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LOCAL NAME
GLOBAL COVERAGE
FEBRUARY 11, 2021
VOL. 12 // ISSUE 6
SCOTT TRAVIS
A JOURNALIST’S STORY — FROM PARKLAND TO PULITZER
PAGES 10
LGBT Rights Expanded PAGE 26 McNaught On ‘Saying Less’ PAGE 30 Chief On ‘Giving More’ GAZETTE, PAGE 4
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February 11, 2021 • Volume 12 • Issue 6
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Kim Swan Art Director • Brendon Lies
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Webmaster • Kimberly Swan
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emember Bernie Sanders’ now famous Webmaster@sfgn.com
Social Media Director • Christiana Lilly
mittens from inauguration day? Turns Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold
out a queer school teacher from JW@prdconline.com
Vermont is behind them. And now she’s Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin
using her newfound fame to raise money for Gazette News Editor • John McDonald
HIV Editor • Sean McShee
summer camp for LGBT youth. Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis
With the Bernie Sanders’ mitten meme JRDavis12000@hotmail.com
growing popular each day, Camp Outright Senior Feature Columnists
came up with a way to earn money for LGBT Brian McNaught • Jesse Monteagudo
youth to attend camp. Correspondents
Perhaps one of the reasons why the meme Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh
is so popular is because rather than wear Christiana Lilly • John McDonald
Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod
formal attire, Sanders wore a parka and a large
pair of fluffy mittens. Contributing Columnists
Pier Angelo • Terri Schlichenmeyer
Sanders reacted to the memes by defending Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily
his choice of clothing: “In Vermont we dress
Associate Photographers
warm. We know something about the cold, Carina Mask • Steven Shires
and we’re not so concerned about good
Sales & Marketing
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mittens went viral is because of Sales Manager • Justin Wyse
Justin@sfgn.com
the queer teacher who created ELLIS ADMITTED Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann
them in the first place: Jen Ellis. Jen Ellis. Photo courtesy of Jen Ellis.
Ellis admitted to The TO THE Edwin@sfgn.com
Advocate that she gave Sanders ADVOCATE Camp Outright is a place across the country in just six days, according Distribution Services • Noah Lebel
the mittens when he lost the
election to Hillary Clinton in
THAT SHE GAVE for LGBT youth to find a
sense of belonging since they
to the press release.
On Jan. 29, Outright held an auction
Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid
2016. SANDERS THE face rejection and isolation with John Canning being the top bidder for
National Advertising
Rivendell Media 212-242-6863
“I was just sad because even
though I like Hillary, I’m also
MITTENS WHEN worldwide, therefore they
are always looking for ways to
mittens at $7,650. Being a longtime supporter
of Outright, he donated the mittens back,
sales@rivendellmedia.com
Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping
super pro-Bernie, and as a HE LOST THE make the youth feel like they causing a second bidder to win them and Printing by Stuart Web Inc.
public school teacher, I can
see every day how families
ELECTION TO belong, according to the press raising a total of $14,850 that day, according to
release. the press release.
are struggling. People are just HILLARY CLINTON The organization also Because of the success of the auction,
trying to make ends meet and IN 2016. provides other programs such Canning came up with a challenge that if SFGN Winner of
they need things like student as Friday Night Group, which Outright could raise an additional $10,000 & 5 Florida Press Club Awards
loan forgiveness and free is a support group for self- by Feb. 5, Physician’s Computer Company will And runner-up for
education and a lot of the things that Bernie identified queer, trans, and questioning youth match those gifts dollar for dollar. NLGJA Journalist of the Year
is fighting for,” Ellis told The Advocate. “I ages 13-22, and another social group for kids To help support LGBT youth attend camp,
sent him these mittens kind of as a shout- under 13 who their parents/caregivers can join you can donate to Mitten Magic Continues on SOUTH FLORIDA GAY NEWS.COM, INC.
out to who he is, and I put a note in that said as well. the Outright website. — —
something to the effect of ‘I hope you run By using the mittens to her advantage, Ellis In the wake of the pandemic, the camp will FOUNDED, DECEMBER, 2009
again.’” helped raise nearly $20,000 by people from be held virtually this year. BY PIER GUIDUGLI AND NORM KENT
South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions
expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not
represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should not
presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their names
SEE OUR COVER: Scott Travis posing with the Pulitzer Prize. Photo courtesy of Scott Travis. or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN
should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.
NEWS IN All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including
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reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the
Online now! Associated Press
suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.
Copyright © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
2 • 2 .11. 2021
2 .11. 20 21 • 3
NEWS INTERNATIONAL BY AVRAHAM FORREST
THE WORLD
AROUND EXPLORING LGBT
NEWS EVENTS ACROSS
THE GLOBE
CENTRAL EUROPE AFRICA
THREE COUNTRIES LEAVE PROJECT AFTER FOUR LGBT SHELTERS
POLISH ANTI-LGBT RESOLUTION OPEN IN CAMEROON
Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein Carpathian Mountains, Poland. Credit: kallerna, via Wikipedia. In Cameroon, four organizations have
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at the shelter run by Camfaids in
pulled out of a $2.25 million culture opened shelters in response to violence,
Yaoundé, Cameroon. Photo courtesy of Camfaids.
and natural heritage project in Poland human rights abuses and family
after the country passed an anti-LGBT rejections LGBT people have faced,
resolution, Reuters reported. Erasing 76 Crimes reported.
The decision became known on Feb. LGBT advocacy organizations
2, Reuters reported. The three nations Camfaids, 2HRC, Alcondoms and Colibri
canceled a grant to Poland’s Carpathian run the shelters.
Mountains in September. Shelters provide medical and
Letters between Poland and Norway psychological assistance as well as
officials posted by a Polish LGBT activist employment training, 76 Crimes reported.
on his website revealed the decision, The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan
Reuters reported. for AIDS Relief is funding the project, the
Poland’s minister of funds and regional passed a resolution in 2019 which United States Agency for International
policy said in a letter that the nation’s expressed opposition to the promotion Development is supervising and Care around 15 residents.
LGBT-free zones, the subject of much of and affirmation of LGBT ideology, Cameroon’s Human Rights Grant Residents can stay in shelters between
the uproar, are not discriminatory. The Reuters reported. In September, Norway program is supporting it. one and three months based on their
letter was also published on the activist’s said it would not fund the Polish The shelters also provide bunk beds, circumstance. Each shelter comes with
website. municipalities that have passed LGBT- bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms, a manager who monitors security, in
Podkarpackie, a region in Poland, free resolutions, almost a 100 now. 76 Crimes reported. Each shelter can fit addition to other duties.
EASTERN EUROPE NORTH AMERICA
GAY CHECHENS QUEBEC RULINGS MARK PROGRESS
FACE DANGER FOR TRANS COMMUNITY
A LGBT rights group said two gay men Photo via PxHere. A Quebec Superior Court judge Photo via Adobe.
face danger in Chechnya after they were invalidated several Civil Code articles
seized by near Moscow last week, the on Jan. 29, which included articles
Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported. preventing the change of the legal sex
The two men were detained for listed on individuals’ “act of birth”
unknown reasons and sent back to documents, the CBC reported.
Chechnya. A spokesman for the LGBT Also invalidated was a provision
Network, a rights group, said the Federal requiring someone be an identified as
Security Service domestic intelligence mother or father in birth documents,
agency detained and sent back the two excluding non-binary options. The CBC
men, AFP reported. reported Justice Gregory Moore gave the
The two Chechen men attempted to province of Quebec until the end of 2021
flee to a region East of Moscow in June to make the amendments.
of last year after they were tortured by Sophia D’Aoust, president of Gender
Chechen special police in April, AFP Mosaic, a transgender social and
reported. support group, told the CBC changing
Spokesman Tim Bestsvet said the hearts or minds of society is another
two men were initially arrested due to hurdle.
their sexual orientation, AFP reported. operating an opposition Telegram, an “Society needs to be changed comprehension, support, acceptance
Officially, the men were arrested for instant messaging service, channel. through education, understanding, and love,” D’Aoust told the CBC.
4 • 2 .11. 2021
2 .11. 20 21 • 5
NEWS INTERNATIONAL BY ELLIOT RODRIGUEZ
GAY VINE
THE KEEP UP WITH THE
CELEBRITIES IN OUR
COMMUNITY
MUSIC DRAG
OUT AT LAST BITCH PLEASE!
COUNTRY SINGER T.J. OSBORNE IS GAY GINNY LEMON MAKES ‘HERSTORY’ IN ‘DRAG RACE UK’
T.J. Osborne, lead vocalist of the band Ginny Lemon, after appearing in the
T.J. Osborne. Photo via Facebook. Ginny Lemon. Photo credit: RuPaul’s UK Drag Race.
The Brother Osborne, opened up about bottom two in the competition, decided
his sexuality in a recent article published to just walk out and not do a lip-sync
by Time. battle.
“I’m very comfortable being gay,” Pinknews UK said, “Not since
Osborne told Time. He also noted, “I find BenDeLaChrist has a ‘Drag Race’ queen
myself being guarded for not wanting to shook up proceedings quite like Ginny
talk about something that I personally Lemon.”
don’t have a problem with. That feels so Lemon was obviously not feeling a lip-
strange.” sync battle, but she did fancy a cup of tea.
Osborne may now just be telling the In an interview with Pinknews UK she the middle of the competition? Lemon
public he’s gay; he’s been out to family said, “I’m making herstory, as they say. said it was a multitude of reasons, but the
and close friends for a long time. is notorious for pushing a progressive Basically all I decided to do was go and biggest reason was that she had to go with
It is understandable to see why Osborne agenda, the country has historically been have a cup of tea, and by the time I came her gut feeling.
was a little hesitant over the years to go its counterpoint.” back all the lights were off. And as far as “It said to me ‘Ginny, they’re not buying
public with his statement. Time notes, The brothers still plan on continuing I’m aware RuPaul has never said ‘Ginny what you’re selling.’ And there was no
“Country music remains a bastion of their journey with music and plan on Lemon, sashay away,’ so I’m still in the way that I was going to go up against
mainstream conservatism in American opening a wider horizon for new fans to competition, technically.” somebody I had such a blossoming
arts and culture. If liberal Hollywood feel welcomed. What caused her to just leave during friendship with.”
FILM
DIVERSITY
GERMAN ACTORS DEMAND REPRESENTATION
German actors are calling for more directors, etc. — to keep quiet about viewing habits for film and TV series
screen diversity. One hundred and our sexual orientations and gender are expanding and changing ... Diversity
eighty-five out German actors have identities to avoid jeopardizing our has long been a lived social reality in
taken it upon themselves to write a careers,” Queerty noted. Germany. Sadly, this fact is still hardly
letter to the German entertainment The actors say that straight white reflected in our cultural narratives.”
industry to resolve the issue. men dominate the television industry To go along with the manifesto
The actors published an “#ActOut in Germany. written up by the German actors,
manifesto” in the leading German German actors know that the Queerty said that the “Süddeutsche
newspaper the Süddeutsche Zeitung, audience is changing, and is ready for Zeitung ran an article about how it came
according to Queerty. diversity on screen. They refer to the to be created, including interviews with
“Until now, we haven’t been able to advances that America has taken in some of the signatories.”
be open about our private lives without recent years and the effort that they It looks like Germany and its
fearing professional consequences. have put in to include more of the audience is ready to see some changes
All too often, many of us have been LGBT community on screen. to the big screen; change seems to be
Tom Keune, one of the 185 out German actors to add their name to the
cautioned — be it by managers, casting Another actor said, “The experience right around the corner one brave step
“#ActOut manifesto.” Photo via Tom Keune, Facebook.
agents, colleagues, producers, editors, of the last few years has shown that the at a time.
6 • 2 .11. 2021
NEWS STATE
WEEKLY TRACKING OF COVID-19 IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Sean McShee
CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 CASES IN CUMULATIVE KNOWN COVID-19 DEATHS
THREE SOUTHKnown
Cumulative FLORIDA COUNTIES:
COVID-19 Cases in IN THREE SOUTH
Cumulative
Cumulative Known
FLORIDA
KnownCOVID-19
COUNTIES:
COVID-19Cases
Deathsinin
Three South Florida Counties:
FEBRUARY 2 THROUGH
February 2 through FEBRUARY
February 8 8 FEBRUARY
Three 2 THROUGH
ThreeSouth
SouthFlorida FEBRUARY 8
FloridaCounties:
Counties:
February
February22through
throughFebruary
February88
Percent Increase in cumulative COVID-19 cases from 2/2 to 2/8
Percent
Percent Increase
Increase in cumulative
in cumulative COVID-19
COVID-19 casesdeaths from
from 2/2 to 2/2
2/8 to 2/8
Palm Beach 3.0%, Broward 2.9%, and Miami Dade 2.6%
PalmPalm
BeachBeach
3.0%,3.2%, Broward
Broward 2.9%,3.1%, and Miami
and Miami DadeDade
2.6% 2.7%
377,999 380,716 382,186 383,601 384,971
375,322 376,552 5,039
4,907
375,322 4,919
376,552 4,942
377,999 4,964
380,716 4,979
382,186 5,011
383,601 384,971
176,144 177,319 178,116 178,948 179,745
174,679 175,306 176,144 177,319 2,250
178,948 2,269
179,745
2,199
174,679 2,212
175,306 2,238 2,249 2,249
178,116
2,119 2,125 2,139 2,150 2,162 2,169 2,185
111,024 111,437
108,173 108,585 109,219 110,108 110,639 111,437
108,173 108,585 109,219 110,108 110,639 111,024
2/2 2/3 2/4 2/5 2/6 2/7 2/8
2/2 2/2 2/3 2/3 2/4 2/4 2/5 2/5 2/6 2/6 2/72/7 2/82/8
Palm Beach Broward Miami-Dade Palm Beach Palm Beach Broward
Broward Miami Dade
Miami-Dade
Source Fl DOH Dashboard
Source Fl DOH Dashboard Source Fl DOH Dashboard
Source: Florida DOH Dashboard. Source: Florida DOH Dashboard.
2 .11. 20 21 • 7
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8 • 2BVYC0218_BIKTARVY_B_10X10-75_SouthFloridaGayNews_Dimitri_r1v1jl.indd
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2 .11. 20
4/13/20 21PM •
4:57 9
NEWS STATE
A STORY THAT
SLOWS YOU DOWN
GAY EDUCATION REPORTER CHANGED BY PARKLAND TRAGEDY
John McDonald
F or Scott Travis, his career in journalism could be
described as a course in for better or for worse.
What began with monitoring comics for gay content eventually led to writing for a
Pulitzer Prize winning team. Feb. 14 marks the three-year anniversary of the Parkland
shooting when a troubled teen walked into Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
with a semi-automatic rifle and killed 17 people. Travis was part of the Sun Sentinel’s
reporting team that won the 2019 Pulitzer Prize in Public Service for exposing the
failings by school and law enforcement officials in preventing the tragedy.
“I thought that winning a Pulitzer was an “Broward is better than most,” he said. “It’s
incredible honor and an incredible outrage,” probably one of the most LGBTQ friendly
Travis said. “It was an outrage because of the school districts in the country. As much
fact that 17 people died, and if that hadn’t corruption, misspending and incompetence
happened then we wouldn’t have won it. there has been, their heart seems to be in
It was so preventable in all the reporting the right place when it comes to LGBTQ.
that we did because all the warning signs It was one of the first school districts to do
were there that this person was gonna do a proclamation for LGBT history month.
something.” They’ve done a number of forums and
Travis began working at the Sun Sentinel included LGBTQ views in a lot of their
in 1999, where he covers education. He programming on vulnerable teens.”
admits to being a thorn in the side of the Travis admits he was spared any sort of
Broward County Public Schools. Recently, discrimination growing up in Alabama. He
Travis’ reporting led to the indictment of the came out to his mother at 27, frustrated with
School District’s Chief Information Officer her constant inquiries into his dating life.
on charges of bribery and bid rigging. “She kept asking me over and over again
“There’s a lot of problems with the school about what seemed like every woman I had
district,” Travis said. “There are many ever met,” Travis said.
concerns that it’s not run very well. They’re Over time, Travis said, his parents became
the subject of a grand jury investigation right more accepting.
now. Depending on what the outcome of that “Their generation just didn’t talk about it,”
is, it makes everybody in the district’s future he said.
uncertain if it turns out to be something real It was a gradual coming out process in his
bad.” first reporting jobs in Mississippi and North
In terms of equality and acceptance of Carolina.
LGBT issues, Travis gave the district high “I wasn’t out at my first job in Natchez,” he
Scott Travis posing with the Pulitzer Prize. marks. said. “”In Hattiesburg and Fayetteville most
Photo courtesy of Scott Travis.
10 • 2 .11.2021NEWS STATE
of the reporters knew I was gay, some of the “It probably made me a lot more police reports and find out that a lot of stuff
editors did but nobody ever treated me bad empathetic and in touch with reality,” he never got reported and nobody had any real
because of it,” he said. added. “Before Parkland it was really easy for clue how safe their school was.”
It was at Hattiesburg American in me to move from one story to the next and Nora Rupert was Chair of the School Board
Mississippi where an editor asked Travis to not fully take in the grief I would see people when Parkland happened. She called Travis
check the comic strips for gay subject matter. experiencing after the tragedy.” a consummate professional.
“He wanted to know if it was there so he Brittany Wallman is one of Travis’ “I found him very funny, engaging and
could be prepared,” Travis said. colleagues at the Sun Sentinel and was a extremely knowledgeable,” Rupert said.
Later, while working at Fayetteville member of the Pulitzer Prize “What he doesn’t know, he
Observer in North Carolina, Travis endured winning investigations team. finds out. He’s relentless in
a demeaning company policy which refused
to recognize homosexuality as normal, did
She describes Travis as a
“truth warrior” with a great
“BEFORE asking for information even
when people are trying to
not encourage reporting on gay issues and sense of humor who works PARKLAND IT WAS shut him down.”
advised against listing gay lovers in obituaries. long hours exposing cover Travis’ reporting
“We have no interest in being a homosexual ups, trying to get information REALLY EASY FOR eventually drew retaliation
bulletin board,” Travis recalled of the policy, leaked and staying in contact ME TO MOVE FROM measures. In December
which is long gone. with sources. They worked of 2018, a public relations
It was through NLGJA: The Association of together in the newspaper’s ONE STORY TO THE consultant hired by the
LGBTQ Journalists that Travis got a fresh start Deerfield Beach offices. NEXT AND NOT district called Travis a
in South Florida. He took a vacation day at the “I always teased him, ‘Do “skanky jerk” who was
Fayetteville paper, traveled to Atlanta for the you live here? Where’s your FULLY TAKE IN THE “sloppy,” “reckless” and Photo courtesy of Scott Travis.
annual NLGJA convention and was hired by
the Sun Sentinel. Looking back, it was a covert
pillow?” Wallman said. “He
was always at his desk every
GRIEF I WOULD “smells bad.”
“He handled that so Meadow was killed, into the national
move, Travis said. night before I left.” SEE PEOPLE gracefully,” recalls Wallman. spotlight and led to the election of two
“I went on my own to the gay conference so
I obviously didn’t feel comfortable about it,”
Travis penned five of the
Sun Sentinel’s Pulitzer Prize
EXPERIENCING “He was the bigger person.
The best kind of people
current board members — Debbi Hixon and
Lori Alhadeff — who lost family members in
he said. winning articles. He said the AFTER THE are the ones who can smile the shooting.
Nearly two decades later, with sexual
orientation disclosure issues behind him,
big lie was that the school
was super safe and rarely
TRAGEDY.” through adversity and not
let the barbs get under
“It turned a sleepy community into a
catalyst for action,” Travis said.
Travis had one of the country’s biggest stories had discipline issues. - Scott Travis your skin. Obviously in In the aftermath, when most of the
erupt on his beat. Simply put, the Parkland “If you looked at the crime journalism, we have a lot of national and international media left, it was
shooting changed him. stats of Stoneman Douglas haters.” up to local reporters to stay with the story
“This was a story where there was no it looked like the safest school in the state With the anniversary approaching so too and hold those in power accountable.
moving on,” he said. because every incident whether it was come the reminders of denial. There are “The Sun Sentinel put in a lot of time,
Emotion, Travis said, is often lacking in guns, bullying, or trespassing, whatever, it people who float theories that Parkland was experience and manpower,” said Rupert.
journalists who have death, destruction, would look like zero and it would look like staged and carried out by “crisis actors.” “I don’t know how they did it because they
illness, and mishaps as daily assignments. everyone wanted to go there because this is a These conspiracy theorists are part of the were certainly getting quite thin. It was truly
Parkland put a pause on the easy dismissal of safe school,” Travis said. “It turned out to all QAnon cult, promoted by the likes of newly a remarkable effort by the Sun Sentinel and
bad news. be a lie because we were able to get copies of elected Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor for Scott because he led their reporting.”
Greene of Georgia. A video recently surfaced As for his future, Travis said he misses
showing Greene harassing Parkland survivor the newsroom. The COVID-19 pandemic
David Hogg outside the U.S. Capitol building. required the Sun Sentinel to go remote.
Greene has also called Hogg, now 20, a Travis, 50, is single and lives in Delray Beach.
“coward,” “idiot” and “trained dog.” He enjoys singing karaoke, performing in
“It’s horrible,” Travis said. “I covered a community theatre and is occasionally
professor at FAU who was a Sandy Hook mistaken on Twitter for the hip-hop rapper
denier. To see somebody do that really Travis Scott.
angers me because it totally disregards the “It’s a little lonely, we’ve been remote since
pain and the grief that so many people are the pandemic,” he said. “I like not having to
having to go through. There’s nothing fake dress up and work from my couch, miss being
about what happened. These people clearly around other reporters and collaboration
died. I don’t understand why they do that. that goes on and the camaraderie that
I don’t know what they get out of it. It just goes on. Reporters are sort of my people,
seems like a mental illness when people start probably more so than gay people are. Being
to say stuff like that.” a journalist is in my DNA.”
Parkland, Travis said, was a wake-up call Ironically, the Parkland school is named
for the system and some of the participants, in honor of award-winning journalist,
like Hogg, Emma Gonzalez and Fred conservationist and woman’s suffrage
Guttenberg, have become well-known advocate Marjory Stoneman Douglas.
advocates for gun control and red flag laws. “I think it’s important to remember that as
The tragedy also propelled conservative journalists we’re human too and we feel hurt
figures like Andrew Pollack, whose daughter and suffering too,” Travis said.
A memorial in Parkland. Photo courtesy of Scott Travis.
2 .11. 20 21 • 11LGBTQIA BITES BY KENDALL LITTLE
IT’S NOT ALWAYS ABOUT THE G ... HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING IN THE LGBTQIA COMMUNITY
Transgender T B Bisexual
FORMER WWE WRESTLER BI ACTRESS NOMINATED
COMES OUT AS TRANS FOR GOLDEN GLOBE
Retired WWE wrestler Gabbi Tuft, Sarah Paulson, best known for her work
formerly known as Tyler Reks in the ring, in “American Horror Story,” has been
has come out as transgender in an emotional nominated for a Golden Globe this year
Instagram post. for her role in “Ratched.”
She reflected on her journey saying, “The Paulson plays a young nurse named
previous eight months have been some of Mildred Ratched who uses manipulation
the darkest of my entire life. The emotional to gain power at the hospital that her
turmoil of being transgender and having brother is locked up at. Ratched also
to face the world has almost ended me on explores her sexuality throughout the
multiple occasions.” first season, realizing that she is attracted
Even though accepting herself has been to other women.
difficult, Tuft says that she loves who she is. Gabbi Tuft. Photo via Instagram. In its first 28 days on Netflix “Ratched”
“I am no longer afraid and I am no longer was watched by 48 million Netflix users,
fearful. I can now say with confidence, that I accepting yourself is ignoring what others which made it the most successful season
love myself for WHO I am,” she said. may say. 1 Netflix original for the year 2020.
Tuft says that her family has been by her “The day I stopped caring about what The Golden Globes nominated Paulson Sarah Paulson. Photo via Facebook.
side throughout her transition and that she other people thought was the day I truly for her leading role in the drama series
is eternally grateful for them. became limitless and allowed my authentic along with Olivia Colman, Jodie Comer, The five women were nominated for Best
She said that the key to coming out and self to come into the light,” Tuft said. Emma Corrin, and Laura Linney. Television Actress — Drama Series.
12 • 2 .11.2021LGBTQIA BITES
L Lesbian
NEW AMERICAN GIRL DOLL
HAS LESBIAN AUNTS
This year’s American Girl Doll of the
Year, Kira Bailey, has brought controversy
for an unusual reason — she has lesbian
aunts.
The book that comes with the doll,
titled “Kira Down Under,” explains that
Kira travels to Australia to visit her aunts’
wildlife sanctuary. PinkNews says that
“the book casually mentions that the two
women got married after the law was
changed to allow it.”
This is the first time that there has been
LGBT representation within the brand and “Kira Bailey.” Credit: American Girl.
it has received mixed reviews.
One Twitter user said, “AMERICAN company to scrap an LGBT storyline tied and
GIRL DOLL MADE LESBIAN DOLLS IM SO to its 2021 Girl of the Year doll, urging the
HAPPY IM BUYING ONE AAHHHH.” company to remain neutral in what they
Another Twitter user said, “Wait how call a ‘culture war,’” says the Christian Post.
do I buy this American girl doll with the Their reasoning? “As Christians, we
lesbian aunts for my niece????” know that even though something is
However, not all the reactions were as legalized doesn’t make it moral or right,”
pleasant. said One Million Moms.
“Over 20,000 people have backed an As of now, American Girl has not
online petition asking The American Girl responded to the petition.
2 .11. 20 21 • 13NEWS LOCAL
GAY MAN RECOVERING AFTER
HIT-AND-RUN INCIDENT IN
FORT LAUDERDALE
Christiana Lilly
A
lmost a month after being hit by a car
and left on the side of the road, Matt
Masters is still recovering from his
injuries — and wants to know who did it.
“I just remember the headlights and the
revving engine. I just couldn’t believe it, it just
came out of nowhere,” he remembers.
In the early morning hours of Jan. 16,
Masters was walking his bicycle through a
crosswalk after having dinner with friends. As
he goes through the crosswalk at Northwest
16th Street and Northwest Seventh Avenue,
a car sped through a stop sign and the
crosswalk, sending Masters flying into the air
and landing by the sidewalk. The car did not
slow down or stop, and another car traveling
at a high speed followed behind him.
According to surveillance footage recovered
by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department Matthew Masters. Screenshot via
and shared with SFGN, Masters is seen slowly WPLG Local 10, YouTube.
rolling closer to the sidewalk, as if to get away
from the road. He says he doesn’t remember project manager for a construction company,
anything after being hit — he’s not sure if he he hasn’t been able to go to site visits and
blacked out or was in shock. His bicycle was does what he can working from home.
cracked and bent, landing about 20 feet away “This case is currently listed as inactive,”
from him. Fort Lauderdale Det. Ali Adamson said in a
“I’m lucky I’m not dead,” he said. “I thought statement to SFGN. “At this time, all available
I was unconscious, but from the video, I think leads have been exhausted and the case will
I was more in shock. I wasn’t coherent of remain inactive pending any new follow-up
where I was.” information.”
Luckily, about 10 minutes later, a waste According to the police report, based on the
management employee drove past and pieces of the car left behind, the vehicle was a
stopped to check on Masters. He called the black Nissan.
police, who arrived minutes later. Emergency “I explained to [Masters] that without
medical services arrived and took him to something further to follow up on, this
Broward Medical Center, where doctors investigation is complete,” the report reads.
worked on his fractured pelvis, lacerations on Masters said he hopes the driver is found
his knees, legs and on his side. He was given and “doesn’t hurt anybody else.” Just two
stitches and sent home a few hours later. days before Masters was injured, a 59-year-
However, it seemed he was released too old woman was killed in a hit and run
quickly. Later that afternoon while recovering accident about 3 miles away in Oakland Park.
at a friend’s home, he passed out on the lawn The Broward Sheriff’s Office hosted a press
from the pain. He was taken to Coral Springs conference with the late woman’s daughter,
Medical Center the next day. who asked for the driver to come forward.
Today, Masters is undergoing physical “I would like to see something done about
therapy twice a week with a home health aide. pedestrian-friendly roads and cracking
He gets around using crutches and a walker, or down on speeding so nobody else gets hurt,”
if he has further to go, he uses a wheelchair. A Masters said.
If you have any information, contact Broward Crime Stoppers at
954-493-TIPS (8477) or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
14 • 2 .11.2021INT’L CONDOM DAY
SCAN FOR TICKETS
2 .11. 20 21 • 15NEWS LOCAL
LATINOS SALUD ANNUAL GALA
GOES VIRTUAL — WITH A TWIST
John Hayden
Photos courtesy of Latinos Salud.
F
or now, if you want to party, you need to bring the party to
you. Latinos Salud is doing just that with their annual gala.
Usually the fun affair brings the South Florida community
together in a huge ballroom with engaging hosts, eye-popping
entertainment, and lots of surprises. The same is happening with
this year’s event, minus the huge ballroom.
On Feb. 27, Latinos Salud will present From Social Bubbles to
Community: A “Blended” Gala. Executive Director Stephen Fallon told
SFGN that the virtual party will be nothing like the virtual events we’ve
gotten used to over the past year.
“While we won’t be able to dance and dine together in the same
venue, this Gala will stand out from the screen-staring affairs that have
turned viewers into Zoom-zombies. Latinos Salud’s Gala will innovate,
by breaking through the virtual wall, and turning the camera around to
share all the fun from safe watch parties taking place all over the region.”
Latinos Salud wants everyone to organize small, safe parties at home.
They will provide the party atmosphere. Before the event, a Benefit In A
Box will appear at your place. Inside will be everything you need to feel
the social connection we’re all missing these days.
What’s inside the Benefit In A Box depends on what you sign up for.
Like all good galas, you need a ticket. “Freemium” tickets get you online
access to all the action and a box. Premium level features early access to
the silent auction (and the ability to “buy it now”) and you may get to
be featured on the gala’s feed. That means you need to be ready to strut
your stuff and make a little noise. If you want to go big and be a VIP, you
get all that plus the VIP Benefit In A Box, with supplies for up to four
people.
From the ticket upgrades to the silent auction to donations made
during the party, the money is worth it. Latinos Salud has consistently LATINOS
served the community despite the challenges and dangers posed by the SALUD HAS
COVID-19 crisis. In fact, Fallon said they’ve done even more.
“Latinos Salud stayed entirely open for all individual level services CONSISTENTLY
during the pandemic. Because we were absorbing community members SERVED THE
who found their usual place of service closed, we actually served more
community members in 2020 than ever before, with over 5,500 HIV
COMMUNITY
tests, among other services.” DESPITE THE
Once you join the party, which starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, you’ll
barely be able to keep up. Videos from the community, along with live
CHALLENGES
feeds from fellow partiers will hit the screen, along with surprise guest AND DANGERS
artists. POSED BY
THE COVID-19
For up-to-the-minute details and to register for tickets, CRISIS.
visit their website, LatinosSalud.org
16 • 2 .11.2021THE
GAZETTE VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 3
FEBRUARY 11, 2021
Wilton Manors & Oakland Park
FACEBOOK.COM/GROUPS/WMGAZETTE
COMMUNITY
WILTON MANORS
Healing — One Brush Stroke At A Time
Wilton Manors Parkland mural gets a much needed facelift
By John Hayden
It’s been three years since the school be expressed in a creative way instead of having
shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High those emotions push down inside. And when
School (MSD) in Parkland. While the shock has they placed the tiles together, it was almost
slowly faded, the pain remains for the survivors, electric.”
the families of victims, and the South Florida This turned out to be a positive first step, but
community. Now a place dedicated to healing, due to the scope of the tragedy, Dr. Busciolano
reflection, and peace in Wilton knew more had to be done and
Manors is getting some TLC, took a leap of faith.
making sure it will be here for “... They could “I wanted more! And as I
looked around I saw an empty
a long time to come.
The mural and MSD allow their raw wall in front of Lola’s Bazaar,
Memorial Rock Garden outside
Lola’s Bazaar Market was
emotions to be and without specific plan,
I called Evan Anthony, the
created in the aftermath of the expressed in a owner, and said ‘Would you
shooting. While many of the
student survivors made sure
creative way instead give me that wall for the MSD
students?’”
the world paid attention by of having those Anthony was happy to
using their political leverage of provide the canvas. Now the
the moment, others suffered in
emotions push down project needed direction. Photo credit: Courtesy Dr. Julio Busciolano.
silence. inside. And when Next Dr. Busciolano was
Dr. Julio Busciolano is a able to meet Lauren Rosa, the setting up a booth at the bazaar, selling his From heavy rains to fading in the sun, South
mental health therapist who
they placed the tiles art teacher at MSD. Being able vinyl records. He watched as the students Florida weather is tough on outdoor art.
worked with many of them, together, it was to work with someone who painted the eagle, then used portraits of the Viviana Werner, an MSD alum, started the
and told SFGN about what he had an established physical victims to create their images on the wall. restoration, and is thankful to Kimberly Marie
saw, and how he was inspired almost electric.” and emotional connection When you visit, you can’t help but be moved. from Holy Mackerel who donated the paint,
to help them heal through art. - Dr. Julio Busciolano to the students helped bring Each picture is a lost member of our community, as well as the continued support from Wesley
“I saw in these survivors everything together. memories kept alive by a community that cares Schultz and Evan Anthony at Lola’s Bazaar.
an initial sense of confusion, “Meeting Lauren was a gift. and refuses to forget. Dr. Busciolano is glad the mural will continue
related to PTSD symptoms: lack of sleep, An amazing and talented professional that “When you experience trauma, words are to be here for others.
tendency to isolate, flashbacks, panic with led the project every weekend,” he said. “But insufficient,” he said. “Positive change happens “Throughout these three years I’ve seen
noises, etc.,” he said. “Above all a sense of by the end of July she had to leave for her new when human beings can express themselves people stopping by and crying, praying, getting
disconnection with self and others.” job at the Department of Defense in Tokyo. It through artwork, reframing feelings and I angry, struggling to make sense, and families
In the days after the shooting, students were was difficult for the young artists but they were believe, mostly in this case, they produce a talking to their children,” he said. “A powerful
given tiles and encouraged to express their resilient and continued to come on their own.” deliberate response to an experience.” moment: the day when a Sandy-Hook survivor
feelings through art. Even though he isn’t a trained artist, Dr. Now, to mark the three year anniversary, the joined an MSD survivor at the mural and held
“So they could allow their raw emotions to Busciolano stayed close to the project by mural is getting some much needed upkeep. hands.”
www.WMGAZETTE.com 2 .11. 20 21 • 17OPINION THE
WILTON MANORS
GAZETTE
Red Dot Technology is Not
the Best Use of Resources
February 11, 2021 • Volume 8 • Issue 3
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
Publisher • Norm Kent
norm.kent@sfgn.com
Preventing and deterring crime is a justified use of funds but there Associate publisher / Executive Editor •
Jason Parsley
are other technologies that are more suited for the Island City
jason.parsley@sfgn.com
Webmaster • Kimberly Swan
webmaster@sfgn.com
By Sal Torre Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies
artwork@sfgn.com
In a city the size of Wilton Manors, with Oakland Park Editor • Christiana Lilly
limitations on funding for lofty ideas, the Wilton Manors Editor • John McDonald
watchdog function of our City Commission Correspondents
to question certain projects is ever more Christiana Lilly• Sal Torre • James Oaksun
important. Unfortunately our City Commission Staff Photographers
missed an opportunity this week to exercise this J.R. Davis • Carina Mask • Steven Shires
important function of our local government. Sales & Marketing
The Wilton Manors Police Department
requested City Commission approval for the For ad placement in the Wilton Manors Gazette,
use of funding from the State Forfeiture Fund contact 954-530-4970
to purchase what is called Red Dot technology Photo via Adobe.
Sales Manager • Justin Wyse
for patrol firearms. This technology retrofits justin.wyse@sfgn.com
firearms with the ability to project a red dot
Advertising Sales Associate • Edwin Neimann
to improve the accuracy, safety and efficiency and to public safety. Many other crime with such technology just does not carry any edwin.neimann@sfgn.com
when a patrol officer needs to discharge their prevention methods could also have been paid merit, especially when you look at what such a
firearm in the line of duty. for utilizing this funding source. Unfortunately program achieves.
On the surface such technology sounds Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping
limited resources will now go to the purchase of Compare this to the purchase of much
wonderful and useful. In reality here in Red Dot technology for patrol firearms. needed crime prevention technology which
Wilton Manors, some might think this is as an I welcome the difference of opinions and the have measured success rates in the reduction South Florida Gay News is published weekly. The opinions
expressed in columns, stories, and letters to the editor do not
unnecessary expense, especially when other factual debate when arguing the pros and cons of criminal activity within a city’s boundaries represent the opinions of SFGN, or the Publisher. You should
much-needed crime prevention technology and of certain projects before our City Commission. along with the increased apprehension of not presume the sexual orientation of individuals based on their
names or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in
equipment are monetarily out of reach for our However, I was somewhat put off by the criminals looking to target residents, their
MEMBER
SFGN should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT
small city. disingenuous response by police hierarchy in a homes and their vehicles. community. All of the material/columns that appears in print
and online, including articles used in conjunction with the AP, is
Use of State Forfeiture Funds response to City Commission To me the choice is clear. protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws,
are governed by state statute, inquiry on the need for such In a perfect world, where money is no object, and is jealously guarded by the newspaper. Nothing published
may be reprinted in whole or part without getting written consent
which specifically states funds
be utilized for crime prevention,
The need to equip Red Dot technology.
The response sited the recent
and we can all have everything we want — then
perhaps we might be able to justify the cost and
MEMBER
from the Publisher, at his law office, at Norm@NormKent.com.
SFGN, as a private corporation, reserves the right to enforce
safe neighborhoods, drug all our patrol killing of the FBI agents in the required training hours needed for Red Dot
its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy,
illustrations and photographs.
abuse education and drug
prevention programs.
officers with City of Sunrise as a need for
any technology that brings our
technology here in our small city. Unfortunately
we do not live in such a world and tough Associated Press
such technology
MEMBER
One would need to stretch uniformed officers home safely decisions have to made every day on how best to
the scope of this program to
include Red Dot technology for
just does not to their families at night.
The use of Red Dot
use limited resources. This week, in my opinion,
our City Commission failed to make those tough
firearms, along with the cost of carry any merit, technology would have done choices.
many hours of specific training
of personnel, as a needed
especially when nothing to save the lives of
those FBI agents. Perhaps laws
Being the eternal optimist that I am, I await
promises from police brass that they have a
MEMBER
Copyright © 2021 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
program that represents the you look at what that prevent criminals from plan for the purchase of much demanded and
best usage of such funding.
Many in our community
such a program purchasing armor piercing
bullets and having stricter gun
needed crime prevention technology such as
the license plate scanners. Hopefully we will see
affected by the increase in achieves. purchasing laws might have them quicker than other long-promised items
criminal activity can rest easier made a difference, but Red Dot that keep getting pushed back year after year
tonight knowing that our police equipped firearms would not. due to budgetary restraints.
patrols will now be equipped with Red Dot There is no doubt that such technology Sometimes you have to accept the decisions
technology for firearms rarely discharged in the benefits specific areas of law enforcement. Swat of others who might not share the same point
line of duty. teams, sharp shooters, special trained forces are of view. Hopefully our city leaders have made
Some might argue that technology such as definite areas where such technology is needed the right choice and my doubts tonight are
license plate readers might be a more effective and justified. Our city relies on those services over blown. The ability to have a difference of
and needed technology for our local police from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office to my opinion, to be able to question, to express one’s
department. Criminals entering our city in a knowledge. doubts and beliefs are all part of what makes life A brown anole.
stolen vehicle pose a real threat to our residents The need to equip all our patrol officers in Wilton Manors just better here… Photo via Pixabay.
www.WMGAZETTE.com
18 • 2 .11.2021 2 • FEBRUARY 11, 2021LETTER TO THE EDITOR
WILTON MANORS
Slow Down on
NE 26th Street
I’m writing to ask you to run a public
service blurb, once again, to alert tourists
and snowbirds, heading for the warm fun and
frolics of Wilton Manors, about the speed
trap on NE 26th Street, perpetrating as a
school zone. They will be looking to SFGN
for information on what’s happening in the
neighborhood and my hope is that, with your
help, they’ll be patronizing local businesses
rather than being forced to give inordinate
amounts of money to the city.
Despite poor markings and police just
waiting to hugely capitalize on the situation, Photo via Adobe.
tickets are issued when no students, buses or
significant indications of a school building’s 26th Street, between Andrews Avenue and NE
existence are in evidence. 6th Street.
I’ve written to Vice Mayor Tom Green, Thanks!
asking for improvements, and got no response.
So, please be sure your readers know that they Steven Wilkinson
should go less than 15 miles per hour on NE Stoughton, Massachusetts
DRIVE-THRU TESTING SITE AT
MILLS POND PARK
2201 Powerline Road, Fort Lauderdale
Open from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Closed Thursday and Sunday
COVID-19
RAPID TESTING
Available to individuals of all ages, regardless of symptoms.
Rapid tests are typically available within an hour.
PCR tests remain available upon request.
Appointments A public
not required, service
Drive-thru message from
only SFGN
3 • FEBRUARY 11, 2021 2 .11. 20 21 • 19COMMUNITY GUEST COLUMN
WILTON MANORS WILTON MANORS
Wilton Manors After 44 Years
Planning To Rein In Still More to Give
Short-Term Rentals By Paul O’Connell
On April 2 I will retire from the Wilton
Manors Police Department.
By John McDonald It has been my privilege to serve as your Chief
of Police for the past 10 years. My service
Wilton Manors approved its legislative to the Wilton Manors community truly has
action plan at Tuesday night’s commission been the highlight of my 44-year career in
meeting with short-term rentals at the top of law enforcement. Gratitude only begins
the list. to describe the feelings that I have for this
Commissioners voted unanimously to experience and this community! When I
support collaboration with the Florida think of our police department I think of one
Department of Business and Professional word: family.
Regulation to rein in short-term rental When I started in 2011 I changed our
properties. Mission Statement to read as follows:
Peter Nasca, a 12-year resident of the city,
spoke against short-term rentals during POLICING WITH PASSION FOR OUR
the public comments portion of the virtual PROFESSION AND COMPASSION FOR
Zoom meeting. Nasca specifically singled THOSE WE SERVE
out Airbnb, the San Francisco-based online
lodging company. This mission statement was embedded into
“What my wife and I are deeply concerned every aspect of our law enforcement work,
about is a proliferation of Airbnb homes,” said especially as we trained our new hires. I
Nasca, adding that three Airbnb homes are on know each member of our team, regardless
his block with another likely on the way. of assignment, carries in their heart this
“This is getting out of control,” Nasca said. policing philosophy. In a very real sense Police Chief Paul O’Connell.
Nasca said with Airbnbs come noisy police officers throughout our country Photo credit: City of Wilton Manors.
incidents and excess garbage. He carry the mission eloquently summarized
recommended the city put a 30-day limit on in the words of Senator Ted Kennedy Please know that a central component
Airbnb stays. (paraphrased) when, in June 1968, he of planning my exit is to ensure your Police
“We gotta do something stated in his eulogy for his brother, Bobby: Department is in good hands with a strong
Photo credit: Hector Falcon,
about this,” Nasca said. “We foundation which entails strong ethics, steel
via PxHere.
“To see wrong and try to right it; to see courage and visionary leadership. I assure
don’t want Wilton Manors
to become an upscale flop “We gotta suffering and try to heal it; to see war (on you these traits are in place and ready to steer
house.” do something could ruin the neighborhood. our streets) and try to stop it.” our ship into the future; steady
Wilton Manors’ legislative “I moved here because I and true.
about this,”
action plan supports proper
licensing, insurance and Nasca said.
loved knowing my neighbors,”
Newton said. “I don’t know
My friends, these words are
the story of us, of who we are,
I ask that As I take my final bow
allow me to use a quote from
industry-accepted safety
“We don’t want them anymore. Every week of what we do and why we do you rise with Ellen Goodman (final column,
practices regarding short- there’s new people there.” it. We are the “guardians at 1/02/2010, Washington Post):
term rentals. The city also Wilton Manors Newton said the short-term the gate” who are called upon me above the “I am told that there is a trick to
supports legislation clarifying
that existing grandfathered to become an rental market is more concerned
about money than people. The
in moments of danger and
in times of grief. The media
distant noise and a graceful exit. It begins with
the vision to recognize when a
municipal short-term rental upscale flop mayor went on to say he knows and some on our streets try to confusion and job, a life stage, a relationship
define us by the misdeeds of a is complete — and letting go.
ordinances can be amended
without penalty. house.”
of better behavior from halfway
houses than short-term rentals. few. I will always define us by acknowledge It means leaving what is over
“I’m certainly a big fan of “It disrupts the nice quiet the bravery of the many. the many acts without denying its validity
cracking down on problem - Peter Nasca neighborhood,” Newton said. I ask that you rise with me or its importance in life. It
vacation rentals,” said 12-year Resident Other legislative action above the distant noise and of courage and involves a sense of future and
Commissioner Chris Caputo.
Caputo said the city has
items include the importance
of home rule, water quality
confusion and acknowledge
the many acts of courage and
kindness by our a sense that for every exit
there is an entry.”
software that can detect if vacation rentals improvements and alternative water supply kindness by our police officers. police officers. So, as I enter “retirement” I
are operating unregulated and asked if city development, climate change strategies Winston Churchill was correct have been asked by friends,
management could provide an update on and natural resource protection strategies, when he stated, “Making a “What will you do”? My
violations at the next meeting. expansion of affordable broadband internet living is what you get. Making a life is what answer; I will do MORE because my search
Mayor Scott Newton voiced his frustration access, cybersecurity enhancements, you give.” These words truly define our for social justice is a journey that has not yet
with short-term rentals, saying there are three transportation funding, affordable housing profession and those who wear our badge of ended. Indeed, after 44 years I still have more
on his street and if the trend continues it and sales tax fairness. honor. to give!
www.WMGAZETTE.com
20 • 2 .11.2021 4 • FEBRUARY 11, 2021You can also read
