SFGN 07/29/21 V12iss30 by South Florida Gay News

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JULY 29, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 30

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MOST INCLUSIVE OLYMPICS EVER FOR LGBT ATHLETES

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• 7. 29.2021

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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THE WASHINGTON BLADE REPORTED THAT 627 ATHLETES WERE NAMED TO TEAM USA, AND MORE THAN 30 OF THEM ARE MEMBERS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY.

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Editorial

Kim Swan he 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games are an exciting time for everyone — especially for the LGBT community, which has over 160 athletes competing this year. Since the Olympics were postponed in March 2020 because of the pandemic, it began July 23 with competitions continuing through Aug. 8. The Washington Blade reported that 627 athletes were named to Team USA, and more than 30 of them are members of the LGBT community. In the other countries competing, at least 142 of them are LGBT as well. In fact, Tom Daley, a British diver, said he is “incredibly proud” to be a gay man who won a gold medal during the Olympics, according to Outsports. “When I was younger I thought I was never going to be anything or achieve anything because of who I was,” said Daley. “To be an Olympic champion now shows that you can achieve anything.” Daley and Matty Lee won the gold medal July 26 in the men’s 10-meter synchronized

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July 29, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 30

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

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

Contributing Columnists

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

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diving at the Olympics. They were up against Chinese divers Cao Yuan and Chen Aisen and won by 1.23 points over the six dives. It was Daley’s first gold medal and has two Olympic bronzes, Outsports reported. There is also the first transgender athlete to compete in the Olympics: Laurel Hubbard. Hubbard is a weightlifter for Team New Zealand, and although her inclusion has sparked a heated discussion about gender, sexism, and sport, it might encourage other transgender athletes who are underrepresented in sport at all levels, CNN International reported. Yulimar Rojas, a lesbian triple jumper, will compete and carry the flag for her country of Venezuela in the Parade of Nations, the

Blade reported. Tongan swimmer Amini Fonua, who is gay, however, was struggling with the funding needed to qualify to compete, according to the Blade. If he qualifies to compete, it would be his third Olympic Game. To stay in shape in the meantime, he focuses on weight training, running, biking, and yoga. “The pandemic changed a lot of things for all of us,” Fonua told the Blade. “This past year has been about survival, and I have done my best with what I have been given.” With more than 160 LGBT athletes competing, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games became the most inclusive Olympic Games to ever hold.

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7. 29. 20 21 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Non-Binary

SOCCER PLAYER BECOMES FIRST NON-BINARY ATHLETE TO COMPETE IN THE OLYMPICS Quinn, a midfielder for the Canadian women’s soccer team, became the first openly transgender athlete to participate in the Olympics. Quinn identifies as nonbinary and took to Instagram to express their feelings: “I feel proud seeing ‘Quinn’ up on the lineup and on my accreditation. I feel sad knowing there were Olympians before me unable to live their truth because of this world,” they wrote. “I feel optimistic for change. Change in legislature, Changes in rules, structures, and mindsets.” This is Quinn’s second Olympics as they won a bronze medal with the Canadian Men’s soccer team at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics. “Mostly, I feel aware of the realities,” Quinn continued. “Trans girls being

• 7. 29.2021

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

Lesbian

AMAZON STUDIOS TO RELEASE ‘TAMPA BAES’ AN UNSCRIPTED LESBIAN DOCUSERIES “Tampa Baes.” Image credit: Amazon.

Quinn. Image via Instagram.

banned from sports. Trans women facing discrimination and bias while trying to pursue their Olympic dreams. The fight isn’t close to over ... and I’ll celebrate when we’re all here.”

Amazon studios is moving forward with a new show “Tampa Baes,” an unscripted docuseries from 3 Ball Productions. The show will follow a group of young lesbian friends in Tampa “navigating and celebrating” life. Showrunner Melissa Bidwell told Deadline, “Working on this show has been an incredible experience, and as a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I’m

thrilled this type of series can exist in the premium streaming space. The cast is truly dynamic, refreshing and unlike any I’ve worked with — they certainly won’t disappoint! Viewers everywhere will be able to relate to them in one way or another, and I can’t wait for the world to fall in love with our Tampa Baes.” The show is set to be released this fall on Amazon Prime.

LGBTQIA BITES

Transgender

‘13 REASONS WHY’ STAR TOMMY DORFMAN COMES OUT AS TRANS

Tommy Dorfman, star of Netflix series “13 Reasons Why” has confirmed that she is transgender. Dorfman told Time magazine, “I view today as a reintroduction to me as a woman, having made a transition medically … Today is about clarity: I am a trans woman. My pronouns are she/her. My name is Tommy.” Dorfman has been privately identifying and living as a trans woman for a year. During this time, the 29-year-old’s physical evolution has been documented on her Instagram feed creating an online discussion about her body and sexuality. Dorfman will continue to be known as Tommy and will no longer accept male roles. Tommy’s first female role will be in “Sharp Stick,” a film written and directed by Lena Dunham.

Tommy Dorfman. Photo via Instagram.

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NEWS NATIONAL

Gina Ortiz Jones (left) and Shawn Skelly. Photos via Twitter.

SENATE CONFIRMS LESBIAN, TRANS NOMINEES TO HIGHPROFILE DEFENSE ROLES Chris Johnson

Washington Blade

he U.S. Senate confirmed July 20 by unanimous consent is consistent with two Biden nominees — one lesbian, their confirmation hearing, which both another transgender — for high- Jones and Skelly breezed through without profile positions at the Defense Department hostility. by unanimous consent. Annise Parker, president of the LGBTQ Gina Ortiz Jones, a lesbian former Air Force Victory Institute, pointed out in a statement pilot and Texas congressional candidate, the two newly confirmed presidential was confirmed as undersecretary of the Air appointees both served in the U.S. military Force, and Shawn Skelly, a transgender 20- under bans against LGBT people in the year U.S. Navy veteran and a armed forces. defense appointee in the Obama “Gina and Shawn served their administration, was confirmed country when living openly as assistant secretary of defense could result in discharge and a for readiness. lost career, so their ascension For the second time in to key leadership positions U.S. history, the Senate is a powerful moment for has confirmed an openly those service members who transgender person as a served or continue to serve in presidential appointee — and silence,” Parker said. “Their did so without controversy by confirmation will transform unanimous consent. perceptions of LGBTQ people Just months ago, Rachel within the ranks of the U.S. Levine was confirmed as military, but also among the - Annise Parker PRESIDENT OF THE LGBTQ assistant secretary of health on leaders of militaries we work VICTORY INSTITUTE a party-line basis after enduring with around the world.” rude, invasive questioning Another LGBT person from Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) during her nominated by Biden for a high-profile confirmation hearing on transgender health defense role is Brenda Sue Fulton, whom care. Biden nominated to become assistant Jones has also made an achievement secretary of defense for manpower and through Senate approval: She’s the first out reserve affairs. Her nomination, however, lesbian to win confirmation to serve in a has not even had a hearing in the Senate high-level defense position. Armed Services Committee. It’s unclear why The Senate confirmation of the nominees her nomination hasn’t moved forward.

“Their confirmation will transform perceptions of LGBTQ people within the ranks of the U.S. military.”

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

• 7. 29.2021

NEWS LOCAL

SFGN PUBLISHER RECOVERING FROM BRAIN SURGERY SFGN Staff

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orm Kent’s jaunt to the park with his labs has turned into a life-changing experience with a University of Miami brain surgeon. Knocked down while prancing around with his playful pups, Kent suffered a concussion. He was ordered to take a cat scan to ensure there was no bleeding or swelling on the brain. Instead it revealed a possible cerebral stroke and a small tumor hidden in his brain. Surgical teams from the University of Miami operated on Kent last Thursday, and he got the news Monday that the tumor was benign, and no further radiation therapy would be required at this time. “It is an amazing tribute to science and medicine that I spent more time in the hospital five years ago for knee replacement surgery than I did for a lesion on my brain today. What a world we live in,” Kent joked. Meanwhile, SFGN’s business and publishing operations are being handled by Associate Publisher Jason Parsley and Sales

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7. 29. 20 21 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY COREY ROSE

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

WYOMING

BIKER BAR OWNER SELLS OUT OF HOMOPHOBIC APPAREL The owner of a bar in Cheyenne, Wyoming has discontinued the sale of shirts that advocated for violence against LGBT community members as a cure for HIV/AIDS. After seeing images of the shirt being circulated across social media, representatives from Wyoming Equality reached out to the bar’s owner, Ray Bereziuk, to ask him to stop selling the shirts. He refused, but told the Cheyenne Post that he won’t restock the shirts because he is “in the bar business, not the apparel business.” Wyoming Equality Executive Director Sara Burlingame told the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle, “Wyoming Equality tries to make the case every day that we are warm, we are welcoming, and families and businesses should make their home

The shirt in question. Image via Equality Wyoming, Facebook.

in the Equality State. Messages like the one on this shirt underscore how important it is that we pass hate-crime legislation, support those living with HIV and maintain the fight to make Wyoming the home we all deserve.”

LOUISIANA LOUISIANA HOUSE UPHOLDS VETO OF ANTI-TRANS BILL The Louisiana House of Representatives fell two votes short of the number of legislators needed to keep trans youth from playing on sports teams that match their gender identity. The Republican-controlled House voted 68-30 to override Gov. John Bel Edwards’ veto of SB 156, the anti-trans sports bill that inspired the state’s first veto session since adopting its 50-yearold constitution. Seventy votes were needed to overturn the veto and uphold the sports ban. Human Rights Campaign President Alphonso David said in a statement, “Sustaining Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto by rejecting this arbitrary, discriminatory bill affirms the reality that transgender people have been playing sports for years without incident. There

• 7. 29.2021

Louisiana State Capitol. Credit: Jeffrey Schwartz, via Flickr.

is simply no basis — no evidence or local examples of the issue this bill was trying to address. This legislation was, simply put, a dangerous waste of time.” In a press conference, Edwards said, “I would rather the headlines going out from today be that Louisiana did what was right and best. We rejected a play out of a national playbook that just had no place in Louisiana.”

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

CALIFORNIA LAPD FACES EXCESSIVE FORCE COMPLAINTS

The Los Angeles Police Department is reviewing reports of excessive force following protests over the treatment of a trans woman that some are saying doesn’t exist. Forty people were arrested earlier this month for refusal to disperse after two opposing groups of protesters clashed and objects were thrown at police officers. ABC News 7 aired footage of an officer firing a less-than-lethal round at close range, hitting a protester in the stomach. The altercations occurred outside Koreatown’s Wi Spa, where two women filmed themselves confronting owners over the spa’s queer-friendly nondiscrimination policy. The women alleged that they saw a transgender woman in the changing room and demanded refunds.

Photo via LAPD, Facebook.

Wi Spa representatives told Los Angeles Magazine, “Like many other metropolitan areas, Los Angeles contains a transgender population, some of whom enjoy visiting a spa. Wi Spa strives to follow the law and meet the needs and safety of all of its customers.” Police say no one else has come forward to confirm the allegations in the women’s video, and the spa says none of its transgender clients booked appointments that day.

MASSACHUSETTS POPULAR GAY DESTINATION BACK UNDER MASK MANDATE The Provincetown Select Board and Board of Health reinstated a mask mandate following a spike in COVID-19 cases over Independence Day weekend. As of July 23, 430 cases of the virus were reported, 153 of which were residents of Provincetown, a popular gay destination in Massachusetts. Town Manager Alex Morse said in a statement, “If we have a test positivity rate below 3% for a period of at least five days, the mandate will shift to an advisory, and if under 1% for a period of at least five days the advisory will be lifted.” Current test positivity rates dropped from 15% to 9%, a sign that the outbreak is slowing. Many of those who tested positive reported being vaccinated already.

Photo via PxHere.

Sean Holihan, a D.C. resident who visited Provincetown over the July 4 weekend, told the Bay Area Reporter, “Between myself and others, I know of nearly 30 breakthrough cases of COVID that came from visiting Provincetown for the 4 of July. In each and every situation, the symptoms were mild and no one required a hospital visit. The vaccine works.”

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

ASIA

ACTIVISTS URGE JAPAN TO USE OLYMPICS TO FIGHT DISCRIMINATION Activists urged on Monday that Japan should use the Olympics as an opportunity to commit to combating discrimination in sports based on gender identity and sexual orientation, as well as to avoid physical abuse of young athletes. According to Reuters, activists voiced their concerns just days before the commencement of the Tokyo Olympics. “LGBT athletes especially face abuse and stigma and trauma from their experiences in sports,” Minky Worden, the group’s director of global initiatives (sport). Despite the fact that Japanese law is rather liberal by Asian standards, the LGBT population has remained mainly invisible due to social views and stigma. Human Rights Watch also urged a promise from Japan to stop using

Photo via PxHere.

physical abuse as a coaching approach in schools and youth sports, as well as an end to teacher and coach impunity.

AFRICA GHANA PROPOSES ANTI-GAY BILL Draft anti-gay legislation submitted to Ghana’s parliament could propose up to 10 years in prison for LGBT people, as well as groups and individuals who advocate for their rights, express sympathy, or offer social or medical support. According to The Guardian, the draft legislation support for intersex persons would be criminalized, and the government might order intersex people to undergo “gender realignment” surgery. Human rights campaigners are outraged and fearful after a leaked copy of the promotion of proper human sexual rights and Ghanaian family values law was extensively distributed online and confirmed as real by diplomats with access to the draft bill. Since independence from colonial authority, the law would be the first

The Parliament of Ghana. Photo via Facebook.

major step toward criminalizing sexual minorities and their supporters.

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

EUROPE HUNGARY PLANS TO HOLD REFERENDUM ON LGBT ISSUES

According to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff, Hungary aims to hold a referendum on legislation that restricts school instruction about homosexuality and transgender issues later this year or early next year. According to Reuters, the European Commission last week began legal action over the measures, which have been included in amendments to education and child protection laws. If successful, Brussels could hold up funding for Hungary while the restrictions are maintained. When asked about the referendum, the EU Commission stated that it does not meddle with member states’ policy making techniques, albeit it did deem the Hungarian statute discriminatory. The measures, which have sparked

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Credit: Foad Ashtari, via Wikipedia.

concern among LGBT people, prohibit the use of materials in schools that promote homosexuality and gender transformation, presumably to avoid child abuse.

NORTH AMERICA CANADA SETS NATIONAL RECORD ANCHORED BY GAY SWIMMER At the Tokyo Olympics, Markus Thormeyer swam his personal best for Canada as the anchor leg in the men’s 4x100 freestyle relay, and he came close to winning a medal. According to Out Sports, Thormeyer, who came out as gay in 2020, finished fourth for Canada and set a personal best in the 100 meters (48.17), but was passed by Australian Kyle Chalmers for the bronze medal near the end. Regardless, the men’s 4x100 relay set a new Canadian record, which they should be pleased of. Not bad for a team that was seeded 16th entering the tournament. Without Chalmers’ effort, Canada and Thormeyer would have had the bronze. Thormeyer will compete in one more event on Wednesday, the 200-meter backstroke (Tuesday night in the U.S.).

Markus Thormeyer. Photo via Instagram.

However, as one of the seven out LGBT swimmers in Tokyo, he has already made his mark.

7. 29. 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

INCLUSIVITY EXCLUSIVE! SOUTH FLORIDA PRIDE ORGS AVOID BICKERING AND BACKLASH IMPACTING OTHER CITIES Steve Rothaus Special to SFGN

n a few major American cities this summer, Pride Month devolved into anything but.

Philadelphia’s Philly Pride Presents (PPP) shut down in late June amid community complaints that the committee failed to be inclusive of queer, trans, bi people of color. Since then, a coalition of Black and Brown LGBT community leaders began making plans to revive Pride, according to Philadelphia Gay News. On July 9, Boston Pride announced it, too, had closed over similar complaints from people of color: “It is clear to us that our community needs and wants change without the involvement of Boston Pride. We have heard the concerns of the QTBIPOC community and others. We care too much to stand in the way. Therefore, Boston Pride is dissolving. There will be no further events or programming planned, and the board is taking steps to close down the organization.” And in New York City, police reportedly pepper sprayed some people and arrested others June 27 at Washington Square Park following Reclaim Pride’s Queer Liberation March. This came after the city’s Heritage of Pride organization banned uniformed police — including queer members of GOAL, the Gay Officers Action League — from marching in future New York City Pride parades until at least 2025. Now, as South Florida LGBT activists plan fall pride parades (delayed from spring because of the COVID-19 crisis), organizers believe their groups will thrive without similar controversy. “We will always be closely watched by our community as it should be,” said Miik Martorell, president of Pride Fort Lauderdale. “Knowing this, we have a

• 7. 29.2021

The Fort Lauderdale City Commission presents an LGBTQ+ Pride Month proclamation June 1 to Pride Fort Lauderdale activists. From left: Shawn Palacious (aka Kitty Meow), Ashley Mayfaire, Morgan Mayfaire, Commissioner Steve Glassman, Kevin Clevenger and Donald Gunder of South Florida Afro Pride. Back row: Mayor Dean Trantalis, and Commissioner Robert McKinzie. Foreground: Miik Martorell. Photo via the City of Fort Lauderdale, Facebook.

responsibility in making sure that we hear our community’s needs and find innovative ways to incorporate our entire community in pride. Our pride festival should always reflect the dynamic and diverse community we live in.” Pride Fort Lauderdale is planning its first in-person event since 2019. A two-day beach festival is scheduled for Nov. 20-21. (The group’s Pride of the Americas, originally scheduled for April 2020, is now tentatively set for November 2022.) Martorell, a popular local DJ and member

of InterPride, an international association of pride organizers, said his “heart sank” when he learned of the disbanded Boston committee — and that he stands by the group’s former board members, with whom he volunteered the past four years. “I just felt like they were being beat up on unfairly by people who don’t understand how a pride organization works and just how much it takes to make how much money, how much time, how much effort — it really hurt my heart.” Martorell believes South Florida prides

will not suffer the same fate because local organizers know first-hand the importance of cultural diversity. “I don’t see the things that people see in other places,” said Martorell, a gay Cuban American originally of South Miami-Dade. “I went to Southridge Senior High. It was an equal mix of Black, Hispanic and white. That’s what I grew up on. That’s what I saw. So that’s my reality. And most people down here have seen more culture in a condensed space than you’ll find anywhere else. “We’re used to the fact that the people

NEWS LOCAL we are dealing with are always going to be different. That’s probably one of the things that makes it easier for us,” he continued. “I’m Hispanic. I’m a person of color, technically, but I don’t even use that term because I’m just me. You know, just like when people say, ‘Are you gay?’ I’m Miik first. The other things are all additional. That’s who I am.” Martorell has been Pride Fort Lauderdale’s president since 2016. The next year, he met Ashley and Morgan Mayfaire, a married couple who founded TransSOCIAL, a South Florida group to increase trans visibility. Ashley is “a queer non-binary person” and said that “Morgan identifies as a queer trans man.” After they met Martorell, the Pride Fort Lauderdale board donated a festival booth to TransSOCIAL, and soon after the Mayfaires created Trans Pride Fort Lauderdale, now part of Pride Fort Lauderdale. In 2019, Pride Fort Lauderdale awarded $16,000 in community grants, including four programs serving the trans community, three of which are focused on trans youth. “The majority of LGBTQ nonprofits are not representative of the community they serve,” said Ashley Mayfaire, now treasurer of Pride Fort Lauderdale. “For us, we’re a small working board. We take it seriously that we need to make sure we meaningfully involve Husbands Ben Lyman and Bruce Horwich, owners of the Creative Male store near Midtown Miami. Horwich is board chairman of Miami Beach Pride. Photo by Steve Rothaus. the community we’re hosting Pride for.” Mayfaire said Pride Fort Lauderdale’s Pride. Accepting the proclamation were Horwich said the Miami Beach Pride board important to them,” he said. “A person like “general attitude of inclusion and honestly … Martorell, Ashley and Morgan Mayfaire, is purposely diverse. myself, I learned a lot by just sitting there in stems from community-minded folks being board member Shawn Palacious (aka Kitty “We look for people who bring something audience and listening to them.” on the board the past few years, and making Meow), Executive Director Kevin J. Clevenger to the board, for instance, myself as an Miami Beach Pride, established in 2008 by sure we invite people in and making sure and Donald Gunder, co-founder of South accountant,” he said. “We now have two then-Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower as an they participate in meaningful ways. Florida Afro Pride. attorneys on our board. We have people like initiative of the Miami Beach Gay Business “There are many definitions for what Miami Beach Pride, which began in 2009 Henry [Williams], who is Tiffany Fantasia, Development Council, has always had a close ‘meaningful’ means, but for us it’s making with a crowd of about 15,000 attendees, who is more involved in what happens on working relationship with Miami Beach sure everyone’s voice is heard and ideas are now welcomes an estimated 140,000 people the Beach every day. His ears are really to the Police. In 2013, the department unveiled included. Morgan and I joined annually. Its 2021 festival is ground and he hears what people are talking a specially painted Pride patrol car with the board a few years ago. It was scheduled for Sept. 10-19 in about, what’s happening in entertainment.” rainbow stripes and lettering. Uniformed really at the board’s invitation South Beach, with a beach Miami Beach Pride also strives to appeal police officers have always participated in because the board realized it festival on Saturday, Sept. 18, to a wide swath of attendees. “We also think Miami Beach Pride events and will continue wanted to make sure that trans and the annual Ocean Drive about what entertainment will bring people to do so, Horwich said. people have a seat at the table, parade on Sunday, Sept. 19. of all interests, whether it be something that “My feeling has always been, again, and a vote.” The Pride board’s 14 members appeals to the Latin community, to the young inclusivity, and a gay police officer who This year, Pride Fort work diligently to make sure the community, to the elder community — music struggled for many years coming out and Lauderdale has “invited South event appeals to a diverse group from the ‘70s and ‘80s,” Horwich said. being themselves in the police force, if they Florida Afro Pride to have a of attendees, according to board Year-round, Miami Beach Pride hosts want to march and wear the uniform and be stage,” Martorell said. chair Bruce Horwich. events to bring people together, he said. proud of it, I think they should be able to do “Here’s the way we look at “That comes from a few “We had a Faces of Pride event where we that,” he said. “If we’re going to talk about it: They’re really wonderful different directions,” said had people from the community talking issues of a police officer doing something people,” he said. “Their focus Horwich, co-owner with about what it was like to be themselves. terrible to someone in the community, that - Miik Martorell PRESIDENT OF is on mental health, which is husband Ben Lyman of the Whether they were from the gay, the lesbian to me is a separate issue. I think that has PRIDE FORT LAUDERDALE amazing, because I don’t know Creative Male lifestyle store or trans community. They were explaining nothing to do with police officers who want any other Pride organizations near Midtown Miami. “The first things to the audience and what it was like to participate and march and wear their that are doing that. It’s extraordinary, one is making sure that we have a board that to be, say, trans, and why pronouns were uniforms.” because that’s a big thing we all deal with, represents the community. When I say that, every one of us.” it’s not just the color of the person’s skin, it’s On June 1, the Fort Lauderdale City male, female trans, older, younger. So we’ve Journalist Steve Rothaus covered LGBTQ issues for 22 years at the Miami Herald. @SteveRothaus on Twitter. Commission presented an LGBTQ+ Pride always strived to keep the board as diverse as Month proclamation to Fort Lauderdale possible.”

“WE WILL ALWAYS BE CLOSELY WATCHED BY OUR COMMUNITY AS IT SHOULD BE.”

7. 29. 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Akeem Hutcherson, owner and massage therapist at Fascia Focus with partner Troy Germain.

Attorney Neil D. Kolner, Elijah Manley running for State Representative of District 94, and Attorney Michael D. Ray.

Janine Kaminski of Neenie In A Bottle with her son GP Mason working at LandRover Jaguar of Fort Lauderdale’s Service Department.

The Pub Barman Patrick Park with Realtor Mark Auger.

• 7. 29.2021

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Our Shabbat service can also be viewed on Facebook Live Every Friday at 8pm

Congregation Etz Chaim

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

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

In Person Worship Returns

SPIRITUALITY

Join us June 27th at 10 AM for services in our beautifully updated sanctuary. We will also continue streaming the service on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

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

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

954-633-2987

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

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

LISTINGS CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM

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

7. 29. 20 21 •

NEWS STATE

FLORIDA BUSINESSES CALL FOR EQUALITY

South Florida’s Carlton Fields and Citrix Among Companies Urging Congress to Act John Hayden

ome of Florida’s biggest and most recognizable businesses are standing up for equality with an open letter to Congress. More than 20 companies signed the letter urging Congress to pass the federal Equality Act, which would modernize civil rights laws by including explicit, permanent protections for LGBT people, as well as women, people of color, and people of all faiths. Signatories include Super Bowl champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Stanley Cup champion Tampa Bay Lightning, AirBnB, and Lyft. “Passage of the Equality Act isn’t just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do economically,” said Carol Dover, president and CEO of Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “As we recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the protections guaranteed under the Equality Act are vital for our state’s restaurant and hospitality industries to remain competitive and welcoming to all so that we can bring back our guests and continue to rebuild and strengthen tourism in the Sunshine State.” Twenty-nine states do not have laws that explicitly protect LGBT people from discrimination. The Florida Commission on Human Relations — the state’s civil rights enforcement agency — enforces existing LGBT protections in employment, housing, and public spaces consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bostock v. Clayton County and Florida civil rights law. But LGBT Floridians can still be denied healthcare,

Photo via PxHere.

removed from a jury, and denied credit. And that’s bad for business. “As a nationwide employer, the current patchwork approach to nondiscrimination policies in this country creates unpredictability and uncertainty for businesses like ours that operate across multiple cities and states,” said Bobby Harris, president and CEO of BlueGrace Logistics. “It is critical that our employees are able to live without fear for their family’s safety, security, and loss of opportunities. Bostock creates an imperative for Congress to act. It’s time to finish the job.”

To read the letter and see the list of businesses who signed on, go to FreedomForAllAmericans.org.

• 7. 29.2021

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BUDAPEST PRIDE TAKES PLACE AMID HUNGARY LGBT RIGHTS CRACKDOWN Michael K. Lavers Washington Blade

housands of people attended a Pride parade in the Hungarian capital of Budapest on Saturday that took place against the backdrop of the government’s ongoing efforts to curtail LGBT rights. Budapest Mayor Gergely Karacsony, who is challenging Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in next year’s presidential election, is among those who participated in the Budapest Pride parade. Event organizers said upwards of 30,000 people took part. “There were a lot of supporters and allies, lots of young people and some older people,” one Budapest Pride participant told the Washington Blade. The participant said someone shouted an anti-gay slur at them and their friends as they walked home while holding a rainbow flag. They said the parade was nevertheless peaceful. “The mood was more like Pride in Budapest in 2021. Photo credit: Justin van Dyke, via Flickr. a protest, solidarity and marching for equal rights than would take legal action against a party,” they told the Blade. “I Hungary. didn’t see drag queens and it Hungarian lawmakers late felt a bit muted, but I’m happy last year amended the country’s we had such a peaceful and fun - Anonymous constitution to define family Pride.” Participant at as “based on marriage and Budapest Pride took Pride the parent-child relation” place less than a week after with “the mother is a woman, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán announced he wants to hold a referendum the father a man” and effectively banned on a new law that bans the promotion same-sex couples from adopting children. of homosexuality and sex-reassignment The Hungarian Parliament in April 2020 approved a bill that bans transgender and surgery to minors in the country. The law took effect on July 8. The European intersex people from legally changing their Commission a week later announced it gender.

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“The mood was more like a protest, solidarity and marching for equal rights than a party.”

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

7. 29. 20 21 •

PA L M B E A C H

news

STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE: CHARGES AGAINST PRIDE INTERSECTION DRIVER TO BE FILED AUG. 5 Christiana Lilly IN THE CASE OF A DRIVER WHO DEFACED THE DELRAY BEACH PRIDE INTERSECTION IN JUNE, THE PALM BEACH COUNTY STATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE SAYS THE CASE IS STILL UNDER REVIEW AND THE FILING DATE FOR CHARGES IS AUG. 5. Alexander Jerich, 20, was arrested on June 17, four days after he burned out over the intersection, leaving behind large skidmarks. He was charged with reckless driving and criminal mischief (hate crime). The intersection had only been dedicated two days prior. According to a report by the Delray Beach Police Department, a witness came forward after the incident and shared that there was an event to celebrate former President Donald Trump’s birthday and they planned to drive through the city as a

part of the festivities. However, when they reached the intersection, someone yelled out, “Adam, tear up that gay intersection.” Jerich, or “Adam,” was picked out of a lineup by the witness; he said he came forward “not only as a community member but as a gay man.” The report states that the cost of street space was $16,720. The City’s Public Works Department is currently working with the vendor to have the intersection repainted, which is expected to cost several thousand dollars, said Gina Carter, the public information officer for Delray Beach. She said that there is no set date for the project. After the pride intersection was damaged, Rand Hoch, president of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, emailed Delray Beach Police Chief Javaro Sims to cite the new Florida Criminal Mischief Statute, or “anti-riot law,” passed by Gov.

The pride intersection in Delray Beach. Photo by Chris Day/South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Ron DeSantis, which would create harsher punishments for those who vandalize a historic property or memorial. “The Pride Streetscape is a ‘memorial’ as defined at Section 806.135(1)(b) as it is both a ‘painting’ and a ‘display’ which was ‘constructed and located with the intent of being permanently displayed’ and ‘perpetually maintained,’” Hoch wrote, highlighting that speakers at the ribboncutting specifically mentioned that the

streetscape is “dedicated” to events such as the Stonewall Riots that kicked off the Equality Movement and the murder of 49 people at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando five years ago. Should the vandal’s crime fall under this expanded statute, it would be considered a third-degree felony. “It’s deliberate. I really hope justice works and they really apply this law,” Hoch said.

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• 7. 29.2021

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 15 JULY 29, 2021

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

‘Where’s Gary?’ Wilton Manors Commissioner Draws Heat Over Attending Meetings via Zoom By John McDonald

Ahead of this week’s jam-packed meeting via Zoom as the commission adhered to schedule, the whereabouts of one Wilton COVID-19 protocols. Resnick said he has used Manors commissioner is being called into the video conferencing platform to attend Broward League of Cities and National League question. “Where in the world is Gary Resnick?” writes of Cities meetings. “There have been more meetings this year Wilton Manors resident Jake Valentine in an between the city and league email to the Gazette. “Maybe than any prior year,” he said. with Carmen Sandiego? Being in the room, however, Maybe with Waldo? My bet is is a different experience. This Waldo…” week’s schedule is loaded with Waldo is a reference to the the two commission meetings, popular children’s puzzle two budget workshops and books where kids search for an Island City Foundation a bespectacled, toboggan meeting. wearing character. Attached “It’s inappropriate for him to to Valentine’s email was a be missing meetings in person,” spreadsheet showing Resnick said Doug Blevins, vice chair of absent for eight commission the Wilton Drive Improvement meetings since 2019. District. “He’s not getting the “If Wilton Manors is going full effect of people coming to require someone to live in to comment and a good sense the City to run for commission, of what’s happening as a does that mean they can move Vice Chair of the Wilton Drive governing body.” as soon as they are elected?” Improvement District Blevins is a longtime Resnick Valentine wrote. “Do we want foe, having come up short in part-time residents as city a couple of attempts to oust commissioners?” Asked to respond to Valentine’s Resnick from the dais. Blevins called Resnick charges, Resnick denied being an absentee a smart attorney with a passive-aggressive style. commissioner. “He’s lazy,” Blevins said. “He avoids “I haven’t missed any meetings and I still any direct confrontation with the other live in Wilton Manors,” Resnick said. The majority of Resnick’s meeting commissioners and if he doesn’t like the attendance this year has been virtually discussion he’ll log off.”

“He avoids any direct confrontation with the other commissioners and if he doesn’t like the discussion he’ll log off.” - Doug Blevins

The Wilton Manors City Commission Chamber. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Blevins is alluding to last month’s fivehour meeting when Resnick decided to exit before the stroke of midnight. “He took his ball and went home,” Blevins said. “It was immature and disrespectful to fellow commissioners.” Valentine said it’s time for Resnick to enter the arena and face the public. “It’s time to have some accountability for Wilton Manors commissioners for missed meetings and long stretches away from

www.WMGAZETTE.com

the City, especially in times of crisis, not to mention rezoning, etc.” Valentine also wants commissioners who use Zoom to disclose their location. “Commissioners should NOT use the chamber backdrop in video meetings if they are not in the city!” Valentine writes. “While the records show many missed meetings by Resnick, was he even in the state during the Zoom meetings he did participate in?”

7. 29. 20 21 •

OPINION

WILTON MANORS

The Nightmare Continues…

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

Editorial

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

Correspondents

Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping

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so badly, then lead the nation in requiring mandatory vaccinations! Campaign across the state advocating COVID vaccinations mobilizing every corner of this great state. That would be true leadership governor. Please stop posing with those who burn masks and refuse to be vaccinated and stand with the thousands of health care workers who have been vaccinated, the thousands of teachers who have been vaccinated, the thousands of restaurant workers and hospitality workers who have been vaccinated. This is what is needed to open our state up fully, not peddling misinformation and encouraging behavior that threatens the health and safety of us all. Thankfully we are beginning to see the attention shift away from antivaxxers claims of individual rights, turning now to the growing anger amongst the vaccinated in our society. Those of us who have been vaccinated do not want to spiral

back down a COVID hole. Finally the topic of mandatory vaccination is front and center as California, New York City, large corporations and others begin to require mandatory vaccination of health care workers and school staff. Nationally, The Department of Veterans Affairs will require 115,000 of its frontline health care workers to be vaccinated against the coronavirus in the next two months, making it the first federal agency to mandate that employees be inoculated. Here in our Island City, we need to be more aware when out and about. Wear a mask indoors, practice social distancing around groups of people, and don’t be so quick to let your guard down thinking there is no longer any serious threat from COVID. Look to encourage friends, co-workers and family members who have not been vaccinated to go ahead and get it done. Together we will move beyond this current nightmare. Pretending it no longer threatens us is not going to make it go away. Putting our heads in the sand will not make it go away. Getting our state and nation fully vaccinated will do a hell of a lot to make this nightmare go away. Advocating for and achieving higher vaccination rates will only make life just better here…

www.WMGAZETTE.com • 7. 29.2021

July 29, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 15

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

Governor, if you want to open our state up so badly, then lead the nation in requiring mandatory vaccinations!

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

By Sal Torre About two months ago, life seemed to burst back with a glorious exuberance coming out of a COVID hibernation for over a year’s time. People were getting vaccinated, hospitals were no longer filled to capacity, death counts were dropping significantly and good news seemed to be right over the horizon. Unfortunately, the nightmare of the COVID pandemic never really went away and is back raging all around us. Although we call ourselves the Island City, we are not protected from the harsh realities of a world outside our waterways. Half the population of the state and nation have not been vaccinated, many are out and about wearing no mask or social distancing, people are crowding indoors once again, and the pandemic is spreading at an alarming pace. Luckily residents of Wilton Manors and those living east to the beach areas have some of the highest vaccination rates in Broward County at 80% and higher. County-wide is doing much better than the rest of the state and the nation with an overall vaccination rate of around 68% compared to a state-wide and national rate of less than 50%. At a time when Gov. Ron DeSantis is using sweeping authority to get rid of pandemic restrictions in the state, pretending that everything is fine and dandy, area hospitals are filling back up, people are still dying, and the vaccinated are becoming ill at higher numbers. Not looking to be labeled a Debbie Downer or a Henny Penny, but it appears that this nightmare is not quite over yet. Here in the Sunshine State, COVID infections continue to spread at an alarming rate as we lead the nation in Delta variant cases. Booster shots for those vaccinated might be right around the corner, particularly for vulnerable and immunocompromised individuals. Hopefully we will see some local effort to halt our governor’s march to the edge of the cliff as he dismantles COVID restrictions, battles to open up cruise ships to fester more infections, brings children back to schools without masks or safety precautions and hides from the growing public health threat. Governor, if you want to open our state up

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JULY 29, 2021

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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A sunny day in the Island City! Photo credit: Carina Mask.

COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

NEWS

OAKLAND PARK

Woman Found Dead in Street After Hit and Run in Oakland Park By Christiana Lilly

A bloody mary during the holidays at the Sports Den at Manor Lanes Bowling. Photo via Facebook.

Wilton Manors Businesses Receive Grants For Revitalization

A woman was found dead in the early morning of July 19 in an Oakland Park roadway after being killed in a hit and run, police say. Concepcion Siverts, 55 of Lauderhill, was found dead in the 1300 block of East Commercial Boulevard, according to the Broward Sheriff’s Office. BSO reports that they responded to the scene when they received a call around 1:42 a.m. about a woman lying on the westbound lanes in Oakland Park. She was pronounced dead at the scene and her injuries were consistent with someone who was struck by a vehicle, BSO said in a media release. They did not provide information pertaining to a vehicle that could have been involved in the case. There is a $5,000 reward for tips that lead to an arrest. A number of hit and runs have occurred in Oakland Park, as well as throughout the

Photo via PxHere.

county. In January, Nancy Vazquez was killed in a hit and run and an eyewitness report as well as debris left behind at the scene lead police to believe that the car involved was a 2013-2015 black four-door Honda Accord EX. In March, an unidentified man was also killed in a hit and run. A few days later, Matthew Masters survived a hit and run and shared his story with SFGN.

If you have information about this hit and run, contact BSO Traffic Homicide Detective Chandler Greetham at 954-321-4844. To remain anonymous, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.

By John McDonald Thirteen Wilton Manors businesses received grants from the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar was the top recipient. The longtime Wilton Drive gay bar was awarded $2.1 million. No other business reached the million-dollar mark. The next highest was Manor Lanes Bowling, 1517 NE 26th Street. The bowling alley and sports pub, which is veteran owned, was awarded $502,827. Ethos Greek Bistro was awarded $389,433 followed by another Wilton Drive eatery, Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Cafe, $265,804. Gym Bar placed fifth on the RRF list. The Wilton Drive gay sports bar was awarded $155,567. Two businesses located in the Gables Wilton Park were awarded grants: Matty’s, a veteran owned video bar, $136,493 and Infinity Lounge, an upscale cocktail lounge, $117,340. The rest of the RRF awardees are as follows: Dairy Queen, $83,280, Menchie’s, $75,332, Subway, $43,981, Sozo Sushi Bar, $43,088,

Wilton Creamery, $33,909 and Ming Kong Chinese Restaurant, $16,859. Five of the 13 businesses were designated social and economically disadvantaged. They are Infinity Lounge, Dairy Queen, Sozo Sushi Bar, Ming Kong Chinese Restaurant and Matty’s. Two of the 13 — Subway and Menchie’s — are womenowned businesses. Subway and Ming Kong are located on North Andrews Avenue and are the only two on the list located in Congressional District 20. The majority of awardees are located in Congressional District 22, which is represented by Congressman Ted Deutch (D-Boca Raton). Congress has specified eligible uses for the funds include rent and payroll. The $28.6 billion dollar fund, administered by the Small Business Administration, closed on July 2. More than 100,000 restaurants received funding from the program which is part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan Act.

Congress has specified eligible uses for the funds include rent and payroll.

www.WMGAZETTE.com 3 •

JULY 29, 2021

7. 29. 20 21 •

Don’t miss a

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

tastE Feeling the hunger?

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

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Wilton Manors City Hall. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Federal Rescue Plan Sending $5.3 Million To Wilton Manors By John McDonald The money is coming. That’s the word from Finance Director Pennie Zuercher on funding provided by President Joe Biden’s direct relief plan to contain COVID-19 and rescue the economy. Wilton Manors is expected to receive $5.3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Zuercher said half of the funding should arrive before October. “We are awaiting the final rule of the Department of Treasury,” Zuercher told the Gazette on July 21. “Once we have those guidelines we can make a decision on how to spend the money.” At the July 13 commission meeting, Zuercher gave a presentation on ARPA, which Biden signed into law on March 11. Wilton Manors will receive — through the State of Florida — two annual payments of $2.6 million. Eligible uses of ARPA funds are broken down in four categories: responding to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, premium page for essential workers, mitigating government services due to lost revenue and investment in water, sewer and broadband infrastructure. Zuercher outlined public health uses such as COVID mitigation and prevention, medical expenses, behavioral treatment for depression resulting from unemployment, public health and safety staff and improved design and execution of health programs. ARPA funding goes into the grants fund, said Zuercher, where the city can then distribute

to employers in the fields of healthcare, food production and service, sanitation, education, safety and social services. Premium pay for essential workers in these fields goes up to $13 per hour. The broadband improvements, Zuercher said, are designed to meet adequate computing speeds and are provided to unserved and underserved households and businesses. The upload/download speed must meet 100 megabytes per second. Commissioner Gary Resnick noted the rescue package could not have happened without the support of the National League of Cities. “This statute was a direct result of the lobbying efforts of the National League of Cities,” said Resnick, who sits on the NLC board of directors. “It’s the first time in history that every town, village and city in the country is getting direct funding from the federal government.” Mayor Scott Newton said the funding is huge for the city and figuring out where it will go will be critical. “We have to get the best bang for our buck,” Newton said. “We have some needs in the city where this could help … namely the water, sewer and stormwater.” ARPA funds cannot be used to pay pensions, Zuercher said and must be spent by December 31, 2021.

Commissioner Gary Resnick noted the rescue package could not have happened without the support of the National League of Cities.

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• 7. 29.2021

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JULY 29, 2021

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

Mobility Matters At Any Age In response to Aimee Ballantyne’s recent critique of my Letter to the Editor published in SFGN on May 10, I stand by my opinion that cars alone cannot meet all our transit needs. I also remain open to a healthy debate among my neighbors when we do not agree on a particular issue. The strength of Wilton Manors and the one for which I am most proud is our diversity, which includes the opinion of each member of our community regardless of their age, socioeconomic status or health. We must embrace other modes of transportation as we continue to evolve and thrive as a community. That is not to say we should abandon the automobile and those who rely on it. Automobiles are and will remain a vital part of our community for our many of our residents, visitors, ride-sharing apps and emergency services. However, we should consider the benefits of walkability and alternative transit choices for current and future residents of any age. As I mentioned in my initial letter, approximately half of all car owners in the U.S. are over age 60. While my statistics referenced age, Aimee’s assumption that I don’t care about our active aging residents is absolutely incorrect. I probably should have shared that about 12% of Americans over 65 don’t own a car, either. While I recognize that Aimee may find it easiest to travel by car, there are many seniors in our community who are unable to drive due to a handicap (I.e., vision impairment), cannot afford a car, or simply choose not to drive. Lastly, our vibrant active aging community is filled with residents over 60 who walk or ride a bike for health benefits. Walkability and transit options are critical components of their quality of life. Focusing on pedestrian accessibility and walkability for everyone, including those with disabilities, is needed. Numerous residents have shared their frustration with sidewalks which are difficult or unsafe to navigate due to obstructions. The Lazy Lake sidewalk is

Photo via PxHere.

There are many seniors in our community who are unable to drive due to a handicap (I.e., vision impairment), cannot afford a car, or simply choose not to drive.

a prime example. Ensuring ADA-compliant sidewalks exist that allow access and usage for mobility aids, wheelchairs and mobility scooters is important for our active aging residents. Aimee, I appreciate your input and value you as a resident. Walkability matters to residents at an age and that matters to me. I hope that you will join me in advocating for alternative forms of transportation and better walkability for Wilton Manors residents, and not just those that drive. Life is just better here, regardless of your age or how you choose to get around.

— Chris Caputo

WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER

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JULY 29, 2021

7. 29. 20 21 •

NEWS

OAKLAND PARK

Rickards Students Will Get $8.8 Million Portables After Ceiling Collapse By Christiana Lilly

The Broward County School Board unanimously approved an $8.8 million request to build portables for students at Rickards Middle School after the ceiling in their media center collapsed in March. The plan includes 30 portables for students of all grade levels to use as the Oakland Park school is under construction. It would be paid for by capital reserves. “I know that the community is very, very thankful,” said Sarah Leonardi, a school board member whose district covers Oakland Park. “I am so, so thankful for your willingness to invest in this community.” On July 20, the board approved requests to demolish the damaged building and funding to renovate Buildings 2 and 5 for students to use but postponed the big-ticket decision for Thursday. The ceiling of the media center collapsed back in March; it was unoccupied at the time so there were no major injuries. A dozen students and staffers were taken to hospitals to treat anxieties and headaches. Ever since, students attended school at Broward College or virtually. Virtual school was not given as an option by the state as students return to inperson classes in August. Staff broke down the cost to the board. Of the $8.8 million, roughly $3 million would go towards the portables, $4 million would be to the electrical and engineering contractor, $1 million for IT, and the remaining for canopies, ramps, design and management, and contingency funds. “The modulars are really the cheapest part of the whole thing,” said Frank Girardi, executive director of capital programs. Staff told the board that while the county owns portables, “nearly all are ineligible for relocation” due to changes in the building code since they were built. A second proposal that would only cost $6.8 million was presented, but it would mean that eighth graders would not return to campus when the portables are completed and would

stay at Northeast High School. Other proposals that were shared with parents at a community meeting in June included splitting up each grade level at different schools, sending all students to Pines Middle School in Pembroke Pines, and having them at temporary schools and relocating to campus when the portables are complete. “What happened to them was traumatic,” said school board member Debra Hixon. “I think the fair thing to do is to keep them together. I don’t even like putting eighth graders at Northeast; I think they need to stay together.” The students will be separated for a period of time, though, as work to get Buildings 2 and 5 would take until the end of September. With the approved request, all students would be able to return to campus after Winter Break when the portables are complete. “We have basically taken away middle school from these students,” said board member Donna Korn. “This isn’t a financial decision. These are not business offices, these are not industrial warehouses, these are classrooms.” Girardi said the likelihood of moving students into portables after Winter Break was “very good” and that he was “comfortable” having Sept. 27 as the final date for the two renovated buildings to be complete. Leonardi, who represents the district covering Rickards Middle School, shared thoughts from parents and teachers such as the negative impact separating students would have on enrollment, teachers who teach multiple grade levels having to drive to multiple schools in a day, and working parents navigating having their children at different schools. Raymond Adderly, a student advisor for the board, said, “Rickards is a majority Black

With the approved request, all students would be able to return to campus after Winter Break when the portables are complete.

The aftermath of the roof collapse at Rickards Middle School. Photo credit: Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue.

and Brown school that is full of minorities and outside of that, a majority of the students there are on free and reduced lunch. We aren’t doing them any favors if we make them split between three different schools.” Principal Dr. Washington Collado, who was awarded Principal of the Year for 2021, urged the board to keep the school together. “[Teachers] have expressed it every time they had an opportunity,” he said. “They ask, respectfully, that the Rickards community

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JULY 29, 2021

maintains its homogeneity in one place … We feel we would be able to work with our parents and in all their languages. A message goes out from Rickards Middle School in the various languages communicating every step of the way and everything that we do.” The board voted for the portables option and the district will be relaying details to parents soon. The first day of school is Aug. 19.

POTS, PANS AND POVERELLO By Avraham Forrest The Poverello Center food pantry isn’t just providing the food, but also helping clients cook it. The Poverello Center, a local food pantry which serves people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hosts cooking classes every Wednesday. “So our clients, most of them have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, so they have at least three medical conditions,” Registered Dietitian at Poverello Katheryne Romero said. “So their nutrition and whatever they eat, alongside their medications is what ultimately gets them healthier.”

THE

ISLANDER

The items found in the food pantry are used in the cooking class, which include fresh produce and vegetables.

A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER

The class is held every Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Poverello center.

“We’re part of the Food Is Medicine Coalition, so all of our items are selected by me, I’m a registered dietitian, so that they can be very nutrient dense and kind of provide that food as medicine,” Romero said.

MAYOR JUSTIN FLIPPEN TO APPEAR IN UPCOMING BOOK

Brooke explained that since Flippen was the heart and soul of Wilton Manors and was a “warm and positive person” at all times, in the book, he’s basically a guide for the Dragged into Murder Detective Society by giving characters advice. “We wanted to include him and use

TODAY JAZZ OUT WITH KUBS Check out live jazz and blues at KUBS in Wilton Manors from 7 - 10 p.m.

FRIDAY STARLIGHT MUSICALS CONCERT Listen to the Starlight Musicals concert series Fridays from 7 - 10 p.m. on the football field at Holiday Park.

SATURDAY MAGIC JACK The incredible Magic Jack brings his magic for one night only to The Foundry from 8-10 p.m.

SUNDAY BOOZY BABES DRAG BRUNCH AT HOLY MACKEREL Enjoy a fantastic brunch at Holy Mackerel complete with superb drag artists from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

MONDAY GIVE BACK MONDAY AT BONA ITALIAN Dine with Bona Italian Monday from 4:30 - 9 p.m., with 10% of proceeds going to the local non-profit community.

By Avraham Forrest

Brooke and Randy Bitton are looking for readers to come forward with memories of Justin Flippen for their upcoming book “GAYME OVER... ‘Justin’ Time for Murder!” which is a sequel to “Dragged into Murder.”

CALENDAR

his personality and use his persona because he was such a positive aspect of the community,” Brooke said.

ON THE HORIZON

Brooke also said they are going to donate a portion of the proceeds to multiple charities including Flippen’s Charity Foundation.

AUG 5: HOLY MACKEREL COMEDY SHOW Have a laugh at the Holy Mackerel Brewery at 7 p.m.

They wrote a tribute book called “Our Friend, Justin, The People’s Mayor” that they sell online and all of the proceeds go to a charity set up in his name.

AUG 21: ART WALK WILTON MANORS Take in the work of gifted local artists with the Wilton Manors Art Walk from 5 - 9 p.m. on Wilton Drive.

People can send their submissions until Aug. 20 at brookebitton@gmail.com. The late Mayor of Wilton Manors Justin Flippen. Photo via Facebook.

Tell us about upcoming events we should know about!

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

visit sfgn.com/islanderwm to sign up! 7 •

JULY 29, 2021

7. 29. 20 21 •

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

Former Mayor’s Firm Hired to Woo Commuter Rail By John McDonald Wilton Manors Commissioners approved a consulting services agreement with the law firm of former Fort Lauderdale Mayor Jack Seiler. The deal, approved unanimously at July 19 night’s meeting, is for one year with a $9,000 compensation. Seiler, who served as mayor of Wilton Manors from 1998 to 2000, is a principal attorney of Seiler, Sautter, Zaden, Rimes & Wahlbrink. He retired as mayor of Fort Lauderdale in 2018 after serving three terms and currently serves as president and chair of the Capital One Orange Bowl Committee. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said the firm’s assignment will be lobbying on behalf of Wilton Manors to Broward County and beyond. “We anticipate their efforts will help bring us a commuter rail station,” Henderson told the Gazette. Before the meeting adjourned, Commissioner Gary Resnick demanded the agreement produce a comprehensive report on

• 7. 29.2021

commuter rail service. “Where’s it going to go? What’s the cost? What are our obligations and benefits?” Resnick asked. “To go forward on this we all need to be on the same page.” Added Mayor Scott Newton, “Getting it is one thing, supporting it is another.” Elsewhere, the only commission meeting of July lasted one hour and 22 minutes, a far cry from the five-hour and 37-minute session in the aftermath of the Stonewall Pride tragedy. Some of the highlights: Resnick, attending remotely, tried to revive the debate over density, stating he was against 60 units per square acre, but was voted down by Commissioners Mike Bracchi, Chris Caputo and Vice Mayor Paul Rolli. Finance Director Pennie Zuercher gave a presentation on the American Rescue Plan. Zuercher said the city is expected to receive $5,360,355 over two years from President Joe Biden’s direct relief plan.

8 •

The railroad crossing at NE 26th Street in Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.

Anthony Logrande, chair of the Wilton Drive Improvement District, reported on the board’s efforts to improve safety, beautification and marketing in the district. Logrande asked the commission to eliminate temporary signage in the city. Commissioners tabled the feather flag sign and temporary banner discussion for a future meeting. Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore provided information on the county’s Building Safety Inspection program. Structural and electrical inspections on buildings 40 years old or older are required every 10 years. Moore said the city is preparing 16 inspection notification letters with the bulk going to Manor Grove associations.

JULY 29, 2021

A proclamation recognizing July as Parks and Recreation Month was issued. Mayor Newton mentioned repairs are needed to the children’s playground at Hagen Park. Parks & Recreation Advisory Board member Lisa Theisen asked for funding for the expansion of Colohatchee Park, the Kiwanis Club proposal and Site 92. Resident Michael Rajner asked the city to change its elections format to ranked voting, referencing the recent New York City elections as an example. Rajner said no Wilton Manors candidate for city commissioner received more than 38% of the vote during the last election cycle. “When you run for office you should get a majority of the vote to win and ranked voting helps accomplish that,” Rajner said.

Now Open

7. 29. 20 21 •

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

MORE THAN A LITTLE BUMP IN THE ROAD x

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

was supposed to be writing my editorial column this week from Denver, Colorado. My loving and caretaking best friends, John Fugate, Brian Swinford and I were going to be attending the Major League Baseball All Star game in Denver, Colorado on Thursday July 15, in the team’s magnificent sun-swept stadium in the Rockies Mountains. It is a moment I knew I would cherish. They were to be the first days of a month-long, scenic summer journey to tour America in a brand-new GMC conversion I had just bought for that purpose. Thank you, to Sheehan Vanland and your sales representative, Guy Fusco, for making that such a pleasurable business transaction. Back to the trip. I would even be getting to visit my younger brother, Alan, who I love so muchthe doctor, who lives in the Denver area. Of course, he is not a sports fanatic. He and his vegan husband, Phil Bryson, would have taken me to eat sushi somewhere. There is no chance he would have ever gone to a baseball game with us. After the All-Star Game, I had a special surprise for Brian and John. I was going to take them to Cherry Creek State Park in Aurora, Colorado, and we were all going to go Fresh White Water Trout Fishing. The waters are so pristine; so clear. There is an old Jewish saying my mom used to share with me. It goes, “If you want to make God laugh, tell her your plans.” God had other plans for me this summer. Playing with my dogs last month near my home of 40 years in Victoria Park in Fort Lauderdale, I got knocked down and suffered a concussion, which left me very dazed and dizzy. Blessed with the medical VIP care team quarterbacked by Dr. Sheldon Warman, I was immediately directed to go for a cautionary cat scan of my skull, to ensure that there was no bleeding on my brain.

The initial results instead revealed that somewhere in the recent past I had in fact endured and survived a cerebal stroke to the occipital regions of my brain. As a further prophylactic measure, Dr. Warman then directed me to get a thorough medical resonance image of my entire brain. I did that in early July at a beautiful, modern facility in Miramar, managed and run by Hollywood Regional Medical Health Center. The results were alarming. The reports unveiled that I had a small tumor on my brain in the cerebellum, which required instant and immediate medical intervention. Dr. Warman then connected me with the spectacular Dr. Ricardo J Komotar, and his team of outstanding neurosurgical specialists at the University of Miami Medical Center, who met with me within 24 hours. He determined that he would have to perform brain surgery on that tumor immediately, which luckily was small enough to either biopsy, excise, radiate, or extract. Beyond my powers. I just took my body along for the ride. The cross-country summer vacation would have to wait. I watched the All-Star Game on July 15 from the view of a patient on the tenth floor of the University of Miami Medical Center Brain Care Neuroscience Institute instead, next to a hospital teeming and overflowing with patients enduring a variant of Covid, because they are unvaccinated. Dopes. In fact, my operation almost got held up because of it, because when I checked in to be admitted for the surgery, there were “no beds available.” This is where my life and sense of humor kick in. If you can laugh at yourself, you will never cease to be amused. Folks, I mean it is not like I was ordering a pizza, and the Domino’s guy was late. This is my freaking brain they are operating on the next morning, and I can’t get a bed at the Inn on the night before? This is health care

IT HAS ONLY BEEN A WEEK, AND IT’S NOTHING SHORT OF AMAZING THAT I AM HERE TO TELL THE FACTS ABOUT IT AFTERWARDS.

• 7. 29.2021

One of Norm Kent’s best friends, Paul Hugo, the owner of the new Kraft Deli and Bistro, at 2701 East Oakland Park Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, checks out Norm’s new 2021 GMC Savannah Van. “The trip, alas, was cancelled,” said Norm. “I had to settle for a Pastrami sandwich.”

in America in the year 2021? What the hell is going on here? Now, I have some good news. After the administrative glitches were overcome, the procedure was conducted, and the patient came out alive. He is writing this column you are reading. First, I am entirely grateful, and second, utterly amazed that I spent less time in a hospital for brain surgery last week then I did for knee replacement surgery five years ago. Second, the first set of pathological readings from the biopsy reports have been a blessing. The tumor they tackled is benign, and while the situation will have to be continually monitored, no further radiation or surgical intervention is required at this time. The body was never meant to receive daily blasts of radioactive isotopes, though if you are a child of the 1960’s, as I am, there were a few evenings last week where I felt like I had just dropped blotter acid again in the Hofstra University dorms, and I woke up eating Chinese food off the floor. But here I am, writing a simple weekly column in SFGN. I don’t have the space on these pages to tell you what the feeling was like a week ago when a neurosurgeon was telling me he was going to drill into the nether reaches of my skull, and trespass onto the cogitative and cognitive capacities of my brain which control everything to your ambulatory

and motor skills, and who knows what else? It’s a scary thing. Finally, let me become Norm Kent, the community activist for a second. In life, you never know on which day you are going to become the pigeon or the statue. Please do yourself a favor. Plan for the unthinkable. If you can make a reservation on the first cruise ship leaving Fort Lauderdale since Covid, first call a trusted lawyer like I use, a Greg Kabel, or any one of the so many credible LGBTQA counselors that promote their law practices on SFGN’s pages. Protect yourself. You have a life here. Guard it. Prepare your wills, your living wills, and review your business contracts. Do it now, while you and your partner can. Don’t wait for some relative up north that you have not seen for 20 years try to do it for you later. The life you rescue may be your own. I am blessed. Here at SFGN, and in my law office, I have colleagues, partners, friends, and a support staff to keep our ship sailing, from my law partner Russell Cormican to SFGN’s Associate Publisher, Jason Parsley. Not to mention our free paper sells ads. We need you Call Justin Wyse, our sales manager. But please no matter where you are, what you are doing, make sure you put in place those modalities to protect your life as well. You will never know the day you need them. See you soon.

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON By Mike Luckovich

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FTLCOLLISION.COM 7. 29. 20 21 •

Jesse’s Journal

CONVICTIONS

TANGLED UP IN BLUE Jesse Monteagudo

ne of the most ridiculous creations of the millennial generation is the gender reveal party. Basically, a gender reveal party is one in which the parents reveal their unborn infant(s) alleged gender. Like a wedding shower or a baby shower, a gender reveal party has no ritual or legal purpose but is just an excuse for the hosts to throw a party and receive presents from their friends and loved ones. Unfortunately, like weddings, bar/bat mitzvahs and quince parties, gender reveal parties grew from simple origins to monstrous proportions as parents-to-be tried to outdo each other. Often, their efforts led to tragedy and disaster. Last year a “smoke-generating pyrotechnic device” used at a gender reveal party was the source of a California wildfire that burned out of control for months. In Mexico, a gender reveal party resulted in the deaths of two people after a plane that carried a sign announcing “it’s a girl” crashed into the ocean. Later a father-to-be in New Hampshire was charged with setting off a 36Kg homemade bomb that rocked homes across two states. At least he survived, which is more than we can say about the expectant dad who died when a device he was using to reveal his child’s gender exploded. If all this were not enough to stop all future gender reveal parties, the fact remains that these events perpetuate gender stereotypes and a binary gender system. “Gender reveal” is a misnomer: an unborn child’s gender identity is impossible to determine medically. Not every child is born “a girl” or “a boy”; some are born intersex, which happens in an estimated 1 out of 4500-5500 births. Everything from decorations to gift suggestions scream gender stereotypes, primarily the one related to gender and color. Though the idea that “pink is for girls” and “blue is for boys” is now taken for granted, it is a relatively new idea. According to Martena Guirgus, “things weren’t always this way. In fact, only a few years ago, blue was for girls and pink was for boys. Pink is derived from the color red, so it was automatically associated with masculinity because it was a strong color and blue was associated with girls since it was more of a soft and graceful color.

THOUGH THE IDEA THAT “PINK IS FOR GIRLS” AND “BLUE IS FOR BOYS” IS NOW TAKEN FOR GRANTED, IT IS A RELATIVELY NEW IDEA.

• 7. 29.2021

Photo via PxHere.

This contradicts our society’s norms and beliefs today; we consider pink as a weak feminine color, while blue is seen as masculine.” Gender colors flipped after World War II, when G.I. Joe returned from the battlefield and Rosie the Riveter was sent back to the kitchen. Manufacturers settled on blue for boys and pink for girls, a system which, despite a brief androgynous period in the sixties, continues until this day. Today most people consider the pink-blue color scheme natural, and all for the good of the baby. This system of gender and color affects all our lives, even

our personal tastes. For example, blue is my favorite color. It inspires my taste in clothes, accessories, and decorations. But I was not born with a natural affinity for blue. My parents influenced my tastes by surrounding me with blue, from the moment I was born. The fact that I refuse to be tangled up in blue, going to the extent of sometimes buying pink or red items, is still a visible act of rebellion, though not one to the extent performed daily by my trans, intersex or nonbinary friends. Rebelling against pink or blue is not enough to overthrow our current gender system though it might be enough to stop a few gender reveal parties.

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

CONVICTIONS

Open Closet

NAIL POLISH AND QUEER IDENTITY Avraham Forrest

es, I paint my nails. I started in my freshman year of college, where I began to develop my own sense of what I liked to wear. As a freshly uncloseted freshman untangling an undetermined queer identity, style played a massive role in figuring out who I was. And it still does. My first fashion jaunt after I came out was colored nails. Today I am nonbinary, but during my first semester of college I identified as a male-presenting he/him, and, at the time, presenting as anything even slightly feminine was terrifying. My suburb of Indiana was not brimming with barrel-chested, house-building hemen, but the pressures of gender still seeped in. Hair was cropped short in utilitarian visits to Great Clips. Angry yawps echoed in our house at the interception of a football. Church was attended in the same steady uniform of collar and khaki. I slowly built up the nerves to explore expression outside of these suburbs, on the campus of my college. It took several late-night hang-outs with friends who had the polish to become more comfortable breaking away from a masculine image. As I returned from campus to the suburbs after my freshman year, the now comfortable expression began to feel strange again. On campus, I was a member of a larger body of LGBT people, but home was an island of sorts. The same conservative pressures returned, and I felt a heavy exhaustion in fighting these influences. I came to the realization that I was regressing, shoving myself back deep into the closet. Why draw any attention, right? But in an air of desperation, anger and rebellion, one afternoon I painted. I still remember the color: a deep, rich

Photo via PxFuel.

maroon. I only needed a single coat. It felt as if I had taped flares to the end of my fingertips, bright flaming indicators that I was not straight. To my parents, it was my first outward expression that I was queer, which frightened them slightly. To be honest, it frightened me too. But the nails reminded me of who I was, and where I wasn’t. It was worth the fear. As I began to build my own collection of polish, the colors began to reflect my confidence. From unassuming black I warmed to maroon and pink — today I use rich greens and flashy yellows. I often ask myself why I kept painting even in such a conservative community, but I realized wearing the colors was a lesson in identity. Being queer is not a show. It’s not for other people. My fashion is a reminder of who I am, and who I will always be.

Avraham Forrest is a writer from Indiana. They attend Indiana University. In their spare time they enjoy baking and jogging. Follow on Instagram: avraham_forrest.

7. 29. 20 21 •

LIFESTYLE CELEBRITY

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

SOCIAL MEDIA

FILM

YIKES!

ASTRONOMICAL!

IS TSA TARGETING GAYS?! An Instagram post from the TSA has made everyone cringe. The post shows four wigs of around the same color, in a bin with bobby pins posted up in them, with a caption that reads: “We heard you walked purse first through one of our security checkpoints. No tea, no shade, and we sure hope you had a pleasant experience, but when it comes to security we do what needs to be done to keep you safe. At times our officers may ask passengers to undergo additional screening, such as letting a wig out the bag to be run separately. This could be to resolve an alarm or as part of other security measures. Now, Shante, you can stay. Thanks for your patience, hilarity, talent, and humility. Keep racking

The photo of the wigs that was shared by the TSA, originally taken by Bob the Queen and shared via Twitter.

up them frequent flyer miles.” They even tagged “Bob the Queen” season eight winner of “Drag Race” where she was tweeting about her stressful experience with TSA. “Bob the Queens” tweeted back in response in a thread.

BISEXUAL ALIENS IN ‘LOKI’

Fans of the already popular Disney+ series “Loki” have done a deep dive to uncover one of the unused plotlines. Apparently number five on the list was about bisexual aliens having sex. It was a super-fast catch, but hardcore fans of the series put their investigative skills to the test, by revealing an unused plotline. According to PRIDE, a shot from the Assembled episode features head writer Michael Waldron standing in front of a whiteboard with a numbered list that caught some eagle-eyed fans’ attention. The list depicts a montage that didn’t make it into the show … In the montage, Loki would be “visiting different time periods” and “doing crazy mischief, aka sex,” then pivot to “taking power” and

CELEBRITY

DÉJÀ VU!

CARDI B ACCUSED OF QUEERBAITING AGAIN Cardi B has gotten a lot of backlash and was accused of queerbaiting. Cardi stands her ground to the accusations and makes her point clear. “Uuummmm @RollingStone queer baiting? You do know we was trying to hide a whole baby bump right? ... Also I’m married to a man but I have express so much about my bisexuality and my experiences wit girls. All of a sudden ‘queer baiting’ is the new word & people use it to the ground!” according to PRIDE. This isn’t the only time Cardi has been called out for queerbaiting.

• 7. 29.2021

PRIDE says that back in 2018, it was her track called “GIRLS” that brought this to the fans’ attention. Cardi also mentioned her feelings about the “queerbaiting” movement on her Twitter. “I don’t like this new ‘queer baiting’ word. I feel like it pressure artist to talk about their sexuality or their experiences that they don’t feel comfortable speaking about. If a artist kiss a girl on a video does that means she gotta show videos & text wit wit other women,” Cardi tweeted. Who will be the next artist to be accused of queerbaiting, we’ll just have to wait and find out.

Cardi B. Photo via Facebook.

Michael Waldron behind-the-scenes in “Assembled: The Making of Loki.” Image credit: Disney Plus.

“collecting the Infinity Stones.” As if “Loki” wasn’t already making history by having its main character be genderfluid, they keep giving the LGBT community more reasons to fall in love with the show.

Mike Ruiz for

LEATHER

IS SOMEONE’S SKIN Wear Ve gan 7. 29. 20 21 •

KRAFT CORNER

LIFESTYLE FOOD

Rick Karlin

KRAFT BISTRO DELI

2701 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-669-1000 kraftbistrodeli.com At first glance, you might think that Kraft enjoyed the vegetarian preparation of cream Bistro Deli is a branch of the popular Wilton of tomato soup, served with a small grilled Drive hangout, Tropics. Many of the staff cheese sandwich. Between the generous members who worked at Tropics and much portion of rich and creamy soup and the of the clientele are the same. But take a grilled cheese, the appetizer could have second look and you’ll see a younger hipper served as a light meal. crowd, at least during our recent visit for I wanted to try the Kraft feast (a selection dinner. We arrived relatively early, around of house-smoked meats), priced at $24.75 6:30, and were shown to a table with a per person, as my entrée, but there is a lovely view of the kitchen and two-person minimum and restrooms. The lights in the my pescatarian hubby wasn’t dining room were quite bright, going to go for that. I toyed THE DISH IS but, as the sky dimmed, so did with the idea of ordering a NOTORIOUSLY the lights in the dining room, portion for two and taking DIFFICULT TO giving it a much more intimate most of it home, but that COOK CORRECTLY, feel. just seemed too decadent. I My suggestion is to ask for don’t understand why it has A MINUTE TOO one of the tables serviced by to be for two, serve half the LONG ON THE the older, more experienced amount of meat, fries, and GRILL AND IT waiters; they handled their corn, and let a single order tables with humor and aplomb TURNS TO RUBBER, suffice. Perhaps I’ll go back and knew their stuff. Our with a carnivorous friend, as KRAFT’S VERSION attractive young waiter was the platter I did see going to WAS CLOSE TO not as familiar with the menu another table looked delish. as you would expect, but was Instead, I ordered the pastrami PERFECT, TENDER, amiable and trotted off to the burger, the restaurant’s AND FLAVORFUL. kitchen to get the answer to signature sandwich. It our question about one of the consists of a large, juicy patty, dishes. I began my meal with a refreshing cooked to order, topped with pastrami, Moscow Mule. onion jam, and fontina cheese, piled high on I ordered my appetizer of grilled octopus a brioche bun. I added a few onion strings as a test of the kitchen prowess. The dish which gave the hand-held delight a pleasing is notoriously difficult to cook correctly, a crunch. The pastrami acts like the bacon on minute too long on the grill and it turns to a cheeseburger, giving just the right amount rubber, Kraft’s version was close to perfect, of smoke and grease to take it over the top. tender, and flavorful. It was served with My husband opted for the fish sandwich, slices of fingerling potatoes and microgreens one of the few options listed on the menu and a delightfully creamy sauce. My husband that he could have. We later discovered that

THERE’S MORE ONLINE! 32

• 7. 29.2021

Carrot cake at Kraft Bistro Deli. Photo courtesy of Rick Karlin. any of the burgers can be ordered with a veggie burger, but our waiter didn’t inform us of this. We both brought home leftovers so that we would have room for dessert. My hubby chose the Key Lime pie, while I went for the carrot cake. The waiter told us that all the desserts were made in-house, but the Key Lime pie, while tasty, had that massproduced quality. My carrot cake, on the other hand, was certainly made on the premises. It was more of a light and fluffy spice cake with a few carrots grated into it than the traditional denser carrot cake. It arrived smothered in cream cheese icing. How you feel about this depends a lot upon

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

how much icing you want on your cake. It was a bit too much for me. I took two bites and left the rest. My husband felt the same way about his Key Lime pie. Our waiter removed the barely touched plates and made no inquiries about our satisfaction level. However, a more experienced waiter, taking care of the next table, did notice and mentioned it to the manager, who apologized and removed it from our bill. That’s the eye for detail that comes with years of experience. We’ll definitely be returning to Kraft and next time I’ll bring a fellow carnivore. I also now know that there’s plenty of parking in the lot behind the restaurant.

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

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

WHAT TO READ | ‘THE GUNCLE’ Visit SFGN.com to check it out, along with more LGBT reading suggestions.

7. 29. 20 21 •

A&E APPOINTMENTS

JOURNALISM IS THE

FIRST DRAFT OF HISTORY. WOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT A FREE PRESS? SFGN's reporting has been supported by tens of thousands of readers in South Florida. Now we're asking for your support. Please help us continue giving you news everyday. Every contribution is valuable – even $1. Your gift will ensure that South Florida Gay News is able to continue to provide an online and print resource for our community. Thanks to your valuable contribution, SFGN is able to provide you with local LGBT news that affects every aspect of your life. South Florida Gay News exists to meet the needs of the South Florida LGBT community. When you give, your donation directly benefits you, as well as everyone else.

The Maltz Jupiter Theatre in Palm Beach County will reopen in January after a $36 million expansion. Credit: Maltz Jupiter Theatre.

ARTSBEAT NEW SEASONS AND COMING OUT STORIES J.W. Arnold A BIG SEASON AT THE MALTZ The critically acclaimed Maltz Jupiter Theatre will be reopening in January and the pandemic shutdown was put to good use with a $36 million expansion to the Indiantown Road complex. Before the doors open, patrons will be treated to a three-week open-air run of the hit Broadway musical “Jersey Boys” at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium, January 11 – 30, 2022, as well as the comedy “I Hate Hamlet” at the Benjamin School’s 800-seat theater in Palm Beach Gardens, Feb. 8 – 20. “We have always felt that the show must go on, and we’ve nicknamed the first two shows in our season ‘Maltz Without Walls’ because we are doing just that,” said Producing Artistic Director Andrew Kato in a statement. “We are very excited to partner with Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium and the Benjamin School and can’t wait to show everyone what’s possible in these two very unique venues — including a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the Florida premiere of ‘Jersey Boys’ alfresco in South Florida with our gorgeous January weather.” The season will then move onto the Maltz’s brand new Broadway-scale stage for the dance-filled musical “Sweet Charity,” Feb. 19 – March 9, and a four-week run of the Tony-nominated musical “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,” March 22 – April 10. “The brand new Maltz Jupiter Theatre will exceed all of your expectations,” Kato said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming our patrons back safely to our gorgeous new building for an extraordinary season of outstanding entertainment.” Season subscriptions are now available starting at $242 at JupiterTheatre.org. Individual tickets go on sale Oct. 4.

LGBT YOUTH SPEAK OUT Thinking Cap Theatre (TCT), in association with Thou Art Woman, will present OutStand, a special two-act lineup of new, original short plays about the coming out experience written and performed by LGBT youth ages 13 – 23, on Saturday, July 31 and Monday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. The performances will also be available on demand Aug. 3 – 16. This unique performance project teams up LGBT youth from five states with professional theatre artists in South Florida: “Together, these youth and artists have rediscovered the transformative and community-building power of theatrical storytelling,” according to Artistic Director Nicole Stodard, who also thanked FAB: Funding Arts Broward for a grant that made the OutStand possible. Tickets for OutStand are available at ThinkingCapTheatre.StreamAllyTix.com.

MOMS GET THEIR DANCE ON AT EPIPHANY

SFGN.com/donate 34

• 7. 29.2021

Ed Sparan’s Epiphany Theater will present the British comedy “Stepping Out,” Aug. 12 - 28 at Elliot Hall on the campus of Fort Lauderdale United Church of Christ, 2501 N.E. 30th St. In this 1984 play that made its way to Broadway, former dancer Mavis teaches a tap class in a London church hall to a group of housewives seeking an escape from their humdrum lives. The lone man in the class is confronting a mid-life crisis and, together, the students and their teacher find friendship and support as they tap their way through the show. Tickets are $25 at SteppingOutFTL.Eventbrite.com.

A&E THEATER

Keep your eyes on

South Florida MIAMI CITY BALLET OFFERS Gay News SEASON OF ‘SUNSHINE IN MOTION’ J.W. Arnold

of Pool Service FREE when you mention SFGN

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“S

unshine in Motion” is the theme as Miami City Ballet (MCB) finally returns to stages in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach Counties following the COVID-19 pandemic. Artistic Director Lourdes Lopez, celebrating her 10th anniversary, promised a memorable season filled with old favorites and bold new premieres. “We cannot wait to greet our audiences with a warm, sunshine-filled welcome back to our home theaters,” said Lopez in an announcement earlier this month. “It is so exciting to be back on stage, returning to the thrill of live, in-theater performances and to once again feel the joy of performing…” Executive Director Tania Castroverde Moskalenko echoed, “Our South Florida home gave MCB many opportunities to stay connected to our communities over the past year, and digital offerings opened new pathways for us to share our distinctive style with a wider audience. But nothing is akin to performing in our theaters.” MCB will open its 36th season on Oct. 14 with the online premiere of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” by George Balanchine, a classic ballet reimagined in a dreamy, underwater seascape and featuring sets and costumes by famed environmental artist Michele Oka Doner. The program will be available on demand through Oct. 31. Live performances return in December with a holiday tradition, George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker,” at the Broward Center, Dec. 10 – 12; Arsht Center, Dec. 16 – 26; and Kravis Center, Dec. 29 – 30. Alexei Ratmansky’s new choreography to Tchaikovsky’s “Swan Lake” will receive its U.S. premiere Feb. 11 – 27. For his “Swan Lake,” the Russian researched the history of the fabled ballet, reconstructing much of the original choreography through notations dating back to the 1895 Marius Petipa/Lev Ivanov production. Balanchine tryptic “Jewels,” March 18 – April 23, was inspired by a visit to famed French jewelers Van Cleef & Arpels and includes three distinct mini-ballets — the mysterious and poetic “Emeralds” suggesting a verdant French countryside, the quintessentially American “Rubies” and opulent, Imperial Russian splendor in

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Miami City Ballet will present the U.S. premiere of Russian choreographer Alexei Ratmansky’s “Swan Lake” in February. Courtesy photo.

“Diamonds,” according to program notes. MCB will present a mixed-rep bill April 29 – May 23, headlined by the return of Balanchine’s “Prodigal Son,” and two company premieres from choreographers William Forsythe and Christopher Wheeldon. Rounding out the program is an innovative ballet-meets-technology world premiere by rising choreographic star Claudia Schreier and pioneering filmmaker Adam Barish. Schreier’s first MCB commission, “Places” (2020), was a critically acclaimed success. In addition to the pandemic, Lopez noted her company had overcome many hurdles throughout its history and the “stories” her dancers are rehearsing will put memories of the lost 2020-21 season behind them. “We are thrilled to present a season that is filled with stories — stories of childhood dreams and fantasy, of transcendent love, hope and courage, of distant places and times and of complete human forgiveness. Stories that speak to our most human selves, all to reconnect with you, the only way we know how, thru dance,” she said.

For tickets and more information, go to MiamiCityBallet.org. 7. 29. 20 21 •

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OPERA TURNS 80 WITH RETURN TO SOUTH FLORIDA STAGES J.W. Arnold

lorida Grand Opera (FGO) recently announced a 2021-22 season featuring a mix of classical favorites and 21st century works performed at the Arsht and Broward Centers, as well as new venues in both counties. In addition to a return to live performances following the COVID-19 shutdown, FGO will celebrate its 80th anniversary with the fouropera line-up. General Director Susan T. Danis said, “The celebration of an 80th anniversary season is an accomplishment for any company, and in this case, an opportunity for South Florida and the opera industry to celebrate the history of our company.” She noted that FGO (then the Greater Miami Opera) presented its first performance of Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” on Valentine’s Day 1942 at the Miami Senior High School Auditorium. The company has since gone on to present the finest opera singers from around the world in productions representing the work of more than 60 composers. This fall, FGO opens with a series of jazz, spiritual and Motown-themed concerts in Fort Lauderdale, Nov. 18, and at historic Sandrell Rivers Theater in Miami’s Little Haiti neighborhood, Nov. 19. The opera artists will collaborate with Fort Lauderdale’s award-winning Dillard High School Jazz Band. Other concert dates are March 18 – 19 and April 8 and 30. FGO kicks off its regular season with Andre Previn’s “A Streetcar Named Desire,” January 22 – February 5, 2022 at the Arsht and Broward Centers. Based on Tennessee Williams’ play, the opera follows the downward spiral of former southern belle Blanche Dubois, who after having experienced a series of personal losses, leaves behind her wealth and privilege and moves into a run-down apartment with her sister and brother-in-law. The season continues at the Arsht and Broward Centers, March 12 – April 2, with a staple of the operatic repertoire, Verdi’s “Rigoletto,” a timeless story of betrayal, dashed dreams, and mistaken identity. FGO heads north to the Lauderhill Center for the Performing Arts for the third opera of

and

Florida Grand Opera announced its 202122 season, including “Fellow Travelers,” a contemporary work about the “pink scare” of the 1950s. Credit: Dan Norman.

the season, “Fellow Travelers,” April 23 - 28. Based on the best-selling novel by Thomas Mallon, the opera by Gregory Spears is both a story of the heart and a taut political thriller. Set against a backdrop of 1950s paranoia in Washington, D.C., “Fellow Travelers” follows the lives of an aspiring young journalist and handsome State Department official who are swept into a passionate love affair, just as Senator McCarthy begins his hunt for “sexual subversives” in the government. FGO concludes the season at the Scottish Rite Temple in Miami’s Lummus Park historic district, with Handel’s early opera, “Agrippina,” May 14 – 19. Filled with devious plots, love affairs and obsession with power, “Agrippina” is on par with any of today’s popular telenovelas. Christine Lyons stars and former FGO studio artist and countertenor Key’mon Murrah sings the role of Roman soldier Ottone. Rounding out the season is the return of FGO’s popular zarzuela concerts at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Allapattah, Feb. 11 and April 27. Zarzuela is a form of folk operetta that emerged in Spain and is still popular in Spanish-speaking countries.

Season subscriptions are now available at FGO.org. Individual concert and opera tickets will go on sale on Oct. 4. 7. 29. 20 21 •

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