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SEPTEMBER 9, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 36

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PETE AND CHASTEN SHARE FAMILY PHOTO WITH TWIN BABIES

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- Pete Buttigieg

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• 9.9. 20 21

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fter their announcement of becoming fathers last month, Pete and Chasten Buttigieg shared their first family photo with their twin babies to the world.

Pete, the United States secretary of transportation, shared a photo with him and Chasten holding their newborn baby girl and boy, and revealed their names in a post.

“Chasten and I are beyond thankful for all the kind wishes since first sharing the news that we’re becoming parents,” they wrote in a joint statement. “We are delighted to welcome Penelope Rose and Joseph August Buttigieg to our family.”

The couple expressed their desire to start a family after they started dating in 2015 and married in June 2018, according to PEOPLE. “I’m so glad that we get this time and we’re both to ourselves, into a bunch of projects, but we still get to have dinner together every night. And it’s allowed us to have

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“IT’S ONE THING WHEN YOU’RE IN THE MIDDLE OF A CAMPAIGN AND THERE’S JUST NO ROOM FOR ANYTHING ELSE. NOT THAT THERE’LL EVER BE AN EASY OR SIMPLE TIME... BUT IT’S TIME TO TAKE THOSE STEPS.”

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September 9, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 36

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Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

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

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Chasten Buttigieg (left) with Pete Buttigieg and their twins Penelope Rose and Joseph August. Photo via Twitter.

conversations, those necessary conversations, and now it’s really overwhelming figuring out how and where and when, and how much — my God,” Chasten told PEOPLE in 2019.

“But luckily, we have a lot of friends who’ve had families in very different ways. So, we’ve just been having great conversations with our friends about how they figured it out, and we’ll go from there. We’re just really excited and overwhelmed, I think.”

“Very excited,” Pete chimed in. “It’s one thing when you’re in the middle of a campaign

and there’s just no room for anything else. Not that there’ll ever be an easy or simple time. I don’t think there is for anybody, but it’s time to take those steps.”

Pete has been making a name for himself for years, starting when he announced his bid for presidency in 2020. He later lost in the Democratic primary to President Joe Biden.

However, President Biden added Pete to his cabinet where he became the first openly gay person to be a United States secretary, PEOPLE reported.

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9.9. 20 21 •

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LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Transgender

FIRST TRANS CONTESTANT WINS ‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’ Kylie Sonique Love has been crowned the winner of the sixth season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” making her the first transgender contestant to win.

Love walked away with $100,000 and a spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame.

“Kylie’s exhilarating blend of tenacity, vulnerability and talent made her a sizzling stand-out in the most compelling ‘All Stars’ in the franchise’s herstory,” said RuPaul, the host and executive producer of the show in an interview with NBC. Love first appeared on the show in 2010 but was eliminated after four episodes.

However, she was given a chance to redeem herself 11 years later.

“I couldn’t have done this without thanking the universe every single day, for all my blessings and all the people

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

P

T

Kylie Sonique Love. Photo via Facebook.

around me that believed in my dreams,” Love said.

Pansexual

JOJO SIWA MAKES RED CARPET DEBUT WITH GIRLFRIEND

Friday evening JoJo Siwa and Kylie Prew attended the premiere of The J Team in Pasadena, California. Siwa came out as pansexual earlier this year and has been very outspoken about her journey on social media.

“I like queer. Technically I would say that I am pansexual because that’s how I have always been my whole life is just like, my human is my human,” Sita told People Magazine earlier this year.

The 18-year-olds arrived in multicolored onesies and Siwa’s signature high ponytails. The former “Dance Moms” star appears in the film and serves as its executive producer. The movie follows a young girl named Jojo who refuses to let her sparkle be dimmed after her beloved dance instructor is replaced by a much

JoJo Siwa and girlfriend Kylie Prew.

Photo via Instagram.

harsher coach. The live-action musical is available to stream on Paramount.

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LGBTQIA BITES

Q

Queer

ELLIOT PAGE CREDITS ICONIC QUEER FILM FOR HELPING HIM COME OUT

Elliot Page recently announced that iconic queer movie, “But I’m a Cheerleader” changed his life.

The 1999 film starring Natasha Lyonne follows a high school girl who is sent to gay conversion camp after her boyfriend and family suspect she might be gay. Page came out as transgender in December 2020 and said the movie transformed his life.

“I don’t know if I would have made it through the moments of isolation and loneliness and shame and self-hatred that was so extreme and powerful and allencompassing that you could hardly see out of it and then, you know, at 15, when you are flipping through the channels and you stumble on ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and the dialogue in that film, and scenes in that film just transform your life. I almost think we don’t talk enough about how important representation is and enough about how many lives it saves and how many futures it allows for,” Page said.

Elliot Page. Photo via Instagram.

Page believes it’s important to have more queer visibility and more movies like this to explore narratives that are often untold.

9.9. 20 21 •

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NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

TENNESSEE

TENNESSEE WEDDING VENUE REJECTS GAY COUPLE Mike Gill and Coty Heaton are a newly engaged couple on the hunt for the perfect wedding venue. When they found the Barn in the Bend in Madison, Tennessee, they reached out to the owner, Jackie Daniel, in hopes of securing the location.

The Advocate reported that while Gill was scheduling a tour of the venue, Daniel’s signature included the phrase, “We offer same-sex marriage ceremonies only.” The couple had taken this as their sign that they picked the right venue for their marriage.

However, the next email the couple received from Daniel looked different.

The signature instead read, “We do not offer same-sex marriage ceremonies.”

In her email, Daniel wrote, “Did you mention that your partner was a ‘he’?

If I’m wrong, I’m sorry.” Daniel then

Mike Gill and Coty Heaton.

Photo via Facebook.

explained that if Gill’s partner was a man then she would not be able to host their wedding at the venue because they “do not offer same-sex marriages here.”

Daniel cited her religious beliefs as the reason behind the policy.

Heaton shared his story on Facebook and soon the venue’s Yelp page had a surge of negative reviews from friends, allies, and members of the LGBT community.

• 9.9. 20 21

The Missouri state capital established an exhibit honoring LGBT history and although the exhibit was supposed to be up until Dec. 26, it was removed after four days.

According to the Kansas City Star, “Making History: Kansas City and the Rise of Gay Rights” was reportedly closed early due to complaints from Uriah Stark, an aide to Republican state Rep. Mitch Boggs.

Stark had made a post on Facebook prior to the exhibit’s removal saying that the “taxpayer funded museum is pushing the LGBT agenda in our state capitol.”

The Department of Natural Resources manages Missouri’s park system as well as the museum exhibit.

Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat and only openly gay senator from the state, said, “This display was supposed

Uriah Stark.

Photo courtesy of Uriah Stark.

to be up until Dec. 26 [and] made it all of four days before some members of the legislature threw a fit and DNR apparently acquiesced to them and took it down and literally put my history back in the closet.”

Gov. Mike Parson’s spokeswoman Kelli Jones said in a statement that the exhibit was removed because the “statutorily mandated process” for establishing temporary exhibits was not properly followed. Jones said that was not aware of the exhibit but his office had received “several complaints.”

NEW YORK

TRANSPHOBIC GYM TEACHER RETURNS TO CLASSROOM

6

MISSOURI

LGBT HISTORY EXHIBIT REMOVED AFTER GOP AIDE COMPLAINS

VIRGINIA Tanner Cross is a public-school gym teacher in Virginia who was fired after making a statement during a May Loudoun County Public Schools board meeting. The Virginia Supreme Court upheld the decision to reinstate Cross into his teaching position.

Cross had told school officials that he would not be able to respect students’ chosen pronouns because of his religious beliefs, LGBTQ Nation reported.

He said he could not “affirm that a biological boy can be a girl, and vice versa” as it would be “lying to a child … abuse to a child … and it’s sinning against our God.” Two days later, Cross was placed on administrative leave. Cross then filed a lawsuit against Loudoun County, arguing that his “freedom of speech” was violated.

The school’s lawyers said that Cross

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

NYPD SEARCHING FOR HOMOPHOBIC MAN AFTER ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTING A STRANGER Photo via PxHere.

was placed on leave after multiple calls from concerned parents, however, the courts stated the school did not prove that Cross’ presence would be a “significant disruption” of school functions.

The court ruled in Cross’ favor and Loudoun County enacted a new policy earlier in the month, expecting staff to affirm trans students and to “allow genderexpansive or transgender students to use their chosen name and gender pronouns that reflect their gender identity.”

On Aug. 26, an assailant allegedly beat a 23-year-old man on the subway while shouting homophobic slurs.

NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program announced on Sept. 3 that it is offering a reward for up to $3,500. Anyone with information can contact NYPD Crime Stoppers via 800-577-TIPS or crimestoppers.nypdonline.org.

According to LGBTQ Nation, police allege that the assailant approached the victim on the train and after a brief exchange was heard saying, “I’m not with that gay shit.”

He then punched the victim in the head repeatedly while calling him anti-gay slurs.

The attack is being investigated as a potential hate crime by the NYPD Hate Crimes Task Force.

There has been a rise in violence throughout New York City’s public

The alleged assailant.

Photo courtesy of NYPD Hate Crimes, Twitter.

transportation systems.

Another unidentified assailant punched two young men in the face and made anti-gay statements while riding the subway on July 31. When a woman tried to stop him, he punched her in her face.

Advocates and transit workers have been calling for authorities to make the New York City subway and MTA transportation safer for travelers, some have appealed to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for action.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

GAY GAMES FACE VIOLENCE IN HONG KONG

LGBT RIGHTS MARINERS RECEIVE MERCHANT NAVY MEDAL

It was a tribute to the city’s position as a cosmopolitan town and a relative bright spot in the area for progressive causes when Hong Kong was named as the host of the 11th Gay Games next year, the first time the event would be hosted in Asia.

Now, attacks on the Gay Games by pro-Beijing local politicians are exposing prejudice in the financial center, where room for promoting concepts like equality and diversity has diminished as China tightens its grip.

According to The Washington Post, the Hong Kong activists who would normally fight back against such attacks are either imprisoned or exiled as a result of a crackdown allowed by a national security bill passed last year.

The administration of Hong Kong,

Photo via PxHere.

which reports to Beijing, has stated that it does not condone the attacks.

Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive, said Junius Ho’s and others’ statements “would unnecessarily divide society” and promised that her office will continue to rent facilities to the organizers.

The Merchant Navy Medal was presented to Second Officer Paul Owen and 15 other seamen for their distinguished service and commitment to the maritime industry.

According to Euro Weekly, Owen is the first person to receive the coveted Merchant Navy Medal for his efforts to promote LGBT rights in the maritime industry.

Owen, from Blackpool, is one of 15 sailors who have been recognized for their exceptional service and commitment to the industry, which includes services for seafarer welfare during the COVID-19 epidemic, safety and security requirements, and training.

“I am deeply humbled and surprised to receive this honor. I have played a small part in the Diversity in Maritime

Second Officer Paul Owen. Credit: UK Department For Transport.

initiative whilst seconded to Maritime UK but it has broadened my knowledge of the diversity issues faced in the maritime sector through involvement in the four aspects of the program, ethnicity, pride, women, and mental health,” said Owen.

AFRICA

CANADA

ZIMBABWEANS DIVIDED OVER POLITICIAN’S POSITION ON LGBT RIGHTS

CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES WANTS TO REDUCE WAIT TIME FOR HOMOSEXUAL MEN

Zimbabweans have scrutinized opposition lawmaker Nelson Chamisa’s views on LGBT rights on the internet.

This comes after Chamisa took part in an online conversation moderated

by Mmusi Maimane, a South African opposition leader.

According to iHarare, during the conversation, Chamisa’s attitude on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning people’s rights was brought up. Chamisa answered by stating that he will be guided by the Zimbabwean Constitution, which defines marriage as being between a man and a woman.

President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s Cabinet approved revisions to Zimbabwean marriage legislation in May 2019, aligning it with the Constitution by prohibiting both child weddings and

Nelson Chamisa. Photo via Facebook.

same-sex marriages.

Some people appear to be offended

by Nelson Chamisa’s views on LGBT rights. LGBT supporters were irritated, questioning why they should vote for him when he does not actively promote them. Many stated emphatically that they would never vote for Chamisa.

Canadian Blood Services plans to ask Health Canada to eliminate the threemonth ineligibility term that requires males to wait after their last sexual contact with a man before giving blood, in favor of screening all donors based on sexual behavior.

“It’s a change that’s long overdue, but it will not erase years of the LGBTQ community being told their blood is dangerous or that ‘they’re not good enough,’” said Kirk Furlotte to CBC, Atlantic regional manager for Community-Based Research Centre, a non-profit that promotes the health of gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit and queer (GBT2Q) men.

In a 2018 CBRC survey of 3,500 gay, bi, queer, trans and two-spirit men, more than 90% said they would donate blood

Photo via the Canadian Blood Services, Facebook.

if eligible.

“I think the community is looking forward to it, even though it will be a bumpy road for the first, let’s say, few years,” said Furlotte.

9.9. 20 21 •

7

NEWS NATIONAL

HRC PRESIDENT FIRED AFTER DISPUTE WITH BOARD ON HIS ROLE IN CUOMO AFFAIR Chris Johnson

Washington Blade

F

ollowing a public dispute with the Human Rights Campaign board on the results of a review on his role in the scandal on sexual misconduct that forced New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to resign, Alphonso David has been terminated as president of the nation’s leading LGBT group.

Jodie Patterson and Morgan Cox, the co- to advise Mr. Cuomo when the accusations chairs of the Human Rights Campaign, issued came to light.” Further, David didn’t consult a statement late Monday explaining the the LGBT group’s counsel, or inform them he decision David, the first Black president of the was going to be interviewed by James’s office, LGBT group, under the “for cause” provision the Times reported. of his contract.

The ignominious outcome of the end of “At HRC, we are fighting to bring full equality David’s tenure at the Human Rights Campaign and liberation to LGBTQ+ people everywhere. comes after two years with him at the helm of That includes fighting on behalf of all victims the organization. Observers had high hopes of sexual harassment and assault,” Patterson for him as the first person of color to the and Cox said. “As outlined in the New York nation’s leading LGBT group, which he took Attorney General report, Mr. David engaged into new directions with a foray into legal in a number of activities in December 2020, work on LGBT rights. while HRC President, to assist Gov. Cuomo’s David via Twitter, where profile as of team in responding to allegations by Ms. Monday morning still identifies him as HRC Boylan of sexual harassment. This conduct president, vowed to fight the decision to in assisting Governor Cuomo’s team, while terminate him in court. president of HRC, was in violation of HRC’s “As a Black, gay man who has spent his Conflict of Interest policy and whole life fighting for civil and the mission of HRC.” human rights, they cannot “[MR. DAVID’S] According to the statement, shut me up,” David wrote. the boards for the Human “Expect a legal challenge.”

ACTIONS HAVE Rights Campaign and Human The board identified as PUT US IN AN Rights Campaign Foundation reasons for termination voted to terminate David.

David’s inability to serve UNTENABLE The board names Joni as the public face of the POSITION BY Madison, the current chief Human Rights Campaign as operating officer of the well as “material damage” VIOLATING HRC’S Human Rights Campaign as David has caused to the CORE VALUES, interim president effective Human Rights Campaign as immediately as board evidence by media coverage POLICIES AND members engage in a search and “hundreds of calls, MISSION.” to replace David as president. emails and other negative The decision to fire David communications HRC has - Jodie Patterson comes after public sniping received from staff, members and Morgan Cox between him and the board of the Board of Governors, HRC CO-CHAIRS co-chairs on the independent volunteers, program partners, review the Human Rights general members, supporters, Campaign had conducted after he was named corporate partners, political figures, and more nearly a dozen times in the report issued by expressing serious concern with Mr. David’s New York Attorney General Letitia James. conduct and its inconsistency with the values According to a report in the New York and mission of HRC.” Times, a person familiar with the deliberations “This is a painful moment in our among the HRC board said that David “never movement,” Patterson and Cox said. “While told the organization that he was helping the Board’s decision is not the outcome we

8

• 9.9. 20 21

Alphonso David speaking during an event. Photo via Facebook.

had ever envisioned or hoped for in terms of Mr. David’s tenure with HRC, his actions have put us in an untenable position by violating HRC’s core values, policies and mission.”

Over the weekend, David tweeted in a statement the board came to him late Friday telling him the review is completed, but suggested he resign even though they could produce no evidence of wrongdoing.

“I have the support of too many of our employees, board members and stakeholders to walk away quietly into the night,” David said. “I am not resigning.”

The next day, the board sent the email to their fellow members Monday morning, saying they were “surprised and disappointed by the inaccuracies in his portrayal of events.”

The email was shared with the Blade and three sources confirmed its accuracy.

Among the “mischaracterizations” identified by the board with David’s “the assertion that there was ‘no indication of

wrongdoing on his part.’”

David, has said from the beginning he has committed no wrongdoing and wouldn’t resign as HRC president, even though other activists caught up in the scandal — Tina Tchen, president of “Time’s Up,” and Roberta Kaplan, board member of the same organization — made the decision to step down.

After the HRC board email became public on Monday, David issued a subsequent statement on Twitter, asserting the board had told him Friday evening upon asking him to consider the review was, in fact, complete.

“The facts are that I was contacted by the board co-chairs late Friday night,” David wrote. “They told me that the Sidley Austin review was complete, but they would not provide the report to me or anyone. They gave me a deadline of 8 a.m. the next morning to tell them whether I would resign. They didn’t offer a shred of evidence of any wrongdoing

NEWS NATIONAL on my part when I asked repeatedly.”

At the time news before of the New York attorney general report, the board initially supported David, indicated they had renewed his contract for five years. The next week, however, the Human Rights Campaign board and David announced they had agreed to an independent review on his involvement in the Cuomo that would be conducted by Sidley Austin LLP and last no longer than 30 days.

Sidley didn’t respond to multiple requests from the Washington Blade’s to comment over the weekend on the review. The board chairs have indicated the results of the review would be confidential.

According to the New York Times, the person familiar with the review, said there was no written report and there was never going to be one. Instead, there were oral presentations to the board. David is said to have given names to the board of people who would speak on his behalf during the investigation, in addition to the 10 hours he spent being interviewed, the Times reported.

Legal experts had doubted the validity of a review Sidley Austin on the basis it was among the legal firms agreeing in 2019 to help with the Human Rights Campaign entering into litigation to advance LGBT rights, an agreement David spearheaded upon taking the helm of the organization.

The findings from New York Attorney Letitia James on Cuomo names David nearly a dozen times. Among other things, the report indicated after his tenure as counselor

to Cuomo, he kept the personnel file of an employee accusing the governor of sexual misconduct, then assisted in returning that file to Cuomo staffers seeking to leak it to the media in an attempt to discredit her.

(A representative has disputed the characterization of material David kept as a personnel file, saying it was a memorandum on an internal employment matter David kept because he, in part, worked on it. David has said he was legally required to return to the material.)

Further, the report finds David allegedly said he would help find individuals to sign their names to a draft oped that sought to discredit the survivor but went unpublished, although he wouldn’t sign the document himself. Also, the report indicates David was involved in the discussions about secretly calling and recording a call between a former staffer and another survivor in a separate effort to smear her.

In response, David said he agreed to help with only one version of the letter that was more positive in nature and his part of the discussion about recording a survivor was limited to his role as counselor.

The nation’s leading LGBT group is now faced with the task of finding a new president at a time of significant challenges for the movement. The Equality Act is all but dead in Congress and numerous states have enacted laws against transgender youth in sports and medical care, many of which are being challenged by litigation that was filed by the Human Rights Campaign.

THE FINDINGS FROM NEW YORK ATTORNEY LETITIA JAMES ON CUOMO NAMES DAVID NEARLY A DOZEN TIMES.

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

Alphonso David (left) with Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo via Facebook.

9.9. 20 21 •

9

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

10

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Husbands Jose Carlos Aranda, a software director, with Juan Saavedra, Fort Lauderdale chief of staff for District 4.

Lifegaurds Brandon Riley and Mark Eddy at Broward College Tigertail Lake.

Marcelo Motta, real estate agent and events producer, with boyfriend Henrique Paraizo.

Scuba instructor and lifegaurd Tosh Baez with spouse Colby Baez, recreation coordinator at Broward College Tigertail Lake.

• 9.9. 20 21

NEWS NATIONAL

SOUTH FLORIDA MEN’S HEALTH CONF. FRIDAY & SATURDAY John Hayden

Pianist Singer Entertainer

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perrygmusic@hotmail.com

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very new development in the fight against HIV/AIDS changes the landscape for men’s health, especially in the gay and bisexual communities. To help people keep up, the South Florida Men’s Wellness Conference is being held online Sept. 24-25.

Friday’s morning session reaches out to the HIV prevention workforce, HIV testing and prevention providers with Florida Department of Health as well as nursing and medical school students and professionals.

Topics will include Taking Care of the Caregiver, substance abuse, COVID, what men should know about their health and hygiene, and an overall look at the state of men’s health today.

Day two will feature a yoga session followed by a discussion of nutrition, diet,

PERRY GRANT good old entertainment

YouTube.com/MrPerryGrant

All Piano/Keyboard and sound equipment provided and fits any setting With years of experience performing headline shows and piano bars at some of the worlds

Photo via PxHere.

and exercise, including how blood type and nutrition are related. Other topics will look at medical marijuana and HIV, the future of HIV drugs and treatments, and the impact of the hook-up culture, sex positivity, safety, gender, and sexuality.

Friday evening will feature a Zoom social at 7 p.m. featuring an online trivia game and cocktail demonstration put on by Gay Vista Social Club.

most prestigious venues and cruise ships afloat…Perry will make your party come alive!

Make your Christmas, New Years Party or any party special!

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Don’t miss a

NEWS NATIONAL

LIL NAS X DELIVERS FOR LOCAL CHARITY

tastE Feeling the hunger?

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

sFGn.com/FooD

John Hayden

P

roducing an album can feel like giving birth. At least that’s what Lil Nas X would have us believe. To promote the imminent arrival of his album “MONTERO,” also known as his baby, the singer released an online baby registry. Instead of strollers, onesies, and cribs, people can donate to charities including Bros In Convo, locally Transinclusive Group.

He announced the fundraiser on social media, tweeting, “Me and my team have set up a ‘baby registry’ for many charities if you guys would like to donate.” Each of the 15 tracks on Montero are paired with a charity.

Fans can browse through and donate to any of the songs and charities they like.

LIke many things the Old Town Road singer does, this project immediately grabs your attention. The registry greets you with a picture of a “pregnant” Lil Nas X in a white dress with a bouquet of white roses in hand and a laurel of white roses on his head. He originally posted these fake pregnancy pictures on Sept. 2 with the caption “I can’t believe i’m finally announcing this. My little bundle of joy ‘MONTERO’ is due Sept. 17.”

His real name is Montero Lamar Hill.

The initial pictures received mixed reactions. Many fans posted messages of

Lil Nas X. Photo via Facebook.

support, but, as can be expected with social media, many people tweeted self-righteous indignation. Lil Nas X responded saying “... all of this negative attention is not good for the baby.”

When Montero arrives on Sept. 17 it will include collaborations with Elton John, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and Miley Cyrus. Until then you can follow his “pregnancy” on his social media accounts.

You can view the registry at welcometomontero.com.

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NEWS NATIONAL

4 ANTI-VAX RADIO TALK-SHOW HOSTS DIE FROM COVID Kim Swan

F

our self-proclaimed anti-vaxxers have died after contracting COVID-19, two regretting their remarks on their radio shows.

Marc Bernier, Phil Valentine, Jimmy DeYoung, and Dick Farrel were all conservative radio talk-show hosts who denounced COVID vaccines on-air, according to the Washington Post.

The most recent death was Beriner, who claimed that he was “Mr. Anti-Vax” in December 2020 when the vaccines were authorized for Americans. However, WNDB, the station that his program was aired on, told listeners that he was being treated in a hospital for COVID in August.

“It’s with great sadness that WNDB and Southern Stone Communications announce the passing of Marc Bernier,” WNDB wrote in a statement. “Marc informed and entertained listeners on WNDB for over 30 years while enjoying a successful 46-year career as a broadcast journalist. He will be missed by many friends, family members, and colleagues.”

Valentine was a popular shock jock in Tennessee who used a song parody called “Vaxman” basing it on the Beatles song “Taxman,” the Post reported. He died Aug. 21.

Farrel, who called Dr. Anthony Fauci a “power-tripping lying freak” died Aug. 4.

He had worked for stations in Miami, Palm Beach, and the Newsmax TV channel.

“FOR THOSE LISTENING, I KNOW IF HE WERE ABLE TO TELL YOU THIS, HE WOULD TELL YOU, ‘GO GET VACCINATED. QUIT WORRYING ABOUT THE POLITICS. QUIT WORRYING ABOUT ALL THE CONSPIRACY THEORIES.’” - Mark Valentine BROTHER OF PHIL VALENTINE

Marc Bernier, also known as “Mr. Anti-Vax.” Photo via www.marcberniershow.com.

Finally, DeYoung, who was a syndicated Christian preacher who asked a guest on-air if the vaccine rollout was “another form of government control of the people,” died Aug. 15, the Post reported.

Despite their anti-vax remarks, two of them urged listeners to get vaccinated before they died: Valentine and Farrel.

Mark Valentine, Valentine’s brother, went on air on his behalf: “For those listening, I know if he were able to tell you this, he would tell you, ‘Go get vaccinated. Quit worrying about the politics. Quit worrying about all the conspiracy theories,’” according to the Post.

Valentine’s family also issued a statement saying that he was remorseful about mocking COVID vaccines on-air.

Amy Leigh Hair, a friend of Farrel, told the Post, “When he got very sick, he texted me and said, ‘This pandemic ain’t no joke. Get the shot.’ He definitely admitted he hadn’t taken it seriously. At the end of the day, he was sorry about that. I know he changed his mind at the end.”

Over 174 million Americans have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, accounting for 52.4% of the U.S. population, according to a COVID data tracker.

9.9. 20 21 •

13

PA L M B E A C H

ar t s

ART CELEBRATES HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH John Hayden

Rolando Chang Barrero. Photo via Rolando Chang Barrero, Facebook.

COLORFUL BIRDS AND BLOOMING FLOWERS WILL HELP THE LGBT COMMUNITY CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH. THE WORK OF SOUTH FLORIDA ARTIST ROLANDO CHANG BARRERO WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT NEIMAN MARCUS IN BOCA RATON STARTING SEPT. 11.

Paintings and wood carvings of his iconic “Pajaro” birds and, hopefully, his “TransDaisies’’ are part of The Art of Fashion and Hispanic Heritage Month. “The inspiration always comes from seeking out a way to create a space where we can learn for each other,” Barrero said. “In the Pajaro series it was simply a way to pay homage to friends that have passed away due to AIDS. They were epitaphs. The Trans-Daisies are very

“We navigate two worlds and at some point they inevitably cross. I want that point to be a celebration!”

- Rolando Chang Barrero ARTIST

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• 9.9. 20 21

similar. I want to acknowledge that all the murders of our trans-friends are not simply statistics of hate crimes, but human beings that walk alongside us. They too are someone’s child, someones loved one.”

His art, and this exhibit in particular, is about recognizing and representing his culture. “I, like many others, are part of a broader community. A vibrant, culturally rich, and intersectional community. It is important because assimilation to the customs of the USA includes the LGBTQIA+ community. At least that is true for me and other people of color. We navigate two worlds and at some point they inevitably cross. I want that point to be a celebration!”

Hispanic Heritage month runs from Sept.

15-Oct. 15. The exhibit opens Saturday, Sept. 11 with a champagne open house at the Neiman Marcus at 5860 Glades Road in Boca Raton from 1-4 p.m.

Barrero says feelings about his work vary.

“Reactions vary depending on the person.

People have too many ideas and versions of what an LGBTQ person is, even within our community. What is true for most, they all ask for the story. The story, at least my version of the history I lived and continue to do so, is riddled with melancholy to some degree but has a very happy ending. We live, we marry, we celebrate, and we get to enjoy life without fear.”

Barrero also owns The Box Gallery in West Palm Beach, where he exhibits his work and the work of other local, national, and international artists.

Reach local LGBT communities across the nation.

Start connecting with over a million loyal readers in print and online across the country.

212-242-6863 info@nationallgbtmediaassociation.com www.nationallgbtmediaassociation.com

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9.9. 20 21 •

15

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

20 YEARS, 20 DAYS, 20 MINUTES Our Precious Lives are Marked by Senseless Deaths

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

I

am just a columnist and I have no mysterious insight into the anniversary of the attack on America 20 years ago this Saturday.

I just know they blew up the place I called home. I know my friends died, and our world was shaken. It was supposed to be a once in a lifetime event.

Unfortunately, our world now lives with “once in a lifetime events” every 20 minutes.

The only constant of our lives, wrote Alvin Toffler in “Future Shock,” was change. Now the only constant appears to be the certainty of calamity, which shocks our conscience, and tests our balance on this moving planet.

Three years ago, the senseless shootings at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland shook the heart and soul of South Florida, while reminding America even our schools are not safe. But it is not like Sandy Hook, where 28 elementary school students were slaughtered in 2012, did not send us warnings.

Two years before Parkland, the massacre at Pulse Night club in Orlando tore through the emotional fabric of Central Florida and the gay community, but sent ripples throughout LGBT America as well.

These particular incidents left us speechless and stunned, but none stand alone. From concert halls in Las Vegas to churches in North Carolina, and offices from Sacramento to South Florida, Americans are no longer safe from random violence and sudden death.

It happens everyplace and anywhere.

The terror did not start with the attacks 20 years ago upon the World Trade Center, but we observe 20 years this week, so it stands out again. It was not just one of us, but all of us.

It was a reminder Americans of all creeds and colors have far more in common than we do apart.

For so many of us it is the singular incident seared into our being, which changed the face

of the world forever. It is why 13 very young soldiers, my god, barely 20, lost their lives in Afghanistan two weeks ago.

For two decades, Americans maintained a military presence in a land far away to keep terrorists and terrorism at bay. In the meantime, we turned the guns upon ourselves.

We spent so much time looking over there that we have not paid enough attention to what is happening over here.

“We have met the enemy,” the cartoon character Pogo once said, “and he is us.”

The coronavirus pandemic gave America the chance to combat a different type of 21st century terrorism. Armed with a network of hospitals, universities, science, and medical technology, you would think we could respond with more than “shock and awe.”

You would think we could marshal the world to temper the spread, tame the disease, and stamp out the death. You would think.

America had the chance to be a global leader against a cruel pathogenic invader that slaughtered people senselessly, without concern for age, race, or nationality or creed, As swiftly and as suddenly as the attacks of September 11, 2001, COVID-19 shook our lives with another episodic once in a lifetime event. Eighteen months later, with a new variant streaming across the globe, it still does.

Unfortunately, we turned the guns against ourselves once again. Instead of uniting the world in a global battle against a horrible killer, we were led by a president who denied reality.

He singularly turned a virus into a national culture war about wearing a mask. He lost an election, attempted an insurrection, and even at this moment is planning a return to the national stage. Millions of Americans remain unvaccinated because of him. If they are alive in six months, they will be voting for him in primaries.

WE LIVE IN A WORLD OF UNIMAGINABLE BEAUTY TO BE CHERISHED, BUT TRAGEDY AND TRAUMA SEEM TO BE ON EVERY CORNER.

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Norm Kent sitting with Dusty while holding up the Sept. 2001 edition of Express Gay News, his former publication.

Along the way, during this toxic time of national upheaval, Americans have ignored tsunamis, global warming, and forest fires more teeming then we have ever seen in our lifetime. Cities of 10,000 on the West Coast have been wiped out in a single day, but it did not stop the NCAA from playing a national championship game on the East Coast the following afternoon.

The next thing you know floods from a Louisiana hurricane on a Sunday will drown people in New York subways on Tuesday, but the New York Mets will play a make up doubleheader on Friday.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears had it right... “and when I die, there’ll be one child born, in this world to carry on, to carry on...”

The attacks on the United States of America 20 years ago were to be episodic events, once in a lifetime occurrence. But the 21st century and COVID-19 had different plans for this generation of citizens.

All you can ask of living, the song says, is to “die with no chains on me.” As the United States leaves Afghanistan, 20 years later, there are millions facing the Taliban, Isis, and Isis A, B, or C, that can’t say that.

America tried, but now tired, we move on.

We live in a world of unimaginable beauty to be cherished, but tragedy and trauma seem to be on every corner. From self inflicted wounds to nature’s wrath, mankind is challenged. I suppose, in every generation, it always has been.

Take a moment this day, and give pause to the precious promise of life.

Do as the writer Rudyard Kipling advised, and give each minute 60 seconds worth of distance run.

Live the moment, seize the day, and bring an extra pair of underwear just in case.

What did Frank Sinatra say? “Regrets, I have had a few, but too few to mention.”

Look at the bright side of life. What you have may not be all you want but is more than you need. There are worse things than the waitress serving you cold vegetables at Lester’s Diner. They are still vegetables.

Find happiness now with your dogs in the park, your partner at dinner, or your class at school. You control your destiny by each and every choice you make every day. Don’t let anyone stand in your way or slow you down.

Nobody can sing your song when you are gone, so when you have something to say, don’t ever be afraid to say it now. You can’t change yesterday. You can’t always control what may happen tomorrow.

This moment, however, this second, is all yours. Make the most of it.

But what do I know? I am just a columnist with a few words to share every week.

Oh, and I am adding to the mix.

My radio show returns to WWNN on September 20 at noon, a new time, with Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Nikki Fried, as my first guest. Join me.

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Mike Luckovich

9.9. 20 21 •

17

COLUMN LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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PLEASE GET VACCINATED Photo via Adobe.

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Hello Norm; I appreciate your column in the last week’s issue of SFGN (Sept.

2, “When Cancer Is In Second Place”). This is a very insightful and thoughtful article that really puts COVID-19 and the Delta variant in perspective. I hope it encourages folks to get vaccinated with its unique perspective.

I am sorry to read you are still having to undergo more treatments and I and the Church of Our Savior family continue to pray for your recovery, wisdom and thanks for your caregivers, that your spirits continue to be uplifted and you do get to see a couple ball games live somehow.

My husband and I have had six fully vaccinated friends, who all practice safety protocols, come down with breakthrough infections in the past month. Sadly two of them did not survive. Mary’s memorial service was yesterday. She contracted COVID during a hospital stay and was just too sick to fight it off.

I am at a loss as to how to convince people to get vaccinated and wear masks, and Governor Death does not help. If this was Ebola or the Bubonic plague I do not think folks would be so hesitant. Those two viruses have always been shown/perceived as deadly and very scary.

Your article does help put COVID that in perspective to some degree.

Thank you for all you continue to do even as you recover.

HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? CONTACT US! 954-530-4970 Associated Press

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• 9.9. 20 21

Sincerely yours,

Ed Kaczperski

LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!  Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

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www.NormKent.com 9.9. 20 21 •

19

LIFESTYLE CELEBRITY

BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

GAY VINE THE

KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR COMMUNITY

CELEBRITY

DRAG

AYY GIRL!

REAL TALK!

DEMI LOVATO ‘SLIDES’ INTO EMILY HAMPSHIRE’S DM’S Doesn’t everyone wish that a superstar would just slide into our DMs? It seems like a fantasy, especially when that superstar is Demi Lovato.

Well this is a little story of when dreams become reality, because Emily Hampshire was living the dream.

In an interview on Lovato’s podcast “4D With Demi Lovato,” Hampshire starts by giving details on how the two met each other.

“You slid in my DMs and you said, ‘Hey, I like you on the show. We should kick it sometime’… And then you said below it, ‘And by kick it, I mean go on a date. I find you attractive.’ You made it clear it was a date. And I loved that because I was like, ‘Sometimes that’s confusing’ …

I’m decades older than you, so ‘kick it,’ I

Demi Lovato. Photo via Facebook.

was looking it up,” Hampshire said in the interview.

While there didn’t end up being a romance between the two according to PRIDE, they ended up becoming close friends.

‘CANADA’S DRAG RACE’ STAR SHARES HER JOURNEY OF FINDING SELF-LOVE Bitch on Arrival (BOA) is no secret on “Canada’s Drag Race,” she would always make her presence known. However, the Drag Race star took time to find her confidence and self-love.

BOA sat down with PRIDE to give people an inside scoop on her journey of finding self-love and body confidence.

“I’m going to say two words: self-love.

If you’re able to love yourself whether you’re super skinny, or big, or your hair is long or short or whatever — as long as you love yourself and you’re OK with what you see in the mirror,” BOA said in her interview.

She talked about growing up as a bigger child and the effects that it had while growing up.

“I was a pretty big kid. Getting into high

Bitch on Arrival. Photo via Facebook.

school, I started dieting a lot and working out excessively and I started losing weight, people started paying attention to me. And I really, I really liked that feeling. So I kind of pushed it pretty hard. And it actually became an eating disorder,” she said.

Finding self-love can be a difficult journey, but there comes a time where everyone can and should love themselves.

MUSIC

OH DEAR!

DRAKE ACCUSED OF SEXUALIZING LESBIANS IN NEW SONG Drake has made headlines with his new album, “Certified Lover Boy.” However there is some controversy over one of the tracks in the album, “Girls Want Girls.”

Drake stirs up some fans, especially LGBT fans, thoughts on his new track “Girls Want Girls,” which features Lil Baby.

The lyrics are as prominent as the sun right off the bat, the track starts off by saying, “Starin’ at your dress ‘cause it’s see-through/Talkin’ all the sh*t that you done been through/Say that you a lesbian, girl, me too/Girls want girls where I’m from.”

These lyrics have caused fans to be puzzled as well as make a multitude of

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• 9.9. 20 21

memes from the track.

PRIDE has listed only some of the memes that fans have made, but that is only the tip of the iceberg.

On a more serious note fans have speculated that Drake is trying to sexualize members of the LGBT community.

PRIDE says, “The lyric has left many listeners confused. While some folks think it’s commenting on women leaving their boyfriends for women or just plain silly wordplay, others believe the track’s sexualization of queer women from a male point-of-view is problematic.”

However Drake continues to shock the world with his music and album covers.

Drake. Photo via Facebook.

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9.9. 20 21 •

21

LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG

DO WE EAT OUR OWN? Brian McNaught

M

y legendary friend, Elaine Noble, the first openly gay person elected to a State House (1974), was quoted this morning in a coffee discussion with two friends on the challenges facing some older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people today.

“They eat their own.”

Elaine was referring to the behavior of some community members towards others.

Her comments at the time resonated with me, coming out as I did as an upper middle class, white, male, gay Catholic the same year she won her seat in the Massachusetts House.

It sounds like cannibalism, which it figuratively is. Marginalized groups can victimize their own members, especially those who are judged as being in the way of progress.

Instead of working together to defeat an identifiable foe outside the group, knives can be sharpened to cut away that which causes “dis-ease” among some in the collective body.

This has been true in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer communities for as long as I’ve been involved. The same community that makes me exceedingly proud because of its extraordinary inclusiveness, is also the source of deep disappointment and sadness when I see how perceived “enemies” within it can be poorly handled. From personal experience, I know that it hurts most when the criticism is coming from your own tribe. The criticism can be for any number of factors including your sex, race, age, gender identity, mannerisms, education, wealth, political persuasion, and religion.

A couple of years ago, while on a cruise with 50 others interested in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer filmmaking, I commented on the morning we were to focus on transgender issues that I had just learned of the tragic murder of yet another transgender person. A young, non-binary person in the group objected

strongly to a cis-gender person such as myself being the one to bring the news to the attention of the group. The facilitator, and members of the audience who knew of my years as an educator on transgender issues in the workplace, were embarrassed and concerned for me. It took me awhile to process my feelings about what was said, and by whom. I gave a lot of thought to their point, and then reminded myself to celebrate their youthful energy and involvement.

My dear friend, Warren Blumenfeld, who has been a pioneering gay activist since Stonewall, and is a prolific writer and LGBT educator, was invited to speak on a college campus, and then disinvited when a member of the college student group objected to the waste of time it would be to listen to “an old, gay, white, male Jew.” My friend Eric Marcus, another pioneering gay writer, historian, and creator of the highlysuccessful podcast “Making Gay History,” was told by a LGBT college group that they wouldn’t be using their interview with him because his values didn’t match their own. Specifically, he gently pushed back on their story that the Stonewall riots happened primarily because of transgender people. Eric had noted that there were also young gay and lesbian people at the scene fighting back against the police.

In these days of much-needed national soul searching on the impact of institutionalized racism and sexism, older gay white cis-gender men can be seen by some people as a major stumbling block to the LGBT community being a good example of responsible multicultural representation.

Purity of purpose has caused the collapse of some community organizations that have done much of the heavy lifting for 50 years, such as the Boston Pride organization.

The more confident a marginalized group becomes in its successes, the greater ease it can feel in the sacrifice of its longtime leaders and donors in achieving its ideological goals.

I GAVE A LOT OF THOUGHT TO THEIR POINT, AND THEN REMINDED MYSELF TO CELEBRATE THEIR YOUTHFUL ENERGY AND INVOLVEMENT.

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• 9.9. 20 21

Photo via Adobe.

This story is as old as civilization.

Every older gay and transgender person, and ally I know, who has been in a leadership position, has a story to tell of how they have been singled out for representing what others consider to be oppressive behaviors, thinking, or history. While some of us once succeeded by being the right person, in the right place, at the right time, we now experience ourselves as being the wrong person, in the wrong place, at the wrong time.

National and local LGBT organizations want and need the money of senior, white, gay men, lesbians, and transgender people, but many no longer want them as the primary face and focus of their group.

It’s not just community members who are insisting on broader representation on staff, and on boards of directors. Funding organizations demand it before they consider grant applications. While it’s very necessary to for us to much better represent the total community, it’s not always easy, nor is it always done graciously and thoughtfully.

I remember 45 years ago when Dignity, the gay Catholic organization, felt enormous pressure to have male and female co-chairs of every chapter, but often couldn’t comply because there were no women members in some cities. With most LGBT organizations expecting board members to give or get a

certain amount of money as part of their commitment to their service, many young, non-binary, transgender, and lesbian candidates of color don’t have the financial means or the connections to meet that requirement.

I applaud and fully support focusing our time, attention, and financial resources on the intersectionality of orientation, gender identity, sex, race, ethnicity, faith, age, physical characteristics, income, and education in our communities. Our organizations, our outreach, our programs and services need to reflect the entire LGBT communities. My concern here, though, is with both the challenges faced in creating representative boards and staff, and in the manner in which it’s achieved. We needn’t “eat our own” in order to look and feel relevant.

We can honor the sacrifices made in the past and present by senior gay and transgender men and women, and, at the same time, make allies out of them in our efforts to become more diversified in our organizational focus and structure. Appealing to young, multicultural LGBT people doesn’t require dismissive treatment toward people who are thought to be privileged relics of the past who are holding up progress by maintaining their place at the table.

One of the topics of discussion at our

LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG morning meeting today was how to attract both older and younger people to an organization’s annual fundraiser. The question, as has been true for many years, was not just how to get major donors to show up, many of whom felt donor burnout prior to COVID containment, but also how to appeal to a younger, more diversified crowd. How do you get Black and Latino queer-identified youth to want to attend a fundraising event sponsored by an organization that is perceived as being focused on older gay, lesbian, and transgender people? And if the shift in the organization’s focus on intersectionality, and the needs of younger people, is not thoughtfully done, how do you keep the interest and support of older gay, lesbian, and transgender people?

This is a huge challenge in not just the LGBT communities, but in those of every marginalized group. Older, straight, Black longtime champions of the Civil Rights Movement can feel poorly treated by younger Black people, eager to have their movement be more relevant to their lives. Pioneering champions of women’s rights, and of those for Native Americans, Latinos, and for people with disabilities can find themselves ungraciously put on a shelf by young warriors in their communities. It’s an ageold problem. For some, if your age is old, it’s a problem.

Rather than cry out to the Universe about the way we feel we’re being dissed and dismissed, seasoned leaders in the LGBT and

other communities of marginalized people should remember that feeling put on a shelf is an experience as old as time. It is part of the circle of life. We need not to personalize it, and we ought to stay involved in this new challenge to have our movement be fully and equally representational and focused.

We might also consider channeling our energies to the challenges faced by our peers in the aging process. Instead of feeling resentful for the lack of respect and appreciation we might be experiencing, why not regroup and refocus on the issues we’re uniquely qualified to address, which are the obstacles to feeling safe and valued in a world whose tilt favors young, straight, white, cis-gender, able-bodied, Christian people? There’s plenty of important work still left to be done in this area.

I’ve learned to step out of harm’s way, meaning I don’t put myself in situations in which I anticipate feeling unwanted, and I try very hard not to allow the feelings of others to be about me. I work to listen with an open mind, without the need to counter, and not to internalize what’s being said.

The young non-binary person who didn’t want me to talk about a transgender person’s death did so not to call attention to my cisgender presence, but rather to their own unique identity. I understand and support them in their efforts, if not their means.

We’re all pulling on the same rope, and need to do so as a team.

Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has made his many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The New York Times named him “The Godfather of gay diversity training.” Brian has a weekly YouTube/FaceBook podcast called, “Are You Happy Without the Movie?”

Photo via PxHere.

9.9. 20 21 •

23

LIFESTYLE FOOD

TWIN PEEKS

Check out this foodie news; Hamburger Mary’s, Union Kitchen & Bar and more Rick Karlin

T

wo restaurants opened in Wilton Manors in the past couple of months.

While we don’t do a full-fledged review until a restaurant has had a chance to smooth things out (at least two months) there’s been so much interest in these two places that we had to take a sneak peek.

HAMBURGER MARY’S has opened a location in Wilton Manors, taking over the space formerly occupied by Rumors and Sidelines. While there have been a lot of rumors and a shaky start (see my interview with Ruben Lopez, one of the franchise’s owners, in the Aug. 12 edition of SFGN), the place is starting to get its footing. One of the first moves was hiring Chef Howie from The Pub to run the kitchen. Food now comes out properly prepared and promptly. The burgers are tasty and the apps we sampled (potstickers and fried mac and cheese) were yummy. The servers I’ve encountered have been friendly and eager to please if a bit overwhelmed and under-trained.

During a recent visit, six folks checked on us after we finished our apps and were waiting for our burgers. They asked if we needed drinks refilled, but not one removed the empty appetizer plates. They even left the empty appetizer plates after delivering the burgers. I finally had to ask to have the plates removed. Good help is hard to find, but it seems that Hamburger Mary’s has found the help and just needs to train its workers better — they all seem to want to do a good job but lack the finesse. If the restaurant’s management addresses these issues Mary will settle into those heels and be a fine addition to Wilton Drive’s dining options.

On the other end of the spectrum is UNION KITCHEN AND BAR. We stopped in for its “soft” opening and while we thoroughly enjoyed every single bite we took, it was the impeccable service that impressed us. Not that the food was disappointing. From the yummy seafood tower to the pasta with mushrooms, every dish was perfectly prepared. Even the grilled octopus, a notoriously difficult dish to prepare correctly, was sheer perfection. But, as my Aunt Sylvie used to say, “I die for good service!” And, on that end Union is head and

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shoulders above every other place in Wilton Manors. The service is polished, attentive, and personable. The only problem seems to be with gaps between courses coming from the kitchen, an issue I’m certain will be ironed out shortly.

You can’t compare the two restaurants; Mary’s is much more casual and at a much lower price point. But both show how important service can be.

CHEWS NEWS The Brazilian-based steakhouse chain, FOGO DE CHÃO, is opening its fifth Florida location in Fort Lauderdale early next year. It will be located at The Main Las Olas. Offerings will include Wagyu New York strip and 42-day aged tomahawk ribeye along with seafood and Brazilian-inspired cocktails. 201 E Las Olas Blvd; fogo.com.

Also coming to Las Olas is ASBURY ALE HOUSE, Matt Gullace’s New Jersey-based gastropub. It will open its second location next month on the ground floor of Society Las Olas, 300 SW First Ave and will feature coal-fired pizzas, burgers and a signature dish called the Drunken Bite (breaded pasta that is deep-fried and dipped in vodka sauce).

The 10,000 square-foot restaurant also will have 50 beers on tap, sports on dozens of TVs, and an outdoor patio filled with Jenga and cornhole — all very hot. Check out the website at AsburyAleHouse.com.

Chef Thuan Lam, best known for creating Phat Boy Sushi & Kitchen, will open his newest venture, MISO JAPANESE TAPAS, in December in a recently remodeled building on Progresso Drive and NE Second Ave. Miso will feature Japanese and Latin fusion cuisine in small plates. There will also be a sushi bar and a monthly omakase series.

If you liked the “Where’s Waldo?” books

A hamburger at Hamburger Mary’s. Photo via Facebook.

SFGN BONUS BITE!

Congratulations to the founders and owners of the new Papa Duke’s Deli, who just launched last week to popular and enthusiastic crowds. A great start, with hearty subs and sandwiches. We wish you much success.

Located right next to Dairy Queen on Wilton Drive. — Norm Kent, SFGN Publisher

as a kid, check out “SAVOR THE FLAVORS TAMARAC” an interactive restaurant scavenger hunt, showcasing Tamarac’s international mix of family-owned eateries.

The city boasts eateries serving Jamaican, Haitian, Dominican, Aruban, Argentinian, Peruvian, Colombian, Italian, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, and American cuisine. The idea is to decipher clues that introduce you to 54 restaurants divided into four geographical areas spread over the city’s 12 square miles. Each answer you decipher increases your chances of winning raffles.

“It’s a never-been-done-before-on-thiskind-of-scale event,” says Lori Funderwhite, Tamarac’s economic development manager.

“We think we figured out a fun way to showcase our restaurants and have some fun prizes. Participants pick a route and then start deciphering clues. You match clues to

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

the restaurant on the route. Participants can also play virtually online or can spread out the routes and timing to visit restaurants ... and still play on their own time through the entire month.”

There will be four sets of clues, with each set covering a different part of Tamarac. There are about 15 restaurants per route. Players can add points to their entry by taking food shots and selfies and posting on social media using the #FlavorsOfTamarac hashtag.

“You can double and triple or quadruple your entries in the raffle,” Funderwhite says.

“Or you can simply compete … and submit online.”

The more points a player accumulates, the more entries they get in the raffle for $1,000 in prizes. Among the prizes are restaurant gift certificates and an in-home wine tasting experience for 16 people. Sign up at FlavorsOfTamarac.com.

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor.

Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.

FAITH & PRIDE SPIRITUALITY

A HIGH HOLIDAY MESSAGE Rabbi Noah Kitty

Congregation Etz Chaim

A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE ALL ARE WELCOME SFGN is here for you, no matter who — or what — keeps you going. Check out the Spirituality Section each week to stay in touch with your local religious LGBT community. The only requirement? Be yourself.

B

aruch Dayan Ha’emet.

It’s different to start a High Holiday message with this statement. It means, “Blessed is the True Judge,” and it is the Jewish ritual response upon learning of the death of a person. It gently guides us to continue remembering that God is and remains the True Judge, even and especially when we question the seeming absence of justice, logic, and compassion in the face of our loss. It is also a powerful and absolute reminder that we are not the one who is in charge of determining who will live and who will die, or how, or when, or most painfully, why.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emet means you accept that you do not understand how life works, and surrender comprehension of the purpose of death. You’ve accepted the limits of your understanding. When you are the mourner and someone says Baruch Dayan Ha’emet to you, you understood that the person is as limited as you; they cannot explain your loss or its purpose, only sit with you in your time of grief and that will be enough.

Baruch Dayan Ha’emet means you realize that God is in charge and you are not, that God is the True Judge and you never were, and that is wisdom. It’s wisdom because we all deserve to be judged by a qualified

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION judge, not subject to the whims of ego or mood or desperation, who acts with total consistency and a love that you can barely comprehend. We all deserve to be judged so that we are lifted, supported, educated and inspired to elevate our thinking and actions.

We all deserve to be judged with a love that is benevolent, kind, and merciful. Subjected to judgement, we all deserve the chance of redemption, to be released from the blame and shame of our trespasses and return to our full and complete humanity.

September is the Jewish High Holiday season, beginning with Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot, respectively the New Year, The Day of Atonement, and the Festival of Booths. First we celebrate being granted the merit to live to see another year, then we acknowledge where we went off the path of righteousness, and finally with a renewed year and redeemed souls we invite our neighbors into a dwelling place made for them toshare in our bountiful harvest.

May we all merit to live another year in good health, happiness, and prosperity.

May we look for ways to be helpful to one another, may we seek common ground, and may we accept the mitzvah of vi’ahavtale’reyachakamocha/ You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Shana Tova!!

SFGN joins with Rabbi Noah Kitty in wishing our Jewish readers a happy Rosh Hashana this week, the beginning of the Jewish new year. Shana Tova!

9.9. 20 21 •

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FAITH & PRIDE SPIRITUALITY

MEGAN ROHRER BECOMES FIRST

TRANS LUTHERAN BISHOP David-Elijah Nahmod

M

egan Rohrer has been making at a children’s home Rohrer encountered history their entire life. a child who had attempted suicide several Rohrer, who prefers they/ times. them pronouns, served as pastor of Grace “They finally told me that the reason they Lutheran Church in San Francisco from 2014 were doing that was because they believed until 2021. What made Rohrer’s ministry so that they needed to die before they went to groundbreaking is the fact that they are the hell,” Rohrer said. “They had been told of first out transgender person to serve as a lead these terrible things from a pulpit, and so or solo pastor at a Lutheran congregation.

I decided that there needed to be at least Throughout their time at Grace Lutheran one pulpit where kids weren’t going to hear Rohrer reached out to many communities, messages like that.” welcoming all who wished to worship at Rohrer was first called through a group their congregation. But Rohrer did much called Extraordinary Lutheran Ministries. more than just tend to the spiritual needs of When the official Lutheran church tried to their flock. Rohrer was also active with San require celibacy for LGBT pastors, the group Francisco Night Ministry. followed an older set of Lutheran rules “This is a group of pastors who provide which said that when the church tried to a presence on the streets of San Francisco force a pastor to be celibate, congregations from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.,” Rohrer said. “The could ordain pastors on their own without Night Ministry also operates a crisis line.” permission. Rohrer was among the first 18 Night Ministry provides counsel and pastors who were ordained extraordinarily. spiritual comfort to the homeless and visits In 2009 the national Lutheran church LGBT bars. In addition to their work with changed their policy and made it possible for Night Ministry, Rohrer has also LGBT pastors to serve openly.

“I DECIDED served as chaplain to the San Their election as Francisco Police Department. bishop made national and THAT THERE Rohrer is now making international news and saw NEEDED TO BE history in a new and Rohrer interviewed on Good unprecedented way. They have Morning America.

AT LEAST ONE just been elected to serve as “Every year I do the service PULPIT WHERE bishop of the Sierra Pacific for the Transgender Day of Synod, making them the first Remembrance,” they said.

KIDS WEREN’T openly transgender bishop of “So many people who are GOING TO HEAR killed the most brutally are a major American Christian denomination. The Sierra from countries that have very MESSAGES Pacific Synod covers central high rates of Christians in LIKE THAT.” and northern California and them. For some people their northern Nevada and supports violence is motivated, they Megan Rohrer Lutheran congregations believe, by their faith. If I Bishop throughout that region. could be a counter-narrative Rohrer recalls being active in church in to that, if my picture can be in the paper in high school. those places, then I hope that my picture “Then Matthew Shepard died,” they said. being in papers around the world is going “And all the public conversations about faith to stir up the imagination that trans people and LGBTQ things meant that I was trying to can be faithful and wonderful, and to have express why I knew that God loved me in a a more balanced way of understanding trans world that for some reason needed to keep folks.” debating it. Through that process I ended Rohrer reports that they had mixed up taking a bunch of religion classes and feelings when they realized that they became a religion major and had people had been elected bishop due to the press telling me that I shouldn’t be a pastor.” coverage they knew would follow. Due to all While studying and working as a the political issues going on around trans counselor for abused and neglected children people these days, they knew it could be

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• 9.9. 20 21

Bishop Megan Rohrer. Photo via Twitter.

dangerous for their family.

“There was a part of me that was really excited, because just the fact that I exist, the fact that there is a transgender bishop is a great way to provide hope for people,” they said. “Because I get messages on social media nearly every week from trans people and their family members who struggle with whether or not they feel like their life can be rich enough that they can continue living it or whether or not they should take their own life. So to feel like I could be someone who could be a role model enough that it would give people hope to keep living when they’re in a hard place. For me it felt like it was a lifegiving moment. And as the parent of a trans kid it felt like it was a great opportunity to kind of pave the pathway that was going to make my own child’s life better.”

They report that the overwhelming majority of the public was supportive of them becoming bishop. They’ve received hundreds of thousands of messages of congratulations since the news broke, and

only four or five questions about their “body parts.”

“I’m pretty proud of our congregations,” they said. “They’ve been really on it. With a big drought coming, and we’ve got wildfires near some of our congregations, they really are just trying to care for the people in their immediate area, and for the most part my body has concerned them less than how we can be faithful together.”

Rohrer says that they want to extend an invitation to anyone who might be surprised by their election, and by the fact that there is a church that is welcoming of LGBT folks.

“To anyone who wants to join us in the pews or just wants to pray with us, or to just check out what we’re about,” they said.

“For folks who are interested in seeing how church spaces have changed, maybe giving it a chance if you’re researching churches before you go, if they look up the words reconciling or affirming it’s the secret code words of the churches that particularly do outreach and care to LGBTQ folks.”

FOLLOW BISHOP MEGAN ROHRER ON TWITTER @MMROHRER OR VISIT THEIR WEBSITE: WWW.REVROHRER.COM.

CHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS.

Rosh Hashanah begins Monday, September 6th Make your plans now for the New Year Join Us! Let’s bring in the holidays together!

Sign up on our website: www.EtzChaimFlorida.org

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

Congregation Etz Chaim

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

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

SPIRITUALITY

Until further notice: Due to the current COVID-19 surge, our worship services are streamed on Facebook Live every Sunday at 10 AM, rather than held at our church property. https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing.

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

954-633-2987

A home for your spirit.

Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome!

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

LISTINGS CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM

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

9.9. 20 21 •

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A&E APPOINTMENTS

ARTSBEAT BOGO FOMO AT THE MUSEUM AND MORE

Full Charge Bookkeeping Services

J.W. Arnold Fall is one of the best times to explore local museums and attractions across Broward County.

Broward Attractions and Museums Month (BAMM), Sept. 1 – 30, was established to encourage visitors and residents alike to experience the diversity of cultural institutions throughout the county. Fifteen participating museums and attractions are offering buy one, get one (BOGO) promotions, while four additional museums offer free admission.

PARTICIPATING ATTRACTIONS AND MUSEUMS INCLUDE: AH-TAH-THI-KI MUSEUM ART AND CULTURE CENTER/HOLLYWOOD BLANCHE ELY HOUSE MUSEUM BUTTERFLY WORLD CORAL SPRINGS MUSEUM OF ART FLAMINGO GARDENS HISTORIC STRANAHAN HOUSE HISTORY FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME MUSEUM JUNGLE QUEEN RIVERBOATS* MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY AND SCIENCE* NSU ART MUSEUM FORT LAUDERDALE OLD DAVIE SCHOOL HISTORICAL MUSEUM PLANTATION HISTORICAL MUSEUM SAWGRASS RECREATION PARK WIENER MUSEUM OF DECORATIVE ARTS* WORLD AIDS MUSEUM XTREME ACTION PARK* YOUNG AT ART MUSEUM* *SOME RESTRICTIONS APPLY.

Visitors just need to mention “BAMM” when purchasing tickets at the box office. Some organizations also offer the discount online using BAMM as the promotional code.

For more information about Broward Attractions and Museums Month, go to Facebook.com/BAMMSFL.

LAST CHANCE FOR LOCAL FASHIONISTAS Just a few weeks remain to admire the creative genius of fashion designer Anna Sui at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, 1 E. Las Olas Blvd. in downtown Fort Lauderdale.

With over 100 looks, “The World of Anna Sui,” closing on Oct. 3, explores the glamorous and eclectic world of one of New York’s most beloved and accomplished designers, and invites viewers to step inside Sui’s imagination to discover her creative process and the diverse influences that contribute to her signature aesthetic sensibility. The exhibit was organized by the Fashion and Textile Museum in London and curated by Dennis Nothdruft.

Tickets and more information at NSUArtMuseum.org.

Don’t forget to mention “BAMM” to take advantage of the limited-time BOGO offer.

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• 9.9. 20 21

NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale is one of 19 local cultural institutions offering discounted or free admission in September. “The World of Anna Sui” is currently on exhibit at the museum. Credit: NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale.

THE ‘ART’ OF SEXUAL EXTORTION Some days we just scratch our heads at the press releases that land in our inbox. Seriously, we just can’t make this stuff up! Take this one: Mistress Marley, aka “The Chocolate Domme,” is set to host an informative and inspiring seminar, “FinDom 101 - Practical Steps for Beginners,” Saturday, Sept. 18 at 9 p.m., exclusively for 2021 eXXXotica Miami Expo attendees.

Marley will go over the basics of financial domination, a popular fetish which involves the consensual practice of psychological humiliation while demanding gifts and/or money from a submissive. Aspiring domes will learn how to properly establish a high-profile online presence and mentally condition a sub during a session.

“While it takes a lot of time and practice to hone your craft as a financial dominatrix, it’s important to understand the basics of the profession and find out if this lifestyle might be — or might not be — right for you,” said Marley. “With this seminar, my goal is to offer helpful, real-world advice and recommendations that can get you on the road to a new career and explore the possibilities of mutual fulfillment with others while making the money that you truly deserve.”

“FinDom 101 - Practical Steps for Beginners” is onehour long and will take place on the show floor of the Miami Airport Convention Center. To purchase tickets, go to eXXXoticaexpo.com/tickets.

A&E DANCE

IN-PERSON CLASSES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 8

UNLEASH YOUR MIAMI CHOREOGRAPHER PREPARES FOR WORLD PREMIERE AT ARSHT INNER PERFORMER! J.W. Arnold

Pioneer Winter adjusts a costume during filming of upcoming world premiere, “Birds of Paradise.” Credit: WorldRedEye.com.

C

horeographer Pioneer Winter had just started on his largest work to date when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, shuttering rehearsal halls and performance venues overnight.

“Birds of Paradise,” a co-commission from the Arsht Center and inspired by the 42 very different varieties of the colorful tropical plant, was intended to honor and celebrate “the enduring nature of queer and marginalized people to shape themselves into something that is desirable, vulnerable, fierce and reborn,” explained Winter, who burst onto the international dance scene a decade ago.

Winter had to reimagine the work as he and his LGBT dancers found themselves unable to rehearse for 11 months.

The result is “a provocative, immersive piece perched between fight and flight.”

Featuring film, installation and live dance performance, the concept quickly evolved through collaboration with the performers, filmmaker Ron Baez and White Elephant Group media company, sound artist Juraj Kojš and costume designer Chaplin Tyler.

“Because of COVID, the family has gotten bigger and it’s been incredible,” Winter pointed out.

Throughout his career, Winter has focused on relationships, queerness, memory and power, all examined and expressed through an LGBT perspective. In “Bird of Paradise,” he goes further, introducing themes of agency, survival and transformation as expressed by dancers Frank Campisano, Gabriela Cruz, Josue Garcia, Niurca Márquez, Barbara Meulener, Katrina Petrarca, Lize-Lotte Pitlo and Shamar Watt.

“Even when we came back in January, it was apparent there was tension and fear.

There wasn’t a vaccine yet and that’s when I decided to treat everyone as individuals.

Now we’re coming full circle, keeping individuality but acknowledging everyone’s journeys through the pandemic,” Winter said.

Eight intense days of filming followed months of individual coaching and rehearsals.

“Each solo takes place in a dark void. We filmed in the black box, an undefinable space, an existentialism, a lot of those moments where the performer is in this void where they are either embracing it or trapped within and the audience is there with them,” he explained. “It’s about being with each other on each other’s terms, honoring the individual within the intersections of this constellation.”

Then Winter spent three months with Baez and his White Elephant Group team editing the performances.

“All the sound is original, made in collaboration with the performers. Not only does the music play, we hear their voices, their breathing, their sighs, their heartbeats [and] voiceovers. There are moments of breaking that wall, although I sometimes question whether that fourth wall even exists in anything I do. I like addressing the audience directly,” Winter said.

Audiences will experience the results of this unconventional process and unprecedented performances in the Arsht Center’s Carnival Studio Theater, Sept. 16 – 19, when the work finally receives its world premiere.

“It’s been a challenge because I’ve never worked this way before,” he concluded, “continually having to pivot. How can we keep the integrity of the piece while being forced along a different path? It’s taken innovation to continue, and for a project that’s about resilience, I think we’ve really demonstrated that.”

Enroll today in our popular adult classes in ACTING, SINGING, BROADWAY DANCE & COMEDY IMPROV

BrowardCenter.org/classes 954.414.6904

and

“Birds of Paradise” by Pioneer Winter will be presented Sept. 16 – 19 at the Arsht Center in Miami.

Tickets are $40 at ArshtCenter.org.

9.9. 20 21 •

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A&E FILM

DAYS OF OUR LIVES Gay Super Couple Returns in Limited Series David-Elijah Nahmod

G

ay fans of the long running NBC soap opera “Days of Our Lives” were no doubt heartbroken when Sonny and Will were written out of the series. Sonny (then played by Freddie Smith) and Will (Chandler Massey) were a gay “super couple” who had won the hearts of countless viewers.

But now, Sonny and Will have returned in a Tinker noted that there’s also an aspect of limited series titled “Days of Our Lives: Beyond reinvention when an actor is cast in an already Salem,” which is streaming on Peacock. There established role. are five episodes to this series, which dropped “At the end of the day all you can do is on Sept. 6. Massey returns as Will, though do your best job with your version of this Sonny will now be played by Zachary Atticus character,” he said.

Tinker, Smith having opted not to return in The actor sees Sonny as a simple guy who part due to his recent move to Florida. grew up in a complicated world.

“Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem” will give “I think he sticks to his guns; I think he’s fans a chance to see their favorite Salemites honest,” Tinker said. “I think honesty is in a series of all new adventures. Familiar probably the most important thing to him. faces from the “Days” universe will turn up I think he says what he means, I mean he’s a in a variety of exotic locales very straight-up guy. There’s such as Europe, Miami, New no facade, there’s no smoke Orleans and Phoenix Arizona, and mirrors, what you see is where Sonny and Will now what you get, he’s going to live. The first episode of tell you what he thinks, how “Beyond Salem” will see the he feels, and he’s not going to couple facing new challenges, pull any punches.” as Sonny suspects that Will Tinker acknowledges may be having an affair! that the onscreen romance Tinker, the new Sonny, tells between Sonny and Will is SFGN that “Beyond Salem” “groundbreaking,” though he is not the first time he’s added that he would like to stepped into a role that had see the world get to a point been established by someone where a gay couple is seen as else. He previously appeared just a couple. on the popular soap “The “Their love is the same as Young and the Restless” as a any other love,” he said. “In a - Chandler Massey temporary replacement for gay relationship or a straight ACTOR an actor who needed to take relationship, it doesn’t matter, some time off. it’s your person. The heart “I think half the battle is knows what the heart wants.” already done for you when they cast you,” Massey, for his part, is excited to be stepping Tinker said. “Because they cast someone back into Will’s shoes. who kind of looks the same and has the same “The shoes are pretty comfortable at this general vibe, so I feel that the casting director point,” Massey said. has fought half the battle for you when they The actor believes that Sonny and Will bring you into a role.” were written off the main “Days of Our Lives”

“OBVIOUSLY HE’S IN LOVE WITH HIS HUSBAND, AND IS GAY, WHICH IS A BIG PART OF WHO HE IS, BUT IT’S NOT ALL THAT HE IS. HE’S JUST A HUMAN BEING.”

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• 9.9. 20 21

Chandler Massey (left) and Zachary Atticus Tinker. Photos via Instagram.

canvas because it was “time for a break.”

“They had been on the canvas for so long and had done so many stories,” he said.

“Sometimes you just need a break, and rest the character, and then come back, so it feels fresh again. It’s a big cast, and you can’t always expect to be in the limelight.”

Massey sees Will as an average everyman type.

“He struggles to be happy,” said Massey.

“Obviously he’s in love with his husband, and is gay, which is a big part of who he is, but it’s not all that he is. He’s just a human being.”

He advises viewers that, though it might seem as though Will were having an affair in the first episode of “Beyond Salem,” not to jump to any conclusions. In Salem, things are not always what they appear to be. Massey added that he could not give away any plot details.

“I’m wearing a shock collar right now,” he said with a laugh. “If I say anything, then NBC zaps me. I’ll say this: Will and Sonny are going to do things that you have never ever seen them do, no matter if you’ve seen every one of our episodes. It’s going to be wild.”

Massey admits to having been a little nervous about playing opposite a new actor,

after having co-starred with Smith for such a long time.

“Freddie and I spent years building up a foundation and chemistry and were comfortable with each other, so I was worried that Will and Sonny weren’t going to be the same,” he said. “But Zach is an incredible actor, so that bridges the gap in a big way. He really stepped into Sonny’s shoes about as well as you can ask for, so I don’t think Will and Sonny are going to miss a beat. It feels very familiar, like the Will and Sonny of old, but also like a new spark.”

The actor reports that he regularly gets letters or tweets from the gay community regarding his portrayal of Will.

“They would tell me that they watch this story with their mom or grandma, and they’d then feel comfortable enough to have a conversation with them about themselves and their truth,” he said. “I was blown away by the impact this story had on some who watched. That was the single most gratifying part of the whole thing by far.”

See Chandler Massey and Zachary Atticus Tinker as Will and Sonny on “Days of Our Lives: Beyond Salem,” now streaming on Peacock.

9.9. 20 21 •

31

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Monitored by ADT ® the #1 home security FOR RENT - This residence is attached to a duplex and features a private patio entranceway. The common area includes a lush courtyard with a naturally shaded tree canopy. This Pet-Friendly residence ADT® 24/7 Monitored Home S is located in a quiet neighborhood setting within 24/7 monitoring provides Quickly conn walking distance to Wilton Manors Drive. Included peace of mind and emergen are two parking spots. Also included with rent are Yard sign and window May qualify water/septic utilities, central AC, and trash/recycling decals help deter crime homeowner services. The renter is only responsible for electricity.

Monitored by ADT the #1 home security company in #1 the U.S. Monitored

by ADT the home security company in the U.S. GREAT discount Photos are available on Zillow/Redfin: 225 NW 23rd LOW LOW St, Wilton Manors, 33311. Flexible lease starts date PRICE ADT 24/7 Monitored Home Security MONITORING as early as June 15th but no later than July 1st.

ADT ® 24/7 Monitored Home 24/7 Security monitoring provides Quickly connect to fire MONITORING 1st month/last month & security deposit24/7 required. of mindto fire and emergency response monitoringIfprovides Quicklypeace connect Yard sign andresponse window May qualify for a peace of mind and emergency interested, please email: KennyWolf9@gmail.com decals help deter crime homeowners insurance

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Yard sign and window decals help deter crime

HOME SECURITY

May qualify for a discount ® PER MONTH $ homeowners insurance 100 VISA GIFT CAR VALUE COMPLETE From Protect Your Home discount SECURITY SYSTEM PER MON TH New customersHOME only. EarlySECURITY termination SYSTEM —$100 Value fee applies. Installation starts $ WIRELESS REMOTE 100 VISA GIFT CARD 139695 7 WIRELESS COMPLETE SECURITY SYSTEM VALUE From Protect Your Home CONTROL $ at Early $99termination with 36 monitoring New customers only.

—$100 Value 850 DOOR/WINDOW —$139 Value VALUE fee applies.

Installation starts See 695 7 WIRELESS agreement. all off er OUTDOOR CAMERA $ SENSORS —$695 850 at ®$99 with 36 monitoring DOOR/WINDOW When you upgrade to ADT See CARD all offbelow. er details VISAagreement.

GIFT WIRELESS 139 SENSORS —$695 REMOTE VALUE! Pulse® + Video —$299 VALUE!

HAIR REMOVAL - Professional male esthetician providing hair removal services for men andHOME women. SECURITY SYSTEM I specialize in male body grooming and Brazilian 100 detailsYour below.

From Protect Home waxing. I can either trim, COMPLETE shave, SECURITY wax orSYSTEM sugar. I CONTROL See all offer details below.

New customers only. Early termination —$100 Value —$139 Value have a private studio where Ifeealso do specialty applies. Installation starts TIME OFFER—CALL TODAY! Ask about same-day 695 LIMITED 7 WIRELESS BONUS OUTDOORinstallation!

Ask a CAMERATODAY! LIMITED TIME OFFER—CALL at $99buttocks with 36 monitoring facials which include back$850 and facials.

Reply By DOOR/WINDOW you upgrade to ADT i 1-954-390-2356When July 18, 2020 agreement.

See all offand er SENSORS —$695 VALUE! Pulse® + Video —$299 VALUE! Come treat yourself for a relaxing facial get details below.

See all offer details below.

J silky smooth skin at the same time. Check out my website for more info. www.waxiitaxi.com you can Ask about same-day LIMITED TIME or OFFER—CALL TODAY! GIFT CARD: $100 Visa Gift Card fulfiinstallation! lled by Protect Your Home through third-party provider, Mpell, upon installation of a security system and execution of monito book online at WaxiiTaxi.Booksy.com IG: @waxiitaxi the Mpell redemption process. BASIC SYSTEM: Reply$99 ByParts and Install. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-M to homeowners only. Basic systemJuly requires18, landline phone. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases fr 2020 Facebook.com/waxiitaxi. Kurt Ruback: 561-956-0626 Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. ADT Pulse: ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Pulse”), which help you manage your hom $

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DRIVER WANTED - Seeking someone to drive to my house in Upstate NY at the end of the month.

Will compensate and cover gas, mileage, etc. If interested contact Mickey at 954-661-9654

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GIFT CARD: $100 Visa Gift Card fulfilled by Protect Your Home through third-party provider, Mpell, upon installation of a security system and execution of monitoring contract. $4.95 shipping and handling fee, gift cards can take up to 8 weeks to arrive after following the Mpell redemption process. BASIC SYSTEM: $99 Parts and Install. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($1,007.64). 24-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 per month ($671.76) for California. Offer applies to homeowners only. Basic system requires landline phone. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Premier Provider customers only and not on purchases from ADT LLC. Cannot be combined with any other offer. The $27.99 Offer does not include Quality Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. ADT Pulse: ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Pulse”), which help you manage your home environment and family lifestyle, require the purchase and/or activation of an ADT alarm system with monitored burglary service and a compatible computer, cell phone or PDA with Internet and email access. These ADT Pulse services do not cover the operation or maintenance of any household equipment/systems that are connected to the ADT Pulse equipment. All ADT Pulse services are not available with the various levels of ADT Pulse. All ADT Pulse services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be required to pay additional charges to purchase equipment required to utilize the ADT Pulse features you desire.

ADT PULSE + VIDEO: ADT Pulse + Video installation is an additional $299. 36-month monitoring contract required from ADT Pulse + Video: $59.99 per month, ($2,159.64), including Quality Service Plan (QSP). Doorbell camera may not be available in all areas. GENERAL: For all offers, the form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account, satisfactory credit history is required and termination fee applies. Local permit fees may be required. Certain restrictions may apply.

Additional monitoring fees required for some services. For example, Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert monitoring requires purchase and/or activation of an ADT security system with monitored Burglary, Fire, Carbon Monoxide and Emergency Alert devices and are an additional charge. Additional equipment may be purchased for an additional charge. Additional charges may apply in areas that require guard response service for municipal alarm verification. Prices subject to change. Prices may vary by market.

Some insurance companies offer discounts on Homeowner’s Insurance. Please consult your insurance company. Photos are for illustrative purposes only and may not reflect the exact product/service actually provided. Licenses: AL-21-001104, AR-CMPY.0001725 AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DC-EMS902653, DC-602516000016, DE-07-212, FL-EC13003427, EC13003401, GA-LVA205395, IA-AS-0206, ID-ELE-SJ-39131, IL-127.001042, IN-C.P.D. Reg. No. – 19-08088, City of Indianapolis: LAC-000156, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1914, LA-F1915, LA-F1082, MA-1355C, MD-107-1626, ME-LM50017382, MI-3601205773, MN-TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis: CC#354, St. Louis County: 100194, MS-15007958,MT-PSP-ELS-LIC-247, NCGIFT CARD: $100 Visa Gift Card fulfilled by Protect Your Home through third-party provider, Mpell, upon installation of a security system and execution monitoring contract. $4.95 shipping and handling fee,Vegas: gift3000008296, cards can take up toby8 the weeks arrive after 25310-SP-FA/LV, NC-1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ BurglarofAlarm Lic. # -NJ-34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-0068518, City of Las NY-Licensed N.Y.S. to Department of Statefollowing UID#12000317691, NYS #12000286451,OH-53891446, the Mpell redemption process. BASIC SYSTEM: $99 Parts and Install. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $27.99 monthOR-170997, ($1,007.64).

24-Month Monitoring Agreement at $27.99 perRI-7508, monthSC-BAC5630, ($671.76) California.

OfferTX-B13734, appliesACR-3492, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VTCity of Cincinnati: AC86, per OK-AC1048, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration required Number: PA022999, RI-3582, SD- for 1025-7001-ET, TN-1520, ES-2382(7C),WA-602588694/ECPROTEYH934RS, WI-City of Milwaukee: PAS-0002966, WV-WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499.

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1-954-390-2356

monitored burglary service and a compatible computer, cell phone or PDA with Internet and email access. These ADT Pulse services do not cover the operation or ADT Pulse services are not available with the various levels of ADT Pulse. All ADT Pulse services may not be available in all geographic areas. You may be require ADT PULSE + VIDEO: ADT Pulse + Video installation is an additional $299. 36-month monitoring contract required from ADT Pulse + Video: $59.99 per m

Service Plan (QSP), ADT’s Extended Limited Warranty. ADT Pulse: ADT Pulse Interactive Solutions Services (“ADT Pulse”), which help you manage your home environment and family lifestyle, require the purchase and/or activation of an ADT alarm system with GENERAL: alltheoffers, theorform of payment must beequipment/systems by credit card orthatelectronic charge monitored burglary service and a compatible computer, cell phone or PDA with Internet and email access. Theseareas.

ADT Pulse services do notFor cover operation maintenance of any household are connected to the to ADTyour Pulsechecking equipment.or All savings account, satisfactory credit history is ADT Pulse services are not available with the various levels of ADT Pulse. All ADT Pulse services may not be available in all geographic areas. fees You may be required pay additional to purchaseBurglary, equipment Fire, required to utilizeMonoxide the ADT Pulseand features you desire.Alert monitoring requires purchase and/or ac Additional monitoring required for tosome services.charges For example, Carbon Emergency ADT PULSE + VIDEO: ADT Pulse + Video installation is an additional $299. 36-month monitoring contractdevices required from + Video: $59.99 per month, ($2,159.64), includingmay QualitybeService Plan (QSP). camera may not beAdditional available in allcharges may apply in areas that require guar and ADT are Pulse an additional charge.

Additional equipment purchased for Doorbell an additional charge. areas. GENERAL: For all offers, the form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account, satisfactory credit history is required and termination fee applies. Local permit fees may be required. Certain restrictions may apply.

BROWARD BOYS PAINTERS PROUDLY SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR OVER 20 YEARS

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THE

ISLANDER A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER

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

visit sfgn.com/islanderwm to sign up!

9.9. 20 21 •

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An Award-Winning Life-Plan Retirement Community

Have you Kim?

Asked

Dear Kim: My friends and I have been feeling slightly depressed during the COVID outbreak. How do you keep your residents from feeling like we are?

— Dreary in Coral Springs Dear Dreary: You are not alone. Statistics show that among older adults nearly half (46%) feel the same way you and your friends do.

Kim Ali, guru of information at John Knox Village (JKV), is frequently asked important questions regarding resort-style living at JKV and the new Westlake addition.

That’s why we started this friendly column to help you make the right informed decision.

At JKV, we keep our residents engaged with lifestyle options from Zoom classes, small fitness and aquatic classes, to walks around campus, as well as lectures. We also offer programs to help them manage loneliness and anxiety with our resources on campus.

Call me to schedule a time for a visit. We will show you how to live greatly at JKV.

To learn more about making John Knox Village your COVID-Careful Community call (954) 628-3768 651 SW 6th Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060

Johnknoxvillage.com | jkvgrows.com John Knox Village is committed to compliance with all federal, state and local fair housing laws. It is our policy to offer senior living to those that qualify without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, familial status, or handicap. The employees of John Knox Village have a legal obligation to treat each individual in a consistent and equally fair manner. In order to assist you with your decision on your new home, we are providing a list of guidelines used to qualify residents for tenancy in our community. Please note that this is our current rental/ownership criteria; nothing contained in these requirements shall constitute a guarantee or representation by John Knox Village that all residents and occupants currently residing at the community have met these requirements. There may be residents and occupants that have resided the community prior to these requirements going into effect. Additionally, our ability to verify whether these requirements have been met is limited to the information we receive from various credit and screening services used.