SFGN 09/23/21 V12iss38

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE

SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 38

THIS IS THE WAY ‘HARVEY MILK WAY’ UNVEILED IN MIAMI PAGE 11

Reverse Quinceañera

Miami Beach Pride

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PAGES 16 - 17

Celebrate Orgullo

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

REVERSE QUINCEAÑERA PARTY TO BENEFIT LGBT YOUTH

2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Webmaster • Kimberly Swan Webmaster@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • John McDonald HIV Editor • Sean McShee Community Editor • John Hayden Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

John Hayden

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he styled hair and bold makeup, flowing outfits, and teenagers grooving bass-pumping music are all elements of a typical Quinceañera party. What’s not typical is when the participants are closer to 51-years-old instead of 15. And instead of gifts for one person, many members of South Florida LGBT youth will benefit.

“The idea started out as a joke for my 51st birthday. I thought that would make a really fun fundraiser,” says Julian Cavazos. He recruited friends, male and female, straight and gay, to dress up in drag for the event.

“Each one had to come up with a persona and their name exemplified that persona.

That was the first time wives, family would see them dressed as women and they had to come out in a Quinceañera dress. It was a hit!”

This Saturday, Sept. 25, at the Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale, will be the 10th anniversary of Julian’s Reverse Quinceañera party and it has a matrimonial theme.

“Everyone is encouraged to come in white wedding dresses.” While it is a plot point from the hit TV show “Pose,” Cavazos says he came up with the idea independently in 2020. “I had never seen the show. Then I binge watched it and in the last one there is a scene with a wedding, and all the guests were white wedding dresses. I was like, ‘Wow I did it first.’”

The night will begin at 6 p.m. with the White Wedding Marching of the Brides from the GALLERYone Hotel to the mall.

Cavazos says the wedding theme goes along with the annual installment of his

@SFGN

September 23, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 38

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus

Correspondents

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

Contributing Columnists

Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Gregg Shapiro • Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing

Julian’s Reverse Quinceañera party in 2019. Photo via Julian’s Fountain of Youth, Facebook.

telenovela webseries. This year’s episode is Myrna’s White Wedding. Fans of the series, which stars local celebrities including Mark Hunter, owner of Hunters Nightclub, have followed Myrna for years through betrayal and revenge. This year there’s going to be a shooting. “It’s a total Who Shot JR moment,” Cavazos teased.

The event benefits Julian’s Fountain of

Youth (JFOY), Cavazos’ organization which teaches LGBT youth skills and gives them a safe space to be themselves, as well as send them on character-building excursions. He makes a point to make sure they help staff the Wilton Collective, his consignment shop on Wilton Drive. There they work with vendors and artists to learn skills in everything from business to bike repair.

To learn more about the Reverse Quinceañera and the work of JFOY, visit jfoy.org.

For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Distribution Services Coordinator • J.R. Davis Distribution Assistant • Juan Manzano National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Stuart Web Inc.

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HOUSE OF LORDS HONORED AT MIAMI BEACH PRIDE’S FIRST-EVER LEGENDS BALL Read SFGN.com to find out more.

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COVER: Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk, spoke at the event. Photo courtesy of David Richardson and Paul Thomas.

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NLGJA Journalist of the Year SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS.COM, INC. — — FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009

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

Copyright © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

9. 23. 20 21 •

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LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Lesbian

SARIT HADAD COMES OUT AS LESBIAN IN NEW SONG Forty-three-year-old singer Sarit Hadad revealed her sexuality and relationship with Tamar Yahalomi in a new song entitled “A Love Like Ours.”

“I have not been touched the way you touched me in years, what is inside cannot be explained even by a thousand songs, as soon as you came every moment with you beats everything in life,” sings Hadad in the newly released song.

The star showed musical promise from a young age, but struggled with her parents who attempted to prevent her from pursuing a career in music.

Now, Hadad is considered an Israeli icon and has made her mark in the industry with her pop and Mizrahi music.

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Sarit Hadad. Photo via Facebook.

L

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

B

Bisexual

‘THE APPRENTICE’ STAR HOPES TO EMPOWER OTHERS BY COMING OUT

Lottie Lion, former contestant on BBC’s “The Apprentice,” opened up about her sexuality saying she is “proud” of who she is.

“To be open about something quite taboo within my social circle is hard. I’ve been in the closet since I was 18. Four years is enough. I want to be open,” said Lion in an interview with The Sun. Lion said that she first knew she was bisexual after watching “The Hunger Games” and “fancying gorgeous Jennifer Lawrence.” Shortly after, she had her first relationship with a woman which ended abruptly when the lover wanted to meet Lion’s parents. She is currently dating a 30-year-old software engineer and hopes to “empower others” with her bravery.

Lottie Lion. Photo via Instagram.

LGBTQIA BITES

P

Pansexual

‘OUTER BANKS’ STAR OPENS UP ABOUT SEXUALITY

Twenty-one-year-old “Outer Banks” star Madison Bailey recently came out as pansexual in a TikTok video.

Shortly after, she participated in an Instagram Live Q&A with actress Lacy Hartselle and continued to open up about her sexuality.

“I have very accepting friends, a very accepting family, an industry that’s very welcoming and very accepting,” Bailey said.

“Being open and honest feels so good! To be so transparent, especially in an industry when a lot of people want to be in my personal life, it’s nice that I can be like, ‘Here’s my personal life.

You can have it. It’s fine.’”

Bailey also revealed that she is dating UNC basketball player Mariah Linney after the two met on TikTok. She ended the IG Q&A by urging fans to be open about their sexuality, “If you’re gay, tell everybody that you’re gay. It’s worth it,” she said. “I was saying this the other day — I was like, ‘To be honest, I don’t believe in straight people. They’re as real as unicorns to me.’”

Madison Bailey. Photo via Instagram.

9. 23. 20 21 •

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NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

GEORGIA

GOVERNOR COMPARES COVID VACCINE TO ‘AIDS VACCINE’

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia has been critical of COVID-19 vaccine mandates and has argued that educating the public about vaccines would be more effective than mandating them.

Kemp recently appeared on a rightwing podcast hosted by Erick Erickson where he compared the COVID-19 vaccine with the nonexistent AIDS vaccine, HIV Plus Magazine reported.

“That is basically how the AIDS vaccine worked. People wouldn’t take it early on because it was mandated, they started educating people and now it is doing a lot of good out there,” Kemp told Erickson.

“Same scenario, different year that we are dealing with right now.”

Kemp’s office stated that Kemp meant to reference the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine instead.

Republican Gov. Brian Kemp. Photo via Facebook.

Despite the fact that there is no AIDS vaccine, Salon reported that Kemp has referenced it at least two other times this year.

While discussing mask mandates, Kemp previously said, “Well we are not going to have a statewide mask mandate … [Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Public Health Dr. Kathleen] Tumi and I believe that they do not work.

They did not work with the AIDS vaccine and they’re not going to work with the coronavirus vaccine.”

VIRGINIA VIRGINIA BEACH SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES TRANS POLICY During the 2020 session, the Virginia General Assembly passed a statewide set of guidelines made to protect transgender and non-binary students. Districts were told to adopt the model before the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year.

The state’s largest school district, Virginia Beach, began the school year without adopting the new guidelines.

On Sept. 14, the district’s school board belatedly voted to approve the policies.

It was approved on a 7-3 vote, according to the Virginia Pilot, with Jennifer Franklin, Laura Hughes and Vicky Manning in opposition.

The guidelines set by the General Assembly allow students to use the restrooms or locker rooms that correspond with their gender identity and allow students to choose their

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names and pronouns, Wavy Station 10 reported. The policies also allow students to participate in gender-specific activities and programs, like overnight field trips and sports, that correspond with their gender identity.

“School divisions should accept a student’s assertion of their gender identity without requiring any particular substantiating evidence, including diagnosis, treatment, or legal documents,” the General Assembly’s model policy states.

Before the Virginia Beach meeting began, about 100 people gathered in rally and prayer. Public comment during the meeting focused mainly on bathroom use and whether a parent can override their student if they disagree on gender identity.

“It would be very wrong if they said you have to call that person fat because they see themselves as fat,” pastor Richard Alan Pickens said.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

COLORADO

FIRST PUBLICLY GAY GOVERNOR GETS MARRIED

When Gov. Jared Polis of Colorado was elected in 2018, he became the first openly gay U.S. governor. On Sept. 15, Polis married his partner of 18 years, Marlon Reis. This is the first time a sitting governor has had a same-sex marriage.

It was a small traditional Jewish ceremony attended only by close friends and family of the couple, the New York Times reported. The governor’s office said all attendees were required to have a negative COVID-19 test.

“After 18 years together, we couldn’t be happier to be married at last,” Polis said on Twitter.

Reis is a writer and animal rights activist, and together the couple has two children aged 7 and 9.

Polis proposed to Reis in December

Gov. Jared Polis and Marlon Reis during their wedding.

Photo via Twitter.

while they both were sick with COVID-19.

They had chosen their wedding date because it was the 18th anniversary of their first date.

CALIFORNIA GAY MAN BEATEN IN SAN DIEGO

Gersson Saavedra was near Cesar Chavez Park in San Diego with a couple of friends when two men approached him; he remembers little of the attack that followed.

On Sept. 12, the men approached Saavedra and, according to his friends, they asked him for a lighter. Saavedra’s friends said the men then began yelling homophobic profanities, NBC Bay Area reported.

By the time his friends turned around to see what was happening, Saavedra was getting punched by his attackers. He was knocked unconscious and his attackers were nowhere to be found.

“First thing I remember when I woke on the hospital bed is that one of the doctors asked me if I was gay,” said Saavedra. “I was like, that’s such a weird question to

Photo via PxHere.

ask, but I said of course. And he was like, ‘Okay, you were a victim of a hate crime.’”

As a result of the attack, Saavedra had a spinal cord injury, a fractured nose, and a fractured eye socket.

According to the Attorney General’s office, hate crimes in California have increased by 31% last year and 15% of those were crimes related to sexual orientation.

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

LACK OF ANTI-DISCRIMINATION LAWS IMPACT YOUTH

THOUSANDS ATTEND LGBT RIGHTS MARCH IN UKRAINE

According to a new report, South Korea’s inability to enact national rules prohibiting discrimination hurts residents, particularly LGBT youth.

“Even as domestic public opinion warms to LGBT rights and neighboring governments take steps toward LGBT equality, however, South Korea’s government has failed to make meaningful progress, citing intense religious and conservative opposition to justify inaction,” the report said according to Reuters.

Several bills in the National Assembly would prohibit discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender, race, and other categories. Several of the ruling party’s presidential candidates and other leaders have indicated support for the ideas.

On March 9, 2022, South Korea will

Photo via PxHere.

have a presidential election.

However, the campaign for antidiscrimination legislation has sparked a reaction, and past attempts have failed.

Thousands of people, including soldiers and diplomats, marched calmly through Kiev in an annual gay pride parade on Sunday, despite some resistance to an event canceled last year due to the coronavirus epidemic.

According to organizers, approximately 7,000 people joined the Equality March this year, down from 8,000 in 2019, which had the largest turnout since the event began a decade ago, despite religious and nationalist resistance.

According to a study conducted in August by the sociological group “Rating,” which found that 47% of respondents had an unfavorable impression of the LGBT community, homophobia is common in Ukraine. “@UKinUkraine colleagues and friends supporting LGBTQ groups in Ukraine,”

The protest. Photo via Alliance Global, Facebook.

British Ambassador Melinda Simmons wrote on Twitter, according to Reuters.

CARIBBEAN

AFRICA

NEW FAMILY LAW DRAFT COULD MEAN GAY MARRIAGE

UNIVERSITY OF CAPE TOWN UNDER FIRE AFTER ‘HURTFUL’ SEMINAR

The draft of a new Cuban family law suggests enabling same-sex couples to marry and adopt, as well as giving children more say in important choices.

The preliminary proposal, which Cuba’s parliament must approve before going to a grassroots referendum, comes almost three years after the island’s communist government backed down from enshrining gay marriage provisions in its new constitution due to resistance.

The constitutional proposal to modify the definition of marriage from a partnership of a man and woman to a union of “two people ... with absolutely equal rights and obligations” was met with opposition from evangelical organizations.

“We consider this version to be consistent with the constitutional text,

Justice Minister Óscar Silveira Martínez. Photo via Twitter.

and develop and update the various legalfamily institutions in correspondence with the humanistic nature of our social process,” Justice Minister Óscar Silveira Martínez said in announcing the draft, according to Loop News.

The Gender Diversity Coalition has called on the University of Cape Town (UCT) to take immediate action, claiming that the university’s recent seminar on science and LGBT was harmful to the transgender and intersex communities, which certain doctors often malign.

According to Times Live, the coalition criticized Dr. Kgomotso Mathabe, a practicing urologist and a member of the Steven Bike Academic Hospital’s gender clinic. In addition, the coalition stated that the seminar provided misinformation about intersex-born children.

“Intersex is a potentially lifethreatening condition. And what intersex is in its simplest terms is when a baby is born, we must be able to look at the genitals, the external genitals of

University of Cape Town. Photo via Facebook.

the baby, and be able to say whether it’s a boy or a girl,” said Mathabe.

9. 23. 20 21 •

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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.

Jean Vaillant, a Haitian earthquake survivor and aspiring opera singer, with Chad Johnson, an international opera tenor soloist.

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Photos by J.R. Davis

Joe Pallant with Joan Rivers a.k.a. Joe Posa and photographer Dennis Dean.

Salvatore Solano, founder and owner of Solano Beverage Company, with his friend Nathan Paul Smith, owner of Nathan’s Bar South Beach.

Michael Connel and husband James Walker of The Pub.

WEEK

Don’t miss a

tastE Feeling the hunger?

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

sFGn.com/FooD

9. 23. 20 21 •

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NEWS STATE

ACTIVIST SWITCHES FOCUS TO FLORIDA SENATE CAMPAIGN John McDonald

Janelle Perez. Photo via Facebook.

I

n a repositioning move, LGBT activist Janelle Perez announced last week that she was dropping her bid for U.S. Congress to go after a Florida Senate seat.

Perez, 34, a married lesbian and mother who survived a stage four cancer diagnosis, was seeking the Democratic nomination in Congressional District 27. Instead, Perez has decided to challenge incumbent Senator Ileana Garcia (R-Miami) for the seat in District 37.

In a Facebook post, Perez said the decision, while not easy, was the best way to make a positive impact.

“Republicans in Tallahassee have failed our state and I cannot sit idly by as they

“THEY STOLE THIS SEAT. IT’S TIME FOR US TO TAKE IT BACK.” - Janelle Perez ACTIVIST

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make us less safe, restrict our rights and hurt our children,” Perez said. “I will fight to improve pandemic health measures, protect voting rights, tackle the climate crisis, foster economic recovery and protect a woman’s right to choose. There’s too much at stake to let Republicans keep control of this Senate seat.”

In the 2020 election, Garcia defeated incumbent Senator José Javier Rodríguez by just 34 votes. The election was marred by the discovery of a sham third party candidate named Alex Rodríguez who, prosecutors say, was paid $44,000 by former Sen. Frank Artiles to enter the race and confuse voters.

Garcia has denied involvement in the scheme.

“The only way that Republicans flipped the 37th Senate district was by playing dirty tricks,” Perez said. “They stole this seat. It’s time for us to take it back.”

In less than two months since her first campaign announcement, Perez’s political action committee raised close to $300,000.

With her shift to the state race, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the Democratic front-runner in CD27.

Incumbent Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-Coral Gables) ousted former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services and University of Miami President Donna Shalala from office in the 2020 election.

NEWS MIAMI-DADE

Stuart Milk, nephew of Harvey Milk, spoke at the event. Photo courtesy of David Richardson and Paul Thomas.

HARVEY MILK WAY Miami Beach Street Near Pride Park Named After Late LGBT Icon Jose Cassola

F

or Miami Beach Commissioner David Richardson, it took eight months of perseverance to get his vision and proposal adopted by the commission to name streets on each of the four sides of Pride Park after human rights activists.

On Sept. 17, the official street-naming dedication ceremony for Harvey Milk Way took place in front of Miami Beach City Hall.

“I had the great privilege of hosting the official street-naming dedication ceremony for Harvey Milk Way, which is the first street in the state of Florida named after the LGBTQ human rights activist,” Richardson said. “I want to thank my colleagues who supported my initiative. It took almost eight months, but together we got it done!”

Gregory Branch, who is running for a seat on the commission in Group 1, said “recognizing Harvey Milk as a trailblazing pioneer who gave hope and inspiration to many was long overdue.”

Throughout 10 days of events for Miami Beach Pride, Branch says he was “honored to participate in a smorgasbord of feel-good events,” including the Milk dedication.

“As a candidate [and before], I like to think I carry the baton in the fight for inclusivity in government and leadership,” Branch said.

“And, of course, the Branch family is always delighted to support and commune with our friends at SAVE and PRIDE in their endeavors.

A long, but fabulous day!”

Added Paul Thomas of the Miami Beach

Pride Board of Directors: “It was a historymaking day in Miami Beach as we named 18th Street near Pride Park ‘Harvey Milk Way’ in honor of the famous Harvey Milk, who was assassinated in San Francisco after being the first out politician in California.”

Another street around Pride Park had already been named for Muhammed Ali. The street naming was championed by Richardson.

“As the Chairman of the LGBTQ Advisory Committee for the City Of Miami Beach, I was honored to be in attendance and to meet Mr. Milks’ nephew, Stuart,” Thomas said, adding that a navy ship will also be named in Milk’s honor in October after he was dishonorably discharged for being gay.

Joe Saunders, senior political director at Equality Florida, thanked Richardson on Facebook for his commitment to the cause and for inviting him to represent Equality Florida at the unveiling of Harvey Milk Way. “Miami Beach, my chosen home, became the FIRST city in Florida to name a street after LGBTQ trailblazer Harvey Milk. What a great way to start Miami Beach Pride Weekend,” Saunders said. “Thank you to Mayor Dan Gelber, Commissioner Micky Ross Steinberg, Commissioner Michael Góngora and Commissioner Mark Samuelian for your support and presence [at the unveiling]. It was disappointing to remember that not all members of our commission supported this project. We’ve still got work to do.”

9. 23. 20 21 •

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FEATURE SURVIVING THE PANDEMIC

NATHAN’S CELEBRATES ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY GAY SMALL BUSINESS OWNER OPENS DREAM BAR IN MIDDLE OF PANDEMIC; DEFIES ALL ODDS TO REACH LIFELONG GOAL Jose Cassola

N

athan Paul Smith always dreamed of opening his own pop culture-themed bar. He just couldn’t ever imagine his lifelong dream would come to fruition in the middle of a pandemic.

This month, Nathan’s Bar — an LGBT bar that is heterosexual friendly — celebrates its one-year anniversary amid having opened when the pandemic shut down many small businesses for good. During the course of a challenging year, Smith, 44, remained optimistic and positive business would flourish. One year later, business has done just that with the bar thriving and successful as ever even after COVID broke other small business owners and shut down similar establishments permanently.

“Any other small business owner could’ve and likely would’ve failed, but not Nathan,” said Brianna “Bawdyy” Kane, 26, a trans woman and is one of five rotating hostesses whom man the door and entrance to this pop culture themed bar at 1216 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach.

BEST NEW GAY BAR IN READERS POLL Upon entering this establishment, patrons of the bar are instantly greeted with wall images of pop divas like Madonna, Cher and Lady Gaga and pop culture stations or living room areas dedicated to popular American television serials, including “Friends,” “Stranger Things” and Bravo’s “Real Housewives” franchise. The uniqueness and one-of-a-kind concept behind the small business landed Nathan’s Bar smack in the middle of a recent “Miami New Times” readers’ poll that named the establishment South Florida’s Best New Gay Bar.

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Nathan’s regular Brian Charria, 28, started visiting the new bar about a year ago during the pandemic. A Miami Beach native for 11 years, Charria said Nathan’s has become his new favorite place to hang out with friends or have a Happy Hour drink after a long, stressful day at work.

“I love the lounge-like vibe at Nathan’s Bar. I love that they have music playing lower at the beginning of the night so you can hear yourself talk with friends and then the music gets louder when you want to kick up your heels and dance,” Charria said. “It’s always a good crowd, no matter which day of the week you come. Staff is super friendly, drinks are great.”

The pop culture experience at Nathan’s currently includes a “Stranger Things” VIP area and areas dedicated to “Will & Grace,” “Friends,” “The Big Bang Theory” and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” among others.

Smith said a living room area devoted to “The Brady Bunch” will soon be replaced by one dedicated to “The Golden Girls.”

When asked why his bar is so heavily influenced by pop divas and pop culture in general, Smith said, “Because pop culture is me. It’s all I know; it’s pop culture, music and gay bars.”

A GAY MAN & THE ‘LITTLE BAR THAT COULD’ Before opening the bar Smith was a popular VJ — that’s short for a video DJ or disc jockey — who worked at Twist for 20 years (from

Photo courtesy of Nathan Paul Smith.

2000 to 2020) and also ran the upstairs video bar for more than a decade. Everyone in Miami knows Twist, the long-running South Beach gay bar and club known for its catch slogan, “always a groove, never a cover.” Well, that was also the place where Smith would make two important and heartfelt connections in his life.

The concept behind Nathan’s video bar at Twist was one Smith himself conceived and pitched to his boss and eventual idol and father figure, the late Richard Trainor.

During the course of his successful run at the helm of Twist, Smith spent two decades of his life slinging and serving drinks to a loyal clientele consisting of locals and tourists and the brand he created made Twist and Smith synonymous with each other. Over time, Smith also developed a father-son type of relationship with Trainor. The rest as they say is history.

“I wouldn’t be anywhere today without Richard,” Smith said. “He gave me a stage for 20 years, he believed in me, he taught me

everything I know today and he was like a father to me.”

Equally as important to Smith was the late Henrietta Robinson, a decades-long South Beach barfly and pioneer in the Miami LGBT community who frequented Smith’s upstairs video bar at Twist for years.

“Henrietta brought more people to my bar than what I would’ve had to come to on their own because of her legacy and the fact that she sat at my bar upstairs on Saturdays and Sundays,” Smith said. “We used to joke around all the time to customers who didn’t know us that she was my mom and I was her son. And it wasn’t really that hard to believe. If Richard was like a father to me, then Henrietta was like a mother to me. That’s just a fact.”

HONORING 2 LEGENDS, PARENTAL FIGURES Flash forward to present day, Smith and his bar honor Trainor and Robinson today with a caricature on his wall by artist Tommy

FEATURE SURVIVING THE PANDEMIC

Jimenez, which is a recreation of a White time he moved his party up a block or two Party picture of Smith’s father and mother across from Twist in his own establishment figures, respectively. and first secured the building located at 1216 The cartoon portrait Washington Avenue in Miami resembles a pair of Funko Beach, previously occupied “I WOULDN’T BE pops and currently faces

by Waterloo, Gonzalez’s Pilo’s opposite Smith’s music video Street Tacos and many years ANYWHERE TODAY equipment at the corner of prior to that by a place called WITHOUT RICHARD. the bar by the entrance next Automatic Slim’s.

HE GAVE ME A to “The Real Housewives of The location also just so Atlanta” living room area, happened to have a small STAGE FOR 20 which used to be a “Sex and kitchen, which eventually YEARS, HE BELIEVED the City” tribute booth. In became the breakthrough for addition, Smith also honors Nathan’s Bar to make its debut IN ME, HE TAUGHT Robinson — who died of as COVID regulations at this ME EVERYTHING I COVID-related complications time finally began allowing KNOW TODAY AND in 2020 — with her own chair South Florida bars to reopen at the bar emblazoned with — as long as they served food HE WAS LIKE A her name in gold. with alcohol.

FATHER TO ME.” “Henrietta used to always With a kitchen and bar sit at my bar on Saturdays and bites now on the menu, along - Nathan Paul Smith Sundays, sometimes Fridays, with the standard cocktails, BAR OWNER sometimes Mondays … and well drinks and pop music that’s where she would sit,” videos blasting on multiple Smith said. “I imagine if she were alive today television screens, Nathan’s Bar was officially to see me run this bar, she would be sitting born on September 23, 2020. at this very chair with her name on the back MORE LGBT OPTIONS of it. There’s no question in my mind about ON MIAMI BEACH that.”

For the last 10 years, Smith had been When asked why open his dream bar in mulling over opening his own real-life version of the upstairs video bar from Twist the middle of the pandemic and if he wasn’t — a brand and concept he created and ran scared of failure, Smith responded, “No. A with Trainor’s eventual approval. In fact, year ago when I first opened, everybody shortly before Trainor suffered a stroke and wanted to get out, everybody was cooped up. took a turn for the worse, dying in 2019, the They just needed a place. You had to have a surrogate father and son duo were thinking kitchen, I had a kitchen, so I opened and it just about implementing a similar concept for worked out. If I’m still here, still standing, it’s because of the community. The community is Nathan’s Bar in Wynwood.

After years of envisioning running his why I’m here.”

Added Smith: “With there being multiple own video bar separate from Twist, Smith’s plans finally started shaping form when the [gay] places, it makes a larger footprint here in pandemic shut down South Florida bars Miami Beach so there’s more gay attractions, in March 2020. In fact, all non-essential which means more gay people. So now the businesses such as gyms, bars and indoor dining at restaurants were closed for months while only essential businesses remained open, including pharmacies and supermarkets.

By summer 2020, it was clear COVID-19 wasn’t going anywhere and Smith’s main source of income and his livelihood for the previous 20 years was about to take a different form.

Smith and his business partner, Derek Gonzalez, the owner of Pilo’s Street Tacos, decided it was time to make his lifelong dream about opening a pop culture-themed bar a reality. He departed Twist that summer and began preparations on Nathan’s Bar. That’s A Pop Mondays performance. when the Buena Vista resident and fur parent Photo credit: Jose Cassola. of three dogs and two cats decided it was high

Nathan Paul Smith (center) with two other friends at Nathan’s Bar. Photo courtesy of Nathan Paul Smith.

community has more LGBT options. Every establishment on this beach offers something a little bit different. It’s not the same either/or.

It’s a different energy, a different environment, so I say it’s a good thing we are all here and can peacefully coexist and do our own thing. The more the merrier.”

was a national one.” Smith says he felt like “a local and I wanted to be able to give back and be able to do so in association with my local night.”

GETTING INVOLVED IN THE COMMUNITY

Pop Mondays’ inaugural show took place on Sept. 6 and featured performances by Brianna Bawdyy, Nelly Norell, Dasha Sweetwaters, Vanessa Monroe and Regina Cocoa Lords.

“It was fabulous and so much fun and hopefully all the other Pop Mondays are just as good,” Bawdyy said.

Speaking of Pop Mondays’ inaugural night at Nathan’s Bar, Smith said, “We’re very lucky for it to be this kind of crowd on a Monday night. The turnout we had after a long weekend is beyond expectations. God has blessed me because many small businesses cannot say they’ve had the kind of success I’ve had or even survive at all in the pandemic like I have.”

In addition, for Smith, the relaunch of Pop Mondays was truly a milestone moment.

“Any event that can cause more of a good time, that’s what this place is about,” Smith said. “Having a good time, giving people an escape … A drag show is a great way to escape and it gives my girls their opportunity to perform. I love giving the girls a stage to show their talent and art. I mean, that’s really what it’s all about.”

Smith got a little emotional recalling how Pop Mondays launched originally over 15 years ago and who formed part of the original casts.

“It’s been a long, wild ride with a lot of great people in my life,” Smith said. “Most of the girls attached to the shows have been with me a long time. Randy (i.e. Dasha) has worked for me for almost a decade. Nelly a lot longer, like 15 years at least. She’s one of my originals — her, Ruby Dior and Tiffany Fantasia were my originals.”

Since opening one year ago this month, Smith has also been very active and charitable in the community. With a vaccination drive recently coordinated with Care Resource on Aug. 22 deemed a success, Smith says that event helped shed some light on the impact COVID-19 and new variants are having on the local LGBT community.

“I know [Nathan’s Bar] tends to get packed at times but I want everyone to know that we take COVID-19 and protect each other very seriously,” Smith said. “My staff is fully vaccinated. I also hope that people know I have my mask requirements signed up. I’m just hoping that most people who come here are vaccinated themselves.”

In addition to the vaccination drive, proceeds from an Aug. 30 benefit were donated to Support Surfside victims’ families and the event took place on the bar’s Monday hospitality night, Pop Culture Mondays.

“The community has always been my number one motivator,” Smith said, “and because they’ve been so supportive of me and Monday nights is an easier night for hospitality people to go out, it’s become the perfect night to be able to offer really reduced priced drinks and appetizers and not completely be taken advantage of. That’s kind of across the board with all of the clubs.”

Smith says that’s why he chose to hold the benefit event for Surfside on a Monday night because “it’s a local night” and the condo collapse on June 24 that resulted in more than 100 deaths was “a local concern as much as it

POP MONDAYS & MIAMI BEACH PRIDE

9. 23. 20 21 •

13

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he show will go on, but not as originally planned. Safeguarding American Values for Everyone (SAVE) has changed this year’s Champions of Equality Gala, the latest event affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have made the tough decision to move the gala from in-person to virtual amid the seriousness of the global pandemic and the Delta variant driving new surges in Florida.

We feel strongly about doing the right thing for the safety of our community. The crowd size and indoor component of the gala were the driving factors in our decision. We are confident our virtual gala will be a hit and build on the success of last year,” explained Orlando Gonzales, SAVE’s executive director.

SAVE will be hosting a watch party for its virtual gala on Thursday, Sept. 23 at AxelBeach

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• 9. 23.2021

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Hotel in Miami. The event is scheduled for 6-10 p.m. “The gala and the watch party celebrate the community of achievers, elected officials, and dedicated foundations who have distinguished themselves in the fight for LGBTQ equality, safeguarding democracy, and providing critical support to South Florida residents in the face of unprecedented challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” SAVE said.

The event will be hosted by State Representative Brian Sims (D-PA). He is the first openly gay man elected to Pennsylvania’s legislature.

Honorees will be recognized in two categories: COVID-19 Relief Efforts and Safeguarding Democracy. Safeguarding Democracy recipients are David Cicilline, United States Congressman of Rhode Island, Chair of the Congressional LGBTQ Caucus, and lead sponsor of the Equality Act, Shevrin “Shev” D. Jones, Florida State Senator, Eileen Higgins, Miami-Dade County Commissioner, and Artist & Illustrator Edel Rodriguez.

COVID-19 Relief Effort recipients are Kevin Cho Tipton, APRN, South Florida critical care nurse practitioner, and Florida Air National Guard Captain, The Miami Foundation LGBTQ Community Fund and Our Fund Foundation.

In addition to the awards ceremony, the evening will include a musical performance

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10:23:42 9.9/16/2021 23. 20 21 • PM15

NEWS MIAMI-DADE

A MIAMI BEACH PRIDE TO REMEMBER Jose Cassola

A

gala, a circuit party, a festival and a parade wrapped up Miami Beach Pride weekend from Sept. 17-19, capping off 10 days total of events spread throughout — the first ever in the history of the Pride organization, which originally launched 12 years ago in April 2009. The inaugural Miami Beach Pride celebration took place with over 15,000 spectators, far surpassing organizers’ expectations.

No official word yet as of Tuesday how many people attended the festival and parade, but David Sexton, a member of the Board, had this to say on social media Monday, the day after it was all over.

“Goodbye PRIDE 2021! I am hearing from so many people that they had an amazing time and that this celebration was so meaningful in this moment! That makes me VERY happy! The performers were amazing!

So much talent on the stage! Not gonna lie ... backstage was challenging ... We definitely had our share of ‘Testicle Difficulties’ (as the legendary [local drag entertainer] Tiffany T. Fantasia called them. Lol) We lost power, lost sound ... I even had to put out a literal fire onstage with a fire extinguisher when one of the speakers started to burn!”

Sexton continues: “The PRIDE Team fought

“WE HAVEN’T BEEN ABLE TO CELEBRATE PRIDE IN PERSON FOR A WHILE. THIS WAS A SMALLER EVENT, BUT STILL REALLY AMAZING TO GATHER OUR COMMUNITY.” - Carson Kressley RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE PANEL JUDGE, HOST OF MIAMI BEACH PRIDE VIP GALA

16

• 9. 23.2021

like WARRIORS to overcome the challenges!

Love them all! As I reflect on the weekend, I feel like it’s all a big metaphor ... we are in CHALLENGING times! We can’t let the obstacles break us (or burn us!) We have to fight for our community and our country and our planet! Peace out!”

Miami Beach Pride weekend started Friday at the VIP gala, where the movers and shakers of the South Florida LGBT community gathered together to drink and mingle while enjoying brief, intermittent comedy bits from “Queer Eye For the Straight Guy” and present day “RuPaul’s Drag Race” panel judge Carson Kressley, who served as host of the event.

“We haven’t been able to celebrate Pride in person for a while. This was a smaller event, but still really amazing to gather our community,” Kressley told South Florida Gay News in an exclusive interview. “South Beach is always a great time, so I thought why not show up? … I did the virtual Pride last year.

[Officials] told me then hopefully we’ll be able to gather again, so here we are, and I said ‘of course, I’d show up.’”

Kressley wasn’t the only celebrity to make an appearance at the gala. Former American professional football player and “The Voice” contestant Esera Tuaolo, who was this year’s Advocate Marshal, performed covers of Andra Day’s “Rise Up” and Keala Settle’s “This is Me” from “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack.

“American Idol” alum and season two top five finalist Lashundra “Trenyce” Cobbins also brought the house down with her covers of the Diana Ross and Whitney Houston tunes, “The Boss,” “I’m Every Woman” and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.”

Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

Trenyce told SFGN in an exclusive interview that “Whitney and Diana get people going become they are the rom dom of divas.

If you even attempt to sing their songs people are like ‘ok, you gotta bring it’ and I’m one of those people that I feel like they inspire me, they’re the blueprint and why wouldn’t I cover them?” Trenyce said though Celebrity Cruises brought her out to Pride this weekend, she has been committed to her LGBT fans since her days on “American Idol.”

“The LGBTQ community rallied behind me when I was on ‘Idol’ because Simon [Cowell] called me a drag queen — but it was the best thing he could’ve ever done because I gained the best fans in the world and I continue to support you all. I love you, love you, love you deep. Don’t change for anybody ever, and continue to be your fabulous selves. I’ll continue to bestow pride upon all of you, as well.”

On Sept. 18, day one of the two-day festival in Lummus Park featured music and performances from world-class DJs,

entertainers and celebrity entertainers on two stages, including Latina headliner and Mexican singer-songwriter Paulina Rubio.

There were also vendor booths, food and a finale of fireworks. That same evening, DJ’s Paulo and Joe Gauthreaux had people dancing all night at URGE Miami Beach Pride. VIP tickets included quick entry, plus access to an upstairs viewing area and private bathroom, as well as a dedicated bar to purchase drinks without standing in long lines. URGE events were required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours. Among the attendees at URGE was Jason Rodriguez, who played Lemar Wintour on the hit FX show, “POSE.” In an exclusive interview with SFGN, Rodriguez said he was invited by Miami Beach Pride to help organize the first-ever ball that has been a collaboration with the ball scene and Miami Beach Pride. The ball took place Thursday at the same location — the site of the old Mansion and other mega clubs of the

NEWS MIAMI-DADE day — where the VIP gala took place one night Miami having a good time and just showing my later. support.”

Rodriguez added that this year’s Pride had a Victor Diaz-Herman of Pridelines and the nice show of “happiness, prideness, queerness Miami Beach Pride Board said it “felt amazing and transness. It can’t get any better than that, to have this gathering after being gone two so I’m happy to be here. It seems like I’m not and a half years without a Pride, having the the only one. I notice people are happy to be community come together like this — not only around each other and to love one another.” to support Miami Beach Pride but to celebrate On Sept. 19, the festival continued with our individuality and our sexuality and our performances by “RuPaul’s Drag Race” alum gender identity. It’s just amazing. So, we’re glad Latrice Royale; American house and dance to have been able to bring it to you in 2021 and music singer and songwriter Crystal Waters, we’re excited to do it again in 2022 in April.” best known for her 1990s dance hits “Gypsy Veronica Paige, founder at Spectrum Woman,” “100% Pure Love” Wellness 360, said, “This was a and 2007’s “Destination Pride to remember!”

Calabria” with Alex Gaudino; “Thank you to Miami Beach and lastly late ‘90s and early Pride staff, volunteers and the 2000s R&B songstress Mýa, board of directors for bringing who did a $20 meet-and-greet such a week of expertly curated and CD signing with fans events that offered something above the Hotel Gaythering for all of the LGBT community,” bar.

Paige said. “Thank you to the Regarding Mýa, Juan vendors and sponsors who Sanchez, vice chair of the provided amazing products Board of Directors at Miami and services on site; thank Beach Pride, said he has you to event security and “met and dealt with so many local law enforcement who people in the entertainment protected us and kept us safe; industry; but this young lady, and most of all, thank you to - Jason Rodriguez Mýa, is a true class act. That the attendees who came out ACTOR, “POSE” is all.” during this crazy time to be a Sanchez added Sunday part of something bigger than on social media: “[I’ve] been ourselves! The stories I heard working with the best for years, but this year and the people I connected with this week I get to see it from a whole new perspective,” were transformational!” he, a former detective with the Miami Beach Sanchez had said previously this year’s Police Department, said. “[The] festival [is] festivities were bringing 10 days’ worth of open. Come see what the best team in the biz events “for the first time ever. We have never has in store for you. HAPPY PRIDE 2021!” done that before.”

A parade of 50+ floats and walking Though there is no official statement from participants — the signature closing event Pride as of Tuesday evening, Sanchez did share of Pride — attracted spectators from all over the following on his Facebook page Monday: South Florida, the United States and abroad.

“Well a little battered, bruised, a melt down or “I’m a big supporter of the community, two, but Pride 2021 is behind us. Once again although I’m not a member myself,” said an I’m in awe of a team who just never gives up. ally named Tenisha, who was visiting Miami I could not imagine being on Mr. Toad’s Wild from New York for the weekend. “I’m here in Ride without them.”

“I NOTICE PEOPLE ARE HAPPY TO BE AROUND EACH OTHER AND TO LOVE ONE ANOTHER.”

Spectators at Miami Beach Pride. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

9. 23. 20 21 •

17

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www.NormKent.com 18

• 9. 23.2021

PROGRESS CONTINUES ON 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF ‘DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL’ REPEAL John Hayden

What can I do if I ha ve been injured?

Russell Cormican

U.S. President Barack Obama signs into law the Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Repeal Act of 2010.

Credit: Chuck Kennedy, White House photographer, via defense.gov.

en years ago this week, the odious policy review files of veterans who received “otherknown as “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” (DADT) than-honorable” discharges, and people who came to an end. The law prevented gay were kicked out for their sexuality will be able people from serving in the military. People to get full Veterans Affairs benefits. who went public with their sexuality were People who may have been pressured to kicked out, no matter how distinguished leave the service because of their sexual their service. Enacted in the 1990s, DADT was orientation, despite the repeal of DADT, created to stop witch hunts of “suspected” will also have their files and benefit status homosexuals, meaning if you reviewed. President Joe Biden, stayed in the closet and kept who was vice president when quiet you’d be left alone.

DADT was repealed, said, “A FOURTEEN American Veterans for great injustice was remedied THOUSAND Equal Rights (AVER), America’s and a tremendous weight was PEOPLE WERE oldest LGBT veterans service finally lifted off the shoulders of organization, hailed the tens of thousands of dedicated DISMISSED anniversary of repeal. “AVER service members.

UNDER DADT AND American celebrates this important The repeal of ‘Don’t Ask, Don’t AN ESTIMATED civil rights milestone, and we Tell,’ which formally barred honor the long and determined 100,000 SERVICE gay, lesbian, and bisexual grassroots effort by service service members from openly PEOPLE “UNDER members and veterans, men serving, helped move our SUSPICION” WERE nation closer to its foundational and women, to overturn the nearly 100-year-old policies that REMOVED SINCE promise of equality, dignity, and denied the freedom to serve to opportunity for all. It was the WORLD WAR II. LGBT soldiers, marines, sailors, right thing to do.” airmen and coast guardsmen.

AVER says much work We acknowledge the diverse efforts, remains, especially for trans servicemembers, strategies, struggles and sacrifices by many who see their status change with each individuals and organizations that led to the administration. “Just as Donald Trump repeal of the discriminatory DADT law.” reversed the Obama-era policy that Fourteen thousand people were dismissed allowed transgender volunteers the right to under DADT and an estimated 100,000 service serve, future commanders-in-chief could people “under suspicion” were removed change policy at will. The reinstatement since World War II. The repeal anniversary of transgender service implemented by is being used to help right those wrongs. The President Biden must be protected by law.”

Department of Defense announced they will

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Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

THE BEST LAID PLANS OF MICE AND MEN An Awkward Radio Show Revival

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

T

his year, I should have expected nothing different.

There is an old Jewish saying, “Man Plans, God Laughs.”

Welcome to the 21st century. Nothing has changed.

After a month of planning and promoting the relaunch of my radio show, for its third year debut, with Nikki Fried, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, as my first guest, the station got knocked off the air on Monday morning as Comcast went down, at five minutes to 12.

The new noon show is called “Talk of the Town,” featuring guests local and live, critically and casually sharing everything from the issues of the day to personal tales of their own lives.

There is always somebody out there that you know nothing about, whose story mirrors your own. The radio illuminates that experience.

There are things we think so intimately personal which we find out are universally most common. A talk show, like a community newspaper, airs that unique story.

Anyway, I will battle through the technological breakdown, and open next week with a slew of new guests, distinguished local journalists who have written and exposed stories from the pandemic to Parkland in the past few years.

Unfortunately, for all of us in business, Comcast is putting on its Fall Display of “Outages by Infinity,” sure to win an Emmy. My first week can now officially be called a crime scene.

Where is the yellow tape?

As I began Wednesday’s show, introducing Steve Glassman, the former vice mayor of Fort Lauderdale, and our local gay city commissioner, Comcast again shut down, through no fault of the station itself. AT&T then followed suit.

Something is going on that someone is

not telling us. Is it international hackers or corporate ineptitude? We need an investigative reporter like Bob Norman to expose it. He was my guest Tuesday, the only show I got on, barely.

Anyway, I am trying to laugh. What else can you do? Destiny has no marching orders.

It just comes at you blindsided, and like adversity, you adapt, you adjust, and you scream a lot.

This is the 21st century and we scream often at the technology which we rely on hourly but fails us daily. One day we are taking off to the Moon, and minutes later, you are hearing about a plane crashing to Earth.

I have been adapting by ruminating weekly in SFGN. People like those columns.

They are short, sweet, and to the point, like a tweet. We are a world moving away from textbooks that educate to Instagram posts that tantalize. We are a society that demands immediacy. We want patience, and we want it now!

This all started when Madison Avenue decided housewives did not want to cook for busy husbands and started making TV dinners in three minutes. Swanson’s is forever grateful.

Microwaves are the end result, even if we find out 10 years from now, they have been shooting off toxic brainwaves. There will be lawyers suing, I promise you that.

So Comcast takes a hit from Zeus, and your televisions don’t work for two hours.

Try calling to complain you don’t have a signal. Good luck with that too. No internet?

No Wi-Fi? Hope you have a dog to walk.

Waiting for Amazon to deliver that refrigerator you back ordered? They can’t find drivers.

Waiting for that chip to fix the dashboard electronics on your BMW? Stuck in China.

ANYWAY, I AM TRYING TO LAUGH. WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO? DESTINY HAS NO MARCHING ORDERS.

20

• 9. 23.2021

Photo via PxHere, edited by Brendon Lies.

Waiting too long for your favorite restaurant to bring out that special meal?

They can’t find waiters.

Waiting for that check from the IRS or the state? They are months and millions of consumers behind processing accounts.

Tell me, please. What works anymore?

Well, there is us. SFGN. Through the pandemic, we have been here week after week with the news, by your side, not with ads for mimosas, but with content that counts; which makes a difference in LGBT lives.

So yes, I wish I was on the air today, laying waste to our governor for appointing a Bahamian witch doctor to the position of Surgeon General of Florida.

I may have been the one who went for brain surgery in July, but it was Ron DeSantis who needed it more.

How can there be a culture war over vaccinations? From smallpox to rabies to tetanus to typhoid; from yellow fever to polio to measles, you get shots. My flu shot is next

week. We didn’t start a culture war over that.

There is chickenpox, rubella, and the mumps, too. Don’t forget those. Didn’t start an insurrection because doctors wanted to make people healthy.

“Life goes on,” we used to say.

Not America, not if we live in a country that tolerates 670,000 memorial flags at the Capitol because our citizens tolerated insurrectionists more than a pandemic.

It’s a new world out there, and we are becoming more and more like Nero, fiddling while Rome burns. In this case, it’s more than just our forests. It’s our nation.

It’s time to rise, and make your voice be heard. We will, on the pages of SFGN, and if Comcast allows, maybe on my radio show to.

One of those special voices in Representative Carlos Guillermo Smith, standing up to the governor’s refusal to list COVID deaths. His suit has traction, his cause is just, and his person will air on my show Friday at noon, tomorrow. If Comcast cooperates…

CONVICTIONS

Fifteen Years Serving the CommUNITY

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LIFESTYLE photos

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On Aug. 8, the famous New York City underground RAM Gear Party took place at Eagle Wilton Manors. The risque men’s event included music by international DJ J. Warren.

On Sept. 19 during Pride Week at Miami Beach Pride, the stage was full of life with guests that included Guy Scheiman, Mýa (pictured above on stage), Latrice Royale, DJ Tracy Young and more!

On Aug. 27 and 28, special celebrity guest Detox from “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” brought her magic to the grand opening of Hamburger Mary’s on Wilton Drive.

Drag queen, live singer and comedian Delighted Tobehere made her delightful appearance on Aug. 7 at The Pub Wilton Manors.

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• 9. 23.2021

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LIFESTYLE FOOD

Photos via Facebook.

BEST OF 2021 – VOTE NOW! SFGN’s Food Editor Takes a Look at the 5 “Best Restaurant” Finalists Rick Karlin

I

t’s time for South Florida Gay News’ annual poll to find out our reader’s favorites in the community in a variety of categories. I just happened to stop by our handsome, charming, and witty editor (shamelessly brownnosing) Jason Parsley’s desk and spied a list of the finalists. Of course, my eyes zeroed in on the categories related to dining out.

Tulio’s Tacos and Tequila Bar

The newcomer to the group, debuting about a year ago, is a vibrant Mexican-style bar and restaurant located in the heart of Wilton Manors. Developed by Brian Parenteau, Doug Herbst, and Tulio Alas, it focuses on food, handcrafted cocktails, craft beers, ambiance, and service.

With ample outdoor seating and a comfortable dining room with lush banquettes, it is a place at which diners feel comfortable hanging out. Daily specials include Margarita Mondays, Taco Tuesdays, and the best secret of all, “Loco for Locals,” which offers $2 off tacos & $1 off drinks, Sunday to Thursday from 10 p.m. to closing.

As usual, the “Best of” category is studded with the most popular places in our community. One thing is certain, there’s no way you could identify a “typical” restaurant from this group, the styles and cuisines are as varied as can be. So are the price-points, from casual to fine-dining. Here are the finalists for “Best Restaurant.” I’m listing them in alphabetical order so you can’t claim I’m showing my bias.

Although I do have a favorite out of these, I’m not saying a word.

Bona Italian Restaurant & Pizza

Since it opened as a single-stall pizza joint in 1979, this place has turned into a landmark in our community.

With new ownership taking over a few years ago, there has been an increased commitment to being part of the community. This is shown by the restaurant’s Give Back Monday, with 10% of its sales going to local nonprofits, and in the reduction of the restaurant’s carbon footprint by eliminating most Styrofoam and plastic. They even use pasta for straws!

Spencer’s Corner Bar

The location has become a landmark in a relatively short time. Its expansive outdoor patio is a popular lunch and dinner destination, while the inside bar is equally filled with regulars who enjoy the “Happy Hour-All Day-Every Day!” motto. All rail drinks are $4, house wines $5 and beers go for $3-$3.50, depending on whether you want a draft or get all fancy with a bottle. The menu is equally budget-friendly, with most apps $10 or under, and sandwiches just a few bucks more. Entrees are the only thing that will set you back $20 or more.

Rosie’s Bar & Grill

A tropical oas is in the middle of an Island City, since 2006 Rosie’s has been offering food and drinks with a side of sass. Open for lunch, dinner, and Sunday Funday Brunch, or just drinks. With its casual fare and plentiful tropical outdoor seating, it is popular with the LGBTQ+++++ community. All those pluses include a lot of allies and longterm Wilton Manors residents.

Ethos Greek Bistro

It seems like the tables are never empty at Ethos. The authentic Greek and Mediterranean cuisine makes this a bargain. It’s cheaper than a trip to Greece and sitting in the dining area, where indoor and outdoor seating all are open to the environment, you’d be surprised to discover that you weren’t dining in a restaurant along the coast of Greece. Ethos is a Greek word meaning “character,” but it is really about the distinct spirit of a culture, which the titular restaurant has encapsulated perfectly. And it helps that the servers are all very good-looking.

Those are the nominees for South Florida Gay News’ “Best Restaurant.” Because the category is so dominated by Wilton Manors restaurants we created a category for those places outside the city limits which includes some of the usual suspects (J Mark’s, Tropical Acres, J Alexander’s, IL Mulino and Kaluz). In the category of “Best New Restaurant,” you’ll find places open almost a year, to those who’ve just opened their doors (Chef Nate’s, Union Kitchen & Bar, Hamburger Mary’s, Kraft, and making its second appearance, Tulio’s Tacos & Tequila Bar). Isn’t that like being nominated for two Academy Awards?

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor, but the views and opinions he expresses in his columns are solely his own and do not represent the official viewpoint of SFGN. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share?

Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.

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• 9. 23.2021

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

Happy Sukkot!

A custom of the holiday is to invite guests to visit your home.

You are invited! Shabbat services begin at 8pm!

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

Sign up on our website: www.EtzChaimFlorida.org

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!

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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

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

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A&E APPOINTMENTS

THE

ISLANDER

William Dorsey Swann, a freed slave and vaudeville performer who was first to self-identify as a “queen of drag,” will be celebrated during the 10th annual Celebrate Orgullo festival, Oct. 1 – 15 in Miami.

Credit: Facebook.

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Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida celebrates Orgullo, Miami’s Hispanic and Indigenous Pride Festival, Oct. 1 – 15. The 10th annual festival explores the “Art of Ilusión,” the history and current popularity of drag in popular culture, and will showcase many of the region’s world class performers during a busy schedule of events.

Celebrate Orgullo opens Friday, Oct. 1 with “Dragtivism: LGBTQ Town Hall.” LGBT and drag community leaders from Colombia, Cuba and the United States will hold virtual and in-person conversations on legal issues and civil rights.

On Wednesday, Oct. 6 at Hampton House in Miami, choreographer Randolph Ward will present an interpretive program based on the life of William Dorsey Swann, a former slave who was first to self-identify as a “queen of drag” in the 19th Century. The performance will be followed by a party featuring DJ Tony Duncan.

Tickets are $40 per person.

ArtDiva Bus Tours on Saturdays, Oct. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m. will celebrate the colorful costumes made popular by local drag performers and take aspiring divas on a behind-the-scenes tour of the Arsht Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are $30 per person.

The festival finale is “Night of a 1,000ish Stars,” Friday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. at Dezerland. The event will include music and performances by Cynthia, Richie Rosario and Patrick and the Swayzees, and concludes with a drive-in screening of “The Birdcage,” starring Nathan Lane and Robin Williams. Tickets are $40 per vehicle.

For tickets and more information, go to CelebrateOrgullo.com.

MIAMI BALLERINAS PREMIERE QUEER PAS DE DEUX IN WEST PALM Miami City Ballet (MCB) dancer and choreographer Alaina Andersen will premiere “Fire” at the Norton Museum’s Art After Dark program on Friday, Sept. 24.

“Fire” is a casual, sneaker ballet pas de deux featuring fellow MCB dancers Adrienne Carter and Nicole Stalker. Set to the music of Waxahatchee, “Fire” is a queer-oriented duet that portrays “a range of emotions involving womanhood and all the joys and sorrows that come with it,” according to program notes.

The dance performance celebrates a new exhibition, “For the Record: Celebrating Art by Women,” exploring the breadth of contributions by women to the visual arts through the lens of the museum’s collection. Representing a wide range of themes, the exhibit emphasizes today’s working artists, as well as innovators of modernism.

Some of the nearly 50 objects, including paintings, sculptures, works on paper, photography, and video, will be on view for the first time and span multiple generations of artists from early 20th century portraits to contemporary sculptures.

“Fire” by Alaina Andersen will be performed at 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. at the Norton Museum of Art, 1450 S. Dixie Hwy. in West Palm Beach. Tickets are $18 at Norton.org.

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Call our sales team at 954.530.4970 employment EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - New locations are open of Emerald Elite Home Health & LGBT Senior Care, who specialize in providing male caregivers. We are seeking Companions & Home Health Aides for our LGBT Senior clients in Broward, Palm Beach, & Miami. No experience necessary.

Compensation is $13-$15/hr. Please apply online at www.emeraldelitecare.com/apply EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - Catri, Holton, Kessler, & Kessler PA, an insurance defense law firm is seeking a paralegal to join their team. Please submit your cover letter and resume to kryan@ chkklaw.com.

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now hiring BEST PLACE TO WORK IN TOWN - CASTELLI REAL ESTATE is seeking a receptionist to work full time. Email: rwhitmore@castellihomes.com for more details if interested.

New Locations Opening of Emerald Elite Home Health Care & LGBT Senior Care, who specialize in providing male caregivers, is seeking Companions & Home Health Aides for our LGBT Senior clients in the Broward & Palm Beach areas. No experience necessary. Compensation is $12-$15/hr. Please apply online at www.emeraldelitecare.com/apply The Grand Resort and Spa has an opening for an overnight Guest Service Associate. Applicants must be available to work from Midnight – 8 AM. FT Hospitality experience is a plus. No phone calls or walk-ins, please. Please submit resume to: jobs@ thegrandresortandspa.com 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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Excellent CASH wage! Background check required.

Resume’ & References to: jefflepage1973@outlook. com OR PO Box 2213, Ft. L, FL 33303-2213

help wanted HELP WANTED - High volume restaurant looking for talented & highly motivated line cooks for ALL 3 SHIFTS. Must be able to flip eggs in a pan and have reliable transportation. Able to start training the day after being hired. Apply in person at Courtyard Cafe, 2211 Wilton Drive (NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE) or by email: bumbieee3@aol.com. Please have breakfast experience. Long term employment offered.

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rental wilton manors 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 is located in a quiet neighborhood setting within walking distance to Wilton Manors Drive. Included are two parking spots. Also included with rent are water/septic utilities, central AC, and trash/recycling services. The renter is only responsible for electricity.

Photos are available on Zillow/Redfin: 225 NW 23rd St, Wilton Manors, 33311. Flexible lease starts date as early as June 15th but no later than July 1st.

1st month/last month & security deposit required. If interested, please email: KennyWolf9@gmail.com

skin care HAIR REMOVAL - Professional male esthetician providing hair removal services for men and women.

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FEATURE PETS

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ROXY

Fun-loving Roxy (ID 644707) came to the Humane Society of Broward County as a stray, so we don’t know a lot about her.

What we do know is that she has a spirited personality, she loves to be with people and her tail never stops wagging. This 5-year-old, blonde beauty will do best in a home where she will get lots of exercise – so if you are a jogger, she could be your perfect exercise partner. Thanks to our friends at J.R. Dunn Jewelers, her adoption fee is sponsored… she just needs someone to give her a chance.

If you would like to meet a pet at the Humane Society of Broward County, please visit www.humanebroward.com to complete a pre-adoption application. Visit www.humanebroward.com to learn more or call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. Appointments are not necessary for the vaccine clinic which is open Monday — Friday 9 AM — 4:30 PM credit cards only. The banners rotate so click on the one that says COVID-19 update adoptions and essential services update and scroll down a little bit. There you will find an application for adoption and other pertinent information. Complete the application (even if you have adopted before) and submit it. Adoptions are being done by appointment only now. For more information call 954-989-3977 ext. 6.

FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED WHEN COMING TO THE SHELTER.

9. 23. 20 21 •

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