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july 3, 2019 vol. 10 // issue 27

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50 years of stonewall...

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LGBT Employment Cases Headed To SCOTUS

- James Esseks

Director of the ACLU LGBT & HIV Project

Jesse Monteagudo

Correspondents

Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod

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The Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled the termination was unlawful sex discrimination, but the funeral home has appealed to the Supreme Court. Zarda’s estate has a similar story. In 2010, Zarda was fired from his job as a sky diving instructor for coming out as gay. Zarda worked for Long Island, New York-based Altitude Express when he told a female client he was gay in an effort to “mitigate any awkwardness that might arise from the fact that he was strapped tightly” to her. The woman told her boyfriend who complained to the company who then fired Zarda. Zarda died in a sky diving accident in Switzerland in 2014. Zarda’s sister Melissa and former partner William Moore have pursued Zarda’s suit against Altitude Express. Earlier this year the 2nd U.S. Circuit CourtMof EMBER Appeals ruled in their favor, saying Zarda’s firing violated Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights MEMBER

Act. The Atlanta-based 11th circuit ruled the other way on this issue, pushing the case to the Supreme Court. ACLU communications strategist Tyler Richard said a majority of Americans side with his clients. “It would shock the American public if the Court says that it’s lawful to fire someone for being trans or lesbian, gay or bisexual,” Richard said. “Most Americans, 7 in 10, agree that firing someone for being LGBTQ is wrong and agree with the growing consensus in courts that longstanding federal protections should keep LGBTQ people from the fear of being fired for who they are.” Amicus briefs on the cases were due July 3, Richard said, adding he expects 50 briefs with powerful voices to join his clients. SFGN has contacted the ACLU of Florida seeking comment.

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7 . 3.2019

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John McDonald he American Civil Liberties Union has filed two briefs on LGBT employment cases under Supreme Court review. The cases involve Aimee Stephens, a Michigan transgender woman, and the estate of the late Don Zarda, of New York. Both plaintiffs were fired for coming out at work. “As we honor the 50th anniversary of Stonewall and the legacy of the Black and Brown trans women who led and continue to lead our movements, we recognize that our work is far from over,” said James Esseks, director of the ACLU LGBT & HIV Project. “In the courts, in the streets and in the communities around the country we will continue to fight until all LGBTQ people can live without fear of violence or discrimination.” Stephens was fired from her job as funeral director at R.G. and G.R. Harris Funeral Home. Stephens had worked at the Detroit area funeral home for six years. In a letter to her boss Stephens revealed plans to come out as a woman at work — “for my own peace of mind, and to end the agony in my soul.” Stephens was fired two weeks after giving her boss the letter.

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July 3, 2019 • Volume 10 • Issue 27

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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.

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NEWS national

Scene from Pose. Photo: FX on Facebook.

‘Pose,’ True Colors United Take From Florida to New York Action For LGBT Homeless Youth John McDonald

Danel Valero, supporting Pride Fort Lauderdale’s Stonewall contingent, holds up the Venezuelan Flag in NYC at the March on Sunday, June 30, as he boosts the event, “Pride of the Americas,” coming to South Florida next April.

elp is on the way for unsheltered LGBT The 14 beneficiary organizations are: youth. Housing Works (NYC), Hetrick-Martin FX Networks, in partnership with Institute (NYC), Exponents (NYC), HEAT True Colors United, announced plans to (NYC), Destination Tomorrow (NYC), Reach create and distribute self-care kits to 14 (LA), NAESM (Atlanta), Abounding Prosperity charitable LGBT organizations. (Dallas), Us Helping Us (Washington), Homelessness affects 4.2 million youth APEB (Oakland, California), Posse Project annually with LGBT youth 120 at CHOP (Philadelphia), LGBT percent more likely to wander Center of Hampton Roads “Pose has fearlessly Life the streets than their straight (Norfolk, Virginia), Howard shined a light on peers, according to data from Brown Health (Chicago) and True Colors United. Founded Department of Pediatrics: issues facing the by pop singer Cyndi Lauper, LGBTQ community Adolescent Medicine at Tulane True Colors United strives to School of Medicine (New and we couldn’t ensure queer youth are treated Orleans). think of a better way with dignity and respect. FX’s collaboration stems “When it comes to to mark the return from the drama series “Pose.” homelessness, LGBTQ youth youth homelessness is of the series, than LGBT are overrepresented and a storyline in “Pose’s” second to bring support to season. Brands Icelandic Glacial underserved. We’re proud to partner with FX Networks Water, KIND Snacks, Milk those affected.” and Pose to put self-care Makeup, Native Deodorant, - Kenya Hardaway kits into the hands of young Vital Proteins and Candywirez FX Networks senior vice president of integrated people across the country,” donated to the kits. promotions said Gregory Lewis, executive “Pose has fearlessly shined a director of True Colors Fund, in a press light on issues facing the LGBTQ community release on June 13. “The organizations we’re and we couldn’t think of a better way to sending these to provide essential services mark the return of the series, than to bring to LGBTQ youth experiencing homelessness support to those affected. Our hope is that and make an incredible impact in their this program will bring awareness to these communities. United, we can create a world amazing organizations and the incredible where every young person, wherever they work they do,” said Kenya Hardaway, senior live, is celebrated for being their authentic vice president of integrated promotions at self.” FX Networks, in a press release. 7.3.2019 •

NEWS miami-dade

A Community In Anguish Tony Lima’s recognition of four accused gay bashers has left the LGBT community in South Florida reeling and divided. Now he’s been fired, but that may not be enough to heal the wounds. Jason Parsley

ne week ago Tony Lima was living the dream as SAVE’s executive director. On Monday the organization’s board unanimously voted to terminate him. At SAVE’s annual Champions of Equality vacation. Meanwhile back in South Florida, Gala on June 14, the now former ED Lima’s enemies were circling, looking for ways introduced four men charged with a hate to assassinate his character. crime for allegedly attacking two gay men An email was sent out to local media after Miami Beach Pride in 2018. They’re suggesting some nefarious reason behind his accused of yelling anti-gay slurs during the recent overseas trip. attack. It was caught on video. On stage Lima “Tony Lima flees to Spain, as career-ending mentioned one of the young men had a gay article is published about his recent behaviour father and then announced they had been [sic],” the subject line reads. “wrongly accused.” Before he left though, Lima informed SFGN While most of the crowd may not have of the trip. actually heard the comments, many Another email suggested of them applauded anyway while SAVE was acting illegally, sipping on drinks, eating hors saying, “SAVE operates d’oeuvres and enjoying the festive illegally, makes federal night where even Pete Buttigieg, endorsements without a the gay candidate running for federal PAC.” president, recorded a video On social media two statement thanking SAVE and camps quickly emerged, Tony Lima for their hard work those who believed Lima advocating on behalf of the LGBT should resign or be fired, community. and those who believed Lima’s introduction of those Lima made a mistake and accused men, and those brief should be forgiven. comments, ended Lima’s job at “Many of us know Tony SAVE two weeks later. personally, and know It was a stunning development. what he is made of. He is Lima told SFGN on Tuesday dedicated and loyal to our he was “shocked,” while he told LGBTQ community and the Miami Herald in a statement would never do anything Monday evening that he was intentionally to hurt his “severely disappointed.” community,” a statement “I made one mistake in my from Unity Coalition, - Dmitry Logunov tenure of six years as the leader another LGBT rights Alleged victim of SAVE and I’ve paid dearly for organization in the Miami it,” he told the Herald. “Again, I area, reads. “Let’s not be so apologize to the victims and to those in the quick vilify and burn at the [stake], those who community that were hurt by this. Hurting try their best every day, to better our chances anyone was never my intention.” at equality.” He added to SFGN, “I’ve worked so hard.” Meanwhile Arianna Lint, a prominent While the controversy was unfolding, Lima transgender activist who is close to Lima and was in Spain taking his mother on her dream has worked with him for years, told SFGN, “I

“Last year they invited us into the SAVE family and now this. It’s pretty much stabbing us in the back.”

•

7 . 3.2019

Tony Lima introduces the four alleged attackers (standing in the back row, first four left to right) at SAVE’s annual Champions of Equality gala on June 14. Photo via Facebook.

am devastated. Thirty seconds cannot erase his years of work for his community and his open support for the trans community.” The two victims of the alleged hate crime, Rene Chalarca and Dmitry Logunov, were also devastated. “Last year they invited us into the SAVE family and now this. It’s pretty much stabbing us in the back,” Logunov said. Chalarca added, “After a year of not thinking about the attack all of the memories have come back to me. Hearing my mom cry again over this has gotten me very down.” SFGN’s original story, published 12 days after the event on June 26, was the first article to report on Lima’s remarks. Two days later on June 28, Lima released a video statement from Spain apologizing for the incident. The same day, SAVE’s board released a statement apologizing to the victims while also announcing an investigation into the incident.

“I understand that everybody is upset. I understand that a lot of people are appalled,” Lima said. “I am sorry to the victims. I apologize that this is happening…and [you] are having to relive this nightmare. Please know that SAVE supports you.” Lima explained in the video the four accused men — Adonis Diaz, Juan Carlos Lopez, Luis Alonso Piovet, and Pablo Reinaldo Romo-Figueroa — had been volunteering at SAVE in an attempt at reconciliation. He wanted to acknowledge their efforts. “I wanted them to really be able to have the opportunity to engage with our community at a deeper level,” Lima said. “That was my mistake. I should never have done that.” On Sunday Lima was put on paid administrative leave for two weeks. Monday evening he was fired. It’s unclear why SAVE’s board waited two

NEWS miami-dade weeks after the event to address the incident. A spokesperson for the State Attorney’s Lima said in the video statement the board Office also had no further comment. had no knowledge before the event that the Last week the office said, “We are four men would be attending or would be aggressively pursuing the prosecution of the recognized. However, Lima told SFGN before case. We believe we have sufficient evidence the initial story was published that his board to prove beyond a reasonable doubt the did in fact support Lima’s support charges against them: Aggravated of the four accused attackers. Battery with Prejudice/ SFGN attempted to clarify Weapon or Bodily Harm, what the board members Aggravated Battery, Assault knew, and when they knew, via with Prejudice/or on Religious text and email. However, they Institution Grounds, and did not respond to multiple Assault. If that were not the attempts to reach them as of case, the charges would have publication time. been dropped in the past.” “I wanted them According to SAVE’s State attorney Katherine to really be website, those board members Fernandez Rundle attended include Liz Regalado, Brian the June 14 gala but the able to have the Adler, Joe Falk, Carlos Alzate, spokesperson said she did not opportunity to Nancy Brodzki, Helena Castro, hear the comments on stage Chester Dowdy, Jonathan from Lima. engage with our Freidin, James Moon, Ed The alleged attack occurred community at a Pascoe and Trelvis Randolph. outside the 6th Street public deeper level. That In order to make sure the bathroom in Lummus Park in board received the questions, Miami Beach on April 8, 2018 was my mistake. SFGN also emailed Justin and was caught on video. I should never Klecha, SAVE’s deputy “Unity Coalition believes director and Devin Cordero, that this is the time for have done that.” SAVE’s Marketing and our South Florida LGBTQ Communications manager. Community to come together, - Tony Lima Neither responded as of demand our leadership be publication time. accountable for their actions,” The defendants in the case have all pled the statement from Unity Coalition continues. not guilty. “In doing this, we also cannot lose sight of the Dennis Gonzalez Jr., the attorney for need for suppler and unity. Infighting, name the four defendants, declined to comment calling and a rush to be judge and jury, only about the ongoing case. However, one of weakens our community and its needs, and the accused, Juan Lopez, said in February empowers our political enemies at a time on Facebook, “False hate crime claims ain’t a of grave concern for our rights and very joke. I know first hand!” existence.”

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The alleged attackers (above) at the SAVE gala, and the SFGN cover that featured them next to their mug shots (via the Miami Beach Police Department.) Left to right: Luis Alfonso, Juan Lopez, Pablo Romo, and Adonis Diaz. Photo: SFGN File Photo.

7.3.2019 •

LGBTQIA bites Intersex

By Cameren Boatner

Bisexual

Valedictorian comes out as bisexual in graduation speech

‘Steven Universe’ reveals intersex character

Stevonnie via Facebook.

artoon Network came out with a video on Instagram about the positive and negative aspects of social media. For a brief moment, one of the main characters on “Steven Universe,” Stevonnie, flashes her Instagram bio. It reads “I am an experience. Intesex, nonbinary, they/them.” Last year, “Steven Universe” creator Rebecca Sugar came out as non-binary, according to PinkNews. Cartoon Network has promoted queer visibility on the

show, even as it faced censorship in different countries over characters’ LGBT identities. “You can’t wait until kids have grown up to let them know that queer people exist,” Sugar said in 2016, according to PinkNews. Steven Universe also features lesbian couple Saphhire and Ruby. LGBTQ Nation reported that Stevonnie might be the first out intersex and non-binary kids’ cartoon character.

Mason Bleu via Twitter.

ason Bleu, 17, the valedictorian of his New York City high school class, came out as bisexual in his graduation speech. He told CBS This Morning he hadn’t decided he would come out until the moment came, and he didn’t submit that part of the speech to the school ahead of time. Nonetheless, Bleu got a standing ovation from his class.

“For a long time, I have struggled with my sexuality. I’ve dodged it and ignored it because I wasn’t proud of who I am,” Bleu said in his speech Saturday. “But today I’m changing that. I’m proud to be a bisexual man.” Since posting his speech to Twitter, Bleu has grown his following from 14 to 3,000 people, and his speech has received nearly 1 million views.

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#knowyourstatus

LGBTQIA bites

Transgender

Illinois governor signs order for transgender students’ rights

Get tested. Get PrEP. Get treatment. At Midway Specialty Care Center with Dr.#knowyourstatus Howard A. Grossman #knowyourstatus Get tested, Get PrEP or get treatment Get tested.I Get PrEP. be Get treatment. “In a world where could anything, at Midway Specialty Center with I chose At Midway Specialty Care Care Center with Dr.Dr.Howard A. Grossman assistant so Howarda A.medical Grossman to be kind. I became that I can playwhere aapart caring for people. “In a world I couldin be anything, I chose “Bienvenidos todos. Come as you are. bespeak kind. I became a medical assistant so We Spanish, Portuguese, and Healthto and happiness are not privileges, that I can play a part in caring for people. English to provide comprehensive HIV theyand are a human ” Health happiness are not right. privileges, care and PrEP to our community.” care and PrEP to our community.” they are a human right.”

J.B. Pritzker signing the executive order via Facebook.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order making sure schools have the resources they need to be inclusive of transgender and nonbinary students. The executive order creates a task force that will develop policies to keep transgender students safe, according to HuffPost. It also says that schools must have a safe space for LGBT youth. “While the LGBTQ community has so much to celebrate, we must also recognize that the trans community that ignited

this movement has been left out of many of its victories,” the governor wrote on Twitter. “Visibility and acceptance for non-cisgender people are on the rise, but so are attacks of hate, particularly against black trans women. We’re taking one more step toward securing Illinois’ place as a leader in equality and hope. Under this executive order, ignorance is no longer an excuse for bigotry.” Pritzker signed the order on the same day as Chicago’s Pride Parade.

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news international

By Cameren Boatner

the world around

Eurasia

oceania

Istanbul police use tear gas at banned Pride march

GoFundMe shuts down fired rugby star’s fundraiser for anti-gay views

Several hundred people came to Istanbul’s 17th annual Pride march, but were turned away by police using tear gas and plastic bullets on the crowd. Turkish officials banned the parade for the fifth year in a row, even though homosexuality isn’t illegal in Istanbul, according to DW. Organizers said the event was banned because the LGBT community in Istanbul is “societally objectionable.” “There is a massive police presence all around the city to prevent the celebration of Pride, but despite that, activities are still going on,” DW’s Turkey correspondent Dorian Jones reported, noting police officers had a water cannon ready to disperse the crowd. Amnesty International, a human

•

Credit: Louis Fishman, @Istanbultelaviv via Twitter.

rights organization, urged Turkish officials to lift the ban, but to no avail. Despite gay sex not being a crime, homophobia is still widespread in Istanbul.

Sacked Australian rugby player Israel Folau opened a fundraiser for his legal defense, saying Rugby Australia fired him in an act of religious discrimination. Over an Instagram post, Folau, who is a Christian, said gay people, among others, would go to hell. And after receiving about $530,000 on GoFundMe, his page was shut down, according to the BBC. All donations will be refunded. “As a company, we are absolutely committed to the fight for equality for LGBTIQ+ people and fostering an environment of inclusivity,” said GoFundMe spokeswoman Nicola Britton, according to BBC. “While we welcome GoFundMe’s engaging in diverse civil debate, we do not tolerate the promotion of discrimination or exclusion.”

Israel Folau. Photo via Facebook.

Despite Folau’s belief that his contract was terminated because of his religion, Rugby Australia says he violated the “respectful use of social media” contract rule by making the anti-gay post.

south america

europe

Brazil football federation fined over fans’ anti-gay chants

London Zoo to host Pride celebration with gay penguins

During a match between Brazilian rival soccer teams, Atlético Mineiro and Cruzeiro, Mineiro fans chanted homophobic slurs, and as a result, the team was fined $15,000. The fans chanted “Cruzeiro fans, be careful, Bolsonaro will kill the queers,” referring to proudly homophobic President Jair Bolsonaro, according to PinkNews. Mineiro, which plays in Minas Gerais, Brazil, tweeted that the team “deeply regrets the homophobic manifestations of the fans in the Mineiro game this Sunday.” “We reiterate our repudiation of any gestures of prejudice or incitement to violence,” the team said, according to PinkNews. “The biggest crowd in Minas Gerais is made up of people from all social classes, races and genres, without

Exploring LGBT News Events Across the Globe

7 . 3.2019

Credit: Atlético Mineiro via Facebook.

any kind of discrimination. This is not part of our glorious history!”

On Friday, July 5, London Zoo will host “Zoo Nights,” where visitors can learn about same-sex couples in the animal kingdom, in honor of Pride Month. Ronnie and Reggie, the zoo’s most wellknown gay penguin couple, along with the other 91 penguins, have a banner outside their beach saying “Some penguins are gay. Get over it,” according to a press release from the zoo. Zoo Nights will be for adults, but on Sunday, July 7, the whole family can come out to Rainbow Families, where two drag artists will host a storytelling show. “Visitors will be able to learn about gender and mating in the animal kingdom at a Pride-themed talk, where they’ll discover just how common same-sex pairings are – from penguins and pandas to goats and giraffes,” the press release says.

Credit: ZSL London Zoo via Facebook.

The Zoo’s Team Pride will also be marching in the London Pride Parade scheduled for Saturday, July 6.

NEWS white house watch

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Day two of the Democratic presidential debate. Photo via MSNBC.

IN THE SUMMER SUN?

s President Donald Trump entered debates of the campaign. new ground for America’s foreign U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California policy, one of the country’s best called out Biden for working with racist soccer players denounced the White House. senators and opposing busing. Harris said Megan Rapione, a member of the U.S. Biden’s remarks were “hurtful” and he was national women’s soccer team, has publicly wrong to oppose the federal government declared she will not visit the White House stepping in to integrate white schools by with President Trump in power. Rapione is busing black children to those schools. a lesbian and co-captain of the U.S. World “That’s why we have the Voting Rights Act, Cup team. She cursed the White House at and the Civil Rights Act and that’s why we the suggestion Trump would need to pass the Equality Act extend an invitation to visit. and we need to pass the ERA “That’s why we because there are moments Rapione, 33, has since taken back the “fucking” description have the Voting in history where states fail of the White House, but stands to preserve the civil rights Rights Act, and of all people,” Harris said to by her decision not to go and asked her teammates to “think the Civil Rights cheers from the audience at hard” about doing the same. the Adrienne Arsht Center in Act and that’s Miami. Trump has accused Rapione of disrespecting America by Elsewhere, Trump took an why we need kneeling during the national impromptu visit into the Korean to pass the anthem. Trump also tweeted peninsula’s demilitarized zone. “Megan should win before she “This is a special moment,” Equality Act ...” TALKS!” Trump said after meeting - Sen. Kamala Harris Rapione has been to the North Korean leader Kim JongPresidential Candidate White House before, in 2015, un and becoming the first U.S. with the World Cup champion president to walk into North U.S. team. That year she happily posed Korea. for pictures with former President Barack Democrats didn’t quite see it that way. Obama. A member of the national Gay & U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts Lesbian Sports Hall of Fame, Rapione lives in tweeted Trump was “squandering American Seattle and is dating professional basketball influence on photo ops and exchanging love player Sue Bird. letters with a ruthless dictator.” Meanwhile, in Seattle over the weekend, Warren, Harris and Biden are scheduled Joe Biden told a crowd five years ago someone to return to the debate stage July 30-31 in who “made fun of a gay waiter” would go Detroit. unchallenged. “Not in Seattle!” a member As for Rapione, the 2019 FIFA World Cup of the crowd responded, reported CNN. The concludes July 7 in Paris, France. As of press former vice president has struggled to find time, the U.S. team, defending World Cup his footing after last week’s performance in champions, faced England in the semifinals. the Democratic National Committee’s first White House Watch is a weekly column taking a look at the state of the 2020 presidential election.

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NEWS National

Barr declares ‘zero tolerance’ for hate crimes in Pride Month statement

Attorney General William Barr (right). Photo via Facebook.

Chris Johnson

Washington Blade

.S. Attorney General William Barr affirmed on Thursday his position of “zero tolerance” for hate crimes against LGBT people in a statement to Justice Department employees recognizing Pride Month.

In the statement, which was sent to Justice “As Pride month concludes, I want our Department employees on Thursday and LGBT colleagues to know that I value their shared with the Washington Blade, Barr dedication, integrity and the contributions declares the department is “fortunate to they make to the pursuit of justice,” Barr have many talented and dedicated LGBT writes. public servants who work hard on behalf of A Justice Department spokesperson the American people.” confirmed the accuracy of the statement, “While we recognize and celebrate which Barr issued during the first Pride these employees’ contributions to the Month that has occurred since his department and the nation, it remains the confirmation as U.S. attorney general. fact that LGBT individuals Nothing in the statement are too often subjected to recognizes the 50th “As Pride month discrimination, harassment anniversary of the Stonewall and violence,” Barr continues. riots, which the LGBT concludes, I want “The department has zero community is celebrating this our LGBT colleagues tolerance for violence that is year along with Pride Month. to know that I value motivated by hatred for our The Pride Month fellow citizens, including on recognition comes just their dedication, the basis of sexual orientation weeks after he met with integrity and the and gender identity. We will LGBT attorneys and law vigorously prosecute such enforcement officials within contributions they hate crimes.” DOJ Pride for Pride Month, make to the pursuit The statement echoes a as exclusively reported by of justice.” testimony Barr gave in his the Washington Blade. The confirmation hearing when statement was also issued - William Barr he said he’d have “zero shortly after LGBT employees Attorney General tolerance” for hate crimes, at the Justice Department took including violence against part in an official ceremony LGBT people, and would enforce the 2009 recognizing Pride Month, which included Matthew Shepard & James Byrd Jr. Hate a showing of the 2010 PBS documentary Crimes Prevention Act. “Stonewall Uprising.” Barr also points out in his statement that Although the Pride statement recognizes he updated the equal opportunity statement anti-LGBT violence, it says nothing in affirming non-discrimination for LGBT particular about violence against transgender employees in the Justice Department. people, especially transgender people of “All employees deserve to be treated with color, who are afflicted with violence at respect and to be judged on merit alone,” disproportionate rates. Barr says. On the same day Barr issued his statement, Barr updated the equal opportunity news emerged that Brooklyn Lindsay, a statement amid complaints of discrimination 32-year-old trans woman, was found beaten against LGBT employees within the Federal to death in Kansas City. At least 11 black Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of transgender women have been the victims Prisons, which were brought to his attention of fatal violence in 2019, according to the by DOJ Pride, the affinity group for LGBT Human Rights Campaign. employees within the department. But the statement is far and beyond what

•

7 .3.2019

other Trump administration Cabinet officials have done for Pride Month. The Blade is unaware of any other Cabinet-level Trump official issuing a Pride Month statement. Trump recognized Pride Month via Twitter, but issued no official proclamation. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has faced criticism from LGBT groups for not issuing a Pride Month statement for 2019. Instead, Pompeo reissued to employees an old statement he issued in 2018. Meanwhile, the Justice Department continues to maintain anti-LGBT litigation

positions and defends in court the transgender military ban. The Justice Department during the Trump administration has previously asserted LGBT people aren’t protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which bars discrimination on the basis of sex in the workforce. It remains to be seen whether the Justice Department will reverse its litigation position regarding Title VII now that the issue is before the Supreme Court, but that seems unlikely.

STATEMENT FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL ColleaguesDuring the month of June, the Federal Government and communities across the United States acknowledge the outstanding contributions and accomplishments of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Americans. The Department of Justice is fortunate to have many talented and dedicated LGBT public servants who work hard on behalf of the American people. While we recognize and celebrate these employees’ contributions to the Department and the Nation, it remains the fact that LGBT individuals are too often subjected to discrimination, harassment, and violence. The Department has zero tolerance for violence that is motivated by

hatred for our fellow citizens, including on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. We will vigorously prosecute such hate crimes. As Attorney General, I have also reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to keeping our workplace free from discrimination and harassment, including against LGBT employees. All employees deserve to be treated with respect and to be judged on merit alone. As Pride month concludes, I want our LGBT colleagues to know that I value their dedication, integrity, and the contributions they make to the pursuit of justice. Thank you for your service. William P. Barr Attorney General

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

NEWS national

Photo via Facebook.

Victory Fund endorses Pete Buttigieg Michael K. Lavers Washington Blade

The LGBTQ Victory Fund on Friday he’s inspiring more LGBTQ people to run for endorsed Pete Buttigieg for president. office, knowing that if Mayor Pete can do it at a More than 1,500 people attended the national level, they can win in their states and announcement that took place at Brooklyn communities as well.” Steel in Brooklyn’s East Williamsburg Buttigieg said his campaign is “for neighborhood. It coincided with the 50th everybody who’s been told they are less than.” anniversary of the Stonewall riots and He also referenced his support of the Equality WorldPride that is underway in New York. Act and noted violence against transgender Victory Fund President Annise Parker in women of color in his remarks. her introduction of Buttigieg described him as Buttigieg’s husband, Chasten Buttigieg, the “first viable LGBT candidate” joined him on stage and asked for president. him questions that supporters “Fifty years ago, “He is redefining what is submitted before the event. possible in American politics queer people of color “I’m standing before you as and the Victory Fund is ready and trans people led a married veteran running for to stand with him,” said Parker. of the United States,” a riot that sparked president “We believe he is the best said Buttigieg. a revolution — and candidate for president of the Buttigieg, who is the mayor United States.” now we build on that of South Bend, Indiana, is the Parker also reiterated her legacy by endorsing second openly gay man in comments in the Victory Fund’s history to run for the presidency press release that announced the Mayor Pete Buttigieg for a major political party. for president of the endorsement. He currently polls among “Fifty years ago, queer people the top tier of Democrats who United States.” of color and trans people led a riot are hoping to defeat President - Annise Parker that sparked a revolution — and Trump in 2020. Buttigieg in LGBTQ Victory Fund President now we build on that legacy by recent weeks has faced criticism endorsing Mayor Pete Buttigieg over his response to a fatal for president of the United States,” she said. police-involved shooting in South Bend. “It was only 11 years ago that all the leading “Mayor Pete’s executive experience, record presidential contenders — Republicans and of military service and authentic approach Democrats — opposed full recognition of to politics and policy makes him the best LGBTQ rights and relationships. Yet here we candidate to defeat Donald Trump at the are, just one decade later, endorsing the first ballot box,” said Parker. “He is the anti-Trump: viable LGBTQ candidate for president of the Experienced, accomplished, patriotic and United States — a frontrunner in a crowded thoughtful. We see the path to victory for primary, neck-and-neck with the most well- Mayor Pete and are ready to mobilize our known names in American politics.” network of LGBTQ people and allies to help “Mayor Pete’s candidacy is redefining make it happen.” what is possible in American politics,” added Buttigieg is the first presidential candidate Parker. “He is transforming perceptions the Victory Fund has endorsed. Friday’s of LGBTQ people — representing our endorsement is also the first from a national community in small-town diners in Iowa to organization that Buttigieg has received. rallies in New Hampshire to the presidential Buttigieg received the Victory Fund’s debate stage. He is inspiring LGBTQ youth to backing a day after he and other Democratic come out, attend their first Pride parade and presidential candidates participated in a to believe they can achieve their dreams. And debate in Miami. Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

7.3.2019 •

NEWS National

Human Rights Campaign taps Alphonso David as next president Chris Johnson

Washington Blade

fter a nearly seven-month search, the John Ruffier, board chair of the Human Human Rights Campaign announced Rights Campaign, said in a statement David Tuesday its next president will be is the right person to lead the organization at Alphonso David — marking the first time a this time. person of color will lead the nation’s largest “As we approach the Human Rights LGBT organization. Campaign’s 40th year and the most important David, a 48-year-old gay black man with an election cycle of our lives in 2020, HRC has extensive career in New York as a civil rights never been stronger or better positioned lawyer, legal advisor and law professor, was to lead,” Ruffier said. “When it comes to named after the Board of Directors launched maximizing the electoral power of millions of an extensive search to replace Chad Griffin, LGBTQ voters and our allies, or to defending who announced in November he’d leave the the fundamental rights of our community, or organization. David is set to start in August. to protecting the most vulnerable among us, “I believe that together, we can harness the I know that Alphonso will ensure that HRC strength that’s inherent in our continues to lead the way.” differences, to stand together Previously, David was chief “I believe that in the face of fear and division,” counsel and legal adviser together, we David said in a statement. “And to New York Gov. Andrew that’s exactly what the Human can harness the Cuomo, overseeing significant Rights Campaign was built for.” and policy deliberations strength that’s legal “If we want to win full affecting New York State. inherent in our Before that time, David served equality, that’s going to require us to come together, to dig differences, to in the governor’s cabinet as the deep, to be resilient, to embrace secretary and counsel stand together deputy our differences, to tenaciously for civil rights, the first position in the face defend the most vulnerable of its kind in New York State. among us, to fight with every Under David’s counsel, of fear and ounce of determination we Cuomo signed administrative division.” have,” David continued. “I orders protecting transgender - Alphonso David promise you this, I will fight for rights and barring widely Human Rights Campaign’s each and every one of us.” discredited conversion therapy New President In a Human Rights for youth, as well as bills that Campaign video, David talks about his past were enacted into law by a new Democratas a U.S.-born individual who spent his youth controlled legislature. Just recently, David in Liberia, where he enjoyed roller skating as joined Cuomo in announcing the launch of a past time, before violent political turmoil the New York State WorldPride Welcome shook up his life. (David’s uncle, who served Center in New York City. as Liberia’s president, was assassinated.) At Prior to working in the public sector, David age 14, David escaped Liberia with his family was a staff attorney at the Lambda Legal for a new life in Baltimore. Defense & Educational Fund and a litigation The transition at the Human Rights associate at the law firm Blank Rome LLP. Campaign takes places as the 2020 David, however, began his legal career presidential election heats up. David will likely as a judicial clerk to the late U.S. District lead efforts in supporting the Democratic Judge Scott Green, a Nixon appointee, in nominee to defeat President Trump, who’s Pennsylvania. built a substantial anti-LGBT record over the At Lambda Legal, David worked on New course of his administration. York’s first marriage equality lawsuit. When David will be the seventh president of the the route to achieve marriage equality in Human Rights Campaign — which has an the courts in New York State was ultimately annual revenue of about $45.6 million — and unsuccessful, David worked as deputy takes the reins as the organization approaches secretary and counsel for civil rights to win its 40th anniversary. marriage equality through legislation in 2011.

New HRC President Alphonso David (left) and current HRC President Chad Griffin at World Pride in New York. Photo via Twitter.

In the past decade, David has worked as a law professor at Fordham University Law School and is currently at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law. Cuomo commended David in a statement and wished him luck in his new role, saying he was essential in “helping to enact real change and increasing rights for all residents of this great state.” “As a key member of this administration and before that as part of my staff at the attorney general’s office, he had always served with compassion, dignity, intelligence and a virtually unrivaled work ethic,” Cuomo said. “Make no mistake New Yorkers are better off today because of his years of public service and we will miss him tremendously. I wish him the best on this new and exciting chapter and am proud to consider him always a part of Team Cuomo.” LGBT advocates had speculated the next Human Rights Campaign president could — or should — be a woman or a person of color. Griffin and Joe Solmonese, two white men, oversaw groundbreaking strides in LGBT rights during their tenures at the Human Rights Campaign, but observers had said selecting another white man would be a missed opportunity to demonstrate the diversity of the LGBT community.

The most recent publicly available tax forms from the Human Rights Campaign reveals Griffin in fiscal year 2017 earned $481,375 in reportable income and $20,893 in compensation in related organizations, making for a total of $502,268. (The form for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation lists Griffin’s income as $0.) The Human Rights Campaign didn’t respond to a request for comment on whether the next president will earn the same amount Griffin made upon his departure from the organization. But an organization spokesperson confirmed Alphonso would be president of both the Human Rights Campaign and the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the non-profit 501(c)(3) arm of the organization. Deb Taft, board chair for the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, said in a statement David “has devoted his career to expanding the civil rights of LGBTQ people across New York State and the nation.” “At a time when LGBTQ people, women, people of color, immigrants and refugees, and so many others are being confronted with daily attacks on our most basic rights, Alphonso is the fierce, compassionate, and strategic leader HRC and our broader movement for equality needs,” Taft said.

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

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NEWS national Sen. Tammy Baldwin via Facebook.

Baldwin recognizes Stonewall riots, Marsha P. Johnson on Senate floor Chris Johnson

Washington Blade

en. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), the first out lesbian elected to Congress, recognized on Thursday the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots in a speech on the Senate floor that reflected on major progress of the LGBT rights movement. “When we look back at the Stonewall uprising and activism that grew out of that moment, even the most basic progress seemed like it would take a revolution to achieve,” Baldwin said. “So we had one.” The riots came about, Baldwin said, after “a few brave individuals” at the Stonewall Inn tired of police raids in the heat of the turmoil of the 1960s decided to take action. In particular, Baldwin named Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, transgender women of color who were key figures in the riots. “The Stonewall uprising empowered thousands of LGBTQ individuals to emerge from shadows and come out publicly as they stood up for their community the night of

Sen. Tammy Baldwin’s office via Facebook.

“This resolution commends the bravery, solidarity, and resiliency of the LGBTQ community in the face of violence and discrimination, both past and present.”

June 28, 1969 and beyond, putting their lives and their safety at risk,” Baldwin said. Baldwin delivered the speech after introducing a bipartisan resolution to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots with Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.), Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine). In the House, Reps. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) and Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) introduced a companion resolution this week. “This resolution commends the bravery, solidarity, and resiliency of the LGBTQ community in the face of violence and discrimination, both past and present,” Baldwin said. “And it condemns violence and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community and recommits itself to securing justice, equality, and well-being for LGBTQ people in our country.”

US Senator From Wisconsin

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

- Tammy Baldwin

7.3.2019 •

NEWS national

Buttigieg wins kudos and criticism,

Harris dominates debates Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

he first round of Democratic presidential debates appears to have put U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris of California at the top of the 23-candidate heap. It saw South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg both winning points and taking hits for acknowledging his failure to adequately address racial tensions in his city. It saw frontrunner and former Vice President Joe Biden stumble badly while explaining his past positions regarding race. And there were some surprise acknowledgements of LGBT issues. As the media dust began to settle Friday morning, most political observers were declaring Sen. Harris the clear “winner” of the debates, which spanned four hours over two nights, with 10 candidates on the stage in Miami each night. Harris won big points for shutting down a prolonged eruption of cross talking (Harris called it a “food fight”) among several candidates and NBC moderator Jose DiazBalart in which nobody could successfully convey a thought. She racked up some more when she derided President Trump’s frequent boast of a “great economy,” noting that not every family has stocks and many have to work two to three jobs to make ends meet. And she raked in the big numbers when she tackled

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7 .3.2019

racism. She shared her personal experiences as a child and noted it was “hurtful” to hear Biden recently bragging about his success in the Senate working with “two United States senators who built their reputations and career on segregation of race in this country,” said Harris. “And it was not only that,” said Harris, “but you also worked with them to oppose busing. And you know, there was a little girl in California who was part of the second class to integrate her public schools and she was bused to school every day. That little girl was me.” Biden tried to recover, saying, “I did not praise racists,” then lurched into a discussion of his early career when he “left a good law

Day 2 of the Democratic presidential debate. Image via MSNBC.

firm to become a public defender” during the second night of the debate — signaled rioting around the assassination of Dr. Martin their dissatisfaction with Mayor Buttigieg’s Luther King Jr. Then he jumped to his time as supervision of police in South Bend. In talking vice president under President Barack Obama. about busing, Harris noted that, as California When he finally got around to his opposition attorney general, “I was very proud to put to busing, he said he felt the in place a requirement that all busing decision was one for city my special agents would wear “... there are councils to make. body cameras and keep those “I did not oppose busing in cameras on.” moments in America,” said Biden. “What I Before that discussion, NBC opposed is busing ordered by moderator Rachel Maddow had history where the Department of Education. noted that, during Buttigieg’s states fail to tenure as mayor of South Bend, That’s what I opposed. I did not oppose ...” there has been “a national preserve the But Harris did not let go. debate over race and the “That’s where the federal justice system,” and yet civil rights of criminal government must step in,” she the “police force in South Bend said. “That’s why we have the is now six percent black in a city all people.” Voting Rights Act and the Civil that is 26 percent black.” - Sen. Kamala Harris Rights Act. That’s why we need “Why has that not improved Presidential Candidate to pass the [LGBT] Equality Act. over your two terms as mayor?” That’s why we need to pass the asked Maddow. ERA because there are moments in history “Because I couldn’t get it done,” said where states fail to preserve the civil rights of Buttigieg. That honest acknowledgement of all people.” his failure to adequately address the problem Harris and two other Democratic seemed to win accolades from many political candidates on the stage Thursday night — commentators after the debate. But during

NEWS national the debate, some of his fellow candidates criticized his shortcomings. Former Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper asked, “Why is it taking so long?” “We had a shooting when I first became mayor [of Denver] 10 years before Ferguson [police shooting and riots in Missouri], and the community came together and we created an office of the independent monitor — civilian oversight commission. We diversified the police force in two years. We actually did deescalation training. I think the real question that America should be asking is why, five years after Ferguson, every city doesn’t have this level of police accountability?” U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell of California loudly interjected, “You should fire the chief.” When Buttigieg responded that Indiana law required an investigation and said, “there will be accountability for the officer involved, Swalwell interrupted. “But you’re the mayor,” said Swalwell. “You should fire the chief if that’s the policy and someone died.” Race and trans issues During the first night of the debate, Wednesday, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey spoke at length about violence against black transgender women. “We do not talk enough about trans Americans, especially African American trans Americans and the incredibly high rates of murder right now,” said Booker. “We don’t talk enough about how many children — about 30 percent of LGBTQ kids — who do not go to school because of fear. It’s not enough just to be on the Equality Act. I’m an original cosponsor. We need to have a president that will fight to protect LGBTQ Americans every single day from violence in America.” Booker interjected his remarks

Sen. Kamala Harris. Image via MSNBC.

STRAW POLL Email keennews@juno.com and indicate: (1) Which THREE presidential candidates were you leaning toward supporting before the Democratic debates? (2) Which THREE presidential candidates are you leaning toward supporting after the debates this week?

spontaneously, in reaction to Rep. Tulsi Gabbard’s statements of support for the LGBT community. NBC Meet the Press moderator Chuck Todd put Gabbard on the spot, asking her to explain why LGBT voters should trust her. “One of the first things you did after launching your campaign was to issue an apology to the LGBT community about your past stances and statements on gay rights,” said Todd. “After the Trump administration’s rollbacks of civil rights protections for many in that community, why should voters in that community or voters that care about this issue in general trust you now?” “There is no one in our government at any level who has the right to tell any American who they should be allowed to love or who they should be allowed to marry,” replied Gabbard. “My record in Congress for over six years shows my commitment to fighting for LGBTQ equality. I serve on the Equality Caucus and recently voted for passage of the Equality Act. “Maybe many people in this country can relate to the fact that I grew up in a socially conservative home, held views when I was very young that I no longer hold today. “I’ve served with LGBTQ servicemembers, both in training and deployed downrange,” said Gabbard. “I know that they would give their life for me and I would give my life for them. It is this commitment that I’ll carry through as president of the United States, recognizing that there are still people who are facing discrimination in the workplace, still people who are unable to find a home for their families. It is this kind of discrimination that we need to address.” On the first night of debate, there were other mentions of LGBT people but only in passing. Former Secretary Julian Castro expressed support for transgender women in the context of reproductive freedom, and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota tried to draw a parallel between society’s acceptance of same-sex marriage and the prospects for society to accept gun reform. U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Ohio urged Democrats to avoid letting the Republican Party “divide us” based on “who’s gay, who’s straight, who’s a man, who’s a woman.”

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7.3.2019 •

NEWS national

New York City Celebrates Pride Tucker Berardi

ainbows adorned faces, flags, storefronts and subway trains Sunday morning as what felt like everyone in the city flocked to 26th Street and 5th Avenue in NYC to line the streets and get ready for the Pride March — held 50 years after the first brick was thrown at the Stonewall riots.

Every storefront on the Pride route had a pride flag hanging, USA athlete and founder of TransAthlete.com Christ Mosier and marketed a pride advertisement or showcased some of many more. their pride-edition merchandise to celebrate Stonewall50, Two blocks over from the parade route was the Pride festival, WorldPride and the 2019 NYC Pride Parade. a gathering of vendors and performers in a stretch of blockedJimmy Pitingolo came to Pride with his friends to experience off streets. Flocks of people squeezed between vendor tents as the LGBT community — something he says he doesn’t get to do they tried on rainbow tank tops and grabbed for free samples as often as he’d like. and made their way to the main stage. “I came to Pride because I’m gay and I wanted to Television and fashion personality E.J. Johnson celebrate and see where people are at,” Pitingolo hosted the festival on the main stage, and the event “Pride means said. “I don’t get to experience the community that was headlined by rapper Princess Nokia — who often so I’m here to experience it in full flight.” has empowered the LGBT community through her celebrating who All weekend the energy was high as all the art, live performances and musical recordings. you are, not favorite gay and lesbian bars had lines out the Isaac Diskin, a straight ally, chose WorldPride door most of the night. Days-long festivals and and Stonewall50 to be his first-ever pride to worrying about support impromptu celebrity appearances dazzled visitors his friends. who you could across the city. “I came to Pride because I have a lot of gay The entire month of June was packed full and they invited me so I’m here to support be, but becoming friends of pride-sponsored events in the city, but this them and check out the event,” Diskin said. who you want weekend offered the most, ensuring that the He continued, “To me pride means acceptance thousands of national and international visitors and being able to express who you are and being in to be.” who came for the 50th anniversary of Stonewall a place where you are not feeling oppressed. That’s - Jimmy Pitingolo and WorldPride would have plenty to do. Visitors exactly what this whole event is about. That’s what Pride attendee couldn’t hope to attend every event happening this whole month is about.” throughout the city, no matter how much iced The Pride parade, festival, and entire city of coffee they were running on. New York were filled with people as different as the colors of the On the day of the march, crowds in the thousands occupied rainbow for this historic event. The crowds were astounding and every sidewalk and storefront as they watched the parade, the traffic was daunting, but the spirit of pride could be found starting with a motorcycle police escort that gave way to from parties to storefronts and from protests to history lessons. marching contingents from different states and countries, LGBT The 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots reminds us that organizations, members of the original Stonewall riots, grand our community has come from struggle and conquered. Today’s marshals from POSE, advocates and much more. celebrations show us that we have come so far. There were nearly 600 marching groups in the parade, “Pride means celebrating who you are, not worrying about many representing nonprofit organizations and advocacy who you could be, but becoming who you want to be,” Pitingolo groups. Many community heroes were recognized including said. “It’s about having a good time and meeting people with the Flemington Borough, New Jersey Mayor Betsy Driver, founder same mindset as you, realizing that it doesn’t matter who you of the Initiative for Improved Male Health Oliver Anene, Team are, you can appreciate those around you.”

Photo credit: Tucker Berardi.

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Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

Tales of the Hot City Notes and Memories of Stonewall in the City

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

he pavement is hot on the streets of New Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day Parade York in July. in 1970. Most of the time, the Big Apple’s gay Women declared their bodies were their community is planning its summer sojourns own. Feminists spoke out, demanding to the Hamptons, Fire Island, or Mykonos. equality, parity and respect for their identity. Maybe even Amsterdam or Ibiza. Last At Hofstra, the dormitories were segregated weekend though, the world came here. To a based on gender. Student leaders declared place called Stonewall. this was discriminatory, and demanded that Fifty years ago, I was a 19-year-old teenager housing accommodations be made co-ed. more concerned about how the New York When the university secretly conspired Mets were doing than the battle for gay civil with the Nassau County police to conduct a rights. drug raid on the dorms, and bust 39 students But in 1969, the East Village was a home for pot, we led protests demanding that for the counterculture, and I was immersing cannabis laws be decriminalized. myself into it — the movement, the message, I offset the costs of my tuition by working the music. And then there in the Rathskeller at nights was the moon. Mankind and on weekends. When I From Oslo to landed on it. could, I snuck off with my I remember the summer ZBT fraternity brothers to Omaha, young gay of 1969 very well. I was a catch the Mets playing at counselor at a sleep away Shea Stadium, in a historic men and women camp in Connecticut. In the year that would culminate of all stripes and mountains, in the country, with them winning the my job was to supervise colors, shades and World Series that October, kids, swimming in a lake, or just before my birthday. I was sizes, showed up en there for the final game. It playing ball all day. I could not have asked for more joy. masse on the streets was the best night of my life. In what was a highlight As students on Long Island, of New York City — we would also love to head of my life at the time, I was named the “general” of one the intellectual center of to March in unison into of the teams. It was ironic. Manhattan — to the magic with history. They The teams were called the and the music of Greenwich Green Army and White Village, a home for beatniks marched for you. Navy, after the camp colors. and outcasts, and irreverent Meanwhile, at Hofstra and independent iconoclasts, University I had become a student activist, who generated excitement and energy. Go to organizing protests against the American war places like The Bottom Line. in Vietnam. We would journey to Woodstock and listen After a year of national unrest and political to Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Richie Havens, and assassinations in 1968, students like myself some kid named Bob Dylan. It was a small were quiet no longer. We began organizing and little arts and music festival on some old guy’s asserting our rights in multiple ways. It wasn’t farm in upstate New York. The sounds would just an unjust war that upset us. resonate across the globe. They still do. Environmental activists spoke out for a When cops were not harassing them, the clean environment, and organized the first Village was also a safe haven for homosexuals. Earth Day on April 23, 1970. One night, in 1969, near the end of June, a Coming off the Stonewall riots on group being unjustly raided at a gay bar stood Christopher and Waverly Street in the up and fought back. They shook the world Village, gay activists organized the first ever forever, not just the police force on that night.

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Last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, gays from all over the globe gave new life to that angry, hot night we will never forget. There was partying, parading, and playing last weekend in Manhattan, to be sure. But just like 50 years ago, people were there also to assert themselves again: to speak with passion for core principles of equality and justice. The worldwide LGBT community is real, vibrant, and universal. It is also a lot larger in 2019 than some religious zealots in Mississippi will ever seem to understand. America can still be a backwards place. We are here, and we are everywhere. Get used to it. Recalling their own past, remembering their own journey, gay men and women came back to New York last weekend to commemorate one summer night in 1969. Gays did not win independence on that day. They declared it. The battle continues today, in courtrooms and communities from coast to coast, and continent to continent. You are part of it every time you hug and kiss your partner. You too, are a warrior for independence. Those pioneers on that night in 1969 paved the way for the treasures we celebrate today. From Oslo to Omaha, young gay men and women of all stripes and colors, shades and sizes, showed up en masse on the streets of New York City — to March in unison with history. They marched for you. A small contingent of volunteers

representing South Florida groups, including Pride Fort Lauderdale, were also part of the march as well. Thousands more just showed up in New York to be part of the weekend. They were you. In April of 2020, we will host our own festival, “Pride of the Americas,” in South Florida. The display of acceptance and diversity will be dynamic and enduring, reaching out to all of central and South America. The residual impact of this bold event, led by Pride Fort Lauderdale, will allow for a young Latino boy from Venezuela, today kicking a soccer ball on a grassy field in Caracas, to wake up living his gay life more openly a decade from now. He can look upon the love and pride of Stonewall50, and know all is right with his soul and spirit. Gay is OK. Just as some transgender people fighting on the streets of New York City a half century ago helped open doors for a young Hofstra student, who was a sports jock that cared little at the time about civil rights, so too will today’s marchers create a path for a safer and more secure tomorrow, for all of the world’s emerging and open LGBTQ communities. We can all do our part each and every day, living decent lives that respect the rights of others and secure dignity for ourselves. Celebrate diversity. It is what makes our lives special and our souls unique, from the shores of South Beach to the streets of New York City. Happy Fourth of July, everyone.

Convictions

Editorial Cartoon

Editorial Cartoon By Mike Luckovich

7.3.2019 â&#x20AC;¢

PA L M B E A C H

p h o to s

Stonewall BAll Honors advocates Compass held its 18th Stonewall Ball June 22 at the Harriet Himmel Theatre in West Palm Beach. Michael Cushman

To see many more photos, visit South Florida Gay News on Facebook. 20

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Convictions

Mombian

Over the Corporate Rainbow It’s important to look critically at those companies that purport to support LGBT rights. Dana Rudolph

his Pride Month has seen an explosion medical need beyond simply not having both of rainbows on products from sneakers egg and sperm. And at some companies, even to snack foods, reenergizing the ones that profess equal benefits, LGBT people debate over whether and how corporate may still fear discrimination and choose not America should be involved in Pride. For to avail themselves of benefits that would out me, two things come to mind: My belief that them. Nevertheless, some corporations are now companies should support LGBT equality if they are going to market to us — and the further improving their benefits in ways that fact that my family would not exist as it does show a deepening understanding of LGBT now if it was not for the benefits my spouse identities and the variety of family structures and I received from the companies where we today. MassMutual, as I described in a piece last February, has started allowing employees worked. I was employed at a large financial firm to define who a “loved one” is for the purpose when she and I decided to start our family of taking paid leave to care for or grieve for through reciprocal in vitro fertilization (IVF), them. Additionally, any employee may use using my egg, her womb, and donor sperm. MassMutual’s fertility benefits, without The health insurance I had from my company having to show medical need. And their covered all but the cost of the sperm for our gender transition benefits are broader than two attempts, meaning our out-of-pocket most. Employee benefits are only one aspect expenses were hundreds of dollars rather than tens of thousands. Later, we were able to of inclusion, though. The Human Rights have me stay home with our son for several Campaign’s annual Corporate Equality Index years because her then-employer offered (CEI) also looks at corporate philanthropic contributions, support of health insurance for samepro-LGBT public policies, sex partners, long before any efforts towards an state (much less the federal For some people, and inclusive culture. Out of the government) recognized our more than 1,000 companies relationship. corporate rated in the 2019 CEI, Ours is not the only benefits were 572 earned a perfect 100. LGBT family to have begun the only outside And more than 200 major with corporate help. Many brands and businesses companies, even before recognition have joined HRC’s Business marriage equality, offered of their Coalition for the Equality financial assistance to LGBT Act, a federal bill that would individuals and couples not relationships offer numerous protections only for reproductive services, until marriage against discrimination. but also for adoptions, and Still, this doesn’t reveal gave them the same benefits became a the whole picture — which as any other employees, possibility for sometimes isn’t pretty. including parental leave, child all in 2015. Journalist Judd Legum, in care assistance, and more. his “Popular Information” For some people, corporate newsletter on June 17 benefits were the only outside recognition of their relationships until (popular.info), highlighted “nine corporations marriage became a possibility for all in 2015. that received a perfect score from HRC but Additionally, more and more corporations donated $1 million or more in the last election are covering gender affirmation services for cycle to politicians that received a zero on the HRC Congressional scorecard.” In other transgender people. On the flip side, even now, I hear stories words, these companies are donating to of companies that make things difficult politicians who are working against LGBT for their LGBT employees, for example, equality. While the CEI does deduct points by not allowing a non-biological parent to for “a large-scale official or public antitake parental leave or not covering fertility LGBT blemish on their recent records,” services unless a person or couple can show those blemishes may be harder to spot if the

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Wells Fargo, one of the corporations sponsoring Wilton Manor’s 2019 Stonewall Pride parade, has a 100 percent on the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index. Photo by J.R. Davis.

companies donated to politicians because of some issue unrelated to LGBT rights. My point here is not to debate the usefulness of the CEI, however, but only to show that some companies both support LGBT equality and do things that work against it. I can’t say whether this is deliberate, or simply the result of different parts of a big, sprawling corporation doing different things. The answer probably varies from company to company. We are right, however, to look critically at any company that targets LGBT people as consumers, to see if it is simultaneously supporting and hobbling us. If it is, then we need to take action. We should point out when companies are simply “rainbow washing” products but have no real commitment to LGBT rights, or if they are backing politicians who are actively causing harm to LGBT employees and customers. We have the power to create change — the profusion of rainbow

products this year proves we are now seen as an economic market that matters. Pride committees, LGBT advocacy organizations, and consumers can all have an impact here. Let us not forget, though, that many companies have done genuine good for LGBT people by providing benefits that helped us form our families and live as our true selves, by offering nondiscrimination protections and relationship recognition long before the government would, and by supporting proLGBT politicians and legislation. This is not to say that even some of these can’t do better — but let’s thank them for what they’ve done even as we ask them to do more. I will always be grateful to the companies that helped my spouse and I start our family. I won’t give any company a pass if it works against LGBT equality, but I’m happy to buy rainbow-colored widgets from those who have shown themselves true partners in our cause.

Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory for LGBTQ parents.

WMG Volume 6 • Issue 13 July 3, 2019

Wilton Manors Gazette Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette

Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

Page 4

straight from the gay mayor:

Planning and Pride • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •2 3 7.3.2019 •

Opinion

Day of Reckoning Have I become too harsh?

July 3, 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 13 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre  Photo via Adobe Stock.

With his many years of wisdom and knowledge, Norm Kent might just be our own enlightened guru guiding us on a more righteous path. Norm’s opinion piece in the last edition of the “Wilton Manors Gazette” might seem to some as a callous, vindictive and juvenile attack on my many years of reporting on life here in our Island City. However, perhaps there lies a much deeper and profound purpose behind his madness. In retrospect it is conceivable that my words have become too harsh and critical. My writings fueled by the addictive nature of sarcasm may now be less witty commentary and more expressions of hostility and anger. Masking witty commentary with sarcasm can easily move beyond my Anger that the Democratic Party has honed skill as a writer into a literary weapon used to mock others in our resurrected Joe Biden as some type of savior community while perching myself on moving into the 2020 election. Anger that some in our community seek to some moral high ground. Divine intervention disguised as exploit their position as community partners for mockery in Norm Kent’s opinion piece personal gains. Anger from encountering shocking displays has made me take pause to ponder, and of homelessness and mental health neglect at to alter my path. Thank you, Norm, for triggering this every intersection when I drive to work. Anger at having to struggle as a working-class moment of contemplation. This period of inner soul searching has led me to American in a nation that rewards billionaires understand the negative and addictive with tax cuts and additional wealth. Anger from watching young innocent nature of sarcasm, and how suppressed children torn apart from anger can fuel such an their parents at our southern embrace. border and placed in forUnfortunately, my Thinking about profit prisons. articles do not materialize Anger that in 2019 we are out of a vacuum. They this suppressed still having a national debate come from conversations anger and how on the right of a woman to and comments many in our choose. community discuss and it fuels both Anger over how certain express to others in various projects and initiatives here settings. How those myself and in our city have failed to thoughts and comments others, I begin happen after many years of are woven into articles is advocacy. my own culpability, but one to see its many I, like many others, have cannot deny the alarming much to be angry about. sources. levels of anger that have Letting that anger permeated our community consume and darken how and our nation. Thinking about this suppressed anger one interacts with the surrounding community and how it fuels both myself and others, is not healthy and offers little hope for the change we so drastically need in our society. I begin to see its many sources. Anger from having to endure Donald However, expressing anger is not always negative. Righteous anger on the night of the Trump as our president. Anger at the fact that healthcare for Stonewall Riots and during the fight for civil all American citizens is still based on rights in this country brought about muchneeded change for the betterment of our society. corporate profit.

WMG 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

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Sal Torre • James Oaksun

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Expressing righteous anger and highlighting the many good tales of our community is a healthy endeavor for me to embrace further. Over the years, I am proud to have written many articles highlighting the wonders of this great community we call Wilton Manors. From praising our community activism and participation to the wonderful work being done by nonprofits such as Wilton Art, neighborhood associations and others, I have written more of what makes our city great than what divides us. This past week saw a perfect example of what makes our city so wonderful. To cap off a month of pride celebrations throughout our city, Mayor Justin Flippen and Commissioner JulieCarson hosted the second annual Children’s Book Reading at our very own free and independent municipal library. Rob Sander’s children’s picture book, “Pride: The Story of Harvey Milk and the Rainbow Flag” along with his new book, “Stonewall: A Building, An Uprising, A Revolution,” were read by our two elected officials to a room full of young residents, young parents, and many of us older folks as well. The children’s excitement and participation during the reading was much to be proud of here in our community. The unveiling of the rainbow frosted cupcakes after the reading was the perfect way to end the evening and the entire month-long celebrations throughout our Island City. Seeking to talk about what is right as well as what is wrong, to offer hope to make things better, and to highlight what is great and wonderful about this community we call Wilton Manors will always and forever make life just better here. WMG

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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Know any kids who could use a spot to cool down? Bring them by the Splash Pad in Mickel Park! The Splash Pad is open from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Mickel Park: 2675 NW 7th Ave, Wilton Manors.

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July 3, 2019

Real Estate

A Better Rule By James Oaksun Last time, you’ll remember, I discussed development of a statistical model that produced a much better estimator of property value in Wilton Manors than the cruder method “price per square foot.” The multi-factor model did include price per foot as one of the inputs, but also included several other statistically significant variables. Astute, knowledgeable readers (i.e., all of you) will rightly ask, “Does it work? Is it better? And by how much?” I applied my model to all 67 single family home listings active in the Multiple Listing Service database as of this morning (June 30th). I compared the output for each property to the current listing price. By comparison, I also looked at the market value as stated by the Broward County Property Appraiser, and also considered information from the Zillow real estate portal (in common use among the public). The results are in the graphic included here, but require explanation. The current average list price for a single family home in the Island City is $604,000. My model — without even a drive-by or peek in the windows or yard — comes up with an average

value (sale price) of $588,000. That’s just over 97 percent of list price. (I think that’s pretty good, frankly.) The “market value” from the property appraiser averages to $418,000 — 69 percent of list price. This may not seem very good. However, it’s a readily available number, developed (presumably) by people with knowledge of the local market. So, if you are trying to value a property not currently on the market and not sold recently, it can give you a quick ballpark number — just multiply by 1.45. You will note two Zillow numbers. The first number is the average of the current Zestimates on the MLS-listed properties, which turns out to be $582,000 — a bit lower than mine but at just over 96 percent of list, it’s not bad. But I don’t think that’s the relevant measure to use to assess the value of the Zestimate. If a realtor lists a property, there is some degree of evaluation of the current market, property condition, recent sales and such to set a list price. It wouldn’t require a great deal of analytics to take 96 percent of a list price and use that as a value estimator – especially since state and local realtor boards frequently publish statistics

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comparing sales prices to list prices. The problem comes when you’re trying to value a property that is not listed for sale. Helpfully, Zillow provides the Zestimate history for us (thanks, Zillow). If you consider what the Zestimate was right before the home was listed, you get an average value of $465,000 — 77 percent of list price! This would compare with my model’s estimator of 97 percent. Now, of course, Zillow has a great website, provides many other features and value, and calculates the Zestimate for

July 3, 2019

millions of properties, not just those in our fair Island City. Yet an enterprising geekish entrepreneur might consider regional application of more-robust models. For starters. 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).

7.3.2019 •

this, justin

Flippen News:

Planning and Pride By Justin Flippen Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride 2019. Photo: J.R. Davis.

Planning and pride matter to Wilton Manors. They both can define and help guide a community and demonstrate what’s important to people who see themselves as neighbors and stakeholders with a long term vested interest in their city’s future. I am pleased to report to you that the city is moving forward with our waste and storm water inventory study as an important tool in maintenance and continued operation of our wastewater system. I also look forward to examining the general water rate structure once the study is complete, as I believe an improved and more fair tiered rate structure is worth looking at. We are also continuing with our code rewrite and have engaged a consultant to help with urban land use planning, green building code updates, and design guideline standards as we seek to best position the city for strategic development opportunities. So when you hear of public workshops on these future planning items, I hope you will attend and provide your feedback. City hall site master planning is something we are also undertaking to help us maximize

How the Island City celebrates its identity is unique to us.

our city hall property to hopefully include improved parking options (maybe even something with a shared parking structure). Rather than ruling out opportunities, I want to see opportunities maximized in a way that plans for our city’s future 20-30 years out. How the Island City celebrates its identity is unique to us. When one paddles around the waters of Wilton Manors whether in canoe competition or leisurely by SUP or kayak, the reality that we are an Island City is best experienced. In fact, during waterway cleanups and paddling with friends, I’ve had the special experience of passing beside a manatee — reminding me and those aboard that our diversity doesn’t always come by land and have two legs. Speaking of legs, I hope those of you with barking four-legged pets will take your dogs out to enjoy the recently opened Colohatchee Dog Park. Just remember to get your canine companions registered with the city to have access to all the fun your pups are sure to experience in their new park play areas. While we are the Island City, no man or woman is an island in our community. We are a wonderful mix of neighbors from all walks of life — from other parts of the nation to other countries in the world, a people of varied races, ethnicities, backgrounds, sexual orientations, and gender identities. From neighborhoods we have created to parks we have established for our families to the way we celebrate our community identity — we have much to be proud about. One way our community celebrates pride is with the Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival during National LGBT+ Pride Month in June, which this year commemorated the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots. What began in 1969 as a demonstration by patrons of New York City’s Stonewall Inn against unfair treatment

by the police became a catalyst for the LGBT+ civil rights movement across the nation. America has come a long way in advancing LGBT+ equality, and Wilton Manors has benefited from becoming a city that welcomes all, a place where our residents — LGBT+ and allies — continue to build a stronger community together. This includes fostering a business community that caters to and proudly serves patrons from all walks of life. We are fortunate organizations like the Pride Center at Equality Park, Stonewall Gallery, Island City Stage, World AIDS Museum, and numerous art galleries call Wilton Manors home and that our city government creates and sponsors events in which families of all kinds can take pride. Our annual one-day Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival brings in tens of thousands of visitors to the city. Whether from an economic or social justice perspective, equality simply makes dollars and sense. For as long as I am blessed to serve you, you can count on me to support policies and practices that are proequality, a hallmark value that defines us as Island City People, gives us a sense of pride, and is another reason why “life’s just better here.” In your service,

Justin S. Flippen, J.D. Wilton Manors Mayor WMG

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July 3, 2019

column letters to the editor

Gay and Christian Loving Your Neighbor

Editor’s note: This letter to the editor was originally published last week on June 26, but due to an accidental ommission of Rev. Leslie Rutland-Tipton’s name, this letter is being rerun.

Dear Editor, At Church of the Holy SpiritSong, our tagline is #loveneighbor, and that’s exactly what we seek to do. Not such an easy task, being a Christian church in the heart of South Florida’s LGBTQ Community. You would think that most would be friendly to a welcoming and affirming church that truly loves and cares for all, regardless of the many differences that so finely shred our wonderful world (sexual preference, orientation, skin color, culture, and the list goes on). But the work here in Wilton Manors has been difficult, even exclusionary to our work. One year we were told that if we wanted to sing at one of the local pride festivals, we could sing “uplifting” songs, but nothing Christian in nature. It’s a testimony that tells the story of the hurt and hate that has been dished out to our sisters and brothers for so many decades in churches that have so adamantly professed that they love all, welcome all, and then use words such as “You’re just not a good fit for our church.” I’ve heard more stories than I care to recall in which worship leaders were outed and ejected from the church in the middle of the service. The hurt is deep, and the wounds are scabbed over, but far from healed. The Church Universal needs to do a better job of loving all. With all the rejection that we have endured within our own community, one place has always been an oasis of safety and security for our church. The Pride Center at Equality Park, from which Church of the Holy SpiritSong has leased since October of 2005, has given us a place to call home. Formerly at the GLCC on Andrews Avenue, and now in the Auditorium on the campus at Equality Park, our church serves as a welcome and safe space where LGBTQ Christians are free to worship God. When we first moved into Equality Park in February of 2009, The Pride Center helped in part to provide our beautiful worship space, while defending time and again why a church could lease on their campus. We enjoy a cohesive and unified community on the campus, working closely with our business partners such as SOPHIA, Challenge Fitness, and Congregation Etz Chaim with whom we willingly and lovingly share space and equipment. Church of the Holy SpiritSong celebrates our 20th anniversary this August. The Pride Center has been a part of our history for fourteen of those twenty years, and for that we are thankful. Carry on, Pride Center. You’re doing great work!

Rev. Leslie A. Rutland-Tipton M.Div This letter remains unedited.

Photo via Facebook.

Let your voice be heard!  Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 7.3.2019 •

column letters to the editor

Grindr’s MeTh Problem Needs TreatmenT Crystal meth. SFGN file photo.

If Facebook can automatically detect that I accidentally uploaded a dick pic (true story), then how come Grindr can’t develop a system that automatically blocks meth-specific red flags like “PNP” (ParTy and Play) or “Tina.”

ear Jason, I think it’s time for the wider South Florida LGBTQI community to have a kiki about Grindr’s failure to help stem the time of meth addiction in our community. At a time when we’re talking about breaking up big companies like Facebook for their sheer private data reach and opinion-making power, about regulating YouTube’s ability to drive users to extremism with algorithms, and about Big Pharma’s complicity in the opioid epidemic that killed 47,000 Americans in 2017 with 130 more dead a day (including my own Uncle a few years ago); I think we need to have another national discussion about another powerful company’s abdication of responsibility: Grindr and the fast-growing spread of meth use and addiction in our community. Major news outlets have approached Grindr on this before but it remains the case that when “We the users” report drug solicitation or use in the app, profiles fail to disappear and folks who self-identify as “meTh users” are not banned or offered information on how to get treatment or the incredible life-destroying harm the use of the drug can cause. For themselves and those of us who love them. If Facebook can automatically detect that I accidentally uploaded a dick pic (true story), then how come Grindr can’t develop a system that automatically blocks meth-specific red flags like “PNP” (ParTy and Play) or “Tina” where even near-novice users of the app quickly learn the capital “T” or nickname means the person either has - or is looking to use - meth? Since the advent of the Affordable Care Act (the ACA, Obamacare), we’ve had a sea change in discussion on how we talk about drug addiction. Insurers are starting to meet their obligation to cover meth addiction as a healthcare need. Let’s build on that progress and get the men in our lives the help they need. Grindr is the most widespread hookup and dating app in our community. They have long added features to increase testing, provide education, and tools within the app to keep users safe. I, for instance, can easily disclose that I am a member of the “Poz” tribe, am “Positive undetectable,” and provide my last testing date. They even have Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U) information in-app, and

in their FAQ online. Why haven’t they been as responsive and safety-focused here with meth? This disproportionately impacts our community - as gay men and here in South Florida. According to 2016 HHS data cited in an NBC News report from August, gay men use meth twice as much as Americans as a whole. Grindr has to grapple with law enforcement requests for help on substance abuse as they work in stings across the country to battle the meth epidemic impacting folks nationwide. It shouldn’t fall to resource-hungry police departments and their officers to pose as gay men and raid dealers. That route can lead to violence at the hands of less-than-tolerant officers, hurts drug users by potentially costing them their jobs and social support systems, and perpetuates a drug war when what folks need is love, compassion, and the dignity of easy access to resources and treatment. As introductions in gay society have moved from the dive bars, dance clubs, bathhouses, and chat rooms of yesteryear to the modern Adam4Adam, Scruff, and Grindr app-dominated era we’re in today, it’s all the more important for the leader in the industry to keep all of us safe, healthy, and able to use the tool to have fun, make friends, and maybe even find partners to spend the rest of our lives with. Folks already struggling with quitting can find Grindr an impossible place to be. Let’s make it easier for men to retain a sense of normalcy - their social, sex, and love lives - as they work to cope with what is already an incredibly challenging addiction to beat even in the best of circumstances. Grindr should be a safer space – a more loving and healthy place. Let’s pressure them to make this happen. For those of us who have friends and folks we love on meth now, and for the next generation of Grindr users so they don’t become the meth users of tomorrow.

Douglas Hall, Intermittent Grindr User, Lifelong Local, Advocate

This letter remains unedited.

Let your voice be heard!  Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com 28

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7.3.2019 â&#x20AC;¢

“Love without judgement” Holy Angels National Catholic Church 2917 NE 6th Ave Wilton Manors, FL 33334 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org

954-633-2987

A home for your spirit. Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday 11:00 AM mass in English • All are welcome!

ALL SAINTS SOUP KITCHEN Free Meal 2-3:30 EVERY DAY Clothes & Medicine also!

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All Souls Episcopal Church 4025 Pine Tree Drive. Miami Beach Sundays at 8am and 10:30am. 305-520-5410 | allsoulsmb.org

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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

Keep your eyes on

South Florida Gay News

Church of our Savior, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM

LISTINGS 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) 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 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)

Join us for our High Holiday series of services beginning September 29th We have a space for you! Go to www.etzchaimflorida.org to sign up!

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● Shabbat services each week on Friday at 8pm

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● Book Brunch meetings with great food & conversation

Proudly serving our community since 1974 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 www.etzchaimflorida.org ● www.RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org

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FAITH & PRIDE spirituality

PRIDE Fr. Tim Carr

All Souls Church – Miami Beach

All

Souls’ Episcopal Church

All Are Welcome! SERVICES SUNDAY AT 8 A.M. & 10:30 A.M.

Souls’ Episcopal All

Church

4025 PINE TREE DRIVE, MIAMI BEACH 305-520-5410

| ALLSOULSMB.ORG

Christ Lutheran Church 1955 East Oakland Park Blvd. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33306 www.christlutheranfl.org

Sunday Service @ 10am Fellowship after Service

561-733-4000

www.ChurchOfOurSaviorMCC.org MCC, Transforming Ourselves as We Transform The World

2. A feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired.

Wherever You Are On God’s LGBTQIA Rainbow, You Are Welcome...

rev. Wendy Woodruff, Pastor

1. …confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience.

and those that support us. But we must remember who we are all 365 days of the year. I am an unapologetic PROUD Episcopal priest. And I am, just as I am, a same-gender loving person, made in the image of God and blessed by God not just in June but 365 days a year. It you are a woman, if you are Asian, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, gay, straight, bisexual, transgender, whatever you are, know that what you are is a blessing and be thank for it all year long. We are each a gift to the world. And, like Legion and in Jesus Christ, we each have the opportunity and the responsibility to be our authentic selves. We NEED to be our best selves so that in turn, we can make this world a better place. I believe that what matters at the end of the parade and at the end of the month is not our “gayness” or our “straightness” but rather a new discovery of the richness of who and whose we are. God’s. Be proud of YOU! God is.

2011 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Sunday ServiCe 10 a.M.

Pride

OW! It has taken 50 years! A few weeks ago the Gospel presented to us Jesus meeting a person filled with demons. He comes seeking. Void of identity. Lost to the past, lost to the present and with no future. This person, like us, stumbles down to the water and meets his destiny in Jesus Christ our Lord. He has no identity. When Jesus asks his name; the demons answer. THE DEMONS! His name is Legion. Just like the story, today in many communities and by many people, a person may be referred to by their demons. “That drunk” and “that druggie” and “that nut” We all do it. The leadership of our country does it. It is a stark testimony of why we all need a little religion today, maybe now more than ever. Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus spoke of love and grace and compassion transcending the government and legalistic religion. Paul preached that love and grace and compassion were not only superior to legalistic religion but to the government laws of his time. Pride month has long been a designated time of celebration for the LGBT community

ChurCh of our Savior, MCC

SUNDAY EUCHARIST 9:30 AM through Labor Day HEALING SERVICE 10:00 AM Thursday

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God’s richest blessings, Fr. Tim All Souls Church – Miami Beach

7.3.2019 •

lifestyle two guys and a dog

Being Gay or Religious – Are We Still Stuck? Brian McNaught

he day started with an email from a heterosexually married, and faithful, privately gay, senior officer in The Salvation Army. He sent a news story about his religious organization being disinvited from staffing a “welcome” booth at the Capital City Pride Parade in Olympia, Washington. It was done to protect members of TSA from threats of violence, stemming from a complaint on gay social media. I marveled to my longtime correspondent that in our lifetime The Salvation Army would request to show support at a gay pride event, and I asked him his feelings on the threat. From my own life experiences, I know what it’s like to feel rejected by both your community of faith, and by your gay family. Does one have to choose between faith and love? Still? He once did. He no longer does because of our long-distance friendship. As you may recall, I was, at age 26, fired by the Catholic Church from my reporter/columnist job at the Detroit diocesan newspaper because I publicly affirmed my sexuality. The subsequent persona non grata position I then had among Catholic officials and coworkers was very painful because I was a proud, if often defiant, Catholic, and I loved my job. Eight years later, staff members of an anarchist gay newspaper were so upset that a Catholic had been selected by then Boston Mayor Kevin White to be his liaison to the gay community that they pasted flyers on trees in the common that read, “Brian McNaught invites you to a public orgy…Bring boys and toys, slings and things. Co-sponsored by Dignity and Integrity.” Once again, my soul felt bruised, because I knew these guys, and it reinforced my awareness of being unwelcome among some people as a gay Catholic man. The next thing the universe sent my way that day was an audio tape. I listened, as part of my daily spiritual practice, to Krista Tippett interview a guest, this time, Fr. Richard Rohr, about spiritual beliefs in a changing world. Do beliefs change with new information? All others beside Fundamentalist Christians, Muslims, and Orthodox Jews know this to be true. The order of our childhood faith becomes disorder when our life experiences change and conflict with dogma. We then go through a re-ordering as we mature, and get a better perspective on our life’s truths. Naming one’s sexuality or gender are experiences which cause disorder in religious beliefs. How could, for instance, a transgender Catholic continue to embrace church teachings when they now insist they don’t exist? After spending years lolling in disorder for emotional stability, the person who is transgender may decide to leave disorder, and re-order their beliefs to find comfortable, treasured guidance to their decision-making. That same day, Ray and I serendipitously chose to watch with our meal a film about a pair of Mormon missionaries who fell in love, but were pulled apart by their different reactions to

I loved my life of disorder because it allowed me to be a gay Catholic until it didn’t.

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SFGN File Photo.

their faith. In “The Falls: Covenant of Grace,” the question is asked, “Can you be gay, and a man of faith?” These two young men agonized, one in particular, over the price they would be forced to pay to be gay by their conservative church. We ended the night with the delightfully irreverent, “Good Omens,” a series starring Michael Sheen as a good, slightly bad, angel, and David Tennant as a bad, slightly good, angel, who help us take order, watch it become disorder, and then get re-ordered, so that good is bad, and bad is good, and as Joseph Campbell wrote, “And where we thought to find an abomination we find a god.” I loved my life of order as a faithful Roman Catholic. I found great comfort in my sense of belonging to something awe-inspiring that would never change, as well as to a community, and then I named and claimed myself as gay, and realized I needed disorder to find a home for my sexuality and spirituality.

I loved my life of disorder because it allowed me to be a gay Catholic until it didn’t. I got squeezed by both sides. As a result, my spiritual identity and my sexual identity both had to fend for themselves in a new world in which I rebuked the order of both the church and the most radically intolerant of the LGBT community. And now, I am truly energized by my life of re-ordering my faith with my sexuality, confident enough from my life experiences to hold my own against the Christian Church and the community, in discovering who I am, what I believe, and how my world of abomination is a god. How so? God is love. They who abide in love abide in God and God in them. I lost a community when I fled the world of order, but I found another in the disorder. Many there will leave me now as they see me re-order, for order is seen as anathema to selfactualization without rules. Another community will form, but I will rely less on it for the ongoing development of my identity, body and soul.

Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has made his many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The New York Times named him “The Godfather of gay diversity training.”

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lifestyle food

Rick Karlin

Red Neck Holiday Cookin’

t’s kind of difficult to celebrate our country these days when we have the idiot in chief threatening to start a war, trying to roll back LGBT and women’s rights and separating children from their parents and housing them in prison camps with inadequate medical care and substandard food.

Tater Casserole.

Our country survived the Great Depression, Joseph McCarthy and Richard Nixon, and it will survive this too. Why not make fun of the fools on the (Capitol) hill and serve up a red-neck cook-out this 4th of July? The rules for red-neck cooking are simple. Dishes should contain no more than five ingredients, should be easy to assemble and must use at least two prepared items. I cheat on that a little with the Jell-O mold recipe, but water doesn’t really count as an ingredient. The following recipes may be worthy of a trailer court, but they are also darn tasty.

Three Bean Salad

1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 can butter beans, drained and rinsed 1 can green beans, drained 1 can corn, drained 1 bottle Italian salad dressing Mix the beans and corn in a large bowl. Pour salad dressing over mixture. Stir to mix and refrigerate overnight. If you want to get fancy you can add some chopped onions, too.

Tater Casserole

2 eggs 1 bag frozen hash brown potatoes 1 bunch of green onions, chopped 1 cup sour cream 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Beat eggs and mix with taters, onions and sour cream. Stir in half the cheddar cheese. Pour into a buttered baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Allow to sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Finger-Lickin’ Good Ribs

1 liter Coca Cola 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 tsp. Liquid Smoke ½ cup brown sugar 3 lbs. country style pork ribs Mix first four ingredients in a large bowl. Add pork ribs and toss to coat all. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, stirring the mixture occasionally. Remove ribs from marinade and allow to drain. Take remaining marinade and add to a saucepan. Boil down until reduced by half. Place ribs on a

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barbecue grill or on a rack under the broiler. Cook 7-10 minutes on each side. Brush with reduced syrup and return to grill or broiler for another 1-2 minutes per side, or until marinade caramelizes. Serve with remaining sauce.

Sweet & Spicy Chicken

8 chicken breasts 1 bottle pepperoncini 1 liter 7-Up 1 can stewed tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste Place chicken breast in a large pan, skin side down. Pour one bottle pepperoncini (including liquid) over the chicken breast, distributing the peppers around the chicken. Add one liter of 7-Up (or enough to cover the chicken). Top with a can of stewed tomatoes. Cover and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight. When ready to cook, remove chicken from liquid and pat dry with a paper towel. Salt and pepper to taste. Cook down marinade (including tomatoes) until syrupy. Grill chicken breasts, basting with syrup during the last five minutes of cooking. Pour remaining syrup over chicken before serving.

Stained Glass Jell-O Mold

2 packages lime Jell-O 6 cups boiling water, divided 2 packages orange Jell-O 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 1/3 cup cold water 1 carton (12 ounces) frozen whipped topping, thawed In a bowl, dissolve the lime gelatin in three cups boiling water. Pour into an 8” square dish coated with cooking

spray. In another bowl, dissolve orange gelatin in remaining boiling water. Pour into another 8” square dish coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate for four hours or until very firm. In a small saucepan, sprinkle unflavored gelatin over cold water; let stand for one minute. Heat over low heat, stirring until gelatin is completely dissolved. Pour into a large bowl; refrigerate for 45 minutes or until slightly thickened. Fold in whipped topping. Cut green and orange gelatin into cubes. Place whipped topping mixture in a bowl; fold in Jell-O cubes. Spread into a ring mold coated with cooking spray. Refrigerate for two hours or until set. Unmold and cut in slices to serve.

Hungry for more?



Mountain Dew Cake

2 boxes yellow cake mix 3/4 cup Mountain Dew 1-1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 tablespoon lemon or lime juice 1 to 2 tablespoons Mountain Dew Preheat oven to 350°. Grease and flour a 10-in. fluted tube or Bundt cake pan. Prepare mix according to directions on box, swapping out any liquid listed for Mountain Dew. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake according to package directions. Cool in pan 20 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. In a small bowl, mix confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice and enough Mountain Dew to reach desired consistency. Drizzle over cake.

Visit SFGN.com/FOOD!

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

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Nine-week-old Attila (ID 615900) came all the way from Puerto Rico to find her forever family. This adorable cutie is curious and playful and will need plenty of training, so be sure you have time to devote to her. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have time to train a puppy, there are lots of adult dogs that already have all the basics down and are looking for a home too.

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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F O R THE W EE K O F J u l y 4 , 2 0 1 9 - J u l y 9 , 2 0 1 9 J.W. Arnold

Birds of a Feather

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THU

7/4

holiday It’s Independence Day! After you fire up the barbecue for a poolside cookout, check out the local celebrations: In Fort Lauderdale, the biggest fireworks show can be found on the beach at S.R. A1A and Las Olas Blvd. Miami’s Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd., will also be hosting an evening of live bands and, of course, spectacular pyrotechnics. Or, you can toast America at your favorite bar, too. Woo hoo!

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7/5

theater Get ready for an evening of high camp with Charles Busch’s outrageous drag comedy, “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom,” paired with “Sleeping Beauty or Coma,” opening this weekend and running through July 28 at Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 N. Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors. The hilarious Paul Pecorino stars in one of the longest running plays in OffBroadway history. Tickets start at $35 at RonnieLarsen.com.

saturday

7/6

festival

OK, FlockFest doesn’t technically qualify as “nightlife,” but we wouldn’t dare miss this fun annual tradition on Sebastian Beach and neither should you. Start with a giant float — a flamingo, swan or rubber duckie will all do — and join the party with hundreds of other festive flockers on the sand and in the surf from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Free, VIP packages and beach bar passes are also available. More information at FlockFestEvents.org Photo via Facebook.

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concerts

comedy

film

television

Two superstars will be in South Florida this weekend: Broadway showman and big screen superhero Hugh Jackman brings his “The Man. The Music. The Show.” tour to the BB&T Center in Sunrise tonight, while the legendary Dionne Warwick sings all of her greatest ‘70s hits with a symphony orchestra at the Arsht Center in Miami. Tickets for Jackman’s concert at Ticketmaster.com and Warwick’s show at ArshtCenter.org.

When you’re nervous and standing in front of an audience, picture them in their underwear, right? Well, Ronnie Larsen’s “Totally Naked Comedy Tour,” opening this weekend and running through July 28 at Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, works in the opposite manner: Three hunky comedians first take it all off and then fling their jokes at the audience. Tickets start at $35 at RonnieLarsen.com.

The summer movie season is in full swing and we already know the local cineplex will be packed this weekend, so make it “Movie Monday.” Marvel Studios debuted its latest superhero blockbuster, “Spiderman: Far from Home,” over the weekend and this particular franchise is so, so smart. Plus, we secretly hope Peter Parker may come out some day. That would be so cool. Check local listings or theaters and show times.

If you haven’t been tuning in to FX’s amazing original series, “Pose,” get caught up on demand and tune in tonight. The drama series about African American ballroom culture in New York City jumped to 1990 for season two and has already offered plenty of surprising twists. Billy Porter offers amazing performances, along with a large and talented cast of LGBT actors. Check local listings for channels and show times.

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The promotional poster for "Looking for Dick, Finding Jane" is a fun riff on the popular 1950s children's books. Photo via Facebook.

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o topic or hallowed tradition is sacred when playwright Michael Aman sits down at his computer. He tackled HIV in his provocative drama “Poz” and provided lighter commentary on gay culture with “Muscle Bears the Musical.” His latest work, “Looking for Dick, Finding Jane,” opening July 11 at Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale, promises “drugs, sex, porn, nudity, camping and deer hunting—those great American traditions which have been woefully neglected of late—all piled together into one evening and two slight disturbing comedies.” “It’s really two short plays,” explained Aman, who moved to South Florida with his husband, director Michael Bush, three years ago. “I didn’t have the second play in mind until we did a reading in 2012.” The playwright described his work as “twisted and fun…a silly gay play.” At that reading, one of the actresses suggested that a play about “looking for dick, really needed a character named Jane.” Loaded with lots of double entendre, the plays evolved into an examination of what it means to be family, united by unconditional love. And, like so many gay plays, the “father” plays a central role. Bush added, “These plays are connected in a thematic manner. Metaphorically, we are all, in life, looking for Dick only to find Jane. The play is about the search for family and our own personal self-identity.” The first act will remind audiences of Paul Rudnick’s signature “goofiness on top of goofiness,” Aman said, while the

second act is an homage to the smart and sometimes satirical comedy of Charles Busch. In “Looking for Dick,” sister Jane is down on her luck and seeks assistance from her brother Richard, an openly gay man living in the city. She’s surprisingly judgmental and finds herself suddenly confronted with a lifestyle and a cast of colorful characters that are foreign to her suburban New Jersey world view. “It’s really about somebody who finally discovers what family is all about,” said Aman. “Finding Jane,” on the other hand, is a melodramatic murder mystery of sorts, set in a gay campground. There are lots of gender-bending situations as the hunt for a hired assassin plays out. The cast includes several local veteran actors, including Sharyn Peoples and Harry Redlich, backed up by Brianna Earhardt, Dean Nigro and Hallie Purcell. The biggest challenge for the performers, according to Aman and Bush, is the wide variety of characters they are called to play in each of the short plays. Peoples, in particular, must master three key roles. Did Aman mention there is also gratuitous male nudity? Yes, in addition to laughs, “Looking for Dick, Finding Jane” offers Empire Stage’s largely mature gay male audience some cheap thrills, too. Again, the show’ promotional flyer warns, “Two family comedies, but for God’s sake, don’t bring the kids!” Aman chuckled, “That’s right!”

The world premiere of Michael Aman’s “Looking for Dick, Finding Jane” will be presented July 11 – Aug. 4 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $35 at EmpireStage.com.

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Datebook

Theater Tucker Berardi

Calendar@SFGN.com

* Denotes New Listing

broward county *Looking for Dick, Finding Jane

July 11 to August 4 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr, Ft Lauderdale. Let’s return to those great American traditions of drugs, sex, porn, transsexuals, nudity, camping and deer hunting! This entertaining and slightly disturbing comedy combines them all for your entertainment — just please don’t bring the kids! Tickets $35. Visit EmpireStage.com

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

Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series

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 Sister Act

July 5 to July 21 at the Studio One Theatre, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton. Florida Atlantic University’s Department of Theatre and Dance in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters presents the sensational feel-good musical comedy “Sister Act,” a celebration of music and a pure joy to experience. Tickets are $27. Visit FAUEvents. com

William Cepeda Afro-Rican Jazz Project

July 6 at 8 p.m. at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. Known as a cultural icon of Puerto Rico, Grammy-nominated artist and composer William-Cepeda revolutionized the field of Latin music in 1992. He introduced Afro-Rican Jazz, an innovative blend of progressive jazz, world music and traditional Puerto Rican roots. This show includes contemporary classical music with his introduction of Bomba Sinfonica, a full-length orchestral work of symphony, opera, choir and soloists. Tickets $35 to $45. Visit ArtsGarage.org

Michelle Banfield sang her heart out on June 21at Free Friday Concerts in Delray Beach. Enjoy the good vibes at the Delray Beach Center for the Arts every Friday at 7:30 p.m. Photo credit: Free Friday Concerts via Facebook.

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 *Mary Poppins Jr.

July 5 & 6 at 5:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe

Street, Hollywood. Using a combination of magic, common sense, and a spoon full of sugar, she teaches the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many memorable adventures, helping others along the way. Tickets $10. Call 954-9213274 for details.

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 305-3753000 or visit PAMM.org.

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The Big Show

Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. A collection of comedy mixing the likes of improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny. com.

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