SFGN 11/11/21 V12iss45 by South Florida Gay News

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NOVEMBER 11, 2021 VOL. 12 // ISSUE 45

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NEWS HIGHLIGHT

SAVE-ENDORSED CANDIDATES DO WELL IN MIAMI ELECTIONS John McDonald

ro-equality candidates performed well in last week’s Miami municipal elections. Mayors in Miami and Miami Beach won reelection with the support of SAVE, the county’s leading LGBT advocacy organization. “We are so proud of pro-equality Mayors Francis Suarez and Dan Gelber from Miami and Miami Beach for winning their reelection bids,” said Orlando Gonzales, SAVE’s executive director. Suarez, 44, defeated four challengers to win his second term as mayor. An attorney, promoter of cryptocurrency and registered Republican, Suarez got 21,480 votes for 79%. His nearest challenger, Max Martínez, a young progressive and Belen Jesuit graduate, received 3,167 votes for 11%. As of Thursday morning, 27,325 people cast their ballots in the mayoral election. In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported Miami’s population as 442,241. - Orlando Gonzales Mayors Dan Gelber (left) and Francis Suarez. Photos via Facebook. In Miami Beach, Gelber SAVE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR won another term with 62% scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. Fernandez, a married gay man, has served of the vote. Gelber got 7,937 16. on the city’s planning board. He is seeking votes to easily outdistance “These types of races are often decided by to replace a term-limited Michael Góngora four challengers. Two Miami Beach Commission seats are a small number of people,” Gonzales said. “I on the dais. In the first round of voting, headed for a run-off. SAVE is endorsing hope Miami Beach voters do whatever they Fernandez came out on top of the fourRaquel Pacheco in Group I and Alex can to vote by mail, vote early or vote in candidate field, earning 4,455 votes for 36%. Fernandez in Group III. The run-off is person on Nov. 16.”

“WE ARE SO PROUD OF PROEQUALITY MAYORS FRANCIS SUAREZ AND DAN GELBER FROM MIAMI AND MIAMI BEACH FOR WINNING THEIR REELECTION BIDS,”

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November 11, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 45 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943

Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com

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11.11. 20 21 •

LGBTQIA BITES

BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY

IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G Bisexual

JOE BUDDEN COMES OUT AS BISEXUAL Joe Budden, a media personality and a former rapper, has come out as bisexual on his podcast “The Joe Budden Podcast.” Last week he said, “I’m bisexual. How do I spread this news? How do I spread the word? Yo, listen, I like guys and girls. Spread the word. I’m down.” Critics are unsure if Budden is being serious due to the unceremonious nature of his coming out. However, he has continued to confirm his sexual identity in a tweet saying, “Ahhhhhhh, i see the word got out!! Continue to spread the word pls.” While fans are still unsure if he is being serious, this has sparked a conversation of LGBT awareness in the Black hip hop community.

• 11.11.2021

Joe Budden. Photo via Facebook.

... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY

Lesbian

LESBIAN COUPLE LAUNCH DISCRIMINATION ACTION AGAINST NHS

Influencers Megan Bacon-Evans and her wife Whitney are launching a landmark legal test case against a branch of the NHS fertility sector in England, claiming it discriminates against LGBT families. They have accused Frimley, their clinical commissioning group, of penalizing them financially because of their sexuality. The prominent couple, known for their thousands of followers on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, rose to fame in 2009 after appearing on Britain’s “Relationship Secrets” documentary and the U.S. show “Say Yes to the Dress.” They started a petition for equal treatment in November last year after being “shocked and devastated” at the barriers to starting their family under the current rules. Frimley states that same-sex female

Whitney and Megan Bacon-Evans, via Facebook.

couples must pay for 12 intrauterine insemination or IVF treatments to “prove” medical infertility, costing an estimated £30,000 or more, before receiving NHS help. While the case is just starting to form, both Megan and Whitney have raised over £10,000 to help cover legal fees and have the support of many LGBT organizations.

LGBTQIA BITES

Transgender

MOLLY CAMERON SPEAKS OUT ON TRANS EXPERIENCE IN SPORTS

Molly Cameron, a veteran bike racer, has been out as transgender for two decades. She has raced at high levels in both the men’s and women’s categories. Cameron recently won the Wafer edition of the Belgian Waffle Ride beating other prominent names in cycling. “Two weekends ago I lost to the US women’s Road national champ and this weekend @deceuninck_quickstepteam lost to me. You can talk all day long till yr red in the face about fairness in sport but witness the reality of #NewAmericanBikeRacing. A #transgenderwoman won both the women’s and men’s #BWR race last weekend and got second place in both the women’s and men’s race at @bigsugargravel. We out here working on making #bicycling more #inclusive and putting the #diversityandinclusion convos to action, come join the party it is pretty fun,” said Cameron in an Instagram post. Cameron is also highlighting the work of the RIDE group, a program whose goal is to “bridge the gap between cycling business,

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Molly Cameron. Photo via Facebook.

sport, and LGBTQ+ communities.” Cameron is the founder of this group. “I am doing this work so those that come after me can simply be themselves without facing the discrimination that I dealt with over three decades in sport and business. Let me take the heat now so that others don’t have to,” said Cameron. With over 20 years in the cycling arena, Cameron has no plans to retire anytime soon but hopes RIDE will help broaden the statistics of transgender cyclist.

“Ray and I are very grateful to have Dr. Neel Amin as our pain management physician. He and his team are kind, thoughtful and the best there is.”  BRIAN MCNAUGHT, LGBTQ AUTHOR/EDUCATOR

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NEWS LOCAL

J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS

OF THE

From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a weekly look at a community that has stood together through countless trials and victories in the past year alone.

WEEK Photos by J.R. Davis

Executive Director of The National LGBTQ Task Force Kierra Johnson with Executive Director of the World AIDS Museum and Education Center Dr. Requel Lopes, AP.

Husbands Nick Scalzo and Mark Budwig, owners of S. Mark Graphics and also publishers of Go Riverwalk Magazine.

Recipient of the Impact Award at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce GLBX Business Community Ally Awards and Founder of FlockFest Steven Crawford with boyfriend Jason Oreilly, bartender at Hunters.

Wiremag.com Publisher and Editor in Chief Rafa Carvajal with Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival intern Adam Logan.

Photographer’s note: Last week it was written that the Equality Florida Broward Gala would be held on Nov. 17. However, fix your calendars, because it’s actually on Nov. 13 at 5:30 p.m. Apologies for the error!

• 11.11.2021

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PICTURED: ISLAND CITY STAGE OPENS ITS 10TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON WITH A REVIVAL “TWENTIETHCENTURY WAY.” THE ORIGINAL PRODUCTION STARRED MIKE WESTRICH, RIGHT, AND CLAY CARTLAND. CREDIT: ISLAND CITY STAGE.

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NEWS NATIONAL

BY GILLIAN MANNING

THE COUNTRY ACROSS

NEW JERSEY

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN PLEADS GUILTY TO THEFT OF HIV MEDICATION

Lisa Hoffman, 49, pleaded guilty to stealing $10 million in life-saving HIV medications from a Veterans Administration hospital in New Jersey. Hoffman was a pharmacy procurement technician at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center pharmacy in East Orange, New Jersey, and was in charge of ordering their medications. Plus reported that from 2015 to 2019, Hoffman would pocket some of the medications she ordered and sell them to another individual. She is no longer working at the hospital. Federal prosecutors arrested Hoffman for theft of government property. She was seen on security footage stuffing prescription bottles into her personal bags. Hoffman would sell the medications to Wagner Checonolasco, who would allegedly sell the drugs to other individuals.

Photo via Adobe.

Cheonolasco has also been arrested. The U.S. Department of Justice wrote that Checonolasco was previously charged with conspiracy to steal government property, though those charges are pending. The department wrote that charges for theft of medical supplies can result in 20 years in prison in addition to a fine of $1 million or three times the economic loss attributed to the crime. Hoffman will be sentenced on March 9.

VIRGINIA

• 11.11.2021

TENNESSEE

TEEN SUES OVER TRANS-EXCLUSIONARY SPORTS LAW

Luc Esquivel, a 14-year-old freshman at Farragut High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, is suing the state over its new law that bans trans students from playing on sports teams corresponding with their gender identities. “I was really looking forward to trying out for the boys’ golf team and, if I made it, training and competing with and learning from other boys and improving my game,” Esquivel said in a press release. “Then, to have the legislature pass a law that singled out me and kids like me to keep us from being part of a team, that crushed me.” Esquivel played on the girls’ team and said that though everyone was very nice, he didn’t feel like he fit in, the Advocate reported. Esquivel is being represented by

Luc Esquivel. Photo via the ACLU.

Lambda Legal, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the ACLU of Tennessee. Supporters of the bill argue that it protects girls in sports; LGBT advocates argue it’s discriminatory. “A mother wants to see their kid happy, thriving, enjoying being a kid. High school sports are an important part of that,” his mother, Shelley Esquivel, said.

MONTANA

CONGRESSMAN GIVES SPEECH AGAINST GAY MARRIAGE AND TRANS SHELTER ACCESS

While discussing the Family Violence Prevention and Services Improvement Act of 2021, legislation that funds emergency shelters and support services for domestic violence survivors, Rep. Bob Good (R-Va.) commented against transgender access to shelters and gay marriage. “Nearly everything that plagues our society can be attributed to a failure to follow God’s law and his rules for and definition of marriage and family,” Good said. Good’s comments have led to backlash. The Secular Coalition for America tweeted, “Not only is this completely false Rep. Bob Good, this is grossly insulting to all survivors and victims of domestic abuse.” According to MetroWeekly, Good slammed the bill’s prohibition on discrimination based on sexual orientation

COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION

Rep. Bob Good. Photo via Facebook.

and gender identity in shelters and support services. Good said that providing provisions for transgender individuals could, “coerce faith-based providers … to violate their deeply held beliefs or stop their work altogether.” Good’s previous opponent, former U.S. Rep. Denver Riggleman (R-Va.), was defeated in the primaries and labeled as insufficiently conservative due to officiating a same-sex marriage for two campaign volunteers. Riggleman tweeted against Good saying, “What plagues our society are idiots.”

STUDENT BULLIED FOR RAINBOW SHOELACES

James Reed, a sixth grader in Montana, designed a unique pair of Converse sneakers. He customized the shoes with navy blue fabric, rainbow shoelaces, and “yeet” written on the sides. For two months, he excitedly waited for them to arrive. “It was like Christmas,” said Lelands Reed, his mother. But Leland noticed that soon after the shoes arrived, James stopped wearing them. When James opted for an older, illfitting pair of shoes, she asked him if there was something wrong. According to KRTV, James told her that kids at school were picking on him. “Kids his age were calling them gay and telling him he was gay and yelling at him down the hallway,” Leland said. Leland made a post online about their situation and began receiving messages,

Photo credit: Leland Reed.

phone calls, and emails. The family decided to make the situation positive. They bought 300 pairs of rainbow shoelaces, put the box outside of their house, and posted the address for people to freely pick up. In four days, there were five pairs left. James said that if he could give someone advice, it would be, “Do what you want to do and don’t let anybody put you down.”

NEWS INTERNATIONAL

BY EVERITT ROSEN

THE WORLD AROUND

EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE

ASIA

EUROPE

JAPAN ELECTION PROMISES BOOST TO LGBT RIGHTS

BULGARIAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE INDICTED OVER ATTACK ON LGBT CENTER

Most political parties’ campaign promises ahead of Japan’s lower house election have raised hopes for legislation to improve understanding and defend sexual minorities’ rights. According to Kyodo News, six major opposition parties have pledged to introduce legislation in parliament next year to protect lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people from discrimination and legalize same-sex marriage. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner Komeito promise to use laws to increase public awareness. The Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and Reiwa Shinsengumi, the biggest opposition party, have united on a single agenda of implementing an LGBT equality bill. The Democratic Party for the People is

Photo via Adobe.

considering amending the Constitution to make same-sex marriage legal. “We can’t wait any longer,” said Katsunori Kano, a 42-year-old gay owner of small businesses, according to Kyodo News. “We are not asking for a privilege but at minimum an equal system.”

In connection with an attack on an LGBT community center in Bulgaria, a right-wing nationalist contender has been jailed and indicted in this month’s presidential election. According to Radio Free Europe, Boyan Rasate was detained for 72 hours and is charged with hooliganism and infliction of bodily harm, according to a statement released by the Sofia City Prosecutor’s Office on Nov. 3, three days after his legal immunity as a presidential candidate was lifted, allowing the prosecution to proceed. Both offenses are punishable by imprisonment. Rasate, 50, is accused of not admitting guilt and refusing to make a statement, according to prosecutors. “The crimes committed stand out with

Boyan Rasate. Photo via Facebook.

their extreme audacity and disrespect for the democratic foundations of the state,” prosecutors said in their statement.

SOUTH AMERICA

SOUTH AFRICAN GAY TV STAR CANCELS ZIMBABWE TRIP

BRAZIL’S FIRST GAY PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE SAYS BEING GAY DOESN’T REQUIRE ACTIVISM

After a Christian organization attempted to bar him from entering the nation because he is homosexual, Somizi Mhlongo, best known for being a judge on South Africa’s version of “American Idol,” has canceled an event in Zimbabwe. According to BBC News, The Apostolic Christian Council of Zimbabwe appealed to the government to express its opposition to Mhlongo’s visit, claiming that it had “violated” its members. The actor and media personality was set to attend the reopening of a Harare restaurant. “Zimbabwe does not tolerate homosexuality,” the Apostolic Council, a coalition of more than 600 Christian organizations, wrote in a letter to President Emmerson Mnangagwa.

Somizi Mhlongo. Photo via Facebook.

“If it means you not wanting me being me, authentically me, keep it, keep your space, keep your country, I don’t want to be there anyway,” Mhlongo said in a sixminute video on Instagram.

Eduardo Leite, Brazil’s first openly homosexual presidential candidate, will not be marching in a rainbow pride flagdraped demonstration anytime soon. According to Pink News, the 36-yearold conservative lawmaker, the preferred presidential candidate of banks and investors, being homosexual does not inevitably make a person motivated to advocate for LGBT equality. On July 1, Leite, the governor of Brazil’s southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, spoke out in an interview with the country’s leading network, TV Globo. In the aftermath of Leite’s coming out as homosexual, national equality groups in Brazil have stated that he has their support despite his lackluster devotion to his LGBT siblings. “It’s not a cause I lay down for,” Leite

Eduardo Leite. Photo via Facebook.

said. “Not every woman is a feminist activist, not every Black person is a racial activist, and not every gay person needs to be an activist.”

11.11. 20 21 •

NEWS NATIONAL

NO HOT FOOD FOR THE HOMELESS Andrew Fraieli

MANY WHO LIVE ON THE STREETS DEPEND ON THE SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) TO BUY GROCERIES, BUT THERE ARE NO KITCHENS ON THE STREET, AND SNAP WON’T BUY THEM HOT FOOD.

or those living on the sidewalk, it’s a bit hard to cook. There aren’t usually any functioning stovetops, and it’s generally frowned upon to start a fire where people are trying to walk. So why, then, can’t a person experiencing homelessness buy precooked food with SNAP?

SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program that provides money to low-income individuals and families to buy groceries. It’s heavily relied on by those who are homeless and may not have a consistent income, but in almost every state SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy any food that is “hot at the point of sale.” This distinctly excludes those who may not have access to a kitchen to cook, but who still depend on these benefits as their only way to afford to eat. Namely, it excludes help for those experiencing homelessness, like a man who prefers to go by Derf in New York: “You don’t know how desperate you get until you

• 11.11.2021

really fucking get down here. Eating out of garbage cans, man.” Currently, only three states — Arizona, California, and Rhode Island — have functionally implemented the program meant to circumvent this aspect of SNAP, called a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). It allows the use of SNAP benefits at approved restaurants and for prepared foods. Only the disabled, elderly and homeless are qualified for the program, as the purpose is to give more options for a nutritious meal because of their general lack of ability to use, or lack of access to, a kitchen. Even so, the programs are limited in scope.

For California, only 11 counties — such as Sponsored by New York Assembly member Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego — Karines Reyes, she elaborates in an assembly had implemented an RMP. In San Francisco, meeting the necessity to allow these people to only 17 local restaurants were buy hot meals, “as many seniors participating, the rest were and many homeless individuals fast food restaurants such as do not have access to cooking QUEER YOUTH Subway and a few Dominos, facilities, or may not have the SPECIFICALLY ARE Burger Kings, and Carls Jr.’s ability to prepare meals on their NOT ONLY TWOamong others. own.” AND-A-HALF TIMES Other counties have many “In the spirit of making sure MORE LIKELY TO BE more participating restaurants, that they are able to receive a like Orange County, but they nutritious diet, we want to make HOMELESS, BUT 29% are again mainly fast food such sure that not everything that they OF ALL LGBT YOUTH, as El Pollo Loco, Pizza Hut, and eat is processed, preserved, or GENERALLY DEFINED Subway. frozen,” she continued. AS AGES 13 TO 24, The whole state of Arizona This category of people HAVE EXPERIENCED experiencing homelessness, participates in the program, HOMELESSNESS. and who therefore may not have but almost exclusively fast food access to a kitchen, also has a restaurants with only about 40 disproportionate representation local restaurants compared to a couple hundred Subways. Rhode Island is of queer people compared to non-LGBT people. similar with a single local pizza place and nine Queer youth specifically are not only two-anda-half times more likely to be homeless, but Subways. New York is progressing a bill that would 29% of all LGBT youth, generally defined as add an RMP to their SNAP benefits though. ages 13 to 24, have experienced homelessness.

NEWS NATIONAL

The Restaurant Meals Program itself is In terms of food affordability, according to a 2016 report by the Williams Institute, a provision of the original Food Stamp Act about 27% of LGBT adults, or 2.2 million implemented in 1977. It allows states to start people, “experienced a time in the last year these programs at their discretion. And in when they did not have enough money to 1983, New York did. So if the current bill passes, it will not be feed themselves or their families, compared to 17% of non-LGBT adults.” Specifically, the first time New York has had a Restaurant 31% of LGBT people between 18-29, and 29% Meals Program. Originally, it was only for the elderly and between 30-49. The report continues that “more than 1 in disabled as the homeless were not considered 4 LGB adults aged 18-44 [27%] participated in a “specific population” at the time — that is, SNAP, compared to 20% of non-LGB adults in until 1990. Following that federal change, New York state officially expanded its restaurant that age range.” Each state has varying requirements to meals program to include the homeless in qualify for the SNAP program, as this is 1994. This only lasted until 2000 though before a federal-state program, and states have some freedom to change the qualifications. the entire program was dissolved, but one man Homelessness though, is generally covered experiencing homelessness on the lower east in each, as SNAP is dependent on income, side of Manhattan still remembers it fondly. “It was beautiful,” said 50-year-old Derf. and the restaurant meals program specifically “They wanted to see how it would highlights homelessness. go,” but soon, he says, came Part of New York’s SNAP ACCORDING TO A the criticisms of the concept. requirements is a gross annual 2016 REPORT BY THE “Everybody’s complaining, ‘Oh, income less than $19,140. WILLIAMS INSTITUTE, why should they be allowed to Other factors are considered, ABOUT 27% OF LGBT get hot food, it means that they but savings generally are not. ADULTS, OR 2.2 MILLION can get lobster,’ or ‘why should These are slightly different PEOPLE, “EXPERIENCED A I have to pay my taxes for that.’ requirements than Florida, But what the fuck does it matter? TIME IN THE LAST YEAR which does consider savings, It’s fucking food.” requiring less than $2,001 in the WHEN THEY DID NOT “If I want to spend $55 on account, but an annual income HAVE ENOUGH MONEY a lobster I’ll spend it, because less than $25,760 before taxes. TO FEED THEMSELVES I want it, I want to eat that, The maximum amount one OR THEIR FAMILIES, that’s what I want to eat, it’s my person can get is different in COMPARED TO 17% OF choice, it’s my prerogative,” he each state too, being $204 for NON-LGBT ADULTS.” continued. New York, and $234 for Florida. Keyes, the Assembly Member, According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the reason also dismisses these fears, which commonly hot food can’t be bought with SNAP benefits cite frequent fast food restaurant visits as a normally, and why this is an issue at all, is nutritional problem, saying it’s “erroneous,” because SNAP’s written definition of “food” as restaurants have to apply to enroll in the program and be approved by the Office of excludes prepared foods to begin with. Created in 1964, the Food and Nutrition Temporary and Disability Assistance. Criticizing the excuse of nutrition itself, Act of 2008 — what it’s called now — was originally called the Food Stamp Act. she references the high sodium content in As originally written, the purpose of the common TV dinners and soups. “We do not program was to raise nutrition in low-income tell individuals, ‘You cannot buy a can of soup,’ households through this federal-state ‘you cannot buy a TV dinner.’ Unfortunately, program, and “strengthen the agricultural for many of them, that is all they purchase economy” by more effectively distributing with their SNAP benefits because they have nowhere to prepare fresh meals.” locally grown food surpluses. Derf has heard similar concerns: “That’s the They defined “food” as “any food or food product for human consumption except other thing, they’re worried about nutrition, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, those foods do they have a fucking clue how the shit that which are identified on the package as being we’re eating right now isn’t good for us?” Asked how much access to a kitchen he has imported, and meat and meat products which are imported.” Further on they specify that the in a given month, Derf said none. “Listen, I’ve done everything a man food is only to be bought at approved “retail food stores” that “sells food to households for shouldn’t have to do to survive to eat. Eating out of garbage cans, man, fucking disgusting. home consumption.” In 2008, the act was amended and expanded, It’s the worst. But this, humiliating myself like changing the definition of “food” to include this every fucking day, it takes a toll.” But, at least in part, this concern over this limitation of “home consumption.”

Derf, a man experiencing homelessness in Manhattan, New York. Photo credit: Andrew Fraieli.

nutrition and the overtaking of fast food in these RMPs has already stagnated other state’s attempts at implementing it. Being a federal-state program, it is up to the states to create and implement it, but it requires approval by the USDA. That approval was slow-moving when Illinois passed legislation in July 2019 creating the program in their state. It required the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to start operating it by January 2020, but that date came and passed without that approval. This was also at a time when the USDA was raising eligibility requirements for SNAP. “I don’t want to say that it is an automatic no, but we do know that there have been some challenges with the current administration and how they view people who receive public benefits and people living in poverty,” Niya Kelly, state legislative director for the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, told Civil Eats in January 2020.

Maryland passed their bill into law in May 2019 with a December 2019 start date, with that date coming and passing without approval as well. Michigan’s program, on the other hand, doesn’t even have a start date, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Florida, though, actually created a pilot program in a single county in 2009, with only 14 participating restaurants, and meant solely for the homeless. But the program never expanded, and the USDA could only further elaborate that it ended in October of 2018. According to Derf, people manipulate the SNAP benefits system constantly, be it a vendor that will illegitimately accept EBT, or the people on the street that pay it to get the hot food — breaking the law just to eat something that isn’t cold. “I’m manipulating the system,” Derf freely admits, describing another option where some vendors that sell frozen or uncooked food will just cook it for them. “But it’s tough, you’re surviving on nickels and dimes.” He gives an example of a 7-11 that will cook a frozen pizza for him, and a fish and chips restaurant that will accept his benefits. But, he says, the fish and chips was his last decent meal, three weeks prior. “I don’t know what a fucking decent meal is. McDonald’s?” The Restaurant Meals Program is not common across the country, but states — like Maryland, Michigan, Illinois and New York — are trying to change that. With it would be an enormous change in the availability of food for people, like Derf, who struggle every day to get by, panhandling to afford any hot food at all. “I haven’t been able to get anything hot, just sandwiches. It’s not enough, it’s really not enough, because it’s cold food, that’s the fucking problem. It wouldn’t be if we could just go anywhere to get something to eat.”

Photo via the USDA, Facebook.

11.11. 20 21 •

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KNOW YOUR STATUS

11.11. 20 21 •

NEWS LOCAL

FLORIDA RANKS #4 FOR BEST DRAG BRUNCHES IN US 3 South Florida Restaurants Make the List

Kim Swan

THE TOP 20 DRAG BRUNCHES IN THE U.S.:

wo of the LGBT community’s favorite pastimes are drag shows and brunch, so it’s no wonder at some point in history those two events merged. But which states have the best drag scenes? That would be Maryland, followed by New York and Louisiana according to a study by Nasty Gal. Florida is ranked #4 for Best Drag Brunches in the U.S. with a total index score of 154. The study was done based on pricing, drinks, reviews, and duration. Rounding out the Top 5 states is Ohio. “With some of Drag Race’s biggest icons (Ginger Minj, Trinity K. Bonet and All-Stars season four winner Trinity The Tuck) hailing from the Sunshine State, it’s no wonder that Florida is a haven for drag brunch enthusiasts,” Nasty Gal wrote on their website. Nasty Gal also came up with a list of the Top 20 drag brunches in the U.S. Topping the list is Of Love & Regret in Baltimore, Maryland. The list highlights four restaurants in Florida, including R House Drag Brunch in Miami; Holy Mackerel’s Boozy Babes Drag Brunch in Wilton Manors; the Drunken Drag Brunch at Mangoes Restaurant in Key West; and Apollo’s Bistro’s Drag Brunch near Tampa, calling them “shining examples of drag event excellence.” Mangoes ranks highest in Florida on the list coming in at number 5; while R House sits at number 6; Apollo’s at 12; and finally Holy Mackerel comes in at 19. This isn’t the first time R House Wynwood received recognition. For SFGN’s Best Of 2020, its drag brunch won “Best Activity for Tourists.” In 2019, it won “Best Restaurant.” “With our weekend drag brunches, we have elevated drag entertainment by offering it alongside fine food and drink in an environment that is highly accessible to a diverse customer base both gay and straight,” said Rocco Carulli, the owner and executive chef of R House, in 2018. The Drag Brunch Experience is $50 per

• 11.11.2021

1. BALTIMORE, MD: OF LOVE & REGRET 2. TERRYTOWN, LA: NEW ORLEANS LADIES BALLROOM 3. WASHINGTON, DC: THE ARTEMIS 4. ASTORIA, NY: MAD MYRNA’S 5. KEY WEST, FL: MANGOES RESTAURANT 6. MIAMI, FL: R HOUSE WYNWOOD 7. COLUMBUS, GA: VERTIGO FUSION KITCHEN 8. NEW YORK, NY: LIPS 9. TROY, NY: THE TROY BEER GARDEN The Boozy Babes Drag Brunch. Credit: Carina Mask.

person for R House; $10 at Holy Mackerel (only if you choose not to dine in); and Apollo’s Bistro’s Drag Brunch is $25. According to this story from Thrillist, the first brunch was started by restaurateur Madame Begue in 1884 in New Orleans. “Her eatery featured a ‘wall of fame’ full of signed photos of celebrity guests, including Julian Eltinge — a well-known female impersonator,” the article reads. “Madame Begue’s now considered the inventor of brunch…” It didn’t take long for female impersonators to take over brunch. “The drag portion of drag brunch grew in popularity in the early 1900s. Vaudeville shows became more popular, with drag performances drawing the biggest crowds,” the article reads. “Early drag stars largely impersonated famous women of the time and people ate it up.”

There was a backlash against “immorality” in the 1930s and drag brunches quickly fell by the wayside. It would be decades before the drag brunch re-emerged, this time within the growing LGBT community. According to Thrillist, the popularity of drag brunches was on the rise in the 2000s, and once “RuPaul’s Drag Race” premiered in 2009 demand skyrocketed. “The show was many people’s first exposure to drag and its hilarious, memeworthy moments made it a social media hit,” the article reads. “Brunch by itself is great, but brunch with drag queens is so much better. So, thank you prohibition, thank you foodies, thank you queens old and young. We owe so many fun Sundays to you!”

EDITOR’S NOTE: SFGN reached out to Nasty Gal to get a clarification on why Lunella was listed twice on the list, but haven’t received a response.

10. PALM SPRINGS, CA: CHILL BAR PALM SPRINGS 11. JACKSON, MS: HAL & MAL’S 12. APOLLO BEACH, FL: APOLLO’S BISTRO 13. FALLS CHURCH, VA: FAIRCUX LOUNGE 14. TROY, NY: THE TROY BEER GARDEN 15. HARRISBURG, PA: THE CAPITOL ROOM AT HMAC 16. NEW YORK, NY: LUNELLA 17. NEW YORK, NY: LUNELLA 18. LOS ANGELES, CA: THE STANDARD 19. WILTON MANORS, FL: HOLY MACKEREL BREWERY 20. TOWSON, MD: THE POINT IN TOWSON

and

11.11. 20 21 •

IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE

BRAD CASEY, LGBT PIONEER, DIES John Hayden

Brad Casey. Photo via Facebook.

ne of the first and influential voices of South Florida’s LGBT community has passed away. Brad Casey died this week at Holy Cross Hospice after losing his fight with an aggressive liver tumor.

Casey, along with a few others of younger days with SCOOP magazine, our community pioneers, started one and was one of the earliest sponsors of the area’s first gay publications, of our fledgling gay softball league SCOOP Magazine. The magazine set that would become the sports pillar the template for the many we see that it is today as SFAAA. Later in life, today at the bars and clubs in Wilton he ran his own hot dog cart business Manors. It featured outside our favorite local stories on people in the establishments. I will community, addressed miss our late-night chats, CASEY, ALONG local issues and, of my friend. Godspeed, WITH A FEW course, the bar ads that Hot Dog Man.” OTHERS OF OUR remain today. His sister, Kim, says COMMUNITY Even though SCOOP the family is grieving but stopped publishing long PIONEERS, STARTED is comforted by their fun ago, Casey was still a memories. ONE OF THE familiar presence. They “He was just awesome. AREA’S FIRST GAY What stands out to me say that the way to a PUBLICATIONS, man’s heart is through are the holidays. He his stomach. If that’s true, SCOOP MAGAZINE. was excited to see my he had all the hearts of grandkids. Brad would people at Ramrod. He be so jovial. He would sold hotdogs outside the bar for years. tell kids he saw Santa in his sleigh Social media is flooded with tributes and have us go outside and say we’re to Casey, including from his friend Tim gonna look for Santa.” Martin, who wrote, “Brad meant so He was also a great friend to SFGN’s much to so many. He was a publishing publisher, Norm Kent, who has giant in the gay community in his written a tribute to his friend.

• 11.11.2021

NEWS NATIONAL

COMMUNITY OUTL

Stuart Milk, Harvey Milk’s nephew and the co-founder of the Harvey Milk Foundation, spoke at the ceremony last weekend when the Navy launched the USNS Harvey Milk. The fleet oiler ship is named after the first openly gay elected official and beloved activist from California. The mast ceremony is unique and special in that the shipyard workers and Navy admirals co-produced the event. The Navy ship, launched in San Diego on Saturday, Nov. 6, is the second of six vessels in the Navy’s John Lewis-class program.

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ur Fund Foundation and Community transcends life spans and breaks through Foundation of Broward are joining community divisions. forces to increase LGBT support and “We can and must do more to break develop innovative opportunities to grow through systemic barriers, foster inclusion social and racial equality for LGBT and and create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ BIPOC communities. residents to succeed,” said Community Foundation President/CEO Both organizations have long Jennifer O’Flannery Anderson, served LGBT residents through “WE CAN AND Ph.D. “Collaborating with Our grants to local programs and MUST DO MORE TO Fund Foundation is a great way philanthropies. Their new to streamline our grantmaking collaboration, announced this BREAK THROUGH process with a shared goal of week, will focus on critical SYSTEMIC BARRIERS, making life better for everyone resources needed to create the FOSTER INCLUSION who calls Broward home.” biggest impact. AND CREATE MORE Our Fund is also excited The groups have three OPPORTUNITIES FOR about the new opportunities. primary goals for their LGBTQ+ RESIDENTS “Our Fund Foundation is collaborations: First, reveal TO SUCCEED.” focused on creating a better and address discrimination as and safer world for future a cause of disparities in health - Jennifer O’Flannery generations,” said David Jobin, care, education, economic Anderson, Ph.D. COMMUNITY FOUNDATION Our Fund Foundation president independence and other PRESIDENT/CEO and CEO. “We are pleased to essentials of the quality of life partner with the Community for LGBT residents. Second, amplify the voice of the LGBT community Foundation of Broward on our Social Justice and champion the rights of all LGBT granting to create a greater investment in residents. Finally, they want to create a a stronger, healthier and happier LGBTQ+ lasting impact for the LGBT community that community.” Grant applications are now being accepted, and the first grants will be awarded next year. To learn more visit cfbroward.org/grant-opportunities/broward-pride.

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NEWS STATE

DEMOCRATS HEADED TO RECOUNT IN SOUTH FLORIDA SPECIAL CONGRESSIONAL ELECTION John McDonald

he race for South Florida’s vacant Congressional seat is headed for a recount. As of Nov. 3, a dozen votes separated the leaders in the Democratic primary for House District 20. Broward County Commissioner Dale Holness and businesswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick emerged as the top two vote getters from a field of 11 candidates. With mail-in and overseas ballots still to be counted, Holness had 11,644 votes to Cherfilus-McCormick’s 11,632. Alfredo Olvera, president of the Dolphin Democrats, said voter turnout — 16% — was disappointing. “The winner of this primary will be not only elected by a small percentage of all registered voters, but they will also win this election by a handful of “THIS DISTRICT votes,” Olvera said. “This NEEDED A VOICE BY district needed a voice by all not by some. We have to start ALL NOT BY SOME. building the bench and the WE HAVE TO START county and state party need to step in and help.” BUILDING THE The Dolphins membership BENCH AND THE recommended Broward “In my personal COUNTY AND STATE County Commissioner conversations both have Dr. Barbara Sharief, who PARTY NEED TO STEP been very supportive of finished third with 7,272 IN AND HELP.” the LGBTQ community and votes. Olvera said Holness our causes,” Hoch said. answered a questionnaire “They both clearly had from the county’s oldest - Alfredo Olvera an understanding of our LGBT political club, but PRESIDENT OF THE community and our needs.” DOLPHIN DEMOCRATS Cherfilus-McCormick chose Hoch added Cherfilusnot to participate. McCormick was all over the It was a similar story in Palm Beach, where Palm Beach County television with ads, while Holness deployed Human Rights Council President Rand a door-knocking ground game to get his Hoch said Cherfilus-McCormick missed an message across to voters. Florida Sen. Perry Thurston finished interview with his group, which resulted in Sharief picking up the endorsement. Hoch, fourth with 7,272 votes, followed by Rep. however, said neither Cherfilus-McCormick Bobby DuBose with 3,457 votes and Rep. nor Holness are adversaries to the LGBT Omari Hardy with 2,900 votes. The special election, triggered by the death community.

• 11.11.2021

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and Dale Holness. Photos via Facebook.

of longtime Congressman Alcee Hastings in April created a power struggle among the establishment. Congressional District 20, one of the bluest in the country, covers large swaths of minority neighborhoods in Broward and Palm Beach counties, stretching from Lake Okeechobee to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. “As Democrats we must be strategic,” Olvera said. “We cannot continue to have primaries with 11 Democrats on the ballot, several of whom had to resign to run, leaving their seats open to Republican appointments!” Hoch said Hastings had an amazing staff who were able to still provide constituent services, but the process should have never taken so long. While Thurston and

DuBose are termed out, Hardy could run for a state office again. All three tendered their resignations effective Jan. 11, 2022, meaning the districts will likely be without representation when the regular legislative session convenes in Tallahassee. “I’m glad it finally took place,” Hoch said. “Our people showed up to vote, but I do feel bad for people who are at risk of being without representation by the timing of all of this.” Meanwhile, Jason Mariner won the Republican nomination with close to 60% of the vote. Mariner started an advertising firm out of his garage in Jupiter and has been open and honest about serving prison time for addiction to prescription pain medication. The general election is Jan. 11, 2022.

CONVICTIONS

EDITORIAL CARTOON By Mike Luckovich

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11.11. 20 21 •

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

SALUTING AND SAYING GOODBYE TO BRAD CASEY RELATED NEWS STORY BY JOHN HAYDEN ON PAGE 16.

Norm Kent

norm.kent@sfgn.com

or the past 10 years, many of you know Brad Casey as the happy, soldiered soul who spent his weekends peddling hot dogs at the Ramrod on the weekends. Who doesn’t love a hot dog? Brad loved doing the job. It was stress free and joyful. He knew giving someone a hot dog made a person happy, cheered them up, and gave them a brief indulgent moment to share with a buddy of their own. However, my friends, Brad Casey was so much more than a hot dog salesman in the LGBT community. A once seasoned and savvy radio talk show host, salesman, and publisher he was in an earlier life, decades ago in South Florida. You see, long before there was OutClique, Wired, Buzz, 411, or a host of now defunct gay bar guides, there was SCOOP — Broward County’s first real gay magazine, with legitimate journalism, illuminating our community. And SCOOP was a combination of publisher Brad Casey, Robert Kecskemety, and Pompano Bill together bringing light and love to the gay community. They did not just combine for a bar guide with pictures of shirtless guys holding up drinks at weekend pool parties. SCOOP was different; special. It had real stories about us. SCOOP featured theater reviews and legitimate journalists doing honest profiles, and even legal columns about the rights of gay persons in a straight world. I know. I wrote them. It was Brad who gave me the forum, the chance, the opportunity. On the page next to my column today, we display a bunch of the covers, as a tribute to Brad, who entered a hospice this week upon finding out the tumor in the liver of his

75-year-old body is not treatable. He is moving on to the next chapter. As I take weekly chemotherapy treatments, it is obviously a measure close to my soul. Like most of the media in our gay community, SCOOP was free. Brad had to be publisher and salesman, hustling weekly to get bars to give him money to pay for the distribution and printing of the magazine. He did it with finesse and dignity, and against all odds, to make our community a better place. It was a never ending and no-win battle, during an era and time when there were far too many closeted gay professionals covering up their identities rather than sharing them. Consequently, instead of lawyers, realtors and other professionals advertising in SCOOP, Brad would have to tediously rely on bars, bookstores, and restaurants, that come and go ever so quickly. That is the kiss of death financially for a weekly print publication. In fact, SCOOP was started in a tool shed at a gay bar. Club Mediterranean on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale gave him and Pompano Bill a place to work, post pictures and market a magazine. SCOOP eventually then moved to a place Brad leased from Tony Dee on Wilton Drive in the ‘90s. Yeah, the roof leaked, but Bob Kecskemety got the paper out, week after week, chock full of news articles illuminating our community. It is a quarter of a century ago, and my memory is vague, but SCOOP delivered content and Bob’s hard-hitting editorials had impact. But Brad rarely said anything bad about anyone. He did not censure us for our faults. He showcased who we were at our best. The magazine, archived at the Stonewall Library, had features that laid out what the gay

SCOOP WAS DIFFERENT; SPECIAL. IT HAD REAL STORIES ABOUT US.

• 11.11.2021

Left: Brad Casey. Photo via Facebook. Right: SCOOP.

community was about — men and women with a commitment to making our lives matter, aspiring to be part of a community, rather than apart from it. When SCOOP met its demise because Brad couldn’t afford to print it anymore, he left literally over $50,000 on the street. What does that mean, you ask? Those were uncollected bills from gay bars and businesses that went bust, entities he kept on advertising and promoting anyway, even when they didn’t pay him. It was poor fiscal management to be sure, but it illuminated the soul Brad was. He cared more about you than himself. He wanted to keep the show on the stage. Every theater owner can relate. Brad had to shut down SCOOP, but he never winced, nor whined, or wallowed in self-pity. He went through hard times. We have all been there, but Brad bounced back. Brad quietly, through time and testing, became a father figure and permanent fixture in our small community, volunteering here and there, finding a niche everywhere, his deep, barreling voice echoing in our souls. Brad never lost his spirit, and if you are on

READ THE HOST OF FACEBOOK TRIBUTES TO HIM, LIKE THE ONE FROM MIKE TROTTIER: “My dear friend Brad Casey. I’ve walked in your footsteps in our community with pleasure and pride spending 11 years in local LGBT publishing directly hearing your accolades and praise … You are an old school gentleman to the highest degree. I love you and have appreciated our friendship for more than a decade. You are a pillar and legend in our LGBT community. Rest easy my friend knowing you left your mark.”

Facebook with him as a friend, you probably saw him the past year posing weekly at a new restaurant with Jerry Schultz, of Monas, promoting a new eatery they encouraged you to go to, so you could enjoy the pleasures they shared. In these posts, Brad was smiling, cheerful and upbeat. It is who he was, and how we will and should remember him, a man whose presence and person lit up our lives with optimism and cheer.

Publisher's Editorial

CONVICTIONS

THE MAGAZINE, ARCHIVED AT THE STONEWALL LIBRARY, HAD FEATURES THAT LAID OUT WHAT THE GAY COMMUNITY WAS ABOUT — MEN AND WOMEN WITH A COMMITMENT TO MAKING OUR LIVES MATTER, ASPIRING TO BE PART OF A COMMUNITY, RATHER THAN APART FROM IT. 11.11. 20 21 •

LIFESTYLE READING WITH PRIDE

‘THE WOLF AND THE WOODSMAN’ Aurora Dominguez

f you’re interested in books inspired by contemporary politics and history in Hungary, then “The Wolf and the Woodsman” by Ava Reid is the book for you. WHAT INSPIRED “THE WOLF AND THE WOODSMAN” AND WHAT CAN READERS EXPECT FROM THE TALE? “The Wolf and the Woodsman” was as much inspired by contemporary politics as it was by history. Medieval Hungary was a bleak and violent world, filled with zealous cruelty. The character of what would eventually be known as the Hungarian nation was still being shaped, and it required the vicious suppression (and often utter destruction) of anything that didn’t fit the aspirational vision of that nation. Pagan beliefs were totally extinguished, and Jews and other ethnic minorities were brutally subjugated. The politics of modern-day Hungary are very much informed by this history, though ironically pre-Christian pagan beliefs and cultural touchstones have in fact helped to form the character of the nation. They are even now used as tools of exclusion, reappropriated as Neo-Nazi symbols. I wanted the world I wrote to reflect both the history of Hungary and the contemporary political reality, both of which see ethnic minorities like Jews violently excluded. So, as for what you can expect: a brutal world, a story about two outcasts trying to carve out their own place in the narrative, grappling with the question of how much they’re willing to sacrifice for a nation that doesn’t love them. It can be a bleak story, but I think it’s ultimately hopeful. It’s also a story about finding community and reclaiming harmful narratives and even writing your own.

Ava Reid. Photo via Amazon.

WHAT WERE YOUR THOUGHTS WHEN YOU SAW THE FINISHED COVER AND HOW DOES IT REPRESENT THE BOOK? I was blown away when I saw the finished cover. It was all hand-painted by an incredibly talented artist named Russell Cobb – there are absolutely no digital elements to it whatsoever, which I think makes it extremely special. There are so many intricate details (for those who have read the book, there are at least three “Easter eggs” hidden inside the design of the cloak!) and I think it’s moody, evocative, and a little foreboding, which is perfectly reflective of the atmosphere of the book. It’s a pretty atypical cover for an adult fantasy novel (more Brit Bennett than George R.R. Martin), which I love, and I think also reflects the content of the book – literary and complicated and brimming with symbolism. The first version of the cover I saw used a green background. I asked my publisher if we could change the background to blue, as blue is a significant color in Judaism. I’m really happy that they agreed, and I’m completely in love with the final product.

WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU IN THE BOOKISH WORLD? My second adult book is coming in summer of 2022. It’s a proper retelling of Grimm’s “The Juniper Tree,” more in the tradition of Angela Carter and Catherynne Valente than Arden or Novik. It’s a darker book than The Wolf and the Woodsman, straight horror with strange, claustrophobic, Gothic sensibilities. I also have my YA debut coming in early 2023. It’s a literary mystery and fantasy romance called “A Study in Drowning” – think A.S. Byatt’s Possession but for YA. Like “The Wolf and the Woodsman,” it’s a story about stories: who gets to tell them, and who gets the benefit of being believed when they do. While all my books have strong romantic elements, this is the first one that I consider to be a “true” romance. I’m very excited to share it.

• 11.11.2021

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11.11. 20 21 •

SW I M M I N G • TA N N I N G • S I N G I N G • PA I N T I N G

S AV E T H E D AT E , B E C O M E A PA R T O F

LGBT HISTORY!

IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE

SOUTH FLORIDA REMEMBERS LOCAL DRAG QUEEN John Hayden

48 HOURS! ANY TIME OF DAY OR NIGHT FRIDAY NOV. 26  SATURDAY NOV. 27

DA N C I N G • J O G G I N G • S L E E P I N G • L AU G H I N G

Sasha Sommers. Photo via Facebook.

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Submit photos taken on either Nov. 26 or Nov. 27 to Jason Parsley at Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com. Please include the time that the DATE and TIME that the photo was taken, complete names of all people, city you live in and a short description of what’s taking place.

• 11.11.2021

asha Sommers was a blonde bombshell with an infectious smile. Now friends, family, and community are honoring her. The South Florida drag queen passed away last week, and her death was announced on Facebook by her friend John William Bryan Fugate. “It is with a sad heart that I have with Hotspots! Magazine about using to say my friend Sasha Sommers her platforms to make an impact. has passed away. She was a loving “I have done some great things for soul; she brought joy, happiness, and people and our community. I have peace with love and kindness and always tried to help when I can and be understanding to many of there for others.” us. May she rest in peace She saw her first drag "THE BEST THING show in Nashville and and may her spirit last forever in heaven.” TO HAPPEN TO felt a calling. She told While her cause Hotspots that it became ME IN DRAG of death hasn’t been a profession by chance, WOULD BE released, she had a history after entering a contest. of health problems. In THE FACT THAT While she made an 2016 she had a heart impact on fans, she told PEOPLE LOOK attack and almost had to Hotspots that her fans UP TO YOU AND impacted her just as have a limb amputated. A friend told SFGN she ADMIRE YOU." much, if not more. never fully recovered “The best thing to - Sasha Sommers from those issues. happen to me in drag Originally from would be the fact that Nashville, Tennessee, she moved to people look up to you and admire South Florida and became a familiar you. Having drag fans and friends is part of the community in and out one thing, but when there are actually of drag. In addition to memorable people who like you and appreciate performances, Sommers was also in what you do, it really means a lot!” the softball league. In 2017, she talked

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CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR, MCC Church of Our Savior, MCC 2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 Sunday Service 10AM TEMPLE BAT YAM 5151 NE 14th Ter Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334 954-928-0410 Friday Night & Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org

11.11. 20 21 •

A&E APPOINTMENTS

Rich Burns (left) and Trevor LaPaglia star in “The Disappointments,” a new web series about a group of middle-aged gay men. Credit: YouTube.

ARTSBEAT MIDDLE-AGED MEN AND HOLIDAY MUSIC J.W. Arnold NEW WEB SERIES DEBUTS ON YOUTUBE “The Disappointments,” from creator Rich Burns, is a new web series about three middle-aged gay best friends trying to figure out how to live their best lives. The series, based on actual events, follows of group of close friends in their 50s who, rocked by the suicide of one of their own, are forced to face the failures and disappointments in their own lives. According to the series announcement, “The Disappointments” looks at a pivotal issue people face as they navigate their later years: What do you do when you realize that time is running short, the road behind you is longer than the road ahead, and your life has not turned out at all the way you had hoped and planned when you were young? “The Disappointments” is “a darkly comic series about us, gay people in their 50s, who suddenly find themselves standing in a room, looking at their belongings, their careers, their unhappy personal lives, their reflection in the mirror and asking, ‘How did this get to be my life?’ Disillusioned. Disappointed. And the clock is ticking,” explained Burns. The first three episodes are available to stream on YouTube and additional episodes will be released on Mondays at 3 p.m. EST.

CHORUSES ANNOUNCE HOLIDAY CONCERTS

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VOL. 10 ISSUE 4 • OCTOBER  NOVEMBER 2021 • READ IT ONLINE AT THEMIRRORMAG.COM

• 11.11.2021

The Original Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus will kick off the season with “Jingle All the Way,” a program full of holiday classics and seasonal musical treasures, on Sunday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at the United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale, 2501 NE 30th St. Musical selections include: “O Holy Night,” “The Chanukah Song” (“We Are Lights”), “Hanukkah in Santa Monica,” “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” Barbra Streisand’s arrangement of “Jingle Bells” and “Ring Those Christmas Bells.” Founding Artistic Director Dr. Gary Keating will once again conduct. Social distancing will be observed and audience members are required to wear masks at the performance. Tickets start at $25 at FTLGMC.org. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and new Artistic Director Gabe Salazar will take the podium for two holiday performances: Friday, Dec. 17 at the Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale and Sunday, Dec. 19 at the Hard Rock Live at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood. The Sunshine Cathedral concert will offer a traditional, festive holiday concert, while the chorus will be joined by multi-platinum recording artist and actress Deborah Cox at the Hard Rock Live concert. The chorus requires results of a negative COVID test or alternately, optional proof of vaccination to attend concerts. Masks must be worn at both performances. Tickets and more information are available at GMCSF.org.

This modern inclusive spin on Oscar Wilde’s classic tale (reimagined with LGBTQ+ representation) is a witty, sly romp through modern society.

713 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach www.lakeworthplayhouse.org | 561.586.6410

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11.11. 20 21 •

A&E BOOKS

MIAMI BOOK FAIR RETURNS, SPOTLIGHTS LGBT AUTHORS J.W. Arnold

MASTERWORKS I: WELCOME BACK CONCERT MUSSORGSKY | Pictures at an Exhibition PIAZZOLLA | 100th Anniversary Celebration with Siwoo Kim, Violin BERLIOZ | Roman Carnival Overture

Nov. 17 The Parker Ft. Lauderdale

Nov. 18 Temple Israel of Greater Miami

Nov. 20 Tennessee Williams Theatre, Key West

Tickets on sale now from $15 southﬂoridasymphony.org | 954.522.8445

he books are coming and readers and writers will follow, as they do by the tens of thousands every year, promise organizers of the Miami Book Fair International (MBF), produced by MiamiDade College. For nearly four decades, MBF has been one of the largest literary events in the country, attracting bibliophiles to readings, panel discussions, workshops and the popular street fair where thousands of titles are on display in stalls lining the downtown streets of Miami. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers actually expanded the schedule of events and reach of the festival, thanks to streaming video. Those efforts continue this year, even as live events rejoin the busy schedule. Starting Nov. 14 and running through Nov. 21, more than 250 authors and poets will be featured, including Amor Towles, “The Lincoln Highway: A Novel;” Andrew Child and Harlan Coben, “Better Off Dead: A Jack Reacher Novel;” Jean Becker and Jeb Bush, “The Man I Knew: The Amazing Story of George H.W. Bush’s Post-Presidency;” Sebastian Junger and Bryan Christy, “Freedom;” and Mark Oppenheimer and Rabbi Judith Siegel, “Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood;” and former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove, “Playlist for the Apocalypse: Poems.” As in past years, the fair will also feature multicultural programs in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole representing fiction, politics, history, memoirs, poetry and graphic novels, as well as a variety of LGBTthemed works. LGBT authors and poets scheduled to participate include: Sarah Schulman will discuss her book, “Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987-1993,” on Monday, Nov. 15. Based on more than 200 interviews, the volume offers a revelatory exploration and reassessment of the inner workings, conflicts, achievements and ultimate fracture of the AIDS awareness coalition. Transgender pastor Paula Stone Williams will present her memoir, “As a Woman: What I Learned about Power, Sex and the

Miami Book Fair, one of the largest literary events in the country, will return to live author presentations and panel discussions in 2021. Credit: Miami-Dade College.

Patriarchy I Transitioned,” on Saturday, Nov. 20. She will be joined by author Melissa Febos, whose new book “Girlhood” examines the narratives women are told about what it means to be female and what it takes to be freed from those constrictions. Actor Alan Cumming (“The Good Wife”) will also be in Miami on Nov. 20 for a conversation about his new memoir, “Baggage: Tales from a Fully Packed Life.” Cumming warns readers, “No one ever fully recovers from their past. There is no cure for it … that is what this book is about, and to remind you not to buy into the Hollywood ending.” Author, illustrator, and popular LGBT advice columnist John Paul Brammer will read from “¡Hola Papi!: How to Come Out in a Walmart Parking Lot and Other Life Lessons,” a funny memoir-in-essays chronicling his journey from growing up as a queer, mixed-race kid in America’s heartland to becoming the “Chicano Carrie Bradshaw” of his generation, also on Nov. 20. Other featured LGBT authors and poets include 2020 National Poetry Series winner Trevor Ketner, Zaina Arafat, Kristen Arnett and Rajiv Mohabir.

Miami Book Fair runs Nov. 14 – 21. For a complete schedule of events, go to MiamiBookFair.com.

• 11.11.2021

GMCSF

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA with Gabe Salazar, Artistic Director presents

Featuring multi-platinum recording artist & actress

DEBORAH COX

Featuring multi-platinum recording artist & actress

DEBORAH COX

DECEMBER 19, 2021 at 7pm

DECEMBER 19, 2021 at 7pm COVID-19 protocols required. Tickets and information: GMCSF.ORG COVID-19 See our website for details. protocols required. Tickets and information: GMCSF.ORG Hosted by

Hosted by

SFGN 11/11/21 V12iss45

Articles inside

A SALUTE TO BRAD CASEY PAGES 16, 22