gigi Motley Jane and Carmen Carrera. and Marcel Saleta. There will be drag shows, lipTo see the exhibit, contact AXS Law Group synching battles, late-night DJs, large-scale art installations, voguing competitions and by phone at (305-297-1878 or via email at info@axslawgroup.com. more. Wynwood Pride is produced by event And since it’s Wynwood, of course there agency SWARM, in partnership with the will be art. In conjunction with event organizers, the Wynwood BID (business improvement AXS Art’s Pride LGBTQ exhibit, an initiative district).
For more information, including ticket options, go to WynwoodPride.com.
6.19.2019 •
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NEWS MIAMI DADE
Wynwood Pride Faces
Backlash from Local LGBT Groups Jason Parsley
Miik Martorell, Fort Lauderdale Pride chair. Photo credit: Steven Shires.
S
everal prominent local LGBT rights groups and Pride organizations released a joint press release last week criticizing Wynwood Pride, a first-time event taking place June 21-23. The groups, which include Pride Fort SWARM is a for-profit events production Lauderdale, Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride, company. Aqua Foundation, Arianna Center, SAVE, Abelo, whose brother Tony is CEO of Unity Coalition, and the Gay8 Festival, take SWARM, signed a three-year commitment issue with the organization using the word with the company to produce Wynwood Pride in its name because the event is being Pride and help get the new non-profit off the produced by a for-profit company. ground. “We are proud and grateful to have reached The above groups believe that the label “Pride” has a special place in the LGBT such an agreement and commitment with community and this event will tarnish its SWARM,” Abelo said. “For us, this is a new era in activism where we can have the meaning. “Pride is not a ‘brand’ to tag on to increase autonomy of our vision and collaborate with market share. It’s a commemoration of the local businesses in reaching agreements that struggle of the LGBTQ+ community and a preserve the mission of our goals.” According to a press symbol of the commitment to release from Wynwood any continuing the fight against “Pride festivals proceeds from the event, persecution and hate. It’s also have historically after production costs, will a celebration of the milestones been produced be split among three nonachieved and a way to honor by LGBTQ profits, Pridelines, Survivors our predecessors and elders,” organizations Pathway, and the Astrea Pride Fort Lauderdale’s with a mission of Foundation. President Miik Martorell said commemorating “Pridelines was invited to in a prepared statement. our past struggles promote our programs and The organizers of Wynwood and at the same services at Wynwood Pride,” Pride though reject their time celebrating Victor Diaz-Herman, CEO assertions saying they are no our progress.” of Pridelines, told SFGN. different from other Pride “We are appreciative for festivals throughout South - Robin Schwartz Managing Director of this opportunity to create Florida. Aqua Foundation awareness, provide services, “We know some have and raise much needed funds questioned the structure of our festival and SWARM. They have been for Pridelines as we continue to support, based in the neighborhood for years and have educate, and empower South Florida’s a great reputation for producing incredible LGBTQ youth and community, in safe events. That’s what we want Wynwood and diverse spaces, to promote dialogue, Pride to be, another fantastic event that wellness, and to foster social change.” Diaz-Herman said Wynwood is giving represents our city and our rapidly growing LGBTQ community,” Anna Margarita the organization free space where they will Albelo of Wynwood Pride said in a prepared offer HIV/STI screenings and the festival will statement. “Revenue from Wynwood Pride donate 30 percent of its proceeds from one will pay production costs of the event, with of the bars to Pridelines. But many local organizations aren’t 100% of any additional proceeds going to buying it. the Wynwood Pride non-profit.”
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“SWARM is not an LGBTQ organization,” Robin Schwartz, Managing Director of Aqua Foundation, stated in the joint press release. “SWARM is calling their event ‘Wynwood Pride,’ yet it is not in any way a true Pride festival. Pride festivals have historically been produced by LGBTQ organizations with a mission of commemorating our past struggles and at the same time celebrating our progress.” Schwartz continued: “Many in South Florida’s LGBTQ community are leery of the first time event being produced by the for-profit business. While we appreciate they are donating a small amount to two local organizations, this doesn’t change the fact that this is a for-profit event which was clearly not created in the spirit of Miami Beach or Fort Lauderdale Pride or any other Pride of which we are aware.” According to the above groups Wynwood Pride only registered themselves as a nonprofit after receiving backlash from the community.
Several of the signatories stressed to SFGN that they do not object to this event. They only object to the use of the word Pride in the event’s name and have officially requested Wynwood stop using it. Wynwood organizers have rejected the request. “…Wynwood Pride is a pride event, a political and cultural moment representing Miami and diverse communities on National Pride Month, especially this year, being the 50th anniversary of Stonewall,” a prepared statement reads. “We worked with SWARM two years ago,” Damian Pardo, Gay8 Festival Co-Producer, said in the joint release. “They wanted to enter what they perceived was a lucrative LGBTQ market. They offered to buy our event, which we refused, and they did not satisfy the terms of their ‘memorandum of understanding.’ While they were accommodating, we had serious concerns with transparency and their culture, and chose to move on.”
NEWS miami-dade Out In Tech logo via Facebook.
Out in Tech Launches Miami Chapter Group hopes to increase opportunities for LGBT tech talent Denise Royal
M
iami is well known for its thriving “The idea is to help the community LGBT community. These days, an advance their careers, grow their networks, expanding wave of tech companies and leverage tech for social change,” said is breathing new life into Miami’s corporate Out in Tech’s Jason Ve. “We also want to scene. Now, Out in Tech wants to bridge the make sure that the next generation of gap between the two and bring leaders and management together LGBT individuals who teams have LGBT people in it. “We also want We want to bring these entities work across technology-related industries. together.” to make sure Diversity, and the lack of it, Out in Tech is hosting its that the next is a big problem for many tech launch party Thursday, June firms. Many companies are 20. It’s a night of networking generation of predominantly led and staffed among techies and the folks leaders and by straight white men. Many of who support and hire them. management them are bad at hiring people The event takes place from from diverse backgrounds. 6-9 p.m. at TheVentureCity. teams have Inclusion is making inroads, It’s located at 2234 SW 8th St., LGBT people but at a snail’s pace. Miami, Florida 33135. Some of Out in Tech wants to change the biggest tech companies in in it” that. It is the world’s largest South Florida are invited. - Jason Ve community of LGBT tech “This first event is for professionals. It boasts 25,000 people in the tech industry, members, with some working at the biggest or those interested in the tech industry, names in tech including Google, Amazon, as well as allies,” Ve said. “We are about Facebook, Netflix, and Apple. Out in Tech being inclusive. We want to talk about already has chapters in 10 cities including the temperature of tech in Miami and New York, Boston, San Francisco, and also get some ideas for future events.” Seattle. For more on Out in Tech’s launch event in Miami, visit bit.ly/2MWXJaz.
6.19.2019 •
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CELEBRATE
PRIDE
NEWS white house watch
Debate format set
dem candidates head to miami John McDonald
AROUND THE
Joe Biden. Photo via Facebook.
WORLD.
T
he Democratic debate field is set. Beginning Wednesday, July 26, the top 20 candidates for the party’s nomination take the stage in Miami. The first group includes: U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey, former U.S. Housing & Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, Maryland Congressman John Delaney, Hawaii Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, former Texas Congressman Beto O’Rourke, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. On Thursday’s night two, South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg faces former Vice President Joe Biden, Sens. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Kamala Harris of California, Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Michael Bennet of Colorado,
California Congressman Eric Swalwell, spiritual teacher Marianne Williamson, exColorado Gov. John Hickenlooper and tech entrepreneur Andrew Yang. Buttigieg, 37, celebrated his wedding anniversary to husband Chasten Glezman, a junior high school teacher, over the weekend. The New York Times printed this about the young gay man’s upcoming Miami moment: “Mr. Buttigieg, who has climbed out of obscurity and risen in the polls, will have a national stage to showcase his generational change argument while standing aside Mr. Biden and Mr. Sanders – who are each nearly 40 years older than he is.” The debates begin at 9 p.m. both nights at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County. MSNBC commentator Rachel Maddow, a lesbian, is one of five moderators.
White House Watch is a weekly column taking a look at the state of the 2020 presidential election.
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6.19.2019 •
15
NEWS national
Dem. Presidential Candidates announce Big Plans for LGBT Equality Photos via Facebook.
Lisa Keen
Keen News Service
T
wenty candidates have qualified to appear in the first nationally televised debates of the Democratic Party for the 2020 presidential primary season, including openly gay South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg. One of four questioners for those candidates will be lesbian political analyst Rachel Maddow. All that, and the fact that the debates take place just one day shy of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, make the odds pretty good that LGBTspecific issues will come up during the June 26 and 27 debates. And several Democratic candidates for president have been prominently showcasing their support and commitment to the LGBT community all month — speaking at Pride celebrations, making statements in recognition of the third anniversary of the mass shooting at the Orlando LGBT nightclub Pulse, and — in a few cases — announcing very specific priorities for how they will tackle the needs of the LGBT community should they be elected president. U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was the first to release a plan, introducing her “LGBTQ policy agenda.” The 30-point plan calls for signing the Equality Act immediately upon passage, directing the Department of Justice to treat sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected minority under non-discrimination laws, ending Trump’s ban on transgender service members, “permanently codify[ing] marriage equality as the law of the land,” prohibiting federal funds to child welfare agencies that discriminate based on sexual orientation and gender identity, addressing the high suicide rate among LGBT youth, ensuring protection of LGBT youth under Title IX, and supporting a national ban on conversation therapy. Gillibrand has also gone all out for the LGBT vote in Iowa this month, speaking at the Pride rally and working behind the bar at an LGBT watering hole in Des Moines, as well as arm wrestling a 20-year-old lesbian in Ames. Former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke issued a 33-point plan “LGBTQ + Equality” on June 12. While about half of O’Rourke’s points are similar to Gillibrand’s (such as support for the Equality Act, ensuring federal funds do not support discrimination in foster care, and banning conversion therapy), quite a few are unique. For instance, O’Rourke calls for creating an Interagency Task Force whose goal is to end “discrimination in federal programs and actions.”
“For all the hard-won progress you have made, for as much as we can celebrate how much better things have gotten, this fight –as you know—is not nearly over” - Joe Biden
Presidential Candidate and former vice president
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He says he would appoint judges and executive branch officials “who have a demonstrated record of supporting the full civil rights of every person.” And he would “revitalize” the White House Advisory Council on HIV. O’Rourke also paid special attention to LGBT voters this month, holding an “LGBTQIA town hall” in San Antonio, ran in a two-mile LGBT Memorial run in New York City and a 5K Pride Fun Run in Des Moines. Former Vice President Joe Biden, who is leading all current polls of Democratic presidential nomination hopefuls, spoke before a Human Rights Campaign dinner in June, sharing at length his understanding of discrimination against LGBT people and the need to do more. “For all the hard-won progress you have made, for as much as we can celebrate how much better things have gotten, this fight –as you know—is not nearly over,” Biden said. While he didn’t unveil a “plan,” Biden did venture one promise: supporting the Equality Act, a Congressional bill that seeks to prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in public accommodations, employment, housing, and other areas. “I guarantee you that, if I get elected president, it will be the first thing that I ask to be done,” Biden said. This came three months after Biden re-couched his assessment of Vice President Mike Pence as a “decent guy” after LGBT leaders and activists reminded him that Pence has a long record of disparaging LGBT people in words and deeds. “You’re right,” he posted on Twitter, “…there is nothing decent about being anti-LGBTQ rights….” U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, the second place holder so far in Democratic polling, includes the “Fight for LGBTQ
Equality” as one of 25 issue pages on his campaign website, right beneath the “Fight for Women’s Rights.” The LGBTQ page says “We must:” and then lists a number of actions, including passing the Equality Act, health insurance without discrimination, and “Strongly oppose any legislation that purports to ‘protect’ religious liberty at the expense of others’ rights.” One presidential candidate whose efforts to make some kind of gesture toward the LGBT community this month seemed to fall flat was Republican President Donald Trump. On May 31, he posted a message on Twitter saying, “As we celebrate LGBT Pride Month and recognize the outstanding contributions LGBT people have made to our great Nation, let us also stand in solidarity with the many LGBT people who live in dozens of countries worldwide that punish, imprison, or even executive individuals …on the basis of their sexual orientation. My Administration has launched a global campaign to decriminalize homosexuality and invite all nations to join us in this effort!” Some respondents on Twitter reminded readers that President Trump and his appointees have systematically moved to undermine equal rights for LGBT people in virtually every department since he took office. And Trump himself has befriended and spoken highly of the leaders of several countries which are notoriously hostile to LGBT people, such as Russia and Saudi Arabia. Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign, called Trump’s Twitter posting “gross hypocrisy, with an emphasis on gross.” “You can’t celebrate Pride and constantly undermine our rights,” said Griffin.
PA L M B E A C H
news
Compass Hosts Discussion for LongTerm Survivors of HIV
Feature pets
Looking for a good time
Kristen Grau This month, Compass, the LGBT community center in Lake Worth, and the HIV Long Term Survivor Network wrapped up a two-part discussion series shedding light on survivors’ experiences with HIV/AIDS. Its most recent installment, “It’s Not Over Yet: Long Term Survivors of HIV and AIDS” featured a panel of case managers, survivors, and mental health experts. Throughout the night, the panel fielded questions and listened to attendees’ own struggles living with the virus. “We want to be together to share, cry, laugh, and fight back,” said Chris Lacharite, HIV program manager at the Metropolitan Community Church. “We need to go back to the basics — the basics [being] when we were each other’s keepers. We need to do the work for younger survivors.” In addition to Lacharite, Compass licensed mental health counselor Jacquelyn Jamason and former case manager and long-term survivor Carlton Rounds also sat on the panel. Several attendees described their emotional struggles that developed as a result of living with the disease for so long. Lacharite said that he still lives with survivor’s guilt. “Survivors suffer disproportionately from depression, anxiety, and PTSD,” he said. After “living through the horrors of the 80s and 90s … after death after death after death, there’s rage and sorrow that piles on top of each other and there’s nowhere for it to go.” Other attendees and survivors expressed the same sentiment. Hector Bernardino, a 50-year-old long-term survivor and Palm Beach County resident, said he went through something very similar from living with the virus. “What I thought was normal was actually anxiety and depression,” he said.
“... after death after death after death, there’s rage and sorrow that piles on top of each other and there’s nowhere for it to go.”
- Chris Lacharite
HIV program manager at the Metropolitan Community Church
Cai Jamason, at Compass and in her practice, has worked with several survivors. And many of them struggle with what she said was “deep, internalized shame” that results from stigma. One of her survivor patients, she said, “hasn’t dated anyone in 20 years; hasn’t told anyone in her family. It was by no fault of her own — the trauma of finding out that you’re positive, then doing labwork and dealing with side effects and medication … there’s this whole new stigma.” Compass held this discussion on HIV Long-Term Survivors Awareness Day on June 5. For the first time, SFGN previously reported, “nearly half of all people living with HIV in the U.S. are over 50 years old” as of 2019. The panel also gave great attention to improvements that could be made in the case management industry, which is made up of social workers. Compass Director of Health Services Neka MacKay, also a panelist, believes there’s a “catch-22” when it comes to case management. “It doesn’t come with the medical education it deserves. I also don’t think we need more medical education, it comes down to passionate case management,” MacKay said. “We’re social workers, and that means we’re really invested.” Earlier in the month, Compass hosted the first part of their series, which was a seminar on HIV and aging, also in partnership with Lacharite and the HIV Long Term Survivor Network. The presenters and panelists also shared local resources like the Palm Beach County HIV Care Council, which is located in West Palm Beach. “Palm Beach County has the chance to be out in front in meeting the needs of longterm survivors,” Lacharite said.
Are you looking for a fun-loving, friendly fellow to be part of your family? If you said yes, stop by the Humane Society of Broward County and meet Cai (ID 614989). Cai is 4 years old and 87 pounds of “let’s have some fun!” He knows basic commands, is playful and will do best with an active family. Can this handsome guy, who has a smile that will melt hearts, be part of your family?
The adoption fee for dogs over 6 months is $100 and felines over 6 months are $30. When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County the dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive preliminary vaccinations, cats are feline leukemia tested, and dogs over 7 months are tested for heartworm. They also receive a flea/tick preventative, a 10-day limited health care plan from VCA Animal Hospitals, 30 days of Trupanion Pet Insurance and a bag of Purina ONE pet food. The HSBC opens daily at 10:30 and is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I-95. For more details call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. To see who else is looking for a home visit www.humanebroward.com.
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Palm beach datebook Saturday, June 22 18th Compass Annual Stonewall Black and White Ball, 7 p.m. to midnight Harriet Himmel Theater 600 South Rosemary Avenue, West Palm Beach, Florida 33401 This special night benefits Compass Community Center and celebrates the important contributions of this year’s honorees who work hard to empower the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) community. Every year, the Ball raises funds for Compass’ fundamental programs and services, including the youth and HIV/AIDS services. Art After Dark Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art 1450 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach View an exhibition, attend a talk, participate in an art activity, enjoy a performance, concert, or film, sip cocktails, and dine in the museum’s elegant new bar and restaurant. Free admission. Visit Norton.org. Coming Out Support Group Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth Get support as you explore your sexual identity and be your true self. Call Forrest at 561-479-8313. Palm Beaches Prime Timers Second Saturdays at 3 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth An active fraternal and social organization dedicated to bringing together mature gay and bisexual men for friendship, activities, support, and personal growth for the best times of our lives. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com. STD Testing and Flu Vaccinations First Thursdays from 3 to 6 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth The Department of Health comes monthly. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com. Free Friday Concerts Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
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PA L M B E A C H
news
Compass’ Stonewall Ball to Celebrate 50 Years of LGBT Rights Deon C. Jefferson
P
ride Month’s festivities continue with the 18th annual Stonewall Ball presented by Compass, the LGBT community center in Lake Worth. This year’s will be held at the Harriet Himmel Theater in West Palm Beach on June 22. This Stonewall Ball is particularly special, as it commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. All the proceeds from the event benefit Compass. Compass holds special events throughout the year to support its fundamental programs and services including its youth and HIV/AIDS services. Some of the many sponsors for the Stonewall Ball include Wells Fargo, The Smart Ride, and Gilead. “Last year people had an experience they haven’t had at this event before,” said Julia Murphy, Compass’ chief development officer. “It isn’t every year you have the 50th anniversary of one of the most pivotal moments in this nation’s history. This year, we have raised expectations and we’re going to exceed them.” Around 1,500 people show up for the ball annually, Compass’ website says. During past balls, they’ve honored LGBT activist Donna Red Wing, higher education leader Jeffrey Trammel, and politician Elaine Noble.
Photos via Compass, Facebook.
Compass will be awarding the Michael Brown Faces of the Community Award to William P. Stewart of the Palm Beach County School District and the Compass Leadership Award to retired County Commissioner Paulette Burdick. The event was created in 2002 and was “aimed toward decision makers and the people who speak, walk, vote, or donate to support them.” Attendees can look forward to an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment and music, and a silent auction. The night will also be fueled by high energy performances by Miss Palm Beach Pride 2019 Kataleya Davenport Dupree, Miss Palm Beach Pride 2018 Rianna Petrone, Miss Palm Beach Pride 2016 Velvet Lenore, and The “First Lady of the Palm Beaches” Melissa St. John. TLC’s Randy Fenoli, star of “Say Yes to the Dress,” will host the event’s VIP Awards Reception at 7 p.m. After the cocktail hour and awards, a dance party will begin at 9 p.m. “The LGBTQ community has been fighting for equal rights for 50 years,” mentions Compass’ Executive Director Julie Seaver. “It has taken half a century to get as far as we have, but we’re nowhere close to where we need to be. There will never be a day where we wake up and, suddenly, it will be okay to express ourselves in who we are. We can only accomplish this when we honor who we are-day by day-and by being visible and showing up at momentous celebrations
The event was created in 2002 and was “aimed toward decision makers and the people who speak, walk, vote, or donate to support them.” such as Pride and Stonewall Ball.” Ticket sales end on June 20 at 11:30 p.m. and won’t be sold at the door. Here’s the price breakdown… Dance party (9 p.m. to 12 a.m.) - $35: Enjoy live music, drag, a cash bar, and a silent auction. Dance party and open bar (9 p.m. to 12 a.m.) - $85: Enjoy the dance party without the cash bar. VIP reception (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.) - $150: Watch Randy Fenoli award local leaders. Gold ticket (7 p.m. to 12 a.m.) - $250: Watch Randy Fenoli award local leader and be recognized by name.
Get your tickets at www.CompassGLCC.com.
Co mpass Po ints
PA L M B E A C H
column
Compass to Host Stonewall Black and White Ball Saturday
Claudia Harrison
Photo via Compass.
On June 22, Compass will host our 18th annual Stonewall Black and White Ball at the Harriet Himmel Theatre in Rosemary Square/City Place, West Palm Beach — and all proceeds from the evening will support Compass’ life-saving programs. If you are reading this, you are invited to attend and support our important work in the community! This year’s event is momentous in that we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the catalyst and birth of the LGBT rights movement in America. Every year this event offers the chance to celebrate our Pride and recognize those who dedicate themselves to empowering and advocating for the LGBT community. This year our honorees are Michael Brown Faces of the Community Award recipient Pete Stewart and Compass Leadership Award recipient retired County Commissioner Paulette Burdick. The ball also provides visibility for Palm Beach County’s elected officials and community leaders, to unite them with our community members and gather in a celebration of history. A dozen or more elected officials and candidates will be in attendance and announced from the stage as the dance party begins at 9 p.m. As we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the theme this year is black and white with a sparkle of gold. Recommended dress is cocktail attire or costumes. Every year our community outdoes itself in creativity, so if
This year’s event is momentous in that we are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, the catalyst and birth of the LGBTQ rights movement in America.
you’re coming, feel free to express yourself in whatever fashion you prefer! The evening will include a silent auction which boasts some truly beautiful items from local merchants, as well as gift certificates to area restaurants. Returning again this year is the balloon auction, which includes a prize with each purchase. The array of prize options includes the coveted T-shirts created for Palm Beach Pride this year. New this year is an open bar as part of the VIP reception and the addition of a new ticket level, the Gold Ticket. This option includes the VIP reception and dance party, and name recognition on a sponsor board, as well as in social media posts leading up to the ball. The cost is $250. To attend the VIP reception and dance party without the name recognition is $150. To attend the dance party from 9 to midnight is still an affordable $35, and to enjoy the open bar during the party is an additional $50. Tickets can only be purchased online until 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20. To get your tickets or for more information, head to: CompassGLCC.com/stonewall. This will once again be the party of the summer. You won’t want to miss it!
Claudia Harrison is Compass’ chief information officer. She can be reached at claudia@compassglcc.com
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Convictions
Queerness Erased
Trans Talk
It’s important to recognize our privilege and use it to empower others Atticus Ranck
W
hen I identified as a lesbian, I really looked like a lesbian. My hair was cut in a faux hawk, I wore only gender-neutral or masculine clothing, I smoked cigarettes, and I drank beer. It’s a stereotype to “look lesbian” but I looked like a lesbian. And I was proud of it. I was happy to be seen and read as a queer person. I didn’t really have to come out because it was pretty clear I was something other than a heterosexual, cisgender woman. When I started passing as male, something interesting happened. My queer identity was erased. It’s a privilege to be seen as the cisgender male I identify as, but it also meant that my identity as a queer person became invisible. I suddenly had to come out again, something I hadn’t had to do for a long time. Before transitioning, I was in an obviously lesbian relationship. I had to think about where I was and how safe it may be when I wanted to hold her hand in public. Now, my wife and I almost always pass as a cisgender, heterosexual couple. It makes us feel both safer and also less seen. I know I’m not alone in this dilemma either. Many trans guys like me are both happy and sad by their newfound passing privilege. To pass means to be seen as cisgender. It means that for many trans men our months, years, sometimes decades, of identifying as masculine women have disappeared. I worked hard to come out and be seen as a lesbian.
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I worked hard to come out and be seen as a lesbian. Now that identity was erased to make way for something else. Now that identity was erased to make way for something else. I’m proud to be a trans man, but I was also proud to be a lesbian and a masculine woman. The invisibility of my own identity is not unique to me or to many men of the transmasculine population, as well as bisexual people in different-gender relationships, agender or gender queer people who are read as cisgender or who fall into binary-passing identities, asexual individuals, and many other people in our queer community. I also know of a few lesbian couples where one partner transitions to male and they are now in a straight-passing relationship. To be visible is also to be a target. It is often the visibility of trans women, particularly trans women of color, that leads to transphobic violence and even
murder. Because my queer identity can be hidden, I am safer in society. I have the option to never tell anyone about my identity as a transgender person. Not everyone has that option. Nevertheless, I choose to be out because I want people to know that this is what trans looks like. I don’t blame anyone who doesn’t want to be out or who can’t be out. There are many reasons why someone may want to live their life without their identity as a sexual or gender minority in the forefront. There is a lot of privilege in passing as a white, cisgender, straight male in our society. I don’t forget that. I worked hard to be who I am and I’m proud of it. Now, I have the choice to come out or not. There’s no shame in being seen as someone other than who you are. I just have to remember to use my privilege to empower those less fortunate than myself, those who don’t have a voice, and to step back when others’ voices need to be elevated. When we think about Pride this month, let’s not forget the hate those who are visible constantly receive and also how those who pass in our society also belong.
Atticus Ranck is the Health Programs & Supportive Services Manager for Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center in Allentown, PA. Previously, he was the Director of Transgender Services at SunServe in Wilton Manors. Atticus is a trans man who advocates for the LGBT community through his work, trainings, presentations, and everyday encounters.
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HARD BELLY 6.19.2019 •
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spirituality
SouthFloridaGayNews.com
ALL SAINTS SOUP KITCHEN Free Meal 2-3:30 EVERY DAY Clothes & Medicine also! Donations needed & accepted
(954) 801-8283 3460 Powerline Road
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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 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM Christ Lutheran Church 1955 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 564-7673 - christlutheranfl.org pastordeborah@christlutheranfl.org Worship: Sunday 10:00am
First Congregational United Church of Christ 1415 North K Street, Lake Worth 561-582-6691 - fcclw.org office@lakeworthchurch.org Service Time: Sunday 10:30AM
Church of our Savior, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM
United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale 2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale (954)563-4271 - uccftl.org revpatrickrogers@gmail.com Service Times: Thursdays 10:30AM (Elliot Hall) & Sundays 10:30AM (Sanctuary)
2011 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Wherever You Are On God’s LGBTQIA Rainbow, You Are Welcome...
Sunday ServiCe 10 a.M. rev. Wendy Woodruff, Pastor
561-733-4000
www.ChurchOfOurSaviorMCC.org MCC, Transforming Ourselves as We Transform The World •
6 .19.2019
DARSHAN CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION 1410 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, Fl 33305 917-579-3750 www. darshancenterwiltonmanors.org RevDrGTelesco@gmail.com Interfaith Spiritual Services on Sundays 6:30PM Spiritual Study Group Thursdays 7PM St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach (954)942-5887 - stnicholasfl.org office@stnicholasfl.org Sundays 8:00AM & 10:30AM (9:30AM only from Memorial Day through Labor Day)
ChurCh of our Savior, MCC
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LISTINGS
Christ Lutheran Church 1955 East Oakland Park Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 www.christlutheranfl.org
Sunday Service @ 10am Fellowship after Service
FAITH & PRIDE spirituality
Your Community Synagogue for 45 Years! Friday Night Shabbat services ● Classes on Jewish Thought & History ● Holiday Celebrations ● Contemporary & Classic Films ● Social Events
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH Not just a congregation…a family! Rev. Dr. Deborah L. Geweke
Please join us for our
PRIDE SHABBAT & TORAH SERVICE
Friday, June 28th at 8pm We were created in the image of God Who delights in Our Creation! 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors ● 954Ͳ564Ͳ9232 ● www.EtzChaimFlorida.org (On the Pride Center campus)
Proudly serving our community since 1974
“G
row in Faith, Serve Those in Need, and Draw All People to Christ.” We are Christ Lutheran Church…and this is our Mission Statement. That we have a mission statement at all is to guarantee, or at least seek to be, all that our Mission as a church calls us to be. It is why we refer to it in this introduction to the community we serve. At the heart of who we are is a worshipping community. We worship according to the ancient liturgical forms of the church which have been handed down and continually enhanced by gifted writers and musicians. Therefore the liturgy, that is, our worship service, is both at the same time historical and contemporary, joining us with all the faithful who have gone before us and paving the way for those who follow. The liturgy is drawn from the living Word of God and seasoned by the needs and concerns of our day. The service is vibrant and authentic, drawing our attention at all times out of ourselves and into the presence of God. The message is always about God’s love for us all and Christ Jesus empowering us to go into all the world bearing this good news to the world around us. While who we are as a congregation is grounded in worship, it is that worship that enables us to be who we are in and with the community we serve—particularly Wilton Manors, Oakland Park, and greater Ft. Lauderdale. Most importantly, in this service and as an indispensable element to who we are—as a congregation grounded in Christ,
and formed in the Lutheran faith tradition— we are a community that is welcoming and open to all. Which is why, among the images that you will see upon first entering our church, is the symbol of Reconciling in Christ. “The Reconciling in Christ (RIC) Program is for congregations, synods, colleges, seminaries, and other Lutheran organizations. Lutheran communities that publicly welcome lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people are accepted onto the Reconciling in Christ Roster which now exceeds 813 settings” (www. reconcilingworks.org). Christ Lutheran Church is one among these gathering places where all are welcome to worship, gather for fellowship, join for education (both children and adults), and participate in service to the community (in the collection of food for donation as well as our monthly bazaars). Christ Lutheran is also a place where relationships are formed and fostered. Not only are all welcome, but all are brought into relationship with one another. We worship, serve, and laugh together. We enjoy our time together deepening our relationship with God, and with one another and we share in each other’s joys and comfort one another in times of sorrow. We are not just a congregation, we are family… one which on this and all other years comes home. For, at Christ Lutheran Church, we are a family that is borne of the Holy Family—Mary, Joseph and our Lord Jesus—and we gather in a home to which all are invited.
SUNDAY EUCHARIST 9:30 AM through Labor Day HEALING SERVICE 10:00 AM Thursday
BINGO Thursday 1-4 PM (doors open at Noon) Sundays 2-5 PM (doors open at 1 PM) THRIFT SHOP Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 1PM Come As You Are - As One Loved By GOD Absolutely All Welcome We Are Pet Friendly!
www.stnicholasfl.org www.holygrill.org
6.19.2019 •
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Convictions
Seeing In The Dark
Queer Author Galloway Charts Own Path Belo Cipriani
N
ot quite seeing or hearing artist keep is primarily deaf, you are Deaf with a Terry Galloway ambled through early capital D.” childhood with mixed emotions. On With plenty of experiences to draw one end, she was arrogant. In fact, she would from, Galloway plunged herself into the even describe herself as “a little shit,” yet arts, and just like many young people with she also sought physical approval from the disabilities in the late 1960s, she faced a lot people around her. of discrimination. “My deafness,” she said, “even before it “When I was graduating from high school, was diagnosed, made me cleave more to the guidance counselor was advising all my others for a reassurance that I wasn’t quite friends who were in the Thespians of the aware I needed.” Scarlet Mask to apply for Yale, or UCLA, When Galloway was 10 years old, doctors or any college that had a decent drama discovered she had a chemical imbalance department,” she said. “But when I walked caused by the introduction of drugs to the in the door, he took one look at me and fetal nervous system, a result of medication said, ‘Oh, you’re the one’ and handed me a her mother took while Galloway was in brochure that read, errors and all: ‘Factory the womb. Ultimately, the reaction to the work make good job for deaf.’” treatment left her deaf and with limited Like many LGBT and disabled people of eyesight. that time, Galloway carved “I was saddled with glasses her own path into the arts. and hearing aids, and my With the help of friends, she deafness manifested itself sought out or created spaces then as a savage insecurity,” that would welcome people she said. like her. “I was mainstreamed,” “Places with people who Galloway, 68, continued, didn’t think of me as a waste “and grew up not knowing of time because I couldn’t any other kids who were deaf hear or talked with a kind or Deaf. My own deafness, of muffled lisp,” she said. and my budding, constantly “And from there I started to churning sexuality, made me write pieces that spoke to the feel warmer toward the kids experiences of people like with their own problems me — that’s when I started — kids who liked to dress doing my solo shows.” differently, kids who were In 2009, Galloway -Terry Galloway, poor, kids who were too published her memoir, deaf artist fucking smart for their own “Mean Little deaf Queer,” good, kids who felt uncertain which has become a cult about their sexualities, kids classic among people with with disabilities — both hidden and visible. I disabilities. Celebrated lesbian author identified with those odd ducks. When I was Dorothy Allison called it “a damn fine piece in my late teens, I met some other kids who of work that is unbelievably powerful.” were ‘big D’ Deaf. I admired the hell out of Author Kenny Fries included it in his them, but they frightened me a little — they article on LitHub titled “8 Books That Move were tough. But then, they had to be.” Disability from the Margins to the Center.” In her book, Galloway explained “big D” “She gives us what we are rarely given Deaf. in literature: a fully dimensional disabled “There is a definite hierarchy in that deaf person, warts and all,” Fries said. culture,” she writes. “If you are deaf of deaf Just a year after the release of her — a deaf person born to deaf parents — and groundbreaking memoir, Galloway received your language is sign and the company you a cochlear implant — a process not all deaf
“My deafness, even before it was diagnosed, made me cleave more to others for a reassurance that I wasn’t quite aware I needed.”
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Terry Galloway. Photo via Terry Galloway, Facebook.
people are eligible for. And even Galloway herself was initially unsure it would work. The surgery allowed Galloway to gain significant hearing and her latest show, “You Are My Sunshine,” is about her experience of negotiating the world of sound. Galloway identifies as being a “little d” deaf, omni-sexual, happily married, femaleish artist/activist. Along with her partner, Florida State University communication professor Donna Marie Nudd, Ph.D., she splits her time between Austin, Texas and Tallahassee, Florida. The couple also co-directs the Mickee
Faust Club — an arts nonprofit that creates performance opportunities for marginalized communities through workshops. “I love Mickee Faust,” Galloway said. “I love playing the head rat, Mickee Faust, who is supposedly the sewer dwelling, cigar chomping, beer guzzling, foul mouthed, rat bastard brother of that other more famous unctuous rodent in Orlando.” To learn more about the Mickee Faust Club, visit MickeeFaust.com. To follow Galloway’s other projects, check out www.theterrygalloway.com.
Belo Cipriani is a disability advocate, an award-winning journalist, the prize-winning author of Blind: A Memoir and Midday Dreams, and the spokesperson for Guide Dogs for the Blind. Learn more at www.belocipriani.com.
WMG Volume 6 • Issue 12 June 19, 2019
Wilton Manors Gazette Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette
community
Former Mayor Blasts Pride Center Gary Resnick: “They think they’re above the law” By Sallie James Wilton Manors garnered national to vote for a community of inclusiveness, headlines last year when commissioners who voted in support for affordable senior unanimously approved construction of an housing,” Caputo said during public LGBT-friendly affordable housing project comments at the June 11 City Commission for seniors at the Pride Center at Equality meeting. “I recognize Justin Flippen, Julie Carson and Tom Green, who didn’t just Park. But the $15 million project at 2040 N. vote for affordable housing, because it’s Dixie Highway came with concerns about on Nan Rich’s agenda, as one of her most inadequate parking, stormwater overflow, critical items for our future.” Caputo said the three “yes” votes were code violations and a noisy, illegal gym. guided by their “strong Nearly a year later, the gym moral compass” and is still accused of being noisy that they understood and the Pride Center owes the a community designed city approximately $14,000 “solely for rich white in unpaid legal fees and costs. gay men is a community Neighbors hoped the nonwithout a future.” profit community center Roger Roa, the Pride would tighten up its act but Center’s director of according to them it hasn’t. development, wrote That’s why Commissioners in a Facebook post, Gary Resnick and Paul Rolli “Please help me by refused to vote for a plat letting everyone revision on May 28 that would know that these two pave the way for the gym to commissioners just legally obtain a business tax got elected and would receipt. Mayor Justin Flippen, rather squash the Vice Mayor Tom Green and - Gary Resnick project than doing what Commissioner Julie Carson City Commissioner they each stated they voted in favor of the measure. would do during the Now officials at the Pride Center have targeted Resnick and Rolli campaign … to further improve and better because they were critical of the Pride our city. SHAME ON YOU.” The post has since been removed. Center’s landlord practices. Resnick and Rolli said Caputo and Christopher Caputo, board chair for the Pride Center, accused Rolli and Resnick of Roa’s comments were inaccurate and misguided. voting against affordable housing. “[Caputo] got everything wrong. We “I’m here to express my appreciation for the three elected officials who were willing approved the apartment project. It’s been
“We hold all property owners to the code, and they are violating the code.”
Wilton Manors City Commission. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.
approved several times so he is wrong about that, and we have all expressed our support for senior low income housing,” said an irritated Resnick. “The issue we had is the Pride Center violating the law, and that they have a business that is illegally operating on their property. We hold all property owners to the code, and they are violating the code. I think they think they are above the law.” Rolli was equally peeved. “The issue discussed at the City Commission meeting was about property owner responsibility and compliance with city codes, not about housing,” Rolli said. “The city supports the affordable housing as
we voted to approve the plat amendment for the Pride Center — the city also voted to pay up to $200,000 in housing construction costs and to approve flexibility units and also issued a building permit for construction.” Matt Dreger, a neighbor and president of the Riverside Homeowners Association, said he has fought with the Pride Center over illegal signs, illegal lighting, stormwater issues and code violations and isn’t hopeful things will easily improve. “They abuse the city, they abuse their neighbors and now they are abusing the elected officials,” Dreger said. “God only knows what they are going to do next.” WMG
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Opinion
Wilton Manors Pride WMG The city celebrated in style
June 19, 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 11 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
By Sal Torre Submitted photo.
Perhaps there is some truth to the myths of the ancient Greek gods’ preference to homosexuality. Zeus’ choice of Ganymede to serve as his cupbearer on Mount Olympus might have been a sign for his current day blessings of a rain-free celebration of Stonewall Pride this past Saturday. Zeus, the ruler of the heavens, is the one who reins over the clouds, rain, thunder and lightning. So as I sit here on this very rainy Sunday writing my article, I send offerings of gratitude and thanks to Zeus for a rain-free celebration of Stonewall Pride 20/50 here in our weeklong-rain-soaked Island City. While I am in a congratulatory mood to the Greek gods, let me also thank Hephaestus and Athena for blessing us with Wilton Art and the many committed residents who are responsible for the wonderful work that is taking place in our Island City. The art installations at City Hall for Pride Month are spectacular. The photo of Wilton Manors City Hall at night all alight in rainbow colored lights should make all residents proud. Moving in for a closer look, one can appreciate the two fantastic art installations brought to us by Wilton Art. The front window panels are the canvas for three images commemorating the six days of the Stonewall riots 50 years ago. Inside is the Stonewall Ribbons installation, a kaleidoscope of color that blesses our City Hall with the wonderment, the power and the engagement of public art. Wilton Art has much to be proud of, and I am excited to know that these talented and committed individuals are just getting started. Other recent installations include the mural at the south gateway to our city on the side wall of The Grille, welcoming all to our wonderful city. At Jaycee Park, we finally have that photo spot, and coming up soon will be the utility wraps spread throughout our art-
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli piero@sfgn.com Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com News Editor • Sallie James
Correspondents
Sal Torre • James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires
Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970
Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Clark Rogers clark.rogers@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER
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craving neighborhoods. Many thanks to the Island City Art Advisory Committee for all their dedication and hard work. And many thanks to Hephaestus and Athena for finally blessing our city with such dedicated art enthusiasts and art-craving residents who want more. Now to those who proclaim that our city is quickly becoming a retirement home for aging queens. Looking out at the participants of the Stonewall Pride parade and the crowds, many youthful participants were everywhere. Once again, the Greek gods are blessing our city. The goddess Hebe’s presence could be felt up and down the Drive this past Saturday with so many children and teenagers participating and marching in the parade.
Once again, the Greek gods are blessing our city.
Mayor Justin Flippen led the parade with a large contingent of young residents marching out in front. These same young ones take part in many city programs offered to our young residents. Children’s Story Time every Monday at our city’s municipal library is one of the hottest tickets in town. Leisure Services’ afterschool program and summer camp are sold-out events. Easter-time Eggstravaganza, Christmas Breakfast with Santa, the Annual Spooktacular event, and Music at Mickel are more prideful examples of our city’s diverse programs offered to our engaged community. As we celebrate Pride Month, our Island City has much to be proud of. We are an engaged community with much to offer all who call Wilton Manors home. The Rainbow Flag proudly flying throughout our Island City offers us the foundation and a representation of who we are — a community of many coming together seeking to make our city the best we all can be. That is why we celebrate Pride Month and that is what makes life just better here. WMG
Associated Press MEMBER
MEMBER
Copyright © 2019 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
From now through September 30, 2019, there is free parking along Wilton Drive! Learn more about the parking guidelines at bit.ly/WMFreeParking Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.
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Real Estate
A Better Rule By James Oaksun Last time, you’ll remember, I discussed the use of “price per square foot” as a “rule of thumb” in pricing real estate. I proved, using actual sales data, that as a standalone statistic price per foot was a fair predictor at best. I charted its substantial variability and calculated its statistical goodness of fit – I think I called it the “R-squared thingie” – as being 54 percent (100 percent is a perfect predictor). I said that if you were only going to use one measure, price per foot was best. But I asked whether we could construct something better. How much better a predictor can we get? Based on MLS data, county tax records, and a check of Google Maps, we know a great deal about properties even without stepping in the front door. (People actually use front doors here. Up north, practically no one does.) I made a database of all single family houses sold in Wilton Manors in the 12 months ending April 30, 2019, and included every variable easily accessible. So, things like square footage of house and lot; beds/baths; whether there was a garage, carport, or pool; was it a waterfront home; and its location within the Island City. I then put my data mining software to work, to find the most important factors, and reject
the rest. The results were astounding. That “R-squared thingie” increased from 54 percent to 80 percent! And again, this is without making any evaluation on condition or degree of updating. What were the key variables, and specifically how much did they matter? Well, I can tell you the three main drivers, but I’m not going to give you the specific dollar weights to apply to them. I reserve those for the benefit of my clients. Daddy doesn’t share the goodies for nothing. The biggest driver is location within WilMa. I divided the city into the three neighborhood associations (west, central, east), and then used 26th Street to halve those three segments horizontally. Homes east of the train tracks, and in central Wilton south of 26th Street, sold at a substantial premium to homes in West Wilton and in central Wilton north of 26th, all other things being equal. The second driver of note is whether it is a waterfront property. While buyers pay a significant premium for these WilMa properties, the premium is not as large as in other cities where waterfront properties might have Intracoastal access without contending
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with fixed bridges. “No fixed bridge” access can be worth several hundred thousand dollars, all other things being equal. But in Wilton, that premium is substantially less. The third major driver is the presence of a swimming pool. When people move to Wilton, they want to move in and jump in (to the pool). Most people don’t want to hear “room for pool;” they want to see the sparkling water. Again, this is all based on actual buyer behavior, as demonstrated through the prices buyers are willing to pay. There are a couple other factors, but I’ll save those for another time. And as I said,
June 19, 2019
that’s all before you consider the home’s condition. For example, how much is an updated kitchen worth? Impact doors/ windows? Type of flooring? I wonder whether an enterprising real estate geek might be able to tease effects of those factors from the sales prices. Well, who can say really. WMG James Oaksun, Florida’s Real Estate Geek(SM), is Broker-Owner of New Realty Concepts in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).
6.19.2019 •
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Publisher's Editorial
Convictions
Critiques and Criticisms have to Be Credible Worrying About the Pride Center’s Website is Not
x
Norm Kent
norm.kent@sfgn.com
S
o week after week we give Sal Torre, our blind eye to the concerns of their neighbors Wilton Manors Gazette columnist, an for years.” opportunity to communicate with you You were writing about the gym they rent about local issues of consequence. space to, I guess. But wait, it was the City Week after week, he finds a way to criticize Commission that voted 3 to 2 to allow the Pride the Pride Center at Equality Park. No one Center to grant exemptions to their tenant. expects everyone to agree with him, because Why not chastise the city commissioners? if you all did, he would not have finished about And the business is not “illegal,” per se. If 15th in the City Commission elections back in you want to say there are impermissible zoning 2014. violations that must and should be corrected, Nevertheless, our goal at SFGN is to give say that. Gee, it’s trafficking in weights and our bi-weekly curmudgeon a chance to paint a gym equipment, not heroine and ecstasy. portrait of our community. Unlike Voltaire, he We all have a writer’s license to embellish does not think all is right with the world. in order to make a point. I get it. What I don’t Wisely, sarcastically, but intelligently, Torre get is calling out the Pride Center for being a uses his pen with cutting precision to carve neighbor who has turned “a blind eye to the up, dice, and slice those he does not agree concerns of the community.” with. But in our last issue, so desperate for selfThey have openly gone before the City pleasure is he, that the best he Commission with their could do was take out the Pride plans and supporters Center because he did not like month after month. For We all have a the design of their website. better or for worse, they writer’s license to Give me a break. prevailed. That is not to say embellish in order If you want to dispute the they should have. But they Pride Center on its advocacy have argued their cause in to make a point. I of an affordable housing unit the light of day. This paper get it. I don’t ‘get’ on its campus, OK. If you has written about it. You calling out the want to argue they could do a have written about it. better job serving the needs of You may disagree with Pride Center for the LGBT community, go at it. the results, but the majority being a neighbor We are giving you the right to of the City Commission did write. not agree with you. They who has turned However, spending the first have allowed the very gym ‘a blind eye to the half of your column critiquing you are pissed off about to concerns of the the ephemeral visual design of expand. Last week, we did a the Center’s website is beyond story on that as well. community.’ crazy. I mean, Sal, they are Looking the story over, offering counseling sessions to it’s slanted towards the young drug abusers, meeting rooms for senior critics — your side. We used quotes from the citizens, delivering programs for community participants of that City Commission seven groups, hosting life memorials for those lost, times in that story, but five were from the aiding hundreds through HIV life initiatives, minority who lost the vote, instead of the and acting as a central train station for all majority that won. Maybe we gave the wrong impression to matters gay in South Florida, and the best you the readers. can do is take out their website? You can’t always blame a reporter for that. No, actually you did more, didn’t you? Laying sabotage to their website was not The squeakiest wheel sometimes gets the enough. You also wrote, “We have been press ink. The critics shout the loudest. For insulted and treated badly by the Pride Center. all I know, the majority of city residents are They have allowed an illegal business to happy with the outcome. I don’t know. As operate on their campus. They have turned a a lawyer, I have represented psychics, but I
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Photo credit: Brendon Lies.
don’t pretend to be one. Anyway, the world needs critics and curmudgeons. Keep on trucking. You have a voice here, but so do those who don’t see it your way. They are invited onto these pages as well. To our readers, let me say this. Not every story will be perfect, and not every ending will make you feel good. But if it makes you feel and think and want to make a difference, we will have done our job.
We are fortunate to have a community newspaper open and receptive to controversy and criticism, willing to tread in calm waters. We are lucky that we have columnists who are critical and editors that are thorough. We even have publishers that criticize our writers, and vice versa. It’s OK. Everyone has a place at the table. Opinions are not expressed for you to agree with. They are there for you to challenge. Feel free to at any time.
STONEWALL PRIDE Meanwhile, we just finished an awesome weekend in Wilton Manors, escaping a rainfall that could have been catastrophe for the parade. It was one of the largest ever, infusing our city with pride and revenues on a hot summer day. We also apparently paid for enough security to guard Fort Knox about ten times over. Was it organized chaotically or concretely? Was it run correctly or incompetently? Those are things for another day. Still, everything from the deployment of resources to the decorum of the day needs to be evaluated and reviewed to insure that the annual event is an accomplishment we praise, rather than an enterprise we regret. So Sal, go to work. But do me a favor. Look at what the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group actually did on this past Saturday, not at what their website said they might do.
June 19, 2019
column letters to the editor
Stonewall Was a real Treat This Year Stonewall Pride. Photo via Facebook.
Note: This letter remains unedited.
Dear Editor, While it is in fresh on our minds, I would like to congratulate our South Florida LGBTQ-plus community for a great Stonewall Pride Parade & Street Festival. To the organizers at the Wilton Manors Entertainment group-thank you for an excellent day. The weather was pretty perfect too. It was wonderful to see so many participants in the parade, whether government or private, non-profit or for profit, so many people want to be a part of our community. It was heartwarming. And I guess, for me, to see SO MANY PEOPLE representing every aspect of our lives, gender, race and age come out and celebrate the best of “us” made the day truly special. Last year, I rode on our float at Miss Tiffany Arieagus’s feet and could only hear her adoring applause....and wolf whistles. This year I walked next to our float and was able to hear the shouts of “Thank You” and “We love you” directed at the SunServe Staff. It was pretty special. Thank you again, and I am looking forward to next year.
Mark Ketcham Executive Director SunServe
Let your voice be heard! Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 6.19.2019 •
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lifestyle photos
Partying at our night out Wilton Manors kicked off pride at Our Night out Friday, June 14 at the venue. JR Davis Haus of Funk.
Kyle (left) with body paint artist Avi Ram.
Alex Zenoz. Todrick Hall.
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook. 30
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6.19.2019 • 3/4/19 4:42 PM
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lifestyle photos
Twenty Years of Pride Wilton Manors held its 20th annual Pride parade and street festival Saturday, June 15. This year’s parade celebrated the 50th anniversary since the Stonewall riots of 1969. J.R. Davis
To see many more event photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook.
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lifestyle photos ď ą J. Michael Heider and Thom Carr.
Billy and Warren, barmen at Scandals Saloon.
Free mom hugs! 6.19.2019 •
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lifestyle photos
Community Remembers Pulse The PRide Center and Outsocial honored the third anniversary of the pulse shooting at Richardson Historic Park on June 12. J.R. Davis
‘Tropical Wave’ performed.
Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen (center).
Terry DeCarlo.
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook. 36
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lifestyle photos
KEY WEST PRIDE ARRIVES Key West held its annual Pride parade at 5 p.m. June 9. Take a look at the festivities. Larry Blackburn
To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook. 38
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F O R T HE W EE K O F J u n e 2 0 , 2 0 1 9 - J u n e 2 5 , 2 0 1 9 J.W. Arnold
ROAD TRIP
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THU
6/20
Theater The Broadway in Miami series at the Arsht Center concludes with the touching, Tony Award-winning musical, “Come From Away,” running through Sunday, June 23. This is the story of the bewildered 7000 passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland on 9/11 and the warm Canadian townspeople who offered their hospitality. This is definitely the “feel good” show of the season! Tickets start at $34 at ArshtCenter.org.
FRI
6/21
Theater Composer, writer and actor David Pevsner stars in his autobiographical one-man show, “Musical Comedy Whore,” through Sunday, June 23 at the Foundry at the Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Yes, Pevsner not only composed several songs for the popular Off-Broadway show, “Naked Boys Singing,” he also worked as a male escort in New York City. Tickets start at $35 at RonnieLarsen.com.
Saturday 6/22
Theater
Based on the hit Australian movie, “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” is the heartwarming, uplifting adventure of three Sydney drag queens who agree to perform in the middle of the Australian outback. They hop aboard a battered old bus (nicknamed Priscilla) searching for love and friendship and end up finding more than they ever could have dreamed. Don’t miss this over-the-top production from Slow Burn Theatre Co. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale through June. 30. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org. Photo Credit: Rodrigo Balfanz.
SAT
6/22
SUN
6/23
MON
6/24
TUE
6/25
Concert
Theater
Television
Comedy
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and Miami and Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Choruses join forces this weekend to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots with the regional premiere of “Quiet No More.” Hear this musical event on Friday, June 21 at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center and tonight at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. More info at GayMensChorusOfSouthFlorida.org.
Don’t miss your last opportunity to catch Summer Shorts, the critically acclaimed annual short play festival presented by Miami’s City Theatre in the Arsht Center’s intimate Carnival Theater. This year’s lineup of 10-minute plays includes two entertaining short musicals and six provocative comedies and dramas by some of the country’s most promising up-andcoming playwrights. Tickets are $55 at ArshtCenter.org.
Island City Stage associate artistic director Michael Leeds cowrote the feature film, “Fluidity,” currently screening during Pride month on Showtime channels. This compelling drama explores the lives and loves of 10 sexually fluid young New Yorkers and stars Nico Tortorella, the sexually fluid actor who also stars on TV Land’s “Younger.” Available on demand. Check local listings for channels and show times.
The weekly comedy series at Club Silver, 2209 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors, continues tonight at 8 p.m. with New Yorker Dean Napolitano. In an homage to the classic comedians of yesteryear, Napolitano is a master storyteller with imaginative delivery who makes audiences feel as if they have been through each experience themselves. No cover, two drink minimum. More information at ComicCure.com.
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A&E theater Composer, writer and actor David Pevsner stars in his autobiographical show, “Musical Comedy Whore,” at Wilton Theater Factory. Credit: David Pevsner.
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‘Musical Comedy Whore’ is a Show with Intriguing Back Story J.W. Arnold
T
here’s a lot to unpack in the three-word title of “Musical Comedy Whore,” the one-man show playing through June 23 at Wilton Theater Factory: David Pevsner, the creator and star, is indeed a musical theater composer. As a boy, he “performed” in the basement of his suburban Chicago home. Pevsner would later study piano and major in musical theater in college. In 1982, the 24-year-old made the move to New York City, where he “did a little bit of Broadway, a lot of Off-Broadway and whole lot of waiting tables, living the typical life of a young artist in the city,” he recalled. Eventually, he was invited to contribute three songs to the long-running OffBroadway hit “Naked Boys Singing” and boy are they funny. “They started as funny, dirty little poems that I attached melodies to as I went along,” Pevsner said. “I had no idea they would be a part of ‘Naked Boys Singing.’” There’s “The Naked Maid” about — you guessed it — his gig as a naked male maid, and “Fight the Urge,” a not-so-innocent locker room encounter, but the most popular has always been “Perky Little Porn Star (from Skokie, Illinois),” which takes us to the final word in the show’s title, “Whore.” The show is part of producer Ronnie Larsen’s summer “Hooker Series” of plays, so there’s a clue, also, but Pevsner is forthright about the matter. “I worked as a male escort,” he admitted. During one of those “tight” times in 1995, Pevsner answered an ad from Maturity Escorts. He was 37 at the time.
“I was old enough certainly to make that choice, but it wasn’t just about making money. Sometimes people need to work things out in their lives, whether it was about a fantasy or a validation thing or a curiosity thing,” he explained. “I was a skinny kid growing up and, even then, I had fantasies about using my body as a way to make a living.” There’s a very funny section in the show about his job “interview,” Pevsner promised. The actor quickly learned that his talents would come to use in this job, too, as he found himself performing for clients who didn’t necessarily excite him. “When you’re having sex with men who aren’t necessarily attractive to you, you have to find out what it is about a man that is attractive,” he said. “It changed, and I didn’t take it lightly.” Pevsner wrote this show as a fundraiser for a struggling theater after leaving New York for Los Angeles. “I asked myself, “What do gay men like?’ The answer was musicals and nudity,” he said. Ever the versatile man, Pevsner continues to write new songs and theater pieces, act on television (he was in a recent episode of “NCIS”), and serve as a dramaturge for other performers. He also has a successful personal organizing business on the side — and always remains clothed when tackling his clients’ closets. “Anyone who wants to see more will have to buy a ticket for ‘Musical Comedy Whore,’” he laughed.
David Pevsner performs “Musical Comedy Whore” through Sunday, June 23 at the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $35 - 50 at RonnieLarsen.com.
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A&E museums
All families, including LGBT families, are invited to celebrate Pride month on Saturday, June 22 at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale.Credit: Submitted photo.
Museum Celebrates Pride with Special Family Day J.W. Arnold
T
he Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) in downtown Fort Lauderdale will celebrate Pride month with a special Family Pride Day, including handson science and craft activities, musical performances and drag queen story time. The event, taking place Saturday, June 22, is part of a year-long effort at the museum to create a welcoming experience for all, including LGBT families. “Our mission statement has always been about ‘everyone’—all children and all adults,” explained Joe Cox, the museum’s president and CEO. “For me, when I look at the great programs, exhibits and experiences that the museum offers, it is key that we provide that experience to as many people as possible. We know that education and connectivity of families strengthens communities.” With a grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, MODS has already offered inclusivity training for staff, created gender neutral facilities and modified museum signage. The Pride Family Day is just the latest initiative. The special activities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with a screening of “Families Like Yours” in the IMAX theater. The powerful documentary explores the love, compassion, sacrifices and successes of LGBT families in America on the largest movie screen in South Florida. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is scheduled to perform at 11:50 a.m. and
at noon, Dean Trantalis, the city’s first openly gay mayor, will be honored. Colorful Kaboom! Shows will be presented at 1 and 4 p.m. and a panel of LGBT scientists will discuss career opportunities at 2 p.m. Drag queen story time will be held at 3 p.m. There will also be food and beverages and a wide variety of vendors and organizations that serve the LGBT community. “Family Pride Day is a unique opportunity to show our support for all of South Florida’s diverse families. We are creating a culture of hospitality where diversity is celebrated. We take pride in being a museum where everyone can learn and rediscover science through our programs as an individual or family,” Cox said. Cox emphasized that the museum is not just for children and young families. MODS launched an extremely popular adult series, “Discovery After Dark,” last year with a program on the science of brewing beer. On July 18, MODS will open its comic book superheroes exhibit, including a replica of the original batmobile from the 1960s television series, “Batman.” “Who said science was just for school children?” Cox asked. “The museum is a great place to go for dates and couples outings, particularly during the afternoons and during the school year when kids are back in school. Our IMAX theater is spectacular and we want to be that space, that special place for everyone to explore and discover.”
The Museum of Discovery and Science, 401 S.W. 2nd St. in Fort Lauderdale, hosts its first LGBTQ Family Pride Day on Saturday, June 22 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Admission is free for Fort Lauderdale residents and $5 for non-residents. For more information, go to MODS.org. 6.19.2019 •
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June 19 - June 25
Datebook
Theater Tucker Berardi
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
*Freddie McGregor and Marcia Griffiths – Reggae Legends
broward county *This Is India!
Sunday, August 11 at 6 p.m. at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts, 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs. The award winning Abhinava Dance Company and its 1- members will deliver a passionate performance with dazzling costumes and beautifully choreographed accompanied by global music. Tickets are $35 to $125. Visit thecentercs.com
June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. This duo of reggae mu-sic legends share their talented voices with South Florida and lead audiences on a journey through reggae from its inception to today. Tickets $29 to $79. Visit LPACFL.com
*Freddie McGregor and Marcia Griffiths – Reggae Legends
*The Lubben Brothers in Concert
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series
June 21 to 23 at the Don & Ann Brown Theater, 201 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, Fl. The Lubben Brothers, whose dazzling musicianship delighted Palm Beach Dramaworks audiences inWoody Guthrie’s American Song and The Spitfire Grill, take center stage at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre from June 21-23 as part of the Sounds of Summer concert series. Tickets $35. Visit palmbeachdramaworks.org.
June 29 at 7 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. This duo of reggae music legends share their talented voices with South Florida and lead audiences on a journey through reggae from its inception to today. Tickets $29 to $79. Visit LPACFL.com
Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves.com
palm beach county *The Lubben Brothers in Concert
June 21 to 23 at the Don $ Ann Brown
The Lubben Brothers will play in concert on June 21 to 23 at the Don & Ann Brown Theater, 201 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, FL. Photo: The Lubben Brothers at The Royal Poinciana Plaza. Photo via Facebook.
Theater, 201 Clematis St, West Palm Beach, Fl. The Lubben Brothers, whose dazzling musicianship delighted Palm Beach Dramaworks audiences inWoody Guthrie’s American Song and The Spitfire Grill, take center stage at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre from June 21-23 as part of the Sounds of
Summer concert series. Tickets $35. Visit palmbeachdramaworks.org.
Free Friday Concerts
Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org.
miami-dade county Outdoor Music Series
Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come out for live music from DJs and musicians by the bay. Drink specials available. Free with museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or visit PAMM.org.
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
The Big Show
Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mix-ing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com.
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A&E music
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The conductors of three local gay men’s choruses, Anthony Cabrera, Dr. Gary Keating and Harold Dioquino, discuss the regional premiere of “Quiet No More” on June 21 and 22. Credit: Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.
Choruses Mark Stonewall Anniversary with Historic Performance J.W. Arnold
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hen the three largest local gay men’s choruses take the stage together in Lauderhill and Coral Gables next weekend they will not only be observing the 50th anniversary of one of the seminal moments in the gay rights movement, they will be making history themselves. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) and the Miami (MGMC) and Fort Lauderdale (FLGMC) Gay Men’s Choruses will perform the regional premiere of “Quiet No More,” originally commissioned by choruses in New York City and Los Angeles and co-commissioned by other ensembles in South Florida and across the nation. “It’s the most exciting thing we’ve done since I became conductor,” said an exuberant Harold Dioquino,” artistic director of GMCSF, of the collaboration. “It’s an appropriate time since we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. I immediately contacted Anthony and Gary,” referring to Miami director Anthony Cabrera and Fort Lauderdale’s Dr. Gary Keating. GMCSF was formed a decade ago after members left the original Fort Lauderdale over management issues with a former artistic director and board. Dioquino saw this opportunity to finally heal the lingering wounds from that tumultuous period. “I wanted to make sure the barrier between the two choruses is finally gone and this was the time,” Dioquino explained. At their first joint rehearsal, 150 singers watched an educational video about the riots — most members were either very young or not even born 50 years ago — and then engage in some icebreaker exercises. Just like a machine with many moving parts, a chorus relies on each singer and his voice to successfully execute and interpret the musical score, Dioquino pointed out. “I think it’s wonderful. We’ve all been
around a long time now, so it’s nice to get to do something together outside of a festival,” said Miami’s Cabrera. Cabrera noted that each movement of the work was written by a different composer, an unusual situation for most musicians, and the work was intended to evoke the story before, during and after the famous riots. Each of the conductors took three of the movements and rehearsed the choruses over the past months. “It’s really diverse in its styles. There’s disco, gospel and even a pop ballad written by Ann Hampton Calloway. There are movements that sound like old Irish folksongs and 21st century art music that is there to set the mood,” explained Cabrera. “There’s even one movement that literally creates an out-of-body experience as you’re caught up in the riots and then float up above, observing. It’s very difficult music, too, very challenging.” The work concludes with “Speak Out,” a rousing anthem that invites the audience to join in song and celebrate the victory of those young LGBT people marching in the streets of New York City’s Greenwich Village five decades ago. For Fort Lauderdale’s founder and returning musical director Keating, the performance offers not only a musical experience, but an educational experience. “I’m 67 and ... I didn’t come out until 1979. I was able to watch all of this and I’ve been here for the South Florida history to watch all the changes. At rehearsals, members of all the choruses have asked questions,” Keating said. “I’m considerably older than Anthony and Harold, so it’s been a nice experience to explain to them [and the singers) what was going on and how it affected life here. The education has been about far more than just Stonewall.”
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The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Miami Gay Men’s Chorus and Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus present the regional premiere of “Quiet No More,” commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots, on Friday, June 21 at 8 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 N.W. 11th Pl. in Lauderhill, and Saturday, June 22 at 8 p.m. at First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables, 536 Coral Way in Coral Gables. Tickets are available at GayMensChorusOfSouthFlorida.org and MGMChorus.org. 6.19.2019 •
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June 19 - June 25
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Top Picks
PFLAG
*Mod27 Improv Show
June 27 at 8 p.m. at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach Mod 27 takes suggestions from the audience and uses them to perform fully improvised games and scenes. Currently cele-brating its 15th year in operation, Mod 27 has traveled throughout the US and Canada performing improvisation. Tickets $15. Visit artsgarage.org.
*Lunch with Mayor Dean J. Trantalis
June 21, 2019 at 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Timpano Italian Chophouse, 450 Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Join the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network alongside Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis for this special luncheon and meet & greet! Tickets $40 to $45.
*Comedian Preacher Lawson
August 3 at 8 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. Come see the tip 5 finalists from this past season of “America’s Got Talent” — voted the funniest comedian in Florida in 2015. Visit LPACFL.com for tickets.
Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.
SunServe Youth Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.
Survivor Support
First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.
broward county *Comedian Preacher Lawson
August 3 at 8 p.m. at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. Come see the tip 5 finalists from this past season of “America’s Got Talent” — voted the funni-est comedian in Florida in 2015. Visit LPACFL.com for tickets.
eastern University, 3301 College Avenue, Davie. This symposium, which is sponsored by AARP will take a closer look at the challenges for our aging population while presenting helpful re-sources and solutions to help people thrive as they age. Tickets are $40, free for caregivers. Visit theSoFlA.org.
*Lunch with Mayor Dean J. Trantalis
Lunch With Art
June 21, 2019 at 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Timpano Italian Chophouse, 450 Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. Join the Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Network alongside Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis for this special luncheon and meet & greet! Tickets $40 to $45.
Aging in South Florida Symposium
Friday, June 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Huizenga College of Business as Nova South-
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Every Wednesday from 12:15 to 1:15 pm at 41 NE 1st St 33060, Pompano Beach. Indulge your creative side in this free hands-on program. Bring your own lunch or grab a bite to eat at the in-house cafe.
Voices of Pride
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Join the Gay Men’s Chorus as they practice every week. Free. Call 561-533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC. com for rehearsal details.
Life Coaching
Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud Clubhouse, 2300 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Get one-on-one life coaching from certified CRCS coaches. For guys living with HIV, their partners, and anyone who identifies as transgender. Free. Call 954-765-6239 or visit LatinosSalud.org.
palm beach county *Mod27 Improv Show
June 27 at 8 p.m. at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach Mod 27 takes suggestions from the audience and uses them to perform fully improvised games and scenes. Currently celebrating its 15th year in operation, Mod 27 has traveled throughout the US and Canada performing improvisation. Tickets $15. Visit artsgarage.org.
Art After Dark
Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Hwy, West Palm Beach. View an exhibition, attend a talk, participate in an art activity, enjoy a performance, concert, or film, sip cocktails, and dine in the Museum’s elegant new bar and restaurant. Free admission. Visit Norton. org.
Palm Beaches Prime Timers
Second Saturdays at 3 p.m. at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. An active fraternal and social organization dedicated to bring together mature gay and bisexual men for friendship, activities, support, and personal growth for the best times of our lives. Free. Call 561- 533-9699 or visit CompassGLCC.com.
Coffee Clatch at Compass
First Monday of each month from 10 a.m. to noon at Compass, 201 N. Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth. A social group focusing on the mature LGBT+ community in Palm Beach County, providing a relaxed environment for meeting friends, discussing interesting topics, and engaging in community projects. Free to attend, email joekolb@compassglcc. com fir details.
Transcendence
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@ compassglcc.com.
Bisexual Support Group
Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Share your thoughts with other members
of the bisexual community, discuss issues, and address concerns in a safe environment. Email marissa@compassglcc.com or visit CompassGLCC.com.
Yoga on the Waterfront
Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. at Lake Pavilion, 101 S. Flagler Drive in West Palm Beach. Take a day out of the week to center yourself on the yoga mat. $10 per class or residents $40 for eight weeks, nonresidents $50 for eight weeks. Call 561-804-4902.
Coming Out Support Group
Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. a Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. Get support as you explore your sexual identity and be your true self. Contact group[ facilitator Dede at de3hon@bellsouth.net.
miami-dade county *Meet Author Nicole DennisBenn
Friday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Books & Books, 265 Aragon Avenue, Coral Gables, Fl. Meet award-winning authors Nicole DennisBenn and Edwidge Danticat as they discuss Dennis-Benn’s latest novel, Patsy. One of the most highly anticipated books of the summer, Patsy presents a beautifully layered portrait of motherhood, immigration, and the sacrifices we make in the name of love. Free to attend, RSVP at booksandbooks.com.
Arsht Center Farmers Market
Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Pur-chase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.
key west Women’s Flag Football
Wednesdays from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Bernstein Park, 6751 Fifth St. on Stock Island. Practice and games once a week. Free. Call 305-8968678 or email IWFFA@IWFFA.com.
Gay Key West Trolley Tours
Saturdays at 4 p.m. meeting at 628 Duval St. See the gay side of Key West on this trolley tour. Tickets $25. Call 800-535-7797 or visit GayKeyWestFL.com.
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SLOW BURN THEATRE CO. 2018 Carbonell Award Winner for Best Musical and BROWARD CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Present
“A journey to the heart of Fabulous!”
JUNE 13–30
TICKETS at BrowardCenter.org • Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222
Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office • Group Sales | 954.660.6307
Opening Night Party Generously Underwritten by South Florida Gay News and Seminole Coconut Creek Casino. Presented through special arrangement with and all authorized performance materials are supplied by Theatrical Rights Worldwide (TRW).