CHECK OUT THE NEW local name WMG global coverage BEGINS ON PAGE 45 June 7, 2017 vol. 8 // issue 23 south florida gay news WE REMEMBER BEGINS ON PAGE 15

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Poverello’s team in 2016. Photo: Poverello, Facebook. June 7, 2017 • Volume 8 • Issue 23 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent [email protected]

Chief Executive Offi cer • Pier Angelo Guidugli

Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley [email protected] Editorial Art Director • Brendon Lies [email protected] Designer • Max Kagno Digital Content Director • Brittany Ferrendi [email protected] Associate Editor • Jillian Melero [email protected] Copyeditor • Kerri Covington Arts/Entertainment Editor • JW Arnold POVERELLO’S 30-YEAR HISTORY IS ONE [email protected] Social Media Manager • Tucker Berardi [email protected] Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin OF CHALLENGES AND GROWTH Gazette News Editor • Michael d'Oliveira Michael d’Oliveira HIV Editor • Sean McShee Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis [email protected] Senior Features Correspondents Jesse Monteagudo • Tony Adams s Poverello turns 30 years old and gets According to a Sun Sentinel article all over Hell’s Half Acre. I’ve become fl uent in Correspondents ready to celebrate by holding its 30th published October 23, 1991, Poverello received words I didn’t think I knew,” Collins told the Dori Zinn • Andrea Richard • Donald AAnniversary Open House, Sale & Party an eviction notice two weeks previous from Sun Sentinel. Cavanaugh • Christiana Lilly • Denise Royal • on June 12, it’s a year that will see a return to the owner of Pompano Plaza, the shopping In 2000, Collins and Poverello faced another Sean McShee • Alex Adams • Gary Kramer • David-Elijah Nahmod the organization’s roots – Pompano Beach. center where Poverello leased 10,000 square fi nancial hardship when the organization lost Contributing Columnists In about four months, feet of space. one of its delivery trucks and $10,000 worth Brian McNaught • Dana Rudolph • Wayne Poverello expects to open a Collins told the Sun Sentinel of food in a fi re and was forced to borrow Besen Ric Reily • Steve Siler • Bil Browning second thrift store [9,800 square that he didn’t know why $28,000 to buy a new truck. In 2007, the Sun • Terri Schlichenmeyer “[COLLINS] Associate Photographers feet] in the Save-A-Lot shopping Poverello was being asked to Sentinel also reported that Poverello was Pompano Bill • Steven Shires center at Powerline Road and WAS NOT ONLY leave. The organization had forced to temporarily stop receiving clients Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano A FRIEND, a good relationship with its because of the loss of $100,000 in grants. Sales & Marketing Beach. neighbors. But he did know he Mario Rosario, Poverello’s thrift store and Director of Sales & Marketing • Mike Trottier HE WAS MY [email protected] Founded by Father Bill Collins had to fi nd a new home. Not facilities manager, who started with Poverello Sales Manager • Justin Wyse who died last month at the age MENTOR. HE long after that, he found it in the as a truck driver in 1993, said there’s no secret [email protected] of 86, the organization was Shoppes of Wilton Manors in to the organization’s success. “The great Senior Sales Associate • Kevin Hopper started with meals delivered to HAD A DREAM 15,000 square feet of storefront customers we have and the great people who [email protected] individuals with HIV/AIDS out formerly occupied by the Piggly are associated with this place are why we Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann AND THAT [email protected] of the back of Collins’ car. Wiggly supermarket which were able to pull through. I’ve been blessed Advertising Sales Associate • Brett Coppol Since then, Poverello has DREAM CAUGHT closed in 1988. and honored to be involved with Poverello. [email protected] helped feed and support But a new home would not [Collins] was not only a friend, he was my Sales Assistant / Classifi eds • Tim Higgins ON WITH ME.” MEMBER thousands of individuals, many be the last thing Poverello mentor. He had a dream and that dream [email protected] Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell • of whom had nowhere else to - Mario Rosario scrambled to fi nd. caught on with me.” Brian Swinford turn for help. But although the Just as many unfortunate organization has grown – from individuals depend on the Poverello’s anniversary celebration will be held National Advertising its number of volunteers to its number of charity of Poverello, Poverello depends on Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on June 12. There will be an [email protected] clients to the size of its thrift store – it hasn’t the charity of donors and its volunteers to MEMBER open house with tours at the top of each hour, 50 always been easy. keep its doors open. According to a 1997 percent off sale in the thrift store, lunch from 11:30 Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping In October of 1991, Poverello, which focuses Sun Sentinel article, Poverello had to fi nd to 1 p.m., Italian dinner and happy hour from 5 Printing by Sun Coast Press on helping people with nowhere else to go, alternative sources of funding when it lost to 7 p.m. For more information, visit poverello.org had to fi nd somewhere else to go. $300,000 in federal grants. “I’ve been begging SFGN WINNER of & 3 FLORIDA PRESS CLUB Awards And runner-up for MEMBER NLGJA Journalist of the Year OUR OTHER PUBLICATIONS South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the Get yours, on racks now! opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names or pictorial

Your Complete Guide to What’s Hot in representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be Wilton Manors, Fort Lauderdale & Beyond... Associated Press interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the

PUBLICATION AN SFGN material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright GUIDETO THE and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the 2016-2017 newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law offi ce, DRIVE MEMBER at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of Cover: advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.

SouthFloridaGayNews.com GUIDE TO THE DRIVE 1 Participoints get emotional at ‘Pulse Points,’ the OutGames “experimental memorial” for Pulse. Photo by Carina Mask. Copyright © 2017 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

2 • 6.7.2017 sports football

“We are proud to work with Venice Pride and of external affairs for corporate, community and to stand in alignment with the LGBT community governmental relations of the Chargers. “We NFL Teams make HisTory by that is such an important part of the fabric of Los could not be more excited to partner with Venice Angeles,” LA Rams Vice President of Community Pride and support our LGBTQ community.” Affairs Molly Higgins told PinkNews when the spoNsoriNg LgbT pride eveNT Rams announced their sponsorship in May. Brittany Ferrendi “Inclusion has always been a valued part of our organization and we see this as a unique way to publicly celebrate the diversity that makes this he Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles is: inclusion wins. If you choose to be inclusive, community so special.” Chargers sponsored this weekend’s Venice that’s the more prosperous approach, not just The Rams drafted openly gay athlete Michael TPride Event in Venice Beach, California. for the LGBTQ community but for everybody.” Sam in 2015 — currently the only openly gay The Rams were the first NFL team in history to Both teams sponsored a letter in the historic NFL player in history. sponsor an LGBT pride event. VENICE sign, which was lit up in rainbow colors “Equity, diversity and inclusion are as “It opens a place for our community within in the name of equality. The Rams sponsored fundamental to our organization as bump- the NFL,” Venice Pride Executive Director Grant the blue lights in the letter C, while the Chargers and-run coverage, the three-step drop and gap Turck told the LA Times. “The ultimate message will sponsor the letter N. technique,” said Kimberly Layton, vice president

6.7.2017 • 3 NEWs state

Volunteers with Polk Pride. Photo: Polk Pride, Facebook.

pride iN poLk Conservative area PrideFest hopes to change hearts and minds Denise Royal

t’s Pride Time in Polk County, with a full family. It is a free community event and weekend of events planned from June opened to the public. I14 to June 17. The third annual gathering “This is a family-friendly event,” said is happening in Lakeland, Florida, about Shay. “I know a lot of the Pride events 215 miles northwest of Fort Lauderdale. throughout Florid—in Tampa, Orlando, The events for Polk Pride include events Miami—are very adult occasions. Ours is for youth, events for people of all religious family-oriented. It’s a very diff erent vibe for denominations, the pride festival and a pride people who have children.” closing party. Polk Pride is an event dedicated to the All of the event times and locations are as awareness and acceptance of the LGBT follows, and they are subject to change: community in Polk County, Florida. “Polk County is not exactly a metropolis,” • Pride for Youth, June 14, 7 p.m., St Shay said. “We sometimes have to go to David’s Episcopal Church Tampa or Orlando for LGBT events and • Pride in Faith, June 15, 7 p.m., Beacon activities. Being an LGBT person in Lakeland Hill Fellowship as a human is great. I love our community, • Fortune Feimster, June 16, 7 p.m., Lkld including our LGBT community. One of tV the things we’re trying to do with this • Pride in the Park, June 17, 10 a.m., Pride event is show the entire area there Munn park are things the LGBT community can do • Pride after Dark June 17, 9 p.m., Lkld TV here without having to go to other cities. That’s one of the goals we’re trying to One of the weekend’s highlights is a accomplish.” performance by comedian Fortune Feimster. Polk County is also a bit of a conservative She’s the Southern comic who hails from area. North Carolina, most known for her work “It’s probably a little more religious than as a full-time performer and writer on E!’s other big Florida cities,” Shay said. “But hit show “Chelsea Lately,” and Hulu’s “The we’ve actually received a lot of support for Mindy Project.” our LGBT events and community. Almost all “If you’re a fan of hers, this is going to be a the major cities in our county have issued great opportunity to see her and a fun show,” Pride Proclamations for our week of pride, said Polk Pride’s Dustin Shay. “Tickets are by vote of the city councils. We hope to get a only $29.” proclamation from Polk County as well this Saturday is Polk Pride in the Park. There year.” will be entertainment, food trucks, vendors, Polk Pride is hosted by a joint eff ort from community organizations and family- the Lakeland Youth Alliance (LYA), and friendly activities. The event kicks off at Parents, Family and Friends of Lesbians and 10 a.m. and off ers something for the entire Gays (PFLAG) of Polk County.

For more information, visit PolkPrideFL.com.

4 • 6.7.2017 6.7.2017 • 5 NEWs local

equaLiTy raLLies pLaNNed For souTH FLorida Fort Lauderdale and West Palm to hold events Michael d’Oliveira

hen the South Florida Equality Rally Beach, and the ACLU. The goal, said Seaver, for Unity and Pride in Fort Lauderdale was to include as many organizations possible, Wwas first announced, pro-LGBT, pro- including religious groups. women, and pro-human rights organizations “This is a march for unity and pride for all in Palm Beach County planned on attending. social justice causes. It’s not an anti-Trump Now, they have their own rally at West Palm rally but we do have to recognize that Trump Beach City Hall, 401 Clematis St., on Sunday, is in our backyard,” said Seaver, referring to June 11 from 1 to 3 p.m. It’s just one of several Trump’s winter White House at Mar-a-Lago. rallies in Florida and many more across the “West Palm Beach has been at the forefront, nation and the world, including in Florida not just of LGBT rights but of social justice Naples, Fort Lauderdale, and Key West and rights. It makes perfect sense [to have it there].” elsewhere in New York, Boston, Australia, Marianne Baker isn’t gay but she wants to Ontario, and Zurich. support her friends in the LGBT community The marches are planned to coincide with by marching. She’s also afraid that federal the national Equality March on Sunday, June resources for individuals like herself, who are 11 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Washington, D.C. HIV positive, will shrink under Trump. Information on all rallies being organized can “I’m surrounded with it all the time and I’m be found at EqualityMarch2017.org. sick and tired of seeing the unfair way that Traveling from South Florida to D.C. will be people are treated, especially with someone some protesters and the “Sacred Cloth Project,” like Trump coming in now,” said Baker, who the world’s longest [1.25 miles] Rainbow Flag, lives in Lake Worth. “Considering the way he sewn in Key West, which was created in 2003 is trying to gut the Affordable Healthcare Act... by Gilbert Baker to commemorate the 25th I think I’m scared of what he’s going to take anniversary of his creation of the first Rainbow away.” Flag. Seaver said multiple locations were After D.C., the flag will be brought back to considered for the march but didn’t work out Florida to be used in “Orlando United Day” for various reasons. Luckily, she said, the City on June 12 as part of the one-year observance of West Palm Beach provided the public plaza of the Pulse Nightclub attack which occurred at city hall for free and without the need for June 12, 2016. The flag is being delivered to the permits, which made organizing the event event by Hope Unity & Global Equality. virtually free of cost. “We needed something in Palm Beach Unfortunately for the Equality Rally in Fort County,” said Julie Seaver, center operations Lauderdale, held on Sunday, June 11 from 4 to director at the LGBT Compass Community 6 p.m. at Huizenga Plaza, 1 E Las Olas Blvd., Center, one of the organizations involved in fundraising is a necessity. To help pay for police planning the West Palm Beach march. “The officers to provide security and to control the people want a march here in Palm Beach.” crowd, rent the facility, pay for insurance, and Other organizations include the Palm Beach other expenses, a GoFundMe page has been County Human Rights Council, National set up – GoFundMe.com/EqualityRallyFTL. As Organization for Women, Planned Parenthood, of June 5, $4,925 of the $10,000 goal has been MCC of the Palm Beaches, Lambda Legal Palm raised.

6 • 6.7.2017 6.7.2017 • 7 NEWs national

Gilbert Baker.

giLberT baker To be HoNored oN FLag day Celebrations will be held in San Fran and NYC Denise Royal

ou may not know Gilbert Baker’s name, for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow but you defi nitely know his creations. In for sun, green for nature, turquoise for magic, Y1978, Baker sewed together eight pieces blue for peace and purple for spirit. Pink was of vibrant colors to create the iconic rainbow later removed and turquoise and blue were fl ag—an enduring symbol of gay pride. combined into one color, royal blue. Baker passed away at his home in New York Since its introduction, the rainbow fl ag City on March 31st. He was 65 years old. To has become a universal symbol for peace and celebrate his life and legacy, Baker’s friends love. It is the symbol for LGBT rights. After and associates are planning two memorial the United States Supreme Court legalized gay events–one in New York City, the other in San marriage in 2015, more than 26 million people Francisco. Baker’s mother and sister wanted on Facebook changed their profi le photos to them held on June 14th, Flag Day. include the fl ag, created by Baker. “Gilbert loved Flag Day so much, it was Wilton Manors is one town of many as important to him as Gay Pride Day,” said nowadays where the rainbow fl ag is ubiquitous. Baker’s longtime friend Charley Beal. Shortly Beal said after Stonewall 25, in 1994, Baker after his death, Baker’s friends decided his would become annoyed seeing the rainbow service shouldn’t be a somber memorial in fl ag as a series of tchotchkes, but his feelings a church. “Instead, we decided on a rally and eventually changed. march because Gilbert was a street activist, not “I think within a few years, he had a 180 a country club activist.” degree turnaround and he grew to embrace Baker was also a visionary. it all,” Beal said. “Gilbert came to realize how His rainbow fl ag was unfurled at a time important it was and how this thing he created when the gay rights movement was thriving in had gotten much bigger than him. Whether it New York City and San Francisco. Both cities was on the White House, Eiff el Tower, a coff ee will honor him. The New York memorial takes mug or keychain, he came to love it all and it place on Flag Day. A celebration of Baker’s life is was a great compliment to him.” planned for Thurs., June 8 at 7 p.m. at the Castro Shortly before his passing, Baker had Theatre. The event is free and open to the fi nished creating 39 nine-color fl ags — the public. The celebration includes a multimedia eight original colors, plus lavender to represent celebration of all stages of Baker’s life and diversity — to commemorate the 39th work, including music, visual art, video, fi lm anniversary of the fi rst rainbow fl ag. and photography. The June 14 memorial for Baker in New Baker’s fl ag was unveiled at a time when the York City begins at 6 p.m. at the Stonewall gay rights movement was thriving in New York Inn on Christopher Street and continues to City and San Francisco. He called both cities the Christopher Street Pier. They will raise a home at diff erent times in his life, when he was Rainbow Flag and call for a rededication to busy marching, demonstrating and creating. progressive and radical activism, completing “Gilbert created art every day,” Beal said. the tribute at 9 p.m. His original rainbow fl ag had eight colors, Members of Baker’s family, as well as other each stripe carrying its own signifi cance: pink LGBT activists, will be speaking.

More information about both events can be found at Facebook.com/gilbertbakermemorial For people who cannot attend the events in San Francisco or New York, Beal hopes that people all over the world will wear or raise a rainbow fl ag in Baker’s honor. You can read more about Baker and his work at GilbertBaker.com

8 • 6.7.2017 6.7.2017 • 9 10 • 6.7.2017 NEWs local

SFGN’S OutSocial gathering in May. Photo: J.R. Davis. sFgN LauNCHes miXer The networking event, OutSocial, will be held monthly Michael d’Oliveira

ost of the networking events Rob is to “try and bring our advertisers together Bullock attends are very specifi c in with our readers.” There is no cost to Mwho they’re tailored for. attend. The fi rst one was held in April at That’s why Bullock said he goes to SFGN’s Bull Market in Fort Lauderdale. The May OutSocial.club Monthly Networking Mixer. event was held at Rumors Bar & Grill in Bullock, director of development for Wilton Manors. Broward House, said OutSocial.club It’s also an opportunity for each host provides an opportunity to network with restaurant or bar to network through its a wide variety of individuals. Most of culinary off erings. the networking events he’s been to are “We try to showcase their food,” said for a specifi c non-profi t or are business- Trottier. orientated. “It’s got a much wider appeal.” “This is always an opportunity . . . it lets He compared it to the former Mack Mixer. people come in here and try new things,” “I’m glad to see SFGN pick up the ball. I think said Robyn Almodovar, chef at Rumors. it’s important to bring people together.” Almodovar, who owns the food truck Marcia Chaves Tyndall, owner of Lirios Palate Party, has won the Food Network’s Massage, said OutSocial.club is more laid “Chopped” and “Cutthroat Kitchen” reality back than other chamber and networking TV shows and was a fi nalist on Fox’s “Hell’s events she attends. “I’ve met a lot of people Kitchen.” that I’ve never seen before . . . Just come, Almodovar, who donated appetizers for relax, and meet somebody.” OutSocial.club, also considers it part of Mike Trottier, director of sales and her goal of giving back to the community marketing, said the purpose of OutSocial. and supporting events that bring people club, which is held every third or fourth together. “I always want to make sure I put Thursday of the month at diff erent locations, something positive out there.”

The next OutSocial.club event will be THURSDAY, JUNE 22 from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Himmarshee Public House, 201 sw 2 st., Fort lauderdale.

For more information, visit OutSocial.club on Facebook or OutSocial.club.

6.7.2017 • 11

6.7.2017 • 13 14 • 6.7.2017 ConviCtions publisher's editorial THe puLse oF our Lives Norm Kent [email protected]

Photo Credit: Jason Parsley.

hey were mostly gay kids dancing in suspected that events and hatred in the wrongs to right. You can’t change it all, but Earthlings need to have regard for our planet. a nightclub, and their dreams, their Mideast would shorten their lives or shape you can still make a difference, somewhere You see, that’s why people still bother. In the Tfutures, and their lives were snuffed their destinies. But then neither did the and in some small way. Tomorrow may be face of death and evil, there are people who out in an instant. thousands who went to work in the World beyond your vision, but it is not beyond your still choose life and inspiration. It comes in They will never know why and most not Trade Center on September, 11, 2001. Our control. small steps, supporting cancer clinics or even how. challenges come without You don’t have to make headlines. You just AIDS walks, volunteering in a hospice or It has been a year- a year warning. have to make headway. Do your part locally coaching a little league team. You have to next Monday, and there are You don’t We would all prefer to and save the world globally. Help a friend. go to bat somewhere. Why not make a hit in still not adequate words to have a bolder purpose. We Rescue a pet. Save your planet. Protect the your hometown? explain the Pulse massacre. have to make would prefer to spend our environment. Eat healthy. Grow your own. In a world that is too violent, find virtue in There never will be. In this headlines. days working for good rather Laugh when others want to make you cry. fulfilling your dreams. Spread love without world of ours, some things You just than fighting against bad. Defy the status quo. limitation, decency without discrimination never make sense. But that’s our challenge. This Sunday, a community of your peers and righteousness without indignation. It’s a There is beauty and have to make We have to get out of bed will celebrate LGBT rights by marching message not just for gay pride, but for your brutality; temperance and headwaY. each day and still care. And for equality in Washington, D.C. Locally, heart, your soul, and your life. Yes, building terror, long life and sudden we have to act, within our organizers are presenting a rally in Fort a sand castle on the beach can take all day. death. There is inequality do Your capacity, to seek a newer Lauderdale at Huizenga Park on East Las One wave can wash it away. Build it anyway. and injustice everywhere, part locallY world. Olas Boulevard from 4 to 6 p.m. Representing Besides, you can put it on Facebook forever. but we wake each day with and save We don’t live in a peaceful a cross section of activists from many Create your forevers by each and every thing hope and optimism. There world. We live in a fearful perspectives, it’s an opportunity to attend a you do everyday. is no other way. Those of us the world one. We live in an era where gathering of people who won’t give up; who No matter how senseless the world seems, whose lives have trespassed globallY. balance and order are still care enough to care about the world from London to Orlando, while you are here, decades live daily with this threatened. Random acts of around us. enjoy the ride, buck the tide, and make your harsh reality. violence and terror influence Attend the rally and you will hear the own waves. The future may be measured in Still, kids who grew up playing soccer our lives and shake our foundations. Push Gay Men’s Chorus on one hand, but from short moments or by long stretches. Make in Kissimmee could not have reasonably yourself out of bed anyway. There are many women too, and a host of people who believe today matter.

6.7.2017 • 15 One Year Later

The cover of "Love Is Love." Submitted photo.

‘love is love’ comic beneFits pulse victims one Year later Brittany Ferrendi

mmediately after the mass-shooting at the Pulse All proceeds from the anthology go to Equality Florida, For those dealing with the tragedy one year later, nightclub in Orlando, the comic book industry came an organization that focuses on bringing equality and Andreyko off ered some advice. Itogether to raise money for victims. One year later, justice to Florida’s LGBT community. “This fi rst anniversary is going to be the toughest their work raised over $200,000 — and growing. “The book has taken a life of its own and every penny for a lot of the people who were aff ected by it,” he said. “The morning after it happened, I felt generated will go towards diff erent “When you come to the fi rst anniversary you realize over horrible about what I saw. So I just posted LGBT charities over the years,” he the past year there were a couple of days that you didn’t on Facebook that as the comics community “Living your said. think about the horror and then you feel guilty. There we should do something, we should do a According to Andreyko, a new were days that you didn’t think about it and that becomes fundraiser and I’ll organize it,” said Marc life, having charity will be designated every really hard to deal with because you feel like you might Andreyko, “Love is Love” comic anthology a life and year following the fi fth printing be starting to forget about the person you lost and that’s creator. “It was sort of a refl exive reaction. of the book. The next will be The a natural reaction.” So many people said they wanted to be in contributing Trevor Project, “a hotline for LGBT He hopes that people dealing with the tragedy will it. The Tuesday after it happened, we had adolescents who may not have an realize that they are allowed to have days of peace. DC comics and IDW on board. Six months positively is outlet to help them,” as he explained. “Living your life, having a life and contributing later we have New York Time’s best-selling the best way Since the comic’s launch last year, positively is the best way to honor your loved one. None book and we raised a ton of money.” survivors and victims’ families have of us would want anyone we love to feel horrible pain for Andreyko joined together with some of to honor your approached Andreyko to thank him the rest of their lives. We don’t want to be remembered the biggest names in comics, like writer/ loved one.” for his contributions. that way … You honor them more by celebrating life than illustrator George Perez and comic artist “It’s kind of overwhelming to hear being paralyzed by your grief.” Cat Staggs, to contribute to the 144-page - Marc Andreyko from parents who have lost children As for the future of the book, Andreyko has plans to “Love is Love” anthology in December of or from people who have lost siblings. expand globally for its fi fth anniversary. last year. It was created as a joint eff ort Having them thank me feels … I don’t “We have some foreign publishers who are interested between DC Comics and IDW Publishing — known know how to respond because of the losses they have in doing editions of the book with additional pages from for publishing big-name titles including Star Trek and suff ered. I did this as an instinctive reaction. To be able their local artists for money towards LGBT charities in Doctor Who. Writers, artists and creators from around to have given people who suff ered horrifying awful those countries,” he said. “We’re planning for the fi fth the globe created the comic book to celebrate love and losses any sort of modicum of piece of peace, even if it’s anniversary on doing a special edition with every single honor the victims, survivors and their families. momentary from this book, is a real privilege.” piece in one collection for the fi rst time.”

The anthology is sold on IDW’s website at IDWPublishing.com/product/loveislove. The digital version contains 20 bonus pages that were not included in the original printing. The book is also available on Amazon and at comic book stores around the country.

16 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

A YEAR AFTER PULSE, ACTIVISTS LAUNCH #HONORTHEMWITHACTION Michael d’Oliveira

t’s a social media campaign designed to were overwhelmingly LGBTQ and Latinx inspire people to do more than just use young people,” stated Hannah Willard, Isocial media. public policy director with Equality Florida, Equality Florida has launched in a press release. “We have to name the #HonorThemWithAction to mark the date, communities that were attacked and we June 12, 2016, that has passed since the LGBT must ensure the lasting memorial is the real night club Pulse was attacked on “Latin change of uprooting anti-LGBTQ hatred, Night” and 49 people from the LGBT and discrimination, and violence in our culture.” Latinx communities were murdered. The social media campaign is already “In the days that followed the Pulse being used across the country to highlight massacre, shock and disbelief turned to grief LGBT events and causes. and anger,” stated Nadine Smith, executive On Facebook, Benjamin Newbern, director for Equality Florida, in a press executive director of Equality Project of the release. “At a moment when some sought Shoals, an Alabama-based organization to meet fear with fear and hate with hate, that provides community resources for we saw a community pull together across the LGBT community, posted about the diff erence and unite in a commitment to June 11 Equality March to commemorate challenge bigotry and hatred, not nourish it. Pulse. “On June 11, we march! This event #HonorThemWithAction is a reminder and will also mark the one-year anniversary of a pledge to uproot hatred and bigotry of all the #Pulse tragedy in #Orlando. #Equality kinds and make the world a diff erent, better, #EqualityMarch #HonorThemWithAction.” and more equal for all of us.” “As we draw near to the one year mark Campaign organizers want individuals of the Pulse Nightclub tragedy in Orlando, Laser Hair Removal and organizations to take action to support FL., San Angelo PRIDE invites you to join Nose and Ears Combo $35 the LGBT community, such as attending a us in a candlelight vigil on June 12, 2017 On any area treated by laser for hair removal, hair must be brown or black rally or vigil, and volunteering. For those at 8pm at the Lone Wolf Bridge. Once the who can’t take action, organizers want vigil has concluded, please stay and watch individuals to use #HonorThemWithAction as the bridge will be illuminated in the Touch Up Tuesdays in social media posts to raise awareness rainbow colors and remain lit for 2 nights Dysport $75 OFF 90 or more units about anti-LGBT hate crimes and bigotry. in memory of those lives who were lost… “The Pulse massacre was a shooting in #HonorThemWithAction #WeRemember Filler Fridays a popular gay nightclub on Latin night in #UnitedWithOrlando,” wrote Deric Valdez, Purchase any 2 Restylane syringes the middle of pride month, and the victims from West Texas, on Facebook. & get the 3rd equal or lesser FREE! Mention Promo Code MM17 for Savings. Above Pricing per session. Expires 06/30/17 Look at our Website for more May Savings. Visit HonorThemWithAction.org for more information.

6.7.2017 • 17 One Year Later

x more than $30 million raised

Jason Parsley aFter pulse

lmost $2 million was raised in one day after ($100,000); Darden Restaurants ($500,000); and Mears shooting - LGBT and Latinx. This fund was brought the Pulse shooting from a GoFundMe page, ($50,000). together by the Arcus Foundation, who selected Our Abecoming the site’s fastest Another fund, Pulse of Orlando, was Fund in Fort Lauderdale to manage the money. So far growing campaign in its history. created to provide some immediate they’ve raised $1.5 million. “The campaign shattered all GoFundMe “Central Florida help to victims including employees Lastly the Better Together fund, launched by the records raising $9,5 million from over of the nightclub, who were suddenly Central Florida Foundation, will support four areas: gaps 100,000 donors from more than 100 Foundation out of a job. The OneOrlando, for in the support nonprofi ts are providing to survivors countries, and every penny, even the continues to instance, wasn’t meant to provide and families; LGBTQ, Latino, faith and other aff ected interest earned on the funds was given to immediate fi nancial aid. communities; Underlying causes of the tragedy; and victims,” said Stratton Pollitzer, deputy assess the needs The Pulse of Orlando fund was other needs that cannot be anticipated. director of Equality Florida. and gaps in our created by the owner of the Pulse So far they’ve raised $1.1 million. Some recent grants Equality Florida set up the page just nightclub, Barbara Poma, and they’ve given out include $30,000 to Equality Florida hours after the shooting. community one eventually raised $325,000 before to hire a Central Florida Safe and Healthy Schools The campaign would go on to raise year after the shutting down. Coordinator and $25,000 to provide educational $9.5 million before being merged with Today there are only 3 major funds scholarships. the OneOrlando Fund that the Mayor of Pulse tragedy.” left that are collecting money in the “Central Florida Foundation continues to assess the Orlando Buddy Dyer launched after the name of Pulse. needs and gaps in our community one year after the shooting. The LGBT community center of - rachel Calderon The onePulseFoundation is raising Pulse tragedy. The Better Together Fund has worked to CENTRAL FLORIDA Orlando raised $750,000 before it merged FOUNDATION money to fund a memorial at the site improve the local mental health care system, strengthen with OneOrlando as well. spoKEspErsoN of the nightclub. the LGBTQ, Latino, and faith communities, among In total the OneOrlando fund would The Contigo Fund supports the other investments, to build a resilient community,” go on to disburse $31,665,931. The underdeveloped non-profi t structure spokesperson Rachel Calderon. “The Foundation is major contributors included the Walt Disney Company in Central Florida that would be charged with healing committed to supporting our community in the long- ($1,000,000); The Orlando Magic ($100,000); JetBlue the intersection of communities most aff ected by the term healing process.”

18 • 6.7.2017 6.7.2017 • 19 One Year Later

Patti Brigham, x the co-founder Sit-In for the 49 was organized by a diverse group of activists in Orlando to of the Florida honor the 49 people killed in the Pulse shooting. Coalition Against Gun Violence, right, participated in a round table discussion in Tampa with Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, left, about gun violence in Florida.

Photos courtesy of the Florida Coalition Against Gun Violence. Florida lgbt communitY embraces gun control legislation aFter pulse Christiana Lilly

une 12, 2016 -- a night that the LGBT community with access to weapons of mass slaughter,” said Nadine wounded at a Martin Luther King Day event in Miami. Jwill never forget, a night that the lives of 49 people Smith, the co-founder and CEO of Equality Florida. The coalition does not want to allow college students partying at Pulse nightclub in Orlando were ended. “We understand that hate violence disproportionately to be able to bring guns on campus because of the high The community sprung into action, creating GoFundMe impacts the LGBT community and that access to rational suicide rates among the age group and students are “often pages to raise money for the victims’ families and survivors gun laws are a part of addressing the carnage that has away from home for the fi rst time experiencing drugs and of the shooting, and others got to work on legislation. This become far too normalized.” alcohol.” The group also doesn’t want open-carry laws in included the League of Women Voters of Florida, which According to Mass Shooting Tracker, which uses crowd- the state “that’s economically dependent on tourism to had been active in gun control activism. sourced information, Florida had the most mass shootings allow people to walk around public places with fi rearms Patti Brigham, the fi rst vice president of the league, in the country last year, with 92 killed and 194 wounded. exposed.” became the co-chair of the Florida Coalition to Prevent This year, the Sunshine State is on track to lead the charts “That’s not something that really fi ts into a ‘family Gun Violence. Within days, 40 groups in Florida joined the again. friendly environment,’” she said. coalition and today there are more than 125 nonpartisan “Mass shooting” was defi ned as four or more gunshot The coalition has had backlash from groups who want groups listed as members. A handful of LGBT organizations victims in a single incident. more lax laws for gun owners, including the National Rifl e have signed up as partners including Key West Business Kicking off 2017, fi ve people were killed by a shooter Association, Florida Carry, and Students For Concealed Guild, The Pride Center, Pridelines, and SunServe, at the Fort Lauderdale airport. Ten days later eight were Carry. “You never think it’s going to happen in your own “We’re not surprised. I mean their agenda is really guns hometown, even though you know it can. So when it did, everywhere, that is not our agenda,” Brigham said. “We I think just like many people, I was in a state of shock and “YOU NEVER THINK IT’S certainly don’t want to take anyone’s guns. We believe in devastated,” Brigham said. “When the Pulse shooting responsible gun ownership.” occurred, we knew it was time to widen what we were GOING TO HAPPEN IN Smith agrees. doing and start going on the off ensive.” YOUR OWN HOMETOWN, “I’m from the rural south. I grew up with folks who drove Equality Florida is another LGBT group to join the to school with a hunting rifl e in the back of the truck,” she coalition in a stance against gun violence. EVEN THOUGH YOU said. “It’s about having gun laws that recognize that the “Even before the police reports arrive, even before a Second Amendment is not about unfettered access at all suspect is apprehended, when these mass shootings — KNOW IT CAN.” times under all circumstances to military style weapons these tragedies — happen, almost inevitably it is an angry - Patti Brigham capable of mass destruction, and it is irrational to behave young man of whatever ideology, whatever religious stripe VICE PRESIDENT, LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA as though any commonsense regulation on which weapons

20 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

and where they can be had is tantamount “She proved to be very courageous to taking away guns from anyone under any standing up to the gun lobby and to Sen. circumstance.” Steube,” Brigham said. “Of course we’re The Florida legislature has also been not happy that our bills weren’t heard, but divided on gun laws. This past legislative we’re bringing them back next session…and session, 27 gun-related bills were introduced, feeling good that the bad bills were once 11 of which were from Republican State Sen. again defeated.” Greg Steube. He managed to get one through, Some of the bills that wanted to make gun but was blocked by fellow Republican, State laws stricter included increasing penalties for Sen. Anitere Flores in the Florida Judiciary shooters that had more than one magazine Committee, the fi rst stop for the gun laws. on them, ending the “gun-show loophole,” She said outright that she would not vote for allowing the FDLE to ask gun buyers any of the other 10 bills Steube put forward, about their criminal history, and adding a and her down vote essentially killed the bills’ requirement for mental health screenings for chances to advance. those wanting a concealed carry license. “He and I do not see eye-to-eye on Even though the session wasn’t a roaring probably any of the other gun bills,” said success for the coalition and its supporters, Flores, according to the Herald-Tribune. “I Smith of Equality Florida says the LGBT do not support having guns on campus, I do community isn’t deterred. not support having guns in airports, I do not “One of the things about the LGBT support having guns in school zones. I don’t movement is that we have to take the long support those things and Sen. Steube feels view,” she said. “We organized in a state diff erently and that’s fi ne but this is where where Anita Bryant put hate on the map, so we are this year.” we’ve always had to believe that educating The coalition was thrilled by the people, telling our stories has an impact short unlikely ally. term and long term.”

QUOTES FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS

Here at the Key West Business Guild it’s our mission to market Key West to the LGBT community and part of that marking is to show it’s a safe community, so it goes hand in hand there, trying to do whatever we can do to end this gun violence. As we approach the year anniversary of Pulse it’s a shame not much has been done yet.

– Matt Hon, executive director of the Key West Business Guild

Equality Park is a weapons-free campus. The Center supports a wide array of public health and prevention approaches to protect and enhance the lives of our community members. One year ago, LGBTQ plus individuals were targeted and murdered at Pulse nightclub on Latin night during pride month in the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman in U.S. history. We have a responsibility as a community center to work towards ensuring welcoming, safe, inclusive spaces for our community. This isn’t about politics. It’s about common sense steps to end gun deaths and save lives in our community.

– Kristofer Fegenbush, COO of The Pride Center at Equality Park

“We want responsible gun laws to keep everyone safe.”

– Mark Ketcham, Executive Director of SunServe

6.7.2017 • 21 One Year Later

‘BECAUSE A MADMAN HAD x HATE IN HIS HEART’ AFTER THE PULSE SHOOTING THE LGBT COMMUNITY BECAME GROUND ZERO IN ORLANDO. MEET, TERRY DECARLO, THE Terry DeCarlo. MAN WHO RUNS THE CENTER. Submitted photo.

John McDonald

n October of 2014, Terry DeCarlo 3. How has dealing with this Istarted work as Executive Director of changed you? the GLBT Center in Orlando. Two years The Pulse tragedy completely changed later, DeCarlo found himself in the middle my life, my way of thinking, and my of one of the worst tragedies in American overall outlook on things. I fi nd myself, history. DeCarlo, 53, is a married gay man, when we do go out, not venturing more New York native and U.S. Air Force veteran. than 10-20 feet away from a door when He took time out of his incredibly busy inside a club, I fi nd myself always needing schedule to answer seven questions from to know who is around, I scan the room, the South Florida Gay News on the eve of I look for security, I look for exits, I jump the one year remembrance of the Pulse when a glass is dropped, but on another Nightclub Massacre. more positive note, I have learned to not take things so seriously, to make more 1. What life experiences time for my family, and one of the most prepared you for that moment? important lessons I learned, and this goes There is nothing in the world that could for everyone, never, ever forget to tell have prepared us for this tragedy. I was in your friends and/or loved ones how much the military, you are trained to deal with they mean to you and never leave the certain situations, to deal with confl ict, but house without saying I love you because even that could not have prepared me for you never know what might happen in an what happened here in Orlando, plus the instant. onslaught of events and the outpouring of love from around the world that followed. 4. Who alerted you to this tragedy and who did you turn 2. What advice would you give to for moral support? the next guy that faces it? Our phones started going off phone with messages of love and support 6. Why did this happen? Stay calm, think things through (as immediately a little after the shooting that it truly was overwhelming, but such Eight little words “Because a madman hard as that sounds because things began, they wouldn’t stop. We, Bill and I, a heartwarming feeling to know help and had hate in his heart” are happening so fast and your head is got right down to the club where we were guidance would just be a phone call away spinning), and make sure you are getting met by the police who escorted our car to from so many. 7. How can we make sure it the correct information from higher ups an area about 3 blocks from the site. Bill, never happens again? including Mayors, Chiefs of Police, and my husband of 21 years, was my rock, my 5. Did you feel let down We cannot….this is going to happen Sheriff ’s in order to disseminate. The savior, my confi dant, and the person who and/or disappointed in the again, I wish I had a crystal ball so I could public will want to see a familiar and was there to pick me up when I would turn government’s response? tell you where and when, but I don’t which friendly face giving them information and to jello and just want to sit and cry. He is I don’t think I felt let down or is why we all need to be aware of our you need to make sure the information an incredible person and my love for him disappointed, I felt angry at times surroundings and if you hear something, you are giving out is correct. On The is endless. Patty Sheehan, our Orlando City because of all the red tape that things say something. You never know if Center side, have a team you can rely on Commissioner was another rock, we did so needed to go through. That being said, I something you hear might be the catalyst and trust, you are going to be pulled in a much work together that week that I now know there are procedures and they must to stopping [something] signifi cant like million diff erent directions and the ability consider her my work wife, we held each be followed, but in the time of a crisis this from happening. But again, this is to delegate down to, hopefully, make sure other up and were able to cry together but situation like this, you want things to be going to happen again, which is why I nothing falls through the cracks is crucial. at the same time get some amazing things able to happen at the drop of a hat and reiterate my point above, let your loved The community is looking to you for done quickly, add to these two individuals when that doesn’t happen you feel angry, ones and friends know how much you leadership, and you will need a good team to the many community members, center but that dissipates quickly when you take care about them and remember to say I to make that happen and free you up to do executive directors, and people from a second, calm down and really think love you. You never know when something what you need to do. around the world who fl ooded my cell about it. might happen in an instant.

22 • 6.7.2017

One Year Later

Photo: Gays Against Guns New Jersey, Facebook.

GAYS AGAINST GUNS HOW THE PULSE TRAGEDY LAUNCHED A NEW MOVEMENT

Dori Zinn

hat started out as a Facebook discussion Gays Against Guns is direct action activism. investment fi rm based in New York City, has the largest Wmorphed into an entire movement. Communications Manager Terry Roethlein said there are share of corporate shareholders of gun companies’ stocks. Last Summer, as Kevin Hertzog and his friends were other gun prevention groups that are doing great work The die-in and other direct action activism is meant to mourning the Pulse shooting in Orlando, it was a simple trying to change legislation, but their angle is a little bit disrupt daily business as much as possible to showcase conversation that kicked off what would eventually more upfront. the real harm being done by these companies. become Gays Against Guns, or GAG. “’Direct action is when we went right up to the doorstep “We’re continuing to apply pressure,” Roethlein said. “A friend [on Facebook] had said, ‘this is awful’ and I of the organization that we are shaming,” Roethlein said. “In this environment with an NRA president, it will be said, ‘we should do something about this,’” Hertzog, “Last Summer we went to BlackRock’s offi ce in midtown diffi cult but we will keep on pushing.” 52, said. His friend, Brian Worth, jumped into the and held a major demonstration outside their offi ce by The National Rifl e Association put more than $50 conversation. “Brian said, ‘we should get together,’” and holding a die-in, then went inside, chanted and disrupted million toward political races in the 2016 election, the then, they just did. them.” Center for Responsive Politics reported in November. “I just felt very upset and I could tell other people did The Guardian reported last summer that BlackRock, an President Donald Trump alone was more than $30 as well,” Hertzog said of the Pulse nightclub shootings million of that investment. on June 12, 2016 — the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. Direct action means being loud and somewhat history. “It didn’t seem appropriate to me to just change confrontational. Roethlein said they haven’t broken the my profi le picture, wait a week, and move on. There was “IN THIS ENVIRONMENT law or done anything illegal, but “it’s on our menu as a such a profound injustice in play that it demanded more WITH AN NRA PRESIDENT, possibility.” attention.” “We’re not afraid to be out there, fl ashy, eye-catching,” GAG started the day after the Pulse shooting in an IT WILL BE DIFFICULT Roethlein said. “We bring a visual, gay sensibility. We eff ort to not only bring awareness to the violence against want to get [people] interested in our cause.” the LGBT community, but also prevent it from happening BUT WE WILL KEEP ON Sometimes at demonstrations, there will be 49 people again. PUSHING.” dressed in white, wearing white veils, holding plaques “Rallies weren’t enough from politicians,” Hertzog said. with names on them to represent each of the 49 people “We needed a community response. [Pulse] happened, - Terry Roethlein who died in the Pulse shooting. we can’t change that, but what can we do to make sure it COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER “Most actions we do have human beings with us,” he doesn’t happen again?” said. “It shows people actual people who are dead from

24 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

“[PULSE] HAPPENED, WE CAN’T CHANGE THAT, BUT WHAT CAN WE DO TO MAKE SURE IT DOESN’T HAPPEN AGAIN?” - Kevin Hertzog FOUNDER the terrible gun laws in this country.” end of the march at the Lincoln Memorial, One of the biggest success stories was GAG did a die-in. Some people weren’t happy helping to unseat Kelly Ayotte, a former with the group’s demonstrations. New Hampshire Republican senator. GAG “One Iraq veteran was open about went to her offi ce in October, wearing white disagreement [with us],” Roethlein said. “There costumes and carrying signs that read “fi rst are a lot of people in America [who] agree she voted, then she lied, Kelly is guilty of with him, that the best protection against gun homicide.” violence was having a gun themselves.” Ayotte lost her re-election bid for the The roughly 100 active members in New Senate in November, and Roethlein believed York City meet every other week to plan GAG had a big part in that. events, programs, and yes, more die-ins. Last Summer, the group protested and shut There are some other chapters — in New down two diff erent Reebok locations in New Jersey, Washington D.C., Massachusetts — York City over the judgment to award Glock but New York is the central hub for GAG. handguns as prizes in the CrossFit games. There’s been some interest, in cities like Reebok, the title sponsor of the games, holds Baltimore, Minnesota, and Austin, but those CrossFit classes. The Games took down the aren’t as active as some of the others. mention of Glocks as prizes on their website, There’s no restriction to join and it’s free to but Roethlein is anxious to see if they keep be members. They make some money from the prizes for this year. organizations that have donated, but for With direct action activism comes the the most part, people donate their time and very real prospect of direct confrontation. So materials when they can. has the group ever experienced pushback or Regardless of who is on hand to help, the violence from their work? goal is always the same. At a rally in Washington D.C. last Summer, “We want universal background checks, the group partnered with the American a federal ban of assault weapons, and to Federation of Teachers and National Action drastically decrease the amount of violence Network for a march from the Martin Luther that people of color and marginalized King, Jr. Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial groups are experiencing every year from gun — both were victims of gun violence. At the violence,” Roethlein said.

Kevin Hertzog joins others in GAG New Jersey to remind new gun owners of the lives lost during the Pulse shooting. Facebook.

6.7.2017 • 25 One Year Later

ON JUNE 1, THE WORLD OUTGAMESPulse FEATURED AN "EXPERIENTIAL Points MEMORIAL" TO CELEBRATE LIFE, EQUALITY AND COMPASSION. IT FEATURED 49 ARTISTS TO REMEMBER THE 49 VICTIMS OF THE PULSE MASSACRE. PERFORMANCES RANGED FROM POETRY TO SONG.

Photos by Carina Mask

Orlando Gay Chorus.

26 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

Poetry performance by Curt Chambers.

6.7.2017 • 27 One Year Later PORTRAITS PAY TRIBUTE TO PULSE NIGHTCLUB SHOOTING VICTIMS

“Jason “ Luis Omar “Amanda Benjamin Ocasio-Capo” Alvear” Josaphat” Rob Hessler, Kaci Beeler, Lauren Pallota, pen and marker gouache on gouache and on bristol, paper, Austin, charcoal on Savannah, GA, TX, 2016. paper, Atlanta, 2016. GA, 2016.

Denise Royal

s the fi rst anniversary of the Pulse Nightclub Marketing & Graphic Design Coordinator of The Mennello said in a press release. “And the portraits off er that same shooting in Orlando approaches, there is a Museum of American Art & Public Art. “The exhibition is gift to all viewers, to see more fully and to feel more acutely Anew memorial paying tribute to the massacre’s incredibly moving and beautifully installed.” what a life means. The portraits allow us to see each life victims. The 49 Portraits Project was created out of a need The project was started by Georgia art professor Mia shine, to process loss, and maybe over time to start to heal. to respond in a meaningful, respectful and loving way to Merlin, who was inspired by a similar portrait project for For the families, I hope that the portraits help them feel the tragic events at the LGBT Pulse nightclub on June 12, the families of the nine victims of the June 2015 shootings connected to their loved ones. But the portraits also allow 2016. The 49 Portraits Project is made up of a group of 49 at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in for the living to connect with each other here and now. artists across the country who created portraits to honor Charleston, South Carolina. Merlin shared her impassioned This connection has happened between the project artists, the deceased Pulse nightclub victims and to give as gifts to vision for the “49 Portraits Project” in a Facebook prompt. between the artists and the families, and with the help their families. Word quickly spread and artists from all over the country of this exhibit, it will extend out into the community and All 49 portraits will be on view at Orlando City Hall’s expressed interest in participating. world. These portraits transcend politics, and strip away Terrace Gallery until June 14. “We’ve had such a great “As an artist, the ability to make a portrait for someone everything but what is essential. Each of us is so grateful response thus far from the Orlando community, City of is one of the most clear and powerful ways I have to give. to be able to make this off ering, and to have it received by Orlando offi cials and beyond,” said Francesca Ascione, I knew that other artists would feel the same way,” Merlin each of you.”

For more information please visit 49Portraits.com or CityofOrlando.net/art/49portraits.

Terrace Gallery. Photo Credit: Keith Beasley.

28 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

SPREADING LOVE, NOT HATE IN Dear Friends: THE AFTERMATH OF TRAGEDY One year after our communDeniseity was Royalirrevocably changed by the Pulse tragedy in Orlando, The School of Social Work and Campus Ministry invite you to gather together with us to remember, to stand collected, and to offer our thoughtsarry University’s and reflections Center for for Human healing. drop-in We come services, together and throughservices thisfor nonyouth- Rights and Social Justice is working to experiencing homelessness. Bdenominationalspread a message gatheringof love and to support remember “As those we whorefl ect died, on Pulse those this who year, lost we loved must in the aftermathones, and of alllast those year’s massacreshaken byat Pulse. the tragedy. remember that not all hate crimes are as visible The center has the launched the Spread Love as Pulse was,” said Landon (LJ) Woolston, Not Hate Campaign, an initiative designed to Homeless Youth Programs and Services raise awarenessMonday about June and 12,support 2017 for LGBT Manager at Pridelines. “The crisis of LGBTQ youth 2:00who are p.m. homeless – 3:00 or p.m.have unstable youth homelessness is an ongoing national housing in South Florida. tragedy, one that is also fi rmly rooted in anti- The community is being asked to donate LGBTQ sentiment. Pridelines is grateful that Landon Student Union ready-to-eat “street snacks” for LGBT youth Barry University’s ‘Spread Love Not Hate’ living onRoom the streets. 110 Items in need include campaign has given us the opportunity to not non-perishableBarry Universityitems (shelf life of at least six only educate Barry students on the topic of months) such as cannednd goods, dry pastas/rice, LGBTQ youth homelessness, but also to inspire instant11300 noodles, NEinstant 2 mac-n-cheese, Avenue instant students to take action by contributing to a potatoes,Miami chips, crackers,Shores, cookies, FL PB&J, trail donation drive to benefi t local LGBTQ youth. mix, etc. Items can be dropped off at Powers Sadly, we cannot bring back the beautiful LGBT Radio & Podcasts Hall, room 126, on Barry’s campus in Miami people we lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting,

Shores. but we can #HonorThemWithAction. While it

“We were thinking about this horrible tragedy is our sincere hope that Barry students will take and the idea that thisFor tragedymore information was born please out contact part Yvonne in Alonsothe eff at ort [email protected] to eff ect change through the of hate,” said Ashley Austin, Director, Center ‘Spread Love Not Hate’ campaign, we also hope for Human Rights and Social Justice, Ellen that they will become personally invested in Whiteside McDonald School of Social Work at creating safer and more inclusive communities Barry University. “This tragedy marked really as they leave Barry and venture into their extreme and egregious violence towards LGBT careers.” people, but certainly not an isolated experience Barry’s Offi ce of Student Services is handing for LGBT people. LGBT people, especially out yellow ribbons to be worn as show of support young LGBT people, are faced with all kinds of for our LGBTQ community. Additionally, the News, commentary, interviews, hate, stigma and violence, often in their own community is also being asked to write notes entertainment homes and in their schools. We know LGBT of support, affi rmations and hope that will be youth are going hungry and aren’t safe in their delivered to LGBTQ youth in our community to Saturday 7PM-8PM on Hosted by Tom Hantzarides with schools and restrooms. When we decided how remind them that they are important, loved and • Congressman Mark Foley for to approach this, we wanted to highlight our not alone. 850AM WFTL commentary and insight • News by South Florida Gay News amazing community partner Pridelines.” “We want the student body to think about the Streaming live on • Pop Culture, Entertainment with Pridelines is Miami’s LGBTQ Community needs of LGBT young people,” Austin said. “We www.850WFTL.com, or by Center and South Florida’s oldest LGBTQ direct want them to know they matter.” downloading the 850 WFTL • “Faithful & Fabulous”Dana Munsonwith Rev. Dr. Lea Brown service agency. It provides health services for The notes will be placed in the bags along mobile app people living with HIV/AIDS, youth programs with food and other items and given to “Aiming to inform, empower, and and services including psychosocial groups, Pridelines. activate our diverse community”

The campaign runs through June 12. On that day, Barry University will also host Facebook.com/getoutsouthflorida a remembrance for the victims and survivors of the Pulse shooting. It will be held Instagram: @getoutsflradio • Twitter: @GetOutSF from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will be an interactive experience using poetry, refl ec- For more information e-mail: tions and providing a way to give voice to their collective pain. [email protected]

6.7.2017 • 29 One Year Later

Photo Credit: Michael Rivera BLOOD DONATIONS SAVED MANY LIVES THE NIGHT OF PULSE Denise Royal After the tragedy OneBlood partnered with fi ve survivors

n the immediate aftermath of the Pulse shooting, the many around Orlando wanted to help. The response was During the midst of the crisis, OneBlood learned that staff at OneBlood sprang into action. OneBlood is a overwhelming. In the week after the attack, OneBlood one of its employees, Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala was among the Inot-for-profi t organization responsible for providing took in more 28,500 pints of blood; more than double the 49 dead. He was a supervisor in the platelet room at the safe, available and aff ordable blood to more than 200 agency’s average weekly volume. blood center. hospital partners and their patients throughout most of At the height of the aftermath, OneBlood also had to “He was a very loved team member here,” Forbes said. Florida, parts of Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina. issue a news release in an attempt to “He was very outgoing and a tremendous That blood was in demand immediately after the stop a rumor that sexually active gay leader. His team appreciated him so much shooting. men were being allowed to donate and loved working with him. He made the According to the Orlando Sentinel, 372 pints of blood blood in the emergency. The rumor was “What most job a lot of fun for everybody. He was a were used to help shooting victims in the fi rst 24 hours. splashed across 24-hour cable TV and don’t realize great motivator and great leader. We still One victim required 214 pints of blood, platelets or plasma. the Internet. cry over this loss. It was devastating to Typical volume for a Sunday is about 25 or 30 pints. Over The FDA bans any men who had sex is blood has to learn that one of the victims was someone the next two weeks, 109 pints were used for shooting with men in the past year from donating be donated in who dedicated so much of his life to saving victims. blood, as an extra line of precaution lives.” “On the morning of June 12, the need for ready blood to prevent HIV infection through advance of when While still mourning Ayala-Ayala’s supply was never more apparent,” said Susan Forbes, Vice transfusion. it’s needed. It death, OneBlood remains focused on President, Marketing and Communications at OneBlood. “We had to squash those rumors. All saving lives. It recently paired with fi ve “What most don’t realize is blood has to be donated in blood centers are regulated by the Food takes time to be Pulse survivors, Jeff Xcentric, Ilka Reyes, advance of when it’s needed. It takes time to be tested. In and Drug Administration (FDA),” Forbes tested.” Bryan Carabello, Tony Marrero and Angel most cases, a person who donates today, their blood will be said. “As a regulated agency, OneBlood Colon to encourage others to donate sent to a hospital in two or three days.” is required by law to follow all rules, - Susan Forbes blood. OneBlood is a 24/7 operation. When the overnight guidelines and to follow policies put “Blood donors saved many lives that distribution shift heard what had happened, it began forth by the FDA. We don’t make the night,” Forbes said. “It was the donors who sending blood to Orlando Regional Medical Center. rules, we have to follow them.” came in when there was no tragedy. It is the people who “We were able to meet the need,” Forbes said. “We were OneBlood employees were all hands on deck on Sunday came in during the days and weeks before the shooting. It rushing in blood from all over our service area and getting and Monday, taking in donations from the long lines of was their blood that was on hand to use that night. So the it here. It was an unprecedented event.” donors and making sure all hospitals in its coverage area message really is, if you are eligible to donate blood, please When the world woke up to the news of the massacre, had suffi cient blood. don’t wait for a tragedy to do so.”

You can read more about the Pulse survivors’ stories here: www.oneblood.org/i-am-oneblood/testimonials/pulse-survivors.stml

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he Pulse Nightclub attack in June the Wilton Manors Entertainment Group of last year left an immeasurable [WMEG], which is working with the city to Timpact on the lives of the family organize the event. Sterling said the added and friends of the 49 individuals who were security costs meant that WMEG couldn’t murdered that night. aff ord to do some things it wanted to do, But the impact on LGBT events and including adding more entertainment. But, festivals in the wake of the worst LGBT he said, it’s not something that will hold hate crime in modern-American history WMEG back forever. “It will be twice as is measurable in the increased dollars large as it is now. So, one more year is not organizations have spent and will continue the end of the world.” to spend on security – even when no The increased security costs almost credible threats present themselves. meant the end of last year’s Wicked “As the saying goes, we prepare for the Manors, or at least the involvement of the worst and hope for the best,” said Wilton Pride Center, the event’s organizers. The Manors Police Chief Paul O’Connell. For organization had to spend three times what the upcoming Stonewall Street Festival in it spent in 2015 – from $9,000 to $27,000. Wilton Manors, O’Connell said the bigger A combination of increased fi nancial threat, as compared with a possible Pulse- assistance from the city and help from style shooting attack, is someone driving sponsors covered the additional security a vehicle into the crowd, similar to the costs. attacks in London and Nice. Miik Martorell, president of Pride Fort O’Connell said there won’t be as many Lauderdale, said his organization has been law enforcement personnel as last year’s relatively lucky so far. Last year’s Pride only Stonewall, which occurred a week after required about $5,000 in security costs. But Pulse, but that there would be an increased it was still a doubling in expenses over the police presence. previous year’s festival. That increased presence, along with The nature of Pride Fort Lauderdale, barricades and other safety measures, which is contained to one area and doesn’t have resulted in a doubling of security include a parade like Stonewall, means costs for Stonewall – about $42,000. that less extensive security measures Working with Wilton Manors police will are needed. Fort Lauderdale is also less be the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, stringent than Wilton Manors when it the Broward Sheriff ’s Offi ce, FBI, and comes to who can be hired to provide Homeland Security. security, said Martorell. “This is the new reality that Wilton But, he added, the fear and nervousness Manors [which requires uniformed offi cers] over another possible attack is the same has placed on us,” said Jeff Sterling, CEO of everywhere.

6.7.2017 • 31 One Year Later Lives That Mattered *ORLANDO* Forever in our minds Associated Press

On June 12, 2016, a gunman wielding an assault-type rifl e and a handgun opened fi re inside Pulse, a crowded gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, leaving 49 people dead in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. Here are stories of the victims.

Paul Terrell Henry Cory James Connell Martin Benitez Torres

Paul Terrell Henry, 41, was a caring father of two who Cory James Connell, 21, was his family's superhero, Martin Benitez Torres, 33, had recently moved to loved to dance, play piano and sing, according to his his brother Ryan said in a Facebook post. Orlando and was working to become a pharmacy friends and his boyfriend. According to the Orlando Sentinel, friends and even technician. Francisco Hernandez, Henry's boyfriend, told the a former middle school teacher posted to Facebook Benitez was a student at a Tampa satellite campus of Orlando Sentinel the Chicago native's main priority was remembering Connell. the Ana G. Mendez University System, based in Puerto to make sure his kids were taken care of. "I've taught almost 1,700 kids at Lee. He was so Rico, where he was born. In a university statement, one “Such a loving spirit. I'll always have him in my special," said Shelley Klein, a science teacher at Lee of his professors called him a "diligent and extremely heart," said Hernandez, who added that he will most Middle School. "All of his teachers at Lee adored him. hardworking student." remember Henry for his smile. We describe him as our all-time favorite." Benitez was "thankful for the opportunity to advance Bettye Edwards, of Oviedo, told the newspaper that Nancy Robbinson, a member of the Orange County his career and hopeful to make his dreams a reality," she and Henry started a church briefly and that Henry School Board, remembered the smiles and hugs Connell said Carla Zayas, a Spanish professor. had a master's degree in business from Florida State greeted her with when she saw him at Publix where he He posted several photos and videos on his Facebook University and a theological degree. Henry never took worked. page in the days before the shooting, including one in a lesson, Edwards said, but he was a talented musician "Every time I saw him, he greeted me with a warm, the kitchen cooking with family members. who sang and played the organ and piano. inviting smile and a cheery, 'Hey, Mrs. Robbinson,' and The cover photo on his Facebook profile includes a Danielle Biggers, of Orlando, said she worked with sometimes I was even blessed to get a hug," she wrote. quote in Spanish: "If God takes away my eyesight, it's Henry as a sales representative at a resort company. "I just saw him at Publix a week ago and got one of those because I've been allowed to see everything that's "He always would make sure he would say hello," great hugs. beautiful in the world." she said. "He just was over the top and made everybody smile."

32 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

Juan Chavez Martinez Jerald Arthur Wright Jason Josaphat

Juan Chavez Martinez, 25, was a beloved boss Jerald Arthur Wright, 31, was quiet but knew how to Jason Josaphat, 19, called his mother as a gunman and friend, friends and co-workers told the Orlando treat guests at Walt Disney World, where he worked as a opened fire to ask for help, his aunt and uncle said. Sentinel. seasonal employee, a former co-worker said. She stayed on the line with him and could hear gunshots Friends said Martinez came to the U.S. from "He was one of the kindest people you could meet," in the background, but tried to calm him down as he hid in Huichapan, Mexico, and worked as a housekeeping co-worker Kenneth Berrios told the Orlando Sentinel. the bathroom, Jimmy and Myrleine Inelus told KPNX-TV supervisor for a hospitality service company. "We had students from the London program . and Jerry in Arizona, where Josaphat went to high school. "He was extremely friendly, very dedicated to his was always willing to give rides to them and show them His mother then didn't hear anything for as many as 20 family, to his co-workers . It is very difficult. Everybody around town." seconds. loved him," said Alicia Amarro, chief financial officer Wright "was a great guy to work with," former co- "It was dead silence on the phone ... I think that's when for the company, APDC Services. worker Scott Dickison said. "He was quiet but really the gunman finally made his way into the bathroom," Jose Crisantos used to work with Martinez at Reunion wonderful with all the guests. He always had a smile on Jimmy Inelus said. Resorts and also remembered Martinez's kindness. his face." Josaphat moved to Orlando after graduating from high "He was very well known among us as very kind and Dickison said Wright had worked most recently in school in 2014. A childhood friend, Messiah McMillian, loving," Crisantos said. "There was nobody else like merchandising on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, told KNXV-TV in Phoenix that he was one of the first him. It is a devastating loss." but also had worked in Tomorrowland and at Universal people whom Josaphat told he was gay. Studios in Orlando. "When I found out, I never judged him," McMillian said. "I never looked at him any differently. He was always my friend."

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera Javier Jorge-Reyes Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz

Eric Ivan Ortiz-Rivera, 36, followed the crowd from a housewarming party to Pulse, according to former roommate Javier Jorge-Reyes, 40, was known as "Javi" by Abismael Colon Gomez. Christopher Joseph Sanfeliz, 24, was always friendly his friends and as "Harvey George-Kings" on "I am really in shock that he was in the club, because he and outgoing, "the most positive guy I've ever known," Facebook — a literal English translation of his was not usually a club-scene person," Colon Gomez told the friend Josh Palange said. name. Orlando Sentinel. They became friends during middle school, and in But his Facebook profile name belied a deep Ortiz-Rivera worked in merchandise management and high school, took honors classes and band together — pride in his Latino heritage, friends told the had earned a degree in communications from a university in Sanfeliz on trumpet. Though they didn't see each other Orlando Sentinel. Puerto Rico. much after graduating in 2010, "we stayed friends on "He was proud to be Latino, super proud," He left behind his husband of a year, Ivan Dominguez; they Facebook," Palange told the Tampa Bay Times. friend Jose Diaz told the newspaper, adding: "He were married June 26, the day the U.S. Supreme Court gave Sanfeliz's family moved there from Cuba in the 1960s, was always positive. He was very humble. He was same-sex couples the right to marry in all 50 states. family friend Mike Wallace said. Sanfeliz took business a lovely friend." "It was a big and happy coincidence," Dominguez, 30, told classes at a community college and was hired as a bank Diaz recalled being sold a wallet by Jorge-Reyes, The Associated Press. Dominguez is grieving, but said he still teller and worked his way up to become a personal who worked at a Gucci store at an Orlando mall. feels connected to his husband. He was not at the nightclub banker, Wallace said. Another friend, Edith Colon of Miami, said because he was supposed to work the next day. "He (was) a wonderful person and this is such a Jorge-Reyes was a top salesman and makeup artist. Another friend posted on Ortiz-Rivera's Facebook page tragedy," said Wallace. "He was cut down in his prime." after learning of his death: "God just gained one funny and caring angel today."

6.7.2017 • 33 One Year Later

Brenda Lee Marquez Frank Hernandez Franky Jimmy De Jesus McCool Velazquez

Brenda Lee Marquez McCool, 49, loved to dance, so Frank Hernandez, 27, loved fashion and lived to Franky Jimmy De Jesus Velazquez, 50, worked as a much so that she'd go to nightclubs with her 21-year-old purchase the finest pieces of clothing at Calvin Klein or visual merchandiser, designing displays for an Orlando son. They were both at Pulse. She was killed, son Isaiah Armani. clothing store, according to his Facebook page. He posted Henderson survived, her oldest daughter, Khalisha "He had the best of everything, the most expensive," inspirational and funny messages on his page, including a Pressley, told NBC News. said Jessica Leal, 19, one of his five siblings. "He liked the T-shirt that read: "Never underestimate an old man who is "She was always really cool, but really a mom at the good stuff. And he worked hard for it." also a visual merchandiser." end of the day ... the sweetest lovingest person in the A manager at a Calvin Klein store in Orlando, Hernandez On a list of victims with an average age of 29 years old, world," Pressley said of her mother, a two-time cancer grew up in Texas' Rio Grande Valley, near the U.S.-Mexico Velazquez was the oldest. But age never became a barrier survivor who had 11 children. border, and had lived in Central Florida for three years. for Velazquez, former co-worker Bret Werner said. "She was a fighter," lifelong friend Noreen Vaquer Hernandez also loved Beyonce and going out to dance, "He was a very outgoing, friendly person," said Werner, told the Orlando Sentinel. "She doesn't take nothing and he frequented Pulse, Leal said. According to media who worked with him at a clothing store in Miami. from nobody." reports, Hernandez's boyfriend was able to escape, but "Everyone wanted to be around him." Vaquer, who met McCool when they were lost track of Hernandez in the chaos. Among family and friends in his native Puerto Rico, kindergartners in Brooklyn, New York, said her friend His sister has planned a fitting tribute: She'll wear Velazquez was known for Jibaro folk dancing, said his gave good advice, backed up by life experience. Calvin Klein at his funeral. sister, Shiela De Jesus. "He was a very loved person." "She's smart," Vaquer said. "She'll put you right." "I'm pretty sure he'd love it if he saw it," she said.

Luis Daniel Wilson- Jean Carlos Mendez Capt. Antonio Davon Leon Perez Brown

Luis Daniel Wilson-Leon, 37, barely spoke English when Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35, had a humor and warmth Capt. Antonio Davon Brown, 29, served in the Army he moved from Puerto Rico to Florida in 2004, but he that made him a great salesman — and helped him find Reserve and deployed to Kuwait for nearly a year. wasn't deterred by the language barrier. love, a co-worker said. Brown graduated in 2008 from Florida A&M, where he He quickly learned English, got a job and eventually met "He laughed with the people and would make jokes," majored in criminal justice and participated in the ROTC his partner, Jean Carlos Mendez Perez, 35, who also died. said Claudia Agudelo, who worked with Perez at a perfume program. "(Wilson-Leon) walked into the room and all eyes were store. "He was always happy." Lt. Col. Kelvin Scott, a ROTC instructor, remembered on him because of his positive energy, just what he radiated Mendez Perez met his longtime partner, Luis Daniel Brown's positive attitude and sense of humor. ... I'm heartbroken," said his cousin, Laly Santiago-Leon, Wilson-Leon, about a decade ago when he sold him the "He kept a smile on his face," Scott told the Tallahassee adding that the couple frequented Pulse and loved Latin fragrance Declaration by Cartier, Agudelo told the Orlando Democrat newspaper. "He was willing to work very hard to Night. Sentinel. Wilson-Leon also died in the nightclub shooting. earn his commission." Longtime friend Daniel Gmys-Casiano described Mendez Perez moved to the U.S. from Puerto Rico when Devonta White, a friend of Brown's, said Brown was Wilson-Leon as a protector and confidante. The two grew he was a teenager, and made friends quickly, father Angel known in their dorm for waking up early for drills and up in the same small town, and when Gmys-Casiano moved Mendez said. becoming close friends with his fellow trainees, but also to the U.S., Wilson-Leon gave him a job in a shoe store. "He was a real dynamic kid," he said. making friends outside of ROTC. "He was my hero," Gmys-Casiano told the Orlando Sister-in-law Katia Mendez said Mendez Perez also was "He had a car so when he went to Wal-Mart, I would ride Sentinel. a fun-loving and doting uncle who would buy her three with him," White said. "We just became good friends over Even though Wilson-Leon had been bullied for his children candy and ice cream. time. He helped me more than he knows." sexuality, Gmys-Casiano said, "he never retaliated with "He was like a little kid when he was with them," she An Army service record shows Brown deployed to hate. ... He would stand to protect his friends." said. Kuwait from April 2010 to March 2011.

34 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

Simon Adrian Carrillo- Oscar A. Aracena- Darryl Roman Burt II Fernandez Montero

Simon Adrian Carrillo-Fernandez, 31, loved to travel Oscar A. Aracena-Montero, 26, lived with and "worked to be able to enjoy his life," co-worker Ivonne his partner, Simon Adrian Carillo-Fernandez, Darryl Roman Burt II, 29, worked as a financial aid Irizarry said. and three Chihuahuas in a home they bought officer for Keiser University's Jacksonville, Florida, A manager at McDonald's, Carillo-Fernandez had traveled last year, a friend, Andrea Herrera, told the campus. to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico and Mexico and went Orlando Sentinel. As a volunteer, he co-chaired a clothing drive for on cruises, Irizarry said. Yamilka Pimentel, a cousin, said Araceno- the homeless for the Jacksonville Jaycees, a nonprofit He and his partner, Oscar Aracena-Montero, who also was Montero moved with his father from the organization. killed at the nightclub, had just returned from Niagara Falls, Dominican Republic to Central Florida as a "Darryl was very passionate about working in the Irizarry told the Orlando Sentinel. child. community and wasn't afraid to take the lead," Jacksonville Carillo-Fernandez never forgot a birthday, she said, and "Oscar was a very sweet guy. Very sweet Jaycees President Shawn DeVries told the Indianapolis would bring in cakes for his McDonald's co-workers. to everybody," Pimentel told the newspaper. Star. "If someone needed anything, he'd usually just ask Colleagues said Carrillo-Fernandez's attention to detail "Every time he met somebody they would for the details: where, when and what are the deadlines." was a trademark of his leadership style. like him a lot. He was the type of guy who Burt left behind family in central Indiana, and recently "He had to be the best, that was his thing. I cook the best, I goes along with anybody." earned a degree in human resources management. clean the best, I work the best," she said of him. Keiser University's chancellor, Arthur Keiser, called Burt "a highly respected member of the KU team" on the school's website, and the school was providing grief counselors to help Burt's colleagues. Leroy Valentin Xavier Emmanuel Fernandez Serrano Rosado Akyra Murray

Leroy Valentin Fernandez, 25, recently had found Xavier Emmanuel Serrano Rosado, 35, went by Eman a job as a leasing agent for an Orlando apartment Valentino on the stage. He dressed elegantly in a top hat, complex, said his friend, Jennifer Rodriguez. tie and gloves, collecting tips from the audience between Akyra Murray, 18, recently graduated third in her high "He had finally found something he liked. He was high kicks and spins, according to a YouTube video. school class of 42 students, had scored 1,000 points on taking care of his mom," she said of Fernandez, who Off the stage, Rosado had a young son who had the basketball team and had signed a letter of intent to was also her hair stylist and one of her best friends. graduated from pre-kindergarten. play basketball at Mercyhurst University. "He was like a brother," she said. "He was just really "I have no words to express how proud and happy I am "She was very loving, caring, out to help anybody," very spirited and always happy, you know?" of my little boy," Rosado wrote on Facebook recently about recalled her mother, Natalie Murray. Fernandez recently had been dating an older man, a his son. To celebrate her graduation, Akyra Murray, her dancer known by the stage name Eman Valentino, who Yemil Royce, a friend, described Rosado as hard- parents and her 4-year-old sister traveled to Orlando. also died in the shooting. working, talkative and friendly: "He was a lovely friend, Murray wanted to party in downtown Orlando, and her brother and father." parents dropped her off at Pulse at 11:30 p.m. About 2 a.m., Murray sent a text message, saying that she and her cousins wanted to be picked up and there'd been a shooting. Moments later, the phone rang. "... (S)he was screaming, saying she was losing a lot of blood," Natalie Murray said. She was hiding in a bathroom stall, her arm bleeding for hours with no medical treatment. Akyra Murray told her mother to call police. They never spoke again.

6.7.2017 • 35 One Year Later

Mercedez Marisol Amanda Alvear Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo Flores

Mercedez Marisol Flores, 26, went to Pulse nightclub Amanda Alvear, 25, and Mercedez Flores posted on Luis Omar Ocasio-Capo, 20, wanted to be a star. almost every weekend, often with her best friend, Snapchat from the nightclub before the shooting. "He was one of the most amazing dancers," his sister, Amanda Alvear. Alvear's friend Sandy Marte said one of Alvear's Belinette Ocasio-Capo, said. "He would always call me "She was very outgoing," her sister-in-law, Nancy Snapchats showed a packed club full of revelers. and say, 'I'm going to be the next Hollywood star.' He Flores, said. "She had lots of friends." Another, a selfie video of Alvear with a series of really did want to make it and be known. Mercedez Flores worked at Target, studied at a local gunshots in the background. "Now his name ended up being all around the world, community college and wanted to become a party Marte and Alvear bonded over breakups and health like he wanted — just not this way," she said of her planner so she could coordinate events with her two problems. brother, a dancer who was working at a Starbucks while older brothers, who are both DJs. "She was loving, she was caring, she always had an studying theater. Flores' family spent hours waiting at Orlando open ear, she always wanted to help people," Marte said. Omar, as he was known to family and friends, at Regional Medical Center, then a staging area at a "She had an amazing heart." first seemed brash to 70-year-old Claudia Mason, a nearby hotel. Someone read the names of victims still Marte said he understands what it's like to be at a co-worker, but after getting to know him, she said, "I hospitalized or being released, and her name wasn't on nightclub during a shooting. He was at the Glitz Ultra realized he had a very outgoing personality." the list. Her father got a call early the next day from the Lounge in Orlando in February when two people were "His sense of humor was definitely his defining sheriff's office that his daughter had died, Nancy Flores killed, and said he froze in place from the shock of it. personality trait," she said. "Omar got along with said. everyone. Young, old, male, female, gay, or straight, it didn't matter to Omar."

Shane Tomlinson Eddie Jamoldroy Miguel Honorato Justice

Shane Tomlinson, 33, had a passion for singing, and had been the lead vocalist with "The Frequency Band" Eddie Jamoldroy Justice, 30, tapped out a series of at a nightclub before going to Pulse, according to the Miguel Honorato, 30, was a father of three who chilling text messages to his mother from a bathroom at Orlando Sentinel. managed four restaurants in central Florida along with Pulse, a 45-minute exchange that began with a message "He was destined for a grand stage and he was doing a side catering business. He was always the one to drop of love. exactly what he wanted to do," said Dr. Lathan Turner, everything to help out his family, which included seven "Mommy I love you," the first message to Mina Justice associate director of student transitions at East Carolina siblings. said at 2:06 a.m. The messages became more frantic as University, where Tomlinson graduated in 2003 with a His brother, Jose Honorato, wrote a simple, heartfelt he told her the shooter was in the bathroom where he degree in communication. message on his brother's Facebook page: "Come home was hiding. Tomlinson was a vibrant and charismatic lead vocalist, bro, I'm waiting for you." "He's a terror," her son wrote. friends said. "He was my mentor and my supporter. He helped Eddie Justice normally was a homebody who liked "I've never met anyone like him," said Carey Sobel, an very much in my parents' house and work," Honorato to eat, work out and make everyone laugh, his mother Orlando resident who hired Tomlinson's band to play for said. Even though Miguel was younger, he gave sage said. He worked as an accountant. his upcoming wedding. "He was really special." advice about the family business, his brother said. "Lives in a sky house, like the Jeffersons," his mother Tarrick Cox, an adviser for East Carolina's gospel choir Jose Honorato changed his Facebook photo Monday said she liked to say of his condominium. who worked with Tomlinson, remembers his contagious to one of the two brothers smiling over a charcoal grill, personality and the laughter that surrounded him. one of many happy memories cooking together. "He was gifted and creative. He was a go-getter," Cox said in a statement from the university.

36 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

Jonathan Camuy Juan Ramon Guerrero Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz

Jonathan Camuy, 25, moved to Central Florida Juan Ramon Guerrero, 22, told his cousin, Robert from Puerto Rico to work for the Spanish-language Guerrero, that he was gay about two years ago. But he television network Telemundo. He was on the Peter O. Gonzalez-Cruz, 22, known among family was worried about how the rest of his family would production team for "La Voz Kids," a talent show for and friends as "Ommy," was always the life of the party. react, and did not tell them until just before the young singers in its fourth season. "Peter makes a difference everywhere he goes. He beginning of this year. "Jonathan was an extremely hard-working was a happy person. If Peter is not at the party, no one "They were very accepting," said Robert Guerrero, 19. individual, full of life, enthusiastic and with a great wants to go," his aunt, Sonia Cruz, said. "As long as he was happy, they were OK with it." personality," the network said in a statement. "He will Gonzalez-Cruz, who worked at UPS, went to Pulse He got concerned after hearing of the shooting at be missed dearly." with his best friend, 25-year-old Gilberto Ramon Silva Pulse, where he knew his cousin would go to every once Camuy was also active in the National Association Menendez. in a while. of Hispanic Journalists, which called him "one of our After news of the mass shooting emerged, Sonia Cruz Juan Guerrero was a telemarketer, in recent months own" in a statement about his death. said she held out hope for hours that her nephew would he started attending college at the University of Central turn up in a hospital bed. The family was later told he Florida and was in a relationship with someone his and Menendez were among those killed. relatives regarded as part of the family, Robert Guerrero said. "... (H)e was like a big brother to me," he said. "He was never the type to go out to parties, would rather stay Edward Sotomayor home and care for his niece and nephew."

Gilberto Ramon Silva Tevin Eugene Crosby Menendez

Edward Sotomayor, 34, was a caring, energetic man known for wearing a silly top hat on cruises, according to David Sotomayor, who said the two discovered they were cousins after meeting at Orlando's annual Gay Days festival around a decade ago. Tevin Eugene Crosby, 25, had a drive for success, Gilberto Ramon Silva Menendez, 25, moved to Edward worked for a company that held gay cruises which was reflected in his inspirational Facebook posts Orlando a few years ago, his cousin, Irma Silva-Lauer, and often traveled to promote the company's events, — "2016 will be the best year ever." told the Orlando Sentinel. said David Sotomayor. "Whatever goal he had in mind, he worked hard. He was an only child and "the light and the life of all "He was just always part of the fun," David Sotomayor Whether alone or on a team, he worked on that goal," the family gatherings," Silva-Lauer said. said. Chavis Crosby told the Orlando Sentinel. David Sotomayor is a drag queen who appeared on a Tevin Crosby was director of operations for a season of the reality show "RuPaul's Drag Race" using Michigan marketing firm who'd recently visited family the name "Jade." in Statesville, North Carolina, to watch several nieces The two texted regularly and kept in touch via and nephews graduate. Facebook messages, last seeing each other this year Then, he traveled to Orlando after passing along at a filming of the reality show. They last exchanged some brotherly advice about business and setting goals. messages late last week. He loved to travel for work and fun, Chavis Crosby said. "You never think that's going to be the last time you "He was definitely a good person and a good brother speak to him," Sotomayor said. "It's just heartbreaking to me," he said. to know it just can happen anytime."

6.7.2017 • 37 One Year Later

Anthony Luis Stanley Laureano Disla Kimberly "KJ" Morris Almodovar III

Anthony Luis Laureano Disla, 25, started dancing at the age of 10 and was comfortable with any number of Stanley Almodovar III, 23, had tomato-and-cheese styles, from salsa to ballroom, his cousin Ana Figueroa Kimberly "KJ" Morris, 37, moved to Orlando months dip prepared by his mother to eat when he came home said. ago and worked at Pulse as a bouncer, the Orlando from his night out. Figueroa told the Orlando Sentinel that Laureano Sentinel reported. Instead, Rosalie Ramos was awakened by a call telling Disla invited her out for a night of dancing at Pulse "She was so excited," ex-girlfriend Starr Shelton told her something had happened. nightclub, but she told him she was too tired. the newspaper. "She'd just started working there and Ramos told the Orlando Sentinel that her son, a He was out with two roommates, both of whom were told me how she was thrilled to get more involved in the pharmacy technician, posted a Snapchat video of injured in the shooting, she said. The newspaper did not LGBT community there." himself singing and laughing on his way to Pulse identify the roommates. Narvell Benning met Morris when they were in nightclub. Born in Puerto Rico, Laureano Disla moved to college at Post University, where they both played "I wish I had that (video) to remember him forever," Orlando about three years ago to become a dancer and basketball. she told the newspaper. choreographer, Figueroa said. "I can't think of a time when I did not see a smile on A friend, Hazel Ramirez, told the Washington Post "I want people to remember Anthony as someone her face," Benning told the Sentinel. "I'm so thankful of she also saw a video from Almodovar on Snapchat. She who was very happy and very kind," Figueroa said. the good memories I have of her." described Almodovar as "kind, but sassy," and someone "This is just devastating for our family and his friends." Liz Lamoureux told The Associated Press in a who was comfortable with his sexual identity. statement that Morris was one of her sister's best "He was so proud of who he was," she told the Post. friends and a true friend to her entire family: "What did "He would do his makeup better than anyone else. It KJ die for? Being gay and going to work? It just makes no was so easy to be myself with him." sense — her life amounts to so much more than that." Christopher Leinonen

Luis Vielma Enrique Rios

Christopher Leinonen, 32, was a Pulse with his friend Brandon Wolf, who sent a text to Leinonen's mother to say a shooting had occurred and her son was missing. Christine Leinonen drove to Orlando at 4 a.m. from Luis Vielma, 22, was well-loved and worked at Polk County, southwest of the city. When she arrived, Enrique Rios, 25, had come from Brooklyn to Orlando Universal Studios, friends said. she began checking emergency rooms to find her son. to celebrate a friend's birthday. High school friend Eddi Anderson told the Tampa She never did. Even though his mother, Gertrude Merced, says Bay Times that Vielma loved his job at the Wizarding "These are nonsensical killings of our children," she that her heart is broken, she has already forgiven the World of Harry Potter and was known for his pleasant said, sobbing. "They're killing our babies!" gunman. attitude and warm demeanor. She said Wolf survived by hiding in a bathroom and "I'm not angry at the gunman. I'm angry about the J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter books running out as the bullets flew. situation. I'm going to forever miss my son ... but I still that spawned the movies and section of the theme park, have the hope that I'm going to see him again one day," tweeted a picture of Vielma in a Hogwarts school tie, Merced told reporters as she packed her bags outside and said: "I can't stop crying." her New York apartment and headed to Florida. "He was always a friend you could call. He was always Rios' Facebook page says he worked with a home open and available, Josh Boesch, who worked with health care agency, and his mother said he had a heart Vielma, told the Orlando Sentinel. for helping the elderly. He was studying social work. Vielma "just wanted to make people smile," said Family and friends said he was determined, always another co-worker, Olga Glomba. helping others and had a heart of gold.

38 • 6.7.2017 One Year Later

Angel Candelario- Joel Rayon Paniagua Alejandro Barrios Padro Martinez

Angel Candelario-Padro, 28, moved to Orlando from Joel Rayon Paniagua, 32, moved to Florida from Alejandro Barrios Martinez, 21, had recently moved Chicago in January to be closer to family. The nurse and Mexico in the early 2000s in search of a better life. to Florida from Cuba and was still trying to master National Guard member soon found a new job and a He went back to his home state of Veracruz for English, according to a friend. new love. several years but returned to Tampa less than a year ago, Sarai Torres told the Orlando Sentinel she met "He was a humble boy, a good student. He liked relatives and friends said. Martinez last year, and he "always had a smile on his to work and wasn't too much into partying," his aunt "We came because here in the United States there are face." Leticia Padro told Univision. many opportunities here and because we were fleeing "Every interaction I had with him was totally Candelario-Padro's boyfriend, who was shot several because in our country there was a lot of crime, violence positive," she said, adding that she remembers Martinez times, told her that after hearing several shots he turned and death ... and we expect it should be more peaceful as an outgoing person who introduced her to his other to Candelario-Padro and asked if he was OK. here," his cousin Jose Paniagua told Newsday. friends. "He's the type of person (who would) see you in "He told him he was OK, but in that instant he fell to The construction worker was looking forward to a parking lot and he'd have a whole conversation with the floor," Padro said. meeting friends at Pulse for another night of dancing — you." Candelario-Padro loved music and had played the something he loved to do, friend Lorena Barragan told Torres, 30, said she saw Martinez several times at clarinet in a band in his hometown of Guanica, Puerto the Orlando Sentinel. Pulse nightclub, which she described as a good place Rico, according to uncle Efrain Padro. "He was the best," said Barragan, who met Rayon to meet new people. She was not at the club during the "We're waiting for his body to be brought home," he Paniagua at church. "He was loyal. He was always trying shooting. said, "We will welcome him with music." to do stuff to make you feel better."

Luis Daniel Conde Juan Pablo Rivera Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala Velazquez

Juan Pablo Rivera Velazquez, 37, worked at Alta Luis Daniel Conde, 39, ran a beauty salon in Peluqueria D'Magazine salon in Kissimmee with Conde. Kissimmee with another victim of the shooting at Pulse, Rodolfo Ayala-Ayala, 33, was a biologics supervisor Client Alexandra Ale told the Orlando Sentinel the Juan Pablo Rivera Velasquez, his longtime partner. at the OneBlood donation center, according to the salon would often be filled with clients who were there just "Everyone knows about this beauty salon," Irene Orlando Sentinel. to see the Velazquez and Conde. Rivera told the Orlando Sentinel. She spoke of the "He's alive in the people's lives that he saved," said Ale said the salon would often provide free services to couple's work on the Belleza Latina pageant. Mat Simons, who worked under Ayala-Ayala and said women who had been victims of domestic abuse. Tania Mercador was in tears as she described how his supervisor was also a blood donor. "They would take the shirt off their back to help others," she was supposed to have joined Conde and Velasquez Ayala-Ayala had bought a car and a house within the said Jocelyn De Leon, another client. at Pulse the night they died. past year. Wednesday would have been his one-year Messages were left in chalk on the sidewalk outside "I used GPS and got lost," she said. "It kept sending anniversary of home-ownership. their salon. "We will always thank you for making us feel me to the wrong address." beautiful," one message read.

6.7.2017 • 39 One Year Later

Deonka Deidra Jean Carlos Nieves Yilmary Rodriguez Drayton Rodriguez Solivan, 24

Deonka Deidra Drayton, 32, was quick to tell someone Jean Carlos Nieves Rodriguez, 27, was remembered Yilmary Rodriguez Solivan, 24, was out for a night of off if she thought they were in the wrong, but it was her by family and friends as a kind man and a hard worker. dancing with her brother-in law and a friend, and posed way of showing she cared, an ex-girlfriend said. Nieves Rodriguez, originally from Puerto Rico, had for a photo before a gunman opened fire. Drayton had been in legal trouble involving drugs, worked as manager of a McDonald's and a check- Known as "Mary" to family and friends, Rodriguez but Ashleigh Alleyne told the Orlando Sentinel Drayton cashing store and bought his first house a month and a Solivan was married to race car driver Juan Borges and had was changing after they had been arrested together a half ago, the Orlando Sentinel reported. two children, the Orlando Sentinel reported. couple years ago. "He wanted to be the best at what he did, and he Her friend, Jonathan Antonio Camuy, also died. Her "She was actually putting in effort, because we both would work very hard to achieve that. ... That's why brother-in-law, William Sabad Borges, was shot twice, but hit rock bottom at the same time," Alleyne said. "She whatever job he went to, he became a manager," friend the injuries were not serious, the newspaper reported. pushed me to get through her issues, and I always tried Ivonne Irizarry told the newspaper. "I swear, my heart has a ladder tall enough to reach you to do the same for her." His sister Valeria Monroig said he "cared more about both," Sabad Borges wrote on Facebook. "Mary, you leave others than about himself." me with a pain that I never thought I would feel."

Geraldo Ortiz- Jimenez, 25

Geraldo Ortiz-Jimenez, 25, was known to friends and on Facebook as Drake. He was proud of his Dominican heritage, posing with a flag of the Dominican Republic in celebration of a Dominican model winning Nuestra Belleza Latina 2016. The photo, posted on Facebook, included Spanish-language hashtags that translate as #proud #Dominican. Ortiz-Jimenez graduated from J.P. McCaskey High School in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 2010, school district spokeswoman Kelly Burkholder told The Associated Press. He was living in Puerto Rico, according to his social media accounts, and studying at Universidad del Este in Carolina, Puerto Rico. Kevin Ortiz, a friend from college, described him as a humble man who was always concerned about staying fit and working toward fulfilling his dream of being a dancer. Messages were left in chalk on the sidewalk outside their salon. "We will always thank you for making us feel beautiful," one message read.

Merchant reported from Dallas and Webber and Johnson from Chicago. Associated Press reporters Danica Coto in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Thomas Peipert in Denver; Olga Rodriguez in San Francisco; Alina Hartounian in Phoenix; Jason Dearen in Orlando, Florida; Kelli Kennedy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Errin Haines Whack in Philadelphia; Caleb Jones in Honolulu; and Don Babwin in Chicago contributed to this report.

40 • 6.7.2017 6.7.2017 • 41 One Year Later

Photo Credit: CycleWard, Facebook.

CHARITY RIDE TO REMEMBER VICTIMS Denise Royal

he 49 victims of the Pulse “This is obviously a cause that is very nightclub shooting will be near to our hearts. Realizing the one-year Tremembered during a special anniversary of the Pulse shooting was charity ride on June 10. CycleWard approaching, Brian and I felt compelled Studio in Fort Lauderdale will host the to do something that would memorialize event– just two days prior to the one-year the victims in a meaningful way, no matter anniversary of the tragedy. CycleWard how big or small. We came up with the Studio is located at 6161 North Federal idea of leading a dual ride together with Highway in the Imperial Point Plaza in 49 bikes—49 riders which so perfectly Fort Lauderdale. represent the 49 victims—all to benefi t The Pulse Pride Ride will take place an organization dedicated to fi ghting for from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. It will be a the rights of the LGBT community here dual-ride led by CycleWard instructors in Florida. We invite the local community Nick Tofi ni and his partner, Brian Varela, to come out and join us as a rider, friend who conceptualized the fundraising or supporter for this truly special event.” initiative. Space is limited so interested The cost to participate is $40 per riders are encouraged to register person, limited to 49 bikes in honor of and reserve their spot in advance at the victims, and includes a free shirt CycleWardStudio.com. and complimentary drink coupon for “When Nick and Brian approached me the after-party at Rosie’s Bar & Grill in with the idea, I immediately embraced Wilton Manors. All proceeds from the it,” said CycleWard owner Lisa Anderson, ride will be donated to Equality Florida— in a statement. “The shooting at Pulse the state’s largest civil rights organization nightclub was a heartbreaking, horrifi c dedicated to securing full equality for the and senseless act of violence against the LGBT community. LGBT community and humanity overall. As the one year anniversary of the CycleWard is proud to be able to honor tragedy approaches, Equality Florida has the victims and all those impacted with launched the #HonorThemWithAction this ride—celebrating life, acceptance, Campaign, a nationwide commemoration and embracing the simple notion of the Pulse massacre that calls on that love is love—while raising funds individuals and organizations to honor and awareness for such a deserving those killed by taking action to uproot the organization as Equality Florida.” hatred that feeds bullying, harassment, In the same statement Tofi ni added, discrimination, and violence.

42 • 6.7.2017

One Year Later

President Barack THE NEWSROOM x Obama walks away from the lectern with PIZZA CHAIN Vice President Joe Biden after making As journalists continue to cover terrorism, violence and other local stories a statement about they wish they didn’t have to, fellow journos show their support with small the mass shooting in Orlando, Fla., June gestures, like food. 16, 2016. Offi cial A newsroom pizza chain recently made its way to Manchester. White House Photo by Pete Souza. ▶ Boston (Globe) to Baltimore (Sun), Freddie Gray Protests, April 2015 ▶ Baltimore (Sun) to Charleston (Post and Courier), Charleston Church Shootings, June 2015 ▶ the country to Orlando(Sentinel), Pulse Shootings, June 2016 ▶ Orlando and the country to Dallas (Morning News), Dallas Sniper Attack, July 2016 ▶ Dallas (Morning News) to Miami(Herald), Death of Fidel Castro, December 2016 ▶ Boston (Globe) to Manchester (Evening News) – Manchester PULSE IN THE MEDIA, Bombing, May 2017

THE GOOD AND THE BAD Florida’s Governor Rick Scott, addressed “Gov. Scott spoke about the horror our state HOW WE HANDLE REPRESENTATION AND NOTORIETY the community of Orlando in his State of the experienced in the wake of the attack, the State address in March of this year: heroism of Orlando’s fi rst responders, and Jillian Melero the pain of families who lost loved ones. Since I last stood here to address you, What we didn’t hear was any mention Florida has endured many heartbreaks. I of the LGBTQ community targeted in this have prayed for families around our state murderous rampage which occurred on Latin who have been impacted by tragedy, and e will never forget the events own loved ones. “It was the fi rst time in night.” that took place in the early my career as an editor that I worked with my own heart has been broken for their hours of June 12 at Pulse HR to remind people we have an employee losses. Our state has been rocked by the While Equality Florida took the W gruesome terrorist attack at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando Florida. Breaking assistance program if anybody needs to opportunity to rally around eff orts to pass news reports were broadcast and re- talk.” Nightclub, in Orlando Nothing could have HB 623/SB 666, which add sexual orientation broadcast as new details emerged about As the story broke, the Sentinel began prepared me for the horror we saw on and gender identity as a protected class in the shooting, those we lost, and those who its reports at 3:21 am. In the fi rst day, the June 12, 2016 when a terrorist inspired Florida’s civil rights law, some have taken survived. Sentinel published 40 articles and 31 by ISIS stormed into Pulse and senselessly the argument for representation in another Yet within those same hours we saw videos online as well as eight extra pages of killed 49 innocent people. This was a direction. Orlando come together. We heard stories coverage in print. And as details were fi rst terrorist attack and 49 brothers, sisters, In January the Orlando Sentinel reported that local Aleksander Sagrav, had plans to of heroics, of club goers acting to save lives, revealed about the nightclub shooter, the mothers, fathers, friends and spouses were and to off er each other comfort during and shooter’s history, background, and alleged produce a 13-episode Spanish-language murdered. The days I spent in Orlando after the events at Pulse. People donated affi liations, the Sentinel shared those drama called “Pulso 360” to be fi lmed blood to OneBlood, faith leaders shared details. following the shooting will always be with entirely in Orlando and air on Telemundo messages of unity, and organizers and But after the initial reports, and in the me. I talked to many parents who lost their over the summer. Sagrav said the series activists repeated the call for improved gun weeks after, the Sentinel’s coverage took children…” would combine true events and fi ction, legislation. notoriety away from the shooter, and using actors playing characters inspired by The Orlando Sentinel won a Pulitzer focused the story on the lives of the victims Equality Florida, the civil rights advocacy people whose lives were aff ected by the Pulse prize for its coverage of the events which and those aff ected. and action group, criticized Scott for not shooting. The series was never confi rmed by took place on and around Pulse and the The BBC produced a documentary acknowledging the victims of Pulse as Telemundo. Orlando community. including interviews with Pulse survivors, LGBTQ. In February, the Sentinel reported that “Without question, it was one of the it does not name the shooter, and focuses “While we are glad the governor Spanish-language station Univision made toughest situations to see a staff in,” said instead on fi rst person accounts, using spotlighted the Pulse tragedy, we are deeply the controversial choice of airing a re- Orlando Sentinel Publisher and Editor-in- animated renderings of the club interior. disappointed that when talking about the enactment of the June 12th events during a Chief Avido Khahaifa told a fellow Sentinel worst anti-LGBTQ attack in our nation’s weekend news show “Crónicas De Sábado” reporter after receiving the award. history, our governor failed to acknowledge (Saturday Chronicles) the segment, titled Khahaifa said the reporters, editors, and VIDEO BBC DOCUMENTARY the LGBTQ community in any way,” Equality “Baño De Sangre” (Blood Bath) was heavily photographers in the Orlando newsroom WATCH bit.ly/2s0XnEr Florida public policy director Hannah criticized for its sensationalism and graphic that Sunday were checking in on their Willard said in a statement. content.

44 • 6.7.2017

Volume 4 • Issue 10 WMGJune 7, 2017 Wilton Manors Gazette Community Crime Increasing in Wilton Manors Police Chief says “first four months have not been pretty”

By Michael d’Oliveira

In early May, the Wilton Manors Police from 14 to 8, vehicle burglaries were down Department arrested a man fl eeing a crime from 15 to 13, vehicle theft was down from scene who jumped the fence into the police 9 to 3, and robberies were up from 0 to 4. compound at city hall. It was an easy arrest The total number of arrests in CANA was of a man Chief Paul O’Connell described as 116. “not the brightest bulb.” Unfortunately, the In the Westside Association of Wilton chief also said it was part of an increase in Manors [WAWM], residential burglaries certain types of crimes in the city. were up from 10 to 11, vehicular burglaries “Unfortunately, the fi rst four months were up from 4 to 5, vehicle theft was up have not been pretty,” from 1 to 4, and robberies O’Connell told attendees were up from 2 to 3. The total of a Central Area number of arrests in WAWM Neighborhood Association “RECENT was 68. [CANA] meeting in May. He ARRESTS Sal Torre, president was referring to statistics of WAWM, said he’s not the police department AROUND THE surprised by the increase. released of reported CITY SHOW “Here in Broward County, crimes – vehicle burglaries seeing an increase in drug- and theft, robberies, and THE REWARDS related crimes due to the residential burglaries. growing opioid epidemic, In the statistics, which OF RESIDENTS along with growing homeless cover Jan. 1 to March 31 WORKING population and stagnant low and broken down by the wages, there should be no geographical area of each TOGETHER WITH surprise that we are seeing a neighborhood association, slight increase in the crime crime rates varied. Total THE WMPD.” stats for our neighborhoods arrests in the entire city - Sal Torre here in Wilton Manors. Our “Let us know,” said Commander Gary Police also want residents to be more were up from 139 to 209. WMPD has done a great job in Blocker. cautious by locking their cars. Blocker In the East reaching out to neighborhood On May 31, according to police, one said that 85 percent vehicles of that are Neighborhood Association [ENA], associations and residents warning to resident responded to that request and burglarized are left unlocked. WMG residential burglaries were up from 2 to stay vigilant and to report any suspicious called to report two suspicious subjects in 3 from 2016 to 2017. Vehicular burglaries activity. Recent arrests around the city Manor Grove Village, located at Andrews To remind residents to lock their were down from 6 to 5, vehicle theft was show the rewards of residents working Avenue and Northeast 21 Court. The two vehicles, the police department up from 0 to 1, and robberies were up from together with the WMPD.” men were burglarizing a vehicle and were has initiated its “Lock It. Or Lose 0 to 3. The total number of arrests in ENA To help combat crime, police are urging eventually arrested. The police department It.” campaign and is encouraging was 25. residents to communicate more with police touted the arrests as a successful example motorists to lock their cars, hide their CANA residential burglaries were down and report suspicious behavior. of “See Something – Say Something.” valuables or take them with you. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

1 • June 7, 2017 6.7.2017 • 45 Opinion 2017: Already One Hell of A Ride WMG

By Sal Torre JUNE 7, 2017 • VOLUME 4 • ISSUE 10 2520 N. DIXIE HIGHWAY • WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 PHONE: 954-530-4970 FAX: 954-530-7943

PUBLISHER • NORM KENT [email protected]

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER • PIER ANGELO GUIDUGLI ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER / EXECUTIVE EDITOR • JASON PARSLEY [email protected] ASSOCIATE EDITOR • JILLIAN MELERO [email protected] COPYEDITOR • KERRI COVINGTON Editorial ART DIRECTOR • BRENDON LIES 2017 [email protected] DESIGNER • CHARLES PRATT DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR • BRITTANY FERRENDI [email protected] NEWS EDITOR • MICHAEL D’OLIVEIRA Correspondents NATALYA JONES • JOHN MCDONALD • JAMES OAKSUN So far, 2017 has been one hell of a ride. June is already here, Another topic on my mind is a “Tale of Two Islands.” As Staff Photographers which means that it is time to get moving on my “To Do List” for someone who grew up during the aftermath of the Cuban missile J.R. DAVIS • POMPANO BILL • STEVEN SHIRES 2017. Almost half a year is gone, and the second half has a habit crisis, the Cold War, and the Mariel Boatlift that overtook Miami, Sales & Marketing of going by at a much faster pace. The arrival of June also reminds I am somewhat amazed at the comparisons of two islands very DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • MIKE TROTTIER me to take some time out to celebrate the Summer Solstice later close to one another--Cuba and Puerto Rico. When 125,000 [email protected] this month, making a Midsummer Night’s Dream by stirring up Cuban refugees where fl ooding into South Florida in 1980, the SALES MANAGER • JUSTIN WYSE some merriment and awakening the spirit of mirth. national news outlets covered it around the clock. However, [email protected] There are a couple items swirling around my head this week there was little media coverage when in 2014, more than 140,000 SENIOR SALES ASSOCIATE • KEVIN HOPPER that I want to mention. The fi rst is the May 10 “SFGN” issue, people left Puerto Rico for the mainland, followed in 2015 by even [email protected] reporting on the Diversity Honors Award Ceremony, greater numbers, with the exodus continuing ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • EDWIN NEIMANN specifi cally the comment by Stuart Milk, Executive as their economy falters. Fellow citizens forced [email protected] Chair of the Harvey Milk Foundation. “We made to leave family and their homes in search of ADVERTISING SALES ASSOCIATE • BRETT COPPOL a statement this year that LGBT is not just a liberal jobs, education for their children and economic [email protected] BY MERE SALES ASSISTANT • TIM HIGGINS issue. We set the tone with some conservative security. Little or no media coverage on [email protected] speakers.” what might be one of the largest population DEFINITION ACCOUNTING SERVICES BY CG BOOKKEEPING Wow, really? No longer just a liberal issue? Pretty displacements ever seen outside of a war. NATIONAL ADVERTISING easy for the conservatives and the rest of the closeted One would think that it should be the other RIVENDELL MEDIA 212-242-6863 queens of years gone by to claim the spotlight now OF THE WORD way around. Puerto Rico, a commonwealth of [email protected] South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions that all the fi ghting, sacrifi cing, and dirty work has the richest nation in the world, should not be expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not been done. By mere defi nition of the word “liberal,” bankrupt, should not have such a high poverty MEMBER “LIBERAL,” presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names LGBT issues can be nothing but liberal. Where rate, should not have so many citizens fl eeing or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN were these Conservatives in the early days of the its shores. Cuba, an island that has endured should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. LGBT ISSUES All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including movement? Where were they when LGBT lives were a trade embargo for 60 years and imposed articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal being ruined, attacked, and arrested for speaking out Communist rule, should be the one suff ering copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by CAN BE the newspaper. Nothing published may beMEMBER reprinted in whole or part for equality, justice, funding for HIV/AIDS research? such a fate. Perhaps the lesson to be learned without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law offi ce, Disgraced Congressmen like Mark Foley and Dennis here is that both systems have their faults when at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves NOTHING BUT the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of Hastert, apparently felt a need to play with under- left unchecked. A totalitarian regime that limits advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. aged boys instead, while the “liberals” were marching the freedoms ztof its people and an unchecked for equality in San Francisco, New York, and other LIBERAL. free market system that saddles its people AssociatedMEMBER Press urban centers where the LGBT movement took hold with huge debt burdens, both leave a lot to be and blossomed into a national movement. desired. No problem for Stuart Milk though. “I prefer to think about the Returning to the shores of our own island, Wilton Manors, the 99.5 percent of the people who enjoyed the event and don’t even summer heat is rising, the humidity is rising, and so are my FPL know who Mark Foley is.” That deserves another Wow! Really? I bills. The 2017 Hurricane Season has begun, so take some time Copyright © 2017 South FloridaMEMBER Gay News.com, Inc. can guarantee that most of the attendees at the Diversity Honors to make a plan of action, bulk up on supplies, and get acquainted know exactly who Mark Foley is. Looking past the controversy with the helpful information on the Wilton Manors and Broward of the awards ceremony, the Harvey Milk Foundation and Stuart County websites. It’s always best to heed the Boy Scout motto of Milk have done tremendous work in the worldwide fi ght for LGBT “Be Prepared” so we can get over whatever hurdles we may face equality. Hopefully next year’s event will honor regional leaders this Hurricane Season. Being ready for what might head our way and leave the divisive speakers, such as Nancy Brinker and her will make it easier to say afterwards, “Life is just better here….” guest Mark Foley, off the speaker list. WMG

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

46 • 6.7.2017 2 • June 7, 2017

City 16 Townhomes Planned for Northeast 21 Court

By Michael d’Oliveira

Developer New Urban Communities wants to build 16 townhomes at 549 NE 21 Court, across from Hagen Park and behind Gables Wilton Park. Tim Hernandez, co-founder of New Urban Communities, which built the Bell Isle development on Wilton Drive, said he would put the application together in the next 30 days and hopes to get city approval sometime this year. If approved, he estimated it would take about 18 months to build the units. Currently, there are single- family homes on the site. If approved, the new development “We haven’t fi gured out the exact in Wilton Manors on Northeast 21 architecture yet,” said Hernandez. But, Court will look similar to New Urban he added, it will look similar to the Communities’ Coda development Coda development that New Urban (pictured above) in Delray Beach. Communities built in Delray Beach. The units will feature two-car garages in the $400,000 and $500,000 range. and a small pool and courtyard will be Hernandez said his company takes “great built in the center of the development. pride” in its projects and wants to be an asset Hernandez estimated they would sell to the city. WMG

Community Manners Chosen as Town Manager of Biscayne Park

By Michael d’Oliveira

Krishan Manners, the former president of the Wilton Manors Development Alliance, has been chosen as village manager of the Village of Biscayne Park. Manners, who served as the interim village manager before being given the permanent position in May, joked that his hiring was like auditioning for a part in a movie or television show that he was already in. “I ran fi ve departments . . . it gave me a leg up [in the hiring main street similar to Wilton Drive. process].” “It’s a small, entirely residential After getting the job, he said his fi rst challenge community . . . middle class homes, was to “staff up,” including the hiring of a new lovely trees.” police chief and fi nance director. Before becoming village manager, Located 25 miles south of Wilton Manors and Manners worked for Anthony incorporated in 1931, Biscayne Park is located LoGrande, owner of the Zig Zag in Miami-Dade County. One of the smallest Building in Wilton Manors. “I’m so municipalities in Florida, it has a population of sorry to have lost him. He worked 3,055 and is 0.6 square miles in size. for me for over a year. He was very Manners said Biscayne Park is similar to instrumental in helping me rebrand Wilton Manors in a lot of ways, such as being the building, fi nding clients. a small town with its own police department. [Becoming village manager] really The main diff erence though is that there are matches his skill set,” LoGrande no businesses in Biscayne Park and there’s no said. WMG • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • •

48 • 6.7.2017 4 • June 7, 2017 Community New Crosswalk Expected to be Finished by August By Michael d’Oliveira

Multiple residents and business owners Futchi’s death sparked a rally outside have long demanded that Wilton Manors city hall organized by people who install a stop light and cross walk at Wilton demanded that state and city offi cials Drive and Northeast 20 Street. In 2015, one make Wilton Drive safer. man even threatened to block Wilton Drive “We need the State to intervene,” Bill if it wasn’t installed. Spinosa, a Gay Men’s Chorus of South Now, he and others have gotten their Florida member, told SFGN at the rally. wish. “Too many people are dying. Something The Florida Department of must be done to protect them.” Transportation [FDOT], which owns Wilton “It should signifi cantly increase Drive, will install a stop light and crosswalk pedestrian safety there at that at the intersection. The current stop light and intersection,” said Finance Director Bob crosswalk in front of city hall will remain in Mays about the planned stop light. place and functional. It’s estimated that the Wilton Drive and Northeast 20 Street is new stoplight will be operational in August. where commissioners wanted the current Its instillation was announced in July of stop light located but FDOT offi cials 2015, one day after Wilton Manors resident placed it in front of city hall, they said, Greg Futchi, 68, a member of the Gay Men’s because they thought it would be the spot Chorus of South Florida, was killed crossing where a crosswalk would be most used by Wilton Drive near Northeast 20 Street. pedestrians. According to police, Futchi was not using a Asked if the second stop light would crosswalk when he was hit by a driver going negatively impact traffi c fl ow, Mays southbound. Other accidents on Wilton said “my understanding is there will be Drive also involved pedestrians not using coordination between the two lights.” crosswalks. WMG

5 • June 7, 2017 6.7.2017 • 49 Community News

Check out what’s happening Officials Will address Fort Lauderdale Water Infrastructure Concerns Around Town By Michael d’Oliveira By Michael d’Oliveira Photo Credit: City of Fort Lauderdale. Water Chlorination The City of Fort Lauderdale will begin chlorinating the water system starting at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, June 20 and will continue through 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25. The chlorination will impact residents in Fort Lauderdale, Wilton Manors, and Oakland Park. WMG

Shred-A-Thon and Medication Disposal The Broward Sheriff ’s Offi ce will hold its monthly Shred-A-Thon and Operation Medicine Cabinet events on Saturday, June 10 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Oakland Park City Hall, 3650 NE 12 Ave. People who donate unused prescription medication will receive a $5 gift card. Sensitive documents can also be dropped- off and will be shredded for free. Call 954-831-8902 for more information. WMG In response to concerns about Fort has been waiting for the report in order Lauderdale’s drinking water and sewage to prioritize repairs and come up with a pipe infrastructure, Wilton Manors plan. He said he’ll work with a new city offi cials said they would address them infrastructure board, then recommend with Fort Lauderdale offi cials. a way forward. City commissioners REACTION Exhibit Opens At the May 23 will decide how quickly, The opening reception of the exhibit REACTION will be Saturday, June 17 from commission meeting, Sal and at what cost, the 6 to 9 p.m. at the da Fonseca Contemporanea Gallery, 2201 Wilton Drive, Wilton Torre, president of the “THE CITY’S improvements will be Manors. The exhibit will feature photographs by Angelika Rinnhofer and Michael Westside Association of SYSTEM... HAS made.” Gellatly. Visit dafonsecacontemporanea.com for more information. WMG Wilton Manors, said he “The city’s water and was concerned about AGING PARTS sewer customers have a May 14 Sun Sentinel seen their bills rise each article which stated that THAT COULD FAIL year. But money that “The city’s system to could have been spent of deliver drinking water AT ANY TIME, AN repairs has been removed from the tap, and to carry from the system and away what’s fl ushed, INDEPENDENT spent on other things like has aging parts that STUDY OF THE parks, public safety and could fail at any time, an other general expenses. independent study of the WATER AND SEWER The city is redirecting water and sewer system approximately $20 million found.” SYSTEM FOUND.” a year collected from . . . The system serves water and sewer bills to hundreds of thousands - Sal Torre cover other city expenses,” of residents, including President of Westisde reads the Sun Sentinel people who live in Association of Wilton article. Wilton Manors and Manors “This should be Oakland Park. Detailed frightening to everyone,” in the article were incidents of burst Torre said. Kiwanis Safety Night water mains and pools of raw sewage Mayor Gary Resnick said Wilton The Kiwanis Club of Wilton Manors will hold its Safety Night event on Thursday, fl ooding various neighborhoods in Fort Manors offi cials are aware of the problem June 22 from 7 to 9 p.m. at its clubhouse, 2749 NE 14 Ave., Wilton Manors. The free Lauderdale. According to the report, $1.4 and that they’ve already met with offi cials event will include the “State of the City,” cyber safety tips presented by the Wilton billion is needed over 20 years to fully from other cities which get their water Manors Police Department, zika prevention tips by Turner & Taylor Pest Control, address the problem. from Fort Lauderdale. Their concerns, and information on Sal’s Towing Save A Life program. Those who would like to “I think in the long run we’ll probably he said, would be addressed to Fort attend are asked to RSVP by emailing [email protected] or call 954-260- end up with a fairly large bond issue,” said Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Public Works Director “There’s got to be a plan,” said Resnick. 9797 or 954-729-0837. WMG Paul Berg in the article. “Berg said the city WMG • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • www.WMGAZETTE.com • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

50 • 6.7.2017 6 • June 7, 2017 6.7.2017 • 51 COLUMN speak out

June 12 will mark one year since the Pulse shooting in Orlando. What would you like to say about the tragedy or its aftermath?

speak SFGN’s “Speak OUT” is a weekly feature giving a regular voice to South Florida LGBT leaders. uT SFGN Staff It’s hard to believe it’s been a year. Sad that just recently the “body camera footage was released. This has been one of too many shootings in America. Much like Sept 11 we’ve seen increased security in venues not usually targets. I feel this has brought us, an LGBTQI community together, too. A common scene of community has been felt.” — R. J. Hadley, community activist

In 2015, Florida with 2,559 deaths was third after California with “3,095 and Texas with 3,203 in firearm related deaths. That’s not just numbers. Those are people. We need to be outraged. We need to fight! We need an end to grandstanding around the issues of gun violence. Instead we need real legislation of gun control and a logical reasoning behind the “need” for one. Only then, will the lives of our Pulse Brothers and Sisters not be in vain.” — Meredith L Ockman, community activist and a director of NOW Photo Credit: Jason Parsley.

There is no making sense, or getting our arms and hearts A year later after the Pulse massacre, my heart still grieves “around the mass murder of our family in Pulse. We know that it “for the victims and their families. I am forever grateful for the can, and probably will happen again in some other manifestation of response of the Greater Orlando community and their friends from fear and hatred, here or somewhere else. We must never forget, and law enforcement and hospital staff to sports professionals and local we must dance with abandon.” residents who showed support for and solidarity with the LGBT community and everyone impacted by the massacre. — Brian McNaught, noted columnist, author and LGBT activist Looking beyond Orlando and the local level, our nation no longer has a president advocating for sensible responsible gun safety or properly acknowledging the LGBT community within national policies or even with a basic Pride Month proclamation. The Republican-controlled Congress and the Trump White House has ignored us and how the Pulse tragedy targeted the LGBT community. Our national leaders are leaderless on this, so I remain proud to stand with those officials and activists who continue to advocate, resist, persist, and enlist for the needed change we Never Again!” must have. Just like with the killing of Matthew Sheppard in Laramie, Wyoming, we must “ — Ruth Berman, LGBT activist work on all levels from politics to community outreach and education to make sure the Pulse victims in Orlando, Florida, not have died in vain.” — Justin Flippen, Vice Mayor of Wilton Manors

The Pulse massacre was a painful reminder that LGBTQ people are This terrible tragedy and aftermath have brought about a “still demonized and dehumanized by many and the rhetoric of “stronger sense of community, pride and an imperative sense hate leads to actions of violence. It remains imperative that we affirm that we should love, respect and protect each other more than ever.” the inherent dignity of all people.” — Tony Lima, Executive Director of SAVE — Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral, Fort Lauderdale

Visit SFGN.com/SpeakOut to see more of this week’s responses. Send an Email to [email protected] speak uT if you know of an LGBT community leader that should be or wants to be a part of this list.

52 • 6.7.2017 6.7.2017 • 53 OUTGAMES red fl ags

CouLd ouTgames CoLLapse Two local organizers knew the beeN avoided? organization was “shady” Jason Parsley

hen the World OutGames canceled their 10- a tournament is eight. To put that in perspective their local And then everything fell apart. day sports festival on the opening day it left annual tournament has 60 teams each year. “There were problems from day one when they couldn’t Wthousands of athletes shocked, bewildered and “They came out for one fi nal push and even agreed to even get control of their website,” he remembers. “These angry. waive some fees,” Martin said. But that did nothing to guys thought everybody was going to roll over and give How could something this big collapse on day one? With persuade him. them everything.” no warning? If they had overcome the cost and location, they would The last straw for Grzeszczak was one week after the Turns out there were plenty of warning signs and red have gotten to the next level of discussions early registrations had ended in September of 2016 and the fl ags leading up to the event. It’s still unclear why no where they would have run into a third aquatics venues needed to be paid. OutGames missed the one paid more attention to them. problem. Martin explained there are payment. In response Grzeszczak quickly bowed out. SFGN interviewed several local organizers to “They didn’t other long standing gay softball “At that time I vowed not to do anything with the meet,” fi nd out if there were any misgivings prior to seem to care about tournaments that take place Memorial Grzeszczak said. “Every meet has hiccups. These hiccups opening day. There were plenty. pulling teams away Day weekend in other parts of the were so much worse.” “It seemed shady from beginning to from other cities even country. An OutGames tournament Once Grzeszczak quit, the Nadadores stepped in and end,” said Tim Martin, Chairman of when we told them that would have potentially pulled teams took over the event. the South Florida Amateur Athletic away from them, causing a rift between “Unfortunately, OutGames were responsible for a Association, the local LGBT softball bothered us greatly.” himself and other leagues. number of important things we had to do without, league. “They didn’t seem to care about pulling including transportation, essential equipment, volunteers, - Tim martin Martin told SFGN, OutGames south Florida amateur teams away from other cities even when we and even medals,” said Evan Matthew Cobb, Secretary, approached him a year and a half ago athletic association told them that bothered us greatly,” Martin said. IGLA International LGBTQ+ Aquatics. about organizing a softball tournament “As a league, we feel like we dodged a big bullet.” Despite those issues most swimmers and organizers on their behalf. Eventually negotiations Martin wasn’t the only one SFGN interviewed who called SFGN interviewed agreed the aquatics events went between Martin and OutGames fell apart. World OutGames shady. smoothly. The two biggest obstacles for Martin were that the fees “I thought they were shady from the get go,” said Kirk “I think the Nadadores did a great job,” Grzeszczak said. were too expensive, and they wanted the tournament held Arthur, a former captain of the Nadadores, the LGBT swim “They did good job with a bad situation.” in Miami. Martin, who is familiar with Fort Lauderdale, team in Miami. “I refused to deal with them and passed the Arthur agreed. wasn’t willing to go down there and start from scratch. opportunity off to John [Grzeszczak].” “The team had everything pretty well organized so even “The fees for this would have been more expensive than OutGames initially approached Arthur to organize the if OutGames didn’t deliver, the event would go on,” he said. our World Series,” he said, saying OutGames wanted about aquatics events, which includes swimming and water polo. And it did. $200 per person. Each team has between 13 and 18 players. “We made the OutGames pay up front for all our venues “Thanks to [the Nadadores] eff orts, we had all the A typical tournament charges per team, not player. and events,” Arthur said. “We had no trust in their ability to essentials - pools, offi cials, and some great social events - OutGames organizers were persistent though, even execute something as complex as this meet.” so we had a successful championship and 30th anniversary approaching Martin one last time just two months before Grzeszczak, who is captain of the Hammerheads in Fort celebration,” Cobb said. “We welcomed over 600 athletes the event, telling him they had secured two teams from Lauderdale, was the next person in charge of organizing the from more than 20 countries, and we’re also grateful for California. Martin said the smallest number needed to host aquatics portion of the sporting festival. their patience, fl exibility and understanding.”

During the Human Rights Conference at the OutGames. Photo Credit: Carina Mask.

54 • 6.7.2017 OUTGAMES athletes

baskeTbaLL pLayers rebouNd From ouTgames FiasCo John McDonald Photo: Carina Mask.

he Wilton Warriors will live on to play another day says team captain TChris Manning. Manning spoke with SFGN by telephone last week. He said was disappointed in the OutGames collapse. “We are not participating,” Manning said. “I wish there had been more communication.” Dallas ThunderCats. He said the Warriors For the Warriors, scheduling confl icts are developing “A” and “B” teams for future resulted in the team’s decision to not competitions. The organization, he added, participate. is eying a tournament this fall in Minnesota. “We all have job commitments,” Manning While he acknowledges the said. “The days they (OutGames) had us disappointment some are feeling about rescheduled to play just did not work.” the OutGames, Manning took to his Manning said the Warriors, however, are personal Facebook page to off er words of not deterred by the OutGames fi asco. He encouragement. said the Warriors will continue to practice “Disappointment is an understatement,” at Holiday Park Gym in Fort Lauderdale and Manning posted. “To my teammates I love are considering joining a local league. every last one of you and our hard work and Manning played junior college basketball dedication will not go unnoticed. We will in his native Texas and was a member of overcome this, the Warriors are here to stay! the National Gay Basketball Association’s Much love and hugs men!”

6.7.2017 • 55 OUTGAMES human rights oN THe grouNd aT WorLd ouTgames HumaN rigHTs aNd CuLTuraL piLLars sTaNd sTroNg Jillian Melero WHiLe CiTy braCes sporTs CoLLapse

he World OutGames Miami opened with its Robbins greeted guests with a smile and a handshake and their struggles, stories, and resources over the three-day ‘Global LGBTQI Human Rights Conference’ Friday thanked them for coming. conference. Tmorning, May 26 at the Loews Hotel in Miami After a continental breakfast, Robbins and OutGames Brown lauded the eff orts of Robbins, and of former Beach. But by Friday afternoon, the conference was volunteers brought visitors into the Americana Ballroom OutGames co-director Jim Wilets, for keeping the overshadowed by an email from WOG organizers that the where they were greeted by the Miami Welcome Team, international focus on the conference. sports programming and related ceremonies, scheduled the fi rst panel of the morning, at 8 a.m. Brown, along with former Miami to begin Saturday had been cancelled due to “fi nancial In addition to Cindy Brown, the team included Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, challenges. Tony Lima of SAVE, Robin Schwartz chairman “What i want to were part of the core group who The email also informed visitors that the human of the LGBT Advisory Committee for Miami do is focus all my attended the games in Antwerp in rights conference, and the cultural arts programs would Beach, and Lori Lynch Executive Director 2013 to make the bid for Miami. continue as scheduled. Those programs were directed of the Miami-Dade Gay and Lesbian energy on human The fi rst indication to visitors and organized by Lynare Robbins and Carol Coombes. Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC). rights and put together that the Memorial Day weekend Robbins said she was hired as an independent contractor Brown welcomed early morning a conference that might present a challenge came to organize the human rights programming. conference goers to the city, and during a brief safety and security “The women really stepped up and did their parts. They emphasized the focus of the really addresses the presentation from Detective Juan did what they were supposed to do,” Cindy Brown, former conference – global and international issues that we all face Sanchez, LGBT Liaison and Dan Oates OutGames Board member, told SFGN. Brown was also eff orts toward human rights. internationally.” Chief of Police for Miami Beach. part of the Miami Welcome Team that greeted conference “From the beginning when I was “We want to tell you, it’s an unusual goers on Friday. asked to participate I said my interest - Cindy brown weekend for us, for those who don’t know Arriving at the Loews, Friday morning, visitors with cars was in the human rights conference, Miami Beach, the Memorial Day weekend is were asked to pay a $40 valet fee -- $25 after validation culture is great, sports [are] great, but what I traditionally the busiest weekend for the year in terms of from the conference, at the hotel or park at a nearby want to do is focus all my energy on human rights and put visitors, in fact it is such a busy weekend, that we actually public garage. During check-in, on the second fl oor, together a conference that really addresses the issues that borrow police offi cers from around the county to help we all face internationally,” police South Beach,” Oates said. Brown said. “The other thing that’s going on this weekend and this Guest speakers included is brand new for us is the Air & Sea Show. They’re going to Dan oates, Moninne Griffi th, who be fl ying from noon on Saturday to 3:30, and on Sunday, Miami Beach discussed the struggles of so if you’re sitting here in the conference you may hear Chief of Police, LGBT youth and bullying some interesting noises -- they’re actually going to be briefs guests to in Catholic Ireland. Tamara practicing later this afternoon –- that is a new event for expect heavy crowds and traffi c Adrian who talked about her Miami Beach, we don’t know how many people we’re during the busy fi ght to pass LGBTQI equality going to get, we could get a 100,000 people on the beach, Memorial Day laws in the Venezuelan so it’s an unusual weekend for us.” weekend at the National Assembly. Nadine That afternoon, after practice for the Air & Sea show Human Rights Smith of Equality Florida started, guest speakers in the second-fl oor salons Conference of the who touched upon gun were occasionally interrupted by the sound of aerial World OutGames culture and gun violence maneuvers. Miami. Credit: Carina Mask in the wake of Pulse. Shane In addition to outside interference, there seemed Ortega who talked about his to be a lack of volunteers to set up audio and video for fi ght for LGBT soldiers to be guest speakers. Many presenters dealt with sound issues, recognized and serve openly malfunctioning microphones, too much reverberation in in the U.S. armed forces. And the large empty salons, or no microphones at all. many others who shared Conference-goers, shouted their assistance to guest

56 • 6.7.2017 OUTGAMES human rights

Robin Schwartz, Chairman of the LGBT Advisory Committee for Miami Beach sits on the welcome team for the Human Rights Conference at the World OutGames Miami. May 26, 2017. Photo Credit: Carina Mask

speakers from across the ballrooms. “Hold the microphone to your mouth and keep it there!” Herrera Bower said to Shane Ortega. “You need to enunciate; we can’t understand you!” another attendee advised Tamara Adrian. The situation was almost comical, until the email announcing the sports cancellations went out to registrants Friday at noon. There was no announcement made regarding the cancellation on the OutGames website or on social media until a Facebook post Monday, being slowly rerouted to the Loews. By Friday afternoon reschedule and host the sporting events were underway. May 26 at noon. most of the athletes had followed the series of “OutGames The City of Miami Beach along with the Greater Miami OutGames organizers estimated 2,000 athletes would registration relocated” signs through the fi rst and second Convention and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) and the Miami be arriving from more than 60 countries, along with more fl oors of the Loews, to the “New York” rooms, to fi nd out Dade Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) than 40,000 spectators. What the fi nal numbers were that their events had been cancelled. collaborated with organizers to reschedule the week’s have yet to be confi rmed at time of publication. Many of Reporters from the Miami Herald captured Facebook events throughout Miami. the athletes had fl own into Fort Lauderdale and Miami live video of OutGames athletes asking Cano for answers Chairman of the LGBT Advisory Committee for Miami on Thursday, or were arriving at advertised host hotels in in the relocated offi ces before Cano quietly closes the door Beach Robin Schwartz also recognized the eff orts of the the area Friday. They had all submitted registration fees in on reporters. GMCVB in making the best out of the situation. various amounts months in advance. Robbins told SFGN she had no prior notice that the “I don’t know what caused the failure of the WOG Miami “For the board to cancel everything on the fi rst day of sports programming would be cancelled, but after the organization to deliver what they promised. I do know that the actual event is unforgivable,” Colin Bodels, registered announcement she resigned from her position, but I am extremely proud to have been a part of the LGBTQ to race in the half marathon, told SFGN via email. “I have continued on as a volunteer to help with rescheduling community pulling together to make lemonade out of friends in the air over the Atlantic fl ying in from Sweden, events and assisting international travelers. lemons,” Schwartz said. Belgium, the UK and elsewhere. This is unconscionable Throughout the weekend, the cultural arts programming “I know everyone wants to know what happened to and smacks of not (disorganization) but greed and reading and human rights conference continued. cause the last-minute cancellation. I believe we need to more and more like a scam to get money. I’m looking In addition to Robbins, Brown said the volunteer eff orts wait for the investigation to be complete to get that answer. forward to seeing/hearing how they respond to requests of Tori Bertran, Melba de Leon, Augusta Zimmerman, and For now, we do know that despite everyone’s shock over the for refunds or fraud.” Jennifer Love, who all helped with the conference, also last-minute cancellations, we all stayed focused on doing Friday night the opening ceremony for the human rights deserved to be recognized. what was possible to give the athletes sporting events in conference, originally scheduled at the National hotel, Sunday morning the closing brunch for the human which to compete, spaces to celebrate and show that the was instead held at the Loews, without announcement. rights conference, changed from a back patio outdoor City of Miami Beach and the community here welcome A memo from Miami Beach City manager Jimmy Morales aff air at the Loews, to an indoor brunch. But the evening them with open arms.” on Thursday night detailed, among other fi nancial concluded with a happy hour at the poolside lounge. challenges, that OutGames organizers owed the National On Monday, an OutGames Facebook post reiterated that If you’d like to recognize an individual or organization $57,000, the Miami Herald reported. The Miami Beach the sports programming had been cancelled, but 24 hours who helped host events, or assist international travelers, police, and the Florida State Attorney’s offi ce announced later another post announced that volunteer eff orts to let us know by sending an email to [email protected]. they would be investigating OutGames organizers over misappropriation of funds. Saturday starting at 7 a.m. with the Air & Sea show THe board oF direCTors For THe miami beaCH LgbT sporTs and Urban Beach Week in full swing, the Memorial Day weekend traffi c plan also went into eff ect. Ocean Drive aNd CuLTuraL League iNC. (WorLd ouTgames) iNCLudes: was closed to all vehicular traffi c, Collins Avenue became one-way northbound, and Washington Avenue became one-way southbound. Law enforcement resources, already stretched thin, redirected traffi c along the • Bruce Townsend, President • Jerry Torres, Secretary, intersections, making movement among the diff erent • Ivan Cano, Vice President, • George Neary venues diffi cult for conference goers, guest speakers, • Keith Hart, Treasurer, • Nick Tierno and still arriving athletes. Congestion was so heavy, Uber waived cancellation fees apologizing for delays in the The website lists Cano as Chief Executive Offi cer, Hart as Chief Operating Offi cer, and Jordan Selders as area. Director of Sports. The Facebook page also lists Marc Brown. Athletes who had previously been told that main registration would be at the National Hotel, were also The offi ce address is 1210 Washington Ave, Suite 220, MB. The phone number is 786-276-9559.

6.7.2017 • 57 FEATURE pets Tails of Legend

Four-year-old Squeakers (ID 576041) sadly was given up because someone developed allergies. This 15-pound gal is described as being quite the princess. She loves to be held and will even perch herself on your shoulder while you sit on the couch. Squeakers enjoys using a scratching post, likes running water from the faucet and she gets along with calm dogs. Oh, and one other thing… she likes to tell you stories, so Squeakers be sure you’re ready to listen.

When you adopt from the Humane Society of Broward County all pets are spayed or neutered before going home. In addition, they receive preliminary vaccinations, heartworm test for dogs over seven months, feline leukemia test for cats, a limited 10-day health care plan courtesy of VCA Animal Hospital, a bag of Purina ONE food and more. The adoption fee for dogs over six months is $100 and felines over six months are $30. For more information call the shelter today at 954-989-3977 ext. 6. The Humane Society of Broward County is located at 2070 Griffi n Road, just a block west of I-95 and opens daily at 10:30 a.m. To see who else needs a home visit www.humanebroward.com

58 • 6.7.2017 ‘

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6.7.2017 • 59 x

FOR THESFG WEEK OF JUNE 8 - JUNEN 13, 201ITES7 WWW.SFGN.COM

J.W. Arnold [email protected] THU 6/8 In Remembrance FILM Hunky Tom Cruise is back on the big screen this weekend in the latest reboot of “The Mummy.” The chiseled action star, who first captivated us as a teen with his underwear clad performance in “Risky Business,” battles a buxom ancient Egyptian queen (Sofia Boutella) who was unjustly entombed. She is unexpectedly awakened from eternal slumber to exact her revenge. Check local listings for theaters and show times. FRI 6/9 DRAG The Ultimate Miami competitions are back at Magic City Casino, 450 NW 37th Ave. in Miami. In addition to finding the ultimate comedian and bartender, the judges will crown Miami’s top drag queen tonight at 9 p.m. Sharon Needles COMMUNITY and Jinxx Monsoon are your hostesses Friday 6/12 with the moistest for the cutthroat The Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors, commemorates the one-year anniversary of the Pulse competition that will feature many attack with a fl ag hanging ceremony. A framed fl ag that fl ew over the U.S. Capitol on June 12, 2016 will be placed on display of the region’s most talented female at 6 p.m. in the main hall of the Shubert building on the LGBT community center campus. Free, the public is invited. More impersonators. Tickets start at $25 at TheUltimateMiami.com. information at PrideCenterFlorida.org. Photo Credit: Wikipedia. SAT 6/10 SUN 6/11 MON 6/12 TUE 6/13 CONCERT EVENT NIGHTLIFE THEATER The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, To commemorate the one-year “Turnabout” is an annual tradition The Broadway Across America Jazz Ensemble and Steel Drum Band anniversary of the Pulse shootings in at Georgie’s Alibi in the Shoppes of season at the Broward Center in Fort celebrate Pride month with a concert Orlando, the Arsht Center in Miami Wilton Manors, 2266 Wilton Dr. The Lauderdale concludes this week with of music by LGBT composers tonight at hosts the Communi-Tea Dance this popular bar’s staff all don gender- “Finding Neverland,” running through 7 p.m. at the Broward Center in Fort afternoon at 4 p.m. on the Thomson bending costumes and perform on June 19. The optimistic musical, directed Lauderdale. The program, conducted Plaza for the Arts, outside the Ziff stage for their patrons. This year’s by Tony winner Diane Paulus, tells the by artistic director Dan Bassett, Ballet Opera House. DJ Hottpants theme is “Gays in Space” and is sure to story of “Peter Pan” creator J.M. Barrie, includes classical and contemporary and Deejay Smeejay will spin, with be out of this world as the staff boldly along with the life-changing events works by Aaron Copland, Leonard performances by Tiffany T Fantasia, go where no drag queen has gone and people who shaped the tale of a Bernstein, Samuel Barber, Benjamin Queef Latina, Ann Atomic, Jupiter Velvet, before. Proceeds benefit Safe Schools magical boy who refused to grow up Britten and more. Tickets are $30 at Kat Wilderness and The State Of. Free, South Florida. For more information, on the island of Neverland. Tickets at BrowardCenter.org. more information at ArshtCenter.org. go to AlibiWiltonManors.com. BrowardCenter.org.

60 • 6.7.2017 6.7.2017 • 61 pAID content

TOP 4 REASONS FOR TEETH WHITENING THIS SUMMER Due to its many benefi ts, teeth whitening is becoming increasingly more and more popular across the nation. Because tooth whitening being so easily accessible and aff ordable, it has become one of the fastest cosmetic procedures to date. Now that summer has arrived, it may be a good time to begin whitening if you haven’t done so already. You want your smile looking fl awless when taking those endless family vacation photos or those nights out with friends. Let’s take a look at the top 4 reasons why it might be a good idea to begin tooth whitening this summer:

1. Bye, bye tooth stains

No matter how well you brush, tooth discolouration can still occur and is more common than what many people tend to think. For most, teeth staining is due to the following factors:

▶ smoking ▶ drinking coff ee and wine ▶ drinking canned beverages and soft drinks ▶ eating foods like berries, curry, pasta sauce ▶ not properly brushing for a long time.

With one single treatment, teeth whitening can improve your teeth up to 8 shades whiter! To reduce tooth discoloration when drinking these beverages, try using a straw instead. This will prevent the liquid from coating the surrounding enamel of your teeth. 2. Confi dence Boost

Can teeth whitening actually increase a person’s confi dence? The answer is, absolutely it can! A lot of people will intentionally smile with their mouths closed due to many factors but one being that their teeth may not look as white as they want. Teeth whitening can help solve this issue and boost confi dence to face the world with a bold and beautiful smile. Teeth whitening may be just what you need to give you the confi dence to face any social gathering with ease. 3. Age-is it really just a number?

Teeth whitening can actually help with the aging eff ect. According to the dentist association, stained teeth can make someone look up to 10 years older. Diet does play a big role in how quickly your teeth yellow. However, people do not consider this when you smile. You will be amazed at how much younger you will look by applying a simple tooth whitening treatment. 4. Say cheese!

Lastly, summer is of course picture season. With events like birthday parties, weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, graduations, eating out, etc, you want to make sure your smile is nothing less than perfect. Tooth whitening can make sure you are picture ready for any occasion. It’s more than likely these pictures will be see by lots of people whether it’s on social media, in a photo album, or just browsing through a smartphone. No matter the celebration, you want to have peace of mind that you can smile confi dently with no fear of discolouration. Give tooth whitening a try to see the diff erence in all 4 areas mentioned above. We believe it will make all the diff erence and mostly importantly, you will feel that much better about yourself. Call Premiere Smile Center at (954) 566-7479 if you have any further questions about tooth whitening treatment. Let us help you make the important decision to make sure you have the whitest smile possible this summer.

www.drjohnsondds.com 2717 E Oakland Park Blvd, Fort 954-566-7479 Lauderdale, FL 33306

62 • 6.7.2017

A&E theater

“The Legend of Georgia McBride” cast includes, left to right: Clay Cartland, Sean Patrick Doyle, Tom Wahl and Dave Corey. Photo Credit: George Schiavone. revieW: ‘LegeNd oF georgia mCbride’ is No drag J.W. Arnold

et’s clarify that headline just a bit: “The the continuing abuse many LGBT people face Legend of Georgia McBride” at GableStage every day, lessons not lost on the older, mostly Lin Coral Gables IS a play about drag AND “straight, not narrow” audience at the Sunday the feel-good hit of the summer, guaranteed to matinee. provide a welcome respite from global warming. And, Jo’s surprise revelation that her husband GableStage’s politically minded artistic is supporting the couple by dressing up and director Joseph Adler was quick to point both performing as a woman is completely predictable out in his curtain speech, noting the sandbags and telegraphed from the earliest scenes. piled around the entrance to the theater located Cartland is immediately likeable as the ever- in the tony Biltmore Hotel. Current events were optimistic Casey. The Carbonell Award-winner is quickly forgotten as the lights rose for Matthew known for his unique brand of physical comedy, Lopez’s comedy: showcased especially in the drag lessons Casey (Clay Cartland) is an Elvis impersonator conducted under the patient tutelage of Tracy. struggling to eek out a living at Cleo’s, a He fumbles with falsies and stumbles around beachfront Panama City honky tonk. When in stilettos and delivers hilarious moments of his wife, Jo (Jade Wheeler), announces she is high camp drag in outrageous costumes by Ellis pregnant, the fi nancial implications are hardly Tillman. his foremost concern—until his boss Eddie The funniest scene involves the evolution of (Dave Corey) announces that he is replacing his fi rst drag persona, gay icon Edith Piaf singing Casey’s Elvis act with a drag show. “Padam, Padam.” Cartland had the audience Eddie’s cousin, Miss Tracy Mills (Tom Wahl), giggling as he adapted the tricks of the trade to will headline the act, backed up by her bitter, the mannerisms of the quirky French chanteuse. inebriated sidekick, Miss Annarexia “Rexie” “Whenever you don’t know the lyrics, just repeat Nervosa (Sean Patrick Doyle). If the father-to-be ‘watermelon, motherfucker’,” Tracy explains. wants to keep a job at the club, he’ll have to serve Wahl is a confi dent and knowing “drag drinks behind the bar. mother” throughout the entire transformation, When “Rexie” becomes incapacitated on always believable, empathetic and sincere, and opening night, Casey faces a choice to don heels does a credible job himself performing as Barbra, and wig or take a walk. His reluctant decision Judy and Cher. Doyle (who also does double duty sends him on a journey of self-discovery. That’s as Casey’s landlord Jason) provides comic relief, really all you need to know about the play. delivers the moving history lesson and later Lopez’s story is not completely original, performs the best drag performance of the show drawing inspiration from some of the best as Cyndi Lauper. moments of “La Cage aux Folles,” “Torch Song Not to be overlooked, Lyle Baskin’s multi- Trilogy,” “To Wong Fu…” and “The Birdcage” layered set takes advantage of the theater’s with a little sprinkling of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” unconventional, wide performance space, shade thrown in for good measure. quickly and eff ectively transforming between Yes, there are the obligatory references to the the couple’s apartment, the dressing room and drag queens who incited the Stonewall Riots and nightclub stage.

GableStage presents Matthew Lopez’s “The Legend of Georgia McBride” through June 25 inside the Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave. in Coral Gables. Tickets are $60 at Gablestage.org.

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6.7.2017 • 65 Datebook JUNE 7 - JUNE 14 Theater * Girls Only: The Secret Comedy Christiana Lilly of Women [email protected] June 14 to 25 at the Broward Center, 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. After going through their girlhood diaries, the creators put together a show with sketch comedy, improv, songs, videos, and audience top picks participation. Tickets $35 to $45. Call 954- 462-0222 or visit BrowardCenter.org. South Florida Pride Wind * The Goldberg Variations Ensemble: Celebration June 15 to July 16 at Island City Stage, 2304 June 10 at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center, N. Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors. The 201 SW Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. Goldberg family throws a party every year in The ensemble is joined by the Jazz honor of their late grandmother’s birthday, Ensemble and Steel Drum Band to but when Caleb tries to switch things up, celebrate gay and lesbian composers. his boyfriend and family spin the event out Tickets $30. Call 954-462-0222 or visit of control. Tickets $35. Call 954-519-2533 or BrowardCenter.org. visit IslandCityStage.org. Gipsy Kings Proof June 11 at 8 p.m. at the Kravis Center, Through June 18 at Empire Stage, 1140 N. 701 Okeechobee Blvd in West Palm Flagler Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Catherine Beach. For decades the band has infused is caring for her aging father, a brilliant a 29-city North American tour. Tickets $31 including Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “21 Chump Spanish fl amenco, gypsy, and salsa mathematician. She comes across an old to $125. Call 786-777-1000 or visit AAArena. Street.” Tickets $39. Call 305-949-6722 or funk. Tickets $29 and up. Call 561-832- notebook that gives her more questions of her com. visit ArshtCenter.org. 7469 or visit Kravis.org. father’s past and her future. Tickets $35. Call 954-650-5938 or visit NewCityPlayers.org. Volcanic Outdoor Music Series LAST CHANCE: Through June 10 at the Miami Theater Third Thursdays at the Perez Art Museum It Shoulda Been You Friday Night Sound Waves Center, 9806 NE Second Ave. in Miami Miami, 101 W. Flagler St. in Miami. Come Through June 11 at the Actors’ Playhouse Music Series Shores. A part of the “Mujeres” Sandbox out for live music from DJs and musicians by Fridays from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at The at the Miracle Theatre, 280 Miracle Mile Series, a dance solo by Carlota Pradera the bay. Drink specials available. Free with Hub, Las Olas Boulevard and A1A in Fort in Coral Gables. A bride and groom personifying the collision of earth, fi re, and museum admission. Call 305-375-3000 or Lauderdale. Enjoy live, outdoor music from completely diff erent backgrounds ice to give rise to a heroine. Tickets $25. Call visit PAMM.org. spanning genres and tributes every Friday are set to marry, until the bride’s ex- 305-751-9550 or visit MTCMiami.org. evening through November. Free. Visit boyfriend unleashes some surprising FridayNightSoundWaves.com The Big Show news about who the bride is really into! Summer Shorts Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m. at Just the Tickets $57 to $64. Call 305-444-9293 or Through July 12 at the Arsht Center, 1300 Funny Theater, 3119 Coral Way in Miami. visit ActorsPlayHouse.org. palm beach county Biscayne Blvd in Miami. The annual short A collection of comedy mixing the likes of play festival presents a brand-new line improvisation and sketches. Tickets $12. Call * Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell of 10-minute plays and mini-musicals, 305-693-8669 or visit JustTheFunny.com. * Denotes New Listing and Jon Pardi June 17 at 7 p.m. at Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre, 601-7 Sansburys Way in West Palm Beach. broward county Dierks Bentley hits the road for his What the Hell Tour with Cole Swindell and Jon Pardi. ALL-INCLUSIVE... AS NEWS Tickets $40 and up. Call 561-795-8883 or visit Ann Wilson of Heart WestPalmBeachAmphitheatre.com. June 8 at Parker Playhouse, 707 NE Eighth St.in Fort Lauderdale. The lead of ‘80s Free Friday Concerts Fridays at 7:30 p.m. at the Delray Beach SHOULD BE band Heart, Wilson performs favorites like “Barracuda,” “Alone,” “Crazy on You,” and Center for the Arts, 51 N. Swinton Ave. in AS DIVERSE “What About Love.” Tickets $47.50 to $97.50. Delray Beach. Enjoy live music from the Call 954-462-0222 or visit ParkerPlayhouse. comfort of your picnic blanket or lawn chair AS EVER com. every week, for free! Returns in October. Call 561-243-7922 or visit DelrayArts.org. Whether you are in the bisexual or * Finding Neverland miami-dade county transgender communities, are asexual, June 13 to 25 at the Broward Center, 201 SW gender-fl uid, pansexual, or maybe Fifth Ave. in Fort Lauderdale. 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