WMG 12/17/20 V7iss23 by The Gazette

WMG Volume 7 • Issue 26 December 17, 2020

Wilton Manors Gazette FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE

COMMUNITY

Wilton Manors to Join Amicus Brief Defending Bans on Conversion Therapy

Former Candidates Must Spend Unused Campaign Cash

By John McDonald

Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

Wilton Manors intends to keep its ban on conversion therapy. Commissioners voted unanimously last week to join the City of Miami Beach and other Florida municipalities in a legal battle to keep the local bans on conversion therapy in place. Commissioner Gary Resnick brought up the issue near the end of Tuesday evening’s commission meeting. Resnick said he was approached by SAVE to sign an amicus brief asking for a rehearing of the ordinance that bans licensed medical providers from practicing conversion therapy on a child. City attorney Kerry Ezrol said there would be no cost to the city to join the amicus brief and that Miami Beach attorney Rob Rosenwald would take the lead in the case. “We have joined in other amicus brief situations with him where they do the work, we have a limited involvement and

it’s worked very smoothly,” Ezrol said. On Nov. 20 a three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit ruled Boca Raton and Palm Beach County’s bans on conversion therapy were unconstitutional. The panel ruled the bans violated the First Amendment’s right to free speech. On Friday Palm Beach County and Boca Raton officially challenged the court’s ruling. The petition is calling for an en banc review, which means all 12 judges of the 11th Circuit would hear the case. Miami Beach Commissioner Michael Góngora called the decision legally and morally wrong. “There is no First Amendment right to practice junk science on LGBT minors,” Góngora said, adding the decision “should be reversed before anyone else is harmed by this scientifically rejected practice.” WMG

Some will be donated to charities, local community projects By John McDonald There are post election decisions to be made. Candidates from the 2020 Wilton Manors municipal election have until February to file their final campaign treasurer report. City Clerk Faith Lombardo said candidates must show how they dispersed surplus funds in their termination report, per state rules. Candidates can use any remaining money to pay staff, loans, debt, close offices, purchase thank you advertising or donate to charities. The termination report is due 75 days after the election. According to the most recent campaign treasurer reports ending Oct. 29 all Wilton Manors candidates were running profitable campaigns. Former Commissioner Julie Carson had $8,999.99 in her campaign account for Mayor. Carson said she is donating all of her surplus funds to charity and has already given to Equality Florida and the Pride Center. “I am committed to donating to the Sculptures on the Drive project; and probably the balance to organizations based in helping Wilton Manors prosper,” Carson said, adding she has about $800 left with “no plans this week for another campaign.” Newly elected Mayor Scott Newton is showing a balance of $4,768.40 in his last campaign treasurer report and challenger Josie Smith Malave had $413.99 on hand. In the commission race, newly

Newly elected Mayor Scott Newton being sworn in. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

elected Commissioner Mike Bracchi had $4,435.58 followed by Doug Blevins $3,730.65, newly elected Commissioner Chris Caputo $2,535.77, Jason Basilico $2,390.69, Joe Sansome $2,147.60 and Juan Melecio $43.08. Bracchi said he had yet to make a decision where his surplus funds would go, while Blevins said he is giving his remaining campaign balance to the Wilton Drive Improvement District’s tree project. “I’ve got about $2,000 left and it will go to the Drive’s tree project,” Blevins said. “I also plan on running for office again.” Blevins, a realtor and vice chairman of the WDID, came in third in the six person commission race, receiving 2,230 votes for nearly 20 percent of the vote. WMG

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12 .17. 20 20 •

OPINION

Increased Density Will Make Life Better in Wilton Manors

December 17, 2020 • Volume 7 • Issue 26 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

By Sal Torre  Like it or not, the crowds will return... Will Wilton Manors be ready? Photo via Adobe.

One would like to hear that COVID is in the decline, that life is returning to our normal crazy pace and that all can go out and enjoy the holiday season. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Hospital beds continue to fill up, new closings announced across the country, and holiday merriment will need to be kept at a minimum this year. All this dire news has still not kept the holiday spirit from sweeping us up and enjoying good times with our family and close friends. Many this year are volunteering and donating to help the many in our community in need of assistance, finding themselves struggling through these tough times. Speaking of the holiday magic, our Island City has two new very talented and professional City Commissioners — Chris Caputo and Mike Bracchi. At this past Tuesday’s city commission meeting we got a good indication of how effective these two will be in leading our city. Both exhibited a unique quality amongst elected officials — the ability to publicly admit when you made a mistake, that you have listened and learned, and able to move in a different direction that is best for the city. Bravo to you both. When the two were reminded of their responses to a density question during the campaign to be totally different from what they were currently advocating — both were quick to respond to the accusations. Much credit to you both for defending your current position and demonstrating your ability to make the necessary decisions based on professional advice from city staff, your advisory boards, and the community. The density issue is of enormous importance for the future of our city. We are talking about only a few possible sites large enough in our city that will be needed to be developed in the most optimum way to benefit us all. This does not mean tall buildings and canyon effects along our streets. This does not mean the destruction of our single-family neighborhoods. This means having the ability to bring in

WMG Publisher • Norm Kent norm.kent@sfgn.com Associate publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley jason.parsley@sfgn.com Copyeditor • Kimberly Swan

Editorial

Art Director • Brendon Lies artwork@sfgn.com News Editor • John McDonald

Correspondents

Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun

Staff Photographers

J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires

Sales & Marketing For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette, contact 954-530-4970

Sales Manager • Justin Wyse justin.wyse@sfgn.com Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann edwin.neimann@sfgn.com

Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping 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. MEMBER

THE DENSITY ISSUE IS OF ENORMOUS IMPORTANCE FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CITY.

MEMBER

Associated Press MEMBER

reputable developers who can create something that will be a wonderful asset for our community for many years. Unfortunately, we still have many who continue to put roadblocks up every time we have this discussion on needed growth and development issues. This half in, half out, approach has not done much for our city over the last 10 to 12 years. Andrews Avenue and Oakland Park were not just discovered yesterday as an economic growth opportunity. Residents have been pushing the city to act for years. However, as much as some of our city commission believe that they have done over the years — no substantial changes have been done

to this vital corridor of our city. Missed opportunities fill the trash bins of many planners and city staff’s desks. Instead of attracting the proper resources necessary to guarantee a project’s success we accept mediocrity and second rate. Instead of seeing first-class development we have an empty gas station sitting vacant on Andrews Avenue for years now. This was part of properties purchased along with the Wilton House Apartment complex. No great plans for this property — no interest in the appearance and vagrancy to the surrounding community. Just an eyesore that reminds us everyday of what happens when you do not do things properly. Instead of attracting a valuable partner in our community, we have properties sitting vacant, unused, and an eyesore to the community. WMG

MEMBER

The Brightline train travels right through the heart of Wilton Manors. If you’re interested in riding, head to downtown Fort Lauderdale in order to board. Photo credit: Brendon Lies.

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• 12.17.2020

2 •

December 17, 2020

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

NEWS

The Future of Wilton Manors is Bright By Chris Caputo With the recent cold front, you might not have noticed Wilton Manors is once again hot. I must admit, like many Wilton Manors residents, I’ve looked with a mix of admiration and jealousy at all the progress being made in our sister city of Oakland Park. Oakland Park’s elected officials and city staff, with help of their CRA and the private sector, have changed both the face and the future of Oakland Park in recent years. Every time I learned of another Wilton Manors resident deciding to relocate to Oakland Park, I felt equal parts sadness and understanding regarding their decision. I love Oakland Park, and I’m happy for its success, while also disappointed at the apathy and stagnation we’ve experienced here in Wilton Manors. It is with great confidence that I can say, once again, Wilton Manors’ future is bright. Let me share with you a few examples that might have gone unnoticed: ● The city has finally hired an Economic Development Manager. Kimberley Allonce comes with tremendously relevant experience and education. Kim’s role will involve promoting the city as an attractive place for businesses to relocate, collaborating with city departments to streamline the development process, encouraging mixed-used redevelopment of our commercial corridors, and improving quality of life for our residents. ● The city has demonstrated a willingness to be flexible and take a common-sense approach to issues facing our business community. With the safety of our residents during the COVID-19 pandemic remaining a top priority, the city worked together with business owners to provide temporary solutions for outdoor dining along Wilton Drive. While these are temporary at the moment — and made possible thanks to FDOT taking a supportive stance and local executive orders — more permanent solutions are in the pipeline. I have asked city staff to put forth recommendations on ways we can continue to allow outdoor dining after the expiration of the temporary executive orders. We expect to discuss their ideas during an upcoming commission meeting. ● Quality of life issues remain on the forefront of our city staff and residents. In our last commission meeting, the city clearly articulated their plan for addressing infrastructure and flooding concerns, demonstrating the level of oversight and long-term planning we would expect from a top-tier city of our size. During that same meeting, efforts of our engaged community were highlighted including the late Mayor Justin Flippen’s student art contest and the unveiling of new public art along Wilton Drive. ● Critical updates to our development comprehensive plan, land use and zoning are in progress and well-

Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

Wilton Manors Approves Increased Density Plan With 3-2 Vote

Chris Caputo. Photo via Facebook.

supported. Our Planning & Zoning Board, which is composed of residents of Wilton Manors, unanimously supported an increase of our residential density to 100 units per acre along our Transit-Oriented Corridors (TOCs) and in our Wilton Drive Arts & Entertainment District. In a 3-to-2 vote, Michael Bracchi, Paul Rolli and myself voted in favor of 100 units per acre. It is important to note that the proposed 100 units per acre will undergo a second reading and could potentially be reduced. Thankfully, over 25 members of our community submitted public comments supporting the new residential density (in the TOCs and A&E district) and less than a handful argued against the proposal.

I am optimistic about the future of our city. Our public sector, private sector and residents can and should continue to work together to solidify our shared vision for Wilton Manors’ future. Together, we can ensure a prosperous community filled with happy, proud residents and business owners. This future, however, is contingent on residents continuing to get involved and be advocates for the change we want to see in our community. Thank you for being a part of the change you want to see in our city. WMG Chris Caputo is a city commissioner in Wilton Manors and chief strategist at Development Partners, a tech startup. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Chris was awarded Best LGBT Activist in SFGN’s 2020 Best Of Survey and is a past recipient of Our Fund’s Next Generation Philanthropist award. Letters to the Editor can be emailed to jason. Parsley@sfgn.com

By John McDonald acre is best to begin the conversation with Call it a baby step in planning. At Tuesday night’s city commission consideration to come on height, form, micromeeting, Wilton Manors commissioners units and other variables. Commissioner Gary Resnick and newly approved an amended ordinance for future land use. The ordinance leaves much to be elected Mayor Scott Newton voted against the desired, passing on its first reading on a 3-2 “friendly amendment” proposed by Caputo which increased density. vote. “This is a small town city … it still is,” “More analysis needs to be done,” said Vice Newton said. “I’ve talked to a Mayor Paul Rolli in a telephone lot of people in this city and call to the Gazette on Wednesday. they want that small town “It’s very difficult to make a feel. They want development. decision in a vacuum. I want to I want development, but it’s see the data on affordability and all about where is that smart tax assessments and then we development?” need to articulate a vision for the city and what we are working for Resnick, the lone because this will change the face commissioner participating of Wilton Manors forever.” remotely, asked planning Zoning requirements will consultant James Hickey for the likely come into play on the city’s height limit. Hickey said the ordinance’s second reading as limit was eight stories. - Paul Rolli commissioners grapple with the “How smart is going eight VICE MAYOR city’s comprehensive plan. Rolli stories in our city?” Newton said. voted in favor of the amendment “There is only one building in our to the land use ordinance, joining newly city that is eight stories. I think eight stories is elected Commissioners Mike Bracchi and too high if we are going to stay in a small town Chris Caputo in the majority. The amendment community.” raised the limit on residential development Bracchi, who lives in Wilton Station, said from 25 to 100 units per acre. he didn’t know if adding a few more residents The ordinance pertains to the city’s per acre would negatively affect the city’s transit-oriented corridor west (TOC-W) and small town charm. Wilton Drive arts and entertainment district. “I personally find living in Wilton Station The districts include parts of Northeast 26th such a great, warm welcoming charm there, I Str., Andrews Ave. and Oakland Park Blvd. know most of my neighbors, we walk our dogs Caputo said starting at 100 units per together,” Bracchi said. WMG

“IT’S VERY DIFFICULT TO MAKE A DECISION IN A VACUUM.”

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December 17, 2020

12 .17. 20 20 •

NEWS

BUSINESS

COVID Vaccine Arrives As Florida Cases Spike Wilton Tops 500

Shop Local Some ideas on how to keep your dollars in the community

By John McDonald As the first vaccines for the novel coronavirus were administered Monday, Florida reached a grim milestone in cases and deaths. More than 20,000 Floridians have died from the virus, according to data released by the state on Monday. The Florida Department of Health reported 8,542 new infections bringing the state’s total to 1,134,383. Meanwhile 540 cases have been reported in Wilton Manors: 20 new cases in the last week, and 146 in the last 30 days. The cases in Oakland Park are up to 1,664: 57 new ones in the last week, and 298 in the last 30 days. “Broward County — like most of the U.S. — saw a rapid rise in new COVID-19 cases following the holidays. With so many Americans attending holiday parties, we can expect to see this trend continue, unfortunately,” said Chris Caputo, a recently elected Wilton Manors city commissioner. “While a vaccine is finally a reality, we will have a way to go before things return to normal. I urge all of our residents to observe physical distancing, wear a mask, wash their hands regularly [we have sanitation stations along the drive] and avoid contact with others if you are experiencing any symptoms.” Gov. Ron DeSantis’s plan calls for 179,400 doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine to be sent to hospitals and pharmacies. Frontline health care workers, residents and caretakers at skilled nursing facilities are expected to receive the first immunizations, which consists of two inoculations, three weeks apart. “I am optimistic about the rollout of the vaccine but urge everyone to remain vigilant in protecting themselves and preventing the spread of the virus,” said Wilton Manors Vice Mayor Paul Rolli. “It will be a few months before it is available to the entire community, meaning we must continue social distancing and wearing masks. If we are truly going to get through this together, we must each be responsible to play our part.” DeSantis has been heavily criticized for his handling of the pandemic. He has refused to issue a statewide mask order, while declining to close businesses and set social distancing procedures. Added to the deadly mix is a recent raid on the home of the former chief COVID data scientist which has raised concerns of information suppression. Nikki Fried, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services, tweeted DeSantis’s “failed leadership is a tragedy Florida has had to endure.” Closer to home, a source in the Wilton

By Damon Scott There are fewer holiday work parties and family gatherings this year, so you may have had less than usual face time with candy, cakes, cookies, beer and the like. Your friends and relatives are probably in the same boat. So it’s time to indulge a bit. We’ve highlighted a few unique options designed to satisfy your own cravings and spark ideas for carb-related gifts for others this holiday season.

Photo via Pixabay.

Manors code enforcement department told SFGN enforcing CDC guidelines has been difficult due largely in part to the state’s indifferent approach. The source, who declined to speak on the record, said the majority of complaints involve noncompliance with mask-wearing and social distancing. A dashboard set up by Broward County shows 52 COVID warnings and seven citations have been issued in Wilton Manors. Meanwhile local businesses are still struggling. Bona Italian Restaurant is down between 4060% from last year. The restaurant has spent the money it received from the Paycheck Protection Program and is now relying on a small business administration loan to stay afloat. “We have lost money every week since the pandemic shut us down in March. We hate looking at the year over year numbers,” said Coowner Glen Weinzimer. “After 42 years on the drive, and four years in our stewardship, we are determined to survive and end up better for it.” Even though things have been challenging Weinzimer still looks for the positive. “As a result of COVID-19 we had the time to look at how we do business and make adjustments. We now prepare smaller batches of food like sauces and soups which means a higher quality product that will continue on,” he said. In addition they worked with the city to have outdoor dining around the large windows on the street. Despite the obstacles Bona has faced he’s continued to hold his weekly givebacks Monday evenings for local non-profits. “We believe the community has been so supportive during the pandemic that we need to continue to do what we can to show appreciation,” he said. “Bona Italian is looking forward to having 2020 in the rearview mirror. When it comes down to it, we have to see a silver lining and it is our hope with a new administration in January and the promise of the vaccine that brighter days lie ahead.” WMG

POND HOPPERS BRITISH FOODS Rob Brady has been operating his “all things Brit” retail store on the edge of Wilton Manors (by the Egg & You Diner) for 15 years. You may not have taken much notice unless you’re a British expat, but you should. Brady offers a lot of familiar items for those who are from England (he’s from Manchester) and miss some of the touches of home. But whether you are from across the pond or not, this is a place where you can find cool gift ideas for the holiday season. There’s a range of stocking stuffers and traditional Britain Christmas chocolates. He’s got festive gift baskets and gift boxes, too, starting at $50. Grab an extra Matthew Walker Luxury Cognac Christmas Pudding Twin Pack ($8.95) for yourself to smooth out those stressful shopping days. If you don’t feel like leaving the house, but still want to support a local business like Brady’s, you’re covered. He said online sales have “gone through the roof” during the pandemic and he gets to work a few hours early every day to pack and ship. Choose from his chocolates or the jams and spreads, cooking sauces, biscuit snacks and crackers, pickles and relishes, or a lineup of nonfood items as well. For more: 2629 N. Federal Hwy; 954-5669388; pondhoppers.net.

CRAFT BEER CELLAR After you’ve gone to Pond Hoppers, take short walk toward the Middle River and you’ll find yourself at Fort Lauderdale’s Craft Beer Cellar. Yes, you should enjoy the suds on tap while your there (one of nine available now is the Prickly Pear Zinger – a Berliner Weisse with Prickly Pear by Fort Lauderdale’s Tarpon

Photo via Pond Hoppers British Foods, Facebook.

River Brewing). You can sip it on the awesome waterside patio while considering who to gift beer to this year. Eddie Abralde is the local franchise owner of the Massachusetts-based national chain of specialty beer stores. He quietly opened with the help of his mother and wife in the summer of 2019. His to-go selection is extensive. The bottle shop has 200 rare craft beers to check out – including a Florida-themed section. Bottles are priced from $2.50 to $13 on average. For more: 2301 NE 26th St.; (954) 3686778; craftbeercellar.com.

PAC PASTRIES Still traveling a bit outside the box for holiday gift options, consider a trip to PAC Pastries on Wilton Drive. The vegan, natural, gluten free and organic bakery is a great place to grab a coffee and cinnamon roll (again, for yourself) while you decide on which specialty cookies, brownies or raw confections to give to those in your life. Six inch round cakes for $35 include Death by Chocolate, Very Vanilla w/Sprinkles, Strawberry Shortcake, Orange Creamsicle, Matcha and the Raw Blue Majik Cake for an extra $20. You can order custom cakes as well; call ahead or visit for details and availability. There’s a new holiday menu out now with Peppermint Coal cookies, pumpkin and pecan pies, DIY holiday cookies and Black Forest Cake. Note: PAC Pastries will be open on Christmas Eve (Dec. 24) for last minute pickups and holiday treats in the case. For more: 2348 Wilton Drive; 954-5309783; @pacpastries on social media. WMG

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• 12.17.2020

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December 17, 2020

100 Wilton Manors receives perfect score on annual LGBT inclusion list By Jason Parsley For the seventh year in a row Wilton Manors lands on top of the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index annual report. Wilton Manors City Commissioner Paul Rolli said other cities have reached out to them over the years to ask how they continue to earn perfect scores. “It’s simple — we create and implement policies and practices that promote equity and a safe environment for all who live in, work in, and visit Wilton Manors,” Rolli said. “I am so thankful that the Human Rights Campaign continues to recognize our leadership.” Cities receive points based on their laws, policies, benefits and services. Some of the areas scored include “Law

Enforcement” and “Municipal Services,” and “Leadership on LGBTQ Equality.” Wilton Manors received the most points available in each of those categories. This is the ninth annual municipal equality list HRC has compiled. Across the U.S. 94 cities earned perfect scores this year — up from 88 last year. Wilton Manors, known as Broward County’s “gayborhood,” is one of those top scorers. Chris Caputo, who was elected to the city commission just last month, is proud of the designation. “Our city’s laws and policies demonstrate our appreciation for diversity, including our support for transgenderinclusive healthcare benefits and our city contractor non-discrimination

HRC’S

COMMUNITY

MUNICIPAL EQUALITY ordinance,” he said. “We deserve the international reputation we’ve received for being a great place for LGBTQ+ individuals and families to call home.” Wilton Manors is home to several LGBT organizations including the Pride Center at Equality Park, SunServe and Latinos Salud. Overall seven cities in Florida received perfect scores. The others include Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Miami Beach. Next door Oakland Park received a 99. All of the ranked cities in South Florida improved their scores over last year, or their scores stayed the same. Digging deeper into the report shows that even among cities that achieved a perfect score there are potential areas for improvement. Beyond the 100 points, there are an additional 22 “flex” points that work like bonuses. So for instance cities that provide services to the transgender community receive two flex points. Only Wilton Manors in South Florida earned that bonus. However Wilton Manors did not receive any flex points for providing services to LGBT people experiencing homelessness. More than 500 cities across the country were included in the report this year. Twentyfour cities in Florida were included. “Residents and business owners in the City of Wilton Manors should be proud,” Caputo said. WMG

INDEX

CITY

2017

2018

2019

2020

CAPE CORAL

49

CORAL GABLES

59

75

91

DAYTONA

FORT LAUDERDALE



100

GAINESVILLE

96

94

95

HIALEAH

39

40

HOLLYWOOD

46

70

83

JACKSONVILLE

79

81

MIAMI

55

75

MIAMI BEACH

100

MIAMI SHORES

81

82

OAKLAND PARK

97

99

ORLANDO

100

PEMBROKE PINES

71

73

PORT ST. LUCIE

39

53

ST. PETERSBURG

100

TALLAHASSEE

100

99

TAMPA

100

WILTON MANORS

100

WEST PALM BEACH

100

Oakland Park Just Misses Perfect Score on Annual LGBT Inclusion List By Jason Parsley Oh so close. Oakland Park received a 99, just one point shy, of a perfect score on this year’s Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index report. “While we are quite proud of the raise in the score to a 99, we will continue to find every way possible to receive a perfect score of 100 by next year,” said Matthew Sparks, city commissioner of Oakland Park. The city received a 97 last year. Cities receive points based on their laws, policies, benefits and services. Some of the areas scored include “Law Enforcement” and “Municipal Services,” and “Leadership on LGBTQ Equality.” Oakland Park received

ALL OF THE RANKED CITIES IN SOUTH FLORIDA EITHER IMPROVED THEIR SCORES OVER LAST YEAR, OR THEY STAYED THE SAME.

30 



COMMUNITY

Photo via Adobe.

the most points available in each of those categories. This is the ninth annual municipal equality list HRC has compiled. Across the U.S. 94 cities earned perfect scores this year — up from 88 last year. Overall seven cities in Florida received perfect scores. They include Orlando, St. Petersburg, Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Miami Beach and Wilton Manors. All of the ranked cities in South Florida either improved their scores over last year, or they stayed the same. Digging deeper into the report there are still some areas where Oakland Park can boost its score. For instance they could add transgender-inclusive healthcare benefits or single occupancy all-gender facilities. More than 500 cities across the country were included in the report this year. Twenty-four cities in Florida were included. “I am proud of the improvement from 2015 when our city scored just above 80, and 99 is not 100,” said Mayor Jane Bolin. “We will continue to strive for meaningful policies that protect and support the community.” WMG

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December 17, 2020

12 .17. 20 20 •

COMMUNITY

The Forgotten ‘T’ Trans community will be included in diversity policy, says Wilton Manors commissioner By Christiana Lilly After being left out of a memo on diversity, the Wilton Manors City Commission intends to add gender identity and expression in a draft policy that will be presented in January, says Commissioner Chris Caputo. During the city’s Nov. 24 commission meeting, the Community Affairs Advisory Board (CAAB) presented a memo defining diversity and recruitment ideas to bring people with diverse voices and experience to the city’s boards. During public comments, former Vice Commissioner Julie Carson noted that the list did not include gender identity and expression. After much discussion, the commissioners voted unanimously to have staff draft a policy based on CAAB’s memo. “It will have gender identity and expression,” Caputo stressed in a call with SFGN on Wednesday. “It would not become a resolution without this language because it is a city standard.” The memo, crafted by CAAB as a part of the city’s diversity efforts, reads: “Diversity is a recognition of all those differences that make us unique, and includes, but is not limited to, race, color, ethnicity, language, nationality, sexual orientation, marital status, education, religion, gender, socioeconomic status, age and physical or mental ability. We recognize that individuals can affiliate as such in one or more ways. The goal is to create an environment by which any individual or group can feel welcomed, respected, supported and valued in order to fully participate.” When asked about the draft, Misty Eyez, a trans advocate and the director of women’s services, transgender services and training/ education services at SunServe, said she wasn’t surprised that gender identity and expression were left out. “The T is often forgotten, left out, and kicked to the curb,” she wrote in an email. “Yes, even within, and from, our brothers and sisters in the LGBTQ community.” However, Michael Sansevero, the chairman of the board, told SFGN that gender identity and expression were not included

Commissioner Chris Caputo shared that the draft policy will be presented in January. Photo via the City of Wilton Manors, Facebook.

in the initial draft because “that seems to be parsing it into pieces.” “There’s a lot of things that aren’t included in the list that could be subsets. It seems to me that that still comes within gender diversity,” he explained. “It’s not an exhaustive list. It says ‘including but not limited to.’” He went on to add: “It clearly states that the policy informs people that all people are welcome, all people’s opinions are sought, including but not limited to all those groups. I guess the trans community is feeling left out a lot these days and I can identify with that, however, every single thing we do doesn’t have to have the word ‘trans’ or ‘gender identity’ to make them feel included. The main thing you don’t want to do is exclude anyone and the policy we adopted is not exclusive; it’s inclusive.” Sansevero then sent a text message about the definition of gender and “why a separate listing of gender identity is redundant.” Tony Lima, the COO of Arianna’s Center, said, “No it’s not. It’s not redundant at all.” “In a city like Wilton Manors, that prides itself on its LGBTQI diversity, there are no such things as givens,” he said. “It’s important to note that the most marginalized within our community are Black trans women and we need to protect Black trans women and we

Looking forward, Caputo also wanted to need to uplift their narrative. We need to be note that the city work will not be done even able to protect our community.” According to Rand Hoch, the president and after creating the policy. What’s more important, founder of Palm Beach County Human Rights he said, are the actions that the city takes after a Council, historically, many organizations resolution is created. That includes conducting grouped transgender people under “gender” outreach and making personal invitations to people to join the board, and one protections because it was seen of his goals is to resurrect Island to be easier to pass a law or City University, which provided ordinance that way. However, mentorship and training to people for more than a decade, his who are interested in being more organization has specifically involved with the city. named gender identity and “We’ve got to reach out to expression. our community and say ‘You’re “In my opinion — and important, you are a part of our PBCHRC’s — specifically community, you have not been excluding the terms ‘gender represented properly and I want to identity’ and ‘gender change that,” Caputo said. “How expression’is a disservice to the can I amplify your voice?’” trans community,” he said in an During the Nov. 24 meeting, email to SFGN. “They have been - Misty Eyez DIRECTOR OF WOMEN’S Sansevero noted that the board included in all of the laws and SERVICES, TRANSGENDER had made a list of different policies enacted and promulgated SERVICES AND TRAINING/ EDUCATION SERVICES, organizations throughout the city in Palm Beach County and in our SUNSERVE that they would reach out to about proposed legislation dating back board openings. Misty Eyez noted to the mid-2000s.” Arianna Lint, the CEO and founder of that the city has already reached out to her to Arianna’s Center, told SFGN in an email: “There invite transgender people to apply for positions are no if, and or buts about this.There is no in the city. “If you want diversity you have to do it a question that gender identity and expression different way,” Sansevero said. WMG should be included.”

“THE T IS OFTEN FORGOTTEN, LEFT OUT, AND KICKED TO THE CURB.”

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December 17, 2020