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Begins in center
August 22, 2018 vol. 9 // issue 34
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‘I did not kill my parents’
Former Gay porn star fights to prove his innocence 9 years after conviction Page 22 - 24
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August 22, 2018 • Volume 9 • Issue 34
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Editorial
Above: Rand Hoch. Background: LGBT Bar Association. Photos via Facebook.
LGBT Bar Association Launches Campaign Targeting Anti-Gay Legal Groups Dylan Bouscher
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Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo •
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and Hoch, a retired judge and equal rights advocate in Palm Beach County, noticed a card on a table he was sitting at during opening presentations at the National LGBT Bar Association’s annual conference, Lavender Law. “They have the little cards on the table for everybody to make a commitment to make sure that we don’t support any of these law firms that are working in conjunction with groups like the Liberty Counsel and the Alliance [Defending Freedom],” Hoch said. The nationwide “Committ to Inclusion” campaign targets the two conservative Christian non-profit organizations who wage legal fights against expanding LGBT rights in court. The campaign involves attorneys pledging never to support them through pro bono services, even if the lawsuit has nothing to do with LGBT rights. “This campaign is a call to action to warn attorneys about anti-LGBT legal groups and their dangerous and strategic efforts to chip away at legal protections for LGBT people,” said D’Arcy Kemnitz, National LGBT Bar Executive Director. The Arizona-based Alliance Defending Freedom, according to the LGBT Bar, has more than 40 attorneys logging up to 1 million pro bono hours. Recently the law
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firm represented Jack Phillips, a Colorado cake baker who refused to make a custom wedding cake for a gay couple celebrating their marriage at Masterpiece Cakeshop, his business. The U.S. Supreme Court held that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission had showed hostility toward Phillips based on his religious beliefs so while the ruling was a win for the baker, it left unresolved the broader constitutional questions on religious liberty. “We are imploring the legal profession to hold back pro bono resources that would help these groups advance their discriminatory agenda,” Kemnitz said in a news release. “When you help anti-LGBT legal groups - even on matters not relating to LGBT issues - you hurt LGBT people. Join us today. COMMIT to INCLUSION.” Hoch has signed on, as did every person at his table attending the LGBT Bar’s annual educational conference, where the campaign launched. The existence of legal groups being funded and organized to fight against expanding equal rights for minorities in court cases is not a new phenomenon. Hoch founded the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, fighting for equal treatment and benefits for LGBT residents, in 1988, one year before the Liberty Counsel MEMBER MEMBER
launched and a few more before the Alliance Defending Freedom started. “They started getting politically active because they knew that this was going to have to be fought in the courts,” Hoch said. “The more people know about these groups, the better it’s going to be because we never know where it’s going to happen next,” adding that living in South Florida means seeing such legal battles more often because the state is one of several which lacks a statewide law protecting LGBT residents from discrimination. For Hoch, changes in the federal judiciary under the Trump administration have made the LGBT community less certain about several legal issues. “Do we have a right to exist? Do we have the right to create laws? Does our Constitution protect us, when we are trying to, specifically discrimination, or trying to protect children from the harms of conversion therapy? These are legal issues that we were very comfortable with the answers as recently as a year ago. But now? With the change in the federal judiciary? We’re not sure of anything anymore.” Visit LGBTbar.org/commit for more information.
Cover: Brandon Woodruff was convicted in 2009 of killing his parents. Photo courtesy of FreeBrandon.org.
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8.22.2018 •
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NEWS online
Action Online
Don't miss the
Openly Gay Cheerleader Makes New Orleans Saints Debut
Jesse Hernandez performs alongside the New Orleans Saints cheerleaders at a preseason game. The 25-year-old, who is openly gay, is the NFL team’s first male cheerleader. Photo via YouTube.
Transgender Pakistanis Demand Protection After Killing
A Pakistani transgender woman mourns the death of her colleague, during a protest in Peshawar, Pakistan, Monday, Aug. 20, 2018. A transgender person was shot dead on Thursday night, police said. (AP Photo/Muhammad Sajjad)
Costa Rice Supreme Court Approves Same-Sex Marriage
Laverne Cox Criticizes Jacksonville Police for Deadnaming Problem
Paris Jackson Apologizes Following Backlash for “Hypocritical” Magazine Cover
6. Cardinal McCarrick Scandal Inflames Debate Over Gay Priests U.S. Cardinal Theodore Edgar McCarrick attends a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican. AP Photo/Pier Paolo Cito.
7. Customers Stand Up to Anti-Gay Yelp Review of Massachusetts Café Nino Barbalance, owner of Caffe Zia Gianna. Photo via Facebook.
8. Leaders of Pride Fort Lauderdale Go on ‘Pride Tour’ 9. Minister in Poland Calls LGBT March A ‘Parade of Sodomites’ 10. Screen Savor: What’s Cooking
Visit SFGN.com to stay up to date on all the news across the web! Twitter.com/SFGN
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Facebook.com/SouthFloridaGayNews
NEWS local
Last year’s TransInclusive LGBT Prom. Photo courtesy of TransInclusive, Facebook.
LGBT Prom This Weekend at The Venue Deon C. Jefferson
T
he TransInclusive group presents its nominees running this year!” second annual LGBT Prom Aug. 25 at 7 There will also be a special celebrity guest p.m. This year the event will be held at stopping by. Anticipate seeing actor and The Venue Fort Lauderdale, which is in the Transman Marquise Vilson fresh from his heart of Wilton Manors. appearance on Law and Order SVU. Music This year’s theme is Masquerade, and will for the night will be provided by DJ Terry of give you a chance to dust off those extravagant Miami, while red carpet hosting duties will masks, dress in your finest formal attire, and be handled by Champagne T. Bordeaux and dance until your feet turn blue. Radjee Narinesingh. Last year’s prom was filled with so Make sure you dress to impress, many gems. Guests were treated because there will be interviews to delicious food, elegant and tons of red carpet selfies décor, danceable music, for Instagram. Not to and genuine fellowship. mention, a unique photo There was also a booth that posts pics Whitney Houston straight to your social tribute last year that media accounts. got everybody talking. “Our Prom is a safe Who knows what space where we can be kind of tribute we visible and free with will get this year, people that live like us especially since we or just want to support - Carson Graham lost our ultimate Queen, us,” said Graham. TransInclusive Aretha Franklin. Speaking TransInclusive, is a of royalty, there was also Trans Led Action Support crowning of prom King and Queen. Group whose goal is “to minimize But wait there’s more. dispartites in Healthcare, Education, “We will have King, Queen and Supreme, Housing and Employment opportunities; which is our new category,” said Carson Lift discrimination and focusing on social Graham of the TransInclusive Group. “This equality for the LGB(T)Q community.” will allow non binary and gender nonIf you would like to become involved with conforming individuals to be apart of it. the TransInclusive Group, visit its Facebook Overall it’s amazing, so far we have over 10 page.
“Our Prom is a safe space where we can be visible and free with people that live like us or just want to support us.”
The event is free to attend but donations are accepted. Visit bit.ly/2weulRD for more information. 8.22.2018 •
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LGBTQIA bites Intersex
I
Intersex People Get New Option in Germany
“Dritte Option,” a German activist group that advocates for a third gender option. Photo via Facebook.
Germany’s cabinet has approved of a third gender option titled “other” on official documents for intersex people, whose genitals are not strictly male or female. The decision comes after an intersex person took to the Constitutional Court after trying to change their registered gender and won, reported Into. Parliament must now approve of the decision, and Germany will be the first European country to have a third identification option if
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it goes through — following Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. The response to the ruling has been positive among lawmakers. “No human being is to be discriminated against for their sexual identity. The introduction of a third gender option was overdue,” Justice Minister Katarina Barley tweeted. There are about 120,000 intersex people in Germany. Parliament has until Dec. 31 to decide on the legislation.
N
By Hope Benson Non-Binary
Non-Binary Students No Longer Have to Fill in a Gender on a British Standardized Test Education corporation Pearson’s EdExcel, an A-level standardized exam in Britain, is allowing its non-binary participants to opt out of putting a gender on their tests or result papers. It’s the first major test to accommodate non-binary students, and is a result of its partnership with British LGBT charity Stonewall. Other changes include representation of same-sex couples in questions as a part of its new dedication to “diversity and inclusion,” reported Telegraph. “By offering non-binary students a voluntary way to express their identity schools will get a better understanding of who makes up their student body. Having more inclusive data will help schools create more welcoming environments and ensure every student is accepted without exception,” Head of Education Programs at Stonewall Sidonie Bertrand Shelton said.
When there isn’t a gender on the paper, however, the results can’t be nationally reported. But the number of non-binary students is small and won’t have an impact on the overall results, said the Joint Council for Qualifications.
LGBTQIA bites
B
Bisexual
Netflix Show Criticized for Claiming Bisexuality Doesn’t Exist Netflix is normally praised for its LGBT-inclusive shows like “Orange is the New Black,” but its new show “Insatiable” has received backlash for its bi-erasing script. After two characters — Bob Bernard and Bob Armstrong — kiss, Armstrong is confused about his sexuality and Bernard tries to council him through it in a way that many viewers see as inappropriate. “Tell yourself you’re bisexual. We all go through that phase … Bisexuals are like demons or aliens. They don’t exist,” he says, to which Armstrong responds, “Totally agree. Bi is just a stop on the train to Gayville.” It’s later revealed that he is bisexual and the comments were the product of internalized biphobia, but Bernard continues to convince him that he’s gay as the show goes on, reported Pink News. “The show featured slurs which demean us and constantly force us
to defend our sexuality. If people saw this episode and recognised they were guilty of saying similar comments to bisexual people then perhaps that’s a step towards tackling biphobia. But if this character does turn out to be gay and used bisexuality as a phase then this is a terrible example for people to see,” bisexual activist Lewis Oakley said to Sky News.
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8.22.2018 •
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news international
By Hope Benson
Around the World
Exploring LGBT News Events Across the Globe
EUROPE Russia Approves Pride Parade for the First Time — and Immediately Cancels It Russia’s seven-person village of Yeblonevy was going to be the site of the country’s first approved pride parade, but the permission was revoked less than 24 hours after it was given. The shut-down came from Gennady Denikayev, the town manager of the nearby larger industrial settlement Novoulyanovsk. The parade, scheduled for Aug. 26, was predicted to have 300 attendees. “I made a decision, there will be no gay parade. We intend to protect traditional family values and, foremost, our children from the propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations,” he said to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The decision is in line with Russia’s 2013 ruling against “homosexual propaganda,” which is used to shut down LGBT events.
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The parade was originally approved by Novoulyanovsk city administration head Svetlana Kosarinova, who organizer of the parade and prominent LGBT activist Nikolai Alekseev called “the bravest person in Russia” on Facebook. Alekseev has been petitioning for Russian pride parades since the mid2000s, even taking it to a court case in 2012 that he lost. He isn’t giving up, however — he’s requested five more cities to hold a march in since the recent refusal, reported Newsweek.
Queer Podcast Looks Into What It’s Like to be LGBT in Africa A podcast called “AfroQueer,” produced in Nairobi by African digital media company None on Record, has uploaded eight episodes on the lives of LGBT people in Africa. Law, migration, race, film, censorship, family, and sex are just some of the topics that the podcast covers. It goes around the continent, focusing on events like the murder of Sierra Leonean lesbian activist FannyAnn Eddy in 2004 and on pride parades in Johannesburg and Uganda, among others. “The kinds of narratives that are shared about African LGBT experiences are generally only stories of victimisation and violence … but we also have stories of resilience and people pushing against different forms of oppression,” the series’ Executive Producer Selly Thiam said.
Photo via Facebook.
They chose the series’ medium to be a podcast so that people can listen to it on earbuds in secret, said None on Records’ Arts and Culture Director Aida Holly-Nambi. Public opinion and laws concerning LGBT people widely vary throughout the continent, but tend to be negative — across the board, tolerance of “homosexuals and other groups” are at the bottom of tolerance lists, with ethnicity, immigrants, religion, and people living with HIV/AIDS beating it out, reported the Center for Risk Analysis at the South African Institute of Race Relations.
ASIA
MIDDLE EAST
Malaysian LGBT Activists Unbury Hate Crimes in a Report to Police
Afghan Teen Applying for Asylum Denied for Not ‘Acting’ Gay
A group of 15 LGBT Malaysians approached the police after a recent rise in death threats and hate crimes targeted toward their community. The change comes after two portraits of LGBT activists were ordered to be taken down from a public photo exhibition by the government, said Elisha Kor Krishnan, the leader of the group and founder of human rights organization Pertubuhan Kesihatan dan Kebajikan Malaysia, which translates to the Malaysian Health and Welfare Organization. “LGBT people are Malaysian citizens, full members of our society, as such should be treated with equality, respect and dignity, so that they can live their lives without the constant fear of being attacked
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Russian LGBT activist Nikolai Alekseev.
AFRICA
8 . 22.2018
and exposed to hate-crime,” she said in a statement, reported MalayMail. And religious groups encourage discimination against the LGBT community, the group also claimed. “The [Muslim religious leaders] are speaking against us by saying fighting for LGBT rights is akin to fighting for animal rights, and that the LGBT community opposed God’s law,” Krishnan added, according to Free Malaysia Today. The attacks are especially targeted toward the transgender community, some posts promising to kill them on sight. Governmental departments, including Family and Community Development and the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia, are also being urged to look into the threats.
A gay teenager from Afghanistan applied for asylum in Austria after fearing persecution in his home country, but was turned away by a government official who doubted his sexuality. The decision was made in a 100+ page document detailing the 18-year-old’s clothing, walk, and behavior as “proof” that he isn’t gay. “They reported that you frequently got into fights with roommates. You clearly have the potential to be aggressive, which would not be expected in a homosexual,” one section stated. “You didn’t have friends … Don’t homosexuals tend to be rather sociable?” another argued. After Sebastian Kurtz won the Austrian
elections in 2017, he banded with the farright and anti-immigrant parties to form tough immigration laws. The European Court of Justice outlawed personality tests as proof of needing help in asylum applications, but many countries skirt around this ruling, according to the Washington Post. “Austria’s populist government is spreading concerns that refugees might falsely claim to be LGBT in order to stay in Austria. But even if there are doubts over someone’s sexuality, I’d rather allow them to stay here than to risk their death by sending them back to Iran or elsewhere,” Marty Huber, who’s with the LGBT organization Queer Base that sided with the teen, said.
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NEWS local
Judge Blasts Sun Sentinel for
Publishing the News
The judge took issue with confidential information, legally obtained, about the Parkland school shooting Rafael Olmeda
A
furious judge scolded the South Florida Sun Sentinel on Wednesday for publishing confidential but legally obtained information about Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz.
Lower left: Judge Elizabeth Scherer. Above: Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, photo courtesy of Brendon Lies.
A coalition of 30 media organizations, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, the New York Times, the Washington Post, CBS Broadcasting and CNN, came to the Sun Sentinel’s side in a court brief filed. 10
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Broward Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer said the newspaper flouted her order that portions of a school district report about Cruz should remain shielded from the public. In the future, she declared, she will consider listing exactly what the newspaper can and cannot print. Scherer did not rule on a school district request that the newspaper and two reporters be held in contempt for publishing the information. The issue revolves around a report released Aug. 3 based on Cruz’s educational record, revealing what officials knew about him in the years leading up to his Feb. 14 attack on Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, where he killed 17 people and wounded 17 more. A coalition of 30 media organizations, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, the New York Times, the Washington Post, CBS Broadcasting and CNN, came to the Sun Sentinel’s side in a court brief filed. They called on the judge to deny the School Board’s motion to penalize the news organization and two of its reporters, Paula McMahon and Brittany Wallman. After the hearing, Julie Anderson, editorin-chief of the Sun Sentinel, said: “The Sun Sentinel obtained this report lawfully, found its contents to be of great public interest, and did its duty. As the Reporters Committee for the Freedom of the Press noted, ‘The U.S. Supreme Court has consistently held that the press cannot be punished for publishing or broadcasting truthful information of public concern that the press obtained legally.’” By court order, the district was supposed to black out nearly two-thirds of the report because it disclosed information that Cruz was entitled to keep private under federal and state law. But the method used to post the report on the district’s website made it possible for anyone to read the blacked-out
portions by copying and pasting them into another file. The Sun Sentinel reporters revealed: School officials didn’t properly advise Cruz of his legal options when he was faced with removal from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School his junior year, leading him to give up special education services.
When Cruz failed to file the required written rejection of special education services, school officials nudged him, writing it up for him to sign.
The district “did not follow through”
on Cruz’s subsequent request to return to the therapeutic environment of Cross Creek School for special education students.
Sun Sentinel attorney Dana McElroy argued that the newspaper broke no law by publishing information it had obtained legally. Journalism ethics experts said news organizations always face tough decisions about whether to publish information no matter how it is obtained. The media are not obliged to run information just because they received it, nor are they required to refrain from publishing just because a government agency released it in error, said Susan McGregor, assistant director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia University. “Is it relevant to an important story, and was there significant public interest in having that information out there?” she asked. Philip Seib, who has written several books on journalism ethics and teaches at the University of Southern California, agreed with the Sun Sentinel’s actions. “It sounds to me like the people who were
NEWS local in contempt were those in the government that could view redacted portions and had agency who allowed it to be disseminated printed that. It’s no different.” in a way that any school child could have That, too, would have been legal, McElroy decoded,” he said. replied. Some parents of children killed at She rebutted the judge’s suggestion that Stoneman Douglas also sided with the Sun the journalists had agreed not to publish the Sentinel. information. Andrew Pollack, whose daughter Meadow “What was conceded was that there are died in the shooting, said the school board statutes that prevent the release of this was to blame for mishandling the report’s information by the government,” she said. release. But once the information was released, “[Schools Superintendent Robert] Runcie McElroy said, the news organization was said they did everything right,” Pollack said. well within its rights to publish it. “The things that the Sun Sentinel exposed Scherer was not swayed. She threatened show how incompetent to restrict what the media can everyone that worked at report, a practice known as prior that school was. It’s great restraint. reporting. Whether you “From now on if I have to report what I like or don’t specifically write word for word like, it’s the news. That’s exactly what you are and are not your job. Report the news.” permitted to print – and I have Ryan Petty, whose to take the papers myself and daughter Alaina was one redact them with a Sharpie … of the victims, said the then I’ll do that,” she said. school board should have An order like that would be rescinded its motion before “flatly unconstitutional,” Chuck Wednesday’s hearing. “It Tobin, attorney for the media was a waste of time,” he coalition, told the Sun Sentinel. said. Courts have ruled consistently The school district that prior restraint of the media - Chuck Tobin released a statement is prohibited. Attorney repeating the position it “The order the court entered took in court Wednesday, did not tell the journalists or but retreated from its original stance. the newspaper what they could or couldn’t In its contempt petition, the district asked publish,” Tobin said. the judge to “initiate contempt proceedings… The coalition cited legal precedent and impose proper sanctions as deemed holding that a news organization is entitled appropriate.” Then Wednesday, the district to publish information it has obtained said it never intended to pursue contempt legally, even if the government agency that proceedings and merely wanted to inform released it did so in error. the judge that confidential information had “The [U.S.] Supreme Court has repeatedly been published. made it crystal clear that it is the government’s Scherer stopped short of saying the burden to safeguard information … that publication was illegal, but she accused does not belong in the public domain,” the the newspaper of manipulation to get the coalition wrote in the brief filed Tuesday. It information. is “not the media’s burden to refrain from “You all manipulated that document so publication. … When the government fails to that it could be unredacted,” Scherer said. fulfill that burden it cannot punish the press “That is no different than had they given it to for publishing information provided by the you in an old-fashioned format, with black government, even if through inadvertent lines, and you found some type of a light disclosure.”
“The order the court entered did not tell the journalists or the newspaper what they could or couldn’t publish.”
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NEWS palm beach
Dr. Lea Brown Leaving MCC of the Palm Beaches Denise Royal
M
etropolitan Church of the Palm Beaches (MCCPB) starts a new chapter in September. After more than seven years, Brown is stepping down from her position as Senior Pastor. She’s been with MCCPB since March 2011.
So much has happened during that time— same sex marriage legalization, the shooting at the Pulse nightclub, and the election of President Trump. Through it all, Brown has been a guiding force. But in late July, Brown, the longestserving senior pastor in the church’s history, announced to her congregation that she was stepping down—she and wife Sarah-Helen Land were moving on to a new chapter in their life. They are moving to North Carolina where Brown will be a chaplain resident, training with the Veterans Administration. Eventually, she wants to be a full-fledged chaplain with the VA. “People have always asked me how long I was going to stay (at MCC of the Palm Beaches) and my answer has always been Rev. Lea Brown’s sermon on Palm Sunday, 2011. Photo via YouTube.
the same,” Brown says. “Until God or the congregation tells me it’s time to go.” Brown wants to make two things very clear—first, the decision to leave was not an easy one. “The seven-and-a-half years at this church were the best time of my life so far,” she told SFGN. She also is adamant that she decided to move on. “Anytime there’s turnover in the LGBT community people want to know ‘the real’ story. We are not leaving because anything is wrong. We are not being forced out, which makes it harder, because we love this church and we feel really loved and supported.” Brown said that for more than a year, she’s felt like something else was stirring in her, but she didn’t know what it was. So she prayed about it for many months. She felt like God was guiding her back to where she started—in the Army. When she was studying to become ordained at age 23, she difficult to single out one accomplishment,” was in the Army, as a chaplain candidate, said MCCPBs Chris Lacharite. “But clearly with an eye on eventually on one area that stands out is becoming a chaplain. her unwavering commitment “When I came out, I to issues of social justice. In was forced to resign my addition to being a strong commission, and by the time voice for the rights of the the law changed, and I could LGBTQ community, Lea led serve openly, I had aged out of the congregation in providing being able to be a chaplain,” programs and services to feed Brown explains. “Serving in the hungry, support people the VA where I’m headed is not living with HIV, provide the exact same thing, but it’s temporary housing for as close as I’m going to get in homeless families and conduct - Rev. Lea this lifetime. I felt like God was advocacy for migrant farm telling me to do this new thing.” workers.” Brown But it’s the work she did at Brown said the hard work Senior pastor MCCPB that leaves an indelible she put in could not have mark on South Florida. been achieved by her alone. “Lea accomplished many things during her “I would like to say thank you to the larger seven-and-a-half years here at MCCPB, so it’s community—Compass, CAIR, Roosters,
“I felt like God was telling me to do this new thing.”
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Rev. Lea Brown. Photo via mccpb.org.
activist Mary Fisher, Temple Judea and everyone who supported us on important issues like marriage equality, AIDS stigma, and the Pulse massacre. It’s my prayer that the church continues its partnership with all these incredible organizations and individuals.” As for the future of MCCPB, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 months to find a new senior pastor, in the interim, Reverend Elder Tony Freeman will lead the church. “I don’t think there are better hands,” Brown said. Brown’s final day at MCCPB is September 9. The church plans a special gathering to say goodbye that day following the 10:30 a.m. service. “I will miss most her heart,” Lacharite said. “Whatever Lea does she pours her heart into it. From providing vibrant, relevant worship to counseling a person in need, Lea is a powerful example of a woman who lives out her faith through loving others.”
8.22.2018 •
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NEWS state
South Florida House Rep Won’t Return SFGN’s Phone Calls
Patricia Hawkins-Williams has been accused of harboring anti-LGBT views and has been endorsed by the Christian Family Coalition John McDonald
T
he campaign for Florida House seat 92 is heating up with incumbent representative Patricia Hawkins-Williams fending off allegations of anti-LGBT views. Broward County human rights activist Michael Rajner is blasting Hawkins-Williams across multiple social media channels, declaring Hawkins-Williams unfit for office and demanding she drop out of the race. Rajner is particularly dismayed by the endorsement Hawkins-Williams received from the Christian Family Coalition, a hate group, he said. “She, like the Christian Family Coalition is hostile toward lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and believes it should be legal to discriminate against us because we are LGBTQ+,” Rajner posted on Facebook on Aug. 16. The primary election takes place Aug. 28. House district 92 covers eight municipalities in Broward County: Pompano Beach, Oakland Park, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale Lakes, Margate, North Lauderdale and Tamarac. Paulette Armstead, Hawkins-Williams’ opponent, is a lesbian. Armstead, 68, a distinguished retired law enforcement officer and attorney, shrugged off the controversy, telling SFGN, “I don’t get caught up in the personality stuff.” The personality stuff reared its ugly head at last month’s Dolphin Democratic club meeting. As endorsements were decided, Rajner took issue with Hawkins-Williams’ behavior. “She stood there with a nasty attitude and never once said hello to anyone,” Rajner said. Dr. Rosalind Osgood, a Broward Schools board member, rushed to Hawkins-Williams’ defense. “That’s just Pat,” said Osgood. “She can be a stern type of person. Let’s just say she needs some people skills.” Armstead called the scene at the recent Dolphin Democrats meeting a “distraction.”
“All I know is she said some things have been taken out of context and she is working on a statement.” - Bobby Dubose D-Fort Lauderdale
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Patricia Hawkins-Williams. Photo via YouTube.
“I don’t have any comment on Patricia’s attitude there,” Armstead said. “I didn’t see her.” Armstead said she is focused on her campaign and meeting voters. She finished third in this district in 2016, but picked up the endorsement of the Dolphins last month. Armstead said her campaign is gaining momentum. “You gotta keep moving,” she said. Armstead said lowering the cost of prescription medicine and bringing more affordable housing to the district are important issues and are 2016 campaign promises that Hawkins-Williams hasn’t delivered on. There are no Republicans in the race for house seat 92 so the winner of the Aug. 28 Democratic primary will take the seat. Hawkins-Williams, 52, defeated Armstead in a four person field in the 2016 election. This time, Armstead has what she called a “glowing” endorsement from the Sun Sentinel. The newspaper said Armstead is a “smart, thoughtful and persuasive about issues facing this minority district. A semi-retired attorney, she demonstrated in her endorsement interview and questionnaire that she understands the complexity of school reform, gun safety, sea level rise, legislative tactics and more.” SFGN has made repeated attempts to speak with Hawkins-
Williams, contacting her Tallahassee office and personal cell phone. Representative Bobby DuBose (D-Fort Lauderdale) said Hawkins-Williams is not anti-gay. DuBose, the Democratic leader pro tempore, is unchallenged in house district 94. “Patricia is my colleague, I do not know Paulette,” DuBose said. “All I know is she said some things have been taken out of context and she is working on a statement.” DuBose would not elaborate on what Hawkins-Williams believes was taken out of context in her spat with the Dolphin Democrats. “It’s not my campaign,” he said, referring further questions to Hawkins-Williams. Osgood too said Hawkins-Williams is not anti-LGBT. “That is not who I know her to be,” Osgood told SFGN in a telephone call last Friday afternoon. Osgood said she has known Hawkins-Williams for years, dating back to their collaborative efforts at the Boyd Anderson Research Center in Lauderdale Lakes. Osgood, a Baptist minister, said she knew one of Williams’ family members identifies as LGBT. “I never had an issue with Pat when she was in the city,” Osgood said.
NEWS national
NEWS local
School Closes After Trans Student Threatened The 12-year-old girl used the bathroom and the adults went crazy online Eric Levenson and Keith Allen CNN
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rural Oklahoma school system closed for two days earlier this week after a group of adults made threatening Facebook comments about a 12-year-old transgender girl, Achille Public Schools Superintendent Rick Beene said. The incident began after the student used the middle school girl’s bathroom this year at Achille school system in southern Oklahoma, Beene said. In previous years at the district elementary school, she had used the staff bathroom. Two district parents complained about her use of the girl’s bathroom in a private Facebook group called “Achille ISD Parents Group,” which is not officially affiliated with the school, according to Beene. The threats escalated in severity and number when someone made the Facebook group public, Beene said, and some of the Facebook threats have been traced to other parts of Oklahoma and Texas. According to CNN affiliate KXII, Facebook commenters called the seventh grader, “it” and “thing.” One Facebook poster suggested it was open hunting season for transgender people, and others advocated for the 12-yearold to be stabbed or beaten up. “That’s scary,” Brandy Rose, the girl’s mother, told KXII. “These are adults making threats to a child. I don’t understand it.” The Facebook page appears to have since been deleted. Still, Rose said the comments had scared her daughter. “She’s just an awesome kid. To see any kind of fear in her like that, because other people, especially adults, I can’t explain how bad that hurts me,” she said. Decision to close school School system officials met Sunday night with members of the local police and fire departments, as well as Bryan County Sheriff Johnny Christian, who ultimately requested the school close for two days, according to Beene. “This was never an issue with any of our kids or school staff, just with this group of adults,” Beene said. “Some of whom aren’t even in this school district or town.” LGBTQ supporters held a small peaceful rally outside the school, and Beene said the decision to close was made in part to keep
Community outl
k
Local softball team The Wolfpack will be having a car wash at SFGN, 2520 N. Dixie Hwy, this Saturday, August 25 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds will help send the team to the Gay Softball World Series.
them safe if counterprotesters showed up. “We just weren’t sure where some of these threats were coming from,” Beene said. Beene said district officials have met with the transgender student and her mother, and Achille Public Schools resumed classes Wednesday morning. “We had a great visit with the student and her mom this morning, and she is back in class today,” according to Beene. The student’s mother has also filed a protective order against one of the district parents who made Facebook comments about her daughter, Beene said. CNN has also reached out to Christian, the sherriff, but did not receive a response. PFLAG Oklahoma City Board of Directors, a group made up of the families and allies of LGBTQ individuals, posted an open letter to the Achille ISD saying group members were “heartbroken, angered and dismayed” by the Facebook posts. The letter called on the school administration to publicly denounce the Facebook comments and their violent threats. “The Achille ISD community MUST show that they stand by their stated values by actively and publicly supporting and protecting this family,” the letter said. “This should include not just the child but also her parents, who we imagine are also heartsick, angry and terrified for their child’s safety.” “That’s not hyperbole. That is the reality too many families in the LGBTQ community face on a daily basis.”
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NEWS international
NEWS local
AHF Advocates for Global Health Plan at G20 Summit SFGN Staff
Photo via Facebook.
Photo via AHF.
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rgentina recently hosted the final round of the Civil 20 (C20) summit in Buenos Aires on August 6-7, where AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Argentina was a participant in the Global Health working group. AHF also hosted a separate press conference on August 6 to continue to urge governments to do more in the realm of global public health ahead of the G20 summit in November. “The G20 has more power to achieve an impact on international development than any other world organization,” said Dr. Jorge Saavedra, Executive Director of the AHF Global Public Health Institute at the University of Miami. “The G20 represents 85% of the world gross domestic product and 80% of world trade. Due to its economic power and influence, the health policies developed by the G20 to address existing and emerging world health threats may set the course for the rest of the world.” In addition to the press conference and
Pride Fort Lauderdale Gives Out $15,000 in Community Grants Rick Karlin addressing the workshop, AHF also released a statement that recommended priorities for the G20 to consider when it meets later this year. These focus areas included: financing; drug accessibility; HIV testing and treatment; antimicrobial resistance; and neglected tropical diseases.
Pride Fort Lauderdale presented $15,000 in community grants to 15 South Florida organizations, funded from proceeds of the 2018 festival held on Fort Lauderdale Beach at an awards reception in June. Each of the recipients is a non-profit organization that offers outreach or services to the local LGBT community. Twelve were first-time recipients. The grants will fund projects ranging from HIV/AIDS awareness/prevention and health care to legal services, education, arts and culture and youth.
Safe Schools South Florida: will fund its Youth Speaker Program, Stonewall National Museum & Archives: will use the funds to underwrite special exhibitions and film screenings. SunServe: will direct the funds toward reaching LGBT families and those wishing to start families. Broward Navy Days: will use the grant to hold a reception for LGBT military service members visiting South Florida during Fleet Week Port Everglades in 2019. Five of the 15 grants were earmarked specifically for projects within the transgender community and were funded from sponsorships and beverage sales at the first South Florida Trans Pride celebration. Recipients of 2018 South Florida Trans Pride Grants include: Arianna’s Center: will use its funds for its monthly “Goddesses of Florida” parties and other outreach programs to the Latinx trans community. Legal Aid Service of Broward County: will provide legal services. Poverello: will assemble and distribute 80 healthy food packs to members of the local trans community in need. The South Florida Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence: will fund and distribute HIVeducation and social outreach materials with a focus on the local trans community. Unity Coalition: will use the funds to produce its fifth annual TransArt exhibition and conference in January 2019.
Five of the 15 grants were earmarked specifically for projects within the transgender community...
Recipients include: Deliver the Dream: will develop two HIV/ AIDS components for the organization’s retreat program that enables families experiencing serious illness or crisis to regain strength, mend spirits and just be families again. High Impacto: will utilize the funds for its HIV/AIDS education and prevention programs for men-having-sex-with-men in Broward County’s Latinx community. Health Awareness for Life: will use the funds to subsidize the production costs of 12 episodes of the organization’s radio show, “Mas Alla de Tu Nariz,” focusing on health, education, immigration and family topics. Pet Project for Pets: will provide food, supplies and medication for pets serving as companions to patients with terminal illnesses or disabilities, senior citizens and owners in financial need.
Next year’s Pride Fort Lauderdale will take place Feb. 21-24. Visit PrideFortLauderdale. org for more information.
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Political advertisement paid and approved by Shari Beth Africk-Olefson, candidate for Circuit Court Judge. 8.22.2018 •
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NEWS elections
Election Guide 2018 SFGN Staff
O
n August 28 Florida residents will vote in their respective party’s primaries. Since there are too many races for SFGN to research and endorse across South Florida we are reprinting the major non-partisan LGBT groups’ endorsements – Equality Florida, Palm Beach County Human Rights Council and SAVE. SFGN does not “endorse” the endorsements, but we are publishing this as a community service.
PHOTOS (TOP DOWN): JUDGE ROBERT LEE, LAUREN BAER, DAVID RICHARDSON. PHOTOS VIA FACEBOOK.
Palm Beach County Human Rights Council U.S. Senate Bill Nelson
Circuit Court Judge Reinoso Coleman (Group 25) Michael McAuliffe (Group 18) Marybel
County Commissioner Gregg Weiss (Dist. 4) Robert S. Weinroth (Dist. 2)
Governor Andrew Gillum
Palm Beach Soil & Water Conservation (Group 1) Michelle Sylvester (Group 5) Eva Webb
Commissioner of Agriculture Nicole “Nikki” Fried Florida Senate (Dist. 30) Bobby Powell Florida House of Representatives Tina Polsky (Dist. 82) Edward O’Connor (Dist. 85) Ellen Baker (Dist. 86) Matt Willhite (Dist. 87) David Silvers (Dist. 81)
8 .22.2018
PRIMARY- James Bonfiglio REP PRIMARY- Matt Spritz
Palm Beach County School Board (Dist. 7) Debra Robinson
Chief Financial Officer Jeremy Ring
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(Dist. 89)
U.S. Congress (Dist. 18) Lauren Baer (Dist. 20) Alcee Hastings (Dist 22) Ted Deutch
Attorney General Sean Shaw
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(Dist. 89) DEM
Port of Palm Beach Commissioner Holtz
(Group 5) Scott
Board of Supervisors of the Northern PBC Improvement District (Seat 2) Jim Gibbs County Court Judge (Group 4) Lloyd Comiter (Group 5) Jeremy Zubkoff Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer Boca Raton City Council Thomson
(Seat A) Andy
NEWS elections
Equality Florida Florida Senate (Dist. 6) Audrey Gibson (Dist. 8 ) Kayser Enneking (Dist. 22) Bob Doyle (Dist. 30) Bobby Powell Jr. (Dist. 34) Gary M. Farmer Jr (Dist. 38) Jason Pizzo (Dist. 40) Annette Taddeo Florida House (Dist. 9) Loranne Ausley (Dist. 13) Tracie Davis (Dist. 15) Tracye Polson (Dist. 20) Clovis Watson Jr (Dist. 26) Patrick Henry (Dist. 43) John Cortes (Dist. 45) Kamia Brown (Dist. 46) Bruce Hadley Antone (Dist. 47) Anna Eskamani (Dist. 48) Amy Mercado (Dist. 49) Carlos Guillermo Smith (Dist. 63) Fentrice Driskell (Dist. 68) Ben Diamond (Dist. 69) Jennifer Webb (Dist. 70) Wengay M. Newton Sr. (Dist. 72) Margaret Good (Dist. 87) David Silvers (Dist. 88) Al Jacquet (Dist. 91) Emily Slosberg (Dist. 94) Bobby Dubose (Dist. 81) Tina Polsky (Dist. 86) Matt Willhite (Dist. 96) Kristin D. Jacobs (Dist. 97) Jared E. Moskowitz (Dist. 99) Evan Boyd Jenne (Dist. 100) Joseph Scott Geller (Dist. 101) Shevrin Dion Jones (Dist. 102) Sharon Pritchett (Dist. 104) Richard Neil Stark (Dist. 109) Cedric McMinn (Dist. 112) Nicholas Xavier Duran (Dist. 114) Javier Fernandez (Dist. 117) Kionne L. McGhee (Dist. 118) Robert Asencio (Dist. 120) Holly Raschein
Broward County County Commission (Group 6) Quentin “Beam” Furr School Board Murray (Group 6) Laurie Rich Levinson (Group 7) Nora Rupert (Group 8) Donna Pilger Korn (Group 1) Ann
Wilton Manors Mayor Justin Flippen Wilton Manors City Commission At-Large Scott Newton
Miami-Dade County Commission (Group 8) Daniella Levine Cava
Palm Beach County County Commission (Group 2) Gregg Weiss (Group 4) Robert S. Weinroth (Group 6) Melissa McKinlay School Board Lynne Robinson
(Group 7) Debra
Vote-by-Mail Vote-by-mail refers to voting on a ballot received by mail or picked up by, or for, a voter. The deadline to ask for a ballot to be mailed is 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 22. A voter may pick up a vote-by-mail ballot from the office of their Supervisor of Elections through the day before the election or, if an emergency exists, on the day of the election. Vote-by-mail ballots must be received by the Supervisor of Elections’ office no later than 7:00 p.m. on Election Day in order to be canvassed and counted.
SAVE U.S. Congress (Dist. 27) David Richardson (Dist. 38) Jason Pizzo Florida House McMinn
(Dist. 109) Cedric
Miami-Dade County Judges
(Group 2) Kristy
Nunez Martinez (Group 33) Olanike Adebayo (Group 40) Michael Barket (Group 43) Milena Abreu (Group 32) Lizzet
Early Voting Early voting is defined as “casting a ballot in person prior to Election Day at a location designated by the Supervisor of Elections.” The voter uses the same type of voting equipment that is used at the polls on Election Day. All 67 Florida counties will be offering early voting from August 18 – August 25. In addition, each county Supervisor of Elections may at his or her own discretion, offer additional days of early voting. Contact your county Supervisor of Elections for more information.
Broward County Judges Lee (Group 10) Robert Diaz (Group 19) Allison Gilman (Group 17) Rhoda Ann Sokoloff (Group 9) Corey Cawthon (Group 25) Robert
11th Circuit Court Marrero (Group 14) Renee Gordon (Group 8) David Miller (Group 25) Yery
17th Circuit Court (Group 36) Shari Africk-Olefson (Group 38) Melissa Minsk Donoho (Group 42) Michael Usan (Group 43) Dan Casey (Group 46) Mariya Weekes
Election Day Voting On Election Day, polls will be open statewide from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Any voters waiting in line at 7:00 p.m. will have the opportunity to cast a ballot. If you do not know where your polling place is, contact your county Supervisor of Elections. You can also find your precinct and polling place on your county Supervisor of Elections’ website or by using the Check Your Voter Status webpage (https://bit.ly/2cqTroB).
8.22.2018 •
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NEWS national
Christine Hallquist Makes History She is the first openly trans major party nominee for governor Gregory Krieg CNN
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hristine Hallquist’s bid to become the country’s first transgender governor will clear an historic hurdle on Tuesday.
Hallquist won the Democratic primary job, according to the Victory Fund, a political in Vermont, becoming the first transgender action committee backing Hallquist and gubernatorial nominee for a major political “dedicated to electing openly LGBTQ people” party, a breakthrough of both substantial and up and down the ballot. symbolic importance for LGBT Americans, “My path to being my authentic self in particular the trans community, which has was certainly not easy,” she said upon for so long been shut out of the highest levels announcing her entry into the race earlier of elected office. this year. “However, it’s always been In an interview with CNN’s Don Lemon, important to me to live openly and honestly. Hallquist said the result didn’t surprise her I chose to transition in a very public way and noted Vermont’s progressive record on because I felt I owed it to those at Vermont civil rights issues. But like so many Democrats Electric Cooperative who put their trust in in 2018, she also pointed to Washington, DC, me.” and President Donald Trump as her reason Hallquist campaigned on a promise for jumping into a political campaign for the to build up renewable energy and boost first time. the state’s rural economy by expanding “There’s a systematic attack and it’s broadband access. Backed by the Justice going to start with the Democrats, the same most marginalized of the group that helped launch communities, so the fact that Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s our President has gone after campaign in New York, along the transgender community with the Working Families is no surprise and I think Party and Trans United everybody should be afraid,” Fund, Hallquist supports Hallquist told Lemon. “Medicare for all,” raising She also cast the current the minimum wage to $15 upheaval as an opportunity an hour and has pledged to for new voices to emerge and address racial disparities in reshape the conversation. the state’s criminal justice “People like myself and system. who normally wouldn’t be But as she told CNN in politics are rising up all in June, it was the public over [in response to Trump’s response to her transition election] and I think that’s that gave her the confidence - Christine Hallquist what healthy democracy to hit the campaign trail. gubernatorial nominee looks like,” she said. “I’m “I was sure I was going to hoping that years from now lose my job. I was sure I was we can look back and say, ‘Isn’t American going to lose respect. But that didn’t happen,” democracy wonderful: we survived a death Hallquist said. “So this describes the beauty spot.’” of Vermont. Now I’m at this point where I A former energy company executive, can’t do enough to give back to Vermont.” Hallquist had established herself as a After outlasting a field of four Democratic trailblazer before entering politics. She hopefuls, one of them a teenage boy, she will transitioned publicly during her time as now take on Republican Gov. Phil Scott. Scott leader of one of the state’s largest utilities, regularly ranked among the most popular becoming the first CEO to do so while in the governors in the country early on in his two-
“I’m hoping that years from now we can look back and say, ‘Isn’t American democracy wonderful: we survived a death spot.’”
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Christine Hallquist. Photo via Facebook.
year term, but his standing has taken a hit recently, particularly among conservatives, following his April decision to sign a bill tightening gun restrictions. The race to unseat Scott mostly played out under the radar -- nationally and even within the state. A survey from Vermont Public Radio and Vermont PBS found voters saying as recently as a few weeks ago that they were unfamiliar with the incumbent’s Democratic challengers. Hallquist, though, had the best name recognition numbers of the bunch, at 41%, 12 percentage points ahead of fellow Democrat Brenda Siegel. Hallquist is one of more than 400 LGBT candidates running in this cycle, a record according to the Victory Institute. This past weekend, Hawaii’s Kim Coco Iwamoto fell short in her bid for the lieutenant governor nomination in the state’s Democratic primary. Another trans candidate, Democrat Alexandra Chandler, is running in a crowded primary field for the chance to replace Rep. Niki Tsongas in Massachusetts’ 3rd
Congressional District. In 2017, Democrat Danica Roem made history with her election to the Virginia House of Delegates, becoming its first transgender member. The campaign ahead in Vermont figures to be an interesting one, especially given that Hallquist has said she voted for Scott -- a “nice guy,” as she put it in an interview with VTDigger -- in 2016. But like so many other Democrats this year, she came out of the gates framing her bid as a moral imperative: part of a broader effort to push back against President Donald Trump. “This is not a time in American history to sit back and be apathetic,” Hallquist said at her campaign kickoff. “We must be bold in the face of the headwinds from Washington, we must be bold in the face of continuing unpredictability from Congress, and we must be bold in the face of the chaos from the White House.” CNN’s Maegan Vazquez contributed to this report
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8.22.2018 •
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FEATURE THE RARE REPORTER
Did This Man Kill His Parents? Supporters claim his conviction was tainted by homophobia and his brief work in the porn industry Brandon Woodruff was convicted in 2009 of killing his parents but still maintains his innocence. He’s now found a handful of people who believe his story, so much so, they’ve recently published a book proclaiming his innocence. They’re also working on a documentary and launched a website FreeBrandon.org.
David Webb
C
ute twink Brandon Woodruff shed his freshman at Abilene Christian University country skin at 18, joining the private with recently deceased parents, he was gay party circuit, dancing late nights unable to make a $1 million bond. He recently in a flashy gay Dallas disco and flying to Fort answered questions submitted to him by Lauderdale to star in a pornographic movie a Jpay.com email in a telephone recording under the name Bradley Rivers after spending 13 years in after a scout for San Diegoconfinement. He talked “I had to based Helix Studios spotted him candidly about his life in shirtless on a dance floor. prison, and what landed him grow up A boss of the self-described there. really fast. “twink, college and jock porn” The occasion for film company, owned a home in Woodruff’s speaking out at first it Fort Lauderdale, and he filmed is the recent publication was really Woodruff and other young guys of a book by a Fort Myers, in and around his swimming terrifying. I Florida, author about his pool in films such as “Pool Party case. It alleges an unjust, was afraid Punks” and one filmed in Dallas homophobic investigation, called “Tightend Twinks.” prosecution and conviction of my own The producer also entertained destroyed the youth’s life. shadow.” the fledgling porn actors in There is a planned release - Brandon Woodruff grand style at the old Copa Club of a documentary with the where he was friends with the same message for later this management. Woodruff earned year. Woodruff, now 31, $1,000 for a few days’ porn work, and he hopes the book and the documentary will lavished the money on his friends in Texas. gain him public support and a review of his But the gaiety all came to a tragic halt after case that will lead to freedom. only a year with Woodruff being charged in Woodruff said that at the time of the trial connection with the gruesome 2005 double he always believed he would ultimately be murders of his parents in Royse City, Texas. acquitted of the murders, and the conviction A jury convicted him and handed down a devastated him. He said that he loved his life sentence without parole, one that he is parents, that he never had serious problems now serving in the Hughes Unit of the Texas with them and that he could never harm Department of Corrections in Gatesville. anyone, let alone the two people he loved Woodruff — who claims wrongful the most. He and his grandmother had punishment for a crime he did not commit made plans to go out to a celebratory dinner — never emerged from behind bars except in anticipation of him leaving court and for court appearances after his arrest. As a regaining his freedom after three years in jail.
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‘I did not kill my parents’ “I was shocked,” Woodruff said. “I was confused. I was angry. I was scared. I was sad. It was like a tidal wave of emotions going through my entire system. I specifically remember standing there, trying to stand tall and firm with what I knew was the truth. I did not kill my parents. But yet there are 12 people over there that just said they believe I did it. It was a gutwrenching moment. Later, I threw up all my lunch in the jail cell. It was disbelief, but at the same time it was coming together like one big nightmare. I really wanted to talk to the jury. It was horrible.” Woodruff said his life changed overnight, with him being catapulted into a bizarre, terrifying environment
with exposure to types of people he never before encountered. Except for one older boyfriend who attended some court proceedings and wrote to him a few times, Woodruff never again saw his gay friends after being jailed. He also never again heard from anyone at Helix Studios, which had planned more work for him. A studio official named Keith Miller answered a subpoena from the Texas Attorney General’s Office, providing information about Woodruff’s porn work for the prosecution’s case. The prosecution savaged Woodruff’s character at the trial, citing his sexual orientation and his brief work in pornography. “I kind of got plucked out of reality as a normal person would know it and put in this whole other world,” Woodruff said. “I had to grow up really fast. At first it was really
FEATURE THE RARE REPORTER terrifying. I was afraid of my own shadow. I had never had any serious fights growing up, and so just being put in this environment was really nerve-wracking for a while. I’ve kind of relaxed a little, but you can never relax completely because you are constantly having to watch your surroundings. I’ve never been severely beaten up or raped so I feel like maybe my mom and dad are still watching over me.” Woodruff said that despite the trauma of losing his parents, being arrested, confined in jail for three years before the trial and his conviction, he has never lost hope that he would one day be exonerated for the hideous stabbing and shooting deaths of his parents.
‘I’ve never lost hope’ “I can easily say I’ve never lost hope,” Woodruff said. “There’s a line in a book I read once that said, ‘you can put a bird in a cage but you can’t stop it from singing.’ I won’t ever stop saying I’m innocent. I won’t ever stop fighting for the truth. I won’t just sit around and wait for other people to help me. I’m going to talk to as many people as I can to get the story out there. I think the more people learn about my case and go digging they will see I’m innocent. And they will see what that town did. I think the more exposure we get on it that they will eventually have to do the right thing. I do believe justice will eventually prevail. Right now, there’s been no justice for my mom and dad. There’s people walking around out there that really committed the crime.” Woodruff’s plight is the message of “Railroaded: The Homophobic Prosecution of Brandon Woodruff for His Parents’ Murders,” a new book authored by retired lawyer Phillip Crawford, Jr.; and “Texas Justice: Brandon Woodruff,” a documentary under production
by Scott Poggensee. The filmmaker has also established FreeBrandon.org, a website devoted to restoring the freedom of the former college freshman and weekend party boy. Crawford, a former New York litigator who now lives in Florida, and Poggensee, an emergency medical technician and novice filmmaker who lives in a Dallas-Fort Worth suburb, are convinced that Woodruff, now 31, was innocent of the brutal, double-murder of his parents in their home in Royse City in October 2005. They contend the investigation of the bloody murders of Dennis and Norma Woodruff — who died from multiple shooting and stabbing wounds — and the prosecution and conviction of their son in March 2009 in homophobic Greenville reflected an anti-gay bias. In their view, law enforcement officials, prosecutors, the judge and the jury all allowed their religious convictions to overrule their reason, resulting in an innocent youth being incarcerated while the real killer or killers escaped punishment. The prosecution theorized that Woodruff killed his parents after they confronted their son about him being gay, his failing grades in college and his fledgling porn star career. The prosecutors also attributed Woodruff’s motive to a life insurance policy owned by his parents naming him as a beneficiary that would allow him to continue his party life without interference. Woodruff’s supporters have countered that prosecutors presented no evidence to show any conflict ever existed between the parents and the son. Crawford, who is also the author of “The Mafia and the Gays” published in 2015, said he became aware of Woodruff’s case in April 2017 when he was browsing profiles on the Write a Prisoner website after reading about the program in a news story. He came across
Woodruff’s profile and decided to research the case. After reviewing the briefs of the case and the news coverage of the trial, he developed doubts about Woodruff’s guilt. He viewed the evidence against Woodruff as flimsy, and he noted the prisoner had passed two polygraph tests.
‘The case bothered me to my core’ “The case bothered me to my core,” Crawford said. “The risk that Brandon Woodruff was convicted based on the prejudicial effect of the homophobic narrative employed by state prosecutors was amplified in my opinion due to the weak Talented Mr. Ripley.” Woodruff said he was shocked early on evidence against him. Something just did not seem right about his conviction; none of it to realize that investigators and prosecutors began focusing on his sexual orientation as a made sense to me.” The prosecution of Woodruff raised major factor in his case. “The state wanted to argue to people that ethical questions early on before the trial. Woodruff’s lawyers discovered prosecutors because I didn’t tell certain people I was gay; had eavesdropped on their telephone that if I could lie about being gay I could lie conversations with the defendant in the Hunt about being a murderer, and that’s just not County Detention Center where he sat unable the case,” Woodruff said. “I was coming to to make a $1 million bond. The presiding judge find myself, and I didn’t feel like I needed to ruled prosecutors had violated Woodruff’s go around telling every single person what Sixth Amendment right to counsel, and he Brandon was doing in his private life. I do ordered the Hunt County District Attorney to know the state was telling people they had recuse himself so the Texas Attorney General evidence. But when asked what it was, the state said we can’t tell you, could take charge. but just trust us. The main In May 2017 Crawford issue was if I could wrote to Woodruff “There’s a line central lie about being gay I could expressing his interest in in a book I lie about being a murderer. writing a book, and the That’s just not true.” prisoner quickly responded read once with answers to the questions that said, posed by the author. Soon, Poggensee also reached out ‘you can put ‘He just looked to Crawford, offering to share a bird in a information he had acquired too innocent to cage but you while working on the do something like documentary. They joined can’t stop it forces in a combined effort from singing.’ that’ to raise awareness about I won’t ever Woodruff’s case. “The principal motivation Poggensee said he first stop saying was that I believe Brandon became aware of Woodruff’s I’m innocent.” Woodruff has been wronged case in 2005 immediately by the so-called criminal - Brandon Woodruff after his arrest on charges he justice system — railroaded, killed his parents. He was at if you will — and the deeper dinner at TGI Friday’s with two I got into the case the more friends when Woodruff’s mug shot flashed outraged I became at the cumulative injustices on the television screen in the restaurant. against him from arrest through trial, and One of the friends said, “Oh, my God. That’s conviction through appeals. The main focus my ex-boyfriend.” The filmmaker-to-be for me was the homophobic narrative by state immediately became intrigued by the case. prosecutors against him in which a young gay “I had no idea who Brandon was at that boy’s coming out process was treated as some point, however his mug shot did not look sinister double-life, essentially evoking The like someone that could commit such a
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FEATURE THE RARE REPORTER Brandon it became let’s prove Brandon did it.” In response to author Crawford’s book, “Railroaded,” that portrayed the investigation by the Texas Department of Public Safety and the prosecution by the Texas Attorney General’s Office as biased by homophobia, the prosecution did not respond to an email seeking comment, but Tom Vinger of the Media and Communications Office provided a statement by email. “Law enforcement professionals from the local, state and federal level participated in this investigation,” the statement reads. “The investigative findings were presented to a Hunt County grand jury, which indicted Brandon Woodruff for the murder of his parents. A trial jury weighed the views of both parties, as well as the evidence presented, and ultimately found Woodruff guilty of the murders – and the appellate courts upheld that verdict. As in all cases, the Texas Rangers defer to the decision of the jury – and appellate courts.” “In all cases, as with this one, the Texas Rangers are committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigations. This includes gathering the facts and evidence, which are then turned over to the appropriate criminal justice officials, who determine the next steps in each case.” cold-blooded double homicide,” Poggensee camera, and I have a computer. I can make said. “I realize you can’t spot a murderer, but the documentary. Little did I know what a he just looked too innocent to do something massive project I was taking on.” like that.” Poggensee said his Poggensee followed the motivation is stoked by case through its climax outrage that the criminal more than three years after justice system can so Woodruff’s arrest. After the miserably fail citizens, and conviction, Poggensee wrote that the public is so blind to to Woodruff in prison, and what occurs. News coverage the prisoner finally wrote of Woodruff’s arrest and back to him a year later. trial focused solely on the They became pen pals, and information fed to the media Poggensee visited him in by the prosecution, he said. prison a couple of years later. “At some point I think The filmmaker obtained all of that we as a nation need to the public court records from stand up and say enough is the trial, and he studied the enough,” Poggensee said. massive paperwork to get the “We need to not only fight “true picture.” for the falsely convicted but “In about May 2017 I finally to fight to make sure this - Scott Poggensee just told him, ‘Brandon, if type of thing doesn’t happen Filmmaker you want people to know in the first place. Brandon’s about your case, you’re situation could have been going to have to make some kind of movie very well avoided if just one investigator or or something about it.’ I didn’t think we one assistant district attorney had stood up could expect anyone to sift through tens and said, ‘You know what? Maybe we don’t of thousands of pages of documents, but I have the right person. Maybe there truly isn’t didn’t have any problem asking someone to enough evidence to say this guy did it for sit through an hour-long documentary. It sure. Maybe we need to take a second look at was from there I thought to myself, I have a it.’ No one ever did that. Once they arrested
“At some point I think that we as a nation need to stand up and say enough is enough.”
‘Time is very precious on earth, and they are spending it for me’ Woodruff said that he is grateful to Crawford and Poggensee for their efforts to raise public awareness about his case. Except for one item in the Dallas Voice after his conviction, the allegations of homophobia in the case went unnoticed and unreported by the media, he said. “It means the world to me, and it actually means a lot more than that,” Woodruff said. “I think they will help me get the story out. I’ve been extremely thankful for and appreciate their time, dedication and energy. In a way, I feel really inadequate because they are doing everything for me, and I can’t go out and get a job to help cover the expenses. I can never thank them enough. Time is very precious on earth, and they are spending it for me.” Poggensee said there is speculation about who might have killed Woodruff’s parents, but that information cannot be revealed yet. “We’re not ready,” he said. Both Crawford and Poggensee said they hope the book and the documentary will lead to an outcry from the public that will
influence an investigation and review of Woodruff’s conviction by the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. A three-judge panel from the Sixth District Court of Criminal Appeals in Texarkana expressed concerns about the legitimacy of weapons produced as evidence in the trial, but it upheld the verdict in 2010. Poggensee’s goal is to finish the documentary by Aug. 1. He has already spent $30,000 on the project in addition to his time. He took a class on filmmaking at the Lone Star Film Festival, and he participated in a webinar on film marketing in anticipation of distributing the documentary. He would like to see it screened at a film festival to garner professional interest and support. He notes that he reached out to everyone involved in the investigation and prosecution of Woodruff, and that none of them would participate in the documentary. Contacted for this story, the Texas Department of Public Safety issued a statement saying its investigators “defer to the decision of the jury and appellate courts.” “In all cases, as with this one, the Texas Rangers are committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigations,” the department said. “This includes gathering the facts and evidence, which are then turned over to the appropriate criminal justice officials, who determine the next steps in each case. Crawford’s book has attracted some attention since its release in May of this year. One of Woodruff’s defense lawyers, Katherine Ferguson, read it and left a review. “I am the attorney who tried the case for Brandon,” she wrote. “Mr. Crawford has done an excellent job of setting forth facts — not speculation or prejudice — that show Brandon Woodruff is innocent.”
Scott Poggensee
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WMG Volume 5 • Issue 15 August 22, 2018
Wilton Manors Gazette Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette
news
The Wilton Drive Project Begins Phase 1 will take a year; some businesses worried By Sallie James The buzz from John Montgomery’s wide bicycle lanes, will progress north hair clippers droned softly as he styled a to downtown Wilton Manors by late customer’s hair at Ron’s Barbershop on September. “It’s a public safety measure to make a lazy Saturday afternoon and watched Wilton Drive safer for both vehicles and cars whiz by. Outside on Northeast Fourth Avenue, pedestrians,” said Wilton Manors Mayor vehicles backed up to a stop, then sped Gary Resnick. “It will add six feet of off fast when the traffic light changed. width to the sidewalks on both sides. It’s Cars maneuvered past road barricades a good thing. Wilton Drive now is really a and whizzed by a blinking sign outside pedestrian thoroughfare. There are a lot of businesses there and the barbershop at 1220 NE a two-lane thoroughfare Fourth Avenue. is inconsistent with the A much-anticipated current use.” project to narrow Ron’s Barbershop is Northeast Fourth Avenue/ set back from the road, Wilton Drive from Sunrise tucked in the corner of a Boulevard to Northeast strip shopping center on 26th Street to twothe east side of Northeast lanes began this month. Fourth Avenue. Montgomery wondered Montgomery worried how the construction that construction crews would affect his bottom and congestion would line. deter customers by “It’s probably going to - John Montgomery making access difficult. hurt our business,” said wilton manors business The barber shop employs Montgomery, who gets a owner 11 barbers. lot of walk-in customers “In a four-hour every day. “I think shift I probably do 15 it’s going to get really haircuts. Everybody loves a $10 haircut,” congested.” The Florida Department of Montgomery said. “You can’t get a $10 Transportation (FDOT) began work on haircut anywhere.” Montgomery figured the barbers would the project’s south end last week near Northeast 11th Street in Fort Lauderdale. The project, which will include 7-footContinued on page 4
“It’s probably going to hurt our business.”
Road barricades and a sign have been positioned along NE Fourth Avenue near 12th Street, signaling the start of the road narrowing project, which will reach downtown Wilton Manors in late September.
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Opinion
Summer Break
City budgets and affordable housing and the Wilton Drive project…Oh My!
WMG August 22, 2018 • Volume 5 • Issue 15 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
By Sal Torre
Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Chief Executive Officer • Pier Angelo Guidugli Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kerri Covington
Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com Assistant Art Director • Adam Turner News Editor • Sallie James
Correspondents James Oaksun
Staff Photographers
J.R. Davis • Pompano Bill • Steven Shires
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Keeping with Island City tradition, our Mayor and City Commissioners voted to cancel the first scheduled City Commission meeting in August for summer break. There will certainly be plenty on the agenda when they return on August 28. Finalizing the city’s budget for the next fiscal year will be a top priority, followed by the Pride Center’s proposed 42 units of lowincome supportive housing with no dedicated parking for the aging tenants. Andrews Ave./Oakland Park Corridor Land Use also ranks high, along with the beginning of the Wilton Drive project. Add to the mix the upcoming municipal elections for our new Mayor and two City Commission seats, and you have a very busy and uncertain few months ahead. For some like me who grew up further north, it still seems a bit weird that as we are talking about summer breaks, area schools are readying for the new school year. Broward schools opened last Wednesday and Broward College started classes on Monday. This is way earlier than going back to school after the un-official end of the summer holiday weekend of Labor Day. I am still scrambling to get my head around it all as I try to get registered for classes at Broward College so early in the month of August. Fall Semesters should start in mid-September, not mid-August. Since I’m finally set to finish some schooling started many years ago, this early start date will be just one of many interesting challenges ahead. Unfortunately, relief from the summer’s hot and humid weather, along with the high electric bills, will not be coming any time soon. As we wait for cooler nights, we can turn our attention to the upcoming primary elections on August 28 and then on to the general election in November. Looking beyond our Island City’s municipal elections, the office of Governor for the State of Florida should be of major importance to us all. As the algae blooms and red tides downstream from Lake Okeechobee become worse each year and wreak havoc in many communities, the blame game being played by our current Governor, Rick Scott, is just pathetic. Rather than take responsibility for his eight years of neglect, he attempts to blame his opponent in the race for the United States Senate seat.
An executive office holder should claim that “the buck stops here,” unfortunately for us our chief executive likes to cast blame instead. On Election Day, South Floridians need to remember just who to blame. So, while Rick Scott takes aim at the honorable Senator Bill Nelson, voters need to remember just how dishonorable Rick Scott really is. Someone who ran a company that defrauded Medicare before he became Governor is not the type of person that should represent the great State of Florida in the United States Senate. Moving past the contentious labels of Republican and Democrat, Rick Scott has been a disaster for Floridians, and we should dump him in the piles of dead fish washing up on our shorelines rather than reward him with a seat as our Senator. Primary Day in August is also when we have the opportunity to elect local judges. This is probably the most un-informed choice many of us make comes election time, yet those elected play a very important role in our community. Voters need to become more informed of the choices they make before heading to the polls. So, if you are registered to vote, make sure to exercise that right in the Florida Primary Election on Tuesday, August 28. Convenient early voting has already begun and will run through August 26 right here in Wilton Manor’s City Commission chambers between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Now if you are not registered to vote, no need to bitch and complain about elected officials, taxes, or anything else to do with how government operates. That right is reserved for those who vote and participate in the process. Now if you are interested in registering to vote, you have until October 9 to register for the November General Election. Just check out the Broward County Supervisor of Elections website at Browardsoe. org. While many are getting ready for back-to-school, the dog days of summer will still be blazing away here in South Florida. September is just a few weeks away, and then it’s only a hop skip and jump to the Holiday Season. Get more involved in your local government, get out and vote, and look for ways to participate in making life here in our Island City just better and better. WMG
Voters need to become more informed of the choices they make before heading to the polls.
Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Clark Rogers clark.rogers@sfgn.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. MEMBER
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Real Estate
Real Estate and Politics at the Crossroads By James Oaksun As I have for the last several years, I am writing my mid-August column from Orlando, site of the annual Florida Realtors convention. Election years are (or can be) a time when we should not just reflect on the past, but consider the kind of future we want to have – not just in South Florida generally, but in the real estate and related industries specifically. I believe there are larger, more strategic issues at play in Florida this cycle. Consistent with my focus in the next few months on community and resilience, I would argue that it is less important to focus on where we have been and where we are, and think instead about where we should be headed – regardless of who is in office at present. Let me give you examples of issues that sit right at the intersection of real estate and politics. 1. Workforce and educational resiliency. What is the status and quality of (particularly) our elementary and secondary education system in South Florida? Are we graduating young people ready for the STEM (science/technology/ engineering/math) jobs of the future – people who will be able to afford the high cost of living and housing we have here? Well we know part of that answer from, of all places, Amazon Corp. Of the 20 places they
are considering for their “HQ2” site, the Miami/ Fort Lauderdale metro area ranked dead last for a workforce with the skill sets that would meet their mid-21st century needs. That’s not good for corporate relocations or property values. What ideas do the politicians have to help remedy this? 2. Diversity. Roughly 40 percent of Broward residents speak a language other than English when at home. Also, the number of residents here who were born outside the U.S., and the LGBT community, continue to grow in size. What specific plans do the politicians have to ensure that our communities are welcoming to everyone – especially regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity and gender expression? 3. Quality of life issues, particularly transportation. Amazon also ranked our metro area last when it came to commuting times and availability of robust public transportation. Even in the five years I have lived here, I have noted a marked increase in traffic and congestion, and not just during high season. Have the politicians noticed this? What are their thoughts about ameliorating this situation?
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4. Environmental and water policy issues. If you haven’t noticed the environmental disasters unfolding out of Lake Okeechobee this summer, you have probably been watching too many Real Housewives reruns or spending too much time at two-for-one happy hour. Yet another issue where politicians point fingers at one another in lieu of taking action. Who is willing to step up and lead, hard as that may be, and risk political consequences? You can probably bet against incumbents on that score, as none of them have taken the risk of alienating key financial backers and various political action committees. And every day we get closer to the King Tides and the fullest brunt of the Atlantic storm season. What ideas are out there to reduce damage to our shoreline areas – more than just kicking the flood insurance issue down the road past the next election? (Bear in mind, of course, that politicians love the kinds of programs that are “about to
August 22, 2018
expire.” This gives them a chance to shake money out of people desirous of continuing the Bubble Machine for a little more time.) It is easy to “pick the winners,” which in nearly every case means backing incumbents and accepting the status quo. I say, to improve the resiliency and strength of our communities, and to foster a healthy and robust real estate market, we have got to be more visionary. Otherwise, we run this risk that this state, and the lifestyle we all hold dear, just becomes concrete, flooded land and Disney. Maybe some are fine with that outcome. I am betting many of you are not. WMG James Oaksun, Florida’s Real Estate Geek(SM), is Broker-Owner of New Realty Concepts in Oakland Park. In addition to having degrees from Dartmouth and Cornell, he is a Graduate of the Realtor Institute (GRI).
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NEWS
community
Nightclub Owner Threatens Lawsuit Against Wilton Manors By Jacob Long When Sidelines, the only local LGBT sports bar, closed down in Wilton Manors it left a gaping hole in the city’s nightlife. Enter Sean David, a prominent business owner who stepped in to open up another sports bar in its place called BALLZ in January 0f 2017. From almost the conception of the project David felt singled out and harassed by the city. Why? Because David owns Le Boy, a strip club in Fort Lauderdale, and he claims city officials were worried he was going to pull a bait and switch on them: open up a sports bar and in three months turn it into a strip club. Three months later he closed the bar down because of the alleged continued harassment from the city and nightly visits from the police. Now David plans on filing a federal lawsuit charging officials in the city of Wilton Manors with orchestrating a plan to stop him from opening a similar type bar in their city. SFGN obtained a copy of the lawsuit from David’s attorney George Castrataro. In the suit he asks for damages and an injunction for declaratory relief, seeking a ruling that the city acted arbitrarily and capriciously, while denying David’s proposed bar due process. “David was told do not try to put a male
The Wilton Drive Project Begins Phase 1 will take a year; some businesses worried Continued from page 1
go-go bar on Wilton Drive. It will get shut down,” Castrataro said. The lawsuit claims that “By their actions, the Defendants made it very difficult and otherwise delayed a straightforward permitting process for over four months.” By contrast, the suit alleges, the city looked the other way when the strip club Johnson’s opened on Wilton Drive a year later. Castrataro claimed he has served the city with a copy of the lawsuit to give them room to “negotiate” but SFGN confirmed at press time neither the mayor, risk manager or its lawyers had seen or heard of the allegations yet. They could not comment on the claims. Castrataro explained it may be filed tomorrow, but as of today, there is no open court case, just the promise of one. SFGN will update this story as it unfolds. WMG
tough it out, one way or another. Just to the north, Leatherwerks showroom manager Javier Cortez lauded the upcoming construction. “It’s going to be better for us. Everybody uses Fourth Avenue as a cut-through from north of Sunrise Boulevard to just south of Northeast 26th Avenue. They are trying to avoid Sunrise Boulevard, Andrews Avenue and Federal Highway,” Cortez said. Leatherwerks is on the east side of the road at 1226 NE Fourth Avenue. Leatherwerks salesman Ira Smith, who lives just blocks away, said the road barricades made it difficult to come to work because motorists won’t let other drivers merge where the lanes narrow from two into one. “Honestly, it’s not affecting business yet but people hate it because no drivers will let you in,” Smith said. The road reconfiguration is expected to take about a year. After completion, the landscape/streetscape phase of the project will commence. The construction and landscaping phases can’t be done simultaneously because state rules don’t permit two phases of the same
Barber John Montgomer cuts Nick Welday’s hair at Ron’s Barbershop, 1220 NE Fourth Ave., near the south end of the road narrowing project.
project to occur at the same time. The state of Florida and the Metropolitan Planning Organization are paying for the approximate $5-6 million project. The city of Wilton Manors will pay for the streetscaping in downtown Wilton Manors. “We have been supporting this for years we have been talking about doing it for a long time,” Resnick said. WMG
Javier Cortez (left), showroom manager, and Ira Smith (right), salesman, say the road narrowing project will be good for business at Leatherwerks, 1226 NE Fourth Ave. Cortez said motorists speed through the area as a cut-through right now.
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August 22, 2018
Flippen Future Priorities
this, justin
By Justin Flippen
Justin Flippen (center front) with the Wilton Manors city Commission. Photo via Facebook.
Welcome to my new column, “This, Justin.” SFGN and The Wilton Manors Gazette have made great efforts to keep Wilton Manors and our neighbors informed on happenings in the Island City, and I’m excited to add a City voice to the dialogue. I grew up here locally in Broward County, in and near Wilton Manors, and have been fortunate to serve the people of my community as their elected public servant for six years. Please know that while I serve as the Vice Mayor for the City of Wilton Manors, I am representing my own views and perspective, which I hope will be informative to you. This is an exciting time for Wilton Manors – many long-term initiatives are underway, our community is strong, and positive growth is happening. I thought I would kick off my first column by providing an update on two initiatives that will improve livability and our economic sustainability. Our Island City faces many opportunities as we move forward as a community. The city commission directed staff to proceed with joining AARP’s network of agefriendly communities, which not only seeks to equip city government, businesses, and neighborhoods with preparedness for an aging population but also fosters collaboration between and among private and public sectors to finds ways to address liveabilty needs regardless of age or physical challenge. The program recognizes eight domains of livability which include social participation, respect, and social inclusion. Recognizing and meeting the needs of those who comprise our city community from our junior to our senior citizens is a priority I am proud to share with so many of you. I personally wish to thank members of the Community Affairs Advisory Board and our former Mayor and former State Representative Tracy Stafford for bringing
this to my attention and to that of others at city hall. Another item we must pursue is updating our city’s outdated code provisions and implementing Transit Oriented Corridor (TOC) regulations as the next phase of the Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park Boulevard study. The study demonstrated the need for an overhaul of land use designation and codes that have lagged behind the times leaving these two corridors with unattractive structures both to the eye and business development. The type of TOC regulations the city adopts should be tailored in a way that invites business reinvestment along these commercial corridors without infringement upon our small town neighborhood charm that uniquely defines Wilton Manors from the heavy development we see in places like downtown Fort Lauderdale. I am committed to finding a way to achieve both of these important objectives. The specific TOC regulations we adopt do not need to exactly duplicate our Dixie Highway TOC regulations. Neighbors should participate with other stakeholders to provide input as to how we tailor our regulations for Oakland Park Boulevard and Andrews Avenue. Let’s not fear finding a way forward but have confidence in our ability to see a way for Wilton Manors to grow in a way that preserves our neighborhoods yet allows for some modest smart growth along our aging commercial corridors. Finding our way forward together is just one more reason why “life’s just better here.” Please feel free to contact me at 954-3902123 or jflippen@wiltonmanors.com on any matters you deem important to our city. WMG Justin Flippen is currently the Vice Mayor of Wilton Manors. He is now running for mayor.
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community
Equality Garden Club
Planting Roots in the Community Club funds horticultural program at Kids in Distress
By Ryan Yousefi
Photo via Facebook.
Paul Durbin is passionate about a hands-on and classroom-based program, with the goal of producing gardening. If you speak to him for any amount of food for the Kids Campus in which the time, that’s apparent. Durbin, president children can eat what they grow. They of the Equality Garden Club, is even learn a skill and get to reap the benefits more enthusiastic, however, about of their teachings, all while spending time doing something good for the making a difference in the community. Thus far this year, he and the EGC environment and themselves. To launch the program, Durbin and have been knocking both priorities out of the park. Consider both goals EGC recently gave KID $3,500 in “seed money” to get the accomplished. program off its feet, Durbin is a certified with hopes of more in Master Gardener, and the future. That initial has recently headed an funding, Durbin said, effort to not only bring will get the program the Equality Garden Club through its first two to levels it’s never reached semesters. According before (the club has seen to Durbin, the program a growth of over 100 was a match made in percent in the first eight heaven for him because months of the year), but it combined his two to impact the community passions: gardening and in a positive way. community outreach. Recently, EGC and “I was raised to believe Durbin helped form and you give back to your fund a program with Kids - Paul Durbin community. I believe in in Distress that would President of the Equality Garden Club this passionately and concentrate on setting up always have. Kids is a a horticultural education very worthy cause, and program and curriculum they are right in Wilton Manors,” Durbin for the children in their care. The idea of the program would said. The Equality Gardening Club has be pretty simple: KID would be both
"I was raised to believe you give back to your community. I believe in this passionately and always have."
much more planned for the end of 2018 and into 2019, but in addition to the KID program, EGC has also worked on a few other projects that have been a hit in the community. “Last fall we gave $5,000 to Flamingo Gardens [a zoological park, and botanical garden out in western Broward County]. The money was earmarked to help fund a new prehistoric garden at the park,” Durbin said. “Now, we want to stick with more local projects. In addition to the Kids project we are going to do several volunteer-based projects, the first of which is clean up and maintenance of M.E. DePalma Park here in Wilton Manors.” While Durbin is excited about the future
of EGC, he seems even more thrilled about others that will join in on the fun this year. EGC has plenty of room for new members, Durbin said. The club meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Hagan Park Community Center. EGC was formerly known as the Equality Park Garden Club and met at the Pride Center. “We would love for your readers to join us at one of our meetings. Every month is a new program bringing in a worldclass speaker to educate and entertain us,” Durbin said. “We have wonderful refreshments, a members plant exchange, a plant auction and our much-loved plant raffle.” WMG
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police
Wilton Manors Police Car Torched in Suspected Arson By Dylan Bouscher
Wilton Manors police are looking community is “very supportive of our for a man who may have set one of the police department.” Surveillance video released by officers department’s cars ablaze. Aug. 6 shows a man Detectives say a man entering a nearby threw an object “containing “We take it convenience store who an unknown accelerant” is now wanted by police onto a vehicle parked in the very seriously for questioning about police department’s south because we don’t the suspected arson. lot at 2020 Wilton Drive Bickhardt added that the around 4 a.m. July 26. No know what the person seen in the video injuries were reported in the intentions are is not a suspect. incident and police are still “We take it very investigating a motive. and who they’re seriously because we “We don’t know what trying to target.” don’t know what the the intentions were of the intentions are and who individual or individuals - Jennifer Bickhardt they’re trying to target — who are responsible and were WMPD Spokeswoman if it was a hate crime of responsible for the incident,” some type of nature, we Jennifer Bickhardt, Wilton Manors Police spokeswoman said. “Was take it seriously,” Bickhardt said. “It is an it a target toward Wilton Manors Police unusual occurrence and we’re thankful for Department? Toward our community in that.” “It could have been a lot worse, so we are the city of Wilton Manors? Or the law very grateful that this is the only damage enforcement community?” Bickhardt added that the Wilton Manors done.” WMG
A $3,000 reward is being offered for information that leads to an arrest. Tipsters are asked to call Bonnie Owens at 954-390-2192, email bowens@wmpd.org, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-8477 or submit an anonymous tip online at www.browardcrimestoppers.org.
• • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • 7 •
August 22, 2018
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business
LGBT Friendly Housing Project Moves Forward The city commission must still vote to approve it
By Sallie James It was the “yes” vote by the Planning and in favor of the project. “I’m delighted.” Zoning Board for a proposed LGBT-friendly The nearly $15 million complex is slated for affordable housing project for seniors that construction at 2040 N. Dixie Highway, where sent the room into a tizzy. it will adjoin The Pride Center at Equality Already known as “the second gayest city” Park. The project must still be approved by the in the U.S., Wilton Manors was suddenly Wilton Manors City Commission. one step closer to distinguishing itself again: “We can be the butterfly that starts flapping the one-of-a-kind project in its wings and makes incredible Broward County was moving change,” said Father Richard forward. Vitale, associate pastor at “This will be “It’s a very strong statement Holy Angels National Catholic one of Wilton to the rest of the country for Church in Wilton Manors, Manors’ crown the City of Wilton Manors to after giving an impassioned do this,” said an elated Robert speech at the meeting. jewels and give Boo, CEO of the Pride Center The complex, to be built by us national at Equality Park, on Monday. Carrfour Supportive Housing “This is something we’ve been Inc., will include low income prominence and working on for six years and to housing tax credits from attention.” see it come to fruition is very Florida Housing Finance fulfilling.” Corporation, already secured - Bob Poster A crowd of more than 50 by Carrfour. wilton manors residents at the Hagen Park The city’s Planning and resident Community Center erupted Zoning Board recommended in applause. LGBT residents approval for the 48-unit wearing stickers that read, “I Support Seniors” project after agreeing that their concerns about hugged and kissed. aesthetics and parking had been adequately “This will be one of Wilton Manors’ crown addressed. In July, board chairman Nicholas jewels and give us national prominence and Berry likened the project’s appearance to a jail attention,” said Bob Poster, 69, an 11-year city while others voiced concern about parking. resident and retired Army officer who spoke The board sent it back for revisions.
“I think your development team went above and beyond in satisfying some of the board’s comments,” Berry said at the meeting. “I think you did a fantastic job.” One resident worried that there is only one entrance and exit to the property. Another continued to voice concern about parking. “It’s certain if this project goes forward cars are going to be spilling out into the neighborhood,” said Ed Slough, who uses the Pride Center services weekly and said parking is already inadequate. “I find it kind of shocking.” The modified site plan presented on Monday included the following improvements:
• Significant design modifications to the facade • 30 reserved parking spots designated for residential units • Two additional handicapped parking spots • Pet area added with pet waste stations • Indoor cycle storage room If city commissioners approve the project, Carrfour’s affiliate Crossroads Management
LLC will manage the building and have a presence on-site. The property would be leased from the Pride Center under a 65-year, long-term lease and must be maintained as affordable housing for 50 years. Under the proposal, 34 of the 48 units would be set aside as housing for disabled seniors. All units would be available to adults age 55 or older, said attorney David J. Coviello. Carrfour has been building affordable housing in Florida since 1993 and currently oversees more than 1,700 housing units in Miami-Dade County. The proposed project at the Pride Center would be its first in Broward County.
• The project is planned for 5.16 acres on the northwest corner of the property • Units would include a mix of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments of varying sizes • The complex will include a club room, a library/computer room, a gym, laundry and an administrative office • The main lobby would physically connect with the main Pride Center building. WMG
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August 22, 2018
8.22.2018 •
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NEWS national
in memoriam
In Honor of
Barbara Kelly SFGN Staff
Barbara Kelly’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, August 25th at Chardees Lounge, 2440 Wilton Drive from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., cash bar ½ price drinks, music, laughter, memories shared by Barbara’s many loving friends.
Masterpiece Cakeshop Owner Sues Colorado Gov. Baker claims ‘religious persecution’ after denying cake for transgender woman
Clare Foran and Marlena Baldacci CNN
You may read the full obituary at SFGN.com/In-Memoriam/in-memoriam-of-barbara-kelly-a-lesbian-icon.html
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T
he Colorado baker who became a national figure after he refused to bake a custom cake to celebrate the marriage of a same-sex couple due to a religious objection and won at the Supreme Court is wading into another legal battle. In a lawsuit against Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper filed on Tuesday in the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado, Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips claims that the state “has been on a crusade to crush” him because state officials “despise what he believes and how he practices his faith.” “This lawsuit is necessary to stop Colorado’s continuing persecution of Phillips,” it says. The complaint alleges that not long after Phillips’ Supreme Court victory, the state of Colorado informed the baker that he had violated state law by refusing to create a cake with a blue and pink design requested by a Colorado attorney to “celebrate a gender transition.” In addition to suing Hickenlooper, Phillips is suing the director of the Colorado Civil Rights Division, members of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and the state’s attorney general. The lawsuit says Phillips “serves all people, but will not create cakes that express messages or celebrate events contrary to his religious beliefs.” “The state’s continuing efforts to target Phillips do not just violate the Constitution; they cross the line into bad faith. This Court should put a stop to Colorado’s unconstitutional bullying,” the lawsuit further says.
In June, the Supreme Court held that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission had showed hostility toward Phillips based on his religious beliefs. The ruling was a win for the baker, who had cited his beliefs as a Christian, but it left unsettled broader constitutional questions on religious liberty. According to the new lawsuit, “Phillips declined to create the cake ... because it would have celebrated messages contrary to his religious belief that sex -- the status of being male or female -- is given by God, is biologically determined, is not determined by perceptions or feelings, and cannot be chosen or changed.” It goes on to say, “It is now clear that Colorado will not rest until Phillips either closes Masterpiece Cakeshop or agrees to violate his religious beliefs.” Phillips is asking the court for relief, including “an award of punitive damages” totaling $100,000 against the director of the Colorado Civil Rights Division for what the lawsuit describes as the defendant’s alleged “unconstitutional actions.” CNN has reached out to Phillips, his attorney and Hickenlooper for comment. The Colorado Attorney General’s Office declined to comment to CNN on the lawsuit. Rebecca Laurie, the spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, told CNN that the Colorado Civil Rights Division and the Colorado Civil Rights Commission are unable to comment regarding pending or active litigation. CNN’s Ariane de Vogue contributed to this report.
f o t s e B 2018
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! 8.22.2018 •
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Convictions
Guest Column
Nikki Fried Makes Her Case “As your next Commissioner of Agriculture..I will be a fierce advocate for the agriculture and consumer services components as well as the issue of patient access to medical marijuana.” Nikki Fried
T
he fight for medical marijuana in Florida is at an all-time high. Things are not getting better, because our government is broken. And there is no clearer example of our broken government, than this issue. In 2016, 72 percent of Floridians voted to approve amendment 2, which allowed the use of medical marijuana. Despite this overwhelming mandate from the voters, Governor Scott and the Republican legislature have repeatedly obstructed its implementation. In doing so, they are denying sick and suffering Floridians access to medicine – including our seniors, veterans and chronically ill. I am running as Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services commissioner, because as a 15-year attorney I believe Floridians need someone who can come in and finally put the consumers first. The fight for medical marijuana however, is not new. In the 70s, the start of the medical marijuana movement began thanks to a court ruling in favor of a plaintiff by the name of Robert Randall. Randall was treating his glaucoma with marijuana and stated in court that this was a necessity for him. He was one of the first pioneers of the medical marijuana movement because the court agreed with the treatment. Randall immediately became the first person to now have access to marijuana, in the medical and legal sense. The struggles Randall faced during this case though, had launched a movement across the nation. In 1978, despite winning his case years before, the federal government tried to end Randall’s use of medical marijuana. Not only did Randall sue to continue using medical marijuana, but since he won the federal government had created a new program to show compassion to him. The federal government created an entity that allowed him to gain access to a non-approved drug. The Compassionate Investigational New Drug Program, paved the way for Randall to continue being an advocate for people with AIDS. In the 1990s, Randall focused solely on the therapeutic effects that marijuana has on people who suffer from AIDS. The program, Marijuana Aids Research Service, or
I will be a fierce advocate for the agriculture and consumer services components as well as the issue of patient access to medical marijuana.
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MARS, granted AIDS patients to now access medical marijuana under the IND program that was established originally for Randall. Again, the government failed the people suffering and only allowed a select number of patients to have access to marijuana legally. However, Randall never stopped fighting for the access of medical marijuana for all those who desired it, as well as continued to help be a voice for people with AIDS. Unfortunately, in 2018, with our knowledge and research on AIDS, the court case ruling in favor to Randall, and having a movement continue to spread throughout the nation; Floridians are still electing officials who silence the voters. Additionally, I know this fight is much larger than me. This nation, Florida specifically, needs to elect people with strong leadership skills that have a vision to make real change. Even so, this leader must tackle all issues and fight for the citizens in our state. In regard to traditional Agriculture, you do not need to be from Agriculture to fight for the people’s interests. More importantly, when you elect someone to Congress, you do not vote for them because they have
experience in all aspects of Washington, D.C. You vote for them because you believe in them, what they stand for, to pass good policies, fight for the people and to surround themselves with policy experts. I have seen first-hand the injustice of the criminal justice system as a past Public Defender. For the last 5 years I have walked the halls of Tallahassee fighting for public education, foster care kids and Medical Marijuana. I vow to fix the clemency process because it’s broken. Floridians need a proven leader, who can get the job done, know how to work the politics and will bring people together to change policy. As your next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I will be a fierce advocate for the agriculture and consumer services components as well as the issue of patient access to medical marijuana. It will be one of the top priorities of my administration to end the obstruction and ensure the people of Florida have access to the medicine prescribed by their doctors. Nikki Fried, a Democrat running to be Florida’s next agriculture commissioner, says Wells Fargo terminated her campaign’s account because of her links to the medical marijuana businesses. Follow this story online as it unfolds
Convictions
Editorial Cartoon
Editorial Cartoon By Mike Luckovich
8.22.2018 •
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Convictions
Jesse’s Journal
Gay TV in the Age of Trump Jesse Monteagudo
“Postcards From London,” a film that was shown at the 2018 Fort Lauderdale Film Festival and was promoted by Here TV. Photo via Here TV, Facebook.
I
n 2005 I wrote a column, “I Want My Gay TV,” about the state of LGBT television, with emphasis on two then-new program services: the cable network Logo and the pay-per-view service Here TV. As I wrote back then, “before Logo and Here TV came along, People of the Rainbow had to make do with programs on mainstream networks. With Logo and Here TV, those of us who want our gay TV can have it 24/7.” Thirteen years later, have things improved? Not so much. In spite of “Will and Grace,” network programs primarily about LGBT people remain few and far between in the Age of Trump. On the other hand, many serial dramas and comedies, on both major and cable networks, feature at least one LGBT character. One of queer TV’s current triumphs is out comedian Kate McKinnon, formerly of Logo’s “Big Gay Sketch Show,” who now shines as one
of the stars of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Two of the best LGBT-inclusive series, both on the FX channel, are produced by Ryan Murphy, the openly gay creator of “Glee.” “The Assassination of Gianni Versace,” the second season of Murphy’s “American Crime Story,” deals with the events leading to the famed designer’s death (1997), as lived by Versace’s killer, Andrew Cunanan. “Pose,” set in 1987, is about the Black and Latinx, gay and trans people involved in New York’s ball culture, a world that inspired Madonna’s hit “Vogue.” In the case of “Pose,” Murphy and his associates made history and won awards by employing openly trans people of color to work as both cast and crew. Meanwhile, the premium television network Here TV (www.heretv. com) continues to serve our community well by showcasing LGBT films and series in their original, uncensored form. Here TV has the
In spite of “Will and Grace,” network programs primarily about LGBT people remain few and far between in the Age of Trump.
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largest LGBT library anywhere, or at least on television, with films like “Shelter,” “Little Ashes,” “Free Fall” and “The Falls” along with series like “This Gay House” and the perennial favorite “Dante’s Cove.” Though a subscription to Here TV is still available through most cable providers you can also watch the network on any device with the Here TV app. While Here TV continues to flourish, Logo (logotv.com) has experienced a sad decline. Launched in 2005 as an all-LGBT network, in 2012 Logo shifted its focus towards what it described as general cultural and lifestyle programming. Logo suffered a most severe loss last year when its flagship show, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” moved to the more popular network VH1. Today Logo’s programming is mostly limited to reruns of gay-friendly comedies like “The Facts of Life” or “The Golden Girls.”
An exception to this sorry state of affairs is Logo’s series of LGBT documentary films, which tell the stories of queer individuals or groups who overcome incredible odds. Previous Logo documentaries dealt with the plight of LGBT immigrants and the life of celebrity makeup artist, the late Kevyn Aucoin. More recently, Logo has given us “Light in the Water,” about the West Hollywood Aquatics swim team, and “When the Beat Drops,” Jamal Sims’s study of J-Setting and Atlanta’s bucking scene. Both of these documentaries would not be shown anywhere else on television (except, perhaps, on PBS) and almost (but not quite) make me forgive Logo for wasting its time with reruns of “Laverne & Shirley” and “Bewitched.” The future of LGBT TV, as with television in general, is with Netflix (“Queer Eye”) and other over-the-top media services.
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.
8.22.2018 •
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SPONSORED content OPERA FUSION PRESENTS
‘AN EVENING OF PUCCINI’ Edwin Neimann
J
oin Opera Fusion for “An Evening of Puccini” at Sunshine Cathedral on Aug. 26, featuring scenes from six of the theatrical and musical genius’ works: Madama Butterfly, La bohème, Tosca, Gianni Schicchi, Turandot and La Rondine. The program will include beloved arias such as Nessun dorma, Un bel di and O mio babbino caro - popular and familiar for both opera devotees and newcomers. Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924) has been called the greatest composer of Italian opera after Giuseppe Verdi. Eleven of his works are counted among the 200 most-performed operas worldwide, and La bohème, Tosca and Madama Butterfly rank among the top 10. Puccini died a popular and successful composer — his works had already earned him $4 million. “His operas have some of the most glorious music ever written for the voice,” Opera Fusion Executive Director Birgit Fioravante said. “The scenes we are performing will contain arias many people love, even if they don’t know opera.” In “An Evening of Puccini,” the company’s Renée Greenberg Emerging Artists will be led for a second time by Maestro Stephen M. Crawford and Stage Director Martha Collins, who both led Opera Fusion’s 2017 Emerging Artists Program of Strauss and Verdi opera scenes. Greenberg, of Palm Beach Gardens, is a founding board member of the company, a frequent sponsor of South Florida opera singers and major Puccini fan. Crawford has three decades of experience conducting Puccini operas, including nine years at the Metropolitan Opera. “Steve has conducted these operas brilliantly,” Fioravante said. “Martha is a wonderfully
inventive director who brings the story to life.” Crawford is in the top tier of coaches in the opera world, has conducted in opera companies and orchestras around the United States and has accompanied the world’s finest singers. Reviewers have praised Collins for “world-class, magical staging” and “direction of insightful character portrayals.” Opera Fusion has performed previously at Sunshine Cathedral, including its 2017 Emerging Artists Program and its 2016 debut of portions of its world premiere of Not In My Town, spotlighting numbers from the story of the friendship of LGBT activist Romaine Patterson and Matthew Shepard, who was murdered in Wyoming. Composer/ librettist of Not In My Town was Michael Ross, and conductor was Maestro Gordon Roberts, both of Broward County. South Florida-based Opera Fusion is one of a very few opera companies that hosts a summer Emerging Artists Program where singers don’t pay to participate; patrons underwrite their tuition. Local singers selected participate in extensive musical training of their roles, coaching, staging rehearsals and acting classes, gaining valuable experience toward launching their careers. “Younger singers don’t often have a chance to sing Puccini on stage,” Fioravante said. “But it opens the voice up like nothing else, because of the great vocal writing along with the expressive text.” “An Evening of Puccini” will feature minimalist staging and costumes. The show is divided into three sections, with two intermissions. There will be supertitles. A cash bar will be available.
The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 S.W. Ninth Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Tickets cost $25 for General Admission, and $40 for VIP seating. Purchase tickets via OperaFusion.org and at the door.
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lifestyle food Luke’s Lobster
Figs + Mozzarella
Zuuk
Aventura Adventure
Rick Karlin
I
A chic culinary experience
f your idea of the food court at the mall “We canvassed the country looking is Panda Express and Sbarro’s, you’ll for concepts,” says Jackie Soffer, CEO of be pleasantly surprised by the new Turnberry Associates, which owns and Treats Food Hall at Aventura. In 2017, the manages Aventura Mall. “Part of it was 2.8-million-square-foot mall underwent partnering with award-winning chefs like a $214 million renovation that included Michael Mina and Todd English. But we transforming its humble food court, where also wanted restaurants with an established pigeons often flew from buzz in South Florida.” rafter to rafter, into a chic When all tenants open, Wood furnishings food hall. the complex will feature a The former food court, on dozen fast-casual eateries in and marble the ground level, near the Treats Food Hall and nine sitcountertops, bus depot never quite lived down restaurants along the adorned with up to the upscale stores. ground level outdoor terrace. Big spenders rarely visited Those are in addition to the Moroccan tiles, the dreary space home to other dining establishments offer a mix affordable options such scattered throughout of communal Chicken Kitchen and Asian the mall, ranging from Chao. It served mostly as a Cheesecake Factory and Five tables, individual cafeteria for the mall stores’ Guys to chic trattorias and banquettes, and employees. caviar bars. high-top tables. It’s The new Treats Food While the fare at Treats Hall, gleaming at the top is a bit higher priced than all very high-end, of a bank of escalators, is traditional food court fare, it more like a buzzy a place to see and be seen. is not beyond the budget for restaurant than a The restaurants (more the average shopper. Most about them later) flank places offer meals in the $10food court. the sides of the sun-filled $20 range, and there’s a wide dining hall. Wood furnishings and marble variety of offerings. Among those places countertops, adorned with Moroccan tiles, already in operation are: offer a mix of communal tables, individual Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen pairs banquettes, and high-top tables. It’s all very healthy Mediterranean cooking with a high-end, more like a buzzy restaurant than modern fast-casual format following the a food court. individualized menu plan first introduced
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by Chipotle. Diners decide whether they want their meal as a bowl over grains or greens or wrapped in an over-sized pita. They then choose from a variety of proteins paired with veggies and sauces to customize their roll, bowl, or salad. Figs + Mozzarella from celebrity chef Todd English, brings a similar format to free-form pizzas and paninis with gourmet ingredients ranging from fig and balsamic jam to whipped ricotta and torn basil. In addition to the hand-held options, there’s also an abundant antipasto bar. Poke 305 continues the “build your own” theme, with one of the latest food trends, poke. Guests can design their own bowls or choose from a menu of suggested combinations. For those not into raw fish, Poke 305 offers bowls featuring cooked chicken or tofu. Luke’s Lobster is one of the pricier options in the dining hall, but that’s understandable since it showcases luxury ingredients. Still, for less than $20, the Maine-based seafood restaurant offers a seafood-centric menu of oversized buttery lobster rolls, clam chowder, and lobster mac ‘n’ cheese. The BŌL takes the standard Asian mall food court offering and gives it a twist
Hungry for more?
by including Vietnamese options. This place also wins extra points for offering vegetarian versions of traditional dishes such as General Tso’s Tofu. My Ceviche takes the classic Latin American costal dish and makes it accessible for the health-conscious shopper. GoGo Fresh is a place to enjoy a salad with homemade dressing, whether one of the restaurant’s curated selections or one of your own design. If you’re looking for a little indulgence to go with that salad, check out the vast selection of empanadas, either savory or sweet. In addition to these regional and original favorites, you can also find a few major franchise outlets (Haagen Dazs, and Shake Shack, with Chipotle opening soon). By year’s end, Little Brittany Creperie, Michael Mina and Ayesha Curry’s International Smoke, Miami Beach’s Rosetta Bakery and Danish juice-bar franchise Joe & the Juice will open. However, Treats has already seen its first casualty. Hank & Harry’s Deli, a branch of the New York-style delicatessen in Miami Beach, opened by local restaurateurs Buzzy Sklar and Richard Booth, has already vacated its space.
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SFGNITES
FOR THE WEEK OF August 23 - August 28, 2018 • WWW.SFGN.COM J.W. Arnold
Operatic Infusion
jw@prdconline.com
THU
8/23
art Stop by the Claudia Castillo Gallery, 2215 Wilton Dr. in Wilton Manors, and check out “The Colors of This Life,” a fascinating photography exhibition by Stephen R. Lang. While Lang is best known as the local “paparazzi,” documenting the region’s vibrant nightlife scene, he is also an insightful artist. On display Wednesday – Sunday through Sept. 7. For more information, go to ColorDesigners.com.
FRI
8/24
opera Join Palm Beach Opera at Elizabeth Avenue Station in West Palm Beach’s trendy Warehouse District for Summer Opera Nights tonight from 6 – 10 p.m. Enjoy riveting musical performances by bass-baritone Neil Nelson while snacking on tasty bites from food trucks and sipping on cool cocktails. Held on the last Friday of the month, Summer Opera Nights returns on Sept. 28. Tickets are $10 at PBOpera.org.
x
Sunday
8/26
Opera Fusion presents “An Evening of Puccini” at Sunshine Cathedral, 1480 S.W. 9th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, on Sunday, Aug. 26 at 7:30 p.m., featuring scenes from six of the Italian composer’s most popular operas “Madama Butterfly,” “La bohème,” “Tosca,” “Turandot” and more, performed by the company’s Renée Greenberg Emerging Artists. Maestro Stephen M. Crawford and Stage Director Martha Collins also return for the second year. The 2017 program, pictured above, featured works by Strauss and Verdi. Tickets are $25 at OperaFusion.org. Photo credit: Kristin Pulido for Opera Fusion.
SAT
opera
8/25 SUN
8/26 MON
8/27 TUE
8/28
concert
comedy
art
history
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since Prince tragically passed away. Celebrate the life and music of the pop icon with the awardwinning Prince tribute show, “Purple Reign,” featuring Jason Tenner as Prince. Put on your raspberry berets and party like it’s “1999” at the Hard Rock Event Center at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood tonight at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $25 at MyHRL.com.
The outrageous, gender-bending Tupperware “lady,” Dixie Longate is returning to South Florida this weekend to hawk her handy food storage solutions in “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” at the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton. Bring your checkbooks because she’s got fancy jello shot molds and more. Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $55 at TheWick.org.
Experience the mystery and magic of glass at the “Macchia Forest Exhibition,” a stunning installation of Dale Chihuly’s work at Wiener Museum of Decorative Art, 481 S. Federal Hwy. in Dania Beach. Chihuly is the world’s foremost glass artist and the Macchia series celebrates his remarkable powers of innovation and imagination. Open daily and admission is $10 for adults. More information at WMODA.com.
Dr. Jake Newsome of the U.S. Holocaust Museum will discuss, “Pink Triangle Legacies: Holocaust Memory and Gay Rights Activism,” tonight at 7 p.m. at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, in conjunction with the exhibit, “Nazi Persecution of Homosexuals 19331945,” currently on display at the Stonewall National Museum Wilton Manors Gallery. More info at Stonewall-Museum.org.
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Shana Tova from Congregation Etz Chaim
A&E comedy
Join Rabbi Noah Kitty and Cantor Jerry Berkowitz, along with community members and friends, to bring in the New Year 5779!
Dixie Longate (Kris Andersson) stars in “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” this weekend at the Wick Theatre in Boca Raton. Photo Credit: Dixie Longate.
Rosh Hashanah is Sunday September 9th at 8pm and Monday, September 10th at 10am
Yom Kippur (Kol Nidre) is Tuesday September 18th at 8pm Wednesday September 19th services starting at 10am, followed by: Yizkor, Healing and Concluding services
A complete ticket series for all holiday services is $200 per person,
or $60 per individual service per person (afternoon services no ticket req.)
‘Dixie’s Tupperware Party’ Returns to South Florida with Lots of Laughs
Tickets are available and may be purchased online
J.W. Arnold
Evening services begin at 8pm • Morning services begin at 10am Check our website for information on Yizkor Remembrance book entries; Rosh Hashanah Lunch & Yom Kippur BreakͲTheͲFast; Welcome Book Ad Journal and special membership information…..www.EtzChaimFlorida.org
Congregation Etz Chaim
(services held at Pride Center at Equality Park, B building, rear)
2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954Ͳ564Ͳ9232 • www.EtzChaimFlorida.org ͲProudly serving the LGBTQ Community since 1974Ͳ
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Free Notary Services
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he’s back! After a four-year absence, Dixie Longate is bringing her hilarious, gender-bending take on the Tupperware Party back to South Florida. No ordinary Tupperware “lady,” the fast-talking Longate (the sassy alterego of Kris Andersson) has traveled the world hawking the latest products from the iconic kitchenware company. She’ll be setting up shop this weekend at the Wick Theatre in Boca Raton. Her outrageous show, “Dixie’s Tupperware Party,” landed Longate the top spot in company’s sales rankings twice as Dixie introduced the wonders of Tupperware to customers from Atlanta to Australia. SFGN caught up with Longate to catch up on her busy career—and the latest advances in Tupperware’s amazing food preservation technology: Are you looking forward to returning to South Florida? I couldn’t be happier if Ed McMahon was slipping $100 bills in my g-string ‘til it totaled a million dollars! People are so neighborly in Florida and I really enjoy those friends that keep coming back to the show again and again. With all the humidity and crazy storms, people really need some food storage solutions that will keep the bugs out and, when the waters start to rise, it’s also good to know that Tupperware floats. What’s happened in your life since we saw you last? I have been traveling all over the dang world…even Australia. Lord, I didn’t even know they had food down there. Turns out they do and they like storing their leftovers— like kangaroo and rattlesnake. Sometimes it is hard to understand what they want to put in their containers because of their big accents,
but when they offer me something that they stored in their Tupperware, I will still stick it in my mouth to check the freshness. Will your show at the Wick be similar to “traditional” Tupperware parties? I got my start doing Tupperware parties in people’s living rooms. It moved to the stage in New York City 11 years ago. When I took my parties into theaters, I wanted to keep the feeling of a fun home party from your grandmama’s house, but right there on stage. There are games and prizes and raffles and fun, but I kicked Grannie to the curb so we could have some real fun! You’ve been one of the leading Tupperware sales ladies for years. What’s the secret to your success? I find that people love to have a good time and laugh. I just combine the fun parts of a party with my job…and, when you add in a product that is so classic and fantastic, people gobble it right up. With such a hectic travel schedule, is it a challenge to find work/life balance? I find that booze helps a lot in managing my time. Things sometimes appear quite a bit rosier when vodka is involved. The good thing about Tupperware parties in general is that usually alcohol is served by the host. I mean, no one can tell me that it ain’t a good job when working and drinking are combined. I know the South Florida audiences are getting excited about your appearances. I’m happier than the winner of a greased pig chase at the county fair to be back again performing at a new theater and sharing some smiles with people. Like Momma always says, “When someone asks you to come, you say yes.” Momma’s never wrong.
Tickets for “Dixie’s Tupperware Party” on Friday, Aug. 25 at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 26 at 2 p.m. at the Wick Theatre and Costume Museum, 7901 N. Federal Hwy. in Boca Raton, are $55 at TheWick.org.
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The Renée Greenberg Emerging Artists Project PRESENTS
An Evening of
PUCCINI Stephen M.Crawford, Music Director Martha Collins, Stage Director
Sunshine Cathedral Cathedral Sunshine Avenue Fort Lauderdale 14801480 SWSW 9th9thAvenue Fort Lauderdale August 26, 2018 7:30pm August 26, 2018 Come hear a fresh approach to a classic art form, featuring the best South Florida voices.
Tickets at OperaFusion.org or at the door: $25 or VIP $40 8.22.2018 •
47
A&E art
Feminism inFlux
Art exhibit to showcase gender non-conforming, trans artists
Cameren Boatner
A
n exhibit of feminist art created by trans and gender non-conforming people is coming to Lake Worth.
The exhibit, Feminism inFlux, opens August 25 at 7 and their work depicts the struggle of living with two p.m. in the Compass, LGBT community center in Palm bodies in one. Beach County. And when he saw Amico’s work for the first time, The gallery, which stays open until November 1, Barrero said his jaw dropped. will feature visual art, performance, spoken word, “The public might be surprised with the younger photography, and text by those who identify as trans or artists—what’s going on in their heads,” Barrero said. non-conforming. It is also the first exhibit to be featured He also punned, “all the work, the music, and poetry are in the center’s Great Hall Gallery. worth coming out for.” Rolando Chang Barrero, the curator He wanted the art to be more of Feminism inFlux and owner of Box meaningful as, “West Palm Beach puts Gallery, said the idea behind the exhibit on a lot of art that isn’t personal to the was to explore the transgender and nonartist.” In this, the artists lose their voice. conforming voice. “My curiosity is in what happens to “We’re giving a platform to those these voices that don’t belong anywhere,” who otherwise don’t have a platform,” Barrero said. Barerro said. “It’ll make them feel more The art in Feminism inFlux, “has depth comfortable with the idea that they have and weight, content and context.” Next a place to show their work.” to every piece will be a label explaining As far as the guests go, he believes the the art, and the pronouns each artist - Rolando Chang exhibit will expose the public to new and identifies with. Barrero safe dialogues, without political charge. Feminism inFlux is the first installation “You can expect beautiful art work, of what Barrero hopes to be an annual curator of Feminism exquisite music, and outstanding prose exhibit. The opening reception will inFlux and owner of … created by artists that reflect their feature a 17-year-old classical pianist, Box Gallery narratives and dialogues like any other and spoken word performances, as well professional artist,” Barrero said. “This as all the feminist art and “high fashion” isn’t a political rally, we’re celebrating their art.” photography. The point of the gallery is to showcase their art and Though tickets are free, guests are encouraged to allow the artists and performers to empower themselves, donate to the community center. according to Barrero. “What I’ve noticed is the voices of trans and nonOne artist, a 17-year-old Dreyfus student, B Amico is conforming groups fall through the cracks,” Barrero said. an illustrator and painter. They identify as genderqueer, But Feminism inFlux is attempting to change that.
“This isn’t a political rally, we’re celebrating their art.”
Photography by Eve Harlowe.
Photography by Eve Harlowe.
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8 .22.2018
august 22 - august 28
Datebook
Theater Tucker Berardi
Calendar@SFGN.com
Top
Picks
*Sheba Mason Comedy Show
Saturday, August 18 at 8 p.m. at the Empire Stage, 1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Come out to this one of a kind comedy show featuring Sheba Mason and a number of local comedians. Tickets $25. Visit shebamason.com.
*The Weepies in Concert
Saturday, September 1 at 8 p.m at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Steve Tannen and Deb Talan will bring their beautiful harmonies and songwriting to Fort Lauderdale. Tickets are $37.50 to $75. Visit BrowardCenter.org.
*Lynn Wind Ensemble
Saturday, September 8 at 7:30 p.m. at the Keith C. And Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center. When the strings are away, the winds will play. This will be an evening of thrilling performances of music for woodwinds, brass and percussion. Tickets $10. Visit events.lynn.edu.
broward county *Arts Launch
Saturday, September 8 at the Arsht Center. This is Miami’s biggest annual event celebrating and kicking off the Arts Season. Join us for a day of fun and discovery: family activities, mini performances, a community village of more than 100 arts & cultural organizations, chef demonstrations, food*, live bands, DJs and more. Free admission. Visit arschtcenter.org/ artslaunch for details.
Shorts Gone Wild 6
August 2 to 26 at Island City Stage, 2304 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. Season six of South Florida’s hottest LGBT-themed short play festival is here. Seven short plays by six fabulous playwrights, five directors and five actors create a provocative, funny and fabulous production. Tickets $35. Visit islandcitystage. org.
La Cage Aux Folles
August 31 to September 23 at the Stage Door Theater, 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill. Nightclub and drag show owner Georges is presented with the challenge of acting the part when meeting his son’s finances ultraconservative parents. When he fails to take on the role of masculine uncle, he takes more creative measures to meet the family. Tickets $48. Visit LPACFL.com or call 954-777-2055.
Aunt Jack
July 19 to August 12 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. Flagler Dr., Fort Lauderdale. This part comedy, part coming of age story follows a
multigenerational family of prominent gays as they learn about love, acceptance, identity and sexuality. Tickets $35. Call 954-678-1496.
Friday Night Sound Waves Music Series
Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music spanning genres and tributes every Friday evening through November. Free. Visit FridayNightSoundWaves. com
palm beach county Mark Reese and Friends
Sunday, September 9 at 4 p.m. at the Keith C. And Elaine Johnson Wold Performing Arts Center. The first half of this exciting concert
will feature many of our own brass faculty members along with special guest artist Charles Lazarus, trumpeter of the Minnesota Orchestra, performing solo works with pianist Lisa Leonard. All will join together in the second half to showcase the power and beauty of brass chamber music. Tickets $20. Visit events.lynn. edu
Second Annual Alumni Recital — Lynn University
Thursday, September 13 at 7:30 p.m. at the Amarnick-Goldstein Concert Hall. Come hear favorite performers who have gone out into the world of music and achieved success. This year American trumpeter Peter Pirotte ’12 is joined by Brazilian pianist Carina Inoue ’14, ’16 in a show-stopping program spanning three centuries of brass-keyboard repertoire. Free to attend. Visit events.lynn.edu.
Art Meets Music
Thursday, August 16 at 7 p.m. at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. The 3rd Thursday of every month Arts Garage hosts a FREE art walk & concert featuring local artists and bands. This month we are featuring live music by Indigo Dreamers & Carolena. Free to at-tend. Visit artsgarage.org or call 561-450-6357.
miami-dade county Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
Free Play Reading — ‘A Life Worth Saving’
August 17 and 18 at 8 p.m. at Main Street Players, 6766 Main Street, Miami Lakes. Based on his experiences as a Miami-Dade Public Defender, A Life Worth Saving is based on an actual case from the 1980s in which a defendant was charged with “homicide by heart attack.” Visit mainstreetplayers.com or call 305-558-3737.
* Denotes New Listing 8.22.2018 •
49
Datebook
Community Tucker Berardi Calendar@SFGN.com
Top Picks
*SAGE/Pride Film Series: ‘Eastern Boys’
Tuesday, September 11th at 1:15 p.m. in the main hall of the Pride Center. A film about eastern prostitutes and the man who falls for one of them. Popcorn and soda will be served, free to at-tend.
*Seinfeld Trivia
Friday, August 17 at 8 p.m. at the Empire Stage, 1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Come prepared with questions to stump the hosts of this comedy trivia night, winners will receive prizes! Tickets $15 to $25. Visit shebamason.com
*Ladies Night Out at the Science Center
Friday, September 21 at the South Florida Science Center, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. Drink, mix, mingle and explore the Science Center after hours at this 21+ event. Tickets $15 to $30. Visit SFScienceCenter.org/Ladies-NightOut
august 22 august 28 Broward Support Services PFLAG
Tuesdays in Fort Lauderdale, Coral Springs and Southwest Ranches. A support group for parents of LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and locations.
SunServe Youth Group
Tuesdays and Thursdays in Fort Lauderdale, Southwest Ranches, Coral Springs and Hollywood. A support group and night of fun for LGBT youth 13 to 21. Free. Visit SunServeYouth.com for dates and times.
Survivor Support
First and third Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Broward Health Imperial Point Hospital cafeteria, 6401 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Find support from counselors and peers who have lost loved ones to suicide. Call the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention at 954-384-0344 or visit FISPOnline.org.
broward county *Blacklight Glow Party
Saturday, August 25 at the Arts And Crafts Club of Fort Lauderdale. ArtWalk in the downtown Flagler Village arts district! From 6-9 p.m., take a look at the new art in the studio. More local artists will display their work in the Hive courtyard outside our door. Tickets $25.
*Paint a Sea Turtle
Friday, August 24 from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Arts and Crafts Club of Fort Lauderdale. We’ll paint this sweet little baby sea turtle together step-by-step at a BYOB painting class. As always, feel free to bring wine, beer, cocktails, and munchies of your choice! Tickets $35.
*The Frank Art Gallery — Hustle
September 6 through October 27 at the Drank Art Gallery, 6451 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale. a collection of work exploring the pop-sensibilities of South Florida’s urban art with an emphasis on process, labor and work. Free admission. Visit thefrankgallery.com
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SAGE/Pride Film Series: ‘Eastern Boys’
Tuesday, September 11th at 1:15 p.m. in the main hall of the Pride Center. A film about eastern prostitutes and the man who falls for one of them. Popcorn and soda will be served, free to attend.
Seinfeld Trivia
Friday, August 17 at 8 p.m. at the Empire Stage, 1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale. Come prepared with questions to stump the hosts of this comedy trivia night, winners will receive prizes! Tickets $15 to $25. Visit shebamason.com
GLNN Happy Hour
Thursday, August 16 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Grille, 2000 Wilton Dr. GLLN is partnering with the Pride Center’s Back to School Drive that supports Tools for School and Broward Education Foundation. Happy Hour attendees should consider bringing school supplies to donate!
Arts and Crafts Wednesday
august 22 - august 28 Happy Hour
Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Arts and Crafts Social Club in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy a two-for-one ‘freestyle’ painting session with hands on assistance as needed. Tickets $20. Visit artsandcraftssocialclub. com
Friday, August 24th at 8 p.m. at the Arts Garage, 94 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. “...one of the most original jazz pianists in a long time.” Arts Garage favorite Jean Caze will be joining him on trumpet along with David Chiverton on drums and Dion Kerr on bass. Tickets $35 to $45. Visit artsgarage.org
The Colors of This Life Art Gallery
Ladies Night Out at the Science Center
August 11 to September 7 at the Claudia Castillo Art Studio, 2215 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. A photographic installment showcasing color as experienced in dreams. Opening reception Saturday, August 18 at 6 p.m. Visit claudiacastillaARTstudio.com
palm beach county *Immigration and the First Amendment
Monday, September 17 at 2:30 p.m. at the Live Oak Pavilion, Student Union, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton. Maria Hinojosa will present a lecture titled “Immigration and the First Amendment: The United States and the Hispanic/LatinX Experience.” Free admission. Visit FAU.edu for more info.
*Tal Cohen — Jazz Piano
Friday, September 21 at the South Florida Science Center, 4801 Dreher Trail North, West Palm Beach. Drink, mix, mingle and explore the Science Center after hours at this 21+ event. Tickets $15 to $30. Visit SFScienceCenter.org/Ladies-Night-Out
LGBTQ Teen Support Group
Tuesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Falk Center for Couseling, 22455 Boca Rio Road, Boca Raton. Join experts in a support group that addresses discrimination, coming out, depression, PTSD and how to deal with these stresses as an LGBTQ teen. Call 561483-5300 to register in advance.
Transcendence
Meets at Compass GLCC, 201 N. Dixie Highway in Lake Worth. A closed transgender youth support group for teens
ages 12 to 19. For more information, email youth@compassglcc.com.
miami-dade county *Zoo Day at Marlins Park
Sunday, August 12 at 11 a.m. at the Marlins Park, Miami Fl. Interact with Zoo Miami’s squad, meet ambassador animals and dress in your best safari gear for a costume contest with prizes! Tickets $33 to $57 Visit marlins. com/zoo.
Wild Night Tour at Zoo Miami
Saturday, August 11 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Miami Zoo, 12400 SW 152 St, Miami. Get an exclusive look at the zoo’s night-loving species in this evening walking tour. Tickets $30. Visit zoomiami.org.
Arsht Center Farmers Market
Mondays from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Parker and Vann Thomson Plaza for the Arts, 1300 Biscayne Blvd. in Miami. Purchase fresh food from local farmers, including fruits, vegetables, meats, prepared foods, as well as chefs, live music, and cooking demonstrations. Tickets $45 to $75. Free. Visit ArshtCenter.org/en/Visit/Dining.
POZCONNECT Support Group for Spanish Speakers
Mondays 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Pridelines, 6360 NE Fourth Court in Miami. A support group for HIV+ people, in Spanish. Free. Call Eddie at 305-571-9601, ext. 105 or visit Pridelines. org.
Book Study
Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Drolma Kadampa Buddhist Center, 1273 Coral Way in Miami. Buddhist monk, Gen Kelsang Norbu, will lead classes on learning the foundations of Buddhism. Call 786-529-7137.
key west Hot Naked Hump Days
Wednesdays from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Island House, 1129 Fleming St. in Key West. Relax in the middle of the week with two-forone drinks, free shots, videos and music, giveaways, and naked boys at the pool. Call 305-294-6284 or visit IslandHouseKeyWest. com.
* Denotes New Listing
W ED N ES D AY S
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www.NormKent.com 8.22.2018 •
51
THE
GUIDE
Business Directory
attorney
attorney
Law office of george castrataro 707 NE 3rd Ave #300, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 954.573.1444 Lawgc.com
law office of Gregory Kabel 1 East Broward Blvd #700, Fort Lauderdale, 33301 954.761.7770 gwkesq@bellsouth.net
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To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970 barber
Trantalis & Associates attorneys Dean J. Trantalis, Esq. 2301 Wilton Drive Suite C1-A, Wilton Manors, 33035 954.566.2226 TrantalisLaw.com
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Est. 1989 “Experience Matters” Service after the sale! ▶ residential security ▶ commercial security ▶ closed circuit tV www.customalarmcontractors.com 52
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8 .22.2018
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post your listing online! www.sfgn.guide
STILL MARCHING FOR
EQUALITY THE FIGHT CONTINUES
While the LGBT community has seen many successes in the past decade, there are still many more milestones yet to come. Follow history as it happens by reading your weekly copy of SFGN.
www.SFGN.com 8.22.2018 •
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GUIDE Business Directory
To place an ad in the Business Directory, call our sales team at 954.530.4970
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social
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GREGG'S PAINTING - I paint both interior and exterior. Great rates, free estimates. I am detailed-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual, and neat. No job too small. Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call Gregg at 617-306-5694 or 954870-5972 Email: gmanbenn44@gmail.com
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7:0 0P M
Male-Caregiver - 10+ Experience, Certified in State of Florida. Call Antonio 954.599.3265
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954.530.4970
954.530.4970
MANNY SIMONE, NEWS ANCHOR
8.22.2018 •
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