OutSFL Vol. 2, Issue 13

MARCH 28, 2024 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 13 STORY BY MICHAEL COOK | PAGE 28 MHI’YA IMAN LE’PAIGE TAKES US INSIDE HER ‘DRAG RACE’ EXPERIENCE LIP SYNC ASSASSIN GOES HOME OUR PAGES YOUR VOICE VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL @OUTSFL

2 • 3.28.2024 COVER: Photo via Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige (Queen Of Flipss), X (Formerly Twitter). March 28, 2024 • Volume 2• Issue 13 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] DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Richie Wilson • Johnathan Rey • Tyler Brayton NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 Spot an error? Let us know at [email protected] NEWS HIGHLIGHT Staff Photo via christianalilly.com. R eporter and social media manager of OutSFL, Christiana Lilly, has been hired as the new Editor-in-Chief of JES Media, who publishes Boca Raton Magazine. “I’ve worked with Christiana for many years and couldn’t be happier for her,” said OutSFL Publisher Jason Parsley. “Boca Magazine is lucky.” Before OutSFL, Parsley was Lilly’s editor at South Florida Gay News for many years. “She’s always been one of my most reliable freelancers,” he said. “She’s an excellent reporter and writer. Her passion for storytelling and journalism is apparent in her work.” JES also publishes Delray Magazine and others. Lilly is also the author of “100 Things to Do in Fort Lauderdale Before You Die.” She is a past president of the Florida chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. CAN’T WAIT FOR PRINT? FOLLOW US ONLINE. OUTSFL.COM OPINION A WHALE OF A TALE: MORE QUEER SEX AMONG THE ANIMALS OUTSFL REPORTER NAMED EDITOR-IN-CHIEF OF BOCA RATON MAGAZINE CHRISTIANA LILLY HAS BEEN A STEADFAST ALLY DURING HER MANY YEARS OF FREELANCE FOR LGBTQ OUTLETS “I have been a contributor to OutSFL and SFGN for years, and it has given me the opportunity not only to report on this underserved community but also be a witness to historic moments in the fight for equality,” Lilly said. “From covering marriage equality, adoption, abortion, crimes against the community, and never letting us forget those who were taken from us in acts of violence, I’ve never been prouder to be an ally.” Lilly will take over for long-time editor Marie Speed. “During my tenure as web editor at Boca [Magazine], Marie Speed served as a mentor to me, encouraging me to improve my writing and giving me the space to grow as a leader in the newsroom,” Lilly said. “We’ve kept in touch as I returned to the world of freelance, and I’m honored to be her successor as the editor-in-chief of Boca Magazine.” Lilly lives in Pompano Beach with her husband Jack. “The entire team here at OutSFL wishes Christiana the best of luck,” Parsley said. “We’ll miss her so much.” “I HAVE BEEN A CONTRIBUTOR TO OUTSFL AND SFGN FOR YEARS, AND IT HAS GIVEN ME THE OPPORTUNITY NOT ONLY TO REPORT ON THIS UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY BUT ALSO BE A WITNESS TO HISTORIC MOMENTS IN THE FIGHT FOR EQUALITY.” - CHRISTIANA LILLY

3.28.2024 • 3 Welcome to accessibility for everyone In Greater Fort Lauderdale, we’re excited about welcoming everyone under the sun and providing access for all, from beach wheelchairs and accessible pathways to the Hidden Disabilities Sunfl ower Program at FLL airport. Learn more about local resources and plan your trip at VisitLauderdale.com/Accessibility.

4 • 3.28.2024 LAST WEEK'S COVER FROM THE NEWSROOM - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE OUT AND ABOUT PHOTO OF THE WEEK Newlyweds Oscar Balbuena, chef at Ritz Carlton, and Michael Schneider, board member of The OUTshine Film Festival, at their Las Olas Isles Home. Photo by JR Davis EASTER WEEKEND D saturday march 30 rew G music by bad rise bunny easter weekend friday march twenty-ninth joshua ruiz music by MONDAYS JOCKSTRAP NIGHT TUESDAYS CODE HANKY NIGHT WEDNESDAYS UNDERWEAR NIGHT THURSDAYS CIGAR NIGHT THURSDAYS HARNESS NIGHT SUNDAYS LET’S HAVE A KIKI (954) 533-8248 eaglebarwm.com 2209 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors FL 33305

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6 • 3.28.2024 LGBTQUOTABLE QUOTE OF THE WEEK OUTFAU'S COVER FROM THE NEWSROOM - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE “I think I’ve always been bisexual. I mean, it’s something that I’ve always been interested in. I think everybody kind of fantasizes about the same sex. I think people are born bisexual, and it’s just that our parents and society kind of veer us off into this feeling of ‘Oh, I can’t. They say it’s taboo.’ It’s ingrained in our heads that it’s bad, when it’s not bad at all. It’s a very beautiful thing.” Photo via IMDb. -BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG CALL ME FOR A FREE TOUR 1414 on NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL For availability contact: [email protected] Event & Meeting Space: 3,000+ sq feet available for your next gathering, live event or entertainment needs. www.jfoy.org Booking now for spring/summer/fall events. (954) 594-3473 “please leave a message”

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3.28.2024 • 9 By Kennedy McKinney OUT ABROAD REPORT CALLS FOR REMOVAL OF LGBTQ EXEMPTIONS AUSTRALIA T he Law Reform Commission in Australia says schools aren’t allowed to discriminate against staff and students on the basis of sexuality, gender identity, or relationship status in a landmark report. According to The Guardian, the report calls for the repeal of blanket exemptions that allow religious schools to discriminate. However, the report said the institutions should be allowed to preference staff in line with their beliefs as long as it is “reasonably necessary” to maintain a community of faith and does not breach existing discrimination laws. “Just as commonwealth law already prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, gender, sexuality, disability and age, no one should be discriminated against because of their faith,” Attorney General Mark Dreyfus told The Guardian. Photo via csa.edu.au. WORKERS ARRESTED IN LGBTQ ‘EXTREMISM’ CASE EURASIA T wo bar workers have been arrested during a raid in Russia, marking the first arrests under the country’s LGBTQ “extremism” law. According to Al Jazeera, the suspects will remain in custody until mid-May and face up to 10 years in prison if found guilty. The suspects, a bar administrator and an art director, are accused of organizing an “extremist organization” and “promoting non-traditional sexual relations among the visitors of the bar” under the new legislation passed in November 2023 that bans the “international LGBT movement.” “The accused, people of nontraditional sexual orientation, acted in premeditation with a group of people … who also support the views and activities of the international public association LGBT,” the court said on Telegram. This is the first time the law, which activists believe is intentionally vague so it can be used to prosecute anyone protecting LGBTQ rights or who identifies with the community, has been used in a criminal case. “What LGBTQ persons and human rights activists have feared since the end of last year has finally come to pass,” Amnesty International said in an interview with Al Jazeera. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.. SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT STAFF BANNED FROM WEARING RAINBOW LANYARD EUROPE S cottish Parliament staff can no longer wear rainbow lanyards, or any other accessories, that show support for social movements at Holyrood. According to the BBC, a parliament spokesperson said, “This decision will help minimize the risk of perceived bias. It will also help avoid any potential misperception over the absolute impartiality of all Scottish parliamentary staff.” The announcement came via email. The changes only apply to staff and officials who work directly for the Scottish Parliament. MSPs and staff will not be affected. Staff members can still wear pronoun badges and Poppies can still be worn for Poppy Scotland, the sole charity recognized by the Parliament. The staff is now required to wear a generic purple lanyard. Photo via amazon.com. THE RAINBOW REVOLUTION AROUND THE WORLD

10 • 3.28.2024 THE SHOW MUST GO ON I n an unexpected twist, Palm Beach Pride was forced to cancel the first day of its annual festival due to flooding – so bad that cars were floating away near the venue. But Florida is known for quick changes in weather and the state did not disappoint – by mid-afternoon on Saturday the waters had receded and vendors were setting up for the next day. The Sunday morning parade was wellattended and went off without a hitch. Compass, the organizer of the event, extended the festival at Bryant Park to 7 p.m. to give attendees a little extra time for fun. “I’m really happy we had at least Sunday … the festival and parade,” said Compass Board Chair Nicholas Coppola. “It was great weather and a great turnout. The staff did an outstanding job. As board chair, I couldn’t be prouder of the community.” Actor and comedian Daniel Franzese, known for his roles in “Mean Girls” and “Looking,” took to the stage and told the audience his connection to Florida (he went to high school in Sunrise), and how he was duped into conversion therapy. Even so, he still identifies as a Christian, saying being gay made him a better Christian. “And being a Christian has made me a better gay because I think our community needs to give each other grace, respect and mercy,” he said. “We are family, LGBTQ.” Franzese also co-hosts a podcast “Yass, Jesus!” which is described as, according to its website, “a faith and sexuality affirming comedy podcast that believes you don’t have to pick between gay and God.” “It’s so important that you showed up today. I want you to give yourselves a round of applause for coming out again today for your family. Celebrating yourself is so important,” he said. “I want to express to all the people out there that are creators and queer people, or allies that are listening. It’s so important that you guys show up and represent yourself in public spaces and be an example of love.” The headliner of the event was Brooke Eden, an out country star, who is from West Palm Beach. She now lives with her wife in Nashville but told OutSFL before the event she was so excited to return home and perform at Pride. “This is one of my favorite shows ever,” she said on stage. Photo by JR Davis. NEWS PALM BEACH Jason Parsley PALM BEACH PRIDE WAS FORCED TO CANCEL SATURDAY, BUT MADE A TRIUMPHANT RETURN SUNDAY BETTY RESCH VERSUS ANDY AMOROSO READ "INTERVIEW: BROOKE EDEN SET TO PERFORM SUNDAY AT PRIDE" ON OUTSFL.COM LAKE WORTH BEACH MAYOR’S RACE HEADS TO RUN-OFF MIXED BAG FOR OUT CANDIDATES ON ELECTION NIGHT IN PALM BEACH COUNTY T he race for mayor of Lake Worth Beach is still undecided because no candidate got more than 50% during the March 19 election. Now straight ally Betty Resch and Andy Amoroso, a gay man, head to a run-off election April 2. Resch came so close with 48% while Amoroso got 32%. “I think it would be in the best interest of the city for Andy to concede, to let us get back to work,” Resch told WPBF. “Almost 50% of the voters voted for me. It’s a big gap between him and I and I just think for the good of the city, to get us working back together, to get back to unifying and not being divisive and saving some money for the city, I think it would be the right thing to do.” Amoroso has no plans to concede. “It’s not an option based on my supporters,” Amoroso told WPBF. “[At] our watch party, it was asked, and the supporters said, ‘Absolutely not.’ They’re in it for the With almost 56% of the vote, Sarah Malega cruised to re-election for commissioner of District 1 in the March 19 municipal election in Lake Worth Beach. Other out candidates didn’t fare so well. First-time candidate, Nicholas Coppola, lost his election for an open seat in Delray Beach, getting 36% in a three-way race to Juli Casale, who won with 42%. Coppola is the board chair of Compass, the LGBTQ center of Palm Beach County. In a tight race for Town Council in Palm Beach, John David Corey got 49% losing to Bridget Moran. Corey was also a first-time candidate and a member of the Architectural Review Commission. In the Lake Worth Beach race for mayor, incumbent and straight ally Betty Resch got 48%, but needed to cross the 50% threshold to avoid a run-off. She now heads to the next election April 2 against Andy Amoroso, a gay man who previously served on the commission. Alex Cull, another out man fight and the long haul, and it will be a long two weeks, but we can make it happen.” Another out candidate, Alex Cull, came in third place with 14% and a fourth candidate, William Joseph, got 6%. Joseph has now endorsed Resch. The Palm Beach Human Rights Council also endorsed Resch. who was running for mayor, came in third place with 14%. NEWS PALM BEACH NEWS PALM BEACH Jason Parsley Jason Parsley Left: Betty Resch, courtesy photo. Right: Andy Amoroso via Andy For Mayor 24, Facebook. Sarah Malega Lake Worth Beach District 1 City Commissioner, Facebook. On stage, in between songs, Eden shared her coming out story and later said: “your governor doesn’t like us very much?” “Just by being here, we are defeating him. Just by not lying to ourselves, we are defeating him. Just by not ‘unaliving’ ourselves, we are defeating him. By living our lives with Pride, we are defeating him. So I’m so proud of you to be here today. Just keep on spreading love. That’s what it’s all about. Thank you for this safe space. I promise to create a more safe space in country music.” Her performance included her hit song “Got No Choice,” a nod to her relationship with her wife; and cover songs “I’m Coming Out” and a countrified version of Lady Gaga’s anthem “Born This Way.” Organizers offered all the scheduled acts on Saturday an opportunity to perform Sunday. For those that could not Compass honored their contracts. “We understand that the cancellation on Saturday was a disappointment for our community and our vendors,” said Michael Riordan, Director of Media and Communications for Compass. “We take these relationships seriously and that is why we are offering partial refunds to our vendors, weekend pass purchasers and others who were expecting a two day festival.”

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12 • 3.28.2024 Welcome to “The City of Wilton Manors Stonewall Pride Festival and Parade.” That is now the official name of the annual June street party on Wilton Drive. At their March 26 meeting, city commissioners unanimously voted to become the exclusive title sponsor of the event. The move comes after months of speculation that the event could be canceled this year after the 2023 festival lost money and still has outstanding bills. Rather than cancel or award the permit to a new organization, the city worked with Stonewall CEO Jeff Sterling to come on board. The cost is $50,000 which will be used to clear 2023 security and safety debts as well as make a “down payment” to BSO for this year’s security. This gives the city much more than their name in the title and bragging rights. The deal gives them much more oversight and input. Stonewall and its CEO, Jeff Sterling, will post a bond of $160,000 as a security deposit of sorts to make sure bills are paid and help the city recover some money if the event is canceled. The agreement goes on to detail marketing expenditures, VIP passes, and other details. The motion, which was debated at length in January, passed with almost no discussion. Commissioner Don D’Arminio wanted to make sure there would be “cashless” ticketing and was told that is part of the overall agreement. Stonewall will need to file receipts and other financial reports by August and comply with all applicable public records laws. Last year was the first time in years that Stonewall lost money. The event was overshadowed by political attacks and new laws targeting drag entertainment. They were written so vaguely that no one could tell what was allowed and what wasn’t. Florida’s fight with the LGBTQ community also scared off sponsors who didn’t want to pick a fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis and his administration. To cap it all off, soaking rains went on until early evening and depressed turnout. Sterling, commissioners, and people close to the event believe this year won’t be nearly as oppressive, at least politically. As for the weather? It’ll be hot. It’ll be humid. It might rain. So pack an umbrella. CITY SAVES JUNE’S STONEWALL FESTIVAL IN WILTON MANORS RATHER THAN CANCEL OR AWARD THE PERMIT TO A NEW ORGANIZATION, THE CITY WORKED WITH STONEWALL CEO JEFF STERLING TO COME ON BOARD. Stonewall Pride Parade 2023. Photo by JR Davis. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden R epublicans are continuing their assault on LGBTQ youth, and this time they’ve got Democrats to join them. The Florida legislature has overwhelmingly passed a pair of bills that will disproportionately affect LGBTQ under 21. First is limiting access to social media. HB 3, which Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) has signed into law, prohibits children under 14 from creating and using any social media accounts. Children 14-16 may have accounts with parental consent. The bill passed 109-4 in the House and 30-5 in the Senate. The law affects LGBTQ youth by creating obstacles to critical, often lifesaving information. Maxx Fenning, executive director of PRISM, which works with LGBTQ youth in South Florida, says this law could be devastating. “It’s a major component of our outreach, where we reach tens of thousands of tens every month. Bans on social media for youth strip young people of critical resources that they wouldn’t be able to find otherwise, especially for young people that don’t have supportive A n impending law says it’s designed to reduce human trafficking in Florida. The practical effects will limit job opportunities for 18-21 year old workers and even further isolate the people it purports to protect. HB 7063 restricts people under 21 from working in “adult entertainment” venues, such as strip clubs. Human trafficking exists largely in the shadows, out of public view. In “strip clubs” and their analogs, there is contact with others and a layer of safety that comes with being in public. Under this law, workers may be even more removed from outside contact and prevent them from getting help. Charles Horton, who owns LeBoy in Fort Lauderdale, that most of his dancers are 21+ and, at this time, would only affect about three employees. He also makes sure everyone in his employ feels safe. “The dance manager is primarily there for dancers’ safety. I’m also very approachable. Most dancers are comfortable speaking with and do regularly with concerns and ATTACKS ON INTERNET FREEDOM CONCERNS LGBTQ ACTIVISTS 18-20 YEAR-OLDS BANNED FROM WORKING IN ADULT VENUES Photo via Pexels. NEWS STATE NEWS STATE John Hayden John Hayden families or communities.” Starting Jan. 1, 2025, it will also require age verification to “prevent minors from accessing sites that are inappropriate for children.” The law is vaguely written, and, like with Don’t Say Gay, it is vague and is enforced through fear and intimidation. Other states have passed a similar measure, and adult sites like Pornhub simply geofence the state and block all access. The law is likely to face multiple First Amendment challenges in federal courts. “Luckily, we know that this bill is blatantly unconstitutional and expect a strong challenge against it in the courts,” Fenning said. suggestions.” The owner of one establishment told OutSFL that it may not affect Broward clubs, like LeBoy, Johnsons and Boardwalk, because they don’t allow nudity. Lawyers are combing through the bill to figure it out. HB 7063 passed in 104-3 in the House and 35-3 in the Senate, and is awaiting the governor’s signature. Photo via Pexels.

3.28.2024 • 13 Endorsed by: LGBTQ+ Coalition of the Democratic party Human Rights Council, the LGBTQ+ legal arm HISPAC, the Hispanic political council Palm Beach County Fighters & Paramedics Congresswoman Lois Frankel Senator Bobby Powell Representative Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds I am commiƩed to represenƟng and being the best allLJ of the LGBTQ+ commƵnitLJ that I can be. MLJ historLJ ǁith the GaLJ commƵnitLJ goes as far back as the Stoneǁall riots, I ǁas there. (I'm old enoƵgh). One of mLJ first jobs ǁas helping drag qƵeens get dressed for shoǁs. MLJ historLJ ǁith the commƵnitLJ is solid. I sponsored the ResolƵƟon declaring Lake Worth Beach to be a Sanctuary/Safe city for the LGBTQ+ community, the onlLJ citLJ in Florida to haǀe done so. I'm ǀerLJ proƵd of that! I am asking for LJoƵr ǀote to alloǁ me to conƟnƵe on the ǁork I haǀe begƵn. I need your vote to keep working for you! Please vote on April 2, or mail in your vote! Paid political advertisemtn paoid for and approved by Betty Resch for Mayor State Senator Bobby Powell Endorsed for Lake Worth Beach Mayor by: Paid political advertisement approved by Betty Resch for Mayor of Lake Worth Beach.

14 • 3.28.2024 SEX AND THE SEA F or the first time ever, Humpback whales were caught humping under the sea - and they were both male. Photographers in Maui, Hawaii, captured two male humpback whales having sex, according to NBC News. Experts say this is the first time the species have been documented exhibiting sexual activity of any kind. In a study released Feb. 27 in the journal Marine Mammal Science, the authors said they’ve produced the first photographs of the species having penetrative sex. The authors were marine biologist Stephanie Stack, and the two photographers who captured the encounter, Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano, in waters west of the Hawaiian island of Maui in January 2022. “We realized pretty quickly that there was a scientific significance to it,” Krannichfeld, 44, told NBC News. “Even if there were no articles published or nothing ever came of it, we knew that it was important to the scientific community and those who were studying the whales just because of the unique behavior.” The report stated that the encounter occurred between one male whale who appeared unhealthy or injured, and a strong and healthy male whale. The “bottom” whale was visibly emaciated and covered in whale lice that can proliferate on humpback whales that have lost mobility. The authors suggested the emaciated whale may have approached the photographers’ friend’s boat to seek cover from the other whale. Krannichfeld said that he and his friends did not go to the whales by boat or get out and swim with them once they approached because both of those things are illegal, according to NBC News. The emaciated whale, while circling the boat, attempted to swim away from the healthier whale, the report read. The healthier whale then held the other whale NEWS NATIONAL Kim Swan in place with its pectoral fins and began to penetrate it. The authors said that they observed the whales for approximately 30 minutes and that the encounter took place roughly 15 feet below the surface. Whether samesex behavior between two healthy male humpback whales would occur remains unknown, according to the authors. When the photographers returned home and looked at the pictures they took, Krannichfeld said they immediately knew they captured “a once-in-a-lifetime encounter.” “The whales are a big part of our lives here in Maui,” he told NBC News. “Everybody that’s involved with them and who photographs them kind of realizes that that’s never been captured. Mating and birth are the two main things that are still kind of unknown.” Krannichfeld and Romano shared the photos with Stack, who identified the whales as male. Krannichfeld, who owns a photography gallery in Maui, said sharing the photographs with the scientific community was “an honor.” “I’m constantly taking photos of the whales and essentially making a product off of them,” he told NBC News. “So it’s nice to be able to feel like I’m giving something back to the whales, help people understand them better.” Same-sex behavior is not uncommon in the animal kingdom. It has been well-documented in other species. The study noted that it has previously been observed in a number of marine mammals, including walruses, Amazon River dolphins and gray seals, according to NBC News. Penguins have received widespread attention for its same-sex behavior. Over the last several years, gay penguin couples in zoos in Denmark, the Netherlands and the United States have gone viral for taking care of eggs and raising baby penguins together. Photo by Lyle Krannichfeld and Brandi Romano. SAME-SEX BEHAVIOR IS NOT UNCOMMON IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM. IT HAS BEEN WELLDOCUMENTED IN OTHER SPECIES. MALE HUMPBACK WHALES CAUGHT HAVING SEX FLORIDA TO PUBLIC CAMPING: TAKE A HIKE! P itch your tent somewhere else, pal. That’s the message coming out of Tallahassee as Florida lawmakers, taking note of deteriorating conditions in other parts of the country, have drawn a hard line on public camping. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a new law that cracks down on those who make their homes in public spaces. Designed to mitigate problems that have overwhelmed many west coast cities, HB 1365 also provides drug abuse and mental health counseling services, while giving local governments the tools necessary to prevent sidewalks and parks from being taken over by the unhoused and those who choose to live outside. “The lawlessness seen in ‘progressive’ cities — sprawling encampments, openair drug markets and homeless people endangering themselves and others is totally preventable,” said DeSantis during a bill signing ceremony March 20 in Miami Beach. “We won’t stand for it in Florida and our action today is one of many steps we’re taking to keep our cities clean and safe for everyone.” Critics of the law say it criminalizes homelessness and saddles cash strapped agencies with an unfunded mandate. During debate in the Florida legislature, Sen. Shevrin Jones (D-Miami) expressed concern over the bill’s approach. “This bill does not, and it will not address the root cause of homelessness,” Jones said. “We are literally reshuffling the visibility NEWS STATE Wilton Manors Location Now Open! Uninsured Cash visits starting $120 WALK-INS WELCOMED! Physicals Lab Tests Immediate Care 1442 NE 26th St • 954-391-7160 • medixucc.com John McDonald of unhoused individuals, with no exit strategy for people who are experiencing homelessness.” The law takes effect Oct. 1 with oversight provided by the Florida Department of Children and Families. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court will decide if local ordinances that prohibit sleeping and camping in public parks and on sidewalks are constitutional when it hears Grants Pass v. Johnson. Oral arguments are set to begin April 22. A homeless camp in Portland, Oregon. Photo by John McDonald.

3.28.2024 • 15 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 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. NOW HIRING Ft Lauderdale, Davie, Coral Springs and Pembroke Pines WASHINGTON SCHOOLS DO SAY GAY I n the state of Washington, it’s okay to say gay. A new law in the Evergreen State will require public schools to include the contributions and history of LGBTQ people in its curricula. Signed by Gov. Jay Inslee on March 18, Senate Bill 5462 requires school districts adopt curricula that include “diverse, equitable, inclusive, age-appropriate instructional materials” that reflect the history of historically underrepresented groups. “The contributions of gay Washingtonians deserve recognition and just as importantly, students deserve to see themselves in their schoolwork,” said Sen. Marko Liias (D-Edmonds), the bill sponsor, in a statement. “That leads to better attendance, better academic achievement and better overall quality of life, ensuring success of all our students.” Six other states — California, Colorado, Illinois, Nevada, New Jersey and Oregon — have similar mandates to include LGBTQ The Washington state capitol in Olympia, Wash. Photo by John McDonald. representation in public school academic curricula. Washington joining the group prompted condemnation from the anti-LGBTQ website, Libs of TikTok, which posted on X: “Your kids will be forced to learn about Dylan Mulvaney and drag queens. Homeschool your kids.” Washington educators have until June 2025 to craft a model policy, procedure and instructional materials that comply with the new standards. NEWS NATIONAL John McDonald

16 • 3.28.2024 BOOK BANS UP 33% OVER LAST TWO SCHOOL YEARS Photo via pexels.com T he past two school years have seen “a mounting crisis of book bans,” according to a report released Dec. 14 from PEN America, the 100-year-old organization dedicated to freedom of expression and the freedom to write. While the record number of bans is worrying in itself, just as concerning are the trends in how the bans are spreading. The report, “Spineless Shelves: Two Years of Book Banning” by Sabrina Baêta and Kasey Meehan, found that in public schools, the number of bans — actions taken because of a book’s content, leading to its removal or restriction from students — rose 33% between the 2021-22 and 2022-23 school years, from 2,532 bans to 3,362, for a total of 5,894 bans, impacting 2,823 unique titles. Florida and Texas led the country, comprising 34% and 24%, respectively, of all recorded bans over the last two years, followed by Pennsylvania, Missouri, Tennessee, Utah, and South Carolina. The bans extend much further, however, with a total of 247 school districts across 41 states banning books. Bans of any given book from both libraries and classrooms also rose from 13% of all bans in 2021-22 to 38% in 2022-23 — an “intensifying” of efforts as districts change policies to prohibit certain types of content, override standard processes, and respond to state legislation, PEN America explained. The bans have thus been “more comprehensive and potentially more permanent.” Across both academic years, 83% of bans were of books written for young adult or younger readers. Young adult books were the most targeted, comprising 58% of bans, followed far behind by adult books (17%), middle grade books (12%), picture books (10%), and chapter books (3%). “While the banning movement promotes misleading rhetoric that books are ‘pornographic’ and cause ‘indoctrination,’ the reality is that these books are written with school-age students in mind as both educational and empowering resources, even when they detail difficult experiences,” the report asserted. The numbers tell only part of the story, however. Unsurprising to anyone who has followed the subject of book bans in recent years, books with characters of color, LGBTQ characters, and other diverse characters were “overwhelmingly” subject to bans. There has been a shift over the past two years, though, PEN America found, noting that, “While the book ban movement initially focused on removing ‘critical race theory’ and ‘divisive concepts’ in 2021, this past year saw heightened attacks on books that discuss sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual experiences as well as ‘unconformable topics’ like sexual wellbeing, violence, abuse, grief, and death.” More than a third of all books removed since 2021 include instances of violence and physical abuse, including sexual assault. Yet PEN America stressed, “When included in young adult literature, these ‘difficult concepts’ prove essential in helping readers understand themselves and the world around them.” The surge in bans has been supercharged by several worrying practices, the report said. Many times, a book will be banned in one district because it has been banned in another, and these “copycat bans” are now “a key component of the book ban movement.” Florida’s Seminole County Public Schools, for example, reportedly removed 31 titles from its libraries based on a list of books that other Florida districts had received complaints about. Similarly, some books were targeted for bans after at least one other book by the same author was banned. PEN America explains, “Authors are marked with a ‘Scarlet Letter’ that impacts their reputation and leaves schools wary of carrying any of their titles, even ones whose content previously inspired little controversy.” As PEN America noted in an October report, too, national conservative organizations are behind many of the bans, creating lists of targeted books, training people on how to challenge books, and advocating for state legislation such as Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay/ Trans” law that creates sweeping bans. This means that more and more, as the December report notes, “schools and their librarians have been stripped of the responsibility to determine the availability of reading VIEWPOINTS OPINION Dana Rudolph MOMBIAN Dana Rudolph is the founder and publisher of Mombian (mombian.com), a two-time GLAAD Media Award-winning blog and resource directory, with a searchable database of 1300+ LGBTQ family books, media, and more. materials in their schools.” This is happening even though a November study from the EveryLibrary Institute found that 92% of parents, grandparents, and guardians “trust children’s librarians to select appropriate books and materials for the library,” PEN America noted. On the positive side, though, students and others have been protesting bans and some bans have been reversed, as in the Central York School District of Pennsylvania earlier this year. Many school districts are also keeping books on shelves after they have been challenged and gone through the required evaluation process. In what feels like heartening news, too, PEN America’s new president and chair is a queer parent, among her many other identities and accomplishments, and is poised to continue the organization’s fight against censorship. Author, professor, and transgender advocate Jennifer Finney Boylan took the reins on Dec. 11, emphasizing in an interview at penamerica.org that, “The books most likely to be banned are about queer experiences and about people of color and that should tell you whose stories they feel are going to change the world.” She continued, “It’s not about trans people — and I don’t want people to think that PEN is now going to be all exclusively focused on trans — it’s about allowing people to know that they are worthy of stories, that their lives have value, that there is a story for all of us.” 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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18 • 3.28.2024 TIKTOK DISINFORMATION IS NO WORSE THAN FOX NEWS DISINFORMATION T he U.S. House of Representatives has voted overwhelmingly to require TikTok to divest its Chinese ownership or be banned in the U.S. due to national security concerns. The security risks identified by the bill’s sponsors include Chinese law which gives Xi Jinping legal access to user data, along with China’s ability to meddle in U.S. elections. The standard First Amendment debate asks: When does one person’s right to spew misinformation yield to another person’s right not to be harmed by it? But in the context of elections, if Congress interferes with a foreign-owned media platform like TikTok, why should a domestic corporation like Fox News, also guilty of rampant election misinformation, be spared the same scrutiny? ONLINE DISINFORMATION Over the past few years, the most aggressive online disinformation campaigns in the U.S. have targeted COVID-19 vaccines, climate science and elections. Pew Research shows that 55% of U.S. adults now want the federal government to restrict such false information. COVID-19 and climate disinformation can be countered relatively easily since death rates, increasing wildfires and disappearing aquifers can’t lie. Election misinformation is another story. Of all the disinformation campaigns online at any given hour, election lies are the most difficult to regulate because political speech is afforded the highest legal protection under the First Amendment. Paradoxically, political disinformation also presents the greatest threat to the First Amendment and to civil liberties in general. Donald Trump started claiming the 2020 election was rigged months before the first votes were cast. Since then, an initially resistant GOP has begun to embrace the political expediency in parroting his claims: Republicans have not won the popular vote in a presidential election in decades, and it’s easier to decry a “stolen election” than to adjust policies enough to widen the party’s political appeal. Republicans’ strained relationship with the truth is further complicated by deep-pocket political donors who demand outcomes different from what ordinary voters want, Photo via Shutterstock. who are willing to finance massive public disinformation campaigns to achieve those outcomes. As a direct result of widespread election disinformation, 40% of Americans think Trump won the 2020 election, and 64% of election officials say their jobs are now more dangerous. Not only does election misinformation weaken domestic political processes, it has been weaponized by lawmakers on the right to justify new voter suppression laws in a self-serving, closedloop information feed. IF HARM TO U.S. ELECTIONS REALLY IS THE CONCERN, WHY SHOULD FOX ‘NEWS’ BE SPARED? TikTok may downplay its interest in U.S. domestic politics, but when it encouraged users to flood U.S. representatives’ offices with angry calls, TikTok demonstrated both its interest and its ability to influence American political outcomes when it wants to. It’s also evident that TikTok’s algorithms suppress themes that aggravate Chinese leaders. As reported by the New York Times, researchers compiled information about popular TikTok videos on topics commonly suppressed inside China, like the fate of China’s Uyghur population and public protests in Hong Kong. They found the topics underrepresented on TikTok compared to other social networks like Instagram. Evidence of the suppression emerged from TikTok’s own “Creative Center,” and after the under-representation was reported, TikTok quietly reigned in its own research tool rather than address the subterfuge. As Congress grapples with China’s manipulation of political news, why should domestic manipulation by Fox News be treated differently? Fox News admitted to peddling massive voter disinformation during the last presidential election, leading Dominion Voting Systems to sue Fox — quite successfully — for defamation. Explosive 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. documentary evidence showed that key Fox anchors and executives joked about Trump’s buffoonish stolen election claims, but told their viewers something quite different, leading to an unprecedented, nearly billion dollar settlement. As instruments of social and political manipulation, TikTok and Fox News target similar audiences. TikTok attracts hormonal teens with addictive homegrown videos, while Fox targets their low-education parents and grandparents. Both outlets manipulate their audience by selling infotainment. If the TikTok bill makes it through the Senate, it will face stiff legal challenge. Under long-established First Amendment precedent, the government will need to show a compelling government interest, and that forced divestment — or a TikTok ban — represents the least restrictive means of advancing that interest. Under any legal analysis, there are few concerns more compelling to the U.S. federal government than preserving free elections and the democratic system. What’s glaringly missing from the debate about online disinformation, at least so far, is why election interference from TikTok is any more dangerous than election interference from Fox News. LAST WEEK’S TOP 5 ONLINE STORIES ‘NOTHING EVER JUST DISAPPEARS: SEVEN HIDDEN QUEER HISTORIES’ by Terri Schlichenmeyer SOTU: BIDEN APPEARS ENERGIZED TO FIGHT OLD IDEAS by John McDonald 3 THE FOOD TRUCK STORE, IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK by Rick Karlin 4 HEAVEN IS A PLACE CALLED EARTH AT DIVERSITY HONORS by John Hayden 5 WEATHER FORCES PRIDE TO CANCEL SATURDAY; WILL RESUME SUNDAY AS SCHEDULED by Jason Parsley READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM

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20 • 3.28.2024 “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 THE SYSTEM FAILED HYDEIA. WE MUST DO BETTER A s the Vice Chair for the Broward County HIV Health Services Planning Council, witnessing this story, Hydeia Broadbent: Victim of a Broken System, shatters my soul. It underscores a stark reality: even with a national platform, our systems can still falter. To learn that one of our own counties, where she once stood to speak, couldn’t extend assistance for her care in another state reveals the intricate web of challenges within the Ryan White system. These issues persistently echo across countless individuals seeking care. This is my unwavering commitment: as a volunteer and a disruptive advocate, I stand firm. Our community hungers for amplified voices that reverberate through the corridors of change. While I glimpse progress, the pace is a mere whisper against the tempest of need. We must ignite urgency. I pledge to remain at the table, relentlessly toppling barriers of stigma and access to Hydeia Broadbent. Courtesy Facebook. care. I will unmask the disservices that plague our county. But what will it truly take to raise our voices? It demands more than words — it demands action, unity, and unyielding courage. Let us forge a symphony of voices, each note resonating with purpose. Together, we shall amplify our impact until transformation surges forth like a tidal wave. VON BIGGS VIEWPOINTS LETTER TO THE EDITOR READ "HYDEIA BROADBENT: VICTIM OF A BROKEN SYSTEM" ON OUTSFL.COM General & Cosmetic Dentistry 954-565-7666 Always Plenty of Free Parking • Conveniently Located on Wilton Drive Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurance Plans Accepted 1946 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com Dr. Stephen T. Scoglio, DMD Your smile should leave a great impression. Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & Cleaning* $69 New Patients ($312 Value) *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits. Welcoming

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22 • 3.28.2024 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. MARY MAGDALENE & ST. MARTIN EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1400 Riverside Dr, Coral Springs 954-753-1400 | www.stmmcs.net Sunday Worship 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm (Spanish) SAINT MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SCHOOL 1750 E. Oakland Park Blvd Oakland Park, FL 954-563-5155 | www.saintmarksftl.com Worship Sundays @ 8am and 10:30am 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. 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 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 SPIRITUALITY REFLECTIONS ON EASTER The women carry spices to anoint Jesus’ body, unsure of any “rising-from-the-dead talk.” … Not ready for the empty tomb, they are frightened into silence. Had an extraordinary, never-before-thing happened? No fabrication of the day would have relied on women, who were considered unreliable witnesses. Meanwhile, men who hid out of fear were suddenly embolden. One of the Watergate Seven, Charles Colson puts it this way: The apostles – all ordinary men – “testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate [on the other hand] embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks.” That 12 ordinary men could keep a lie for 40 years, despite terrible persecution – “Absolutely impossible.” It happened. Our story does not end with the death of Good Friday swallowing all. As love embodied for us, when Jesus was raised, it was love that defeated and survives death. … Love is our path to abundant life. RESURRECTION: DID IT REALLY HAPPEN?  WHAT DOES IT MEAN? - The Rev. Mark Andrew Jones, Rector, St. Nicholas Episcopal Church Easter embodies the essence of renewal and hope, offering a profound message of inclusion and acceptance to the LGBTQIA+ community. Just as the resurrection symbolizes new life, Easter reminds us of the possibility for societal transformation towards greater understanding and equality. In celebrating Jesus’ resurrection, we embrace the belief in love's power to overcome discrimination and foster a more compassionate world. A PROFOUND MESSAGE OF INCLUSION - The Very Reverend Lee Davis St. Mary Magdalene & St. Martin Episcopal Church Holy Week takes us on a journey from the triumphant entry into Jerusalem to Jesus’ death and resurrection. That journey is made more special by celebrating all that Holy Week has to offer. I encourage you to take the time to experience the liturgies of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil. Each of those services are truly special and beautiful. All are Invited. A HOLY JOURNEY - The Rev. Grant B. Wiseman, Rector Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church and School THE MOST LOCAL MLB GAMES Regional Sports Networks req’d and add’l fees may apply. CHOICE Package or higher. Blackout restr’s apply. Avail. of RSNs varies by zip code and pkg.©2023 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. 1-866-406-0210

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24 • 3.28.2024 The last three guys I dated wanted some sort of open relationship. The guy before that repeatedly cheated on me. I WANT MONOGAMY. I tried being open with one of them for a few months, but it’s not for me. Another thought monogamy included threesomes. I’m jealous. I want to be his everything. I want my Prince Charming. I don’t want to share. Maybe I’m selfish? Or maybe I’m thinking about this all wrong. I feel like all gay couples are open these days. But I’m a romantic. I don’t want our date night to be in the back room of a sex club! Does monogamy exist anymore? Paul – Hollywood, FL Dear Desperate Monogamist, If all the guys you end up with all want an open relationship, that’s not a coincidence. You’re the common denominator in all these situations. It sounds like the guys you’re going out with are being upfront about what they’re looking for, but you don’t seem to receive the message they’re sending. Jealousy is insecurity in action. When you say things like not wanting to share or wanting to be their everything, what you’re saying is, “I want to possess a person completely because I’m afraid.” You have two choices: you can either hear someone when they tell you what a relationship looks like to them and accept it, or let go of your prince charming fantasy. Monogamous relationships are absolutely possible in the LGBTQ community, but they’re not possible in a possessive way. Relationships come in all different shapes and forms, but the one constant that doesn’t work is possessiveness and insecurities expressed as jealousy. The most important love of your life will be with yourself. You won’t find a happy ever after with someone else until you find it with yourself. It sounds like the call is coming from inside the house. Reflect and reset. The right guy is out there, but some housekeeping is in order before you will find him. John Porter ASK JOHN PORTER CULTURE OPINION I WANT MONOGAMY. HELP! Submit your John Porter is an entrepreneur and founding questions here. partner at Oasis Asset Management. He has served as a political organizer and strategist within the Democratic party, as well as serving as an executive board member for the Miami Yacht Club. 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. Photo via Unsplash. 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

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26 • 3.28.2024 TO-DO LIST [email protected] Compiled by Rick Karlin WHO’S BEEN A BAD BUNNY? Getting in the seasonal mode, The Eagle goes all “Bad Bunny” with music by Joshua Ruiz. FRIDAY, MARCH 29 THE BUTT OF THE JOKES Island City Stage is hosting another Comedy After Hours night. Tonight’s laugh riot will feature Adbul Butt, Abby Ballin, and Sarah Kenny. Go to IslandCityStage. org for tix. Psst. ICS is also offering a Director’s Intensive workshop. Rick Leonard is playing at Tropics with an elegant chanteuse. SATURDAY, MARCH 30 IN YOUR EATER BONNET… Easter Bonnet contests abound. Daisy Deadpetals hosts Hunters’ event. The winner gets a Hunters $100 gift card. The Pub on the Drive is holding a party hosted by Fay What?! with a bonnet contest and a dinner special. Tropics and Alibi host Easter brunch and The Well hosts a drag brunch. SUNDAY, MARCH 31 IT’S NO JOKE Losing someone is not easy. The Pride Center hosts a Grief and Loss Support Group starting the first Monday of every month. MONDAY, APRIL 1 SING OUT…THEN TAKE IT OFF! It’s Show Tune Tuesdays at The Pub on the Drive with Miss Bouvèé as hostess. Johnson’s has a special on Tuesdays. No cover for those in the biz. I don’t know if that means in the business of taking off your clothes or the hospitality business. Does being an Avon Lady count? How about if I sing songs at The Pub on the Drive? TUESDAY, APRIL 2 HIPPITY HOP Pam Ann hops into Hunters with a new(ish) show. Please check your boarding pass. Boarding begins at 6:30, take-off is at 7. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is hosting its annual Palm Beach Cocktail Party at The Colony Hotel. THURSDAY, MARCH 28 [email protected] I COULD USE A GOOD ROYAL FLUSH! At Lit, it’s darts and poker. Just don’t get the two mixed up. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 3 JULIO TORRES MAKES IT EASY TO LOVE ‘PROBLEMISTA’ Julio Torres. Photo courtesy of A24. ENTERTAINMENT FILM Gregg Shapiro I t should come as no surprise that gay writer and actor Julio Torres’ film directorial debut “Problemista” (A24) would not only be quirky and original but also deeply moving, while subtly making a political statement. After all, Torres is the same person behind some of the most unforgettable “Saturday Night Live” sketches of the last 10 years, including “Wells for Boys” (which is a favorite of Stephen Colbert’s). Additionally, his HBO projects, the special “My Favorite Shapes” and the series “Los Espookys” have garnered Torres raves and a sizeable audience. And who can forget his brief but memorable performance as Jules in “Together Together?” With “Problemista,” in which he plays struggling toy designer Alejandro, alongside Tilda Swinton, RZA, James Scully, and Isabella Rossellini, among others, he has given viewers the most delightful movie of the season. I had the pleasure of speaking with Julio while he was in Miami Beach. GREGG SHAPIRO: THE RELEASE OF “PROBLEMISTA” WAS DELAYED DUE TO THE SAG-AFTRA STRIKE. WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU THAT YOUR MOVIE CAN FINALLY REACH ITS AUDIENCE? JULIO TORRES: It’s huge! I didn’t really mourn the push at all. Anyone who’s made a movie knows how long it takes. To me, personally, it was neither here nor there when it was going to come out, so long as it came out one day. I’m happy that the time is now and that it gets to be not compromised or not subverting any greater effort. Yeah, I’m happy. GS: “PROBLEMISTA” FEATURES NARRATION AND HUMOROUS COMMENTARY BY ISABELLA ROSELLINI. WHAT MADE HER THE RIGHT VOICE FOR THAT ROLE? JT: I think that it’s because she is one of those voices that just echoes in my head and has been in my head for so long. I think the same is true of so many queer people. “And now a warning,” from “Death Becomes Her,” or “Blue Velvet.” GS: “MARCEL THE SHELL.” JT: Yes, “Marcel the Shell.” GS: AND THE ONE WHERE SHE VOICES THE HAMSTER. JT: Oh, yes! Stephen Dunn’s “Closet Monster.” Yes, she voices a hamster in that. GS: SHE HAS A GREAT VOICE. JT: Yes, she has a fantastic voice. It just felt like a voice that was commanding, yet fairytalelike, that provokes respect and awe at the same time. GS: TILDA SWINTON IS ALTERNATELY HILARIOUS AND TERRIFYING AS ELIZABETH. WAS THAT PART WRITTEN WITH HER IN MIND, IF NOT, WHAT WAS INVOLVED IN CASTING HER FOR THAT PART? JT: I didn’t have anyone in mind when I was writing it. I love writing for people that I know, but I didn’t know anyone personally that could play her. I didn’t know Tilda. Sometimes I would think of an actress, and then I would be like, “Well, I don’t know these people. Why would they ever be in this?” I didn’t want to paint myself into a corner. No, I didn’t write with her in mind even though I was such a colossal fan of hers for so long. Then the script got to her, and she was familiar with “Los Espookys” and the “My Favorite Shapes” special on HBO, and she was excited to work with me on something. It was just such a dream come true. GS: ALEJANDRO HAS THIS BEAUTIFUL AND SUPPORTIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH HIS MOTHER DOLORES (CATALINA SAAVEDRA). DO OR DID YOU HAVE SOMETHING SIMILAR WITH YOUR MOTHER? JT: I do, yeah! It’s very based on my relationship with my mother. It’s a bit of a thank-you card to her. GS: HAS SHE SEEN THE MOVIE, AND IF SO, WHAT DOES SHE THINK OF IT? JT: Yes! She doesn’t speak English, but she’s a very visually driven person. She really loved it! READ THE FULL INTERVIEW HERE ON OUTSFL.COM.

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28 • 3.28.2024 ENTERTAINMENT TV MHI’YA IMAN LE’PAIGE SHARES EXPERIENCE ON ‘DRAG RACE’ Michael Cook Miami Beach is known to be a vacation destination, but as Mhi’ya Iman Le’Paige puts it, Miami has “the best entertainers.” “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 16 showcased two dynamic Sunshine State performers, and Le’Paige rose to become the unquestionable lip sync assassin of the season! Following one of the most buzzed about lip syncs of the season, I caught up with Mhi’ya to chat about her “Drag Race” experience, the last minute moments that stressed her out and where she stands with her Season 16 sisters now. MICHAEL COOK: TELL ME ABOUT YOUR “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” SEASON 16 EXPERIENCE. MHI’YA IMAN LE’PAIGE: I had fun the whole ride and wouldn’t change anything about it, besides the designers that I used. Overall, I had fun and I had an amazing time. I am happy that I did this with these girls. I have real bonds and we are a real sisterhood; that is what I am really thankful for. MC: IT’S INTERESTING TO HEAR THAT YOU WOULD CHANGE SOME OF YOUR DESIGNERS AFTER SUCH A STRONG SHOWING ON THE SEASON. MILP: Oh absolutely. I would change every last one of them. MC: OK, NOW I’M CURIOUS: WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO SWITCH UP ALL OF YOUR DESIGNERS? MILP: Okay so here’s the thing. It was Friday night going into Saturday morning and I Courtesy of World of Wonder/MTV. am calling one of the seamstresses that had five of my runway looks and got no call, no response, no nothing. Then the other two that had looks, I got the looks back at three or four a.m. in the morning before I had to get up at six a.m. to go to the airport. The one seamstress that didn’t give me my looks, I just laid down and I said, “I’m not going tomorrow.” I was literally not going to go to “Drag Race” anymore because I didn’t have the looks for the categories. It clicked and something said, “God put you in this position for a reason. Go in your room, put something in the suitcase and go to the airport.” And that is what I did. MC: AS IT TURNS OUT, YOU WERE A STANDOUT ON “RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE” SEASON 16! I THINK IT GOES WITHOUT SAYING; YOU ARE THE LIP SYNC ASSASSIN OF THE SEASON, DON’T YOU THINK IT’S FAIR TO SAY? MILP: Yes (laughs)! MC: WHAT DOES IT FEEL LIKE TO BE GOING DOWN IN HERSTORY AS A LIP SYNC ASSASSIN? MILP: It feels good. It has it’s good and bad, you don’t want to be in the bottom lipsyncing almost every episode. At the same time, it’s good because people are definitely going to remember the lip syncs that I did. MC: YOUR PERFORMANCES AT THE PALACE IN MIAMI BEACH ARE ABSOLUTELY THAT OF LEGEND. SPEAKING OF FLORIDA, WHAT WAS IT LIKE LIP SYNCING AGAINST YOUR MIAMI BEACH SISTER MORPHINE LOVE DION DURING THE MOST RECENT EPISODE’S LIP SYNC? MILP: Lip syncing against Morphine, I knew that we were going to battle. We already have the Florida rivalry that is R House vs The Palace, but it was a fun lip sync! The cat claws were out but we put on a show; we had to. MC: WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR ROSE AND THORN ARE OF YOUR “DRAG RACE” EXPERIENCE? MILP: My worst would definitely be the challenge that we just did, I remember it like it was yesterday! I was horrified, I was just going through so many emotions. That challenge really took me through it. MY FAVORITE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE WOULD DEFINITELY BE MAKING NEW SISTERS. I LOVE EACH AND EVERY ONE OF MY SEASON 16 SISTERS AND HAVE A RELATIONSHIP WITH EVERY ONE. MC: WHEN YOU ARE COMPETING ON “DRAG RACE” AND EMOTIONS ARE RUNNING HIGH DURING AN EXPERIENCE LIKE THIS LAST CHALLENGE, HOW DO YOU GET THROUGH IT? MILP: I don’t know for me, I kind of just roll with the punches and let everything play out how it is supposed to and going to play out. You really don’t have any scapegoat. You kind of just have to deal with it until you get over it. My favorite part of the experience would definitely be making new sisters. I love each and every one of my Season 16 sisters and have a relationship with every one. I am happy that I did “Drag Race” and that I am on this journey with these girls. This was an amazing cast and I wouldn’t change anything about any of it. MC: WHAT DO YOU THINK IT IS ABOUT DRAG IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA THAT TRULY SETS IT APART FROM SO MUCH OF THE REST OF THE COUNTRY? MILP: When I think of drag and performing, when anyone thinks about it really, I think they automatically think of Miami, Miami has the best entertainers. I don’t think there is one other city or state that can compare to the performance level or the skills that we bring to the stage. Even for the girls that do ballads, they are still entertaining. They are not just standing in one place, you have girls that do strong ballads that will wake up the crowd with a ballad. I think for the Miami girls, we are able to perform to anything and give a show. And of course, we are going to come with the looks also. I think that is really what sets us apart from the rest of the country. MC: YOU HAVE THE ENTIRE WORLD AT YOUR FEET AND A GLOBAL PLATFORM SO WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU WANT TO DO NOW? MILP: Right now, I am touring and once the tour is over or slowed down I want to get into music, people have been asking about it. I can’t get into the studio right now because I am gone every week, but I definitely want to do music. I want to do my own shoe line, I love heels! I am going to do my own lipstick line too. MC: WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE HIGHEST HEEL YOU HAVE EVER WORN? MILP: Probably an eight inch; probably higher. Back then I was crazy, I would be in the craziest heels! MC: OKAY, I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO ASK YOU THIS QUESTION SINCE YOU FIRST FLIP ON THE “DRAG RACE” RUNWAY: WHAT IS THE MOST ABOUT OF FLIPS YOU HAVE EVER DONE IN ONE PERFORMANCE? MILP: (Laughs) There is a video I posted a few days ago. I think the most is in that video. I think it was 13!

3.28.2024 • 29 713 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach www.lakeworthplayhouse.org | 561.586.6410 TICKETS ON SALE FROM $15! southfloridasymphony.org | 954.522.8445 TCHAIKOVSKY | Symphony No. 5 BRUCH | Scottish Fantasy Featuring Huifang Chen, violin April 17 | The Parker, Fort Lauderdale April 18 | Temple Israel of Greater Miami Photo: Andrew Meade SEASON FINALE CONCERT!

30 • 3.28.2024 What better way to take a bite out of the Big Apple than by playing a king. “I’ve never been more prepared as I am at this moment,” said June Raven Romero, who stars in Juggerknot Theatre Company’s “Conjuring The King” — an immersive show about Elvis Presley and the hyper fandom embedded with the late King of Rock & Roll. “It’s a commentary on our culture of idolatry and how far some people might let it go,” said Romero, who was born well after Elvis left the building for good, but understands the allure of his fame. “The closest I’ve got to that sort of fandom was [Lady] Gaga,” she said. “How did she rise? What has fame done to her? What was she like at 17? I’m curious about that.” For Romero, taking on Elvis is an audition of sorts as she prepares for a move to New York to pursue a career in show business. “It’s a great launching pad,” she said. “It’s a one woman show — an hour and half of just me. I’m singing, dancing, acting, and emoting with the person a foot and half away from me. It’s the Olympic training ground for acting, and I’m so glad that I have this opportunity.” Romero said she’s leaving Florida partly due to the state’s hostility towards transgender people. Even in the entertainment industry — historically a left leaning culture — Romero said she’s experienced biased attitudes and refusals to acknowledge her existence as a trans woman. “From the perspective of a performer, it’s limiting,” she said. “It’s constricting to your career, it’s suffocating really and moving to NYC — evidently opportunities abound there.” Born in Miami, Romero was raised in a conservative immigrant family. Her father is Cuban, and her mother is Nicaraguan. She has undergone procedures and accoutrements that have given her what she terms “passing perception and privileges.” “Certain privileges and access points allow me to live a more comfortable life than some of my trans counterparts here in the state,” Romero said. Activism and advocating for the trans community on health care issues is a big part of Romero’s life. She has met with Admiral Rachel Levine, Assistant Secretary for Health at the Department of Health and Human Services and worked as a STI prevention specialist for CAN Community Health. “There [are] so many fires to fight in Florida,” Romero said. “I see people wedging out Florida for a specific kind of person with a specific kind of wallet.” Meanwhile, Romero will be doing her Elvis rendition through April 28. The location remains a mystery, only to be revealed after tickets are purchased — a ploy that enhances the show’s focus on fame and adulation. Queer audiences will love it, Romero said. “It’s an LGBT coded show,” she said. “It’s very campy and led by a trans woman who idolizes and is in love with this good-looking man — just the camp and pop of it all. Bring the gays!” LEAVING LIKE A KING Courtesy photo. ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE John McDonald BEFORE HER BIG MOVE, TRANS ACTRESS TAKES ON ELVIS Witty conversation and gay romance are what you can find in Eliot Schrefer’s “Charming Young Man”. WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT BOOK? I was in the Seattle Art Museum, and I came across a small portrait on the top floor, tucked away near the men’s room. It was by John Singer Sargent, of a young pianist named Léon Delafosse. I listened to the audio guide, rapt. Léon wasn’t born wealthy but showed incredible aptitude for piano, winning the first prize in piano at the age of 13 from the Paris Conservatory. He vaulted into Belle Époque high society, meeting Marcel Proust and the dandy count/ poet, Robert de Montesquiou. But Léon had a falling out with the count and disappeared from history at the age of 17. “Charming Young Man” is my attempt to figure out how it all went down, in novel form. WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS? Books are unique among modern media in that so many are produced each year. For each major film produced each year, there are thousands of new books. That means written literature can cast a wide net of representation in the way that films or TV can’t. I love how many identities are represented in books today, and I know we can keep expanding that net ever further. TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT THE BOOK AND WHY YOU DECIDED TO WRITE IT. Léon was going to be the next huge thing — France’s Mozart. And yet he existed in a world (1890s Paris) in which everything revolved around who you knew and which parties you were invited to. It’s a decadent, fascinating society, but one that could be very punishing to someone from the lower or middle class just trying to get by and make art. I love the idea of an underdog working uphill against the system. Charming Young Man is sort of like Working Girl but set in the 1890s. Unfortunately, there’s no Melanie Griffith in it. WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK? Great champagne, witty conversation, gay romance, and good music. You’ll also find out if Marcel Proust was a good kisser. ‘CHARMING YOUNG MAN’ Eliot Schrefer. Photo by Rodrigo Fernández, via Wikimedia Commons. ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS Aurora Dominguez THE READING RAINBOW GREAT CHAMPAGNE AND GAY LOVE

3.28.2024 • 31 8APR 9APR SHOWSTOPPERS! Symphony of the Americas See you at the Symphony! sota.org Get Tickets scan me Broward Center for the Performing Arts Special Guest, Melanie Sierra Pablo Mielgo Artistic Director & Principal Conductor Melanie Sierra Direct from West Side Story International Tour

32 • 3.28.2024 THE BOSS MISS ROSS, A BIG PETER & ‘FAT HAM’ Diana Ross. Photo courtesy of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood. Rick Karlin Diana Ross is the ultimate icon, trailblazing as an entertainer across decades and throughout the world. Her classics include her work with the Supremes, “Stop! In the Name of Love,” “Love Child,” and countless others. After she went solo, her work in music produced “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “I’m Coming Out,” “Reach Out and Touch,” and many disco hits. Her work in the films “Mahogany” and “The Wiz” only added to her musical legacy. Miss Ross’ “Beautiful Love Performances Legacy Tour” is coming to Hard Rock Live on May 8. I love me a big peter, and Peter Biscuito fits that bill. The muscle bear is bringing his inimitable brand of Big Peter comedy to Sunshine Cathedral on April 4. If you haven’t seen his Big Peter, well, you’re in for quite a laugh. If you’re easily offended by things like making fun of stupid people, aging, anal bleaching, and just about anything else ridiculous in our community, this might not be the show for you. But for anyone with a sense of humor, I can guarantee you’ll tinkle a little bit. Plus, he’s easy on the eyes. Island City Stage in Wilton Manors, GableStage in Coral Gables, and Brévo Theatre in Pompano Beach have been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Warten Foundation to produce Fat Ham, the 2022 Pulitzer Prizewinning play by James ljames, in South Florida. This significant announcement marks a first-time collaboration among three leading theater groups in Broward and Miami-Dade counties, an innovative foundation partnership, as well as a South Florida premiere for this imaginative, witty interpretation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet that tackles identity, race, and generational family issues. “Fat Ham” is presented by an arrangement with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French, Inc. Palm Beach Opera will close the 2024 season with Vincenzo Bellini’s fiery “Norma,” April 5-7 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. Jessica Pratt will star as Norma on April 5 and 7, marking both a company and role debut. Making their Palm Beach Opera debuts are Ashley Dixon and Anne Marie Stanley, and, labeled “the heart-throb tenor” by Harper’s Bazaar, Paolo Fanale performs as Pollione. Bona Italian Kitchen got a nice bonus when the city redid the streetscape on the north end of Wilton Dr. They ended up with a nice outdoor patio space. They’ve also added weekly entertainment in Aperitivo, the wine bar south of the kitchen. Stop in and see Jennifer McClain on April 4. The South Florida Pride Concert Band announced a special concert on May 4, “Be With You,” featuring the music of John Williams and hosted by Pandora Boxx of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.” The concert will be held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. ENTERTAINMENT CULTURE CORNER Peter Biscuito. Courtesy photo.

3.28.2024 • 33 SATURDAY MARCH 30, 2024 AT 8:00 PM DON’T MISS THIS: Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral is a 21st-century masterpiece. In this immersive, moving concert, hear music that inspired Higdon’s meditation on grief, hope and family. This one-night-only event features music from Dolly Parton, John Williams and more. BUY TICKETS TODAY AT NWS.EDU/DOLLY Denève: HIGDON'S BLUE CATHEDRAL New World Center, Miami Beach, FL

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36 • 3.28.2024 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.