SFGN 12/31/20 V11iss52

LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE DECEMBER 31, 2020 VOL. 11 // ISSUE 52

a d i r o l F h Sout

A Day In

U S S I O T O H P L A U N SFGN’S AN SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS

S E V I L T B G L R U O Y E I S A LO O K I N T O BEGINS ON PAGE 9

@SFGN

SFGN.COM

SouthFloridaGayNews.com

@SFGN

December 31, 2020 • Volume 11 • Issue 52 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent

S O U T H

COMING SOON

F L O R I D A

G A Y

N E W S

Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com

A SPECIAL EDITION FOR THE HEROES...

DOCTORS & LAWYERS

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 Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com

Senior Feature Columnists

Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo

Correspondents

Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh Christiana Lilly • John McDonald Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod

Contributing Columnists

Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily

Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Advertising Associate • Thom Burnham Distribution Services • Noah Lebel Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Stuart Web Inc.

SFGN Winner of & 5 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for

NLGJA Journalist of the Year

KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR A RED STAND NEAR YOU! COVER 1: Guido poses with his dog Baccio on a late afternoon walk. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

COVER 2: Bartender extrordinaire Stacie Charpentier mixes only the finest at 22&Co in the Aquaplex. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

Associated Press

2

• 12. 31.2020

SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS.COM, INC. — — FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009

BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.

All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

Copyright © 2020 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

3

NEWS STATE

VITAMBI SPRINGS NEEDS MIRACLE TO STAY OPEN Jesse Monteagudo

V

itambi Springs Florida Wilderness Resort & Camp sent out a lengthy email message Dec. 8 announcing that the closure of the gay camping destination.

This message led to much concern and discussion among past and present guests of Vitambi, on Facebook and other forums: “After much debate, soul-searching, and nonstop attempts to find solutions, we must inform you that Vitambi Springs Resort & Camp is making plans to permanently close business. Without a miraculous intervention, we plan to close sometime in late January. The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a fatal blow to business operations and there is no relief The hay ride at Vitambi Springs. Photo via Vitambi Springs, Facebook. in sight.

We’ve been here 10 years now and have built a community. have been having thoughtful, productive conversations with market is risky and requires caution. We have been told on We’ve also created a beautiful place with great value. It lots of people. It is a very different conversation than anyone more than one occasion that there are many mainstream is unfortunate in these difficult times that others would is likely to have on Facebook.” lenders that do not want an LGBT of ‘clothing optional’ scheme to benefit from the difficulties of others. It’s The WildFyre Society, a South Florida social group for business in their portfolio. Additionally, many lenders are equally unfortunate that our government and community nudist men, took note of Vitambi’s plight and sent out its averse to collateralizing property in a rural area. It is not an institutions have not been able to help. While there is time to own message on Dec. 9. “The WildFyre Society has been a impossible route, but it has been tricky and unattainable save this treasure, and we will try, we don’t want to be one of steady supporter of Vitambi Springs Florida Wilderness thus far.” those businesses that suddenly disappear. We owe our staff Resort & Camp for years, showcasing all of its nude weekends As to WildFyre’s first suggestion, Ruddock says that and our guests the ability to make plans for this on our schedule. We are writing with a special “Vitambi Springs is happy to market specifically to our loss. We can’t wait until it is too late. We are request to support the campground now. naturist guests with our N-VS weekends [Naturists at trying to hang in there these last two months “THE OUTPOURING Yesterday, Vitambi Springs announced that it is Vitambi Springs] and we would be open to hosting more but honestly, it will take more reservations to in dire straits, partially as a result of COVID-19 of them.” (Their next naturist weekend, N-VS Jungle, will FROM OUR FAN keep the lights on. If you need to get away, a challenges. It advised of a potential shutdown take place Jan. 15-18. Vitambi also holds special weekends BASE HAS BEEN walk in the woods, or a chance to thank our in a couple of months if nothing changes. There for clubs, women, leathermen, athletes, outdoor adventure AMAZING AND AT amazing staff please consider a reservation over are two ways to help the campground survive to enthusiasts, bears and holidays.) the next months.”

TIMES EMOTIONAL. better times.”

“In a perfect world we would find a private bridge loan Vitambi’s ominous email came at a time WildFyre’s first suggestion was for its for 2-3 years to address our current mortgage issue. Beyond IT INSPIRES US TO when too many LGBT venues were going members to make reservations and spend their that, Vitambi Springs needs to expand to capture the CONTINUE TO SEEK out of business because of COVID. Orlando’s weekends at Vitambi. Its second suggestion overwhelming demand for RVs and private cabins with OUT EVERY AVAILABLE was for someone to raise “a temporary, private bathrooms. Our current problems are worsened by being legendary Parliament House closed less than two months ago. While Vitambi’s message bridge loan to make up for Vitambi Springs’ too small an operation. We have approved plans to expand SOLUTION.” caused much consternation in social media, mortgage, which is being called in by the but need the funding. Adding a few RV space is not a simple Vitambi Springs business partners Steve McCloud and Martin previous owner, who wishes to disengage. It task. It requires a significant development of infrastructure Representative Ruddock are not as alarmed as their message involves approximately $1.5 million on a 269- to handle septic, water, and power. It’s a big job. The Gay might imply. acre property recently assessed at $4.8 million.” community has been extremely supportive, and we thank “We believe having a conversation is much better than To this suggestion, Ruddock and McCloud agree that everyone who has reached out to us wanting to help. The not having that conversation,” they say. “Simply put, the “a bridge loan is a perfect example of what is needed. We outpouring from our fan base has been amazing and at deadline to refinance our mortgage is Jan. 31. We want to pull have a history of seeking out that solution and it’s not been times emotional. It inspires us to continue to seek out every the fire alarm prior to the flames getting out of hand. While easy. Jumping into an agreement in the hard-money lending available solution.” we continue to seek out all solutions, we felt it would be unfair to leave our guests in the lurch. What we want is the Vitambi Springs Florida Wilderness Resort & Camp is a valuable resource, and it must be maintained. For more information opportunity to have a discussion with our friends and guests about Vitambi Springs, contact them at P.O. Box 100, Clewiston, FL 33440; 863-983-8488; or Vitambi.com. to find a way to approach the problem responsively. And we

4

• 12. 31.2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR

12 . 31. 20 20 •

5

NEWS NATIONAL

DO ASK, DO TELL BIDEN’S DEFENSE PICK ROCKS AND RANTS ON REPEALED POLICY

Chris Johnson

Washington Blade

R

etired Gen. Lloyd Austin, the choice of President-elect Joe Biden for defense secretary, spoke Tuesday with the head of the nation’s leading LGBT group in recognition of the 10th anniversary of repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” the Washington Blade had exclusively reported.

Alphonso David, president of the Biden nominee to encounter resistance from Human Rights Campaign, confirmed to the senators of his own party.

Washington Blade in an interview Tuesday But the call between David and Austin sends the phone call took place that day and said a clear symbolic message to progressives he was left with an “incredibly positive” on recognition of intersectionality among impression. marginalized groups: The first Black person David said the secretary-designate chosen to serve as defense secretary had met recognized the importance of the milestone with the first Black person to lead the nation’s of repealing “Don’t Ask, leading LGBT organization on the Don’t Tell,” which former anniversary of a milestone for President Obama signed on LGBT rights.

Dec. 22, 2010.

David said his general “He understood the assessment of Austin is the significance of the repeal secretary-designate is “incredibly and the importance of qualified” for the role based on having an inclusive armed his “years of experience,” but also forces,” David said. “You said Austin carries significant know, ‘Don’t Ask Don’t Tell’ weight as the first Black person is a stain on our history, and nominated to become defense he understands the stigma secretary. that it’s had on the U.S. “I think it is also important for military and on our culture.” us to appreciate the barrier that The call between he’s breaking in being the first Austin and the nation’s Black man to potentially serve leading LGBT group takes in that role, which is important,” place amid concern from David said. “Four hundred years progressives over Biden later, since slavery, we have not selecting a retired general had a Black man serve in that as the civilian head of the role and that is an important fact Defense Department. Austin that we should all appreciate as - Alphonso David would need a congressional we think about defending this PRESIDENT OF THE HRC waiver to serve in the country and whether or not military because federal the person who is in that role is law requires military officers to have been reflective of the diversity of this country.” out of the armed forces for seven years before David said Austin reached out him serving as defense secretary. personally to initiate the call, which The Associated Press reported earlier David said is a “testament to his personal this month Biden faces an uphill battle in commitment to support the LGBTQ getting Austin confirmed in the U.S. Senate, community, and by extension, President-elect although Black service members and Black Biden’s understanding that our community is civil rights groups have rallied around him. important.”

Some Democrats have reportedly expressed A key component of the talk, which David uncertainty over Austin, making him the first said lasted close to 15 minutes, was the

“HE UNDERSTOOD THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE REPEAL AND THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING AN INCLUSIVE ARMED FORCE.”

6

• 12. 31.2020

Lloyd Austin spoke with the Human Rights Campaign on the anniversary of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal.

Photo via public domain.

transgender military ban, which the Defense Department implemented during the Trump administration after President Trump tweeted in 2017 he’d ban transgender people from the military “in any capacity.”

Although openly gay people are now able to serve in the nation’s military as a result of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” repeal in 2010, medical restrictions were left in essentially barring transgender people from military service. The Obama administration lifted those regulations in 2016, but a new ban, supported by former Defense Secretary James Mattis, was instituted after Trump’s tweet.

David said Austin “understood and appreciated” many transgender service members are not out publicly and face numerous challenges, such as “harassment, the threat of discharge and the lack of access to mental and physical health care.”

“LGBTQ people are just as qualified as any other community to serve in the military,

and his support for LGBTQ people serving in the military is, I think, a necessary sea change that we need,” David said.

David said Austin, in addition to the Human Rights Campaign affirmatively raising the issue, brought up the transgender military ban on his own, which David said demonstrates the secretary-designate “understands the stigma that the ban on having transgender troops serving” is comparative to “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

A Human Rights Campaign spokesperson didn’t respond to a follow-up inquiry from the Washington Blade via email on whether Austin said anything about a timeline for ending the transgender military ban. The San Francisco-based Palm Center has issued a memo stating the Defense Department could eliminate the transgender military ban in as few as 30 days after Biden takes office.

A Biden transition spokesperson confirmed the meeting took place, but declined further comment.

Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.

NEWS STATE · BOTULINUM TOXIN A

WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA

· DERMAL FILLERS · KYBELLA · PDO THREADLIFT · PLATELET RICH PLASMA · SKINCARE · IV VITAMIN INFUSIONS

Sean McShee

· ANTI-AGING, WEIGHT MANAGEMENT,

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA Cumulative Known COVID-19COUNTIES: Cases in

HANGOVER · SKIN TIGHTENING

Three South Florida Counties: DECEMBER 22 THROUGH DECEMBER 28

· BIO-IDENTICAL

December 22 through December 28

HORMONE

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 12/22 to 12/28 Palm Beach 4.0%, Broward 3.5%, and Miami Dade 4.2%

283,285

280,982

278,739

THERAPY

290,363

288,306

286,662

283,285

New Year, New YOU!

78,852

78,187

77,743

12/22

130,978

130,978

129,897

128,963

12/23

12/24

12/25

Palm Beach

80,865

80,239

79,830

78,852

133,480

132,897

132,193

12/26

12/27

Broward

12/28

Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN THREE SOUTH FLORIDA COUNTIES: Cumulative Known COVID-19 Deaths Cumulative Known COVID-19 Cases in in

BOTOX

$10 per unit (regular $13)

December 22 through December December 22 through December 28 28

DYSPORT

$3.75 per unit (regular $5)

Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 casesdeaths from 12/22 12/28 Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 from to 12/22 to 12/28 PalmPalm Beach 4.0%,1.7%, Broward 3.5%,2.0%, and Miami DadeDade 4.2% 1.5% Beach Broward and Miami 4,108

4,096

283,285

280,982

278,739

290,363

288,306

286,662

283,285

4,155

4,150

4,127

4,108

SFGN January Proo mo titioo n Pr MENTION SFGN FOR THESE DISCOUNTS · EXPIRES: 1/31/2020

Three South Florida Counties: 28 DECEMBER 22 THROUGH DECEMBER Three South Florida Counties:

4,095

“The Shining Way to Ageless Beauty”

JEUVEAU OR XEOMIN $8 per unit (regular $11)

DERMAL FILLERS

from $550-$900 enjoy $75 off ALL fillers

HORMONE REBALANCING THERAPY waive initial consultation fee ($150 value) 1,835 1,792

128,963

77,743

12/22 12/22

1,842

1,796 129,897

1,858

130,978 1,798

78,852

78,187

12/23 12/23

Palm Beach

78,852

12/24 12/24

1,860

1,858

130,978 1,798

12/25 12/25

132,193 1,811

80,239

79,830

Palm Beach Broward Broward

1,860 132,897 1,817

1,866

133,480 1,828

80,865

PDO THREADLIFT

$300 per thread (regular $350) SAVE $100-$300

CUSTOMIZED SKINCARE REGIMENS Save $75-$150 depending on individual needs

12/26 12/26

12/27 12/27

12/28 12/28

Miami Dade Miami-Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard Source Fl DOH Dashboard

Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.

SHININGWAYESTHETICS.COM 4801 N FEDERAL HWY · BUILDING A, SUITE 102 · FORT LAUDERDALE, 33308

954-319-1053 (VOICE & TEXT) 12 . 31. 20 20 •

7

Don’t miss a

tastE Feeling the hunger?

Read SFGN’s weekly food column for an exclusive bite on local bars, restaurants, and seasonal flavors.

sFGn.com/FooD

CONVICTIONS Publisher's Editorial

THE VACCINE PHONE LOTTERY IS A JOKE GOVERNMENT FAILS US AGAIN

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

NEEL AMIN, MD

TOM MACEK, MD

Board Certified in: ANESTHESIOLOGY PAIN MANAGEMENT

Board Certified in: ANESTHESIOLOGY PAIN MANAGEMENT

1164 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 201 Oakland Park, FL 33334 Dr. Amin and Dr. Macek are double board certified in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Both physicians are fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, the birthplace and leading program of modern pain management in the United States.

TREATMENT FOR:

▶ BACK PAIN • NECK PAIN ▶ JOINT DISEASE • HIV NEUROPATHY ▶ HEADACHES • SHINGLES ▶ CANCER PAIN

PROCEDURES OFFERED:

▶ STEM CELL THERAPY ▶ PLASMA RICH PROTEIN THERAPY ▶ EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS ▶ JOINT INJECTIONS ▶ SPINAL CORD STIMULATION ▶ PHYSICAL & MASSAGE THERAPY ▶ BACK BRACES ▶ RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION

MEDICARE AND PRIVATE INSURANCE ACCEPTED T: 954.678.1074 | F: 954.938.2127

WWW.AMERICANPAINEXPERTS.COM

8

• 12. 31.2020

I want to end this pandemically challenged and covidically compromised year with an upbeat editorial. I want to, but I can’t.

A critic can find a little bad in the best of things, and sometimes, that is what journalists are. We don’t write about the 300,000 Boeing Flights that take off and land safely. We write about the ones that crash.

Today, South Floridians should be cheering that vaccines were made available to the general public. All you had to do was call the county health line. Everyone did, and everything crashed.

Are you surprised?

The one duty our government has is to keep you safe. For the past year, it has not. The pandemic we have not prepared for has already claimed over 340,000 lives. It has not ‘magically disappeared.’

This week, we found out ‘Operation Warp Speed’ was a fancy label for a messed up plan generals could not execute. ‘Operation Lost Turtle’ is more like it.

Despite months to strategize, citizens of our community and elsewhere were not presented with a plan for accessing the vaccine.

In Florida, last week, citizens over 65 were told they could become scavengers. All you had to do was call in, and hope you were one of the 350,000 passengers trying to board a spaceship that could house 3,500.

The result is everyone was reduced to becoming phone scavengers, repeatedly calling busy lines, hoping to get through, to see if you could win the lottery for life.

By 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Broward Health announced on its website that they were no longer taking bookings for COVID vaccines.

The phones were overwhelmed, the sites had crashed and their voice mail was reminding us that you are out of luck, they had reached their capacity through February.

Did you get through? If you did, you may live.

If not, you may die.

The delivery and administration of this vaccine is something that should have been orchestrated, planned, and coordinated by teams of governmental leaders and hospital

Photo via FreePngImages.

administrators. It did not happen.

Like the testing sites and delivery times, the various service providers and facilities provided, it was hurried, haphazard, and careless.

There was no screening process initiated to take those with the most need.

There was no plan to take persons living with conditions most covid-conducive.

There was no provisions for the elderly living alone at home with limited ability to access the Internet or phone banks.

No provisions to set up a lottery by birth date, age, or conditions of co morbidity.

Once again, government fails to deliver. Just an absolute, shameful, embarrassing mess.

Check back with us in March, if you are still alive.

When push comes to shove, we witness a mad rush to the finish line to see who wins the phone lottery. What a fucking mess, an embarrassment to anyone in office anywhere.

Gay people should know about this malfeasance. We had to fight an AIDS Pandemic with car washes and drag queens holding benefits in night clubs.

So that’s what we do at SFGN. We salute people that do their jobs, but we have the balls to call them out when they don’t. Government has failed us again, creating chaos instead of comfort.

Happy New Year to you. How long do you think it will be before someone is auctioning off their vaccine spot on e-Bay?

T B G L n A Day I

EARLY MORNING

a d i r o l F h t u o S

On Nov. 28, 2020, SFGN assigned its photographers to capture one day in the life of South Florida’s LGBT community. We also asked our readers to submit their own photos.

Too often in the news we read about the famous, the politicians, or the celebrities. Rarely do we hear about the people that actually make up the LGBT community — from the bartenders, waiters and hairdressers to the retirees and drag queens.

That’s why this issue celebrates the lives of the everyday LGBT person. These photos are a

reminder that the LGBT community is numerous and diverse. We like to relax at the beach, walk our dogs, raise funds for charities, bike ride, shop, work, eat and play.

These photos show the normality of being LGBT. We are the same.

All of us. We do the same thing. We live and enjoy the same lives as our straight counterparts.

We all have more in common than we do apart. We are a part of each other.

Additional photos are available online at SFGN.com/LGBTday2020.

n’s.

ey at Natha SoBe barman Charl 12:02 a.m. - Famous . vis Da Photo credit: J.R.

11:55 p.m. - Artists Nevda, Claudia, Victor and Albert at the award-winning Claudia Castillo ART Studio. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

Photo 12:00 a.m. - Twist doo r hostest and world-famous Shelly Novak with two-time Emmy-winning acto r Vincent De Paul. Credit: J.R. Davis.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

9

MORNING

WINNING AT LIFE

Mitchell and Cledson Grant out on a morning walk in Coconut Creek.

Submitted photo.

Yvette (Dj Pride) Fernandez & Hernan Valverde of Fighting 69th Irish Whiskey check in with some of their valued accounts in the Galt Ocean area. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

10:09 a.m. - Julio takes out the recycling.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

9:41 a.m. - Chris Council whips up a frappé and beams a smile under his mask at Java Boys. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

10

• 12.31.2020

12 . 31. 20 20 •

11

ALL DAY

Having a ...

5:22 p.m. - Guido poses with his dog Baccio on a late afternoon walk.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Chris, Joey & Cooper enjo y their weekends.

Photo credit: Stephen Lan g.

y Kate Miano and her furbaby Tine son with Gardens Hotel Owner n. kbur Blac 4:00 p.m. - Bartender Mark Wat y dens Hotel. Photo credit: Larr enjoy an afternoon at the Gar

12

• 12. 31.2020

... Pawesome Day!

ALL DAY

9:30 a.m. - Former Commissioner Julie Carson and her mother, Louise Carson catch up on Saturday mornings.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

don Lies Floridian Bren a, eight-year rid w home Flo h ne ut r ei So th eir journey to far away from th gh of ou g th le Al st la .

3:45 p.m e road on the Lies. edit: Brendon g Willow hit th many. Photo cr and his little do er G , nd la ar in Sa

1:22 p.m. - C hristina Men denhall and together at th Ace work on e dog park. Ph new tricks oto credit: Car ina Mask.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

13

NOON

Reach for the sky ...

11:21 a.m. - Josie Smith-Ma lave

and Marcy Miller shops aro und at Julian’s Fountain of Youth Thirft store. Photo credit: Car ina Mask.

k after a kayak moment as he returns to the doc 11:47 a.m. - Scott relaxes for a k.

Mas ina Car it: cred tour on the Middle River. Photo

 801's Mulysa Gard entertains the daytime crowd.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

14

• 12. 31.2020

NOON

And let your colors fly!

1:15 p.m. - Lorenzo Robertson brings his Ujima Binder to Franklyn Sinanan’s gallery space to discuss the possibilities of collaborating with each other in 2021.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Voltair. and friends at anna Petrone Ri . m p. .

5 an :4 m 10 ichael Cush Photo credit: M

11:02 a.m. Bi

tsy gives Dia ne Pappafotis Photo credit: a kiss.

Carina Mask.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

15

Embrace the Wild

AFTERNOON

Fabscout’s Howard Andrew gets some much needed fur baby love from Lexi & Daphne. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

f his crew

some o rprise from elcome su g. w n a La ts n e e g h edit: Step ner Rocco cr w to O o d h o P . o im ynw support h R House W

coming in

to

Georgie’s Alibi’s Gia is about to give some great service to her tables! Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

e spend som a break to ke . g ta n m La le n sband C it: Stephe an and hu hoto cred ward Elfm , Hollie. P o rk H Pa ’s a cy ri n The Age ss of Victo the Prince time with

16

• 12. 31.2020

Within Yourself

Protect YPoruortseecltfP P Yarronooud ttreeY scce ottluY fYro a ou n urd rssY eeo llffuaarnnd dY Yoouurr Family fro Fm amCilO yV fF rFIoD aam m m -1iiC 9llyyO DffrV u roorID m im n-g 1 C C9O OD V VuIID D ri--n11g99 D Duurriinng g sHoolliid the HolidtahyesHolitd thhaeeyH daayyss

DO

DO

DO

 Celebrate Celebrate virtually virtually  Celebrate or or only only virtually with Celebrate with Celebrate members members or only virtually virtually with of of members or or only only with with of members members of of your household your your household household your your household household  Gather Gather outdoors outdoors  Gather ifif possible possible outdoors  Gather Gather if possible outdoors outdoors ifif possible possible  Open Open windows windows  Open and and doors doors windows ififOpen Open inside inside andwindows windows doors if and inside and doors doors ifif inside inside  Limit Limit the the number number  Limitof ofthe attendees attendees number  Limit Limitof the the attendees number number of of attendees attendees  Wear Wear aa mask mask  Wear a mask  Wear Wear aa mask mask  Stay Stay 66 feet feet apart apart  Stay 6 feetapart Stay Stay 66 feet feet apart apart  Wash Wash your your hands hands  Wash often often your hands Wash Washoften your your hands hands often often

DON’T DON’T DON’T

 Attend Attend gatherings gatherings  Attend ifif you you gatherings are are Attend Attend ill, ill, in inifisolation gatherings isolation gatherings you are ill, or orifif inyou you isolation are are ill, ill,or in in isolation isolation or or

quarantine quarantine quarantine quarantine quarantine  Attend Attend gatherings gatherings  Attend ifif you you gatherings are are Attend Attend waiting waiting ifgatherings gatherings you for forare COVID-19 COVID-19 waiting ifif you youfor are are COVID-19 waiting waiting for for COVID-19 COVID-19 test test results results test results test test results results  Attend Attend gatherings gatherings  Attend ifif you, you, gatherings or or Attend Attend someone someone ifgatherings gatherings you, you you or live someone liveifif you, you, you or or someone someone live you you live live with, with, is is at at higher higher risk risk from from with, with, COVID-19 COVID-19 is is at atfrom higher higher risk risk from from COVID-19 COVID-19 with, is at higher risk COVID-19  Shake Shake hands hands or or Shake hug hug hands  Shake Shake or hughands hands or or hug hug

 Gather Gather in in crowded crowded  Gather indoor indoor in crowded spaces spaces Gather Gatherindoor in in crowded crowded spaces indoor indoor spaces spaces  Sing Sing or or shout shout  Sing or shout  Sing Sing or or shout shout  Share Share food food or or  Share drinks drinksfood orShare Share drinks food food or or drinks drinks please pleasesee seewww.cdc.gov/coronavirus www.cdc.gov/coronavirus please see www.cdc.gov/coronavirus please pleasesee seewww.cdc.gov/coronavirus www.cdc.gov/coronavirus

12 . 31. 20 20 •

17

No winter in sight

AFTERNOON

2:37 p.m. - Artist Pepe Mar unwinding after finishing his newest installation at the Frost Museum in his little piece of paradise. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

12:00 p.m. - Early afternoon sun for Michael and Antonio at Alexander's Guesthouse. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

6:30 p.m. - Team Matty’s after the game, posing with their mascott in red. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

18

• 12. 31.2020

Make the Most of Today!

AFTERNOON

Rusty & Stephen celebrated their 5th Anniversary with a quiet night at Rosie’s.

Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

6:00 p.m. - Royce and Andrew with the boys, cheering on their team at the Hurricane Showdown softball games. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

3:31 p.m. - Jessica Schnur, Tee “Teepop” Davis and Corrinne Engstrom pose together at a West Elm in Midtown Miami. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

5:30 p.m. - Hurricane Showdown Director Chris Aleman, Secretary Rocky Bowell, and Membership Coordinator Donald Desormoux at the registration table. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

19

AFTERNOON

Long-Distance Friends ;)

12:30 p.m. - Fantasy Fest King 2017 Paul Murphy tending to your every need at the Saint Hotel.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

 1:35 p.m. - Will Davis at his “Day by Day” shop, Northwood Rd, West Palm Beach, celebrating “Shop Small” day. Photo credit: Charlie F.

3:30 p.m. - Rolando Barrero at The Box Gallery on Belvedere Rd, West Palm Beach, shown holding up CDs and books of the newly released first ever gender-fluid sci-fi comic “Billie.” Photo credit: Charlie F.

20

• 12.31.2020

AFTERNOON

5:15 p.m. - Teepop poses next to a mural that she worked on with Ruben Ubiera in Wynwood. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

3:13 p.m. - Pascal Doytier arranges the ornaments on display for ArtCares for Kids charity event at West Elm in Midtown Miami. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

3:27 p.m. - Monique Lassooij (black shirt) stands next to her ornaments she painted for the charity event for ArtCares for Kids at West Elm in Midtown Miami. On the right is Tee "Teepop" Davis (white shirt) next to Jessica Schnur (teal shirt), joined by a few other gallery guests. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

YOU LOOK DAZZLING!

4:30 p.m. - Bartender extrordinaire Stacie Charpentier mixes only the finest at 22&Co in the Aquaplex. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

21

AFTERNOON

1:00 p.m. - Chef/owner of PokĂŠ in the Rear Grant Portier and Aquaplex manager Shawn Clark just hanging. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

12:31 p.m. - Yoko Oso grabs a coffee at Cyth & Co. in Oakland Park Photo credit: Carina Mask.

2:00 p.m. - Sun, fun and cocktails at the Island House, Key West's premire all male guesthouse. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

Husbands Roger, Johnny & Chris take a much needed break from Christmas decorating.

Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

On An Adventure!

22

• 12.31.2020

1:26 p.m. - Franklin Sinanan stands in front of his art in his gallery in Oakland Park, Florida.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

and

Fourteen Years Serving the CommUNITY

• PHOTO FACIALS • LASER SKIN REJUVENATION • LASER HAIR REMOVAL • BOTOX® / DYSPORT® • SCULPTRA® • RADIESSE® /RESTYLANE® / JUVEDERM® / VOLUMA® / KYBELLA • PLASMA PEN SKIN TIGHTENING • PRP HAIR RESTORATION

Follow us on INSTAGRAM @SILKLASERAESTHETICS for current promos

PLEASE READ THE COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS ON OUR WEBSITE PRIOR TO SCHEDULING YOUR APPOINTMENT

954.462.7455 www.thesilklasercentre.com

924 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304

owned & operated by J.A. Astaphan MD

12 . 31. 20 20 •

23

AFTERNOON

Feeling Bubbly

6:30 p.m. - The finest cocktails served to the finest patrons at 22&Co in the Aquaplex.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

6:05 p.m. - Claudia Castillo stands in front of her shop after decorating it with giant ornaments for Deck the Drive. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

5:00 p.m. - Jonathan Jump and Vickie at Boardwalk Bar serving up lunch and great drinks.

Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

24

• 12.31.2020

On the move.

EVENING

11:45 p.m. - Daisy Pedals at the Voltair Grand Opening in West Palm Beach. ď ° Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

11:45 p.m. - Bartenders Marc Andre and Charlie stop to pose during the Leather Mask Ball.

Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

10:15 p.m. - Velvet Lenore and Rianna at the Voltair Grand Opening.

Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

Dynamic Holiday Duo Michael & Tom cozy up for the GMCSF Concert in Dania Pointe.

Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

25

EVENING

Raise your glasses.

11:30 p.m. - The crew at Palace serving up the hottest South Beach has to offer.

Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

9:45 p.m. - Bria Ansara and Heather Mae Sloan enjoy the 801 cabaret Drag show.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

10:30 p.m. - Carlos and Mark with friends Pennys at the Duke.

Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

Rianna Petrone, Velvet Lenore, Alyssa Lemay and Lisa Renee at Bambusa Bar and Grille in Naples. Credit: Velvet Lenore.

26

• 12.31.2020

EVENING

10:00 p.m. - Bambusa Bar and Grill in Naples.

Photo credit: Credit: Velvet Lenore.

7:15 p.m. - Debbi Bu rke

at Art Frenzie is pre

paring for a busy nig ht on Small Business Photo credit: Carina Saturday.

Mask.

Patrick Sheeran slinging drinks at Mangoes on Duval Street. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

r rush on the Drive.

e dinne lato get ready befor his crew at Dolce Sa d an ldi Ba rdo na sk.

Ma 7:38 p.m. - Leo Photo credit: Carina

11:00 p.m. - DJ Rent Boy spinning for a cause - that is, to benefit LAMBDA Men's Brotherhood at the Leather Mask Ball. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

27

EVENING

Time to get sassy

10:00 p.m. - At the Voltair Grand Opening in West Palm Beach.

Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

Over at Lips, Franchesque Richards performs at a party to benefit the Children's Diagnostic & Treatment Center. Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

10:36 p.m. - Everyone at the Wilton Creamery wait for patrons to come by.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

12:01 a.m. - "Nathan's door hostess Dasha invites me into the new club."

Quote and photo credit: J.R. Davis.

28

• 12.31.2020

Smile...and the whole world smiles back.

Celebrating our 11th Year on Wilton Drive!

New Patients

$69 ($312 Value)

Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & Cleaning* *In the absense of gum disease.

Not applicable to insurance benefits.

General & Cosmetic Dentistry State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Always Plenty of Free Parking • Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive

954-565-7666 Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD 1946 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com

KIM LEHRMAN, ATTORNEY I believe that good people deserve a fresh start.

(954) 385-3330 • 20+ Years South Florida Bankruptcy Experience • Personalized And Caring Service • Call For A Free Consultation • Office located at Fed Hwy and NE 26th Street in Ft Lauderdale

www.LehrmanLaw.com

12 . 31. 20 20 •

29

NIGHT

Shining like the stars ...

Over at Lips, Nicholette hosts her birthday with a special twist... a party to benefit the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center.

Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

11:55 p.m. - Scores’ JC with Twist General Manager JD and Stephen hanging out at Twist. Photo credit: J.R. Davis.

9:20 p.m. - 801 Cabaret Queen Epiphany looks to the heavens for inspiration.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

30

• 12.31.2020

10:00 p.m. - Melissa St John performs at Penny’s At The Duke in Lake Worth.

Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

NIGHT

South Florida Gay News Executive Ed itor Jason Parsley (le at their Boynton Be ft) with his husband ach home relaxing Aydin Koymen (rig in the hot tub with the ht) ir close friend Beth Amado (middle).

Photo credit: Jason Parsley.

9:10 p.m. - Aqua Nightclub's patrons doing their best to socially distance.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

8:45 p.m. - John Rouge and partner Brad Buck enjoy a cocktail together at 22 & Co. in the Aquaplex. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

fore their show.

it up be a Deveraux vogue Montana and Jessic ya Ma ns ee Qu b .

Blackburn Aqua Nightclu Photo credit: Larry

Over at Lips, Nicholette hosts her birthday with a special twist... a party to benefit the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center. Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

31

NIGHT

toughing it out

10:22 p.m. - Rob uses a small circular saw to grind rails for installation at Carvelle Estriplet’s new bike shop. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Boardwalk’s Jonathan & Vickie hold down the fort at Boardwalk.

Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

Mr. Eagle 2020 Cory David has some fun with his friends at the Leather Masked Ball XV. Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

32

• 12.31.2020

NIGHT

9:30 p.m. - Aqua Nightclub's Jessica Devereaux channels Disney on stage.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

11:12 p.m. - Stephen Neil performs at The Pub in Wilton Manors.

Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Jon Elu and friends at the Voltair Grand Opening in West Palm Beach.

Photo credit: Michael Cushman.

10:00 p.m. - Ocean Grill owner/chef Lea Fettis takes a break from the evening maddness.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

8:01 p.m. - 801 Cabaret Queen Kylie Jean Lucille performs.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

Time To Dance.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

33

NIGHT

Raise a good beer...

11:00 p.m. - H.G. Rooster’s bartenders work Saturday night at Penny’s at the Duke.

From left to right: Allen Mena, Jeremy Krolikowski and Rolf Florexil. Photo credit: Charlie F.

9:00 p.m. - Valerie Edgington, SFGN Key West's Best Bartender slinging drinks at Aqua Nightclub.

Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

10:30 p.m. - The girls of the 801 Cabaret Mulysa Gard, Victoria's Secret and Epiphany. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

34

• 12.31.2020

NIGHT

For all your good friends!

10:50 p.m. - Ambiance of The Pub in Wilton Manors on a busy Saturday night during COVID-19. Plexiglass separates every bar go-er, and masks are mandated. Photo credit: Carina Mask.

Petrone performs.

11:30 p.m. - Rianna l Cushman.

Photo credit: Michae

Barber Gabrielle stri

kes a pose while at The Eagle.

Photo credit: Steph en Lang.

12 . 31. 20 20 •

35

MIDNIGHT

! t I e d a We M MID

Thanks for joining us this year for our feature of just a normal day in LGBT life!

There is no one experience that defines our daily lives. No one face represents us, and nothing holds us back.

This year has certainly seen its hardships for not just our own incredibly diverse community, but for the entire world. Yet these photos

. . .

T NIGH

are here to remind us that when you face the world one day at a time, there's always bound to be victory.

As we look forward to 2021, may we all remember the good times spent together as well as look forward to the many everyday adventures ahead!

Don't forget to check out the rest online at SFGN.com/LGBTday2020.

11:00 p.m. - Aqua Nightclub's 8th Wonder of the World Inga socially distances while working the late show crowd. Photo credit: Larry Blackburn.

The LeBoy boys show their love and attention for the Girls at R House for their Drag Brunch.

Photo credit: Stephen Lang.

good food, Twist enjoying ft) and Joel of (le r uth Beach. te So Pe in . ce m 11:01 p. at The Pala ow sh ag dr t ea gr . Davis. drinks, and a Photo credit: J.R

36

• 12.31.2020

11:50 p.m. - Edua rdo and Joval at Twist, checking ou the Best Of 2020 t . Photo credit: J.R . Davis.

DUE TO COVID-19, CLERGY ASK THAT YOU STAY SAFE AT HOME. PLEASE WATCH SERVICES ON FACEBOOK AND/OR ONLINE. FIND DETAILS ON HOW TO WATCH ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES AND WEBSITES. THANK YOU AND BE WELL!

Now is the time to recreate ourselves: recognize our faults, plead forgiveness for our trespasses, and repair what we have broken.

So grab a water, find a friend or two, and get to work the world needs us!!

Shabbat service Friday at 8pm on our Facebook Page

Congregation Etz Chaim

2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus www.EtzChaimFlorida.org / RSVP HERE: info@etzchaimflorida.org

Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 s. Federal Hwy., Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www,churchofoursaviormcc.org

SPIRITUALITY

Until further notice: Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, our worship services are streamed on Facebook Live every Sunday at 10 AM, rather than held at our church property. https://www.facebook.com/ ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our web site for more details & updates.

EP SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM

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

nowoffering offering now now offering

SAME DAY PrEP SAMEDAY DAYPrEP PrEP SAME 954-633-2987

A home for your spirit.

re At Midway Specialty Care Center we are At to Midway Specialty Care Center we day are day Atable start almost everyone on same Midway Specialty Care Center we are able tothose start almost on same day now now offering offering now offering PrEP, with andeveryone without insurance. e.

PrEP, those witheveryone and without able to start almost on insurance. same day SAME DAY PrEP SAME DAY SAME PrEP DAY PrEP

LISTINGS

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

PrEP, those with and without insurance.

At Midway At Midway Specialty Care Specialty Center At Midway weCare are Specialty Center Carewe Center are we are ableable to startto almost start everyone almost able on same everyone to start dayalmoston everyone same on day same day PrEP,PrEP, those with those and without with insurance. and PrEP, those without with and insurance. without insurance.

now offering

SAME DAY PrEP 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 2917 NE 6th Avenue Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM

C

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

At Midway Specialty Care Center we are able to start almost everyone on same day HOWARD JOSEPH HOWARD A. with and without insurance.

JOSEPH PrEP,A. those

GROSSMAN, GROSSMAN,MD MD

TOJAR, TOJAR,PA-C PA-C

HOWARD HOWARD A. A. JOSEPH HOWARD A. JOSEPH JOSEPH GROSSMAN, GROSSMAN, MD MD GROSSMAN, MD TOJAR, PA-C TOJAR, PA-C TOJAR, PA-C CALL TODAY!

CALL TODAY!

CALL TODAY! CALL TODAY! CALL TODAY! 954-530-8357 954-530-8357 HOWARD A. JOSEPH

954-530-8357 954-530-8357 954-530-8357

Walk-inHIV HIVtesting testingavailable. available.

Walk-in

GROSSMAN, MD Walk-in TOJAR, PA-C Walk-in Walk-in HIV testing HIV available. testing HIV testing available. available.

2608 NE 16th Ave. Wilton Manors, FL33334 33334 2608 NE 16th Ave. Wilton Manors, FL 33334 2608 2608 NE 16th NE Ave.16th | Wilton Ave. Manors, 2608 || |Wilton NE FL16th 33334 Ave. Manors, | Wilton Manors, FL FL 33334

CALL TODAY!

954-530-8357 HOWARD A.

JOSEPH

12 . 31. 20 20 •

37

Matt Colunga, Wyoming Johnsons

Mark Hunter, Maryland Hunters Nightclub

Jimmy Cohen, Tennessee Jimmy Cohen’s Day Spa

Misty Eyez, Alaska Christian Gemignani, Conn.

Sun Serve

Casey Koslowski, Wisconsin Grand Resort and Spa

David Jobin, Ohio Our Fund

Brittany Wallman, Iowa Sun Sentinel Journalist

Michael Kahane, AIDS Healthcare Foundation

Mark Segal, New York Publisher, Philadelphia Gay News

Lee Rubin, Pennsylvania Citrix Systems

Gordon Weekes, Florida Broward County Public Defender

Rod Stafford Hagwood, Virginia Sun Sentinel

Andy Rogow, Illinois The Island City Stage

Mark Ketchum, Tiffany Arieagus, Georgia Sun Serve

Rafael Olmeda, NY Sun Sentinel Journalist

Julie Carson, Wisconsin Former Wilton Manors Commissioner

Steve Greenberg LGBTQ Freedom Fund

Glen Weinzimer, Pennsylvania Smart Ride

38

• 12.31.2020

Live streaming • wwnnradio.com

1470 AM

95.3 FM

Afternoon Drive... local and LIVE.

4-5 P.M. MONDAY - FRIDAY

NORM KENT RAW

John Castelli, Illinois Amy Marzotti Castelli Real Estate Services

Row Eliescu, Canada Equality Florida

Mark Kent, Michael Valdez, James Smith, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida

Jeff Sterling, Indiana Wilton Manors Entertainment Group

Brandon Wolf, Oregon Equality Florida Media Director

J.W. Arnold, Missouri SFGN

Howard Finkelstein, Florida Broward County Public Defender

David Goldyn, Ellie Moss Theatrical Group

Richard Vitale, Adrian Vargas, AHF Impulse

In Memoriam Jorge Rodriguez

Ronnie Larsen, California Wilton Manors Theater Factory

Michael Mayo Sun Sentinel Food Critic

Dr. Howard Cunningham, New York Oakland Park Dental

In Memoriam Justin Flippen

Sarahnell Murphy, Broward County State Attorney

Mitch Caesar, Former Supervisor of Elections

Joseph La Praeda, Parker Smith Pallant Insurance Associates

Scott Israel, Former Sheriff, Broward County

Live streaming • wwnnradio.com hear past shows at www.normkentshow.com

MEET SOME OF OUR GUESTS Recognize any of these faces?

One of them could be you!

My thanks to all of you.

May you have a bountiful new year.

- Norm Kent PUBLISHER, SFGN

facebook.com/normkentshow

12 . 31. 20 20 •

39

SFGN AVAILABLE AT ALL THESE BUSINESSES!

TO GET YOUR PICK UP LOCATION LISTED, CALL 954.530.4970

SFGN's

BUSINESS CARD

BUZZ

WE’RE HERE FOR ALL YOUR

FINANCIAL NEEDS Taxes IRS Issues Accounting

Bookkeeping Small Business Advising

ADVERTISE HERE FOR AS LITTLE AS

$45 PER WEEK House cleaning? Lawyers?

Real estate?

954.530.4970 40

• 12.31.2020

954-667-9829

ACCOUNTING@STERLINGACCOUNTING.COM 2435 North Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305

A&E FILM

DOCUMENTARY DISPELS STRAIGHT FAIRY TALE IN VILLAGES J.W. Arnold

T

he Magic Kingdom may draw millions of tourists to Orlando, but nearly 80,000 straight seniors have settled in The Villages, a perfect, planned retirement community worthy of a modern-day Disney fairy tale.

“Some Kind of Heaven,” a documentary opening next week in theaters across the region, examines the idyllic lifestyle The Villages offers its lucky residents.

Yes, life is good in The Villages, located about an hour northwest of Orlando. There are plenty of activities to choose from — the golf cart drill team, canasta clubs, line dancing lessons, a marching band and, yes, dozens of senior singles bars.

There’s no time to sit back and simply while away the days until they die; most denizens are living the dream in this massive, self-contained utopia.

Director Lance Oppenheim, a Florida native, celebrates the magic but also reveals some of the inevitable warts behind the perfect facade (and he doesn’t even touch the community’s surprisingly high STD rate).

Barbara Lochiatto and her husband skimped and saved to finally make the pilgrimage south from Boston a decade ago. Unfortunately, her husband died prematurely and the money dried up, leaving Barbara working as a clerk in a medical office. Every day is a struggle and a fairy godmother won’t likely save the day.

Dennis Dean (no relation to the famed local photographer and art director) is an interloper, a septuagenarian California surfer dude who lives out of his van and hunts for a wealthy sugar mama in the local bars, nightclubs and pools.

Anne and Reggie Kincer’s quiet retirement is anything but, as Reggie’s outsized personality becomes more detached from reality. He might be suffering from the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s, but an arrest for possession of THC and small amount of cocaine “he forgot about” in his wallet hints at a bigger problem that may ultimately tear their marriage apart.

All are sympathetic through Oppenheim’s caring lens, but also a reminder that retirement is not always easy. “Some Kind of Heaven” also indirectly makes the point that the gays don’t have it so different from the straights, either.

Let’s compare The Villages to Wilton Manors:

DIRECT CREMATION

- COMPLETE BURIAL PACKAGES - CEMETERY PACKAGES

$555.00

- SHIP OUT OF STATE & COUNTRY - PERSONALIZATION OF ANY SERVICE PROVIDED

WE HAVE MOVED TO BETTER SERVE OUR COMMUNITY 504 NE 13th Street Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 FOR MORE INFORMATION: A new documentary explores life in The Villages, a Florida retirement community that offers an extraordinary number of activities for its residents, including cheerleading. Credit: Magnolia Pictures.

Wilton Manors has one of the largest concentrations of LGBT seniors in the country.

Those LGBT residents enjoy an array of activities (admittedly not all senior-exclusive, but overwhelmingly senior-welcoming), including choruses and a band, dance lessons, social clubs, a community center, housing, restaurants and bars.

Unlike other cities where mature men over 40 are automatically labeled “trolls,” a number of clubs cater specifically to them, affording a vibrant social scene similar to the glory days of their youth in the gay ghettos of New York, Philly, Pittsburgh and D.C. It’s easy to be gray and gay in Wilton Manors.

But that’s not where the similarities end.

Alcoholism, drug use and HIV/AIDS are still prevalent and housing in South Florida is expensive, gobbling up those retirement nest eggs quickly. More than a few LGBT seniors are struggling to survive, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic that affected so many low-paying service industry jobs over the past nine months.

The vast majority of LGBT seniors are indeed living well in their Wilton Manors bubble, just like most of the residents of The Villages.

Neither is a Fantasyland, but after watching “Some Kind of Heaven,” it’s easy to see that we’re not all that different after all and it’s OK to look forward to retirement.

“Some Kind of Heaven” opens in theaters on Jan. 8 and streaming on demand on Jan. 15.

Check local listings for theaters and show times.

Aaronscremation.com Email: aaronslowcost@gmail.com Cell: 833-227-6671 | Fax: 833-227-6670

Keep your eyes on

South Florida Gay News

SFGN.com @SoFlaGayNews

SouthFloridaGayNews

12 . 31. 20 20 •

41

SFGN's

SWAP SHOP

!

Enter the mask design contest!

Call our sales team at 954.530.4970 employment wanted

rental - wilton manors

SPECIAL HIRE NEEDED - Earn $45,000 per year. Experienced, self-motivated professional salesman needed. Work competitively in a highly flexible and relaxed LGBT-friendly environment.

Fax resume to 954-530-7943.

PRIVATE ROOM - Mature gentleman looking for same to share my modest home 2 miles from Wilton Manor Drive. Near bus line, private bedroom with cable TV, Wi-Fi, shared bathroom, living area, den and modern kitchen. $600.00 per month, all utilities included. Must be looking for long term. No Drama.

First and Last with good references and proof of income with background check. 954-202-5643 MOVE IN IF APROVED WITH FIRST & LAST.

handyman HUSBAND FOR RENT - Is he procrastinating home repairs? He says he will do it tomorrow?? After the football game?? We fit right in - in the house or the yard, small or big jobs: tile, dry wall, paint, plumbing, roof leaks, broken furniture, irrigation, fences, and more! It doesn't cost to hassle us to see the work - so why wait? Neat, clean work for a reasonable price.

Call Haim at 954-398-3676, sidnalll@yahoo.com GREGG’S PAINTING - Interior/Exterior. Free estimates, great rates! Detail-oriented, friendly, reliable, punctual and neat! No job too small. Broward & Palm Beach counties. 617-306-5694 | gmanbenn44@gmail.com

finance HAVE $10K IN DEBT? - Credit Cards. Medical Bills.

Personal Loans. Be Debt Free in 24-48 Months. Call NATIONAL DEBT RELIEF! Know Your Options. Get a FREE debt relief quote: Call 1-844-518-6521

WWW.SFGN.GUIDE

internet AT&T INTERNET - Starting at $40/month w/12-mo agmt. Includes 1 TB of data per month. Get More For Your High-Speed Internet Thing. Ask us how to bundle and SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply. Call us today 1-954-459-3199.

medical PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR MAY BE COVERED BY MEDICARE! - Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and longlasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit!

Call 954-719-7651 DENTAL INSURANCE FROM PHYSICIANS MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY - NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for [350] procedures.

Call 1-888-533-8349 for details. www.dental50plus.com/SouthFL. 6118-0219

notary MOBILE NOTARY SERVICES - affidavits, documents in support of disability claims, wills, medical directives and officiant services. Call 954.804.3854

piano WANT TO LEARN HOW TO PLAY THE PIANO? Learn from an experienced teacher. All levels and ages welcome. Learn to play classical, popular, jazz, or show tunes. Visit www.edwinchad.com or call 954826-9555 for more information.

Classified Advertising Works!

954.530.4970 42

• 12.31.2020

FOR RENT - Middle River Terrace 2/1 Condo FIRST MONTH FREE - 729 sqft Condo with private patio, parking, pool. Laundry on site. Updated bath and kitchen with dishwasher, micro, and disposal. Pets OK. $1,400 Rent; $1,400 Security Deposit. Call/Text: Tracy 415.706.3803

Classified Advertising Works!

954.530.4970 community PEN PAL WANTED - Young gay male looking for a penpal. Life is not always perfect and I am searching for friends as we move into the new year. Email Ryan: thabirdman1@aol.com for mailing address and information.

rental - pompano beach APARTMENT FOR RENT - PALM AIRE COUNTRY CLUB - Pompano Beach, 2 Bedrooms 2 Full Bath fully remodeled, Semi Furnished.NO Pets Allowed. $1500/month. 1st, last and security. Call Angelo 954-770-6540

rental - office space CLERICAL OR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT - Single cubicles . Shared environment.

Perfect for single operator.

Professionals only. Contact N. Kent , 954-661-3361

WEAR A

FREAKING MASK Show SFGN your best (and safest) side, see yourself in print, and maybe even win a prize ... do you have what it takes to win?

First place : $250 Second Place : $150 Third Place : $100

Submit your portrait to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com by January 31

CONVICTIONS

Editorial Cartoon

EDITORIAL CARTOON

By Mike Luckovich

Full Charge Bookkeeping Services

The Criminal Defense law CenTer of souTh floriDa

The Practice Of Law Is No Practice. e DecADes oF experience.

FivFour A LiFetime oF trust.

954.763.1900

Russell Cormican

Attorney at Law 12 SE 7th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Norman Elliott Kent

Attorney at Law 2520 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305

www.NormKent.com 12 . 31. 20 20 •

43