OutSFL Vol. 2, Issue 7

VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL FEBRUARY 15, 2024 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 7 VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL @OUTSFL OUR PAGES YOUR VOICE PAGE 16 & 38 ROCK THE BLOCK DAVID ARCHULETA HEADLINES NEW EVENT

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4 • 2.15.2024 COVER: David Archuleta. Photo by Shaun Vadella. February 15, 2024 • Volume 2• Issue 7 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 OutSFL newspaper is published on a weekly schedule. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of any featured individuals solely based on their names, appearance, or inclusion within this publication. Any opinions shared within stories, columns, graphics, or letters to the editor should not be assumed to represent the opinions of OutSFL, its Publisher, or its co-founder. Any stories or content, either in print or online, and also including any articles that are featured in conjunction with any media partners, are protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and this ownership is carefully and jealously guarded by this media group. Nothing that is published may be reprinted, either in whole or in part, without first receiving written consent from the Publisher, Jason Parsley. OutSFL is owned by Jason Parsley and Justin Wyse, and is represented legally by Russell Cormican. As a private corporation, OutSFL reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations, and photographs. Copyright © 2024 J&J Media Group. PUBLISHER Jason Parsley [email protected] CEO Justin Wyse [email protected] EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Kimberly Swan SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Christiana Lilly ART DIRECTOR Julie Palmer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kyle Willis • Craig Tuggle GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANT Brendon Lies ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Rick Karlin [email protected] COMMUNITY EDITOR John Hayden [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHERS J.R. Davis • Carina Mask COLUMNISTS Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo Sabrina Haake • Fred Fejes John Porter • Kelly Ghweinem SPECIAL TO OUTSFL Steve Rothaus • J.W. Arnold CORRESPONDENTS John McDonald • Sean Conklin Deon Jefferson • Aurora Dominguez Denise Brown • Mary Rasura Terri Schlichenmeyer • Gregg Shapiro Kennedy McKinney • Michael Anguille Robert DeDominic • Aaron Kinchen Tessa Becker • Christopher Flores PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Pier Angelo SALES & MARKETING For ad placement, call 954-514-7095 SALES MANAGERS Edwin Neimann [email protected] Silvio Carvana [email protected] Andrew LaRochelle [email protected] DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Richie Wilson • Johnathan Rey • Tyler Brayton NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 CAN’T WAIT FOR PRINT? FOLLOW US ONLINE. OUTSFL.COM DANIEL FRANZESE DELIVERS ‘YASS JESUS’ & SHOWS THAT WE DON’T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN GOD & BEING GAY Spot an error? Let us know at [email protected] “We will help you prepare to complete a 5K race,” an announcement reads. People who show up regularly will receive a free registration for the group’s race on April 21 at Holiday Park. The training will be offered three times per week during the group’s regularly scheduled meets on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. at Holiday Park; Saturdays at 7:30 a.m. at Galleria Mall in Fort Lauderdale; and Sundays at 5 p.m. at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors. Membership in FRWFL is not required. Front Runners won OutSFL’s first Readers Choice awards in December for Best Sports League and Best Sports Team in Broward. “The comment that I hear most often from our visitors and members is how welcoming, and friendly we are for a sports organization,” Runyan told OutSFL at the time. “While we offer opportunities and push our participants to excel and be more fit, we celebrate everyone’s efforts, whether they place first in a major race or simply attend and walk at our meetup on a regular basis.” The Front Runners organization started in San Francisco in 1974 as a jogging class. In 1978, they adopted the name Front Runners after Patricia Nell Warren’s 1974 novel “The Front Runner”, about a gay track coach and a gay runner. Today there are running clubs all over the world, including Fort Lauderdale. “We are truly a diverse sporting community that brings together people from across the LGBTQ spectrum and our allies,” Runyan previously said. To learn more, visit www.frwfl.org or email [email protected]. I f you ever thought about running a 5K, but were too nervous or hesitant to give it a shot, Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale wants to train you. And the best part – it’s free. “As a peer coached program, our training is unique,” said Eric Runyan, president of the LGBTQ running club. “Participants not only benefit from the experience of seasoned runners, they are integrated into the social life of the club. This social aspect is what keeps people training for the long haul.” The program kicked off Wednesday, Feb. 14. It’s a nine-week program for new or aspiring runners. Interested people are welcome to join anytime. FREE ‘COUCH TO 5K’ RUNNING PROGRAM HAPPENING NOW NEWS HIGHLIGHT Jason Parsley Photo courtesy of Eric Runyan, President of Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale. THE PROGRAM KICKED OFF WEDNESDAY, FEB. 14. IT’S A NINE-WEEK PROGRAM FOR NEW OR ASPIRING RUNNERS. INTERESTED PEOPLE ARE WELCOME TO JOIN ANYTIME.

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6 • 2.15.2024 LAST WEEK'S COVER FROM THE NEWSROOM - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE OUTFAU'S COVER FROM THE NEWSROOM - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE

2.15.2024 • 7 Holy Cross. Caring for The Community. Holy-Cross.com/LGBTQ “We serve all patients with Pride and a commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion.” - Dr. William S Korey At Holy Cross Health, we believe that caring for the community means caring for everyone. We’re proud to provide world-class healthcare and unrivaled compassion in an open and inclusive environment.

8 • 2.15.2024 OUT AND ABOUT PHOTO OF THE WEEK Richard Ortiz, Ryan White Case Manager Supervisor for Latinos Salud Wilton Manors, with husband, Ivan Rivera, Front Office Assistant at AIDS Healthcare Foundation South, attending the Latinos Salud Broward Gala at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. Photo by JR Davis LGBTQUOTABLE QUOTE OF THE WEEK “Do I like women sexually? Yeah, I do. Totally. I have always considered myself bisexual. I love a woman’s body. I think a woman and a woman together are beautiful, just as a man and a woman together are beautiful. Being with a woman is like exploring your own body, but through someone else. When I was younger I used to go with lots of women. Totally - I love it.” - DREW BARRYMORE ON BEING BISEXUAL Photo via The Drew Barrymore Show, Facebook.

2.15.2024 • 9 Welcome to truly immersive encounters Experience the wonders of Greater Fort Lauderdale, from Butterfly World, the world’s largest butterfly park, to an airboat ride in the Everglades. Explore miles of golden beaches, enjoy a sunset cruise or dive into a magical underwater world. Your beach playground awaits with things you’ve never seen and moments you’ll never forget. Plan Your Adventure at VisitLauderdale.com/lgbt

10 • 2.15.2024 By Kennedy McKinney OUT ABROAD UK SHUTS DOWN NHS PRIDE BADGE PLAN EUROPE T he NHS Rainbow Badge plan was designed to promote inclusivity and Pride within England’s healthcare system. According to a VICE News investigation, it’s over now that the government withdrew funding. According to Pink News, the investigation found that “hundreds of thousands of pounds” of funding had been “secretly pulled.” “Taxpayers rightly expect value for money, which is why we expect the NHS and all the department’s arms-length bodies to continuously review whether their diversity and inclusion roles are good value, and to always consider ways to improve,” said a DHSC spokesperson in an interview with VICE News. According to whistleblowers, this is not the first time social and progressive movements have experienced general pushback or funding removal. Photo via EvelinaLondon, X (formerly Twitter). PM CALLS OUT PROPOSALS FOR BEING ‘ANTI-LGBT’ NORTH AMERICA C anada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, called Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s transgender proposals the “most anti-LGBT in the country.” The proposals change rules for transgender children in Alberta. According to the National Post, Smith said the fall sitting of the legislature will work towards a ban on gender reassignment surgery for those 17 and under and prohibit puberty blockers or hormone therapies for the purposes of such surgery for anyone 15 and under, unless they’ve already begun such procedures. They will also work towards preventing transgender female athletes from competing in women’s and girls’ sports. Smith said that the purpose of these changes is to protect children from the consequences of choices they may later regret and to preserve the role of parents in their lives. Trudeau disagrees. “If Smith wants to fight someone, stand with us and fight for Canadians on lower grocery prices, on affordable fuel, on more housing, on fighting climate change,” said Trudeau while speaking at an event in Waterloo. “Fight with us to defend the rights of vulnerable Canadians. Don’t fight against vulnerable LGBT youth.” The Alberta Teachers’ Association, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, medical professionals and the province’s NDP Opposition, have criticized these proposals. Photo via www.pm.gc.ca. FREE BUS TRAVEL FOR TRANS PEOPLE IN DELHI SOUTH ASIA A rvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi, announced that public bus transport is now free for the transgender community. The state already had free travel for women and senior citizens and has now extended the program. “In the last 75 years, no government in the country has done any good work for the kinnar [trans] community … Like women, members of the kinnar community will get free safar [travel] in Delhi govt-run buses,” said Kejriwal in his announcement. According to Pink News, the proposal still needs to be presented to the cabinet before it can begin. Kejriwal hopes that they will launch the free bus transport “in the coming few weeks.” Photo by Ramesh NG, via Wikimedia Commons. THE RAINBOW REVOLUTION AROUND THE WORLD

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12 • 2.15.2024 NOH8 CAMPAIGN COMES TO SOUTH FLORIDA T he NOH8 Campaign will be coming to South Florida in February for a series of photo shoots. The campaign is known for its iconic images of people in white shirts, duct taped mouths, and a face marking that reads “NOH8.” Starting in California, NOH8 has become a symbol of silent protest for the LGBTQ community. In 2008, California Proposition 8, banning same-sex marriage, was passed. In response, NOH8 was formed. Since the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2016, NOH8 has continues to be a symbol of LGBTQ protest, embraced by many around the country. NOH8 uses still photos of people in white shirts and duct tape on their mouth, symbolizing the silencing of LGBTQ voices. These photos are taken in photo shoots at various places around the country. In February, NOH8 will be coming to multiple South Florida cities, including Lake Worth Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami. In addition to south Florida, NOH8 will also host shoots in St. Petersburg, Orlando, Tallahassee, and Jacksonville. To participate in the campaign, go to the shooting location on the day and time of the shoot. Come to the shot “photo ready” wearing a clean white tee and any cosmetic you want in the photo. To get a solo photo, the cost is $40. To get a group photo, the cost is $25 per person in the photo. NEWS LOCAL Sean Conklin BELOW IS THE DATE, TIME, AND LOCATION FOR EACH SHOOT: LAKE WORTH BEACH: FEB. 17, 12-2 P.M. AT COMPASS COMMUNITY CENTER FORT LAUDERDALE: FEB. 17, 6-8 P.M. AT HAMPTON INN FT. LAUDERDALE/PLANTATION MIAMI: FEB. 18, 1-6 P.M. AT BAY 13 BREWERY AND KITCHEN SOLO PHOTOS: $40 | GROUP PHOTOS: $25/PERSON Photo via NOH8 Campaign, Facebook. PRIDE ON THE DRIVE A pair of LGBTQ headliners drew crowds to the heart of Wilton Manors over the weekend. Pride On the Drive (POTD) was a huge community effort to make sure South Florida had some type of Pride this season after Pride Fort Lauderdale canceled their signature events, a parade, and festival, for 2024. Friday, Thunderpuss returned to Wilton one year after their triumphant reunion at POTD 2023. The legendary DJ duo played a huge set that evolved over the evening. They mixed new music with classics that had people moving like it’s 1999 and 2024 simultaneously. Saturday saw iconic LGBTQ fave Kristine W take the stage and had the audience wrapped around her finger even before she sang the first note. Both acts are familiar with Greater Wilton Manors, and Kristine W couldn’t stop gushing after her set. “So overwhelmed by the love tonight in Wilton Manors. My voice was cracking with emotion during Land of The Living. We have lived and loved so much together and got each other through so many epic and really tough times. Just so thankful for you and all the music you’ve inspired and the bond we share.” Hunters hosted the main stage in the parking lot in front of their building. In addition to paying for the shows, they also made a donation to Pride Fort Lauderdale (PFL) and let them operate the VIP tent. Like many South Florida parties, the crowds got bigger the later the night went. Tap That Ash, NO Manors, and Alibi Monkey Bar also had outdoor service. This is the second year for POTD. Thunderpuss played the event last year when Pride Fort Lauderdale canceled its Friday night programming as part of costcutting measures. These events and smaller ones, like a monthly Drag Bingo, are part of PFL’s Pride 365 initiative. The idea is to hold small events throughout the year to maintain their presence while they figure out how to move forward. In 2023, PFL drastically scaled back Pride weekend, moving it off the beach and shortening the parade. The group faced funding issues following transparency and organizational issues. The entire board of directors resigned in the weeks immediately before and after Pride and two major sponsors pulled out. PFL still will not disclose who is on the board or when and where they meet. Currently, their website is one page that links to buy tickets for events that have already happened. Ernie Yuen, a longtime friend of PFL President Miik Martorell, was brought in from Nevada to be the new executive director. After several months, a Yuen-led PFL announced plans for Pride 2024 only to cancel them shortly thereafter. Despite money woes and canceling events, PFL went to Las Vegas in late January where Yuen gave a lecture Pride 101; 10 Steps. The video is posted on their Facebook page. All this while Pride On the Drive was in the final stages of preparation back in Wilton Manors. OutSFL does not know who paid for the Las Vegas trip. However, OutSFL does know that PFL did little beyond putting their logo on promotional materials. One source says there was some material contribution such as tents and other infrastructure for the parking lot parties that replaced Pride. Thunderpuss at Pride On The Drive. Photo by JR Davis. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden WEEKEND OF WINTER FUN

2.15.2024 • 13 Our Services: • Roof Repair • Roof Replacement • Preventative Maintenance • Inspections FREE Quote 954-737-3520 Tile Shingle Metal In need of a repair or replacement? Contact our team Since 2002 Locally Owned Woman-Owned Owens Corning Platinum Preferred We are proudly

14 • 2.15.2024 DELRAY BEACH PRIDE INTERSECTION DEFACED AGAIN A 19-year-old man who burned out his truck over the Pride intersection in downtown Delray Beach was arrested Feb. 12. Dylan Brewer of Clearwater was caught by city cameras and onlookers’ cell phones on Feb 4 as he drove his black truck over the intersection and appeared to intentionally burn out his tires over the rainbow design. In the video, a person can be heard saying, “Oh my God, oh my God,” as Brewer drives away, a flag flying from the bed of his truck. He turned himself in to the Delray Beach Police Monday morning and was charged with criminal mischief and a moving traffic violation. Police said that Brewer did not provide a statement and that “significant damage” was done to the intersection. “Law enforcement actively worked the case for more than a week,” the police department said in a media release. “We received multiple reports from concerned citizens who witnessed Brewer engaging in these destructive acts. Several witnesses provided smartphone video of the crime.” This is the second time that someone has burned out their truck over the Video still courtesy of the City of Delray Beach; mugshot courtesy Palm Beach County Jail. NEWS LOCAL Christiana Lilly SUSPECT ARRESTED WATCH THE VIDEO HERE intersection. Just days after it was dedicated in 2021, Alexander Jerich did the same while participating in a birthday rally for former President Donald Trump. A video of the act was posted to Facebook, and according to his arrest report, a fellow driver yelled “tear up that gay intersection.” After two years of court appearances, he was given probation after writing a report on each of the 49 victims of the Pulse shooting in Orlando. Judge Scott Suskauer ended Jerich’s probation early in December. “Defacement of the memorial to the LGBTQ+ community should be considered a hate crime,” said Rand Hoch, the president and founder of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. “However, local State Attorney David Aronberg previously determined that since the intersection is owned by a municipality and not an individual, Florida’s hate crime statute does not apply.”

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16 • 2.15.2024 DAVID ARCHULETA READY TO ROCK THE BLOCK Despite being 33-years-old, David Archuleta is still “finding himself.” While not an easy feat for anyone, his personal journey has been incredibly public. He finished second on season seven of “American Idol” and captured the hearts of teens and tweens who spent Tuesday nights hitting “redial” to vote for their teen idol fave with a sweet smile and amazing voice. Now his journey brings him to Wilton Manors for a new event, Rock the Block. Archuleta played his first Pride/LGBTQ-related event last year, 15 years after his “Idol” season and nearly a decade after first publicly coming out. “It reminds people that people who are queer are part of the community, are part of the David Archuleta. Photo by Zack Knudsen. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden HE WON’T JUST BRING HIS VOICE AND CHOREOGRAPHY SKILLS, HE’LL ALSO BRING A MESSAGE OF HOPE AND ENCOURAGEMENT. FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION, CALL (954) 463-9005, EXT. 105 OR VISIT WWW.DIVERSITYHONORS.ORG. family,” he said. Coming out and embracing his LGBTQ audience took a long time. The Miami native moved to Utah when he was 5 and raised a Mormon. While the religion has become more accepting, if not embracing, in recent years, it was still unchartered territory. But he was embraced by his sister. “My sister told my nieces that I was the ‘guncle.’ They’re very proud of me.” He will be out and proud and dancing when he takes the stage on Wilton Drive on Saturday, Feb. 17. Harmony Waves is producing the two-night event, which starts Thursday, Feb. 15, at Hunters with Benedict Cork. He won’t just bring his voice and choreography skills, he’ll also bring a message of hope and encouragement. Last year, he began working with an online mental health company. Archuleta says exploring his own issues led him to want to help others. “It was really therapeutic, it was really helpful. It was so nice to learn how to have compassion for myself.” Learning that others have mental health issues helped alleviate the loneliness, and feeling like he was alone. He wants others to learn that about themselves as well. “Having a situation that’s non-judgmental, allows you to have a space to explore yourself and understand yourself, leads to a more personal view of who you are.” ‘CHERRY ON THE CAKE OF MY CAREER’ T o hear Mark Hunter describe it, this is his moment. The owner of Hunters Nightclubs will receive the Pride Center at Equality Park Alan Schubert award at the eighth annual Diversity Honors. The award, named for one of the Pride Center’s founding fathers, is a nod to Hunter’s long and successful career in business and philanthropy. “It feels like this is the crowning moment and the way to leave the game while you’re still winning,” Hunter said. “It is the cherry on the cake of my career.” Diversity Honors returns to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino March 9 with a star-studded lineup, featuring rock and roll Hall of Famer Belinda Carlisle, entertainer extraordinaire Billy Porter and more. The event raises money for the Harvey Milk Foundation and Pride Center, the latter of which has Hunter’s utmost respect. “The work that they do has touched so many people in our community, in such a positive way,” he said. “They do such wonderful things. Their outreach is great.” A fixture on Wilton Drive since 2013, Hunters Nightclub routinely opens its doors for events benefiting nonprofits, civic organizations and LGBTQ groups from softball teams to HIV/AIDS organizations. The Hunters brand originated 42 years ago in Chicago and expanded to Palm Springs, California in 1998, offering “Spirits Elevated” in the glamorous desert resort community. “I have not done it on my own,” Hunter acknowledged. “I have literally had a village of support.” The stories are what make it worthwhile, Hunter said. From the young guy too nervous to get out of his car and step foot in a gay bar for the first time to the married couple, returning to the dance floor where they first met decades ago. “I feel my legacy is providing a safe, fun place where people can go, be themselves and have fun,” Hunter said. “I’m so glad I could have done that for so many people.” Diversity Honors is scheduled for Saturday, March 9 at 7 p.m. and includes a cocktail reception, seated dinner and after party at the Guitar Hotel. Photo courtesy of Diversity Honors. NEWS LOCAL John McDonald DIVERSITY HONORS AWARDS NIGHTCLUB OWNER FOR PHILANTHROPIC EFFORTS “I HAVE NOT DONE IT ON MY OWN, I HAVE LITERALLY HAD A VILLAGE OF SUPPORT.” - MARK HUNTER EXCLUSIVE: ‘AMERICAN IDOL’ ALUM TALKS WITH OUTSFL

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18 • 2.15.2024 REVOLUTIONIZING RETIREMENT HOW LGBTQ HOUSING COMMUNITIES EMPOWER QUEER ELDERS TO LIVE AUTHENTICALLY David Kilmnick knew an LGBTQ retirement community was needed when reaching out to elder facilities for educational programs. The founder and president of the LGBT Network on Long Island, New York, he recalls a facility telling him “we have none of those here,” referring to LGBTQ people. “I’m not talking this was 50 years ago or 20 years ago,” he says. “This was like five years ago.” In September 2021, Kilmnick and his nonprofit opened the doors to The LGBT Network’s LGBT/LGBT Friendly Senior Housing, a 75-unit affordable housing community for LGBTQ elders. Here, residents can live out and proud with their partners and participate in programming at the 8,000-square-foot community center. It’s a part of a growing response to the needs of the community, one where many grew up closeted and discriminated against, but also to see positive changes like marriage equality and a more welcoming society. “It’s incumbent on us in the LGBT social service field to make sure that we create these safe and inclusive housing facilities so LGBTQ seniors and elders could age gracefully and be out and proud,” Kilmnick says. The Palms of Manasota on the Gulf Coast of Florida touts itself as the first LGBTQ retirement community in the nation, while the Triangle Square Apartments in Los Angeles is considered the first affordable housing facility for elder LGBTQ people. This community has the same needs as David Kilmnick. Photo via lgbtnetwork.org. anyone else in their age group, but they also face discrimination and stigma, as well as being less likely to have children or grandchildren who can visit and help. AARP has a page dedicated to the older LGBTQ community at aarp.org. Additionally, they offer many online tools for all older adults, like a retirement calculator that can help determine how much someone needs to be saving; a social security calculator; and a resource hub for all things Medicare. With the rise of these specialized communities, they are able to age in place in a safe environment and also have access to services they need. “It’s really the first generation of LGBTQ+ folks who are for the majority living their lives at some level of outness,” says Sherrill Wayland, the senior director of special initiatives and partnerships at SAGE, an advocacy group for LGBTQ elders. “As we think about retiring, potentially looking for retirement communities or assisted living, we want to make sure that we can continue being our authentic self and not have to re-closet.” In partnership with the Human Rights Campaign, SAGE created the long-term care equality index (LEI). Hearing from 200 communities in 43 states, they surveyed nondiscrimination and staff training, resident services and support, employee benefits and policies, resident and community engagement. The findings help elders as they research communities to spend their golden years, and each year the groups hope more communities will participate. “We’re really encouraging these systems to not just raise a rainbow flag using Pride Month, but looking at the policies, participants, and procedures that really institutionalize what it means to be LGTQ+ welcoming and supportive,” Wayland says. Sandra Newson is the vice president of resident services for Carrfour, a nonprofit affordable housing developer. One of their properties is The Residences at Equality Park in Wilton Manors, an LGBTQ community that opened in 2021 and shares a campus with The Pride Center. “LGBT senior communities are very rare,” she says. “One of the challenges for a person who identifies as LGBTQ+ who is aging is feeling a sense of belonging and comfort in a traditional aging-in-place for a 55+ community is oftentimes faced with discrimination or hostility.” Even the language in the application form might be a sign to an applicant that they are not welcoming, particularly to transgender or nonbinary people or same-sex couples who want to live together. At The Residences, Newson says they’ve created an affirming environment with “zero tolerance for any behaviors that make someone feel less than part of the community,” from the application process to signage in the buildings, the groups they partner with and staff training. One of the most popular programs is a monthly meditation workshop with Sunshine Cathedral, an LGBTQ-affirming church that also hosts grief sessions when a resident passes away. Other activities include movie screenings, holiday parties and weekly gatherings. With many of their residents experiencing chronic illness — including HIV, mental health issues and disabilities — due to a lack of access to health care in the past, counselors help connect them to community resources. “You shouldn’t have to go back into the closet to feel safe,” Newson says. The same model is in place at the LGBT Network. Kilmnick says that in traditional retirement homes, “there’s a lack or the LGBTQ community is completely invisible.” In one focus group before opening, a woman shared that when she lost her partner of more than 30 years, she attended a bereavement group where other widows and widowers told her “that’s not the same thing.” That does not happen at the LGBT Network. There, residents are treated to guest speakers, drag bingo, health programs, holiday celebrations, and other diverse programming where they can be themselves alongside their partners. “We’ve had a number of seniors tell us that this is the first place that they ever lived in their entire life — they’re in their mid-60s, mid-70s — this is the first time ever in their entire life that they have felt they lived in a safe place where they could be themselves,” Kilmnick says. “That’s powerful. It’s so sad and so powerful, and yet it really just stresses the importance of these facilities and that we need more of them.” NEWS LOCAL Christiana Lilly “AS WE THINK ABOUT RETIRING, POTENTIALLY LOOKING FOR RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES OR ASSISTED LIVING, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE BEING OUR AUTHENTIC SELF AND NOT HAVE TO RE-CLOSET.” - SHERRILL WAYLAND SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL INITIATIVES AND PARTNERSHIPS AT SAGE THIS STORY WAS PRODUCED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEWS IS OUT AND AARP. THE ORIGINAL STORY CAN BE FOUND AT NEWSISOUT.COM.

2.15.2024 • 19Photo by Carina Mask. Bears and leather. What’s not to love about Eagle in Wilton Manors? The gay bar hosts a variety of events like Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week in March 2024. It will feature six events such as a festival, three pool parties, and more. There won’t be a moment of boredom. “We are very proud to be chosen for Best Bar for Bears, and Best Leather Bar! We work hard to bring the best in entertainment and a stellar nightclub for everyone,” said general manager Chuck King. “We would like to Thank the Readers of OutSFL for choosing us. We have new surprises for our guests around the corner, as we continue to change, stay on top of trends and what our guests want.“ Eagle also has a Bear Cave that is open Fridays and Saturdays evenings. It has music, friendly bartenders, and a safe space to interact with others. So what does Happy Hour look like at the bar? You get up to half off everything except for top shelf and wine Monday to Saturday until 9 p.m., and Tuesdays have drinks half-off on all drinks all day. Check out Eagle’s website for more. 2209 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors eaglebarwm.com Kim Swan FROM THE NEWSROOM RUNNER-UP FOR BEARS: HUNTERS RUNNER-UP FOR LEATHER: RAMROD OUTSFL.COM/YCA2023 EAGLE THE BEST BAR FOR BEARS & BEST BAR FOR LEATHER Best Restaurants Best Fine Dining Best Breakfast Best Kept Secret Best Dessert Best BBQ Best Asian Best Vegetarian Best Menu Item Best Bar for Country Music Best Drink Best Brewery Best Workout Best Local Attraction Best Farmer's Market Best Adult Store Best Local Celebrity Best Local Straight Ally Best Local Actor Best Local DJ Best Bartenders Best Servers Best Business Owners Best Local Chef Best Local Entertainers Best Bartisa Best Date Night Spot Best HIV Related Nonprofit YOUR CHOICE AWARDS ONLINE CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS FROM BROWARD, PALM BEACH, MIAMI-DADE, AND THE KEYS ON STANDS NOW Vol. 1 Issue 3 • DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 • OUTSFL.COM YOUR CHOICE AWARDS Fort Lauderdale PRESENTED BY OUTSFL YOUR CHOICE AWARDS Photo by JR Davis.

20 • 2.15.2024 AQUA FOUNDATION LOOKING INWARD AFTER INTERNAL STRIFE A fter months of backlash from one social media post on a personal account, Aqua Foundation for Women is working to get back on track and move past the discussion. They have tentatively set April 10 at R House as the new date for their Aqua Affair fundraiser. The event was postponed after their executive director, Mateo Ventura Bruer, went on his own social media calling for an immediate cease fire between Israel and Hamas after the Oct. 7 attacks. The problem stemmed from a hashtag on the post that some people interpret as a call for genocide of Israelis and Jewish people. Aqua responded with a strongly worded statement, saying, “Aqua Foundation for Women apologizes for the offense caused by a hashtag used in our Executive Director’s recent personal post about the PalestineIsrael conflict.” The controversy riled the LGBTQ community and others, and the war remains a topic of heated debate. Bruer’s post is still pinned to his page, however the controversial hashtag has been removed. He told OutSFL that he had no idea what the phrase meant and removed that part. Still, insiders at Aqua tell us that there have been a series of ongoing meetings involving Bruer, board members, and others. “The organization is doing some introspection,” he said. Aqua is the only organization in Florida serving LGBTQ women at this level, and last year Bruer became the first trans man to lead the group. Now, in addition to the everyday duties of carrying out their mission, he is also leading Aqua through this crisis. Part of that is internal anti-racism training and a community survey to see what people want from the organization. “Who are we serving, and what are their needs? Also, there is very little research into queer women,” he said. In addition to rescheduling Aqua Affair, their annual family barbecue is still set for March 3 at the main pavilion in Virginia Key Beach Park. They will also have a team in the AIDS Walk. Aside from those major events, Aqua is scaling back other activities until they have a better feel for what the community wants. Photo via Mateo A. Ventura Bruer, LinkedIn. NEWS MIAMI John Hayden AQUA IS THE ONLY ORGANIZATION IN FLORIDA SERVING LGBTQ WOMEN AT THIS LEVEL, AND LAST YEAR BRUER BECAME THE FIRST TRANS MAN TO LEAD THE GROUP. HRC AWARDS WILTON MANORS POWER COUPLE SATURDAY I f you’ve been to a city meeting, philanthropic event, or community party in the last few years, you’ve encountered Don D’Arminio and his husband, Marc Martorana. D’Arminio served on Wilton Manors’ Planning & Zoning Board for six years and was elected city commissioner in 2022. As the other half of the power couple, Martorana is also involved with many community organizations, but may best be known for his culinary craftsmanship. Any event is worth attending if you know he is catering. Each is important in their own right, Marc Martorana and Don D’Arminio. Photo by JR Davis. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden THEY SAY THE HONOR IS RECOGNITION THAT THEY ARE ON THE RIGHT PATH AND HELPING MAKE A DIFFERENCE. but together they make things happen for Wilton Manors and South Florida’s LGBTQ community. Now they’re being recognized with the Human Rights Campaign’s Justin Flippen Community Trailblazer Award. The honor is named after Justin Flippen, the Wilton Manors Mayor who passed away suddenly in 2020. “We were at the City Commission Meeting waiting for his arrival the night he was on his way to the meeting, and passed away. We were all in shock, and It was a very sad day for our city,” the couple said. The award is given to people who embody Flippen’s spirit of community service. “Justin was a friend and mentor, so it makes this honor even more special,” Martorana and D’Arminio told OutSFL. They will be recognized Saturday, Feb. 17, at the 2024 Human Rights Campaign South Florida Dinner at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. They say the honor is recognition that they are on the right path and helping make a difference. “We appreciate that our contributions are being recognized, and hope it encourages others to give back and support the organizations that support us. Most importantly, we need to remember that ‘We the People’ means all of us!”

2.15.2024 • 21 THE RESULTS ARE IN FIND OUT IF YOUR FAVORITES WON OUTSFL.COM/YCA2023 OUTSFL'S YOUR CHOICE AWARDS ARE PRESENTED BY

22 • 2.15.2024 DAVE KERNER FLORIDA’S BIGGEST TRAITOR T he state was rocked when the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) announced that they will no longer be allowing gender changes on driver’s licenses. This caused much fear, doubt, and anger among many in the LGBTQ community. Dave Kerner, former Palm Beach County mayor, is to blame. Kerner was mayor of PBC during the COVID-19 crisis, often going head-to-head with Gov. Ron DeSantis over the closing of restaurants, mask mandates, vaccination mandates, and other COVID-19-related issues. The conflict was so pronounced that it seemed that the governor was actively withholding tests and vaccines from PBC. That is why it was surprising when Kerner endorsed DeSantis for his gubernatorial race against Charlie Crist. More surprising, however, was when DeSantis appointed Kerner to head the DHSMV. In one motion, the Democratic Party and Kerner’s constituents understood exactly what happened. Kerner turned his back on his values and ideals in order to get a high-ranking position in state government. The current change at the DHSMV, which is a policy change under the purview of the director, is a direct example of the harm that Kerner has caused. “This reckless policy was implemented with zero public notice or democratic processes for input in a ploy to create chaos and fear among transgender Floridians and their families,” said Julie Seaver, Director of Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach. “Florida is a testing ground for extremism, and the attacks we see in Florida are part of a nationwide assault on the privacy, freedom, and dignity of transgender people.” Even when Kerner was proudly and openly a Democrat, his reputation was not great. After being endorsed by the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council many years ago, Kerner was never able to get an endorsement again. Many of the people he worked with made reference to his character, with the nicest phrase heard about him being that, “He is a dick.” Kerner was known to try to use his position to target political adversaries and groups that did not support or agree with him, filing frivolous complaints and wasting taxpayer dollars on investigations that went nowhere. Kerner’s appointment to the state position also changed the face of the Palm Beach Dave Kerner. Photo via connect.ufalumni.ufl.edu. County Board of County Commissioners. In Florida, when a county commission seat is vacated before the term is over, the governor may appoint an interim commissioner until the next election. Kerner’s appointment allowed DeSantis to appoint one of his own cronies to the board of county commissioners, eventually leading to a shift in the political leaning of the board. Whether planned or not, Kerner was a key tool in the weakening of the democratic process in PBC. Despite the heated conflicts they had publicly, they at some point came to an understanding and agreement. In one move, he turned the county over to DeSantis Republicans, validated DeSantis policies, and now has directly targeted transgender people in the state. Previous to this mandate, changing a gender marker on a driver’s license was a simple process. Now, however, attempting to change the gender marker can be met with criminal charges. If Kerner was ever an ally to the LGBTQ community, he would step down in protest of this new policy. Instead, he has been quiet about it, despite its obvious harm. Kerner’s personal ambition has chosen greed over virtue, and Floridians are paying the price. Movements have been stirred up around the state, with angry, scared and confused people coming together to address this direct assault on our trans brothers and sisters. Politicians like Kerner need to understand that people’s lives are not tools to be used in their culture wars in order to appease the people with more power. Sean Conklin VIEWPOINTS OPINION Grow Your Career at Hand & Stone. You’ll work with an experienced small business owner with the support and awareness of a national brand. Full or Part time, Opening or Closing. You establish your work/life balance from day one! Come join the fastest Day Spa concept in the US! WE OFFER: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, 401k, PTO and more!* < Scan here for details and to apply WE ARE LOOKING FOR TALENTED: Spa Directors Assistant Spa Directors Customer Services Managers Spa Sales Associates Estheticians Massage Therapists NOW HIRING in Ft Lauderdale, Davie, Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines Who We Are: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spas offer Professional Massage, Facials and Hair Removal in a spa culture that promotes delivering passionate, healing services to our clients. Join our Growing Team! Welcome Aboard! Your beautiful vintage Captain Bruce Magnolia Grace Adventures trawler awaits. (352) 220-1016 / MagnoliaGraceAdventures.com • Intracoastal Day Trips • Pampering Weekends • Hourly Rentals • Fireworks EXPERIENCES: • 2-3 day Miami Skyline • Special Occasions • Airshow Viewing • Boat Parade SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM donations to OutSFL can be made here: outsfl.com/donate

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24 • 2.15.2024 POLITICAL MALFEASANCE AT THE BORDER T he Senate has unveiled a bipartisan immigration bill three decades in the making. Donald Trump has derailed it. The bill contains plenty to offend both sides: It provides resources to accelerate asylum review, which has long suffered from intentional Congressional underfunding. It toughens border enforcement while supplementing the physical barrier. It increases the number of Border Patrol agents, asylum officers, detention beds and deportation flights out, to more quickly process and deport people, ending “catch-and-release.” It relaxes some work restrictions to reduce the burden on host communities. If, on any given day, migrants surge and overwhelm resources, the U.S. can close the border. Republicans should be doing backflips. The bill presents the most enforcementforward legislation ever passed out of either chamber. After calling the surge at the border an “invasion” for the past three years, Trump loyalists recently organized a border caravan at the border, complete with confederate flags and bathtub baptisms. After blaming immigration for threats to our national sovereignty, health and safety, reform is urgent, they say, as terrorist attacks on American soil are imminent. Despite the hyped-up hysteria, amplified on the hour by Fox News, Republicans are killing their own success to aid Trump’s reelection efforts. Trump doesn’t want immigration solved this year because border legislation, if signed into law, could give President Joe Biden bragging rights going into the November election. Speaker Mike Johnson, who spearheaded Trump’s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, preemptively declared that the Senate’s new immigration proposal would be “dead on arrival” in the House. REPUBLICANS ARE INTENTIONALLY BLOCKING BORDER PROGRESS A strong majority of Americans across party lines want Congress to fix immigration. Despite ongoing public demand for comprehensive reform, Congress has failed to act for decades, largely due to elected Republicans’ shifting perceptions of political liability vs. expediency. Senators who have invested serious time into the current effort are not happy about Trump’s Photo via Adobe. latest command. Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.), the GOP’s lead immigration negotiator, said on Fox News that Republicans who clamored for immigration reform for so long were apparently “just kidding… [they] actually don’t want a change in law because it’s a presidential election year.” For his part, Trump wants everyone to know that he’s the puppeteer killing the deal. He brags about it at rallies. According to Trump, “A Border Deal now would be another Gift to the Radical Left Democrats. They need it politically, but don’t care about our Border...” Preserving immigration as his own campaign issue, he then posted, “If you want to have a really Secure Border, your ONLY HOPE is to vote for TRUMP2024.” BIDEN, RESPONDING TO SHIFTING MIGRATION, IS WILLING TO COMPROMISE Republicans are not wrong about a dramatic increase in border crossings, which are part of the largest recorded global movement of displaced people since World War II. Following an unprecedented spike in the number of migrant crossings, Biden embraced the bipartisan border fix, which would also unlock GOP support for Ukraine and other national security measures. Adapting to the surge in migrants, Biden has demonstrated a strong willingness to compromise by accepting an enforcementheavy border deal that wouldn’t have been acceptable three years ago, even though the surge is attributed to factors outside his control. People are fleeing economic collapse, political instability, wars and violence in Central America, South America, Africa, parts of Europe and the Middle East. Millions more are escaping regions rendered uninhabitable by climate change. The U.N. reports that in 2022, 84% of refugees and asylum seekers were fleeing highly climate-vulnerable countries, up from 61% in 2010. VIEWPOINTS OPINION Sabrina Haake THE HAAKE TAKE Read more from Sabrina Haake is a 25-year litigator specializing in 1st this author here and 14th Amendment defense. Her columns also appear in RawStory, Chicago Tribune, Salon, State Affairs, and Howey Politics. She and her wife split their time between South Florida and Chicago. Follow her on Substack. MAGA CRAVES ANOTHER CIVIL WAR Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court, to the wild displeasure of Texas governor Greg Abbot, recently affirmed the right of federal Border Patrol agents to cut razor wire Texas installed along portions of the southern border. Claiming the Constitutional right to “defend itself” against the border “invasion,” Texas is directly challenging federal sovereignty over the U.S. border. Demonstrating his acute ignorance of American history, Trump supports Texas’ challenge. Quoting from the 1860 South Carolina Succession Proclamation, Abbott claims the feds have “broken the compact between the United States and the States.” Not a word about Trump and Johnson’s insistence that the border remain broken to help Trump politically, or the 25 Republican governors cheering Abbott on, despite the GOP’s refusal to fix the problem. The destabilizing potential of challenging the feds’ territorial sovereignty is as real today as it was in 1860. It’s becoming clear that MAGA would prefer to re-litigate the Civil War - or embrace fascism - rather than accept changing demographics, under which white Christians’ presumptive majority is threatened. Meanwhile, voters outside the MAGA bubble are disturbed by the plausible candidacy of a violent insurrectionist, a fatuous authoritarian pawing at the door of the White House just to avoid the big house. LAST WEEK’S TOP 5 ONLINE STORIES PRIDE ON THE DRIVE TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND, BUT DOES THE EVENT EXIST? by John Hayden OUTSFL’S MOST ELIGIBLE LGBTQ SINGLES OF 2024 by Staff 3 BACKLASH ERUPTS OVER SEATTLE GAY BAR RAIDS by John McDonald 4 SILENCED IDEAS: HOW THE FAU CAMPUS INCLUSION CENTER VANISHED by Mary Rasura 5 FLORIDA REPUBLICANS TARGET LGBTQ ENTERTAINMENT – AGAIN by John Hayden READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM

2.15.2024 • 25 The 8th Annual DIVERSITY HONORS Cocktail Reception • Seated Dinner & Awards • Live Music Stoli After-Party at The Guitar Hotel Tickets: DiversityHonors.org Honoring those who are transforming lives by living authentically and advancing inclusiveness. Saturday, March 9 • 7pm Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Grand Ballroom Don’t Miss the Event of the Year! 2024 HONOREES Belinda Carlisle Harvey Milk Medal Billy Porter Harvey Milk Medal Mark Hunter Seymour The Pride Center at Equality Park Alan Schubert Award Tatiana Williams Diversity Honors Award Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Diversity Honors Award Special Guest Performer Debby Holiday Benefitting These Organizations: Presenting Sponsor Platinum Sponsor Diamond Sponsors Spencer Battiest Harvey Milk Medal

26 • 2.15.2024 EXPLORING BDSM IN SOUTH FLORIDA I’VE ALWAYS BEEN CURIOUS ABOUT THE BDSM/KINK SCENE, ESPECIALLY HERE IN SOUTH FLORIDA, BUT DIVING INTO THIS WORLD SEEMS DAUNTING. I’M AT A BIT OF A LOSS ON HOW TO BEGIN MY JOURNEY AND AM INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT WHAT BDSM/KINK REALLY INVOLVES. WHAT STEPS SHOULD I TAKE TO EXPLORE THESE INTERESTS IN A MANNER THAT’S BOTH SAFE AND RESPECTFUL? ADDITIONALLY, THE FEAR OF BEING STIGMATIZED FOR MY KINK CURIOSITY IS HOLDING ME BACK. HOW CAN I NAVIGATE MY EXPLORATION OF BDSM/ KINK WITHOUT SUCCUMBING TO FEELINGS OF GUILT OR SOCIETAL JUDGMENT, AND CONFIDENTLY EMBRACE AND INTEGRATE MY BDSM/KINK INTERESTS INTO MY LIFE WITHOUT FEELING OSTRACIZED OR SELFCONSCIOUS? Embarking on a journey into the BDSM/ kink scene, particularly in a region as lively as South Florida, can be a thrilling and complex adventure. It’s a path that leads to self-discovery, empowerment, and a deeper understanding of your desires and boundaries. So how you can start this journey with confidence, find supportive communities, and embrace your interests without fear of judgment? First, let’s aim to understand some BDSM/ kink fundamentals. BDSM/kink encompasses a wide spectrum of activities and dynamics, all centered around consensual power exchange, trust, and exploration of physical and psychological boundaries. It’s vital to start with a solid foundation of knowledge. Educate yourself on the principles of safe, sane, and consensual (SSC) practices, as well as risk-aware consensual kink (RACK). These guidelines ensure that all activities are agreed Photo via Pexels. Kelly Ghweinem, LCSW CST VIEWPOINTS OPINION Kelly Ghweinem, LCSW CST is a queer-affirming therapist & business owner who champions the LGBTQ+ community through activism & advocacy utilizing a queer, feminist, anti-racist lens. A University at Buffalo graduate, Kelly came to Fort Lauderdale in 2022. Visit velvetcollective.org. Contact Kelly at [email protected]. upon by all parties and conducted safely. You can find more information by asking google, attending webinars by sex educators, watching credible YouTube videos or reading books about BDSM. You can also attend in person educational events to learn specific techniques or get an introduction to the scene. South Florida is known for its vibrant kink scene, with numerous events, workshops, and social gatherings. A great starting point is FetLife, an online platform that connects people with similar interests and lists local events. Look for munches — casual meetups for people interested in kink — to gently introduce yourself to the community. These gatherings are non-threatening ways to meet like-minded individuals and ask questions in a relaxed environment. When attending kink events or workshops, go in with an open mind and a respectful attitude. Remember, everyone was new at some point, and the kink community is generally welcoming to newcomers. Be honest about your experience level, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Practicing good communication and consent is crucial in these spaces. One of the biggest hurdles many face is internalized stigma around their kink interests. It’s important to remember that kink and BDSM are normal and healthy aspects of human sexuality for many people. Engaging with the community, reading reputable resources, and possibly seeking a kink-aware therapist can help you navigate these feelings. Self-acceptance is key; your desires are a part of who you are, and exploring them responsibly is a positive step towards fulfillment. There are countless resources available for those new to the BDSM/kink scene. Books like “The New Topping Book” and “The New Bottoming Book” by Dossie Easton, Janet Hardy, “The (New and Improved) Loving Dominant” by John Warren and QUEERLY BELOVED The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. A NOVICE’S PATH TO THE KINK SCENE Libby Warren and “Playing Well With Others: Your Field Guide to Discovering, Navigating and Exploring the Kink, Leather and BDSM Communities” by Lee Harrington offer excellent introductions. Websites and podcasts dedicated to BDSM education can also provide valuable insights and advice. For those eager to dive deeper, attending specialized workshops and webinars is invaluable. I’m excited to share that I’ll be cohosting a webinar focused on Intimate Erotic Play: Foundations of Kink and BDSM. This will be a fantastic opportunity to learn about power exchange, consent, communication, sensation, pain, and role play as well as how to navigate relationship dynamics if you are kinky and your partner is not. You can find more information and register at www. eroticacademy.net. Diving into BDSM/kink requires curiosity, respect, and self-awareness. Educate yourself, connect with like-minded individuals, and embrace your interests confidently. This journey is fundamentally about uncovering what genuinely satisfies you, always anchored by consent and mutual ONE OF THE respect. BIGGEST HURDLES MANY FACE IS INTERNALIZED STIGMA AROUND THEIR KINK INTERESTS. facebook.com/OutSFL @out_sfl @outsfl Follow Us on Social Media & Stay Connected

2.15.2024 • 27 CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors (Pride Center Building B) 954-564-9232 | etzchaimflorida.org [email protected] Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM ST. NICHOLAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach 954-942-5887 | StNicholasFL.org Sunday Service 9:30AM STS FRANCIS AND CLARE CHURCH 2300 NW 9th Ave. (Powerline Rd.) WIlton Manors 954-731-8173 | stsfrancisandclare.org Sunday: 10:30 AM. Watch LIVE @ facebook.com/stsfrancisandclare SPIRITUALITY LISTINGS PLEASE CHECK EACH LOCATION'S SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING DATES, IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE FOR SERVICES, OR OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE. UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF BOCA RATON 2601 St Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton (just off Glades Rd., next to University Woodlands Park) (561) 482-2001 | www.uufbr.org Sunday service at 10:30 AM Eastern. Zoom Meeting ID: 914 8201 7108 Passcode: 952914 Join Us! “Love without judgement” A home for your spirit. Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. 33305 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org 954-633-2987 Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome! Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship. 11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing. Donate Your Car Imagine the Di erence You Can Make • Every donated vehicle will be properly recycled, reducing waste and harmful emissions. • Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and the proceeds help provide services to help the blind and visually impaired. Help Prevent Blindness Get A Vision Screening Annually FREE TOWING & TAX DEDUCTIBLE When you donate your car, you’ll receive: Donate Your Car • Every donated vehicle will be properly recycled, reducing waste and harmful emissions. FREE • Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and Call 1-855-758-0975 ✔ a $200 restaurant voucher ✔ a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations IN THE AGE OF AGEISM I never thought you would be guilty of ageism. With all the seniors [in your Singles Issue], you have nobody over 60. I can understand being invisible in the mainstream. Would not have thought it of your publication. I am retired and over 60. I am in fairly good shape and very capable of love. I am single and financially stable. I have no health issues and can perform sexually. I also have no children. I don’t leave the house that much anymore. Many of the gay groups are very cliquish and don’t let outsiders in. Maybe next year you should have a senior category. GARY SNYDER Photo via Adobe. VIEWPOINTS LETTER TO THE EDITOR

28 • 2.15.2024 REMEMBERING BILL MCCALLION B ill McCallion was many things— an architect, an activist, a lover, and sober—but above all, he was a survivor. On his death at 71, he was among the longest-term survivors of AIDS; the end came from what we might simply call “old AIDS,” a combination of maladies accruing from perhaps 10 years of HIV, then more than 25 years of the drugs to treat it. Bill was my first partner. We met early in 1991 at a fundraiser for Tom Duane’s run for New York City Council, as the nation’s first openly HIV+ candidate. I was handing out volunteer cards; Bill was eating salty snack foods. I thought he was handsome, so we chatted. When I learned he was an architect working in commercial construction, he got even more interesting. In 1993, he moved into my place in Gramercy Park from his West 91st Street apartment (in a building whose construction he’d monitored for his job). It was our bad luck that Bill began to get sick soon after, only in his early 40s. We came to expect I’d be widowed by the mid-1990s. Then the HIV drug combinations arrived, and he didn’t die. His survival for another 27 years reflects both advances in HIV treatment and his innate stubbornness. Ask anyone who knew Bill to describe him, and “stubborn” will crop up, as will “demanding.” Without a doubt, Bill’s proudest accomplishment was more than four decades of sobriety. He got sober just before turning 30, and 12 Step members remained his largest community for the rest of his life. He chaired meetings, mentored numerous newly sober individuals, and became an icon for his enduring sobriety to hundreds of friends and acquaintances. Well before that, though, Bill’s earliest community was the first activists fighting for what was then called gay liberation. Raised in Manhattan’s Inwood neighborhood, he was in high school when he read about the June 1969 Stonewall Riots in the papers. After he turned 18, Bill saw an ad in The Village Voice for the Gay Activists Alliance. When he ventured nervously down to the group’s Firehouse in SoHo—then a semi-derelict neighborhood—he found his new home. Over 10 years of activism and exuberance, Bill took part in zaps, block parties, protests, political campaigns, and much more. The GAA and others had kicked off the LGBTQ civil rights movement, and Bill was part of the first Gay Liberation March in June 1970. He met Michael Giavinco, his first lover, in Central Park after the march. They saw Bette Midler perform in Washington Square for the marchers in 1973. His grassroots experience meant he always supported my own activism 20 years later. Then, suddenly, his friends began to get sick and die. By the turn of the century, Bill was a survivor from a generation where nine out of 10 friends in their address books had died within a decade, often before they turned 40. In Bill’s case, most were people with whom he got sober. The vast death count of that epidemic, now all but forgotten, marked him forever. So did Giavinco’s death in February 1990; though they’d separated years before, Bill traveled to Boston every weekend to care for Giavinco in his last months. His momentary boyfriend and then best friend Barnaby Millard died on Labor Day 1994; the three of us shared their house in the Catskills. After the 1996 HIV drug combinations saved his life, Bill had to reassess. Construction sites were increasingly dangerous for a man who couldn’t feel much below his ankles, so he’d gone on disability. He’d used savings to take “once in a lifetime” trips when he thought time was short. Our bright yellow Triumph TR-6 fulfilled his dream of a convertible sports car. He showed me Venice, Florence, Siena, and Rome; I showed him London, and he took me to visit relations in Ireland. We survived being gay-bashed on a U.K. trip, though the scar on his chin and lip stayed with him for the rest of his life. But when medication unexpectedly offered him more time, we decided—together—it was better to separate. Facing a new life he didn’t expect to have, Bill rejoined his longtime employer, Merritt & Harris. He bought an apartment in Fort Lauderdale to escape NYC winters, and a black Ford pickup truck he loved. The firm allowed him to work out of its Florida office during the cold months. I was happy when Bill found his new life partner, Sam Piperato. It’s a mark of Bill’s tenacity that after encephalitis disabled Sam, Bill sold the Florida apartment and devoted himself to tending for Sam until his own health waned. After Sam went into permanent care, Bill visited him weekly, took him on walks, and cared for him in multiple ways. Bill and I stayed friends until the day he died. He taught me a lot of life lessons during our partnership, and I could talk to him about things I couldn’t express to anyone else. I learned the hard truth that you have to talk about the tough stuff, something my family preferred not to do. I learned it was okay to cry, and that you shouldn’t go to sleep mad at the person next to you. Bill will be missed by multitudes. He is survived by Sam Piperato; his brother Joey and wife Loretta (children Kristen, Andrew, and Lauren); his brother Mike and wife Bea (children Liam, Melissa, and Jennifer); his brother Francis and wife Betty; his sister Beth and husband Paul Coppinger (children Brittany, Brian, and Brendan); and seven great-nieces and great-nephews. He was predeceased by Michael Giavinco; they will have a lot of catching up to do. Rest in Power, Bill. IN MEMORIAM John Voelcker WILLIAM CHARLES MCCALLION: JAN. 2, 1952 – NOV. 13, 2023 Photo via www.ballarddurand.com. OUR COLUMNISTS ONLINE! JESSE'S JOURNAL by Jesse Monteagudo ASK JOHN PORTER by John Porter HOT DISH by Rick Karlin READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM SCREEN QUEEN by Gregg Shapiro BETWEEN THE COVERS by Terri Schlichenmeyer

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30 • 2.15.2024 CULTURE FOOD UNA STORIA DI DUE RISTORANTI Hot honey chicken wings. Photo via liviabarandgrill.com. I t wasn’t quite as dramatic as the best of dines and the worst of dines, but recent visits to two newish Italian restaurants certainly produced different reactions. Heritage is the hot, trendy spot in the city’s MASS (Music & Arts South of Sunrise) District neighborhood, between Andrews and Federal, south of, well, Sunrise. The other is the just opened Livia, in one of the many mid-rise apartment buildings in the Flagler Village neighborhood. Right now, street parking is plentiful (and free on Sundays!). HERITAGE 903 NE 5TH AVE., FORT LAUDERDALE 954-635-2335 HERITAGEFTL.COM We’d tried getting a table at Heritage a few times, but without a reservation, evenings were almost impossible. We did make a reservation for lunch and found we pretty much had the place to ourselves. Guess the hipsters weren’t awake yet. Our server was friendly, attentive, and asked if we wanted sparkling or still water, I responded, “Tap!” (I am not paying for water when our water is perfectly fine to drink) and he brought us bottles of filtered water, which many places do nowadays. We were entertaining our brother-in-law, visiting from Austin. He ordered the Italian chopped salad. My husband got the Margherita pizza and I opted for the misspelled Ginny Bastard panini. All were perfectly acceptable, but nothing to rave about. I took half my sandwich (a mixture of Italian cold cuts-prosciutto, mortadella, soppressata, and spicy capicola, with provolone, fresh mozzarella, shaved iceberg lettuce, shallots, sweet banana peppers and Italian dressing) home. When we got our bill, I was surprised to see we were charged for water, just $1 each, but why? With tip, the lunch for three was $75. LIVIA BAR & GRILL 500 N. ANDREWS AVE., FORT LAUDERDALE 954-306-3407 LIVIABARANDGRILL.COM A few nights later, we got together with our gal pals, Fredda, Katia, Joni, and Doreen to catch up and have a family meal. We decided to check out Livia, another Italian restaurant, but Rick Karlin HOT DISH I’m not complaining, I love good Italian fare. Our server Phoebe was a delight from the moment we were seated on the outdoor patio. She got us water, ice, and soft drinks and then served the very good house white wines, Pinot Grigio for Doreen, and Sauvignon Blanc for me. We began by splitting a couple of appetizers and due to dietary restrictions of our group, there were a lot of requests for things “on the side,” which Phoebe (and the kitchen accommodated). The chicken wings came with hot honey sauce on the side as requested, and were moist, delicious, and plentiful. The burrata and English pea-stuffed arancini were light and fluffy. The red pepper emulsion added a nice piquant zip to the creamy filling. Three of our group ordered pizzas and they were overwhelmed by the size. No dainty little Neapolitan discs, these oblong, handtossed gems had a nice crispy crust and were overflowing with toppings, from my hubby’s four cheese white pizza to Katia’s pepperoni to Fredda’s meatball and ricotta mammoth. All provided meals the next day. Joni, always watching her weight (the skinny thing that she is!) ordered the chopped salad and ate the entire thing. Doreen and I opted for pasta. Her truffle potato gnocchi combined porcini and shaved truffles in a rosemary cream/roasted tomato sauce that was heavenly. The gnocchi were as pillowy and light as air as possible without them floating off the plate. I ordered the mafaldine, sort of a cross between fettuccine and lasagna noodles, with a rich Bolognese. It was perfectly prepared with al dente pasta and the rich thick sauce, and tasted just like our next-door neighbor Maria, from Sicily, used to make on Sundays. I took half of it home and it made for a wonderful dinner the following evening. The cost for the meal was $80 a couple, tax and tip included. Considering that we all had drinks of some kind, and some had wine, plus we split two appetizers I thought it was very reasonable. Read more from Rick Karlin is OutSFL’s arts & culture editor, but the this author here views and opinions he expresses in his columns are solely his own and do not represent the official viewpoint of OutSFL. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at [email protected].

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32 • 2.15.2024 BLACK LGBTQ ICONS R obin Roberts (1960) is an American television broadcaster. Roberts is the anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America. After growing up in Mississippi and attending Southeastern Louisiana University, Roberts was a sports anchor for local TV and radio stations. Roberts was a sportscaster on ESPN for 15 years (1990–2005). She became co-anchor on Good Morning America in 2005. She has been treated for breast cancer and for myelodysplastic syndrome. ESPN awarded its Arthur Ashe Courage Award to Robin Roberts at the 2013 ESPYs. On December 29, 2013, Roberts posted a photo on Facebook with a caption that read: “At this moment I am at peace and filled with joy and gratitude. I am grateful to God, my doctors and nurses for my restored good health ... I am grateful for my entire family, my longtime girlfriend, Amber, and friends as we prepare to celebrate a glorious new year together.” The post was a reflection of the past year and noted her health, the status of her bone marrow transplant, and her sexual orientation. Roberts and Amber Laign, a massage therapist, have been together since 2005. Though friends and co-workers have known about her same-sex relationships, this was the first time Roberts publicly acknowledged her sexual orientation. In 2015, she was named by Equality Forum as one of their 31 Icons of the 2015 LGBT History Month. Bessie Smith (1894 –1937) was an American blues singer. Nicknamed the Empress of the Blues, she was the most popular female blues singer of the 1920s and 1930s. She is often regarded as one of the greatest singers of her era and was a major influence on other jazz singers. Smith’s recording career began in 1923. She was then living in Philadelphia, where she met Jack Gee, a security guard, whom she married on June 7, 1923, just as her first record was being released. During the marriage — a stormy one, with infidelity by both partners — Smith became the highestpaid black entertainer of the day, heading her own shows, which sometimes featured as many as 40 troupers, and touring in her own custom-built railroad car. Gee was impressed by the money but never adjusted to show business life or to Smith’s bisexuality. In 1929, when she learned of his affair with another singer, Gertrude Saunders, Smith ended the relationship, although neither of Photo via Robin Roberts, Facebook. them sought a divorce. Nona Hendryx (1944), is an American vocalist, musician, author, and actress. Hendryx is known for her work as a solo artist as well as for being one-third of the trio Labelle who had a hit with “Lady Marmalade” Her music has ranged from, soul, funk, R&B, hard rock and new age and. Her family’s last name was originally spelled with an “i”; she is a cousin of American musician Jimi Hendrix. Nona Hendryx was one of the first artists to agree to perform at the first NYC Gay Men’s Health Crisis. This led other artists to give their time and talent to the organization eventually raising millions of dollars, educating millions, and contributing to the search for a cure for AIDS. Frank Ocean (1987), is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper. Known for his idiosyncratic musical style, Ocean first embarked on a career as a ghostwriter and in 2010 he became a member of hiphop collective Odd Future. He released his breakout mixtape, Nostalgia, Ultra to critical acclaim in 2011. It generated his first charting single “Novacane.” On July 4, 2012, he published an open letter on his Tumblr blog recounting unrequited feelings he had for another young man when he was 19 years old, citing it as his first true love. He used the blog to thank the man for his influence, and also thanked his mother and other friends, saying “I don’t know what happens now, and that’s alright. I don’t have any secrets I need kept anymore ... I feel like a free man.” Numerous celebrities publicly voiced their support for Ocean following his announcement, including Beyoncé and Jay-Z. Members of the hip-hop industry generally responded positively to the announcement. Tyler, The Creator also tweeted his support for Ocean, along with other members of OFWGKTA. Russell Simmons, a business magnate in the hip-hop industry, wrote a congratulatory article in Global Grind saying “Today is a big day for hip-hop. It is a day that will define who we really are. How compassionate will we be? How loving can we be? How inclusive are we? [...] Your decision to go public about your sexual orientation gives hope and light to so many young people still living in fear. CULTURE HISTORY Pier Angelo HOMO HISTORY Pier Angelo was born in Italy, moved to England at the age of 17 and learned English at the Nelson School of English. He attended college and graduate school in Manhattan. In 2009 he co-founded SFGN with Norm Kent. Now he’s retired with his husband Tom and his Affenpinscher Cabbage. He still enjoys writing his column Off The Wall for OutSFL. OUR COLUMNISTS ONLINE! READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM READING RAINBOW by Aurora Dominguez MOMBIAN by Dana Rudolph QUEERLY BELOVED by Kelly Ghweinem THE WISE SNOWY OWL by Brian McNaught THE HAAKE TAKE by Sabrina Haake

2.15.2024 • 33 THE TIME FOR ACTION IS NOW L GBTQ+ communities here in Florida are under constant attack, our very right to exist up for debate.  This campaign to dehumanize, to deny joy and a future, has been spearheaded by cruel right-wing conservatives. They fear the collective power and visibility of LGBTQ+ people, but more importantly, they fear the ways in which the community expands and reimagines the definitions of being.  It’s no surprise, then, that so much of the anti-LGBTQ+ legislation introduced in the last few years has been focused on restricting bodily autonomy and free speech. Access to health care, freedom to make private medical decisions, space to simply talk about queerness — these are no longer guaranteed liberties in the state of Florida.  And now, as we inch closer to the November elections? The hateful, concerted efforts to destroy the community are reaching a fever pitch, especially for transgender people.    If the callous conservatives had their way, transgender folks wouldn’t be able to use bathrooms that match their gender identity, or have identification documents that include their correct gender marker. Transgender youth would be prevented from participating in school sports — yes, even playing is being policed. Additionally, state and local government employees may no longer be allowed to COMMUNITY Lambda Legal THE STAKES COULDN’T BE HIGHER FOR LGBTQ+ FLORIDIANS THIS ELECTION YEAR. LAMBDA LEGAL IS READY FOR THE FIGHT LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR VITAL WORK AT LAMBDALEGAL.ORG, AND JOIN US MARCH 24, 2024 AT BONNET HOUSE MUSEUM & GARDENS IN FORT LAUDERDALE.  AS THE OLDEST AND LARGEST NON-PROFIT FIGHTING FOR THE RIGHTS OF LGBTQ+ PEOPLE AND EVERYONE LIVING WITH HIV, WE KNOW WHAT’S AT STAKE, AS WELL AS WHAT IT TAKES TO SECURE THE FREEDOMS OUR COMMUNITIES DESERVE.   provide their own pronouns or attend trainings on sexual orientation and gender identity. Displaying Pride flags in governmental buildings or public schools might also soon be considered illegal.  The list goes on and on — countless pieces of legislation that seek to dismiss the dignity and humanity of LGBTQ+ Floridians.  WE AT LAMBDA LEGAL WON’T STAND FOR IT  As the oldest and largest non-profit fighting for the rights of LGBTQ+ people and everyone living with HIV, we know what’s at stake, as well as what it takes to secure the freedoms our communities deserve.   Since our founding 50 years ago, Lambda Legal has won landmark cases that remain a foundation of LGBTQ+ civil rights to this day, including victories regarding marriage equality, HIV discrimination, and the protection of LGBTQ+ students from harassment.  This is why we didn’t hesitate to lead the charge on two of the biggest LGBTQ+ cases to hit Florida in recent memory.  In our Dekker v. Weida case in 2023, we successfully struck down a health care rule that denied coverage for transgender Medicaid beneficiaries. Because of this win, transgender Floridians, like plaintiffs August Dekker and Brit Rothstein, are able to receive life-saving, gender-affirming medical care.  That same year, we worked hard to quash the state’s infamous “Don’t Say LGBTQ+” law. This archaic piece of legislation forbids teachers from discussing LGBTQ+ topics in schools, perpetuating harmful erasure in the same vein as book bans. The law also allows for school administrators to “out” students to their parents.  While our efforts may not always result in a win, we remain undeterred in our mission. When it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, Lambda Legal won’t back down from a fight. We expect quite a lot of them this election year, especially here in Florida, but know this: We are ready.  Photo created using AI generative software.

34 • 2.15.2024 SAPPY MOVIES F rom Thanksgiving to Christmas, Ray and I nightly watch sappy Christmas movies on Showtime or Hallmark about a straight man and woman who initially irritate one another but find love as they save the family farm, hardware store, or guesthouse in a snowy, picturesque town in Vermont. We have three criteria in selecting a Christmas movie we wish was gay: 1. We haven’t seen it before; 2. the lead man is handsome; and 3. the lead woman is not so disagreeable that she makes us cringe. Last night, we got so wrapped up in a movie about a Norwegian woman bringing her Indian fiancé home to meet the family that we lost track of time and weren’t dressed for dinner and a concert when our friends who were driving knocked on the door. We quickly made ready, enjoyed the meal, loved the Seraphic Fire Christmas concert, and finished watching the movie, with ice cream sundaes, when we got home. We lived in the Boston area for 16 years and don’t remember there being much snow at Christmas, but we’re not unhappy imagining a quaint, snow-covered village in Vermont that has a big Christmas tree in the center of town, and wreaths with red bows on every door and window. In these stories, everyone drinks hot chocolate, buys gifts at the outdoor Christmas village and enjoys the music of traveling carolers. The character who initially hated Christmas embraces its magic by the end and looks to the star-filled sky and sees a comet. We don’t own any Christmas sweaters, socks or ties, and hope to never receive them. But it’s fun watching characters in the movies enjoy them. Nor do we have lights outlining our house’s rooflines and windows, but we have lit wreaths and garlands at the gate, and the inside has been decorated like Santa’s workshop. What makes the movies fun for us is their attempt to create romance in the midst of holiday magic. Love and wonder are a winning combination on and off-screen. Ray and I each have happy memories of early childhood Christmases, which can never be duplicated because of the lost lens of innocence, but we’ve worked together over nearly 50 years to make each other’s Christmas, and those of our friends, feel like we’re in a Frank Capra movie. Critics called It’s a Wonderful Life “Capracorn,” and “sentimental hogwash.” And yet it has had a bigger impact on American fantasies of Christmas than any other film I can think of, save perhaps “A Christmas Carol.” We don’t expect to experience in Hallmark and Lifetime movies the feelings we had watching some great holiday films from the past, and we don’t need an angel to remind us that we have wonderful lives, but we love filling the house with sights, sounds, and smells for this brief time of the year to help remind us of the possible feeling of benevolence of family and community. CULTURE OPINION Brian McNaught THE WISE SNOWY OWL Read more from Brian McNaught has been an author and educator this author here on LGBTQ issues since 1974. Former Congressman Barney Frank said of Brian, “No one has done a better job of chronicling what it’s like to grow up gay.” www.brian-mcnaught.com. Photo via Adobe.

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36 • 2.15.2024 T he Our Fund Foundation and Presenting Sponsor Bank of America Private Bank hosted the Fifth Annual South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards which celebrated outstanding philanthropy, volunteerism, and emerging leadership. The sold-out event, which included a cocktail reception and awards ceremony, was held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts on Feb. 3. “We were honored to recognize these uniquely inspiring and generous leaders who lift our community and truly make a difference,” said David Jobin, president, and CEO, of The Our Fund Foundation, on their website. “They epitomize our mission of advocating for philanthropy to make South Florida the most livable and energetic community in the country for LGBTQ people.” THE 2024 SOUTH FLORIDA LGBTQ PHILANTHROPY AWARDEES INCLUDE: MICHAEL KALB PHILANTHROPIST OF THE YEAR Michael Kalb’s philanthropic journey with The Our Fund Foundation began with a conversation about his vision to establish a brick-and-mortar LGBTQowned and managed facility to protect and uplift unhoused LGBTQ youth in South Florida. From that conversation, Michael drove a three-year exploration of research, including a one-year trial six-bed facility, which resulted in the development of the Sunshine Pride House, a 12-bed house in Fort Lauderdale slated to open in January 2024. The facility and is operated by the Sunshine Cathedral Foundation with programs and services provided by local non-profits, FLITE Center, and SunServe. Donating more in a single year than any philanthropist in Our Fund’s 13-year history, Kalb’s vision attracted philanthropist Terry Merlin, who was on a tandem journey to create a shelter for LGBTQ unhoused youth. Kalb’s leadership and leadership gift, along with Merlin’s extreme generosity and leadership, made the Sunshine Pride House a reality. It is the intention with this $1M+ investment that the Sunshine Pride House will serve as a model to be replicated in South Florida for LGBTQ marginalized youth. NIKI LOPEZ COMMITMENT TO A CAUSE AWARD An artist, teacher, mentor, and healer, Niki Lopez is known by many for the passion project she founded in 2014 – What’s Your Elephant – that uses the arts to create a safe space for life’s unspoken topics, including gender discrimination, sexual and emotional abuse, and other traumas. Her creative activism includes being a co-founder of Artists for Black Lives Matter, as well as 1310 Bandits, a nationally recognized, award-winning visionary team of female-led, predominantly LGBTQ filmmakers. Her extensive work has impacted LGBTQ and Afro-Latina communities, women/feminist groups, people of color, and sexual abuse survivors. FLOATARAMA NEXT GENERATION PHILANTHROPY AWARD Spontaneously originating in 2020 during the height of the COVID lockdown, the volunteer-led FLoatarama, the country’s largest pride event on the water, has granted $125,000 to LGBTQ youth-serving agencies in South Florida. As importantly, FLoatarama has initiated a dialogue and awareness about the importance of philanthropy among a new generation of LGBTQ individuals. Founders Scott Schramm and Roderick MacKenzie are committed to expanding FLoatarama’s reach and influence, and along with it, the circle of donors and supporters that make their work possible. LARRY HYER DICK SCHWARZ AWARD FOR LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Larry Hyer’s lifetime of support for LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS causes and his personal involvement as a volunteer and leader of numerous agencies have cemented his reputation as one of South Florida’s leading philanthropists. He supports a variety of LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS organizations, including SAVE, YES Institute, Equality Florida, the AQUA Foundation, Communion, and the University of Miami’s LGBTQ and HIV/AIDS programs. Hyer’s work leading and supporting the OUTShine Film Festival has been instrumental to the organization’s success as one of the country’s leading LGBTQ film festivals. Tickets to the cocktail reception and awards ceremony are $75 per person and may be purchased at our-fund.org/awards. For additional information please email [email protected] or call 954-565- 1090. Established in 2011, The Our Fund Foundation has grown into the thirdlargest LGBTQ foundation in the nation. As South Florida’s only LGBTQ+ community foundation, The Our Fund Foundation promotes philanthropy, manages enduring investments, and conducts meaningful grantmaking to improve the lives of LGBTQ people in South Florida. For more information or to donate, contact theourfund.org or call 954- 565-1090. OUR FUND HONORS OUTSTANDING LEADERS David Jobin, Niki Lopez, Scott Bennett and Mark Blaylock. Photo by Carina Mask. ENTERTAINMENT AWARDS Rick Karlin TO-DO LIST [email protected] Compiled by Rick Karlin ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE And a good tribute band. Aventura Performing Arts Center presents a Paul McCartney Tribute band. Sunshine Cathedral welcomes Matt Alber, and Alibi holds its weekly Outcast drag show. LeBoy features King Dwarf strippers tonight and tomorrow. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 IF THE BLOCK IS ROCKIN’, DON’T BOTHER KNOCKIN’ “Rock the Block” takes over Wilton Drive for a music festival tonight. David Archuleta headlines. Also on the bill is Benedict Cork. At The Eagle, they’re holding a Mr. Rubber contest. Miss Richfield is performing at Sunshine Cathedral. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 DIVA ALERT! Bianca Del Rio is “Dead Inside” at The Kravis Center and Judy Kuhn is at Aventura Center for the Performing Arts as part of its Broadway Concert Series. Delray Beach Playhouse welcomes The Historically Black College Improv Comedy. There’s an Enforced Dress Code on the patio at Ramrod in an event hosted by Onyx. FlockFest is holding a Splash party. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18 HERE’S TO THE LADIES WHO SING! Jennifer McClain’s Cast Party is at Tropics tonight. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 19 TRIVIAL TUESDAYS The only question is are you going to head over to Smarty Pants with Nikki Adams or get Lit with Daisy Deadpetals? The Kravis Center opens “Jagged Little Pill,” running through Feb 25. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20 KICKING THINGS INTO HIGH GEAR Hunters starts the weekend off with a Rock the Block Kick-off party with special guest performer Benedict Cork. Broadway at Lauderhill Performing Arts Center has “Memphis” playing through March 3, and Seraphic Fire presents “A Scarlatti Family Affair” through Feb 18. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 15 [email protected] READ MY LIPS, LITERALLY! FlockFest hosts the Celebrity Lip Sync Battle benefitting Florida AIDS Walk with hostess with the mostess Nicole Halliwell, at Hunters. I may or may not be one of the “celebrity” lip-syncers. As of our deadline, we were still trying to decide if I qualified as a celebrity. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21

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38 • 2.15.2024 BAD ADVICE, GOOD VIBRATIONS AND COSPLAY Photo courtesy of Miss Richfield. Rick Karlin MISS RICHFIELD IF YOU’RE NASTY Miss Richfield 1981 brings her new show, “Bad Advice” to Sunshine Cathedral on Feb. 17. “Good advice is always annoying,” says Richfield. “But bad advice never is!” The entertainer has historically sold-out the venue. Join Richfield as she unpacks a healthy heap of advice that promises to leave you entertained and maybe just a little annoyed! Just what we need in this state! As if our governor and he who shall not be named at Mar-A-Lago didn’t do that enough! Buy tickets at eventbrite.com. ENTERTAINMENT CULTURE CORNER David Archuleta. Photo by Zach Schmitt. ROCK THE BLOCK Rock the Block will take over a stretch of Wilton Drive on Feb. 17, headlined by Miamiborn “American Idol” season 7 runner-up, David Archuleta. Archuleta who made Out Magazine’s Out100 list in 2023, is returning to South Florida after many years. Archuleta has never performed live in Wilton Manors before. “This will be my first time! I’m really looking forward to it,” said Archuleta, 33. Joining Archuleta on the stage, and making his U.S. debut, is British singer/songwriter Benedict Cork. While many readers may not have heard of Cork, they may be familiar with his work. He wrote the arrangement of Cher’s “Believe” that singer Adam Lambert performed during The Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. Dance diva Reina Gee will also perform, as well as a few surprise guests. General admission is $5, VIP tickets are $250 and include complimentary cocktails and a selection of hors d’oeuvres and appetizers from Apt 9f, a prime viewing area, and a meet and greet with the entertainers. Harmony Waves with the City of Wilton Manors are producing the event. Buy tickets at tickettailor.com. FLAME’N QUEERS The 10th annual Flame Con expo will take place on Aug. 17-18 at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in New York City. Featuring a comics, arts, and entertainment expo and showcasing creators and special guests from all corners of the LGBTQ community, the two-day venture will include discussions, exclusive performances, and cosplay. Molly Knox Ostertag will be among the special guests for this year’s expo. Ostertag is the author of the graphic novel “The Deep Dark”, “The Girl from the Sea”, and the Witch Boy trilogy: “The Witch Boy”, “The Hidden Witch”, and “The Midwinter Witch”. An animated musical adaptation of “The Witch Boy” has been announced by Netflix. To celebrate the expo and its special anniversary, “Fireball: The Official Flame Con After Party” will be held on Aug. 17 at Hell’s Kitchen’s Industry bar. The event will be hosted by Megami, a cast member in the current season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.” LONG LIVE THE KING Juggerknot Theatre Company, a Miamibased theatrical producer known for immersive and site-specific works, uses hotels, motels, and virtual worlds as its stages. Its latest venture is “Conjuring The King,” an immersive theatrical experience celebrating the King of Rock & Roll. The evening will be limited to 15 participants who will not just be watching but will be living the Elvis fan experience. There will be games, sing-alongs, and snacks. The event takes place in Miami’s Little River neighborhood, the location will be disclosed only to the 15 Elvis Fan Club members (aka ticket holders), per show. Tickets are $77, or $107 for the VIP level, which includes one complimentary drink and “Conjuring the King” swag. Buy tickets at juggerknottheatrecorportation. ticketspice.com. L auren Fein is the epitome of DEI – female, lesbian, Jewish, a Hispanic wife, foster mother of a black son. But even all those checkboxes aren’t able to save her from being canceled in the world premiere of “The Cancellation of Lauren Fein”. The drama follows Fein, her wife Paola Moreno, and their foster son Dylan. Fein and Moreno are professors at a prestigious American university. Fein, as the title suggests, get herself into hot water after going off script in class. Her teachings are labeled racist by students. Instead of humbling herself and trying to clean it up, she continues to fumble the situation. “We’ve all read the stories in recent years: a celebrity or professor or politician is called out and brought down for words or deeds considered offensive. Cancel culture,” the announcement reads. “Some view it as a method of holding people to account, of righting a wrong. Others believe it’s suppression of free speech, a public shaming.” The play is a thought-provoking tale of political correctness run amok. Fein’s behavior is often cringe worthy, and her haughty demeanor doesn’t win her any friends or sympathizers. But even so, should a poorly worded analogy in a biology class cost her everything? The show is particularly relevant in today’s world of cancel culture, but also Florida’s war on diversity, equity, and inclusion. DEI initiatives were banned in public colleges in Florida last year. In many examples of “cancellation” in today’s society, there is no nuance. And this is where “The Cancellation of Lauren Fein” shines – it gives the full context of what actually happened. The evocative performances also showcase the devastating impact of what these kinds of accusations can do to a family. Fein, played by Niki Fridh, particularly gives a standout performance. There are enough twists and turns to keep the audience engaged as the story unfolds with surprising betrayals, while paranoia eats the family alive. The show’s playwright, Christopher Demos-Brown, wanted to pay homage to Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible.” “Early in the process of writing the play, I knew I wanted to incorporate the idea of what happens when a community turns against you, as Miller did in The Crucible,” Demos-Brown says in the announcement. “It’s a very similar dynamic; there’s this new code being imposed on people, and how do they react to it?” The drama is currently playing at Palm Beach Dramaworks in West Palm Beach through Feb. 25. The show has already proved to be popular, with performances added to the initial run. ‘THE CANCELLATION OF LAUREN FEIN’ VISIT WWW.PALMBEACHDRAMAWORKS.ORG FOR TICKETS. Photo by By Tim Stepien. ENTERTAINMENT THEATER Jason Parsley A THOUGHT-PROVOKING DIVE INTO IDENTITY AND OUTRAGE

2.15.2024 • 39 KRAVIS CENTER - DREYFOOS HALL FEBRUARY 18 BUY TICKETS NOW!

40 • 2.15.2024 V irginia Pye wanted to create a fastpaced, historically accurate novel that delves into contemporary issues that many people can relate to, so she wrote “The Literary Undoing of Victoria Swann”. WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT BOOK? Not long ago, I moved back to the Boston area after many years away and noticed that people here read more than in any other place I’ve lived. When walking around this highly literary city, it’s hard not to bump into historical markers of famous writers. As I sat down at my desk in Cambridge, I started to feel the shadow of those famous male authors who make up part of the American canon — Emerson, Hawthorne, Thoreau, and others. It made me wonder what it might have felt like to be a female Boston writer in an earlier time. Not a Margaret Fuller, who was taken seriously by the male writing establishment, but a woman writer of what they would have called “frivolous” tales, the dime novels that women readers loved. If I sensed a literary weight on my shoulders in this bookish town now, how must a woman author have felt back then? My protagonist, Victoria Swann, and her troubles began to take shape in my mind. TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE BOOK AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO WRITE IT. I wanted to write a book about a woman striving to tell her own story. When the novel begins, Victoria’s a highly successful author of romance and adventure tales. Her publisher and her husband rely on her for the income she brings in from her books, but she isn’t happy. She feels she’s become a sausage factory for words, losing all originality. She wants to write her own, true story about the painful times she faced as a younger woman when she first moved off the farm and into the city. To use her own voice is her biggest challenge, and fighting for it costs her everything — her home, her husband, and her publisher. Abortion, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ rights all play important roles in Victoria’s journey as she breaks free of her comfortable, so-called successful life and goes in search of her own true voice, both on and off the page. WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK? A fast-paced, historically accurate, bighearted novel that delves into contemporary issues of women’s, LGBTQ, and immigrant rights with a light and entertaining touch. ‘THE LITERARY UNDOING OF VICTORIA SWANN’ Photos via virginiapye.com ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Aurora Dominguez THE READING RAINBOW F or openly gay vocalist Jeff Harnar, life truly is a cabaret. He has received multiple accolades for work as a performer including awards from the Mabel Mercer Foundation, the Chicago Cabaret Professionals, Manhattan Association of Cabaret (MAC), and Broadway Cabaret World, to mention a few. Following a 17-year break from recording, Harnar has released two albums on PS Classics; “I Know Things Now: My Life in Sondheim’s Words” in 2022, and his latest, “A Collective Cy: Jeff Harnar Sings Cy Coleman” in 2023. Jeff Harnar performs on March 25-28 at The Delray Beach Playhouse. GREGG SHAPIRO: JEFF, I’D LIKE TO BEGIN BY ASKING YOU WHO CAME UP WITH THE WITTY TITLE FOR YOUR CY COLEMAN CELEBRATION ACT, AND SUBSEQUENT ALBUM, “A COLLECTIVE CY”? JEFF HARNAR: Gregg, you are the very first to ask. When I was starting out in cabaret in the 1980s a young man named Sebastian Hobart did a Cy Coleman show with this title. Sadly, he was a casualty of the AIDS epidemic. All these years later I have assimilated his witty appellation and have awaited an opportunity to shine the spotlight on his memory and give him the credit he deserves. GS: WHAT’S INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS OF SELECTING SONGS FOR A CABARET TRIBUTE SHOW AND ALBUM SUCH AS “A COLLECTIVE CY.” JH: My director Sara Louise Lazarus, my music director Alex Rybeck and I have the gift of a long collaboration. Our first project together was 1989’s Carried Away: Jeff Harnar Sings Comden & Green. The process is much the same now as before: we each make a list of songs that might be a good fit for me and then compare notes. As much as I love Cy’s music, I’m always looking at the lyrics first. I need to feel I’m a reliable, believable narrator of the lyrics I sing. This album owes as much to exceptional lyricists Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, and David Zippel as to Cy Coleman. GS: IN THE LINER NOTES, YOU WRITE ABOUT WHEN, AS A BOY, YOUR PARENTS GAVE YOU THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING OF “SWEET CHARITY,” A MUSICAL ABOUT A TAXI DANCER. IT WAS A RACY MUSICAL AT THE TIME. NEARLY 60 YEARS LATER, COULD YOU EVER IMAGINE A PARENT GIVING THAT ALBUM TO A CHILD IN 2023? JH: We were living in the Connecticut suburbs of New York City back then and I had a great aunt who was the fashion editor of Seventeen Magazine. I have to believe she suggested the album to my parents. The show was new on Broadway at the time and my Aunt Fran would’ve seen it. She was my Auntie Mame. The following year she gave me Man of La Mancha. That was really a lot for a child to digest! GS: DESPITE THE SUBJECT MATTER, WHICH IS RELATIVELY TAME BY TODAY’S STANDARDS, SWEET CHARITY HAS GREAT SONGS, INCLUDING “RHYTHM OF LIFE,” “MY PERSONAL PROPERTY, AND, OF COURSE, “IF MY FRIENDS COULD SEE ME NOW.” WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO INCLUDE THOSE THREE SONGS? JH: I had a childhood obsession with “Rhythm of Life.” The fugue-like counterpoint melodies were easy to grasp and a joy to sing. At that age, who knew what those words meant? Revisiting the song now in my 60s is coming full circle back to a youthful place of musical bliss. On the album, I’m thrilled to have jazz singers Nicolas King and Danny Bacher as special guests on that track. Cy has to be smiling to hear Nicolas scatting and Danny on the soprano sax. “My Personal Property,” from the film version of Sweet Charity is a sublime “I love New York” song. I get huge joy singing about the city. It’s such a defining part of my soul. And Alex has cleverly woven in the melody of “My City” from Seesaw around the song to truly make the arrangement feel “personal.” ‘SWEET’ ON CY Photo courtesy of Jeff Harnar. ENTERTAINMENT MUSIC Gregg Shapiro AN INTERVIEW WITH SINGER JEFF HARNAR READ THE REST OF THE INTERVIEW ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM.

2.15.2024 • 41 TICKETS ON SALE FROM $25 southfloridasymphony.org | 954.522.8445 March 1: Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys March 3: Broward Center, Au-Rene Theater BEETHOVEN’S NINTH SYMPHONY & GRAND OPERA ARIAS FROM PUCCINI, VERDI AND MORE!

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