OutSFL Vol. 2, Issue 3

VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL JANUARY 18, 2024 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 3 VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL @OUTSFL STARTS ON PAGE 12 IN MEMORIAM THE LEGACY ISSUE THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVING WILTON MANORS AND OAKLAND PARK BEGINS IN CENTER

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4 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH COVER: From left to right: David Leddick, photo by David Vance. Norm Kent, courtesy photo. Michael Connell, photo by JR Davis. Photo compilation by OutSFL staff. January 18, 2024 • Volume 2• Issue 3 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 OutSFL newspaper is published on a weekly schedule. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of any featured individuals solely based on their names, appearance, or inclusion within this publication. Any opinions shared within stories, columns, graphics, or letters to the editor should not be assumed to represent the opinions of OutSFL, its Publisher, or its co-founder. Any stories or content, either in print or online, and also including any articles that are featured in conjunction with any media partners, are protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and this ownership is carefully and jealously guarded by this media group. Nothing that is published may be reprinted, either in whole or in part, without first receiving written consent from the Publisher, Jason Parsley. OutSFL is owned by Jason Parsley and Justin Wyse, and is represented legally by Russell Cormican. As a private corporation, OutSFL reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations, and photographs. Copyright © 2024 J&J Media Group. PUBLISHER Jason Parsley [email protected] CEO Justin Wyse [email protected] EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Kimberly Swan SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Christiana Lilly ART DIRECTOR Julie Palmer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kyle Willis • Craig Tuggle GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANT Brendon Lies ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Rick Karlin [email protected] COMMUNITY EDITOR John Hayden [email protected] PHOTOGRAPHERS J.R. Davis • Carina Mask COLUMNISTS Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo Sabrina Haake • Fred Fejes John Porter • Kelly Ghweinem SPECIAL TO OUTSFL Steve Rothaus • J.W. Arnold CORRESPONDENTS John McDonald • Sean Conklin Deon Jefferson • Aurora Dominguez Denise Brown • Mary Rasura Terri Schlichenmeyer • Gregg Shapiro Kennedy McKinney • Michael Anguille Robert DeDominic • Aaron Kinchen Tessa Becker • Christopher Flores PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Pier Angelo SALES & MARKETING For ad placement, call 954-514-7095 SALES MANAGERS Edwin Neimann [email protected] Silvio Carvana [email protected] DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Richie Wilson • Johnathan Rey • Tyler Brayton NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 CAN’T WAIT FOR PRINT? FOLLOW US ONLINE. OUTSFL.COM 'MEAN GIRLS' AN UNWORTHY ADAPTION Spot an error? Let us know at [email protected] returned to the community. Weinzimer is a 30+ year HIV/AIDS survivor who was once given just days to live. Miraculously, he survived and became active in the HIV/AIDS community. He quickly noticed that many fundraisers collected tons of money, but very little was returned to the community. He created the SMART Ride with the goal of giving 100% of every dollar raised by riders, crew, and volunteers where it’s needed. Weinzimer never wavered from this goal. Case in point: the email announcing Sunday’s check ceremony was headlined “Where Does My F*($k)#@ Money Go?” Compass, Palm Beach County’s go-to source for the LGBTQ community, is a longtime benefitting agency. Dylan Brooks said how important the ride was to them financially and beyond. “Not only is it a fundraiser, but it brings together a community in more ways than one.” The event started with a brunch and lots of cocktails as veterans and rookies, riders and supporters, mingled and shared stories. Afterward, the crowd was slow to disperse. No one was anxious to leave, because leaving had a finality no one was ready to acknowledge. T he numbers speak for themselves: 20 rides, thousands of volunteers, over $16 million raised, countless lives helped. Hunters Nightclub was packed Jan. 14 as riders, leaders of benefitting agencies, and community supporters gathered for one final check presentation. In September, organizers announced this year’s ride would be the last. Founder Glen Weinzimer stood in front of a grateful crowd and announced the final ride raised nearly $1.4 million. The six main benefitting agencies, which all help people living with HIV/AIDS, each collected record sums, ranging from $204,000 to $285,000. Other agencies, including The Pet Project, were given smaller disbursements that would usually be held back as an “emergency fund” given out during the year. “I feel really grateful,” an emotional Weinzimer said after the check presentations. “This community comes together. I’m the guy on the soapbox, but they’re the guys who showed up and raised the money. I just love them.” At the end, the grandest of grand totals was announced. Over the life of the event, the SMART Ride raised $16,377,287.68. Every penny, down to that 68th cent, was SMART RIDE DOLES OUT $1.4M FROM FINAL RIDE Photo courtesy of John Hayden. NEWS HIGHLIGHT John Hayden SMART RIDE 20 PRIDELINES $203,880 COMPASS $219,460 BROWARD HOUSE $237,004 EPIC/EMPATH HEALTH $253,609 MIRACLE OF LOVE $223,477 AH OF MONROE $285,513

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 5 Welcome to truly immersive encounters Experience the wonders of Greater Fort Lauderdale, from Butterfly World, the world’s largest butterfly park, to an airboat ride in the Everglades. Explore miles of golden beaches, enjoy a sunset cruise or dive into a magical underwater world. Your beach playground awaits with things you’ve never seen and moments you’ll never forget. Plan Your Adventure at VisitLauderdale.com/lgbt

6 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH LAST WEEK'S COVER FROM THE NEWSROOM - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE OUT AND ABOUT PHOTO OF THE WEEK Husbands and founding members of FLoatarama Gary Bertonis and JJ Bouillon, who just celebrated his birthday, attending Hunters' 10-year anniversary. Photo by JR Davis

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8 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE OUTFAU LAUNCHED L ast week, OutSFL published its new paper OutFAU – an LGBTQ student newspaper on the campus of Florida Atlantic University. The idea, which formed in October, came together quickly once Mary Rasura took the lead on the new initiative – helping to develop the concept and execute the project. “I’m very excited for this new publication on FAU’s campus. I want the LGBTQ community at FAU and everywhere in Florida to feel supported, seen and heard,” Rasura said. “I invite any students to reach out to me if they would like to get involved.” Rasura has been named its executive editor. Kenny Ruff, another student at FAU, has been named assistant editor. “Right now, the fight for LGBTQ equality is taking place in education,” said OutSFL Publisher Jason Parsley. “So it just makes sense for us to have a presence on campus.” Ruff, who is also president of Lavender Staff FROM THE NEWSROOM THE NEW STUDENT PUBLICATION WILL GIVE OUTSFL A PEEK INTO LGBTQ LIFE ON CAMPUS Alliance, one of the LGBTQ clubs on campus, helped distribute the first issue during a tabling event where clubs set up a table to promote themselves. Besides those pop-up events, students can find OutFAU outside of the former Center for IDEAs in the Student Union. Rasura is looking for more places to distribute in the future. OutFAU also has its own page on OutSFL’s website; an Instagram account @ outfau; and a digital newsletter. “Right-wing fanatics at the state level are doing everything in their power to silence and erase us,” Parsley said. “The reason for OutFAU is to make sure that doesn’t happen and to show them we won’t go quietly. Our voices won’t be silenced. Our lives and our histories won’t be erased. We’re here. We’re queer. Get used to it.” Contact Rasura at [email protected] for more information regarding the new publication, including contributing. For those interested in advertising email sales@ outfau.com. SCAN TO READ OUTFAU ARTICLES ONLINE SCAN TO SIGNUP FOR THE OUTFAU NEWSLETTER

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10 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH By Kennedy McKinney OUT ABROAD CATHOLIC HIERARCHY REFUSES SAME-SEX BLESSINGS AFRICA T he Catholic bishops of Africa and Madagascar announced that they are refusing to follow Pope Francis’ declaration allowing priests to offer blessings to same-sex couples, arguing that the unions are “contrary to the will of God.” According to the Associated Press, the statement was signed by Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo on behalf of the symposium of African national bishops’ conference. This follows Pope Francis’ announcement that priests can now offer non-liturgical blessings to same-sex couples seeking God’s grace in their lives. “Within the church family of God in Africa, this declaration has caused a shockwave, it has sown misconceptions and unrest in the minds of many lay faithful, consecrated persons and even pastors, and has aroused strong reactions,” wrote Ambongo. Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo. Photo by François-Régis Salefran, via Wikimedia Commons. FRANCE APPOINTS GAY PRIME MINISTER EUROPE T hirty-four-year-old Gabriel Attal has been appointed as prime minister in France, making him the country’s first openly gay prime minister. According to Reuters, Attal is France’s youngest post-war prime minister and was previously outed in 2018 by an old school associate after he was named junior minister. He was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to say, “Dear @ GabrielAttal, I know I can count on your energy and your commitment to implement the project of revitalisation and regeneration that I announced.” Attal promised the public to be bold and act fast to help the middle class as they navigate life with the rising cost of living. “I’m well aware of the context in which I take on this job. Too many French doubt our country, doubt themselves or our future. I think in particular of the middle class ... who get up every morning to go to work ... and sometimes can’t make ends meet,” said Attal in an interview with Reuters. He replaced Elisabeth Borne, who was notably the second woman to hold the prime minister role in France. Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. Photo by Conseil de l'Union Européenne, via Wikimedia Commons. TRANS ATHLETES POSSIBLY BANNED FROM WOMEN’S SPORTS NEW ZEALAND T he New Zealand government is threatening to withhold public funding from sports organizations in the country if they do not ban transgender athletes from women’s sports. According to NZ Herald, the policy comes from New Zealand First, a populist and nationalist political party, who says these guidelines are for “fairness and safety in sport for women.” “It is a tricky one, a thorny issue. [There are] strong views on both sides of the debate. I’ll work through that with the relevant sporting bodies,” said Sport and Recreation Minister Chris Bishop. Kate Weatherly, a transgender athlete and two-time national champion mountain biker, told NZ Herald that this ruling could lead to athletes being forced into men’s competitions or sidelined. Kate Weatherly. Photo via Facebook. THE RAINBOW REVOLUTION AROUND THE WORLD February 3-4, 2024 Early buying Sat. 9–10AM Sat. 10AM–5PM, Sun. 10AM–4PM National + local dealers Free gift both days while they last! Glass repair onsite Door prizes, raffles Admission: $8 with this ad, $9 without, $15 early buying Info: Michael Pierce 954-564-3821 [email protected] Tamarac Community Center 8601 West Commercial Blvd Tamarac, FL 33321 Vintage American Glass and Pottery Show & Sale The South Florida Depression Glass Club’s 50th A FREE PARKING sfdgc.com facebook.com/sfdgc @southfloridaglassclub

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 11 THE RESULTS ARE IN FIND OUT IF YOUR FAVORITES WON OUTSFL.COM/YCA2023 OUTSFL'S YOUR CHOICE AWARDS ARE PRESENTED BY

12 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH REMEMBERING THOSE WE LOST A ttorney Norm Kent – relentless fighter for marijuana and LGBT rights, baseball fanatic, popular radio talk host and co-founder of South Florida Gay News – died at 73 on April 13, 18 months after learning he had pancreatic cancer. In his final interview on March 28, Kent told the South Florida Gay News he was diagnosed in October 2021. “That day, I said, ‘Let’s fly to Atlanta and go to a Dodgers game. If they’re telling me I have cancer, we’re going to a baseball game.’” “You definitely can’t accuse him of not being interesting,” said Fort Lauderdale attorney Russell Cormican, Kent’s law partner for nearly 25 years. “The most important thing looking at Norm’s legacy is that he reminds us how important it is to stand up for what you believe in, no matter how unpopular it might be or what types of repercussions or blowback you might get from people, if you know what you’re doing is the right thing,” said Cormican, 51. “When he sees an injustice, he’s not afraid to lead the call against it. That’s the common thread that’s gone through his life.” Born Norman Elliott Kent in Brooklyn, New York, on Oct. 18, 1949, his family soon moved to North Woodmere in Nassau County on Long Island. “Ever since I was a little kid growing up in North Woodmere and taking Bus 53 to junior varsity games, I was a good, competitive baseball player. The doctor once said I had steel springs in my legs,” Kent said. “I just loved the game. I love it now because you don’t know what’s going to happen on the next pitch. It’s not scripted like a movie. Like comedians, you never know what the next joke is going to be.” To never miss a game, Kent equipped his longtime small, twobedroom Victoria Park home with 16 televisions. “It looks like mission control,” Cormican said. “Heaven forbid there are four baseball games on. He has to see each one.” Thirty years ago, he even owned a baseball card shop at the Gateway Shopping Center in Fort Lauderdale, Norm Kent’s Baseball Heaven. Kent, who is survived by older brother Richard and younger brother Alan, once flirted with becoming a professional ballplayer but their dad Jesse told him, “You’re going to be the lawyer in the family.” After graduating in 1971 from Hofstra University on Long Island with a bachelor’s degree in social sciences and sociology, Kent made his father happy and received a Hofstra law degree in 1975. During college, Kent began establishing a national reputation as a leading proponent of legalizing marijuana use. Kent joined NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws in 1971. He served 1992-94 on NORML’s national board, rejoined the governing body in 1998 and from 2013-14 served as national board chairman. In 1988, Kent made headlines representing singer Elvy Musikka, a Hollywood woman nearly blinded by cataracts who was busted Steve Rothaus NORM KENT NOTED ATTORNEY, PUBLISHER, LGBTQ RIGHTS ACTIVIST HERE’S A ROUND UP OF OUR OBITUARY COVERAGE FROM 2023

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 13 FEATURE for growing pot in her own backyard. “After 23 different operations for cataracts,” Kent recalled March 28, “she found the only thing that let her see was by taking marijuana. It had a certain THC in it which let her see.” He continued: “Who was her government, or the president, to stop her from seeing? And when the police came to her house in Hollywood and said we’re going to have to arrest you for smoking pot, she said, ‘I dare you to. I don’t care. It’s my life. It’s my right to see.’ “She went to a lawyer. She went to me. And I said let’s go to court. We argued a case in [Broward Circuit Court] before Judge Mark E. Polen and we won. He said your right to smoke marijuana is a lot more important than the right of the government to tell you what to do with what you can smoke. That case became the seminal case for hundreds of others.” While dying of cancer, Kent himself couldn’t find pain relief smoking marijuana: “No,” he said, “I had a respiratory condition in 2018 when I got a defibrillator and pacemaker.” Shortly after college, Kent worked briefly as an urban affairs analyst for the New York Legislature, and in 1978 relocated to South Florida where his parents had moved. Kent never officially told them he was gay. “My parents always suspected he was gay from the time he moved to Fort Lauderdale,” said his brother Alan, a retired psychologist. “They would always ask me, ‘Do you think Norman is gay?’” Alan Kent, who also is gay, came out to their parents in 1982. Five years later, after their father died, Norm called Alan from Provincetown, Massachusetts, with some news: I’m gay. “I said really? Tell me something I don’t know,” Alan Kent recalled. Before he died, Norm Kent said that for him “there was no such thing as being in [the closet].” “There was always this fear that as a gay lawyer it might cost me economically,” Kent said. “But there I was, a gay lawyer who was representing gay bars and gay friends and gay owners.” Kent said that decades ago he never cared if people knew his sexual orientation. Once, a South Florida Sun Sentinel reporter interviewed Kent for a story and asked about rumors that he was gay – and then never published that he was. “It’s not my job to do their thinking for them. It’s my job to be who I am. And I’m proud of every minute and moment of who I am and what I was,” Kent said. “And if that meant I was a faggot who could throw a baseball, that’s their problem.” After he moved to South Florida, Norm Kent briefly wrote a column for Playbill magazine and taught sociology at Florida Atlantic University. Soon he became known locally as an advocate for runaway gay youths who hung out at Fort Lauderdale Beach. On the strip, Kent interviewed 30 boys ages 12 to 20 working as prostitutes. By 1984, Kent had spoken with about 150 boys on the strip – a third of them said they had sold their bodies to survive. For years, Fort Lauderdale police and politicians worked to downplay the local homeless problem, according to a 1989 Miami Herald profile of Kent headlined “Upholder of the Unpopular.” “It was like the mayor in Amity denying that there was a shark out there,” Kent told the Herald, referring to the blockbuster 1975 film of the era, “Jaws.” Kent spent the rest of his life advocating for homeless gay youth. In 2000 – after having just survived treatment for lymphoma – Kent met John Fugate, then 18 and disowned since middle school by his Lakeland family. Kent, who at the time published the Express Gay News in Fort Lauderdale, offered Fugate a job delivering newspapers. Despite their age difference, Kent, 53, and Fugate, 21, became partners. Seven years later, they ended their romantic relationship. But they remained close friends and continued to work together on and off. After Kent’s health began to decline in 2018, Fugate and his new husband Brian Swinford stepped in as Kent’s caregivers. Mark Possíen, Kent’s close friend since 1977, described his Victoria Park home as “a refuge for so many people.” “If you were down and out, he would invite you to come and stay with him. He’d get you a job. If you were on drugs, he tried to get you off drugs,” Possíen said. “He was selfless. He did everything with no expectation of any kind or return or reward from the person.” About 1991, Possíen moved into a spare room in the Victoria Park house where Kent helped him launch Catalog X, one of the first gay-owned mail-order adult toy businesses. Possíen, who closed Catalog X in 2003, now lives in Lake Worth. In late March, Kent told him that his “biggest disappointment” about having terminal cancer was not having enough time “to sue Ron DeSantis for the drag queen stuff.” “He said, ‘I’ve taken on all these cases all my life, I didn’t make money on them and sometimes they cost me money,’” Possíen said. “When he saw something that was wrong or unjust, he wanted to fix it.” During college on Long Island, Kent dabbled as a reporter writing for the local Jewish Journal and Nassau Herald. Later in South Florida, Kent himself became a media celebrity. “He’s lived his life in the public eye,” Kent’s brother Alan said. “Norman has done a lot of good stuff and he’s had a lot of recognition for what he accomplished.” Norm Kent’s name frequently appeared in both the Sun Sentinel and the Miami Herald. Among his high-profile legal cases: Helping adult video store owners charged with obscenity in the 1980s. Representing the owners of nude dance clubs in the 1990s, when South Florida municipalities tried to shut them down. Defending countless men charged with public sex in restrooms, in parks and on beaches throughout South Florida well into the 2000s. A 1992 case that got particular attention: when gay radio superstar Neil Rogers, Kent’s close friend, was charged with indecent exposure at an adult movie theater in South Beach. “Millions” of other men were arrested under the same circumstances, Kent recalled March 28. “Only straight men would go free. … And people like Neil would get into trouble. I said ‘What the hell is going on here? This isn’t right. This isn’t fair to gay people.’ Over the years, so many would be wrongfully and unjustly arrested and prosecuted.” From 1989 to 1992, Kent had his own daily talk show on WFTL AM. Later, he hosted various radio programs including one broadcast live during the breakfast rush at the Floridian on Las Olas Boulevard. He also represented Rogers in the radio business. “I wound up making him, as his agent, $1.5 million a year,” Kent said. Kent said that for years, Rogers made fun of him on the radio and elsewhere, sometimes referring to him as “Norma.” In 1999, Kent took on a new title: newspaper publisher. He launched the Express Gay News, which covered all aspects of queer life in South Florida. Kent sold the paper four years later to Window Media, a national LGBT media group that renamed it the South Florida Blade. Window Media went bankrupt in November 2009 and quickly shut down the Blade. Most of the staff of the Blade reorganized and launched the Florida Agenda, which shut down in 2016. In January of 2010 Kent launched a new newspaper and website called South Florida Gay News, along with a new business partner Piero Guidugli, who stayed with the company until 2020. Celebrating 400 issues of SFGN in 2018, Kent and Guidugli highlighted a few of their most compelling stories, including: A five-year long program of entrapment by two West Palm Beach policemen who had entrapped more than 300 men. Hollywood police fired officer Mikey Verdugo in 2010 after the department learned he had appeared in a 15-minute gay porn scene 14 years earlier. (Verdugo now owns Bodytek Fitness in Davie and Wilton Manors.) The 2010 firing of licensed practical nurse Ray Fetcho AKA drag queen Tiny Tina, when it came out that 35 years earlier Fetcho had been charged with a lewd act for hosting a wet jockey shorts contest at the old Copa nightclub in Fort Lauderdale. (Fetcho died at 68 of cancer and diabetes in 2015.) In 2016, Kent wrote in a publisher’s column about the last of the big gay bar raids in Broward County, when in 1991 then-Sheriff Nick Navarro created a media spectacle arresting men at the Copa and at Club 21 in Hallandale Beach. Kent said he never regretted publishing a story, even if it got him into hot water with local power figures, including activists and elected officials. “It’s the newspaper. It’s what editorial cartoons are all about,” he said. “It’s not for the politician to be thin skinned. It’s for the politician to go naked before the canon and accept the fact that he, too, can be criticized no matter how good they think they are.” The past five years, Kent suffered several lifethreatening health setbacks. He had two brain surgeries to remove tumors, COVID in 2021 and then the pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Last September, he stepped down as publisher and handed the running of SFGN to Associate Publisher Jason Parsley. “Jason has established himself as a very powerful voice, not afraid to stand up to anybody,” Kent said March 28. Parsley said Kent “had a passion for journalism and being a storyteller.” “He leaves a long legacy of journalism and a dogged pursuit of the truth,” Parsley said. “He wasn’t just a news reporter. He also wrote scathing and biting – truthful – editorials that would sometimes call out members of our own community and push the ball forward.” This is an excerpt from a story that ran in the South Florida Gay News. It is reprinted with permission from Steve Rothaus. CONTINUE READING ON NEXT PAGE ⊲ The South Florida LGBTQ Student Journalist Fund launched shortly after South Florida Gay News founder Norm Kent died of cancer at 73 on April 13, 2023. Donations are managed by Wilton Manors-based Our Fund Foundation. “It’s to support LGBTQ journalism,” Our Fund CEO/President David Jobin said. “In this political climate it becomes even more critical to have authentic LGBTQ voices and stories told by us." Until now, the fund has raised $2,200.

14 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH ⊳ CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE POOCH Longtime bartender & community activist John Hayden Pooch, a lifelong South Florida bartender, died in April. He was a fixture behind the bars for 40 years at some of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s legacy establishments including Sea Monster and End Up, which eventually became Elements and is now Scandals. Pooch’s death comes just six months after the loss of his husband, Don Clark, a fellow bartender. His friend Toni Barone told the South Florida Gay News they were so close, they shared a destination wedding. Barone and her wife went with Pooch and Don on a trip to Washington, D.C. and got married in a double ceremony. “He was like a brother to me for 44 years,” she said. “He was all around fun.” Another longtime friend, Howard Marr, shared this on social media. “Pooch was one of the founding members of our bartending community in this town, and a true force to be reckoned with,” he wrote. “He, and his husband Don were an amazing couple. A true legacy couple. Pooch passing, puts another nail in the history of the gay rights movement, as he was there from the beginning.” This is an excerpt from a story that ran in the South Florida Gay News. It is reprinted with permission from John Hayden. Pooch. Photo by JR Davis. JIM STEPP Lifelong philanthropist Christiana Lilly Jim Stepp, who spent his life giving back to causes advancing the rights of LGBT people, died May 4 at 85. Stepp was a founding board member of the Our Fund Foundation in Wilton Manors, an organization that since 2010 has supported philanthropy giving to LGBTQ organizations locally and across the country. Each year, it gives more than $1,500,000 to nonprofit agencies. In February 2019, Stepp and his husband Peter Zimmer were the inaugural recipients of the Raising the Bar Award, also known as the South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropist of the Year, hosted by the Our Fund Foundation. The couple also donated to the Florida AIDS Walk, and in 2011 made a donation from their trust to Stonewall National Museum & Archives. The two were also Platinum Level members of the Pride Center’s Founders Circle and Equality Florida’s Legacy of Equality Society. But Stepp and Zimmer’s days of philanthropy stretched beyond his days in South Florida. While living in New York City, they were also early supporters of SAGE and Lambda Legal. This is an excerpt from a story that ran in the South Florida Gay News. It is reprinted with permission from Christiana Lilly. DAVID LEDDICK Gay South Florida author, entertainer Steve Rothaus Prolific South Beach author and entertainer David Leddick, who died at 93 on March 19, liked to offer audiences two pieces of essential advice. First, he wrote in his own advance obituary: “Always moisturize your neck. You never know. Someday it may be your face.” And secondly: “When you look back on life, the greatest successes and worst failures will both feel very much the same. What is important is that you live and not have any what might have beens. Go out there and fight for your dreams ... dare to do it … give it your best shot. And in that way, whether you succeed or you fail, you succeeded.” Leddick’s friends and colleagues all agree: He succeeded grandly. “David Leddick was straight out of Central Casting as a ‘bon vivant’ and a person here in Miami, who we revered as a world traveler with accomplishments and a storied career, sharing lessons with us all,” said Broadway director Richard JayAlexander, who first worked with Leddick in As Time Goes By ... Our History in Song, a 2001 South Beach Gay Men’s Chorus concert at the Colony Theatre on Lincoln Road. Leddick was born Jan. 13, 1930, in Detroit. He grew up during the Great Depression and World War II. Even as a child, Leddick lived the gay life. “I had my first boyfriend when I was 4,” he told the Herald in 2003, when he published The Secret Lives of Married Men, a book that featured interviews with 39 gay men who had been married to women. During the early 1950s, Leddick served as a U.S. Navy officer in Korea. After returning to the U.S., he lived in New York City and performed as a dancer at the Metropolitan Opera. “His military service had a profound impact on his life, as it helped him to understand the importance of discipline and teamwork, which he later applied in his advertising career and literary life,” Leddick wrote in his own third-person obituary. “In his later years as a prolific writer, he would sit at his manual Royal typewriter and push out at least one page of written work per day.” At the time of the June 1969 Stonewall uprising in New York City, Leddick lived in Greenwich Village, down the street from the Stonewall Inn. A police raid Jim Stepp. Photo courtesy of Our Fund Foundation. there sparked the modern LGBTQ rights movement. Leddick usually underplayed the moment’s historical significance, sardonically saying in his own obituary that he “slept through it.” In 2001, he told the Miami Herald that he watched the clash from his apartment across the street. “It did not seem like a major event. There were a lot of police raids at the time. Yes, there were a lot of drag queens out there throwing bottles. It was a highspirited, aggressive kind of brawl. … It wasn’t the French Revolution, but it was a turning point.” Throughout his later years, Leddick split time between Miami Beach, Montmartre in Paris and in Montevideo, Uruguay. This is an excerpt from a story that ran in the South Florida Gay News. It is reprinted with permission from Steve Rothaus. Photo by David Vance, courtesy of David Leddick.

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 15 CONTINUE READING ON NEXT PAGE ⊲ Michael Connell. Photo via Pub on The Drive, Facebook. KEN KEECHL & TED ADCOCK LGBTQ rights activists Steve Rothaus Ken 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. Keechl was 60. “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. 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. “[Ken and Ted] were good together,” Prewitt said. “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. 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 Ken Keechl & Ted Adcock. Photo by JR Davis. 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. 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. 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. 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. Adcock died Dec. 29. Keechl learned he had cancer in early April, Prewitt said. MICHAEL CONNELL Co-owner of Pub On the Drive John Hayden Michael Connell, the co-owner of Pub On the Drive suffered a stroke in October but the news of his death in November still came as a surprise. Connell appeared to be making a full recovery, and was making plans. The Pub said on social media, “We are at a loss for words and heartbroken. Our beloved Michael Connell passed away in his sleep unexpectedly. His close friends and family join us with tears of sadness & heartbreak but with such gratitude for having been able to share in his life. The amazing life of a great man whose legacy of love, compassion, humility, kindness & justice will leave those who knew him touched. Rest Easy Michael.” Connell ran a very successful business in the heart of Wilton Manors. But he believed the Pub was a community entity, not just his. He supported drag entertainers through thick and thin, support that was even more important this last year as drag queens were under attack by Florida lawmakers. The Hazelhurst, Georgia native and was married to James Walker. The two liked to spend summer in Chicago and warm winters in South Florida. Walker posted a video after Connell’s death saying, “This morning the glorious miraculous sunrise is without Mike’s physical presence. The sunrise this morning is symbolic of the beautiful horizon he too sees on the other shore.” LONDON PRICE Beloved by family members Christiana Lilly London Price, 26, was shot and killed in Miami by a man who friends and family believe is her ex-boyfriend. Price’s mother told Local 10 the ex-boyfriend wasn’t getting along with his parents so “she gave this person a place to live so the person could have a home.” After her death, loved ones gathered to release pink, white and gold balloons in a candlelit ceremony. Price’s aunt told the HRC that her niece would “give you the shirt off her back.” Peyton ran off after the shooting but was located in Broward County and arrested on Oct. 31, 2023. He has been charged with second-degree murder with a weapon. Price was born in New Orleans and graduated from South Terrebone High School. According to the Pittsburgh Lesbian Correspondents Price liked jewelry and London Price. Photo via Facebook. music. PLC also reported that her aunt spoke with media about London’s transition. “She got her name changed, passport, went to the court and got everything done the right way,”

16 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH ⊳ CONTINUED FROM THE PREVIOUS PAGE TONY DEE Entrepreneur and businessman Steve Rothaus Anthony De Riggi, 88, died last March 23, his passing noted in his hometown of Farmingdale, New York, but virtually unreported in Wilton Manors, the city where he made his name: Tony Dee. Dee, a longtime Broward real-estate developer, 33 years ago co-founded Chardees, among the very first gayoriented supper clubs along Wilton Drive. “He was a shrewd, shrewd businessman. The shrewdest businessman I ever met,” said Paul Hugo, owner of The Venue on Wilton Drive. “I first met him at Chardees. Always dressed to the nines. A showman. He was always the funny guy, charming guy, a witty guy, a wise guy. All those things. A guy you liked to be around.” Dee grew up in Long Island’s Farmingdale. As a younger man, he became a barber and eventually owned three Nassau County hair salons, according to his widower, Andy Martin. In 1990, Dee and his then-life partner, Charlie Mielke, bought a gay restaurant at 2209 Wilton Dr. called The Palms and reopened it as Chardees (Char for Charlie; dee for Tony). Among the attractions at Chardees: bigname entertainment. Entertainer Eartha Kitt was the first star Dee brought in, later followed by such acts as comedian Judy Tenuta, the Glenn Miller Orchestra and singer Sam Harris. Dee sold Chardees in 2005, shortly after he and Mielke broke up. After selling the supper club (now home to Eagle Wilton Manors), Dee concentrated on his commercial real estate business. He also owned the old Schubert Resort for gay men in Victoria Park near Sunrise Boulevard. Dee and Mielke remained friends and in 2012 they got back into the supper club business, purchasing Tropics, an established restaurant at 2000 Wilton Dr. Martin, originally from North Carolina, moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2011 and met Dee the next year at Tropics. “We weren’t official until New Year’s Eve going into 2013.” The couple had a 36-year age difference. “There was an attraction for both of us. He liked younger guys, I liked older guys. All of my partners were older.” Dee sold Tropics in 2014. Martin and Dee also bought and sold homes in Wilton Manors, the Carolinas and Boca Raton. In January 2022, Dee had knee surgery. His health deteriorated and died less than a year later. Martin turned 53 on Oct. 17. Dee would have been 89 on Oct. 21. MARK TISON Smarty Pants Owner John Hayden Smarty Pants bar epitomizes the concept of a community gathering place. Located well off Wilton Drive and the proverbial “beaten path,” it has long been a spot for LGBT to gather, visit, and have a drink. One of the main reasons for its success is the love and dedication of owner Mark Tison, who died last year. The bar said on their Facebook page, “It is with a heavy heart that the Smarty Pants family announces the passing of our owner, Mark Tison.” Tison and his partner, Fritz, bought the bar in September 2003, maintaining the location as a safe space for LGBT. He brought a love of community that was expressed not only by his personality but also in his dedication to their customers. Before becoming Smarty Pants, it operated under several names including The Bushes, Little Jim’s, and Simba’s Lounge, all LGBT. He was determined to continue the tradition. “It was their dream to own a fabulous, fun and flirty bar, and has been a staple of the Fort Lauderdale community. Smarty Pants Bar is the oldest neighborhood “alternative lifestyle” bar in Fort Lauderdale,” their post read. This is an excerpt from a story that ran in the South Florida Gay News. It is reprinted with permission from John Hayden. Tony Dee and Andy Martin. Photo provided by Andy Martin. Mark Tinson. Photo via Smarty Pants Bar, Facebook. DOUG PEW Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Aaron Kinchen The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida lost a pioneer whose early efforts cemented the ensemble as a fixture in the gay cultural life of South Florida. The longtime benefactor, Doug Pew, died Sept. 17 after battling a long illness. Pew, a contract lawyer with a world classcareer, and husband, Don Croxton, donated the money that ushered the chorus into existence and continued their generosity for the next 13 years as major donors. After he filed the nonprofit’s articles of incorporation, Pew was named the first Board Chair. Many Chorus members cite Pew’s clarity of purpose as his greatest strength while he helmed the seminal GMCSF Board of Directors. Doug Pew. Photo via Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, Facebook. Croxton and Pew met in a St. Louis gay bar in 1969, introduced by the bartender. In the 1980s, Pew’s career brought them to suburban Connecticut, where they stayed until they moved to Florida in 2000. The couple were avid travelers. “We’d been almost everywhere … twice!” Croxton said. “Not Antarctica, though.” They’d been together for 54 years.

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 17

18 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH ONE YEAR LATER, STILL LOOKING FOR ANSWERS T he rain stopped just in time for a dinner at Tulio’s on Jan. 6, a dinner honoring the life of Jason Marous. Among the group of friends and family, they donned his favorite color, orange, as well as custom Nikes with his name on them, beaded bracelets with his name and turtles, and around the neck of his mother, Debbie Lawrence, is a necklace with the letter “J” as well as a charm with his thumb print on it. She came down from Ohio for the occasion with her son and niece, joining Marous’ local friends. While the group laughed and ordered drinks, in the back of their minds they were all facing the solemn occasion: the one-year anniversary that Marous had been shot and killed, left for dead in his vehicle outside of his Fort Lauderdale apartment. “There’s no book of what to do when someone gets murdered,” Lawrence said. “Your mind wanders. Who the F would do this to my son? Who? He was an innocent person.” AN UNSOLVED CRIME Marous had just turned 36 two weeks before he was shot to death in the early morning hours of Jan. 6, 2023. He was in a secret five-month relationship with a married man, according to the Fort Lauderdale Police Department, and the boyfriend told police they were going to meet up at Eagle in Wilton Manors. After 1:30 in the morning, he never showed up and was not responding to calls or texts. At around 3:45 a.m. the boyfriend called a Lyft to go to Marous’ apartment in Middle River Terrace and used a hidden key to go inside and saw that no one was home. When he went outside to the parking lot, a neighbor pointed at Marous’ red Ford Edge, believing that he was asleep at the wheel. When the boyfriend investigated, though, he saw that Marous had a wound to his neck and was bleeding — he called the police, who pronounced him dead at the scene as a result of a gunshot wound. The boyfriend called a local friend as well as Ted Theophylactos, Marous' best friend in Ohio, who was then responsible for delivering the bad news to Marous’ family. That included his older brother, Jeff Marous. “It was probably one of the worst experiences in my life, hearing that screeching,” Jeff said of calling his mother. “I can still hear that sound.” Word spread throughout the family in Ohio, and the miles felt epic between them and Marous so they called a local friend, Garric Sacca, to go to the scene and confirm the news. NEWS LOCAL Christiana Lilly LOVED ONES MOURN JASON MAROUS AFTER HIS MURDER When he arrived at the apartment in Middle River Terrace, there was crime scene tape and cop cars surrounding Marous’ truck. It was true, he was dead. The night before, Sacca and his boyfriend had dinner with Marous. The group walked together to Lit and then went their separate ways for the evening. “When I went to his funeral — I didn’t think I was going to live through it — there were over 700 people at his funeral. It was like a prince had died. I’m serious. I’ve never, ever, ever seen anything like it… he was that special,” Sacca said. A PLACE HE BELONGED Marous moved down to Fort Lauderdale in April 2014. He had recently come out to his family and he wanted to move to a bigger, more LGBTQ-friendly community and find out who he was. Sacca said that in South Florida, “it really was like he came here and took a breath for the first time.” The two dated for almost four years and enjoyed paddleboarding and kayaking — much of Marous’ Instagram is photos of him running on the beach or working on his backyard — and even though their romantic relationship ended, the two stayed close friends. Selena Trivisonno, Marous’ cousin, remembered how when their aunt died young, he brought her beloved cat, Buttons, to the funeral so that they could say goodbye. When she would visit multiple times a year, they would go to the beach, visit the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center in Boca Raton, go shopping, and dance the night away. “[My husband and I] wanted to retire down here, get a place down here. We were already thinking of our future with him down here,” Trivisonno says. “We feel him more here. We have so many wonderful memories.” While friends and family toasted to Marous in Wilton Manors, Theophylactos hosted a gathering at his home in Ohio to honor his best friend’s life. The two met through work in 2010 — Theophylactos is in real estate, and as a gay man, he said it wasn’t often you had gay colleagues in the construction industry. He invited him out for lunch, and they became like brothers, he said. His favorite memory was attending St. Pete Pride together in 2022. “I’ll never have another friend like that. Nobody is going to check that many boxes, the way he would look after me,” Theophylactos said. “We always had so, so much fun. So many memorable times. I’m really blessed to have had that. If people can have just one friend in life like that, they’re good.” FINDING JUSTICE Since Marous’ murder, Lawrence, Theophylactos and Jeff have come down to Fort Lauderdale multiple times, from helping clear out the apartment to hanging fliers around the neighborhood and speaking with the press. “Without exposure, this can go cold,” Theophylactos says. A year later, no arrests have been made and a $50,000 reward has been put up by Broward Crime Stoppers and the family for anyone who comes forward with a lead that leads to the arrest of the shooter. There’s little to go on right now, but police have released a video of a man walking down the street around the time of the shooting. Friends and family are not convinced that Marous’ murder was a random act of violence. Nothing was missing from Marous or his truck, including his wallet, iPhone and Apple watch. They also believe that the neighborhood doesn’t make sense for someone to wait for a crime of opportunity. “That math doesn’t math for me and his close friends who loved him dearly, nor his family, but we don’t have any other leads to prove us otherwise,” Theophylactos said. MISSING JASON On Dec. 22, what would have been his 37th birthday, Lawrence brought Pepsi, tequila, and a cupcake to her son’s grave. She was joined by her family and Theophylactos and took a “pretend” shot of tequila and laughed that she “would have danced but it was really cold.” In July, a mural of Marous dancing in a crowd with a plaque was added to the Fieldhouse Gymnasium, an LGBTQ-affirming space, in Lakewood, Ohio in his honor. Lawrence remembers that like every Friday, she texted her son, “TGIF!” When he didn’t respond, she figured he was running late for work at his construction job. She soon learned that wasn’t the case when her middle son called her. “I just went down on my knees, and it’s just like you see in the movies,” she said. As she waits for justice, Lawrence said she has started writing a letter to her son’s murderer — about what they’ve done to her family and friends, and how she’s slowly learning to forgive them. Fort Lauderdale is a place with mixed feelings for Marous’ loved ones — Theophylactos said the city took their friend from them twice. But while it’s the place where his life ended, it’s also one where they knew he felt at home. He would constantly send selfies from the beach and tell them that after a bad day at work, he was planning on sitting on the sand to watch the waves come in. When Jeff and his mother arrived in Fort Lauderdale for the anniversary, they got up at 6 in the morning to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean. In the sand, they drew a heart with the words “Jay 1/6/23.” “I wanted to get down here to see if I could feel him,” Jeff said. “It’s probably the first time I’ve felt at peace.” Courtesy Debbie Lawrence. IF YOU HAVE ANY INFORMATION REGARDING THE MURDER OF JASON MAROUS, CONTACT BROWARD CRIME STOPPERS AT 954-493-8477 OR BROWARDCRIMESTOPPERS.ORG. SCAN HERE TO VIEW VIDEO OF THE PERSON OF INTEREST ⊲

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 19 SERVING WILTON MANORS AND OAKLAND PARK JANUARY 18, 2024 VOLUME 2 • ISSUE 1 FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE HOLY MACKEREL! WILTON MANORS Wilton Collective, the high-end consignment shop on Wilton Drive, is on the move. In February, they are leaving their spot across from The Venue/The Manor and moving into the old Holy Mackerel location in Island City Plaza on 26th St. Rumors of a move have been swirling for months, but details of when and where are just coming out. “I’m excited about the location,” founder Julian Cavazos said. “We’ll be duplicating what we have [at the current store] but will have more space. We can bring in more vendors.” He believes the new space creates new opportunities for the store’s mission, which is to help LGBTQ youth find a safe space and develop life skills. It’s all part of the larger organization, Julian’s Fountain of Youth (JFOY). In addition to a larger sales floor, there is also a 1400sq foot event space. Cavazos plans to hold youth group meetings there, and open By John Hayden it up to other organizations for their events. They plan to start moving on Monday, Feb. 19 and be up and running by that Friday. DEVELOPMENT DEVELOPMENTS The big news from the move is what it says about the future of development in Wilton Manors along 26th St. Last year, Island City Plaza was in the works to be sold to a developer. The sale came to a sudden halt and fell apart. At the time, OutSFL was told it was an issue with the title. The fact that Wilton Collective is coming in to fill an anchor store with a multi-year lease indicates that any major development on that spot is dead for the foreseeable future. The lot on the other side of 15th St. is a separate property, but we understand it is under different zoning requirements. That section of 26th St. is part of a transportation master plan being worked on between the city and the county and state. Much of it has revolved around the idea that a mixed-use building would go there. Crosswalks are planned to make crossing the busy street safer. Transportation upgrades are once-in-ageneration projects. With a long term vision, the plan could still go forward as-is. WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • JANUARY 18, 2024 Photo via Wilton Collective, Facebook. “We’ll be duplicating what we have [at the current store] but will have more space. We can bring in more vendors.” - JULIAN CAVAZOS WILTON COLLECTIVE FOUNDER WILTON COLLECTIVE IS MOVING

20 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH A helmet, a water bottle, maybe a towel. That’s basically all a bike rider needs to hit the streets. They don’t carry wrenches and pedal repair gear, even though sometimes they are needed on the spot. Wilton Downtown Improvement District (WDID) has a solution. They’ve installed a bike repair station on Wilton Drive and 21st Ct., on the corner across from Tulio’s. The bike repair station is self-serve for any bicyclists in the area. The station provides a tool set including screwdrivers, pedal and cone wrenches, a hex key set and tire levers. WDID Chair, Claudia Castillo, says the board sees more and more bicyclists in Wilton Manors, and this fills a need. “The bike station allows repairs to occur in case someone finds themselves with a flat tire or any other common problem that can occur while riding a bicycle,” she said. Wilton Manors City Commissioner Chris Caputo bikes just about everywhere he can. LET IT RIDE! WILTON MANORS By John Hayden Photo via Claudia Castillo Quintana, Facebook. “The bicycle racks and street furniture that were added have also enhanced the quality of life for tourists and the community on the Drive.” - CLAUDIA CASTILLO WILTON DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT CHAIR 2 • JANUARY 18, 2024 • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 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 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 • Rick Karlin • Aaron Kinchen Staff Photographers J.R. Davis • Carina Mask Sales & Marketing For ad placement in The Gazette, contact 954-514-7095 Publisher/Editor Jason Parsley CEO Justin Wyse Spot an error? Let us know at [email protected] As Wilton’s unofficial Bicycler-In-Chief, he’s seen how bike-friendly communities improve. “If you look anywhere else in the nation, when you build infrastructure, people bike more. I think it speaks to what residents want. More bikeable community.” The station was installed by Leisure Services and the city will maintain its upkeep. Castillo says it’s the latest in a long line of projects to show that “Life’s Just Better Here”. “The bicycle racks and street furniture that were added have also enhanced the quality of life for tourists and the community on the Drive.” The group isn’t slowing down anytime soon. “The WDID is always working on new ideas and initiatives that will encourage and promote more walkability for pedestrians along Wilton Drive and to help the businesses. The Wilton Drive Street Lane Reduction Improvements that were completed last year consisted of expanded sidewalks, new bicycle lanes, safety crosswalks, lighting, and landscape improvements. Recently, new banners and branding elements were added along the Drive to make it more attractive and to provide information on events for the community.” outsfl.com/newsletter WILTON MANORS NEWS... RIGHT TO YOUR INBOX. THE ISLANDER A WILTON MANORS NEWSLETTER BIKE REPAIR STATION ON WILTON DRIVE

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM • JANUARY 18, 2024 1.18.2024 • • 21 3 With 2023 officially over, we wanted to take a look back on our most read-stories online that took place in Wilton Manors. POWER PROBLEMS PLAGUE PRIDE HUB WILTON MANORS HERE ARE WILTON MANORS’ MOST-READ STORIES OF 2023 …FROM AN UNSOLVED KILLING AND A NEW NIGHTCLUB, TO THE FIRST HOTEL IN THE CITY By John Hayden UNSOLVED KILLING IN WILTON MANORS The city was shaken when a violent crime left one dead and the killer on the loose. Arland Cata was shot and killed at 501 NW 28th Ct. on Sept. 10. The Broward Sheriff’s Office was called to the vacation rental and found Cata. He died from his wounds at the hospital. BSO is conducting the investigation along with WMPD. Chief Gary Blocker said that the property owner is an “absentee landlord” and ignored reports of problems at his property until after the killing. At the time, one person close to the investigation exclusively told OutSFL that this appeared to be an isolated incident and not a part of a violent crime spree. No arrest has been made. Anyone with any information is asked to call Broward County Crimestoppers at 954-493-TIPS. You can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward. NEW NIGHTCLUB OPENS ON THE DRIVE Wilton Manors’ newest nightclub, No Manors, opened in September in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors, tucked away between a liquor store and pizza shop. Despite its unassuming exterior, inside the bar boasts a New York City vibe with a spacious main bar, ample seating, and a secondary bar with a distinctly Floridian atmosphere, highlighted by pink flamingo wallpaper. The club opened with a bang. “The first night, there must have been 1,000 people,” General Manager Erol Zeren told OutSFL when the club opened. Owner Steven Bialos, who has deep roots in the NYC club scene, hopes to leave a unique mark in Wilton Manors. CITY TO GET HOTEL; PROJECT GAINS SUPPORT After years of starts and stops, major developments are on the verge of coming to Wilton Manors. At the top of the list is a hotel in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. The Wilton Hotel & Pool Club wants to build on the site of the old Kelis Mortuary on Dixie Hwy. south of Five Points. The project would create a 123 room, boutique hotel, with many of the amenities open to the public. The building would be one of, if not the first structure to take advantage of the city’s relaxed stance of building heights. Developers are working with the city to meet all code requirements. The project has strong political and public support. All members of the city commission are generally supportive. An exclusive poll by OutSFL and Survey Monkey found 63% support the project in its current location, with 28% opposed and 9% unsure. HAMBURGER MARY’S FOR SALE Hamburger Mary’s return to Wilton Manors in June 2021 got off to a rough start, and now could be coming to an end. In October, the restaurant popped up on multiple real estate sites. Owners are asking $750,000 for the business, and the buyer isn’t required to keep the Hamburger Mary’s franchise. Rent is $16,000 per month and the lease runs through 2031. We’re told the owner always planned to sell the restaurant after a couple of years. Real estate site Re/Max says the space is under contract. Hamburger Mary’s did not return calls for comment. DEVELOPMENT FRUSTRATION IN WILTON MANORS Wilton Manors has changed its philosophy, and building code, to encourage development in the city. Population is stagnant and in a 2 square mile city, the best way to grow — is up. But a skyline defining mid-rise apartment building in the heart of The Drive has many concerned. WilMa is a redevelopment of Shoppes of Wilton Manors (aka Alibi Plaza). The building most offset from The Drive would be demolished, and a parking garage put in its place. Then the parking lot in front would be turned into a mixed use apartment building. The building with Hunters and Alibi, as well as that part of the parking lot, will be updated but essentially left alone. Many worry that the building, which would dwarf all other buildings on Wilton Drive, will change the character of the town. It’s also a worry that it will fundamentally change the LGBTQ nature of the neighborhood. Barring an unforeseen circumstance, final approval from the city is expected in 2024. TENNIS ICON DISINVITED TO WILTON MANORS HOLIDAY EVENT FOR ANTI-TRANS VIEWS Martina Navratilova prides herself on picking on the trans community. In December, trans and their allies fought back. Her wife, “Real Housewives of Miami” cast member Julia Lemigova, was invited to perform at the Wilton Manors Holiday Spectacular. When organizers realized their virulent, anti-trans views, Lemigova was disinvited and no consideration was given to Navratilova’s purported request for VIP tickets. She also got into a feud with this OutSFL reporter via X (formerly Twitter). After she called trans women bad parodies of “real” women, this reporter appeared on Happening Out Television Network’s Queer News Tonight and called her a bad parody of a human being. She weighed in when one of her supporters reposted it, and quickly got more than 140,000 views. While most of Wilton Manors focuses on building up, Pub On the Drive decided to build out. In August, they held a VIP party and ribbon cutting. The next day, it went dark. Officials said engineers didn’t correctly gauge how much electricity the area would use, and turning on power to the new patio behind the restaurant could short circuit the entire building. Two months later, the lights came on and stayed on. Overall, the community is impressed. The new space is beautiful, with sleek wood walls, a large bar, a translucent cover and ceiling fans to keep things cool, six televisions, and seating for about 75. Photo via The Pub on the Drive, Facebook. Arland Cata. Photo via gunmemorial.org. Photo via NO Manors, Facebook. Photo via Hamburger Mary's Fort Lauderdale / Wilton Manors, Facebook. Rendering courtesy of Wilton Hotel & Pool Club. Photo by John Hayden. Julia Lemigova and Martina Navratilova, Photo via Instagram.

224 • • JANUARY 18, 2024 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH • WWW.WMGAZETTE.COM RUMORS SURROUND HAMBURGER MARY’S FUTURE WILTON MANORS Rumors, the bar, once occupied the space where Hamburger Mary’s sits today. Now rumors surround the future of Hamburger Mary’s and another Wilton Manors hot spot. OutSFL first reported that Hamburger Mary’s was for sale. Now, RE/Max says it’s under contract, but the buyer isn’t listed. Many people at the restaurant now tell OutSFL that it has been bought, and the sale should close this month. This will also be the end of Hamburger Mary’s second iteration in Wilton Manors. Sources in the restaurant say the new owners don’t plan on keeping the franchise. Rosie’s across the street was a Hamburger Mary’s until 2006 when it decided to go independent and forego punishing franchise fees. This version of the restaurant has had trouble from the start. First, they rushed to open in time for Pride 2021. The menu is limited compared to other stores in the franchise. They don’t serve lunch and are, generally, only busy during shows or special events. By John Hayden No official announcement has been made and employees, who spoke with OutSFL anonymously in order to speak freely, say there is no hint of a potential closing date. As for who will take the spot, OutSFL hasn’t been able to confirm rumors flying around the city. However, several sources close to the transaction say an existing bar wants to move to The Drive. OutSFL will continue to update this story as details are verified. Photo via Hamburger Mary’s Fort Lauderdale / Wilton Manors, Facebook. WMPD GETS NEW CONTRACT WILTON MANORS After months of intense, back and forth negotiations, Wilton Manors and their police department (WMPD), both sides have agreed to a new contract. The three-year deal has several significant changes from the previous pact. In public negotiation sessions, pay and benefits were generally the main sticking points. Going into discussions, WMPD was one of the lowest paid departments in Broward County and South Florida. The city wanted to get them into the top half. Highlights of the new deal, as outlined by the city, include a new pay structure designed to better recognize seniority. Raises will now be on a “step plan” instead of merit based. The first year comes with an 8% increase to base pay and moves officers to a higher step. Years two and three come with COLA (cost of living) raises of 3% and 3.5%, respectively. They also will have a double step for members whose years of service exceed their step pay. The deal also lets officers reach their “longevity payments” sooner. Members with 10-14 years of service will get a $875 payment By John Hayden (up from $675), and people with 15-19 years will get $1,275 (up from $1,000). A new tier was created for people with 20 or more years, giving them $1,500. There will also be more pay incentives to temporarily fill-in on positions higher than the officer’s duties, and more positions will be eligible for assignment pay. Officers are also getting more control over their well-earned time off. They can now bank up to 150 hours of comp time (up from 100) and 300 hours of vacation time (up from 275). They can also bank up to 500 hours of sick time to be paid out when they leave (up from 480). The previous contract expired Sept. 30. There was no work stoppage, and officers will be retroactively paid from Oct. 1. Photo via Wilton Manors Police Department, Facebook.

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24 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH TEEN ARRESTED IN MURDER INVESTIGATION OF GAY NEW ORLEANS TOURIST P olice in New Orleans have arrested a 16-year-old in connection with the murder of a gay bagel shop owner, who was gunned down while on vacation with his husband. Jacob Carter, 32, of Tacoma, Washington was shot and killed in the early morning hours of Jan. 5 in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans. Carter and his husband Daniel Blagovich co-owned the popular Howdy Bagels in Tacoma. “If you knew Jake, you know he was someone who exuded kindness, warmth and genuine care to everyone he met,” Howdy Bagels posted on its Instagram page. “Jake was one of the brightest spots in the lives of everyone he loved. This loss is immeasurable for our community.” A GoFundMe was created to support Blagovich and the Howdy Bagels team. As of Jan. 14, the fundraiser has received more $262,000. Meanwhile, the teenager suspected of killing Carter was arrested Jan. 12 in Jefferson Parish on unrelated charges. He is expected to be Jacob Carter (left) with his husband Daniel Blagovich (right) in 2023. Photo via GoFundMe. transported to Orleans Parish and booked on second-degree murder. Carter was found at the intersection of Bourbon and Kerlerec Streets with gunshot wound injuries and pronounced dead at the scene. Police have yet to disclose a motive for the crime. Meanwhile, New Orleans plays host to the National LGBTQ Task Force’s annual Creating Change conference (Jan. 17-21) with more than 2,500 LGBTQ activists and allies coming to the Crescent City. NEWS NATIONAL John McDonald IOWA VOTERS GIVE DESANTIS THE COLD SHOULDER T he strategy of going to the right of Donald Trump led Ron DeSantis right off the cliff. The Florida governor bet the farm on winning Iowa’s first in the nation caucuses, only to finish a distant second to Trump. The former president got 56,260 votes for 51% to DeSantis’ 23,420 votes for 21%. Campaigning in all of Iowa’s 99 counties while spending upwards of $300 million, DeSantis had hoped his bully tactics would resonate with social conservatives. Instead, most were drawn to Trump, who, ironically, saddled DeSantis with the nickname, “DeSanctimonious.” “To all my former GOP colleagues who followed DeSantis off a cliff handing schools over to book banning extremists and slavery apologists, banning abortion, going to war with Disney and making Florida synonymous with anti-LGBTQ bigotry only to lose every Iowa county I ask you this — WAS IT WORTH IT?” said Carlos Guillermo Smith, a former state representative from Orlando and arch NEWS COLUMN John McDonald THE DESANTIS WATCH rival of the governor. Disappointing showing aside, DeSantis is not throwing in the towel just yet, telling reporters the results had “punched his ticket” to continue the campaign. Many political pundits have said DeSantis is merely lingering to see if Trump is disqualified by a criminal conviction in the 91 charges against him. Meanwhile, the race for the Republican nomination shifts to New Hampshire and South Carolina, where former UN ambassador Nikki Haley, who finished a close third in Iowa, looks better positioned to contend with Trump. Public domain photo, via Wikimedia Commons. SMART RIDE GONE, NEW RIDE LAUNCHES When SMART Ride Founder Glen Weinzimer announced the annual HIV/AIDS benefit would end with the November 2023 ride, he said part of the decision was because he didn’t want the legacy event to continue on as a lesser version of itself. However, SMART Ride veterans and benefitting agencies weren’t ready to lower the kickstand. Within weeks, they started to take matters into their own hands. Team Key West Mile Markers filed articles of incorporation so they could keep fundraising. Executive directors of beneficiaries began DUE TO THE LOGISTICAL CHALLENGES THAT GO INTO AN EVENT OF THIS SIZE, MANY THOUGHT NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN IN 2024. HOWEVER, THE AGENCIES ANNOUNCED A ONE DAY, 100-MILE RIDE THROUGH THE KEYS IS SET FOR NOVEMBER 23, 2024. Photo via SMART Ride, Facebook. discussing among themselves on how to keep the community engaged. They weren’t sure how or what the new event would look like, but it was an imperative to continue. In recent years, they raised more than $1 million per year. Those funds aren’t easily replaced. While Weinzimer believed the teams and agencies had grown and become savvy enough to fundraise on their own, he never publicly endorsed a new ride. That changed during the final check presentation ceremony on Dec. 14. Due to the logistical challenges that go into an event of this size, many thought nothing would happen in 2024. However, the agencies announced a one day, 100-mile ride through the keys is set for November 23, 2024. SMART Ride was a two-day, 165-mile ride from Miami to Key West. “They’re family,” Weinzimer said of the organizers. “They give people a reason to make a difference. Their stories are real stories. Their wins are real wins, their losses are real losses.” “Ending it for me was the right time. It has to be reimagined to continue to bring people in.” On Sunday, it was enough to celebrate history. Details of the new event will come over the next few weeks. NEWS LOCAL John Hayden

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 25

26 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH Hunters Nightclub promises to deliver the ultimate quality and service, and that’s exactly what they do. The club in Wilton Manors won three categories: Best LGBTQ Bar, Happy Hour, and Staff. “It’s an absolute honor to win this category. We will continue to promote diversity and inclusion while throwing the best party in town. Our Fur Friday happy hour is in its 10th year and for a very good reason - our customers love it. Here is to another 10 years of Fur Friday!” said general manager Bruce Howe. “It’s a privilege to work alongside this talented team of professionals. We love what we do and it shows.” In addition, they took the runner-up spot in a handful of categories as well. “Knowing we are also runner-up in five additional categories is just incredible,” Howe said. “To all those who voted: Thank you! We will keep being the best club in town.” Not only does it serve amazing drinks, but they host events as well. In September 2023, it hosted its annual Celebrity Lip Sync Battle, where local celebs of all stripes showed up and performed on stage. The event was dedicated to helping Broward House, which was left devastated by April’s flood. Jana Jaffe of Broward House said a whopping $20,000 was raised. “Kevin [Clevenger] worked his butt off, and it was such an amazing event,” she told OutSFL at the time. “The performers were amazing.” Hunters has always been known for their support of the community as well. They’ve been the presenting sponsor of Wicked Manors for nine years. “Each year we make a staggering investment in the overall event and in our community,” Howe said. “Even reopening after COVID shutdown - we maintained our presenting sponsor donation.” 2232-2238 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors huntersftlauderdale.com Kim Swan Courtesy photo. FROM THE NEWSROOM RUNNER-UP FOR BEST LGBT BAR: DRYNK LOUNGE RUNNER-UP FOR HAPPY HOUR: DRYNK LOUNGE OUTSFL.COM/YCA2023 HUNTERS NIGHTCLUB BEST LGBTQ BAR & BEST HAPPY HOUR & BEST STAFF IN BROWARD Best Restaurants Best Fine Dining Best Breakfast Best Kept Secret Best Dessert Best BBQ Best Asian Best Vegetarian Best Menu Item Best Bar for Country Music Best Drink Best Brewery Best Workout Best Local Attraction Best Farmer's Market Best Adult Store Best Local Celebrity Best Local Straight Ally Best Local Actor Best Local DJ Best Bartenders Best Servers Best Business Owners Best Local Chef Best Local Entertainers Best Bartisa Best Date Night Spot Best HIV Related Nonprofit YOUR CHOICE AWARDS ONLINE CHECK OUT THE FULL LIST OF WINNERS FROM BROWARD, PALM BEACH, MIAMI-DADE, AND THE KEYS ON STANDS NOW Vol. 1 Issue 3 • DECEMBER 2023 - JANUARY 2024 • OUTSFL.COM YOUR CHOICE AWARDS Fort Lauderdale PRESENTED BY OUTSFL YOUR CHOICE AWARDS

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 27 OUR SUCCESS IS YOUR SUCCESS I wish we lived in a world where the news was free. Where we could do our jobs without worrying about money. But alas, that is not the case – even for a business like ours that has such a community service oriented mission. We survive on your advertising dollars. Mainstream papers like the Sun Sentinel, Palm Beach Post and Miami Herald also have subscriptions – we don’t. Nor do we have paywalls. Our news is free to you – but not to us. If you own a business, please consider advertising. If you know a business who might be interested, please introduce us. If neither of those situations apply, then make sure to visit our advertisers – use their services (and mention us!). You can always email us at editorial@outsfl. com for story ideas, tips, suggestions, or to submit a letter to the editor. Remember these are our pages, but your voice. Anyone is welcome to donate as well. Contact [email protected] or call 954-514-7095 for advertising inquiries. Jason Parsley FROM THE NEWSROOM CONSIDER US FOR YOUR ADVERTISING DOLLARS 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

28 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH LAST WEEK'S TOP 5 ONLINE STORIES STONEWALL FEST IS IN DEBT: ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS by John Hayden DESANTIS: MARRIAGE EQUALITY 'MARGINALIZES' RELIGIOUS INTUITIONS by John McDonald 3 WILTON DRIVE: THE HEART AND SOUL OF WILTON MANORS | OPINION by Jesse Monteagudo 4 HERE ARE YOUR MOST-READ STORIES OF 2023 by Staff 5 FLORIDA REPUBLICANS OUST EMBATTLED PARTY CHAIRMAN by John McDonald READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM THE COST OF RIGHT-WING MEDIA PROPAGANDA A new study reports that a quarter of Americans believe the FBI, not Donald Trump, instigated the attack on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. That one-fourth of the country is so grossly misinformed actuates Ben Franklin’s wry quip about Americans having “a republic, if you can keep it.” We cannot keep it, and we won’t, if half the country continues to consume disinformation-for-profit as news. As we begin the 2024 election season in earnest, media neutrality - or the lack thereof - may shape voters’ perceptions and candidate preferences more than reality. PROPAGANDA IS DIVIDING THE COUNTRY Mainstream media’s “performative neutrality,” as the Guardian’s Margaret Sullivan put it, doesn’t result in the delivery of neutral news. Neutrality, nationwide, isn’t possible if only moderate and center-left media outlets such as CNN and upstarts Scripps News and NewsNation strive to eliminate bias, while media outlets on the right embrace it. If it wasn’t already obvious, the Dominion voting case made clear that Fox News so profits from extremism that it buries or distorts mitigating facts along the way. This means the only counterweight to center and left attempts at media neutrality is a network on the right that peddles barely disguised propaganda. The net national effect on the news is not balance but imbalance, an imbalance that hews hard right. Throw in some sensationalized reporting to generate outrage about crime, immigrants, gays and a stolen election, and pretty soon, a fascist who tried to overthrow the government and terminate the constitution gets invited back for another round. TRUTH CANNOT PREVAIL WHERE IT ISN’T EVEN PRESENTED The quality of public discourse began to tank with the end of the Fairness Doctrine in 1987, with a heavy assist from the rise of social media. Today’s scorched earth political landscape Photo via Adobe. is anchored by Fox News, the Epoch Times and the Washington Examiner on the right, where opinions predominate the “news,” inflicting immeasurable damage on the depth and breadth of public knowledge. The rise in extremism makes clear that the absence of state interference in the cable news cycle does not deliver market balance. In addition to make-believe about the J6 Capitol attack, one third of the country still believes Trump won the 2020 election, despite consistent judicial rulings to the contrary. It is no coincidence that Trump’s base gets most of its news from Fox, despite Fox’s nearly $800 million admission that it repeatedly lied to them about the election. THE COST OF EXTREMISM The societal cost of allowing political propaganda to masquerade as news is rising extremism. The national cost, if we don’t address it, could either be another civil war, or the ascendance of a fascist or even neo-Nazi government with all its brutal implications. Recognizing the importance of honesty in the news, the Supreme Court, in 1969, unanimously affirmed the Fairness Doctrine in the Red Lion Broadcasting case, which required all news broadcasters to give fair coverage and opposing views on matters of public importance. Given America’s escalating division, the government’s interest in an impartially informed electorate has never been higher. Balancing publishers’ First Amendment rights against the right of the public to be wellinformed, the Red Lion court determined that the public’s right to access full information took priority over the First Amendment concerns of broadcasters, writing, “It is the purpose of the First Amendment to preserve an uninhibited market-place of ideas in which truth will ultimately prevail, rather than to countenance monopolization of that market.” Consider Britain’s due impartiality requirement, which requires both accuracy and impartiality in the news. Both Trump and his former UK counterpart, Boris Johnson, call efforts to subject them to the rule of law “witch hunts.” But Johnson was dramatically censured by his own party for lying, while Trump was not. As a former member of Parliament told the New York Times, the severity of Johnson’ censure demonstrates Parliament’s “commitment to the fundamental importance of truth” in British politics. Observing the corrosive effects of disinformation is easy. Fixing it, not so much. Networks will invoke the First Amendment as grounds for avoiding government intervention, but the First Amendment has never served as a blanket shield from regulatory oversight. It does not shield electoral fraud, threats, obstruction, incitement to riot, defamatory speech, or yelling “fire” in a crowded theater unless there’s an actual fire. Those profiting from them will not curb their ratings-boosting excesses voluntarily. Democracy depends for its survival on an informed public. Addictive anger-tainment is the opposite of information, and it is ripping us apart. Returning truth to the networks won’t be easy, but the effort is essential if our union is going to hold. Whether moneyed interests who profit from disinformation want our union to hold is another question altogether. VIEWPOINTS OPINION Sabrina Haake THE HAAKE TAKE Read more from Sabrina Haake is a 25-year litigator specializing in 1st this author here and 14th Amendment defense. Her columns also appear in RawStory, Chicago Tribune, Salon, State Affairs, and Howey Politics. She and her wife split their time between South Florida and Chicago. Follow her on Substack.

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30 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH “Love without judgement” A home for your spirit. Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. 33305 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org 954-633-2987 Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome! Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship. 11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing. Donate Your Car Imagine the Di erence You Can Make • Every donated vehicle will be properly recycled, reducing waste and harmful emissions. • Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and the proceeds help provide services to help the blind and visually impaired. Help Prevent Blindness Get A Vision Screening Annually FREE TOWING & TAX DEDUCTIBLE When you donate your car, you’ll receive: Donate Your Car • Every donated vehicle will be properly recycled, reducing waste and harmful emissions. FREE • Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and Call 1-855-758-0975 ✔ a $200 restaurant voucher ✔ a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors (Pride Center Building B) 954-564-9232 | etzchaimflorida.org [email protected] Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM ST. NICHOLAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach 954-942-5887 | StNicholasFL.org Sunday Service 9:30AM STS FRANCIS AND CLARE CHURCH 2300 NW 9th Ave. (Powerline Rd.) WIlton Manors 954-731-8173 | stsfrancisandclare.org Sunday: 10:30 AM. Watch LIVE @ facebook.com/stsfrancisandclare SPIRITUALITY LISTINGS PLEASE CHECK EACH LOCATION'S SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING DATES, IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE FOR SERVICES, OR OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE. SPIRITSONG CHURCH 2038 N Dixie HWY, Wilton Manors (in the Pride Center Auditorium) 954.533.9205 | cohss.org Sundays 10A | Wednesdays 7P 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 CULTIVATING TRUST THROUGH HONESTY, SHARING YOUR HIV JOURNEY WITH A PARTNER I’VE RECENTLY STARTED SEEING SOMEONE I REALLY LIKE, AND IT’S GETTING TO THE POINT WHERE WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT MORE PERSONAL THINGS. I’M HIV-POSITIVE AND ON TREATMENT, SO MY VIRAL LOAD IS UNDETECTABLE. I KNOW THE IMPORTANCE OF DISCLOSING MY STATUS, BUT I’M TERRIFIED OF HOW HE MIGHT REACT. HOW SHOULD I APPROACH THIS CONVERSATION IN A WAY THAT IS HONEST BUT ALSO PROTECTS OUR BUDDING RELATIONSHIP? First off, major kudos to you for recognizing the importance of this conversation in your relationship. Discussing your HIV status isn’t just small talk — it’s a significant moment that hinges on trust and openness. For you, it’s clear that this is more than just sharing information; it’s about vulnerability and honesty. It’s perfectly normal to feel vulnerable in these situations. The key is to approach this conversation thoughtfully and intentionally. Plan out what you want to say and how you want to say it. This ensures that your disclosure feels authentic and true to who you are, rather than something forced or uncomfortable. When you’re ready for this conversation, aim for clarity and directness. Explain what living with HIV means in your life, how you’re managing it, and the significance of having an undetectable viral load. If you’re feeling uncertain or anxious, it might be helpful to talk to a therapist beforehand. They can help you sort through your thoughts and feelings, and even assist in crafting what you want to say. Jotting down some key points can also be incredibly helpful. This isn’t about scripting your conversation, but ensuring you cover the important aspects without getting sidetracked by nerves or emotion. Prepare for a range of reactions. People respond differently to such disclosures, and that’s okay. It’s wise to think ahead about different scenarios and how you might handle them. Your support network – friends, therapist, support groups – is invaluable here. They can offer perspective, comfort, and Photo via Adobe. Kelly Ghweinem, LCSW CST VIEWPOINTS OPINION Kelly Ghweinem, LCSW CST is a queer-affirming therapist & business owner who champions the LGBTQ+ community through activism & advocacy utilizing a queer, feminist, anti-racist lens. A University at Buffalo graduate, Kelly came to Fort Lauderdale in 2022. Visit velvetcollective.org. Contact Kelly at [email protected]. advice. While you’re being considerate of your partner’s feelings, don’t forget to look after your own emotional well-being too. It’s a twoway street. Information is a powerful tool against fear and misunderstanding. Equip yourself and your partner with knowledge about HIV, its transmission, and management. Resources from the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program and the CDC can be incredibly useful. This not only shows that you’re responsible about your health, but also that you care deeply about the health and well-being of your partner. After you’ve shared your status, give your partner space to process everything. This is a lot of information to absorb, and they may need time to understand and react. Respect their need for space, just as they should respect your courage in sharing something so personal. Remember, this conversation can stir up a wide range of emotions for both of you. Take care of yourself. Talk to a therapist, reach out to friends and family, or join a support group if you need it. This isn’t just about managing your partner’s reaction; it’s also about ensuring you have the emotional support you need. This talk is a significant step in building a solid, honest foundation in your relationship. It’s a brave and tough conversation to have, but it’s incredibly important. You’re taking a step that many find daunting, and that in itself is commendable. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. There are many resources and people ready to support you through this. QUEERLY BELOVED The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice.

THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH | 1.18.2024 • 31 WONDERING WHERE YOU FIT IN? Holy Grill Mobile Feeding Ministry BINGO! Sundays 2pm Thursdays 1pm

32 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH TO-DO LIST [email protected] Compiled by Rick Karlin THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT “To Life 4: That’s (Jewish) Entertainment!” an evening of stories and music celebrating some of the greatest Jewish entertainers at Sugar Sand Park in Boca Raton and Four Phantoms at The Kravis. The all-women klezmer band, Isle of Klezbos, is at The Garage in Delray. Sunshine Cathedral hosts singer/actor Tom Goss. FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 SO MUCH SEAMEN An Atlantis cruise is departing tomorrow, and the boys are in town to party tonight. They can attend nautical-themed events such as The Manor’s “Sail Away” party or The Eagle’s “Poseidon”, featuring music by Wayne G from London. No life jackets required for these excursions. SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 BOYS, BACON & BETH At Le Boy, you can watch men in tight pants instead of boys without pants as they screen football games on the patio. Violet’s & Zen’s now serves brunch on Sundays. I have two words for you: Candied Bacon. Aventura Performing Arts Center welcomes Boadway diva, Beth Leavel (“The Prom” and the upcoming “The Devil Wears Prada” musical). SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 HELLO HELLO HELLO Cirque du Soliel opens its new show, “Echo,” at Gulfstream for an extended run. MONDAY, JANUARY 22 I SECOND THAT EMOTION Claudia Castillo ART Studio presents “Emotions” by Sylvia Restrepo. The exhibit runs through March 1. TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 MORE SEAMEN Princeton’s Triangle Club sails into Boca Raton with an original musical comedy “Ship Happens, a Cruisical,” at The Studio at Mizner Park. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 CURTAINS UP! ALL AROUND TOWN! Theater openings tonight include Island City’s “Which Way to the Stage?”, The Foundry/Plays of Wilton has “10 Naked Men”, Boca Stage presents “Boeing Boeing” at Delray Beach Playhouse, and Empire Stage’s got “Schartt$ Creek”. The Kravis presents “The Life and Music of George Michael” for one night only. THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 [email protected] CULTURE FOOD AN OASIS ON THE WAY TO KEY WEST Fiocchi. Photo via Italian Food Company, Facebook. ITALIAN FOOD COMPANY 98070 OVERSEAS HWY., KEY LARGO 305-440-2700 ITALIANFOODCOMPANY.COM In my youth, there was a song, sung by Maria Muldaur: Midnight at the Oasis Send your camel to bed Shadows painting our faces Traces of romance in our heads Heaven’s holding a half-moon Shining just for us Let’s slip off to a sand dune, real soon And kick up a little dust Italian Food Company, located on the way to Key West is that kind of oasis. A wonderful place to stop for a meal and, if you think you’ve stumbled onto an Italian town along the way, it’s easy to understand. The restaurant’s website boasts, “Where everyone is like family, and everything is imported from Italy with love.” Judging from our visit, it’s not just a boast, it’s a reality. Italian Food Company highlights authentic regional Neapolitan and Roman cuisine featuring appetizers, pizzas, pasta, entrees, and desserts. Owning a restaurant brand was not in Tony and Isis Wright’s original plans, but they have found their niche. They have an emotional connection with Italy and found the opportunity to bring a bit of it to the Florida Keys with family recipes and imported ingredients and their staff dotes on you like an Italian Nonna. The selection of appetizers is mindboggling. Try montanara, a Neapolitan street food consisting of fried pizza dough, which IFC serves with two different sauces; the hearty Bolognese sauce topped with Parmigiano, or Pomodoro topped with mozzarella and basil. Other appetizer options include arancini, bruschetta, meatballs, and antipasto platters. Of course, there is also the option of splitting their amazing Neapolitan pizza, but they are so perfectly prepared; that you won’t want to share. Entrée options also feel like you’re at Nonna’s house with such Italian-American pasta favorites: penne ala vodka, rigatoni Bolognese, gnocchi, penne with pesto sauce, fiocchi di pera (pasta stuffed with pear and cheese in a light cream sauce with honey and almonds), farfalle in a white sauce with diced ham, a Sicilian take on rigatoni with eggplant, pomodoro sauce and ricotta salata, penne al pomodoro, spaghetti al’ amatriciana, and, of course, lasagna. Many of these dishes are available with meat, chicken, or shrimp, as well. Protein-based dinners include more classics, most served with a side of pasta, chicken Parmigiana, fettuccini Alfredo with chicken, and lobster ravioli with shrimp. For those looking for a quick bite for lunch or a light dinner, check out the calzones and boccas, a twist on the panini featuring pizza bread overflowing with Italian fillings. Even if you need to pack up half your meal, leave room for dessert. Whatever isn’t made in-house is imported from Italy and each one is delicious. Cannoli, triple chocolate mousse, Nutella pizza, strawberry cheesecake, profiterole, ricotta with pistachios and honey (very Italian!), and the best of all torta della nonna (a dense poundcake-like confection that is more than mildly addictive). There is a surprisingly diverse wine list, with options by the bottle or glass. Although there is limited seating inside, if the weather permits, you’ll want to enjoy the deck or garden level, which features a vintage Fiat parked nearby. There is a second location in Islamorada that has a more expansive menu, with higher-end appetizers and pasta, as well as a heartier list of entrées such as grilled lamb or veal chops, salmon, traditional Italian chicken and veal dishes (saltimbocca, marsala, etc.), and a mixed grill. Rick Karlin HOT DISH 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]. Cannoli. Photo via Italian Food Company, Facebook.

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34 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH T he third annual My Hollywood Pride Street Festival, celebrating the South Florida LGBTQ community, returns to Downtown Hollywood as the first Pride of 2024 anywhere in the world, on Jan. 28. This year’s theme will be, appropriately, “Pride Starts Here!” The fun-filled weekend will have several ancillary events, the focus for most will be the My Hollywood Pride Street Festival on Sunday, Jan. 28 from 1-6 p.m., hosted by Emmy awardwinning news anchor Craig Stevens of WSVN Ch. 7 and FayWhat! of Happening Out Television Network. The event will be presented by the Quadraci-Cabrera family, local philanthropists who have supported the event since its inception. They will be partnering with the National LGBTQ Task Force, the nation’s oldest LGBTQ advocacy organization. “The importance of My Hollywood Pride has grown exponentially each year,” says Todd Delmay. “Our focus of making the festival event inclusive for young people, families, and our allies has definitely contributed to its uniqueness and the way it is embraced as a touchstone in the Pride calendar. It isn’t just the attacks on our community that draw us together, but the opportunity to show love and acceptance for everyone, especially young people who need it the most.” Attendees will flock to Hollywood Boulevard to shop a dynamic assortment of art, apparel, and more made by local artists. Savor food from local restaurants and enjoy entertainment from a diverse mix of entertainers. ‘PRIDE STARTS HERE!’ MyHollywoodPride2023. Photo by JR Davis. ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Rick Karlin MY HOLLYWOOD PRIDE KICKS OFF THE NEW YEAR CIRCLE OF PRIDE NETWORKING EVENT Friday, Jan. 26, 5-7 p.m. Sunset Club, 777 N Ocean Dr., Hollywood RSVP at: Circle of Pride Networking Event PRIDE 100 BRUNCH Saturday, Jan. 27, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Redwood Bar & Kitchen, 2009 Harrison St., Hollywood PRIDE FLAG RAISING CEREMONY Saturday, Jan. 27, 12:45 -1 p.m. Anniversary Park, 1945 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood “QUEER COMEDY NIGHT” Saturday, Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m. Cinema Paradiso, 2008 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood PRIDE AT CINEMA PARADISO, PRESENTED BY OUTSHINE FILM FESTIVAL Sunday, Jan. 28, 12:45-8 p.m. Cinema Paradiso, 2008 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood “MY HOLLYWOOD PRIDE” STREET FESTIVAL Sunday, Jan. 28, 1-7:30 p.m. Hollywood Blvd., downtown Hollywood MY HOLLYWOOD PRIDE TEA DANCE Co-hosted by House of Trouble Sunday, Jan. 29, 5-9 p.m. Karma Lounge, 1929 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood MY HOLLYWOOD PRIDE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS February 3-4, 2024 Early buying Sat. 9–10AM Sat. 10AM–5PM, Sun. 10AM–4PM National + local dealers Free gift both days while they last! Glass repair onsite Door prizes, raffles Admission: $8 with this ad, $9 without, $15 early buying Info: Michael Pierce 954-564-3821 [email protected] Tamarac Community Center 8601 West Commercial Blvd Tamarac, FL 33321 Vintage American Glass and Pottery Show & Sale The South Florida Depression Glass Club’s 50th A FREE PARKING sfdgc.com facebook.com/sfdgc @southfloridaglassclub

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36 • 1.18.2024 | THIS ISSUE IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CAN COMMUNITY HEALTH STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF HEROES Diana Nyad. Photo by Gage Skidmore, via Wikimedia Commons. Rick Karlin T he Stonewall National Museum, Archives and Library (SNMAL) gala, “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes,” will be held at the Venue on Feb. 24. The annual event which raises awareness and funds to support SNMAL’s tireless, 50+ year fight to tell the stories of the LGBTQ community, will honor iconic athlete Diana Nyad, whose historic swim from Cuba to Key West inspired the just-released Netflix movie Nyad. Nyad, who will attend the gala, will be honored and added to SNMAL’s “Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes” traveling educational exhibit. Other honorees at the gala include Kristen Lovell, star & director of the HBO documentary, “The Stroll”, who will be joined by fellow survivors and share an inspiring story of hope and resilience, ingrained in this community’s legacy, and Stacy Ritter, President/CEO of Visit Lauderdale, who has risked much to keep Broward County a welcoming place for our community to visit, live, and work. Outspoken influencer and LGBTQ activist Zander Moricz, who rose to national media fame via viral videos of his high school graduation speech opposing Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law as well as his recent viral response to a Florida school board president, whose private antics created a media frenzy, and has been in the forefront of the “Don’t Say Gay” statewide and national efforts, will be SNMLA’s honored guest. More than 500+ guests and VIPS are expected to attend this high-energy celebration of inspiring messages, delicious eats, entertainment, an open bar, awards, and a live auction. Last year’s gala raised a record-breaking sum and was supported by major corporate sponsors nationwide, with more than 600 in attendance and generating nearly 50% of their operating funds. It’s fitting that Stonewall, which provides an inexhaustible historical record of achievements in the face of prejudice and hate, is recognizing courageous leaders and heroes. SNMLA is a one-of-a-kind institution collecting and sharing powerful stories, hosting dynamic weekly events, launching fact-based solutions to real-world problems, and mobilizing educators who face an ever more challenging time educating students. To purchase tickets, go to stonewallmuseum.org/gala-2024. PALM BEACH OPERA OPENS SEASON WITH ‘TOSCA’ Palm Beach Opera opens its highly anticipated 2024 Season with Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca,” 100 years after the composer’s death. Featuring high-voltage drama and a sensuous score, all set against the backdrop of real-life locations in Rome, the opera continues to captivate audiences around the world. It will be sung in Italian with English supertitles projected above the stage. Performances will be held Friday, Jan. 26 through Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts. The Opera’s 2024 Season continues with Jacques Offenbach’s fantastical “The Tales of Hoffmann” March 1-3 and Vincenzo Bellini’s cherished “Norma” April 5-7, also at the Kravis Center. ‘FUNNY WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE’ Award-winning veteran stand-up comic Carole Montgomery has had a long and varied career as a comedian, writer, director, and producer, with an extensive background in television, and as a comedy club headliner throughout the United States. Frustrated by the way women have been portrayed on television once they hit 50, she created “Funny Women of a Certain Age” to give older women comics a chance to be seen and heard. It is a show straight from the unfettered mouths and uninhibited minds of the funniest, most daring, most experienced people in comedy: women who have seen it all! Montgomery will be joined on stage on Feb. 8 and 9 at the Pompano Beach Cultural Center by Julia Scotti and Leighann Lord, and by Vanessa Hollingshead and Trish Keating on March 22 at the Aventura Cultural Arts Center. ENTERTAINMENT CULTURE CORNER Jessica Vosk with John McDaniel on piano Broadway & Beyond: Judy Garland to Joni Mitchell JAN 21 Mandy Gonzalez & Javier Muñoz Top of the World Hamilton, In the Heights Wicked, Joseph 50th Anniversary, Fiddler FEB 17 The Parker | Wells Hall TICKETS ParkerPlayhouse.com Ticketmaster.com Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office 954.462.0222 • Group Sales 954.660.6307

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