OutSFL Vol. 2, Issue 11 - Flip eBook Pages 1-44 (2025)

VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL MARCH 14, 2024 VOL. 2 • ISSUE 11 VISIT US ONLINE AT OUTSFL.COM OUTSFL @OUTSFL STORIES BY JOHN HAYDEN | SEE PAGE 12 ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ LAW GUTTED IN SETTLEMENT BEGINS IN CENTER DESANTIS NEVER BACK DOWN

2 • 3.14.2024 COVER: Illustration via Adobe. March 14, 2024 • Volume 2• Issue 11 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 OutSFL newspaper is published on a weekly schedule. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of any featured individuals solely based on their names, appearance, or inclusion within this publication. Any opinions shared within stories, columns, graphics, or letters to the editor should not be assumed to represent the opinions of OutSFL, its Publisher, or its co-founder. Any stories or content, either in print or online, and also including any articles that are featured in conjunction with any media partners, are protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and this ownership is carefully and jealously guarded by this media group. Nothing that is published may be reprinted, either in whole or in part, without first receiving written consent from the Publisher, Jason Parsley. OutSFL is owned by Jason Parsley and Justin Wyse, and is represented legally by Russell Cormican. As a private corporation, OutSFL reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations, and photographs. Copyright © 2024 J&J Media Group. PUBLISHER Jason Parsley [emailprotected] CEO Justin Wyse [emailprotected] EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Kimberly Swan SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Christiana Lilly ART DIRECTOR Julie Palmer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kyle Willis • Craig Tuggle GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANT Brendon Lies ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Rick Karlin [emailprotected] COMMUNITY EDITOR John Hayden [emailprotected] PHOTOGRAPHERS J.R. Davis • Carina Mask COLUMNISTS Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo Sabrina Haake • Fred Fejes John Porter • Kelly Ghweinem SPECIAL TO OUTSFL Steve Rothaus • J.W. Arnold CORRESPONDENTS John McDonald • Sean Conklin Deon Jefferson • Aurora Dominguez Denise Brown • Mary Rasura Terri Schlichenmeyer • Gregg Shapiro Kennedy McKinney • Michael Anguille Robert DeDominic • Aaron Kinchen Tessa Becker • Christopher Flores PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Pier Angelo SALES & MARKETING For ad placement, call 954-514-7095 SALES MANAGERS Edwin Neimann [emailprotected] Silvio Carvana [emailprotected] Andrew LaRochelle [emailprotected] DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Richie Wilson • Johnathan Rey • Tyler Brayton NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 Spot an error? Let us know at [emailprotected] speech and a man was removed from the balcony for similar behavior. Along the lines of unruliness, Biden said Jan. 6, 2021 would not be forgotten, calling the attack an insurrection and reminding Republicans, “You can’t love your country only when you win.” Reaffirming his commitment to LGBTQ Americans, the president stated he has the transgender community’s back and demanded Congress pass the Equality Act. Elsewhere, disgraced and expelled New York Congressman George Santos somehow made his way onto the House floor, later announcing on social media that he would be running for Congress again — this time in a different district. Former President Donald Trump was also busy on social media during the night, making his first Instagram post and deriding Biden for mentioning snacks before security. “Biden talked about the SNICKERS Bars before he talked about the Border!” Trump posted on Truth Social. Although he never named Trump, Biden went after his predecessor’s modus operandi. “The issue facing our nation isn’t how old we are, it’s how old are our ideas,” Biden said. “Hate, anger, revenge, retribution are the oldest of ideas.” NEWS HIGHLIGHT John McDonald Screenshot via whitehouse.gov. On Washington’s big night, President Joe Biden gave an aggressive State of the Union address that recalled painful moments from the not so distant past mixed with optimism for the future. Declaring “the American people are writing the greatest comeback story never told,” Biden said unemployment and inflation are trending down, while wages are rising and new policies are in place to stop credit card companies from jacking up fees. However, there was pushback from inside the chamber. Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, wearing a red MAGA hat, shouted multiple times during the CAN’T WAIT FOR PRINT? FOLLOW US ONLINE. OUTSFL.COM PLASMA SINGS OUT ABOUT ‘DRAG RACE,’ NEW YORK CITY DRAG & ‘BLEEDING BROADWAY’ SOTU: BIDEN APPEARS ENERGIZED TO FIGHT OLD IDEAS PUB PATIO HOSTS PET PROJECT MARCH 16 “THE ISSUE FACING OUR NATION ISN’T HOW OLD WE ARE, IT’S HOW OLD ARE OUR IDEAS. HATE, ANGER, REVENGE, RETRIBUTION ARE THE OLDEST OF IDEAS.” - PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN T oss a few bean bags and toss back a few beers. It’s going to be an afternoon of paws and awwws when Pub On the Drive hosts Toss Fur Paws. The Cornhole event benefits The Pet Project and is set for Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. Teams are already practicing and raising money. Wilton Manors Animal Hospital and Team Cornhole Chicks are on the leaderboard, but new teams are still encouraged to register. Photo via The Pet Project FL, Facebook. The Pet Project works to keep people and their pets together. Often people have critical health and financial crises and feel they can’t care for, or afford to, keep their pet. Pet Project works to avoid having to surrender animals. For many, a pet is a person’s only source of positive engagement or interaction. Pub On the Drive does a lot of work with the organization and is thrilled to be hosting this party. It will be the first Toss Fur Paws since their new patio opened, making the Wilton Drive fave even more pet friendly. John Hayden TO REGISTER OR LEARN MORE ABOUT THEIR WORK, VISIT THEPETPROJECTFL.ORG.

3.14.2024 • 3 Welcome to accessibility for everyone In Greater Fort Lauderdale, we’re excited about welcoming everyone under the sun and providing access for all, from beach wheelchairs and accessible pathways to the Hidden Disabilities Sunfl ower Program at FLL airport. Learn more about local resources and plan your trip at VisitLauderdale.com/Accessibility.

4 • 3.14.2024 LAST WEEK'S COVER FROM THE NEWSROOM - TAYLOR SWIFT DURING HER RECENT CONCERT IN CHICAGO SCAN HERE TO VIEW THE ISSUE ONLINE OUT AND ABOUT PHOTO OF THE WEEK Community supporter and former owner of Pallant Insurance Group Inc., Joe Pallant with Wayne Besen, Founder & Executive Director at Truth Wins Out, attending The Stonewall National Museum Archives & Library Gala held at The Venue in Wilton Manors. Photo by JR Davis Endorsed by: LGBTQ+ Coalition of the Democratic party Human Rights Council, the LGBTQ+ legal arm HISPAC, the Hispanic political council Palm Beach County Fighters & Paramedics Congresswoman Lois Frankel Senator Bobby Powell Representative Jervonte “Tae” Edmonds I am commiƩed to represenƟng and being the best allLJ of the LGBTQ+ commƵnitLJ that I can be. MLJ historLJ ǁith the GaLJ commƵnitLJ goes as far back as the Stoneǁall riots, I ǁas there. (I'm old enoƵgh). One of mLJ first jobs ǁas helping drag qƵeens get dressed for shoǁs. MLJ historLJ ǁith the commƵnitLJ is solid. I sponsored the ResolƵƟon declaring Lake Worth Beach to be a Sanctuary/Safe city for the LGBTQ+ community, the onlLJ citLJ in Florida to haǀe done so. I'm ǀerLJ proƵd of that! I am asking for LJoƵr ǀote to alloǁ me to conƟnƵe on the ǁork I haǀe begƵn. TH I AM ASKING FOR YOUR VOTE ON MARCH 19 Paid political advertisemtn paoid for and approved by Betty Resch for Mayor State Senator Bobby Powell Endorsed for Lake Worth Beach Mayor by: Paid political advertisement approved by Betty Resch for Mayor of Lake Worth Beach.

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6 • 3.14.2024 LGBTQUOTABLE QUOTE OF THE WEEK Photo by Pax Ahimsa Gethen, via Wikimedia Commons. “I stand by the mirror and say, ‘You’re so amazing’ ... ‘You got through that, that’s incredible. So many people are still struggling in ways you don’t struggle any more. You’ve accomplished so much, you’ve grown so much. So many trans people have said their lives are better because of you.’ ... I stand in the mirror and say, ‘Laverne, you should be so proud.’” LAVERNE COX IN ANINTERVIEW WITH THE GUARDIAN. and and

3.14.2024 • 7 1414 NE 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL ON STANDS NOW! OR VIEW ONLINE: OUTSFL.COM/PRINT

8 • 3.14.2024 By Kennedy McKinney OUT ABROAD US DENIES VISA TO UGANDAN MP AFTER ANTI-GAY STATEMENTS AFRICA Ugandan Member of Parliment Sarah Achieng Opendi has been denied a visa to attend a UN meeting in New York following her call for homosexuals to be castrated. Opendi responded saying,“Ninetysix percent of MPs voted in favor of the bill, and I am aware of a number of MPs that have gotten visas to the US, yet they supported the bill.” According to the Guardian, The US state department responded, saying they cannot discuss individual visa cases. Activists in Uganda have welcomed this denial. “The denial of a visa is a strong statement against those spreading hatred. I hope it sends a firm message that such individuals have no place in civilized societies,” said human rights lawyer Nicholas Opiyo. Sarah Achieng Opendi. Photo via SIKAOFFICIAL, X (formerly Twitter). CHURCH CALLS FOR EXCOMMUNICATION OF MPS EUROPE Clerics in the Greek Orthodox church are calling for the “immoral lawmakers” who voted to legalize marriage equality to be ostracized from the church and banned from participating in religious rites. Last month, the passage of the bill made Greece the world’s first Orthodox Christian nation to pass legislation permitting marriage equality. The law also gave parental rights to same-sex couples. The bill was backed by the centerright prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who has faced harsh criticism from the Orthodox church. Those who oppose the bill fear legalization will lead to same-sex couples demanding other rights that will lead to the dismantlement of the Greek family and society. According to The Guardian, two local MPs on Corfu have already been banned from participating and are accused of committing “the deepest spiritual and moral error” by backing the bill. Clerics urge the Members of Parliment who voted in favor to repent. “For us, these two deputies cannot consider themselves active members of the church,” the island’s bishopric said in a statement. “We exhort them to repent for their impropriety.” The church says if the MPs fail to repent, they will automatically be excluded from the Christian rite of communion and other church events. Photo via Unsplash. AUSTRALIAN PRO FOOTBALLER COMES OUT AS NONBINARY AUSTRALIA Grace Wilson, an Australian pro football player, has come out as nonbinary, making them the first to do so. According to Pink News, in an interview with Holly Ransom, the 18-year-old Adelaide United goalkeeper explained that their gender “doesn’t fit into the Western standards of man or woman.” Wilson continued, “For me personally, I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near that. I feel separated from that … Every nonbinary person experiences [gender] differently. I didn’t realize, but finally hearing people refer to me as ‘they/them,’ it’s this phenomenal, euphoric feeling.” Wilson signed with Adelaide United Football Club back in 2021. The club said they “stand in solidarity and support with Grace Wilson.” Grace Wilson. Photo via grace_wilson01, Instagram. THE RAINBOW REVOLUTION AROUND THE WORLD General & Cosmetic Dentistry 954-565-7666 Always Plenty of Free Parking • Conveniently Located on Wilton Drive Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurance Plans Accepted 1946 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors • FL 33305 www.IslandCitySmiles.com Dr. Stephen T. Scoglio, DMD Your smile should leave a great impression. Comprehensive Exam, Digital X-Rays & Cleaning* $69 New Patients ($312 Value) *In the absense of gum disease. Not applicable to insurance benefits. Welcoming

10 • 3.14.2024 ‘THERE IS NO MONEY’ PRIDE FORT LAUDERDALE REFUSES TO GIVE DONOR MONEY BACK AFTER FESTIVAL CANCELATION “There is no money.” That’s the message Pride Fort Lauderdale has for John Michael Gordon, a local massage therapist who donated $1,000 to the 2024 festival. Gordon asked for his money back when the organization canceled the main event for this year. In a text message exchange with Gordon, Volunteer Director Robyn Ludy of PFL said, “There is no money, which is why we are not doing our normal festival.” Gordon has been a longtime supporter of PFL and donated the money after last year’s festival wrapped up. You may not know Gordon by name, but you’d probably recognize his face. As a person devoted to Wilton Manors and the LGBTQ community, he’s a frequent volunteer at events taking tickets, setting up, tearing down, and more. If you’re lucky, you’ve been massaged by his skilled hands as a licensed massage therapist and owner of Relax In Peace LMT Massage. Gordon made the donation in March 2023 during an appreciation party for volunteers from the Pride of the Americas (POTA) parade and festival a few weeks earlier. POTA was organized by Pride Fort Lauderdale and Photo via John M Gordon, Facebook. replaced the normal PFL festival for 2023. Gordon told OutSFL PFL didn’t ask for the money, and there was no promise of reciprocity, or guarantee of how the money would be used. However, he did tell them the donation was for Pride’s 2024 parade and festival. OutSFL reached out to Pride Fort Lauderdale through their website, as well as PFL President Miik Martorell, Ludy, and executive director Ernie Yuen through Facebook, for comment, and they did not respond. DELAYS & CANCELATIONS, BUT NO REFUNDS Weeks after PFL canceled its 2024 festival Gordon reached out to people he considered friends at the organization and asked for his money back. “When they ended up canceling until 2025, I waited and waited and waited for a couple of months to see what they would say.” Gordon said. “They just canceled and took the money.” According to Gordon, he reached out to Martorell who was with PFL’s leadership team on a trip to Las Vegas, texting, “I know you are on your way to Vegas. Just want to let you know I gave you the $1,000 last year for 2024 Pride and now that it’s not happening I would like the money back soon after you get back.” Martorell left him a voicemail and then had Volunteer Director Robyn Ludy deal with him. Gordon quickly sensed he was getting the runaround. Gordon replied to her texts saying he wanted to deal with Martorell. Ludy instead responded, “John Michael. It’s me and we are friends. Please allow me to call you tomorrow. I wish you would let me know what’s going on.” Then she went on the defensive. Ludy said Martorell, not PFL, was paying for the Vegas trip, and told him, “Whatever your assumption is, it’s wrong. I’m sorry you are upset with me or us.” She went on to claim PFL was still happening, “But it is happening, just differently. We are hosting two events at Hunters, and we are having a Bear Party.” Differently is an understatement. Ludy later replied: “You gave us money for the organization, and now you want it back? Do you not see a problem with that?” ‘THERE IS NO MONEY’ PFL has said it is working to be more visible in the community all year long, and launched its Pride365 initiative. That includes smaller events like bingo, pet pride, and pool parties. That’s when Ludy, in a text message, made the admission. “There is no money which is why we are not doing our normal festival.” This isn’t the first time PFL has taken money and refused to return it. POTA barely happened, and came amidst the entire board leaving and sponsors pulling out. When Midland/CAN asked for their $75,000 to be returned, Martorell first said he would work with them to figure out a resolution before saying PFL is under no obligation to return the money and would not do so. Gordon said he didn’t go public with his story until he ran out of options with PFL. He told OutSFL that he would have worked with them and been happy if he could have had his logo on a banner or promotional materials for the less-than-profitable Pride365 events. But, no offer was made. RUBBED THE WRONG WAY One thousand dollars is a lot of money for most people. Gordon is a successful entrepreneur but not a highly paid CEO, and said he spends a lot of time on his feet massaging clients to make that kind of money. Sadly, he knows how this story ends. “I’m obviously not going to get it.” It’s been more than a month since Gordon reached out, privately and respectfully, to Martorell. But despite his bad experience with PFL, Gordon is still in love with his community. You’ll still see him out and about volunteering, enjoying, and cheering everyone on, even Pride Fort Lauderdale. “I love them, I wish them well. But I’m going to love them and wish them well from afar.” This is the first of a two part look into the actions of Pride Fort Lauderdale. Some comments and texts have been edited for clarity and grammar. “WHEN THEY ENDED UP CANCELING UNTIL 2025, I WAITED AND WAITED AND WAITED FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS TO SEE WHAT THEY WOULD SAY. THEY JUST CANCELED AND TOOK THE MONEY.” - JOHN MICHAEL GORDON NEWS LOCAL John Hayden

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12 • 3.14.2024 DESANTIS FOLDS ON ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ FIGHT F lorida Gov. Ron DeSantis is on a losing streak. From presidential primaries to drag queens to Disney, DeSantis hasn’t racked up one major victory since his re-election in 2022. Now you can add a loss on “Don’t Say Gay.” On March 11, the Associated Press (AP) reported that Florida education officials reached a settlement in a civil rights lawsuit targeting the 2022 law known as “Don’t Say Gay.” The agreement says sexual orientation and gender identity can be discussed in classrooms, as long as it’s not a part of the curriculum. “The power of the law was in its vagueness,” Safe Schools Executive Director Scott Galvin told OutSFL moments after the news broke. “You weren’t quite sure, as a teacher, what you were and weren’t allowed to say. This clarifies a lot of things and states what can be done.” Sold to the world as a protection for parents’ rights, it quickly became clear the law’s goal was to force teachers back into the closet and keep students from coming out. The vague law was primarily enforced through fear and intimidation. DeSantis and his enablers in the legislature have been targeting LGBTQ for years with repressive and unconstitutional policies. “We knew what the impact of this law would be,” PRISM Executive Director Maxx Fenning said. “It was never about the nuts and bolts, it was about the ambiguity and “THE POWER OF THE LAW WAS IN ITS VAGUENESS. YOU WEREN’T QUITE SURE, AS A TEACHER, WHAT YOU WERE AND WEREN’T ALLOWED TO SAY. THIS CLARIFIES A LOT OF THINGS AND STATES WHAT CAN BE DONE.” - SCOTT GALVIN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT SAFE SCHOOLS Photo via Governor Ron DeSantis, Facebook. potential for overinterpretation. In the past two years, the ‘Don’t Say Gay or Trans’ law has created chaos in our schools.” Teacher and Broward School Board member Sarah Leonardi has been a longtime ally of LGBTQ students and teachers. She became the target of conservative bigotry and hatred after she posted pictures of Wilton Manors students having lunch at Rosie’s. “What I hear from family and employees is a lot of fear and confusion,” she said. “What’s allowed? Will someone lose their job for who they are?” The practical implications are that gaystraight alliances (GSAs) will be allowed to meet again at schools, teachers can display rainbow flags and stickers, and students may be able to find a safe person to talk with. Details of the settlement will be scrutinized over the coming days, but everyone agrees this is a win for the LGBTQ community. “We’re overjoyed that the state is finally offering clarity around this law, so educators can get back to teaching and students can feel safe and supported in their classrooms,” Fenning said. Leonardi echoed his tone, saying, “I’m pleased there is a lot of clarity around the law. It goes to show that whatever kind of indoctrination they thought was going on in our classrooms wasn’t going on. I hope what LGBTQ+ families hear from this is they will not be erased.” As for Galvin, he’s ready to order pizza and bring everyone together. “Safe Schools is gonna throw a party.” NEWS STATE John Hayden ‘DON’T SAY GAY’ SETTLEMENT EXPLAINED A sense of victory washed over the LGBTQ community when news broke that Gov. Ron DeSantis admitted defeat in a lawsuit over the notorious 2022 “Don’t Say Gay” law. The law banned instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity. The statute was written so vaguely that many districts, even those friendly to the LGBTQ community, quickly over-complied. Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) were dissolved, teachers worried about having pictures of their spouse on their desks, and books that included LGBTQ characters were preemptively banned from libraries. The law was enforced through fear and intimidation. Now the state is backing down, but what does that mean? Wilton Manors’ city attorney, Kerry Ezrol, briefed city commissioners on some details during the March 12 meeting. “The settlement memorializes positions taken by the state in response to challenges made by the plaintiffs,” Ezrol said. • Only instruction on sex and gender identity is banned. Independent questions and discussions are allowed • Teachers are allowed to respond to questions or LGBTQ issues raised by students • The law allows books that have LGBTQ characters or mentions LGBTQ lives • Students can talk about LGBTQ family members • Teachers may intervene in cases of LGBTQbased bullying • Safe Space stickers can stay The deal also forces the state to tell districts what is in the settlement and how often misinterpreted topics are to be addressed. Safe Space stickers. Photo via genderinclusiveschools.org. NEWS STATE John Hayden

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14 • 3.14.2024 HYDEIA BROADBENT VICTIM OF A BROKEN SYSTEM L ongtime HIV/AIDS activist Hydeia Broadbent, 39, passed away at home with her family on Feb. 20. Broadbent took the national stage as the first black child to speak publicly about being born with and living with HIV. Despite her contribution to HIV/AIDS advocacy everywhere, Broadbent was failed by the system she so adamantly attempted to build. Broadbent was born to a mother with HIV who abandoned her at a hospital in Las Vegas. She was adopted by the Broadbent family, and was diagnosed with HIV/AIDS at the age of 3. At the age of 7, she shared her story on a Nickelodeon special with Magic Johnson as well as on Oprah, where she captured the hearts of millions across the United States. She went on from there to be featured in documentaries and as a spokesperson for many organizations, including the Magic Johnson Foundation. In 1996, she spoke at the Republican National Convention, bringing her story to the political stage. Broadbent was a leader in the movement to end the HIV epidemic in the United States, which is why her passing is so tragic. Since her passing, Broadbent has been celebrated for her contributions to the HIV/AIDS movement, focusing on that video of the little girl on Oprah and the time with Magic Johnson on Nickelodeon. But Broadbent was more than just those moments, and as her life progressed, she fell out of the public sphere. In July 2023, Broadbent spoke at an event in West Palm Beach, hosted by the Palm Hydeia Broadbent. Courtesy Facebook. Beach County Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative. During this event, a sick, and frail Broadbent shared her tragic current circumstance — she was homeless and not receiving services. The payment from the speaking engagement was going to get her shelter. Palm Beach County Community Services attempted to connect Broadbent with services in Las Vegas, but their ability to help was limited. Policy and process created too many barriers. Broadbent, a nationally celebrated HIV/ AIDS activist, spent the last years of her life unhoused and sick. The very services she advocated for were not accessible to her. The people who once celebrated her did not check in — did not support her. As people speak of her legacy, they ignore her reality. Were HIV services, HIV stigma, and the healthcare landscape different, Broadbent would still be with us. She would still be speaking out for people with HIV. As a child, Broadbent proudly stated, “I am the next doctor. I am the next lawyer. I am the next Maya Angelou. I might even be the first woman president. I am the future, and I have AIDS.” This sentiment, however, was blocked not by Broadbent’s potential or ability, but by the society that misused her legacy. They co-opted her message while ignoring her life. We honor Broadbent not by sharing her experience as a child, but by talking about her reality as an adult. Broadbent’s HIV diagnosis came with a host of opportunistic medical issues and challenges. It was not all optimism and rainbows, and people living with HIV deserve more than that. IN MEMORIAM Sean Conklin

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16 • 3.14.2024 THREE WEEKS TO RESTORE AN INSURRECTIONIST, SEVEN MONTHS TO SAY HE CAN’T ASSASSINATE RIVALS A fter showing a remarkable lack of interest in the underlying facts, the U.S. Supreme Court has kept an adjudicated insurrectionist — by definition unfit to be president — on the ballot. Apart from Justice Jackson, during oral argument, the Court asked almost no questions about Colorado’s predicate finding that Donald Trump engaged in insurrection: That on Jan. 6, 2021, following two months of frenzied attempts to overturn his election loss, Trump summoned supporters to the capitol, goaded them with false and incendiary claims that their votes had been “stolen,” then prodded the frothing mob to storm Congress in session. Just three weeks after the argument, the Court ruled that states cannot remove insurrectionists from the presidential ballot under Section 3 of the 14th Amendment. Apart from the substance of the ruling, the partisanship of the court’s timing is glaring: It took them only three weeks to restore an insurrectionist to the ballot, but they need seven months to rule that presidents can’t assassinate their rivals. THE COURT KEEPS AN ADJUDICATED INSURRECTIONIST ON THE BALLOT Sec. 3 of the 14th Amendment is short, does not lack clarity, and is not ambiguous. It bars anyone from federal office who “engaged in insurrection” after they swore an oath to support the Constitution. The opening words, “No person shall…” make the ban mandatory, not optional. The U.S. Supreme Court could have reversed or limited the Colorado Supreme Court’s determination that Trump had engaged in insurrection, but it didn’t. That ruling remains legally intact. Avoiding the shameful details of J6, alleged originalists on the Court got creative instead. Despite agreeing that Section 3 applies to candidates for president, and apparently agreeing that Trump engaged in insurrection, the high court ruled nonetheless that states could not enforce the insurrectionist ban without a separate act of Congress, lest “chaos” ensue in federal elections. Photo by TapTheForwardAssist, via Wikimedia Commons. CONGRESS, COURT POINT AT EACH OTHER The court’s 5-4 majority decided that Section 3 isn’t self-executing, meaning it has no force or effect in the absence of additional congressional action. Building an off-ramp to keep Trump on the ballot, “conservative” jurists crafted a new legislative hurdle that has never been applied to the 14th Amendment. Although Section 5 of the same amendment states, “Congress shall have power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article,” that language does not give Congress the sole or exclusive right to act, it does not bar state or Supreme Court enforcement of the 14th Amendment (or any other amendment), and it does not declare itself null and void, “unless and until Congress says otherwise.” The Court making up language to defer to Congress is even more farcical considering that GOP Congressional leaders, for their part, left Trump’s insurrection up to the courts. Despite initially agreeing that Trump orchestrated the Jan. 6 capitol attack, GOP leadership voted against his second impeachment, claiming it should fall to the courts, not Congress, to hold him accountable. SPECIOUS TIMING The speed with which the Court restored Trump to the Colorado ballot — just three weeks after oral argument — delivered Trump an immediate boost the day before Super Tuesday, when voters in 15 states were headed to the polls. The quick timing of Trump’s insurrection stands in stark contrast to the presidential immunity case, on which SCOTUS deliberately dragged its feet for months. Special counsel Jack Smith asked the Supreme Court to decide Trump’s immunity claims in December. They refused, waiting instead for the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia to weigh in. The D.C. VIEWPOINTS OPINION Sabrina Haake THE HAAKE TAKE Read more from Sabrina Haake is a 25-year litigator specializing in 1st this author here and 14th Amendment defense. Her columns also appear in RawStory, Chicago Tribune, Salon, State Affairs, and Howey Politics. She and her wife split their time between South Florida and Chicago. Follow her on Substack. Circuit weighed in with a unanimous and thorough decision rejecting Trump’s immunity claim, issued the first week in February. Then the Supreme Court waited nearly a month, and decided it would like to hear Trump’s immunity claim for itself, after all, and set the immunity hearing for late April. A late April hearing will likely result in a late June opinion; that opinion could again return the case to the appeals court to address any number of inquiries, which would prompt Trump to seek another appeal just to push the trial date past Nov. 5. In rejecting Smith’s December request, and delaying the ruling until late June, (likely pushing the trial start to late October), the Court gave Trump’s campaign the key gift of seven months’ delay. Although no one expects the Court to countenance Trump’s claim that presidents can assassinate political rivals with impunity, the delay all but guarantees that Trump will not stand trial for his attempt to overturn the 2020 election while it matters to voters. Their decision to slow walk the immunity ruling is a gift of time, not substance, but it will have the same effect. Even a Court this nakedly partisan cannot grant a president complete criminal immunity, but their careful delay all but assures that, for Trump, the question will become irrelevant. FEBRUARY’S TOP 5 ONLINE STORIES BELINDA CARLISLE RECEIVES HARVEY MILK AWARD AT DIVERSITY HONORS by John McDonald FOUNDER OF ‘EX-GAY’ GROUP COMES OUT AS TRANS - AGAIN by Kim Swan 3 TROPICAL BEAR WEEK TAKES PLACE by John Hayden 4 ‘HE HAS A PUNCHABLE FACE’ - WHY DESANTIS LOST, ACCORDING TO THE ATLANTIC by Jason Parsley 5 DIVERSITY HONORS RETURNS by Rick Karlin READ MORE AT OUTSFL.COM

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MARCH 2024 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 3 VISIT US ONLINE AT: OUTFAU.COM INSTAGRAM: @OUTFAU Queer Historian Refects on Career and LGBTQ+ Rights Fred Fejes: a Trailblazing FAU Professor PAGE 4

2 OUTFAU | MARCH 2024 OutFAU newspaper is a part of J&J Media Group. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of any featured individuals solely based on their names, appearance, or inclusion within this publication. Any opinions shared within stories, columns, graphics, or letters to the editor should not be assumed to represent the opinions of OutFAU or its publisher. Any stories or content, either in print or online, and also including any articles that are featured in conjunction with any media partners, are protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and this ownership is carefully and jealously guarded by this media group. Nothing that is published may be reprinted, either in whole or in part, without first receiving written consent from Publisher, Jason Parsley. OutFAU is owned by Jason Parsley and Justin Wyse, and is represented legally by Russell Cormican. As a private corporation, J&J Media Group reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations, and photographs. Copyright © 2024 J&J Media Group. Palm Beach Pride March 23-24 This Year’s Headliner is Out Country Singer Brooke Eden Subscribe to our newsletter! Executive Editor MARY RASURA Assistant Editor KENNY RUFF Designer CRAIG TUGGLE Contributors KAYLA BARNES • KY WALKER XIMENA DIPIETRO Advisors MICHAEL KORETZKY • JASON PARSLEY BRENDON LIES • AURORA DOMINGUEZ Sales & Marketing FOR AD PLACEMENT, CALL 954-514-7095 OR EMAIL [emailprotected] FIRST COPY IS FREE, EACH ADDITIONAL IS 50 CENTS OUT FAU MARCH 2024 VOL. 1 • ISSUE 3 This publication is solely the expression of the author and/or publisher and it is not an official publication of Florida Atlantic University, nor is it in any way intended to express any policies or opinions of Florida Atlantic University, or its personnel. Cover: Photo by Carina Mask. Spot an error? Let us know at [emailprotected] One of the biggest events of the year for the LGBTQ+ community in Palm Beach County is fast approaching. Palm Beach Pride, run by Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center, will be taking place Saturday, March 23 and Sunday, March 24, at Bryant Park in Lake Worth Beach. With everything currently going on concerning LGBTQ+ rights, especially down here in Florida, there are several reasons why Pride events like these are so important. “The first is that it lets the LGBTQ+ community and its allies gather together to celebrate the advances we’ve made over the years and the joy we find in being our authentic selves!” said Michael Riordan, Director of Media and Communication at Compass. Several major local LGBTQ+ events, such as Pride Fort Lauderdale and the Smart Ride, have been canceled this year. According to Riordan, it’s vital, now more than ever, that the community celebrates together, loudly and proudly. Pride is a family and pet friendly festival that will feature numerous performances throughout the weekend by South Florida legends such as Velvet Lenore, Kiowa, The Mushroots, and many more! One of the entertainment highlights will be Daniel Franzese of “Mean Girls. While the headliner will be Country star Brooke Eden, who is queer and a champion for LGBTQ+ rights in the music industry. Eden is from West Palm Beach but now lives in Nashville with her wife. She also briefly appeared on two different seasons of “American Idol.” Performance schedules can be found on the Compass website: www.CompassLGBTQ.com. The main event, the Pride Parade, will take place March 24, at 11 a.m. on Lake Avenue in Downtown Lake Worth Beach, west of Dixie Highway. Over 30,000 people come to participate in the parade, community events, and the festival, according to the Cultural Council for PBC. With countless local organizations, retail and food venders, and businesses participating in the festivities, there is something for everyone. Tickets are for sale now on the Compass website. They are $10 pre-sale and $12 at the gate. Anyone 18 and under is offered free admission to the park. Volunteers are always welcome and needed for a variety of tasks. Volunteer applications are located on the Compass website, and volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and free admission to Pride the day of their shift. “We’re open to anyone who wants to peacefully celebrate with us,” said Riordan. Headliner Brooke Eden. Photo by Ford Fairchild. BY KY WALKER

MARCH 2024 | OUTFAU 3 BY KAYLA BARNES Diving into The Radical Politics of Broadway E VERY TIME Teddy Valentine hears the song “God Draws Straight” from the musical “Here Lies Love,” he bawls. As a Filipino-American, he feels connected to the “ordinary people who participated in the People Power Revolution and freed themselves from the Marcos regime together.” However, Valentine has major critiques regarding how “Here Lies Love” and other Broadway musicals portray radical politics and revolutions. “I think there’s something to be said about how Broadway is made with an elite audience in mind, that likely isn’t very interested in changing the status quo,” he said. “Because of that, I think that consumers of Broadway musicals should think critically about their political messaging.” This is the basis for Valentine’s presentation, “Broadway and Radical Politics,” where he asked two main questions of the audience: How do Broadway musicals choose to portray revolution, and how do these narrative choices shape our understanding of revolution in popular culture? Valentine, an English major and public history minor, defines revolution as “a change in the way a country is governed, usually to a different political system and often using the violence of war.” He critiqued various Broadway musicals — “Les Misérables,” “Newsies,” “Hamilton,” “Here Lies Love,” “Miss Saigon,” and “Hadestown”— for their portrayal of revolution and radical politics. He repeatedly cited the following PBS, NYT, New Socialist, and CNN articles and urged the audience to explore the topic further. One example he highlighted was Fantine’s characterization in “Les Misérables.” He argued that Fantine is depicted as being preyed upon and lured into sex work in the song “Lovely Ladies.” In “Les Misérables” by Victor Hugo, the book that inspired the musical, Fantine becomes more complex. “[Fantine] seeks them out and makes difficult choices. It is the act of choosing that both show a complex sense of agency and self-worth while highlighting the genuine and systemic evils of poverty,” said Valentine. Once the presentation ended, the roughly 30 people in attendance applauded and began discussing the presentation’s points. Most seemed to be longtime members of Solidarity and had no problem speaking on friendly terms with each other. Attendees shared their favorite musicals and expressed frustrations with how certain events or groups of people were portrayed on Broadway, and overall they seemed receptive to Valentine’s presentation. Teddy Valentine before the “Broadway and Radical Politics” presentation at Solidarity’s Feb. 6 meeting. Photo courtesy of Kayla Barnes. ‘Cunts for Communism’ Free Plan B and Condoms “CUNTS FOR Communism.” That tagline, for many passersby, warranted a double take. The tabling event, hosted by Solidarity, provided free condoms and Plan B to bring awareness and education to safer sex. “Wrap that before you tap that!” one member advertised. Earlier in the semester, Advocates for Youth advertised on their Instagram that they would provide contraceptive products to college organizations, so Solidarity cochair Logan McGraw decided to sign up. Since “Cunts for Communism” landed on the day before Valentine’s Day, other organizations had flowers, chocolates, and other love-themed items while Solidarity members waved around their safe-sex products, trying to grab people’s attention. Some Solidarity members strategically moved from their table and distributed contraceptives near a pro-life organization handing out flyers on the Breezeway. By the end of the tabling session, Solidarity had given away all the Plan B. The organizers were ecstatic. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Plan B is an emergency contraceptive that should be taken immediately after unprotected sex and before a fertilized egg implants in the uterus to prevent pregnancy. It works by delaying ovulation or potentially blocking fertilization if ovulation has already happened. “I like that we are able to do things like this, especially with how expensive everything is,” McGraw said. Solidarity is a student organization that “builds socialism and anarchy through direct action, mutual aid, and education at FAU.” When asked about how this event aligns with the goals of Solidarity, McGraw stated that Solidarity is against capitalism and the for-profit system that makes people pay so much money to practice safe sex. Planned Parenthood reports that Plan B One-Step typically costs $40-$50, while generic brands tend to be cheaper. Condom prices vary depending on brand, store, and package. “[‘Cunts for Communism’] was a form of mutual aid,” McGraw said. “If more people see that we are just normal people handing out condoms and Plan B and start to think about why that cannot be the norm, I think we’ve done a good job.” Visit @sol.fau on Instagram for more information about their upcoming events. Members of Solidarity teamed up with Advocates for Youth to provide free contraceptive options. Photo courtesy of Solidarity. BY KAYLA BARNES Solidarity Makes Waves on Campus

4 OUTFAU | MARCH 2024 An Interview with Fred Fejes F RED FEJES has seen it all before. The longtime FAU queer studies professor sat down with OutFAU for an in depth interview about his career, time in academia and how the past has become the present again in terms of LGBTQ+ rights. Fejes, 73, is a well-known queer historian in Florida. He’s the author of several books including “Gay Rights and Moral Panic: The Origins of America's Debate on Homosexuality” published in 2008. In 2013 he was the recipient of the Roy F. Aarons Award for contributions to education and research on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community. He also directed the oral history project "Generations: An Oral History of the South Florida Lesbian, Gay Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Community.” “He just is a storehouse of knowledge. Just incredible. And I've learned so much from him, working with him,” said Rick Karlin, who is working on a book with Fejes about the history of gay bars in South Florida. “He's kind of like your quintessential college professor, where he's so focused on his history stuff, human rights. He's like the Indiana Jones of queer history.” Fejes may not carry a whip or wear a fedora but in the realm of queer history he’s just as adventurous and captivating. One former student Derek Vaugn fondly remembers taking Fejes’ class. “I felt like Fejes worked hard to make our classroom feel like a learning community. He was really great with using pop culture and hitting LGBTQ studies from different angles to cover as much ground as possible,” he said. Fejes is no longer teaching classes but remains a part of the faculty as a professor emeritus. He describes his childhood growing up in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s as shaping his approach to education and activism. “A lot of it about the War and Vietnam and a lot of it about civil rights and, and I got involved in a lot of stuff,” he said. “And I wanted to sort of carry through that kind of activism into being a professor. In fact, one of the reasons why I chose being a professor was that, that was a venue, I thought that I could carry force. You know, this kind of political activism.” Fejes didn’t start out wanting to specialize in queer history. Fejes was working on his Ph.D. in Communications Research at the University of Illinois, with his dissertation focusing on Latin America. “It was at a time when the whole field of communication research was just being developed and it was very interdisciplinary,” Fejes said. “What I did was cultural studies, but that has a very heavy sociological kind of component and also has a very strong historical component, and it also has a very strong literary component. I would say I got an incredibly good interdisciplinary education.” His first book was about the use of shortwave radio broadcasting in American foreign policy. “My interest was looking at the United States acting as an imperial power, sort of like shaping the communications media in Latin America,” he said. But then he came out as a gay man in 1982. “I began to change my focus. And it was really at a time when there was a lot more interest in queer stuff, but really, the early 1980s was a period when gay studies first became a kind of area of interest and activity. Because prior to that, if you were openly gay, and you taught at a university, you would have gotten fired.” Fejes reminisces on when he first began teaching about queer studies at FAU. He offered his first class in queer studies called “Sexuality in the Media” in 1987. “It was an interesting class. I had maybe about seven, eight people taking the class. And all of the people were people who were lesbian and gay themselves, or who were just coming out,” Fejes said. Fejes said that due to the climate of LGBTQ+ acceptance in the ‘80s, his students took steps to keep their participation in the class under the radar. “And some of the people said that they wanted to take the class, but they wanted to take it as an independent study, because they didn't want that class listed in their transcript. They wanted to stay in the closet, and that was a common experience for many of the students Pioneering Queer History at FAU BY MARY RASURA Photo via Fred Fejes, Facebook.

MARCH 2024 | OUTFAU 5 WE’RE LOOKING FOR WRITERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS, AND DESIGNERS! EMAIL [emailprotected] VISIT US ONLINE OUTFAU.COM FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @OUTFAU who took my classes in the mid ‘80s.” His FAU colleagues describe him as a trailblazer. Barclay Barrios, a Professor of English and the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies for the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, worked in the same department as Fejes. “For FAU he was really a trailblazer,” Barrios said. “Fred was one of the first queer faculty members I met or one of the first I realized was queer. His outness made a difference. He was an important figure for queerness at FAU from as far back as I can remember.” But Barrios’ admiration for Fejes goes deeper than just professional. “Fred was personally inspirational and aspirational,” he said, “He showed me the kind of career I could have.” Nicole Morse, an assistant professor of multimedia studies and the former Director of the Center for Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, echoed those sentiments. “He’s wonderful! Fred is an incredible trailblazer at FAU and really made it possible for scholarship and teaching in LGBTQ studies to be taken seriously,” Morse said. “Students describe him as transformative.” Later, after Fejes stopped teaching the class, Vaugn actually taught it as a teacher’s assistant. “I didn’t realize I would be teaching that same class later in graduate school,” he said. Vaugn, who has a masters in women, gender, and sexuality studies, is now working towards becoming a psychotherapist. “We certainly covered a lot of ground in class. And while I’m now taking the route of becoming a psychotherapist, that systemic foundation I learned started to cultivate in his class will only help me better address LGBTQ+ persons with different life experiences than my own,” he said. “Having that systems background is starting to become in vogue in the therapy world and it’s certainly given me an edge in my program.” The push for LGBTQ+ equality may have famously started with the Stonewall Riots in New York City in 1969 but Fejes noted one of the first major battles occurred in South Florida in 1977. That battle started when MiamiDade County passed an ordinance that prohibited discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Anita Bryant, a singer and spokesperson for the Florida Citrus Commission at the time, opposed the ordinance and launched a campaign, "Save Our Children," to repeal it – and won. “That was really the first major national debate we had in this country about gay rights,” he said. “This was the first kind of debate that appeared in newspapers and on television across the country, about gay rights.” That visibility, he said, helped other cities pass LGBTQ+ rights laws. While some people in Florida today may be shocked at Gov. Ron DeSantis’s culture wars and attack on the queer community, Fejes explained the state has a long history of LGBTQ+ discrimination. Decades before the Bryant campaign, Fejes said, Miami attempted to close down gay bars in 1954. “It was just a really classic kind of moral panic where they got everybody really upset,” he said. “There was a lot of publicity. The end result is they didn't close down the bars because those bars just kept on opening up. But it was an important event in terms of South Florida gay history.” Fejes says that he moved to Florida from Illinois to begin teaching at FAU when he was 35. “And so I came down here and okay, I'll teach and do research, but also go to the bars and live my life as a gay man down here,” Fejes said. Fejes said as a man in his early 70s he’s dealt with growing older and the ways that society treats him differently in both positive and negative ways. “As an older man, I'd really like to sort of explore the whole notion of how our sense of sexuality and gender changes as we get older, and to understand how our position as a sexual person and as a gendered person changes as we get older, and how that fits into society,” Fejes said. As an older man, I'd really like to sort of explore the whole notion of how our sense of sexuality and gender changes as we get older, and to understand how our position as a sexual person and as a gendered person changes as we get older, and how that fits into society.

6 OUTFAU | MARCH 2024 I visited Israel, here’s why as a trans queer person I identify with the Palestinian struggle L AST SEPTEMBER, 24 prominent members of the FAU student body and myself participated in a trip visiting Israel-Palestine to learn about the conflict. I was the only transgender (MtF, for context) individual and one of a handful of queer participants. In preparation for the trip, the organizers advised me that I ought not to dress femininely, particularly while visiting places of religious significance. They specifically mentioned that the Western Wall was explicitly segregated by gender, and that I would likely have to visit the men-only section of the Wall, or perhaps visit the egalitarian/co-ed section of the Wall, provided enough people would go with me. When the day came for us to visit the Temple Mount, I decided to suck it up and put on a shirt and jeans and visit the men’s section of the Wall. While walking with a friend to the Wall, I had forgotten to put on a yarmulke (it is customary that all men, even those who are non-Jewish, to wear a yarmulke while worshiping at the Wall). An Orthodox Jewish man ran up to me and spoke to me in broken English, and told me where the woman’s section was; I had shaved that morning and I’ve always grown my hair out, so it is understandable that he perceived me as a woman in that moment. This was not an uncommon experience for me, even before I realized I was transgender: men letting me know I was in the wrong restroom, boys telling me I was cute before recoiling once I told them I was a boy as well. When the man at the Wall directed me to the women’s section, for a moment I thought about going along with it. But then I remembered another thing the organizers had told me: the women who maintained the women-only space were “vicious,” that they would shame and turn away women they thought to be too immodest or improper, I could only imagine their reaction to an openly transgender Photos courtesy of Ximena Dipietro. For Trans Liberation, For Palestinian Liberation BY XIMENA DIPIETRO woman attempting to enter the women’s section. In the end, I put on the yarmulke and prayed at the men’s section. Several days later we visited Tel-Aviv, and we went out drinking and partying; I wore a simple skirt, with flats and a purse. Nothing terrible happened, people stared but people always stared, I had a good time that night. Tel-Aviv is a strange cross between Wilton Manors and South Beach, a lively night scene on the beach with pride flags hanging in front of various establishments. I only mention this because I want to show Israel/Palestine is both a place of deep religious significance (and conservatism) but has its own queer spaces where we can exist. Perhaps after reading this, you are probably wondering about my thoughts or feelings about the ongoing conflict. You might expect me, a trans woman, to be thankful for the State of Israel’s existence, for being a place where I could exist in a region that is not known for its acceptance of queer and trans people. I am thankful, but that thankfulness pales in comparison to the rage I have for the Israeli state, for its historic and ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people. At its core, the Palestinian cause and the struggle for queer and trans liberation are about one thing: autonomy. We, as queer and trans people, are fighting for our autonomy, to love who we want, to exist as who we are, without the fear of being harmed or murdered by religiously motivated bigots and an increasingly fascistic Republican Party. The Palestinians are facing a similar fight and their goals are similar to ours as well: autonomy to move and live where they choose, to decide their own fate without being killed or dispossessed by religiously motivated settlers or the increasingly farright Israeli government. “Ximena,” you might say, “how can you support Palestine when it is such a hostile place for trans and queer people? Don’t you know you would be killed if you went to Palestine as an openly trans woman?” My answer is this: Palestine is a society, just like the US and Israel, which will come to terms with its queer/transphobia. My support for the liberation of Palestine is not a contractual or conditional agreement; it is something that I believe in for its own sake, because it is the right thing to do. Thus, I write this in solidarity with the Palestinian people, not in spite of, but because of my identity as a transgender woman. The views and opinions expressed in this personal essay are solely those of the author and do not represent the official viewpoint of OutFAU. PERSONAL ESSAY

MARCH 2024 | OUTFAU 7 MEMORY WORK is resistance, and that is what makes history for the LGBTQ+ community so important. Throughout history, the narrative of queer women has often been overshadowed, erased, or marginalized. Yet, their journeys and contributions have left a permanent mark on society. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate six queer women whose bravery, ingenuity, and resilience have shaped history and inspired generations. Marsha P. Johnson, A Trailblazer of LGBTQ+ Rights Marsha P. Johnson, an African American transgender woman, stands as a symbol of resistance and activism in the LGBTQ+ community. She was a key figure in the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, as well as an advocate for homeless LGBTQ+ youth, HIV/AIDS awareness, and LGBTQ+ rights. Her founding role in the Gay Liberation Front and the Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of transgender people. Johnson’s legacy transcends her activism, resonating as a beacon of hope and empowerment for queer communities worldwide. Billie Holiday, Jazz Icon and Defiant Spirit Billie Holiday, renowned for her soulful voice and poignant lyrics, navigated a tumultuous life marked by discrimination and hardship. Behind the jazz legend’s captivating performances lay a complex identity that defied societal norms. Bisexual and unapologetically herself, Holiday’s music served as a channel for personal expression and social commentary. Through songs like “Strange Fruit,” she confronted issues of racism and injustice, leaving an enduring impact on the fight for civil rights and queer visibility. Sappho, Poet of Love and Desire In ancient Greece, Sappho’s lyrical works captured the essence of love and desire, transcended gender and convention, and revolutionized poetry. Revered as the “Tenth Muse” and “The Poetess,” Sappho celebrated female beauty and passion in verses that reverberate across millennia. One of her most famous works, “Ode to Aphrodite,” is written in her own poetic form of seven Sapphic stanzas. Her profound influence on literature and culture endures, affirming the beauty and validity of queer love in all its forms. Roberta Cowell, Pioneering Transgender Advocate Roberta Cowell, a British racing driver and World War II pilot, made history as one of the first known transgender women to undergo gender reassignment surgery. Despite societal prejudice and personal struggles, Cowell courageously embraced her true identity, challenging prevailing attitudes towards gender and sexuality. Her autobiography, “Robert to Roberta,” candidly chronicled her journey, offering insight into the complexities of transgender experience and paving the way for greater understanding and acceptance. Frida Kahlo, Artist of Authenticity and Resilience Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter and openly queer woman whose vibrant art and unapologetic self-expression continue to captivate audiences worldwide. Beyond her iconic self-portraits, Kahlo’s work embodies themes of identity, pain, and passion, reflecting her bisexual identity. She would often wear men’s clothing and defied cultural norms. Despite enduring physical and emotional hardships, Kahlo’s art serves as a testament to resilience and the power of embracing one’s true self. Eleanor Roosevelt, Champion of Equality and Justice Eleanor Roosevelt, the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, left an indelible legacy as a tireless advocate for human rights and social justice. While her romantic relationship with journalist Lorena Hickok remains a subject of historical debate, Roosevelt’s unwavering commitment to equality and inclusion transcends labels and categories. As a driving force behind the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, she championed the rights of women, minorities, and marginalized communities, leaving an enduring impact on the quest for equality and dignity for all. The lives of these queer women remind us of the richness and diversity of the human experience, inspiring us to embrace our own identities and strive for a more inclusive and equitable world. As we continue to commemorate LGBTQ+ history, let us amplify the voices of those who have paved the way and allow it to inspire us to continue our work towards a future of queer joy. This story is in collaboration with PRISM, a nonprofit focused on LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth in South Florida. Queer Women as Pioneers of Identity, Resilience, and Influence BY FABIANA UNGARO wikimedia.org womenshistory.org womenshistory.org

3.14.2024 • 27 Sales Associates Wanted Responsibilites • Customer Care • Merchandising • Stocking Product • General Cleaning Duties • Work Collaboratively with Coworkers • Comply with Established Company Policies & Procedures Benefits • Competitive Wages Education & Experience • High School Diploma or Equivalent • Prior Experience in a Retail Setting Call to Set Up an Interview 954-522-5988 1514 NE 4th Ave, Fort Lauderdale mytropx.com Wilton Manors Location Now Open! Uninsured Cash visits starting $120 WALK-INS WELCOMED! Physicals Lab Tests Immediate Care 1442 NE 26th St • 954-391-7160 • medixucc.com ISAIAH WILKINS DREAMED OF SERVING HIS COUNTRY Now, Wilkins and Lambda Legal are fighting to eliminate the U.S. Armed Forces’ archaic, discriminatory policy. Meet Wilkins at our March 24 event. At the young age of 16, Isaiah Wilkins had already identified his lifelong dream: to join the U.S. Army. Having grown up raised by a long line of proud military family members, Wilkins, a gay Black man, had plenty of role models to look up to and knew firsthand what this kind of career in service entailed. Wilkins wasted no time carving out a path of his own, joining the Georgia Army National Guard and enrolling at Georgia Military College, a junior military institute, all before reaching his early 20s. Equipped with experience and driven by his relentless passion, Wilkins’ dream was just within reach. That is, until a routine medical examination necessary to enlist in the military revealed Wilkins was living with HIV. Despite having an undetectable viral load — and thus not transmittable — Wilkins was immediately barred from enlistment, per the U.S. Armed Forces’ policy. Years of hard work and momentum were dashed abruptly and harshly. But being the born fighter that he is, Wilkins isn’t backing down. And we at Lambda Legal are right by his side. In November 2022, we filed Wilkins v. Austin, challenging the military’s archaic, discriminatory HIV rule. “Giving up on my dream to serve my country is not an option. The military is in my blood, my family has served in every military campaign dating back to the Civil War,” Wilkins said at the time of our filing. “I urge this court to strike down this discriminatory policy. People living with HIV want to serve. We raised our hands and said, ‘I volunteer.’” Lambda Legal has been at the forefront of advocating on behalf of people living with HIV since our founding. That’s more than 40 years spent uplifting and protecting one of the most vulnerable populations in this country. This is why we took on Wilkins’ case without a second thought. Lambda Legal believes in the humanity of everyone living with HIV — that they deserve the same right to freedom and joy as anyone else. Our argument in Isaiah’s lawsuit reflects the principles that have always guided our COMMUNITY Lambda Legal BUT THE MILITARY TURNED HIM AWAY BECAUSE OF HIS HIV STATUS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ESSENTIAL HIV ADVOCACY WORK, VISIT LAMBDALEGAL.ORG. Photo courtesy of Lambda Legal. historic HIV work. We center science, not stigma — knowing that people can enjoy robust, full lives and achieve undetectable status thanks to antiretrovirals and continued advancements in HIV medicine. Case law is also undoubtedly on our side. The Wilkins lawsuit follows a landmark ruling that we received in Harrison v. Austin and Roe v. Austin in 2022. In its decision, a federal court ordered the Department of Defense to stop discriminating against service members living with HIV and to allow them to deploy and commission as officers in the military. We are hopeful that we can build upon that milestone ruling with the Wilkins case, and that Isaiah will one day be able to serve his country. Meet Isaiah Wilkins at our March 24th event at the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens in Fort Lauderdale, where he is scheduled to speak. For decades now, numerous clients have come to South Florida to share their powerful stories of resilience and bravery. In fact, our very first Fort Lauderdale event 20 years ago featured a speech from then-plaintiff Matthew Cusick, who was fired by his employer because he was living with HIV.

28 • 3.14.2024 Read more from Rick Karlin is OutSFL’s arts & culture editor, but the this author here views and opinions he expresses in his columns are solely his own and do not represent the official viewpoint of OutSFL. Have a culinary tip to share? Email Rick at [emailprotected]. TO-DO LIST [emailprotected] Compiled by Rick Karlin SHANTÉ, YOU STAY At The Well, start the evening with a “RuPaul’s Drag Race” viewing party, followed by Flashback Friday with DJ Nena. Nova Singers are at St. Joseph Episcopal Church in Boynton Beach. FRIDAY, MARCH 15 ALL SHOOK UP Sunshine Cathedral welcomes Levi Kreis, who won a Tony Award for playing Jerry Lee Lewis on Broadway in “Million Dollar Quartet.” Jammin’ at the Pride Center’s Women With Pride presents the Valerie Tyson Band. The Broward Center presents “Look What Fell Out de Mango Tree.” Lake Worth Playhouse hosts “Send in the Queens,” its annual drag show fundraiser. SATURDAY, MARCH 16 IT’S GREEN BEING EASY It’s St. Patrick’s Day and Pub on the Drive is dishing up a corned beef dinner! Is tonight the night they’ll debut Burlesque at NO Manors? Your guess is as good as ours. Ramrod is offering two-for-one drinks for those wearing a kilt, which should be convenient since there’s a tea bagging contest. Antonio Edwards is singing at Alibi and the Nova Singers are at First Presbyterian Church in Pompano Beach. SUNDAY, MARCH 17 RECOVERING FROM A HANGOVER Hand Momma an aspirin as she reminds you that Broadway in Miami’s “Hamilton” continues through March 24. MONDAY, MARCH 18 TRIVIAL TUESDAYS So many bars have trivia events on Tuesdays. The Well’s event is hosted by Jasmine Pryce Lords, Garry is your trivia daddy at LIT, and Nikki Adams is the reigning smarty pants at Smarty Pants. TUESDAY, MARCH 19 LIFE IS A CABARET… AND A BINGO GAME Zoetic Stage opens “Cabaret,” as Aventura Performing Arts Center welcomes The 5th Dimension, while The Arsht does the same for Stars of Flamenco. The Pride Center has Diva Drag Charity Bingo. THURSDAY, MARCH 14 [emailprotected] NEW MEAT LeBoy holds an amateur strip contest with a $250 cash prize hosted by Daisy D. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 20 CULTURE FOOD THE FOOD TRUCK STORE, IT’S NOT WHAT YOU THINK Two 4.2 oz patties, American cheese, Lettuce, Tomato & Utah Fry Sauce. Photo via The Food Truck Store, Instagram. THE FOOD TRUCK STORE 1417 NE 26TH ST., WILTON MANORS 954-928-8973 THEFOODTRUCKSTORE.COM Let’s start with what The Food Truck Store is not. It is not a supplier for food trucks. Why the owners of this Argentinian chain (there are only two franchises in America, Miami and now, Wilton Manors) chose the name is a mystery. It is very confusing. What it is, is a good old-fashioned burger joint celebrating the hamburger (or hamburguesero) in just about every combination you can think of; single, double, or triple patties, with cheese, condiments, and toppings galore, and various kinds of bread and buns. If there’s a way to serve a burger, they’ve got it. For nonred-meat eaters, there’s a chicken breast, for vegetarians, there’s grilled cheese, and for vegans, a Beyond Meat burger. You order from a touch screen at the entrance and then, supposedly just step up to the cashier to pay your bill. I say supposedly because on the day of our visit, the system wasn’t working very well and if you wanted to pay the cashier, she had to cancel your order and reenter it. After paying your bill, you are given a pager and when your order is ready, you step up to the kitchen window, which is decorated to look like the exterior of a food truck. Your order comes on a little metal platter on a little plastic tray (very federal prison). Condiments, napkins, etc., are on a counter (right next to the trash?!). There are about two dozen burger options ranging in price from $9 for a plain Rick Karlin HOT DISH cheeseburger to $19 for the Chicago burger (two 4 oz. patties, American cheese, thickcut bacon, fried egg, chopped red onion, and Dijon sauce) and it’s another $3.50 for fries. I ordered the Sweet for $12, a 5.6 oz. patty (obviously weighed before frying because it was much smaller than that by the time it hit my sandwich), American cheese, two slices of thick-cut bacon, and tons of caramelized onions. I don’t usually care for crinkle-cut fries, but these were crispy and so good, I ate them all, calories be damned. The burger tasted like a good greasy-spoon burger, and I mean that as a compliment. All the flavors melted together, and it took multiple napkins to sop up the grease running down my arms. Don’t tell my cardiologist about this review, okay? My vegetarian husband ordered grilled cheese with a fried egg ($4.25, plus $1.50 for the egg and $3.50 for fries). It was too greasy to eat with his hands, so he had to ask for a knife and fork. Again, not a complaint, it was delicious. There are milkshakes and ice cream for dessert. For a real bargain, try the Pink Goat; a small cheeseburger, fries, and a strawberry milkshake for $18.99. Think of it as a Happy Meal for grown-ups! For those seeking something healthy, go elsewhere. The only salad comes topped with fried chicken tenders, and honestly, why would you go to the Truck Stop Store if not to pig out? “WHAT IT IS, IS A GOOD OLD-FASHIONED BURGER JOINT CELEBRATING THE HAMBURGER (OR HAMBURGUESERO) IN JUST ABOUT EVERY COMBINATION YOU CAN THINK OF.”

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30 • 3.14.2024 CONGREGATION ETZ CHAIM 2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors (Pride Center Building B) 954-564-9232 | etzchaimflorida.org [emailprotected] Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m. HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC COMMUNITY 1436 NE 26th St, Wilton Manors 954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sunday Mass at 11AM ST. MARY MAGDALENE & ST. MARTIN EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1400 Riverside Dr, Coral Springs 954-753-1400 | www.stmmcs.net Sunday Worship 8:30am, 10:30am, 12:30pm (Spanish) ST. NICHOLAS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach 954-942-5887 | StNicholasFL.org Sunday Service 9:30AM SPIRITUALITY LISTINGS PLEASE CHECK EACH LOCATION'S SOCIAL MEDIA FOR THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION REGARDING DATES, IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE FOR SERVICES, OR OPTIONS FOR VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE. STS FRANCIS AND CLARE CHURCH 2300 NW 9th Ave. (Powerline Rd.) WIlton Manors 954-731-8173 | stsfrancisandclare.org Sunday: 10:30 AM. Watch LIVE @ facebook.com/stsfrancisandclare UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF BOCA RATON 2601 St Andrews Blvd. in Boca Raton (just off Glades Rd., next to University Woodlands Park) (561) 482-2001 | www.uufbr.org Sunday service at 10:30 AM Eastern. Zoom Meeting ID: 914 8201 7108 Passcode: 952914 1414 NE 26th St. Wilton Manors, FL FLIRTING & FLATULENCE I t’s much more fun to talk with older friends about an experience of flirtation than it is about one’s flatulence. Older people compare lists of meds, and tell what joints have been replaced, but we often keep to ourselves other experiences of aging, such as erectile dysfunction and diapers. Recently, a nice-looking guy standing in line at Stork’s gave me a huge smile as if he knew me. I never know if the smiles I get are because the person may have appreciated something I wrote, or if they’re just friendly people. But I always smile back. It was fun to have a middle-aged gay man tell me that I have beautiful legs. I’ve never been told that, and for a second, I felt special and desirable. But the 10-second fantasy ended when I recalled having an extraordinary husband, and erectile dysfunction. When we’re with our young nephews, age 35 to 55, Ray and I try to prepare them for what to expect when they hit 60 or 70. We talk about prostate cancer, back pain, and of how it’s harder to lose weight. We hope to be making the aging process less surprising, but all of what we say is irrelevant to them at this time in their lives. Talking about our farting is funny to them, mainly because we make light of it. But they can’t get their heads around occasionally being in diapers. When I was their age, my focus was on my work and the smooth running of our home. I cared about clothes, but was far more interested in how the house appeared. Ray gave me free reign on decorating, and he kept me looking stylish for my corporate CULTURE OPINION Brian McNaught THE WISE SNOWY OWL Photo via PxHere. presentations on LGBTQ issues. It all seems so long ago, as we now find ourselves occasionally in those aforementioned diapers because of irritable bowel syndrome. Our days of traveling the world are over, so our well-worn leather Hartmann suitcases are less likely to be complemented, as are our clothes. What Ray and I get the most positive feedback on is our 30-year-old red Mercedes convertible and our full heads of gray hair. Ray is in constant pain because of his spine, and bad knee, about which he rarely complains. My sciatica prompts me to complain all the time. The worst part of aging for me is the memory loss, both short term and long term. I feel embarrassed not to remember people’s names. Ray will ask, as we watch a movie that’s set in a foreign country, “We stayed in that hotel. Do you remember?” No. Despite it all, I love my life. I sat outside today with my eyes closed, listening to the music created by the wind chimes, and the splashing of water in the nearby fountain. I thanked the Spirit for a lifetime with Ray. He’s stooped over, and I’m shrinking, but our daily dose of unconditional love makes everything else irrelevant. Read more from Brian McNaught has been an author and educator this author here on LGBTQ issues since 1974. Former Congressman Barney Frank said of Brian, “No one has done a better job of chronicling what it’s like to grow up gay.” www.brian-mcnaught.com. THE WORST PART OF AGING FOR ME IS THE MEMORY LOSS, BOTH SHORT TERM AND LONG TERM.

3.14.2024 • 31 “Love without judgement” A home for your spirit. Holy Angels National Catholic Church 1436 NE 26th Street Wilton Manors. 33305 Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL www.HolyAngelsFL.org 954-633-2987 Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español • Sunday Mass at 11 AM in English • All are welcome! Join us for masked, socially distanced in person worship. 11 AM Sundays. Services also LIVE-streamed on Facebook and posted on website for safe at home viewing. Donate Your Car Imagine the Di erence You Can Make • Every donated vehicle will be properly recycled, reducing waste and harmful emissions. • Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and the proceeds help provide services to help the blind and visually impaired. Help Prevent Blindness Get A Vision Screening Annually FREE TOWING & TAX DEDUCTIBLE When you donate your car, you’ll receive: Donate Your Car • Every donated vehicle will be properly recycled, reducing waste and harmful emissions. FREE • Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and Call 1-855-758-0975 ✔ a $200 restaurant voucher ✔ a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations

32 • 3.14.2024 Dear John, I’m 46, and I have been living in South Florida since my 20s. I have always appreciated the fast pace and all there is to do, but lately as I have gotten older, I feel like I am on a hamster wheel that I can’t get off. I’m constantly exhausted and tired. I can’t get my feet under me. My career takes up a lot of time and add in the commute and I feel like I don’t have any time at all. I’m out of shape and can’t find time for the gym and I feel like I’m spinning my wheels in life. How can I get some calm and forward direction in my life? Anonymous Dear Burned Out, The things you’re describing sound like burn out. Being in a vibrant city is wonderful, but also it can be challenging to balance work and life demands. It can feel like you’re trapped with no way out, but you can reset and find the balance you’re seeking. Burnout grows out of lack of self-care. When you don’t focus on your body and mind, you’re not allowing your system any downtime. Putting yourself first and making choices that will allow you to have a reset in your life can feel selfish but choosing yourself is the only way to cure your burnout. Nothing will change until you invest in your wellbeing. To make change, you must do something different and that takes work on your part. Saying no to social engagements or not taking on that extra work in the office can be difficult, but you must prioritize you. A reset for me was holding myself accountable and being disciplined in my daily life. Your sleep schedule is a great place to start looking for your path to reset. Shut off Netflix at a reasonable hour and get some sleep. Your mind and body need time to rest outside the glowing light of televisions and TikTok. Having a disciplined schedule and a reset in diet will help you feel more in control of your busy life. Clean up your diet, get some rest and once you’ve allowed yourself time to settle, you’ll see the path to your reset will be right there waiting. John Porter ASK JOHN PORTER CULTURE OPINION I NEED TO SLOW DOWN. HELP! Submit your John Porter is an entrepreneur and founding questions here. partner at Oasis Asset Management. He has served as a political organizer and strategist within the Democratic party, as well as serving as an executive board member for the Miami Yacht Club. The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. Photo via Unsplash.

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34 • 3.14.2024 Terry Dyer, an award-winning author and activist, raises HIV/ AIDS awareness, develops community programs and grants, fosters LGBTQ+ engagement, and engages in athletics. He wrote “Letters to a GAY BLACK BOY,” sparking discussions on racism, homophobia, mental health, family, and love. Rev. Skip Jennings, an author, podcaster, transformational coach, and yoga/meditation teacher. He is a New Thought Minister and his notable work, “The Little Book for Transformation,” inspires change and living an authentic spiritual life. JOURNEY OF IDENTITY OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE I n the tapestry of identity, we find ourselves navigating the intricate intersections of race, sexuality, and personal growth. As we reflect on our journey through the lens of being black and gay in the ever-evolving landscape of 2024, we are compelled to share our insights, challenges, and triumphs. REVELATION Growing up as black gay individuals, we encountered the profound complexities of reconciling our identities with societal “normalities” and expectations. There were moments when we felt the weight of having to choose between our racial and sexual identities. However, as time unfolded, we came to realize that our identity isn’t a binary choice; it’s a multifaceted mosaic, rich with diverse experiences that shape who we are. The path to self-acceptance wasn’t without its obstacles. Discrimination and prejudice lurked both within and outside our community. Yet, amidst adversity, we discovered solace and strength in the resilience of those who shared similar journeys. The belief of overcoming lies in the encouragement of others. Though progress towards inclusivity and acceptance has been made in 2024, there is still much work to be done. Amplifying marginalized voices, challenging systemic injustices, and striving for a world where all are celebrated for their essence remain imperative goals. RESILIENCE Our journey as black gay individuals has been marked by resilience and tenacity. Despite feeling like outsiders, we’ve embraced our identities as sources of empowerment. Activism has become a driving force in our lives, as we’ve witnessed the transformative power of community mobilization and empowerment within the black LGBTQ community. Representation and visibility are paramount in shaping perceptions and selfidentity. When we see ourselves reflected in media, politics, and society, it validates our existence and reaffirms our worth. However, representation isn’t merely about visibility; it’s about commanding and reclaiming our narratives on our own terms. Looking forward, we remain resolute. Honoring the sacrifices of those who came before us, we believe in our collective capacity to forge a future where all voices are not just heard, but revered. A future where lives matter in all spaces. A future where black and gay is accepted in all its beauty. IN DEPTH EXPLORATION As black gay individuals navigating the complexities of identity, we have found that our journey is shaped by a myriad of factors, including societal expectations, cultural norms, and personal experiences. From a young age, we grappled with the challenge of reconciling our racial and sexual identities in a society that often forced us to choose between them. However, as we matured and gained a deeper understanding of ourselves, we came to realize that our identity is not a binary choice, but rather a complex and multifaceted aspect of who we are. One of the most significant challenges we faced on our journey to self-acceptance was the pervasive discrimination and prejudice that we encountered both within and outside our community. From subtle microaggressions to overt acts of hatred, the barriers to acceptance seemed insurmountable at times. Yet, amidst the adversity, we found strength and resilience in the solidarity of those who shared similar experiences. Through shared stories, mutual support, and collective action, we began to see glimmers of hope for a more inclusive and accepting future. Terry Dyer and Rev. Skip Jennings GRITZ AND GLITTER CULTURE OPINION In 2024, we have made significant strides towards inclusivity and acceptance within the black LGBTQ community. However, there is still much work to be done. The fight against systemic injustices and discrimination continues, and it is incumbent upon all of us to stand in solidarity with marginalized voices and work towards a world where everyone – regardless of race or sexuality – is celebrated for their essence. THE IMPORTANCE OF REPRESENTATION Throughout history, black LGBTQ individuals have been largely absent from mainstream narratives, relegated to the margins of society and erased from historical records. This lack of representation has had profound consequences, contributing to feelings of isolation, invisibility, and internalized stigma within the community. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement to amplify marginalized voices and elevate diverse narratives within the black LGBTQ community. From grassroots advocacy campaigns to mainstream media representation, there has been a concerted effort to challenge stereotypes, break down barriers, and celebrate the rich diversity of experiences within the black LGBTQ community. By centering our stories and reclaiming our narratives, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate world where all voices are heard and valued. LOOKING TOWARDS THE FUTURE As we look towards the future, we are filled with hope and optimism for what lies ahead. Despite the challenges that we face, we believe in our collective capacity to effect change and create a more inclusive and compassionate society. By standing together in solidarity, amplifying marginalized voices, and challenging systemic injustices, we can build a world where everyone – regardless of race or sexuality – is celebrated for their essence. In 2024 and beyond, let us continue to march forward with courage, determination, and resilience. Together, we can shape a future where diversity is embraced, and all individuals are empowered to live authentically. Follow us at Gritz and Glitter The Pod on both Facebook and Instagram. To contact authors, please contact: gritzandglitterpod@ gmail.com. Photo via Adobe.

3.14.2024 • 35 SATURDAY MARCH 30, 2024 AT 8:00 PM DON’T MISS THIS: Jennifer Higdon’s blue cathedral is a 21st-century masterpiece. In this immersive, moving concert, hear music that inspired Higdon’s meditation on grief, hope and family. This one-night-only event features music from Dolly Parton, John Williams and more. BUY TICKETS TODAY AT NWS.EDU/DOLLY Denève: HIGDON'S BLUE CATHEDRAL New World Center, Miami Beach, FL

36 • 3.14.2024 When it comes to extreme fandom, Elvis Presley’s devoted followers have made him the G.O.A.T. of celebrity worship for 70 years. Sure, the Swifties have an insatiable appetite for all things Taylor Swift right now. But almost 50 years after his untimely death, the man known as The King fuels a never-ending stream of creativity, including movies (Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” in 2022, Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla” in 2023), books, TV projects, compilation CDs and stage shows (“The Million Dollar Quartet”). Running through Sunday, April 28, the enduring spirit of Elvis will enter another realm as Miami’s Juggerknot Theatre Company presents the world premiere of “Conjuring the King” in the city’s Little River neighborhood. Although Juggerknot made its name with various iterations of “Miami Motel Stories,” large-scale immersive experiences set in repurposed hotels and motels, the pandemic forced the company to adapt. Two editions of “Long Distance Affair” (2020 and 2021), in which audiences watched virtually as solo actors in cities around the world performed; a virtual “Miami Bus Stop Stories” for students in 2022; and the smallscale, in-person solo show “The Blues Opera” in 2023 kept the company moving forward as it tested different ways to produce theater. Tanya Bravo, founder and executive artistic director, says Juggerknot is workshopping a new large-scale production and expects to do a live version of “Miami Bus Stop Stories” in the future. But for “Conjuring the King,” it’s back to more intimate work. For a script, she turned to India-born, New York-raised playwright Dipti Bramhandkar. A five-minute scene about an Elvis fan that Bramhandkar wrote for a showcase at Manhattan’s LAByrinth Theater Company (she is a member of LAByrinth’s ensemble) had stuck with Bravo. So, the producer pitched an idea. “What if you had an iconic, complex figure, and a fan club, which is closed and intimate and you have to become a member?” Bravo muses. “Dipti has written such an extremely vulnerable, complex woman, and she’s holding up a mirror to the audience. Why do we become obsessed? What does it mean to be lonely?” For her part, Bramhandkar calls the brief piece that first intrigued Bravo “the seed of an idea, not even a sapling.” But starting a year ago, the writer developed a full-fledged play, going back and forth creatively with Romanian-born, New York-based director Ana Margineanu, a Juggerknot veteran who is credited with “immersive concept and direction” for “Conjuring the King.” “I was less interested in creating an Elvis ‘CONJURING THE KING’ Susie K. Taylor (left) and June Raven Romero play an Elvis fan club president in Juggerknot Theatre Company’s world premiere of the immersive “Conjuring the King.” Photo courtesy of Scott McIntyre. ENTERTAINMENT THEATER Christine Dolen ArtburstMiami.com experience, more interested in creating a fan experience – why in some cases it becomes a huge obsession, what’s that thing that drives us toward being obsessed? We project ourselves into that mythology,” Bramhandkar says. Here’s how Juggerknot’s newest immersive event is structured. Every Wednesday through Sunday during the show’s run, an audience of 15 people will gather outside a “secret” location (you’re sent the address once you buy your ticket). A woman named Avery welcomes you into the Miami Elvis Fan Club, a place bursting at the seams with Elvis memorabilia. The evening follows Bramhandkar’s script but necessarily includes some improvisation as the actor interacts with audience members. Avery leads trivia games, a dance session, karaoke and miscellaneous activities – a Juggerknot show always has elements of engagement and fun – but the heart of “Conjuring the King” is what its title implies. No one plays Elvis, but as her stories accumulate, Avery (a Mississippian, like the Tupelo-born Presley) clearly makes her version of an icon seem present. His voice and hits are part of the storytelling, of course. You’ll hear snippets of famous Elvis recordings – “Trouble,” “A Little Less Conversation,” “Jailhouse Rock,” “That’s Alright Mama,” “Burning Love,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” – a playlist to steep you in Avery’s obsessive world. Ticket buyers are also invited to dress in the spirit of Elvis, his different eras, his fans, however they interpret that suggestion. Because Juggerknot wanted to present two shows per night, a pair of actors has been cast as Avery, with each performing one show a night. Actors Susie K. Taylor and June Raven Romero have appeared in multiple Juggerknot shows, so both know their way around immersive theater. What’s unusual in this case is that a character is being created around two performers, not one. “Each brought a lot, so Avery became even more multidimensional than what is in the text,” says their director, Margineanu. “Susie and June are wonderful actors with different skill sets. Susie is an unbelievable dancer. June is an unbelievable singer. They are two rivers that poured into the same character. Each came and brought to the character their own struggles as an artist, their struggles with being a woman, their personal relationship with loneliness.” Taylor says that, rather than being competitive in working out how to play Juggerknot Theatre Company founder Tanya Bravo worked with playwright Dipti Bramhandkar and director Ana Margineanu to develop “Conjuring the King.” Photo courtesy of Scott McIntyre. TRANS ACTOR STARS IN IMMERSIVE ELVIS FAN EXPERIENCE

3.14.2024 • 37 ARTBURSTMIAMI.COM IS A NONPROFIT SOURCE OF THEATER, DANCE, VISUAL ARTS, MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS NEWS. SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER AND NEVER MISS A STORY. Avery, she and Romero are more like sisters. “I’ve never had this before, two people building the same character; we’re like two different branches of the same tree,” says Taylor. “June is incredibly powerful, magnetic, and she has an incredible voice. I’m bringing the essence of my performance art work to it.” Although Taylor has been in three Juggerknot productions, she had never worked with Margineanu, cofounder of the international immersive group PopUp Theatrics. But being in a Margineanu-directed show was on the actor’s bucket list. “I felt like a pretzel. I knew she would push me beyond [where] I have been before. She’s the most powerful director I’ve ever worked with,” says Taylor, who believes she has found her tribe in a company largely made up of women. “Juggerknot is the beginning of the immersive conversation here … Tanya is one of the top immersive producers in the country. She’s always ahead of everyone.” Romero is a transgender actor and community advocate whose professional performing career began in a 2018 Area Stage Company production of “Cabaret.” She appeared in Area’s “She Kills Monsters,” two editions of “Miami Motel Stories” and is a member of the Pioneer Winter Collective. “As soon as I saw the script, I said yes,” says Romero of her response to Avery. “Tanya’s selective in the best ways. I’m lucky to be part of things that are cutting edge. Juggerknot is one of those playgrounds.” The actor sees similarities between herself and Avery – sadness, social marginalization, glamor, power – but after initially not feeling excited about developing the character with another performer, she has flipped that script. “We have had fusion rehearsals during the process. It’s like a cheat code to a onewoman show. You pick the best of each interpretation. Here we are, innovating again with Juggerknot,” says Romero. Bramhandkar finds the differences in the actors’ performances intriguing and hopes that theater fans who can afford it will try to see both Romero and Taylor in the play. “June has a profound sense of the different identities Avery has throughout the play, starting with her first fandom. She brought that transformational story to the table,” the playwright says. “Susie connects with ageism, experiences, expectations. Both of them said, ‘I feel like the script is really speaking to me.’” Though she had never written an immersive piece, Bramhandkar describes creating “Conjuring the King” as transformational. “Immersive is one of the futures of theater. It doesn’t hold people ‘hostage.’ It’s much more responsive, more like the digital world. But it’s not just style over substance,” she says. Style does count, though. Bravo and the Juggerknot team have turned to eBay, OfferUp, collectors and fans in their quest for the Elvis memorabilia that has turned Avery’s lair into a shrine. Even Elvis toilet paper has a place there. One surprising query came from an actual Elvis fan club president, who let Bravo know that the vast network of Elvis fans had become aware of “Conjuring the King.” She wanted to know whether Juggerknot’s fan club was registered with Graceland, Elvis’s Memphis estate, final resting place and the mothership of Presley fandom. “I love that, when you really blur the line with true immersive theater,” says Bravo. “I hope we get a lot of those people coming to the show. We’ve all fallen in love with Elvis.” WHAT: World premiere of Juggerknot Theatre Company’s “Conjuring the King” by Dipti Bramhandkar WHERE: Exact location in Little River neighborhood of Miami disclosed after ticket purchase. WHEN: Performances began Friday, March 1; shows at 7 p.m. and 9:20 p.m. WednesdayThursday and Sunday; 7:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through April 28 COST: $81 (includes fee), $112.50 VIP (includes fee, one drink and Elvis swag) INFORMATION: 786-757-1986 or juggerknottheatrecompany.com “AS SOON AS I SAW THE SCRIPT, I SAID YES. TANYA’S SELECTIVE IN THE BEST WAYS. I’M LUCKY TO BE PART OF THINGS THAT ARE CUTTING EDGE. JUGGERKNOT IS ONE OF THOSE PLAYGROUNDS.” - JUNE RAVEN ROMERO ACTRESS A HIGH-END, HIGH-ENERGY DRAG CONCERT THAT FEATURES A CAST OF DAZZLING DRAG DIVAS. AGES 18+ ONLY March 16, 2023 | 8pm 713 Lake Avenue, Lake Worth Beach www.lakeworthplayhouse.org | 561.586.6410 TICKETS ON SALE FROM $15! southfloridasymphony.org | 954.522.8445 STRAVINSKY’S THE FIREBIRD SUITE With Bernstein’s “Three Dance Episodes” from On the Town, Ravel’s Bolero and Clarinet Concerto by Ellen Zwilich March 25 • New World Center, Miami Beach March 27 • The Parker, Fort Lauderdale March 29 • Tennessee Williams Theatre at The College of the Florida Keys

38 • 3.14.2024 PSYCHOLOGIST PUTS SKILLS TO WORK IN REGIONAL PREMIERE AT THE FOUNDRY I n the movies and on television, psychologists make great detectives, profiling their suspects, digging into the deepest and sometimes darkest motivations for their crimes. In real life, licensed psychologist Bayla Travis does somewhat the opposite – using her training and clinical experiences to create engaging characters for the stage. When she’s not working with her clients, she’s writing plays that have been performed around the world. This week, Women of Wilton (WOW!) presents “The Dyke and the Porn Star,” an intriguing comedy that Travis began penning 30 years ago. The Oakland, Ca., resident got her start in theater while still young and living in North Carolina. She recalled in an email interview, “I tried to be a theater kid. But after my first experience on stage in the sixth grade I didn’t think I had what it took to make it.” When she was 18, she left for New York City, “hoping there would be lesbians everywhere. Which was true, especially compared to North Carolina, but there wasn’t enough lesbian theater.” Travis joined the only lesbian theater in town and wrote “Parlor Games,” which she described as “the kind of play I wanted to see, which was ladies in turn-of-the-century Vienna waltzing together in period costumes while on breaks from playing dangerous games together.” “When I moved to San Francisco in the early ‘90s, there was a lot of queer performance art about sexuality,” she added, “but something was missing for me. And that thing was a compelling story. So, I decided to create a play that explored aspects of lesbian desire where the audience could get to know the characters, their motivations, and struggles.” Today, “The Dyke and the Porn Star” could also be viewed as a period piece, a snapshot of queer life in San Francisco at that time. In the Erynn Dalton (left), and Sandi Stock portray a lesbian porn star and her obsessed fan. Photo courtesy of Ronnie Larsen Presents. JW Arnold ENTERTAINMENT RONNIE LARSEN PRESENTS THIS CONTENT IS BROUGHT TO YOU IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RONNIE LARSEN PRESENTS AND PLAYS OF WILTON (POW!). play, dyke-about-town Chance gets to meet her favorite porn star, Tara Gold. Chance’s fantasies could either come true or send her on a collision course with the actress’ own most personal unfulfilled erotic yearnings. This dark sexy comedy is as complex as it is hot. Writing the play turned out to be relatively easy: “Since I was very young, I have been interested in both being creative and understanding the intricacies of human interaction. So, writing is a natural extension of spending a great deal of time training, researching and trying to make sense of my own life and the lives of others.” Yet, the play still evolved over time, beginning as a 10-minute piece with just the first two scenes that debuted in a staged reading session. Travis then expanded it to a one act performed as a late night show that regularly sold out. “Audiences were usually under a dozen people for late shows, and I was shocked to see a line around the block when I arrived,” she recalled. Later, a second act was created to allow Travis to explore the characters more deeply and take the story further. This all took place from 1994 to 2003. Now making her South Florida debut, “I hope audiences have a great time,” she said. “If they are inspired to think about or talk about the nature of attraction, and maybe put their own work out in the world, that would be great, too. Queer visibility has grown by leaps and bounds since this play was conceived 30 years ago, and there are still so many more great stories to tell, especially from marginalized parts of the community. We’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg of queer art.” Women of Wilton (WOW!) presents the regional premiere of “The Dyke and the Pornstar” by Bayla Travis, March 16 – April 2 at the Foundry, 2306 N. Dixie Hwy. in Wilton Manors. Tickets are $37.50 at WomenOfWilton. com. FOR STUART MELTZER, LIFE IS A CABARET Nearly 60 years ago, a Broadway classic was born when John Kander, Fred Ebb, and Joe Masteroff’s “Cabaret” opened on Broadway. But what opened on Broadway in 1966 is a show very different from what many people know today. Unlike classic musicals that have been revived more or less unchanged books and scores, Cabaret has seen multiple dramatic transformations in both its book, score, and staging as it was adapted for the screen and then revived on Broadway three times. “Cabaret” started its life as "Goodbye to Berlin," a semi-autobiographical novel by Christopher Isherwood about his time in preNazi Berlin in the 1930s. Gay playwright John Van Druten adapted the novel into the play “I Am a Camera”, which opened in 1951, winning Julie Harris her first (of five) Tony Awards, in the role of Sally Bowles. However, New York Times reviewer Walter Kerr panned that production, with his headline reading, “Me no Leica.” Harold Prince, fresh off producing “Fiddler on the Roof” purchased the rights to both the Isherwood novel and the Van Druten play. He hired Joe Masteroff to write the book and John Kander and Fred Ebb write the music in the style of Weimar Germany. In form and content, it broke with the musical theatre conventions of its day. There was no overture, the show began abruptly with “Wiilkommen” on an exposed set and the plot that dealt frankly with anti-Semitism and abortion, The show was a hit, winning eight Tony Awards. Bob Fosse’s 1972 movie adaptation, opened shortly after the stage version (and just three years after Stonewall) and he had the screenwriters (Jay Allen and Hugh Wheeler) return to Isherwood’s source material including homosexuality. Fosse also deleted most of the songs taking place Kit Kat Klub, and songs that became classics, “Mein Herr," “Money,” and “Maybe This Time.” And, of course, he cast Liza Minnelli as Sally Bowles, winning her (and Joel Grey, reprising his role) an Oscar. The movie was an enormous success both financially and with critics. Later stage adaptation incorporated many of the film’s changes into the stage version. Each version was groundbreaking at its time, and each new revision pushed the envelope a little further. The same can be said for the new production opening at Zoetic Stage at the Arsht Center. Under Stuart Meltzer’s direction, this new production of "Cabaret" is said to take us down “an even more different path.” OUTSFL: It’s been nearly 100 years since Christopher Isherwood’s Goodbye to Berlin, the source material for “Cabaret” was published. What is it that you think makes this piece so relevant to today’s audience? STUART MELTZER: Isherwood wrote his observations of a time and place that existed after war and destruction. In times of great change comes people who oppose that change and will stop at nothing including restricting freedoms. The people in Isherwood’s "Goodbye to Berlin" wanted to keep that party going as long as they could. They just didn’t have the imagination to know that something so evil was on the horizon. Rick Karlin ENTERTAINMENT THEATER Photo via Stuart Meltzer, Facebook. READ THE FULL INTERVIEW AT OUTSFL.COM

3.14.2024 • 39 8APR 9APR SHOWSTOPPERS! Symphony of the Americas See you at the Symphony! sota.org Get Tickets scan me Broward Center for the Performing Arts Special Guest, Melanie Sierra Pablo Mielgo Artistic Director & Principal Conductor Melanie Sierra Direct from West Side Story International Tour

40 • 3.14.2024 Our Services: • Roof Repair • Roof Replacement • Preventative Maintenance • Inspections FREE Quote 954-737-3520 Tile Shingle Metal In need of a repair or replacement? Contact our team Since 2002 Locally Owned Woman-Owned Owens Corning Platinum Preferred We are proudly ‘JAZZ UNDER THE STARS,’ LEVI KREIS, & ‘THE PROM’ - A WEEKLY ROUNDUP Karina Iglesias. Photo via karinaiglesias.com. Carole Montgomery. Photo via carolemontgomery.com. Rick Karlin On Friday, April 19, ArtsUnited and the City of Wilton Manors present free BYOLC (bring your own lawn chair) concert, “Jazz Under the Stars” with Karina Iglesias at Mickel Park. In 2013, Karina was a contestant on “The Voice,” where she made it to the Top 16. Never one to let a space sit empty, Ronnie Larsen is always filling the seats at The Foundry. From March 16 through April 2, he’s running “The Dyke and the Porn Star,” that tried-and-true story about a San Francisco lesbian-about-town who gets to meet her favorite porn star. No sooner will they have the seats in the theater steam-cleaned, then they’ll be packing them in again for “Sauna Boy,” just another story about a simple boy with a dream to work at a bathhouse and all the interesting situations he finds himself in. Well, at least the costume budget on this one will be low. Spend “An Evening with Levi Kreis” on Saturday, March 16, at the Sunshine Center for the Performing Arts. Openly gay singersongwriter Levi Kreis won a Tony Award for his role as Jerry Lee Lewis in the Broadway musical “Million Dollar Quartet.” Known for breathtaking vocals and talent on the piano, Kreis takes classic songs from musicals and adds his interpretations that include jazz, gospel, country, and rock influences. He balances his music with storytelling and comedy. This is an evening not to be missed! “Funny Women of a Certain Age” take the stage at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center on Friday, March 22. The line-up features Carole Montgomery, who has had numerous Showtime specials. She is joined by Vanessa Hollingshead, a comic storyteller with a repertoire of funny characterizations. Trish Keating completes the comedy trio with her comedy that is one-part social satire, twoparts personal pain, and most parts attitude. What happens when one of Fort Lauderdale’s top theater companies tackles one of Broadway’s gayest plays? We’re about to find out when Slow Burn Theatre opens “The Prom” on March 23. Judging by their past achievements with such fare as “Kinky Boots,” “Kiss of the Spiderwoman,” “Xanadu,” and “Rent” I’m expecting something wonderful. Certainly, something better than the horrible movie adaptation. Miami City Ballet announced the five programs comprising the company’s 2024/2025 home season. The season opens with two works by Balanchine, continuing the company’s commitment to being the world’s foremost interpreter of the Balanchine repertoire. It kicks things off with “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This revitalized version of Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece transports the mystical woodland lovers to the spellbinding underwater world of the Florida coast. The company follows up with “The Nutcracker,” a beloved holiday tradition. The new year brings “Winter Mix,” a medley of works. In “Spring Mix” the company premieres Jerome Robbins’ “Glass Pieces” among other works. Closing the company’s 2024/2025 season is a world premiere evening-length work from one of the world’s most in-demand choreographers, Colombian-Belgian dance maker Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. She draws from every facet of her heritage and training for the debut of her latest evening-length work, “Carmen.” ENTERTAINMENT CULTURE CORNER

3.14.2024 • 41

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OutSFL Vol. 2, Issue 11 - Flip eBook Pages 1-44 (2025)
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