OutSFL Vol. 1, Issue 19

OCTOBER 5, 2023 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 19 VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL @OUT SFL @OUTSFL PAGES 20 LGBTQ ACTIVISTS KEN KEECHL AND TED ADCOCK TO BE REMEMBERED AT CELEBRATION OF LIFE OCT. 10 A TRAILBLAZER SERVING WILTON MANORS AND OAKLAND PARK BEGINS IN CENTER

2 • 10.5.2023 WITH LEGACY GIVING, WE ENSURE THAT A DONOR’S EXPRESSED VALUES + WISHES ARE ALWAYS MET. THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION is South Florida’s LGBTQ community foundation. We help individuals plan their estates, so that their philanthropic giving can continue for years—even generations—after passing away. 1201 NE 26TH ST. SUITE 108 WILTON MANORS FL 33305 954.565.1090 | OUR-FUND.ORG LIFTING UP SOUTH FLORIDA’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION CAN HELP YOU ESTABLISH A LEGACY PLAN, EMAIL [email protected].

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4 • 10.5.2023 COVER: Photo by JR Davis October 5, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 19 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 © 2023 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, LCSW CST SPECIAL TO OUTSFL Steve Rothaus • J.W. Arnold CORRESPONDENTS John McDonald • Sean Conklin • Deon Jefferson David-Elijah Nahmod • Aurora Dominguez Denise Royal • Mary Rasura • Christian Walden Terri Schlichenmeyer • Gregg Shapiro Kennedy McKinney • Michael Anguille Sean McShee • Robert DeDominic Aaron Kinchen • Chris Allan • Tessa Becker PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Pier Angelo SALES & MARKETING For ad placement, call 954-530-4970 SALES MANAGERS Edwin Neimann [email protected] Silvio Carvana [email protected] Cory Livengood [email protected] DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Richie Wilson & Johnathan Rey NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 CAN’T WAIT FOR PRINT? FOLLOW US ONLINE. OUTSFL.COM KANDY MUSE ON HER ICONIC ‘ALL STARS’ RUN & HAVING ONE OF THIS SUMMER’S BIGGEST ANTHEMS NEWS HIGHLIGHT ‘POSE’ STAR BILLY PORTER WOWS WILTON MANORS A s Billy Porter descended the stairs of the Crystal Ballroom, half the crowd applauded, while the other half captured the regal moment on their phones. “I came to work on my birthday, bitches. Cuz that’s how important this is to me,” he told the crowd as he took the stage. Porter was in Wilton Manors to support the Stonewall National Museum & Archives. It didn’t take long for him to get rolling, taking the crowd of about 200 to a civilrights church. With a cheeky smile, he told the crowd, “I’ve been gay a long time.” Then he got serious. “I came out in 1985. And everybody in this room knows what that meant. There was a lot of fear. There was a lot of mess.” He’s referring to the height of the AIDS crisis. Porter talked about how race affected him, and how Dreamgirls, in the early ‘80s, changed how he saw himself, finally being reflected on TV. “It was the first time I’d ever seen Black people who weren’t slaves or poor. All of a sudden, there were sequins and hair.” Porter talked about his early education and extolled the virtues of his public schooling. He said he was supported by teachers and staff who recognized his talent and gave him lead roles and lots of solos. That encouragement helped him find his calling. “As a little boy, who was clearly a queen who couldn’t play any sports, who was bullied and beat up literally every day, this was the moment I realized maybe I was born with something, because I can sing.” In an exclusive interview with Out South Florida, Porter talked about why it is important for him to come to Florida, even when major activist groups are warning LGBTQ and people of color to stay away. “We have to go through it. Mindful practices tell us you go through the pain, not around it, not below it, not above it. I’m coming right into the center of it because I have the tools to do that. The only way to heal from a thing is to name a thing. We’re here naming what the issue is, so we can heal.” LET THEM EAT CAKE As Porter mentioned at the start, he was celebrating his 54th birthday. After his speech, a pair of huge sheet cakes with chocolate frosting and red trim were rolled out. He blew out the candles, cut a slice, then had it divided up for guests. He stayed in Wilton for a couple nights and celebrated his big day in South Florida style. Porter posed with fans as he made his way up and down Wilton Drive. DrYnk’s Facebook page is full of happy and surprised guests who suddenly found themselves having cocktails with one of the most important and influential LGBTQ celebrities of the moment. PORTER TALKED ABOUT HOW RACE AFFECTED HIM, AND HOW DREAMGIRLS, IN THE EARLY ‘80S, CHANGED HOW HE SAW HIMSELF, FINALLY BEING REFLECTED ON TV. John Hayden Photo by JR Davis.

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6 • 10.5.2023 OUT AND ABOUT PHOTO OF THE WEEK Owners of Dick's Service Station, husbands Christian Santiago, in-flight crew member at Jet Blue, and Eric Mcknight, retired narcotics detective Suffolk County NY. They have a second shop set up at Poverello for free hair cuts for those in need. Photo by JR Davis BUSINESS INSURANCE · PERSONAL INSURANCE LET US CHECK YOUR BOXES. Contact us or make an appointment to visit our office for a free business or personal insurance proposal. Responsive, knowledgeable agents Trusted expertise and timely solutions Access to the top-rated providers for more options and better choices World-class coverage from a local, accessible agency Our experience with Pallant/NSI Insurance Group has been outstanding. The organization is very knowledgeable and our rep is quick to respond. We highly recommend Pallant/NSI Insurance Group. ~ Alan Harris 1800 NE 26TH STREET · WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 · NSIGROUP.ORG · 954.522.3800

10.5.2023 • 7 LAST WEEK'S COVER FROM THE NEWSROOM - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE

8 • 10.5.2023 OUT NATION By Mary Rasura IN A RARE MOVE, GOV VETOES PRO-TRANS BILL CALIFORNIA Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill on Sept. 22 that required judges to take into account children’s gender identities during custody cases, according to Politico. Assembly Bill 957 was written by Lori Wilson, a parent to a transgender child. Newsom stated in his veto message concerns about permitting the government “to dictate — in prescriptive terms that single out one characteristic — legal standards” for judges. Sen. Scott Wiener referred to the veto as a “tragedy” for trans kids who “are living in fear” in an X (formerly Twitter) post. Governor Gavin Newsom. Photo by Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons. SCHOOL CRITICIZED FOR TRANS HOMECOMING QUEEN MISSOURI A ccording to NBC News, Oak Park High School in Kansas City received criticism after crowning 17-year-old Tristan Young as homecoming queen on Sept. 15. She is the school’s second transgender student to receive this title, following Landon Patterson eight years ago. North Kansas City Schools posted the crowning on social media, receiving mixed responses. “I want to pause and congratulate Tristan for being crowned Oak Park High School’s Homecoming Queen!” Justice Horn, chair of the Kansas City LGBTQ Commission, wrote in an X (formerly Twitter) post. “I uplift this against the transphobic comments against this young person who was named queen by their peers. I’m thankful the next generation of Kansas City is so kind.” Photo via Oak Park High School (@Northmmen_OPHS)/Twitter. PENTAGON TO REVIEW PRE-DADT REPEAL LGBT VETS’ RECORDS VIRGINIA A ccording to CBS News, the Department of Defense announced an initiative on Sept. 20, the 12th anniversary of the repeal of the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy that banned the LGBT community from openly serving. The initiative will involve the Pentagon reviewing veterans’ records who were made to leave the military “under other than honorable conditions,” which restricts their ability to access benefits. “For decades, our LGBTQ+ Service members were forced to hide or were prevented from serving altogether,” Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said. “Even still, they selflessly put themselves in harm’s way for the good of our country and the American people. Unfortunately, too many of them were discharged from the military based on their sexual orientation — and for many this left them without access to the benefits and services they earned.” OutSFL File photo. QUEER STORIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY z 924 N. Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 owned & operated by J.A. Astaphan MD Seventeen Years Serving the CommUNITY • BOTOX® / DYSPORT® / JEUVEAU ® • SCULPTRA® • RADIESSE® /RESTYLANE® / • KYBELLA ® • PLASMA PEN SKIN TIGHTENING • PRP HAIR RESTORATION Follow us on INSTAGRAM @SILKLASERAESTHETICS DYSPORT® $75 OFF - 100 UNIT MIN. B12 SHOTS $25 EACH 954.462.7455 www.thesilklasercentre.com BEFORE DYSPORT 2 WEEKS POST TREATMENT JEUVEAU® $40 OFF - 25 UNIT MIN.

10.5.2023 • 9 By Kennedy McKinney OUT ABROAD DONATELLA VERSACE SPEAKS ON ITALIAN ANTI-GAY POLICIES EUROPE F ashion icon Donatella Versace received praise after speaking out on anti-gay policies from the Italian government. According to The Guardian, Versace delivered a speech after receiving a humanitarian award at La Scala in Milan. “We must all fight for freedom, in a time that still sees trans people suffering terrible violence, a time when children of same-sex couples are not considered their children, a time when minority voices are attacked by new laws,” said Versace. She also touched on the day her brother, the late Gianni Versace, came out to her. The Italian government has blocked recognition of children from same-sex couples and is pushing legislation to ban seeking a surrogate abroad. Donatella Versace. Photo by David Shankbone via Wikimedia Commons. CANADIAN PREMIER VOWS TO VETO SCHOOL PRONOUN RULING CANADA S cott Moe, a Canadian premier, announced that he will use a constitutional clause to move forward on a pronoun policy that requires young students to obtain parental consent to change names or pronouns. According to the BBC, the clause was challenged by an LGBT organization, who said it was unconstitutional. “The default position should never be to keep a child’s information from their parents, said Moe. He continued by saying the policy had “the strong support of a majority of Saskatchewan residents, in particular, Saskatchewan parents.” The policy was announced last month and bars teachers from using the preferred pronouns and genders of students under 16 without their parental consent. Canadian premier Scott Moe via twitter.com/ PremierScottMoe. AUSTRALIAN BASKETBALL STAR MAKES HOMOPHOBIC REMARKS AUSTRALIA Corey Webster, an Australian pro basketball player, was suspended for two games after posting a homophobic tweet. Webster plays for Perth Wildcats and, according to Pink News, was instantly called out by fans and condemned by both the NBL and his team. The tweet was a reply to a post that asked: “What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you see this flag,” accompanied by the LGBTQ+ Rainbow Pride flag. Webster replied: “Mental Illness.” “While it certainly wasn’t my intent, I understand the hurt my comments have caused, and I am sincerely sorry for this,” Webster said. The post has since been deleted. Corey Webster. Photo via coreywebster_, Instagram. THE RAINBOW REVOLUTION AROUND THE WORLD

10 • 10.5.2023 CONTEST TO CROWN MR. RAMROD SUNDAY I t’s been a year of fun, triumph, and brotherhood for James Tyrcha, the reigning Mr. Ramrod. This weekend, he’ll pass the crown, or, in his case, the sexy leather uniform hat, to his successor. The Mr. Ramrod 2024 contest is Sunday at 9 p.m. at the legendary neighborhood leather bar. The event will be hosted by Elimination Onyx, himself a former Mr. Ramrod. Both talked with OutSFL about the past year and expectations of the new winner. “I am looking for a very authentic person that is willing and able to do the work for our South Florida leather and kink community,” Tyrcha said. “I want to see the contestants’ true hearts and emotions during the contest. I want to know who they are and what drives their passions in life.” Elimination is looking for someone to carry on the values of the bar. “[I’m looking for] someone who is willing to be inclusive, understanding the importance of representing the South Florida leather community, and will overall be a great 2023 Mr-Ramrod James Tyrcha. Photo by SylvesterQ Photography. ambassador of the Ramrod. Hopefully, they represent us on the International level and uplift the name, character, and reputation of all Mr. Ramrods’ that walked that stage prior.” Inclusivity is important to this leather community, and no one knows that more than Tyrcha, who is the first trans man to hold the title. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden CHASTEN BUTTIGIEG COMES TO FORT LAUDERDALE OCT. 12 His husband is the first confirmed, LGBTQ person confirmed to a cabinet post. But Chasten Buttigieg is far from a demure politician’s spouse. He has always had his own voice, and now uses his platform to advocate for equal rights. Chasten, whose husband is Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is coming to Sunshine Cathedral on Oct. 12. A VIP reception, One On One With Chasten Buttigieg, is at 5 p.m. and the main public event, An Evening With Chasten Buttigieg, is at 7 p.m. The night is a benefit for SAVE and the Reproductive Freedom Collective of Broward County. A $100 entry fee includes a copy of his book, “I Have Something To Tell You”. In the book, he talks about life on the campaign trail (Pete ran for president in 2020), allyship, and legislative attacks on the trans community. “It’s crushing to be told by people you loved or trusted that you should hide and suppress who you are,” he writes. MichiganDaily.com says he was told to not Photo via Chasten Buttigieg, Facebook. draw attention to his marriage during the campaign. Rather than put one foot back in the closet, he and Pete publicly embraced their relationship. SAVE Executive Director Todd Delmay says it is State Rep. Christine Hunschofsky who helped make the event come together. She has a personal relationship with Buttigieg. For tickets, visit SAVE.lgbt. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden DESANTIS PRESSES TRUMP TO DEBATE F alling further behind Donald Trump in the race for the Republican nomination, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis is going on the offense against the former president. Arguing Trump, mired in legal troubles, is not the same candidate he was in 2016, DeSantis believes he is the more electable option. “I don’t think [Trump] can win the election, I could win the election,” DeSantis told Bill Maher during an appearance last week on the liberal comedian’s HBO show, “Real Time”. Trump skipped the second GOP debate, where DeSantis and six other candidates took the stage inside the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. “He’s not showing up, he’s missing in action,” DeSantis said. “He owes it to voters to show up and defend his record.” Most polls have Trump leading DeSantis somewhere in the range of 54% to 14%. The next debate is scheduled for Nov. 8 in NEWS COLUMN John McDonald THE DESANTIS WATCH Miami with a location to be announced. The Trump campaign is insisting the debate be canceled, in order for Republicans to focus their resources on President Joe Biden. “That’s not the way this works,” DeSantis told Fox News. “You gotta earn this.” Meanwhile, DeSantis has agreed to debate California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Nov. 30. The 90-minute debate will air on Fox News with conservative commentator Sean Hannity serving as moderator. Photo by Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons.

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12 • 10.5.2023 MEDICARE AND PRIVATE INSURANCE ACCEPTED 1164 E Oakland Park Blvd, Suite 201 Oakland Park, FL 33334 Dr. Macek is double board certifi ed in Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Dr. Macek is fellowship trained in Pain Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, the birthplace and leading program of modern pain management in the United States. TREATMENT FOR: ▶ BACK PAIN • NECK PAIN ▶ JOINT DISEASE • HIV NEUROPATHY ▶ HEADACHES • SHINGLES ▶ CANCER PAIN PROCEDURES OFFERED: ▶ STEM CELL THERAPY ▶ PLASMA RICH PROTEIN THERAPY ▶ EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS ▶ JOINT INJECTIONS ▶ SPINAL CORD STIMULATION ▶ MIGRAINES ▶ BACK BRACES ▶ RADIO FREQUENCY ABLATION T: 954.866.5555 | F: 954.938.2127 DRTOMMACEK.COM TOM MACEK, MD Board Certifi ed in: ANESTHESIOLOGY, PAIN MANAGEMENT A PEX SPINE & PAIN SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM donations to OutSFL can be made here: outsfl.com/donate SMART RIDE END CREATES UNCERTAINTY “We’re concerned.” Those are the words of Scott Pridgen, the executive director of AH Monroe, while contemplating the end of the SMART Ride. The group serves the Keys’ LGBTQ community, and received $195,341 from the most recent ride. The organization has been a benefitting agency of The Ride since its inception and will take part in the 20th, and final, ride in November. “It’s mixed emotions. We are disappointed. I understand the decision,” Pridgen said. “It’s been a good run. Like everything it needs to be passed on or evolve.” OutSFL broke the news on social media. Since then, all six benefitting agencies, of which AH Monroe is one, have looked at how they’ll make up the funding. “There is hope we will reinvent it for 2024. The agencies have become very connected. The six of us will come together and figure it out. What it is? I don’t know yet.” SMART Ride Founder Glen Weinzimer says the organizations have learned to fundraise on their own over the years, and no longer need to operate under the SMART Ride umbrella. Pridgen believes that is possible, but will take work. “We have to get creative and look at other revenue sources. It will be tough.” They have one of, if not the most prolific SMART Ride teams on their side. The Key West Mile Markers have, to this point, raised the most money this year. They also have the top individual fundraiser. The organization has vowed to press on, and recently filed articles of incorporation, so they can keep going. “We have an excellent fundraising machine in the KWMMs.” The SMART Ride is an annual, 165-mile bike ride from Miami to Key West, and gives back all money raised to the community. They’ve raised nearly $15M over the first 19 rides, and have a goal of raising two million for the final ride. Pridgen says though sources of funding may change, the mission remains the same. “We do have hope to continue forward to eradicate the disease. We do not have a cure yet so we are on the frontline of new HIV diagnosis every day.” This story is a part of a continuing series profiling the beneficiaries of the SMART Ride. We will run one each week. Photo via Scott Pridgen, Facebook. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden SMART RIDE ENDS CHECK OUT OUR CONTINUING COVERAGE

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14 • 10.5.2023 GAY JOURNALIST SHOT DEAD IN PHILADELPHIA J osh Kruger, 39, an award-winning gay journalist and former city employee, was shot dead this week inside his Point Breeze residence in Philadelphia. Kruger’s bullet-riddled body was discovered outside his row home at about 1:30 a.m. Oct. 2, after an unknown person entered his residence and shot him multiple times. Officer Shawn Ritchie, a police spokesperson, was asked if the police are investigating Kruger’s homicide as a hate crime. “This is still an active investigation and we are looking at all motives for this crime,” Ritchie said, in an email. According to Kruger’s LinkedIn page, he’s worked as a freelance journalist for the past two years. “Journalism work ranges from longform magazine features requiring deep reporting and high-profile interviews, daily news reporting, digital and print formats, commentary, radio, local and national news publications and outlets,” his LinkedIn page states. “Key topics include LGBTQ issues, HIV/AIDS, poverty, drugs, sex, politics, corruption, mental illness, personality profiles, humor, and homelessness.” Kruger won awards from the Society of Professional Journalists and the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association, according to his LinkedIn page. Kruger worked for the City of Philadelphia for about five years, overseeing the mayor’s social media platforms and policy campaigns, and acting as communications director and spokesperson for the city’s Office of Homeless Services. Additionally, Kruger was an avid bicyclist, an Anglo-Catholic Episcopalian, and a parishioner of St. Mark’s Church in Rittenhouse Square. He lived with beloved cat Mason, according to published reports. District Attorney Larry Krasner issued the following statement: “Josh Kruger lifted up the most vulnerable and stigmatized people in our communities — particularly unhoused people living with addiction. As an openly queer writer who wrote about his own journey surviving substance use disorder and homelessness, it was encouraging to see Josh join the Kenney administration as a spokesperson for the Office of Homeless Services. Josh deserved to write the ending of his personal story. As with all homicides, we will be in close contact with the Philadelphia Police as they work to identify the person or persons responsible so that they can be held to account in a court of law. I extend my deepest condolences to Josh’s loved ones and to all those mourning this loss.” Josh Kruger. Photo courtesy of Philly Gay News. NEWS NATIONAL COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBTQ MEDIA ASSOCIATION. Tim Cwiek Philly Gay News

10.5.2023 • 15 MEET THE FIRST BLACK QUEER US SENATOR On Oct. 1, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he is appointing Black lesbian EMILY’s List President, Laphonza Butler, to the vacant seat of the late U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein who died Friday at age 90. Butler’s wife is Neneki Lee, the D.C.-based director for labor union SEIU’s Public Services Division. News of Butler’s selection by Newsom was first reported by Politico’s California Bureau Chief Christopher Cadelago. A source knowledgeable on the governor’s team told Politico there were no preconditions about whether she could run in 2024. Newsom’s office confirmed that he has picked Butler, a Democratic strategist who rose to prominence in the labor movement, to fill Feinstein’s seat. In an emailed statement, Newsom said: “An advocate for women and girls, a secondgeneration fighter for working people, and a trusted adviser to Vice President Harris, Laphonza Butler represents the best of California, and she’ll represent us proudly in the U.S. Senate. As we mourn the enormous loss of Senator Feinstein, the very freedoms she fought for — reproductive freedom, equal protection, and safety from gun violence — have never been under greater assault. Laphonza will carry the baton left by Senator Feinstein, continue to break glass ceilings, and fight for all Californians in Washington D.C.” Democrat Alex Padilla, now serving as California’s senior U.S. senator, released the following statement after Newsom appointed Butler to fill the vacancy created by the late Senator Feinstein: “Throughout her career, Laphonza Butler has been a strong voice for working families, LGBTQ rights, and a champion for increasing women’s representation in politics. I’m honored to welcome her to the United States Senate. “Governor Newsom’s swift action ensures that Californians maintain full representation in the Senate as we navigate a narrow Democratic majority. I look forward to working together to deliver for the people of California.” Butler is a longtime leader in Democratic politics in California and beyond. She has been involved in campaign strategy, and the labor movement for two decades, and according to her official biography she has dedicated her life to empowering women and supporting them in finding their voice, and using it to make meaningful change. Newsom’s office noted in its statement: “Butler, a longtime senior adviser to Vice President Kamala Harris, labor leader and advocate for women and working people, will be the first openly LGBTQ person to represent California in the Senate. She will also be the first Black lesbian to openly serve in Congress in American history and the second Black woman to represent California in the Senate following Vice President Kamala Harris.” EMILY’s List President Laphonza Butler speaking at EMILYs List’s annual We Are EMILY National Gala, May 16, 2023. (Photo Credit: EMILY’s List/Facebook). NEWS NATIONAL COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBTQ MEDIA ASSOCIATION. Brody Levesque Washington Blade

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18 • 10.5.2023 F or Bill Roedy, campaigning to be Miami Beach mayor is no stepping stone. Roedy’s life story is quite remarkable – a West Point graduate who deployed to Vietnam and later established MTV in over 200 countries before chairing amfAR, a leading AIDS research organization. So why, at this stage of his career, would the 75-year-old Independent want to be mayor of a party hearty Florida beach town? “I’ve seen a bunch of challenges that I think my skill set can help solve,” Roedy told OutSFL during a Zoom interview. “Miami Beach is my home. I was brought up here, and I’m passionate about this city and I want to make it better.” Roedy is one of four candidates seeking the position. The others are all seasoned politicians, who have sat on the dais before. Roedy’s message is action with integrity, and he is intent on doing away with a “pay for play” system involving development. “We have a small island, it’s popular and everybody wants to live here,” Roedy said. “Developers are quite eager to put their flag here, and they can hold out temptations to politicians with backroom deals. We want to get rid of that.” Roedy knows a thing or two about business. At MTV, he traveled the globe to meet with heads of state and corporate executives to get the music network into homes. In his book, “What Makes Business Rock”, Roedy describes how MTV’s HIV/AIDS awareness campaigns finally brought China to the table to fight the pandemic. “China was really tough,” Roedy wrote. “The Chinese refused to talk about gay sex or heterosexual sex. Instead they talked about the children who had been orphaned because their parents had died from this terrible disease. All the visuals were about these AIDS orphans. Although it certainly was an obtuse way of getting to the point, I accepted it, knowing that any way we got there was okay.” Roedy has lost friends to AIDS and is quick to acknowledge the battle is far from over, especially in South Florida, which continues to have some of the world’s highest infection rates. With new tools such as PrEP available, eradicating the virus is within reach, Roedy said. “We’re just right on the cusp of an actual cure,” he said. Ensuring Miami Beach remains safe and inclusive for LGBT people is another campaign priority. While state officials, under Gov. Ron DeSantis, have cracked down on LGBT curriculum in schools, Miami Beach is one of a handful of cities to recognize LGBTQ History Month. The general election is Nov. 7. If no candidate receives 50% of the vote, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff on Nov. 21. FORMER AMFAR CHAIR CAMPAIGNING FOR MIAMI BEACH MAYOR Photo via Bill Roedy, Facebook. John McDonald NEWS MIAMI

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20 • 10.5.2023 KEN AND TED A LIFETIME OF ACTIVISM K en Keechl, Broward’s first openly gay county mayor, would have celebrated his 61st birthday Oct. 10. Instead, his loved ones and supporters will celebrate his life. “It’s a chai (Hebrew for life). It’s a good thing. It’s a mitzvah for him,” said Dolphin Democrats activist Michael Albetta, a close friend of Keechl who is helping organize the 5:30 p.m. Tuesday public remembrance at The Pride Center at Equality Park in Wilton Manors. Keechl, a Fort Lauderdale attorney, died Sept. 1, eight months after his husband Ted Adcock’s death at 69 from kidney disease, and four months after learning he had advanced pancreatic cancer. “Ken and Ted were together 27 years,” said their close friend attorney Coleman Prewitt, who shared office space with Keechl since 2015. “I met Ken in 2008 when I ran for the Fort Lauderdale City Commission. He was on the county commission. And we’ve been friends since,” said Prewitt, who didn’t win his 2009 election bid. Work days with Keechl usually began this way, he recalled: “Every morning when I came in, he’d be waiting. He always had something to tell me. Stories about the practice, about politics, it could be anything,” Prewitt said. “The stories were always long and detailed. Very detailed. I always had to set aside an hour in the morning.” Prewitt said that as a boy, “Ken was a military brat who lived all over the world. He always talked about wanting to go back to Okinawa, Japan, where his father was stationed.” Keechl graduated from South Dade High School in 1980. Four years later, he received a history degree from Florida State University, and in 1987 earned an FSU law degree. Decades ago, Keechl had a partner named Wally, who died in the early 1990s. About a year after Wally’s death, he met Adcock, according to Prewitt. “Ted had been a Realtor in the community. FEATURE He knew everybody. He was involved with H.O.M.E.S., Inc. (a nonprofit providing community and economic development to benefit at-risk Broward residents). They gave him an award a few years ago. He was very charitable,” Prewitt said. “[Ken and Ted] were good together. They were both strong personalities, but they both made it work.” Keechl was elected a county commissioner in 2006, defeating Jim Scott, a former Florida state senator appointed to the seat in 2000 by then-Gov. Jeb Bush. “Ken would say it was a triumph because it was basically ‘David took down Goliath,’ said Albetta, now a team specialist at the Broward County Property Appraiser’s office. “The guy that he ran against had millions upon millions of dollars. He was once the steward of the Republican Florida Senate. Jim Scott. And people looked, and they giggled, when they heard the queer gay president of the Dolphin Democrats was going to challenge him,” Albetta said. “And reality happened. [Ken] knocked on people’s doors. Thousands of people’s doors. And the LGBT community took him seriously. A very well-refined, well-spoken person educated on all the issues.” He served until 2010. The last year of his term he spent as Broward mayor, chosen by his fellow commissioners. “I ran for the commission not as a gay man but as a fiscal conservative and as someone concerned about the environment, but I am aware of the historic nature of becoming mayor and am proud of it,” Keechl told the South Florida Sun Sentinel in 2009 when he became mayor. After leaving the commission, Keechl focused on his law career. “A lot of what he did was helping unmarried couples – almost always gay or lesbian couples – when they broke up, getting some justice for the one who had been left behind, or thrown out,” Prewitt said. “That was really hard to find, especially before we had marriage. A lot of people were left penniless.” Keechl and Adcock wed Dec. 22, 2011, in New York, after the state legalized same-sex marriage earlier that year. Marriage equality became law in Florida in January 2015, six months before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it legal nationwide. Keechl and Adcock worked tirelessly for South Florida’s LGBTQ community, Pride Center CEO Robert Boo said. “HIV prevention was important when I first met with Ken,” Boo said. “Ted, I remember having a very strong interest in youth and making sure there were programs in the community for the youth.” Adcock served on the center’s board. “He wanted to ensure that the center was successful. He helped govern the board and steered the center in the best possible direction,” Boo said. Keechl, Boo said, “was always supportive of the center, and kind and supportive of me.” While leading Broward government, Keechl donated $50,000 from the mayor’s fund to The Pride Center, said Boo, who at the time was the center’s development director. “The $50,000 was an enormous gift to Ken Keechl and Ted Adcock were married Dec. 22, 2011, in New York. Photo via Facebook. BROWARD’S FORMER GAY MAYOR KEN KEECHL DIED SEPT. 1. A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD OCT. 10 AT THE PRIDE CENTER. Steve Rothaus Special to OutSFL

10.5.2023 • 21 Join OutSFL during October for LGBT History Month and see where it all began for our community... It’s our past, you deserve to know about it. HISTORY MONTH GOLDEN STATE QUEER MECCA IS MORE THAN SAN FRANCISCO WHEN NOW PURGED LESBIANS By John Ferrannini, Bay Area Reporter By Victoria A. Brownworth, Philadelphia Gay News The website of The National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) describes Betty Friedan as “co-founder of the National Organization for Women” (NOW) and “one of the early leaders of the women’s rights movement of the 1960s and 1970s. Her 1963 best-selling book, The Feminine Mystique, gave voice to millions of American women’s frustrations with their limited gender roles and helped spark widespread public activism for gender equality.” The 1964 Civil Rights Act had banned sex discrimination in employment, yet the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the government agency that had been established to enforce workplace equality, did not acknowledge the sex-discrimination clause, effectively nullifying the Civil Rights Act’s addition of gender. READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM/LGBTQHISTORYMONTH2023 READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM/LGBTQHISTORYMONTH2023 OUTSFL.COM/LGBTQHISTORYMONTH2023 Officials celebrate the Lavender Heights district in Sacramento. Photo: Courtesy Outword magazine. the center. The campaign was to pay down the mortgage. They were supporters of the center when I joined in 2006.” Boo added that Keechl “never had an air about him.” “I never would have guessed that he was the mayor of the county. He was just very authentic, very open and kind, and didn’t make you feel he was any better than everyone else.” The Pride Center several times honored Keechl and Adcock. “Room 206, the room with the glass double doors, is dedicated to Ken and Ted,” Boo said. Keechl was passionate about politics, holding office and doing the job, Albetta said. “He truly enjoyed meeting the people. He enjoyed the clout and prestige that came with the position. He would say, ‘Michael, it’s so surreal. All the commissioners, the mayors, the city managers I have to speak with.’ And he loved doing it. He loved it.” In 2016, Keechl attempted the first of two political comebacks, running as a Democrat for a Florida House seat representing Fort Lauderdale. He lost in the general election to Republican George Moraitis. In 2022, Keechl ran for a vacant Fort Lauderdale commission seat. After a vitriolic campaign, John Herbst defeated him. The political loss deeply affected Keechl. “Defeat was very hard for him. And don’t let anyone tell you no,” Albetta said. Albetta said Keechl’s final campaign should not be his legacy. “He knew he wasn’t feeling well, but he didn’t know why. Ken Keechl was taking care of his husband who was dying,” Albetta said. “His opponent got a free ride because he didn’t see the real Ken Keechl.” Adcock died Dec. 29. Keechl learned he had cancer in early April, Prewitt said. Fort Lauderdale psychotherapist Paul Hyman, the Pride Center’s executive director from 2005 to 2012, said Keechl always impressed him as being “a real advocate and leader.” “He knew what his priorities were. He was very focused on his values and the values of the community. He was not easily distracted from those things,” Hyman said. Hyman and Keechl had lunch together a few weeks before Ken’s cancer diagnosis. “He wasn’t feeling well but he wasn’t crazy sick. These things sometimes unfold very quickly. It’s what happened to him. It was shocking,” Hyman said. “It’s emblematic how vulnerable and precious our lives are, to not wait. He was a very inspiring person. Very hard-working. He and Ted together built the life they had. They accomplished so much and it was cut short for both of them.” IF YOU GO “Remembering Ken Keechl” will be held 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 10, at the Pride Center at Equality Park, 2040 N. Dixie Hwy., Wilton Manors. The celebration of life is organized by Dolphin Democrats, of which Keechl was a past president. FEATURE The 1979 police assault on San Francisco’s former Elephant Walk bar on Castro Street after the White Night riots was a defining moment for the LGBTQ neighborhood, helping to cement the solidarity of a new community while the whole world was watching. Earlier that year, there was another, less storied raid that helped connect another LGBTQ hamlet in California. George Raya, 74, an LGBTQ activist, was in law school when he was visiting the Fourth Avenue Club, a gay bathhouse in San Diego’s Hillcrest LGBTQ neighborhood. From left: Ted Adcock, Katy Peterson, Melissa Fotjk, Ken Keechl, Michael Albetta, Joseph Vergoglino and Kevin Muth. Photo provided by Michael Albetta JOURNALIST STEVE ROTHAUS COVERED LGBTQ ISSUES FOR 22 YEARS AT THE MIAMI HERALD. @STEVEROTHAUS ON X, FORMERLY KNOWN AS TWITTER.

22 • 10.5.2023 ‘JAMMIN’ AT THE CENTER’ LAUNCHES CONCERT SERIES AT THE PRIDE CENTER Get ready to tap your toes, bop your head, and shimmy your shoulders! Come out and enjoy live Jazz, R&B, and Pop music surrounded by your friends in an intimate local LGBTQ+ venue! This Saturday, The Pride Center at Equality Park launches the 2023/2024 Season of “Jammin’ at The Center”. “Jammin’ at The Center” is an eightconcert series by consummate artists who delight our diverse communities. This Saturday’s kick-off features local fave Jon Davis. Then from November through May, you can enjoy a different fantastic concert on the third Saturday of the month. “I love attending the Jammin’ concerts each month,” says Robert Boo, CEO of The Pride Center. “I’m absolutely blown away by the level of talent at the shows. Each month is next-level musical entertainment.” You can purchase individual concert tickets for $25 per person or Season Package Tickets at $175 per person. All tickets include two beverages and free parking. Visit PrideCenterFlorida.org for more details! The Pride Center Board Chair Christopher Bates helps curate and produce “Jammin’ at The Center” using well-honed knowledge, artist relations, and concert management experience. “Because South Florida lacks venues that showcase the talents of these Jazz and R&B artists, we serve an underserved intersection of communities,” says Bates. “Enthusiastic audience feedback has COMMUNITY The Pride Center identified that the series fills several community gaps, supporting local musicians, and gathering LGBTQ+ audiences for diverse live cultural events.” Bates has nearly 30 years of demonstrated experience in event planning and concert production during his life in DC. When he retired to South Florida in 2013, he befriended owners and artists where live performance, specifically Jazz and Blues, occurred. In 2017, Bates served as events coordinator at the historic Hampton House in Miami, an African American museum and community center that served as a central place “to be and be seen” in the Miami Black community. Bates produced and secured artists for jazz concerts, a true spotlight for musicians to perform. In late 2018, Bates first began work with The Center to offer a jazz concert series on campus. On a shoestring budget, the first two jazz concerts were held Spring 2019. Bates hosted six additional concerts at The Center from September 2019 to March 2020. Last year, with the help of The Our Fund Foundation, The Pride Center expanded the concerts and launched the successfully received “Jammin’ at The Center” series. This program was made possible by a grant from The Our Fund Foundation, an LGBTQ community foundation. “The Our Fund Foundation is excited to support Jammin’; at the Center because the series works on several levels,” says David Jobin, President; CEO of The Our Fund Foundation. “In addition to bringing awareness of The Pride Center to a diverse community, Christopher Bates; talent lineup attracts an audience who might otherwise not interact. It’s an event I try never to miss.” Just as Jazz and R&B are collaborative art forms, our “Jammin’ at The Center” series feature collaborative work. In addition to the participation of incredible musical artists, Miami Jazz and Film Society works with The Center on cross-promotion. The Society organizes and hosts Jazz shows at the historic Olympia Theater in downtown Miami. “Step into our intimate venue, nestled on the campus of Equality Park!” says Paula Lauriano-Stiehm, Event Coordinator at The Center who helps produce the concert series. “These small group and solo performances will transport you to a world where every note is a love letter to your senses.” The Pride Center at Equality Park is located at 2040 N Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. This year, The Center celebrates 30 years of service as your local LGBTQ+ community center. Its mission states: “We provide a welcoming, safe space — an inclusive home — that celebrates, nurtures, and empowers the LGBTQ+ community, and our friends and neighbors in South Florida.” To learn more about “Jammin’ at The Center” or to purchase individual concert or season tickets, please visit PrideCenterFlorida.org! Photo courtesy of The Pride Center. UPCOMING CONCERTS INCLUDE: 10.07.23 Jon Davis 11.18.23 Joey Gilmore Blues 12.16.23 Davis & Dow 01.20.24 Jack Brandfield Trio 02.17.24 Leesa Humphrey 03.16.24 Valerie Tyson Band 04.20.24 Tal Cohen Trio 05.18.24 Jesse Jones Jr. Photo courtesy of The Pride Center.

10.5.2023 • 23 SERVING WILTON MANORS AND OAKLAND PARK OCTOBER 5, 2023 VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 6 FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM WILTON MANORS DECLARES ITSELF LGBTQ SAFE SPACE WILTON MANORS Wilton Manors is making official what most everyone already knew: the city is a welcoming and safe space for the LGBTQ community. During the city commission meeting on Sept. 26, they passed Resolution 2023-084, declaring Wilton Manors to be “a welcoming haven for the LGBTQ+ community and their families.” Over the summer, Lake Worth Beach became the first sanctuary city in Florida. The idea was spearheaded by Commissioner Paul Rolli, who brought it up at a previous meeting, which led to it becoming a resolution. His four colleagues on the dais didn’t need any convincing, and the motion passed unanimously. Wilton Manors has long been a destination for LGBTQ, and is affectionately referred to as “the gayest place on planet Earth.” That idea is backed up by the large population of LGBTQ residents and the number of queer-owned businesses on Wilton Drive and throughout the city. You also see it in the politics, all four city commissioners are gay, and the mayor is a vocal ally. After the vote, Rolli said that “the importance of ... being an LGBT+ sanctuary city, is making residents, visitors, and guests aware that Wilton Manors is an affirming and welcoming place.” SIGN OF THE TIMES While declaring itself a Sanctuary City is largely symbolic, another move is much more visible. The Wilton Manors Police Department introduced the Safe Place Program, which helps LGBTQ victims of hate crimes know where to go for help. Participating businesses get a large, badgeBy John Hayden Photos via wiltonmanors.gov and facebook.com/OfficialWiltonManors. shaped, rainbow-adorned sticker that reads “Safe Space” to place in their window. Anyone who feels they’re a victim of a hate crime can go in, and safely wait for police. Wilton Manors resident Jake Valentine says he came across the program while traveling. “Knowing where you are safe is a very empowering feeling,” Valentine said. “I think the City of Wilton Manors leading this type of program falls in line with what our city is all about.” He brought the idea to WMPD Chief Gary Blocker, who was on board immediately. Over the summer, Officer Gary Grande spearheaded the initiative. Besides getting the basics, like creating the stickers and other materials, Grande went door to door and talked with businesses. Once he explained that most of them were already safe spaces, most if not all signed up for a decal to add an extra layer of allyship. WMPD hopes there will be benefits beyond helping people in danger. This is a visible stand against discrimination in all forms and is also a chance for to build more trust between the police and residents. “This program, suggested by city resident Jake Valentine, underscores the collaboration our city encourages between police and our Greater Wilton Manors area community,” City Commissioner wrote on social media. “The Safe Place Program exemplifies what can be achieved with unity and a shared goal. I’m deeply thankful to Jake Valentine, the WMPD, participating businesses, and all those working to make this a reality. Together, we stand against hate.” LGBTQ-related hate crimes have been on the rise across the country, and Florida is no exception. Sunshine Cathedral, a queeraffirming church in Fort Lauderdale has been the target twice in 14 months. Much of the hate has found inspiration in vicious, antiLGBTQ legislation passing throughout the country. Florida has led the way, with Gov. Ron DeSantis and his rubber-stamp legislature passing bills including “Don’t Say Gay,” book bans, bans on gender-affirming care, and more.

24 • 10.5.2023 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 May 18, 2023 • Volume 10 • Issue 10 Publisher/Editor Jason Parsley CEO Justin Wyse Assistant to the Editor Kimberly Swan Graphic Designers Julie Palmer Kyle Willis Craig Tuggle Graphic Design Consultant Brendon Lies Oakland Park Editor Christiana Lilly Wilton Manors Editor John Hayden Correspondents John McDonald Staff Photographers J.R. Davis • Carina Mask Sales & Marketing For ad placement in The Gazette, contact 954-530-4970 WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM HAVE YOU JOINED THE GAZETTE’S FACEBOOK GROUP? Come join the discussion. The Gazette welcomes feedback. Email [email protected] with comments, suggestions, etc. Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette 2 • OCTOBER 5, 2023 • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM THE NEWSLETTER YOU NEED. outsfl.com/newsletter THE ISLANDER A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER In recent times, when division and intolerance seem omnipresent, it’s both commendable and essential to spotlight the laudable steps some take in fostering an environment of safety and inclusiveness. Today, I am proud to draw attention to one such initiative: the Safe Place Program, a collaborative effort by the Wilton Manors Police Department (WMPD) and our local business community. Notably, this program was brought to our attention for consideration by a resident of our city, Jake Valentine, serving as example of the EMBRACING UNITY AND SAFETY By Chris Caputo The Rainbow Love Bridge in Wilton Manors. Photo by Carina Mask. collaborative relationship between our police and residents the city strives for. Starting Oct. 1, many of our local businesses have generously transformed their premises into sanctuaries for residents and visitors who find themselves victimized by hate, bias, or harassment. They will provide a safe place for residents and visitors who have been victims of bias, harassment or hate to report crimes if they do not feel comfortable going directly to the police department. It resonates with the message that our community stands united, promoting empathy, security, and respect for all. It’s also consistent with our recent declaration of the Island City as an LGBTQ+ Sanctuary City. Residents curious about the businesses that have already joined this noble cause will recognize names such as SunServe, Sardi Cafe Lounge, Infinity, among many others. A comprehensive list of all participating businesses can be found at [https://www.wiltonmanors.gov/872/SafePlace-Program] Furthermore, I wish to appeal to other businesses in our community: it’s not too late to be a part of this transformative program. Enrolling is simple and can be done through the same website. By doing so, businesses not only bolster the safety network of our community but also send a clear, unwavering message that they prioritize the well-being of every individual above all else. The Safe Place Program, with its emphasis on unity, inclusivity, and proactive community involvement, serves as a shining example of what communities can achieve when they come together with a shared vision and purpose. I am profoundly grateful to Jake Valentine, the WMPD, all the participating businesses, and the individuals working diligently behind the scenes to turn this vision into a reality. Together, we are not merely a community; we are a resounding statement that hate will find no foothold in our midst. - CHRIS CAPUTO AVAILABLE VIA TEXT AT 954.557.2801 THE WILTON MANORS SAFE SPACE PROGRAM Furthermore, I wish to appeal to other businesses in our community: it’s not too late to be a part of this transformative program. LETTER TO THE EDITOR

WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • OCTOBER 5, 2023 10.5.2023 • •25 3 WMPD CHIEF GARY BLOCKER TO CONTINUE SERVING COMMUNITY WILTON MANORS Gary Blocker has been with the Wilton Manors Police Department for more than 25 years, and is in his second year as chief. But he says there’s more work to do, and he’s not going anywhere. Speculation about his future began when news that Fort Lauderdale’s interim police chief, Pat Lynn, is leaving. Blocker’s name has been bandied about as a wellqualified member of law enforcement who knows the area and residents. “I am fortunate to have been selected for Chief of the Wilton Manors Police Department,” he said. “I hope to remain in this position for years to come.” Blocker believes Wilton Manors is a special place and is committed to being a part of the city’s future. “There is much more our organization and community have yet to accomplish, and until we complete these missions, my plan is to remain here in our Island City.” In June, around his first anniversary as chief, he looked back on the year with a By John Hayden sense of accomplishment and anticipation. “The most exciting thing I’ve been involved in over the last year-plus is watching our staff interact with the community. They provide a level of service we are expected to provide and exceeding those expectations.” In the same interview, he said one of his favorite parts of the job is building bridges and trust with the community. Gary Blocker. Screenshot via Wilton Manors Police Department, YouTube. WILTON MANORS HOSTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS EXHIBIT SATURDAY WILTON MANORS Some survive. Some thrive. Some succumb. Every breast cancer patient has their own story and struggle. This weekend, they will celebrate their stories and struggles through art. Saturday, the Hotspots! Happening Out Art Gallery With Dennis Dean will debut its new exhibit for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dean curated the pieces and says the artists are members of ArtsUnited, 305 Pink Pack and American Cancer Society. “In curating the exhibit, I wanted artists with a story about how breast cancer has affected their lives, whether it be personally or a family or friend who has been through it,” he said. The event starts at 6 p.m. with the program beginning at 7 p.m. at the gallery on Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. The highlight of the evening will be the unveiling of a Dennis Dean original photo called “Wrapped In Strength,” featuring model and local entertainer FayWhat?! Fay was part of a group photographed by Dean shortly after she beat breast cancer but was still feeling vulnerable. Now, two-and-ahalf years after her diagnosis, she is cancer free and coming for a solo image. Many artists who are survivors or are close to someone who fought breast cancer will have their work on display. The “People’s Choice” award will be voted on by attendees and presented at 8:30 p.m. Dennis Dean. Courtesy photo. By John Hayden 'REAL' NUMBERS WATCHING YOUR FIGURES REAL ESTATE COLUMN The stats for August are in. Here’s the big take-aways for Oakland Park and Wilton Manors CLOSED SALES 35 (up 6.1% from 1 year ago) MEDIAN SALE PRICE $600,000 (no change from 1 year ago) ACTIVE INVENTORY (PROPERTIES CURRENTLY FOR SALE) 94 (Up 9.3% from 1 year ago) NEW LISTINGS 44 (Up 7.3% from 1 year ago) NEW PENDING SALES 27 (Down 18% from 1 year ago) By Aaron Kinchen Aaron Kinchen is a licensed realtor in Fort Lauderdale with Better Homes and Gardens. Got a real estate question? Email [email protected] Prices are remaining steady year-over-year, indicating the significant market volatility that we saw during the frenzy of buying at the height of the pandemic has cooled. Prices are remaining steady year-overyear, indicating the significant market volatility that we saw during the frenzy of buying at the height of the pandemic has cooled. As interest rates increased, there was a predictable slow-down last year of closed sales. This August, closed sales are up; a strong indicator that buyers are biting the bullet and purchasing loans at current (higher) interest rates if they aren’t paying cash. We’re also seeing an uptick in sellers bringing their properties to the market. Pending Sales are down almost 20% from the same time last year, which might indicate that the robust “Sellers Market” is coming to a close and the property market is ebbing nearer to an equilibrium for both Buyers and Sellers, which was the stated purpose of raising interest rates to begin with. There are murmurs among Mortgage Brokers that there will likely be 1 or 2 more rate hikes (in September rates held steady) before they eventually cool to and hover around 5% in the 2nd quarter of 2024. Photo via Pexels. OUT THERE. CALL US AT 954.514.7095 YOUR AD COULD BE HERE. DON’T WAIT, GET YOUR BUSINESS

264 • • OCTOBER 5, 2023 10.5.2023 • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM Photo via best-real-estate-choice.com/southeast-florida/broward-county/oakland-park. WILTON MANORS PASSES RECORD BREAKING BUDGET WILTON MANORS Spikes in utility and insurance costs helped drive Wilton Manors’ budget to $52M. City commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the budget and set the mileage rate at 5.836 for the fiscal year that started on Oct. 1. The votes came with little comment and even less debate. Issues and criticism were aired during the first vote on these issues. Commissioner Don D’Arminio was the lone dissenting vote each time the issues came up. He wanted a cut in the mileage rate, some items cut, and a look at having city hall be staffed on Fridays. The Friday issue is expected to be addressed at an upcoming commission meeting. The average homeowner is expected to see an increase of about $40 in their property taxes from the city. However, city taxes only make up about 25% of the total bill. Other taxing agencies, including Broward County and the school board, get the rest. The budget may sound high for a city of about two square miles with a stagnant population of about 12,000. The city’s motto is “Life’s Just Better Here.” Before the first round of votes, Mayor Scott Newton said it costs money to have a city with as many amenities as Wilton Manors has, including lots of park space, a very responsive police department, and vibrant neighborhoods. Illustration via vecteezy.com. By John Hayden OAKLAND PARK PROPERTY TAXES LOWERED .02% OAKLAND PARK The City of Oakland Park approved the 2024 fiscal year budget of $142 million last week. It’s Oakland Park’s largest and most ambitious budget – ever. The City Commission has over $26 million earmarked for the Capital Improvement Program, a fiveyear project representing an investment of over $130 million. To the (tiny) delight of property owners, the budget includes a .0188% decrease in the millage rate from 5.8550 to 5.8362 mills. Small but mighty, this is the 9th reduction in the millage rate over the last 10 years. Altogether, property owners saved $13.3 million over the last decade. WHAT’S A “MILLAGE RATE”? “Millage is a tax rate defined as the dollars assessed for each $1,000 of value. One mill equates to $1 in taxes for every $1,000 of taxable value,” according to the Broward County Property Appraiser’s office. Marty Kiar, the appraiser himself, is literally the “local expert” on the subject. For questions about property taxes, the BCPA is who property owners should contact. Say a property has been assessed by the county at $100,000 and is taxed at 5.8362 mills. Then $583.62 will be the tax bill – at least part of it. It’s worth noting that the assessed value and the purchase price are sometimes very different amounts, but that’s another article. Every August, the BCPA mails out the proposed millage rates on the annual TRIM (truth-in-millage) notice. Visit the BCPA’s website to see the TRIM notice of any property in the county by doing a simple name or address search. You can see the proposed and adopted millage rates for each year at www.bcpa.net. An important distinction – the BCPA determines the amount of taxes you owe. The Broward County Tax Collector, a different office, is tasked with billing property owners and receiving their tax payments. Millage taxes are annual property taxes. The bills are mailed by the Tax Collector on November 1st each year. Here’s a helpful breakdown shared from the BCPA: Property taxes are due by March 31 of the following year. Early payment discounts are available if paid in November (4%), December (3%), January (2%), or February (1%). Taxes become delinquent on April 1. November is just around the corner. Most escrow accounts pay the taxes on behalf of mortgagors, but always confirm that each year with the mortgage servicer. Take advantage of Broward County’s discount and pay in a timely manner. Remember – escrow or not – you are responsible for making sure your taxes are paid. By Aaron Kinchen 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

10.5.2023 • 27 4000 N. dixie HWY. • entrance by fountain $5 entry free (12 and under free) live german music! funky buddha biergarten! central bark dachshund dash! and and 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

28 • 10.5.2023 INDEPENDENCE HALL Enhanced Senior Living Boutique Assisted Living Follow Us to… WILLIAMSBURG LANDING 1639 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 563-6232 1776 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors, FL 33305 (954) 566-1775 goldenbellseniorliving.com Large Private Suites Starting at $3750 APPROACHES TO ADDRESSING ANXIETYINDUCED ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION I RECENTLY STARTED DATING SOMEONE NEW AND I AM FEELING A BIT OF ANXIETY IN THE BEDROOM. I AM SUPER ATTRACTED TO THIS GUY AND I AM REALLY TURNED ON BUT WHEN IT COMES TO THE MOMENT, I CAN’T STAY HARD AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES A LITTLE BIT OF TIME TO GET HARD. I KEEP TELLING MY COCK TO GET HARD BUT THAT DOESN’T WORK AND THEN I FEEL SO FULL OF SHAME AND EMBARRASSED. I want to acknowledge your vulnerability in sharing this concern. It’s essential to recognize that many individuals experience challenges in the bedroom, especially when navigating the dynamics of a new relationship. The intertwining of anxiety and sexual performance is not uncommon, and understanding this connection can be the first step towards addressing it. Navigating the complexities of a new relationship can be both exciting and nervewracking. You’re not alone in your experience. A systematic review of 12 studies on erectile dysfunction found that there’s a notable prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among individuals with anxiety disorders, with a median prevalence rate of 20.0%. This underscores the significant interplay between mental well-being and physical responses. Anxiety can have a profound impact on one’s physical responses. According to an article from the Urology Specialist Group in FL, anxiety can disrupt the brain’s signals to the body, affecting the blood flow needed for an erection. This means that even if you’re mentally stimulated and attracted to your partner, anxiety can interfere with the physical response. One thing I have found to be incredibly powerful in reducing ED due to anxiety is mindfulness, a practice rooted in being present and fully engaged in the current moment. In addition to ED, mindfulness has also been associated with various positive outcomes in male sexuality such as helping with premature ejaculation and feeling more pleasure during sex. It has also been linked to increased sexual desire, reduced performance anxiety, and improved sexual satisfaction. Mindfulness practices can help people with penises focus on Photo via Unsplash. Kelly Ghweinem, LCSW CST VIEWPOINTS OPINION Kelly Ghweinem, LCSW CST is an established queer-affirming therapist and business owner who champions the LGBTQ+ community through activism and advocacy utilizing a queer, feminist, anti-racist lens. A University at Buffalo graduate, Kelly came to Fort Lauderdale from Manhattan in 2022. Visit velvetcollective.org for more info. sexual stimulation rather than distractions or emotional avoidance. Specific exercises, such as body scans, visualization, and breathing exercises, can be beneficial. A study in 2018 showed that 9 out of 10 men with psychological ED regained their erection ability after practicing mindfulness for four weeks. Incorporating mindfulness during intimate moments involves being present and fully engaged in the sensations and experiences of the moment. By redirecting focus away from performance anxieties and towards the physical and emotional connection with the partner, people with penises can reduce the impact of stressors that contribute to ED. For instance, paying close attention to what the hands are feeling, what the mouth is tasting, what the nose is smelling or what the eyes are seeing can help divert attention away from performance-related worries. Enhancing the sensory experience with elements like scented candles or calming music can further help in reducing anxiety. The idea is to be present in the moment, experiencing the physical sensations without letting the mind drift into negative or anxious thoughts. If your mind starts to drift, bring it back by focusing your attention to one of your five senses. By grounding oneself in the sensory experience, it becomes easier to block out distractions and enjoy the intimate connection with the partner. Over time, with consistent mindfulness practice, individuals can enhance their sexual experiences, reduce performance anxiety, and improve their overall sexual well-being. QUEERLY BELOVED

10.5.2023 • 29 ONE LAST RIDE, A LIFETIME OF REASONS A s the sun sets on the illustrious twodecade legacy of the SMART Ride this year, I find myself immersed in memories and reflections, compelled to share a chapter of my life that’s interwoven with this cause — and encourage you to be a part of it. The SMART Ride wasn’t just an annual event for me; it was a beacon. After completing my first SMART Ride, I received a diagnosis that shook my world — I tested positive. Amidst the tumultuous waves of emotions, the SMART Ride emerged as my anchor, providing a reason to keep on living during one of the most challenging times of my life. The two-day ride, while brief, is often accompanied by rigorous, nearly year-round training. For me, that regimen became more than just physical preparation — it transformed into my lifeline. I forged bonds that go beyond cycling. We pedaled together, we laughed, we shared our stories, and we became an unbreakable family on wheels. It helped me plant deep roots within the community that were well worth the many grueling miles invested! Knowing this is the final year of the SMART Ride brings a bittersweet pang. While I’ll miss the camaraderie, determination, and unmistakable energy of the event, I remain eternally grateful for the platform it’s provided. We’ve not just ridden bikes; we’ve ridden against stigma, against despair, and towards a brighter, healthier future — and we’re going to do that on an even bigger scale this year. This year feels electric. I’ve noticed an influx of new riders, more than I can recall in recent memory. New teams have emerged, and past teams have reunited filled with both veterans and first timers. Among these fresh faces is my partner, Roger Posey. Roger once vowed the SMART Ride wasn’t for him. But, realizing this 20th year would be its grand curtain call, he couldn’t resist. He knew he’d forever regret missing the chance to be part of the SMART Ride legacy. Every rotation of the pedal, every mile covered, stands as a testament to hope, resilience, and a commitment to a future where HIV/AIDS is relegated to the pages of history. Each SMART Ride carries not just personal stories like mine but the tales of countless warriors who have faced and continue to face this condition with unwavering courage. As we gear up for this last ride, my heartfelt gratitude goes out to the organizers, supporters, riders, and crews who’ve made this journey possible. For all those taking part in this 20th anniversary ride, whether it’s your first or your twentieth time, let’s make it count. Let’s ride with love, hope, and all the determination we can muster. Although this may be the final SMART Ride, our collective drive to combat HIV/AIDS remains unyielding. Thank you for allowing me the space to share my story, and here’s to one unforgettable last ride. Photo via Chris Caputo, Facebook. VIEWPOINTS LETTER TO THE EDITOR Chris Caputo SMART RIDE ENDS CHECK OUT OUR CONTINUING COVERAGE

30 • 10.5.2023 SEPTEMBER'S TOP 5 ONLINE STORIES NEW NIGHTCLUB OPENS ON WILTON DRIVE by John Hayden 3 FATAL SHOOTING IN WILTON MANORS by John Hayden 4 LOCAL ACTIVIST KEN KEECHL DIES by John Hayden 5 THE WILTIN’ AND SINKIN’ OF THE ISLAND CITY | OPINION by Pier Angelo SMART RIDE ABRUPTLY ANNOUNCES ENDING by John Hayden READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM TRUMP BUILT AN EMPIRE ON FINANCIAL FRAUD S ummary judgments are a tedious exercise in law and distillation. Following many months of written discovery and verbal testimony, a party who moves for summary judgment argues that no facts remain in dispute, the facts on the record are ready to be applied to the law, and the case is ready for a decision on the merits. Such was the posture of both sides in the New York Attorney General’s financial fraud case against Donald Trump et al. If any material facts are disputed, summary judgment is inappropriate, but the “factual dispute” must be credible. For example, if both sides agree an apple was red, not green, the judge assumes the apple was red; if its color is disputed even though there are photographs of the very apple, the judge may reject any challenge to its color as too far-fetched to be credible. Judge Engoron, granting summary judgment in part to New York, rejected Trump’s attempts to spin the color of the apple, and held that Trump’s Statement(s) of Financial Condition (SFCs) said what they said, despite strenuous arguments from defense counsel that they said something else. SFCs, for those who don’t operate in high finance, are financial statements submitted annually to contractual lenders, insurers and business affiliates to reflect current financial conditions. They are not copies of last year’s report; what is reported in each annual SFC could materially alter the terms of loans, insurance, tax rates, and other business agreements. WRITTEN VALUATIONS MEAN WHAT THEY SAY In ruling that the color of the apple was too obvious to question, Judge Engoron determined that Trump & Co. fraudulently manipulated real estate values to drive favorable business terms over a span of more than 10 years, to wit: Mar-a-Lago- In 1993, Trump sought and obtained permission from the Town of Palm Beach, Florida, to turn Mar-a-Lago into a social club instead of a private home, in exchange for a significantly lower property tax rate. From 2011-2021, the Palm Beach County Assessor appraised the market value of Mar-a-Lago at between $18 million and $27.6 million, given the land use restrictions. Trump ignored the Donald Trump Caricature by DonkeyHotey, via Wikimedia Commons. use restrictions that he personally put in place, and submitted SFCs to lenders that valued Mar-a-Lago between $426 million and $612 million, an overvaluation of at least 2,300% for those same years. The Trump Tower Triplex - Trump has lived in his three level residence at the Trump Tower for decades. Although his apartment is exactly 10,996 square feet, Trump SFCs claimed it is 30,000 square feet, resulting in an overvaluation of between $114-207 million dollars each year. In their summary judgment argument, Trump counsel argued that measuring length times width was a “subjective” process. Seven Springs Estate - Market values from professional appraisals in 2000, 2006, 2012, and 2014 valued Seven Springs at or below $30 million. However, because the Trump Organization was considering donating a conservation easement, Trump’s 2011 SFC reported the value to be $261 million, and his 2012, 2013 and 2014 SFCs reported the value to be $291 million, inflating his potential donation values by over 400%. Judge Engoron’s ruling identified several additional Trump properties where the values were similarly manipulated. As to these and other stated values, Trump’s counsel argued that the New York Attorney General could not sue over them because the subject transactions were between private entities, and everything came out alright in the end- e.g., nobody lost money. TRUMP COUNSEL ARGUED STRENUOUSLY THAT THE RED APPLE WAS GREEN Trump’s lawyers offered other nonsensical defenses throughout, including that current values reflected in the SFCs were “aspirations” of future market values, claiming that if the values of the property increased in the years after the SFCs were submitted, then the numbers were not originally inflated. They also argued that their valuations were expressly disclaimed through a “worthless” clause in the SFC(s) explaining that valuations can vary, depending on methods used. Judge Engoron rejected that particular spin because, “The [worthless] clause does not use the words ‘worthless’ or ‘useless’ or ‘ignore’ or ‘disregard,’ or any similar words. It does not say, ‘the values herein are what I think the properties will be worth in ten or more years.’ Indeed, the quoted language uses the word ‘current’ no less than five times, and the word ‘future’ zero times.” After comparing Trump’s SFC valuations to market appraisals provided to Trump & Co. in real time, the judge ruled that Trump and his co-defendants had engaged in a clear practice of fraud going back to at least 2010. Six remaining claims as well as disgorgement will be argued at trial, set to begin next week. Meanwhile, Trump will continue to tell his supporters that the red apple is green, and really there’s no such thing as a red apple because, at some point, all apples eventually turn brown. 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 Chicago Tribune, Salon, State Affairs, and Howey Politics. She and her wife split their time between South Florida and Chicago. Follow her on Substack.

10.5.2023 • 31 Gospel Brunch A Moment to Celebrate Us. Gospel Brunch Live Music Entertainment Soul Food Brunch Best Church Hat Contest FREE Vaccinations by Holy Cross Health call 954-542-1663 to schedule vaccinations SUNDAY, OCT. 15TH 1:30P – 3:30P HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB 2232 WILTON DRIVE WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 SCAN FOR TICKETS General Admission $45 VIP Admission $60 Gospel Brunch A Moment to Celebrate Us. Gospel Brunch Live Music Entertainment Soul Food Brunch Best Church Hat Contest FREE Vaccinations by Holy Cross Health call 954-542-1663 to schedule vaccinations SUNDAY, OCT. 15TH 1:30P – 3:30P HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB 2232 WILTON DRIVE WILTON MANORS, FL 33305 SCAN FOR TICKETS General Admission $45 VIP Admission $60

32 • 10.5.2023 DIANNE FEINSTEIN DIES AT 90 Dianne Feinstein in 1978 became San Francisco’s mayor after the assassination of Mayor George Moscone and openly gay Supervisor Harvey Milk. She was later elected to U.S. Senate in 1992. She was known as an early defender of LGBTQ rights. “Senator Dianne Feinstein’s passing is a loss for us all,” tweeted Human Rights Campaign President Kelley Robinson. “Her steadfast support for the LGBTQ+ community and the fight for justice will be remembered. We carry her legacy forward in our relentless pursuit of equality without exception.” Equality California, the nation’s largest statewide LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, released a statement from Executive Director Tony Hoang. “Senator Feinstein devoted her life to serving the people of California and our nation, championing LGBTQ+ civil rights, reproductive freedom, gun safety reform and democracy throughout her remarkable career. Senator Feinstein stood with our community back when few others did, fighting for funding and action to combat the AIDS crisis when most elected officials chose to look away.” “On the Board of Supervisors and then as Mayor, she played a crucial role in uniting San Francisco after the horrific assassinations of Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, demonstrating exceptional leadership and compassion at a time when our LGBTQ+ community needed it most,” the group wrote. “Her role in American history is unmistakably intertwined with LGBTQ+ history and the assassination of Supervisor Harvey Milk,” Brian K. Bond, CEO of PFLAG National, said. “She had been a constant and strident advocate for LGBTQ+ rights ever since, supporting marriage equality, military service for LGBTQ+ people, the Equality Act, and so much more. “PFLAG families in California and across the country mourn the loss of this stalwart advocate who worked to make our laws just and equitable so every LGBTQ+ person could live with dignity and respect.” “Harvey Milk’s nephew Stuart Milk posted “After the assassination of Uncle Harvey – Senator Feinstein rose to national attention – determined, unwavering champion on women’s rights, gun control & eventually a consistent supporter of LGBTQ inclusion,” Stuart Milk, co-founder and president of the Harvey Milk Foundation, posted on X. “She is the patron of the USNS Harvey Milk -deep condolences Godspeed Dianne,” he wrote, referring to the U.S. Navy ship named for the late gay rights pioneer. National LGBTQ Task Force Executive Director Kierra Johnson said, “The loss of Senator Feinstein’s voice as an advocate and champion is immeasurable. Our hearts are with her family during this time. She was a champion for those who call California home and those seeking justice everywhere.” “She was a trailblazer who paved the way for so many. Her deep roots in the queer community, forged as a city councilmember in San Francisco and shaped by her relationship with Harvey Milk, contributed to her unwavering supporting for LGBTQ people,” Johnson said. She added that Feinstein was “a leader who took risks. She was an original cosponsor of the Equality Act and a key champion for legislation like the Violence Against Women Act. She is succeeded by and undoubtedly inspired a deep bench of congress people like Tammy Baldwin who are bold and unapologetic freedom fighters who are unrelenting in their quest for freedom and justice for all! She will be deeply missed.” This is just an exerpt of from the online version which be found at outsfl.com/ feinstein. U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) attends a Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing on Sept. 4, 2018, to consider the nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key). IN MEMORIAM COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL LGBTQ MEDIA ASSOCIATION. “SHE HAD BEEN A CONSTANT AND STRIDENT ADVOCATE FOR LGBTQ+ RIGHTS EVER SINCE, SUPPORTING MARRIAGE EQUALITY, MILITARY SERVICE FOR LGBTQ+ PEOPLE, THE EQUALITY ACT, AND SO MUCH MORE.” - BRIAN K. BOND CEO OF PFLAG NATIONAL Christopher Kane The Washington Blade THE US SENATOR WAS A DECADES-LONG CHAMPION OF LGBTQ EQUALITY OUR PAGES YOUR VOICE Send us your letters [email protected] CAN’T WAIT FOR PRINT? FOLLOW US ONLINE. OUTSFL.COM

10.5.2023 • 33 SAVE THE DATE Pet/Animal Blessing October 7th, Saturday Sts. Francis & Clare 2300 NW 9th Avenue (Powerline Rd.) Wilton Manors All pets/animals must be leashed or in carry on. www.stsfrancisandclare.com | 954-731-8173 11:00 am 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. CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM 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 ST. MARK'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SCHOOL 1750 East Oakland Park Blvd, Fort Lauderdale 954-563-5155 | www.saintmarksftl.com Worship Sundays @ 8am and 10:30am 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 SPIRITSONG CHURCH 2038 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Pride Center Auditorium @ Equality Park (rear of campus) cohss.org Sunday Service 10 AM Live streaming on YouTube & Facebook 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 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. “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. Join us for in-person worship at 10 AM Sunday, or live streamed on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChruchofOurSaviorMCC 2011 South Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach, FL 561-733-4000 www.churchofoursaviormcc.org Church of Our Savior MCC WONDERING WHERE YOU FIT IN? Holy Grill Mobile Feeding Ministry BINGO! Sundays 2pm Thursdays 1pm

34 • 10.5.2023 ‘THE QUEEN’S VERNACULAR: A GAY LEXICON’ “The Queen’s Vernacular: A Gay Lexicon” by Bruce Rodgers is fascinating not only for its breadth of coverage, including numerous and sometimes surprising sexual references, but also for the depth of inclusion of slang from decades of gay slang that many of us never have heard in common parlance. It’s a brilliant read for exploring the corners of the vernacular. It’s liberal with humor and insight aplenty into gay life, and also into the frequent need to euphemisms that we have dealt with as closeted queens over many decades. A lot of this book’s entries were in common parlance in gay circles as long ago as the 1940s. It’s a great read and one of the most hysterical books ever written. Because almost every word has a handy sentence, providing a contextual and “sometimes outrageous” example of usage, every page is a laughout-loud introduction to wry observations, put-downs and the power of language. This book is camp, but most of all, this book is history and shows how the gay community employed wit as a humorous weapon against oppression and marginalization and as a means of self-expression and identity. Not many dictionaries give as much as this one. Francis Bacon (28 October 1909 – 28 April 1992) was an Irish-born British figurative painter known for his raw, unsettling imagery. Focusing on the human form, his subjects included crucifixion portraits of popes, self-portraits, and portraits of close friends, with abstracted figures sometimes isolated in geometrical structures. Rejecting various classifications of his work, Bacon said he strove to render “the brutality of fact.” He built up a reputation as one of the giants of contemporary art with his unique style. Bacon said that he saw images “in series,” and his work, which numbers in Francis Bacon. Photo by John Deakin, via Wikimedia Commons. the region of 590 extant paintings along with many others he destroyed, typically focused on a single subject for sustained periods. He was thrown out of his family home following an incident in which his father found him admiring himself in front of a large mirror wearing his mother’s underwear. At a time when being gay was a criminal offence, Bacon was open about his sexuality. Bacon found himself drifting through London’s homosexual underworld, aware that he was able to attract a certain type of rich man, something he was quick to take advantage of, having developed a taste for good food and wine. One was a relative of Winnie Harcourt-Smith, another breeder of racehorses, who was renowned for his manliness. Bacon claimed his father had asked this “uncle” to take him “in-hand” and “make a man of him.” Bacon had a difficult relationship with his father, once admitting to being sexually attracted to him. He died of a heart attack heart on 28 April 1992. 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. SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM donations to OutSFL can be made here: outsfl.com/donate

10.5.2023 • 35 Sign up for our newsletters at outsfl.com/newsletter outsfl knows DAILY - OUR DAILY EBLAST • ISLANDER - TWICE WEEKLY WILTON MANORS EBLAST • SCOOP - OUR WEEKLY EBLAST

36 • 10.5.2023 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 A GUIDE TO GAY AMERICA IN 1972 I n 1971. John Paul Hudson, writing as John Francis Hunter, published The Gay Insider (The Other Traveller), “a Hunter’s Guide to New York and a Thesaurus of Phallic Lore.” One of a crop of “gay lib” books published in the wake of the Stonewall Uprising (1969), The Gay Insider featured lists of “happy hunting grounds for horny homosexuals [male], including bars, baths, streets and parks, the beaches, the restrooms and the balconies” in Manhattan as well as on Fire Island and the Hamptons. “These are fun times in Fun City ... and the greatest place in the country to be ‘liberated,’” said Hudson, ignoring still persistent bar raids and other flies in the lavender ointment. In 1972 Hudson/Hunter, by now a columnist for The Advocate and Gay, expanded his outreach to cover all 50 States (and Puerto Rico) in The Gay Insider USA (Stonehill). He referred to his new book as “an eclectic guide to where the male homosexuals can find love, companionship, truth, beauty, sex, God, liberation ... anywhere in Gay America.” For this edition Hunter included “new free gays,” groups like Gay Activists Alliance and activists like Morris Kight of Los Angeles and David Goldman of Chicago. The year 1972 was when Miami Beach hosted both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions, a fact that Hunter mentioned in his section on Florida. Then as now, the Sunshine State was officially antigay while accommodating an active gay community: “Whatever the political climate in Florida, my response from bar owners and management was just about the heartiest in The Union. ... If the most controversial people and places are the most stimulating, Florida should provide high entertainment for all of us.” Despite all that, Florida had more queer bars in 1972 than it does now. The Gay Insider USA lists 15 gay or mixed pubs and clubs in Miami (including Coconut Grove and Coral Gables) and eight bars on Miami Beach. It also featured venues in Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hollywood, Lake Worth and West Palm Beach. (On the other hand, Key West had one listing and Wilton Manors had none.) Often, Hunter’s descriptions are as entertaining as they were useful. For example, he described Warehouse VIII, an early favorite of mine in Little Havana, as a “huge place; [with a] suspended horse-drawn cart; [and] pool tables. Upstairs is a swinging bar, but not too friendly to outsiders,” which did not keep it from being recommended. The Regency Baths, a club in downtown Miami, featured “a young crowd, very popular steam room and gym. Home away from home.” (Don’t ask me. I was never there.) If we can believe The Gay Insider, the Regency “never had any police harassment,” three years before the Club Miami was famously raided. Unlike its predecessor, The Gay Insider USA limited its scope to bars and baths, leaving out other places where gay and bi men cruised, such as 21st Street and Virginia Beaches; Bayfront Park; the Greyhound Bus Station, etc. Though it is no longer useful as a guidebook, The Gay Insider USA is a delightful and informative book at commercial gay male life as it was lived in 1972. Hudson ignored the vast majority of gay men who lived quiet, mostly closeted lives, centering on the bar flies and disco bunnies. Even so, it’s worth picking up a copy, if you can find one. Jesse Monteagudo JESSE’S JOURNAL CULTURE OPINION Read more from this author here Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of South Florida’s LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various community organizations. Courtesy photo.

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38 • 10.5.2023 CULTURE FOOD CHEAP EATS Beef Pho Noodle Soup. Photo via templestreeteatery.com. L ois Sullivan writes the Cheap Eats column for the Sun Sentinel’s website. She recently published a compendium of her picks for Broward County. Her criterion is an entrée for less than $20, which is about what you’d pay for a large meal at any fast-food restaurant nowadays. Post-COVID restaurant prices have risen significantly due to supply chain issues, higher wages for employees, and, as anyone who has been to the grocery store lately can attest, the higher cost of food. Many of the places she lists are ones that I’ve already reviewed in OutSFL (or SFGN before that). Here’s a list of those to which I can personally attest. CHRISTINA WAN’S 664 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALE 954- 527-0228 CHRISTINAWANS.COM Christina Wan’s has a $17 Sunset Dinner Menu, daily from 3 to 6:30 p.m., that includes a main dish, rice, soup, and an egg or spring roll. SASAYA JAPANESE MARKET 1956 E. SUNRISE BLVD., FORT LAUDERDALE 954-761-8010 SASAYAJAPANESE.COM This is one of my favorite go-to places for takeout sushi. The Sushi Dinner for Two is $26 and includes a choice of soup or salad for two. Rick Karlin HOT DISH TEMPLE STREET EATERY 416 N. FEDERAL HWY., FORT LAUDERDALE 754-701-0976 TEMPLESTREETEATERY.COM A creative Asian fusion menu brings me back time and again. I especially like the edamame falafel and bahn mi sandwiches. THE FLORIDIAN 1410 E. LAS OLAS BLVD., FORT LAUDERDALE 954-463-4041 THEFLORIDIANDINER.COM This was a favorite of the late SFGN publisher Norm Kent. Not one of my favorites. When it comes to diners I prefer Peter Pan, Egg & You, or Lester’s. EDDIE HILLS SUSHI THAI 134 N. FEDERAL HWY., HALLANDALE BEACH 954-454-0023 EDDIEHILLS.COM/MAIN The menu is 13 pages long. Think of it as an Asian diner offering Chinese, Thai, and Japanese dishes. THE LE TUB SALOON 1100 N. OCEAN DR., HOLLYWOOD 954-921-9425 THELETUB.COM Although she included this place, and many folks love it. I find it disgusting, dirty, and with horrible service, and every surface is covered in seagull shit. TARKS OF DANIA BEACH 1317 S. FEDERAL HWY., DANIA BEACH 954-925-8275 TARKS.BUSINESS.SITE A landmark since 1966, the new ownership seems to be making cleanliness a higher priority than the previous management, especially important when you’re eating seafood. THE TIPSY BOAR 1906 HARRISON ST., HOLLYWOOD 954-920-2627; THETIPSYBOAR.COM. Despite the name, this gastropub offers plenty of options for vegetarians, in addition to incredible burgers. PHAT BOY SUSHI, KITCHEN & BAR 2702 N. UNIVERSITY D. 954-360-8456 PHATBOYSUSHI.COM This local mini-chain also has two locations in Fort Lauderdale. I would hesitate to put this on the cheap list. But I suppose that if you order judiciously, you can get away for less than $20 a person if the wonderful cocktails don’t tempt you too much. IL BARETTO RISTORANTE 220 S. UNIVERSITY DR., PLANTATION 954-473-9400 ILBARETTORISTORANTE.COM I have four words for you: Real Chicago Style Pizza! Whether you prefer deep dish or thin crust Baretto’s pizza maker (a recent import from Chicago) does it right. QUATES 3701 NORTH ANDREWS AVE., OAKLAND PARK 954-635-2404 QUATESMEXICANRESTAURANT.COM Although Lois cites a different location (Quates II), the Oakland Park location has been my go-to spot for authentic Mexican fare for years. For more restaurants check out Lois’ full column at sun-sentinel.com. Photo via Tarks Of Dania Beach, Facebook. 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]. TO-DO LIST [email protected] Compiled by Rick Karlin [email protected] HISPANIC HALLOWEEN HERITAGE MONTH See how we worked numerous special events into that headline?! Help the folks at Latino Salud decorate their Miami office for Halloween. Stop by between 3 and 9 p.m. at Latinos Salud North Miami, 640 NE 124th St. There is limited space, so you’d better RSVP papi! Text Angel Virla at 786-426-4093 or send an email to [email protected]. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 6 PRIME BEEF ON DISPLAY Last night it was all about pork, today beef is on the menu as the Mr. Ramrod Contest takes place from 9 p.m. to midnight. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8 HALL YOURSELF OVER TO THE PARKER Todrick Hall brings his high heels and “Velvet Rage” tour to The Parker tonight. MONDAY, OCTOBER 9 SAYING GOODBYE TO A LEGEND Take part in a tribute to Ken Keechl at Pride Center at 6 p.m. Join the Dolphin Democrats, community leaders, elected officials, and the countless individuals who knew Keechl as a leader, a trailblazer, an activist, and of course a friend. Today would have been his birthday, so the date is a fitting tribute to a great man. TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 CIRCUS ACTS The boys at Boardwalk take part in Giovanni’s Circus, a bi-weekly show with a lot of diversity. A showcase for the talents the performers may have that they don’t get to use on stage often (what could that be?!). It has a cabaret feel. The guys must audition and show the audience what they can do! WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11 BITE IT! Hunters presents an eerie new experience, AirOtic Soirée’s BITE!, featuring hypnotic creatures performing thrilling cirque-style acts in a nightmarish cabaret. Enjoy supernatural cocktails, interact with the living dead, and immerse yourself in a spooky atmosphere for the ultimate spooky season kickoff. The show also plays other nights this month, check Hunters’ website calendar. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 SUCH A BUSY DAY! Join the Bears of South Florida for a show tune sing-along at Hunters Nightclub. Starting at 2:30, tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Then dash across the street to The Pub on the Drive (move your car or you will be towed!) and take part or just watch PushUp for Pets. After that, take a nap and then change into your best leather gear for Pig Dance at Ramrod. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7

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40 • 10.5.2023 ISLAND CITY STAGE CELEBRATES 12TH SEASON I sland City Stage, one of the LGBT-centric theater companies based in Wilton Manors, will offer audiences an awardwinning classic, big Broadway dreams, a pulp fiction musical, a neurotic family drama and murderous mayhem in their 12th anniversary season. “Love! Valour! Compassion!,” Oct. 12 – Nov. 5, is Terrence McNally’s epic Tony Award and Drama Desk Award-winning dramedy about eight gay friends. Love, laughs, betrayal and life set the pace as they gather over the holidays one summer at a beautiful 100-year-old house in upstate New York. This groundbreaking play is one of the cornerstones of contemporary LGBT culture. Ana Nogueira’s playful yet profound comedy, “Which Way to the Stage,” Jan. 18 – Feb. 11, is about friendship, ambition, and what happens when dreams fall just out of reach. Broadway superfans Jeff and Judy eagerly await their idol Idina Menzel every night at the stage door after her performances in “If/Then.” When a sexy stranger enters the scene and upends their decades-long friendship, the musical theater aficionados have to go off book and rewrite their own finale. Reeling from her ex-husband’s engagement to a much younger woman, Jodi Isaac turns to her famous fashion-designer dad for support in “Skintight,” April 11 – May 5. Instead, she finds him wrapped up in his West Village townhouse with Trey – who is 20...and not necessarily gay... but an adult film star. At least, according to Jodi’s son – who is also 20...and definitely gay. Joshua Harmon (“Bad Jews,” “Significant Other”) brings neurotic family drama and confronts the age-old questions of how to age gracefully in a world obsessed with youth and where love fits into it all. Charles Busch’s comic melodrama, “Die! Mommie Die!,” Aug. 29 – Sept. 22, evokes the 1960s “Grande Dame Guignol” films that featured aging stars such as Bette Davis, Joan Crawford and Lana Turner. Ex-pop singer Angela is trapped in a hateful marriage with a film producer. Desperate to find happiness with her younger lover, an out-of-work TV actor, Angela murders her husband with the aid of a poisoned suppository, in a plot that reflects Greek tragedy as well as Hollywood kitsch. This production stars Kris Andersson, better known as Dixie Longate, host of “Dixie’s Tupperware Party.” ENTERTAINMENT THEATER JW Arnold Courtesy photo. Kris Andersson AKA Dixie Longate. Courtesy photo. SLOW BURN OFFERS FAIRY TALES AND FUN AT AMATURO I sland City Stage, one of the LGBTcentric theater companies based in Wilton Manors, will offer audiences an award-winning classic, big Broadway dreams, a pulp fiction musical, a neurotic family drama and murderous mayhem in their 12th anniversary season. Slow Burn Theatre Co.’s 2023-24 season at the Broward Center’s Amaturo Theater features epic fairytales that will take audiences into the woods and under the sea with poignant stories of faith, love and acceptance. The season begins with “Into the Woods,” Oct. 14 – 29, the Tony-winning blockbuster from Stephen Sondheim and James Lapin. Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, the Baker and his wife, and Jack and the beanstalk are caught up in an epic fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make in life. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” Dec. 16 – 31. This splashy musical extravaganza put the “sea” in the holiday season with a love story for the ages. When Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, she bargains with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs, but the bargain is not what it seems. Next up is “Sister Act,” Feb. 3 – 18. Based on the 1992 film and featuring original music by Tony- and eight-time Oscar® winner, Alan Menken (“Newsies,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Little Shop of Horrors”), this heavenly hit is filled with the sounds of Motown, soul and disco, and was nominated for five Tony Awards, including best musical. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for best new musical, “The Prom,” March 23 – April 7, follows four eccentric Broadway stars who are on a mission to transform lives when they discover the plight of a student who just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom. Soon her entire small town has a date with destiny. The season concludes with a return to the ocean – specifically a pineapple under the sea – in “Spongebob the Musical,” June 8 – 23. Adapted from the iconic Nickelodeon series, SpongeBob, Patrick, Sandy, Squidward and all of Bikini Bottom face total annihilation — until a most unexpected hero rises to take center stage and the power of optimism saves the world. For more information and tickets, go to SlowBurnTheatre.org. ENTERTAINMENT THEATER JW Arnold “Into The Woods” and “ The Prom” Courtesy Photos.

10.5.2023 • 41 DALLIANCE cancommunityhealth.org fi ff ffl ffi fl

42 • 10.5.2023 FALL FILM FESTIVAL ROUND-UP Big Easy Queens. Photo via www.infinite-abyss.org. ENTERTAINMENT THEATER Rick Karlin T he ability to stream movies and the availability of a wide variety of films on cable channels has no doubt brought the art and craft of filmmaking to more people than ever before. However, there is nothing to compare to the magic of watching a movie screened bigger than life in a theatre setting, where anywhere from dozens to hundreds of people are all experiencing the same thrills, intrigue, comedy, or drama. As the film industry enters its second millennium the following festivals bring us new works and beloved classics. Dates and times are often subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the presenting organization’s website. The Citrus Circuit Film Festival, on Oct. 7 at Savour Cinema, showcases a diverse range of short films from independent filmmakers. This festival embraces all genres, from gripping narratives and inspiring documentaries to innovative animations and experimental works. This exciting short film festival celebrates the art of storytelling through captivating and thought-provoking films, creating an unforgettable experience for both filmmakers and film enthusiasts alike. Westerns and Black Cowboys: Cinema on Sistrunk is presented by Victory Black Box Theatre at the YMCA/Mizell Community Center at YMCA, 408 NW 14th Terr., Fort Lauderdale. Get ready to saddle up and experience the thrill of the frontier and discover the untold stories of the Black cowboys who played a pivotal role in shaping the American West. The following films are scheduled: Glory (Oct. 9 at 3 p.m.), Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts (Nov. 13 at 3 p.m.), Posse (Dec. 11 at 3 p.m.) There is a $5 suggested donation. OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale, internationally acclaimed as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, has announced the dates of October 19 – 29 for its 15th-anniversary edition. This year’s festival will celebrate queer culture with internationally acclaimed features, shorts, and documentaries that inspire, entertain, and educate, along with a variety of parties and special events. Opening night will be held at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (Oct. 19), with screenings taking place at various venues throughout Broward County. The full list of films was not available as we went to press, however the following were confirmed for screenings (all at Savor Cinema unless otherwise noted): Glitter & Doom the centerpiece of Outshine screening and party (Oct. 26.) Big Easy Queens, a local film shot in Fort Lauderdale and directed by Erynn Dalton of Infinite Abyss Theater, will be showcased at Cocktails & Cinema at The Gateway (Oct. 24.) The South Florida Filmmaker Shorts program (Oct 23.) includes Febrero, a Cuban/U.S. production shot by the filmmaker in Miami (Oct. 25.) Among the foreign films beings screened are Leon, a Spanish drama about parenting (Oct. 20), Norwegian Dreams (Oct. 20), Opponent (Oct. 22), I Love You More (Oct. 21), the U.S. premiere of Luise, filmed in Germany and Austria, about a woman hiding someone during a war (Oct. 22), and Solo (Oct. 27). OUTshine After Dark at Savor Cinema will be a combination of queer horror films, erotic thrillers, and offbeat films. Confirmed as of press time were: The Judgement (Oct. 20), You’re Not Me (Oct. 21), Almamula (Oct. 27), and The Trace of Your Lips (Oct. 22). Launched separately - in 1998, as The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, and in 2008, as the Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival - both were brought together under one brand to become OUTshine Film Festival. For more information and tickets, visit outshinefilm.com or follow it on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. The 38th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) runs Nov 3-16. Featuring nearly 200 films from 40 countries and filmmakers from across the nation and around the globe. The party lineup includes Poster Reveal Party, Opening Night at Hard Rock, WinterFLIFF (joint production of FLIFF and Winterfest) at Villa De Palma, the IMAX Reception, FLIFF OnThe-Beach at Las Olas Oceanside Park, plus nightly receptions at the cinemas. Established in 1986, FLIFF reels out more than 150 American Indie and international films, during the annual film festival. During the festival, celebrities, and filmmakers from around the world create an aura of excitement as they arrive at red-carpet premieres, attend over-the-top parties, and greet movie-goers. The titles of the mainstream films were not ready for release as of our deadline. Among some of the LGBT-themed films screening at the festival are: Artist Unknown - directed by Cinder Chou, who will be in attendance. Juniper, an insecure martial artist, must find out the origins of a painting after two thieves try to steal it from her. (Nov. 9, 7 p.m. at Cinema Paradiso, Hollywood, and Nov. 10, 6:15 p.m., Savor Cinema.) Big Easy Queens - directed by Fort Lauderdale’s own Erynn Dalton, who will be in attendance. Eighty minutes of pure queer horror with original musical numbers, voodoo, zombies, drag queens, and campy delight soaked in blood, gristle, and glitter on a double bill with I Remember, directed by Peter Bisuito. A man afflicted with repressed memory loss due to a traumatic experience he suffered, cannot remember where his husband Dom is. (Nov. 16, 9 p.m., at Savor Cinema.) Fireworks - directed by Giuseppe Fiorello is based on a true story. 1982, in the heat of a Sicilian summer, two teenage boys, Gianni and Nino, meet and fall in love. Their relationship soon becomes a topic of gossip in the small town and despite their families’ objections, the two dream of living together, something the community is determined to stop (Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m. at The Gateway.) Intermedium - directed by Erik Bloomquist. Bridget, an aspiring actress with OCD, is shipped off to live with her father in a sleepy New England hamlet, only to discover her new room already has an occupant: the ghost of a boy named Kyle Donovan (Nov. 6, 7 p.m. at the Gateway and Nov. 7, 3 p.m., at Cinema Paradiso Hollywood.) Our Son - directed by Bill Oliver. Nicky (Luke Evans), a book publisher devoted to his work, lives with his husband Gabriel (Billy Porter), a former actor and stay-athome dad, and their 8-year-old son, Owen. Gabriel loves Owen more than anything; Nicky loves Gabriel more than anything. Despite appearances, Gabriel files for divorce, leading to a custody battle that forces both to confront the changing reality of their love for each other and their son. (Nov. 16 7 p.m. at Savor Cinema.) Fort Lauderdale Art & Design Week Filmmaker Showcase will take over Savor Cinema, 503 SE 6th St, Fort Lauderdale, on Jan. 23. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., screenings start at 8 p.m. for this free event. Among the shorts being screened are Eternity, LA FINE, The Leap, Twilight of Dreams: Zombie Jesus Vampire Hunter, BOXED, Today Like Yesterday, Hybrid, and State of Rodeo. Go to ftladw.com for more information.

10.5.2023 • 43 SUPPORT OUR JOURNALISM donations to OutSFL can be made here: outsfl.com/donate OUR PAGES YOUR VOICE Send us your letters [email protected] CAN’T WAIT FOR PRINT? FOLLOW US ONLINE. OUTSFL.COM BROADWAY IN FORT LAUDERDALE Julie Benko in Funny Girl. Photo via Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade. ENTERTAINMENT THEATER JW Arnold F ort Lauderdale audiences are being treated to five premieres at the Broward Center this season, including “Funny Girl,” “Hadestown,” “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” “Mrs. Doubtfire” and “Clue.” The season also includes the returns of “Annie” and “The Book of Mormon.” Holding onto hope when times are tough can take an awful lot of determination, and sometimes, an awful lot of determination comes in a surprisingly small package. “Annie,” Oct. 10 – 22, has reminded generations of theatergoers that sunshine is always right around the corner. Featuring one of the greatest musical scores of all time, including classic songs “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “I’m the Greatest Star,” and “People,” “Funny Girl,” Nov. 14 – 26, is a love letter to the theater. You’ll be able to imagine Barbra Streisand or even Lea Michelle as the indomitable Fanny Brice in this new touring production (no, they won’t be performing). “The Book of Mormon,” Dec. 12 – 17, has toured South Florida many, many times since it debuted on Broadway more than a decade ago. That doesn’t mean it still isn’t incredibly entertaining and each cast seems to put an unique stamp on their characters: idealistic young Mormon missionaries sent to the darkest African jungles (and not Orlando). Welcome to “Hadestown,” Jan. 9 – 21, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, this update of a classic Greek tragedy from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”) is a love story for today. Enter a world where Bohemians and aristocrats rub elbows and revel in electrifying medleys of contemporary pop anthems. Welcome to “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” March 5 – 15. Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life onstage, remixed in a new musical mash-up extravaganza that snagged 10 Tony Awards. Everyone’s favorite Scottish nanny is headed to Fort Lauderdale in “Mrs. Doubtfire,” April 9 – 21. Based on the beloved film and directed by four-time Tony Award winner Jerry Zaks, “Mrs. Doubtfire” tells the hysterical and heartfelt story of an out-of-work actor who will do anything for his kids. Will the Florida drag police raid the theater? We’ll see. Murder and blackmail are on the menu when six mysterious guests assemble at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget in “Clue,” June 11 –16. Was it Mrs. Peacock in the study with the knife? Or Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? The classic board game and 1985 film get the stage treatment in this wacky whodunnit. For tickets and more information, go to BrowardCenter.org.

44 • 10.5.2023 OCTOBER 9, 2023 • 8pm Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. TICKETS at ParkerPlayhouse.com Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office Group Sales | 954.660.6307 This event contains adult language or content. POW! OPENS SEASON AT FOUNDRY WITH MCKEEVER REVIVIAL Unlike most other regional companies, Plays of Wilton (POW!) and producer Ronnie Larsen follow a commercial theater model like Broadway, preferring flexibility and not being locked into a predetermined schedule. When a show is successful, he can extend and when it’s not selling, quickly close and move on. Fall opens at the Foundry on Dixie Highway in Wilton Manors with a revival of Michael McKeever’s killer comedy, “Clark Gable Slept Here,” playing through Oct. 15. Hollywood’s hiding a lot more in the closet than Tom Ford tuxedos, and megastar agent Jarrod Hilliard’s determined to keep it that way. When the corpse of a naked male prostitute is found in his client’s hotel room during the Golden Globe Awards, Hilliard and hotel manager Gage Holland are left to sweep things under the rug. Time to call in some favors...but in the make-believe world of movies, everyone’s acting, and nothing’s quite what it seems. McKeever stars and his husband, multiple Carbonell-winner Stuart, Meltzer directs. Art via playsofwilton.com. In November, Larsen is planning several new projects in repertory, including awardwinning playwright Dan Clancy’s musical “108 Waverly,” Adam Sank’s one-man show “Bad Dates” and a new project by Women of Wilton, the POW! offshoot focusing on lesbian audiences. December highlights include revivals of Larsen’s hits “The Prisoners” and “Truck Stop Sally’s Sex Party.” For tickets and more information, go to RonnieLarsen.com. ENTERTAINMENT THEATER JW Arnold DOCUMENTARY FILM SHORT ‘OPEN DIALOGUES: GEN QUEERZ’ PREMIERES OCT. 11 T he Art and Culture Center/Hollywood will premiere “Gen QueerZ”, its fourth documentary film short in its awardwinning “Open Dialogues” series, on Oct. 11 at the Hollywood Central Performing Arts Center, 1770 Monroe St. Coinciding with National Coming Out Day, the evening begins with a red-carpet reception at 6 p.m. followed by a screening of the film and a discussion with cast members and the film’s director, Freddy Rodriguez, at 7 p.m. There is no charge for admission. “Gen QueerZ” gives voice to LGBTQ youth who declare, “Queer is here. Queer is everywhere,” and that being out in public and home spaces is a form of activism that demarginalizes all queer people. Produced by the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood in association with Safe Schools South Florida, the title “Gen QueerZ” refers to LGBTQ youth who are part of Generation Z, which includes people born since 1997. Freddy Rodriguez director of “Open Dialogues”. Photo via artandculturecenter.org “Gen QueerZ” captures the LGBTQ narratives and performances of eight South Florida college/university students. Their stories reflect a diversity of gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and academic studies while exploring allyship, threats, and the family dynamics of being “out” at home. ENTERTAINMENT FILM Rick Karlin

10.5.2023 • 45 713 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach www.lakeworthplayhouse.org | 561.586.6410 Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Rent has become a pop cultural phenomenon with songs that rock and a story that resonates with audiences of all ages. Don’t miss this prize-winning musical about falling in love, finding your voice and living for today. ARTBUZZ THEATRICS AT EMPIRE STAGE Del Shores’ “black comedy about white trash,” “Sordid Lives,” gets a new production by producer/director Larry Buzzeo and his ArtBuzz Theatrics company through Oct. 22 at the intimate Empire Stage in Fort Lauderdale. Shores, the author of “Daddy’s Dyin’ (Who’s Got the Will?)” cooked up an iconic comedy that was nominated for over 30 awards during its long run in Los Angeles. When Peggy, a good Christian woman, hits her head on the sink and bleeds to death after tripping over her lover’s wooden legs in a motel room, chaos erupts in Winters, Texas. For more information and tickets, go to EmpireStage.com. “Sordid Lives”. Photo via Empire Stage, Facebook. JW Arnold ENTERTAINMENT THEATER

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48 • 10.5.2023