HRC PRESIDENT REMOVED FOR CUOMO CONNECTION
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LOCAL NAME SEPTEMBER 9, 2021
GLOBAL COVERAGE VOL. 12 // ISSUE 36
FIRED HRC PRESIDENT REMOVED FOR CUOMO CONNECTION
Art & Hispanic Heritage PAGE 14
PAGES 8 - 9
9/11 Memories PAGE 16 Choreographer Premiers at Arsht PAGE 29
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NEWS HIGHLIGHT SouthFloridaGayNews.com
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September 9, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 36
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Pete, the United States secretary of HIV Editor • Sean McShee
transportation, shared a photo with him and Community Editor • John Hayden
Chasten holding their newborn baby girl and Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis
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boy, and revealed their names in a post.
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the kind wishes since first sharing the news
that we’re becoming parents,” they wrote in a Special to SFGN
Steve Rothaus
joint statement. “We are delighted to welcome
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our family.” Deon Jefferson • David-Elijah Nahmod
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A CAMPAIGN AND THERE’S conversations, those necessary conversations, and there’s just no room for anything else. Not
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Distribution Assistant • Juan Manzano
ANYTHING ELSE. NOT THAT how and where and when, and how much
— my God,” Chasten told PEOPLE in 2019.
don’t think there is for anybody, but it’s time
to take those steps.”
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for years, starting when he announced his
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and overwhelmed, I think.” cabinet where he became the first openly
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2 • 9.9. 20 21
9.9. 20 21 • 3
LGBTQIA BITES BY KENNEDY MCKINNEY
IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G ... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY
Transgender T P Pansexual
FIRST TRANS CONTESTANT WINS JOJO SIWA MAKES RED CARPET
‘RUPAUL’S DRAG RACE’ DEBUT WITH GIRLFRIEND
Kylie Sonique Love has been crowned Friday evening JoJo Siwa and Kylie Prew
the winner of the sixth season of attended the premiere of The J Team in
“RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” making her Pasadena, California. Siwa came out as
the first transgender contestant to win. pansexual earlier this year and has been
Love walked away with $100,000 and a very outspoken about her journey on
spot in the Drag Race Hall of Fame. social media.
“Kylie’s exhilarating blend of tenacity, “I like queer. Technically I would say
vulnerability and talent made her a that I am pansexual because that’s how I
sizzling stand-out in the most compelling have always been my whole life is just like,
‘All Stars’ in the franchise’s herstory,” said my human is my human,” Sita told People
RuPaul, the host and executive producer Magazine earlier this year.
of the show in an interview with NBC. The 18-year-olds arrived in multicolored
Love first appeared on the show in 2010 onesies and Siwa’s signature high
but was eliminated after four episodes. ponytails. The former “Dance Moms”
However, she was given a chance to star appears in the film and serves as its JoJo Siwa and girlfriend Kylie Prew.
redeem herself 11 years later. Kylie Sonique Love. Photo via Facebook. executive producer. The movie follows a Photo via Instagram.
“I couldn’t have done this without young girl named Jojo who refuses to let
thanking the universe every single day, around me that believed in my dreams,” her sparkle be dimmed after her beloved harsher coach. The live-action musical is
for all my blessings and all the people Love said. dance instructor is replaced by a much available to stream on Paramount.
THE RETURN OF THE
hear past shows on youtube at 95.3 FM
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Listen to Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Nikki Fried on 9/20
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Live streaming • wwnnradio.com
4 • 9.9. 20 21
LGBTQIA BITES
Q Queer
ELLIOT PAGE CREDITS ICONIC QUEER FILM
FOR HELPING HIM COME OUT
Elliot Page recently announced that
iconic queer movie, “But I’m a Cheerleader”
changed his life.
The 1999 film starring Natasha Lyonne
follows a high school girl who is sent to gay
conversion camp after her boyfriend and
family suspect she might be gay. Page came
out as transgender in December 2020 and
said the movie transformed his life.
“I don’t know if I would have made it
through the moments of isolation and
loneliness and shame and self-hatred
that was so extreme and powerful and all-
encompassing that you could hardly see
out of it and then, you know, at 15, when
you are flipping through the channels and
you stumble on ‘But I’m a Cheerleader’ and
the dialogue in that film, and scenes in that Elliot Page. Photo via Instagram.
film just transform your life. I almost think
we don’t talk enough about how important Page believes it’s important to have more
representation is and enough about how queer visibility and more movies like this
many lives it saves and how many futures to explore narratives that are often untold.
it allows for,” Page said.
9.9. 20 21 • 5
NEWS NATIONAL BY GILLIAN MANNING
THE COUNTRY
ACROSS COVERING LGBT
NEWS SWEEPING
THE NATION
TENNESSEE MISSOURI
TENNESSEE WEDDING VENUE LGBT HISTORY EXHIBIT REMOVED
REJECTS GAY COUPLE AFTER GOP AIDE COMPLAINS
Mike Gill and Coty Heaton are a newly The Missouri state capital established
engaged couple on the hunt for the perfect an exhibit honoring LGBT history and
Uriah Stark.
wedding venue. When they found the although the exhibit was supposed to be
Mike Gill and Photo
Barn in the Bend in Madison, Tennessee, up until Dec. 26, it was removed after four courtesy of
Coty Heaton.
they reached out to the owner, Jackie Photo via
days. Uriah Stark.
Daniel, in hopes of securing the location. Facebook. According to the Kansas City Star,
The Advocate reported that while “Making History: Kansas City and the Rise
Gill was scheduling a tour of the venue, of Gay Rights” was reportedly closed early to be up until Dec. 26 [and] made it all of
Daniel’s signature included the phrase, due to complaints from Uriah Stark, an four days before some members of the
“We offer same-sex marriage ceremonies explained that if Gill’s partner was a man aide to Republican state Rep. Mitch Boggs. legislature threw a fit and DNR apparently
only.” The couple had taken this as their then she would not be able to host their Stark had made a post on Facebook acquiesced to them and took it down and
sign that they picked the right venue for wedding at the venue because they “do prior to the exhibit’s removal saying that literally put my history back in the closet.”
their marriage. not offer same-sex marriages here.” the “taxpayer funded museum is pushing Gov. Mike Parson’s spokeswoman Kelli
However, the next email the couple Daniel cited her religious beliefs as the the LGBT agenda in our state capitol.” Jones said in a statement that the exhibit
received from Daniel looked different. reason behind the policy. The Department of Natural Resources was removed because the “statutorily
The signature instead read, “We do not Heaton shared his story on Facebook manages Missouri’s park system as well as mandated process” for establishing
offer same-sex marriage ceremonies.” and soon the venue’s Yelp page had a surge the museum exhibit. temporary exhibits was not properly
In her email, Daniel wrote, “Did you of negative reviews from friends, allies, Sen. Greg Razer, a Kansas City Democrat followed. Jones said that was not aware
mention that your partner was a ‘he’? and members of the LGBT community. and only openly gay senator from the of the exhibit but his office had received
If I’m wrong, I’m sorry.” Daniel then state, said, “This display was supposed “several complaints.”
VIRGINIA NEW YORK
TRANSPHOBIC GYM TEACHER NYPD SEARCHING FOR HOMOPHOBIC MAN
RETURNS TO CLASSROOM AFTER ALLEGEDLY ASSAULTING A STRANGER
Tanner Cross is a public-school On Aug. 26, an assailant allegedly beat
gym teacher in Virginia who was fired a 23-year-old man on the subway while The alleged
after making a statement during a May shouting homophobic slurs. assailant.
Photo
Loudoun County Public Schools board Photo via NYPD’s Crime Stoppers program
courtesy of
meeting. The Virginia Supreme Court PxHere. announced on Sept. 3 that it is offering NYPD Hate
upheld the decision to reinstate Cross into a reward for up to $3,500. Anyone Crimes,
his teaching position. with information can contact NYPD Twitter.
Cross had told school officials that he Crime Stoppers via 800-577-TIPS or
would not be able to respect students’ was placed on leave after multiple calls crimestoppers.nypdonline.org. transportation systems. Another
chosen pronouns because of his religious from concerned parents, however, the According to LGBTQ Nation, police allege unidentified assailant punched two
beliefs, LGBTQ Nation reported. courts stated the school did not prove that that the assailant approached the victim on young men in the face and made anti-gay
He said he could not “affirm that a Cross’ presence would be a “significant the train and after a brief exchange was statements while riding the subway on July
biological boy can be a girl, and vice versa” disruption” of school functions. heard saying, “I’m not with that gay shit.” 31. When a woman tried to stop him, he
as it would be “lying to a child … abuse The court ruled in Cross’ favor and He then punched the victim in the head punched her in her face.
to a child … and it’s sinning against our Loudoun County enacted a new policy repeatedly while calling him anti-gay slurs. Advocates and transit workers have been
God.” Two days later, Cross was placed earlier in the month, expecting staff to The attack is being investigated as a calling for authorities to make the New
on administrative leave. Cross then filed a affirm trans students and to “allow gender- potential hate crime by the NYPD Hate York City subway and MTA transportation
lawsuit against Loudoun County, arguing expansive or transgender students to use Crimes Task Force. safer for travelers, some have appealed to
that his “freedom of speech” was violated. their chosen name and gender pronouns There has been a rise in violence Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg for
The school’s lawyers said that Cross that reflect their gender identity.” throughout New York City’s public action.
6 • 9.9. 20 21
NEWS INTERNATIONAL BY EVERITT ROSEN
THE WORLD
AROUND EXPLORING LGBT
NEWS EVENTS ACROSS
THE GLOBE
ASIA EUROPE
GAY GAMES FACE VIOLENCE LGBT RIGHTS MARINERS RECEIVE
IN HONG KONG MERCHANT NAVY MEDAL
It was a tribute to the city’s position Photo via PxHere. The Merchant Navy Medal was Second Officer Paul Owen. Credit: UK Department For Transport.
as a cosmopolitan town and a relative presented to Second Officer Paul
bright spot in the area for progressive Owen and 15 other seamen for their
causes when Hong Kong was named as distinguished service and commitment
the host of the 11th Gay Games next year, to the maritime industry.
the first time the event would be hosted According to Euro Weekly, Owen is
in Asia. the first person to receive the coveted
Now, attacks on the Gay Games by Merchant Navy Medal for his efforts to
pro-Beijing local politicians are exposing promote LGBT rights in the maritime
prejudice in the financial center, where industry.
room for promoting concepts like Owen, from Blackpool, is one of
equality and diversity has diminished as 15 sailors who have been recognized
China tightens its grip. for their exceptional service and
According to The Washington Post, which reports to Beijing, has stated commitment to the industry, which initiative whilst seconded to Maritime
the Hong Kong activists who would that it does not condone the attacks. includes services for seafarer welfare UK but it has broadened my knowledge of
normally fight back against such attacks Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive, during the COVID-19 epidemic, safety the diversity issues faced in the maritime
are either imprisoned or exiled as a result said Junius Ho’s and others’ statements and security requirements, and training. sector through involvement in the four
of a crackdown allowed by a national “would unnecessarily divide society” and “I am deeply humbled and surprised aspects of the program, ethnicity, pride,
security bill passed last year. promised that her office will continue to to receive this honor. I have played a women, and mental health,” said Owen.
The administration of Hong Kong, rent facilities to the organizers. small part in the Diversity in Maritime
AFRICA CANADA
ZIMBABWEANS DIVIDED OVER CANADIAN BLOOD SERVICES WANTS TO
POLITICIAN’S POSITION ON LGBT RIGHTS REDUCE WAIT TIME FOR HOMOSEXUAL MEN
Zimbabweans have scrutinized Nelson Chamisa. Photo via Facebook. Canadian Blood Services plans to ask Photo via the Canadian Blood Services, Facebook.
opposition lawmaker Nelson Chamisa’s Health Canada to eliminate the three-
views on LGBT rights on the internet. month ineligibility term that requires
This comes after Chamisa took part males to wait after their last sexual
in an online conversation moderated contact with a man before giving blood,
by Mmusi Maimane, a South African in favor of screening all donors based on
opposition leader. sexual behavior.
According to iHarare, during the “It’s a change that’s long overdue,
conversation, Chamisa’s attitude on but it will not erase years of the
lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and LGBTQ community being told their
questioning people’s rights was brought blood is dangerous or that ‘they’re
up. Chamisa answered by stating that not good enough,’” said Kirk Furlotte
he will be guided by the Zimbabwean same-sex marriages. to CBC, Atlantic regional manager for
Constitution, which defines marriage as Some people appear to be offended Community-Based Research Centre, a
being between a man and a woman. by Nelson Chamisa’s views on LGBT non-profit that promotes the health of
President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rights. LGBT supporters were irritated, gay, bisexual, trans, two-spirit and queer if eligible.
Cabinet approved revisions to questioning why they should vote for (GBT2Q) men. “I think the community is looking
Zimbabwean marriage legislation in May him when he does not actively promote In a 2018 CBRC survey of 3,500 gay, bi, forward to it, even though it will be a
2019, aligning it with the Constitution them. Many stated emphatically that queer, trans and two-spirit men, more bumpy road for the first, let’s say, few
by prohibiting both child weddings and they would never vote for Chamisa. than 90% said they would donate blood years,” said Furlotte.
9.9. 20 21 • 7
NEWS NATIONAL
HRC PRESIDENT FIRED AFTER DISPUTE WITH
BOARD ON HIS ROLE IN CUOMO AFFAIR
Chris Johnson
Washington Blade
F ollowing a public dispute with the Human Rights Campaign
board on the results of a review on his role in the scandal on
sexual misconduct that forced New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to
resign, Alphonso David has been terminated as president of the
nation’s leading LGBT group.
Jodie Patterson and Morgan Cox, the co- to advise Mr. Cuomo when the accusations
chairs of the Human Rights Campaign, issued came to light.” Further, David didn’t consult
a statement late Monday explaining the the LGBT group’s counsel, or inform them he
decision David, the first Black president of the was going to be interviewed by James’s office,
LGBT group, under the “for cause” provision the Times reported.
of his contract. The ignominious outcome of the end of
“At HRC, we are fighting to bring full equality David’s tenure at the Human Rights Campaign
and liberation to LGBTQ+ people everywhere. comes after two years with him at the helm of
That includes fighting on behalf of all victims the organization. Observers had high hopes
of sexual harassment and assault,” Patterson for him as the first person of color to the
and Cox said. “As outlined in the New York nation’s leading LGBT group, which he took
Attorney General report, Mr. David engaged into new directions with a foray into legal
in a number of activities in December 2020, work on LGBT rights.
while HRC President, to assist Gov. Cuomo’s David via Twitter, where profile as of
team in responding to allegations by Ms. Monday morning still identifies him as HRC
Boylan of sexual harassment. This conduct president, vowed to fight the decision to
in assisting Governor Cuomo’s team, while terminate him in court.
president of HRC, was in violation of HRC’s “As a Black, gay man who has spent his
Conflict of Interest policy and whole life fighting for civil and
the mission of HRC.” human rights, they cannot
According to the statement, “[MR. DAVID’S] shut me up,” David wrote.
Alphonso David speaking during an event. Photo via Facebook.
the boards for the Human
Rights Campaign and Human
ACTIONS HAVE “Expect a legal challenge.”
The board identified as
Rights Campaign Foundation PUT US IN AN reasons for termination had ever envisioned or hoped for in terms of wrongdoing on his part.’”
voted to terminate David. UNTENABLE David’s inability to serve Mr. David’s tenure with HRC, his actions have
put us in an untenable position by violating
David, has said from the beginning he has
committed no wrongdoing and wouldn’t
The board names Joni as the public face of the
Madison, the current chief POSITION BY Human Rights Campaign as HRC’s core values, policies and mission.” resign as HRC president, even though
operating officer of the VIOLATING HRC’S well as “material damage” Over the weekend, David tweeted in a other activists caught up in the scandal —
Human Rights Campaign as David has caused to the statement the board came to him late Friday Tina Tchen, president of “Time’s Up,” and
interim president effective CORE VALUES, Human Rights Campaign as telling him the review is completed, but Roberta Kaplan, board member of the same
immediately as board POLICIES AND evidence by media coverage suggested he resign even though they could organization — made the decision to step
members engage in a search and “hundreds of calls, produce no evidence of wrongdoing. down.
to replace David as president. MISSION.” emails and other negative “I have the support of too many of our After the HRC board email became public
The decision to fire David - Jodie Patterson communications HRC has employees, board members and stakeholders on Monday, David issued a subsequent
comes after public sniping and Morgan Cox received from staff, members to walk away quietly into the night,” David statement on Twitter, asserting the board had
between him and the board HRC CO-CHAIRS of the Board of Governors, said. “I am not resigning.” told him Friday evening upon asking him to
co-chairs on the independent volunteers, program partners, The next day, the board sent the email consider the review was, in fact, complete.
review the Human Rights general members, supporters, to their fellow members Monday morning, “The facts are that I was contacted by the
Campaign had conducted after he was named corporate partners, political figures, and more saying they were “surprised and disappointed board co-chairs late Friday night,” David
nearly a dozen times in the report issued by expressing serious concern with Mr. David’s by the inaccuracies in his portrayal of events.” wrote. “They told me that the Sidley Austin
New York Attorney General Letitia James. conduct and its inconsistency with the values The email was shared with the Blade and review was complete, but they would not
According to a report in the New York and mission of HRC.” three sources confirmed its accuracy. provide the report to me or anyone. They gave
Times, a person familiar with the deliberations “This is a painful moment in our Among the “mischaracterizations” me a deadline of 8 a.m. the next morning to
among the HRC board said that David “never movement,” Patterson and Cox said. “While identified by the board with David’s “the tell them whether I would resign. They didn’t
told the organization that he was helping the Board’s decision is not the outcome we assertion that there was ‘no indication of offer a shred of evidence of any wrongdoing
8 • 9.9. 20 21
NEWS NATIONAL
on my part when I asked repeatedly.” to Cuomo, he kept the personnel file of an
At the time news before of the New York employee accusing the governor of sexual
attorney general report, the board initially misconduct, then assisted in returning that
supported David, indicated they had renewed file to Cuomo staffers seeking to leak it to the
his contract for five years. The next week, media in an attempt to discredit her.
however, the Human Rights Campaign board (A representative has disputed the
and David announced they had agreed to an characterization of material David kept as a
independent review on his involvement in personnel file, saying it was a memorandum
the Cuomo that would be conducted by Sidley on an internal employment matter David kept
Austin LLP and last no longer than 30 days. because he, in part, worked on it. David has
Sidley didn’t respond to multiple requests said he was legally required to return to the
from the Washington Blade’s to comment material.)
over the weekend on the Further, the report finds
review. The board chairs have David allegedly said he would
indicated the results of the help find individuals to sign
review would be confidential.
According to the New York
THE FINDINGS their names to a draft op-
ed that sought to discredit
Times, the person familiar FROM the survivor but went
with the review, said there
was no written report and NEW YORK unpublished, although he
wouldn’t sign the document
there was never going to
be one. Instead, there were
ATTORNEY himself. Also, the report
indicates David was involved
oral presentations to the
board. David is said to have
LETITIA JAMES in the discussions about
secretly calling and recording
given names to the board
of people who would speak
ON CUOMO a call between a former staffer
and another survivor in a
on his behalf during the NAMES DAVID separate effort to smear her.
investigation, in addition to
the 10 hours he spent being NEARLY A In response, David said he
agreed to help with only one
interviewed,
reported.
the Times
DOZEN TIMES. version of the letter that was
more positive in nature and
Legal experts had doubted his part of the discussion
the validity of a review Sidley about recording a survivor
Austin on the basis it was among the legal was limited to his role as counselor.
firms agreeing in 2019 to help with the Human The nation’s leading LGBT group is now
Rights Campaign entering into litigation to faced with the task of finding a new president
advance LGBT rights, an agreement David at a time of significant challenges for the
spearheaded upon taking the helm of the movement. The Equality Act is all but dead in
organization. Congress and numerous states have enacted
The findings from New York Attorney laws against transgender youth in sports
Letitia James on Cuomo names David nearly and medical care, many of which are being
a dozen times. Among other things, the challenged by litigation that was filed by the
report indicated after his tenure as counselor Human Rights Campaign.
Washington Blade courtesy of the National LGBTQ Media Association.
Alphonso David (left) with Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo via Facebook.
9.9. 20 21 • 9
NEWS LOCAL
J.R.’s SNAPSHOTS OF
THE WEEK
From your life... into our pages! SFGN takes a weekly look at a community that has
stood together through countless trials and victories in the past year alone.
Photos by J.R. Davis
Husbands Jose Carlos Aranda, a software director, with Juan Saavedra, Lifegaurds Brandon Riley and Mark Eddy at
Fort Lauderdale chief of staff for District 4. Broward College Tigertail Lake.
Marcelo Motta, real estate agent and events producer, Scuba instructor and lifegaurd Tosh Baez with spouse Colby Baez, recreation
with boyfriend Henrique Paraizo. coordinator at Broward College Tigertail Lake.
10 • 9.9. 20 21NEWS NATIONAL
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Friday’s morning session reaches out to Photo via PxHere. performing headline shows and
the HIV prevention workforce, HIV testing piano bars at some of the worlds
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medical school students and professionals. at medical marijuana and HIV, the future of
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Topics will include Taking Care of the HIV drugs and treatments, and the impact
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men’s health today. at 7 p.m. featuring an online trivia game and party special!
Day two will feature a yoga session cocktail demonstration put on by Gay Vista
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9.9. 20 21 • 11NEWS NATIONAL
Don’t miss
LIL NAS X DELIVERS
a tastE Feeling the
FOR LOCAL CHARITY
hunger? John Hayden
Read SFGN’s weekly food column for an
P
roducing an album can feel like giving
exclusive bite on local bars, restaurants, birth. At least that’s what Lil Nas X
and seasonal flavors. would have us believe. To promote the
imminent arrival of his album “MONTERO,”
sFGn.com/FooD also known as his baby, the singer released
an online baby registry. Instead of strollers,
onesies, and cribs, people can donate to
charities including Bros In Convo, locally
Transinclusive Group.
He announced the fundraiser on social
media, tweeting, “Me and my team have set
up a ‘baby registry’ for many charities if you
guys would like to donate.” Each of the 15
tracks on Montero are paired with a charity.
Fans can browse through and donate to any
of the songs and charities they like.
LIke many things the Old Town Road Lil Nas X. Photo via Facebook.
singer does, this project immediately grabs
your attention. The registry greets you with support, but, as can be expected with social
a picture of a “pregnant” Lil Nas X in a white media, many people tweeted self-righteous
dress with a bouquet of white roses in hand indignation. Lil Nas X responded saying “...
and a laurel of white roses on his head. He all of this negative attention is not good for
originally posted these fake pregnancy the baby.”
pictures on Sept. 2 with the caption “I can’t When Montero arrives on Sept. 17 it
believe i’m finally announcing this. My little will include collaborations with Elton
bundle of joy ‘MONTERO’ is due Sept. 17.” John, Megan Thee Stallion, Doja Cat, and
His real name is Montero Lamar Hill. Miley Cyrus. Until then you can follow his
The initial pictures received mixed “pregnancy” on his social media accounts.
reactions. Many fans posted messages of
You can view the registry at welcometomontero.com.
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12 • 9.9. 20 21NEWS NATIONAL
4 ANTI-VAX RADIO TALK-SHOW
HOSTS DIE FROM COVID
Kim Swan
F
our self-proclaimed anti-vaxxers have
died after contracting COVID-19, two
regretting their remarks on their radio
shows.
Marc Bernier, Phil Valentine, Jimmy
DeYoung, and Dick Farrel were all conservative
radio talk-show hosts who denounced COVID
vaccines on-air, according to the Washington
Post.
The most recent death was Beriner,
who claimed that he was “Mr. Anti-Vax” in
December 2020 when the vaccines were
authorized for Americans. However, WNDB,
the station that his program was aired on,
told listeners that he was being treated in a
hospital for COVID in August.
“It’s with great sadness that WNDB and
Southern Stone Communications announce
the passing of Marc Bernier,” WNDB wrote in
a statement. “Marc informed and entertained
listeners on WNDB for over 30 years while
enjoying a successful 46-year career as
a broadcast journalist. He will be missed
by many friends, family members, and
colleagues.” Marc Bernier, also known as “Mr. Anti-Vax.”
Valentine was a popular shock jock in Photo via www.marcberniershow.com.
Tennessee who used a song parody called
“Vaxman” basing it on the Beatles song Finally, DeYoung, who was a syndicated
“Taxman,” the Post reported. He died Aug. 21. Christian preacher who asked a guest on-air
Farrel, who called Dr. Anthony Fauci a if the vaccine rollout was “another form of
“power-tripping lying freak” died Aug. 4. government control of the people,” died Aug.
He had worked for stations in Miami, Palm 15, the Post reported.
Beach, and the Newsmax TV channel. Despite their anti-vax remarks, two of
them urged listeners to get vaccinated before
they died: Valentine and Farrel.
“FOR THOSE LISTENING, I Mark Valentine, Valentine’s brother, went
on air on his behalf: “For those listening, I
KNOW IF HE WERE ABLE know if he were able to tell you this, he would
tell you, ‘Go get vaccinated. Quit worrying
TO TELL YOU THIS, HE about the politics. Quit worrying about all the
conspiracy theories,’” according to the Post.
WOULD TELL YOU, ‘GO Valentine’s family also issued a statement
GET VACCINATED. QUIT saying that he was remorseful about mocking
COVID vaccines on-air.
WORRYING ABOUT THE Amy Leigh Hair, a friend of Farrel, told the
Post, “When he got very sick, he texted me
POLITICS. QUIT WORRYING and said, ‘This pandemic ain’t no joke. Get the
shot.’ He definitely admitted he hadn’t taken
ABOUT ALL THE it seriously. At the end of the day, he was sorry
about that. I know he changed his mind at the
CONSPIRACY THEORIES.’” end.”
Over 174 million Americans have been fully
- Mark Valentine vaccinated against COVID-19, accounting for
BROTHER OF PHIL VALENTINE
52.4% of the U.S. population, according to a
COVID data tracker.
9.9. 20 21 • 13PA L M B E A C H ar t s
ART CELEBRATES
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
John Hayden
Rolando Chang Barrero. Photo via Rolando Chang Barrero, Facebook.
COLORFUL BIRDS AND BLOOMING similar. I want to acknowledge that all
FLOWERS WILL HELP THE LGBT the murders of our trans-friends are not
COMMUNITY CELEBRATE HISPANIC simply statistics of hate crimes, but human
HERITAGE MONTH. THE WORK OF beings that walk alongside us. They too are
SOUTH FLORIDA ARTIST ROLANDO someone’s child, someones loved one.”
CHANG BARRERO WILL BE ON DISPLAY His art, and this exhibit in particular, is
AT NEIMAN MARCUS IN BOCA RATON about recognizing and representing his
STARTING SEPT. 11. culture. “I, like many others, are part of a
broader community. A vibrant, culturally
Paintings and wood carvings of his iconic rich, and intersectional community. It is
“Pajaro” birds and, hopefully, his “Trans- important because assimilation to the
Daisies’’ are part of The Art of Fashion and customs of the USA includes the LGBTQIA+
Hispanic Heritage Month. “The inspiration community. At least that is true for me and
always comes from seeking out a way to other people of color. We navigate two
create a space where we can learn for each worlds and at some point they inevitably
other,” Barrero said. “In the Pajaro series it cross. I want that point to be a celebration!”
was simply a way to pay homage to friends Hispanic Heritage month runs from Sept.
that have passed away due to AIDS. They 15-Oct. 15. The exhibit opens Saturday,
were epitaphs. The Trans-Daisies are very Sept. 11 with a champagne open house at
the Neiman Marcus at 5860 Glades Road in
Boca Raton from 1-4 p.m.
Barrero says feelings about his work vary.
“We navigate “Reactions vary depending on the person.
People have too many ideas and versions
two worlds and at of what an LGBTQ person is, even within
our community. What is true for most, they
some point they all ask for the story. The story, at least my
version of the history I lived and continue to
inevitably cross. I do so, is riddled with melancholy to some
degree but has a very happy ending. We
want that point to live, we marry, we celebrate, and we get to
be a celebration!” enjoy life without fear.”
Barrero also owns The Box Gallery in
West Palm Beach, where he exhibits his
- Rolando Chang Barrero work and the work of other local, national,
ARTIST and international artists.
14 • 9.9. 20 21Reach local LGBT communities
across the nation.
Start connecting with over a million loyal readers
in print and online across the country.
212-242-6863
info@nationallgbtmediaassociation.com
www.nationallgbtmediaassociation.com
Atlanta | Boston | Chicago | Dallas/ Ft Worth | Detroit | Los Angeles | Miami/ Ft Lauderdale | New York | Orlando/Tampa Bay | Philadelphia | San Francisco | Washington DC
9.9. 20 21 • 15CONVICTIONS Publisher's Editorial
20 YEARS, 20 DAYS, 20 MINUTES
Our Precious Lives are Marked by Senseless Deaths
Norm Kent
norm.kent@sfgn.com
I
am just a columnist and I have no of the world forever. It is why 13 very young
mysterious insight into the anniversary soldiers, my god, barely 20, lost their lives in
of the attack on America 20 years ago this Afghanistan two weeks ago.
Saturday. For two decades, Americans maintained
I just know they blew up the place I called a military presence in a land far away to
home. I know my friends died, and our world keep terrorists and terrorism at bay. In
was shaken. It was supposed to be a once in a the meantime, we turned the guns upon
lifetime event. ourselves.
Unfortunately, our world now lives with We spent so much time looking over there
“once in a lifetime events” every 20 minutes. that we have not paid enough attention to
The only constant of our lives, wrote Alvin what is happening over here.
Toffler in “Future Shock,” was change. Now “We have met the enemy,” the cartoon
the only constant appears to be the certainty character Pogo once said, “and he is us.”
of calamity, which shocks our conscience, The coronavirus pandemic gave America
and tests our balance on this moving planet. the chance to combat a different type of 21st Norm Kent sitting with Dusty while holding up the Sept. 2001 edition of Express Gay News, his former publication.
Three years ago, the senseless shootings at century terrorism. Armed with a network of
Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in hospitals, universities, science, and medical Along the way, during this toxic time of Take a moment this day, and give pause to
Parkland shook the heart and soul of South technology, you would think we could national upheaval, Americans have ignored the precious promise of life.
Florida, while reminding America even our respond with more than “shock and awe.” tsunamis, global warming, and forest fires Do as the writer Rudyard Kipling advised,
schools are not safe. But it is You would think we could more teeming then we have ever seen in our and give each minute 60 seconds worth of
not like Sandy Hook, where 28 marshal the world to temper lifetime. Cities of 10,000 on the West Coast distance run.
elementary school students
were slaughtered in 2012, did WE LIVE IN the spread, tame the disease,
and stamp out the death. You
have been wiped out in a single day, but it did
not stop the NCAA from playing a national
Live the moment, seize the day, and bring
an extra pair of underwear just in case.
not send us warnings.
Two years before Parkland,
A WORLD OF would think.
America had the chance
championship game on the East Coast the
following afternoon.
What did Frank Sinatra say? “Regrets, I
have had a few, but too few to mention.”
the massacre at Pulse Night UNIMAGINABLE to be a global leader against The next thing you know floods from a Look at the bright side of life. What you
club in Orlando tore through
the emotional fabric of
BEAUTY TO BE a cruel pathogenic invader
that slaughtered people
Louisiana hurricane on a Sunday will drown
people in New York subways on Tuesday,
have may not be all you want but is more
than you need. There are worse things than
Central Florida and the gay CHERISHED, BUT senselessly, without concern but the New York Mets will play a make up the waitress serving you cold vegetables at
community, but sent ripples for age, race, or nationality doubleheader on Friday. Lester’s Diner. They are still vegetables.
throughout LGBT America as TRAGEDY AND or creed, As swiftly and as Blood, Sweat, and Tears had it right... “and Find happiness now with your dogs in the
well.
These particular incidents
TRAUMA SEEM suddenly as the attacks of
September 11, 2001, COVID-19
when I die, there’ll be one child born, in this
world to carry on, to carry on...”
park, your partner at dinner, or your class at
school. You control your destiny by each and
left us speechless and stunned, TO BE ON EVERY shook our lives with another The attacks on the United States of America every choice you make every day. Don’t let
but none stand alone. From episodic once in a lifetime 20 years ago were to be episodic events, once anyone stand in your way or slow you down.
concert halls in Las Vegas to CORNER. event. Eighteen months later, in a lifetime occurrence. But the 21st century Nobody can sing your song when you are
churches in North Carolina, with a new variant streaming and COVID-19 had different plans for this gone, so when you have something to say,
and offices from Sacramento across the globe, it still does. generation of citizens. don’t ever be afraid to say it now. You can’t
to South Florida, Americans are no longer Unfortunately, we turned the guns against All you can ask of living, the song says, is change yesterday. You can’t always control
safe from random violence and sudden death. ourselves once again. Instead of uniting the to “die with no chains on me.” As the United what may happen tomorrow.
It happens everyplace and anywhere. world in a global battle against a horrible killer, States leaves Afghanistan, 20 years later, there This moment, however, this second, is all
The terror did not start with the attacks 20 we were led by a president who denied reality. are millions facing the Taliban, Isis, and Isis A, yours. Make the most of it.
years ago upon the World Trade Center, but He singularly turned a virus into a national B, or C, that can’t say that. But what do I know? I am just a columnist
we observe 20 years this week, so it stands out culture war about wearing a mask. He lost an America tried, but now tired, we move on. with a few words to share every week.
again. It was not just one of us, but all of us. election, attempted an insurrection, and even We live in a world of unimaginable beauty to Oh, and I am adding to the mix.
It was a reminder Americans of all creeds and at this moment is planning a return to the be cherished, but tragedy and trauma seem My radio show returns to WWNN on
colors have far more in common than we do national stage. Millions of Americans remain to be on every corner. From self inflicted September 20 at noon, a new time, with
apart. unvaccinated because of him. If they are alive wounds to nature’s wrath, mankind is Democratic gubernatorial candidate,
For so many of us it is the singular incident in six months, they will be voting for him in challenged. I suppose, in every generation, it Nikki Fried, as my first guest. Join me.
seared into our being, which changed the face primaries. always has been.
16 • 9.9. 20 21CONVICTIONS
EDITORIAL CARTOON
By Mike Luckovich
9.9. 20 21 • 17COLUMN LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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Hello Norm;
I appreciate your column in the last week’s issue of SFGN (Sept.
2, “When Cancer Is In Second Place”). This is a very insightful and
thoughtful article that really puts COVID-19 and the Delta variant in
perspective. I hope it encourages folks to get vaccinated with its unique
perspective.
I am sorry to read you are still having to undergo more treatments
and I and the Church of Our Savior family continue to pray for your
recovery, wisdom and thanks for your caregivers, that your spirits
continue to be uplifted and you do get to see a couple ball games live
somehow.
My husband and I have had six fully vaccinated friends, who all
practice safety protocols, come down with breakthrough infections in
the past month. Sadly two of them did not survive. Mary’s memorial
service was yesterday. She contracted COVID during a hospital stay and
was just too sick to fight it off.
I am at a loss as to how to convince people to get vaccinated and
wear masks, and Governor Death does not help. If this was Ebola or the
Bubonic plague I do not think folks would be so hesitant. Those two
viruses have always been shown/perceived as deadly and very scary.
Your article does help put COVID that in perspective to some degree.
Thank you for all you continue to do even as you recover.
Sincerely yours,
HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? CONTACT US! Ed Kaczperski
954-530-4970
LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD!
Associated Press
Submit your own letter to Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com
18 • 9.9. 20 21These legal questions answered RESERVE YOUR AD NOW!
954-530-4970, EXT. 2
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and more FOR FREE
I D
THE
U
at NormKent.com
What are 25 ways to
avoid getting busted?
What can I do if I have been
accused of a crime?
G THE HA NDBOOK
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OUTH FLORIDA
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What can I
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How is a case prosecuted?
The Criminal Defense Law Center of South Florida, PC
For further consultations,
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Attorney at Law Attorney at Law
12 SE 7th St, Suite 700 2520 N. Dixie Hwy MEDICARE AND PRIVATE INSURANCE ACCEPTED
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Wilton Manors, FL 33305
www.NormKent.com
9.9. 20 21 • 19LIFESTYLE CELEBRITY BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ
GAY VINE
THE KEEP UP WITH THE
CELEBRITIES IN OUR
COMMUNITY
CELEBRITY DRAG
AYY GIRL! REAL TALK!
DEMI LOVATO ‘SLIDES’ INTO EMILY HAMPSHIRE’S DM’S ‘CANADA’S DRAG RACE’ STAR SHARES HER JOURNEY OF FINDING SELF-LOVE
Doesn’t everyone wish that a superstar Bitch on Arrival (BOA) is no secret on Bitch on Arrival. Photo via Facebook.
Demi Lovato. Photo via Facebook.
would just slide into our DMs? It seems “Canada’s Drag Race,” she would always
like a fantasy, especially when that make her presence known. However,
superstar is Demi Lovato. the Drag Race star took time to find her
Well this is a little story of when confidence and self-love.
dreams become reality, because Emily BOA sat down with PRIDE to give
Hampshire was living the dream. people an inside scoop on her journey of
In an interview on Lovato’s podcast finding self-love and body confidence.
“4D With Demi Lovato,” Hampshire “I’m going to say two words: self-love.
starts by giving details on how the two If you’re able to love yourself whether school, I started dieting a lot and working
met each other. you’re super skinny, or big, or your hair out excessively and I started losing weight,
“You slid in my DMs and you said, ‘Hey, is long or short or whatever — as long people started paying attention to me. And
I like you on the show. We should kick it as you love yourself and you’re OK with I really, I really liked that feeling. So I kind
sometime’… And then you said below was looking it up,” Hampshire said in the what you see in the mirror,” BOA said in of pushed it pretty hard. And it actually
it, ‘And by kick it, I mean go on a date. I interview. her interview. became an eating disorder,” she said.
find you attractive.’ You made it clear it While there didn’t end up being a She talked about growing up as a bigger Finding self-love can be a difficult
was a date. And I loved that because I romance between the two according to child and the effects that it had while journey, but there comes a time where
was like, ‘Sometimes that’s confusing’ … PRIDE, they ended up becoming close growing up. everyone can and should love themselves.
I’m decades older than you, so ‘kick it,’ I friends. “I was a pretty big kid. Getting into high
MUSIC
OH DEAR!
DRAKE ACCUSED OF SEXUALIZING LESBIANS IN NEW SONG
Drake has made headlines with his memes from the track.
new album, “Certified Lover Boy.” PRIDE has listed only some of the
However there is some controversy over memes that fans have made, but that is
one of the tracks in the album, “Girls only the tip of the iceberg.
Want Girls.” On a more serious note fans have
Drake stirs up some fans, especially speculated that Drake is trying to
LGBT fans, thoughts on his new track sexualize members of the LGBT
“Girls Want Girls,” which features Lil community.
Baby. PRIDE says, “The lyric has left many
The lyrics are as prominent as the listeners confused. While some folks
sun right off the bat, the track starts off think it’s commenting on women leaving
by saying, “Starin’ at your dress ‘cause their boyfriends for women or just plain
it’s see-through/Talkin’ all the sh*t that silly wordplay, others believe the track’s
you done been through/Say that you sexualization of queer women from a
a lesbian, girl, me too/Girls want girls male point-of-view is problematic.”
where I’m from.” However Drake continues to shock the
These lyrics have caused fans to be world with his music and album covers.
puzzled as well as make a multitude of Drake. Photo via Facebook.
20 • 9.9. 20 21LET’S STOP HIV TOGETHER
HIV
prevention
our way.
PrEP is a daily pill that can
help prevent HIV.
FIND A PrEP PROVIDER NEAR YOU
9.9. 20 21 • 21LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG
DO WE EAT OUR OWN? Brian McNaught
M
y legendary friend, Elaine Noble, strongly to a cis-gender person such as
the first openly gay person elected myself being the one to bring the news to
to a State House (1974), was quoted the attention of the group. The facilitator,
this morning in a coffee discussion with and members of the audience who knew
two friends on the challenges facing some of my years as an educator on transgender
older gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender issues in the workplace, were embarrassed
people today. and concerned for me. It took me awhile to
“They eat their own.” process my feelings about what was said,
Elaine was referring to the behavior of and by whom. I gave a lot of thought to their
some community members towards others. point, and then reminded myself to celebrate
Her comments at the time resonated with me, their youthful energy and involvement.
coming out as I did as an upper middle class, My dear friend, Warren Blumenfeld, who
white, male, gay Catholic the same year she has been a pioneering gay activist since
won her seat in the Massachusetts House. Stonewall, and is a prolific writer and LGBT
It sounds like cannibalism, which it educator, was invited to speak on a college
figuratively is. Marginalized campus, and then disinvited
groups can victimize their when a member of the college
own members, especially
those who are judged as
I GAVE A LOT student group objected to the
waste of time it would be to
being in the way of progress. OF THOUGHT TO listen to “an old, gay, white,
Instead of working together male Jew.” My friend Eric Photo via Adobe.
to defeat an identifiable foe THEIR POINT, Marcus, another pioneering
outside the group, knives can AND THEN gay writer, historian, and This story is as old as civilization. certain amount of money as part of their
be sharpened to cut away creator of the highly- Every older gay and transgender person, commitment to their service, many young,
that which causes “dis-ease” REMINDED successful podcast “Making and ally I know, who has been in a leadership non-binary, transgender, and lesbian
among some in the collective
body.
MYSELF TO Gay History,” was told by
a LGBT college group that
position, has a story to tell of how they
have been singled out for representing what
candidates of color don’t have the financial
means or the connections to meet that
This has been true in CELEBRATE they wouldn’t be using their others consider to be oppressive behaviors, requirement.
the lesbian, gay, bisexual, interview with him because thinking, or history. While some of us once I applaud and fully support focusing our
transgender, and queer THEIR YOUTHFUL his values didn’t match their succeeded by being the right person, in time, attention, and financial resources
communities for as long
as I’ve been involved. The
ENERGY AND own. Specifically, he gently
pushed back on their story
the right place, at the right time, we now
experience ourselves as being the wrong
on the intersectionality of orientation,
gender identity, sex, race, ethnicity, faith,
same community that makes INVOLVEMENT. that the Stonewall riots person, in the wrong place, at the wrong time. age, physical characteristics, income,
me exceedingly proud happened primarily because National and local LGBT organizations want and education in our communities. Our
because of its extraordinary of transgender people. Eric and need the money of senior, white, gay organizations, our outreach, our programs
inclusiveness, is also the source of deep had noted that there were also young gay men, lesbians, and transgender people, but and services need to reflect the entire LGBT
disappointment and sadness when I see and lesbian people at the scene fighting back many no longer want them as the primary communities. My concern here, though, is
how perceived “enemies” within it can be against the police. face and focus of their group. with both the challenges faced in creating
poorly handled. From personal experience, I In these days of much-needed It’s not just community members who representative boards and staff, and in the
know that it hurts most when the criticism national soul searching on the impact of are insisting on broader representation on manner in which it’s achieved. We needn’t
is coming from your own tribe. The criticism institutionalized racism and sexism, older staff, and on boards of directors. Funding “eat our own” in order to look and feel relevant.
can be for any number of factors including gay white cis-gender men can be seen by organizations demand it before they We can honor the sacrifices made in the past
your sex, race, age, gender identity, some people as a major stumbling block to consider grant applications. While it’s very and present by senior gay and transgender
mannerisms, education, wealth, political the LGBT community being a good example necessary to for us to much better represent men and women, and, at the same time, make
persuasion, and religion. of responsible multicultural representation. the total community, it’s not always easy, nor allies out of them in our efforts to become
A couple of years ago, while on a cruise Purity of purpose has caused the collapse is it always done graciously and thoughtfully. more diversified in our organizational
with 50 others interested in lesbian, of some community organizations that I remember 45 years ago when Dignity, the focus and structure. Appealing to young,
gay, bisexual, transgender and queer have done much of the heavy lifting for 50 gay Catholic organization, felt enormous multicultural LGBT people doesn’t require
filmmaking, I commented on the morning years, such as the Boston Pride organization. pressure to have male and female co-chairs dismissive treatment toward people who are
we were to focus on transgender issues that The more confident a marginalized group of every chapter, but often couldn’t comply thought to be privileged relics of the past who
I had just learned of the tragic murder of becomes in its successes, the greater ease it because there were no women members in are holding up progress by maintaining their
yet another transgender person. A young, can feel in the sacrifice of its longtime leaders some cities. With most LGBT organizations place at the table.
non-binary person in the group objected and donors in achieving its ideological goals. expecting board members to give or get a One of the topics of discussion at our
22 • 9.9. 20 21You can also read
