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• 10 .15.2020

NEWS NATIONAL

AMY CONEY BARRETT EVADES QUESTIONS ON LGBT ISSUES DURING CONFIRMATION HEARING Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

GBT issues were front and center in Day Two of the confirmation hearing for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett, with Democrats and even a few Republicans attempting to clarify how she might approach such issues on the high court.

And though Barrett betrayed little on Tuesday of what she might be expected to do on same-sex marriage or transgender access, she caught the attention of many when she referred to LGBT people as having a “sexual preference.” When U.S. Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) criticized her later in the hearing, noting that “sexual preference is an offensive and outdated term,” Barrett apologized. The term “sexual preference,” said Hirono, “is used by antiLGBTQ activists to suggest that sexual orientation is a choice. It is not. Sexual orientation is a key part of a person’s identity.” Barrett said she “certainly didn’t mean and would never mean to use a term that would cause any offense in the LGBTQ community.” Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) questioned Barrett’s association with the Alliance Defending Freedom, a national group that has mounted numerous lawsuits seeking to reverse legal protections for LGBT people, many of which have been appealed to the Supreme Court. Barrett accepted five invitations to speak before the organization. “Whether you believe being gay is right or wrong is irrelevant to me,” said Leahy, “but my concern is that you worked with an organization that is working to criminalize people for loving a person that they are in love with.” Barrett said her presentations concerned “regionalism” and she was speaking to a group of Christian law students. “I did not read all of the materials the students were given to read,” said Barrett. Leahy asked Barrett whether she feels samesex marriage should be a crime. Barrett replied that the Supreme Court’s decision in Obergefell “clearly says that there is a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.” Obergefell v. Hodges was the Supreme Court’s 2015 decision which struck down state bans on same-sex couples from marrying. “And you agree with that stare decisis?” asked Leahy. Stare decisis is a legal principle that says courts should decide disputes based on prior decisions. Barrett said it would be inappropriate for her to “give a thumbs up or thumbs down on a particular precedent.” The Obergefell decision came up time and time again during Tuesday’s hearing. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham (RSC) was the first to bring it up as he led off the first round of questions. After questioning Barrett about abortion and guns,

he asked her, “What’s the case that established same-sex marriage as the law of the land?” “Obergefell,” said Barrett. Graham asked Barrett what would happen if a state “tried to outlaw same-sex marriage” now. She said that, if a case challenged Obergefell, it would have to go through the lower courts first. “And the most likely result,” said Barrett, “would be that the lower courts, who are bound by Obergefell, would shut such a lawsuit down and it wouldn’t make its way up to the Supreme Court.” U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the committee’s ranking minority member, talked about a well-known activist couple in San Francisco —Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon — and noted that Lyon had been denied Social Security survivor benefits when Martin died in 2008 because of DOMA. Feinstein noted that Barrett has said that the legal philosophy espoused by then Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia (for whom Barrett clerked) “is your philosophy.” “Do you agree with Justice Scalia’s view that the U.S. Constitution does not afford gay people the fundamental right to marry?” asked Feinstein. Barrett reiterated a remark she made earlier, with Graham, that if she is confirmed, “you would be getting Justice Barrett, not Justice Scalia.” “So I don’t think that anybody should assume that just because Justice Scalia decided a decision a certain way, that I would, too,” said Barrett. Then she tried to side-step the question, saying that it would be inappropriate for her, as a nominee, to “embrace or disavow Justice Scalia’s position … on any point of law.” Feinstein, in uncharacteristic form, did not let Barrett off the hook. “Well, it’s a rather fundamental point for large numbers of people,” Feinstein said. “I understand you don’t want to answer these questions directly, but you identify yourself with a justice that [was] a consistent vote to roll back hard-fought freedoms and protections for the LGBT community. And what I was hoping you would say is that this would be a point of difference where those freedoms would be respected, and you haven’t said that.” “I have no agenda, and I do want to be clear that I have never discriminated on the basis of sexual preference and would not ever discriminate on the basis of sexual preference,” Barrett said. Even Senator John Cornyn (R-Tex.) brought up LGBT

THE OBERGEFELL DECISION CAME UP TIME AND TIME AGAIN DURING TUESDAY’S HEARING.

Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett. Photo credit: Rachel Malehorn.

issues, noting that President Donald Trump’s first Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, had been attacked during his confirmation hearing for his “unwillingness to make a prior commitment on LGBT issues.” “He wrote the Bostock case extending Title VII of the Civil Rights to gay or transgender individuals,” Cornyn said. “Obviously, those predictions were wrong.” Cornyn then brought up Obergefell, noting that it allowed same-sex marriage but then adding that “part of that struck down the Defense of Marriage Act, correct?” Barrett replied, “Yes, I believe so.” (It didn’t. The Defense of Marriage Act was struck down in 2013 with U.S. v. Windsor.) “That was a bill that Joe Biden voted for?” asked Cornyn. “I don’t know,” said Barrett. “I do,” said Cornyn. “Joe Biden voted for it.” Cornyn was not the only senator trying to score a political point for the Republican side. Nearly every senator did, including the Democrats. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RIs.) spent all of his 30-minute time allotment to lay out evidence of “an orchestrated campaign by conservative Republican groups to influence the selection of justices with the stated objective and plan” to seek reversal of Obergefell, Roe v. Wade, and the Affordable Care Act. Throughout the day, Barrett dodged questions seeking to determine her willingness to overturn Roe v. Wade or the ACA. She also said she can set aside her Catholic beliefs in deciding cases. And when it came to questions about whether she would recuse herself from any upcoming case that might decide a conflict in the presidential election, Barrett had a well-prepared answer. She said she would “fully and faithfully” apply laws relating to recusal and will “apply the factors that other justices have before me in determining whether the circumstances require my recusal or not.” “But I can’t offer a legal conclusion right now,” said Barrett, “about the outcome of the decision I would reach.” 10 .15. 20 20 •

NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

NFL ENCOURAGES PLAYERS TO COME OUT IN NEW PSA FOR NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY

NFL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Correspondents

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

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Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily

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Ryan O’Callaghan. Screenshot via NFL, YouTube.

wrote an op-ed on the league’s website as part of its “It Takes All of Us” campaign, expressing his support for LGBT players considering coming out. “There has never been a single active player that has come out,” Vincent writes, reflecting on his own experience as an NFL player. “While I’m sure I’ve played with LGBTQ+ players — highly skilled, athletic and effective at their jobs — they did not come out. But they were my teammates and part of the larger NFL family.” Vincent also cites surveys from GLAAD and the Trevor Project, saying up to 12% of respondents identified as LGBT. He points out that there are 1,696 current players in the NFL. “Anyone in the player community who may be considering coming out, know this,” Vincent writes. “Just as I have done

with family members and close friends, I am committed to serving as a conduit to help you through that journey — either myself, in collaboration with my teammates at the league office, or through the many organizations with whom we partner on LGBTQ+ issues.” The NFL launched a website featuring additional projects with GLAAD, the Trevor Project and other LGBT content scheduled for the remainder of October, which is also LGBT History Month. The league also plans to have NFL Network talent wear purple for Spirit Day, Oct. 15. “We have no way of knowing if an active NFL player would choose to come out, or what they might experience,” Vincent writes at the end of his op-ed. “What I do know is that I am committed to celebrate, support, and welcome them.”

COVER: Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Photo via Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, Facebook.

Associated Press

• 10 .15.2020

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Editorial

- Troy Vincent

Publisher • Norm Kent

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“WHILE I’M SURE I’VE PLAYED WITH LGBTQ+ PLAYERS — HIGHLY SKILLED, ATHLETIC AND EFFECTIVE AT THEIR JOBS — THEY DID NOT COME OUT.”

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Giulia Heyward and Kelly McCleary t’s a first for the NFL. The football league celebrated National Coming Out Day with a video featuring openly gay and bisexual former players such as Ryan O’Callaghan, Jeff Rohrer, R.K. Russell and Wade Davis, encouraging current LGBT players to come out. The NFL released the 30-second long “National Coming Out Day PSA” on YouTube Saturday. It’s scheduled to air during earlygame Fox broadcasts Sunday, which is National Coming Out Day, according to Outsports.com. As of Saturday afternoon, the video has roughly 13,500 views. The PSA begins with O’Callaghan, Rohrer, Russell and Davis collectively saying: “To all current players who are thinking of coming out, when you are ready, so are we.” Then current NFL players, including Rob Gronkowski, DeAndre Hopkins, and Calais Campbell, express their support, saying, “It takes all of us, and you deserve to be all you.” Fourteen former NFL players have said they are gay or bisexual, according to Outsports.com. NFL Executive Vice President Troy Vincent

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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 of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2020 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

10 .15. 20 20 â&#x20AC;¢

NEWS STATE

IS FLORIDA SENATE CANDIDATE GASLIGHTING VOTERS ON

GAY ADOPTIONS? John McDonald

candidate for the Florida Senate is making a confusing claim for gay and lesbian adoption rights while enlisting agents associated with the hate group Proud Boys.

That candidate is Jason Brodeur, a former of Volusia County. His opponent, Democrat state representative, who Equality Florida Patricia Sigman, 53, a labor and employment Action Pac calls an “anti-LGBT extremist.” attorney, is endorsed by Equality Florida. The state’s largest LGBT political action As of the most recent campaign finance committee is zeroing in on Brodeur’s 2015 filings, Brodeur had raised $860,655.31 sponsorship of a bill that, if approved, would compared to $395,395.63 for Sigman. have allowed adoption agencies funded Brodeur’s association with alt-right blogger by Florida to discriminate against gay and Jacob Engels is also drawing heat. It has been lesbian couples. reported Brodeur has funneled $37,000 to Surprisingly, in ads, Brodeur says he Engels, who is gay and has participated in “fought to let same-sex couples adopt and multiple events with the Proud Boys. Engels give more kids the chance to find a forever has been banned from Facebook and Twitter. home.” “The people of District “Now he’s LYING,” tweeted 9 deserve to know what “JASON BRODEUR ‘campaign strategy’ Jason Florida Representative Carlos G. Smith, adding, “this is why Brodeur was trying to execute IS ACTIVELY people despise politicians.” FUNDING SOMEONE when he paid a member of the Brodeur told the Orlando Boys $37,000,” stated IN A RACIST HATE Proud Sentinel EqFL is distorting his Anders Croy, communications GROUP THAT record to “fit their narrative,” director for Florida Senate noting he sponsored a bill that Democrats, in a news release. IS CARRYING removed a statewide ban on gay “It is shameful that Jason OUT VIOLENCE adoptions. Brodeur would line the pockets ON BEHALF OF Joe Saunders, EqFL senior of a white nationalist, but it’s DONALD TRUMP political director, disagrees and not surprising considering he is announced the PAC would be such a big supporter of Donald NATIONWIDE.” investing $125,000 to defeat Trump. While Patricia Sigman - Anders Croy Brodeur. is running to bring people COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR FOR FLORIDA “This is a historic investment together to create positive SENATE DEMOCRATS in accountability,” said change in their communities, Saunders, who served in the Jason Brodeur is actively House with Brodeur. “He’s running in a funding someone in a racist hate group that district that’s Democratic-leaning, and what is carrying out violence on behalf of Donald he wants people to believe is that he’s a Trump nationwide.” middle-of-the-road kind of guy. But the truth After this story was published Engels is that he’s one of the most extreme members contacted SFGN asking for an opportunity to of the Florida Legislature and one of the respond. most anti-gay.” “Over the past few years, I have Brodeur, 45, a Republican businessman investigated the Proud Boys to determine is campaigning for the open District 9 seat, if the allegations made against the group which consists of Seminole County and parts were true. After embedding with the group,

• 10 .15.2020

Florida Senate Candidate Jason Brodeur. Photo via Facebook.

it has become clear that they are a multiracial organization and LGBT accepting group, which is led by Enrique Tarrio, the Afro-Cuban son of Cuban exiles. Unlike Antifa, Proud Boys aren’t burning down cities like Portland or Kenosha. For Anders Croy, who has refused to condemn Antifa’s domestic terrorist activities across America, to lecture a multi-racial group as white supremacists is despicable,” Engels wrote. “Does Mr. Croy think he determines whether or not Enrique Tarrio is a man of color like Democrat presidential nominee Joe Biden thinks that “you aint black,” if you are an African-American considering casting your vote for Trump? As for Ms. Sigman, she has failed to denounce domestic terrorist activity from antifa and instead decides to attack this gay journalist and an Afro-Cuban led organization because her campaign is

crumbling quicker than Joe Biden’s.” The Southern Poverty Law Center describes the Proud Boys as a hate group. “Their disavowals of bigotry are belied by their actions: rank-and-file Proud Boys and leaders regularly spout white nationalist memes and maintain affiliations with known extremists. They are known for anti-Muslim and misogynistic rhetoric. Proud Boys have appeared alongside other hate groups at extremist gatherings like the ‘Unite the Right’ rally in Charlottesville,” the SPLC website reads. Unlike the Florida House of Representatives, the Florida Senate is more competitive in terms of party representation. Republicans hold a 23-17 advantage. The District 9 seat became open due to David Simmons, the senate president pro tempore, being term-limited.

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10 .15. 20 20 â&#x20AC;¢

NEWS LOCAL

SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

WEEK

From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a special look at a community that is slowly waking up after a long and devastating summer.

“Happy Anniversary to my sweet June! 6 years legal, 26 together, and there’s no one on earth with whom I’d rather be on this journey! Love you MOST!” — Denise Spivak, “feeling blessed” with June Cashwell. Photo via Facebook.

SFGN expresses its sorrow upon the passing of Jon Price Carson, 71, pictured here with his sister, Julie Carson, Wilton Manors City Commissioner. Jon leaves behind his husband of 25 years Douglas McCafferty, and sons Jak, James and Asher, and Italian Greyhounds Junior, Blue and Bella; his mother Louise Carson of Wilton Manors, FL; and to the rest of his family, may his memory be a blessing for all of you... Photo via Facebook.

SFGN Salesperson Edwin Neimann enjoying a hearty burger at the PUB while pushing sales for the paper. Monday is $6 Burger Night at The Pub. Photo via Facebook.

Marty Kiar, Property Appraiser of Broward County, reveals his true colors. Photo via Facebook.

• 10 .15.2020

10 .15. 20 20 â&#x20AC;¢

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BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.  Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.  Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side effects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

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ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  dofetilide  rifampin  any other medicines to treat HIV-1

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.  Have any other health problems.  Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.  Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.  BIKTARVY and other medicines may affect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.

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GET MORE INFORMATION  This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.  Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5  If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.

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104/13/20 .15. 204:57 20 PM•

NEWS NATIONAL

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HRC RATES ELECTED OFFICIALS ON ISSUES OF EQUALITY John McDonald

www.LehrmanLaw.com

emocrats passed with flying colors, while Republicans lagged behind. The Human Rights Campaign released the results of its scorecard of the 116th United States Congress on Thursday. The ratings can be viewed on their website. Released 26 days before the general election, the scorecard revealed a deeply partisan divide on issues impacting the LGBT community and society’s most marginalized. HRC scored senators on 15 issues ranging from judicial nominations to support for proposed legislation. Most Republican senators received 0 scores, including Florida Sens. Marco Rubio and Rick Scott. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski was the highest scoring Republican with a score of 54. In the House, representatives were scored on 15 acts. All of Florida’s 13 Democratic representatives received a perfect score of 100. Congressman Mario Díaz-Balart (FL-25) was the state’s highest scoring Republican with a score of 40. Not all Democrats received perfect scores. For example, Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard received an 84 for failing to support the

Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2019, Every Child Deserves A Family Act and the International Human Rights Defense Act of 2019. Most Republicans received 0 scores with a few exceptions such as New Jersey Rep. Jeff Van Drew (97), Pennsylvania Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (71), Texas Rep. Will Hurd (58) and New York Rep. John Katko (52). “The interwoven nature of LGBTQ equality with the progress of all communities demands leadership committed to advancing justice for all,” said HRC President Alphonso David, in a press release. “From working to increase public safety with the passage of long overdue gun background checks legislation, restoring the Voting Rights Act to ensure access at the ballot box, and guaranteeing Dreamers can stay in the only country they have ever known, pro-equality leaders in the House advanced crucial legislation for marginalized communities across the nation. And thanks to this pro-equality majority in the U.S. House, our elected champions were able to block legislation seeking to undermine our progress.”

THE SCORECARD REVEALED A DEEPLY PARTISAN DIVIDE ON ISSUES IMPACTING THE LGBT COMMUNITY AND SOCIETY’S MOST MARGINALIZED.

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• 10 .15.2020

NEWS STATE

WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA Sean McShee

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA Cumulative Known COVID-19COUNTIES: Cases in Three South FloridaOCTOBER Counties:13 OCTOBER 7 THROUGH October 7 through October 13

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 10/7 to 10/13 Palm Beach 1.7%, Broward 1.6%, and Miami Dade 1.5%

78,374

10/7

78,795

47,648

10/8

79,332

10/9

10/10

Palm Beach

79,611

79,434

48,004

47,955

47,648

175,837

175,397

175,118

174,112

78,795

78,614

47,525

47,384

174,112

173,721

173,280

10/11

48,176

10/12

Broward

10/13

Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA COUNTIES: Cumulative Known COVID-19Cases Deaths Cumulative Known COVID-19 in in ThreeSouth Florida Counties: OCTOBER 7South THROUGH OCTOBER 13 Three Florida Counties: October7 7through throughOctober October1313 October

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 deaths from 10/7 to 10/13 Percent Increase cumulative COVID-19 cases from 10/7 to 10/13 Palm Beach 3.8%,inBroward 2.8%, and Miami Dade 2.9% Palm Beach 1.7%, Broward 1.6%, and Miami Dade 1.5%

78,374

174,112

173,721

173,280

78,614

78,795

79,332

1,440 1,408

1,443 1,416

1,455 1,425

1,467 1,446

47,384

47,525

47,648

47,955

10/7 10/7

10/8 10/8

10/9 10/9

Palm Beach Palm Beach

10/10 10/10

Broward Broward

10/11 10/11

3,465

3,445

3,439

3,409

175,837

175,397

175,118

174,112

3,409

3,387

3,368

79,434

1,469 1,449 48,004

10/12 10/12

79,611

1,461 1,481 48,176

10/13 10/13

Miami Dade Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard. 10 .15. 20 20 â&#x20AC;¢

NEWS NATIONAL

Monica Roberts. Photo via Twitter.

MONICA ROBERTS, PIONEERING BLACK TRANS JOURNALIST, DIES AT 58 John McDonald

You can’t tell someone you LOVE THEM and then vote for someone who will HURT THEM Courtesy of Norm Kent, Publisher

• 10 .15.2020

he was an unapologetic Black trans title a reference to West African storytelling. woman who educated countless She used the platform to shine light on trans through her activism. lives lost to violence. Monica Roberts died of natural causes on “Frankly, I got tired of Black trans women Oct. 6 in Houston, according to OutSmart being disrespected by the media,” Roberts Magazine. told CNN in 2019. She was 58. Aryah Lester, deputy director “AS OUR In a statement, NLGJA: for the Transgender Strategy the Association of LGBTQ called Roberts a legend ANCESTORS GUIDE Center, Journalists called Roberts a and icon. YOUR WAY, WE tireless voice for the trans “She was a testament of living community. history, survival and resilience,” WILL REMEMBER, “She opened so many eyes — Lester posted on Facebook. “As UPHOLD AND including my own — not just to our ancestors guide your way, the harsh realities faced by so we will remember, uphold and CHERISH YOUR many in the Black and brown your legacy my dear LEGACY MY DEAR cherish trans community, but also to sister.” the richness of their beautiful Roberts’ work was recognized SISTER.” and courageous lives,” said by GLAAD in 2016 and upon - Aryah Lester former NLGJA Vice President receiving her award she spoke DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR THE TRANSGENDER STRATEGY Ina Fried. “Monica also pushed of the power writing can have CENTER the media, LGBTQ media and on shaping events. mainstream journalists alike, “It’s even more potent when encouraging all of us to do better.” you walk the walk and back up your words Roberts authored the TransGriot blog, its with deeds,” she said.

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HISTORY MONTH THE U.S. NAVAL ACADEMY EVOLVES WITH LGBT ACCEPTANCE

Keep your eyes on

South Florida Gay News

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By Jeremy Rodriguez Before graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1985, Paula Neira had difficulties accepting she was trans.

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“I was fighting this internal battle, but asking for help would’ve gotten me kicked out,” Neira said. Steve Clark Hall, a gay graduate from the class of 1975, said he knew gay classmates who were kicked out of the Academy and could not return home to the families who disowned them. “If you were gay [back then], it was the worst, most despicable, disgusting thing,” Hall said of society’s views at the time.

READ MORE AT SFGN.COM/HISTORYMONTH2020

Join SFGN during October for LGBT History Month and see where it all began for our community... It’s our past, you deserve to know about it.

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LGBT HISTORY

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SFGN TO PARTICIPATE IN MULTINEWSPAPER October marks LGBT History Month, which started in 1994 by a Missouri high school teacher, Rodney Wilson. Wilson sought out other teachers and community leaders for his effort and they chose October because school was in session and it coincided with National Coming Out Day on October 11. Soon enough LGBT History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay ad Lesbian Task Force, and the National Education Association. In 2006 Equality Forum took over the responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for the month, including the website LGBThistorymonth.com which features a different LGBT icon each day in October. SFGN will be participating, along with two dozen other LGBT publications around the country, in a special history project

HISTORY PROJEC T

spearheaded by the Philadelphia Gay News throughout October. SFGN will contribute two pieces this year to the project – one of which will be a look at the gay history of Miami’s Vizcaya, home of the legendary White Party. In the past we’ve explored the histories of Florida’s infamous Johns Committee and whether Addison Mizner, an iconic South Florida architect, was a gay man. “For many years the LGBT community didn’t know it’s own history. In many cases historians tried to censor those voices from the past,” Mark Segal, publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News, has previously said. “We’ve attempted to examine and record our history so we as a people are no longer invisible from current events to history books. All segments of the population have a past, our’s has been invisible for too long.”

SFGN.COM/HISTORYMONTH2020

WMG Volume 7 • Issue 20 October 15, 2020

Wilton Manors Gazette FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE

COMMUNITY

Trump Supporters Show Up at Holy Mackerel

Despite Canceled Event By Christiana Lilly

Even though their reservation was canceled at Holy Mackerel, a group of Trump supporters still arrived at the brewery ready for the show to go on. The Hawaiian-themed event, hosted by the Trump Victory Leadership Initiative, was canceled by the venue after an uproar from the community. Staff claims they didn’t know it was a political event, which they would not have allowed to be hosted at their venue. Still, a white van owned by Tama’s Polynesian Show with two Trump/ Pence signs on the back window was parked in front of the brewery at the time of the reservation. “I guess these guys are seeing everything that we’re seeing on social media and they probably said to themselves, ‘Well, we’re going anyways,’” Ehab Atallah, the director of operations for Holy Mackerel, said. He said a small group from the party showed up but was turned away by the general manager on site, who reminded them that their reservation had been canceled. They said they knew that, but they want to come have a drink and eat anyway. When that request was denied, they asked if they could have a drink or even a bottle of water.

Across the street, a few Biden protesters waved flags and signs to coincide with the canceled event. The city requested Wilton Manors Police officers to keep tabs on the area, according to Atallah — officers escorted the Trump event attendees from the brewery. No one was agitated or got aggressive. “The other side is seeing … this happening and the first thing they’re saying is ‘See, you guys lied,’” Atallah said. The Trump Victory Leadership Initiative had planned to host a Champion Patriot Challenge at the brewery, where they invited the public to “connect with great people and likemind conservatives.” The event organizer did not respond to an email or call from South Florida Gay News. A second event was planned for Oct. 13, hosted by Team Trump Broward. The private event was the group’s Fourth Annual BBQ & Brew, where they were hosting local candidates and organizers encouraged attendees to “proudly wear your TRUMP and Republican candidate gear!” Word spread through social media, with some feeling that the events were not appropriate in LGBT-friendly

THE BREWERY, WHICH OPENED AT THE END OF JANUARY, WAS BOMBARDED ON SOCIAL MEDIA CRITICIZING THEM FOR HOSTING THE EVENTS.

Trump supporters at the Holy Mackerel Brewery. Photo by Carina Mask.

Wilton Manors, while others said it was their right to host events wherever they wanted. Others criticized Holy Mackerel for agreeing to let the events take place at their establishment. The brewery, which opened at the end of January, was bombarded on social media criticizing them for hosting the events. After shutting down their pages, Atallah wrote a post explaining the situation and providing his personal cell phone number. He told SFGN Wednesday that staff was not aware that the two reservations made were for political events with outside food

being brought in. That would not have been allowed if they knew, he said. “Here we are caught in the middle of this for no reason,” he said. “I want it to end. Enough is enough.” On Wednesday Atallah also told SFGN their business was not political. “We would not push our political views towards the business in any way,” he said. “It wouldn’t do the staff any justice.” Some people in the community though pointed out there was a sign in their window supporting one of the Wilton Manors mayoral candidates. WMG

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10 .15. 20 20 •

OPINION

HOLY MAC! We should always protest the haters; but let’s not shut down local businesses just trying to survive By Sal Torre

Recent events involving two local businesses, Trump supporters, and harsh backlash spread across social media left me pondering, “How did we get to such a point of incivility?” Seriously, in 2020, having come so far as a community, how is such behavior allowed to demean our lives? Who could have imagined anyone publicly attempting to book a Hawaiian Shirt-Themed Birthday Party in this day and age? It was bad enough back in the ‘70s , but my dear, it’s 2020. Such craziness has just left me clutching my pearls in disgust. What will be the theme for next week’s gathering, “Al Jolson’s Blackface Swing Night?” Not sure how much longer a civilized person can put up with such continued vulgarity. After dusting off an old edition of Good Housekeeping’s “Theme Ideas to Make Your Parties Great Again,” circa 1978, my attention went to Rule #1 on hosting a successful Hawaiian-themed party. Rule #1 states that “nothing says ‘Aloha’ more than a bunch of festive people in colorful Hawaiian shirts.” Oh my, putting Andrew Brett and his bunch in loud floral printed shirts does not make for a bunch of festive people or a festive occasion — just makes for a very misguided evening of delusion and poor taste. Thankfully, the van full of Polynesian merrymakers toting Trump campaign signs were turned away as Holy Mackerel’s owners decided to pull the plug on the evening’s horrific affair. On a more serious note, this event that unfolded in front of a local business struggling to get by, shows just how divided and polarized we have become as a community and as a nation. Years ago, while operating a restaurant in upstate New York, we reserved our small dining room for the local Republican Committee every other Tuesday evening and the local Democratic Club every other Wednesday. We served coffee, desserts,

 Holy Mackerel. Photo via Holy Mackerel, Facebook.

WMG October 15, 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 20 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

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

Editorial

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

Correspondents

Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

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cocktails and sold a few dinners to those who came in early before the meeting. All this was steady income during quiet off-season weeknights in a sleepy mountain town. Today, during these very trying economic times caused by the havoc of a pandemic, restaurants should be quick to take reservations for a sizable party. I needed to question how we became so harsh as to want to shut down a local business in retribution for dealing with local Trump supporters. Having thought about it for a few days, I started to realize that for years we have watched these hateful people seize every opportunity to deny LGBT people and so many others the hard-fought victories won over the years. These hatemongers supported a Colorado baker all the way to the Supreme Court; supported the Kentucky Town Clerk who looked to pick and choose which laws her office would follow; claimed religious protection and exemption laws, all in an attempt to deny my rights to live, work, and marry as I choose. Over the years, it was the Republican and Conservative party operatives who became more and more unwilling to live and let live and to respect other people’s way of life. They make no qualms about it. They loudly and forcefully announce their hatred of the homosexual

WE CANNOT GIVE IN TO THE HATRED, THE LIES, THE ATTACKS, OR WE BECOME JUST AS THEY ARE — WRONG, UNJUST, AND ANGRY.

lifestyle, a women’s right to choose, Muslim hordes looking to take over their Christian country, immigrants who want a free ride, Black protestors looking to loot and riot. This is how we have come so far, so polarized, so harsh. We on the other side of this hatred are at a crossroads. We feel threatened; we feel bullied; and we feel a need to fight back against insanity from the highest levels of our nation. However, we cannot go down the same road as our right-wing brethren. We cannot give in to the hatred, the lies, the attacks, or we become just as they are — wrong, unjust, and angry. We must hold the front line with faith in our fellow human beings, with the belief that people will choose right over wrong, and that all of us are created equal. Not much to ask for from practicing Christians on the right. Not sure what Bible they are reading these days, but they might need to take another look at leaving judgement to the Holy One. As a community, we have the right to protest the actions of individuals and groups who look to destroy our quality of life. We shouldn’t look to punish a small business owner in our community struggling to get by in these hard times. We shouldn’t look to deny others their rights just as they would like to do to us. We should meet them at every corner and expose their hatred and prejudice, expose their lies, and expose their falsehoods. Only by holding the higher ground, by stating truth and facts, and by embracing everyone’s differences can we continue to make life just better here. WMG

The opinions expressed in this column represent solely the viewpoints of its author, and not necessarily the editorial position of South Florida Gay News.

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

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The City of Wilton Manors is now offering a Child Care program at the Island City Park Preserve. Space is extremely limited. For info, call (954) 390-2130 or (954) 390-2115. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

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• 10 .15.2020

2 •

October 15, 2020

POLITICS

‘Everybody’s Life Matters’ Says Wilton Manors Mayoral Candidate in Trans-Focused Forum By Carina Mask The three candidates running for mayor of Wilton Manors participated in a forum focused on the trans community Tuesday. The event was hosted and moderated by Transinclusive Group and Arianna’s Center, two local nonprofits serving the trans community. Arianna Lint, the CEO of Arianna’s Center, was encouraged at the community’s engagement and openness of the mayoral candidates. “It’s always a positive thing when our leaders are open to being educated by communities they serve,” she said. “It is, however, important to remember that, as our potential representative, it is also on them to educate themselves about the issues that affect their constituents.”

Meet the Candidates There are three candidates running to be the next Mayor of Wilton Manors in the general election Nov. 3. Josie Smith-Malave is a new face to politics in Wilton Manors. Smith-Malave is the owner of Bubbles & Pearls on Wilton Drive, and an award-winning chef. She is an Italian-Puerto Rican-Filipino who works to empower and mentor others. Julie Carson is a current city commissioner. She served as vice mayor for the City of Wilton Manors from 2012-2014. She’s been committed to animal welfare and a champion for the rights of the elderly, transgender and disabled people. Scott Newton grew up in Wilton Manors and has lived here for close to 60 years. He is a former mayor of Wilton Manors from 2004 to 2008 and previously served on the commission for 12 years. He currently sits on more than a dozen different boards.

Education, Communication and Policy Change The first half of the town hall was a 40-minute Q&A. Each candidate was allotted two minutes per question. “During my tenure as commissioner, I have continuously, consistently and collaboratively created space for the transgender and nongender conforming communities,” Carson said. “[I’ve brought] Black, Brown and White [people] to the table to discuss legislative action and policy in Wilton Manors.” It was noted more transwomen of color have been killed in 2020 already than in all of

From left: Julie Carson (FB), Josie Smith-Malave, and Scott Newton (courtesy photo). Photos courtesy of their respective candidates.

2019 in the U.S. “I will ensure our city will stand against racism, prejudice, and particularly bigotry against the transgender community which is a societal carcinogen,” Carson said. Newton spoke about leadership and how he would personally be the boots on the ground to help promote education and communication throughout the city. “But we should already have laws in the books for transgender [people], that they don’t have – you know when they get beaten up or murdered,” Newton said. “And we do have those [laws]. It’s just not inclusive enough and that’s the problem with society. Everybody’s got to get their name in there, and it shouldn’t be that way. Everybody’s life matters.” During Newton’s tenure on the commission, he supported domestic partnership benefits, as well as making a significant push to require companies to have contracts in the city to assure equal treatment of LGBT employees.

Solutions; Advisory boards and Community Outreach All three of the candidates spoke about how vulnerable the trans community is and how there is a dire need for support and services.

Transgender and gender-nonconforming people face housing instability and homelessness at alarming rates. It was noted that over half of the trans community makes less than $15,000 per year. “I will continue to do what I can for the [transgender] community but I don’t know what specifically, exactly you need, unless you tell me,” Newton said. “Even though I’ve been reading for the last week or two about the needs of the trans community. Like healthcare is a big thing, like homeless[ness]. There are other things that are going on, we need to make sure we are all viable people in this community.” Malave-Smith suggested creating a transfocused advisory board and task force.

The Takeaways “Dynamic exchanges ensued on topics ranging from healthcare accessibility, business incentives, housing opportunity, violence, diversity, racism, and bigotry,” Carson added. “The thoughtful questioning by moderators provoked meaningful dialogue that focused on how to best create space and place at the table, and increase success, community involvement, employment, and political clout of those who are transgender or gender non-conforming.”

Lint expressed it’s encouraging to hear that the candidates are eager for change but wants to drive home the importance of action. “With nationwide racial reckoning we are experiencing, it was encouraging to hear from the candidates that they are committed to addressing racial disparities in Wilton Manors,” she said. “It’s exciting to hear the candidates speak about their willingness to center and empower trans leadership and entrepreneurship.” Lint is hopeful the conversation sparked new discussions which will lead to change. Smith-Malave loves her city but notes the racial disparities. “I recognized a disconnect between our city’s reputation as an inclusive [community] and the [lack of] representation of diversity sitting at the table,” Smith-Malave said. “I’m not only running for office to move our city forward in regards to economic growth and development, but to move our city forward as a truly united and inclusive city. It is time to have the minority’s voice at the table, and it is time to celebrate our differences and strengthen our citywide pride beyond the rainbow flag.” Arianna’s Center and Transinclusive Group are planning a virtual town hall when the new mayor is elected. WMG

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October 15, 2020

10 .15. 20 20 •

NEWS MIAMI-DADE

A CENTURY OF GAY RUMORS SURROUND MIAMI’S

ICONIC VIZCAYA ESTATE Christiana Lilly

n opulent manse in Miami, James Deering’s Vizcaya has played host to many a wedding, elaborate engagement shoot, and field trips of schoolchildren learning about Miami’s past. But it also holds a prominent role in local LGBT society, as the setting for the White Party from 1985 to 2010, then again in 2018. But does its gay history go back further? In short, the answer is “perhaps,” but Julio Capó, an associate professor of history at FIU and the author of “Welcome to Fairyland,” has been the foremost expert on our region’s LGBT history. “I was really interested in learning more about how differently LGBTQ history would look like if we hadn’t censored the voices of mostly Black and brown people who had otherwise often been left out of the general narrative of LGBTQ history,” he said. His research took him to Vizcaya when he was studying the Black Bahamian laborers who built the estate. Deering, an agricultural tycoon, began work on the sprawling property Paul Chalfin, Vizcaya’s Artistic Director. Photo courtesy of the Vizcaya Museum and Garden.s in 1912. He moved in four years later, but even at his death in 1925, the home was not complete. According to Capó’s writings in “LGBTQ America” for the National Park Service, as Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark, people have long wondered about Deering’s “Some people commented about his sexual behaviors and open secret,” he said. “It was kind of understood many ways, sexuality and if his luxurious home was party central for gay preferences during his lifetime and after, and some things and in other ways, celebrated or tolerated in some circles.” men. are just unanswerable,” he said. “A lot of people just didn’t For decades, the queerness of Vizcaya simply lived in the “Vizcaya has been the site of a lot of interest fit the mold, of the expectations of masculinity, rumors and memories of those who believed Deering to be a in terms of LGBTQ history,” Capó said. “But a especially for white masculinity for this period, forever bachelor because he was gay. lot of it is unsubstantiated. There’s been all and words like ‘eccentric’ and ‘bachelor,’ these are Then, in 1985, the home returned to the LGBT spotlight these kinds of rumors of James Deering and often coded words.” when it served as the location for the inaugural White his potential sexual appetite.” However, there is evidence that those in Party, the signature fundraiser for HIV/AIDS healthcare The historian pored through records Deering’s circle were gay, including Paul Chalfin, organization Care Resource, then known as the Health Crisis and memorabilia from Vizcaya, but he was who served as the interior decorater and an Network. It was hosted there until 2010, and then again in not able to find any concrete evidence that architect for the home. According to Capó, he 2018. Deering was actually gay. However, there were lived openly with his partner, Louis Koons, into “People suddenly kind of reimagined or created new insinuations that seem to keep the rumors the early 1920s — far from the norm at that time. memories of Vizcaya with very little evidence for it,” Capó going. He was referred to as a “bachelor,” and In fact, the late Florida journalist, naturalist and said, a sort of mirage of raucous Saturnalia parties at the Capó also found a 1961 newspaper story that feminist, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, wrote about level of Jay Gatsby with throngs of gay men in attendance. went as far as to describe him as a “prissy seeing the two attending a party as a couple. Capó does remind us that being gay in the early 20th bachelor who preferred bourbon to women.” Capó notes an important fact about Chalfin and century would not have been the same as it is today. - Julio Capó It also states that he “staged wild parties” at others in Deering’s circle: being white and wealthy, Queer culture in Miami was limited and “very few people ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR the home. they had the privilege to live more openly than understood themselves primarily through their sexual OF HISTORY AT FIU In his research, Capó has since reframed perhaps the Black Bahamian men who built the identity in the way that we think of today.” the question from, “Is James Deering gay?” to mansion on their backs. “Who knows if James Deering did have same-sex loving “Why are we asking this question in the first “He was such an important part of Vizcaya’s image and affinities, and again I could find no clear evidence of it at all, place?” as far as the record shows, lived fairly openly. Almost as an nor was I looking for it.”

TO READ MORE LGBT HISTORY MONTH FEATURES, VISIT SFGN.COM/HISTORYMONTH2020

“THERE’S BEEN ALL THESE KINDS OF RUMORS OF JAMES DEERING AND HIS POTENTIAL SEXUAL APPETITE.”

• 10 .15.2020

NEWS MIAMI-DADE

DEMON-BUSTING PREACHER INSERTS HERSELF INTO MIAMI-DADE MAYORAL CAMPAIGN John McDonald

Former Florida Rep. Kim Daniels. Credit: Kim Daniels.

he appearance of a radical ex-Florida Representative has created a dust up in the race for Miami-Dade Mayor. On Wednesday, Equality Florida condemned the Esteban “Steve” Bovo campaign for its association with former Florida Rep. Kim Daniels. Daniels, a Jacksonville area Black Christian preacher, has a history of inflammatory statements and behaviors, said Stratton Pollitzer, EqFL’s deputy director. “As a voter in Miami I find it shocking that any candidate would invite a self-described demon-buster who Jacksonville voters just tossed out of office to be the voice of his campaign,” said Pollitzer, a North Miami resident. “This is a woman who said Black people should be grateful for slavery and that she wouldn’t vote for Barack Obama for a billion dollars. She is out of touch with reality and with the voters of our community. Shame on Bovo.” On Oct. 5, Daniels surfaced in Miami-Dade County to lead a press conference in support

of Bovo, District 13 commissioner. “It is no secret that foundational Christian values are constantly under attack in America,” Daniels said, going on to declare Bovo has a “tracking record of supporting issues important to believers.” Daniels was defeated in her re-election bid to the Florida House in District 14, losing in the Democratic primary to Angie Nixon. Bovo’s opponent, Daniella Levine Cava, has been endorsed by Equality Florida, SAVE and the Florida LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus. Levine Cava is the sitting Commissioner in District 8.

Now is the time to raise the wage in Florida. We only have one chance to do it on November 3, when we vote YES on Amendment 2.

Donate to help spread the word at www.bit.ly/3jiV6LQ

10 .15. 20 20 •

CONVICTIONS

Guest Column

BROADWAY’S SHUTDOWN HAS NATIONAL IMPACT Theater Community is Everyone’s Workplace

Jennifer Ashley Tepper

n all of history, Broadway has never been shut down for more than a few days. Last week, it was announced that Broadway will officially be shut down for at least for 400+ days — 14 months — if not longer. There is a misconception that this only affects “Broadway actors.” This is partially because our heroic Broadway actors are the most visible, even now. Alongside all other theater professionals, they have been using their voices in such extraordinary ways during this time, to fight for change, for justice, for political candidates. While being unemployed and isolated and without much-needed government support, live entertainment professionals have used their time and energy, their social media followings and their voices, to help others, for months and months. Unbelievable. There is also a misconception that the arts community is devastated because “we are all feeling lost without the ability to gather and share theater together.” Yes. Absolutely true.

Mt. Pleasant’s Broadway Theatre now uses its marquee to spread safety messages for COVID-19. Photo credit: Dan Gaken, via Wikipedia.

Cannot keep up with requests. But this complete decimation of the live entertainment industry does NOT only affect The truth is the impact of a Broadway “Broadway actors.” It affects hundreds shutdown is so much greater. It is felt BY ITS VERY NATURE, of thousands of laborers in NYC and everywhere. LIVE ENTERTAINMENT beyond. Off-Broadway actors do not have Theater itself is vital. But the devastation is jobs. Off-off-Broadway actors do IS RELIANT ON also because hundreds of thousands of people not have jobs. Concert and cabaret PACKING MANY have no way to pay their rent. Pay for food. Pay performers do not have jobs. Regional PEOPLE INTO A for medical care. Pay for their children’s food and tour actors do not have jobs. and medical care. Indefinitely. Musicians do not have jobs. Writers do BUILDING CLOSE There are no jobs. There are no backup not have jobs. TOGETHER, ON STAGE jobs. There is no significant unemployment Out of work are orchestrators. support. People I know have gone through Directors. Scenic designers. Costume AND OFF. THAT their entire savings. designers. Sound designers. Design CANNOT BE DONE Our friends have left New York with no associates. Agents. Managers. other choice. Have left apartments they’ve Publicists. Social Media Managers. SAFELY NOW. lived in for a decade. Have borrowed money to Wardrobe teams. Dressers. Box pay for medical bills. Have applied desperately office treasurers. House managers. for any survival job, unsuccessfully, because even those Stagehands. Union workers. Choreographers. Producers. have dried up. Who else? Assistants in every producing office. Every charity and fund that helps arts workers is Bartenders. Waitstaff. Hotel concierges. Workers at stretched to the limit. Is more in need of help than ever. every small business surrounding theaters. Merchandise

• 10 .15.2020

sellers. Opera singers. Ballet dancers. Carpenters. Spot ops. Recording studio workers. Child wranglers. Vocal coaches. Theater news and website employees. Add to the list, the administrative staffs. Literary managers. Dry cleaners. Rehearsal studio employees. Advertising workers. Marketing directors. Photographers. Makeup and hair artists. Fight directors. Projection designers. Music arrangers. General managers. Company managers. Stage managers. Don’t forget the nearby restaurant owners. Hotel owners. Discount ticket agency workers. The ushers. Production managers. Casting directors. Prop designers. Licensing agency workers. Group sales agents. Porters. Lawyers. Copyists. Accountants. Journalists. That is a list I made just off the top of my head. There are many more. MANY. Again, not just in New York City. Everywhere. In every town that has a professional and community theater, people are hurting. The amount of pivoting every arts worker is doing is INSANE. Yes, outdoor theater. Yes, Zoom readings. Yes, distanced streamed entertainment. Guess what. All of that is a testament to the flexibility and dedication of arts workers. All of this creative pivoting does not replace live

Guest Column

CONVICTIONS theater. It is not able to create even a tiny percentage of the jobs. It is not able to generate even a fraction of the income. In many cases, the money needed in order to do these things is prohibitive. In many cases, theaters and organizations are hemorrhaging even MORE money by trying to pivot, without any public support. By its very nature, live entertainment is reliant on packing many people into a building close together, on stage and off. That cannot be done safely now. It will not be able to be done safely for a long time. Period. When it finally IS safer than it is now, and the day WILL come, live entertainment will be reliant on millions of dollars being spent on campaigns to rebuild ticket advances, hotel reservations, restaurant bills, travel, etc. The investment that will be needed in order to get audiences back in theaters at the level needed cannot be underestimated. The bottom line is that, in many ways, the live entertainment industry is not divorced from the larger picture of our government. There’s also this weird in-fighting thing in the theater community about how everyone should focus on supporting “artists” right now. This divides people, more than it helps anyone. We should focus on supporting EVERYONE.

Elect

JULIE

Vote Nov. 3rd The box office treasurer, the agent’s assistant, the social media manager, guess what — CARE about theater as much as the singer, the dancer, the writer. They are just as out of work. Vote Nov. 3rd Vote Nov. 3rd There is no need to divide people into categories where “artists” matter more. I realize everyone is frustrated, but other theater people are not the enemy. Everyone is trying to survive. We are all in this together. Our hundreds of thousands of workers, our billions of dollars contributed to the economy each year, and our entire ongoing existence is vital to the American work force. It is dependent on a public policy that will • Open, Honest, and help us return safely and Accessible • Open, Honest, and sustainably. • Open, Honest, and Live entertainment Accessible Accessible and our theatrical • Sustainable Economic community are not asking • Sustainable Economic • Sustainable EconomicDevelopment for a “hand-out.” We are Development asking for the structure Development and policy necessary • Address Climate Change Address Climate Change from our government • Address Climate•Change & Sea Level Rise to get through a global & Sea Level Rise & Sea Level Rise pandemic. We have not gotten that from this Vote Nov. 3rd • Premium Public Safety • Premium Public Safety Premium Public Safety misadministration. Not even a •relief package from the United States Senate. Health Please vote blue down the ticket • Fiscal Health • Fiscal • Fiscal Health wherever you live. • Protect Elderly, Children, Please vote for Joe Biden and Kamala • Protect Elderly, Children, • Protect Elderly, Children, Harris. and Needy and Needy Please call your relatives, your and Needy friends in those swing states and tell them why they need to do this too. Make your voices heard and votes Commissioner Carson’ s Campaign for Mayor at www.CarsonForMayor.com Visit CommissionerVisit Carson’ s Campaign for Mayor at www.CarsonForMayor.com count.

CARSON CARSON CARSON Elect JULIE JULIE

Elect

WILTON MANORS MAYOR FOR WILTON MANORS MAYOR WILTON MANORS MAYOR Responsible Leadership and Integrity FOR

THE BOTTOM LINE IS THAT, IN MANY WAYS, THE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IS NOT DIVORCED FROM THE LARGER PICTURE OF OUR GOVERNMENT.

FOR

and Integrity ResponsibleResponsible Leadership Leadership and Integrity

JULIE JULIE Elect

CARSON CARSON Elect

FOR

A LeaderMANORS in Innovative MA A LeaderWILTON in Innovative A Leader Innovative PublicinMAYOR Policy WILTONPublic MANORS Policy Responsible Leadership and Integrit FOR

Public Policy Responsible Leadership and Integrity and on Facebook at Julie Carson for Wilton Manors Mayor 954.288.8174

and on Facebook at Julie Carson for Wilton Manors Mayor 954.288.8174 Visit Commissioner Carson’ s•Campaign for Mayor at www.CarsonForMayor.com Open, Honest, and Political advertisement paid for and approved by Julie Carson, Non Partisan for Wilton Manors MAYOR. Political advertisement paid for approved by Julie and Carson, NonAccessible Partisan for Wilton Manors MAYOR. • and Open, Honest,

and on Facebook at Julie Carson for Wilton Manors Mayor Accessible

954.288.8174

• Sustainable Political advertisement paid for and approved by JulieEconomic Carson, Non Partisan for Wilton Manors MAYOR.

• Sustainable Economic Development Development

• Address Climate Change

• Address Climate Change & Sea Level Rise & Sea Level Rise

• Premium Public Safety

• Premium Public Safety A closed theater in Brooklyn, New York. Photo credit: Rhododendrites, via Wikipedia.

Jennifer Ashley Tepper is a Broadway producer who is presently the Creative and Programming Director at Feinstein's/54 Below, and author of “The Untold Stories of Broadway” book series. She was recently named recipient of a 2020 Lincoln Center Emerging Artist Award.

• Fiscal Health

• Fiscal Health • Protect Elderly, Children,

• Protect Elderly, Children, and Needy and Needy

A Leader in Inno A Leader in Innovative Public Policy Public Policy

Visits Commissioner Campaign for Mayor at www.CarsonFo Visit Commissioner Carson’ Campaign forCarson’ Mayors at www.CarsonForMayor.com on Facebook at Julie Carson for Wilton954.288.8174 Manors Mayor 95 and on Facebook at Julieand Carson for Wilton Manors Mayor

Political advertisement paid for andPartisan approved Julie Carson, Partisan for Wilton Mano Political advertisement paid for and approved by Julie Carson, Non forby Wilton ManorsNon MAYOR.

10 .15. 20 20 •

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY RELEVANT STILL IN 2020

Norm Kent

Photo via Adobe.

norm.kent@sfgn.com

ast week, the National Coming Out Day came and went — too quietly.

Some people say it is not that important anymore. They are wrong. Some people say there are no more closets to break down, only curtains to push aside. Don’t fall for it. They are wrong, too. SFGN salutes those who have taken the steps towards transparency. The more people know who we are, the better the world will appreciate us as we are. Stepping outside the box always involves risks. But without taking a risk, you will never find any rewards. If you don’t leave first base, you won’t ever get to second. The National Coming Out Day made headlines last Sunday when the National Football League ran an ad with professional football players saluting the LGBT community. That is no small achievement. Even today, homosexuality in professional sports is hardly widespread. Not a single professional baseball player, for example, openly admits that he is a centerfielder in the daytime partnering with his shortstop in the nighttime. Too bad. Pro sports lives still with its macho boundaries. Most players understand why. You are less likely to have a 100 mile per hour fastball thrown at your head if you keep your personal matters personal. Keep the team in mind first, your needs second. However, it was always my thought that if you are the guy or girl who can get a base hit

with two outs against you, and two strikes on you, in the bottom of the ninth, to win a game and championship, no teammate will care who you drink or sleep with that evening. Nevertheless, in a gay centric South Florida, we can take being gay and coming out for granted. Don’t be fooled. Equality Florida is still in a repressive Tallahassee statehouse fighting for your rights in the workplace, battling a neanderthal Republican legislature. No matter what happens legislatively, we still have reason to be proud personally and professionally. We have gay softball leagues in our parks, swimming teams in our pools, and gay bowling nights in our cities. A wealth of charities, social groups, and political organizations enhance LGBT lives in South Florida. Still, let’s not forget there are places in America where homosexuals are not exactly celebrated. Let’s not all blindly celebrate on the shore when we have friends elsewhere drowning in the ocean. We have come a long way since “The Boys in the Band” first made its way to Broadway. It is resurrected this month on Netflix, timed for LGBT History Month. The historical play about early gay life in the 1970’s is still

LET’S NOT ALL BLINDLY CELEBRATE ON THE SHORE WHEN WE HAVE FRIENDS ELSEWHERE DROWNING IN THE OCEAN.

• 10 .15.2020

worth watching — or enduring — because it is a reminder of what was once. For some, it still is “now.” Everyone’s journey takes its own path. You don’t have to be a star quarterback or the game winning pitcher. Just be in the game and play hard. You don’t have to be a mayor or executive director. Just be yourself, and let others see you for who you are. It’s the greatest award you can give yourself. Coming out today liberates you tomorrow. And you will find many more partners on

your journey than you have thought there were.

The hottest places in hell are left for those who are neutral in the face of a moral crisis. The only thing you will find in the middle of the road is dead skunks and yellow lines. In these pandemically compromised days, we need all the friends we can get. Help open a door today. It will make your world so much better.

CONVICTIONS

Editorial Cartoon

EDITORIAL CARTOON By Mike Luckovich

YOUR VOICE SMART GROWTH

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LIFESTYLE photos

DEMOCRATIC LGBT

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ON OCT. 8, THE FLORIDA LGBTQ+ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE BIDEN-HARRIS CAMPAIGN, SPONSORED THE OPENING OF A DEMOCRATIC VOTING CENTER IN WILTON MANORS. THE OPENING EVENT FEATURED FORT LAUDERDALE MAYOR DEAN TRANTALIS, WILTON MANORS MAYOR TOM GREEN, PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA LGBTQ+ DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS STEPHEN GASKILL AND MANY MORE. THE LGBT VOTE CENTER WILL BE A DISTRIBUTION POINT AND INFORMATION SOURCE FOR DEMOCRATIC CAMPAIGNS FOR LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL ELECTIONS.

Photos by J.R. Davis

Ella Coffee, Florida LGBTQ Democratic Vote Director.

Steve Gaskill, President of the Florida LGBTQ Democratic Caucus.

Linda Thompson Gonzalez running for state house district 93.

Kevin Furr with Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis.

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LIFESTYLE photos

FUN ON CAMPUS FOR

COMING OUT DAY ON OCT. 9, THE UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HELD A NATIONAL COMING OUT DAY EVENT ON CAMPUS AT THE LAKESIDE STAGE. ALL ATTENDEES WORE FACE MASKS AND WERE SOCIALLY DISTANCED. THIS WAS THE SECOND EVENT UM HOSTED ON CAMPUS SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF COVID-19. FACE MASKS, LGBT LITERATURE AND STEM STICKERS WERE PASSED OUT TO ATTENDEES.

Photos by Carina Mask

Dani Tenberg, PR/Outreach at oSTEM, LC Furtado and Joe Recker, President/Founder of oSTEM at University of Miami.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS ON FACEBOOK. 28

â&#x20AC;¢ 10 .15.2020

DUE TO COVID-19, CLERGY ASK THAT YOU STAY SAFE AT HOME. PLEASE WATCH SERVICES ON FACEBOOK AND/OR ONLINE. FIND DETAILS ON HOW TO WATCH ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES AND WEBSITES. THANK YOU AND BE WELL!

Our holiday cycle began with a New Year and ends with Sukkot, an ancient harvest holiday that reminds us Those who sow in tears will reap in joy! It is a call for us to join together as neighbors. Our sukkah will be up from 5-7pm on Sunday, Oct.4th, on the Pride Center campus, rear building

Stop by and say hello, neighbor!

Shabbat service Friday 8pm on our Facebook Page

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 s. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www,churchofoursaviormcc.org

SPIRITUALITY

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

Until further notice: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, 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!

YES, WE ARE OPEN!

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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 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors 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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10 .15. 20 20 •

A&E MUSIC

LOCAL ORCHESTRAS MAKE BIG ANNOUNCEMENTS DESPITE PANDEMIC J.W. Arnold

oncert halls may remain dark for the indefinite future, but local orchestras aren’t letting the pandemic silence their music. Here is a round-up of news from three leading ensembles:

SYMPHONY OF THE AMERICAS This week, the Symphony of the Americas, one of the two regional orchestras in residence at the Broward Center, announced the appointment of Spanish conductor Pablo Mielgo as artistic and musical director, following a year-long international search. Mielgo was selected from more than 100 candidates, following the announcement earlier this year of the retirement of Maestro James Brooks-Bruzzese, who led the organization for more than three decades and will continue as founding artistic director emeritus. Most recently, Mielgo served as chief conductor of Orquestra Simfònica Illes Balears since 2014. He has also been the musical and artistic director of the SaludArte Foundation, and has collaborated with Teatro Real in Madrid, Miami’s New World Symphony, El Sistema in Venezuela and the Florida Grand Opera. Mielgo said in a statement. “I am convinced that, despite circumstances we face today, we will be able to make the Symphony of the Americas a benchmark for the arts in South Florida.” He and his wife, a professional violinist, and their three-year old daughter, will relocate as soon as it is safe. They plan to split their time between South Florida and Spain. For more information, go to SymphonyOfTheAmericas.org.

SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY The Wilton Manors-based South Florida Symphony Orchestra recently announced plans for a virtual 2020-21 concert season. The season will include six evenings of music six new Masterworks concerts performed live without an audience and recorded by seasoned directors and sound engineers, affording every viewer a front row seat, according to an announcement. Masked and socially distanced rehearsals and concert recordings commenced last week at the Center for Spiritual Living in Fort Lauderdale, with additional sessions planned for November and January. “While the world has changed, our mission has not,” said president Jacqueline Lorber. “South Florida Symphony remains dedicated to providing our community with exciting and exceptional music experiences this season, whether we’re on or off the theater stage.” “I have curated a dynamic, thrilling season that is both exciting and inspiring for our audiences, while being

• 10 .15.2020

Fort Lauderdale-based Symphony of the Americas named Pablo Mielgo artistic director after a yearlong international search. Credit: Symphony of the Americas.

challenging and artistically satisfying for our musicians,” added music director Sebrina María Alfonso. “We are thrilled to finally be safely gathering together to make the music that we love to share.” The virtual concerts will premiere from November through April and access to the virtual concert hall is available now in packages or single-concert passes. For more information and passes, go to SouthFloridaSymphony.org.

THE SYMPHONIA The Boca Raton-based Symphonia is the only orchestra planning live performances and has scheduled its first concert of the season on Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. Following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, “Music at the Marriott” will be performed in the Grand Oasis Ballroom of the Boca Marriott, 5150 Town Center Circle in Boca Raton. An all-strings, reduced-sized orchestra will perform under the baton of principal conductor Alastair Willis, enabling the musicians to socially distance on the stage. In addition, guest seating will also be spatially distanced and masks will be required for both musicians and guests. The concert will be approximately one hour in length without an intermission and feature works by Corelli, Vivaldi, Walker and Mozart. “While the Boca Raton Marriott’s Grand Oasis Ballroom is not a theater in the traditional sense, its spacious dimensions offer the best possible solution for presenting live performances during these challenging times,” said executive director Annabel Russell in a statement. “With fewer musicians on the stage and fewer audience members, the Symphonia is prioritizing safety while presenting an exceptional musical performance, just in time for the holidays. We all need something to look forward to and a sense that things can and will get better.” While capacity is limited, if response is strong, Russell said additional same-day performances would be considered. For tickets and more information, go to TheSymphonia.org.

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web JohnKnoxVillage.com JohnKnoxVillage

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.