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august 7, 2019 vol. 10 // issue 32

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Justice for

Kiki Trans woman murdered in Miami, police seeking information Page 6, 14

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NEWS highlight

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

Access Hollywood Host, Mario Lopez, Under Fire for Anti-Trans Comments

- Statement from GLAAD

Jesse Monteagudo

Correspondents

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

Contributing Columnists

Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily • Terri Schlichenmeyer

8 . 7.2019

Associate Photographers

Mario Lopez. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr.

have long discredited the ideas that Mario Lopez shared last month. The real ‘dangerous action’ is when someone with a public platform uses bad science to speak against a marginalized and vulnerable group of children.” On Wednesday the popular TV Show host backtracked and apologized. “The comments I made were ignorant and insensitive, and I now have a deeper understanding of how hurtful they were,” Lopez told PEOPLE. “I have been and always will be an ardent supporter of the LGBTQ community, and I am going to use this opportunity to better educate myself. Moving forward I will be more informed and thoughtful.” Lopez, who is straight, is no stranger to the South Florida LGBT community where he was grand marshal of Miami Beach Pride in 2015. According to a press release from Miami Beach Pride at the time he chosen because he

Associated Press •

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

CEO • Pier Angelo Guidugli piero@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

Senior Features Correspondents

cover: Kiki Fantroy. Photo via Facebook.

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Publisher • Norm Kent

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Assistant Art Director • Adam Turner Digital Content Director • Justin Musial Webmaster@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington Graphic Designers • Char Pratt Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold JW@prdconline.com Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi tberardi@ufl.edu Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • Sallie James HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

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“The real ‘dangerous action’ is when someone with a public platform uses bad science to speak against a marginalized and vulnerable group of children.”

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Editorial

Jason Parsley ario Lopez is coming under fire for comments he made to a conservative talk show host regarding transgender children. The Access Hollywood co-host appeared on the conservative YouTube show, The Candace Owens Show, in June, where the commentator brought up “this new trend where celebrities are coming out […] and saying that their child is picking their gender.” “Look, I’m never one to tell anyone how to parent their kids, obviously, and I think if you come from a place of love, you really can’t go wrong,” Lopez responded. “But at the same time, my God, if you’re 3 years old and you’re saying you’re feeling a certain way, or you think you’re a boy or a girl or whatever the case may be, I just think it’s dangerous as a parent to make that determination […] It’s sort of alarming and my gosh, I just think about the repercussions later on.” It’s unclear why it took so long for social media to take notice of Lopez’ comments. GLAAD released a statement pushing back against the former Extra host’s remarks. “Medical and psychological experts, and parents of children who are transgender,

@SFGN

August 7, 2019 • Volume 10 • Issue 32

Carina Mask • Steven Shires

In Memorium

was “an ardent proponent of LGBTQ issues, Lopez is a long-time supporter of GLAAD. His association with the organization includes participation in the GLAAD ‘Amplify Your Voice’ anti-gay bullying PSA campaign, which ran in conjunction with Spirit Day, a national day set aside to remember gay teens who have been bullied. Lopez has also been a special guest and a presenter at several GLAAD Media Awards events.” Lopez also played Greg Louganis, a gay man, in the 1997 movie “Breaking the Surface: The Greg Louganis Story.” “Queer Eye” star Jonathan Van Ness also slammed Lopez on Twitter. “If you’re not raising a child who is part of the LGBTQ+ community you should really be quiet,” Van Ness tweeted Wednesday.”You don’t need to understand what you do not know.” According to GLAAD Extra will address the controversy on its show Wednesday night.

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For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Clark Rogers Clark@sfgn.com Assistant to the Editor • Nick Adkins Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell, Lee Curtis Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Sun Coast Press

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NLGJA Journalist of the Year South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2019 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.


NEWS white house watch

Stakes Raised For Next DNC Debates This week’s White House watch: Mass shootings, minimum wage, and white nationalism John McDonald

Photo via CNN.

T

he Democratic field is expected to be cut in half the next time the candidates take the debate stage. As the bar is raised for the party’s next debate (Sept. 12-13 in Houston), fundraising and name recognition become vital. Eight candidates have met the DNC’s debate stage threshold of 130,000 unique donors and two percent support in four polls. The eight are: former Vice President Joe Biden, Senators Cory Booker, Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Amy Klobuchar and Elizabeth Warren, former Texas representative Beto O’Rourke and South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg used his time in Detroit last week to ask voters to “summon the courage to walk away from the past.” On the first night at the Fox Theatre, Buttigieg stressed America was “running out of time” to solve critical issues. He advocated for raising the minimum wage and allowing gig workers to unionize. The U.S. minimum wage is $7.25 an hour. “The minimum wage is just too low,” Buttigieg said. “And so-called conservative Christian senators, right now in the Senate are blocking a bill to raise the minimum wage when scripture says whoever oppresses the poor taunts their maker.” Florida Representative Shevrin Jones, a fellow gay millennial, said Buttigieg performed well in the debate. “Mayor @PeteButtigieg comes with a fresh perspective that was needed on the stage, and he also speaks with such confidence in his response. He won the day 1 debate in my book,” Jones tweeted. Following the debates, the nation was rocked again by mass shootings in El Paso, Texas and Dayton, Ohio. President Trump issued the standard thoughts and prayers and had flags lowered at half-mast. Calls for

legislation on universal background checks and an assault weapons ban resumed as well as identifying root causes. “We can’t fix the problem if we refuse to name it: white nationalism. An ideology emboldened by a president who stokes the flames of hatred and coddles white supremacists with messages of support. We must do what Trump won’t: condemn this evil and eradicate it from our society,” tweeted Biden. Added O’Rourke, appearing on MSNBC’s Morning Joe program: “This president’s open racism is an invitation to violence. The writing has been on the wall since his maiden speech coming down the escalator calling immigrants ‘rapists and criminals.’” Meanwhile, there is the matter of securing the Republican party’s nomination. Currently, Trump has one legitimate challenger – former Massachusetts Governor William Weld. Weld, 74, has stated he’s in a fight for the soul of the GOP. More recently he has called Trump a “raging racist.” As of the last reporting cycle, Weld had raised $871,852 placing him twenty-fifth among all candidates. The Washington Times printed this assessment of Weld: “He wanders every which way; he’s an ideological libertarian who wants to give free college to workers who lose their jobs to automation, he’s a Republican who supports abortion. He’s not libertarian, he’s just not anything. He has proven over three decades in the public square as an elected official and as a candidate, that he will say and do anything to keep himself relevant. And that’s a recipe for irrelevance,” wrote Remso Martinez in an op-ed published Aug. 1. Thus far there have been no announcements of a Republican debate.

White House Watch is a weekly column taking a look at the state of the 2020 presidential election. 8.7.2019 •

3


news international

By Cameren Boatner

the world around

Oceania

Asia

Australian Rugby player sues after being fired for anti-gay post

Critics condemn Malaysia’s censorship of ‘Rocketman’

Israel Folau, a rugby player who was sacked in May after posting on social media that “hell awaits” gay people, filed a lawsuit against Rugby Australia (RA). Folau, 30, says he was unlawfully fired for his Christian beliefs, while RA maintains he violated their code of conduct, according to the BBC. They say he broke the “respectful use of social media” rule, including based on one’s sexual orientation. Still, Folau says he’s been discriminated against based on his religion. “Thank you to those who have supported me over this journey - it has meant so much to [my wife] Maria and me. God bless,” Folau tweeted on Thursday. This case will be the first to have a ruling on whether companies have

8 . 7.2019

Israel Folau. Photo credit: David Molloy, via Flickr.

control over employees’ social media comments, as well as political and religious protections.

Malaysia censored gay sex and kissing scenes out of the Elton John biopic, ‘Rocketman,” and has recieved criticism from film fans. The head of Malaysia’s Film Censorship Board said the board doesn’t “promote LGBTQ” in films for public viewership, according to Reuters. But some fans are saying the state has overstepped. “We don’t need a nanny state,” said Malaysian TV personality and art critic Sharaad Kuttan, who has watched Rocketman in full,Reuters reported. “Governments today cannot control the representation of the LGBT community and individuals – they are fighting a losing battle.” Sodomy is a crime in Malaysia and is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Elton John himself has spoken out

“Rocketman.” Photo credit: Paramount Pictures.

against censorship of the move in other countries such as Russia in the past.

Middle East

Europe

Cyprus bishop: Anal makes babies gay

Oliver Stone calls Russia’s anti-gay law ‘sensible’

Orthodox Bishop Neophytos of Morphou claimed that if a pregnant woman has anal sex, the baby will become gay. The Church of Cyprus bishop made the statement during a speech at a primary school, according to Metro Weekly. He also attributes homosexuality to a lack of spirituality, and said that parents pass on the sickness of homosexuality to their children. “Why do people have erotic desire to the same sex?” the bishop asked in a video clip from the speech. “It is usually a problem that’s transmitted by the parents to the child, and this happens at the time of a sexual act. During pregnancy, if the sexual act committed is not natural.” Cyprus has decriminalized gay sex,

4

Exploring LGBT News Events Across the Globe

Bishop Neophytos of Morphou. Image via YouTube.

but still doesn’t recognize same-sex marriage.

Oliver Stone, a filmmaker, said in an interview with Russian President Vladimir Putin that their law making the distribution of gay “propaganda” among minors illegal is “sensible.” Stone defended his statement in their talk during his new documentary “Revealing Ukraine,” saying if people think he’s homophobic, they should watch his 2004 movie “Alexander,” which depicted love scenes between the conqueror and his male best friend, according to Indie Wire. He also mentioned that in a previous documentary, “The Putin Interviews,” Putin said he wasn’t homophobic. “As to gay/LGBTQ beliefs in Russia, again much misunderstood,” Stone wrote on Facebook. “Mr. Putin made himself clear in ‘The Putin Interviews’

Oliver Stone (right) and Vladimir Putin. Photo via the Kremlin.

– he’s not anti-gay/LGBTQ. Nor am I. Do not bring American expectations to Russian life any more than you expect Iran, Korea, Venezuela, or China to follow our political or social demands,” Oliver wrote on Facebook.


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HARD BELLY 8.7.2019 •

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NEWS miami-dade

Black Trans Woman Murdered in Miami x

Police seeking help from public

Violence Against the Transgender Community in 2019

Jason Parsley

From Human Rights Campaign

Kiki Fantroy. Photo via Facebook.

K

iki Fantroy was murdered July 31 in Miami during an argument that turned violent. The 21-year-old black trans woman was shot to death on a street corner near an abandoned home in the Goulds neighborhood of Southwest Miami-Dade. According to the Miami Herald, Fantroy’s family believe her gender identity could have played a role in her death. But a Miami Herald source told the newspaper they don’t believe the murder was a hate crime. Detective Lee Cowart with the Miami-Dade Police Department though disputed that to SFGN saying “that has not been established yet.” Cowart said there were “numerous” witnesses to the murder and is urging

anyone with information to come forward. Cowart told SFGN someone can come forward anonymously by calling Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Fantroy’s shooter. “You can remain anonymous during the whole process,” he said. Fantroy becomes the 13th known killing of a black trans woman this year. On Wednesday evening Pridelines, 6360 NE 4th Court in Miami, is hosting ‘Take Back the Night,’ a celebration of the power and strength of black trans women. The League of Extraordinary Transgender Women is dedicating the evening to Fantroy. The gathering takes place from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7.

According to the Miami Herald, Fantroy’s family believe her gender identity could have played a role in her death.

Did You Witness this crime? Anyone with information should call Miami-Dade Police Department Homicide Detective C. Perez at 305-471-2400. To do so anonymously contact Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers at: 305-471-TIPS (8477) or 866-471-8477; or visit CrimeStoppers305.com and select “Submit a Tip.”

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8 . 7.2019

In 2018, advocates tracked at least 26 deaths of transgender people in the U.S. due to fatal violence, the majority of whom were Black transgender women. These victims were killed by acquaintances, partners and strangers, some of whom have been arrested and charged, while others have yet to be identified. Some of these cases involve clear anti-transgender bias. In others, the victim’s transgender status may have put them at risk in other ways, such as forcing them into unemployment, poverty, homelessness and/or survival sex work. While the details of these cases differ, it is clear that fatal violence disproportionately affects transgender women of color, and that the intersections of racism, sexism, homophobia, biphobia and transphobia conspire to deprive them of employment, housing, healthcare and other necessities, barriers that make them vulnerable. HRC Foundation’s “Dismantling a Culture of Violence” report demonstrates how anti-transgender stigma, denial of opportunity and increased risk factors compound to create a culture of violence -- and provides clear ways that each of us can directly make an impact to make our society a safer place for transgender people. As is too often the case in the reporting of anti-transgender violence, many of these victims are misgendered in local police statements and media reports, which can delay our awareness of deadly incidents. In the pursuit of greater accuracy and respect for transgender and gender expansive people in both life and death, HRC offers guidelines for journalists and others who report on transgender people. Sadly, 2019 has already seen at least 13 transgender people fatally shot or killed by other violent means. As HRC continues to work toward justice and equality for transgender people, we mourn those we have lost:

Dana Martin, 31, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Montgomery, Alabama, on January 6. Reports stated that she was found in a roadside ditch in her vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Daroneshia Duncan-Boyd, an Alabamabased trans advocate, said that “she was a person that was loved by many.” Jazzaline Ware, a Black transgender

woman, was found dead in her Memphis apartment in March. Her death is being investigated as a homicide, according to The Advocate. “Our community in Memphis is mourning the death of Jazzaline Ware, a Black trans woman and beloved friend,” said the Transgender Law Center in a press release. Further details are unknown as of May 31, 2019.

Ashanti Carmon, 27, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Prince George’s County, Maryland, on March 30. “Until I leave this Earth, I’m going to continue on loving her in my heart, body, and soul,” said Philip Williams, Carmon’s fiancé. “She did not deserve to leave this Earth so early, especially in the way that she went out.

Claire Legato, 21, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Cleveland on April 15. Local media reports that Legato was shot in the head after an argument broke out between her mother and the suspect. She was taken to a nearby hospital and died from her injuries on May 14. Friends and family took to social media to mourn Legato’s death, remembering her as someone who was “full of life.” Muhlaysia Booker, 23, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Dallas on May 18. Local media reported that Booker was found dead, lying face down with a gunshot wound near a golf course in east Dallas. In April, Booker was viciously attacked in what Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings described as “mob violence.” Officers say that there is no indication as of May 20, 2019, that the April attack is linked to Booker’s killing. Michelle ‘Tamika’ Washington,

40, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Philadelphia on May 19. Police responded to reports of shots fired in North Philadelphia’s Franklinville neighborhood,


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according to the Philadelphia Gay News. Washington, who was also known by the name Tameka, was found with several gunshot wounds and transported to Temple University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. She is remembered by friends and loved ones as a beloved sister and “gay mother.”

Paris Cameron,

20, a Black transgender woman, was among three people killed in a horrific anti-LGBTQ shooting in a home in Detroit on May 25, according to local reports. Alunte Davis, 21, and Timothy Blancher, 20, two gay men, were found dead at the scene and Cameron was taken to the hospital, where she died from her injuries. Two other victims were also shot but survived. “This case illustrates the mortal danger faced by members of Detroit’s LGBTQ community, including transgender women of color,” Fair Michigan President Alanna Maguire said.

Chynal Lindsey, 26, a Black transgender woman, was found dead in White Rock Lake, Dallas, with signs of “homicidal violence” on June 1, according to police. The Dallas Police Department has reached out to federal law enforcement to aid in the investigation. As of June 4, no further details were are available Chanel Scurlock, 23, a Black transgender woman, was found fatally shot in Lumberton, North Carolina, on June 6. Few details are yet public about the crime, but police told a local news outlet they have “great leads” in their investigation. “RIP baby,” wrote a friend on Facebook. “You [lived] your life as you wanted. I’m proud of you for being unapologetically correct about your feelings and expectations of YOU.”

Zoe Spears, 23, a Black transgender woman, was found lying in the street with signs of trauma near Eastern Avenue in Fairmount Heights, Maryland, and later pronounced dead on June 13, according to local reports. “She was my daughter -- very bright and very full of life,” transgender advocate Ruby Corado, the founder and executive director of Casa Ruby, told HRC. “Casa Ruby was her home. Right now, we just want her and her friends and the people who knew her to know that she’s loved.”

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Brooklyn Lindsey, 32, a Black transgender woman, was found dead on the front porch of an abandoned home in Kansas City, Missouri, on June 25, according to local news reports. “I love you, Brooklyn Lindsey,” wrote a friend on Twitter. “I shall live on for you. Rest in power, sista.” Denali Berries Stuckey, 29, a Black transgender woman, was found fatally shot in North Charleston, South Carolina, on July 20. “I lost my best friend, first cousin,” wrote a family member on Facebook. “We were more than cousin. We were like brother and sisters. I love you so much, Pooh.” Kiki Fantroy, 21, a Black transgender woman, was fatally shot in Miami on July 31. Fantroy’s mother remembered her as having “a heart of gold” and being “a very loving person.” She also pleaded for justice for her daughter, saying, “My baby, my baby. Please help bring justice to my baby.” Additionally, HRC is deeply concerned about the deaths of Johana ‘Joa’ Medina and Layleen Polanco, whose stories we are following closely. Medina, 25, died at a hospital in El Paso, Texas just hours after being released from ICE custody. She suffered severe health complications that went untreated while she was in detention, according to Diversidad Sin Fronteras. Her exact cause of death is not yet known. Polanco was found dead in a cell at Riker’s Island on June 7.

8.7.2019 •

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LGBTQIA bites Pansexual

P

Bella Thorne comes out as pansexual

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8 . 7.2019

Intersex

Kenya to collect census data for intersex citizens Bella Thorne. Photo credit: Bella Thorne, via Facebook.

Actor Bella Thorne came out as pansexual in an interview with Good Morning America, but she says she didn’t realize it. Thorne initially came out in 2016 as bisexual, according to Forbes, but after someone explained the meaning, she immediately identified with pansexual. Thorne previously dated Youtuber Tana Mongeau and rapper Mod Sun in a polyamourous relationship, and said

T

By Cameren Boatner

love isn’t about gender. “You like beings,” Thorne explained about her connection to the identity. “You like what you like. Doesn’t have to be a girl or a guy or a he or she or they or this or that. It’s literally, you like personality. You just like a being.” Thorne came out while promoting her new book of poems, “Life of a Wannabe Mogul: Mental Disarray.”

Kenyan authorities will include an intersex category on the census along with “male” and “female” in the gender section starting at the end of this month. There are over 700,000 intersex people in Kenya, and the BBC reported that they frequently face violence and discrimination. The new category on the census is aimed at collecting information about their needs to better their lives. “Getting information about intersex people in the census will help people understand the challenges we go through,” Ryan Muiruri, founder of the Intersex Persons Society of Kenya (IPSK), said, according to the BBC. “Being included in the census is a big achievement for us.” Kenya is the first African country to include intersex people in antidiscrimination laws..

Ryan Muiruri, founder of the Intersex Person Society of Kenya. Photo credit: Ryan Muiruri, via Facebook.


f o t s e B 9 1 0 2

it’s time to

NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITES!

Vote for your favorite South Florida businesses

Throughout August readers will get to nominate their favorites in each “Best Of” category. In September readers will vote for the finalists

Visit sfgn.com/BestOf Best Restaurant Best Take Out Best Pizza Best Guest House Best Neighborhood Bar Best Nightclub Best Place To Shop

Best Happy-Hour Best Pet Groomers Best Coffee Shop Best Drag Queen Best Movie Theater Best City to Live In Best Non-Profit

Best Gym Best Live Theater Best Business Group Best Beach Best Hair Salon Best Spa ... And many more! 8.7.2019 •

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NEWS national

Ohio Pol Blames Recent Mass Shootings on ‘drag queen advocates’ Jason Parsley

State Rep. Candice Keller.

A

n Ohio politician blamed mass shootings on “drag queen advocates,” and “homosexual marriage,” among other things in a post Sunday on social media. State Rep. Candice Keller (R), pointed to the break down of the traditional family as a cause of the recent mass shootings. “After every mass shooting, the liberals start the blame game. Why not place the blame where it belongs,” the post begins with. “The breakdown of the traditional American family (thank you, transgender, homosexual marriages and drag queen advocates); fatherlessness, a subject no one discusses or believes is relevant; the ignoring of the violent video games; the relaxing of laws against criminals (open borders); the acceptance of recreational marijuana; failed school policies (hello, parents who defend misbehaving students); disrespect to law enforcement (thank you, Obama); hatred of our veterans (thank you, professional athletes who hate our flag and national anthem); the dam Congress, many members whom are openly anti-Semitic; the culture, which totally ignores the importance of

God and church (until they elect a President)l state officeholders, who have no interest whatsoever in learning about our Constitution and the Second Amendment; and snowflakes, who can’t accept a duly-elected President.” Keller is running for the Ohio Senate in Butler County in 2020. Keller is no stranger to controversy. According to the Cincinnati Enquirer she’s the executive director of a Christian pregnancy resource center and has made headlines in the past for comparing Planned Parenthood to Nazis. She also spoke on a white power advocate’s radio show and pushed for banning so-called sanctuary cities.

Vice Adm. Mike Gilday. Photo via The Joint Staff, Facebook.

Director: No Transgender Problems In The Navy John McDonald

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he transgender community got good Trump’s transgender ban, which is those news this week from the United States that need to transition gender threaten the Navy. readiness and cohesion of the force,” Belkin Vice Admiral Mike Gilday, the Navy’s said. “Across three years of open service by director on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said transgender patriots – including those who transgender troops have not harmed the have transitioned – military leaders have Navy. found time and again Gilday’s comments that such service on transgender troops is fully consistent “I am unaware of negative with military were released by the impacts on unit or overall readiness. Once again, Palm Center, a San Navy readiness as a result of uniformed leaders Francisco based nonhave confirmed that profit corporation. transgender individuals serving the Trump ban is “I am unaware of in their preferred gender.” indefensible.” negative impacts Last month on unit or overall - Mike Gilday Congress passed an Navy readiness as a Navy Vice Admiral amendment to restore result of transgender transgender military individuals serving in their preferred gender,” Gilday wrote in service. The amendment, named in honor response to prepared questions from the of President Harry Truman, passed in the House by a vote of 242 to 187. Senate Armed Services Committee. The Human Rights Campaign, citing a Gilday’s comments are another blow to the Trump administration’s ban on transgender joint study by the Department of Defense military service, said Palm Center director and Rand Corporation, reports the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and Israel have Aaron Belkin. “Vice Adm. Mike Gilday’s statement permitted transgender military service. undermines the primary rationale for

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8 .7.2019


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2097 Wilton Dr Wilton Manors, 33305 8.7.2019 •

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C o m pa s s P o i nts

PA L M B E A C H

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Compass Launches New Storytelling Program

Claudia Harrison

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8 .7.2019

This year, Compass’ HIV Testing and Prevention Department started a new program which directly engages community members in telling their own stories of making healthy choices regarding HIV prevention, or of staying healthy while living with HIV. Throughout the year, their stories will be shared during outreach at local bars and events, and through our social media. We are proud to share the first of those stories here. “My name is Jay, and I was one of the first 5,000 people diagnosed with HIV in the state of New Jersey. That was in 1982, and at that time we thought that only gay men were getting it. Before getting diagnosed and even after diagnosis, my boyfriend and myself were active drug users and it was nothing for us to go to a shooting gallery, what we refer to here in Florida as a trap house, to grab random, possibly used rigs from a dish to use. Now, as a 58 year old Puerto Rican woman from the Bronx who is living and thriving with HIV, I have been undetectable for many years. But as you can tell from the beginning of my story, it’s not always been this easy. Being HIV positive and battling an addiction at the same time was very challenging. When I was high, I wouldn’t take my medication as I was supposed to. In the beginning, there were so many stigmas around the diagnosis itself, plus you could tell who was on meds by the side effects. It wasn’t until 2004 that I started taking my diagnosis seriously. It was at that time my T cell count dropped below 200 and I had already suffered from three opportunistic infections. I thought

I am now given the opportunity to give back to other women by being a role model and mentor for those at risk and newly infected with HIV.

Compass. Photo via Compass, Facebook.

to myself, “people aren’t dying from HIV anymore, why am I killing myself?” In 2004 I enrolled in an inpatient drug program. After completing the program successfully, I graduated then went to school for counseling. Later I moved and my life changed for the better. It was right when I came to Florida that a friend told me that they had a place that would help me and take care of me. That place is Compass, and the staff have grown into a part of my family. When I became homeless in early 2018, I didn’t let that affect my medication adherence. With all that stress, if I had not been taking my medication, I believe my T cell count would have dropped to 2! I am now given the opportunity to give back to other women by being a role model and mentor for those at risk and newly infected with HIV. By becoming sober, my medication adherence correlated to a healthier lifestyle-not only for myself but for my family. I take one pill at the end of the day and manage them using a simple weekly pill box. If you’re a long term survivor or newly diagnosed, just know this phrase I kept telling myself ‘I’m worth living and worth being loved.’” For more information about this storytelling program, please contact Lorenzo Lowe, HIV Testing and Prevention Director, at lorenzo@compassglcc.com

Claudia Harrison is Compass’ chief information officer. She can be reached at claudia@compassglcc.com


LGBT CRUISES & TOUR EVENTS

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Publisher's Editorial

Convictions

Transgender Rights Need Protection Our Dignity as Human Beings is at Stake

x

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

T

he rebirth of white supremacy in our nation is having residual consequences. They are ugly.

Growing violence against gender nonconforming and transgender lives is impacting our community. Hate motivated beatings are on the increase. They involve extra cruelty. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs, these intolerable acts are on the rise. National media groups are catching on. More is being written about these episodes of insanity. Last week, Miami lost Kiki Fantroy. As the story shows, she was not the first or the second transgender woman of color to become a victim this year. She was the 13th. The numbers are incredible, the stories unacceptable, the brutality and the deaths uncivilized. Transgender populations need more than safe restrooms. Their dignity needs to be respected, their lives need to be protected, and their voices need to be heard. In a world where homosexuals have endured much, transgender populations have encountered even more. It’s been wrong. They are entitled to the same legal equality and full access to our laws that we all are. We don’t make exceptions because someone is an exception. Within the circle,

there must be justice for all. Laws must be passed which reduce or eliminate the restriction of access to proper identity documents that correctly reflect a trans person’s gender. We cannot prohibit transgender youth from full participation in their school’s activities or programs. We can’t have local ordinances on the books that deny transgender people access to any rights others may routinely have. We can’t have a president abruptly deny transgender persons the right to serve our country in our military. It is just one more act that exposes the current president as a fraud on human rights. Unfortunately, Mr. Trump’s neanderthal policies do not stand alone. At least 30 states allow for discrimination against transgender people in employment, housing, and public accommodations. Florida is one of them. While hundreds more localities have passed non-discrimination ordinances, which protect transgender people inside their jurisdiction, they did no good this past weekend in Miami.

As the story shows, she was not the first or the second transgender woman of color to become a victim this year. She was the 13th.

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8 .7.2019

Photo credit: Christine Geovanis.

Once again, it falls to good and decent citizens to stand up and rise against an abusive king, a tyrannical government, a despot in the making. It falls on us to speak out every day, to assert our rights under the law. No one will do it for you. America came together as a community of emigrants two hundred and forty years ago. We came from foreign shores to be one people, together. E Pluribus Unum means ‘out of the many, one.’ Our laws must reflect our commonality,

our equality, our shared vision not to restrict the rights of any, but to protect the rights of all. Last night, America celebrated what we call a ‘National Night Out’ against crime. Let me suggest another day to celebrate — a daily ‘Day Out’ for universal equality for all. We can never let up. We can never be silent. It’s on us. Like the characters in the musical ‘Hamilton,’ it is time to rise up. To protect our souls, to secure our communities, we must. History demands of us nothing less.


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250th and 251st mass shootings of 2019. That is unacceptable for a country founded on the principles of freedom, equality, and peace. I encourage everyone to continue to demand common sense gun control laws in an effort to prevent more bloodshed, and I call upon each of us to fight against the rising tide of hostility, hate crimes, racial discrimination, and injustice. Let us also make a special attempt to do something positive in our own community. Consider giving blood, making a donation, or volunteering to help those in need. By doing so, we can spread the message of unity and demonstrate our solidarity against this senseless cycle of gun violence and terrorism. Dean J. Trantalis Mayor


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WMG Volume 6 • Issue 15 August 7, 2019

Wilton Manors Gazette Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette

community

City Debates Budget Tax rate to decrease By Sallie James Municipal property taxes here will $216.09 annually. The reason? A lower decrease slightly if city officials approve percentage of residential properties the proposed 2019-2020 tax rate, but used fire services in proportion to other homeowners may still pay more because property types. Last year, Wilton Manors hiked the property values rose 7.09 percent. City commissioners tentatively fire assessment fee for single family adopted a municipal tax rate of $6.3529 homes by $4.73. However, the city per $1,000 assessed predicts the fire value, down slightly Residents’ total assessment fees will from the current rate rise again next year, of $6.4548 due to a property tax bill when Wilton Manors decrease in the debt also includes renegotiates its contract service rate. additional fees with the city of Fort What that means Lauderdale, which is the owner of a paid to Broward provides its fire rescue $350,000 single family County Schools, services. home would pay Fire assessment $2,223.52 in municipal the North Broward fees for commercial, property taxes if Hospital District, industrial, institutional, the proposed rate is government and nursing approved. Residents’ South Florida rates are all slated total property tax bill Water Management home to rise this year. also includes additional District and other Water and sewage rates fees paid to Broward are expected to remain County Schools, the entities. unchanged. North Broward Hospital Budget hearings on District, South Florida Water Management District and other the city’s $38.9 million budget are scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at City Hall on entities. According to the proposed budget, August 27 and September 12. The city budget includes one new fire assessment fees would also drop slightly for the first time in 12 years position for an economic development from the current rate of $219.24 to manager. WMG

Wilton Manors Elementary School. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •1 9 8.7.2019 •


Opinion

The Water Outage Should Not Be Blamed on Wilton Manors

Our city has done a great job in investment, planning and paying for its needed infrastructure projects

August 7, 2019 • Volume 6 • Issue 15 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre  Photo credit: Jx

The past few weeks have offered much notifications and constant interruptions to material for me to easily slide back into be just extremely annoying. Directing frustration for the many years perfecting the art of sarcasm in my twiceof neglected infrastructure throughout monthly writings for the “Gazette.” First and foremost was the disastrous Fort Lauderdale should be directed towards water main break that caused mayhem the City Hall located on Andrews Avenue, for so many. Then there were budget not the one located on Wilton Drive. Our meetings, misinformation on social media, city has done a great job in investment, code enforcement issues, Wilton Drive planning and paying for the needed complaints, and so much more tempting infrastructure projects that ensure future safety, demands and performance. We have opportunities. On top of all these opportunities was also paid higher and higher rates to the City also the awareness that my credentials in of Fort Lauderdale for our water and sewer the Royal Order of Ancient & Accepted needs. Unfortunately, for many years the Curmudgeons, the ROAAC to many, have City of Fort Lauderdale used much of that been called into question over my recent revenue to help fund their General Fund declaration of keeping a more positive Budget instead of making the necessary and much needed improvements to their attitude and writing style. Temptation and peer pressure swirling infrastructure. Thankfully, under new leadership of around me, jostling me to pick up the quill and begin scribbling words of attack Mayor Dean Trantalis and others, the City upon those in need a good public lashing, I of Fort Lauderdale is dancing to the beat of a struggle to set myself back down the path of new drummer, recognizing the many years of past neglect. This change in direction positive thinking. Reviewing some of the comments will not cause the necessary improvements to happen overnight. made on social media, Unfortunately, those during Public Comments investments will take at City Commission I was rather much time to bring meetings and overheard surprised at infrastructure up to date conversations around along with the ability to town, one could easily the volume meet growing demands. think that civilization has and degree Surrounding cities and begun a downward spiral their many residents will into the depths of smallof nastiness have to keep their fingers minded selfishness. I crossed, hopeful to dodge guess it all seems so much directed at our future scenarios while more real when we have a city officials improvements, updating practitioner of these horrid and replacing aged traits serving as President, over the water infrastructure begin to take blasting out negativity on emergency last place. a daily basis. Luckily many Even under the best of in our community choose week. circumstances, tragedy, a more proactive approach accidents or Mother Nature to life. I was rather surprised at the volume can cause disruption in our daily lives and degree of nastiness directed at our and safety. That is the time we need to city officials over the water emergency come together, help our communities, last week. Perhaps it is the frustration over and do whatever we can to get through. things we cannot control or the need to Unfortunately, some in our community receive tidbits of information constantly looked to point fingers, demand personal every few minutes in our digital world. attention and post very negative diatribes Having received the initial notice detailing all over social media. Setting that aside for now, before the problem and estimating that it would exist for the next 24 to 36 hours, how could allowing negative thoughts to consume my getting that same information texted to mind, I will move on to other news. Here in our Island City, our Mayor and your phone every five minutes make you more informed? I find such overly frequent City Commission made it clear this past

WMG Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli piero@sfgn.com Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com News Editor • Sallie James

Correspondents

Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

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

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Clark Rogers clark.rogers@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER

week that there will be no raising of the millage rate for the upcoming fiscal year. The proposed budget looked to have a slight increase, but due to the vote by our City Commission, the maximum rate is now set at the current level. After the next budget workshop, we will hopefully see the millage rate decreased further. Included in the budget are funds for the much anticipated streetscaping of Wilton Drive and for Jaycee Park across from City Hall. Moving ahead with this next phase for the Drive, along with new signage throughout the Arts & Entertainment District and at entranceways into our Island City, there will be plenty for us to be proud of. City projects, budgeting and future planning take considerable involvement by residents, elected officials and city staff. The proactive involvement by many in our community counteracts the divisiveness of the few. That divisiveness and acrimony can wear you down at times, but that is when one should take a step back to smile and be thankful. Those few moments of positive affirmation can be contagious and will be what makes life continually just better here. WMG

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Copyright © 2019 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

The Leisure Services Dept. now has outdoor storage available at Hagen Park for Wilton Manors residents. To learn more, visit bit.ly/WMHagenPark. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 20

8 .7.2019

2 •

August 7, 2019


Second Quarter 2019:

Real Estate

Sales and Inventory By James Oaksun Last time, I took a first look at second-quarter pricing in Wilton Manors, and showed that adjusting sale prices per the factor method discussed in previous columns moderated the price increase relative to 2Q18. This time, a brief look at sales counts and inventory trends. First, sales. Per MLS, there were 47 closed sales of singlefamily homes in the Island City in the second quarter of 2019. This was a six-percent decrease from the same quarter in the previous year, and a 28-percent decrease from 2Q17. As I have noted in previous columns, I believe it is best to consider sales on a rolling four-quarter basis, to account for seasonality. That’s what the sales bar chart here indicates. There were 180 closed sales in the four quarters ended June 30, 2019. That’s a four-percent decrease from 2Q18, and an eight-percent drop from two years ago. You can also see in

I believe it is best to consider sales on a rolling four-quarter basis, to account for seasonality.

the chart that from the peak in the first-quarter of 2017, four-quarter sales have decreased by 11 percent. So, sales are definitely slowing a bit. Now, for inventory. I’ve also discussed in previous columns my frustration with the “official” inventory numbers, which I think are optimistic. As I result, I developed my own proprietary methodology based on my former career in Insurance Actuary-Land. Take a look at the inventory chart here. The line indicates the monthly inventory trend for single-family homes in WilMa going back two years. Pay attention also to the lightly-shaded area. As long as the line stays within that shaded area, I would consider the inventory level as “balanced” - favoring neither buyers nor sellers. Above the shaded area would indicate elevated inventory, and thus more of a buyer’s advantage. Contrariwise, below the shaded area would indicate a tight inventory situation that would generally favor sellers. In other words, we are seeing fewer homes on the market as sales activity has cooled – which is keeping total inventory in balance. WMG James Oaksun, Florida’s Real Estate Geek(SM), is BrokerOwner of New Realty Concepts in Fort Lauderdale. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).

3 •

August 7, 2019

8.7.2019 •

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business

Rumors Bar and Grill to Close Aug. 18 By Jason Parsley Rumors Bar and Grill will close down August 18. The bar posted the announcement on Facebook. “Over the last 6.5 years we have had the pleasure of serving our community. We would like to thank all of our loyal customers for making us their destination,” the Facebook post reads. “The surrounding businesses for welcoming us. And most of all our incredible staff! Without your outstanding service, none of this could had been possible. The lasting memories we have made will be with us always.” The announcement also included a final drink special: half priced drinks from open to close everyday. Goodbye messages poured into Facebook. “Oh my first bar I went to while moving here 8 months ago. The atmosphere, the people and staff made me feel home and loved. I’m gonna miss you all,” Gabe Galan wrote. While Rebecca Kathleen added: “I’m shocked and heartbroken. We were just there and I never would have saw this coming. Best wishes to

Photo via Rumors, Facebook.

everyone there and on their new journeys. This was the best bar I’ve been to ever and so many memories have been made. Thank you for all the endless laughs and smiles and wonderful conversations.” One commenter had a theory on why the bar might be closing. “The competition level on the drive is too intense for owners who don’t have deep pockets to survive. As long as the bars are forced to basically give away their drinks to get people in the bar, this is going to happen eventually to many of them,” Greg Phelps said. “Believe me. I’ve been in their shoes!” WMG

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August 7, 2019

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Convictions

Trans Talk

Being Trans Isn’t All I Am Atticus Ranck

B

elieve it or not, not everything I do is about being transgender. Sometimes, I even forget I am trans. It’s always there in the back of my mind, but it doesn’t influence every decision anymore, at least not in the way it consumed me when I was first coming out and medically transitioning. Right now, my wife and I are in the midst of a big change in our lives. I’ve accepted a job opportunity in Albany, NY where I’ll be developing training curriculum related to LGBT health, including HIV, STIs, Viral Hepatitis, and drug user health. It was too good of an opportunity to pass up and it will directly benefit the future I’m working towards doing almost exactly what I want to do and have been doing in a less official capacity for a long time. This position requires us to move from Lehigh, PA to Albany, about 4 hours north. My wife Our dreams and was also job-seeking and ended up getting an opportunity in a reproductive hopes and wishes justice organization which will allow her to work remotely. We’re currently selling aren’t all related our first home and are under agreement to being trans. on a new home in Albany. It’s scary, exciting, and sad. We love Being trans just where we currently live, and as an added bonus, we’re currently only a little over means that there are an hour away from my family which things cisgender includes 5 nieces and nephews. This was not a decision which was made lightly, people take for but everytime my wife and I sat down SFGN file photo. and did the math and played out all the granted that I never various scenarios, it always came down do. to the decision that taking this new opportunity was right for us. So we’re they saw me as male, every time I looked trans isn’t all I am. My days are filled with going to work, leaping into the unknown. in the mirror I was checking to see if I saw a man looking taking care of our new puppy, and learning how to My days in the last few weeks have been filled with back at me or if I finally had beard hair, I researched all support my wife in the way she needs me to. worry about transitioning out of my current job, listing the surgeries and surgeons, I bought clothes to fit my Our issues aren’t always because we’re trans. Our our house for sale, weighing offers and negotiating, new body, and more and more. Everything was about dreams and hopes and wishes aren’t all related to dealing with home inspections and radon tests, being trans. One just has to look back at my Facebook being trans. Being trans just means that there are arranging moving company estimates, visiting houses in during those years to see how all-consuming it was. things cisgender people take for granted that I never Albany, making an offer on a new home, locating boxes During my interview for my new job they said, “As far do. It means that I have different perspectives that to start packing, and everything that this ridiculously as we know, you would be the only trans person who I feel are worth sharing so that I can help lighten stressful time entails. In one summer, my wife and I are works here.” That feels like a lot of pressure. I can’t the load for the trans people coming along behind leaving our current jobs, starting new jobs, selling our speak for all trans people and I don’t want to. me. But really, being trans means I’m just like you. home, moving to a different state, and buying a new While I am trans and incredibly proud of it, being home. Our first year of marriage has certainly not been a boring one, that’s for sure. In almost every part of these large decisions, being Atticus Ranck is the Health Programs & Supportive Services Manager for Bradbury-Sullivan trans has not been in the forefront of our minds. When LGBT Community Center in Allentown, PA. Previously, he was the Director of Transgender I was first transitioning, being trans was all I thought Services at SunServe in Wilton Manors. Atticus is a trans man who advocates for the LGBT about. Every interaction I had was about wondering if community through his work, trainings, presentations, and everyday encounters.

8.7.2019 •

23


spirituality

SUNDAY EUCHARIST 9:30 AM through Labor Day

LISTINGS

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

HEALING SERVICE 10:00 AM Thursday

BINGO Thursday 1-4 PM (doors open at Noon) Sundays 2-5 PM (doors open at 1 PM)

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

THRIFT SHOP Tuesday - Saturday 10 AM - 1PM Come As You Are - As One Loved By GOD Absolutely All Welcome We Are Pet Friendly!

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.

www.stnicholasfl.org www.holygrill.org

Holy Angels Catholic Community 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM Christ Lutheran Church 1955 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale (954) 564-7673 - christlutheranfl.org pastordeborah@christlutheranfl.org Worship: Sunday 10:00am Church of our Savior, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM

DARSHAN CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL EVOLUTION 1410 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, Fl 33305 917-579-3750 www. darshancenterwiltonmanors.org RevDrGTelesco@gmail.com Interfaith Spiritual Services on Sundays 6:30PM Spiritual Study Group Thursdays 7PM St. Nicholas Episcopal Church 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach (954)942-5887 - stnicholasfl.org office@stnicholasfl.org Sundays 8:00AM & 10:30AM (9:30AM only from Memorial Day through Labor Day) First Congregational United Church of Christ 1415 North K Street, Lake Worth 561-582-6691 - fcclw.org office@lakeworthchurch.org Service Time: Sunday 10:30AM United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale 2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale (954)563-4271 - uccftl.org revpatrickrogers@gmail.com Service Times: Thursdays 10:30AM (Elliot Hall) & Sundays 10:30AM (Sanctuary)

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

and

● Book Brunch meetings with great food & conversation

● Shabbat services each week on Friday at 8pm

● Yiddish class coming on July 30th

● First Friday monthly dinner

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

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8 .7.2019


FAITH & PRIDE spirituality

CHECK THAT BOX! Father Tim Carr

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

Sunday Service @ 10am Fellowship after Service

A

friend, Monica is the most intelligent person I have ever met. You don’t know her. She and her wife, Amy have adopted 6 kids!!! Six! Let’s just say that Amy and Monica have chosen a journey that includes many experiences! Monica is remarkable at many things. She is successful and well known for being in tune with what is going on NOW; right NOW. Today. This moment. On Trend. I went over their house for a nice family visit prior to my move to Florida and Monica used an expression, “Check that box!” Now you all don’t know me, but I am a little out of tune with the NOW. According to the Urban Dictionary – “Check that box” Implying that there is a list of boxes that can be checked in life, indicating the various experiences one has had, and checking off one of them. Various skin colors, sexual orientations, and physical features are all examples of boxes that can be checked off one’s list. Hmmm … Turns out I have checked MANY boxes…LOL! Recently I met a remarkable woman on the oncology unit. Her name is Trisha. She is 52. Trisha and I have become close as she nears the end of her life. (Speaking about the fact that we are NOT immortal but eternal can do that.) We were sitting there and speaking of her death when she used an eerily similar expression. She said, “When I first joined my company, I checked all the boxes.”

ChurCh of our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach, FL 33435 Wherever You Are On God’s LGBTQIA Rainbow, You Are Welcome...

Sunday ServiCe 10 a.M. rev. Wendy Woodruff, Pastor

You see, in her sadness at leaving this life, Trisha found solace and comfort in the fact that she is VERY well insured and that when she joins God, she will leave her family in a secure financial position. As humans, as mortal beings, we take our comfort where we can. I firmly assure you that her 3 sons and her husband are not thinking about their financial security! For her boys and for Tim, her husband, there are so many boxes left unchecked. Trisha will not dance at her boy’s weddings, or hold her grandchildren (physically), or place her hand in their Baptismal waters. However, as Christians we are assured that Trisha will live on. Her boys will have families. Their kids will have families. And, their children will have families. All the while Trisha will live, her light there; guiding and loving her family with a power of which we can only dream. Check that box, Trisha! Human life is fraught with uncertainty and insecurity, and perhaps for this very reason we are tempted to strive for a measure of security and control over the vagaries of life through our own efforts or accomplishments. But, use caution never to accord finite things infinite value. Choose for yourself a journey that includes many experiences! Live life to the fullest! As it states in Luke …”Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” Check that box!

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A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE

SFGN is here for you, no matter who — or what — keeps you going. Read our Spirituality Section to stay in touch with your local religious LGBT community. The only requirement? Be yourself.

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION 8.7.2019 •

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She’s gorgeous. She’s fierce. She’s the Queen of the North. Well, not really, but she can be the Queen of your Heart. Meet Sansa (ID 616617). Like her namesake Game of Thrones character, Sansa has been orphaned and is looking for a forever home. Sansa came from an overcrowded, nearby shelter - and sadly, we do not know a lot about her, other than she has a sweet purr-sonality. In the meanwhile, you can visit her in Winterfell... oh, oops... we mean, at the Humane Society of Broward County. Her adoption fee has been generously sponsored by Bartolomeo V., so please stop by and meet her!

The adoption fee for dogs over 6 months is $100 and felines over 6 months are $30. When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County the dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, receive preliminary vaccinations, cats are feline leukemia tested, and dogs over 7 months are tested for heartworm. They also receive a flea/tick preventative, a 10-day limited health care plan from VCA Animal Hospitals, 30 days of Trupanion Pet Insurance and a bag of Purina ONE pet food. The HSBC opens daily at 10:30 and is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I-95. For more details call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. To see who else is looking for a home visit www.humanebroward.com.


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8.7.2019 •

27


lifestyle food

Now Serving; Seafood Realness Rick Karlin

T

here’s no shortage of seafood restaurants in South Florida. They range from ultra-casual and relatively inexpensive, such as Southport Raw Bar, to over the top indulgence, such as Truluck’s. Gone are the days when you could snap up a great seafood meal for less than $10, even someplace downscale such as Southport or Catfish Dewey’s will cost you twice that. Technically, I guess the Mickey D’s Filet O’Fish counts as a seafood meal for less than $10, but let’s be real here. That’s the trade-off we pay for having seafood from around the globe available daily. Advancements in fishing techniques, storage and shipping means that we can have seafood from Thailand, South America, Alaska or Africa on our plates less than a day after it’s been removed from its native waters. Recently, I dined at two local seafood spots, one a landmark with a great view, the other a relative newcomer, but showing great promise.

Sea Watch On The Ocean 6002 N. Ocean Blvd., Lauderdale by the Sea 954-781-2200 seawatchontheocean.com

Sea Watch has been around for decades and is known for its stunning views as much as it is for its consistently good seafood. Perched high up on one of the few bluffs along the coast, the dining room is flanked by windows on all sides offering breathtaking views. Those views, along with the high-quality fare mean that you can expect to pay a substantial price tag for dinner. Appetizers average $15-$20, although you can get a hefty cup of chowder (clam or conch) for only $6. The appetizers consist of the usual suspects; smoked salmon, fried calamari, crab cake, tuna tartare, assorted shellfish as well as Bahamian conch fritters. Salad options include a nicely presented bed of baby greens, Caesar salad, a Boston wedge salad with bacon and buttermilk-blue cheese dressing and a beet, pear, endive and walnut salad. Entrees range in price from $13 for a simple pasta dish to $38 for the “Sea Watch Medley,” a combination of a fresh lobster tail, shrimp and scallops broiled with garlic butter and white wine sauce. Plain grilled fish entrees range $22-$29 and include swordfish, mahi mahi with Cajun spices, salmon, grouper, orange roughy, shrimp and scallops. Some of Sea Watch’s specialties include bouillabaisse and seafood paella (both $29) and its titular salad with charbroiled shrimp, lump crabmeat, red peppers, heart of palm, Kalamata olives, hardboiled egg, on a bed of tossed baby leaf greens with Louie dressing for $24.

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8 .7.2019

The lunch menu, with similar entrees, but also sandwich and entrée salad options will set you back about half as much. Brunch runs about $15$20 a person, with the exception of the lobster Benedict, which is $24. During off season (May 17 to Dec. 24) the Dinner at Dusk menu (served from 5 to 6 p.m. nightly) is a great bargain at $23.95 and includes a choice of clam chowder, conch chowder or a green salad, one of several entrées, including; crab tostada, filet mignon, blackened mahi, 1¼ lb. whole lobster (broiled or steamed), the “Sea Watch Medley”, or the catch of the day and a choice of either Key lime pie or ice cream for dessert. Service is friendly (for the price point it should be little more polished) and there is an extensive, if a bit over-priced, wine list and a full cocktail menu.

Even Keel Fish & Oyster 4100 N. Federal, Fort Lauderdale 954-530-6276 evenkeelfish.com

Even Keel literally means keeping a boat’s midsection, or keel, in a level position, assuring steady sailing. It’s also used to mean that something is stable and running in a smooth manner. That can certainly be said for the Even Keel restaurant, a fairly new (in the past year), addition to the Fort Lauderdale dining scene. On a recent visit the restaurant buzzed with an energy that comes from a team working together at a top level. Even when screw-ups occur, as they did with our dinner, they were handled with such finesse that we didn’t even mind. My husband and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary by treating ourselves to a nice seafood meal. My husband is a lacto-ovopescatarian, meaning that he eats, dairy and eggs and some fish, but is basically a vegetarian. We were impressed that Even Keel, a chef driven, farm to table restaurant, has a vegan/vegetarian menu in addition to a full menu of seafood (and some meat) offerings. We made our reservations online and in the comments section I mentioned that we were celebrating our 26th wedding anniversary. As soon as we gave our name to the hostess, we were greeted with a big smile and wishes for a happy anniversary. Color me impressed! We

Oysters at Sea Watch On The Ocean. Photo via Sea Watch On The Ocean, Facebook. chose to dine indoors and were shown to a nice corner booth in the nearly deserted restaurant (we were having an early dinner), although the veranda and bar were packed. The waiter also wished us a happy anniversary as we settled in for a nice relaxing evening. As we enjoyed our cocktail (Thank Pier!-our SFGN co-owner happened to see us as we entered and sent over drinks as an anniversary present) as we perused the menu.) Even Keel’s menu is divided into three sections; small and large plates, as well as pizzas from the wood oven. My husband managed to find so many tempting dishes on the main menu that we barely glanced at the vegetarian menu, which consisted of a few pasta dishes and a couple of pizzas. The vegan menu offered up a couple of pizzas, a Panzanella salad and roasted cauliflower. We began our meal with the Caesar salad, which for me, is always an indicator of the quality of the restaurant. The $12 salad, made to order, is bathed in just the right amount of the anchovy-caper dressing and was accompanied by toast points bearing white anchovy filets! My hubby’s shrimp and crab bisque was topped with a dollop of sweet corn and crab salad and a savory whipped cream. Both dishes were perfectly prepared. We also opted for the breadbasket. I’m normally peeved when a restaurant charges you for bread, but the grilled ciabatta and whipped honey made it worth every penny. Other small plate choices include crispy cauliflower with blue crab, charred octopus, crispy brussels sprouts, and panzanella and kale salads. By the time we were finished with our appetizers and that wonderful bread, I

Hungry for more?

almost asked them to pack up our entrees, I was completely sated. However, my fried fisherman’s basket arrived, chock full of oysters, scallops, calamari and shrimp, so I pressed on. My husband’s entrée arrived seconds later, a beautiful plate of grilled scallops. They looked delish. However, he had ordered the lobster roll and hates scallops. Within seconds the restaurant’s manager appeared and apologized and promised to have the lobster roll brought out immediately. He also left the scallops for us. We were baffled by the mix-up, our waiter had repeated my husband’s dish back to him and had even explained Even Keel’s lobster roll is served hot, so we know he got the order right. By the time we could even finish wondering, my husband’s dinner appeared, exactly as ordered. Other dinner possibilities include; a Wagyu burger with cheddar and bacon, chicken and seafood paella, hanger steak, grilled black grouper, red snapper, Chilean sea bass cheek, and short rib. We finished our meal with the sticky toffee cake and vanilla bean ice cream. You might also opt for Key lime pie, ice cream, chocolate pot de crème or a combination of roasted bananas, rum caramel, coconut ice cream, toasted coconut, and walnuts. The kitchen sent out a plate decorated with chocolate spelling out “Congratulations on your 39th Anniversary,” We got a big kick out of it. As we were leaving, we noticed a sign for the specials and suddenly the reason why the veranda was packed was clear; on Wednesday nights it’s just $5 for entry level wines on the veranda. Other specials include all you can eat mussels for $19 per person on Wednesday and 11/4 lb. lobsters for $29 on Thursday.

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.


8.7.2019 •

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SFGNITES

FOR THE WEEK OF August 8, 2019 - August 13, 2019 J.W. Arnold

Before We Had the Internet

jw@prdconline.com

THU

8/8

Concert Enjoy an evening of authentic New Orleans jazz at ArtSea Evenings, tonight at 7 p.m. at the Trump International Beach Resort, 18001 Collins Ave. in Sunny Isles Beach. The Bad Apple Brass Band is featured at this fun night of music straight from the Big Easy. A Q&A with members of the band will follow the free concert. Complimentary light bites (beignets!), valet parking and more. RSVP by Aug. 6 at ArtServe.org/ArtSea.

FRI

8/9

film Popcorn Frights Film Festival, the popular summer horror film festival, returns to Savor Cinema, 503 S.E. 6th St. in Fort Lauderdale, Aug. 8 – 16, and its bigger, bolder and bloodier than ever. The festival will premiere 73 films (including 10 world premieres) from 16 countries. Festival all-access passes are $99 ($169 for couples) and individual screenings are $12. Tickets and more information at PopcornFrights.com.

Saturday 8/10

theater

It’s been 25 years since playwright Ronnie Larsen debuted “Making Porn,” a sexy comedy about the life of a gay-forpay porn “movie” actor in the 1990s. In the decades since, the hit has played Off Broadway and in theaters around the world. Larsen is mounting an anniversary revival, tonight through Sept. 15, at the Foundry at Wilton Theater Factory, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $35 – 50 at RonnieLarsen.com. Photo credit: Ronnie Larsen Presents.

SAT

8/10

SUN

8/11

MON

8/12

TUE

8/13

festival

dance

television

nightlife

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Woodstock with “The Summer of ’69,” today from 4 – 9 p.m. at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, 50 W. Atlantic Blvd. in Pompano Beach. The free festival will include live bands, a fashion show, tie dye classes, yoga sessions, drumming circles, a hot rod classic car show, food trucks and a screening of the Oscar-winning rock-umentary, “Woodstock.” More information at CCPompano.org.

The XXIV International Ballet Festival of Miami and Broward presents a spectacular evening of contemporary dance tonight at 5 p.m. in the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, featuring national and international companies from Brazil, Italy, Dominican Republic, Switzerland and the U.S., all performing an exciting and eclectic mix of styles and music. Tickets are $35 - 45 at BrowardCenter.org.

Normally, during the slow summer months, we make it Movie Monday. Since there aren’t any blockbusters out this weekend (unless, you count “Dora the Explorer”), we’re going to have to stay in and binge some Netflix, Amazon Video and Hulu tonight. We’re currently working through the sci-fi drama “Another Life” on Netflix and “Good Girls” on Amazon. Better yet, turn off the telly and try conversation!

Who says you have to wait until the weekend to hit the streets of Wilton Manors? On Tuesdays at 9 p.m., Rumors, 2426 Wilton Dr., presents Trivia Night hosted by Carter and they’re serving tacos! Play with your friends using your phones and win prizes. More info at RumorsBarWiltonManors. com. And, at the Pub, 2283 Wilton Dr., don’t miss the “Pose” watch party tonight, beginning at 9 p.m. More info at ThePubWM.com.

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8 .7.2019


August 8 September 8, 2019

VIP EXPERIENCE: AUGUST 22 | ONE EVENING ONLY

All performances at Wilton Theater Factory, Main Stage 2304 N Dixie HWY, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

ARTSERVE, SOUTH FLORIDA’S HISTORIC ARTS INCUBATOR, INVITES YOU TO:

ARTISTIC REVEAL HONORING OUR COMMUNITY’S ARTS & CULTURE VISIONARIES*

Thursday, August 22 ArtServe | 6-9pm

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Limited VIP Tickets: $75

Tickets are available online at

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Use promo code “SFGN” for a 10% discount. ARTIST + PHOTO: DEANNA R. K. BARTON

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8.7.2019 •

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A&E film Trans actress Nicole Maines, right, stars in “Bit,” the closing night feature Aug. 16 at the Popcorn Fright Nights film festival in Fort Lauderdale. Credit: Provocateur.

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or decades, homosexuality has been a theme in vampire novels and films. “Bit,” a new film by writer and director Brad Elmore, is one of the first to feature a transgender protaganist portrayed by a trans actor. Nicole Maines (“Supergirl”) stars as a trans teen who becomes entrenched with a mysterious group of punk feminist vampires hellbent on ridding the streets of predatory men. The movie was selected to close the Popcorn Fright Nights summer horror film festival, Aug. 8 – 16 at Savor Cinema in downtown Fort Lauderdale. “Most R-rated movies are geared toward 13-year-old boys or at least coded that way,” Elmore said in a phone interview from Los Angeles. “I wanted to make an R-rated movie for young girls: fun, strange and gory, occupying a midground between ‘Lost Boys’ and ‘Jem and the Holograms.’” The filmmaker took a risk, centering the plot around a transgender teen. “I was just so tired of a lot of movies wanting a pat on the back for including a second or third tier character that’s trans,” he explained, noting that his city is one of the multicultural and diverse in the world.” “Anybody can make a sexy genre film, but I asked myself how do I start there and have a trans lead without it being a trans plot? So many trans-centered movies are about (gender) transition or identity,” he pointed out. The project came together quickly, in just a matter of months. Elmore had the structure of the story in mind, but still took time to research his characters. “Since I was writing a bunch of characters

outside of my experience, I had to do the footwork and vetting of the script, which took longer than the actual writing,” Elmore explained. “I wanted to make something fun, but with characters that were real. They have to feel real to writer and to the audience. The fun comes from the situations and not the characters ‘winking and nodding’.” Maines, a trans actor who recently broke onto the scene, was definitely a catalyst in the successful completion of the film. “She’s key to everything. I saw a bunch of tapes and auditions…it had to be a trans person playing a trans person or what’s the point?” Elmore asked. “I skyped with her and we hit off. She’s a very charismatic person. Really, it was a no brainer, she was perfect.” And Maines brought her A-game: “There’s a lot of pressure for a young actor to go from one role in a TV show that is a minute long to the lead in a movie where you’re in every scene. That’s a lot of pressure and she could handle it,” he added. In addition to “Bit,” Popcorn Fright Nights will premiere 73 films (including 10 world premieres) from 16 countries, and bringing together established filmmakers and emerging new voices to its annual celebration of the genre. Local theater producer and director Erynn Dalton will present her film directorial debut with “The Gravedigger” on Aug. 15. Dalton, founder of Abyss Productions and Wilton Theater Factory, adapted the acclaimed play, utilizing a classic horror story’s legacy as the thread for an absorbingly original tale about a tragic “monster.” The film was shot earlier this year in her Wilton Manors theater.

Popcorn Fright Nights runs Aug. 8 – 16 at Savor Cinema, 503 S.E. 6th St. in Fort Lauderdale. An all-access festival pass is available for $99 ($169 for couples). Tickets and a full schedule at PopcornFrights.com.

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8 .7.2019


Business SPOtlight

ArtBeat Galleries Grand opening Welcome to Business Spotlight, the column that thanks advertisers who support SFGN. We invite you to support them, because without their outreach to us, we would not be here to reach out to you. We are a free newspaper that survives on the success of our advertisers so we encourage our readers to support those who support us.

Photos by Edwin Neimann

ArtBeat Galleries owner Sean David (black hat) with artists Yankiel Mompeller (left), Rosemary Laurent and Byron Keith Byrd. Artist Yankiel Mompeller with his “Heartbeat Series.”

Sean David and artist Rosemary Laurent.

Visit ArtBeat Galleries at 3074 NE 12th Terrace, Oakland Park, FL. For private showings, call 954-951-1155. ArtBeatGalleries.com 8.7.2019 •

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community press release

Steve Urry Joins Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida As Director of Marketing & Sponsorship

T

he Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has recently announced Steve Urry as Director of Marketing & Sponsorship. This newly developed position is charged with strengthening the Chorus’s relationship with the business community and increasing the attendance at Chorus concerts. Urry comes to the Chorus from his role as Marketing Manager for Capitol Exhibit Services, Inc. (CESi) a nationally recognized trade show and museum exhibit design and fabrication company in Virginia. There, he improved the face of the brand and contributed to dramatic sales increases. Prior to his nine years at CESi, Steve was the Events & Marketing Manager for Historic Manassas, where he took on the task of making the Virginia Main Street non-profit profitable through new sponsor acquisition and creative marketing. Steve’s earlier career included an extensive run in the hospitality industry including management, sales, and large-scale event planning. Steve has a longheld reputation for his creativity, innate ability to improve upon what already works, and spontaneous problem-solving skills. Urry comments, “GMCSF is exactly what I was searching for regarding the next step in my career and making the move to Fort Lauderdale — a well-organized and established organization with an atmosphere that feels like family, and a mission that is close to my heart. I very much look forward to helping make GMCSF become even more successful than it already is!” “Steve is a great addition to the Chorus and our community,” states the Chorus’s

“I very much look forward to helping make GMCSF become even more successful than it already is!” - Steve Urry

Director of Marketing & Sponsorship, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida

Steve Urry. Photo via The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.

Executive Director, Mark Kent. “We had over 200 applicants from across the country apply for this position, and Steve brings the right combination of talent, experience and heart to our work.” More about the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida: Now entering its tenthanniversary season, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida pursues a mission of singing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences that inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts and celebrate our common humanity. The Chorus continues to realize this mission in ways that can only be considered extraordinary. In ten short years the Chorus has grown to over one-hundred-and-thirty men, making it the largest gay men’s chorus in Southeastern United States. The Chorus has earned a strong reputation for excellence, garnering prestigious invitations to perform throughout the South Florida region. The Chorus was the first gay men’s chorus to be invited to sing with the Symphony of the Americas and was the first gay chorus ever to be invited to sing during the thirty-three year run of the very prestigious Sunday Afternoons of Music at the Gusman Center at the University of Miami. Additionally, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida performed on the Live at Lynn! series at Lynn University, as guest artists of the Master Chorale of South Florida, for Nova Southeastern University and at numerous other community events. Annually, the Chorus reaches more than 19,000 people with their messages of love and inclusion.

The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida is located at 2050 N Dixie Hwy, Suite 218 Wilton Manors, FL 33311. For more information, visit www.gmcsf.org 8.7.2019 •

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