Across Florida and the country, children’s books are being pulled from library shelves — “I am Jazz,” “And Tango Makes Three,” and “Everywhere Baby” just to name a few since they have LGBT themes.
While most of us label them as “banned books,” Pranoo Kumar, the owner of Rohi’s Readery in West Palm Beach, prefers to call them “liberatory books.”
“The term ‘banned books’ — it irks me because here are these beautiful books that are actually now being phrased as banned books, where in my mind these books were meant to serve as a sense of liberation for all children and humans in general,” she said.
Born in India, the LGBTQ business owner moved to Dallas as a child, where her family experienced racism and oppression. She studied early childhood and elementary education, where it was her mission to discover “how to right the wrongs of the past.” Eventually, that came in the form of Rohi’s Readery, a bookstore she named for her grandmother, an education activist who fought for women’s and children’s rights during India’s colonial rule. The doors to the store opened Juneteenth weekend in 2021.
“You feel the ancestors and descendants of people who came before within the walls of the readery,” she said. “I always feel I’ve been given this gift and this opportunity to speak the unapologetic truth of what I believe in because of my family and those who come before me.”
Over the last year and a half, the bookstore has morphed into a sort of community center, hosting events like Juneteenth, Pride and Diwali celebrations, drag story time, a colorful
chemistry class with an LGBT civil engineer, sip and paint sessions for adults, as well as classes covering cooking, gardening, dance, writing, and self-esteem.
But most of all, Rohi’s Readery is a safe space where people can come together, learn, and support one another. Kumar vividly remembers bringing in her second child to the readery and a generous customer offering to hold the baby so she could get some work done.
“Rohi’s Readery is really bringing together so many different communities of people, whether it is the LGBT community, the neurodiverse community, the BIPOC community … there’s also this opportunity for our families to come in and see themselves and also feel celebrated and seen,” she said.
And as for banned books, they have a special home on the shelves of Rohi’s Readery, a place filled with children’s books that highlight marginalized communities.
“It’s so frustrating,” Kumar said. “There’s this opportunity for us to really cultivate conscious citizens of our babies, and when I
think about our babies they are truly human in our purest form. They are curious, they are learners, they are empathetic, they really want to learn about the world around them.”
Kumar picks some of her favorite books for young ones that cover LGBTQ+ issues:
“A is for Activist” by Innosanto Nagara
“When Aidan Became a Brother” by Kyle Lukoff
“The Big Book of Pride Flags” by Jessica Kingsley
“Pride Puppy!” by Robin Stevenson
“Bye Bye, Binary” by Eric Geron
“The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish Swish Swish” by Lil Miss Hot Mess
“Ritu Weds Chandni” by Ameya Narvankar
“My Rainbow” by DeShanna Neal and Trinity Neal
“Born Ready: The True Story of a Boy Named Penelope” by Jodie Patterson “Grandad’s Camper” by Harry Woodgate
Maura Healey made history by becoming the first lesbian governor in U.S. History after beating Republican Geoff Diehl.
Healey is no stranger to making history as she was the first gay attorney general elected in the country in 2014. Healey led the first state challenge to the Defense of Marriage Act, which banned same-sex marriage.
She ran on a platform of investing in housing, public transportation, the clean energy economy, and job training and ran alongside lieutenant governor candidate Kim Driscoll, the mayor of Salem.
The Human Rights Campaign congratulated Healey on her win, saying, “As one of our nation’s first lesbian governors, she will not only be a champion of pro-equality policies, but also a role
Olympic skier Breezy Johnson recently came out as bisexual.
In a post on Instagram she wrote, “So I’m bisexual. Before this season starts I wanted to be open about who I am. To those people out there who feel a little different and want to see people like them at the top. I am here to represent that we are out there, we are normal, and we can do whatever we want.”
Johnson made her Olympic debut in 2018 and qualified to make Team USA in Beijing this past year but had to withdraw due to a knee injury.
Notably, U.S. Ski and Snowboard posted a statement in support of Johnson.
“I am so proud of Breezy,” said the organization’s Chief of Sport, Anouk Patty, in the statement. “It takes courage to be
true to yourself and to be a role model for others. She is so strong and amazing both on and off the hill. I’m so happy today for our team and our sports broadly. When every athlete can be their true selves, they are their best selves.”
Leigh Finke has been elected as Minnesota’s first transgender lawmaker getting 15,635 votes in District 66A in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
Finke ran on abortion, improving mental health in schools, LGBT issues and economic opportunities.
Finke turned to Twitter to address the victory.
“Many stories will be written about Minnesota’s elections,” she said in a tweet quoting the Victory Fund. “One undeniable story is the rise of Queer Political Power.”
Annise Parker, the president and CEO of Victory Fund spoke on Finke’s win saying, “Leigh made history tonight because she is ready to disrupt the status quo and fight for real change on behalf of her community, from safeguarding abortion rights to addressing societal inequities, she has a vision for the future that voters are clearly enthusiastic about. Her win is a clear and deafening rebuke to the transphobia
currently sweeping our communities and her success will inspire other trans people to step up and run.”
1726 SE 3rd Ave.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316 (754) 701-6920
13936 NW 7th Avenue Miami, FL 33168 (786) 800-5631
4101 Nw 3rd Court, Suite 9 Plantation, Fl 33317 (754) 701-6911
(844) 922-2777
CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH.ORG
WALK-INS WELCOME AT ALL LOCATIONS
SOUTH BEACH
427 Washington Avenue Miami Beach, FL 33139 (305) 514-0813
LAKE WORTH
201 N. Dixie Hwy Lake Worth, FL 33460 (561) 867-9991
LGBT ACTIVISTS PROTEST AT FIFA MUSEUM IN ZURICH
According to Channel News Asia, some soccer players have expressed worry over the rights of supporters traveling to the game, particularly LGBT people and women, who rights groups claim are discriminated against under Qatari regulations.
The protest was organized by the All Out organization, which stated that the goal was to “make sure FIFA and Qatar know the world is watching and that citizens around the world expect action.”
All Out urges FIFA to put pressure on Qatar to decriminalize same-sex relationships and safeguard the LGBT population, claiming that FIFA has not publicly committed to
Thousands marched at Argentina’s 31st Pride Parade in Buenos Aires, seeking more rights for the LGBT community.
Crowds gathered in Plaza de Mayo, the square opposite the presidential palace, before midday and marched two kilometers to the Congress building.
The parade’s tagline this year is “the debt is owing to us,” equating Argentina’s significant financial debt to the social and legal dues that the LGBT community claims are owed to them.
In Argentina, trans women are particularly vulnerable since they are the primary target of hate crimes motivated by sexual prejudice or gender identity.
According to Euro News, Argentina was the first Latin American country to recognize non-binary gender identity with an official
identification card.
Since 2012, the government has also made gender self-perception legal.
SOUTH AFRICA HOSTS FIRST PRIDE SINCE COVID-19
Numan Afifi, an activist who was detained at the rally in Kuala Lumpur, called the raid “traumatizing and harrowing.”
“About 40 religious officers backed by the police came into the venue with some 1,000 participants, and they stopped the music and dance,” he told Alarabiya News.
According to Afifi, officials segregated partygoers into two groups: Muslims and people of other religions.
Following that, 20 Muslims were escorted to the Islamic Religious Department of the Federal Territories, where “our identity details were recorded.”
The week closes with Transgender Day of Awareness on Nov. 20, a solemn time to recognize the deaths of transgender and gender non-conforming people.
Murders of people in the community have escalated at an alarming rate. The Human Rights Campaign keeps an up-todate list of murders of trans and gendernonconforming people around the country — this is where we got most of the names for this story. At the time of publication, for 2022, HRC has tracked at least 32 deaths.
In 2021, at least 57 were killed.
In their memory, we looked back at these murders in Florida since 2015 and tracked down the latest on each case. More than half are still unsolved.
Often, news reports, police and even family and friends will misgender and dead-name transgender and gender non-conforming people. We will be using pronouns and names that the HRC shares in its reports.
Reinwald, also known as Kristina Grant Infiniti, was found dead in her home in Miami and police originally ruled the 46-year-old’s death a suicide, according to the Miami New Times. However, after further investigation the Miami-Dade Police classified it as a homicide case. Friends believed that the suspect was her boyfriend; the investigation is still open. In 2021, the director of LGBTQ and concierge services at UHealth Hospital and Clinics at the University of Miami, Lauren Foster, called for justice for Reinwald in an op-ed for The Advocate.
Reed, 28, was shot and killed in the West Little River neighborhood of Miami. Surveillance footage from a neighbor’s home captured Reed running across the street, six to seven gunshots going off, then she collapsed in the middle of the street, Local 10 reports. The investigation is still open.
Originally from Wisconsin, Garden, 27, was found dead in her Orlando apartment. According to Orlando Weekly, her home was a haven for sex workers, as she often handed out condoms, water bottles, and helped with HIV testing. She was also a sex worker and it was believed she may have been killed while she was working. The Orange County Sheriff’s office tells SFGN that there have been no arrests made in the case, but that the investigation is still open.
Fantroy, 21, was shot and killed in south Miami-Dade County after turning down a proposition for sex, according to NBC 6. Then, as Local 10 reports, 17-year-old William Watson opened fire on the group Fantroy was walking with, then chased after her and shot her to death. He was arrested on another charge, then confessed to the murder. He was charged as an adult for second-degree murder.
Over the Fourth of July weekend, Black, 27, was shot and killed outside her Pompano Beach home. Even with the streets filled with people for the holidays, no witnesses have come forward with information on her killer. The case is still open and in October 2021, the reward money for information was upped to $10,000.
The 20-year-old, who was nonbinary, got into an altercation in North Miami with their partner, Bernard St. Pierre, which ended in Addison being shot and killed. Surveillance video showed that Addison slapped Pierre in the face, then punched him with brass knuckles that had a taser attached. St. Pierre then shot toward Addison. A few weeks later, prosecutors dropped the charges against St. Pierre, citing the “stand your ground” defense, NBC 6 reports.
Transgender Awareness Week is a mix of emotions — a celebration of progress, but also a call for change as trans rights are continually trampled.
KILLED NOV. 4, 2020
Little is known about this case other than the 20-year-old was shot and killed in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood, according to The Advocate. Miami-Dade Police are investigating Heath’s death as a homicide and the case is still open.
KILLED NOV. 17, 2020
The 39-year-old beauty queen was stabbed to death by her husband, Ygor Arrudasouza, in Miami. He said that the two were arguing and he was under the influence of meth when he killed Herrera with a fork and knife in the middle of Transgender Awareness Week. Arrudasouza was arrested and charged with second-degree murder and aggravated battery. A trial hearing has been scheduled for February 2023.
KILLED FEB. 4, 2021
Braxton, who also went by the name Kimmy Icon, was found dead in her Miami bedroom in what police called a “violent and vicious attack.” The Miami-Dade Police shared surveillance footage of a person of interest, who was wearing a black zipup track sweater over a white shirt and black pants. No arrests have been made in the murder of the 45-year-old hair stylist; the case is still open.
KILLED OCT. 2, 2021
A resident of Pompano Beach, the 26-year-old was found gunned down inside of her Hummer in Miami Gardens — family says that she was shot in the face and then another 20 times in her body. Starz’s body was returned to Omaha, Nebraska, to be buried close to her family. The singer earned her business degree from Florida Career College vocational school in July. In December 2021, Duvon Russell Jr., 28, was arrested in Polk County on unrelated charges and extradited to Miami-Dade County for second-degree murder. However, court records show there are currently no murder charges against him.
Banks, who was described as a “sociable and beautiful butterfly” by the Human Rights Campaign, was killed in Miami’s Liberty City neighborhood. Not much else is known about her case, but Pgh Lesbian Correspondents reports that police arrested a man tied to Banks’ murder case on Oct. 5, 2022 and charged him with murder in the 2nd degree with a weapon.
Killed Nov. 2, 2021
Duval Princess: Jan. 3, 2022
Nedra Sequence Morris: Killed May 14, 2022
Semaj Billingslea: Killed Sept. 21, 2022
If you
information on any of the open cases above, contact your local or county police department. There are also anonymous tip lines, such as Crime Stoppers and Crimeline, in various communities.
KILLED OCT. 1, 2022 View the full story at sfgn.com/TDOR2022
have
Rain drenched Wilton Manors on Nov. 20, each drop representing a tear shed for the dozens of trans lives lost this year. A Trans Day of Remembrance (TDoR) program was held at The Pride Center.
As people made their way down the center aisle of chairs they were faced with two huge banners bearing the pictures and names of trans men and women who have been murdered in the past year. The 42 faces shown is nearly double the number who died in 2021.
One of those was Elise Malary from Evanston, Illinois. In her picture she’s wearing a shirt that reads “You deserve more than survival.” Survival is what many in the trans community aspire to. From being bullied by governments to workplace discrimination and more, fully capable human beings still find themselves struggling to attain the basics of life.
The room, filled with trans brothers and sisters, activists, and allies, were reminded
that the average life expectancy for trans people is 35 years old. Many of the victims were Black trans women.
Many performers and speakers took the microphone. One was trans activist and business owner Carvelle Estriplet, owner of Carvelle Bikes in Wilton Manors. Before the event, she talked with SFGN about the four Ts of trans.
“There are many Ts that go into the T of trans. There’s truth, talent, transcendent and togetherness. I call TDoR not just a day of remembrance, but of resilience. It’s a day we remember our lost siblings.”
The World AIDS Museum (WAM) is making a cross-country connection with the Arizona Cardinals, the NFL team that plays in Phoenix.
WAM, the Cardinals, and CAN Community Health are partnering up for Arizona Cardinals Equality Night on Nov. 27 at their stadium in Phoenix.
WAM Executive Director Terry Dyer said this is a perfect example of the museum’s plan to expand visibility and reach.
“WAM’s mission to decrease the stigma of HIV and AIDS is important to all communities. HIV impacts all of us, not just the LGBTQ+ community. This partnership with such major organizations is the first step for WAM to be that go-to agency for the preservation of history and educational programming. We are targeting communities across the country to collaborate with in different capacities.”
WAM said CAN Community Health has scheduled numerous meetings for WAM on
Nov. 28 with several local leaders. The goal is to discuss how WAM can bring its work to the area, both in and out of the LGBTQ+ community. In addition to outreach, WAM will get a portion of the event’s 50/50 raffle.
“Everything I do is under the mantra of ‘go big or go home,’” Dyer said. “It sets the tone for the future and constantly gives me something to strive toward.”
This comes as WAM hits the home stretch of preparing for its Red Dress/Dress Red Gala. It’s set for February 4, 2023, at the Design Center of The Americas (DCOTA). And like the event in Phoenix, it’s beyond what WAM has done.
Aman armed to the teeth walked into Club Q, a gay venue, and opened fire. The attack left at least five dead and 25 more injured, and is the latest mass murder in America. The owner of the Colorado Springs club told reporters he created the place to be a “safe space” for LGBT. His sentiments echo the feelings many feel in South Florida, as if some sort of safety-in-numbers theory applied.
South Florida’s LGBT community’s reactions range from sadness to shock to defiance.
“Be resilient. We’re getting attacked by politicians,” local activist Carvelle Estriplet said. “They’re restricting our access to health care for young trans youth in the state. We’re getting attacked in every direction. It is time for resilience, getting together.”
Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis called for effective laws.
“For those of us in Florida’s LGBT community, the shooting at Club Q awakens painful memories of the grim events of June 2016 at the Pulse Nightclub in Orlando. Club Q and Pulse were supposed to be safe places where people could come together to socialize and have fun, and instead, they now stand as gruesome reminders of our nation’s failure to address gun violence. Violence against the LGBT community cannot be tolerated, and sensible gun regulations are needed in order to ensure everyone’s safety, in church, in school, at work, at a movie theater and everywhere else.”
Equality Florida stated, “We awakened to the all too familiar horror: another hate-motivated mass shooting targeting a community that has been vilified and dehumanized by hateful political rhetoric. It is no coincidence that yet another community refuge, and the safety it provides, has been shattered amidst a political climate supercharged with anti-LGBTQ hate by powerful leaders and right-wing extremists. Thanksgiving tables will have empty chairs this week. Holidays will have missing faces. These are the costs of hate violence, costs we know all too well. Our hearts go out to all those impacted and we will work with our local partners to ensure the community receives the care it needs and that we honor those stolen from us with action.”
Kierra Johnson, National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director, said, “As we wait for answers to what happened and why at Club Q this past weekend, I remain heartbroken and angry. While horrifying, the mass shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs should not come as a surprise. This is what happens when violent rhetoric and anti-LGBTQ legislation is relentlessly directed at our community.”
“We must come together as we learn more, to grieve and remember those we have lost, to honor the brave individuals who fought back and saved the lives of others during the attack and to fight for a comprehensive investigation and determine the motivation behind this attack,” Johnson added.
By John Hayden
Mike Bracchi’s seat wasn’t up for election this year, but he still won a major vote.
Wilton Manors’ City Commissioners chose him to be Vice Mayor for the next two years.
“I have a unique skill set that I bring to the table and I did the job [as commissioner] really well. I’m already working with city staff and I will do well at it.”
Bracchi said that his skill set includes management experience and collaborative workmanship.
City commissioners choose who will serve as Vice Mayor. Earlier in the meeting Bracchi announced his interest in the office. He was elected 4-1, with new commissioner Don D’Arminio supporting Chris Caputo.
“There was a lot going on with this election, a distraction. Some fresh blood in the Vice Mayor role is good.”
The distractions Bracchi refers to are related to the campaign, which saw lots of dirty tactics. But at Tuesday’s organizational and swearing-in meeting Paul Rolli and D’Arminio both pledged to put that behind them and work to improve the city.
“We put the election behind us and look
forward,” D’Arminio said in his first remarks after being sworn in. “I look forward to working with the entire city commission. I congratulate Paul Rolli on his re-election.”
Moments later Rolli took his oath and echoed the conciliatory tone.
“In these difficult political times in a world of negativity, I would ask that the commission and the community be leaders of positive change. I will do my part to keep
the positive spirit alive.”
Both Rolli and D’Arminio were sworn in by their longtime partners.
Mayor Scott Newton, who cruised to reelection with no significant opposition, was sworn in by his son, who is a detective in the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. Newton’s wife, daughter, and granddaughter were also there to support him.
No other business was discussed.
Submit photos taken on Nov. 26 to Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com. Please include the date and time that the photo was taken, complete names of all people, city you live in and a short description of what’s taking place.
Submit photos taken on Nov. 26 to Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com. Please include the date and time that the photo was taken, complete names of all people, city you live in and a short description of what’s taking place.
There will be no new faces on the Oakland Park dais, as voters chose two former commissioners to lead the city.
Tim Lonergan and Steven R. Arnst, who were the top two choices from a field of six candidates, won the two open at-large commission seats. They won 25.99% and 23.88% of the vote, respectively, according to unofficial results from the Broward Supervisor of Elections.
Oakland Park’s commissioners serve atlarge seats and rotate mayor and vice mayor each year. Vice Mayor Aisha Gordon will
be stepping up to the plate as mayor, with Commissioner Mitch Rosenwald moving up to vice mayor.
Lonergan, who served on the commission from 2013 to 2020, took the spot of mayor in 2016 and 2018. Having served two terms, he was forced to take a two-year hiatus before being allowed to run again. Lonergan, who is gay, helped make positive changes in the city for the LGBT community. This included making conversion therapy illegal in Oakland Park, adding gender reassignment surgery coverage and domestic partnership benefits
for employees, and requiring contractors and vendors to provide domestic partnership benefits to employees.
Arnst took a long break from the commission after reaching term limits for a second time. He was on the Oakland Park commission from 1993 to 2001 and then again from 2003 to 2011. During that time, he also held vice mayor and mayor seats. He told the Sun Sentinel this summer that City Hall is “burning through money like there’s no tomorrow. I want to get a hold on the taxes.”
Wilton Manors, FL 33305
954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Publisher/Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com
Publisher•Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com
Kimberly Swan webmaster@sfgn.com
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.
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including: Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: dofetilide rifampin any other medicines to treat HIV-1
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. Have any other health problems. Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.
Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.
Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, lightcolored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health
WILTON MANORS NEWS
DIVING DEEP INTO WILTON MANORS ELECTION RESULTSBy John McDonald
Data from the Broward Supervisor of Elections show there are 9,072 active voters in the city with 63% registered as Democrats, 21% unaffiliated and 14% Republican.
Wilton Manors is divided into two precincts with Andrews Ave. the boundary. Addresses to the east of Andrews Ave. are in P001 and addresses to the west are in P002. There are 6,707 active voters in P001 and 2,365 active voters in P002.
The top of the Democratic ticket ran up big margins in the precincts with Congresswoman Val Demings getting the most votes at 4,663 to 1,118 for U.S. Senator Marco Rubio. In the race for governor, Congressman Charlie Crist got 4,600 votes to 1,205 for Gov. Ron DeSantis. In the race for the open Congressional District 23 seat, Broward County Commissioner Jared Moskowitz got 4,568 votes to 1,091 for Republican Joe Budd.
OAKLAND PARK NEWS
OAKLAND PARK WELCOMES AISHA GORDON AS NEW MAYOR3 LGBT MEMBERS OF COMMISSION
By Christiana Lilly
“I don’t win until you win,” she said after being sworn in. “I embrace my new role with a sincere passion to serve. I am honored for the opportunity to be here tonight and to serve as your next mayor.”
After two years of service on the city’s commission, the businesswoman has rotated into the position after serving as vice mayor. The city’s electoral process has candidates run for at-large positions on the commission and rotate its mayor each year.
for
Mayor Scott Newton won re-election with 4,014 votes to 1,284 for challenger Boyd Corbin.
The commission has said goodbye to Jane Bolin and Michael Carn, both of whom have served as mayor during their time on the dais. Before Gordon took her oath of office, Carn recited a poem he wrote for his colleagues as a goodbye.
Vice Mayor Mitch Rosenwald, a social worker and Barry University professor, was
“Broker Joe” Grano, REALTOR® 954-931-0 If you don’t Know Real Estate, know the Broker.
“Joe. You are a PRO.” ‐ L Polcari, Fort Lauderdale I Will Be Your Friend & Partner In Success.
By John McDonald
All three ballot referendums passed in Wilton Manors with little fanfare.
“The voting results on the three city referendums demonstrate the residents strongly agree with them,” said Commissioner Paul Rolli. “The question on terms limits passed with an 83% approval rate.”
Indeed, Question 3 garnered the largest amount of support from voters with 4,400 yes votes to 900 no votes. Data from the Broward Supervisor of Elections show more people voted on Question 3 than in the mayor’s race. The measure caps terms for elected officials at 12 years – six two-year terms for mayors and three four-year terms for commissioners.
Question 1 collected the next highest support at 76% with 3,743 yes votes to 1,204 no votes. This measure gives tax-collecting authority to the city clerk and eliminates the Civil Service Board. Ex-Charter Review Board chairman Michael Rajner had expressed concern that eliminating the six-member
board could leave non-union employees with no recourse for grievances. Rolli disagreed.
“City employees like all other employees have the right to take their case to the judicial system,” Rolli said.
Question 2, which expedites the process of filling vacancies on the commission in the event of a death, resignation or removal from office, passed with 66% support – 3,237 yes votes to 1,644 no votes. The charter referendum also deleted a provision about forfeiture of office in the event a mayor or commissioner is found in violation of the code of conduct or code of ethics.
Holiday cheer to last all year. Bears of South Florida (BOSFL) are ready for the softest, cuddliest event of the season: their annual Teddy Bear Drive. This isn’t a couple of guys standing around a box collecting teddy bears. This is an event.
Set for Black Friday, Nov. 25 at 5 p.m., Hunters Nightclub is turning into (Teddy) Bear Central.
“The Teddy Bear Drive is the kickoff to the holiday season,” BOSFL President Will Haas said. “The event takes place on FUR Friday at Hunters! Many bears gather at Hunters FUR Friday on a regular basis. Hunters has become a big part of the Teddy Bear giving tradition. Many gather at Hunters after celebrating Thanksgiving with their family and friends. It’s an amazing way to socialize while giving to the community. Seeing the bears pile up and knowing the collected bears are going to bring a smile to a child that is in the hospital brings a smile to all that participate.”
The bears that pile up are given to young patients at Broward Health. Haas said they collect enough bears that kids get them all through the year. It helps comfort them when they find themselves facing illness and scary medical machines and treatments.
As fun as the night is, Haas said the best is yet to come. “Being part of the group dropping off the bears to Broward Health is such a wonderful feeling.”
The event is co-hosted with the Gay Men’s
“GMCSF continues to spearhead this annual drive, and the growth came when we began partnering with The Bears of South Florida and Hunter’s Nightclub to bring this tradition to its next level,” GMCSF Director of Marketing Edward Otto Zielke said. ”The partnership GMCSF has with The Bears is one of the many successful relationships in South Florida’s nonprofit fundraising. This partnership works because both organizations have a profound commitment to community service.”
A week later, the Bears will come together for their annual holiday party. It’s at the Pride Center on Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. “It’s a time to reflect on all the wonderful programming that was enjoyed by many,” Haas said. “We will serve dinner, have holiday cheer and enjoy entertainment by the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble.”
The event is more than a chance to sip on some naughty eggnog. Like Santa, the original Bear, BOSFL comes bearing gifts. They’ll award grants to nonprofits serving the LGBT. “At our Holiday Party we award grants to several local non-profit organizations. Many of the participants that attend the holiday party have enabled THE BOSFL Philanthropy.”
Tickets are $15 and there will be a cash bar. Learn more about the events at BOSFL.org.
Two of the five victims fatally shot in the Saturday mass shooting at the Club
Q nightclub were bartenders Derrick Rump, also a co-owner of the bar, and Daniel Aston.
Tributes poured in to both men on social media. Local Colorado Springs digital creator and photographer Amber Duffy, who along with her husband Dustin were regulars at the club, posted on Facebook about both victims.
“He was our baby and he was our youngest,” his mother, Sabrina Aston, told KRDO, a Colorado Springs television station, when speaking about her son. Posts on social media showed an outpouring of grief for the 28-year-old transgender male bartender.
Reuben Warren, a behavior therapist, wrote about Rump, who was killed alongside Aston and three others.
In another post, “My heart hurts for them,” a local drag performer wrote offering a tribute
to Aston, a trans man who recently moved to Colorado Springs from his native Oklahoma.
Sabrina Aston described her son as able to make friends quickly after moving because of “his magnetic personality.” According to Aston’s social media, the 28-year-old had his top surgery in 2021.
What is Our American Cousin?
That’s the question that won Amy Schneider the Tournament of Champions on Monday’s episode of Jeopardy.
The clue: the January 12, 1864 Washington Evening Star reported on a performance of this “dashing comedy” to “a full and delighted house.”
Schneider went into the final round with $15,600 while her nearest competitor, Andrew He, had $14,200. He got the answer right, giving him the lead. So it all came down to Schneider’s final response since He just needed one more game to win the championship.
On Friday’s episode Schneider played conservatively with her final wager allowing the third competitor to win the game. On Monday she didn’t make the same mistake with a $13,000 wager, giving her, her third win and the championship.
It was a rematch for Schneider and He, who first played against each other during He’s initial run on the show when he won five games. He played Schneider during his sixth game and lost in a close final as well.
In order to take home the championship and $250,000 grand prize a player has to win the best of seven games in the finals. Schneider won her third game Monday. He won two games and Sam Buttrey won one game.
Schneider, a trans woman, is best known for her historic run on “Jeopardy!” earlier
this year where she won 40 games in a row. She is the first trans person to participate in the Tournament of Champions.
She ended her first run with $1,382,800, which placed her in fourth place for the highest winnings in regular-season play. She is also the first and only woman to top $1 million.
This year LGBT contestants have done exceptionally well on the long running game show. Besides Schneider, Mattea Roach, a lesbian, won 23 games earlier this year and also took part in the tournament of champions. Rowan Ward, a non-binary contestant, won the game show’s first ever Second Chance Tournament, giving them a spot in the Tournament of Champions.
Roach lost in the semifinals to He while Ward lost in the quarter-finals.
Because of Schneider’s visibility she’s visited the White House and attended the annual White House correspondents dinner since her historic winning streak. But she’s also faced a lot of transphobia online since appearing on the show.
“I’d like to thank all the people who have taken the time, during this busy holiday season, to reach out and explain to me that, actually, I’m a man,” Schneider previously tweeted. “Every single one of you is the first person ever to make that very clever point, which had never once before crossed my mind.”
If you are a person with HIV (PWH), you have the power and responsibility to shape your care. Results from previous surveys guided patient care lead agencies and planning councils in prioritizing community unmet needs and determining where to distribute financial resources.
The survey is available online and will remain open through December 31, 2022. All responses are confidential.
To access the survey, scan the QR code below or visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RL5FPGP
Agunman has killed at least five people at an LGBTQ nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colo.
At least 25 people were injured. A spokesperson for the Colorado Springs Police Department said the suspected gunman is in custody and is in a local hospital. Officials have identified him as Anderson Lee Aldrich.
Colorado Springs Police Department Chief Adrian Vasquez told reporters the suspected gunman began shooting once he entered the club. Vasquez, according to KOAA, a Colorado Springs television station, said at least two customers subdued the shooter before officers arrived.
Club Q’s Facebook page notes a drag show began less than three hours before the shooting.
“Club Q is devastated by the senseless attack on our community,” said Club Q on its Facebook page.
A gunman on June 12, 2016, killed 49 people inside the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Fla.
Police in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, in June arrested more than 30 members of a neoNazi group who sought to disrupt a Pride event. Drag queen story hours and other LGBTQ events have been disrupted in recent months.
Saturday’s shooting coincides with the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance.
“Devastating news in Colorado Springs where 23 people were shot at an LGBTQ club overnight, according to police,” tweeted openly gay Illinois Congressman-elect Eric Sorensen. “As we pray for those fighting for life, we must use loud voices to stand up against hate. Our country must turn down the hateful rhetoric aimed at our LGBTQ community.”
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, who is openly gay, also condemned the shooting.
In a statement released by his office, Colorado’s governor said:
“This is horrific, sickening, and devastating. My heart breaks for the family and friends of those lost, injured, and traumatized in this horrific shooting. I have spoken with Mayor Suthers and made it clear that every state resource is available to local law enforcement in Colorado Springs. We are eternally grateful for the brave individuals who blocked the gunman likely saving lives in the process and for the first responders who responded swiftly to this horrific shooting. Colorado stands with our LGTBQ
Washington
Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) called the attack as “an unspeakable act” and said it was “horrendous” to learn what happened.
“We have to protect LGBTQ lives from this hate,” wrote Hickenlooper, who is also the former governor of Colorado and a strong LGBTQ+ community ally.
Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, who along with his city’s residents experienced the mass-shooting at the Pulse Nightclub on June 12, 2016, when a 29-year-old man, killed 49 people and wounded 53 more, tweeted his support to the city of Colorado Springs.
Appearing on The Sunday Show with Jonathan Capehart, Brandon J. Wolf, Press Secretary of Equality Florida and a survivor of the mass-shooting/murder at Pulse speaking about the Club Q shooting in Colorado Springs and on the uptick of antiLGBTQ hate told Capehart:
“This is a community that’s been traumatized, we’ve been demeaned, we’ve been dehumanized … We’ve been begging for people to take this rhetoric seriously.”
Equality Florida responded in a statement to the horrific attack at Colorado Springs’ Club Q:
“Today, we awakened to the all too familiar horror: another hate motivated mass shooting targeting a community that has been vilified and dehumanized by hateful political rhetoric. It is no coincidence that yet another community refuge, and the safety it provides, has been shattered amidst a political climate supercharged with antiLGBTQ hate by powerful leaders and rightwing extremists. Thanksgiving tables will have empty chairs this week. Holidays will have missing faces. These are the costs of hate violence — costs we know all too well.
Our hearts go out to all those impacted and we will work with our local partners to ensure the community receives the care it needs and that we honor those stolen from us with action.”
courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.
New York’s redistricting was quite a messy process and out of that chaos the Empire State sent a gay Republican to Congress.
George Santos won the election for New York’s Third Congressional District, defeating Democrat Robert Zimmerman in a campaign that featured two gay men competing for federal office for the first time. Santos got 142,472 votes (52%) to 120,737 (44%) for Zimmerman in a district that spans Long Island from Northeast Queens to the north shore of Nassau County.
“There is so much work to be done,” the 34-year-old businessman said in a postelection statement. “The American Dream is still in danger under the Biden Administration, and people deserve not only a representative, but a champion and partner in Congress to mitigate the back-breaking inflation and to make our communities safe.”
Redistricting cost Democrats two gay representatives as Mondaire Jones lost in the primary for Congressional District 10 and Sean Patrick Maloney was narrowly defeated in the
general election for the Congressional District 17 seat. Maloney, a five-term Congressman, chaired the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
Ritchie Torres, a gay Congressman from the Bronx, was the bright spot, cruising to reelection in Congressional District 15 with 75% of the vote.
Overall, Republicans flipped four seats in the New York delegation, but Democrats still hold a 15 to 11 advantage.
Meanwhile, Santos becomes only the third gay Republican to serve in Congress, following former Reps. Jim Kolbe of Arizona and Steve Gunderson of Illinois. Santos is the first Republican to be out at the time of his election.
Tina Kotek won a hard-fought campaign for Oregon Governor, promising to unite a state ravaged by homelessness and crime.
“I am honored and humbled to serve Oregon,” Kotek said in her victory speech Nov. 10 in Portland. “I promise to be a governor for all of Oregon and I’m ready to get to work and move Oregon forward.”
Kotek, 56, joins Massachusetts governorelect Maura Healey as the first lesbians elected governors in the United States. She won a three-way contest in the Beaver State, taking 47% of the vote to 43% for Republican Christine Drazen. Unaffiliated candidate Betsy Johnson, a former Democratic state senator, got 9%.
The campaign largely centered on the state’s response to homelessness and crime. During a televised debate, Kotek admitted Portland’s reputation had been tarnished and promised to declare a homelessness state of emergency on her first day in office. Her opponents tried to
saddle Kotek, the former Speaker of the House, with much of the blame, labeling her “Tent City Tina.”
“We don’t need a red state takeover to take out the damn trash,” Kotek said in her final campaign ads, while warning Oregonians that abortion rights and LGBT rights would be threatened under a Republican administration.
Drazen conceded Nov. 11. She won 29 of Oregon’s 36 counties, but was overwhelmed in the large population centers of Portland and Eugene. Both Drazen and Johnson benefited from millions in campaign donations by Nike co-founder Phil Knight, while President Joe Biden and Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders made trips to Oregon to campaign with Kotek.
Zach Herrin, an LGBT auto racer, is about to achieve one of his life objectives. The lifetime racer will compete in a NASCAR ARCA series event for the first time.
Herrin’s quest began when he was 4 years old and learned how to ride a bike. He grew up in a racing family on the West Coast but quickly relocated to Atlanta to be closer to NASCAR nation.
Herrin, 26, began racing professionally at 16, and his first pro race was held at Daytona. It was a powerful symbol.
Herrin then came to a halt. The child who practically grew up with a racing track in his home left the sport that defined him to discover himself.
“Everyone’s debut races are ones that tend to stick around a little bit for drivers. For me, I just want to get out there and let my talent shine and actually show I am
be there, and all of this work is paying off,” Herrin told Outsports.
The distance from my side of the bed to Ray’s felt huge. I had so many questions before I started scooting.
“What if he doesn’t want to cuddle?” “Should you talk about it first?” “Will it hurt his back?” “Are you starting something that will frustrate you both?”
Why was I doing it? Why was I inching my way across the king-size mattress, pushing and pulling away the pillows between my knees, from my arms, and between us? Lincoln fortunately wasn’t on the bed to block me. After what felt like a half-hour but was only a minute or two, I scooted the distance and spooned Ray from behind, connecting with as much of his body as possible. I put my left arm over him, synchronized our breathing, and gently kissed his shoulder.
The next morning, I did the same, but only after getting up to pee, and washing my mouth out with water. Inch by inch I moved slowly toward him, not wanting to wake him. He snored gently after I found the special place where I could feel his body heat and the softness of his skin.
discussions with other gay men my age, I’ve heard a lot of frustration that they and their beloved sleep in separate rooms, or have little access to physical intimacy.
25-27
The Humane Society of Broward County’s spectacular “Black Furrday” pet adoption event is back for the holiday season.
Avoid the mall crowds on “Black Friday” and add a furry friend to your family instead. A furry friend that wants to spend this holiday and many more with you.
The HSBC will be offering “Cuddle Busters” from Nov. 25-27 which means the adoption fee will be waived for select pets. In addition, the adoption fee will be ½ price for dogs and cats one year of age and older. And the first 25 pet adopters who adopt an adult pet, will receive a PAW.com blanket (a $79+ value). Whether you’re looking for big or small, purebred or a unique mixed breed…there is always love for sale at the Humane Society of Broward County.
In addition, the shelter’s vaccine clinic will be open on Black Furrday for those pets that have homes. A free microchip will be provided for those owned pets when a vaccine or flea/tick preventative
is purchased. This offer is valid on Nov. 27 only and appointments are not necessary. Prior to visiting be sure to complete the pre-adoption application at www. humanebroward.com and while on the site you can see who is waiting to meet you. If you have questions call 954-989-3977 ext 6. The HSBC is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I-95 and is open daily from 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
We used to do this every night for 30 years, and then things changed. Our bodies were suddenly different because of surgeries and medications. One or the other of us couldn’t get an erection. We knew intellectually that it shouldn’t make a difference, but it did. Physical intimacy felt loaded with challenges that eventually impacted our libidos. We ended up each on our side of the bed, still kissing “Good Morning,” and “Good Night,” and still holding hands when the lights went out, but no more full-body contact. We each got used to it. It became normal. We read our books, and played “Words with Friends” on our iPads. “Sleep tight, honey.” “Thank you. Pleasant dreams.”
Why at nearly 75 am I motivated to risk rejection by taking the initiative to cuddle? There was a convergence of reasons. I have, for some time, imagined one of us in our final days in a hospital bed or at home, and the other one climbing in to cuddle. The question that would be silently asked is, “Why did we wait so long to get back to something that feels so right?” Also, we both have been reading “man-on-man” romance novels so our libidos have felt stimulated. And, from
It’s a little embarrassing to acknowledge that Ray and I, though together for 46 years, haven’t had sex in a long time. It hasn’t bothered either of us, perhaps because we’re intimate throughout the day in the way we talk to and take care of each other. There’s nothing that says couples need to have sex in their relationships. And, often, it’s not possible. But, cuddling is usually quite easy to do if you put yourself out there.
After cuddling twice, I asked Ray, “Are you enjoying our morning cuddles?”
“Yes,” he said quite enthusiastically. “I’ve missed them.”
My plan is to spoon at least once a day, morning, noon, or night. I’m kind of excited about it. And, I don’t regret telling you.
A lot of people my age, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, are hungry for physical intimacy but don’t speak up about it with their spouses or friends. We feel that everyone else our age is having lots of sex, and if we acknowledge that we don’t then it will be assumed there’s something wrong with us, or with our relationship.
If you find yourself in a situation like mine, where you’d like more physical contact, go ahead and scoot over. It’s never too late, and you won’t regret it.
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?”
He passed away Nov.10 with friends by his side. He was a long-time high school math teacher for Palm Beach County schools and an ardent activist for philanthropic LGBT organizations.
Whittaker lived to help others. He was always at community events from Compass in Palm Beach County to making lunches for the homeless at United Church of Christ in Fort Lauderdale. Compass mourned his loss, posting, “Kyle lived his life in service and was always helping others through his volunteerism in the many causes he supported. We know in our hearts that Kyle would want us to continue to help and love others, to live authentically, and most of all, to be kind.”
He was a visibly active member of the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida, serving as Vice President. He was known for creating or participating in fundraisers for a variety of local causes.
Whittaker grew up in Niles, Michigan, and attended Central Michigan University before settling in South Florida. His mother said, “Our dear Kyle has been ill for so many years and just couldn’t fight it anymore. Typical Kyle though, he didn’t let anyone know his health was failing and never missed a step at work. We spent time with the Principal and admin of his school who couldn’t say
enough! This Mom’s heart is full.”
His love of teaching and for his students was obvious every time he talked about his career. Whittaker’s eyes would light up and his passion shone through. A former colleague praised him in a post, saying, “Kyle was a wonderful human being and an excellent mathematics teacher. He had an extreme amount of patience and compassion for teaching our ESE students who are often marginalized by the educational system. He made learning fun and engaging for students who otherwise would be turned off by math. Kyle was highly intelligent, yet could teach students on their level and make math accessible. He cared greatly for his students, which they could sense, and he made them feel affirmed and accepted. He treated all students and staff with dignity.”
Whittaker was 34 years old.
2011 South Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www.churchofoursaviormcc.org
DanceNOW Miami debuts “Clara,” a reimagining of “The Nutcracker” that charts the journey of a young woman, exploring and experiencing the exotic, the unknown and the forbidden, on Dec. 10 at 8 p.m. at Miami Theatre Center in Miami Shores. Featuring a score from Berlin-based composer Davidson Jaconello and drawn from the original Tchaikovsky music, “Clara” is choreographed by Dance NOW!
Miami Artistic Directors Hannah Baumgarten and Diego Salterini.
“This is definitely not your abuela’s ‘Nutcracker’,” said Baumgarten. “It is sexy, modern and a whole new way to experience this holiday favorite.”
Tickets are $40 at DanceNowMiami.org/ events/program1.
The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, the first LGBT performing arts ensemble in Florida, will present its last concert, “Peace on Earth,” on Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. at the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale.
The chorus recently announced it would merge with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) on Jan. 1. Dr. Gary Keating, who founded the chorus in 1986 to sing at the funerals of local men who died during the AIDS epidemic, will lead the final performance, joined by special guests from GMCSF. The program will include traditional holiday songs, along with popular selections from the ensemble’s previous performances.
Tickets start at $35 at FTLGMC.org.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida returns to Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood on. Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. for its sixth annual holiday
performance. This year, the 150-member chorus welcomes guest artist Shoshana Bean, Broadway headliner and a Tony and Grammy nominee.
Bean was most recently seen starring in Broadway’s “Mr. Saturday Night.” Tonynominated for her role as Susan Young, she previously starred on Broadway as Elphaba in “Wicked” and Jenna in “Waitress.”
The program will include classics, as well as new arrangements of holiday favorites like “Do You Hear What I Hear” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.”
Tickets start at $41 at GMCSF.org.
Tony Award winning singer-songwriter Levi Kreis brings his popular holiday concert to the Pompano Beach Cultural Center on Dec. 6 at 8 p.m. Kreis, who is openly gay, will display stunning piano and vocal talents infused with gospel, country, rockabilly and jazz idioms into a fresh interpretation of Christmas classics and holiday favorites.
“Levi Kreis is one of his generation’s brightest stars on Broadway “said Ty Tabing, director of the Pompano Beach Cultural Affairs Department. “He is well-known for his electrifying live performances, and this show is guaranteed to leave our audiences feeling full of the joyous spirit of the season.”
Tickets are $45 at PompanoBeachArts.org.
“The Nutcracker” is a holiday tradition and South Florida audiences are fortunate to be able to enjoy George Balanchine’s iconic choreography, accompanied by a distinctively “Miami” color palette designed by Isabel and Ruben Toledo.
The cast of more than 100 professional
and student dancers performs at the Arsht Center in Miami, Dec. 16 – 24, and at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Dec. 28 –30. All performances are accompanied by live orchestra.
For tickets and more information, go to MiamiCityBallet.org.
To kick off the South Florida Symphony’s 25th anniversary season, Maestra Sebrina María Alfonso will conduct Handel’s oratorio “Messiah,” Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale and on Dec. 4 at 4 p.m. at Barry University in Miami. In addition to the symphony and chorus, the performance will showcase bass baritone Neil Nelson, tenor Gerardo Ortega, soprano Brittany Graham and mezzo-soprano Stephanie Newman.
And, to further elevate the holiday spirit, the program will also include Schubert’s “Ave Maria,” Pietro Yon’s Italian Christmas carol, “Gesù Bambino” and Mendelssohn’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.”
For tickets and more information, go to SouthFloridaSymphony.org.
Join Maestro Pablo Mielgo and the Symphony of the Americas for a musical world tour, celebrating the sounds of the season from faraway lands. Soprano Kyaunnee Richardson will be featured in a memorable musical journey, Dec. 6 at 7:45 p.m. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale.
Richardson made her professional debut in “The Magic Flute” with Festival of the Arts Boca in 2016. Recently, she starred as Calpurnia in the world premiere of “The Secret River”
with Opera Orlando and as Adele in “Die Fledermaus” last season.
Tickets start at $55 at SymphonyOfTheAmericas.org.
The Broadway hit “Million Dollar Quartet” gets a yuletide makeover in this new production at Actors Playhouse in Coral Gables through Jan. 1. Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, Johnnie Cash and Carl Perkins gather for an imagined one-night-only recording session in Memphis recording studio.
Dominique Scott, a South Florida native, who has starred as Jerry Lee Lewis on Broadway and national tours and the recent Actors Playhouse production, is excited to come home, noting,
“It’s fun to be back with the same group of actors, in the same set, but doing a different show. It’s the same show everybody loved, but with an entirely new playlist of songs.”
Tickets start at $75 at ActorsPlayhouse.org.
Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida celebrates the silver anniversary of their unique production of “The Nutcracker” with snowflakes, sugarplums, naughty little boys and magical dolls. The local company presents the classic ballet based on the tale of Hoffman and set to Tchaikovsky’s popular score, Dec. 8–11 at the Aventura Center in Aventura. The critically acclaimed ballet is choreographed and directed by renowned ballet master Vladimir Issaev.
For tickets and more information, go to ArtsBalletTheatre.org.
“GEORGE
THE“Million Dollar Quartet Christmas,” Actors Playhouse. Credit: Alberto Romeau.
We’re still weeks away from Christmas, but it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Check out these upcoming music, dance and theater performances and make your season just a little more “merry and gay”:
After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price. Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com
