x Page x SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS @SFGN SFGN.COM @SOFLAGAYNEWS x Page xx Page x SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS @SFGN SFGN.COM @SOFLAGAYNEWS CRIST VS DESANTIS WHO WILL WIN NOVEMBER 8? Latinos Salud Opens New Location Page 15Monkeypox Update Page 11 Remembering Rev. Dr. Jerry Stephenson Page 19 SUPPORT A FREE PRESS! SFGN.com/donateSUPPORT A FREE PRESS! SFGN.com/donate AUGUST 25, 2022 VOL. 13 // ISSUE 34 PAGE 12
newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs. Copyright © 2022 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc. August 25, 2022 • Volume 13 • Issue 34 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943 Publisher • Norm Kent Norm.Kent@sfgn.com Associate Publisher / Executive Editor • Jason Parsley Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com Editorial Webmaster • Kimberly Swan Webmaster@sfgn.com Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly Graphic Designer • Julie Palmer Graphic Designer • Greg Bistolfi Graphic Design Consultant • Brendon Lies Artwork@sfgn.com Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold JW@prdconline.com Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin HIV Editor • Sean McShee Community Editor • John Hayden Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis JRDavis12000@hotmail.com Senior Feature Columnists Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo Special to SFGN Steve Rothaus Correspondents John McDonald • Everitt Rosen Sean Conklin • Deon Jefferson David-Elijah Nahmod • Aurora Dominguez Gillian Manning • Denise Royal Bella Ramirez • Kennedy McKinney Austen Erblat • Kizzy Azcarate Contributing Columnists Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer Gregg Shapiro • Dana Rudolph Associate Photographers Carina Mask • Steven Shires Sales & Marketing For ad placement in SFGN, contact 954-530-4970 Sales Manager • Justin Wyse Justin@sfgn.com Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann Edwin@sfgn.com Distribution Services Coordinator • J.R. Davis Distribution Assistant • Juan Manzano National Advertising Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 sales@rivendellmedia.com Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping Printing by Stuart Web Inc. SouthFloridaGayNews.com SFGN Winner of & 5 Florida Press Club Awards And runner-up for NLGJA Journalist of the Year @SFGN SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS.COM, INC. FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009 BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT If you or someone you know struggles with suicidal thoughts, please call the new suicide hotline. You can call or text 988 to reach trained counselors. OUTPOURING OF LOVE He touched many in Wilton Manors and South Florida’s LGBT community, and an outpouring of love and memories flooded Perlata’s and Caputo’s social media. “I love that our last moments were of us goofing around and being playful,” one person wrote, “even though I sprained my neck chicken fighting with you in the pool cause I’m way too old for that.”
Associated Press SFGN COVER: Charlie Crist, photo via Facebook. Ron Desantis, photo by Matt Johnson from Omaha, via Wikimedia Commons. Background image via Freepik.
South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of individuals based on their names or pictorial representations in SFGN. SFGN contracts with independent entities for stock images. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community. All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded by the
HONORED BY CITY COMMISSION
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LEO CAPUTO,
PERALTA, PARTNER OF CITY COMMISSIONER CHRIS
“His life was given to save others with his struggles,” Caputo said in a statement.
Despite projecting love everywhere he went, inside Peralta was struggling. His suicide came after a long battle with mental health. Caputo, who described him as his “future fiancé,” believes the death can help others“Leolive.has found a way to make the passing tragedy crystal clear. His passage is not the end, but instead a beginning of life saving experiences.”Amemorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 3, at 4:30 p.m. at Richardson Park. They will accept donations for a fund to help others battling mental health issues.
THERE’SONLINE!MORE
L
eo Peralta spent fewer than 30 years on Earth and less than one year in South Florida. Despite that brief time, his life impacted many and his sudden death has rocked Wilton Manors and the LGBT community. He died over the weekend at the home he shared with his partner, city commissioner Chris Caputo. Caputo made the announcement on social media, saying, “My love Leo Peralta moved on to the next life this evening around 11:11. I love Leo. He loved me. He had a heart bigger than you could know. His head sometimes made his heart hurt in ways he didn’t understand. He was working on that, but the pain became too much for him to bear too soon.” Peralta came from Cuba late last year, and just weeks before his death he became a U.S. citizen. As the partner of a very active politician, Peralta quickly became a visible member of the community. Whether it was tending bar at mixer at Wilton Collective or dancing with Caputo on a crowded dance floor at Hunters on Sunday night, you could always spot his smile from across the room. If he spotted you, a warm hug was coming your way.
DR. FAUCI STEPPING DOWN AFTER 50 YEARS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
NEWS HIGHLIGHT
Support our advertisers in the pages of SFGN! Their support helps make our journalism possible. now! Photo via Leo Peralta/Facebook.
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2 • 8.25.2022
Despite being less than 48 hours after Peralta’s death, Caputo attended Tuesday’s commission meeting. His friend, Mayor Scott Newton, held a moment of silence at the start John Hayden of the meeting, and read a statement from Caputo.“Thecommunity has been kinder and more supportive than I could have ever imagined. Your show of support is overwhelming, I am grateful beyond words. I know Leo is here too, and in all honesty I struggle to hold it together. I feel your deep love for me and your love for Leo.” You can hear the remarks, in full, on the city’s website post of the meeting
PERSONAL STRUGGLES
DIES BY SUICIDE
8.25.2022 • 3 S a t u r d a y , A u g u s t 2 7 t h , 1 : 0 0 p m S u n s h i n e C a t h e d r a l C e n t e r o f t h e P e r f o r m i n g A r t s 1 4 8 0 S W 9 t h A v e n u e , F o r t L a u d e r d a l e S u n d a y , A u g u s t 2 8 t h , 2 : 0 0 p m C o r a l G a b l e s C o n g r e g a t i o n a l C h u r c h M o y e C h a p e l 3 0 1 0 D e S o t o B l v d , C o r a l G a b l e s W e d n e s d a y , A u g u s t 3 1 s t , 6 : 0 0 p m C o m p a s s L G B T Q + C o m m u n i t y C e n t e r RSVP by filling out the egistration form MCSF.org A U D I T I O N S F O R S E A S O N 1 3 G A Y M E N ' S C H O R U S O F S O U T H F L O R I D A GABE SALAZAR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR B R O W A R D • P A L M B E A C H • M I A M I D A D E T H R E E L O C A T I O N S
4 • 8.25.2022 PROVIDING OF EXPERIENCE in the treatment and prevention of HIV, STD and Viral Hepatitis. DR. JESSICA ALTAMIRANODR. AMY WECKER
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Team USA soccer stars Ashlyn Harris and Ali Kreiger announced that they’ve adopted a baby boy named Ocean Maeve KriegerHarris, their second child. “My wife and I are excited to share that we have adopted a baby boy,” Harris wrote on Instagram. “Our hearts are full during this time and we are so grateful for the love and support our family, friends and club have shown.”Thepair shared photos online of Ocean and snaps of him with their daughter Sloane, who they say is very excited to have a sibling. Krieger also shared a few words on Instagram, saying, “Welcome to the world, Ocean Maeve. “We are so thrilled for our growing family and couldn’t be more excited to have two beautiful babies to share life with! Baby Boy, you are so loved and
6 • 8.25.2022 QUEER LGBTQIA BITES ‘THE GREAT GATSBY’ GETS QUEER, POC-CENTERED RETELLING Q LESBIANL SOCCER STARS ASHLYN HARRIS & ALI KRIEGER ADOPT NEW BABY BOY BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G ... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY
Non-binary author Jeremy Holt, along with Felipe Cunha, plan to give “The Great Gatsby” a queer makeover featuring LGBT characters and POC as the main actors. It depicts Singaporean student Lu Zhao spending a summer on Long Island with his rich cousin Tommy before attending Columbia University, and Lu’s experience is the same as that of the original character Nick Carraway.Theoriginal author is F. Scott Fitzgerald, and in 2021 the book entered the public domain, meaning no one has to get permission from Fitzgerald’s estate to adapt it. Back in 2021, Fitzgerald’s great granddaughter Blake Hazard told the Associated Press in 2020, “I would love to see an inclusive adaptation of Gatsby, with a diverse cast. Though the story is set in a very specific time and place, it seems to me that a retelling of this great American story could and should reflect a more diverse America.” Photo via Ali Krieger/Instagram. Image via AWA Studios. adored already and I’m so proud to be your Mommy.” now
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Ellia Green, a member of the 2016 Olympic champion women’s rugby sevens team from Australia, recently came out as a trans man. Green came out in a video shown at a summit on dealing with homophobia and transphobia in sports in Ottawa, Canada. “Imagine not being able to do what you love because of how you identify,” said Green. “Banning transgender people from sport, I think, is disgraceful, and I think it’s hurtful. The rates of suicide and mental health [issues] will get even worse.”Green said transitioning was the best move of his life and said that he’d been aware of his trans identity since childhood.Greendecided to come out publicly because of the negativity surrounding trans athletes right now, telling AP, “ I’d like to help someone not feel so isolated by telling my story.” via Ellia Green/Instagram.
TRANSGENDERT LGBTQIA BITES OLYMPIC RUGBY CHAMP COMES OUT AS TRANS MAN Photo
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and other 20 other state attorney generals are suing the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for having its programs investigate discrimination based on gender identity or sexuality orientation.“USDAis committed to administering all its programs with equity and fairness, and serving those in need with the highest dignity. A key step in advancing these principles is rooting out discrimination in any form — including discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity,” said Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack in the press release from May, according to The Texas Tribune
North Dakota has been one of many states whose legislature introduced numerous anti-LGBT and restrictive laws. “I know people are really excited to be visible in the community, and I can tell you that there are so many cool connections you can make through sport,” Suzanne Blum Grundyson, the Minneapolis representative to the national board, said.
STATE SUES USDA OVER LGBT PROTECTIONS IN NUTRITION PROGRAMS POLICIES
On Aug. 14, Fargo, North Dakota, became the 24th chapter for Stonewall Sports.According to its website, Stonewall Sports is an organization that raises funds for nonprofits through organized sports.
STONEWALL SPORTS MAKES ITS WAY TO FARGO
The megachurch’s announcement led to over 20 people protesting the sermons.“Ireally hope that the takeaway is that there are many of us who are willing to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations in order to hopefully make a better future for the collective,” said Fresno State junior Isla Dudley to The Fresno Bee
NORTHCALIFORNIADAKOTA
Stonewall Sports’ national sports director Candi Wills. Photo via stonewallsports.leagueapps.com. driving by Thursday evening — although one man was seen rolling down his window and repeatedly yelling “Freak show!” at the demonstrators.
Candi Wills, Stonewall’s national sports director, made the trek from Boston to Fargo to welcome the city into its“Inorganization.Fargo,they were like, ‘We don’t have anything for the queer community. We don’t have queer sports,’” Wills said to Inforum, adding that the online membership and turnout for the event came close to rivaling large cities’.
TEXAS
Jose Solorio, one of the co-organizers, said that the protesters will return for Sunday morning service until the series ends. Photo via NorCal Resist/Facebook.
8 • NEWS8.25.2022NATIONAL BY KIZZY AZCARATE THE COUNTRYACROSS COVERING LGBT NEWS SWEEPING THE NATION
The Fresno Bee reports that protesters also received many supportive honks and shouts from rush hour commuters
SPEAKER AFTER DISCRIMINATORY REMARKS
Paxton is arguing that it will “inevitably result in regulatory chaos that threatens essential nutritional services to some of the most vulnerable citizens.”
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Photo via Ken Paxton/Facebook.
The Well Community Church in Fresno has invited Denny Burk to host three sessions to focus on the “biblical view” of homosexuality, gender identity and “sexual confusion,” according to the church’s website
THERE’SONLINE!MORE CONVERSION THERAPY IS DISCOURAGED, BANNED FROM TAXPAYERS FUND AFTER EXECUTIVE ORDER Visit SFGN.com to find out more.
LGBT COMMUNITY PROTESTS MEGACHURCH’S
Congress and Cancun will play host to Mexico’s first LGBT parliament. Miguel Angel Dzib Miss will present an initiative in support of academic freedom in primary and secondary schools.
GHANA MAY INTRODUCE ONE OF THE WORLD’S ANTI-LGBTHARSHESTBILL
The 18-year-old actor became wellknown this year after he starred in the critically acclaimed “Heartstopper” series on Netflix, which is based on the webcomics of the same name. He and his co-stars, who included Yasmin Finney and Kit Connor, instantly rose to the status of LGBT superstars and are now using their newfound influence to further the cause of equality. According to Metro, young actor Locke has now appeared in Manx Pride, the Isle of Man’s celebration of the LGBT community, after the cast recently participated in London Pride.
Kaohsiung, a city in southern Taiwan, was slated to host the WorldPride 2025 Taiwan event after winning the bid from the international LGBTQ rights organization InterPride.“Aftercareful evaluation, it is believed that if the event continues, it may harm the interests of Taiwan and the Taiwan gay community. Therefore, it is decided to terminate the project before signing the contract,” the Kaohsiung organizers said to Al Jazeera. Photo by twLGBTpride, via Flickr.
FREE EXPRESSION INITIATIVE TO BE HEARD BY CONGRESS IN MEXICO NORTH AMERICA
Following a request from international organizers that Taiwan’s name be dropped from the 2025 event, a worldwide LGBT meeting that was scheduled to take place in Taiwan has been canceled. Taiwan attributed the cancellation of the WorldPride 2025 Taiwan to “political issues,” claiming that the event’s organizers had insisted on the term “Taiwan” being dropped from the title. Taiwan takes part in international competitions like the Olympics under the name “Chinese Taipei” to avoid political conflicts with China, which sees the democratically-run island as part of its territory and takes offense to any suggestion that it is a separate state.
The Manx native took his opportunity to speak to the crowd through video link to protest the law that prohibits gay males from donating blood. Kit Connor and Joe Locke. Photo via Kit Connor/Facebook.
GLOBAL LGBT EVENT CANCELED FOLLOWING DEMANDS FROM TAIWAN
Photo via Adobe. Joe Locke, actor of the film “Heartstopper,” has criticized the “archaic” regulation on the Isle of Man prohibiting gay males from donating blood.
ASIA
“I saw the publication of the LGBT Right association that was working together with the Chamber of Deputies and federal deputy Salma Luévano who invited the entire LGBT population to participate in the first national parliament of the LGBTQ+ community,” the activist told California 18 He emphasized that among the prerequisites were things like a profile and, work as a human rights activist, and that a change in the legislation would be requested or that a proposal to change an item in favor of the LGBT community would be proposed.
8.25.2022 • 9 NEWS INTERNATIONAL BY EVERITT ROSEN THE AROUNDWORLD EXPLORING LGBT NEWS EVENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE JOE LOCKE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST ISLE OF MAN’S BLOOD DONATION REGULATION EUROPE THERE’SONLINE!MORE Visit SFGN.com to find out more.
Photo by J.R. Davis J.R.’s
10 • 8.25.2022 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. NEWS LOCAL THEOFSNAPSHOT WEEK
Gerald, from France, with Chip Meeker, his friend and the owner of Papa Duke’s Deli, which is celebrating its first anniversary, at the SFGN 12th anniversary party held at Grieco Ford.
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NEWS LOCAL
Cases of monkeypox continued to rise this past week in the state, with 75% of the infections coming from South Florida. There are now more than 1,200 cases in the tri-county area as of Aug. 22. There were 62 new cases of monkeypox in Broward, according to data from the Florida Department of Health, while Miami-Dade had 101 new Miami-Dadecases.is the No. 1 county in the state with 614 cases of monkeypox. In total, South Florida now has 1,216 confirmedAccordingcases.tothe Florida Department of Health, the state has 321 new cases for a total 1,638 – a 25% increase from the week before. That is a smaller rise from last week which saw a 40% increase over the previous. There are 31 counties in Florida that have reported at least one case of monkeypox up from 29 last week. Here are a few of those counties, with last week’s number in parenthesis: Broward has 508 (446) Miami-Dade has 614 (513) Orange County has 119 (82) Palm Beach has 78 (61) Pinellas has 68 (51) Hillsborough has 96 (57) Monroe has 16 (14) According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention there are 15,909 in the U.S., with New York leading the way with 3,019 cases as of Aug. 23. Florida ranks third after New York and California. The outbreak is mostly affecting the LGBT community, as cases are disproportionately impacting gay, bisexual and other men who have sex men. The major symptom of an infection is a painful or itchy rash that can initially look like pimples or blisters.
MONKEYPOX Parsley
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Tampa Bay opens the regular season Sept. 11 against the Dallas Cowboys in Texas. Carl Nassib, photo via Instagram. First Atlantic Inc. 1881 NE 26th Street Florida 2/1 in N Andrews Annex. LrgFl Room. Room for Great starter $474,900. “Joe. You are a PRO.” ‐ L Polcari, Fort Lauderdale “Joe is trustworthy, knowledgeable, responsive and dependable. I have used him on several S Lovci, Fort Lauderdale Since 1985
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BUCS BRING NFL’S FIRST OUT PLAYER BACK TO TAMPA John
If you suspect you have been infected with monkeypox, contact your doctor immediately or call the Florida Department of Health at 954-467-4700 or 850-245-4444. OF THEM IN SOUTH
FLORIDA
There will be a gay player in the NFL this season.CarlNassib, an outside linebacker, signed a one-year contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week. Nassib made history last season when he became the first active NFL player to come out as gay. The 6-foot-7, 275-pound Nassib was released by the Las Vegas Raiders in March. He returns to Tampa Bay, where he played for two seasons from 2018-19. Nassib, 29, reportedly will earn a veteran salary benefit for around $1.05 million. He took the field in Saturday’s preseason game in Nashville, recording two tackles in the Bucs’ 13-3 loss to the Tennessee Titans. After the game, Bucs coach Todd Bowles told reporters he liked Nassib’s energy and was happy with his effort. “Not bad for a guy that just came off the street, practiced two or three days,” Bowles said. McDonald
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Vows to Defeat DeSantis
Crist served as Florida’s governor from 2007 to 2011 as a Republican. He ran for senate, losing against now Sen. Marco Rubio in the Republican primary and later in the general election as an Independent. He later switched to the Democrat Party and ran against now Sen. Rick Scott, losing to him as well.“I’m sad to say, I don’t want to recognize the leaders of the Republican Party. They’re extremists. They want to turn back the clock on our freedom. They’re trying to undermine our democracy in ways no one could have ever imagined,” Crist said. “That stops here. That stops now. And it stops with our Florida. I proudly served as your governor once before and unlike the current governor I represented every Floridian regardless of what political party they belong to, or how much money was in their wallet, or even who they loved, we made it easier to Mostvote.” political analysts believe DeSantis is setting the stage for a presidential run in 2024. DeSantis has used the last two years engaging in culture wars in the state especially targeting the LGBT community like banning student trans athletes; passing a law dubbed “Don’t Say Gay”; and recently targeting a Miami restaurant for its racy drag shows.
12 • 8.25.2022
NEWS
EASILY WINS
Charlie Crist easily dispatched Nikki Fried in the Democratic primary Tuesday talking about 60% of the vote to her 35%.Now he’s ready to take on Gov. Ron DeSantis, whose re-election was uncontested in the Republican primary. But it’s going to be an uphill battle. DeSantis has already amassed a war chest of over $140 million – a historic fundraising total.
“Our fundamental freedoms are literally on the ballot [...] a woman’s right to choose, democracy on the ballot, rights of minorities, that’s what is at stake in this election,” he said during his victory speech.
YOURWHITEONLY“DESANTISCARESABOUTTHEHOUSE.HEDOESN’TCAREABOUTHOUSE.”
“DeSantis only cares about the White House. He doesn’t care about your house,” Crist noted. Crist also called DeSantis a bully, who imitates authoritarian leaders. “He’s abusive. He is a bully. And he’s dangerous to us. Dangerous,” Crist said. “He wants to appeal to the extremists across the nation as he seeks the Republican nomination for governor in 2024. He won’t condemn hate or extremism. Like the Nazis running around our state waving his flags and spreading antisemitic hate. Are you kidding me? And he stays silent when his own lieutenant governor calls for Cuban migrants to be bused out of our Florida. Unbelievable.”Cristvowed to defeat DeSantis.“Don’t be fooled by the DeSantis propaganda machine. He doesn’t promote freedom – he takes freedom away. We can put a stop to this wanna be dictator,” Crist said. “This is the most consequential race in the history of our state. And when we win in November, we will send shockwaves across this country.”
Photo via Charlie Crist/Facebook.
Jason Parsley STATE
- Charlie Crist
CRIST DEMOCRATIC NOMINATION
8.25.2022 • 13 FT.LAUD & WILTON RESIDENTS:
Brittney Griner, a WNBA all-star center, was sentenced to nine years in a Russian penal colony and ordered to pay a fine of one million rubles ($16,590) for smuggling narcotics. In February, Griner was detained by Russian customs after vape cartridges containing a small amount of hashish oil were found in her luggage at a Moscow airport.
Russia’s harsh sentencing of a lesbian basketball star has increased pressure for the reform of marijuana laws.
Erik Altieri, executive director for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), called the sentencing a “grotesque affront to the concept of justice and an unfortunate reminder of how draconic marijuana laws remain around the globe.”Altieri said now is the time for serious reflection on the status of thousands of otherwise law-abiding American citizens jailed for the same crime as Griner.
John McDonald they can to free Griner, but just as important, end the hypocrisy of acting repulsed by her sentencing while maintaining marijuana criminalization at home by bringing our domestic marijuana policies in line with our nation’s stated principles of liberty and justice,” Altieri said. Griner’s defense team argued she used the oil to treat her injuries. Medical marijuana is legal in 37 states, including Arizona, where Griner played for the Phoenix Mercury. Russia, however, forbids marijuana – even for medicinalPresidentpurposes.JoeBiden said the U.S. is pursuing “every possible avenue” to bring Griner home.
NEWS INTERNATIONAL
“The trial is over,” said Kierra Johnson, executive director of the National LGBTQ Task Force. “More serious negotiations to bring her home safely must begin now. We must advance the negotiations in process, out of concern for her safety and to get her home to her wife and family as soon as possible.”
14 • 8.25.2022
BRITTNEY GRINER RULING INCREASES CALLS FOR MARIJUANA REFORMS
“Officials in the United States should do all
8.25.2022 • 15 MIAMI-DADE news
AT A TIME WHEN VACCINATIONS ARE BECOMING MORE OF AN ACKNOWLEDGED STANDARD PROCEDURE, ONE HEALTH ORGANIZATION IS EXPANDING ITS FOOTPRINT TO MEET THE DEMAND. Latinos Salud opened a new location in North Miami, said Dr. Stephen Fallon, executive director. North Miami is the third location in Miami-Dade County and fourth overall for the organization that offers services and programs geared toward gay and bisexual Latinos and the wider LGBT community.Whencomplete, the location will match a positive programming vibe that Latinos Salud offers its clients in each of its other locations. Cultural activities, including movie nights, kayaking adventures, beach trips, and yoga classes, are a chance to make new friends and socialize in a safe environment, Fallon said. North Miami is much more accessible than Miami Beach with its traffic congestion, said Rafaelé Narváez, director of health programs.
Like the other Latinos Salud locations, North Miami will be open late until 9 p.m. The need for more staff is the result of Latinos Salud’s commitment to public health during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.“Ironically, during the times of COVID-19 when people were scared and did not want to get out of their houses, we had a surge of new clients because other clinics were closed and we had started to provide essential services that the community needed to follow up,” said Juan Buch, programs coordinator for the Miami Beach location. “Throughout 2020, we implemented our wellness clinic in which we are able to provide Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis, Post-Exposure Prophylaxis, sexually transmitted diseases treatment, andVaccinationsvaccinations.”remain a hot topic, and Latinos Salud received its first shipment of monkeypox vaccines at its Wilton Manors location.Latinos Salud is also administering vaccinations for meningitis, Hepatitis A and B, HPV and COVID-19 and continues to offer HIV and STD screening, PrEP initiation, condom distribution and Ryan White case management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MiamiDade County leads the nation in new HIV cases, with a majority of those cases being gayToLatinos.schedule a vaccination appointment or appointments for STD screening, PrEP, or any of the agency’s other services, visit LatinosSalud.org and click the Appointment tab at the top of the page. In Broward County, call 954-765-6239. For the new North Miami location call 786-6314538 for more information. of Latinos Salud.
LATINOS SALUD OPENS NEW LOCATION IN NORTH MIAMI
“THROUGHOUT 2020, WE IMPLEMENTED OUR WELLNESS CLINIC IN WHICH WE ARE ABLE TO PROVIDE TREATMENT,TRANSMITTEDPROPHYLAXIS,PROPHYLAXIS,PRE-EXPOSUREPOST-EXPOSURESEXUALLYDISEASESANDVACCINATIONS.” - JUAN BUCH, PROGRAM COORDINATOR courtesyPhoto
John McDonald
“When we first expanded to Miami-Dade in 2014, a location on Miami Beach was the best place to be, to serve everyone on the east side of the county,” Narváez said.
“Nearly two-thirds of our clients testing in Miami Beach are making the drive over the causeway … More importantly, it will serve all those community members who meant to get service but never made that drive over the causeway before.”
16 • 8.25.2022 PALM BEACH news PALM BEACH COUPLE WORKS TO GIVE NEW MEANING TO BLACK GAY PRIDE
“Adoption was something we talked about from day one,” Graham-Jackson said. “We were very upfront about our long- and short-term goals. We were both originally from New York, so when we moved we thought it would be a great idea to raise kids in a place of freedom. Living in the Sunshine State gives us the feeling, so once we settled, it was time to open our home to share the love that we have developed with children.”
IN 2022.
PART
DISPEL THE AVERAGE LGBT NARRATIVE
Deon C. Jefferson
people, especially those from the islands and African American people,” Jackson said. “She started her own nursing school and trained folks on how to be an LPN or a CNA so they can find jobs and support themselves. After she passed, I noticed that she was still a small business owner while I was going through her paperwork. This inspired me to use my experience combined with my mom’s business savvy to start my own company.”
Photo via Matthew Jackson/Facebook.
GIVES NEW MEANING TO THE PHRASE
IT BE DEROGATORY NAMES, STIGMA-INFLUENCED STEREOTYPES, OR INSENSITIVE POLITICAL LAWS, IT’S APPARENT
MESSY
PALM BEACH COUNTY COUPLE MATTHEW GRAHAM-JACKSON AND ARE DOING THEIR TO AND THAT “BLACK GAY
CONSTANTLY BEING PORTRAYED IN THE MEDIA IN A NEGATIVE LIGHT.
COMMUNITY
On the other hand, Graham-Jackson is the owner of his own skin line Emigee Skyn. The brand was crafted for clients who want to experience the perks of preserving a youthful appearance. Emigee Skyne uses hand-
TOPIC”
PRIDE.”
CREATE A LANE
The Jackson family is a perfect example of what Black gay love can look like, and a great representation of Black gay Pride. Not only are they proud members of the LGBT community and parents, they also feed the homeless, educate about the prevention of STDs, and run their businesses while still putting their family first and being an example of living “Loud and“PeopleProud.”
This West Palm Beach couple are both entrepreneurs. Jackson is the owner and president of the newly launched Campbell Health Solutions Inc., which is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote health and educational services that support the well-being of those individuals who are vulnerable to HIV, STDs and other major issues that may affect their health. Their overall vision is to innovate health care services for the communities that remain at risk.
hear about marriage and they think life is over,” Graham-Jackson said. “Even some of my heterosexual friends think we have no life because we are married. That’s not true because we do fun stuff and we travel with our kids in or outside the country frequently. To be quite honest, we feel like our lives have just begun.”
AND THE FUEL BEHIND TONS
LGBT
As a melanin-skinned male, it was doing my skin a disservice.”IntheLGBT community, Grindr is seen as a hookup site. Not in the case of the Jackson though. They met on the popular dating app in 2011 and married just four years later. They adopted two kids, 14-yearold Michael and 4-yearold Rylan. The Jacksons had a lot of love to give, so making the decision to adopt was fairly easy for them. They have had Michael since he was 7 years old, and Rylan since he was just 8 days old.
THE COMMUNITY IS WHETHER THAT THE HAS BEEN IN THE “HOT SEAT” OF “HOT SEGMENTS
Photo via Matthew Jackson/Facebook. selected and natural ingredients combined with advanced technology. Described as a “labor of love” by Graham-Jackson, this luxury skincare line is compatible with all skin“Emigeetypes. Skyn was not originally for the public, it was for me,” Graham-Jackson said. “I had hyperpigmentation and acne as an adult and during my teen years. It was basically a way for me to identify which natural products work for me because I was chasing fads, or trying to fit in when it came to skincare.
THE LIKE,WHATEXAMPLEAFAMILYJACKSONISPERFECTOFBLACKGAYLOVECANLOOKANDAGREATREPRESENTATIONOFBLACKGAYPRIDE.
Campbell Health was established in homage to Jackson’s late mother Elaine May Campbell.“Mymom had a reputation for helping
RICHARDO JACKSON
8.25.2022 • 17 SFGN.com/donateWOULD YOU LIKE TO SUPPORT A FREE PRESS?
18 • 8.25.2022 “Love without judgement” A home for your spirit. Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. MassFacebook.com/HolyAngelsFL33305www.HolyAngelsFL.org954-633-2987Schedule:Sabado6:00PMmisaenespañol • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome! Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship. 11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing. Join us for in-person worship at 10 AM Sunday, or live streamed on Facebook www.facebook.com/ChruchofOurSaviorMCC 2011 South Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach, www.churchofoursaviormcc.org561-733-4000FL Church of Our Savior MCCCHECK WEBSITES AND FACEBOOK PAGES FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE OF SERVICES, AS WELL AS VIRTUAL VIEWING OPTIONS. SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM SPIRITUALITY LISTINGS ETZCONGREGATIONCHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building B), Wilton Manors 954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St Wilton Manors, FL 33305 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM 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 Friday954-928-0410Night& Saturday Morning Streaming Online at templebatyam.org Cal l tod ay to see the experts in HIV care and prevention! 954-530-8357 2608 NE 16th Ave. | Wilton Manors, FL 33334 | midwaycare org Esther C. Schumann, MD, AAHIVS João Rodrigues, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC 1 S H OT every 2 MO N T H S p r o t e ct s you f r o m HI V. N o w o er i n g I n je c ta bl e P rE P ! ARRESTED? DON’T BE A DOPE! CALL NORMKENT.COM954-763-1900THE LAW OFFICES OF NORMAN KENT AND RUSSELL CORMICAN THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAW CENTER OF SOUTH FLORIDA NORM@NORMKENT.COM Russell Cormican Attorney at Law 2520 N. Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Norman Elliott Kent Attorney at Law 12 SE 7th St Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
8.25.2022 • 19 IN MEMORIAM TRIBUTE THE REV. DR. STEPHENSONJERRYDIES
The Rev. Dr. Jerry Stephenson. Screenshot via Youtube/Truth Wins Out.
Jeff Newcomb In June 1992, an article titled “Soul Searching” appeared in the Fort Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel newspaper. Damon Adams phoned the subject of the article screaming that the article had gone around the world in two hours and had been copied by every major newspaper in the world. The article was a critical selfexamination by a man who had served in the Marines, then gone to a Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and pastored and taught in Southern Baptist Churches and schools in South Florida for more than 10 years. All while trying to deny to himself that he was gay. He had even gone into an “ex-gay” therapy in Fort Lauderdale called Worthy Creations, an offshoot of Exodus International – groups that promised that through prayer and self-denial a person’s sexual orientation could be changed.Theman’s name was Rev. Dr. Jerry Stephenson, and his story was unique in that he had been part of the Evangelical movement and had now come to terms with the fact that he was undeniably gay and equally a conservative Christian. When the referendums to prevent discrimination protections for gay people in work and housing started, first in Miami and Broward counties, Rev. Stephenson was asked to help combat the arguments of the fundamentalist Christian leaders who were behind the referendums. Eventually, he had fought that fight in every county where the referendums were tried, and had articles published in many papers exposing the fundamentalists’ arguments and then breaking them apart – using the Bible. In 2001, Rev. Stephenson published his first book of seven all together. It is titled “Out of the Closet and Into the Light,” exposing the myths and answering questions about homosexuality with careful theological analysis and explanation of the Bible passages often used to demean and exclude LGBT people from Christianity, and from qualified psychological perspectives as well. The book is intended to teach LGBT people, as well as their families, that religion and Christianity are truly not opposed to them, and to encourage them to purposely pursue a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Rev. Stephenson died on July 31 after another fight – this time with cancer. He is without doubt one of the last of those in South Florida who marched headlong into the early battles for the advancement of gay rights. It would not be right to let this gladiator of a man, whose singular contributions have made untold difference in the lives LGBT people are able to live openly today, go into his eternal rest without being remembered for it. He is an unsung hero in the LGBT community, and he deserves to be remembered as a hero in the light of day. Read more at sfgn.com/Jerry An Unsung Hero in Local LGBT Community
WHAT’S UP NEXT FOR YOU IN THE BOOKISH WORLD? I’m busy working on my third YA novel! It’s set in Austin, Texas, and that’s all I’m telling for now!
WHY DO YOU FEEL REPRESENTATION OF A VARIETY OF PEOPLE IS SO IMPORTANT WHEN IT COMES TO WRITING BOOKS AND CHARACTERS? More stories out in the world with characters of trans and nonbinary experience mean more chances for a book to get in the hands of someone that needs that story.
Fans can expect an inspiring story about a transgender guy going after his dreams. They should get ready for drama both on stage and off. Everyone will root for August Greene on his journey. They will love the resilience of August and the love from his found family.
LIFESTYLE READING
WHAT CAN FANS EXPECT FROM YOUR BOOK?
WHICH CHARACTER DID YOU RELATE TO THE MOST AND WHY? The main character, August Greene, but I’m not an actor. I don’t like to be on stage. I relate to his drive and persistence to follow his dreams. And how he finds who he is through pursuing his dreams.
Tobly McSmith posing with his book “Act Cool”. Photo via Facebook.
WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR MOST RECENT NOVEL? Without question, my second book would be about theater. I’ve been writing parody musicals with my best friend for 15 years and love the entire process of putting on live theater. I wanted to write a story about theater, acting, New York, and fame, but also deal with tougher stuff like transgender representation in theater and unaccepting parents. Everything I love about theater is in ACT COOL. WHAT DOES “READING WITH PRIDE” MEAN TO YOU? I grew up in Texas during the ‘90s, so not only did I not see my story (or anything close to it) in books, but it might also not be safe to read an LGBTQ+ book in public. There’s been so much progress in my lifetime and reading with pride is seeing characters you relate to in books and reading those books safely in any space.
SFGN.com/donateYOU LIKE TO SUPPORT A FREE PRESS?
WOULD
‘ACT COOL’
Aurora Dominguez WITH PRIDE
If you’re interested in transgender representation in theater, then check out “Act Cool” by Tobly McSmith.
20 • 8.25.2022
Dramatheschoolthe“Yellowjackets,”Showtime’sstoryofahighgirls’soccerteamstrandedinwildernessafteraplanecrash,wasnamedBestTVbytheLGBTcriticsassociation.Credit:Showtime.
LGBT CRITICS PICK BEST OF TV SEASON FOR DORIANS
For more information and a complete list of nominees and winners, go to GALECA.org
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Jerrod Carmichael, raised in a low-income household in North Carolina, was just 26 when he helped convince NBC to put his own sitcom on the air back in 2015,” said GALECA executive director John Griffiths. “In coming out in his HBO comedy special ‘Rothaniel’ this year, he did so with the sort of self-effacing wit, vulnerability and observational humor that would make his heroes Richard Pryor and George Carlin proud. Carmichael has no doubt helped a lot of people turn a page.” Past trailblazers have included historic Emmy-nominated transgender actor Michaela Jaé (Mj) Rodriguez (“Pose”).
In recent years, the Hollywood television and film industries have acknowledged the growing influence of the Dorian Awards, especially in promoting visibility for underrepresented performers, filmmakers and creative and technical professionals.
GALECA, comprising of more than 360 critics and journalists in the U.S., Australia and the U.K., including SFGN arts & entertainment editor J.W. Arnold, chose Showtime’s “Yellowjackets” for Best TV Drama. Melanie Lynskey, star of the mystery/ drama scored Best TV Performance in a combined category that included nominees of all ABC’sgenders.“Abbott Elementary,” a comedy about a devoted teacher navigating an underfunded inner-city school in Philadelphia, earned Best TV Comedy. Another school-set hit, Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” scored Best LGBTQ TV Show for its story of friendship, love and romance among a group of British teens. Netflix’s dystopian thriller “Squid Game” was the victorious Non-English Language TV Show, despite the prominence of controversial and stereotypical limp-wristed villains. In unique GALECA categories, the critics judged HBO’s “Euphoria” as Most Visually Striking TV Show, while Peacock’s over-thetop sitcom about a reunited ‘90s girl band, “Girls5eva,” won Campiest TV Show. GALECA’s inaugural TV Icon honor (originally titled the “You Deserve an Award!” Award) ended up in a tie: Christine Baranski, beloved for her aloof and deceptively imperious roles in “Cybill,” “The Good Wife,” “The Good Fight” and HBO’s current period drama “The Gilded Age,” shared the title with comic actress Cassandra Peterson, adored for her decades of vamping, alter ego-style, as horror movie show host Elvira.
GALECA: The Society of LGBTQ Entertainment Critics recently announced the winners of their 14th annual Dorian TV awards, celebrating the best of both mainstream and queer programming on broadcast, cable and streaming platforms.
8.25.2022 • 21
J.W. Arnold
GALECA is a founding member of CGEM: Critics Groups for Equality in Media, an alliance that also includes the African American Film Critics Association, Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, Online Female Film Critics Association and the Asian American Journalists Association’s FeaturesGALECA’sForum.14th Dorian Film Awards nominees will be revealed in January, in advance of the Oscars.
A&E TV
Finally, actor/comedian Jerrod Carmichael (“The Carmichael Show,” HBO’s “Rothaniel”) was named LGBTQIA+ TV Trailblazer “for creating art that inspires empathy, truth and“Rothanielequity.”
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