SFGN 10/20/22 V13iss42

Rights Depend On It!

www.dolphindems.org

2022 General Election Endorsements & Recommendations Card Election Date: Tuesday, November 8, 2022

FEDERAL CANDIDATES

U.S. Senator: Val Demings Congress, District 20: Sheila Cherfilus McCormick Congress, District 23: Jared Moskowitz Congress, District 24: Frederica Wilson Congress, District 25: Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

STATE CANDIDATES

Governor/Lt. Governor: Charlie Crist & Karla Hernandez

Attorney General: Aramis Ayala

Chief Financial Officer: Adam Hattersley

Commissioner of Agriculture: Naomi Esther Blemur State Senator, District 30: Tina Polsky

State Representative, Dist. 100: Linda Thompson Gonzalez

State Representative, District 101: Hillary Cassel

State Representative, District 104: Robin Bartleman

State Representative, District 105: Marie Woodson

MUNICIPAL

Cooper City Commission, District 1: Jeremy Katzman Dania Beach Commission, At Large: Luis Rimoli

Fort Lauderdale Commission, District 1: Ken Keechl Fort Lauderdale Commission, District 3: Yvette DuBose Hollywood Commission, District 5: Kevin Biederman Margate Commission, Seat 5: Joanne Simone

Oakland Park Commission, At Large: Tim Lonergan

Oakland Park Commission, At Large: Letitia Newbold

Plantation City Council, Mayor: Nick Sortal

Plantation City Council, Group 2: Denise Horland

Plantation City Council, Group 5: Louis Reinstein

Pompano Beach Commission, District 5: Barry Moss Sunrise Commission, Seat D: Jacqueline Guzman

Tamarac Commission, District 2: Alexandra Alvarez

Tamarac Commission, District 4: Carol Mendelson Tamarac Commission, Mayor: Mike Gelin

Wilton Manors Commission, Mayor: Scott Newton Wilton Manors Commission, At Large: Paul Rolli

BROWARD SCHOOL BOARD

School Board, District 1: Rodney Gabriel Velez School Board, District 5: Ruth Carter Lynch School Board, District 6: Steven Julian School Board At Large, District 8: Allen Zeman

JUDICIAL RECOMMENDATIONS

Circuit Court Judge, Group 23: Gary M. Farmer, Jr. Circuit Court Judge, Group 51: Tamar Hamilton County Court Judge, Group 15: Suzette O. Hyde

FLORIDA SUPREME COURT JUSTICES

Vote NO on all except Jorge Labarga YES

4TH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEAL

Vote YES on all except Ed Artau - NO

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Vote NO on all three

BROWARD COUNTY CHARTER QUESTIONS

Vote YES on both

GENERAL ELECTION IMPORTANT DATES

LAST DAY TO REQUEST A VOTE-BY-MAIL BALLOT:

*Allow at least 10 days for Vote-by-Mail

received by 7:00pm on election day will be counted.

to arrive at SOE. Only

EARLY VOTING: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM Monday October 24,

Sunday

ELECTION DATE: Tuesday, November 8, 2022

7am-7pm

Paid for by Dolphin Democrats, Inc., and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee www.dolphindems.org

P.O. Box 23194 Oakland Park, FL 33307-3194

TRINTIY K. BONET

PARTY WITH PRIDE FORT LAUDERDALE

Publisher

Between yuppies, Cabbage Patch Kids, and acid wash jeans, the ‘80s were a pretty scary decade. This weekend you can relive it in all its horrific Halloween “gory.” Pride Fort Lauderdale is holding their Halloween Extravaganza: Slash Back to the ‘80s.

The party is 9 p.m.-2 a.m. at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, which is turning into a time machine, albeit without Michael J. Fox in a Delorean.

The night will be hosted by South Florida icon Nicole Halliwell who will be channeling her best Elvira, Mistress of the Dark. She’ll be joined by DJ PRIDE who will spin beats

for those who can make it through the dark and haunted forest and reach the dance floor.

Costumes from classic ‘80s slasher films are encouraged so be on the lookout for Freddy Krueger and Jason getting down on the dance floor.

Keep your makeup handy for a quick touch up, because when the clock strikes midnight the costume contest begins, and will have prizes up to $1,000.

This big party and fundraiser are a key event as they get ready to welcome the western hemisphere in February for Pride of the Americas. Tickets are $45-$110.

Clevenger said it’s that type of availability

Editorial

RED WHITE AND YOU

TASK FORCE TAKES OVER

Lesbian comedian Sandra Valls will do a set and an entire cast from a Royal Caribbean musical will come ashore and perform.

from others.

accessibility that sets this event

“It’s a fun event for everyone to come to. It’s not a

For tickets and more information on the party, visit PrideFortLauderdale.org.

Senior Feature Columnists

Correspondents

Contributing Columnists

Associate Photographers

The National LGBTQ Task Force is holding its 26th annual gala Oct. 22 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

The theme of this year’s gala is Red White and You, a nod to the important election coming up in less than three weeks. The Task Force is very engaged in voter education and turnout and is in the middle of their 2022 Queer the Vote campaign, aimed at educating people about LGBT rights, many of which are being targeted by politicians.

“It’s a lot of people, we’re excited about it. It’s their full stage show,” gala chair Jeff Oliverio said.

Jonathan Capehart, a Pulitzer Prize winner with the Washington Post and MSNBC will receive the National Leadership Award. X González, an outspoken hero against gun violence in the aftermath of the Parkland school shooting, is getting the Changemaker Award. The Gadinsky family is getting the Eddy McIntyre Community Service

Award, recognizing their decades long, multigenerational commitment to LGBT rights.

A silent auction, which is already open online, will feature many high-end prizes, and there will be a raffle for a vacation in Hawaii.

In an effort to reach younger people who can’t afford the $450 ticket to the gala, tickets for only the after party are available for $50. The after party starts at 10 p.m.

For more information on the National LGBTQ Task Force’s work and their gala, visit TheTaskForceGala.org.

LGBT THEATERS GRAB CARBONELL NOMINATIONS

South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed

and

to the

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.

2022 South Florida Gay

John Hayden

Associated Press

SFGN COVER: Charlie Crist. SFGN file photo.

John Hayden

Nicole Halliwell as Elvira, photo via Facebook.

The 23rd annual Task Force Gala in Miami. Photo by Stephen Lang and Sergio Camero, Facebook.

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G

BISEXUAL

EMILY RATAJKOWSKI COMES OUT AS BISEXUAL VIA TIKTOK TREND

Model and actress Emily Ratajkowski might have come out as bisexual by using the latest TikTok trend.

Ratajkowski starred in the movies “Welcome Home” and “I Feel Pretty.”The trend goes “if you identify as bisexual, do you own a green velvet couch?” Most bisexual people have used the trend to then show off their green velvet couch.

Fans took the video seriously and welcomed Ratajkowski into the LGBT community. “HUGE WIN,” wrote influencer Kennedy Walsh.

“So many celeb women are coming out and I just love,” a user wrote.

Actress Shay Mitchell, who came out a few year ago, also took part in the trend. Ratajkowski reposted Mitchell’s video with a smirk emoji. This is leading fans to

B

wholeheartedly take this as an official coming out.

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

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

TRANSGENDERT

YOUTUBER CHARLIE MCDONNELL COMES OUT AS TRANS

British YouTuber Charlie McDonnell ,also known as charlieissocoollike, has come out as transgender to her 152,000 followers on Instagram.

She posted for the first time in two years and wrote on her Instagram story “new gender just dropped.”

McDonnell then posted a selfie with grown-out hair saying, “Still going by Charlie but the new pronouns are she/ they!” with the trans and nonbinary flag.

One fan commented, “charlieissocoollike coming out as trans has just made my whole week, she’s genuinely been one of my inspirations since I was 13.”

McDonnell was one of the first major YouTube stars and was the first in the U.K. to reach a million subscribers.

She took a break from the public eye a

Charlie McDonnell . Photo via Instagram.

Emily Ratajkowski. Photo via Facebook.

few years ago and scrubbed her YouTube channel of all its videos.

respects

community.

with dignity, respect and compassion by qualified healthcare professionals.”

- Chris Caputo, Wilton Manors City Commissioner

NONBINARY

‘SUPERNATURAL’ PREQUEL INTRODUCES NONBINARY CHARACTER

The prequel to “Supernatural,” titled “The Winchesters,” introduced a nonbinary demon hunter.

Carlos Cervantez, played by nonbinary actor Jonathan “JoJo” Fleites, plays the role of a hunter who, in one scene, saves the main character’s life.

Jensen Ackles, who is an executive producer on “The Winchesters,” promised the new show will be more inclusive than “Supernatural.”

Ackles said it “felt very natural” to include a nonbinary character and that the show’s creators made it a mission to cast actors of different genders, ethnicities and sexualities.

“If you go back to that time period –you go back to the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, and that’s when things were really kind of shifting from a social perspective,” Ackles said.

Danneel Ackles, Jensen’s wife who is also a producer on the series, added life has

“always been that way” and that there have “always been nonbinary people.”

“So for us to include a nonbinary character, that just makes sense because that is life,” she said.

Jonathan “JoJo” Fleites. Photo via Instagram.

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DR. MICHAEL SENSION

Photo by J.R. Davis

Rolf Wendelken, army veteran and Publix and Costco employee, with Richard Gaudi, general manager of Mad Hatter Lounge, on the patio at Mad Hatter Lounge West Palm Beach.

THE AROUNDWORLD

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

EUROPE NORTH AMERICA

SERBIA ARRESTS 21 OVER FAR-RIGHT ATTACKS

Serbia has detained 21 people in connection with assaults on police at EuroPride festivities in Belgrade.

Those detained are thought to be farright hooligans demonstrating against the pan-European LGBT Pride march, which brought roughly 1,000 people to the center of Belgrade on Sept. 17, despite the fact that the event and counter demonstrations were legally prohibited by authorities.

According to Radio Free Europe, officials said anti-gay protesters hurled bottles at police and attempted to break past cordons set up by authorities to impede LGBT activists’ paths throughout the event.

On the day of the event, more than 80 individuals were detained, and 11 people were charged with crimes.

Interior Minister Aleksandar Vulin stated in a statement announcing the fresh

ASIA

LEGAL QUIRK ALLOWS LGBT COUPLES IN CHINA TO BE MARRIED ONLINE

Michael Foley, a radio DJ and certified marriage officiant in Utah, was called not long into the pandemic with an odd request: could he conduct an online marriage ceremony for a same-sex couple living in China?

Foley inquired with the county clerk’s office in Provo, Utah. Surprisingly, the office assured him that it was permissible as long as the pair was of legal age and their identities could be verified. Since then, Foley has done enough online marriages for same-sex couples in China to develop a routine: get up at 3 a.m., put on a suit, walk to his kitchen — where he has a green screen — to execute the wedding via Zoom, then go back to sleep.

According to The Guardian, some couples have waited years to marry. They

aren’t particularly tearful or effusive, but “it shines through, that sense of ‘this is finally happening.’”

“That this is a long time coming, that they’ve finally found a way to do it,” Foley said.

STATE OF MEXICO APPROVES SAME-SEX MARRIAGE

The congress of Mexico’s most populous state, State of Mexico, unanimously decided to legalize same-sex marriage, becoming Mexico’s 29th state to do so.

“By becoming the 29th state to approve equal marriage, we will be reducing inequality, and letting the country know that in the State of Mexico we do not leave anybody behind,” said State Legislator Paola Jiménez to ABC News

The State of Mexico, which surrounds the capital, is the most populated in the country. It has a population of approximately 17 million people, which is roughly five times that of Uruguay.

In 2009, Mexico City became the first part of the country to legalize same-sex

marriage, and Argentina became the first Latin American country to do so the following year.

arrests that “no one will beat policemen with impunity” as long as he is in control.

GAY PALESTINIAN MURDERED AFTER FLEEING TO ISRAEL

Photo via Adobe.

Photo courtesy of Serbian Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Photo via Adobe.

THE HAUNT IN DAVIE HOLDS PRIDE NIGHT OCT. 21

Ghosts. Goblins. Britney Spears roaming freely. You never know what you’ll run into this time of year. Orange may be the unofficial color of the Halloween season, but one spooky spot is ready to fly the rainbow. The Haunt in Davie is holding Pride Night. This Friday, Oct. 21, The Haunt will specialize in frightening LGBT scare-seekers.

The festival is once again at Tree Tops Park, but on this especially spooky night it will be haunted by some familiar, living faces. Daisy Deadpetals, one of South Florida’s most iconic performers, will be hosting the night, and plans to be accompanied by other drag performers, along with live music, food, drinks, and more.

Spread out over more than 250 chilling acres, The Haunt and its ancient oaks set the scene for La Bruja to cast her spell and release evil into the world. She transforms the trails into a 15- to -20-minute haunted hike through the woods filled with zombies, spirits, and

NEWS LOCAL

bloodthirsty clowns. You can travel through three trails: The Tormented Trail, the Haunted Hike, and the Psycho Path.

Proceeds from Pride night will benefit Stonewall Pride.

The Haunt at Tree Tops Park is located at 3900 SW 100th Ave. in Davie. More information on Pride night and other Haunt info is available at FloridaHaunt.com.

NEW STONEWALL MUSEUM EXHIBITS FEATURE SFGN

History preserves the past and informs the future. Three new exhibits at Stonewall National Museum & Archives celebrate LGBT victories, recognize the shortcomings and leave a record for future generations to learn from.

One, titled Follow the Yellow Brick Road, marks key events in LGBT history leading up to the 1969 Stonewall Riots. The title refers to the movie “The Wizard of Oz,” which has long been a cultural touchstone and reference point for LGBT.

It features articles documenting the community’s ups and downs. One of the articles featured among national publications is SFGN’s cover story from September 22, 2022. The story focuses on relentless attacks on books in public and school libraries by Florida’s GOP in Tallahassee. The article details how SNMA and Safe Schools South Florida are teaming up to make banned books available online.

The second exhibit is titled Hey, Groomer and

looks at code words used against LGBT people to depict us as pedophiles, sex traffickers, and worse. You can see many of these terms used in current campaign commercials by mostly Republican candidates who hope to score cheap political points and votes by demonizing LGBT people.

The third is from Jonathan Ned Katz, who is a scholar of LGBT history. He donated 850 volumes from his private collection and is the largest donation from any single individual in SNMA’s history.

All three exhibits are on display now at Stonewall National Museum & Archive in the ArtServe Building at 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.

John Hayden

Image via floridahaunt.com

John Hayden

John Hayden at Stonewall National Museum & Archives. Courtesy photo.

LATINA CANDIDATES COMPETE FOR SOUTH FLORIDA SWING DISTRICTS

John McDonald

With less than a month until the midterm elections, the race for one South Florida congressional district appears to be narrowing.

Congressional District 27, represented by Republican María Elvira Salazar, is being closely watched by political analysts. Democrats are running Annette Taddeo, a state senator, in a district that spans from Miami into Coral Gables and Little Havana and down to Cutler Bay.

Damián Pardo, founder of 4WARD Miami, a cultural arts nonprofit, said Republicans made tremendous strides in Miami-Dade County during the last election cycle.

“Miami-Dade in 2016 was a 30-point spread to the blue side,” Pardo noted. “In 2020, it was a seven-point spread to the blue side and it will be interesting to see in the midterms if it’s even blue anymore … and if that is the case for the people who want that to be different, how are you changing your messaging? Clearly it’s not working. So what are you doing differently, if

NEWS LOCAL

the tide is working against you in an enormous way?”

Redistricting didn’t do Democrats any favors as Miami Beach was removed from CD-27. Salazar, a former award-winning broadcast journalist, was endorsed last week by the national chapter of Log Cabin Republicans.

Taddeo received a boost when former GOP chair Al Cardenas broke party ranks and endorsed her campaign. Cardenas said Taddeo will put country and state above her career, adding that a lot of the rhetoric in South Florida’s Hispanic community is “way beyond the pale.”

Pardo, a gay Cuban American, said the winning campaign needs a reasonable voice.

LATINOS SALUD HOLDS 10TH ANNUAL HISPANIC HERITAGE BAZAAR OCT. 21

Benjamin Manning

In commemoration of National Latino HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, observed on October 15th, Latinos Salud is throwing their 10th Annual Hispanic Heritage Food Bazaar. The event will take place on Oct. 21 at 6 p.m. located at Wilton Manors, 1401 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors.

Latinos Salud has aimed to create a safe, inclusive space for Latino gay men and their partners by providing access to health screenings, community events, and links to other resources. Their Food Bazaar culminates these goals by raising awareness through an exciting and welcoming event for all.

Guests will get to experience local foods representing over a dozen countries as well as performances by gymnasts and drag queens. Last year’s Food Bazaar attracted over 200 members from the community.

Latinos Salud hope that their events will help encourage the community to get educated on HIV and other STDs and how to

prevent and manage the spread.

Across the country, Miami-Dade County ranks first for new HIV infections. Latinos Salud is working to lower the number of cases.

This year, the agency will provide HIV testing for more than 9,000 people through their four locations across South Florida. In addition, Latinos Salud offer a PrEP clinic, case management, vaccinations, support groups, life coaching, and more.

María Elvira Salazar (left), photo via salazar.house.gov, and Annette Taddeo (right) photo via annettetaddeo.com

The Food Bazaar in 2021. Photo via Latinos Salud, Facebook.

VOTE COCHRANE

THE SPOT

SYRINGE EXCHANGE SERVICES IN BROWARD

CHARITY AIRLIFTS MORE THAN 100 SHELTER PETS IN AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE IAN

On October 11, 2021, the Special Purpose Outreach Team (SPOT), the first syringe exchanges service program in Broward, began operations.

SPOT does more than provide needles for injecting drugs. Emy Martinez, the manager, said that SPOT hands out everything needed to reduce injection harms.

Since its opening, SPOT has distributed NARCAN 869 times. Martinez described NARCAN as “a lifesaving medication that reverses [an] opioid overdose … We distribute the intranasal spray NARCAN for free to the community.”

The Food and Drug Administration has approved NARCAN.

Martinez estimated that about 18.8% of people participating in SPOT are LGBT. Many transgender people inject hormones. Some cannot afford to buy needles.

Some people use needles to inject legally prescribed drugs like insulin. Martinez said, “The syringe exchange program is not just for

people who inject illicit drugs. It’s for anyone who needs it.” She continued, if someone needs to “dispose of needles, they are more than welcome to bring them to us. If they need a sharps container, we give them a sharps container.”

Martinez said, “I’ve been working in HIV since 1992 … This is my community … We need them to stay alive. We need for them to know that they have some somewhere to come to where we’re going to be compassionate and committed [and] calming. There’s going to be no judgment because, again, it’s about keeping them safe. it’s about keeping folks alive.”

SPOT cannot receive any governmental funds. They rely on donations and foundation grants. If anyone wants to donate to SPOT, they can donate at www.thespotbroward.org

Floridians weren’t the only ones in danger from Hurricane Ian.

On Oct. 2, Good Flights, a program of Greater Good Charities, conducted an emergency airlift of more than 100 shelter dogs and cats from animal shelters to new adoptive homes in the Northeast, according to a press release. The emergency flight was supported by a donation from Tito’s Handmade Vodka.

The life-saving airlift made room for the expected influx of surrendered and homeless pets that arrived at the shelters, which also included shelter pets from Naples and Fort Myers. Hurricane Ian has resulted in staffing shortages and damaged buildings, making it impossible for animal shelters in affected areas to operate well.

The sending shelters included The Humane

Society of Broward County (Fort Lauderdale), Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League (West Palm), Collier County Domestic Animal Services (Naples), and Gulf Coast Humane Society (Fort Myers).

The receiving shelters were St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, Liberty Humane Society, and Pennsylvania SPCA. All the pets were evaluated and received any follow-up medical care needed before being put up for adoption.

Sean McShee

Emelina Martinez, the manager of Safe Syringe Exchange Services for The SPOT. Photo via thespotbroward.org.

You can help improve the Disaster Relief program by visiting greatergood.org.

Kim Swan

Photo via Pixabay.

VAL DEMINGS VISITS WILTON MANORS

URGING PEOPLE TO ‘GET OUT THE VOTE’

By John Hayden

The new Get Out the Vote Center (GOTV) in the heart of Wilton Manors held its grand opening and welcomed a VIP candidate to kick off the final push to election day.

Congresswoman Val Demings (FL-10 Orlando) is running to oust incumbent Sen. Marco Rubio, and brought her campaign to the party.

Despite it being a gloomy, rainy day on The Drive, people stood outside and gave a rock star welcome to Demings as she stepped off her bus. Inside she waded through the crowd who look at her as one of Florida Democrats’ best chances to break Republicans’ near-lock on winning statewide races.

Once she got to the microphone Demings made the political event feel like Sunday morning church.

“I came today to tell you something you already know so let me just reinforce it,” she told the crowd. “When we show up ... we win!” That was her mantra throughout her nine-minute speech.

Demings is a former police chief in Orlando, and cheers of “Chief! Chief! Chief!” rose from the crowd several times.

“This is a critical time and a critical moment in our nation. It matters. This

election season matters.”

The goal of her speech was to fire up the “true believers” of the party and motivate them to get out the vote.

She stressed that LGBT community issues will be a top priority if she wins.

“To make sure we hold America to its promise. To make sure every man, woman, boy, every girl, every person regardless of who they are, the color of their skin, where they live, how much money they may have, their sexual orientation, their sexual identity, or religion, will have an opportunity to succeed and live up to their full potential. That’s the America we were created to be and that’s the America we will be.”

DEMINGS

The GOTV Center is a place for candidates to come and directly speak to LGBT voters, and more VIP candidates are expected to visit leading up to election day. People can also go and pick up campaign materials.

The GOTV Center is located at 2348 Wilton Drive, and is open 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. MondayFriday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and noon until 7 p.m. Sundays through election day.

Val Demings. Photo via Facebook.

WILTON MANORS OFFICERS GET 7% PAY INCREASE

October 20, 2022

N. Dixie Highway

Wilton Manors, FL

Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher/Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com

Associate Publisher•Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Assistant to the Editor • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

Editorial

One of the most underpaid police forces in Broward County is getting a raise. At their meeting on Oct. 11, city commissioners voted a 7% across the board raise for Wilton Manors officers. The vote was 4-0, with Commissioner Gary Resnick declining to attend the meeting in person or by phone.

Commissioners came under pressure to increase police pay after voting themselves a raise. That required reopening their contract with the Broward County PBA to adjust the last year of the contract. The original deal called for a .5% raise for everyone and a 3% merit-based raise for those deemed worthy. This essentially doubles the scheduled raise and gives it to all officers.

The negotiation took a while.

“The officers in Wilton Manors are grossly and substantially underpaid,” Don Huneke, Broward County PBA Secretary, said. “We try to retain these officers who know your community, who work in your community, embrace your community and are part of it in many aspects. We don’t want the residents to lose them.”

Retention is key, as many experienced officers will go to other law enforcement

“The officers in Wilton Manors are grossly and substantially underpaid. We try to retain these officers who know your community, who work in your community, embrace your community and are part of it in many aspects. We don’t want the residents to lose them.”

DON HUNEKE BROWARD COUNTY PBA SECRETARY

agencies because the money is better.

As mentioned, this only modifies the existing contract. The city and the PBA will start negotiations on a new, long-term contract in early 2023.

CITY OF THE ARTS

Commissioner Chris Caputo introduced plans for a public arts program, which is one of the city’s strategic goals.

“One of the goals is to come up with a public art master plan and could be a living document we could work through.”

He points out a lot goes into that type of program, including funding, administration, site selection, how to evaluate and maintain the art. His presentation was well received by fellow commissioners and the idea was referred

to the City Manager’s office to work with Caputo.

PROPERTY TAXES

Broward County Property Appraiser, Marty Kiar, came in to give people a breakdown of how much revenue property taxes give to the city and how much they can expect going forward. Like much of Broward County, housing prices in Wilton Manors are skyrocketing, up 19% in a year.

However, thanks to the Homestead Exemption, increases in assessed value are capped at 3% annually no matter how much the value may increase. Since that covers most of the homes in Wilton, increased revenue will come from new development. New sales will be taxed at the real value.

Graphic Designers• Greg Bistolfi & Julie Palmer artwork@sfgn.com

Oakland Park Editor

Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor

Hayden john.jmhcreative@gmail.com

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ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970

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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 © 2022 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

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By John Hayden

Photo via Adobe.

WATER COSTS CALLED INTO QUESTION IN WILTON MANORS

By John McDonald

Paul Rolli wants answers.

The Wilton Manors Vice Mayor is calling for a representative from the City of Fort Lauderdale to enter the Island City and explain the rising costs of supplying water.

“On the water privatization,” Rolli asked City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson near the end of the Oct. 11 regular commission meeting. “If we could have someone from Fort Lauderdale come and address us so we can have a better understanding of what they’re doing and we can ask the questions we want to ask.”

Henderson said a request would be made and Mayor Scott Newton threw his support behind uniting all small cities that purchase water from Fort Lauderdale.

“I don’t know why all cities that are getting water from Fort Lauderdale aren’t asking the same questions,” Newton said. “We are stronger as a big group than each individual city doing that.”

During the public comments portion of the meeting, resident Paul Kuta encouraged sensible revisions to water fees due to continual rate increases from Fort Lauderdale.

Mayoral candidate Boyd Corbin was less diplomatic, accusing the commission of using a utility fund to increase salaries.

“Our water bills are not some kind of piggy bank for you to give yourself fat raises with,” Corbin said.

Corbin also warned if Fort Lauderdale privatizes its tap water, rates will skyrocket.

City Finance Director Pennie Zuercher said Fort Lauderdale increased its water rates by 3.5% this year bringing the overall increase to 8.5%.

The next commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 25.

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WILTON MANORS HOLDS CIRCUIT PARTY

By John Hayden

They’re lean, green, electric machines, and they’re cruising the streets from one end of Wilton Manors to the other. Circuit has officially launched in the Island City. City employees and commissioners held a ribboncutting ceremony at city hall on Oct. 11 and then went on some brief rides to celebrate the moment.

A fleet of three electric vehicles cruise the city and take people from any point in Wilton Manors to any other point in the city. You can only take the rides by using their app, Ride Circuit, and it costs $2 per person, each way. They’ve already been on the roads for about a month for a “soft launch.” Earlier this year, city commissioners approved a $250,000 subsidy to get the program rolling in Wilton Manors.

Karen Jernigan, Circuit’s head of business development in Florida, said the rides help build community.

“People learn their drivers’ names, they share rides with friends. It encourages pooling

rides together and bringing people together.”

Drivers are local and give recommendations to riders if they have questions about the area, such as where to go for dinner or shopping.

TIME OF DAY

Given the social nature of Wilton Manors, it’s no surprise that ridership picks up around happy hour. Add in the fact that it’s a new service that many residents aren’t aware of and it’s very slow during the day. Penny Zuercher, Finance Director for Wilton Manors, said the next goal is to encourage people to use Circuit to do errands.

“We want to encourage people to take it during the day. It’s very busy at night. This is available for your Publix run. Maybe go get a prescription at CVS, do some shopping and have lunch on The Drive.”

Jernigan said analytics will help them maximize the rides.

“We have a robust data algorithm on our

platform. We see maps and ridership and follow regular patterns of the busy hours and they get adjusted from time to time.”

ON THE ROAD

Wilton Manors isn’t Circuit’s only foray into the area. The rides are also underway in parts of Fort Lauderdale as well as Oakland Park as part of a pilot program. Since short rides

are a mile or two, these types of vehicles are perfect for a city the size of Wilton Manors, which is about two square miles. That makes integration with the other cities a challenge. But Zuercher said it’s possible.

“Where we can work with the other cities we certainly will.”

She sums up the endeavor saying, “Be green, leave the car at home, save on gas and enjoy the city.”

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for ride service Circuit on October 11. Image by John Hayden.

MONTH

Until

Two

AND

INSTANT PHOTOGRAPHY GAVE LGBT PEOPLE A ‘SAFE/HAVEN’

By Christiana Lilly

PUTTING AN END TO THE MYTHS OF STONEWALL

By Mark Segal

For years, people have debated what actually happened that night in June 1969 when Stonewall was raided and a new, more militant struggle for equality was born.

Due to the debates, and insistence of some to claim they knew all aspects of what had actually happened, an incredible void opened up where people could invent, imagine, or distort Stonewall and our history to their own objectives. The myths of Stonewall are endless, but they’re easily dispelled when you look at the material proof and plain logic.

FLOATARAMA RAISES $50,000 FOR AGENCIES SERVING LGBT YOUTH

Christian Walden

This year’s FLoatarama, an annual pride on the water event, raised $50,000 for agencies serving vulnerable and disadvantaged LGBT youth in South Florida. FLoatarama 2022 took place on June 11 and raised funds for their LGBTQ Youth Fund, while also having a prideful blast on and near the water.

“We are thrilled to be among the wonderful groups of vital organizations in our community that are providing direct services to our youth,” said Tony Lima, CEO and executive director of SunServe. “SunServe’s FLoatarama funding will focus on providing vital mental health and well-being services to the LGBTQ+ youth across the community.”

Floatarama is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds to support vulnerable and disadvantaged LGBT youth on and around the water in the Venice of America. FLoatarama was founded during the

COVID lockdown in June 2020, which started as a socially distanced Pride boat parade but later became a nonprofit in early 2022. Now, FLoatarama annually provides water-filled fun during Stonewall Pride with their FLotilla (boat parade) and Sailor’s Dance & Pool Party while raising funds for marginalized youth. FLoatarama has raised almost $70,000 to benefit queer youth across South Florida.

This year’s grant recipients were selected from 16 applications, all from local organizations aligned with FLoatarama’s mission, in response to a Request For Proposals issued by FLoatarama’s Philanthropy Partner, the Our Fund Foundation.

View the grant recipients at floatarama.org.

NEWS LOCAL

ONEPULSE RECEIVES GRANTS TO BOLSTER ANTI-HATE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS

OnePULSE Foundation, which aims to end discrimination against LGBT people after the PULSE massacre, was awarded $247,000 in grants to expand its anti-hate educational programs.

The Department of Homeland Security announced the award of 43 grants in September, totaling $20 million, under the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention (TVTP) Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22), according to a press release. OnePULSE was one of the FY recipients.

“We are honored to receive the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Grant from the Department of Homeland Security as it will help us increase national awareness of our onePULSE Academy educational programming that inspires, engages and activates individuals, groups and communities to advocate for change,” said Deborah Bowie, executive director of onePULSE Foundation.

The grant program aims to prevent domestic

violence and support efforts to counter online radicalization and mobilization to violence.

“The Pulse tragedy is the worst terrorist attack in the US since 9/11, and the deadliest act of violence against the LGBTQIA+ community in U.S. history,” said Earl Crittenden, chairman of the onePULSE Foundation Board of Trustees.

“Our educational programs promote acceptance and inclusion, and our online education hub will create a safe learning environment while providing knowledge and information on social issues relating to many marginalized communities.”

The 11 TVTP awards were granted to organizations that work with underserved populations that are often attacked, including two Historically Black Colleges and Universities and two organizations serving the LGBT community.

For more information, including a full list of grant awards, visit www.dhs.gov/tvtpgrants.

Kim Swan

Deborah Bowie, executive director of onePULSE Foundation. Photo via ONEpulse.org.

FLoatarama 2021. Photo by J.R. Davis.

SPORTS PLAYING WITH PRIDE

OREGON JUDGE STRIKES DOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT BAN ON PRIDE, BLM FLAGS

Acounty judge in Oregon ruled a school district’s ban on LGBT Pride and Black Lives Matter flags is unconstitutional.

In a Sept. 22 decision, Yamhill County Circuit Court Judge Cynthia Easterday ruled the Newberg School District’s policy of banning employees from displaying “controversial” or “political” signs and symbols violated Article 1, Section 8 of the Oregon Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech and press.

In December of 2021, the ACLU of Oregon challenged the school district’s policy on behalf of employee Chelsea Shotts, who had placed a sign depicting a rainbow flag with a heart superimposed and the words “Be Known” in a classroom window at Dundee Elementary. Shotts, an educator who identifies as queer, said the sign was meant to designate a safe space for students. Nevertheless, it drew a complaint that eventually led to the school board’s decision to remove all LGBT and Black Lives Matter signs and symbols.

U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, a Democrat who represents Oregon’s first congressional district, agreed with the court’s ruling, tweeting, “Students and educators should feel welcome and respected in the classroom. It was wrong for the Newberg School Board to ban Black Lives Matter & LGBTQ pride symbols in schools and as the judge ruled, it is unconstitutional.”

QUEER ATHLETE DEDICATED TO FIGHTING FOR EQUALITY

Amazin LeThi, a queer bodybuilder, grew up without any LGBT Asian role models.

“I never saw an Asian LGBTQ+ person in the media,” she tells PinkNews. “I saw how the sports world saw Asian athletes – being that one Asian kid stepping out onto the field and suffering.”

LeThi recounts as a youngster being subjected to racism, relentless harassment, and bullying, as well as not receiving the necessary help.

“Not seeing any LGBTQ+ kids in sports made me feel that I could never be out in sports,” LeThi said.

Having faced discrimination and a lack of representation for most of her life, LeThi has dedicated her life to eradicating prejudice.

She is now a trailblazing gay athlete whose advocacy work stems from her experiences overcoming racism and homophobia, and

AMAZIN LETHI she is motivated to see LGBT people honored internationally.

Amazin LeThi. Photo via www.amazinlethi.com.

Everitt Rosen

John McDonald

SFGN file photo.

PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS

Prescription opioids can be prescribed by doctors to treat moderate-to-severe pain but can also have serious risks and side effects.

COMMON TYPES ARE

OXYCODONE (OXYCONTIN), HYDROCODONE (VICODIN), MORPHINE, AND METHADONE.

Prescription opioids can be used to treat moderate-to-severe pain and are often prescribed following surgery or injury, or for health conditions such as cancer. In recent years, there has been a dramatic increase in the use of prescription opioids for the treatment of chronic, non-cancer pain, such as back pain or osteoarthritis, despite serious risks and the lack of evidence about their long-term effectiveness.

WHEN THE PRESCRIPTION BECOMES THE PROBLEM

More than 191 million opioid prescriptions were dispensed to American patients in 2017—with wide variation across states.1

Health care providers in the highest prescribing state, Alabama, wrote almost three times as many of these prescriptions per person as those in the lowest prescribing state, Hawaii.1

Studies suggest that regional variation in use of prescription opioids cannot be explained by the underlying health status of the population.2

The most common drugs involved in prescription opioid overdose deaths include:

• Methadone

• Oxycodone (such as OxyContin®)

• Hydrocodone (such as Vicodin®)3

To reverse this epidemic, we need to improve the way we treat pain. We must prevent abuse, addiction, and overdose before they start.

Broward

CONVICTIONS

Iam Naomi Esther Blemur, your Democratic Nominee for Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. I am running to keep this seat blue, succeeding the only statewide elected Democrat: Nikki Fried. I am a mother, a pastor, and a small business owner who wants to leave a better future for my children and yours. As your next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I want to share my vision with you.

I have had a significant number of people approach me about whether I support the LGBT community and your rights. I want to say on the record that I have always supported your community and will always support your community. I am an ally of the LGBT community. No one should be targeted, oppressed, or discriminated against because of who they are. When elected, Florida voters can count on me to be the voice they need through advocacy. To showcase my commitment to these values, my campaign brought aboard a member of the LGBT community: Elijah Manley, who is our statewide LGBT Coordinator. Manley leads our efforts to engage, mobilize and connect with the LGBT community, foster strong relationships, and ensure that LGBT residents receive effective advocacy statewide.

I opposed the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law, as well as any legislation that targets a group of Floridians or marginalized people. My opponent was one of the main sponsors of the “Don’t Say Gay” law. As the next Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I will champion the issues and causes important to this community and consumers. Every Floridian deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of who they are or who they love.

Fried has a statewide advocate for the LGBT community. When elected as the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, I will keep that position. I can

assure you that my opponent will not. As Commissioner, I will promote and advance pro-equality policies through an advocate for the community at the state level, whose responsibility will be to engage, inform, educate, and keep my administration aware of rising concerns, opportunities, and the resources that members of the LGBT community need from their Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

America, and the state of Florida, needs rapid and accessible healthcare and home care for LGBT communities, and by extension – LGBT seniors. I’ve heard you, and that’s why in my first 100 days I will meet with lawmakers and stakeholders to advocate for major action to ensure that LGBT seniors get the healthcare and homecare that they deserve and so desperately need. I will continue to listen to you, learn from you, and build with you.

I AM NAOMI ESTHER BLEMUR YOUR DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR FLORIDA COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES. I HEAR YOU.

Naomi Esther Blemur

Naomi Esther Blemur is the Democratic Nominee for Florida Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Naomi Esther Blemur at the Dolphin Democrats monthly meeting at the Pride Center in September. Image via Facebook.

SAYING GOODBYE TO DON CLARK LOCAL LONGTIME BARTENDER

John Hayden

Aman who was at the center of many of South Florida’s LGBT establishments has passed away.

Don Clark died Oct. 2. While the cause of his death hasn’t been released, he had been fighting cancer for two years and had recently been hospitalized.

Most recently, Don was a manager at Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar on Wilton Drive. One of his fellow managers, Ron Woolery, had known him for a long time. They first worked together in 2006 when Woolery went to work at Bill’s Filling Station when it was on 13th Street in Fort Lauderdale.

“If there’s somebody who’s a better man, I don’t think I’ve met him. Don was always just a great guy.”

Clark was incredibly philanthropic. Woolery said Clark raised hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars for Tuesday’s Angels, which helps people who are

fighting HIV/AIDS in Broward County.

Clark’s events would raise tens of thousands of dollars in a night such as Bartender Underwear Auctions.

“It was him. He did all of it. He worked with the vendor to get bartenders free pairs of underwear to auction off. That was him.”

News of his passing had friends and customers expressing their condolences on social media.

Cecil Cole Morris said, “He truly was a great man and quite the enigma. Always had a cheerful disposition and I always wanted to do a good job when I did work for him. A great work ethic to emulate.”

Clark was originally from outside Lexington, Kentucky, and is survived by his husband, Pooch.

Church of Our Savior MCC

South Federal Hwy.

Join us for in-person worship

Don Clark. Photo via Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, Facebook.

CONVICTIONS

Mombian

A LESBIAN MOM’S THOUGHTS ON COMING OUT

Coming out is often described as an ongoing journey. As parents, it is a journey we take with our children. For National Coming Out Day, coming up on Oct. 11, here are a few things I’ve learned along the way.

I first came out well before I became a parent, but parenthood shone a big spotlight on our family structure. Right from the start, as we were creating our family via reciprocal IVF (my egg, my spouse’s womb), we were by necessity out to doctors, nurses, receptionists, and lawyers, not to mention colleagues and HR staff at our respective employers, as we arranged family leave. I had been out at work, but this expanded the circle of those who knew, and I hoped the visibility would pave the way for others.

After our son was born, it would have been hard to hide even if we had wanted to. Someone would comment on how cute he was, and my spouse and I would both respond, “Thank you,” making it clear we were both his parents. I was therefore out to people I had never felt the need to share anything with, about my queerness or otherwise — supermarket cashiers, restaurant waiters, and random strangers in the park, to name a few.

As our son got older, I reminded myself

that being unflinching in public about our two-mom family was vital to instilling pride and self-confidence in him rather than shame or hesitancy. This was a privilege we had, though, since we didn’t have jobs where we could get fired for being queer and didn’t live in places without employment nondiscrimination protections.

We made a point, too, of showing up at the beginning of each school year for Parents’ Night and introducing ourselves to our son’s teachers. We didn’t say, “Hi, we’re the lesbians,” but made it clear we were both his parents. The problem was, however, that primarily, I wanted to be known as my son’s mom, not his “lesbian mom.” The commonalities of parenthood far outweighed the differences of sexual orientation. More importantly, I wanted my son to be known for his own qualities, and not be defined primarily as “the boy with the lesbian moms.” Yes, the fact that he has two moms will always be part of his identity, but I want us to be a piece of a much richer whole, not a leading indicator. At the same time, visibility can motivate teachers and schools to be more inclusive and open students’ eyes to the fact that families come in all kinds of shapes and sizes.

COFFEE, BAKED GOODS, BEC, SANDWICHES, SALADS, & SOUPS

Dana Rudolph and spouse with their son. Image via Twitter.

Dana Rudolph

Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory, with a searchable database of 850+ LGBTQ family books and works in other media.

THE INDOMITABLE DOMINIQUE CRENN

Dominique Crenn is the chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, where artistry is at the forefront, cuisine is a craft, and the community is an inspiration. She also uses her talent as a chef to spotlight the fight against cancer, particularly breast cancer. She herself is a breast cancer survivor.

As she became the first female chef in the U.S. to receive three Michelin stars, she is one of the stars of the culinary scene. Now she’s lending her talents to Breast Cancer Awareness during “Pinktober.” Crenn has teamed up with Hard Rock Cafés around the globe to create a dish, featured in every restaurant, with a portion of the proceeds from each location’s sales going to support the fight against breast cancer in their community. Here in the Florida, that is the Hard Rock Café at the Guitar Hotel.

Crenn, originally from Locronan, was adopted by a French couple from Versailles. She developed a love of international food from her mother, whom she describes as having an “adventurous palate,” who took her young daughter to experience Indian, Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese restaurants in Paris. Her father would take his daughter along when he dined at Michelin-star restaurants with a friend who was a food critic for Le Télégramme. With such a background, it was, perhaps, inevitable, that she went into the hospitality industry. However, her independent spirit didn’t lend itself to the male-dominated French culinary scene. Instead, she earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in international business. Yet, the siren call of the restaurant business was too strong to ignore.

Crenn moved to the U.S. to pursue her culinary aspirations. Her first restaurant position was at Stars, a prominent restaurant in San Francisco run by celebrity chef Jeremiah Tower. After two years, she moved on to work at other acclaimed restaurants before taking a position as head chef for the restaurant in the Intercontinental Hotel in Jakarta, Indonesia. She was Indonesia’s first ever female head chef; civil unrest forced her to leave the country in 1998.

She returned to California as executive chef for Manhattan Country Club in Manhattan Beach, California, and then at Abode Restaurant and Lounge in Santa Monica, California. In 2008, management at Intercontinental Hotel offered her a new position, and she joined Luce in San Francisco, where she was awarded her first Michelin star in 2009.

Driven by her passion to create a deeply personal project, Crenn opened Atelier Crenn in January 2011. The restaurant was awarded its first Michelin star in October of 2011. In the following year, Crenn made history again when Atelier Crenn received its second Michelin star, becoming the first female chef in the U.S. to receive this honor. In November 2018, Crenn beat her own record and became the first female chef in the U.S. to receive three Michelin stars.

Chef Crenn, who is engaged to actor/ producer Maria Bello, has found strength in her partner. The couple, who got engaged in December 2019 while vacationing in Paris, had to deal with Crenn’s cancer diagnosis almost immediately after they got together.

“Dom was diagnosed with breast cancer

The special Pinktober menu is available through the end of October at the Hard Rock Café, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, 954-315-9112, www.hardrockcafe.com/location/hollywood-fl.

shortly after we fell in love. So, it’s been quite a year,” Bello, 52, said.

Crenn said that she tried to warn Bello of what her cancer would mean for their relationship. “She’s like, ‘I’m here and I’m going to be here for all the time during the time of this’ and she’s been by my side,” Crenn said. “She’s been there.”

Bello said, “You really learn how someone rolls when they’re sick. And I loved the way she rolls through life and dances through life even when she’s really sick.”

Determined to beat the illness, Crenn

adopted a change in diet, cutting all landanimal food sources from her diet and embracing fish rich in fatty omega-3s. She also filled her diet with vegetables from her Bleu Belle Farm, located in Somalia. After undergoing chemotherapy for eight months, coupled with her healthy diet, she went into total remission. That period was notably the toughest in Crenn’s life. Her dedication to family is what keeps her going.

“We have two 7-year-old daughters, Charlotte, and Olivia. I want to set a good example for them.”

HUNGRY FOR MORE?  VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.

The views Rick expresses are his own and do not represent the opinion of SFGN.

Photo via Hardrock.com.

Rick Karlin

2022 / 23 Season

TCHAIKOVSKY | ELGAR | BARBER Wed., Nov. 9: The Parker Thurs., Nov. 10: New World Center

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat., Dec. 3: The Parker Sun., Dec. 4: Barry University

SHOSTAKOVICH | GOTTSCH | OPERA ARIAS Tues., Jan. 24: New World Center Wed., Jan. 25: The Parker Sat., Jan. 28: Tennessee Williams Theatre

BRAHMS | SIBELIUS | BERLIOZ Wed., Feb. 15: The Parker Sat., Feb. 18: Tennessee Williams Theatre

DVOŘÁK MASTERWORKS

Wed., March 22: The Parker Thurs., March 23: New World Center Sat., March 25: Tennessee Williams Theatre

RACHMANINOFF | BRUCKNER Wed., April 26: The Parker

LIFESTYLE READING WITH PRIDE

‘THE WITCHERY’

Aurora Dominguez

For readers who are interested in blood, magic, and romance, “The Witchery” by S. Isabelle has it all.

WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND “THE WITCHERY?”

I’ve always loved paranormal stories, and “The Witchery” is an ode to so many of my favorite tropes. I wanted to write something that was magical and dark, but also full of friendship in an inclusive witchy world.

WHAT DOES “READING WITH PRIDE” MEAN TO YOU?

Reading narratives in which queer characters are allowed to be rounded, fullfleshed people with strengths and flaws, rather than static caricatures. Also, seeking a variety of narratives rather than labeling one type of story as the “universal experience.”

WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS AND CHARACTERS?

I view novels as extensions of our lives. I write for teens, and they all deserve to see themselves across genres. Thinking back to my teenage years, a lot of the books I read were not inclusive, and I think often about what it would’ve been like to grow up seeing

myself in literature. While there’s no onesize-fits-all story, I do hope that teen readers can see some parts of themselves in the cast of “The Witchery.”

WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU RELATE TO THE MOST AND WHY?

“The Witchery” features an ensemble cast of six POV characters, and I think I can relate to all of them in some way. But I most relate to Thalia, the quiet and introspective greenwitch in the group. She keeps to herself as I do, but she’s also harboring a dark secret and is ruthless about protecting it — I think that’s where our similarities end, I’m definitely not as cutthroat as she is!

WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK?

Magic, messiness, blood, some laughs, and a bit of romance. This book is for readers who like big plots, but appreciate introspection and character-forward narratives. I’m so excited for readers to meet the coven!

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU IN THE BOOKISH WORLD?

I can’t talk too much about my next project just yet, but I’m not quite done with this witchy world, and can’t wait to get more paranormal YA out into the world.

Images via sisabellebooks.com

MUSICAL POKES FUN AT ‘PAGEANT’ STEREOTYPES

JW Arnold

“Pageant,” running Oct. 20 – Nov. 20 at Island City Stage, pokes fun at the high stakes world of beauty pageants. Credit: Matthew Tippins.

Here she comes, Miss America…er, Miss Glamouresse. The six contestants in “Pageant,” opening this weekend at Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, all hope to take home the coveted title in this genderbending musical.

Miss Deep South, Miss West Coast, Miss Great Plains, Miss Bible Belt, Miss Industrial Northeast. and Miss Texas compete in all the traditional beauty pageant categories – evening gowns, talent, swimwear and spokesmodel –but the show is anything but traditional. These iconic belles are all portrayed by men.

“It’s the silliest, most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard, but it’s so much fun. You can take it any way you want,” said director Ron Hutchins, a multiple Carbonell-winning choreographer and stage veteran.

The show by writers Bill Russell and Frank Kelly and composer Albert Evans debuted Off-Broadway in 1991, years before “Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,” “To Wong Foo” and more than a dozen seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” Audiences then were more accustomed to seeing middle-aged comedians Milton Berle and Flip Wilson don frumpy frocks for slapstick drag sketches.

“When I hired the actors, I told them it can’t be like drag, even though we’re in drag,” explained Hutchins. “It’s not too exaggerated, no glitter eyeliner and giant lashes. The costumes were padded instead of the actor, unlike most drag queens today.”

Both the cast and the audience are in on the joke, he emphasized, mocking pageant culture and endless stereotypes.

Veteran music director Michael Ursua joined Hutchins at the helm of this regional premiere.

“He’s pretty terrific,” said Hutchins, who noted their biggest challenge was adapting to the intimate space on North Dixie Highway.

“I love it because there’s not a bad seat in the house.”

Good seats are key because the show’s premise relies on audience participation. Five judges will be tapped to evaluate the contestants at each performance. That means a different actor could win the pageant and even the cast members won’t know until the end who will take the victory lap across the stage.

“It’s a real competition,” he promised and the cast has been working hard to prepare.

Some have experience donning high heels and mastering the art of the tuck, while others don’t.

Marcus Davis (Miss Great Plains) is a veteran of “Nunsense: AMEN” and snagged a Carbonell nomination for the Actors Playhouse production of “La Cage aux Folles.” Conor Walton (Miss Texas”, no stranger to sequins and glitter, was featured in Island City’s “Zanna Don’t” and Slow Burn Theatre’s “Xanadu.”

And while Larry Buzzeo is perfectly comfortable performing in drag, instead, he portrays Frankie Cavalier, the smarmy master of ceremonies. Hutchins described his character as “a womanizer, the epitome of Johnny Nightclub, a kind of dirty talk show host.”

Rounding out the cast are Christopher Calhoun (Miss Bible Belt), Michael Scott Ross (Miss Deep South), Kevin Veloz (Miss Industrial Northeast) and Matthew Buffalo (Miss West Coast).

Three weeks of rehearsals have gone well and Hutchins expects audiences to be pleased: “Musicals really bring people in. They want to laugh and get away from reality. I want the audience to come to this show and think it was so much fun that they’ve never laughed so much.”

Manors, presents “Pageant,”

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