local name global coverage august 20, 2020 vol. 11 // issue 33 TURNING
BLUEPAGES 4, 10 - 14, 20 A LOOK AT KAMALA HARRIS, A WAVE OF LGBT VICTORIES
Visit SFGN.com/donate to support a gay free press.
SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS @SFGN SFGN.COM NEWS HIGHLIGHT SouthFloridaGayNews.com
@SFGN August 20, 2020 • Volume 11 • Issue 33 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACH Publisher • Norm Kent [email protected] Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley ENACTS EQUALITY ORDINANCE [email protected] Editorial Art Director • Brendon Lies Kim Swan [email protected] Webmaster • Kimberly Swan [email protected] t’s another victory for LGBT people Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold after the North Palm Beach Village [email protected] Council voted to enact the Village’s Civil Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin I Gazette News Editor • Sallie James Rights Ordinance, which goes into effect HIV Editor • Sean McShee immediately. Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis The ordinance will protect LGBT people [email protected] from discrimination based on sexual Senior Feature Columnists orientation, gender identity or expression, Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo race and more throughout the Village. Correspondents The Village is home to more than 13,000 Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh Christiana Lilly • John McDonald residents. Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod According to a press release, Village Contributing Columnists Council member Darryl Aubrey proposed Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer the ordinance at the request of the Palm Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily Beach County Human Rights Council, Associate Photographers an organization dedicated to ending Carina Mask • Steven Shires discrimination based on sexual orientation Sales & Marketing and gender identity or expression. For ad placement in SFGN, “While the United State Supreme Court contact 954-530-4970 recently ruled that discrimination in Sales Manager • Justin Wyse employment based on sexual orientation [email protected] Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann [email protected] “... UNTIL CONGRESS Distribution Services • Noah Lebel Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid OR THE FLORIDA National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 LEGISLATURE TAKES [email protected] The waterways of Village of North Palm Beach. Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping ACTION, WE MUST RELY Photo via Facebook. Printing by Stuart Web Inc.
ON MUNICIPAL AND and gender identity is prohibited nationwide, civil rights ordinances. there are no federal or statewide laws in Over the years, PBCHRC’s “Palm Beach COUNTY OFFICIALS effect in Florida which protect LGBTQ people County: You’re Welcome!” campaign has from discrimination in housing and public encouraged elected officials in many SFGN Winner of TO FULLY PROTECT accommodations,” said PBCHRC President Florida’s cities such as Boynton Beach, West & 5 Florida Press Club Awards LGBTQ PEOPLE FROM and Founder Rand Hoch in the press release. Palm Beach, and Wellington to enact LGBT- And runner-up for “Therefore, until Congress or the Florida inclusive municipal civil rights laws. NLGJA Journalist of the Year DISCRIMINATION.” Legislature takes action, we must rely on PBCHRC is currently working with the municipal and county officials to fully Town of Haverhill and Juno Beach, as well SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS.COM, INC. - Rand Hoch protect LGBTQ people from discrimination.” as the City of Riviera Beach, to enact LGBT- — — PBCHRC PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER Out of 411 cities, towns and villages in inclusive civil rights ordinances by summer’s FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009 Florida, only 32 have enacted LGBT-inclusive end. BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT
South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names COVER: Kamala Harris. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore, via Flickr. or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at [email protected]. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Associated Press Copyright © 2020 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
2 • 8.20.2020 NEWS STATE WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Sean McShee
CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN THREECumulative SOUTH Known FLORIDA COVID-19 COUNTIES: Cases in AUGUSTThree South12 THROUGH Florida AUGUSTCounties: 18 Aug 12 through August 18 Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 8/12 to 8/18 Palm Beach 4.0%, Broward 4.9%, Miami Dade 5.5% 146,026 146,990 142,662 144,407 145,307 139,271 140,984
67,193 65,369 66,447 66,826 64,080 64,741 66,011
37,934 38,208 38,575 38,902 39,129 39,274 39,460
Dr. Cunningham and his office are available for 8/12 8/13 8/14 8/15 8/16 8/17 8/18
Palm Beach Broward Miami-Dade your needs during this crisis. Please call Source Fl DOH Dashboard or email at [email protected]
Source: Florida DEO Dashboard.
CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS IN THREECumulativeCumulative SOUTH Known Known FLORIDA COVID COVID-19-19 COUNTIES:Cases Deaths in in AUGUSTThreeThree South12 South THROUGH Florida Florida AUGUSTCounties: Counties: 18 AugAug 12 12 through through August August 18 18 Percent IncreaseIncrease inin cumulativecumulative COVIDCOVID--1919 deathscases fromfrom 8/12 8/12 to to8/188/18 Palm Beach 5.5%, 4.0%, Broward Broward 19.3%, 4.9%, MiamiMiami DadeDade 5.5%9.6% 146,026 146,990 142,662 144,407 145,307 139,271 140,984 2,126 2,047 2,057 2,081 1,999 1,939 1,954
66,447 67,193 64,741 65,369 66,011 66,826 1,006 64,080 1,013 1,025 964 976 989 992 980 992 954 914 940 859 883
37,934 38,208 38,575 38,902 39,129 39,274 39,460
8/12 8/138/13 8/148/14 8/158/15 8/168/16 8/178/17 8/188/18 Palm Beach Broward Miami-Dade Palm Beach Broward Miami Dade Source Fl DOH Dashboard Source Fl DOH Dashboard Source: Florida DEO Dashboard.
8.20.2020 • 3 NEWS NATIONAL THE AUDACITY OF HOPE HARRIS CHOICE HISTORIC
Chris Johnson Washington Blade
oe Biden made history Tuesday by selecting Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) as the first woman of color as a vice- Jpresidential candidate on a major party ticket, and a rising political star who has demonstrated a commitment to the LGBT community.
Harris is a relative newcomer to “I declined to defend Proposition 8 because Washington, but her record on LGBT rights it violates the Constitution,” Harris said in a extends back to her tenure as a district statement in 2013. “The Supreme Court has attorney for San Francisco and California described marriage as a fundamental right 14 attorney general as well as her work during times since 1888. The time has come for this her first term as U.S. senator. That’s made right to be afforded to every citizen.” her a favorite among LGBT people, many of After the U.S. Supreme Court restored whom still wear “For the People” shirts from marriage equality to California in 2013, Harris her presidential campaign. officiated the wedding of Kris Perry and “I grew up in a community and a culture Sandy Stier of Berkeley, Calif., the first same- where everyone was accepted for sex marriage performed who they were, so there wasn’t a in California after the moment where it was like, ‘OK, landmark decision. Kamala Harris. Photo credit: Gage Skidmore. now let’s let this person in,’” Harris Additionally, Harris told the Los Angeles Blade in 2019. instructed clerks to Harris has taken major steps to lead efforts is unlawful under Title VII, but the memo still “Everyone was a part of everything. issue marriage licenses on LGBT rights, including the introduction of hasn’t been rescinded. It was about community. It was to same-sex couples pro-LGBT legislation in addition to drawing Among other Senate Democrats, Harris is about coalition building. It was about with “no exceptions” attention to the anti-LGBT policies of the among the co-sponsors of the Equality Act, equality, inclusion.” despite complaints Trump administration. comprehensive legislation that would amend Rick Chavez Zbur, executive “I THINK IT’S from officials in more After the Trump administration affirmed it the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to ban anti-LGBT director of the LGBTQ group Equality conservative parts of the wouldn’t allow people to identify themselves discrimination as a form of sex discrimination. California, congratulated Harris A WINNING state. as LGBT in the 2020 U.S. Census, Harris Alphonso David, president of the Human in a statement for being the pick, In 2015, Harris introduced legislation that would require the Rights Campaign, said based on Harris’ record, calling his home state senator “an TICKET AND declined to certify a Census Bureau to include questions on the Biden made “nothing short of an exceptional exceptional choice.” measure that obtained Census, as well as the American Community choice” for his running mate. “Throughout her career, Sen. IT’S A TICKET enough signatures to Survey, asking respondents whether they’re “Throughout her groundbreaking career, Harris has demonstrated an get on the state ballot LGBT. Sen. Harris has been an outspoken advocate unwavering commitment to civil to institute the death When a transgender immigrant from for the LGBTQ community, standing with us rights and social justice for all ABOUT THE penalty for homosexual Honduras, Roxsana Hernandez, died from when many, even sometimes those within LGBTQ+ people,” Zbur said. “As acts, which became AIDS complications after being held in her own party, did not,” Davis said. “As a vice president, we are confident FUTURE.” known as the “Kill the immigration detention, Harris and other presidential candidate, Harris spoke with a she will continue Vice President - Rep. Mark Takano Gays” initiative, bucking senators demanded answers. An autopsy deep understanding of and empathy for the Biden’s tradition of using the office (D-CALIF) her requirements as concluded Hernandez wasn’t physically issues our community faces. It’s clear the to champion and advance full, lived California attorney abused before her death. Biden-Harris ticket marks our nation’s most LGBTQ+ equality — and equality for general. Harris and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) pro-equality ticket in history.” the diverse communities to which LGBTQ+ Before that time, as district attorney for San had called on U.S. Attorney General William U.S. Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) praised people belong.” Francisco, Harris worked with the California Barr to revoke a 2017 Trump administration Harris in an interview with the Blade on The crown jewel of Harris in terms of her Legislature to pass legislation barring the use order declining to enforce Title VII of the Tuesday. LGBT record is her decision as California of gay or transgender panic defense in court. Civil Rights Act in cases of anti-transgender “I’m delighted that my home state Sen. attorney general not to defend Proposition 8, As a result, California in 2014 became the first discrimination in the workforce. That request Kamala Harris will be the next vice president the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage state to ban the plea. was renewed after the Supreme Court of our country,” Takano said. “She comes to enacted at the ballot in 2008. Since becoming a U.S. senator in 2016, determined in June anti-LGBT discrimination this opportunity well-qualified, well-prepared
4 • 8.20.2020 NEWS NATIONAL and I definitely look forward to campaigning than waiting until this case produces a final for the Biden-Harris ticket. I think it’s a judgment on the merits,” says one brief winning ticket and it’s a ticket about the signed by Harris. future.” Harris was able to secure a change that As a 2020 presidential candidate, Harris led to Norsworthy being able to obtain the was among the contenders for the Democratic procedure upon parole, the first in the United nomination who unveiled a comprehensive States, outlining a procedure for inmates to plan for LGBT Americans. Among other obtain gender reassignment surgery. things, Harris promised to create a White But according to information the Blade House advocate for LGBT obtained last year in a affairs. public records request, few Harris, however, faced transgender inmates were able criticism when she said Pete to obtain the procedure under Buttigieg was “a bit naive” for the new policy. bringing up the struggle of As of 2019, only seven being a gay American when prisoners ever got the male- asked about diversity issues, to-female procedure out even though he explicitly “I AM... CERTAIN THAT of 130 who asked, and 10 said, “there’s no equating the [KAMALA HARRIS] out of the 51 inmates who two experiences.” LGBT and requested female-to-male Black activists were split over AND JOE BIDEN gender reassignment surgery whether Harris was right to WILL BE HEAD AND obtained it. The California denounce Buttigieg. SHOULDERS BETTER prison system has updated But Harris has faced criticism its policy on transgender from progressives who say her FOR TRANS PEOPLE inmates, but hasn’t yet made career has been too aligned THAN THE ACTIVELY changes specific to gender with support for the police at TRANSPHOBIC reassignment surgery. a time when law enforcement Jillian Weiss, a New York- and police brutality are under ADMINISTRATION WE based transgender advocate heavy scrutiny. Harris fought NOW HAVE.” who has been critical of to keep a non-violent prisoner Harris’ handling of trans locked up in state prison, - Jillian Weiss inmate cases, said via email openly defying a 2011 Supreme ATTORNEY, TRANS ADVOCATE to the Blade she believes the Court decision ordering the vice-presidential candidate state to reduce overcrowding, according to a “has moved beyond her previously limited report in The American Independent. understanding of transgender rights.” Critics of Harris in terms of LGBT rights “The entire country is learning about the point to legal filings she signed in 2015 as importance of trans rights,” Weiss said. “I am California attorney general defending the certain that she will be a leader who actively state prison system in refusing to grant supports increased rights for trans people. I transgender surgery to inmates. Among am doubly certain that she and Joe Biden will them was Michelle-Lael Norsworthy, who be head and shoulders better for trans people was formerly incarcerated at Mule Creek than the actively transphobic administration State Prison in Ione, Calif., for second-degree we now have.” murder. “I disagree with her on some of her past and “Norsworthy has been treated for gender current positions,” Weiss said. “My yardstick dysphoria for over 20 years, and there is no for political support is not perfection. I am indication that her condition has somehow voting for her and for Joe Biden so that the worsened to the point where she must suffering our community now endures can be obtain sex-reassignment surgery now rather alleviated.”
Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.
Kamala Harris (right) with Joe Biden. Photo via Facebook.
8.20.2020 • 5 NEWS LOCAL INVESTIGATION WRAPS ON DAVIE POLICE CHIEF AFTER HOMOPHOBIC COMMENTS Reforms promised
Jason Parsley
n investigation into Davie Police Chief Dale Engle, who was accused of saying a gay deputy died of COVID-19 Abecause he was a “homosexual who attended homosexual events,” is now complete.
The report obtained by SFGN confirmed who attended homosexual events.’ The Engle did make comments about Shannon reported inference was that it was because Bennett’s sexual orientation. Bennett was of the homosexual lifestyle that Deputy a 12-year veteran of the Broward Sheriff’s Bennett first contracted a serious underlying Office and the first local deputy to die from disease that aggravated the COVID-19 virus COVID-19 on April 3. and lead to his death.” “This investigation has revealed that Most of the witnesses interviewed during Chief Engle did make a statement regarding the course of the investigation heard a deceased deputy Bennett’s sexual orientation variation on the above comments. Many of in connection with his contracting them said that the FOP complaint, and the coronavirus that some town of Davie media reports that followed, inaccurately employees viewed as inappropriate and portrayed the patrol briefing that took offensive, which is arguably unprofessional place. In fact, most of the officers present and inconsistent with were not offended, and did town expectations,” the not interpret the comments report reads. “However, the SOME OF THE about Bennett in a negative statements were not made in WITNESSES way. Some of them though connection with any adverse found the comments to employment action.” BELIEVED ENGLE be inappropriate, and Engle has been on HAD GOOD disrespectful to the late administrative leave since deputy and his family. But April while the investigation INTENTIONS AS only three out of the 28 was being conducted. The HE DISCUSSED witnesses, who were present remarks were made April at the briefing, expressed to 6 during a patrol briefing BENNETT’S SEXUAL the investigators they were where Davie police officers offended by Engle’s remarks. expressed concerns over the ORIENTATION The report described coronavirus. AND ALLEGED Witness 14 as being offended Mike Tucker, the Chief of and took Engle’s comment to Staff of the Florida Fraternal LIFESTYLE. mean “if you are homosexual Order of Police, sent a letter or have a pre-existing to Davie’s Town Administrator outlining a condition then you are going to die, but if slew of complaints against the police chief you are straight you are going to be fine.” including retaliation, intimidation, belittling Whereas Witness 19 was described as saying the officers, as well as the comments about “The chief did not state the BSO Deputy died Bennett. because he was homosexual, but just that The FOP complaint reads: “[He] allegedly he may have contracted the virus at a big yelled about a ‘backstory’ which proclaimed homosexual festival in Miami, not to belittle, that Deputy Bennett contracted and died but just to provide information.” from the virus because he was a ‘homosexual Some of the witnesses believed Engle had Davie Police Chief Dale Engle. Photo via the Davie Police Department, Facebook.
6 • 8.20.2020 NEWS LOCAL NEWS NATIONAL good intentions as he discussed Bennett’s sexual orientation and alleged lifestyle. · Include anti-bias, sexual “In fact, at the time the statement was orientation sensitivity and made, Chief Engle was addressing concerns interpersonal skills assessment into OF and questions regarding contracting officer recruitment, orientation, SNAPSHOT THE WEEK COVID-19 in the line of duty,” the report field training (FTO) evaluations and reads. “Some witnesses stated they believe performance appraisals. the reasoning for Chief Engle’s statements regarding the deceased BSO deputy was to · Reevaluate the traditional try and put the officers at ease as to potential department diversity/EEO “Dare you not contraction of the virus on duty.” classroom training. Further, ensure to sing it!” The report concluded Engle did not training includes an understanding violate the town’s Equal Employment and of demographic characteristics, Non-Discrimination Policies. However, the personality traits, values, and Norm Kent, the report also concluded his comments were attitudes within the ranks and the publisher of inappropriate. community. SFGN, wishes The letter from the FOP also accused the police chief of creating a hostile · Explore the hiring of a Diversity to share this work environment over his behavior and Manager for the town to work not humorous comments at the patrol briefing, of which the only with the Police Department message with report stated: “While these statements don’t personnel, but all town employees. rise to the level of the actionable, hostile readers like work environment, or direct evidence of · Determine whether the position is you. Always discrimination, they do appear to be further best fit organizationally in Human stay informed. evidence of poor judgment.” Resources or the Office of Equal Engle announced his intention to retire Opportunity Compliance. Photo via from the police department a month ago. He Facebook. told the Sun Sentinel at the time the city did not pressure him to leave. He claimed that According to the letter from Engle’s lawyer, after the allegations against him came to the police chief regrets his comments about light, his teenage children began to receive Bennett. backlash on social media. His last day is Sept. “Given the inaccurate media accounts 3. According to the Sentinel he will continue to date, Chief Engle is anxious to convey to collect a paycheck even though he won’t his heartfelt sympathies and condolences be working. Even though the report just directly to the fiancé and family of deputy recently became public, the timeline would Shannon Bennett further for their loss suggest Engle’s decision to retire came after and to offer his apology for any pain and the report was given to Richard Lemack, the out of context comments that may have Davie’s Town Administrator. unintentionally caused them,” the attorney’s Engle admitted to making the comments letter reads. about Bennett in a letter from his attorney that’s included in the report. “...apparently to some officers present the reference to deputy Bennett’s death as possible attendance at a festival on Miami Beach, hosted by the LGBTQ community was interpreted as a comment that deputy Bennett died because he was gay,” the letter from his attorney reads. “That drastically inaccurate interpretation is unfair to the delicate balance of the vitally important information Chief Engle was trying to impart to his troops and disrespects the memory of deputy Shannon Bennett.” But Engle told the Sun Sentinel a month ago that he made no such remark, saying “I maintain my innocence.” According to media reports, Bennett had been in Chicago celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with his fiancé days before getting sick. Richard Lemack accepted the report’s findings and announced in a letter he’s going to direct the new police chief to work with the Human Resources director and Equal Opportunity Compliance officer on the following recommendations: Officer Shannon Bennett. Photo via ODMP.org.
8.20.2020 • 7 NEWS LOCAL GONE TOO SOON Local mayoral candidate’s communications director dies at 33
Sallie James
houghtful, charismatic and charming. A bartender with a passion for politics who possessed T a gift for making others feel heard. That’s how those who knew David Kitchen describe the Wilton Manors man who touched so many lives.
Kitchen, the communications director Israel Gutierrez in 2015 in Key West, but the for Wilton Manors mayoral candidate Scott two later divorced.Kitchen and Rivera had Newton, died Aug. 10of complications been together since August 2019. related to liver disease at Memorial Regional Those who knew him said he was always Hospital in Hollywood. He was 33. thinking of others. “We are just completely devastated,” said One of his passions was the annual Smart his mother Donna Kempf. Kitchen’s death Ride bicycle ride, which raises money for was unexpected. AIDS service organizations “He was smart, a joker and he throughout Florida. loved life,” said his partner Felix “YOU COULD BE A Friends said Kitchen had Rivera. ridden in the Miami-to- “You could be a total stranger TOTAL STRANGER Key West event for eight to him and if you had a problem TO HIM AND years. Kitchen had hoped to he would sit down with you for IF YOU HAD A participate in the event again hours and make you a better this year in November, his person. He was deep, quiet, and PROBLEM HE partner said. fearful like all of us.” WOULD SIT DOWN “Raising money for HIV/AIDS Kitchen most recently WITH YOU FOR was dear to his heart,” Rivera David Kitchen. Photo via Facebook. worked as a server at Coconuts said. Kitchen’s mother said her in Fort Lauderdale, and HOURS AND MAKE son’s ashes will be spread along personalized video. her through the medical system. had previously worked as a YOU A BETTER the bicycle route in November “Well hello David. It’s Leslie Jordan. I want “People were automatically attracted to bartender at Rosie’s Bar & PERSON.” when the ride kicks off. you to tell you how much you are loved him. They just gravitated to him,” Myers Grille in Wilton Manors. But he Longtime family friend Keith and I hope you get better and you are in said. “He mattered to so many people. always had his hand in politics. - Felix Rivera Myers knew Kitchen adored everybody’s thoughts and prayers,” Jordan Rivera said Kitchen’s smile was “Politics was his passion,” DAVID KITCHEN’S PARTNER comedic actor Leslie Jordan and says in the video. “So when you do get better, unforgettable. Newton said. “I liked his reached out to the Will & Grace I want to arrange a chance for us to meet. Ok, “He could have had the worst day and he attitude and energy. He was a very kind star through social media after Kitchen fell honey, start feeling better. Love you.” would make sure he would put his feelings person who didn’t mind giving up his time.” ill. Myers said Kitchen watched the video aside and to make you welcome,” Rivera Kitchen was born on May 30, 1987, in Mesa, “David said he was always his biggest over and over. said sadly. “He had one of the most beautiful Az. He was a preemie who turned out to be fan and that he would love to have a video “It was very sweet and endearing. It was smiles I had ever seen.” the biggest and tallest of his two siblings. He message,” Myers said. Myers said a friend very cool and it made David’s day,” Myers In addition to his mother, Kitchen is graduated from high school in 11th grade, with a large social media presence helped his said. survived by his sister Sienna, of Mesa, AZ; and attended Arizona State University on a request get noticed. Kitchen had met Myers years ago at Rosie’s a brother Justin of Apache Juncion, AZ; two full scholarship, earning a bachelor’s degree Jordan responded with a personal video and the two had been friends ever since. half-sisters, Bailey and Paige Kitchen, of in political law, said his mother Donna of encouragement for Kitchen, which Myers Myers met Kitchen’s mother Donna about North Carolina; his step-father Rich Kempf, Kempf. played for him at the hospital. An emotional seven years ago during a Smart Ride, and of Mesa, AZ; and his father Scott Kitchen. Kitchen married ESPN sports reporter Kitchen blinked back tears as he watched the when her son fell ill, she asked Myers to walk
8 • 8.20.2020 PALM BEACH news
BOARD MEMBER OF PBCHRC TO Pool & Hot Tub Service FIGHT FOR EQUALITY AS VICTORY EMPOWERMENT FELLOW
Kim Swan
CLEANING SERVICE SHOCK A GREEN POOL POOL LIGHTS REPLACEMENT LEAK REPAIR AND DETECTION EQUIPMENT REPLACEMENT COMPETE POOL RENOVATION FREE Estimates
Licensed (cc#13-SP-17780-T) & Insured 954-793-7206 | lacquaazzurra.com
Jasmin Lewis. Photo via the PBCHRC.
JASMIN LEWIS WAS “FILLED WITH We look forward to her utilizing the skills EMOTION” WHEN SHE WAS SELECTED she will gain through the LGBTQ Victory TO BE A 2020 VICTORY EMPOWERMENT Institute in her civic endeavors for many FELLOW, WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE years to come.” LGBT COMMUNITY WHO FIGHT FOR The LGBTQ Victory Institute works EQUALITY AND JUSTICE IN THEIR to increase the number of LGBT people COMMUNITIES. in public office and to provide services and other support to help ensure their Lewis is a Board Member of the Palm success. The institute selects eight people Beach County Human Rights Council, for fellowships who are LGBT change- an organization dedicated to ending makers with aspirations for public service, discrimination based on sexual orientation according to their website. and gender identity or expression. Each fellow will be assigned an LGBT “Victory Empowerment Fellows bring mentor and will participate in the Victory critical voices to their communities. They Institute’s Candidate & Campaign Virtual represent the future of LGBTQ politics,” Training. In December, they will attend the said PBCHRC President Rand Hoch in a International LGBTQ Leaders Conference press release. “Everyone on our Board in Washington, D.C. of Directors is proud that Jasmin was “The mentorship, networking and skills recognized for her leadership and skills. this program provides will be invaluable in my work to improve the current landscape of inequality across Florida — as well as “We look forward to her when I ultimately run for public office,” said Lewis in a press release. utilizing the skills she will Lewis is also involved in programs for gain through the LGBTQ the NAACP, the Urban League and Discover Victory Institute in her the Palm Beaches and serves on that organization’s LGBTQ Advisory Board. civic endeavors for many Lewis is also a member of the South years to come.” Florida Fair’s “Beyond the Fair - Class of 2021” and was elected Delegate to the - Rand Hoch 2020 Democratic National Convention. PBCHRC PRESIDENT
8.20.2020 • 9 NEWS ELECTION GAY MEN TAKE CENTER STAGE AT DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION TUESDAY NIGHT Some described it as the “gayest” convention ever Lisa Keen Keen News Service
Left: Maine state Rep. Craig Hickman speaks via video at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday. Photo via C-SPAN.
Right: Pete Buttigieg (left) standing with Presidential candidate Joe Biden. Photo via Facebook.
uesday night’s Democratic National Convention launched with support of Biden. Park’s remarks noted that he and making the 2020 convention “the gayest” a video “keynote” in which 17 people — including three gay was the first gay man elected to the Georgia state convention ever. T legislature. Garcia highlighted the need to pay The 635 number is up 23% from the 2016 men — shared the time to explain why they are voting for the off student loans. Kenyatta, in his final video clip, count of 516 delegates and official party party’s presidential nominee Joe Biden. Throughout the night, had his husband on the couch with him. convention participants. “When I wanted to marry the man I loved,” Fowlkes, who led the online caucus meeting, LGBT people — some well-known, some obscure — appeared in said Kenyatta, “Joe Biden was praised Democratic nominee various roles at the nominating convention. the first national figure to Biden and running mate U.S. support me and my family.” His Senator Kamala Harris as husband, Dr. Matt Miller, spoke “WE HAVE the “most pro-LGBT ticket” Jason Rae, the openly gay secretary for the African American to serve in the Maine House to Biden, saying, “Appreciate in history. It was a sentiment Democratic convention, directed the night’s of Representatives, announced that state’s votes. you, man.” THE MOST echoed by others. main event: the formal roll call vote to nominate “My husband and I aren’t corporate tycoons,” “We have the most pro- former Vice President Biden as the party’s 2020 said Hickman, who runs an organic farm and LGBTQ+ CAUCUS PRO-EQUALITY equality leaders that we have presidential nominee. bed and breakfast in Winthrop, Maine. “We CELEBRATES ever had,” said Baldwin, It was a roll call unlike no other in the just want to make an honest living and feed our LEADERS THAT referring to Biden and Harris. history of conventions and one that probably community.” Before the convention night Baldwin said Biden’s speaking was more interesting and appealing because Wyoming’s vote was announced by the activities, the Democratic WE HAVE EVER publicly in favor of marriage of the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of state parents of Matthew Shepard, the victim of a Party’s official LGBTQ+ Caucus equality is what “really got the delegation chair people standing on the floor 1998 assault that inspired legislation to prevent held its first meeting Tuesday HAD.” ball moving” toward marriage of a convention hall announcing their vote, crimes motivated by hatred of LGBT people afternoon, playing host to a - Tammy Baldwin equality. And she noted that each spoke via webstream and video from their and other minorities. Dennis and Judy Shepard star-studded lineup of LGBT U.S. SENATOR Harris, during Baldwin’s last re- homes or localities in their home state. credited Biden with helping to pass that leaders: Pete Buttigieg, U.S. election campaign, helped her Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, legislation and for his “commitment to equality Senator Tammy Baldwin, U.S. work the crowd at a Wisconsin whose campaign for the Democratic nomination and compassion for others.” Reps. Mark Takano of California, David Cicilline pride festival. took on historic proportions as he emerged as And during the opening keynote address, of Rhode Island, Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, and U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, also from Wisconsin one of the top contenders, announced Indiana’s Georgia State Rep. Sam Park, Pennsylvania State Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, among others. and a co-chair of the Congressional Equality delegation vote. Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, and Long Beach Mayor Earl Fowlkes, chair of the Caucus, said it Caucus, said the Trump administration has been State Rep. Craig Hickman, the first openly gay Robert Garcia each spoke from their homes, in had 635 members this year, “the most ever” “anti-equality at every turn.”
10 • 8.20.2020 NEWS ELECTION QUEER BLACK WOMAN WINS FLORIDA HOUSE SEAT
John McDonald
ichele Rayner made Florida Mhistory on Tuesday, becoming the first Black queer woman elected to a state office.
A civil rights attorney, Rayner, 38, defeated three other candidates to win the universal Michele Rayner. Photo via Facebook. Democratic primary in House District 70. The district covers southern St. Petersburg and state. Our donors rallied to support her and our parts of Hillsborough, Manatee and Sarasota volunteers sent over 100,000 messages to voters Counties. No Republicans entered the race in in the closing days of the campaign,” said Smith, the district so there will be no general election in a resident of the district. November. Rayner took 30% of the vote and told the Equality Florida CEO Nadine Smith released Tampa Bay Times she sees her victory as the following statement on Rayner’s win: “pushing back on patriarchy.” “With her victory, Michele has shattered Rayner was endorsed by the Times, Equality another glass ceiling by becoming the first Black Florida and LGBTQ Victory Fund. She raised queer woman ever elected to any office in our close to $117,000 during the campaign.