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December 16, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 50 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Webmaster • Kimberly Swan Webmaster@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin Gazette News Editor • John McDonald HIV Editor • Sean McShee Community Editor • John Hayden Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

By John Hayden orget How The Grinch Stole Christmas.

This year, the holiday classic is replaced by How The Supply Chain Stole Christmas. Instead of Mr. Grinch whisking all the presents up to his mountain lair, gifts are stashed out at sea. With just a few shopping days left until Christmas, lastminute shoppers could be in for a shock.

“Business is good. The only thing is some of the products we’re supposed to have haven’t arrived yet, due to transportation,” the manager of Christmas Palace said.

“Demand is there, the only thing is, it isn’t available.”

COVID continues to disrupt production around the world, and international disputes only add to the woes. Many of the gifts that have been made will never see the inside of stockings that have been hung by the chimney with care. A massive backlog at ports on both U.S. coasts left hundreds of cargo ships waiting to pull in and unload their goods.

Locally owned and operated businesses depend on the holiday season as their busiest, and most profitable, time of the year. Shopping locally not only keeps dollars in the community, it also lets customers touch, smell, and taste the gifts, candles, and candies they will give to loved ones.

Handpicking gifts makes it extra special, but at some places, like Christmas Palace, pickings are slim… and expensive.

“What is coming in is costing a fortune.”

One place with a little bit of everything is To The Moon on Wilton Drive.

“So far it’s going great. December is the busiest month of the year for us,” owner Anthony Dumas said. “We transform the

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Anthon berg marzipan, butlers chocolates, Riegelein Santas and snowmen chocolates, Wicklein Lebkuchen, dominostein and pfeffernüsse at To The Moon. Photo via To The Moon, Facebook.

whole store, putting out all the edibles, all the greeting cards, all the ornaments and anything else holiday related.”

To The Moon is packed floor to ceiling with an eclectic mix of toys, cards, edibles, and ornaments.

“For us, the hottest stuff for the holidays is the ornaments. We carry about 1,000 ornaments. The entire ceiling is covered in them for every genre, for every age group.”

But even with a steady stream of loyal regulars and tourists discovering the shop for the first time, Dumas says he and other local merchants feel the online markets breathing down their neck.

“Shopping online is killing the small guy, so you won’t see any businesses. You can sit at home on the computer and order online, but you don’t know what the quality is.”

When it comes to stocking To The Moon,

Dumas practices what he preaches.

“I don’t order through catalogs for the store. I go to trade shows all around the world because I want to see the product, feel the product.”

Over at Christmas Palace, big sellers are big nutcrackers. They’ve sold a lot of giant figurines you’ll have to carry in longways because they’re too tall to fit through the door. Floral decorations are also hot this year. And if they don’t have exactly what you’re looking for, they try to find the next best thing.

“If a customer is looking for a specific tree, we’ve been able to find them something comparable. Other than that it’s hard.”

And it’s especially hard on small businesses.

“They want what they want. If they don’t see it, they’ll go somewhere else.”

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12 .16 . 20 21 •

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NEWS NATIONAL

SUPREME COURT LOOKS SHAKY ON ABORTION RIGHTS Lisa Keen

Keen News Service

T

he primary issue before the U.S. Supreme Court Dec. 1 was abortion, but a swirl of other critical questions drew the justices’ attention.

Among those questions was how the court’s decision on abortion might affect its previous pro-LGBT decisions and the perception that the nation’s highest court is increasingly seen as being motivated by politics.

Such prominent LGBT decisions as Lawrence v. Texas (which struck down bans on sex between same-sex partners) and Obergefell v. Hodges (which struck down bans on marriage between same-sex partners) were part of the mix in the two-hour argument over a new Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Numerous legal observers covering the argument in Dobbs v. Jackson said they believe the court’s conservative majority is poised to undercut Roe v. Wade and Casey v. Planned Parenthood. Roe (1973) and Casey (1992) are long-standing decisions that have upheld the right of women to have an abortion. Roe said there is an implied right to privacy and liberty guaranteed by the Constitution that covers the right to choose an abortion; Casey said that, once the fetus becomes viable, states could regulate abortion to further health and safety as long as those regulations did not create an undue burden to women who seek an abortion.

Supreme Court analysts from National Public Radio, Associated Press, the New York Times, Washington Post, and CNN (among others) all predicted the court would seriously undercut Roe and Casey.

One concern for LGBT activists is how damaging such a decision undermining such long-standing precedents might be to other Supreme Court precedents, such as Lawrence (2003) and Obergefell (2015). That concern was heightened by comments from Justices Amy Coney Barrett and Brett Kavanaugh.

Barrett said that upholding previous decisions (known as “stare decisis”) is “not an inexorable command.” She pointed to the 2003 Lawrence decision overturning the 1986 Bowers v.

Hardwick decision. Kavanaugh also pointed to Lawrence as an example of the Supreme Court overturning its previous decision on an issue. He mentioned Obergefell, too, though he did not identify what Supreme Court opinion he thought Obergefell overturned. (In 1972, the Supreme Court summarily dismissed a gay couple’s appeal to recognize same-sex marriage, in Baker v. Nelson.)

Sharon McGowan, legal director for Lambda Legal, said Lawrence and Obergefell “expanded individual liberty, not the opposite.”

The Lawrence and Obergefell decisions,

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she said, are ones “on which we rely today to protect our community’s civil rights,” adding that both “were built directly on the foundation of Casey and Roe.” “They reflected the growing societal understanding of our common humanity and equality under law,” said McGowan. “Just as the Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education rejected the lie of ‘separate but equal,’ the Supreme Court’s decisions in Lawrence and Obergefell appropriately overruled precedent where it was clear that, as was true with regard to race, our ancestors failed properly to acknowledge that gender and sexual orientation must not be barriers to our ability to live, love, and thrive free of governmental oppression.”

SMALL MIDDLE WITH BIG IMPLICATIONS Most court observers predicted that three conservative justices — Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Brett Kavanaugh — seem almost certain to vote to uphold the Mississippi abortion ban. Barrett’s comment that precedent is “not an inexorable command” could be read that she is amenable to chopping down Roe and Casey. The three progressive justices — Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan — appear poised to vote against the Mississippi ban.

That leaves Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Neil Gorsuch to cast the key votes. Both made comments suggesting they were open to a ruling that might reflect some middle ground.

For instance, the Chief Justice wondered whether Mississippi’s regulation at 15 weeks was really different from Roe and Casey’s allowance of regulation at fetus viability.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor dramatically raised the issue of how undercutting Roe and Casey would likely undercut the reputation of the Supreme Court in the minds of the public. Noting that Mississippi acknowledged it brought its appeal because there are new conservative justices on the Supreme Court, Sotomayor said she did not see how the Court could “survive the stench that this creates in the public perception that the Constitution and its reading are just political acts.”

A protest in 2016 in front of the Supreme Court. Photo credit: Adam Fagen, via Flickr.

“If people actually believe that it’s all political, how will we survive?” asked Sotomayor, of Mississippi’s Solicitor General Scott Stewart. “How will the Court survive?”

When Stewart said the court just needed to ground its opinion “in the Constitution, in text, structure, history, and tradition,” Sotomayor retorted, “Casey did that.”

“In Casey and in Roe,” said Sotomayor, “the Court said there … are certain personal decisions that belong to individuals, and the states can’t intrude on them. We’ve recognized them in terms of the religion parents will teach their children. We’ve recognized it in their ability to educate at home if they choose ... We have recognized that sense of privacy in people’s choices about whether to use contraception or not. We’ve recognized it in their right to choose who they’re going to marry.”

A few minutes later, Justice Barrett asked the Mississippi solicitor general whether a decision in favor of the state ban would call into question any of the cases Justice Sotomayor had just identified. Stewart said “No,” adding that those cases, including Lawrence and Obergefell, were “safely out of reach” of the Mississippi abortion decision. He specifically added that, “you can’t ban intimate romantic relationships between consenting adults, can’t ban marriage of people of the same sex.”

Sotomayor said Stewart’s answer did not seem to make any sense and added that Mississippi’s new abortion ban amounted to a

“religious view.”

“The issue of when life begins has been hotly debated by philosophers since the beginning of time,” said Sotomayor. “It’s still debated in religions. So, when you say this is the only right that takes away from the state the ability to protect a life, that’s a religious view, isn’t it?”

LGBT groups have long considered the right to an abortion to be one of “vital importance” to LGBT people. In briefs filed by parties with strong interest in the appeal, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin and Kyrsten Sinema, along with all nine LGBT House members, signed onto a brief urging the Supreme Court to strike down Mississippi’s ban. Two dozen LGBT groups — including Lambda Legal, GLAD, the National Center for Lesbian Rights, the Human Rights Campaign, Equality California, Equality North Carolina, LPAC, and longtime marriage equality activist Evan Wolfson — also filed a brief arguing against the Mississippi ban. The groups’ brief states that the Roe and Casey decisions, upholding the right of women to have an abortion, are of “vital importance” to sexual minority women, noting that federal statistics estimates one in 12 women between 18 and 44 is a sexual minority.

“Like denying marriage to same-sex couples or criminalizing same-sex relationships,” said the LGBT groups’ brief, bans on pre-viability abortions “deny women equal treatment under the law.”

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PALM BEACH: BEST POLITICIAN NOT NAMED LOIS FRANKEL

Raising the bar for Telehealth

SARAH MALEGA It’s an award Sarah Malega accepts even if she doesn’t quite consider herself a politician.

“I’m honored and humbled,” Malega said, adding “and surprised because I campaigned on not being a politician.”

Malega, 46, was elected to the Lake Worth Beach Commission in March, winning the District 1 seat in her second attempt at public office. She met her wife, Dawn, 25 years ago in Michigan. They were married in 2013 and together own two businesses: Zoo Health Club and Personal Auto Shoppers.

Community support, Malega said, is a key component of public service.

“When someone steps up to run for office that shows gumption and they should be supported not because of the letters LGBT but because we are all one community,” Malega said.

Some of Malega’s change initiatives include bringing water bottle refilling fountains to the city, listing pronoun identifiers on

commissioner name tags and adding merit enhancements to procurement contracts for veterans, locals and small businesses.

A devout Christian, Malega wants to change the terminology used to describe people seeking to make a home for themselves.

“I call it affordable home ownership,” she said. “Affordable housing has this sense of pause to it. Affordable home ownership through our CRA program gives someone a hand up, not a hand out and creates a sense of pride and the opportunity to build generational wealth.”

RUNNER-UP: CHRISTINA LAMBERT, WEST PALM BEACH – JMCD

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NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

CALIFORNIA

FIRST TRANS MAYOR IN CALIFORNIA

On Dec. 9, Lisa Middleton was sworn in as mayor of Palm Springs, California, making her the first transgender mayor in the state and only the third in the nation. Stu Rasmussen became the first transgender mayor in the U.S. in 2008 when he was elected in Silverton, Oregon.

Middleton had won a spot in City Council in 2017, the Desert Sun reported, and was reelected in 2020. Before she was elected, Middleton served on the Palm Springs Planning Commission and was the interim executive director of the Desert LGBTQ Center.

In October, Middleton announced that she is running for a seat in the state Senate.

When she was being sworn in, Middleton commented on trans people throughout history such as Martha P.

Lisa Middleton. Photo: Lisa Middleton 2017 campaign.

Johnson in the Stonewall uprising in 1969 and how politicians have blocked resources and opportunities for trans people.

“For every elected official blocking doorways, there are others opening doors and across the country, there are places like Palm Springs where the welcome mat is out,” she said. “I am so thankful for my hometown.”

MINNESOTA TOWN SHOWS SUPPORT FOR OUTED TRANS STUDENT

Kelsey Waits was running for reelection as the chair of the school board in Hastings, Minnesota, when her daughter was outed by political opponents for being transgender. Because of the antitrans treatment the family has faced, they’ve decided to move.

Before she first ran in 2017, Waits scrubbed her social media of photos of her daughter, Kit, 8, prior to her transition so that it would remain a secret, Pioneer Press reported. She wanted “to just let Kit be a kid.”

But during Waits’ reelection campaign, one person made a post on a closed community Facebook group criticizing Waits’ support for her daughter’s transition.

“She should be locked up for child abuse,” the post said. “Her younger

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• 12.16.2021

Kelsey Waits. Photo via Twitter.

‘daughter’ is actually a boy.”

The townspeople showed support for the Waits family by holding a rally.

Hundreds of people showed up to support LGBT kids.

“What kind of spoke to me the most was just how many people are here,” Kahea Sloan, a 16-year-old trans boy, told KARE. “It feels really good to know how many people care about me and my people.”

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

MICHIGAN

CATHOLIC DIOCESE SAYS GAY PEOPLE ARE NOT ALLOWED THE SACRAMENT

A priest for the Catholic Diocese of Marquette in Michigan shared a statement on social media saying that LGBT people are not able to be baptized or receive communion unless they “repent.”

NBC reported that James Martin, the priest who issued the statement, instructed other church leaders on how to guide “persons with same-sex attraction” and “persons with gender dysphoria” and “lead them step by step closer to Jesus Christ in a manner that is consistent with the Church’s teaching.”

The executive director of DignityUSA, which advocates for LGBT rights in the Catholic Church, Marianne Duddy-Burke, expressed concern over the statement and said this shows a trend amongst dioceses that are “making statements that look like they’re trying to be helpful to gay, queer

Photo via the Catholic Diocese of Marquette, Facebook.

and transgender people but that are really doing harm.”

The statement said that in order to get baptized and take the sacrament, LGBT people could “repent,” not engage in samesex relationships, and not deviate from the sex assigned to them at birth.

Duddy-Burke said that this most recent statement was the “most egregious” ever issued by a diocese. “[It] goes much further than any diocese has gone before.”

GEORGIA FIRST NON-BINARY CITY COUNCIL MEMBER IN ATLANTA

Liliana Bakhtiari is now the first queer Muslim elected to any office in Georgia and the first non-binary person to be elected into the Atlanta City Council, the Advocate reported. She will be sworn in Jan. 3.

According to the LGBTQ Victory Fund, Bakhtiari is a longtime activist who has worked with sex trafficking victims, aided refugees in building new homes, and volunteered at orphanages in 26 countries.

They are currently the curator of an Atlantica-based art organization called Black Futures Matter and a board member for LGBT group Georgia Equality, which strives to make housing more affordable for the homeless and address the root causes of crime.

“Growing up at my immigrant father’s

Liliana Bakhtiari. Photo credit: Jon Dean, via Facebook.

pharmacy in downtown Atlanta inspired me to dedicate my life to serving our community,” Bakhtiari said in a Facebook post. “I am passionate about supporting our small businesses, our unsheltered population, our seniors, and our working families who help our city run. And I am committed to the fight for sustainable infrastructure updates to make our streets safer and our neighborhoods healthier and more resilient in the face of climate change.”

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

TOKYO TO INTRODUCE GAY MARRIAGE

VATICAN APOLOGIZES FOR TAKING DOWN LGBT RESOURCE

In March, a municipal court in Sapporo, northern Japan, decided that it is “unconstitutional” for same-sex couples to be unable to marry, marking the first judgment in Japan on the validity of samesex marriage.

Tokyo Metropolitan government will begin a system that essentially enables same-sex marriage in Japan’s capital in April of the following fiscal year, according to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, according to Reuters.

According to Japan’s Kyodo News Wire, the local administration for the 14-million-person metropolis aims to implement “same-sex partnership” after the city’s local assembly unanimously requested it.

Some Tokyo wards, in addition to some other local governments, have previously

Photo via Adobe.

implemented a similar scheme that recognizes same-sex couples.

However, opponents argue that even in such partnerships, LGBT spouses have disadvantages in areas such as taxation.

A Vatican official apologized to a prominent Catholic LGBTQ advocacy organization for removing a mention to it from the Vatican website, prompting the group to hail the gesture as “historic” in mending the schism between the Catholic hierarchy and the homosexual community.

According to WTOP News, the Vatican’s General Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops, which is preparing a two-year dialogue of lay Catholics ahead of a bishops’ gathering in 2023, reinstated the reference to New Ways Ministry on its website.

In its “Resources” page, the Synod had previously included a link to a webinar video produced by New Ways Ministry, a U.S.-based organization that promotes for wider acceptance of

The Vatican. Photo credit: Alex Proimos, via Flickr.

homosexuality in the Catholic Church.

The video asked LGBT Catholics to take part in the consultation process, which aims to make the Catholic Church more accepting, responsive to laypeople, and decentralized. But this resource was taken down earlier in December with no explanation.

AFRICA

SOUTH AMERICA

STAR OF KENYA’S TOP BANDS COMES OUT AS GAY

BRAZILIAN FILM TRACKS LGBT SUFFERING

Willis Austin Chimano, a member of the top Kenyan band Sauti Sol, has come out as homosexual, telling local media that he no longer wants to live a lie.

Sauti Sol, the winner of Best Group at the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2016, is one of Africa’s most popular male bands.

According to BBC News, Chimano’s coming out as gay has been hailed as a victory for the LGBT community.

In Kenya, gay intercourse is criminal by up to 14 years in jail; in 2019, a challenge to the legislation was dismissed.

Prosecutors seldom use this rule, and attitudes toward LGBT individuals are more permissive than in neighboring countries like Uganda and Tanzania.

Despite the fact that there have been few instances of homophobic violence in Kenya, many LGBT people live in secret

Willis Austin Chimano. Photo via Instagram.

societies and are sometimes rejected by their relatives in this very devout country.

During the 52nd International Film Festival of India, people were able to see the Asia premiere of “The First Fallen,”

by Brazilian filmmaker Rodrigo de Oliveira.

This film traces the history of the “first heroes” of the LGBT community and their fight against an unknown virus in the 1980s.

“If we ourselves do not document the history of our suffering, no one else will,” said Oliveira while speaking at the festival, according to Times of India.

Oliveira spoke of the apathy of the system for those who perished due to the infections in the early 1980s.

“People were dying since 1983 because of a virus which had no name, but they started counting the deaths only from 1985,” said Oliveira. “I remember vividly,

“The First Fallen.” Credit: Rodrigo de Oliveira.

when I went to the club in my young age, there weren’t any people above 30 years as they all had died.”

12 .16 . 20 21 •

9

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G

T

Transgender

UBER BLOCKS TRANS DRIVERS This past Friday reports were made that popular taxi company Uber has deactivated some transgender drivers’ accounts over “fraudulent profile photos.”

It appears as though photos that were taken after their transition no longer matched their ID information that the company requires all drivers to submit. These claims originated from five drivers who took their story to The New York Times and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). They went on to say that even after going through Uber’s appeals process, they still were unable to recover their driver accounts.

Zahid Arab, an Uber spokesperson, told The Times that Uber was working to reactivate the drivers’ accounts.

“On occasion, requests can be misrouted and result in a regrettable customer

Photo via Flickr.

experience which we are working to address,” said Arab.

Another spokesperson told Business Insider that the company recognizes that “for transgender and non-binary drivers and delivery people, the name and photo on their ID does not always reflect their true identity.”

The ACLU is working hard to reinstate these accounts and ensure that transgender and non-binary drivers can get back to driving.

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

B

Bisexual

‘EUPHORIA’ STAR ‘VAGUELY CLARIFIES’ SEXUALITY

“Euphoria” star Hunter Schafer has “vaguely clarified” her sexuality in a recent tweet.

A fan tweeted her saying, “Hunter Schafer is a lesbian. Congratulations lesbians. You’ve taken from me the one thing that matters most.”

Schafer responded to this message by saying, “As much as I wish this were true I would like to vaguely clarify that unfortunately I am like bi or pan or something.”

This comes after about two years of speculation regarding Schafer’s sexuality.

Schafer plays Jules Vaughn in HBO’s hit drama “Euphoria.” Bennet is a transgender teen who begins a romantic relationship with a woman in the show.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she

spoke on how the show has blurred the lines between who she is as an individual and who she portrays on the show.

“The work of an actor Photo via Instagram. is trying to simulate a full life,” Schafer said.

“Some people might say that doesn’t make me as strong of an actor, but … that’s how I learned.”

Shaefer looks forward to the season two premiere of “Euphoria,” which returns in January 2022.

“I don’t know if I’ve talked about this in the press before, but I think there’s a phenomenon among the trans and queer community, and it’s why we make great artists a lot of the time,” said Schafer.

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• 12.16.2021

Since 1985 Since 1985

Sin

LGBTQIA BITES

L

Lesbian

Sixteen Years Serving the CommUNITY

MACKEY AWARD RECIPIENT SPEAKS OUT ON BEING RAISED BY LESBIAN MOMS This past Thursday, Colorado State University’s Trey McBride was the recipient of this year’s Mackey Award. The Mackey award is given to the top tight end in college football.

When he went to accept the award, his two moms were by his side. The senior dominated the field this season catching 90 passes for 1,121 yards and a touchdown, making him the first tight end in Rams history to surpass 1,000 yards. McBride opened up about the experience of growing up with lesbian parents.

“Every once in a while, people kind of give you crap about it,” McBride said. “I don’t understand why. And sometimes, you know, you’ve got to defend yourself. You’re not going to let someone punk you for something like that,” McBride told The Denver Post.

His moms, Kate and Jen, raised McBride along with his four siblings in Fort Morgan, Colorado. His other siblings are also star athletes in both football and wrestling.

“We’ve been told that we must’ve had ‘super

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Follow us on INSTAGRAM Trey McBride. Photo via Instagram.

sperm’ or whatever,” Kate told the Denver Post. “[That] we chemically engineered them because there’s no way that one family can have all these great athletes. Well, no. A lot of it is their hard work. Yes, there’s some natural talent in there. But these guys worked hard.

They put in the hours. And put in the sweat and the tears.”

This is only the start to what football scouts predict will be an amazing career in professional football.

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12 .16 . 20 21 •

11

NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

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

12

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Broward County Mayor Michael Udine with World Aids Museum & Education Center Executive Director and CEO Requel Lopes.

General Manager at Wilton Collective Rusty Obanion with volunteer Joel Slotnick.

Joshua Justin, co-founder and CEO at Dynamic Consulting and Concierge, also CFO at Simply Shipping Solutions, with David Venticich.

Owner of Score Billy Kemp with Hilton of Hilton Wolman Productions.

• 12.16.2021

OUT NOW! S O U T H

F L O R I D A

Vol. 10

G A Y

Issue 5

• DECE

MBER 20

N E W S

21 - JAN UA

RY 2022

•

THEMIRR

ORMAG.C

OM

FLIP OUT S O U T H

F L O R I D A

G A Y

N E W S

OUR REAL ESTATE ED ITION

EVERYTHIN G FROM RE DECORATIN G TO Begins on

Page 24

HOUSE FL IPPING

LGBT REAL ESTATE HOUSE-FLIPPING, REDECORATING, AND MORE

LOOK FOR IT IN A RED SFGN BOX NEAR YOU 12 .16 . 20 21 •

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CANCOMMUNITYHEALTH.ORG

14

• 12.16.2021

KNOW YOUR STATUS

12 .16 . 20 21 •

15

NEWS NATIONAL

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

JUSSIE SMOLLETT FOUND GUILTY OF

STAGING ATTACK Brody Levesque Washington Blade

T

he jury in the case of actor Jussie Smollett has reached a guilty verdict in his trial on five felony charges that he faked a hate crime and was responsible for orchestrating it in January 2019.

The jury deliberated for just over nine hours claimed to be a victim of a hate crime “knowing Wednesday and Thursday after the one-week that he was not the victim of a crime.” trial saw closing testimony and arguments After initially investigating the incident Wednesday afternoon. as a hate crime, Chicago detectives noted in Smollett, 39, convicted on five counts of their sworn affidavits and testimony that their disorderly conduct, a class 4 felony, is facing investigation uncovered that Smollett paid potential sentencing of up to three years in brothers Olabinjo “Ola” and Abimbola “Abel” prison. A Chicago criminal defense attorney Osundairo, who are from Nigeria, to stage the speaking on background contended that based attack.

During their testimony last week, the on his experience with the legal system in the Chicago court system, the actor will likely be Osundairo brothers told the court that the actor placed on probation and ordered to perform had recruited them to fake the attack near his home in downtown Chicago. They testified community service.

Smollett, testifying in his own defense, that Smollett, who is openly gay and Black, told the court that he was physically attacked instructed them to put a noose around his neck, around 2:30 a.m. on Jan. 29 by two men who yell racist and homophobic slurs, and rough hurled homophobic and racist slurs at him him up in view of a nearby surveillance camera.

Evidence presented by the including the phrase “MAGA prosecutors showed the two country,” a reference to former DURING THEIR brothers in a local retail store president Trump’s presidential purchasing the rope and other campaign slogan.

TESTIMONY items used to stage the attack The former “Empire” star was LAST WEEK, THE that Chicago police determined previously indicted by Cook OSUNDAIRO the actor paid for.

County prosecutors in February BROTHERS TOLD On Wednesday, special 2019 after law enforcement THE COURT THAT prosecutor Dan Webb told the authorities alleged he had jury that Smollett caused Chicago conspired with two black friends THE ACTOR HAD police to spend enormous to stage the attack because he RECRUITED THEM resources investigating what was dissatisfied with his salary TO FAKE THE they believe was a fake crime, the from the Fox series and wanted ATTACK NEAR Associated Press reported. to generate publicity to boost “Besides being against the law, his career. In March, the charges HIS HOME IN it is just plain wrong to outright against him were dropped, DOWNTOWN denigrate something as serious with little explanation from CHICAGO. as a real hate crime and then prosecutors — though at the make sure it involved words and time, presiding Judge Michael Toomin suggested that he could be charged symbols that have such historical significance in our country,” Webb said. again.

Webb also cast doubts on Smollett’s integrity The second indictment comes from special prosecutor Dan Webb, who was appointed to and credibility in his testimony telling jurors the case by Toomin after the initial charges that the surveillance video from before the were dropped. In a statement, Webb said that alleged attack and later that night contradicts Smollett was charged with six felony counts of key moments of Smollett’s account of the disorderly conduct, connected to four separate events.

Smollett’s defense attorney Nenye Uche false reports that he gave to police in which he

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Jussie Smollett. Photo via Instagram.

disputed the Osundairo brothers’ testimony, labeling them “sophisticated liars” who may have been motivated to attack the actor because of homophobia or because they wanted to be hired to work as his security. “These guys want to make money,” he told the court.

The special prosecutor during the trial also took aim at the actor’s refusal to turn over his cellphone to investigators or give them a DNA sample or access to his medical records to help with the investigation. Smollett testified he doesn’t trust Chicago police, and that he was concerned about his privacy.

“If he was a true victim of a crime he would not be withholding evidence,” Webb said.

Smollett’s defense attorney told the court that it was “nonsense” for police to ask the actor for his DNA when he was still considered the victim of a crime. He also noted Smollett later provided DNA to the FBI for a separate

investigation into hate mail he had received at the studio for the “Empire” shortly before the alleged attack. “He wasn’t hiding anything,” Uche said.

The Chicago Tribune reported that Smollett remained stoic as the verdict was announced.

He was found guilty on five of six counts. The first five counts related to Smollett’s conduct on the day of the incident, while the sixth related to his conversation with a police detective.

Cook County Circuit Judge James Linn set a Jan. 27 hearing date for motions in the case prior to the actor’s sentencing.

The actor’s lawyers said after the verdict that they are set to file an appeal but his legal problems also extend to the city of Chicago’s civil lawsuit against the “Empire” star demanding he repays the city $130,000 — the cost of the police investigation into the incident he reported as an alleged hate crime.

12 .16 . 20 21 •

17

NEWS STATE

MIAMI BEACH ALSO TOPS HRC’S 2021 EQUALITY LIST WHEN THE REPORT WAS RELEASED THE CITY WAS LEFT OUT OFF OF THE INDEX

HRC’S

Jason Parsley

S

even cities in South Florida, not six as SFGN initially reported last week, received perfect scores on the 2021 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index report. The missing city was Miami Beach.

“Miami Beach has scored a perfect score each year are the 50 state capitals; the every year since 2013 when I sponsored 200 largest cities in the U.S.; the five our domestic partner equity ordinance largest cities or municipalities in each allowing same-sex unmarried couples state; the cities home to the state’s to receive the same benefits as straight two largest public universities; and 75 married couples,” said Former Miami cities and municipalities that have high Beach Commissioner proportions of same-sex Michael Gongora. “I’m couples. Another 98 cities proud of our city for once are selected by HRC and again receiving a perfect Equality Federation state score! The City of Miami groups members and Beach has always taken supporters. the lead on LGBTQ issues, There’s also an option from electing me as the for cities to self-submit first openly gay Latin applications, which Miami elected official in Florida, Beach has done each year. to it joining the fight for The other cities that same-sex marriage and received perfect scores its relentless battle to this year include Fort protect LGBTQ youth Lauderdale, Hollywood, from harmful conversion Wilton Manors, Oakland therapy, we do things first Park, West Palm Beach, and lead the way for other and Wellington. West governments to follow.”

Palm Beach also selfIt’s unclear why Miami submits each year.

Beach was left off of the Miami Beach is the only index but a spokesperson city in Miami-Dade County for HRC said the city will to achieve perfection.

- Michael Gongora eventually be added to The other cities scored in the official report. SFGN the same county include FORMER MIAMI BEACH received the city’s score Miami (89); Miami Shores COMMISSIONER from a spokesperson for (98); Coral Gables (95); and the city.

Hialeah (44).

This is the tenth annual municipal Cities receive points based on their equality list HRC has compiled. Across laws, policies, benefits and services. the U.S. more than 500 cities were scored Some of the areas scored include “Law with 110 earning perfect scores — up Enforcement,” and “Municipal Services,” from 94 in 2020. and “Leadership on LGBTQ Equality.”

The cities automatically included

“I’M PROUD OF OUR CITY FOR ONCE AGAIN RECEIVING A PERFECT SCORE!”

18

• 12.16.2021

MUNICIPAL EQUALITY INDEX CITY

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

CAPE CORAL

39

39

39

49

69

CORAL GABLES

61

59

75

91

95

DAYTONA

30

30

30

30

30

FORT LAUDERDALE

87

98

100

100

100

GAINESVILLE

99

96

94

95

96

HIALEAH

49

39

39

40

44

HOLLYWOOD

67

46

70

83

100

JACKSONVILLE

67

79

79

81

85

MIAMI

59

55

55

75

89

MIAMI BEACH

100

100

100

100

100

MIAMI SHORES

91

81

81

82

98

OAKLAND PARK

99

97

97

99

100

ORLANDO

100

100

100

100

100

PEMBROKE PINES

78

71

71

73

77

PORT ST. LUCIE

31

39

39

53

73

ST. PETERSBURG

100

100

100

100

100

TALLAHASSEE

100

99

99

99

100

TAMPA

86

100

100

100

100

WELLINGTON

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

100

WILTON MANORS

100

100

100

100

100

WEST PALM BEACH

100

100

N/A

100

100

NEWS LOCAL

GRAB THE POPCORN...

THIS FILM IS FOR YOU.

Want to know all the latest LGBT films?

News, interviews, reviews, and so much more...

SFGN.COM/SCREENSAVOR

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Local journalists enjoy drinks at Matty’s in Wilton Manors during a meet and greet for NLGJA - The Association of LGBTQ Journalists. Wilton Manors Commissioner Chris Caputo (far left) joins the group. Credit: SRL Media.

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19

HOLIDAY shopping guide

2021 STAFF

HOLIDAY SHOPPING GUIDE Justin Wyse

T

wenty twenty-one has been a year filled with many new great opportunities and hopefully better than our previous year. The holiday season doesn’t skip a beat though when it comes to spreading cheer, joy, happiness, and memories. Whether you’re traveling home to see your family or staying put, it’s important to always be the one to nail your gift. This year the staff at SFGN has brought to you some great ideas and of gifts your can find online and locally.

CHECK HUMAN SHIRT

FORTNITE GAMING GIFT CARD

CHRISTIANA LILLY, SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Where to Purchase: store. nomoretearsusa.org/products/lgbtqrights-t-shirt Price: $25

JUSTIN WYSE, SALES MANAGER Where to Purchase: Bestbuy.com Price: $79.99

Why they’ll like it:

This gift is ideal for the gamer at heart.

Give a gift that allows your friend or loved one with the option to purchase the famous Battle Royale Pass or a favorite gaming skin (character).

Whether they are 8 years old or 40, the gamer at heart will thank you for making their gaming experience event better. This gift card is available at many retailers nationwide.

Why they’ll like it:

This cozy t-shirt shows off your pride, but also the most important thing of all: that we are all human. It’s a great conversation starter and you’re sure to have people stopping you to ask where you got it (it’s happened to me more than once!). Best of all, it’s for a good cause, as proceeds from each shirt benefit No More Tears, a charity that assists domestic violence and human trafficking survivors.

NINTENDO SWITCH KIMBERLY SWAN, WEBMASTER Where to Purchase: Amazon Price: $299

Why they’ll like it:

The Nintendo Switch features many fun games to play for all ages such as Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and many more. The console is small, so it’s easy to carry around if you need to travel with it. It also has three play styles: TV Mode, Tabletop Mode, and Handheld Mode. This way you can play in any way you like, unlike other consoles.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS ANNUAL PASS EDWIN NEIMANN, SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE Where to Purchase: universalorlando. com Price: Universal annual passes start at $299 With Studios just over a three-hour drive from South Florida (and soon to be just over a two-hour ride on the Brightline), why not give a gift that will deliver good times and happy memories all year long. Universal offers new rides and experiences and projects opening in the next year so there’s no better time to be a passholder.

All photos courtesy of their respective retailers.

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• 12.16.2021

HOLIDAY shopping guide

COOKIES: THE NEW CLASSICS JASON PARSLEY, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Where to Purchase: Amazon Price: Hardcover – $27.49; Kindle – $13.99

Why they’ll like it:

Cookies are the quintessential American treat. They’re fairly easy to bake and they’re the perfect treat to give to give away to co-workers, friends, neighbors and family.

This year Jesse Szewczyk, an LGBT food stylist and writer for Kitchn, brings us his latest cookbook – Cookies: The New Classics. There are no standard chocolate chip cookies in this book. Instead you’ll find 100 exotic cookies divided into 8 chapters including Chocolaty; Boozy; Fruity; Nutty; Tart; Spiced, Smoky and Savory. Inside those chapters you’ll find such delights like Lavender Chocolate Chunk Cookies; Red Wine Brownie Cookies; Cashew Caramel Cookies; Salt & Vinegar Potato Chip Cookies; Spiced Apple Butter Cookies; Fudgy Smoked Paprika Cookies and Rosemary Brown Butter Cookies. This is Szewczyk’s second cookbook, his first being an ode to LGBT chefs called Tasty Pride.

PARBLO COAST10 10.1” DIGITAL PEN TABLET BRENDON LIES, ART DIRECTOR Where to Purchase: Amazon Price: $199.00

Why they’ll like it:

M

N ST

WIL TO

Y

N

D OR

E M FR O

SE O O

D

H

00

With the holidays around the corner there’s nothing like filling your pockets with hard cold cash. Giving this gift is a great way to express how much you care for the person receiving the gift. Spread some holiday cheer.

A

,0

Why they’ll like it:

C

20

CHRIS GROBELS, BOOKKEEPER Where to Purchase: Your Local Bank Price: Whatever You Can Afford

N

S O RI G I N A L

R

CASH

A

OR

OVE

Being an artist can be rough. So, why not treat the artist in your life with something that is guaranteed to take their art to the next level? A digital drawing tablet like the Parblo Coast10 is no small investment, but rest assured it’s one of the best deals on the market when it comes to drawing tablets with a built-in screen — a feature that is sure to make your creative companion fall in love with art all over again. This tablet features a 10.1” screen with 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity, allowing the battery-free pen to create natural strokes in real time.

Once your friend or partner tries it, they’ll see the results and be shocked to realize that not a drop of paint was spilled in the process.

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It’s time to get those last-minute gift ideas together. Whether you’re shopping online, in-store, or just supporting your local business, it’s important to remember those shipping deadlines. This year we here at SFGN hope you take the time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the holiday spirit with friends and family. Happy Holidays 2021!

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21

HOLIDAY food

HOLIDAY RUSH Rick Karlin How did it happen?

You planned everything so beautifully and then, suddenly, it’s just a week before Christmas and you still have half your shopping list to get through. For those on your list who are foodies or just love to putter in the kitchen, here are some gifts you can pick up at the last minute that will be just as appreciated as those you researched for months.

CAST IRON DUTCH OVEN A cast iron Dutch oven is a kitchen multitasker.

It can be used to broil, braise, bake, or roast in the oven up to 500 degrees, or sauté, simmer, and fry on any stovetop. Its large size makes it perfect to marinate and refrigerate whole birds and roasts. Available from Home Depot for $40.

WHAT’S UP POP? For the popcorn aficionado this handy silicone popper will replace microwaveable popcorn. It’s a mess-free shortcut to a healthy snack that they can eat right out of the container. Put any kind of popcorn inside, place the BPA-free lid on, and nuke it to fluffy perfection in under five minutes, without oil. When they’re done, they can pop it in the dishwasher, or simply wipe it clean. It folds down for easy storage. Just $18 at Uncommon Goods.

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM Let’s face it: we’re all kids when it comes to ice cream, and what could be better than your own ice cream machine? The Whynter automatic ice cream maker has a two-quart capacity built-in compressor and doesn’t require any pre-freezing. An LCD digital display and timer and stainless-steel mixing bowl make prep and clean-up a snap. Readily available at Wal-Mart for $276.

22

• 12.16.2021

DARK & DELICIOUS

CARD SHARKS

Chocoholics and coffee snobs alike will enjoy this wonderfully decadent coffee and chocolate tasting box, the perfect gift for any occasion.

Curated coffees from award-winning roasters are paired with culinary-inspired chocolates for the ultimate tasting symphony for their palate. It features eight fresh-roasted coffees, eight artisan chocolates, and tasting notes for each pairing. A special indulgence for your favorite coffee lover. $68.99 from beanbox.com.

If you’re really pressed for time, gift cards are always appreciated. And, while you can always buy one from a typical kitchen supply or department store, here are a few specialty cards that make more of an impact.

HERBACIOUS The Prepara stainless steel Herb Savor preserves the flavor and vitality of fresh herbs for up to three weeks. It features a stainless-steel waterwell to keep roots and stems submerged, a stainless rinsing basket, and a crystal-clear herb “greenhouse.” $31.48 at Williams-Sonoma.

UMAMICART.COM specializes in delivering a variety of Asian groceries. Your lucky gift recipient can choose from fresh fruit, meat, tofu, and all the pantry staples anyone could ever need. In addition to the classics, they also stock a variety of up-and-coming Asian-American brands.

Cheese, please. With a MURRAY’S CHEESE gift card, recipients can take their pick at the counter of the famous New York City cheese shop, or peruse the dairy, meat, and snack options online from the comfort of their own couch.

Murrayscheese.com.

GOLDBELLY is known for stocking sweets and other foods from some of the most famous restaurants and food shops across the country. With a gift card, a recipient can get a finger-licking good dinner from Nashville’s Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, a few slices from Kermit’s Key West Key Lime Shoppe, or hundreds of other options. Goldbelly.com.

After 10 years of shipping their famous deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati’s realized that ex-Chicagoans craved even more of the Windy City’s favorite foods. It was then that it partnered with other fine restaurateurs in Chicago to provide the best tastes Chicago has to offer. TASTES OF CHICAGO offers hometown favorites from iconic Chicago brands including Eli’s Cheesecake, Vienna Beef, Portillo’s, Garrett Popcorn Shops, Frango, Fannie May, Bobak’s, Wildfire, Manny’s Deli, Long Grove Confectionery, and many more at TastesofChicago.com.

All photos courtesy of their respective retailers.

12 .16 . 20 21 •

23

HOLIDAY shopping guide

GIFTING IN THE GAYBORHOOD John Hayden

An ornament featuring Santa in a speedo or a sparkly new shirt for the new year. ‘Tis the season for giving gifts to the family we choose. Mom may give you a practical pair of socks, but the LGBT community knows what the LGBT community wants. Fortunately they have a plethora of LGBT owned stores in the greater Wilton Manors area.

There are lots of little, locally owned shops up and down Wilton Drive, and many have clothes and cards you could easily share with straight allies and family. However, some are LGBT through and through, offering gifts that people outside the community would never imagine. This is important not just for creativity and uniqueness, but also because spending dollars in local gay shops lifts the entire neighborhood.

Leatherwerks, at 1226 NE 4th Ave. in Fort Lauderdale, carries custom and handmade leather goods. Co-owner Christian Marcello said supporting LGBT businesses isn’t just good for the community, it can be more fun.

“I think it’s becoming even more important to shop local and especially local gay, because the interaction you have is what makes shopping a fun experience. That and, being a gay owned and run business, we know the needs of gay men. You can’t get that from just shopping online.”

A trip inside the store finds lots of seasonal merchandise, including plushies in Christmas hats, December Diamonds that can be hung like ornaments or will stand on their own, Christmas stocking in hankie colors that can be embroidered, or leather Christmas stockings and leather Santa hats.

Upstairs, they have a workshop that rivals Santa’s North Pole facilities.

“We get some very fun requests in the workroom. We have made a red and green ‘elf’ harness. We also made a full red leather Santa Suit. And sometimes we are asked to make superhero themed gear for Christmas

gifts. We can make just about anything if you have the time and the budget.”

Marcello says they also craft gifts that are perfect for friends who aren’t in the traditional leather community.

“A lot of people don’t realize that we sell a lot of family friendly gifts in addition to all the adult toys. We make [yes, make] some of the best belts that will last you a decade because they are solid leather, not laminate that will fail, crack, or peel after one year.”

With nice clothes and naughty cards, Pride Factory, at 850 NE 13th St. in Fort Lauderdale, is like Gay Christmas all year round. This season, the store has been packed with locals who know what they’re looking for and out of towners exploring the racks for the first time. Lori Deak, Pride Factory’s vice president, says St33le Limited Edition shorts, sexy Skull & Bones holiday underwear are this year’s big sellers.

Deak believes the success of Pride Factory and other LGBT businesses benefits everyone.

“When others see local businesses doing well, they are encouraged to open other businesses creating growth within the community. This leads to more jobs and revenue circulating within the area.”

Marcello echoed those thoughts, and said building a connection builds community.

“We want to connect with you because there are many products that we carry that people may be trying for the first time. We want you to walk away knowing that we helped you out, not just because of the sale, but because we like our product, and we want you to like them too.”

WITH NICE CLOTHES AND NAUGHTY CARDS, PRIDE FACTORY RECENTLY ANNOUNCED THEY WILL BE RELOCATING TO WILTON MANORS.

24

• 12.16.2021

Top left: Black leather stocking.

Right: December Diamonds Santa Bear.

Bottom: Slumbers 17 inch bear.

All photos courtesy of Leatherwerks.

SOCIAL MEDIA

NEWSLETTER

Benefitting

SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS Hosted by Grieco Ford of Fort Lauderdale

Join us in celebrating 12 years of illuminating the lives and loves of our LGBT community

FEBRUARY 17, 2022 6 P.M.  8:30 P.M. Grieco Ford Showroom of Fort Lauderdale 1333 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

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12 .16 . 20 21 •

25

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Andy Marlette

CONVICTIONS Publisher's Editorial

RUMINATIONS FROM THE CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC CANAL Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

The Mirror Magazine this month features “flipping” real estate. Yes, a new place is a new start and features new promises and new hope. Just remember a scientific fact, that water “always seeks its own level.” So, no matter where you go, there you are. Enjoy the issue. I wrote an anti-flipping piece. Every Realtor will hate me, but ever the contrarian I remain.

1

If you tell me a secret that someone told you, you are not doing me a favor. You are only telling me why I should never trust you with a secret of my own.

2

Television broadcast the Broadway show 3 “Annie” live last week. I can’t wait to go to see another show on Broadway after theaters were dark for COVID for 18 months. You gotta believe “the sun will come out tomorrow.”

I am so saddened by the tornadoes that 4 left shattered lives and broken hearts in Kentucky and elsewhere last week. Be grateful and cherish what you have. Our violent world reveals every day it can be lost in an instant.

The Supreme Court will reverse Roe v Wade in June of 2022. Then a flood of states will start to turn back gay rights and affirmative action cases. Encourage your local Pride center to plan today and now about how they are proposing to react then.

5

Here is a call for tomorrow, then. There are 50 states in America, and there have been nearly 60,000 COVID deaths since the summer. One in five have been in Florida. So, get into the fray today. The battle for governor and senator in our state begins anew with January’s dawn. Fight for your future. There are only so many flock fests you can go to!

6

The city of Wilton Manors got some national attention on Thrillist recently.

My thought is our little corner of the planet can become a spectacular worldwide destination and an international epicenter of gay life. All that needs to happen is for city officials to marshal the resources and resilience to turn Wilton Drive into a Parisian style plaza full of restaurants, intimate clubs, boutique shops, 7

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• 12.16.2021

Norm with Tiger.

with people everywhere year-round. The space and means to do so are all there. Stop worrying about making bars richer three times a year.

Enrich your community instead. Think Lincoln Road. We can do it here.

If you are over 50, I have a question for you to ask yourself: Is your life more meaningful now that gay rights groups can host their parties at the Sheraton, or was it more meaningful when you were younger and singing at a festival sitting on a blanket in a public park, from the outside, looking in? Just think about it.

8

Sad to hear that Michael Nesmith of the Monkees passed away last week. The youth, zeal, and happiness of the Monkees even today still brings a smile to your face.

They sold 35 million records in 1967, more than the Beatles. Their eternal sense of optimism should always remind you they started out as four teenage boys hired to be actors. They were flat out told by their producers they could not write their own songs or play their own music.

They did anyway, and so should you.

Don’t let anyone anywhere ever tell you that you can’t play your own song. Never be afraid to take a chance on yourself and your dreams.

Produce yourself. You will have fewer people to blame for the result.

9

Halfway through this journey on chemo.

Love the good people at the University of Miami Comprehensive Sylvester Cancer Care Center, but I don’t think they should throw me out just because I demanded the cherry-flavored chemo. Maybe the Tequila shot was pushing it.

Take care.

10

LIFESTYLE BOOKS

ON BEING GAY AND GRAY SFGN columnist’s latest book out now SFGN Staff

Brian McNaught, pictured right, poses with his newly released book, “On Being Gay and Gray: Our Stories, Gifts, and the Meaning of Our Lives.”

The book is a deeply intimate tribute to the wisdom gained throughout life as an open LGBT person, and how that shapes their journey as an LGBT senior.

“This book, ‘On Being Gay and Gray,’ is intended to be that friend who helps take care of the senior members of the gay community by validating their experiences of courage, mirroring their strengths, and celebrating the significance of their unique contributions to the world,” said McNaught.

and

“On Being Gay and Gray: Our Stories, Gifts, and the Meaning Of Our Lives” is available now on Amazon for $19.95 (hardcover) or $14.99 (paperback).

Brian McNaught. Courtesy photo.

12 .16 . 20 21 •

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A LITTLE BIT OF FAITH AND

PRIDE

SFGN is here for you, no matter who — or what — keeps you going. Read our Spirituality Section to stay in touch with your local religious LGBT community. The only requirement? Be yourself.

SEE MORE ONLINE AT SFGN.COM/TABLE/NEWS/RELIGION

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• 12.16.2021

DEANDRA

Deandra, affectionately known as “DeeDee,” is an all-around wonderful girl! She is a 7-year-old large mixed breed and a professional fetch player.

She can bring the ball back and drop it on her own or on cue. While she enjoys playing, she isn’t a high-maintenance lady and is just as happy going on leisurely walks, being petted, and taking naps. DeeDee is housetrained and a very intelligent lady who enjoys working her brain and learning new skills to earn tasty snacks. She’s looking for a home with a relaxing couch, a large supply of treats, and lots of tennis balls. She is spayed, microchipped, and vaccinated. All adoption fees are waived.

Come in and meet sweet Deandra today!

If you would like to adopt a pet at Broward County Animal Care & Adoption, please visit www.Broward.org/AnimalCare or stop by at 2400 SW 42nd Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

I’m so appreciative that there is a LGBTQ Jewish community nearby, where I can meet nice people from here and other countries and cultures, all delightful and interesting. I’ve made some dear, dear friends. We have wonderful members and supporters, and the wider community is warm and inviting. This has been a good place for me and it could be good for you too!

CHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS. Shabbat services every Friday night at 8pm Only Online Dec. 24 & 31

Congregation Etz Chaim

2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus www.EtzChaimFlorida.org / RSVP HERE: info@etzchaimflorida.org Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship.

11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing.

“Love without judgement” Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. 33305 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org

SPIRITUALITY

In Person Worship Resumes Join us for live services

our beautifully7th updated Joininus November at 10 AM also continue for sanctuary. services inWe ourwill beautifully updated streaming theWe service on Facebook! sanctuary. will also continue streaming the service on Facebook!

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A home for your spirit.

Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome!

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https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

All Are Welcome!

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Christmas Eve

LISTINGS CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.

HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM

CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM TEMPLE BAT YAM 5151 NE 14th Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-928-0410 Friday Night & Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org

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A&E APPOINTMENTS

“RuPaul’s Drag Race” contestant Nina West (Andrew Levitt), right, stars as Edna Turnblad in the national tour of “Hairspray,” coming to the Arsht Center in Miami, Dec. 28 – Jan. 2. Credit: Jeremy Daniel.

ARTSBEAT

DISCOUNT CODE:

SFGN

WHEN CHRISTMAS IS A DRAG J.W. Arnold

GENDER-BENDING HOLIDAY LINE-UP

H

alloween is traditionally the season for outlandish costumes and characters, but this Christmas, South Florida audiences will be treated to an especially abundant entertainment lineup featuring men in wigs:

TUESDAY-SUNDAY | 2PM-2AM

“KINKY BOOTS”

Slow Burn Theatre Co. is back at the Broward Center with the Tony Award-winning musical “Kinky Boots,” Dec. 17 – Jan. 2. Based on the 2005 British film, this high-energy musical tells the story of Charlie Price, who forms an unlikely partnership with a cabaret performer and drag queen, Lola, to produce a line of reinforced, fierce high-heeled boots and save his shoe factory. In the process, Charlie and Lola discover that they are not so different after all. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org.

“HAIRSPRAY” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” fan favorite Nina West (Andrew Levitt) is Edna Turnblad in “Hairspray,” coming to the Arsht Center in Miami, Dec. 28 – Jan. 2. “You can’t stop the music” in this stage adaptation of the John Waters camp classic. Tracy Turnblad and her friends take on the establishment to integrate 1960s Baltimore. We can’t wait to see if West channels Divine, gives a performance inspired by Harvey Fierstein or simply breaks the mold. Tickets at ArshtCenter.org.

“A DRAG QUEEN CHRISTMAS – THE NAUGHTY TOUR” All of your favorite “RuPaul’s” girls are coming to South Florida and — gasp! — they’ve been naughty this year. Enjoy holiday-themed performances by Trinity The Tuck, Monet X Change, Brooke Lynn Hytes, Kylie Sonique Love, Crystal Methyd, Heidi N Closet, Willam and Jaida Essence Hall at the Parker in Fort Lauderdale, Tuesday, Dec. 28. We wonder what Santa is going to leave in their stockings. Tickets at ParkerPlayhouse.com.

LOCATED NEXT TO LEBOY

LATE NIGHT LIQUOR 30

• 12.16.2021

“TOOTSIE” The “12 Days of Christmas” may have passed, but you’ll want to get your tickets now for the Broadway hit “Tootsie,” coming to the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale, Jan. 11 – 23. Another film to stage adaptation, this hilarious musical presents the misadventures of Michael Dorsey, a down-on-his-luck actor who dons a wig and falsies to become Dorothy, America’s sweetheart on a popular soap opera. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org.

GMCSF

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA with Gabe Salazar, Artistic Director presents

Featuring multi-platinum recording artist & actress

DEBORAH COX

DECEMBER 19, 2021 at 7pm Tickets and information: GMCSF.ORG Hosted by

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COVID-19 protocols required.

See our website for details.

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12 .16 . 20 21 •

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A&E THEATER

SLOW BURN GETS ‘KINKY’ FOR THE HOLIDAYS J.W. Arnold

D

on your gay apparel for Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s holiday production, “Kinky Boots,” opening this weekend at the Broward Center.

According to Artistic Director Patrick Fitzwater, the South Florida troupe was among the first companies approved to mount the Tony Award-winning Best Musical.

After the pandemic shuttered venues around the world, the company managed to hold onto the rights even as uncertainty stretched first through the summer, then another year.

“We were excited to get to work on this project,” Fitzwater said during a break in rehearsals. “I’m happy to do this title right now because it’s something we need, to be together and celebrate. It’s going to bring great joy during the holidays.”

With music by Cyndi Lauper and a book by Harvey Fierstein, the show is an adaptation of the popular 2005 British film about Charlie, a shoe factory owner who is forced to rethink his business model as orders plummet. After an encounter with a flamboyant drag queen, Lola, he discovers a niche producing sassy, reinforced boots for her friends and saving the jobs of his loyal workers. Along the way, the two men discover they are not so different, after all.

Still, getting the production to the stage was not easy. Slow Burn was able to rent the Broadway sets and costumes — a blessing, Fitzwater said, during the uncertain fall months as the delta variant raged across the country — but with a cast of 26, rehearsal schedules had to be carefully planned while maintaining regular COVID testing.

“It’s been crazy with the masks and testing,” Fitzwater admitted.

He also called in local drag diva Nicole Halliwell to design the make-up for the Angels, Lola’s castmates. The cast only gets two weeks of rehearsal before load-in and tech week at the Broward Center, and Fitzwater had to work around their sessions, an unusual situation for the hyper-organized director and choreographer.

“The Angels had to leave my care for two days of the week — 16 hours — in the middle of rehearsals to go work with Nicole, so I taught their track first and let them leave,” he explained.

While the production may have a familiar look, he emphasized that the cast brings

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Cast members for Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s holiday production of “Kinky Boots” pose together with their signature footwear. Photo via the Slow Burn Theatre Co., Facebook.

unique interpretations to the roles, especially Elijah Word’s portrayal of Lola.

“Even though we have the Broadway boots, they’re putting their own fingerprints on the show, their own storytelling,” he said. “Elijah brings his own take and his own identity to the role of Lola. There may be an essence of [Tony Award-winner] Billy Porter, but it’s definitely not a carbon copy. Elijah in reality is Lola, he just morphs into the skins that have been given him.”

Fitzwater also praised Antuan McGriff, who makes his debut in heels as the young Lola: “I have a 9-year-old in the cast living his best life in those.”

Despite the challenges that came with juggling an intricate production and COVID protocols, audiences can still expect a dynamic performance.

“It’s been a really great experience so far … the cast is wonderful. Our terms are to have ‘space and grace,’ and we take care of each other through the process. Some performers have been performing through the pandemic, while others are just getting back on stage after more than a year. It’s going to be the performance of the season,” Fitzwater promised.

A&E CABARET

COUNTESS TALKS CHRISTMAS, CABARET & COCKTAILS J.W. Arnold

A

ll Countess Luann de Lesseps wants for Christmas is a vacation — a welldeserved vacation. In between filming the upcoming season of “Real Housewives of New York City” and the Peacock hit “The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip,” the countess has been preparing her latest cabaret show, and it’s coming to Fort Lauderdale.

“A Very Countess Christmas,” Sunday, Dec. 26 at the Parker, will feature holiday favorites, the premiere of a new song and a little dishing about her co-stars on the Bravo reality series.

“I’m super excited. It’s a Christmas show, a fun show for everyone,” de Lesseps said in a telephone interview from Boston, noting that she expects to be on Santa’s “nice” list.

She has already made stops in Washington, D.C., and Manhattan and will visit Boston and Long Island before making her way to warmer climes for the holiday in Florida.

Under the stage direction of Miamibased director Richard Jay Alexander (whose superstar client list includes Barbra Streisand), de Lesseps will put a contemporary twist on classics like “Santa Baby” — she plays the bongos, too — and “Jingle Bell Rock,” along with that new song penned by Billy Stritch and Bruce Roberts, “What I Want for Christmas.”

“And, of course, I’ll sing ‘Cabaret’ because I get so much crap for talking about cabaret all the time,” she added with a throaty chuckle.

“For me, I love live performance and my cabarets, and that’s part of the big picture for me. I’ve been on television for forever.”

But if she were to venture beyond the “Real Housewives” franchise she joined 14 years ago, de Lesseps might love to host a game show on TV, although she admitted she didn’t consider the recent contest to host “Jeopardy!”

“That would be fabulous,” she said with a full-on laugh.

Audiences at the Parker shouldn’t expect camera crews at the concert. Unlike previous seasons, the production is taking a hiatus during the holiday season.

“Normally, we are filming. I don’t know if I could have swung filming with touring,” she explained. “It’s kind of a blessing. We’re having a little bit of a pause until we come

“Real Housewives of New York City” star Luann de Lesseps brings her holiday cabaret to the Parker in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, Dec. 26. Credit: Courtesy photo.

back. New York is not going anywhere.”

And like her other “housewive-preneurs,” de Lesseps didn’t miss an opportunity during the call to plug her newest business venture, Fosé Rosé, a non-alcoholic wine.

De Lesseps’ misadventures with alcohol (and the law) had led her to publicly give up drinking, but she still missed being able to join in social settings.

Mocktails were often too syrupy and inventive mixologists few and far between, so she created her own product, with a special kick of its own: “a unique, natural non-alcoholic sparkling wine with superfood ingredients” including damiana (reportedly an aphrodisiac) and schisandra (an adaptogenic liver fortifier known for its mood stabilizing properties).

The holidays should be festive, she said, and she invited audiences to celebrate her own flavors of the season, “born out of necessity, but healthy and good and elevated.”

Dear Santa, the countess has been a busy girl. See what you can do about that vacation ….

Luann de Lesseps performs “A Very Countess Christmas” on Sunday, Dec. 26 at 8 p.m. at the Parker, 707 N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $43 at ParkerPlayhouse.com.

12 .16 . 20 21 •

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