APRETUDE is a prescription medicine used for HIV-1 PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 77 pounds (at least 35 kg). APRETUDE
APRETUDE is given every other month by a healthcare provider after initiation injections have been given 1 month apart for 2 consecutive months. Stay under a provider’s care while receiving APRETUDE. You must receive it as scheduled. If you will miss a scheduled injection by more than 7 days, call your provider right away.
This is only a brief summary of important information about APRETUDE and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your medicine. AP-reh-tood
Important information for people who receive APRETUDE to help reduce their risk of getting human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) infection, also called pre-exposure prophylaxis or “PrEP”:
Before receiving APRETUDE to reduce your risk of getting HIV-1:
• You must be HIV-1 negative to start APRETUDE. You must get tested to make sure that you do not already have HIV-1 infection.
• Do not receive APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP unless you are confirmed to be HIV-1 negative.
• Some HIV-1 tests can miss HIV-1 infection in a person who has recently become infected. If you have flu-like symptoms, you could have recently become infected with HIV-1. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a flu-like illness within the last month before starting APRETUDE or at any time while receiving APRETUDE. Symptoms of new HIV-1 infection include: tiredness; joint or muscle aches; sore throat; rash; enlarged lymph nodes in the neck or groin; fever; headache; vomiting or diarrhea; night sweats.
Please see additional Important Facts About APRETUDE at right.
While you are receiving APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP:
• APRETUDE does not prevent other sexually transmitted infections. Practice safer sex by using a latex or polyurethane condom to reduce the risk of getting sexually transmitted infections.
• You must stay HIV-1 negative to keep receiving APRETUDE for HIV-1 PrEP.
° Know your HIV-1 status and the HIV-1 status of your partners.
° Ask your partners with HIV-1 if they are taking anti-HIV-1 medicines and have an undetectable viral load. An undetectable viral load is when the amount of virus in the blood is too low to be measured in a lab test. To maintain an undetectable viral load, your partners must keep taking HIV-1 medicine as prescribed. Your risk of getting HIV-1 is lower if your partners with HIV-1 are taking effective treatment.
° Get tested for HIV-1 with each APRETUDE injection or when your healthcare provider tells you. You should not miss any HIV-1 tests. If you become HIV-1 infected and continue receiving APRETUDE because you do not know you are HIV-1 infected, the HIV-1 infection may become harder to treat.
° Get tested for other sexually transmitted infections such as syphilis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. These infections make it easier for HIV-1 to infect you.
° If you think you were exposed to HIV-1, tell your healthcare provider right away. They may want to do more tests to be sure you are still HIV-1 negative.
° Get information and support to help reduce sexual risk behaviors.
° Do not miss any injections of APRETUDE. Missing injections increases your risk of getting HIV-1 infection.
° If you do become HIV-1 positive, you will need to take other medicines to treat HIV-1. APRETUDE is not approved for treatment of HIV-1. If you have HIV-1 and receive only APRETUDE, over time your HIV-1 may become harder to treat.
APRETUDE is a prescription medicine used for HIV-1 PrEP to reduce the risk of getting HIV-1 infection in adults and adolescents who weigh at least 77 pounds (at least 35 kg). HIV-1 is the virus that causes Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). It is not known if APRETUDE is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age or weighing less than 77 pounds (less than 35 kg).
DO NOT RECEIVE APRETUDE IF YOU:
• already have HIV-1 infection. If you are HIV-1 positive, you will need to take other medicines to treat HIV-1. APRETUDE is not approved for treatment of HIV-1.
• do not know your HIV-1 infection status. You may already be HIV-1 positive. You need to take other medicines to treat HIV-1. APRETUDE can only help reduce your risk of getting HIV-1 infection before you are infected.
• are allergic to cabotegravir.
• are taking any of the following medicines: carbamazepine; oxcarbazepine; phenobarbital; phenytoin; rifampin; rifapentine
Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:
• have ever had a skin rash or an allergic reaction to medicines that contain cabotegravir.
• have or have had liver problems.
• have ever had mental health problems.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if APRETUDE will harm your unborn baby. APRETUDE can remain in your body for up to 12 months or longer after the last injection. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while receiving APRETUDE.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if APRETUDE can pass to your baby in your breast milk. Talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while receiving APRETUDE.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may interact with APRETUDE. Keep a list of your medicines and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. You can ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for a list of medicines that interact with APRETUDE. Do not start a new medicine without telling your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider can tell you if it is safe to receive APRETUDE with other medicines.
APRETUDE may cause serious side effects, including:
• Allergic reactions. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop a rash with APRETUDE. Stop receiving APRETUDE and get medical help right away if you develop a rash with any of the following signs or symptoms: fever; generally ill feeling; tiredness; muscle or joint aches; trouble breathing; blisters or sores in mouth; blisters; redness or swelling of the eyes; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
• Liver problems. Liver problems have happened in people with or without a history of liver problems or other risk factors. Your healthcare provider may do blood tests to check your liver function.
Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following signs or symptoms of liver problems: your skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow (jaundice); dark or "tea-colored" urine; light-colored stools (bowel movements); nausea or vomiting; loss of appetite; pain, aching, or tenderness on the right side of your stomach area; itching.
• Depression or mood changes. Call your healthcare provider or get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: feeling sad or hopeless; feeling anxious or restless; have thoughts of hurting yourself (suicide) or have tried to hurt yourself.
The most common side effects of APRETUDE include: pain, tenderness, hardened mass or lump, swelling, bruising, redness, itching, warmth, loss of sensation at the injection site, abscess, and discoloration; diarrhea; headache; fever; tiredness; sleep problems; nausea; dizziness; passing gas; stomach pain; vomiting; muscle pain; rash; loss of appetite; drowsiness; back pain; upper respiratory infection.
These are not all the possible side effects of APRETUDE.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
• Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
• Go to APRETUDE.com or call 1-877-844-8872 where you can also get FDA-approved labeling.
Trademark is owned by or licensed to the ViiV Healthcare group of companies.
©2022 ViiV Healthcare or licensor.
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With a gay men’s chorus and a gay icon, Christmas is coming early to South Florida. Broadway legend Shoshana Bean is performing with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Live.
“First of all, it’s Christmas. Second of all, it’s the gays,” Bean said. “What could be better?”
She talked about the upcoming concert, her favorite holiday memories, and why she chose to work with the GMCSF.
“The LGBT community makes up my family. They’re the people I work with. They’re my best friends, my family members. Beyond that they’re a beautiful audience of support for me. Always have been. From the moment I started singing, they were my most loyal and excited listeners.”
Bean is a Broadway veteran who’s starred in very familiar hits, including Wicked, Jersey Boys, and, most recently, Mr. Saturday Night alongside the legendary Billy Crystal. While the bright lights of Broadway are always enticing, there’s something to be said for booking a show in South Florida during December with fawning LGBT fans.
“I find the whole community to be the most loving, generous. They make up the majority of our audience.”
GMCSF’s Edward Otto Zielke couldn’t believe Bean was available.
“When I was presented with her name for our guest artist, I gasped! Then I let out a big ‘yes!’ I have followed her career since I first saw her in the original cast of Hairspray. Her voice is incredible, and I got to experience her portraying Elphaba in Wicked. Find a clip of her singing Defying Gravity on YouTube. It’s mesmerizing!”
The key for any performer is the ability to tell a story, which is a talent Bean has in abundance.
“[Storytelling] always affects my performance. For this show I’m doing two songs from my repertoire, two of my favorites. I’m also doing two from their repertoire. I chose them because I always choose from the storytelling first.”
“It’s always been around music,” Bean added.
Like it is for so many of us, this time of year is special and sentimental for Bean.
“All of my best memories around the holidays involve a show or performance, singing at a special wedding. For me that’s why I’m drawn to Christmas shows and say
yes to all the events that time of year.” Between Hanukkah and Christmas there are plenty of stories to be told around the holidays.
“It’s a little different for me at Christmastime because I am Jewish. Some stories I take liberties with but for me it’s always about the spirit of connection with community and nostalgia.”
For Bean, it’s the ability to unabashedly embrace hope.
“We’re living in a time of the miraculous and the idea of the unexpected and the idea of people having hope is really important. The miracles of the stories that are repeated over generations of history are important. But the attention to tiny miracles every day is another beautiful reminder of this time of year.”
For the second year in a row Brian Michael Smith has been listed as one of the “sexiest men alive.” This time he is featured on People’s list of sexiest firefighters on TV.
The actor took to Instagram to share his feelings on the nomination saying, “I’m floored. This level of recognition and visibility as a trans man is so important to me because again there is a concerted effort across this country and around the globe to legislate Trans and non-binary people out of existence,” he said. “But we are here, we are real and we aren’t going anywhere.”
He continued, “My hope is that my visibility can encourage and empower others who want to be their full selves but are afraid or can’t see a future for themselves, to take a step towards being who they are. It’s possible! Do you, find
your tribe, keep fighting and help others.”
Last year, Smith made history as the first trans man to be included in People’s annual issue on sexiest men.
In the season finale of VH1’s “The Surreal Life,” singer August Alsina discussed love.
In the confessional he said, “I want to share that and really honor the person that I love and that loves me back and teaching me so much about love and healing,” adding, “I want to do that in front of the world because it defies all the constructs that one would say love is supposed to be or love should look like.”
Alsina then invited a mystery man to join him in the taping.
Based on the intimacy between the two men, questions have been posed concerning the artist’s sexuality. The singer previously came out as demisexual following the public break up with Jada Pickett-Smith. Demisexuality falls on the asexual spectrum but isn’t exclusive to any one attraction
label.
Alsina has not publicly disclosed whether or not he identifies as bisexual but many fans are just happy to see the singer, who has had multiple tumultuous relationships probed by the media, appear to be content.
JoJo Siwa recently opened up about the impact of her experience speaking to superstar Elton John.
“I remember the first time I ever got to meet Elton was backstage at one of his concerts, and I got to talk to him for like 45 minutes. I was only 15, and that conversation changed my life forever,” she said in an interview with E! News.
A few years later, Siwa said that the day after she came out, John called her.
She ended her interview by praising John and other queer icons who paved the way for the new generation of LGBT people.
“To see the way that the world accepted Elton John for who he was, Freddie Mercury for who he was, all those people who came before me in the gay community made me feel like, ‘Oh you know what? It’s going to be okay. Those people know who they are, people know them, and people love them,’” she said.
Siwa attended John’s last U.S. performance
Wiremag.com publisher and editor in chief Rafa Carvajal with Elijah Velasquez, a student at the University of Miami, attending the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival.
The Presbyterian SeniorCare Network received $4 million in state tax credit for their LGBT-senior friendly housing community in Oakland, Pennsylvania.
“We are very grateful that the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency saw merit in our project and is providing this funding,” Jim Pieffer, the network’s president and CEO, said in a news release. “We still have work to do to reach our funding goal, but this is the major component of the funding that we need.”
Pieffer expects that the project will cost an estimated $26-27 million and with the help of the $4 million in credits should result in $14 million in investment for
Since this past weekend’s targeted shooting at an LGBT club in Colorado, Detroit LGBT centers have been experiencing harassment.
“We’ve always been aware of people like us being assaulted. LGBT people have a long history of being a targeted group of people,” said A. Nzee Kwabena, executive director of LGBT Detroit.
The organization filed a police report when they experienced a threat after someone vandalized their sign.
Dave Garcia, executive director of Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center, says that they’ve received multiple threatening phone calls and protesters.
“We just had someone call and said they were friends with the Parkland
shooter, and we’re on the way to affirmations and so having to close the building for that and deal with those types of threats is something that, unfortunately, we were becoming a little too accustomed too,” Garcia said to CBS News.
Alaskan Democrat Andrew Gray and Jennie Armstrong are the first openly LGBT people to become state House Representatives in Alaska’s history.
Gray spoke to Alaska Public Media about his win still not feeling believable.
“There’s been meetings and phone calls and trying to figure out where I’m going to live. And thinking about staff to hire,” Gray said. “And all of that has been stressors that I was not expecting and that have continued to prevent me from sleeping well at night.”
However, Armstrong has not had the most seamless win.
Armstrong found trouble when a lawsuit was brought that she was too young to represent her district, but the judge threw it out.
During her campaign, Armstrong found it imperative to be open about her pansexuality.
“For me, I really believe that when folks feel fully self-expressed and can be who they are, and feel safe and seen and heard and loved, that those are not just nice ideas, but they’re connected to a thriving economy,” she said.
GERMANY PLAYERS PROTEST FIFA’S CLAMPDOWN ON FREE SPEECH WITH ‘ONELOVE’ ARMBAND
But it only took a split second for the photographers gathered in front of Germany’s International Cup squad to shoot a shot for the four-time champions to send a message to soccer’s world governing body.
Germany’s starting 11 players stood with their right hands in front of their mouths.
As Germany began their World Cup campaign against Japan in Group E, the team’s social media feed indicated that the gesture was intended to protest FIFA’s decision to prohibit the “OneLove” armband, which several European captains had hoped to wear in Qatar.
According to CNN, captains
from England, Wales, Belgium, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Germany, and Denmark had planned to wear the World Cup armbands, which feature a striped heart in various colors to represent all heritages, backgrounds, genders, and sexual identities, before FIFA announced that players wearing it would be yellow carded.
The most anticipated superhero picture of the year, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” has arrived in theaters throughout the world, and both fans and critics are enthusiastic about it.
In the middle of all of this, its fate in China remains unknown. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Marvel’s latest film may be banned in China owing to the brief representation of LGBT individuals.
It is hinted in the film that Wakandan warrior Aneka (Michaela Coel) and senior warrior Ayo (Florence Kasumba) are dating. According to The Star, this scene was cut out in Kuwait before the film was released there.
Actress Coel stated that she was “sold” on her part since Marvel indicated her character would be gay.
“Wakanda Forever” would not be the first Marvel film to be banned in China by the country’s censorship board.
“Thor: Love And Thunder,” “Doctor Strange In The Multiverse Of Madness,” and “Eternals” are among the films that have been banned due to their LGBT content.
SENEGAL BECOMES MORE DANGEROUS FOR LGBT PEOPLE
According to Victor Pereira, a reporter covering the event for numerous publications in the northeast state of Pernambuco, Qatari cops pursued him and a group of fellow Brazilians outside the Lusail Iconic stadium after Saudi Arabia’s surprise 2-1 triumph against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.
A visibly shaken Pereira said in a short Twitter video that authorities mistook his state’s flag — which features a yellow star and sun, a red cross, and a red, yellow,
and green rainbow — for the classic version of the LGBT Pride flag known around the world as a six-color rainbow, designed by the late American artist and activist Gilbert Baker.
Photo via Marvel.com.Photo via Pixabay. Pernambuco flag. Photo by Pedro Alb Xavier, via Wikimedia Commons
Dec. 1 is World AIDS Day, an opportunity to remember those lost to HIV/AIDS.
It is also a day to spread awareness about the virus, encourage progress in HIV/ AIDS prevention, and celebrate those who are surviving and thriving.
The AIDS Memorial Quilt is one of the best visual representations showcasing the history of HIV/AIDS in the United States. Fueled by activism and passion, the Quilt is the world’s largest community arts project. Activist Cleve Jones started the Quilt 35 years ago as a way to honor and remember his friends who died of AIDS. Today, the Quilt is 56 miles long, weighs 54 tons, and features people of every demographic.
“It started out as an activist movement and then quickly became a memorial of love, hope, and remembrance,” Kevin Herglotz, Chief Operating Officer of the National AIDS Memorial, said.
More than 50,000 colorful panels honor those lost to the virus. Singer Freddie Mercury, actor Rock Hudson, and artist Keith Haring are memorialized on the Quilt. Each panel is about 3 feet by 6 feet or the size of a human grave. So are the names of 110,000 other people who lost their battle with AIDS.
“My best friend died of complications related to AIDS almost 40 years ago,” said Duane Cramer, Director, Quilt Community
Engagement for the National AIDS Memorial. “It changed the trajectory of my life forever. My best friend was my father, Joe J. Cramer, Jr., PhD. At the time of his death, and because of stigma and shame my sisters and I told people that he died of cancer. Ten years later we made a panel for him to be sewn into the Quilt. In 1996, the panel that my mother and sisters made was laid on the ground with over 50,000 panels included in the AIDS Memorial Quilt. We knew it was important to remember him, and show the world that Black and Brown people too were dying of the virus at alarming rates. The most effective way to combat the virus was to be open and honest about how he died and use it as an opportunity to educate the community about HIV.”
Many other panels pay tribute to unknown names who are loved and deeply missed. Civil rights icon Rosa Parks created a panel for one of her friends who died from AIDS.
“The Black community, in particular, has been disproportionately impacted all these years, and so we want to make sure those stories are told on the quilt,” said Herglotz.
Twenty-five Quilt panels will be displayed at Compass Community Center in Lake Worth from Dec. 1 through Dec. 15. On Dec. 1, the ceremony, which typically features a candlelight vigil and guest speakers, begins at 6 p.m.
The turkey is done and the pig is rising. Pig Week is underway in South Florida.
“The men this year are hungry to have a good time,” the Ramrod’s Chad Bush said. “We are the largest event of our kind in the world, and we are so proud to be the place where the pig culture was born.”
Bush organizes the event every year. And while Pig Week did make its post-COVID return last year, this is the first year things are back to normal.
“This year we are 38% over the biggest numbers that we have ever had. There are no more rooms left in town for the week and people are staying in hotels from Miami to Palm Beach to be able to attend the parties.”
Pig Week is highly anticipated by the local and worldwide leather community, but it’s not limited to venues like the Ramrod, Leatherwerks, and Eagle. Businesses and homes throughout the area will host events. Crunch Gym will host pre-pig pump workouts. Gym Bar is hosting Beef Fest, and
With more than 70 events during the week, Bush has trouble picking a favorite.
“I always tell folks that it depends on what they are into, and to check the schedule to see what turns them on. The Iconic Pig Dance is on Dec. 3. Most people will just have to decide for themselves.”
For more on Pig Week and events, visit PigWeek.com.
Barry Moss is returning to the Pompano Beach City Commission, winning a rematch for the District 5 seat.
Moss, a gay man, defeated sitting Commissioner Cyndy Floyd in a district that includes five precincts in the city’s southwestern section. He got 4,052 votes (59%) to 2,818 (41%) for Floyd.
At the induction meeting on Nov. 22, Moss said he was eager to continue Pompano Beach’s progress and development.
“When I joined this commission in 2014, much of what you see today was just a dream,” Moss said. “The beach was just a parking lot with a tattered old library on it and all we have to do is look to see what it looks like now.”
Moss carried four of the five precincts and ran up big margins in CO19 and CO20 – home to the Palm Aire Country Club, a popular community for LGBT seniors. In CO13, home to the John Knox Village, Moss took 74% of the vote.
“We have so many wonderful things coming
down the pike that I wanted to be back here to be a part of the evolution of our city and we have made great, great strides here,” Moss said.
Floyd ousted Moss from the dais in 2020 by a narrow margin, but got 2,165 fewer votes two years later. Data from the Broward Supervisor of Elections showed that on Nov. 1 there were 15,798 active voters in the district. Voter turnout in the election was 43%.
When you think of a wreath you likely think of green branches with some holly berries sticking out through a festive ribbon. Nice, but not memorable. But the wreaths at Pub On the Drive are next level.
Their Annual Holiday Wreath Auction brings out the most creative and passionate holiday decorators. People pick a theme and go to town.
“There have been dozens and dozens of gorgeous wreaths donated each year,” the Pub’s Tim Barton said. “One of the wreaths most dear to our hearts was one that Pompano Bill Calcaterra donated a couple of years before he passed away. It was a beautiful large sized wreath with gorgeous ribbons and bows. The main color scheme was Chartreuse thus we dubbed it ‘A Chartreuse Christmas.’”
This year’s auction is Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. Wreaths are already being dropped off and will be on display in the days leading up to the auction. Over the years, the wreaths have
raised about $24,000 for KIDS In Distress. Barton hopes to surpass last year’s total of $6,000.
Legendary diva Electra will be hosting the party, as she has every year.
“Electra will perform an opening Holiday number to kick off the festivities. Then one by one, each of the wreaths will be auctioned off to the highest bidder. There will be a couple of entertainment breaks between sets to keep the energy level fun and festive.”
Lips has found a way to be even more fabulous than it already is. They’re getting in the spirit of the season with their Not-Your-Ordinary Holiday Toy Drive. On Sunday, Dec. 11, their Drag-A-Licious Brunch kicks things up a notch by turning into a toy drive.
“We remain dedicated to collecting toys and raising funds for Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center [CDTC],” said Yvonne Lamé, Lips founder and co-owner. “Now, especially, we’re embracing the spirit of giving and we encourage the community to join us for this celebratory opportunity to provide local kids with hope for the holidays.”
The CDTC is a nonprofit that specializes in getting proper treatment for children with special needs. The toys collected will bring smiles to dozens of children when they’re feeling down or scared. People bringing a toy will get a voucher for one of Lips’ famous frozen cosmos.
“CDTC is grateful for Lips, which has been committed for years to our organization in support of our kids,” said Ana E. Calderon Randazzo, Ph.D. Executive Director of CDTC.
“Lips offers an amazingly good time and we invite others to join us as we raise funds and collect toys for our families in need.”
There will also be a second celebration at those shows. Nicolette, who has long been host of Sunday Brunch, will be celebrating her birthday as well.
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DR. SHEETAL SHARMA DR. MICHAEL SENSIONThe first “gay” bar opened in Broward County in 1935. Located near the Hollywood Race track on Federal, “Club Ha-Ha” was the South Florida version of the type of club opening in New York during the 1930s in what noted gay historian George Chauncey described as the “pansy craze” in New York City nightlife.
Stories of the LGBT History of Fort Lauderdale and Broward County will be part of the talk “Queer by the Beach: The History of the Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ Community,” given by Fred Fejes on Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the FAU downtown campus. Fejes, a professor emeritus in the FAU School of Communication and Media, taught courses LGBT studies courses since the late 1980s and has done extensive research on the LGBT experience in South Florida. He is the author of the book
“Gay Rights and Moral Panic: The Origins of America’s Debate on Homosexuality,” an account of the 1977 Anita Bryant campaign against gay rights in Miami-Dade County and its aftermath.
Sponsored by the Stonewall Museum and National Archives, History Fort Lauderdale and the FAU School of Communication and Media, the talk will be accompanied by a slide show of images of the history. Admission is free. For zoom meeting info: contact fejes@fau.edu.
With the risks to queer people elevated by a polarized society, one group is providing a family-oriented safe harbor.
Meet the Mama Bears: a network of groups, websites, special projects and resources dedicated to supporting, educating and empowering moms of LGBTQ kids and the community. Liz Dyer founded the organization to give families with LGBT members a place to connect and build community.
“By 2014, I was beginning to realize my gay son didn’t have the same rights as my straight sons,” said Dyer, who lives in Fort Worth, Texas.
What started as a Facebook group of 150 moms soon grew to 36,000 mothers. Eight more groups were created with members in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
The name of the group is a reminder of the ingrained nature a mother bear has to protect her cubs.
The Mama Bears often volunteer to help community members in need.
“Most of what we do is small acts of kindness,” said Dyer. “We’ll stand in at weddings, hospital visitations, help people move or just chat on the phone.”
Dyer said she’s been involved in the conversation about LGBT equality long enough to know the biggest problem is the spread of misinformation.
Citing higher rates of suicide by LGBT youth, Wiegel said the political rhetoric must be deescalated.
“We have a seven times higher suicide rate and that’s what the politicians don’t get and these hate groups don’t understand,” Wiegel said. “They are literally killing our youth and they don’t get it because they are so blinded by their agendas.”
In the aftermath of the Colorado Springs shooting, Fox News host Tucker Carlson took aim at Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
“He always wants to talk about identity,” Carlson said. “And the funny, ironic thing is until just a few years ago Buttigieg wouldn’t even admit that he was gay. He hid that and then lied about it for reasons he has never been asked to explain. Why not?”
Pete served in the military during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” which prohibited gay, lesbian and bisexual service members from publicly disclosing their sexual orientation. Chasten Buttigieg went on CNN to defend his husband, sharing a photo of Pete in combat fatigues from his time as a naval intelligence officer.
Pete served overseas in Afghanistan and in his book, “Shortest Way Home,” described how that experience allowed him to reconcile the fact he is gay.
“If not for the deployment, I might have never found my way to Chasten,” Pete wrote.
The personal attack, Chasten said, is onbrand for Carlson.
“They have a big platform and rather than focusing on real issues, people’s lives, making them better, they’ve decided to focus on hate,” Chasten told CNN host Don Lemon
Carlson targeted Pete after he said tactics used by conservatives produced the Club Q shooting.
“If you’re a politician or media figure who sets up the LGBTQ community to be hated and feared – not because any of us ever harmed you but because you find it useful – then don’t you dare act surprised when this kind of violence follows,” Pete tweeted.
Achallenge to the U.S. military’s ban on the enlistment of people living with HIV has been launched.
On Nov. 10, Lambda Legal filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia on behalf of three people living with HIV: Isaiah Wilkins, 23, a Black gay man and police officer from Georgia; a 32-year-old Latina trans lesbian woman who left the military in 2013 to transition; and a 32-year-old straight woman from California who had been assigned to be a parachute rigger with the Army. In the lawsuit, the women are identified by pseudonyms due to fear of further discrimination, said Lambda Legal representatives.
Minority Veterans of America is also a plaintiff in the suit, which names Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Army Secretary Christine Wormuth as defendants.
“The existing policy is out of step with science and unlawfully excludes people living with HIV from performing as members of the U.S. military. A positive HIV status alone
has no effect on a person’s ability to safely serve,” said Kara Ingelhart, Senior Attorney at Lambda Legal, in a press release. “Because HIV disproportionately impacts LGBTQ+ people and people of color, this discriminatory policy is not only outdated, but is also a serious equity issue that has a significant impact on communities who already face countless systemic barriers to accessing full life in America. Striking this policy would help expand opportunities for over 1.2 million people in the U.S. living with HIV — 42% of which are Black and 21.7% are Latinx.”
The U.S. Senate voted 61-36 on Nov. 29 to officially pass the Respect for Marriage Act, a historic piece of legislation that is expected to soon become law after members in the U.S. House of Representatives sign off on a bipartisan amendment added by their Senate colleagues.
Designed as a vehicle to mitigate the fallout if the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority guts the constitutional protections for marriage equality, the bill was narrowly construed — in part to help guarantee that it withstands potential challenges from conservative legal actors.
Nevertheless, the Respect for Marriage Act is a landmark bill that has been backed by virtually every LGBT advocacy organization in the country. The legislation repeals the Clinton-era Defense of Marriage Act while enshrining into law substantive protections for same-sex couples.
Regardless of whether or how the high court might decide to revisit the marriage question, the Respect for Marriage Act will protect the federally ordained rights and benefits that have long been enjoyed by married gay and lesbian couples. And should the court pave the way for conservative states like Texas to renew their bans on samesex marriage, the law will require them to officially recognize and honor those that are performed in jurisdictions where they remain legal.
Despite earning broad bipartisan support from lawmakers in the House, which passed its version of the bill this summer with an overwhelming majority — including votes
from 47 Republican members — the Respect for Marriage Act faced an uncertain future in the Senate.
Conservative members in the chamber’s Republican caucus argued the bill would jeopardize religious freedoms, concerns that a group of five bipartisan senators sought to allay with an amendment that, among other provisions, clarifies the right of religious nonprofit organizations to refuse “any services, facilities, or goods for the solemnization or celebration of a marriage.”
Writing the amendment were Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Rob Portman (R-Ohio), Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), who was considered the driving force behind the bill’s passage through the Senate.
Several Republican senators proposed additional amendments that — per a narrow procedural vote before and another shortly after the Thanksgiving break — were not put up for debate, thereby allowing the Respect for Marriage Act to clear the Senate with the vote.
Barely surpassing the 60-vote filibusterproof majority with one extra “yea,” the Senate’s passage of the bill came despite the best efforts of conservative opponents who had run coordinated campaigns to erode support among GOP members.
should treat them that way. Today, we are one step closer to achieving that ideal with pride.”
The Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus also praised the victory.
“Today, a bipartisan group of 61 Senators made clear that this country will not roll back the clock on marriage equality,” said Congressman David Cicilline (D-R.I.), chair of the Equality Caucus. “The Respect for Marriage Act is a crucial safeguard for LGBTQ+ people whose lives have been forever changed by Obergefell v. Hodges and Americans who are in interracial marriages thanks to Loving v. Virginia. On June 26, 2015, the Supreme Court declared marriage equality as the law of the land. Today, the Senate ensured those marriages will continue to be protected.”
win for LGBTQ+ equality in over 10 years, since the repeal of ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ — the 568,000 same-sex married couples in this country can breathe a sigh of relief that their marriages will be protected from future attacks,” said Robinson, who began her tenure as the first Black queer woman to lead America’s largest LGBTQ organization.
GLAAD President Sarah Kate Ellis responded on Twitter and in a statement, writing: “As so many LGBTQ people face uncertainty and harm on the state level and extremists on the Supreme Court vow to reconsider the landmark Obergefell decision, this victory will provide comfort and security to millions of people and their families.”
ULTIMATELY STANDS FOR A SIMPLE PRINCIPLE: ALL AMERICANS ARE EQUAL AND THEIR GOVERNMENT SHOULD TREAT THEM THAT WAY. TODAY, WE ARE ONE STEP CLOSER TO ACHIEVING THAT IDEAL WITH PRIDE.”
- Kamala Harris VICE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATESFlorida senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, both Republicans, voted against the historic legislation.
President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris each issued statements shortly after Nov. 29’s vote.
The president celebrated the “bipartisan achievement” by Congress, writing: “For millions of Americans, this legislation will safeguard the rights and protections to which LGBTQI+ and interracial couples and their children are entitled. It will also ensure that, for generations to follow, LGBTQI+ youth will grow up knowing that they, too, can lead full, happy lives and build families of their own.”
Harris wrote: “The Respect for Marriage Act ultimately stands for a simple principle: all Americans are equal and their government
“Diverse faith traditions across the nation came together to demand respect for LGBTQ+ Americans – we staked our ground and refused to let this opportunity slip away,” said Rev. Paul Brandeis Raushenbush, president of the Interfaith Alliance, in a statement.
“The LGBTQ+ community has faced ongoing deadly violence, legislative assaults and constant threats — including the deadly shooting in Colorado Springs barely one week ago,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign, in a statement from the organization.
“Today, with the passage of the Respect for Marriage Act in the Senate — a historic moment that marks the first federal legislative
“Today’s bipartisan vote in the Senate to pass the Respect for Marriage Act is a proud moment for our country and an affirmation that, notwithstanding our differences, we share a profound commitment to the principle of equality and justice for all,” reads a statement from National Center for Lesbian Rights Executive Director Imani RupertGordon.
LGBTQ Victory Institute President Annise Parker said, “This landmark piece of legislation protects the marriages of millions of LGBTQ Americans who have not slept well for months, wondering if our marriages would be dissolved by an activist court. While the Respect for Marriage Act is undoubtedly one of the most important pro-LGBTQ laws ever passed, it does not require states to grant marriages to LGBTQ couples. Until then, our fight is not over.”
That’s why Pheabs has put together the Top 12 cities in the U.S. for the LGBT community.
Pheabs ranked each city based on how well the LGBT community is embraced and supported through events, Pride celebrations, and groups. Miami was ranked #7 on the list. San Francisco was ranked #1.
Pheabs writes how Miami is home to “some of the livelist beaches in the U.S.,” making it a popular vacation spot for over a million LGBT tourists every year.
On the website, it mentions that South Beach hosts Miami Beach Pride every April, throwing events on the beach and in restaurants and stores. Fort Lauderdale,
where Pheabs is based, is home to one of the largest LGBT communities in the U.S.
Rosie’s Bar and Grill, located in Wilton Manors, and Little Havana, located in Miami, are LGBT-friendly spots as well.
THE LIST OF LGBT-FRIENDLY CITIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
San Francisco, California
New Orleans, Louisiana
New York City, New York
Austin, Texas
Portland, Oregon
West Hollywood, California Miami, Florida
Washington, D.C.
Providence, Rhode Island
Kansas City, Missouri
Charleston, South Carolina Minneapolis, Minnesota
BLACK BOX THEATER IN LAKE PARK WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF THEIR SUPER GAY LGBTQ FILM FESTIVAL.
“Growing up as a kid, I didn’t see a lot of queer representation on TV or in films. One of the only figures we could relate to was Will and Jack from ‘Will and Grace,’” said Manager and Event Coordinator Jeffrey Huff. “I love the show, but these were caricatures of what it meant to be gay. Those images didn’t really show me exactly what gay life was about. I definitely think I
could’ve benefitted by seeing more people like me on the screen as a child. That’s why this festival is so important.”
For the month of December, BBT will show movies such as “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” “A Christmas Story,” and more.
Movie lovers can look forward to the film festival every Thursday. Showtimes range anywhere from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or two hours before show time on Monday through Friday. Tickets are sold at the box office and online, or you can walk in and one of the staff members will assist you.
You can call the box office personnel at 561-483-9036 or email at lakeparkblackbox@gmail.com.
“REPRESENTATION MATTERS” HAS BEEN POPULAR OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS. BUSINESSES AND ORGANIZATIONS HAVE SHIFTED THEIR BRANDS AND MARKETING CAMPAIGNS TO INCLUDE MORE MEMBERS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY. THE SAME TERM LENDS ITSELF TO THEPhoto via Lake Park Black Box/Twitter.
Following the massacre at a gay bar in Colorado Springs that killed at least five people and injured many more, the sports world extended its love and support.
While the shooter’s reason was unknown, the teams took advantage of the chance to express their love.
The Denver Broncos’ most liked and shared social media post, while the Broncos were visiting division foe Las Vegas Raiders, was a statement about supporting the LGBT community in Colorado following the massacre at Club Q.
The San Francisco 49ers, who have been practicing in Colorado Springs in preparation for their Monday Night Football
game against the Arizona Cardinals in Mexico City, have not issued a comment, instead sharing a blue heart with an Air Force Academy statement. The 49ers are preparing to utilize Air Force facilities.
Registration is open for the largest LGBT sporting event in the world.
More than 10,000 athletes are expected in Las Vegas January 12-15, 2023 for the Sin City Classic. The event features 24 sports and draws participants from around the globe, said co-executive director Jason Peplinski.
“For a lot of people, LGBT sports are their safe space and they like to travel to be a part of an athletic family,” Peplinski said.
Peplinski is commissioner of the Greater Los Angeles Softball Association (GLASA). His organization created the Sin City Classic back in 2008 as a way to provide a safe space for LGBT athletes to compete and connect.
“Sin City Classic continues to grow and evolve,” Peplinski said. “This year we see the addition of pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in the world, and sand volleyball, adding to the diverse lineup of competitions and events that the festival offers. We’re excited that the festival continues to expand and offers
ways for all members of our diverse community to participate.”
This is the Sin City Classic’s first year of full operations since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Flamingo Hotel, the oldest hotel on the Las Vegas strip, is the host hotel. Lexus is the presenting sponsor and nightclubs Piranha and The Garden are hosting parties during the MLK holiday weekend.
Nominations are open for the second annual Ken Scearce Leadership Award which honors the memory and legacy of the former executive director who passed away in 2021. To sign-up or for more information, visit www.sincityclassic. org
Recent Republican victories in Florida have led many of us to consider moving out of the Sunshine State. One who did something about it is gay business owner Jake Myers, who wrote about his exodus in “Don’t say Florida! Why I chose to move my LGBTQ business away from the Sunshine State,” which appeared on querty. com. In 2020, Myers and his husband moved from California to Wilton Manors, where they started a business, LGBTQ Therapy Space, which helps match LGBT clients with LGBT therapists who help bring out their best lives. While I knew all along that the culture of therapy in Florida wasn’t quite the same as in California, I felt like the need for affirmative professionals would be great.
Then came Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis and the “Don’t Say Gay” law, which swept away any illusions Myers had about Florida. “I knew that our new home wasn’t exactly shaping up to be the most welcoming state for a therapy business, despite all this, my feeling was if the government is trying to put us back in the closet again, then where else is a business like this needed more? I ask myself, ‘What does it say about me and my business that I’m allowing myself to be governed by people who don’t have the same values as me?’ ... Some might call the move to Florida a ‘failure,’ but I call it a learning opportunity, and a chance to really hone in on what’s important and be grateful for people and institutions that value equality.”
I have lived in Florida since 1964 and though the lives of its minorities have improved during the last six decades the political climate has not changed much. Politically, Florida has gone from solidly Democrat and conservative to solidly Republican and conservative, save for a transition period during the ‘90s. Though
in many ways a wonderful place to live, Florida always had terrible leaders and terrible voters. I am one of the lucky ones: I live in a blue city within a blue county, with a dynamic LGBT community within driving distance. This is not the case for my queer brothers and sisters who live deep in the heart of red Florida. And with DeSantis and his obedient GOP legislature firmly in charge, things might get worse.
Still, there is much to enjoy about life in the Sunshine State, where most of my friends and loved ones live. Every year many LGBT people visit Florida as tourists, like what they see, and decide to move here permanently. Unlike Myers and his husband, most of those people stay, despite our toxic politics. There might come a time when things get so bad that I might have to leave. Until then, I stay here.
Foodies First website recently ran a piece called “These Are the Absolute Best Dishes in Each State and Where to Find Them.” Among the regional favorites are many that you would expect: pecan pie in Alabama, Pennsylvania’s Philly cheesesteak, Louisiana gumbo, Boston’s clam chowder, Maine’s lobster rolls, and Maryland’s crab cakes.
Some regional favorites require special equipment, such as a pizza oven to make Illinois’ deep-dish pizza, or are the byproduct of another dish, such as Kansas’ favorite burnt ends, which are pieces of brisket that are taken from the point end of the food during barbecue cooking. Others require ingredients native to or easily purchased in the area; Oregon’s marionberries (pies and jams), quahog clams
In Hawaii, loco moco is a huge favorite. It’s not the sort of comfort food that you might expect from somewhere so tropical, however, it’s been around since the 1940s.
1½ lb. ground beef
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. seasoning salt
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1 egg
2 tbsp. butter
1 medium sweet onion
1 cup sliced mushrooms
4 eggs
4 cups hot cooked rice
1 cup beef stock
4 tsp. soy sauce
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp. ketchup
2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Mix the first six ingredients.
in Rhode Island (stuffies) and Wisconsin’s fried cheese curds. Others are just disgusting, such as Utah’s fry sauce (a mixture of catsup and mayo) and Rocky Mountain oysters (fried bull testicles). Since so many South Floridians are expats, here are a few recipes that can be easily recreated by the home cook either longing for familiar dishes or looking to try a dish from another locale.
Form into four equal sized patties.
Fry or grill until medium, set aside.
In a sauté pan, melt butter, and fry onions and mushrooms until tender, set aside.
In the same pan add a bit more butter if needed and fry four eggs sunny side up.
One each plate, place one burger patty on a mound of cooked rice.
Top with onion and mushroom mixture and a fried egg.
In the sauté pan, add the remaining ingredients, whisking to incorporate the corn starch.
Cook until thickened.
Pour the gravy created over the plates equally.
Blending an American classic with Southwest flavors created this Arizona favorite.
6 hot dogs
6 slices bacon
6 medium jalapeños
2 whole cloves garlic, peeled and chopped
1 white onion, diced
3 tbsp. fresh lime juice
2 tbsp. packed fresh cilantro leaves
Kosher salt
6 bolillo-style buns or top-split hot dog buns
1 cup refried pinto beans, warmed
1 tomato, diced Mayonnaise and mustard, for serving Cotija cheese, chopped Avocado, diced
Tightly wrap each hot dog with bacon.
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook wrapped hot dogs, jalapeños, garlic, and onion.
Turn hot dogs occasionally, until bacon is crispy and cooked through and vegetables are lightly charred all over.
Transfer to a plate, tent hot dogs with foil.
Remove stems and seeds from jalapeños.
Transfer to food processor along with onion, charred garlic, lime juice, and cilantro.
Pulse until a salsa forms.
Spread buns with beans.
Top with hot dogs, tomato, chopped onion, and jalapeño salsa.
Drizzle with mayonnaise and mustard.
Top with avocado and cotija cheese, if desired.
Serve with remaining jalapeño salsa alongside.
See more recipes online.
Brian D. Kennedy, author of “A Little Bit Country,” didn’t want to just write an “opposites attract” love trope: Kennedy also wanted to write about two boys finding their authentic selves.
Dolly Parton, without a doubt. She was my introduction to country music. As a fan, I’ve always felt a pull toward the classic female singers of the genre, women who sang bold songs and defied expectations to find success in a male-dominated industry. I knew that Dolly—or in my book, the fictional country music legend Wanda Jean Stubbs—would serve as a great inspiration for my main characters, two boys who are trying to follow their own dreams in a world that isn’t always ready to accept them.
For me, Reading with Pride means reading a wide range of queer experiences and expanding my idea of what it means to be queer, both within and outside of my identity. It also means supporting other queer authors, so our stories can continue to be told.
It’s important to try to reflect the world we live in. Humans are not a monolith. People who identify as queer are not a monolith. Not every character is going to occupy the same space when it comes to race, gender, sexuality, economic status, religion, etc. Books have the power to make a reader feel seen, which is especially important for marginalized groups. And reading about experiences outside of your own identity can help foster empathy and understanding.
“A Little Bit Country” is about two boys who are working at a country music theme park for the summer. Emmett, an aspiring musician from Chicago, wants to be country music’s biggest, gayest superstar. Luke, an aspiring chef from Tennessee, hates country music. So of course the two meet and fall in love. I knew “opposites attract” would be a fun trope to write. But on a deeper level, I also wanted to tell a story about two boys who were still struggling to find their authentic selves. Luke is still closeted when he meets Emmett. And although Emmett is secure in his sexuality, he feels like an imposter for trying to break into the country music industry when he comes from a big city in the Midwest.
Church
Friday Night & Saturday Morning
Online at templebatyam.org
Local LGBT-centric theater companies took home top awards at the 2022 Carbonell Awards at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center on Nov. 7.
Ronnie Larsen Presents and POW! (Plays of Wilton) went into the 45th annual ceremony with 13 nominations for the musical “Come Out! Come Out!” the Michael McKeever Hollywood comedy “The Code,” and Larsen’s critically acclaimed “The Actors.”
In an especially competitive year, Jeni Hacker won Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Female Role, Play for “The Actors.” Oren Korenblum took home the Outstanding Choreography trophy for “Come Out! Come Out!”
Island City Stage’s powerful production of Donja Love’s “One in Two,” a look at the effects of HIV/AIDS among African American men, earned Delicia Turner Sonnenberg Best Direction, Play honors.
And Slow Burn Theatre Co., the resident regional company at the Broward Center, won three trophies for shows that either
“Come Out! Come Out!” at the 2022 Carbonell Awards ceremony. Oren Korenblum’s choreography took top honors. Credit: Gregory Reed.
explored LGBT themes or appealed to LGBT audiences: Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Lead Male Role, Musical for Elijah Word in “Kinky Boots,” Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Female Role, Musical for Mallory Newbrough in “Matilda,” and Outstanding Costume Design for Leonora Nikitin for “Head Over Heels,” the musical featuring a score by ‘80s girl band The Go-Go’s.
In recent years, the Carbonell organization has received criticism within the South Florida theater community over a lack of diversity among the panelists and judges, as well as award nominations and winners.
Carbonell Board President Gary Schweikhart responded, “It was a truly joyous occasion when we celebrated the most diverse group of talented nominees – and winners – in our history. Each and everyone is an exquisite example of South Florida’s theatrical excellence, all brilliantly flowering in this post-COVID cultural renaissance.”
To view the winners, visit CarbonellAwards.org.
The Tony Awardwinning musical “Hadestown” offers a contemporary take on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Credit: Charles Erickson.
The touring company of the Broadway hit “Hadestown” never thought they would make it to South Florida.
The 2019 Tony Award-winning Best Musical was set to open the 2020-21 Broadway Across America season in Miami when the pandemic shuttered arts venues. A year later, the Miami performances were again postponed as the Delta variant surged.
After an unpredictable journey, “Hadestown” is finally arriving in South Florida with performances at the Arsht Center in Miami, Dec. 6 – 11, and Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Jan. 3 – 8.
“It feels great to be doing this show across the country,” said cast member Eddie Rodriguez in a phone interview from snowy Pittsburgh. “This show is very different from any other show. It’s not the typical happy, happy, joy, joy … if you like Greek mythology, you’re going to love this show.”
With music, lyrics and book by Anaïs Mitchell, “Hadestown” tells a version of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in a seedy Southern speakeasy: Eurydice, a young girl looking for something to eat, goes to work in a hellish industrial underworld to escape climatechange induced poverty before her poor singer-songwriter lover Orpheus comes to rescue her, and together they show others the way to escape.
“You can just close your eyes and
visualize the scenes,” explained Rodriguez.
“The music is bluesy and folk … the set is a combination of bold jazz club in New Orleans combined with the sense of a Greek theater with a tall, rounded wall. It’s also a treat to have musicians on stage – they’re characters, too. They tell the story and react with the cast on stage.”
Rodriguez, a native of Puerto Rico, admitted this wasn’t exactly the type of music or shows he grew up with. The 35-year-old got his start with a folkloric dance company, traveling the world representing the island and its culture. He trained himself in acting and singing before pursuing a minor in acting at university.
Work on TV and roles in “Rent,” “La Cage aux Folles” and “Godspell” on stage followed before Rodriguez decided to make the move to New York City. He lived with a cousin for five months until landing an audition for “On Your Feet,” the musical based on the lives of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. He joined the first national tour, performing in both Miami and West Palm Beach.” He eventually was promoted to the role of Emilio after impressing the artist at a performance at the Kravis Center.
Rodriguez is eagerly looking forward to his return and promises audiences an experience “that will hit them differently from any other show.”
Out of all the characters in the classic 2004 movie comedy “Mean Girls,” gay teen Damian, portrayed by out actor Daniel Franzese, had a special place in the hearts of LGBT folks of all ages.
He was funny, flamboyant, and, ultimately, relatable. It was a role that firmly put Franzese, who grew up in South Florida, on our collective radar. His portrayal of Eddie in HBO’s acclaimed series, and follow-up movie, “Looking,” only increased his queer acting cred. More recently, Franzese was a competitor on “RuPaul’s Secret Celebrity Drag Race.” In the midst of all that, he was making his popular and hilarious “Shit Italian Moms Say” video series on YouTube, which has garnered views in the millions. Now transformed into a one-man stage show called “Italian Mom Loves You,” co-written by Franzese and Jacques Lamarre, lucky audiences in South Florida will have the buona fortuna of experiencing the character of Antoinette (based on Daniel’s mother Denise) live and in
person when it opens at Boca Black Box Center for the Arts, 8221 Glades Road in Boca Raton, and runs from Dec. 4 to 11. I spoke with Daniel about the show shortly before Thanksgiving over breakfast at Peter Pan Diner.
DANIEL FRANZESE: South Florida theater means a lot to me. I got my equity card here. I did my first play here. I did my first Broadway tour here. I did my first movie here. I did my first commercial here. I was nominated for a Carbonell Award when I was 21. I have such a connection here, that I couldn’t wait to come back and do something theatrical. I do stand up at the Miami Improv from time to time, but this is different. This is coming back and doing a play.
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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
