LOCAL NAME GLOBAL COVERAGE JANUARY 7, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 1

PERSON OF THE YEAR SHEVRIN JONES THE RECENTLY ELECTED STATE SENATOR IS A TRAILBLAZING POLITICIAN

PAGE 12

SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS @SFGN SFGN.COM NEWS HIGHLIGHT SouthFloridaGayNews.com

@SFGN January 7, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 1 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Publisher • Norm Kent CONVERSION THERAPY BAN [email protected] Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley [email protected] ARGUED IN COURT BATTLE Editorial Art Director • Brendon Lies [email protected] John McDonald Webmaster • Kimberly Swan [email protected] Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold he City of Fort Lauderdale joined an [email protected] amicus brief calling for a rehearing on Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin the issue of youth conversion therapy. Gazette News Editor • John McDonald T HIV Editor • Sean McShee Vice Mayor Steve Glassman brought Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis up the issue at the commission’s Dec. 15 [email protected] meeting. City attorney Alain Boileau asked Senior Feature Columnists for a consensus from the five-member Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo commission. Mayor Dean Trantalis and Correspondents District 4 Commissioner Ben Sorensen Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh joined Glassman in voicing support for the Christiana Lilly • John McDonald city to defend its ban on conversion therapy. Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod The ban is part of a comprehensive human Contributing Columnists rights ordinance ushered in by Glassman, Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily who represents District 2. Commissioners Heather Moraitis and Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires Robert McKinzie did not voice an opinion on the matter. Sales & Marketing Fort Lauderdale joins Miami Beach, Wilton For ad placement in SFGN, Manors other South municipalities contact 954-530-4970 in the amicus brief in Sales Manager • Justin Wyse support of the petition filed [email protected] by Palm Beach County and FORT LAUDERDALE JOINS Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann [email protected] Boca Raton for an en banc MIAMI BEACH, WILTON review of their authority to Advertising Associate • Thom Burnham prohibit conversion therapy MANORS OTHER SOUTH Distribution Services • Noah Lebel on minors. FLORIDA MUNICIPALITIES Last November a three- IN THE AMICUS BRIEF IN Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid judge panel struck down National Advertising the bans, ruling in favor SUPPORT OF THE PETITION Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 [email protected] of anti-LGBT therapists FILED BY PALM BEACH Robert Otto and Julie Steve Glassman, Fort Lauderdale Vice Mayor. Photo via Steve Glassman, . Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping COUNTY AND BOCA RATON Printing by Stuart Web Inc. Hamilton on the grounds of FOR AN EN BANC REVIEW free speech. right to act to protect their Paley cited research from the American Meanwhile, the Trevor OF THEIR AUTHORITY TO young LGBTQ residents Journal of Public Health showing LGBT Project, the American PROHIBIT CONVERSION from its well-documented youth ages 13 to 24 were more than twice SFGN Winner of Foundation for Suicide THERAPY ON MINORS. harms. We are hopeful as likely to report having attempted suicide & 5 Florida Press Club Awards Prevention and the that the 11th Circuit will after undergoing conversion therapy. And runner-up for American Association for act en banc to reverse this “We are proud to file this brief together NLGJA Journalist of the Year Suicidology have also asked for a rehearing of outlier decision that would put LGBTQ youth with other leading suicide prevention Otto v. City of Boca Raton. back in harm’s way,” said Amit Paley, CEO organizations to send a united message that GAY NEWS.COM, INC. “Conversion therapy is an extremely and executive director of The Trevor Project, legal protections from conversion therapy are — — dangerous practice, and governments are in a press release dated Dec. 21. necessary to save young lives.” FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009 BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT

South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names COVER: Shevrin Jones. Photo courtesy of the Shevrin Jones Campaign. 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 © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.

2 • 1.7.2021 1.7.2021 • 3 NEWS INTERNATIONAL BY AVRAHAM FORREST

AROUND EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE WORLD THE GLOBE EUROPE AFRICA

POLAND LGBT SHELTER RECEIVES LGBT PERSECUTION, ARRESTS FUNDING FROM CITY AUTHORITIES CONTINUE IN SENEGAL In Senegal, a young man was arrested A hostel in Krakow, Poland is the first A gathering outside Fundacja Głos Serca. Photo via Facebook. Police in Senegal. Photo credit: Rignese, via Wikipedia. LGBT shelter to receive support in a for his suspected sexual orientation, the nation notoriously combative against the African Human Rights Media Network queer community, the Associated Press reported. Though persecution in the reported. West African country is unfortunately 184,000 zlotys — the equivalent of common, the young man represents the $50,000 — came from Krakow authorities 37th arrest since just September. to support Fundacja Głos Serca (The Voice The arrest occurred on Dec. 28, the of the Heart Foundation), the AP reported. AHRMN reported. The hostel was established to shelter A spokesperson for the Free Collective, people experiencing homelessness from an LGBT rights advocate, said the man’s discrimination, according to the Głos arrest was based solely on his gender Serca website. identity, the AHRMN reported. well, the AHRMN reported. Twelve people can be accommodated The young man was arrested in Touba, ADHEOS, a French LGBT rights in the shelter at a time, according to the embassy and the Krakow Music Box, a holy city patrolled by Islamist religious group, demanded a travel ban against website. Rooms contain beds, furniture, a according to the website. militias and steeped in homophobia, the Serigne Cheikh lo Gabou, the head of kitchen and bathrooms. A shelter in Warsaw will also be offered AHRMN reported. the religious police force, in an open The Głos Serca Foundation started in city money, the AP reported. Warsaw The Safinatoul Amane — a religious letter sent to the French minister of the Krakow in 2014, and has other projects Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski signed a pro- police force in Touba — are seeking out interior on Sept. 30, AHRMN reported. such as a community garden, cooperation LGBT declaration in 2019. friends of the arrested young man as NORTH AMERICA ASIA

UGANDAN TRANS WOMAN RECEIVES MISS UNIVERSE NEPAL FEATURES ADVOCACY AWARD IN CANADA FIRST TRANSGENDER FINALIST In , Canada, Christopher Angel Lama has become the first Angel Lama. Photo via @angels_do_existss, Instagram. Nkambwe, a transgender woman born Christopher transgender finalist in the Miss Universe in Uganda, won the 2020 Steinert & Nkambwe. Nepal pageant, Reuters reported. Ferreiro Award from the Community One Photo Lama was crowned Miss Pink Nepal Foundation, the African Human Rights courtesy of in 2018 after competing in an LGBT Media Network reported. The award Christopher pageant, Reuters reported. celebrates advocates who have contributed Nkambwe. Nepal is among less than a dozen to the Canadian LGBT community. countries who accept transgender In Nkambwe’s acceptance speech, she contestants in national beauty pageants, said she would use the $10,000 cash prize organizations, the AHRMN reported. Reuters reported. to purchase office materials like laptops for “All individuals who have made a “Identify as a woman? You are her team members in the African Centre significant contribution through the welcome,” according to the Miss transgender communities as well. For Refugees, provide personal protective arts and sciences in promoting the Universe Nepal website. Nepal’s Supreme Court enacted equipment to team members in Toronto understanding and acceptance of lesbian, New pageant management relaxed measures to ensure equal LGBT rights and to bring together LGBT activists from gay, bisexual, transgender, transsexual, height, weight and appearance requirements in 2007, elected a gay legislator in 2008 the Caribbean and the continent of Africa. intersex, queer and two-spirited and opened participation to any woman and held its first Pride parade in 2010, Nkambe got her start in Uganda as the communities in the Greater Toronto Area between 18 and 28, Reuters reported. Reuters reported. executive director and founder of Service are eligible to be nominated,” according to Nepal law recognizes transgender Anshika Sharma was crowned Miss Workers in Group Foundation Uganda and the Community One Foundation website. citizens, Reuters reported. Pakistan, Universe Nepal 2020, the Himalayan through volunteer work with other LGBT India and Bangladesh recognize their Times reported.

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1.7.2021 • 5 NEWS INTERNATIONAL BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ

THE KEEP UP WITH THE CELEBRITIES IN OUR GAY VINE COMMUNITY SPORTS PRIDE! COMING OUT! KURTIS GABRIEL ROCKS HIS NEW GAY PRIDE ICE SKATES PRO RUGBY PLAYER DEVIN IBAÑEZ COMES OUT AS GAY Kurtis Gabriel, a professional hockey Professional Rugby player Devin Kurtis Gabriel. Photo credits: @guby_customs, Instagram. player who came out as gay in 2010, Ibañez came out as gay last month. Devin Ibañez, on right, with his partner Fergus Wade. revealed his new ice skates that don the “I am openly gay. This is something Photo via @thatgayrugger, Instagram. LGBT Pride flag on one pair, and another that is not a secret to those close to me pair supporting the Black Lives Matter and even several people not close to me. movement. But I always felt a need to keep it separate One of his Instagram posts shows him from my rugby career,” Ibañez said in a and his skates at the rink, along with a lengthy Facebook post on Dec. 29. message at the end that says, “Share this. Ibañez played for the University of Show your friends, loved ones, children, Massachusetts before playing Rugby your ‘enemies.’ Tell them why I am professionally, according to Outsports. wearing them.” com. In Ibañez’s coming out message, On the back of the skates reads “Love he posted photos of his boyfriend Fergus is Love.” Wade, “an English medical student “Love is love in any form. ANY he met in 2017 while Wade was doing FORM. Science tells us (you know, on is on the LGBTQ+ spectrum,” Gabriel research at Harvard studying sleep that thing called the internet, that is mentioned on his Instagram post. deprivation in fruit flies.” accessible to a lot of this planet) that a Gabriel plays for the San Jose Sharks. Ibañez, who played with the New Rugby overseas in England in order to be large portion of the population of earth England Jacks in 2019, hopes to play closer to his boyfriend. CELEBRITY

HOLYTWITTERVERSE BLASTS PRONOUNS! ELON MUSK OVER GENDER PRONOUNS Entrepreneur Elon Musk Another user said “Mf Musk then responded with some received backlash from the your child’s name is a 30% off Tesla statistics claiming that LGBT community when he coupon.” The memes continued his company scored 100/100 in posted a meme on Twitter to snowball throughout the ‘LGBTQ+ equality’ on the Human pronouns. thread. Rights Campaign’s Corporate This prompted many people CleanTechnica spoke out about Equality Index,” according to to post their comments about Musk’s Tweet and gave their Pride.com. Musk and his thoughts on putting insight on the situation saying, Why are pronouns in your pronouns in the bio of someone’s “Real Friends Interrupt You When Twitter bio even an issue? social media. You Are Making A Mistake.” “Many cisgender allies list their One Twitter user poked fun at Musk retaliated to their pronouns to support transgender, the fact that his company deals comments saying “I absolutely genderqueer, and non-binary with rockets, yet he cannot wrap support trans, but all these people and normalize the practice his head around pronouns. Others pronouns are an esthetic of asking how one would like even went so far as to criticize his nightmare.” to be referred to,” according to daughter’s name. “To prove he wasn’t transphobic, Pride.com. Elon Musk. Photo credit: Duncan Hull, via Wikipedia.

6 • 1.7.2021 We Believe You Palm Beach County Victim Services & Certified Rape Crisis Center offers free and confidential services to all victims of crime in a safe environment. Regardless of your gender, gender identity, race, sexual orientation or whether you report or not, the following services are available: • 24 hour crisis response to hospitals, law enforcement agencies, and the crime scene Call our 24-hour, free and • Certifi ed Victim Advocates to support you confidential Helpline • Criminal Justice advocacy and court accompaniment : • Individual therapy and support groups • Forensic exams by Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Local: (561) 833-7273 (SANE) at the forensic exam site-“The Butterfly House” • Information and referral to community resources Toll Free: (866)891-7273

This project was supported by Grant No. 2017-WE-AX-0034 awarded by the Offi ce of Violence Against Women, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, fi ndings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author (s) and do not necessarily refl ect the views of the Department of Justice, Offi ce on Violence Against Women.

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1.7.2021 • 7 LGBTQIA BITES BY KENDALL LITTLE IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G ... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY Transgender T B Bisexual OREGON SCHOOLS WILL KEEP THEIR BISEXUAL OPERA STAR RINGS IN TRANS-INCLUSIVE POLICY IN PLACE THE NEW YEAR ON PBS

Though some parents wanted to fight Jamie Barton, bisexual opera singer, the existing transgender-inclusive policy in was part of an all-star musical cast that Oregon schools, the Supreme Court declined performed on PBS New Year’s Eve. The to hear the case. program, titled “United in Song: Celebrating The American Civil Liberties Union was the Resilience of America,” was meant to pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision “encourage our nation to come together and put out a press release saying, “The and celebrate our irrepressible strength as Supreme Court has once again said that we welcome the New Year,” according to a transgender youth are not a threat to other PBS press release. students. As we look towards state legislative Barton has gained a following on social sessions that will likely continue the attacks media with over 16,000 followers on on trans youth, the decision not to take this Photo via Pixabay, edited by Brendon Lies. Twitter and over 20,700 on Instagram. She case is an important and powerful message proudly claims that she is a “queer opera to trans and non-binary youth that they people feel safe and belong.” singer into drag queens, bluegrass, social deserve to share space with and enjoy the The hope is that this decision will inspire justice, equality, & cats.” Jamie Barton. Photo via Jamie Barton, Facebook. benefits of school alongside their non- other states to maintain their transgender- She is a strong advocate for body transgender peers. We will continue to fight inclusive policies so that transgender positivity and women’s rights. Barton also impressive skills on New Year’s Eve by in courts, in legislatures, and in our families students can feel safe and welcomed in the serves as a voice for the LGBT community. delivering a powerful opera performance. and communities to ensure that all trans classroom. The mezzo-soprano showed off her

8 • 1.7.2021 LGBTQIA BITES Celebrating our 11th Smile...and Queer Year on Wilton Drive! the whole Q New Patients world ‘THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR’ STAR smiles COMMENTS ON HER IDENTITY $69 back. T’Nia Miller, who plays housekeeper ($312 Value) Hannah on “The Haunting of Bly Comprehensive Exam, Manor,” opened up about her identity Digital X-Rays & in an article for The Advocate. Cleaning* She said that she had never really *In the absense of gum disease. spoken about her identity publicly Not applicable to insurance benefits. until recently. “I don’t hide things very well, and I never have, and I walk around unapologetically. Not anything with arrogance, but just because I really love life and people,” Miller said. General & Cosmetic Dentistry Recently, Miller has opened up about how she identifies because she wants young Black LGBT to be seen State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurance Plans Accepted and feel represented. “The reason why Always Plenty of Free Parking • Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive I started talking about my personal life is because there’s been lots of difficulties with mental health with children. As an older queer Black 954-565-7666 woman, we don’t see that for our younger Black and my younger Black Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD children — the men and the women 1946 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors • FL 33305 out there in the world,” said Miller. T’Nia Miller. Photo via T’Nia Miller, Facebook.

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1.7.2021 • 9 NEWS LOCAL AFTER COVID, COULD HIV VACCINE BE NEXT? John McDonald

s the country begins the rollout of COVID-19 Avaccinations, questions linger as to why there remains no vaccination for the HIV virus.

HIV has been around since the early 1980s advancements they made are helping make and today it is estimated 1.2 million Americans this vaccine hopefully come to market a lot have the virus that causes AIDS. quicker. I think there is something to say about So why did the novel coronavirus get fast- all that research they had learned to do to tracked for vaccination while HIV continues fight a virus they didn’t know how to handle is to linger? Dr. Stephen Fallon, executive affecting in a positive way how COVID is going director of Latinos Salud, an HIV/AIDS service to be handled.” organization serving Broward and Miami-Dade Two COVID vaccines — produced by Pfizer Dr. Stephen Fallon, executive director of Latinos Salud, seen advocating for condom usage at Latinos Salud’s 2020 counties, explains that while both COVID and and Moderna — are approved for use in the Gala in February of 2020. Photo via Latinos Salud, Facebook. HIV are RNA viruses, HIV mutates much more . Frontline health care workers, rapidly. Fallon put it in terms first responders and nursing effective preventive HIV vaccine suitable for “It’s absolutely true that the world more of swatting a fly. home residents are currently the global populations most vulnerable to HIV highly prioritized the COVID-19 pandemic,” “Imagine how much prioritized for receiving acquisition,” said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fallon said. “Leaders will say that’s because, harder it is to swat a fly than vaccinations which consist of Fauci, M.D, in a statement dated July 15, 2019. compared to HIV, it’s both more contagious an ant,” Fallon said. “Flies two inoculations, three weeks “Ensuring that investigational vaccines are and more rapidly deadly for those who it takes just get themselves out of the apart. evaluated in diverse populations is critical to out. But it’s worth remembering that Ronald way more quickly. Viruses Weinzimer said the COVID achieving this goal.” Reagan did not speak the word ‘AIDS’ until that don’t change rapidly vaccines function similarly As promising as Fauci’s statement was at the 25,000 Americans had died. In one of his first can’t ‘get out of the way’ “THE [COVID-19] to HIV-blocking pills such as time, it appears COVID jumped the line. This speeches, and I remember it well, he engaged when attacked, whether VACCINE IS LIKE A Truvada, clinically known as reality doesn’t sit well with some HIV/AIDS in ‘blame the victim’ rhetoric, when he said, by our natural antibodies, pre-exposure prophylaxis or activists. ‘And when it comes to AIDS, don’t medicine medicines, or vaccines. One FLU SHOT — IT PrEP. “As thrilled as I am about the rapid response and morality teach the same lesson?’” of the main reasons that it’s “They are not coming out globally pertaining to COVID-19 and its Darr said he has come to resent America’s been difficult for scientists NEEDS A BOOSTER with a cure — the vaccine vaccine, I have often thought about the slow response to HIV/AIDS which he said is a to develop an effective AND IN SOME WAYS is like a flu shot — it needs similarities between this pandemic and the result of political leanings and views on sexual vaccine for HIV is that the a booster and in some ways pandemic that was and still is HIV/AIDS,” said orientation. virus itself has the highest IT’S NO DIFFERENT it’s no different than taking Aaron Darr. “I can only hope that for the millions of reported mutation rate for THAN TAKING PrEP.” PrEP,” Weinzimer said. “If you Darr, an HIV positive gay man, serves as individuals living with HIV/AIDS, that the any biological entity.” take [PrEP] the chances of you vice-chair of the World AIDS Museum and disease we live with is taken more seriously in HIV, Fallon notes, is much - Glen Weinzimer getting HIV/AIDS has been Educational Center in Fort Lauderdale. He said the years ahead and given the same respect and harder to catch than COVID FOUNDER OF reduced to pretty much zero gay stigma is one reason for the slow response attention COVID-19 has been given in terms of and condoms for sex provide SMART RIDE but it’s not a cure for HIV/AIDS, to control HIV. the steps necessary to achieve a vaccine,” Darr a similar preventative tool as it’s just a way to prevent you “I can’t help but think that because HIV/ said. masks and face shields. from getting it.” AIDS has been stigmatized and unfairly Weinzimer, 30 years Darr’s senior, is Glen Weinzimer is a long-term HIV/AIDS The National Institute of Allergy and associated with gay stereotypes over the years, surprisingly less bitter. survivor who founded the SMART Ride, a Infectious Diseases is currently engaged in a the reality is HIV/AIDS can affect anyone, just “I don’t think it’s a matter of we didn’t put bicycle ride from Miami to Key West that late-stage multinational HIV vaccine efficacy like COVID-19.” the resources in early enough and we were raises funds for HIV/AIDS support agencies. trial in North America, South America and Fallon admitted the government’s lethargic cheated in some ways, I don’t think that’s the Weinzimer believes the arduous work of AIDS Europe. Code named Mosaico, the trial studies response to HIV was due in part to the virus case,” Weinzimer said. “I think we laid the path activists paved the way for a quick COVID immune responses in cisgender men and affecting primarily marginalized people such to an unknown that is now allowing them to response. transgender people ages 18 to 60 who have as Black immigrants, gay men and sex workers. move faster on this new pandemic.” “Because of HIV/AIDS and the research that sex with other cisgender men and transgender was done they are able to fast pace [COVID people. vaccines],” Weinzimer said. “The scientific “We are committed to developing a safe and For more information on HIV vaccines, visit HIV Vaccine Trials Network’s website.

10 • 1.7.2021 PALM BEACH column PALM BEACH COUNTY A Year In Review for Local LGBT Rights

PBCHRC

DECEMBER 2020 The City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County file Joint Petition for Panel Rehearing and Rehearing En Banc in Otto v. City of Boca Raton, the case seeking to strike down their ordinances banning conversion therapy. The Cities of Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, Greenacres, Lake Worth Beach, Riviera Beach, and West Palm Beach, Florida join the City of Miami’s amicus brief in support of The City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County’s Joint Petition for Panel Rehearing and Rehearing En Banc in Otto v. City of Boca Raton. West Palm Beach Mayor Keith James signs Jasmin Lewis, PBCHRC board member and on to the Freedom for All Americans letter to the 2020 Victory Fund Empowerment Fellow. and now offering Members of Congress urging them to enact Photo via Jasmin Lewis, Facebook. comprehensive federal LGBT non-discrimination protections. The City of West Palm Beach earns JULY 2020 a perfect score on the Human Rights Campaign PBCHRC Board Member Jasmin Lewis is named Foundation’s Municipal Equality Index. Only six Victory Fund Empowerment Fellow. other municipalities in Florida were awarded 100 now offering points. now offering SAME DAY PrEPJUNE 2020 now offering The City of Westlake enacts an LGBT-inclusive NOVEMBER 2020 civil rights ordinance. A three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for SAME DAY PrEP G. Joseph Garcia is named Chair of PBCHRC the 11th Circuit reverses the District Court’s denial Charitable Foundation. SAMESAME DAY DAY PrEP PrEP At Midway Specialty Care Center we areof plaintiff’s Motion for Preliminary Injunction in Otto v. City of Boca Raton and remands the case MAY 2020 At Midway Specialty Care Center we are to the District Court, thus allowing the therapists PBCHRC Board Member Jasmin Lewis is elected able to start almost everyone on same dayto, once again, practice their quackery on local as delegate to Democratic National Convention. ableAt toMidway start almost Specialty everyone Care Center on same we dayare children.The City of South Bay adopts an LGBT- The 2020 Daniel S. Hall Social Justice Awards are Atable Midway to start Specialty almost Care everyone Center on wesame are day inclusive civil rights resolution. presented to graduating seniors Kyle Ahern and PrEP,now thosenow offering with offeringand withoutnow offering insurance. PrEP, those with and without insurance. Theo Shusterman of the Alexander W. Dreyfoos able toPrEP, start those almost with everyone and without on insurance.same day OCTOBER 2020 School of the Arts, and to Endora Guillaume of SAMESAME DAY SAMEDAYPrEP DAYPrEP PrEP The City of Riviera Beach enacts an LGBT-inclusive Park Vista Community High School. civil rights ordinance. The commissioners of the PrEP, those with and without insurance. Port of Palm Beach unanimously vote to add APRIL 2020 At MidwayAt Midway Specialty CareSpecialty CenterAt Midway we Care are Specialty Center Care we Center are we are “gender identity or expression” to the Port’s Equal The Boynton Beach City Commission Opportunity Statement for all Port policies and unanimously votes to designate all single- ableable to start to almost start everyone almost ableon same everyoneto start day almost on everyone same on daysame day contracts. occupancy restrooms in municipal properties “All PrEP,PrEP, those with those and without with insurance.andPrEP, thosewithout with and insurance. without insurance. PBCHRC Board Member G. Joseph Garcia is Gender.” named to the Board of Directors for the FSU Pride PBCHRC becomes a “trusted voice” for the county Alumni Network. efforts regarding the 2020 U.S. Census.

SEPTEMBER 2020 MARCH 2020 The Towns of Haverhill and Juno Beach enact Ty Penserga, a gay man, was re-elected to the LGBTQ-inclusive civil rights ordinances. Boynton Beach City Commission and became the now offering The City of Palm Beach Gardens adopts city’s Vice Mayor. a resolution denouncing hate crimes and Ray Caranci, a gay man, is elected to the Haverhill SAME DAY PrEP discrimination against LGBT people. Town Council.

AUGUST 2020 FEBRUARY 2020 At Midway Specialty Care Center we are The Village of North Palm Beach enacts an LGBT- Palm Beach County‘s Facilities Development inclusive civil rights ordinance. & Operations Department designates single- able to start almost everyone on same day The City of West Palm Beach amends its Equal occupancy restrooms in properties owned and HOWARDHOWARDPrEP, A. those A. with and without insurance.JOSEPHJOSEPH Opportunity Ordinance by extending protection leased by the County as “All Gender.” GROSSMAN, MD from discrimination to employees working for PBCHRC Board Member Tamara Sager joins the GROSSMAN, MD TOJARTOJAR, PA-C, PA-C small businesses (those with 5-14 employees). Palm Beach County Multicultural Committee and HOWARDHOWARD A. A. JOSEPHHOWARD A. JOSEPHJOSEPH PBCHRC Board Member Chauncey Graham is Complete Count Committee. GROSSMAN,GROSSMAN, MD MDGROSSMAN, MD appointed to serve on the West Palm Beach CALLCALLTOJAR ,TODAY! PA-C TODAY! TOJAR , PA-CTOJAR, PA-C Mayor’s Task Force for Racial and Ethnic Equality JANUARY 2020 and selected for Leadership Florida Connect The City of West Palm Beach designates the CALL TODAY!CALL TODAY!CALL TODAY! 2021. single-occupancy restrooms in the City Hall 954-530-8357954-530-8357 Complex as “Gender Neutral.” HOWARD954-530-8357954-530-8357 A. 954-530-8357JOSEPH GROSSMAN,Walk-inWalk-in HIVMDHIV testing testing available. available. PBCHRC is Florida’s oldest, independent, non-partisan, political organization Walk-inWalk-in HIV testing HIV Walk-inavailable. testing HIVTOJAR testingavailable., PA-C available. HOWARD A. JOSEPH dedicated to ending discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender 2608 NE 16th Ave. | Wilton Manors, FL 33334 GROSSMAN, MD TOJAR, PA-Cidentity and gender expression. Visit www.pbchrc.org to learn more. 26082608 NE 16th NE Ave. 16th | WiltonCALL Ave. Manors,2608 | TODAY! Wilton NE FL 16th33334 Ave. Manors, | Wilton Manors,FL 33334 FL 33334 1.7.2021 • 11 HOWARD A. JOSEPH CALL TODAY! 954-530-8357GROSSMAN, MD TOJAR, PA-C Walk-in HIV testingCALL TODAY! available. 954-530-8357 954-530-8357 2608 NE 16thWalk-in Ave. HIV| Wilton testing Manors, available. FL 33334 Walk-in HIV testing available. 2608 NE 16th Ave. | Wilton Manors, FL 33334 2608 NE 16th Ave. | Wilton Manors, FL 33334 NEWS STATE PERSON OF THE YEAR SHEVRIN JONES THE RECENTLY ELECTED STATE SENATOR IS A TRAILBLAZING POLITICIAN

Steve Rothaus Special to SFGN

hevrin Jones joined the in November a lot differently than when he first became a 29-year-old state Srepresentative nearly a decade ago.

Upon winning a South Broward House seat in 2012, Jones was new to state politics, married to a woman and the public didn’t know he is gay. Eight years later, he’s a respected lawmaker who is vice chair of the Senate education committee, fully out and partnered with Matthew Beatty, an equally admired South Florida philanthropist and executive. Jones, 38, is the first out LGBT person in the 40-member state Senate and the first openly LGBT Black person elected to the entire 160-member . “We’re not just making history, because that’s temporary, right? There’s work that’s going to have to be done to show that the seat at the table that has been given to me by the people, that it won’t Photo courtesy of the Shevrin Jones Campaign. be wasted,” said Jones, who in August defeated five fellow Democrats to win the District 35 Senate primary with more than 43 percent of the vote. (In the Nov. 3 general election, he had only write-in Every year, SFGN selects an individual who has distinguished themselves locally as the “Person of the Year.” opposition and won more than 97 percent of votes cast.) For 2020, we are proud to choose Shevrin Jones, a newly elected state senator, who brings passion and principle, Jones is deeply rooted in South Florida, a former Everglades Senior High Advanced Placement conviction and character to the table. We are fortunate to have the talented journalist Steve Rothaus do the profile, and blessed to have a voice with the biology teacher whose father, Eric Jones Jr., is a well-known pastor and founding mayor of West vigor of Shev representing our community. Park near Pembroke Park. He’s close with his entire family, from his 9-month-old niece to his He is a builder of coalitions, a battler for our rights, and an individual who has been tested individually, demonstrating 90-year-old grandmother, who recently shared with him her secret to living a long life: “Mind your courage, honor and integrity. I’m guessing he will be more than just a voice for the LGBT community in Tallahassee. I f—-ing business and do what you’re supposed to do.” suspect that he will be a model for us all. Congratulations. “That’s it!” Jones said, laughing. Publisher Norm Kent

12 • 1.7.2021 NEWS STATE

Jones said he first became interested in public got all this stuff going through your head, and Jones was discriminated against for recent service while a student at American Senior then you graduate, you get home and you want homosexual contact.” He then sent a rebuttal High in Northwest Miami-Dade. to get married. I called off my wedding the text asking voters to “ignore this kind of trash.” “It started in high school when I became first time, and I finally said, ‘OK, I want to get Jones said living publicly as a gay man has vice president for the Student Government married.’ And we finally do get married and I’m been made easier by his relationship with Association. That’s when I got interested in like, ‘I don’t think I want this.’ I think — no, I Matthew Beatty. helping people,” he said. don’t want this.” “My partner plays a huge role in my life, and Jones joined a variety of high school groups Jones and his wife stayed married six so what I did not want to do was to hide him,” and clubs, including Health Occupations years. They split about the time he went to Jones said. “Everything I am now is because Students of America, now known as HOSA, Tallahassee. he and I have a major relationship with each Future Health Professionals; and the school Back then, Jones didn’t label himself. other.” debate club. “I played football my freshman and “Because my parents are strict. Very They met in June 2012, months before Jones sophomore year. I was in chorus. I was in band,” conservative Christians. And homosexuality became a House member, at a spoken-word he said. “My parents kept us busy.” was preached against in our church.” and music club in downtown Miami. He graduated from Florida A&M University The same year Jones became a state “They had an open mike night, and we had Jones speaking on the House floor. in 2006 with a degree in biochemistry and representative, David Richardson of Miami some mutual friends that we were just kind Photo courtesy of Steve Rothaus. molecular biology, and later earned a master’s Beach also was elected to the of both speaking with, and each of degree in educational leadership at Florida House, becoming Florida’s first “WITH ALL THE them just started to kind of peel off elements of our relationship. Yes, we love each Atlantic University. openly gay lawmaker. of it and ended up being just us,” other. Yes, we’re committed to each other. But at Along the way, he kept several secrets. As “We both got elected in THINGS HAPPENING Beatty recalled. “We introduced the end of the day, we just enjoy being around young as age 5, he knew he was attracted to August 2012, but he was not IN SOCIETY TODAY, ourselves and the rest is history.” each other as friends, and that really keeps both other boys. And a few years later, a man in his out at all. When I met him, PEOPLE WANT Beatty, 37, also comes from of us here.” family circle began molesting him. I did not know he was gay. SOMEONE WHO’S an influential family. His father, After Jones contracted COVID-19, Beatty “I never want to couple me being That was something much GOING TO LEAD Robert, is an attorney and publisher nursed him back to health. molested as the onset of me recognizing [my] later he shared with me,” said of The South Florida Times, “He was the person who took care of me,” homosexuality, because it’s just not accurate. Richardson, 63. “When he THEM. THEY DON’T which serves the region’s African- Jones said. “Not just that time. He took care But it was something that started confusing me. decided to run for Senate, my CARE WHAT YOU’RE American, Caribbean and Haitian of me when I messed up my back, when my Like, what is this? Is this supposed to hurt? Are free advice was: You need to DOING IN YOUR communities. grandmother died, when my brother died. you supposed to feel this way? Because if so, I have your answer ready now. BEDROOM.” For the past eight years, the COVID. He’s been right there.” don’t like it.” If a reporter asks if you are younger Beatty has worked at the Jones said that when he finally revealed his The abuse continued for “a long time,” Jones gay, I don’t want to see you - Shevrin Jones Miami Foundation, most recently as FLORIDA STATE SENATOR true self and introduced Beatty to his parents, said, until another young victim came forward stammering for an answer. senior director of communications they weren’t thrilled. and the molester went to jail. Have your answer ready so you and engagement. On Dec. 22, he “I don’t think my parents will ever be happy “I went to college and graduated and I don’t look like you’re trying to make it up.” announced he’s moving to the Carrie Meek with my decision, but they love their son started processing a lot of that stuff. That Jones came out publicly in 2018, when he Foundation, to become its vice president and enough to say, ‘You know what? It’s his life. And, stuff starts eating at you,” he said. “One, you allowed LGBT-rights group Equality Florida to chief operating officer. if this is his choice, then so be it. We will have couldn’t acknowledge it, so you felt helpless. identify him in an endorsement as an openly “I’ll lead a relaunch of the foundation and its our views on this, but we are not going to forfeit The adult you is really trying to reach down to gay candidate. investments across issues that Congresswoman our relationship with our child.’ I can’t ask the child you, and trying to communicate with “Shevrin enjoys much of the same type Meek championed: Economic and Community anything else because I know there are people something that is not possible. It can mess with of reception that I did. People don’t first Development, Education, Health and Housing out there whose parents have disowned them your mind just a tad bit. acknowledge that he’s gay because he has in under-resourced communities throughout because of their sexuality.” “I was in college. I have a girlfriend, but I’m business credentials and that will serve him Miami-Dade and the South Florida region,” Jones remains an active member of his also fooling around with guys and things like well,” Richardson said. “People recognize that Beatty posted on Facebook. father’s church, the Koinonia Worship Center & that. And so all of this is happening and you’ve he’s done a lot of good work in public safety, for Jones and Beatty did not rush into a Village in Pembroke Park. example. He’s done a lot of work in affirmative relationship. When they met, Beatty was “Some church members have distanced action, for minorities, not particularly for LGBT already out. themselves from me but I don’t care,” Jones people. He comes with that portfolio. They see “I had done a lot of that, that mental and said. him not as a gay activist but as someone who’s emotional work,” Beatty said. “I was ready to Voters, however, have shown it doesn’t been successful as an educator.” stand as who I was and live my life open and matter to them. It’s not all been smooth sailing for Jones, honestly, and Shevrin was still going through a “With all the things happening in society however. divorce and was still understanding what that today, people want someone who’s going to Last summer, he and many other family would look like for him post-divorce: him living lead them. They don’t care what you’re doing members contracted COVID-19. After they his true life.” in your bedroom,” Jones said. “Do they have an recovered, only Jones was told he could not That worked well for them. opinion? I’m sure they do. It would be dumb to donate plasma because he is a gay man. (As “I tell people all the time that I’m grateful for think that they don’t. But are they saying ‘I’m a result of the AIDS crisis, the Food and Drug that because it gave us a really long time to just not voting for that guy because …’? I doubt it. Administration in 1985 banned gay men from be friends,” Beatty said. “And because we didn’t “People, when we were knocking on their giving blood. In April because of the COVID-19 enter a romantic relationship right after we doors, they were asking about my sexuality. crisis and need for blood and plasma, the FDA met, we built a true friendship that was based Half of them were like, ‘Oh, I heard about you. said gay men could donate if they’ve abstained on just mutual interest. And mutual support And I’m voting for you.’” from sex the past three months.) of each other. And just kind of enjoying each Days after Jones spoke out about not being other’s company. Journalist Steve Rothaus covered LGBT issues able to donate plasma, someone sent text “And that friendship is what sticks with us to for 22 years at the Miami Herald. Shevrin Jones with Matthew Beatty. messages to voters in his district that “Shevrin this day, and to me is one of the fundamental Photo courtesy of Steve Rothaus.

1.7.2021 • 13 COLUMN EDITORIAL FLORIDA GOV. RON DESANTIS’ MIDTERM REPORT CARD: D-MINUS Sun Sentinel Editorial Board

wo years ago, when Ron DeSantis took the oath of office as the 46th governor of Florida, we knew little Tabout him other than that he was an ultra-conservative congressman from Northeast Florida who had voted to shut down the government, who ran his campaign on Fox News and who President Trump liked a lot. Now as he nears the midway point of a four-year term, the whole country knows him — for all the wrong reasons.

Shortly after DeSantis raised his right hand on Jan. 8, 2019, hopes ran high. For unlike his predecessor, Rick Scott, DeSantis quickly emerged as a champion of the environment — dedicating more money to address Florida’s water woes, hiring the state’s first resilience officer and cleaning house at the South Florida Water Management District, which had become too cozy with the sugar industry. But today, one issue overshadows everything else. For mishandling and politicizing Florida’s response to the greatest Photo via Ron DeSantis, Facebook. challenge of our times, the COVID-19 pandemic, DeSantis deserves a D-minus on his midterm report card. environment, DeSantis has pushed for improvements to listing events that have long since ended. He makes people Government exists to keep us safe, and on this measure, Florida’s grossly underfunded treatment of mental health. He wait months for routine public records requests and forced DeSantis comes up short. He has put lives in danger by eased the cost of pre-paid college tuition for about 224,000 newspapers to sue to get the reports of the White House downplaying public health risks, hiding information and customers. He secured full pardons for the Groveland Four, Coronavirus Task Force, which Florida’s Sunshine Law affords refusing to require people to wear face masks and socially the Black men accused of raping a white woman in a 1949 no excuse to hide. And many South Florida mayors complain distance. Even among the 12 governors who have refused to case he called a miscarriage of justice. He championed a they can never get him on the phone. impose statewide mask orders, DeSantis stands apart. He is the significant pay raise for teachers last year. And he forced the Perhaps most consequential, DeSantis has made right-wing only one who forbids cities and counties from enforcing local Legislature to legalize the smoking of medical marijuana — as credentials, particularly membership in the Federalist Society, mask orders or levying fines on businesses that pack in people. an amendment approved by 72 percent of Florida voters had a litmus test for appointment to the Florida Supreme Court, While DeSantis emphasizes that paint intended. as well as circuit and county court benches. If that doesn’t a rosy picture, Florida’s pandemic numbers are all But DeSantis has ignored the voters’ will bother you, imagine if only ACLU members were considered. going in the wrong direction. The state reports WHILE DESANTIS that felons who’ve served their time be allowed No group that represents a particular ideology should have a nearly 1.3 million cases and more than 21,500 EMPHASIZES to vote. In a series of court challenges, he has monopoly on judicial appointments. deaths. The seven-day positivity case rate hovers insisted that they first pay all court costs and fees, Equally disturbing, after the presidential election, DeSantis around 10 percent, but it more than doubled NUMBERS without regard for their ability to pay. As a result, promoted, without proof, the baseless claim that Democrats — from 11.07% to 22.75% — between Monday THAT PAINT A wealthy ex-felons may vote in Florida, but poor had stolen the election from President Trump and that citizens and Tuesday of this week. On Dec. 30, nearly ones can’t. It doesn’t matter, as one court said, should lobby lawmakers in Pennsylvania and Michigan to 6,300 people were hospitalized with COVID-19, ROSY PICTURE, that the state can’t even tell them what they owe. overturn the election results. No other governor in America a 51% increase over Nov. 30. Unlike other states, FLORIDA’S DeSantis also pushed for a divisive ban rattled the public’s faith in democracy so shamelessly. He still DeSantis refuses to let Florida report how many PANDEMIC on “sanctuary cities” that refused to detain has not acknowledged that Joe Biden is the president-elect. of those people are on ventilators. suspected undocumented immigrants. He But DeSantis’ response to the pandemic will be his legacy. And though we’ve known for months that one NUMBERS ARE legalized putting guns in the hands of classroom We watched in disgust as the governor, without a mask, or more vaccines would likely receive emergency- ALL GOING IN THE teachers, despite widespread opposition. He high-fived strangers at a Trump campaign rally in October. We use authorization in December, Florida’s vaccine expanded the use of scarce tax dollars to pay for recall how he bought a million doses of hydroxychloroquine, roll-out plan has forced people to wait in hours- WRONG DIRECTION. private school vouchers in an attack on public the unproven treatment favored by Trump, and promoted long lines, endlessly dial phone numbers that education. He foolishly endorsed three new toll testimonials by a doctor and patient during a media briefing. don’t answer and attempt to log into websites that don’t roads unwanted by their communities. He made it harder for And we will never forget how he hid information about Florida’s respond. Unlike the collapse of the state’s unemployment citizens to gather petitions for ballot initiatives when state death toll as voters made their way to the polls in November. compensation website in May, DeSantis can’t blame this fiasco legislators refuse to listen. And in a chilling assault on free Cold and distant on the public stage, DeSantis has shown on his predecessor. For he’s the one who decided to ignore speech, he signed a bill that forces citizens to pay developers’ a lack of empathy for Floridians who’ve lost their lives to the federal recommendations and jump people 65 and older to legal fees if they’re unsuccessful in challenging proposed land- pandemic. It’s why he’s called “DeathSantis,” “DuhSantis” the head of the line without first ensuring that supplies and use changes. and “DeSatan” on Twitter. The New Republic declared him its distribution systems would be there for them. DeSantis also shows a sloppy disregard for public records “Scoundrel of the Year” and said: “In any other circumstance We give the governor his due. Besides supporting the laws. Some days, his daily calendar appears after 6 p.m., we would call him a murderer.”

14 • 1.7.2021 NEWS LOCAL

OF J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS THE WEEK From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a special look at a community that is slowly waking up after a long and devastating year. Photos by J.R. Davis

RuPaul’s Season 5’s Serena ChaCha (known off-stage as Myron Morgan) sporting her special mask.

Famous Wilton Manors Entertainer Gloria out after the show with Mark and Bev.

Albert Pierantoni and photographer Michael Murphy out for drinks and a show.

On Wednesday, Victor Zepka, Alibi Monkey Bar Owner Johnny Pak, The Manor Venue Owner Paul Hugo and his husband Daniel hung out at the first-ever Shake Your Money Maker at Alibi.

1.7.2021 • 15 CONVICTIONS Publisher's Editorial A NEW YEAR’S MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHER x RUMINATIONS FROM CHAIRMAN NORM ON SFGN’S 11TH YEAR

Norm Kent [email protected]

n 2010, SFGN was born. This is the is greater. I am told we are one of the top beginning of our 11th year, but it’s the 20th 50,000 news websites in the world. Could be. Ianniversary of a free gay press in Broward What we don’t publish in the print edition is County. always online, 24/7. On January 10, 2000, I founded the Express Still, SFGN is your neighborhood paper, Gay News. Unfortunately, after I sold it in local enough to showcase your local friends 2005, the new owners rebranded the paper, and neighbors. The only place SFGN is going stupidly changed its name, and then ran it into is into more of your homes. the ground. During the pandemic, against all odds, we Despite a brief interruption, our community have steadfastly published our paper. If you has fortunately had a legitimate weekly gay missed these issues, read them online or stop newspaper for 20 years. Those by the office and pick one pages have showcased the up. LGBT community with our WE REPORT If your business is now shirts and ties on. open, and we can advertise Twenty years later, while a WHAT COMES you, let us. Our paper may host of bar guides have come be free, but our overhead and gone, nobody did it like OUR WAY. BUT is anything but. We rely on Photo via PxHere. Peter Clark, and we salute his your ad revenues. It’s what journey. SFGN has become WE ILLUMINATE pays for you to get the news advertisers. I don’t want to waste them. The sky remains full of thunder, but the the anchor of all news LGBT for free. If you would like one, stop by the office. day will soon come again when we can gather in South Florida — local news, AS WELL AS If you’re reader, who does They are free. Like the COVID-19 vaccine, it’s together in fun, rather than fear. Eventually, global coverage. not own a business, but first come, first serve. What a disgrace that is, every storm runs out of rain. Above all else, we are still a INVESTIGATE. want to support our mission right? Let’s hope 2021 enables us to celebrate our local community newspaper, you can do so at SFGN.com/ The challenges of 2021 remind me of a lives, instead of the loss of them. Thank you letting you know about the WE BRING donate. 1980’s AIDS poster still hanging in my office. It for allowing SFGN to be part of your journey. best pizza in town, or worst If you are looking for reads “Say a prayer for the dead, and fight like I understand our paper can’t be all things con artist. It’s wherever the LIGHT TO OUR a news box near you, we hell for the living.” to all people, but we do our part to be right by news takes you. We report have a dozen new ones As Joni Mitchell once wrote, life is “a circle you. what comes our way. But LIVES. in our warehouse, ready game.” What was true yesterday has come to In one of our daily moral struggles with my we illuminate as well as to be delivered to your pass again today. former partner last week, he admonished me investigate. We bring light to our lives. neighborhood. Call me. I will carry it there We find ourselves looking for a new vaccine that “what is popular is not always right, and Beginning this year, the news will be taking myself, if I have to. for a newer virus, but still pedaling on bikes to what is right is not always popular.” us more and more to the emerging gay life of This year, SFGN may not celebrate our raise funds to find a cure for the last one. And he is right. Oakland Park. We will be rebranding WMG anniversary with 500 people at a huge party in The distribution of the coronavirus vaccine The duty of the free press and its staff is not and the Wilton Manors Gazette to simply, the showroom of Grieco Ford, but we are not in Florida so far has been more warped than to be popular, but it is to do what is right. It is “The Gazette,” featuring more news about our here to show off. We share news, not novelties. warp speed. This is not the way the 21st to be conscientious, consistent, and credible; neighbors to the north. But wait, I must confess. century should be. We put men on the moon to be reliable and responsible. During this pandemic, the print edition of Against my bookkeeper’s advice, I ordered 50 years ago, and we can’t get vaccines in our This, I promise you, SFGN will always be. SFGN may be smaller, but our online presence little desk calendars to give out to friends and arm today. Shameful.

16 • 1.7.2021 NEWS LOCAL A LOOK BACK AT 2020 As 2021 begins and the pandemic continues, SFGN is taking this week to reflect on our year together during the COVID-19 crisis.

The beginning of a new world. The community begins to buckle. The local heroes emerge. March 18, 2020 March 25, 2020 April 8, 2020

Everyone is responsible. The painful loss of what was once normal. Our community slowly adapts. July 16, 2020 September 3, 2020 September 10, 2020

1.7.2021 • 17 CONVICTIONS Jesse’s Journal PROVIDENCE LOST

Jesse Monteagudo Photo via Adobe.

here is a Providence that protects of the protesters were peaceful though idiots, drunkards, children, and some, alas, took to looting and violent “Tthe United States of America” is attacks to express their anger. a famous quote often attributed to German Things would have improved somewhat chancellor Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898). if we had a president who understood the If this is true, Bismarck stole it from the fears and hatreds of the American people French (like Alsace-Lorraine), just adding and who worked to bring our country the U.S.A. to the old saying that “God always together. Unfortunately, Donald Trump helps fools, lovers and drunkards.” Even so, does not have the qualifications to be Americans took the Iron Chancellor’s quote an effective leader. Even worse, he does as a compliment, and history as proof that not have the qualifications to be a decent God is on our side. But God helps those who human being. Politically damaged by his help themselves, and our recent history sloppy treatment of the pandemic, Trump makes me wonder if we views the current crisis as still enjoy Providence’s an excuse to marshal his protection. We certainly WE FACE A NEW base, win re-election, and lost it on Nov. 8, 2016, make himself a dictator. when Donald J. Trump AND UNEXPECTED Trump could have given was elected president of SCOURGE, a healing address of unity, the United States. like those delivered by Twenty-twenty has COVID-19, WHICH previous presidents, both been a terrible year for the HAS STRUCK AT Republican and Democrat. world in general and for Instead, Trump declared the U.S. in particular. We LEAST A MILLION himself the “law and order face a new and unexpected AMERICANS, president,” threatened scourge, COVID-19, which to send the military to has struck at least a KILLED OVER A states where governors million Americans, killed 100,000 OF US, refuse to “dominate” the over a 100,000 of us, upheaval, and ordered law and caused the biggest AND CAUSED enforcement to violently economic crisis since the THE BIGGEST disperse protesters in Great Depression. ECONOMIC CRISIS front of the White House Twenty-twenty has so he can walk to St. John’s also witnessed more SINCE THE GREAT Episcopal church across than its share of racial DEPRESSION. the street and brandish a terrorism where white Bible for the cameras. police officers, and white Like a dog marking his I can be a good ally, and support their The fight to bring George Floyd’s killers civilians taking the law into their own territory, Trump had to show the world struggle for equal justice and humanity. to justice is the fight to bring racial justice hands, used “law and order” as an excuse to that he is still in charge, especially after At least I can show some empathy, which to America. Perhaps, by doing so, we can murder African American men and women. the media reported that he took refuge in a is something that Donald Trump seems regain some of the divine Providence that The death of George Floyd, by Minneapolis White House bunker, while protesters raged unable to do. we lost. police officers on May 25, proved beyond outside. the shadow of a doubt that Black Americans As a light-skinned Cuban-American of (and other minorities) would not be treated European descent, who has benefitted from with justice in the good old U.S.A. white privilege all my life, I cannot fully Thousands of Americans, of all races, comprehend what Black men and women Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an genders, and classes, took to the streets to go through in our racist society, nor do I active member of South Florida's LGBT community for more than four protest racial injustice in this country. Most presume to speak on their behalf. However, decades and has served in various community organizations.

18 • 1.7.2021

DUE TO COVID-19, CLERGY ASK THAT YOU STAY SAFE AT HOME. PLEASE WATCH SERVICES ON Now is the time to recreate ourselves: recognize our faults, plead FACEBOOK AND/OR ONLINE. FIND DETAILS ON forgiveness for our trespasses, and repair what we have broken. So grab a water, find a friend or two, and get to work - HOW TO WATCH ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES the world needs us!! AND WEBSITES. THANK YOU AND BE WELL! Shabbat service Friday at 8pm on our Facebook Page Congregation Etz Chaim 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus www.EtzChaimFlorida.org / RSVP HERE: [email protected]

Church of Our Savior, MCC Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship. 11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook 2011 s. Federal Hwy., and posted on website for safe at home viewing. Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 “Love without judgement” www,churchofoursaviormcc.org Holy Angels

Until further notice: Due to the National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street current COVID-19 pandemic, our SPIRITUALITY Wilton Manors. 33305 worship services are streamed on Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL Facebook Live every Sunday at www.HolyAngelsFL.org 10 AM, rather than held at our church property. 954-633-2987 https://www.facebook.com/ SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our A home for your spirit. web site for more details & updates. Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome!

LISTINGS

CONGREGATION CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, ETZ CHAIM MCC 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building Church of Our Savior, MCC B), Wilton Manors 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 [email protected] Sunday Service 10AM Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. TEMPLE BAT YAM HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC 5151 NE 14th Ter COMMUNITY Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 2917 NE 6th Avenue 954-928-0410 Wilton Manors Friday Night & Saturday Morning 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Streaming Online at templebatyam.org Sunday Mass at 11AM

1.7.2021 • 19 LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG ‘I WANT TO BE KISSED, AND HELD’

Brian McNaught Photo via PxHere.

n 82-year-old friend spoke openly of his need for intimacy. He hungers to be kissed and held. He wants Asex. “Am I a bad person? I think about it a lot.” Abraham Maslow asserted that having sex was a primary need, no different than that for air and water. “Intimacy” was a level-three need, but more basic than self-esteem, according to him. It’s true regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity. Forty percent of Americans age 65 to 80 are sexually active. Before the COVID containment, sexually transmitted infections were on the rise in nursing homes. Even if they’re unable to perform sexually, most people never lose their desire for intimacy, in whatever form it might take. The friend questioning me happened to be gay, recently widowed after many years of loving, and living alone, independently. “Grindr?” I offered, trying to be helpful. “No, I don’t want to get murdered, or robbed. I don’t want to get syphilis, gonorrhea, or crabs.” What about joining a singles group and date? SilverDaddies? DOES IT OCCUR “No, I don’t want someone who doesn’t leave. I’m not looking for a live-in TO US, THOUGH, boyfriend. I want to be held and kissed, THAT MAYBE but then I want him to leave. I have my Volunteers, like me, are provided long lists of I googled SilverDaddies, Rent.Men, and RentBoys. I own routines. I like my life. I don’t want WE’RE FAILING “do’s and don’ts,” such as not riding in the same also inquired about how welcome my friend might be in a someone wanting me to get rid of my TO ADDRESS A car, not giving financial advice, and certainly not bathhouse. husband’s things to make room for his.” getting romantically involved or physical with “There is someone for everyone in the baths,” a former When services are created for LGBT MOST IMPORTANT the person to whom we’re assigned. We fill out bathhouse owner told me. “He could come and sit in the seniors, we think about their physical COMPONENT monthly forms that report on the individual’s lounge and talk with people if he wanted just to connect and emotional health. Before the social health and mood. We’re encouraged to give with others. There are two such places in Ft. Lauderdale, distancing of the pandemic, we planned OF EMOTIONAL practical advice, such as how to retrieve email, Clubhouse II and Club Fort Lauderdale. Of the two, get-togethers, and outings to the opera HEALTH, THE use their cellphones, and to search the web for Clubhouse II has more seniors as clients.” or bingo. Does it occur to us, though, information. I did more searching on the Internet and found it all a bit that maybe we’re failing to address a NEED TO FEEL Despite being certified as a sexuality educator, intimidating. I’m lucky enough to have the intimacy I need most important component of emotional I was among the last that should have been asked from my husband of 44 years, my dog of three years, and my health, the need to feel intimacy? INTIMACY? for advice on safe hook-ups. But, I know how to family and friends. A hug and kiss are always just a short It’s illegal (in Florida), if not dangerous, network, research, and ask questions. And so, I distance away. If I was in need of company, in the absence of for a non-profit working with seniors to provide lists of did. Ray’s love, but wasn’t looking for a relationship, I’d probably hookers, a “happy ending” masseuse, and escorts, but where A local gay guesthouse owner told me that one older man sign up for a weekend spiritual workshop where all of the is the elder person supposed to find the information they are had visitors all through his stay, two very polite young men, gay men got naked, like at the Body Electric, and maybe eat looking for, especially if they’re not tied into the local social one staying for the first part of the week, and the other the magic mushrooms together in a smoke lodge. Or, I’d just get network? latter part of the stay. “I was surprised to learn that they were a massage. That would be less scary for me than hiring an Are they “bad people” for longing for warmth in their bed escorts. They were very courteous and properly behaved.” escort. again, a body they’re willing to pay for, but live in fear of “Rent.Men.com,” I was told by one senior gay man who I can tell a friend all of this, but if I was prohibited from calling the number, or emailing the name in the magazine ad? asked around at my behest. “There’s RentBoys.com, too, giving this kind of information to a person to whom I was If they asked for help from a service organization, and were I’m told, but given what you’ve told me, I think he wants assigned by a group working with gay seniors, I’d probably denied, where lies the shame if they contact someone on an ‘Rent.Men.’” just write a column, and post it on Facebook. app, and are beaten and robbed? If it was reported in the press that a non-profit working with seniors provided information on the safest prostitutes to hire, the executive director would resign, members of the Board of Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has made his Directors would quit, all funding would dry up, and all of the many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The Times named him “The services provided by that group to the elderly would end. Godfather of gay diversity training.”

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1.7.2021 • 21 LIFESTYLE FOOD COPING WITH COVID Wilton Manors restaurants adapt to survive

Rick Karlin

hile the hospitality industry has been decimated, five area eateries have made adaptations that have allowed them to Wsurvive during the pandemic. Some have stepped up delivery and take-out, others have rethought their entire format. Here’s how a few of Wilton Manors’ favorite places have adapted.

Shawn Bombard, owner of Courtyard been our greatest asset and our turnover has Café, has seen a vast increase in delivery been minimal,” he reports. business. “Before COVID we only used Uber One reason for that minimal turnover is Eats, since then we have added DoorDash and the fact that The Pub held fundraisers for Grubhub.” two months during closure to provide its According to Bombard, deliveries account furloughed employees with regular bi-weekly for one-third of his company’s income now, financial assistance. It also held two holiday and he is looking to expand to-go sales events at Thanksgiving and Christmas, since it is still at 50% capacity seating. He donating a third of the funds from the dinner Staff members pose at the ready outside of has been lucky enough to retain most of entrées to Poverello. The Pub won first place Bona Italian Restaurant. Photo via Bona Italian his staff and, by following CDC in Wilton Manors’ “Deck-the- Restaurant, Facebook. guidelines, they’ve managed to Drive” holiday decoration remain COVID free. Although “DURING THIS contest and distributed double he received some grant money, the $2,500 prize money to its employees. According to Weinzimer, “When and with the pandemic worse than it was Bombard has had to take a loan WORLDWIDE employees. we first were hit with COVID and a shutdown, when we initially shut down in March.” to survive. He credits his staff PANDEMIC, Connell stresses: “During this we transitioned some of our servers, to Weinzimer echoes the sentiments of many, working as a team to their ability REDUCING worldwide pandemic, reducing answering phones and helping with take-out “There is a light at the end of the tunnel, the to stay open. the spread of COVID-19 requires orders. When we re-opened our server staff vaccine will hopefully become more widely Michael Connell, co-owner of THE SPREAD every person and business to returned.” accessible now that several versions have The Pub, reports that although OF COVID-19 do their part. Prioritizing the The government support programs such as been approved. It is our hope that by the his restaurant business was in protection of our associates Payment Protection Plan have only helped so summer of 2021 we will see a return to a new mandatory closure from March REQUIRES EVERY and our customers is the ethical much, “It softened the blow, but have since normal that will allow us to hug our friends 18 through May 18, since then PERSON AND and moral thing to do. It’s costly used up the entire PPP. We have also taken an and all to prosper. In the interim, we have all carry-out, although offered, BUSINESS TO DO but just a ‘no-brainer’decision! SBA loan which we are now deep into and is made it this far, we can certainly hold out a is minimal. The mainstay of The Pub implemented, gladly not forgivable.” few more months. Ultimately, all lives matter his business is those who dine THEIR PART.” retains and supports all the Even through the struggles, Bona and we need to consider our neighbors in all onsite. “Outside sidewalk and - Michael Connell mitigation actions that the maintained its Give Back Monday program, our decisions and keep everyone safe.” back patio seating have become CO-OWNER, THE PUB CDC and the county have which gives 10% of the house back to We contacted more than a dozen eateries very popular since reopening. recommended for businesses to local non-profits. According to Weinzimer, popular in our community and have included Daytime customers request outside seating safely operate.” “Obviously our Mondays are not what they the responses from those that responded. nearly 50% of the time depending on weather Glen Weinzimer, co-owner of Bona were pre-COVID. Bottom line, there is a need, conditions. In the evening, our outside Italian Restaurant reports that carry-out seating is preferred by about one-third of our and delivery now accounts for 40% of his customers.” business, as opposed to 25% pre-COVID. HUNGRY FOR MORE?  VISIT SFGN.COM/FOOD! While many businesses have had to cut back Although Bona has limited outdoor dining on staffing, Connell reports that enhanced capacity, Weinzimer feels that it allows protocols for customer and associate safety customers who are not ready to dine-in to Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor. have necessitated the Pub hiring additional have a feeling of safety. Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to employees. “Our remarkable associates have Bona has also been able to retain its share? Email Rick at [email protected].

22 • 1.7.2021 LIFESTYLE photos NEW YEAR, NEW US WILTON MANORS CELEBRATES THE END OF 2020

LET’S BE HONEST, 2020 WAS A DIFFICULT YEAR. IT’S NO SURPRISE THAT PEOPLE WERE EAGER TO CELEBRATE, AND WILTON MANORS WAS NO EXCEPTION. TAKE A LOOK AT SOME OF THE CELEBRATING PATRONS WHO COULD BE SEEN AROUND TOWN — BUT BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK IF YOU WANT TO REALLY GET IN ON THE ACTION.

Photos by J.R. Davis

Johnsons staff members Taran, Jeff, Omar, Eliezer and in front Joao. The Boardkwalks’ Jonathan Jump, Dave and Vickie.

Tim and Mark working hard at The Pub.

TO SEE MANY MORE PHOTOS, Hunters’ Mark and Patrick. SFGN’s Senior Photographer J.R. Davis with Mattys’ David Guzdek. VISIT SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS ON FACEBOOK.

1.7.2021 • 23 CONVICTIONS Editorial Cartoon EDITORIAL CARTOON By Andy Marlette

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1.7.2021 • 25 A&E DVDS QUEERLY DIGITAL LGBT cinema on DVD/Blu-Ray Gregg Shapiro ONE FOR EACH LETTER FIVE BEST LGBTQ MOVIES OF 2020

t’s not unreasonable to say that the moviegoing experience has lost some of its luster in recent years. Stadium Iseating is a good idea, but the pressure of having to choose seats in advance takes the fun out of the hunt. People continue to talk during the movie; to each other, to themselves, to the characters on the screen. Texting during movies is at an all-time high, and Apple watches illuminating throughout the theater are a distraction. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic. Movie theater chains shuttered. While the idea of sitting in close proximity to other audience members caused us to shudder. Not that they could have predicted a health crisis of this magnitude, but forward-thinking streaming services such as , Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and HBO Max benefited in a big way from the pandemic. The following five 2020 movies represent the best in LGBTQ titles.

A queer 21st century take on de one man’s personal sexual spectrum exploration L Bergerac, “The Half of It” (Netflix), lesbian and deserves to be commended for creating an writer/director ’s first full-length admirable and entertaining feature-length debut at feature film since 2004’s “Saving Face,” takes the same time. viewers to high school where extremely bright student Ellie (Leah Lewis), who makes bank writing In recent years, Sebastián Lelio’s Oscar- term papers for her classmates, is enlisted to write T winning 2017 “A Fantastic Woman” and love letters from Paul (Daniel Diemer) to Aster Sean Baker’s 2015 “Tangerine” have gone (Alexxis Lemire). The problem is that Ellie is also in a long way in raising the bar when it comes to love. To say more would give away an essential plot intelligent and powerful depictions of trans people “Circus of Books.” Credit: Netflix. point, but it’s well worth watching the movie to see on screen. The same can be said for gay filmmaker how it unfolds. Flavio Alves’ “The Garden Left Behind” (Queens Pictures/Autonomous Pictures). The garden in the “Benjamin”(Artspolitation), from gay writer/ title refers to the one in Mexico that undocumented G director Simon Amstell (think of him Tina (trans actress Carlie Guevara), who is in the as a gay male Hannah Gadsby), is easily process of her transition, and her abuela Eliana one of the best 21st century rom-coms, gay or (Miriam Cruz), left behind when they arrived in New straight, that you can find. The titular character, York when Tina was a young child. Alves has found Benjamin (a fantastic Colin Morgan) is a socially a way to balance the daily traumas of their lives with awkward and insecure gay filmmaker who falls in incredible moments of human connection. love with musician Noah (Phénix Brossard), and systematically destroys both the relationship and Queer filmmaker/performance artist Rachel his new movie. “Benjamin” is laugh-out-loud funny, Q Mason also got personal with her new tearjerker sad and thoroughly enjoyable. documentary “Circus of Books” (Netflix/ Future Clown). The daughter of Karen and If you can overlook the confusing finale, Barry Mason, the straight, married couple who B James Sweeney’s queer rom-com “Straight owned and operated the titular legendary XXX Up” (Strand), about the severe sexual identity adult emporium in WeHo (shuttered in early 2018) crisis gay millennial Todd (Sweeney) undergoes, and a short-lived Silverlake location, Rachel crafted is funny and touching, often in the same scene. a revelatory, warts-and-all family portrait that is Sweeney presents us with a marvelous version of equally emotional and informative.

Gregg Shapiro is SFGN’s movie reviewer. His weekly reviews can be found at SFGN.com/screensavor. “The Half of It.” Credit: Netflix. SWEENEY PRESENTS US WITH A A PRESENTS WITH SWEENEY US ONE OF VERSION MARVELOUS SEXUAL PERSONAL MAN’S SPECTRUM EXPLORATION.

26 • 1.7.2021 A&E OPERA OPERA RETURNS TO STAGE THIS WINTER IN SOUTH FLORIDA

J.W. Arnold

lorida Grand Opera will finally be returning to the stage with live Fperformances, after sitting out much of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This week, FGO General Director and CEO Susan T. Danis announced the upcoming “Season of Specials and Shorts,” a series of three chamber operas and programming that would meet CDC guidelines. “Even in this time of COVID and other calamities, our need for music and art is ever-present. We have carefully consulted with the experts, and after a successful fall Jan. 7-24, 2021 season of concerts, we are so pleased to be presenting a ‘Season of Specials and Shorts,’” 713 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach, FL she said in an announcement. www.lakeworthplayhouse.org | 561.586.6410 Danis noted that most performances are slated for “intimate, yet socially distanced spaces that are perfect for a unique � storytelling experience.” FGO will open with four contemporary chamber operas, performed over three weekends in January, February and March at Miami Theater Center in Miami Shores. Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers,” based on a Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers,” based Terrence McNally story and set during the AIDS on Terrence McNally’s original script for crisis, will be performed by Florida Grand Opera at “Some Christmas Letters,” opens the mini- Miami Theater Center. Credit: JakeHeggie.com season Jan. 30 — 31. This intimate, 90-minute chamber opera takes place over three decades The opera portion of the season wraps up during the AIDS crisis. Each section portrays with a double bill on March 20 — 21: Leonard events between a famous stage actress Bernstein’s “Trouble in Tahiti” paints an mother and her two adult children, and as intimate picture of the troubled marriage family secrets are revealed, resentment grows of young suburban couple Sam and Dinah, and relationships become tested. The opera both longing for love and intimacy. “Signor has been among the top 10 most performed Deluso” is a one-act opera by composer and North American works since 1991. librettist Thomas Pasatieri, loosely based On Feb. 13 — 14, FGO will stage composer on Molière’s 1660 comedy “Sganarelle, Daron Hagen’s “New York Stories,” a ou Le Cocu imaginaire” (“The Imaginary series of three intimate vignettes based on Cuckold”), sung in English. experiences of residents of the Big Apple. Other upcoming special performances at The first act introduces a woman living in venues across both Miami-Dade and Broward the Upper West Side coupled with an Italian Counties include “An Evening of Zarzuela,” immigrant who arrives to do maintenance Friday, Feb. 5; Angela Brown in “Opera…From work, and the romantic moment they share. a Sistah’s Point of View,” Sunday, Feb. 28; The second tells the story of an Upper East “An Evening of Spirituals, Jazz and Opera,” Side woman who receives a surprise visit Saturday, March 13; and “A Tribute to Latin from her brother. The third depicts a warm, American Composers,” Friday, March 26. domestic self-portrait of the composer and FGO will also offer concert series at the his spouse as new parents attempting to put Art Deco Museum in Miami Beach, Feb. 3 — their infant son to sleep after a night on the March 10, and ArtServe in Fort Lauderdale, town. Jan. 27 — March 27.

Tickets for “Season of Specials and Shorts” are $65 each for the opera performances and $10 — 20 for the individual special performances and concerts at FGO.org. Package discounts are also available.

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