NEW OWNERS AT COURTYARD CAFÉ

By John Hayden

It has been a busy week clarifying the facts about Stonewall and drag. I understand, in retrospect, how the recent amendment was interpreted by members of our community as a ban on drag. I hope this letter clearly states my position and the facts.

WMEG, the event producer, handles the selection of entertainment and performances. Let me be clear: drag queens are allowed at Stonewall and we have not told WMEG that drag queens are prohibited from being a part of the event. We’ve not asked WMEG to set an age requirement for entry, either. We’re an inclusive city, and all are welcome at our cultural celebration.

At the recent commission meeting, I personally called for people to show up in drag and stated that I planned to be there in drag. To that end, I do not personally believe that the type of drag performances we’ve come to expect at Stonewall Pride are illegal. I believe our cultural expression of drag is inherently artistic and politically valuable. Look for me at Stonewall: I will be in the parade in drag as “Lady Vote” and am working hard on a performance that I don’t believe is illegal. The governor may not agree with me, but that’s a protracted legal battle I’m comfortable taking on for myself.

On the other hand, I am not comfortable with city employees losing their jobs at the whim of the Governor. The same law prohibits city employees from issuing a permit where a prohibited performance occurs. City employees are amazing public servants who are asked to put aside their personal beliefs and uphold state and federal laws. It is our job as elected officials to take on political battles. I believe shielding city employees from being political targets is also one of my responsibilities as a leader. I won’t put city employees’ jobs at risk by positioning them to be held liable over different interpretations of the law.

All of our event permits have always (and will always) say the permit holder agrees to comply with all laws. Since the original permit was signed prior to this legislation becoming law, our city attorney advised us that it would be necessary for Stonewall to sign the amendment. I believe this was a prudent decision to protect city employees from loss of employment.

I do not regret protecting city staff from this political fight and I hope my appearance in the Stonewall Parade as “Lady Vote” sends a clear message that I don’t believe that drag is illegal as it of clear artistic and political value. I do regret that we didn’t provide more background into our reasoning for approving the amendment, but I hope my statements here make my position very clear. If the governor’s opinion of what is legal differs from mine, I am prepared to fight that battle on behalf of our community. I hope you’ll stand with me – and forgive me if my makeup is a hot mess.

— CHRIS CAPUTO, WILTON MANORS COMMISSIONER

Shawn and Nick’s Courtyard Café is now, more accurately, just Courtyard Café.

The Wilton Drive staple has been bought out. Shawn went on social media to announce the news, writing, “As of April 26, Courtyard Café is under new ownership. I would like to thank the community for 15 years of love and support. I hope that you continue to support them as you have supported me over the years!”

Very few people knew the restaurant was up for sale or that new owners were coming in. The day after the news was announced, SFGN spoke with Branden Vidal, one of the new owners.

“There’s always some uncertainty when there’s a change in ownership. Our intent is not to make a sudden change.”

Vidal, as well as coowners Javier Valdez and Deiler Beltran, have worked in the South Florida LGBT community for years and are all LGBT themselves.

“We have many years of experience in the Miami and Wilton Manors areas,” Vidal said.

The new owners have a fresh vibe that some say is needed on an increasingly staid

Drive. Others may be concerned it’s Miami moving in. Vidal says that’s not the case.

“We don’t intend to bring that Miami vibe. Wilton Manors is a community that has its own hip energy to it. We want to continue that energy.”

Though they’re new to ownership on The Drive, they are very familiar with the neighborhood. Major developments are coming to the city, and the next one could be right across the street at Shoppes of Wilton Manors (aka Alibi Plaza).

Many worry the development could be the beginning of the end of Wilton’s status as an LGBT community. The new owners say that can’t happen.

“Any plan that’s gonna positively affect the community, and continue to support the LGBT community for many years to come, that’s something we’ll be on board with.”

That all comes from their respect for what’s been built here.

“We’re all for what the community wants as long as it continues to keep that LGBT legacy and not chase it off.”