SFGN 11/04/21 V12iss44 by South Florida Gay News

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NOVEMBER 4, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 44

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USNS HARVEY MILK WILL PULL INTO PORTS WITH THE NAME CLEAR FOR EVERYONE TO SEE.

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GBT civil rights leader Harvey Milk is being honored by the organization that kicked him out simply because he was gay. This Saturday, Nov. 6, the U.S. Navy will dedicate the USS Harvey Milk in San Diego, California. “It’s the first major commercial ship named after an openly LGBTQ person,” Stuart Milk, Harvey’s nephew, told SFGN. “Obviously it’s the first naval ship named after someone like that.” Stuart plans to be in San Diego for the dedication ceremony. Milk served as an officer in the Navy in the early 1950s, including during the Korean War. He was dismissed in 1995, despite a distinguished service record, for being homosexual. The Navy later tried to correct the record, but Stuart refused. “I was given the opportunity to reverse it, and I refused to. I think it’s important for us to realize society is often wrong, and has to move and has to evolve.” This will make the USNS Harvey Milk stand out from all other ships in history. “It’s the first military ship named after someone who had a dishonorable discharge.” The ship will have two missions. The first is to refuel other ships around the world. The second is to educate. “That’s the mandate of a ship, to teach who it’s named after. The 2,000 men and women who will serve on that ship will be

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November 4, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 44

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U.S. Navy portrait of then Ens. Harvey Milk. Courtesy of the U.S. Navy.

teaching about the legacy and life of Harvey Milk.” USNS Harvey Milk will pull into ports with the name clear for everyone to see. “It will teach as it goes around the world to 30 countries where it’s still illegal to be LGBTQ. It will teach the message of Harvey Milk, why he sacrificed his life and tell the

world it needs to continue to evolve.” Milk’s legacy has been honored several times this year. Stolichnaya Vodka released a new bottle featuring him on the label. In September, Miami Beach named a street Harvey Milk Way, and last month the Diversity Honors, put on by The Milk Foundation, returned to the Hard Rock in Hollywood.

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11. 4 . 20 21 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Queer

DORITOS DAY OF THE DEAD COMMERCIAL FEATURES QUEER COUPLE In honor of Día de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), Doritos Mexico released a commercial featuring a queer couple. The ad, which already has more than 2.5 million views on YouTube, features a family paying their respects to their late uncle — who turns up with an unexpected guest who he refers to as “my partner.” Following the ad, it cuts to the title “It’s never late to be who you are.” The commercial has gotten mixed reviews. Some have praised the commercial for connecting to queer identities in a cultural space already mired in tradition. Others have commented that the ad sends the message that you can only be your true self in death. In a statement to The Advocate, a representative from Doritos Mexico said

• 11. 4 . 2021

Image credit: Doritos Mexico.

the commercial is a part of the company’s #ProudAllYear platform, which celebrates and promotes respect and support for diversity.

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

Transgender

TRANS EMPLOYEES FILE LAWSUIT ALLEGING RETALIATION OVER CHAPPELLE CONTROVERSY

Two transgender Netflix employees filed labor complaints against the streaming service claiming that the company retaliated against them for speaking out and organizing a walk-out protest against Dave Chappelle’s controversial new comedy special. The charges, which were filed Wednesday with the National Labor Relations Board, allege that B. Pagels-Minor was fired under “false and pretextual reasons” after PagelsMinor and Terra Field organized a walkout at the company’s headquarters. “This charge is not just about B. and Terra, and it’s not about Dave. It’s about trying to change the culture and having an impact for others,” the employees’ attorney, Laurie Burgess, said in a statement. “The charge is all about collective action. It’s

Photo credit: Thibault Penin, via Unsplash.

about supporting your co-workers and speaking up for things you care about.” Netflix denied all allegations in a statement to USA Today, “We recognize the hurt and pain caused to our trans colleagues over the last few weeks. But we want to make clear that Netflix has not taken any action against employees for either speaking up or walking out.”

LGBTQIA BITES

Non-Binary

NON-BINARY ACTOR PLAYS NON-BINARY CHARACTER IN NEW SHOW

Peacock’s original series, “The Girl in the Woods,” stars Misha Osherovich, a nonbinary actor, who, in the show, plays a nonbinary character named Nolan. “It’s one of those things where, as an actor, you read it and you go, ‘This can’t be real life,’” they revealed to The Advocate, adding, “I couldn’t contain the feels … I felt so seen.” It was as if the character had been custom-written just for them, they felt. “We talk about wanting to feel seen and represented, but I actually don’t know that before reading this script in particular, I felt such a singular … moment of feeling seen. That’s what it feels like.” Nolan is one of the three leads in the show and like Osherovich is non-binary. However, Nolan is still working on being comfortable in their gender identity. Osherovich came out shortly before the pandemic hit and, because of that, didn’t see a lot of people or have the chance to

Misha Osherovich. Photo via Instagram.

explore their sexuality publicly. So, like Nolan, they are still figuring it out. “I, as a queer human, I’m still figuring myself out. And so sexual fluidity is something that actually opened up for me when I kind of settled my gender identity. I’m like, ‘Oh, right, I fall outside of the binary, now I can do whatever the fuck I want!’”

11. 4 . 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

• 11. 4 . 2021

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Doug Ames with fellow OutShine volunteer Noe Torres, LGBT rights advocate.

Husbands and owners of Bonassi Tattoo Clinic at 1141 S. Federal Hwy in Fort Lauderdale, pictured here is Bruno, tattoo artist, and Belmiro Bonassi, cosmetic tattoo artist and piercer.

Outshine Film Festival Producer circle member Michael Schneider with boyfriend Oscar Balbuena, chef at the Ritz Carlton.

Stratton Pollitzer, deputy director at Equality Florida, with Nadine Smith, executive director at Equality Florida. See them at The Weston on Nov. 17 at the Broward Gala on Fort Lauderdale Beach.

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11. 4 . 20 21 •

NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

WYOMING

LIBRARY ULTIMATELY NOT CHARGED FOR LGBT BOOKS

Last month, a Wyoming library was threatened for possessing books on subjects like LGBT matters and sex. Local religious groups called books such as “This Book is Gay” by Juno Dawson, “How Do You Make a Baby” by Anna Fiske, and “Dating and Sex: A Guide for the 21st Century Teen Boy” by Andrew P. Smiler — all of which were in the Campbell County Public Library in or near the “teens” or “children’s” sections, “problematic.” People brought the books to the attention of the Campbell County Sheriff’s Office in an attempt to pursue charges against the library. The sheriff’s office referred the situation to county prosecutors, ABC reported. Weston County Attorney Michael Stulken wrote to Campbell County Sheriff Scott Matheny. “I cannot ethically bring

Photo credit: Sara Cohen, via Unsplash.

criminal charges if the facts surrounding a certain matter are not supported by probable cause,” Stulken wrote. Because he did not receive a copy, Stulken didn’t review “This Book is Gay.” The library’s board voted to keep the book in the teen section, saying that removing it would be censorship.

OHIO HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SAY PLAY WAS CANCELED OVER GAY CHARACTER

Hillsboro High School students were told that after over a month of rehearsing, their theater production would be canceled due to sexual scenes. Duncan Pickering-Polstra, a senior, told the Enquirer that he doubts the show’s cancelation has anything to do with sexual scenes but is actually a response to there being a gay character. He said that Hillsboro has put on a number of shows with sexual references in the past. The school previously put on a production of “Les Misérables,” in which PickeringPolstra played a pimp selling prostitutes. “It’s not about the sex,” Pickering-Polstra said. “It’s about gay people.” This fall’s production was “She Kills Monsters” by Qui Nguyen. The story focuses on Agnes, a student who finds her dead sister’s Dungeons & Dragons

• 11. 4 . 2021

Hillsboro High School. Photo credit: Aesopposea, via Wikipedia.

notebook. Agnes discovers new things about her sister, and some scenes imply that she is gay. “The district’s decision to cancel the fall play is based on the play being inappropriate for our K-12 audience. This production is recommended for ages 12 and older,” Superintendent Tim Davis wrote in a statement. He wrote that the characters in the production did not influence his decision.

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

OREGON TRANS WOMAN KILLED IN OREGON

Jessi Hart was a 42-year-old transgender woman whose body was found on Oct. 17 in Banks, Oregon. The Human Rights Campaign wrote that this is at least the 43rd violent killing of a transgender or gender non-conforming person in 2021. The Washington County Sheriff’s Office said her body was found in the woods about 25 miles west of Portland. Detectives suspect foul play and said she died about two weeks prior to her body being found. Hart did not have access to secure housing; she and her teenage son stayed in hotel rooms with the help of a local nonprofit. Between hotel rooms, they slept in her black Saab, which was found by the Washington County Sheriff’s office, and which they said had been covered in white spray paint. Audrey Savage, Hart’s girlfriend, said

Jessi Hart. Photo via the HRC.

that she “misses everything about her” and that Hart was “intelligent and thoughtful and caring.” The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is asking that anyone who has had contact with Hart in the past few months comes forward and speaks with investigators.

NEW YORK OUTING OF PARTNER CAUSES GAY TEACHER TO BE FIRED

Weeks after marrying his husband, Matthew LaBanca lost his jobs with a Catholic school and church in New York City. He was fired from teaching at St. Joseph’s Catholic Academy and from his position as the music director at Corpus Christi Church on Oct. 13. In a YouTube video, LaBanca said he was fired because someone reported his August marriage to the Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, the Advocate reported. “So I’m stripped of both of my jobs, all of my employment, my health insurance, and most importantly stripped of the communities — the daily community life that has meant so much to me — not because of my work performances, not in the slightest, but because I’m gay,” LaBanca said. He said he was offered a severance

Matthew LaBanca. Photo via Facebook.

package but turned it down because he would have to sign away his right to discuss his firing. A spokesperson for the diocese said in a statement, “In [LaBanca’s] case, it has been determined that he can no longer fulfill his obligations as a minister of the faith at either the school or the parish.”

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

UK WELCOMES LGBT AFGHAN REFUGEES

SCOTTISH PROSECUTORS DROP ANTI-LGBT CASE

The return of the Taliban caused a large departure of people who feared for their safety if they stayed, including many who worked closely with the U.S. and its allies, as well as a number of highprofile women. LGBT people are also attempting to flee, fearful of their future under the Taliban. “I feel like a human being for the first time in my life,” a gay Afghan man said after arriving in the UK with 28 others from the LGBT community, according to BBC. The UK foreign secretary, as well as the UK and Canadian organizations Stonewall and Rainbow Railroad, intervened to assist the first 29 people, according to officials. In the coming months, more LGBT

Credit: Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona, via Unsplash.

people in Afghanistan are anticipated to leave.

The case against a woman accused of posting allegedly homophobic and transphobic comments online has been dropped by Scottish prosecutors. According to The Guardian, the Crown Office stated it had discontinued proceedings against Marion Millar, a vociferous opponent of the Scottish government’s plans for transgender legislation change, subject to review with the claimed victims. Millar was accused of using social media to threaten or abuse a man and two women, including a police officer, between October and June, in violation of section 38(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, with the conduct aggravated by prejudice based on sexual orientation and transgender identity.

Credit: Scottish Trans Alliance.

The Scottish government has indicated that plans to provide a simpler mechanism allowing transgender persons to amend their birth certificate’s sex — known as self-identification — will be brought forward in the spring.

AFRICA

AUSTRALIA

ANTI-LGBT LAWS IN GHANA CAUSE RIFT WITH ANGLICAN CHURCH

AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL PLAYER COMES OUT AS GAY

The Archbishop of Canterbury and the local Anglican church, which strongly supports the measure, are at odds over a proposed law in Ghana that would tighten restrictions on the LGBT community. In Ghana, which is deeply religious and traditional, gay intercourse is outlawed, but the new law would criminalize LGBT activism as well as impose harsher penalties for same-sex relationships. According to Africa News, in a statement earlier this month, Ghana’s Anglican bishops approved the law, calling LGBT ideas “unbiblical and wicked,” as well as against Ghanaian custom and culture. In a statement, they stated, “This is about morals now and for future generations.”

Photo credit: Raimond Spekking, via Wikimedia.

However, the bishops’ attitude has put them in conflict with the worldwide Anglican communion’s leader, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby of the United Kingdom.

Josh Cavallo of Adelaide United has come out as homosexual, making him the world’s first current top-flight male professional footballer to do so. According to BBC, the 21-year-old wrote on social media that he was “ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable to talk about in my life.” “I’m a footballer, and I’m gay,” the midfielder said in an accompanying video. “All I want to do is play football and be treated equally.” Josh Cavallo’s choice to speak openly about his sexuality is big. During their careers, just a few prominent male football players have come out as homosexual. He opted to talk while still playing, which sets him apart from players

Josh Cavallo. Photo via Twitter.

like Thomas Hitzlsperger, who didn’t come out publicly until after retiring.

11. 4 . 20 21 •

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• 11. 4.2021

KNOW YOUR STATUS

11. 4 . 20 21 •

NEWS NATIONAL

LGBT CANDIDATES MAKE HISTORY ACROSS US WHILE LOSING BIG IN VIRGINIA Lisa Keen

t was a hard night for Democrats Tuesday, as candidates for governor in two heavily Democratic states lost enormous support — and at least one of the two seats — to Republicans. But LGBT candidates scored some milestones.

The first openly LGBT Muslim won election of his successful campaign. He was able to play in Georgia, winning a seat on the Atlanta City on stories circulating in the more Democratic Council. The first Black LGBT person won northern parts of the state — stories of alleged election in the state of Montana, winning a gay pornography books in public school libraries seat on the Bozeman city commission. The first and alleged sexual assaults by a transgender transgender candidate won election in Ohio, to student. He promised parents he would make a local school board. And, the first openly LGBT sure they were part of the decision-making woman won election to the Detroit City Council. process for local school curricula. The LGBTQ Victory Fund, a national group The Democratic gubernatorial candidate, which promotes and supports campaigns of former Governor Terry McAuliffe, was drawn openly LGBTQ candidates, said it was tracking at into the transgender assault report when, during least 242 LGBT candidates on the Nov. 2 ballot. a September debate, a moderator noted that Although not all the races it was tracking had McAuliffe had had expressed agreement with reported in by Wednesday morning, it reported the state’s policies in support of transgender that, so far, 59 had won, 50 had lost, and 22 had students and the right of local governments advanced to run-offs. to make their own policies. McAuliffe tried to There were more than 80 LGBT walk a careful line, saying he candidates for city and town likes allowing local governments council seats Tuesday night, plus to have input but that “the state THERE WERE 11 LGBT candidates for mayor. will always issue guidance as MORE THAN 80 Only nine LGBT candidates ran we do from the Department of for state house seats and only one LGBT CANDIDATES Education.” for state senate. There were also at Youngkin, who was widely FOR CITY AND least seven LGBT candidates for praised for running a campaign TOWN COUNCIL various local court seats, at leave that kept former President Trump five other races for miscellaneous at a studied distance, also walked SEATS TUESDAY posts, such as town auditor, and at a narrow political line when asked NIGHT, PLUS 11 least 10 LGBT candidates running about the transgender story. He for school board seats. LGBT CANDIDATES said “we are called on to love everyone” and that not only FOR MAYOR. should local districts make such BIG FIGHTS IN decisions, but parents should be LITTLE RACES included in dialogue about such policies, including what books are included in Local school boards have in recent weeks libraries. become the focus of much attention. They The bottom line of that controversy appear to have become part of a political strategy and similar ones, noted one commentator favored by conservative Republicans to stir up Wednesday morning on CNN, was that “it controversies over LGBT books, abortions, and reminds voters that Democrats are too liberal.” anti-racism curricula. Republican candidates in McAuliffe has a strong record of supporting larger races then use those controversies to pull equal rights for LGBT people and released a in moderate voters. “Bold Plan to Advance LGBTQ+ Rights.” In his Virginia’s Republican gubernatorial first term as governor, McAuliffe, in 2017, vetoed contender, first-time candidate Glenn Youngkin, a bill seeking to give state-funded charities the laser-focused in on “parents” in the final weeks right to refuse services to LGBT people.

• 11. 4.2021

Liliana Bakhtiari became the first openly LGBT Muslim to win election in Georgia. Photo credit: Jon Dean, via Facebook.

Youngkin, a first-time candidate, said on the campaign trail that he does not personally support same-sex marriage but that, as governor, he would support the fact that samesex marriage is “acceptable in Virginia.” The Human Rights Campaign endorsed McAuliffe; the Log Cabin Republican group endorsed Youngkin. Log Cabin issued a statement saying Youngkin has “has demonstrated his desire to listen to and work with the LGBT community.” In New Jersey, incumbent Democratic Governor Phil Murray, who earned the endorsement of Garden State Equality, faced Republican State Assemblymember Jack Ciattarelli, who has alienated many with hostile remarks about LGBT people. Like the Republican gubernatorial candidate in Virginia, Ciattarelli sought to stoke controversy over LGBT issues in public schools, saying “we’re not teaching

sodomy in sixth grade.” Specifically, he vowed to undo efforts to make public school curricula more inclusive of LGBT history. And we’re going to “roll back the LGBTQ curriculum.” At deadline, that race was considered too close to call.

LGBT RACE HIGHLIGHTS Among the highlights of Tuesday’s races involving LGBT candidates were: • While the results of the 10 school board races were mostly still unreported at deadline, in a small district in the middle of Ohio, candidate Dion Manley scored the first victory for a transgender candidate for office in the Buckeye State. “Dion shattered a lavender ceiling in Ohio,”

NEWS NATIONAL said Victory Fund President Annise Parker. She said Manley’s victory “especially significant given efforts by anti-trans activists across the nation to target trans students at school board meetings.”

• In Minneapolis, Sheila Nezhad, a former policy analyst for the Williams Institute, was still in the top two in her bid to become Minneapolis mayor. The city does ranked-choice voting and results were not yet complete at deadline.

• In Virginia, transgender State House • In Buffalo, New York, India Walton, who Delegate Danica Roem, who made history in identifies as queer, was not able to parlay 2017 as the first out transgender person to win her stunning primary win of the Democratic and serve in a state legislature and the only out nomination into victory in the general election. transgender state legislator in the U.S., won re- The incumbent Democratic mayor mounted an election to a third term. But Roem, aggressive write-in campaign that who represents part of northern overwhelmed Walton, a first-time LILIANA BAKHTIARI Virginia, defeated her Republican candidate. Local news analysts opponent by less than two points, suggested Walton was “the most BECAME THE a much smaller margin than in progressive of the progressives.” FIRST OPENLY 2019. LGBT MUSLIM TO • In Atlanta, with a field of more WIN ELECTION • Liliana Bakhtiari became the than a dozen candidates for mayor, first openly LGBT Muslim to win current gay city council member IN GEORGIA, election in Georgia, succeeding Antonio Brown came in fifth, with SUCCEEDING IN in her second bid to serve on the only 2% of the vote. The Atlanta HER SECOND BID Atlanta City Council. Although Journal Constitution noted that TO SERVE ON THE two other LGBT candidates lost Brown had been saddled with an their bids for the Council, voters indictment, charging that he had ATLANTA CITY elected openly gay Alex Wan to engaged in bank fraud. He denies COUNCIL. return a seat he previously held. the charges but is scheduled for trial next year. Brown was the • All six LGBT candidates for the New York only openly LGBT mayoral candidate not to earn City Council won, including Crystal Hudson and Victory Fund support in Tuesday’s election. Kristin Richardson Jordan, the first two Black LGBT women to be elected to the 50-member • And in Bozeman, Montana, Christopher body. Two of the six had uncontested general Coburn won election to the city commission, election races, but all six were first-time becoming the first openly LGBT Black person to candidates for their seats. be elected in the state. In Virginia, transgender State House Delegate Danica Roem won re-election to a third term. Photo via Facebook.

11. 4 . 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

A GALA WHERE HISTORY COMES OUT Stonewall’s annual event happens Monday, Nov. 8 at Chima in Fort Lauderdale John Hayden

Chima Fort Lauderdale. Photo via Facebook.

uch of our history is preserved and perfect slogan for our area: Everyone Under displayed at the Stonewall National the Sun. Museum & Archives (SNMA), but If it seems like it will be “Ladies Night,” this week they’re celebrating our present and you’re not alone. “Given that the last future: Stonewall: Where History Comes Out Stonewall Gala presented awards to four Gala. men,” O’Hanian said, “it’s about time that “Stonewall has a good reputation for we gave awards to three women! They were hosting a fun event,” Hunter selected for their exceptional O’Hanian said. “In the past, accomplishments by our Gala it has been in large ballrooms Committee.” in fancy hotels. This year, The Gala will be hosted we wanted to do something by Nic Harris, one of South different, we brought it to one of Florida’s most noted attorneys, the most beautiful restaurants activist, and speaker. But this in Fort Lauderdale.” isn’t just a night of good deeds Three people are being and good food. There will also honored. Karine Jean-Pierre be top entertainers. The Fort is receiving the Diversity & Lauderdale Men’s Chorus is Inclusion award. She is White set to perform, and then the House Principal Secretary for Synergy Twins will take the the Biden Administration. mood to the next level with their - Hunter O’Hanian Alix Ritchie is a media high energy performances. CEO, SNMA consultant, activist, and selfSFGN is a Diamond Sponsor described agitator. Ritchie is for the gala, which starts at being honored with the Philanthropy Award. 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 8 at Chima Brazilian The Ally Award is given to Stacy Ritter. She is Steakhouse at 2400 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Fort president and CEO of Visit Fort Lauderdale, Lauderdale. For tickets, visit Stonewalland was on the team that came up with the Museum.org.

“... IT’S ABOUT TIME THAT WE GAVE AWARDS TO THREE WOMEN!”

• 11. 4.2021

NEWS MIAMI-DADE Street footage of the attack. Photo credit: Mitch Novick via WSVN, YouTube.

GAY MAN ATTACKED IN MIAMI BEACH Hospitalized with Broken Nose, Fractures Steve Rothaus Special to SFGN

gay Miami-Dade man, 26, was much of the early morning assault. attacked and beaten just after 12:30 Paramedics took Herrera to Mount Sinai a.m. Saturday outside a Collins Avenue Medical Center. From the hospital, he told pizza shop, Miami Beach police say. WSVN he was “repeatedly punched until the “I have a cheekbone broken,” Luis Carlos attacker just walked away.” Herrera Quiroz told WSVN Channel 7 The assailant and woman who grabbed news in a translated English-language TV Bustos left the scene, along with two other interview. “All this because of men and a second woman. a homophobic attack.” Two Miami Beach police Herrera said he and two officers initially responded to “THEY WERE female friends had just left the Herrera case, but crime HOMOPHOBIC a birthday party and were scene detectives did not — they AND I walking west on Ninth Street were busy investigating a nearby near Collins Avenue when assault in which one woman shot REMEMBER I he accidentally brushed up another, according to a police TOLD THEM TO against another man on a report. crowded street. Detectives are currently STOP BOTHERING Yanira Daniela Bustos Jaure, investigating the Herrera case as ME AND one of the women walking a “simple battery” and have not TEASING ME.” with Herrera, told police released any new information he got a bloody nose after since the initial report — - Luis Carlos the man he brushed against including a possible motive for Herrera Quiroz suddenly punched him in the such a severe beating. head. Herrera, however, told WSVN: Bustos, 26, said she got between the two “They were homophobic and I remember men to protect Herrera, but that a woman I told them to stop bothering me and teasing with the assailant “grabbed her by the hair me. Then a person came over to me and hit and knocked her to the ground,” according me in the face. After that, I don’t remember to a police report. anything. My nose is broken and my face is Neighborhood surveillance video captured fractured.” Journalist Steve Rothaus covered LGBTQ issues for 22 years at the Miami Herald. @SteveRothaus on Twitter.

11. 4 . 20 21 •

• 11. 4.2021

THE

GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 22 NOVEMBER 4, 2021

FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE COMMUNITY

WILTON MANORS

IN THIS TOGETHER Wilton Elementary School Community Supports Rosie’s

By John Hayden Rosie’s Bar & Grill has supported and “People started calling right away and engaged the students of Wilton Manors blowing up our phones, sending emails Elementary for years. Now they’re leaning on through the website, putting comments all each other as both absorb withering attacks over our social media posts.” fueled by right-wing media. Vile comments were made toward everyone Rosie’s routinely holds toy drives, art at the restaurant, including Zieba himself. exhibits, and more to “I said we did host some creatively enrich their lives. elementary school kids. He For a decade they’ve hosted called me a pedophile, that I was Callers, mostly kindergarteners for a day, grooming children, and said he teaching them about their hopes that I die.” from places other community, how a restaurant There have been no specified than South Florida, threats of violence directed works, and how to order and tip. Pictures from last Rosie’s, but they have been immediately began at week’s field trip were posted reporting disturbing calls to tying up the phone Wilton Manors police. However, on Facebook by one of the chaperones and were seized on threats have been made to the lines, making by reactionary conservatives, school, staff, and school board violent threats, who portrayed it as a trip for members, including Sarah elementary school students to Leonardi, who chaperoned one and hurling a gay bar. of the groups. SFGN has been Callers, mostly from told those are being investigated, ugly slurs at places other than South which agency or agencies are whoever answered but Florida, immediately began looking into them has not been tying up the phone lines, released. the phone. making violent threats, and hurling ugly slurs at whoever COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER answered the phone. On Oct. 29, members of the Wilton Manors Elementary community showed up to support ‘IT WAS A FIRESTORM’ and say thanks. Dozens of teachers, parents, Rosie’s co-owner John Zieba told SFGN that and students, past and present, came by for once Fox News published an innuendo-filled dinner and to lean on each other after a rough couple of days. They said they appreciate what story, things quickly got out of control.

Sarah Leonardi, pictured back right, during the field trip at Rosie’s Bar and Grill. Photo via @bcpsleonardi, Twitter.

Rosie’s does for the school throughout the year. “There’s a lot of families where the kids are much older now but are still coming in because of that experience. They feel good coming here,” Zieba said. Equality Florida also spoke out for the school and restaurant’s relationship. “Anyone who’s visited Wilton Manors knows your trip isn’t complete until you’ve tried one of Rosie’s famous burgers,” Senior Political Director Joe Saunders said. “This is a community institution thriving in the heart of one of the U.S.’s largest LGBTQ populations.”

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Zieba believes inclusiveness is a core value of Rosie’s, the school, and Wilton Manors. “We’ve made an effort from day one to be open to everybody. It’s worked out really well. People feel comfortable here.” While this faux controversy may break some spirits, that’s not the case here. The school community in attendance that night told SFGN they will always be here for the restaurant, and Zieba said the restaurant will always be there for them. “The kids are welcome anytime. The kids are amazing!”

11. 4 . 20 21 •

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

Wilton Manors Commission Divided Over Term Limits Votes Against Latest Proposal

By John McDonald A proposed ballot referendum on term limits failed to receive a majority approval by Wilton Manors commissioners. On a 3-2 vote, commissioners rejected a proposal by the Charter Review Board that would have allowed elected officials to serve 12-year maximum terms with a twoyear absence. Vice Mayor Paul Rolli and Commissioner Mike Bracchi voted no on the ordinance and Commissioners Chris Caputo and Gary Resnick voted yes. Mayor Scott Newton broke the tie, casting the deciding no vote to defeat the proposal. “I just don’t think the city needs term limits,” said Newton. Rolli said the scenario presented by the Charter Review Board did not make sense. From Left to Right: Chris Caputo, Scott Newton, Paul Rolli and Mike Bracchi. Photo credit: Carina Mask. The board has since sunsetted and will not convene again until 2030. Board President Resnick, first elected to the commission Michael Rajner said the proposal was the best elections. In its current design, mayors serve two years and commissioners are elected to in 1998, is the longest serving mayor in city compromise the board could agree on. history. He served for 10 years from 2008 to “I support term limits but the option four-year terms. “Being here over 60 years in Wilton Manors 2018. Attending the proceedings remotely via provided by the Charter Review Board would have allowed someone to serve up to 24 years I’ve seen a lot happen,” Newton said. “I was out Zoom, Resnick noted there is not always a for two years and you sit down qualified pool of candidates ready to step up. with only a two-year break,” “We’ve had elections where not enough and get a better perspective Rolli said. “I would like to have for what’s going on. This city people filed to run for the openings,” Resnick considered more meaningful is so small that if somebody said. “There’s been elections during my term term limits, such as a total of were to do something it’s from on the city commission where we couldn’t get eight or 12 years with a longer the eastside to the westside by anybody to run. Normally, you are lucky if you break in service.” tomorrow. It’s different here. get anybody to run for mayor in this city and Bracchi agreed with Rolli’s If they don’t want you in here you’re lucky if you get more than two people analysis of how the proposal to run for commission. So think twice before they’re gonna vote you out.” was written, calling it a farce. Westside resident Hunter you limit who can run for these offices or you “I’m not supportive of the Stephens addressed the tell residents that we are not going to give way this is written because I commission, asking the you that option to make these decisions in an don’t think it solves any type city to revisit the issue. election.” of problem,” Bracchi said. “I’m Although he did not issue a full-throated Stephens proposed a limit not going to support this as is. I of eight years and two terms endorsement of term limits, Resnick did vote don’t think it’s necessary. If we for commissioners, while to let residents decide. Caputo too voted in are going to do term limits just Mayor of Wilton Manors increasing the mayor’s term favor of the ordinance, saying it was fulfilling max it at 12 and let someone beyond two years. Stephens a campaign promise, but also acknowledged a go and run for school board or said the Charter Review Board’s dearth of candidates. something else.” “The reality is there isn’t this mass rush of At the commission’s Oct. 26 regular proposal would not allow for mentoring of meeting, Bracchi shared data from the city new leaders and only reinforces problems of people to fill these positions,” Caputo said. Caputo also raised the issue of cost in clerk’s office showing the average term length stagnation and complacency. “I think we have ample evidence, frankly, bringing a term limits referendum to the for mayor was 4.29 years and 5.5 years for commissioners. Newton holds the distinction that staying too long leads to complacency ballot. City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson of one of the longest serving commissioners and less accountability,” Stephens said. “An said each extra page to the ballot costs $1,400 elected official might come to believe that as the referendum would have to be written in in city history, serving for a total of 14 years. Newton was off the commission for two they don’t need to live and interact among the three languages: English, Spanish and Creole. years prior to being elected mayor in the 2020 residents that they purport to represent.”

“It’s different here. If they don’t want you in here they’re gonna vote you out.”

THE

GAZETTE November 4, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 22 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 Webmaster • Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com

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

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NOVEMBER 4, 2021

Larry the Lizard stands mute on term limits. Photo via Pixabay.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WILTON MANORS

I Support Term limits in Wilton Manors Here Are The Facts

The same few antagonists in our city continue to publicly bash the current commission for a recent vote regarding term limits. These individuals continue to spread misinformation and blatant lies, and it must STOP! Our residents deserve better. So here are the FACTS:

Paul Rolli, vice mayor of Wilton Manors. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

I Voted Against The Sham Term Limits Proposal in Wilton Manors The Charter Review Board was created by by residents. I did not agree to bring the the city commission and their task was to look Charter Review Board’s proposal to the at the City Charter and make independent voters because it failed to address the issue recommendations to the commission. One of “career politicians.” While that kind of of their recommendations was to create term change would not affect me, I must think about what is beneficial for the voters and limits for elected officials. The ballot proposal for term limits was future of the city. A well-crafted provision that provides meaningful term discussed and voted down (3-2) limits is more acceptable to at the Oct. 26 city commission me. Furthermore, severely meeting. To be clear, I support I suggested two curtailing terms could have a term limits just not what alternatives: a negative impact if someone was proposed by the Charter total of eight or is termed out and there are Review Board. not any viable upcoming If that proposal was 12-year terms with candidates. We must be careful aimed at eliminating “career a longer break what we ask for. politicians,” it did not do To place a referendum on that. It limited terms to 12 in service and the ballot, the paperwork must years and, after a two-year supported separate be completed and sent to the break, the same official could Broward County Supervisor run for 12 more years. That term limits for of Elections by the spring of would be 24 years with only the position of the year of the referendum. a two-year break or 36 years commissioner Thus, the term limit issue with only a four-year break. was proposed to be on the It did not fail because of the and mayor. November 2022 ballot, not approximate $1,000 cost to get November 2021. There is time a referendum on the ballot as to revisit the term limit issue if that is the will some speculate. I suggested two alternatives: a total of of the city commission. Also, any change to the City Charter is eight or 12-year terms with a longer break in service and supported separate term limits for not retroactive and would only impact those the position of commissioner and mayor. My candidates elected after the Charter change suggestions were not accepted by the other was passed by the voters. officials. Changing the City Charter requires a — Paul Rolli referendum on the ballot to be voted on VICE MAYOR OF WILTON MANORS

FACT: The city commission recently voted NO (3-2 vote) on a proposal that would allow members of the commission to serve 12 years, take a two-year “break,” and allow them to run again for another 12 years. The candidate could potentially repeat the cycle endlessly. FACT: I made my position clear from the beginning and voted NO, because… FACT: The particular proposal presented to the commission in no way implements adequate term limits. You can try to sell this proposal as placing “term limits” on the local commissioners and mayor, but the language of this proposal has no teeth. It is a useless proposal, and if implemented would be used as a slick ploy, so that some individuals could tell constituents that “we have implemented term limits,” when the reality is that under the current proposal, someone can serve 24 out of 26 years, or even 36 out of 40 years. If someone starts early enough and lives long enough, they can even serve 72 out of 82 years on the commission! What good does the current proposal do, if it allows someone to be in office for decades? FACT: I was the only member of the commission to propose amending the ordinance to allow a candidate to serve a total of 12 years…PERIOD. If you want term limits, there should be no opportunity to run again for city commission after you have served for 12 years, whether the years are consecutive or not. My proposed amendment would have created a REAL TERM LIMIT! If the candidate wants to continue to be a public servant, then they can run for school board or statehouse. FACT: My amendment, designed to implement a real term limit of 12 years, did not have the necessary three votes from the current commission to be approved. FACT: The initial proposal which allows a candidate to serve 36 of 40 years, solves

Mike Bracchi , Wilton Manors City Commissioner. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

no problems that exist within our current political system. I can only speculate that this issue is being raised at this moment in time, not in order to effectuate meaningful reform, but instead so that some individuals can use the topic to bolster their own campaigns for commission next cycle. FACT: These antagonists, who seem to intentionally ignore the facts, continue to spread false and misleading information about this issue online. FACT: I am here to serve and represent you! The residents of this city voted me in with overwhelming support. As a servant leader, I will always vote with YOUR best interests in mind, and I will not vote in support of proposals do not adequately address the problem we are trying to solve. Those are the FACTS!

— Mike Bracchi

WILTON MANORS CITY COMMISSIONER

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NOVEMBER 4, 2021

11. 4 . 20 21 •

PHOTOS

WILTON MANORS

Wicked Weekend ON SUNDAY, OCT. 31 — THAT'S RIGHT, HALLOWEEN! — WILTON DRIVE WAS TRANSFORMED INTO THE POPULAR ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF EVERYTHING SPOOKY. TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE CREATIVE COSTUMES BELOW.

In Wilton Manors By J.R. Davis

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS AND NEWS FROM WMG, JOIN US AT FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE

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• 11. 4.2021

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NOVEMBER 4, 2021

NEWS

WILTON MANORS

Celebrating our 12th Year on Wilton Drive!

Smile...and the whole world smiles back.

New Patients

$69 ($312 Value)

Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & Cleaning* *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits.

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General & Cosmetic Dentistry

A Scary Good Time at Wicked Manors

State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Always Plenty of Free Parking • Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive

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By John Hayden Wicked Manors’ theme this year was Turn Back Time. And there were multiple sightings of Cher with sailor minions in tow. But after the last couple years of COVID, most people seemed to be celebrating the present and the future. More than 25,000 people swarmed Wilton Drive Sunday night for a Halloween street party that’s listed as one of the Top 10 in the nation. Costumes ranged from the basic leather harness and hat to the intricate, including LED-lit wings of an angel that appeared to be floating down the street. One was a skeleton with a sign boasting how they did their research and declined a vaccine. No matter if the costume was a social message, campy, or sexy, people lined up to grab selfies with eye-catching characters. “We had four costume contests. The kids’ costume contest was adorable,” Pride Center Director of Development Roger Roa said. “It was a great event, including the rain. We are very thankful to everybody.” The Pride Center organizes and hosts the event every year, and CEO Robert Boo said this year’s party hit just the right note. “Wicked Manors 2021: Turn Back Time was a resounding success. We witnessed over-the-top costumes, happy families trickor-treating, members of our community overjoyed for the opportunity to connect

in-person and multitudes of people bringing patronage to Wilton Manors’ businesses.” Three stages were set along the Drive, with Manor hosting the dance stage; another stage was set up by Matty’s while the main stage was across from Alibi and hosted the big events like the costume contests. Police were on hand to keep things flowing and safe, and were incredibly patient while working with people who were partying maybe a bit too hard. Community events like Wicked Manors don’t happen without the support of the community, and Boo appreciates everyone who worked this year. “As one volunteer with one of the non-profits working the entrances wrote to us, ‘I was so happy to help. Hope it was successful for The Pride Center and the local orgs helping. People were very happy to be celebrating together and even when the lines got a bit long at our gate everyone was so nice about it. Everyone was just happy to be back together I think. Y’all should be very proud for bringing such joy to the community.’” Sunday’s street party was the culmination of a weekend-long series of events. First there was Friday Night’s Double Feature Movie at Hagen Park with family-friendly Hocus Pocus and the grown-up fan of Rocky Horror Picture Show later in the evening. Then on Saturday was the #WickedWeekend Saturday Splash pool party at Tru by Hilton.

Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD Dr. Stephen T. Scoglio, DMD 1946 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com

More than 25,000 people swarmed Wilton Drive Sunday night for a Halloween street party that’s listed as one of the Top 10 in the nation.

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NOVEMBER 4, 2021

11. 4 . 20 21 •

WILTON MANORS & OAKLAND PARK

NEWS

and Elijah Manley (right), a candidate for the District 94 seat, stands with Dean Trantalis, the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale. Photo via Facebook.

DeSantis Sets Election Date For Wilton Manors Legislative Seats By John McDonald At long last, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has Election Law Clinic and all those who stood scheduled special elections for three South with me and took a chance. Now, the race begins.” Florida legislative districts. As of the most recent campaign finance On Oct. 27, DeSantis issued an executive reporting period ending Sept. order scheduling special 30, the Manley campaign had elections for House Districts raised $15,984.09. Contributors 88 and 94 and Senate District include Fort Lauderdale Mayor 33. Primary elections are Dean Trantalis, Oakland Park set for Jan. 11, 2022, with a Commissioner Matt Sparks and general election to follow, if Wilton Manors Commissioner necessary, March 8, 2022. Chris Caputo. Elijah Manley, a candidate Daryl Nevroy Campbell, for the District 94 seat, and an aide to out-going District the Harvard Law School 94 Representative Bobby Election Law Clinic sued DuBose, leads all candidates DeSantis to execute the duties in fundraising with $46,279.18 of his office and schedule special elections for the followed by Josephus three districts. Twelve days Eggelletion III of Miramar with after the lawsuit was filed, $18,650 and Oakland Park DeSantis caved and scheduled Vice Mayor Michael Carn with the elections. Democracy $16,040. prevailed, Manley said. There are no Republicans Candidate, District 94 “After shamelessly delaying currently filed in District 94 a free and fair election, the meaning the Jan. 11 election governor has called the special election,” will decide the seat. Vote by mail will likely Manley said. “This wouldn’t have been commence in late November or early possible without the help of the Harvard December, said Manley.

“After shamelessly delaying a free and fair election, the governor has called the special election.” - Elijah Manley

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NOVEMBER 4, 2021

FRIENDS KEEP WILTON MANORS LIBRARY OPEN AND INDEPENDENT By John McDonald Taking her children to the library is something Arlene Lancaster fondly recalls as a mother. “I took my kids when they were little to the library all the time for storytime,” said Lancaster, a retired school teacher who first moved to Wilton Manors in 1973. Decades later Lancaster remains involved as president of the Friends of the Wilton Manors Library. The private charitable corporation is composed of volunteers dedicated to keeping the library operational and independent. “We want to make sure we keep our little library in the city,” Lancaster said. “It’s one of the places a city should have.” Wilton Manors is one of five cities in Broward County with its own library — independent of the county’s system. The library, named in honor of Richard C. Sullivan, a generous benefactor, is known for its cozy personal feel where visitors are warmly recognized as opposed to treated like a number on a library card.

THE

ISLANDER A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER

By Kim Swan

WHY DID YOU START IT? It is important to be part of a community, especially one like Wilton Manors where people can feel safe to be who they are. It has always been in our DNA to give back, and it was natural for us to want to find a way to not just take from our patrons but to support the issues that are important to all of us.

HOW DID BONA SURVIVE COVID? IS BUSINESS BACK TO NORMAL? Thanks to a very supportive community and some federal funding we made it through the pandemic so far.

WHAT ARE SOME NON-PROFITS YOU’VE SUPPORTED? We have supported these and other organizations in the past 4 ½ years: Broward House, Equality Florida, Gay Men’s Chorus, and more. WHAT ARE SOME MENU ITEMS SOMEONE ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE WHEN THEY EAT AT BONA?

PARTYBUS Party on a bus from Boca Raton to SWAY Nightclub from 10 p.m.2:30 a.m. Ladies drink free until midnight.

FRIDAY ART PARTY Wilton Manors First Friday Art Party at Herbaceous & Art brings together a number of artssupporting neighbors and friends each month celebrating creativity in its many forms from 6-9 p.m.

SATURDAY CAR SHOW Show off your cars at the Classic Car Cruise Show at Holy Mackerel from 4-8 p.m. All clubs, makes, models and years are welcome.

MANORS MARKET A weekly artisan/prepared food market located in the City Hall parking lot from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Great local fresh food, art and unique finds.

Check out our interview with Glen Weinzimer of Bona Italian Restaurant

That’s a tough one, there are so many favorites our guests love, on top of the list is our Chicken Cyriac, which is blackened chicken over pasta with garlic cream and fresh toasted almonds on top.

THURSDAY

SUNDAY

AN INTERVIEW WITH BONA ITALIAN RESTAURANT WHAT IS GIVE BACK MONDAYS? Give Back Mondays is a charity night at Bona Italian Restaurant and Aperitivo Lounge. We give back 10% of all dine-in and take-out dinners to different not for profits.

CALENDAR

ON THE HORIZON NOV. 10: VIBES ON THE DRIVE Chill at a café, bar or restaurant or stroll and shop Wilton Drive as performers entertain for your pleasure from 5-8 p.m.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD? Both Glen & Mark produce the SMART Ride a 2-day, 165-mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West that raises funds to assist AIDS Service Organizations to meet their needs of helping those infected, affected or at risk for HIV/AIDS. This event is unique because of its 100% guarantee that all funds raised by the participants of the SMART Ride go to the ASO’s.

Tell us about upcoming events we should know about!

Glen Weinzimer. Photo via Facebook.

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

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11. 4 . 20 21 •

CONVICTIONS

Off The Wall

‘I’M A SOCCER PLAYER AND I’M GAY’ Pier Angelo

delaide United (AUSTRALIA) soccer player Josh Cavallo has come out as gay, becoming the only current topflight male professional footballer in the world to do so. He’s chosen to speak while still an active player — something that marks him out from the likes of Thomas Hitzlsperger, who only came out publicly after retiring. The 21-year-old wrote on social media that he was “ready to speak about something personal that I’m finally comfortable to talk about in my life, I’m a footballer and I’m gay,” the midfielder said in an accompanying video. “All I want to do is play football and be treated equally.” In a statement as well as in the video and in various interviews, Cavallo said he was tired of trying to perform at his best “and to live this double life, it’s exhausting. It’s been a journey to get to this point in my life, but I couldn’t be happier with my decision to come out. I have been fighting with my sexuality for six years now, and I’m glad I can put that to rest.” Cavallo also said that it got to the point his mental health was affected and he was “going into dark places.” “At the end of the day I just wanted to be happy. This is bigger than football, it’s my life. I’d go home and I wasn’t happy, it just slowly eats away at you and it’s not something I wish upon anyone. I thought people would think of me differently when they found out. That they would start saying bad things about me or making fun out of me. That’s not the case. If anything you would earn more respect from people,” he told the BBC’s Newshour program, Sky sports News and other outlets. In many ways, gay and bisexual men are more represented in soccer than other sports. There are out players at the non-league level of the English football pyramid, as well as gay referees like Ryan Atkin and James Adcock.

Josh Cavallo. Photo via Dailyausfootball, Wikipedia.

But to have a top-level professional like Josh Cavallo feel comfortable enough to come out while still playing is a huge step — and, as evidenced by the reaction on social media, a welcome one as well. As Josh himself says, too many men have felt as if the only way to be successful in football is by hiding their sexuality — with many choosing to step away from the game altogether rather than being their authentic selves. His decision to speak out (with the full support of his teammates and the Australian Soccer Federation) shows that, in 2021, it just doesn’t have to be that way anymore. Few elite male soccer players have come out as gay during their careers. Andy Brennan became the first former Australian League player to come out in 2019 when the ex-Newcastle Jet was still playing in a lower tier. In 1990, Justin Fashanu came out as gay. He took his own life in 1998 after allegations of sexual assault were made against him by a 17-year-old in the U.S. Thomas Beattie, a former youth player for English club Hull City, came out in 2020 and said he was proud of Josh, adding “visibility and representation matters.”

Pier Angelo was born in Italy, moved to England at the age of 17 and learned English at the Nelson School of English. He attended college and graduate school in Manhattan. In 2009 he founded SFGN with Norm Kent. Now he’s retired with his husband Tom and his Affenpinscher Cabbage. He still enjoys writing his column Off The Wall for SFGN.

• 11. 4.2021

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON By Mike Luckovich

11. 4 . 20 21 •

LIFESTYLE FOOD

WHAT IF?

Cuba Libre Shows Us What Could Have Been Rick Karlin

CUBA LIBRE

800 E Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale 954-314-6500 cubalibrerestaurant.com Enter the Twilight Zone with me. Imagine a world in which communism, and the economic and cultural blockades and sanctions (not to mention an oppressive government) had not impacted Cuba. A world in which Cuba advanced along with every other Caribbean country. Sure, we wouldn’t have all those fabulous vintage cars, but it would be a small price to pay for a country’s ability to thrive and grow. At Cuba Libre on Las Olas, such a fantasy world exists. The restaurant reimagines what Cuban cuisine would be like today if its people had had the freedom to experience and incorporate surrounding cultures. There is authenticity in the background, but hints of what could have been as well. We stopped in on a recent Friday night and, thanks to perfect weather, we were able to eat on the expansive sidewalk patio. I’m glad for that because I don’t know how comfortable I would have been otherwise. Not one server or employee was wearing a mask. Neither were most of the customers, even when they got up and walked through the restaurant. Folks, I know we are doing better against this pandemic, but I don’t think we’re at that point yet. A cocktail helped to dispel my uneasiness and the grilled pineapple mojito, with Cuba Libre White Rum, Licor 43, and grilled pineapple purée sure did the trick. They even made a virgin version of their Sandito (with fresh watermelon juice) for my teetotalling husband. In all, there are about a dozen variations on the mojito available. All are

made with fresh-pressed sugar cane, freshsqueezed lime juice, mint, and a splash of soda. All varieties can also be made as non-alcoholic fauxjitos! If you’re there on a Monday, a pitcher is only $25, which makes it as good a reason as any to stop by at the beginning of the week. We started with an order of the crab guacamole, which combines the traditional dip with blue crabmeat (and plenty of it), grilled golden pineapple, roasted jalapeños, fresh lime juice, and extra virgin olive oil. The bowl is surrounded by long thin strips of plantain chips, giving it the look of a multilegged bug, and making it a little difficult to serve, but boy is it delicious! It is enough for four to share, but you won’t want to. For our next course, my hubby loved the black bean soup; slow-simmered for deep flavor and garnished with red onions and sour cream. It was one of the many dishes indicated as vegetarian on the menu, something my pescatarian husband appreciates. I was slightly less thrilled with my aguachile de pulpo. I’d had the grilled octopus on a previous visit and was impressed with how tender it was. This dish didn’t score as well in that regard; the thin slices were chewy, and the aji Amarillo citrus sauce was not only overly garlicky (I know it’s a garlic sauce, but subtlety counts), but the citrus component had an acrid quality. For an entrée, my husband was thrilled that there was a vegetarian paella offered. Baby spinach, “soyrizo,” wild mushrooms,

I WAS HAVING THE HARDEST TIME DECIDING WHAT TO ORDER; SO MANY OF THE MEAT AND SEAFOOD DISHES SOUNDED DELIGHTFUL.

• 11. 4.2021

Plato gaucho at Cuba Libre. Photo courtesy of Cuba Libre. asparagus and garbanzo beans, were nestled in a bed of perfectly cooked saffron long grain rice. I was having the hardest time deciding what to order; so many of the meat and seafood dishes sounded delightful. I finally decided not to decide at all and ordered the mixed grill. It is only available for two, but I ordered it anyway and brought home tons of leftovers. The menu boasted Maine lobster tail, but these reminded me of “Florida lobsters” or langoustines. They were delicious and perfectly prepared, just not what I was led to expect. Also well prepared were a half-dozen or so plump jumbo shrimp. I had a bit of the free-range grilled half chicken, and it was moist and tender. It was just as good the next night for dinner. Cortez chorizo sausage and Black Angus skirt steak (cooked perfectly to order) rounded out the platter. However, the menu boasted asparagus and grilled artichoke hearts salad as part of the platter, neither of which was present. The platter did come with a pair of sauces: parsley chimichurri and classic Criolla; both added just the right amount of kick to the grilled steak. The mixed grill platter comes with a choice of sides. I opted for the simply prepared, but refreshing, fresh avocado with olive oil and sea salt and a bowl of roasted garlic boniato-potato mash. Other side options are white rice and black beans, traditional black beans and rice pilaf, steamed yucca, and onion, chicharrón mojo yuca fries, tostones

HUNGRY FOR MORE? 

Hawaianos, or fried sweet ripe plantains. We shouldn’t have had dessert, as neither of us finished our entrée, but the trials we go through for you, our reader. Hubby opted for the empanada de guayaba, three mini, flaky pastries stuffed with cream cheese and guava and served with a scoop of caramel topped vanilla ice cream. Banana bread caramel was just as decadent as it sounds, topped with vanilla ice cream. For a taste of what life could have been like in Cuba, stop by Cuba Libre.

ISLAND LIFE

YOU CAN ALSO SAMPLE CUBAN FARE AT THESE AREA RESTAURANTS.

PADRINO’S 1135 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale 954-210-8989 PADRINOS.COM

925 NUEVO’S CUBANO’S 925 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale 954-806-8375 925NUEVOSCUBANOS.COM

JUANA LA CUBANA CAFE 3308 Griffin Rd., Dania Beach 954-985-8899 JUANALACUBANA.COM

VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD!

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

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11. 4 . 20 21 •

LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG

CHOOSING TO SEE WHEN BEING BLIND IS THE NORM Brian McNaught

Photo via PxHere.

t Stork’s, my favorite coffee meeting place in Wilton Manors, two friends talked about cataract surgery. I offered that I’d heard great things about how easy and successful it was. “I know a guy who had it, and he wrote an apology to his friends about how dirty his house was, which is something he never saw,” one of the men shared. Sight, in this instance, is a cherished sense, and it provides us with a good metaphor for “perspective.” We see what we see, regardless of what others do. If that changes, we can change our perspective, but others can’t change it for us. They can make suggestions, such as, “Have you considered getting cataract surgery?” but shaming the person with statements such as, “Your house is really dirty. Can’t you see that?” wouldn’t be helpful. Nor would saying to others, “The man you admire is a monster.” Coincidentally, Ray and I have been watching an Apple TV series called “See,” a dystopian fantasy in which the few million humans, who survive the near destruction of civilization, are blind. The handful who are not are thought to be witches, and/ or are executed. Sighted people are blamed for the demise of culture and beauty. The dominant perspective of the culture is that sight is dangerous and evil. Obviously, the few sighted people don’t see it that way. Our beautiful, highly cultured country is deeply divided by competing perspectives. We each think the other side is blind. We demonize one another. They’re all crazed Nazis, marching goose-step behind a mad man who thinks only of himself. People like me are all socialist, atheist, child molesters who steal elections, murder babies, and defy the will of God on what it means to be born male or female. They are the American Taliban, hoping to enshrine fundamentalist, anti-science, antipersonal conscience, white Christianity as the militant law of the land. People like me are turning the country over to criminal, non-white, non-Christian, free-loading illegal immigrants. How do we help the blind see? How do we help them comprehend that it’s their house that’s in disarray, not ours? What is political cataract surgery? I think it’s through loving example, in which we listen, and take inventory of our own perspective, of our own shortcomings and failures. But that doesn’t exclude effective arguments from us, successful court rulings, executive orders, voter turnout, prison sentences for wrongdoers, and protecting ourselves from the physical intimidation of others. If we do have our colored lenses removed, and are able to clearly see our shortcomings, it’s important to acknowledge them. The truth sets us free. If our brothers and sisters ever do what it takes to help them see more clearly, I don’t need from them an apology. I will be so happy for them and for us that I’ll only want to look and move forward. I will hope to do so with the clear perspective that requires an open heart and mind. Working for many years as a corporate diversity trainer on LGBT issues, I have some experience with effective strategies for creating understanding, and on changing behaviors as well as perspectives. When I began such work in 1986, after many years as a gay speaker on college campuses, there was little if any understanding of how the issues facing lesbian, gay, bisexual,

• 11. 4.2021

transgender, and queer people were a business imperative. It was my job to build the case, and then to help equip workshop participants on how to create a safe and productive work environment for all their colleagues. Shaming people for their bad behaviors is a poor strategy, regrettably employed by some trainers on affirmative action and sexual harassment. When we feel attacked, our defenses go up and we are unable to listen openly to what is being said. Calling conservative white Christians in the U.S. “the American Taliban,” may make us feel good, but it does nothing to stop Christian medical workers from denying service to LGBT people in need. In the eyes of the religiously conservative EMT or emergency room nurse, me being gay was a choice that they can’t accept. Perhaps they think that healing my wounds would only make me more of a threat to the theocracy they envision for the United States. Treating my needs might also cause trouble for them from similarly conservative colleagues and friends. Early studies on homophobia showed that fear of loss of community was a primary cause of anti-gay behaviors. From the perspective of the person in need of medical attention, their sexual orientation or gender identity/ expression should have no bearing on whether a doctor or nurse does the job they are being paid to do, any more than if they were Black or Jewish. They’re bleeding or in severe pain. Can they truly be sent elsewhere because of who they are naturally drawn to emotionally and physically? We Americans don’t see eye to eye on a multitude of issues, so how do we manage the different perspectives? In most instances, it doesn’t matter that we disagree unless one or both parties insist that it does. When that happens, we need help in reconciling differences. Sometimes that help comes from government and courts, sometimes from our employer, and

sometimes from social and economic pressure. Boycotting the wedding planner, the photographer, or the baker, for instance, is one way to help resolve different perspectives. The corporations who brought me in to train on LGBT issues hoped I could help change the culture by providing the information and emotional experience necessary to alter bad behaviors, and possibly beliefs. There was no gauge to monitor changes in behaviors, and certainly none for beliefs. Post-workshop surveys, and anecdotal reports on an improved workplace were our only immediate means of measuring success. Yet, it is easy to witness today what huge strides have been made in the workplace for LGBT people and their allies since 1986. The primary evidence comes from the numbers of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees, including senior managers, who are willing and able to come out, and by the number of these employees who want to stay with their company. The key to enabling the sighted and the blind to “see eye to eye,” is to first eliminate the labels that separate them. What is it that they have in common? With the uncivil war taking place in the U.S., we can begin by reminding everyone that they are citizens who love their country. Another key ingredient of sharing perspectives and finding common ground is to create space in which each and every view can be shared respectfully in safety. Guidelines for discussion need to be created. Goals need to be established so that everyone knows that they are working for something tangible. And, most importantly, people need the opportunity to learn how others feel, without specific reference to the behavior of others. The “sighted and the blind” may never see eye to eye, but we either learn to live together or we live in never-ending witch hunts from the environs of a dirty house.

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

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11. 4 . 20 21 •

LIFESTYLE photos

WHAT’S BEEN

HAPPENING TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE EVENTS THAT HAVE BEEN CAUTIOUSLY HELD THROUGHOUT SOUTH FLORIDA THIS FALL! Photos by Carina Mask

On Oct. 30, the Manors Market at Wilton Manors City Hall welcomed small businesses and organizations around Wilton Manors to come together. Broward County Animal Care was there to promote its “Petapalooz-a-doptathon,” with pets available for adoption. On October 12, the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida (Broward Chapter) held a peaceful protest in front of Wilton Manors City Hall.

Earlier this fall on Sept. 2, SAVE hosted its Happy Hour with Representative Brian Sims at Zucca in Coral Gables. Sims is the first openly gay elected state legislator in Pennsylvania history. He won reelection on Nov. 6, 2018 and is now running for Lt. Governor of Pennsylvania.

SAVE was under the big top on Halloween this year! R House, located in Wynwood, hosted SAVE’s annual Halloween extravaganza on Friday, Oct. 29. Hundreds of partiers dressed in carnival-inspired costumes danced all night long and threw dollar bills at the amazing drag performers.

• 11. 4.2021

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11. 4 . 20 21 •

A&E APPOINTMENTS

Room

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PRESENTS

LIVE! AT T H E S AVOR 503 SE 6th St • Fort Lauderdale,FL 33301

The Hottest Acts Around … The Coolest Venue In Town SAT

DEC. 4 __________ AT 8PM

SAT

JAN. 15 __________ AT 8PM

SAT

MAR. 12 __________ AT 8PM

“Tampa Baes,” an unscripted series about a group of young lesbians living in the Tampa area, premieres on Amazon video, Nov. 5. Credit: 3 Ball Productions.

JUDY GOLD

YES, I CAN SAY THAT

SUZANNE WESTENHOEFER THE SUZANNE SHOW LIVE & HILARIOUS!

Ticketweb.com TheRrazzRoom.com

BRUCE VILANCH LIVE!

SUPER SPREADER

ARTSBEAT LADIES TO BINGE AND LISTEN J.W. Arnold COMING TO AMAZON PRIME The Amazon Original unscripted series, “Tampa Baes,” premieres on Friday, Nov. 5 on the streaming service. The eight-episode docuseries from 3 Ball Productions follows a young group of lesbian friends in Tampa Bay, “an ever-growing gay hotspot on the Florida shoreline,” according to an announcement. Viewers are invited to join the young lesbian “it-crowd” navigating and celebrating life in Tampa Bay. Always ready for an adventure or a good party, this group of loyal friends — and sometimes more than friends — is ambitious and unapologetic, while constantly battling stereotypes and labels. With all eyes on these fun-loving women at this pivotal moment in their personal and professional lives, there’s not a challenge or hot-button issue they won’t tackle, even if it means getting real with each other. The cast includes Ali Myers, Nelly Ramirez, Shiva Pishdad, Jordan Whitley, Marissa Gialousis, Summer Mitchell, Cuppie Bragg, Brianna Murphy, Haley Grable, Melanie Posner, Olivia Mullins and McKenzie Mack. Watch “Tampa Baes” at Amazon.com.

LESBIANS WHO ARE THESPIANS (AND MORE) Over the past year, lesbians from across the region have found a supportive, creative space at the Foundry in Wilton Manors. “Lesbian Thespians” has hosted monthly open houses, spoken word performances, concerts and more. Some events have been so well-attended that the group outgrew the intimate theater space on Dixie Highway. The next open house will be Nov. 8 from 6 – 9 p.m. at Wilton Collective, 2365 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. The event is free, but registration is requested at LesbianThespians.com. On Nov. 12 and 13, Lesbian Thespians will host two performances by queer singer and songwriter Tret Fure. Fure has released 17 albums and CDs over the course of a 50-year career. In the early 1980s, Fure discovered the blossoming genre known as Women’s Music. She recorded with and produced some of the most popular Women’s Music, including the legendary “Meg & Cris at Carnegie Hall” (1983). She later worked as a duo with Cris Williamson throughout the ‘90s, producing, engineering and releasing three CDs together. In January 2020, Fure released her latest album, “Stone by Stone,” her most mature and moving collection to date. The title song is an autobiographical look at love through the lens of time. Fure will be presenting material from the new CD along with other favorites at the Foundry. Tickets are $10 – 35 at LesbianThespians.com.

• 11. 4.2021

A&E COMEDY

LESBIAN COMEDIAN REFLECTS ON PANDEMIC LIFE

After 30 years, all that remains is a talent to amuse.

J.W. Arnold

omedian Judy Gold is known for cutting to the chase, especially when it comes to her work. “As you know, it will be hysterical … a lot of it is about what we’ve gone through for the past 18 months, which is creeping up to two years,” she said about her new show, “which for a comedian can be the perfect storm. We’re all thinking the same things.” Gold will debut her new act, “Yes, I Can Say That,” on Nov. 6 at the RRazz Room in Boca Raton’s Mizner Park Cultural Center. “It’s a universal topic. And, also, we need to laugh, it’s very important. We’ve got to stop taking ourselves so seriously,” she said of months of lockdown with her children. “The good part was I got to spend time with them, but we did a lot of activities, spent time outdoors hiking, we played games, we binge-watched, we went into our respective rooms and did our work. Oh, and I did a lot of cooking — fat, fat, fat. It was a gift in a way.” Of course, Gold’s children are all grown up, now 20 and 25. Had they been younger, she’s not quite sure she could have survived the worst months of the pandemic. She said, “If I was with little kids and had to entertain them, forget it! I would have gone mad. It was this great period of time — for me, not for them — when they would normally be with their friends, one’s in college and one’s working, and I would be ancillary. Times of life when they would be out on their own.” Gold had “these thoughts about what they do and what they do when they’re not around you, but I learned that we have shared values. They actually got some good things from me and we clicked. I like hanging out with my kids and they like hanging out with me.” Their sloppiness and reluctance to do their own laundry was another issue, but audiences at the RRazz Room will hear all about those moments this weekend, she promised. The pandemic also helped Gold realize the benefits of downtime. “You don’t have to be busy 24 hours a day. I learned to appreciate free time. I feel like [with] the invention of these phones, people aren’t bored anymore. So much great stuff

November 5th - 28th Empire Stage

1140 N Flagler Drive, Fort Lauderdale Fort Tickets and Info: EmpireStage.com | 954-678-1496

Comedian Judy Gold will appear in Boca Raton on Nov. 6. Credit: Justine Ungaro.

comes out of being bored — inventions, art — that skill is so important. We got to exercise that skill,” she explained. Gold also relished the respite from traveling and touring. “I didn’t travel and I loved it so much. Not looking at a suitcase for over a year, I loved it. I did work. I did outdoor shows at Provincetown over the summer. Comedians kind of figured it out, performing in Central Park, at drive-in movie theaters and Zoom,” Gold pointed out. “It wasn’t until May 2021 that I heard a crowd laugh in real-time. It was intoxicating and I just wanted to cry.” She’s looking forward to her return to South Florida, but has become more introspective through the experience. “I don’t feel like I have to go out every single night and do sets. It’s okay to have a life. It’s okay to not be hustling and hustling and hustling. Not hustling feeds into the creativity, too. Comics are better when they’re living in the world with everybody else.”

MASTERWORKS I: WELCOME BACK CONCERT MUSSORGSKY | Pictures at an Exhibition PIAZZOLLA | 100th Anniversary Celebration with Siwoo Kim, Violin BERLIOZ | Roman Carnival Overture 6

Nov. 17 The Parker Ft. Lauderdale

Nov. 18 Temple Israel of Greater Miami

Nov. 20 Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West

Tickets on sale now from $15 southﬂoridasymphony.org | 954.522.8445

Judy Gold will appear Saturday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the RRazz Room at Mizner Park Cultural Center, 201 W. Plaza Real in Boca Raton. Tickets start at $47.50 at MiznerParkCulturalCenter.org. 11. 4 . 20 21 •

A&E THEATER

SITCOM STARS BRING SOUTH FLORIDA PLAYWRIGHT’S WORK TO LIFE J.W. Arnold

OUT NOW! LOOK FOR IT NEAR YOU, OR ASK FOR YOUR COPY AT SFGN

Actors Didi Conn, Don Most and Loretta Swit will star in Dan Clancy’s “Middletown” at Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables. Credit: GFour Productions.

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• 11. 4.2021

ou don’t need to tune in to TV Land to see the stars of your favorite ‘70s and ‘80s shows. Four iconic actors will take the stage in Dan Clancy’s comedy “Middletown,” opening Nov. 17 at Actors Playhouse. The play, a co-production of the Coral Gables company and GFour Productions, features Loretta Swit (“M*A*S*H”), Didi Conn (“Grease,” “Benson”), Don Most (“Happy Days”) and Adrian Zmed (“TJ Hooker,” “Grease 2”), in the story of a decades-long friendship between two couples, Peg and Tom and Dotty and Don. Clancy, a seasonal Fort Lauderdale resident, originally wrote the play years ago as a fundraiser for a “barn theater” in Cherry Grove, Fire Island, where he and his husband had a home. The theater, established in the 1940s, is one of the longest running LGBT theater spaces in the country, Clancy said. A retired school teacher, Clancy was used to whipping out short plays for his students on a deadline. “They asked me to write something for the fundraiser, but number one, it had to feature people from the community, because that’s how they sell tickets. Number two, it couldn’t be longer than 50 minutes, because there’s a cocktail party afterwards and people get thirsty,” he recalled. So, Clancy quickly crafted a play about two couples in their 60s that could be read from music stands, and the ups and downs of their relationship. The fundraiser was a success and word quickly spread. Another theater company in Napa asked to mount the play, with some caveats. “It was originally called ‘A Quartet.’ We used music stands, but they were concerned people would think they’re coming to see a music program,” he noted. “They also thought that a

fundraiser requiring people to drive up to two hours, 50 minutes wasn’t long enough. Could I make the show longer? ‘Middletown’ became 90 minutes.” After a couple more successful productions, Clancy submitted the play to the Jan McArt New Play Reading Series, an incubator based at Lynn University in Boca Raton, where it received workshops and a staged reading before a large audience. He credits workshops like McArt’s for giving playwrights real opportunities to listen and see their works performed and gain input from seasoned directors and actors. “When I wrote [“Middletown”], I thought it was a nice piece for the community … they laugh, they cry, but I never thought it would have any life outside of Cherry Grove. But, it just grew and grew,” Clancy said. A subsequent production at the Jewish Community Center in West Boca Raton was attended by producer Ken Greenblatt, who recommended the show to his son, producer and director Seth Greenleaf. The multiple Tonywinning duo made “Menopause the Musical” a global sensation seen by millions and they had a formula for “Middletown.” Since then, they have tapped beloved actors like Swit and Most for productions across the country, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic opening in South Florida at the award-winning Actors Playhouse. Clancy remains modest about the success of the show. “[Greenblatt and Greenleaf] made some smart decisions. I know nothing about the commercial part of theater, I write and tell stories. That’s all I can do and what happens afterwards, well, it’s pure luck that a producer showed up at the JCC and decided to produce ‘Middletown.’”

Dan Clancy’s “Middletown” will be performed Nov. 17 – Dec. 12 at Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables. Tickets are $40 at ActorsPlayhouse.org.

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

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SFGN PUBLISHER TO BE HONORED BY FLIFF NEXT TUESDAY BY J.W. ARNOLD | SFGN FILE PHOTO

SFGN Publisher Norm Kent, pictured here with Duke and Shadow, will be honored by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival before the screening of “Nora Highland” on Tuesday, Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Gateway Cinema in Fort Lauderdale. A reception will follow the film. A graduate of both Hofstra University in 1971 and the

• 11. 4.2021

Hofstra School of Law in 1975, Kent moved to Fort Lauderdale in 1976, where he has maintained an independent law practice for over 40 years, practicing today as the Criminal Defense Law Center of South Florida, alongside his law partner Russell Lonnie Cormican. He is known as a fierce champion for civil liberties PROUD SPONSORand free speech.

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• 11. 4.2021

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