VIRTUAL PRIDE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS JOIN TO LET YOU CELEBRATE FROM HOME - Visit SFGN.com/donate to support a gay free press - UFDC ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
local name
global coverage
may 7, 2020
vol. 11 // issue 19
VIRTUAL
PRIDE LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS JOIN TO
LET YOU CELEBRATE FROM HOME
PAGE 22
Visit SFGN.com/donate to support a gay free press.
SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS @SFGN SFGN.COM
SFGN. COM
NEWS HIGHLIGHT SouthFloridaGayNews.com
ANDERSON COOPER ANNOUNCES
@SFGN
May 7, 2020 • Volume 11 • Issue 19
2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305
Phone: 954-530-4970 Fax: 954-530-7943
BIRTH OF HIS SON WYATT
Publisher • Norm Kent
Norm.Kent@sfgn.com
CEO • Pier Angelo Guidugli
piero@sfgn.com
Associate Publisher / Executive Editor •
Jason Parsley
Jason.Parsley@sfgn.com
Brian Stelter
CNN Editorial
Art Director • Brendon Lies
C
Artwork@sfgn.com
NN’s Anderson Cooper is the proud Arts/Entertainment Editor • J.W. Arnold
father of a newborn baby boy. JW@prdconline.com
Social Media Manager • Paul Leary
Wyatt Morgan Cooper was born last leary.paul@gmail.com
week weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces. Food/Travel Editor • Rick Karlin
Cooper, 52, shared photos of Wyatt at the Gazette News Editor • Sallie James
end of Thursday’s televised weekly global HIV Editor • Sean McShee
Senior Photographer • J.R. Davis
town hall on the coronavirus pandemic. JRDavis12000@hotmail.com
“It has been a difficult time in all of our
Senior Features Correspondents
lives, and there are certainly many hard days Jesse Monteagudo
ahead,” Cooper said. “It is, I think, especially
Correspondents
important in these times of trouble to try Dori Zinn • Donald Cavanaugh
to hold on to moments of joy and moments Christiana Lilly • John McDonald
of happiness. Even as we mourn the loss of Denise Royal • David-Elijah Nahmod
loved ones, we are also blessed with new life Contributing Columnists
and new love.” Brian McNaught • Terri Schlichenmeyer
Dana Rudolph • Ric Reily
That’s how he introduced his own joyful
news: “On Monday, I became a father,” he Associate Photographers
Carina Mask • Steven Shires
said. “I’ve never actually said that before, out
loud, and it still kind of astonishes me. I am Sales & Marketing
a dad. I have a son. And I want you to meet For ad placement in SFGN,
him.” contact 954-530-4970
Cooper, who is gay, said in his on-air Sales Manager • Justin Wyse
announcement that “I never thought it Justin@sfgn.com
Senior Advertising Associate • Edwin Neimann
would be possible to have a child, and I am so Edwin@sfgn.com
grateful for all those who have paved the way,
Distribution Services • Rocky Bowell
Bernard Wisneski
Sales Consultant • Charles A. Reid
National Advertising
“IT IS, I THINK, Rivendell Media 212-242-6863
sales@rivendellmedia.com
ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT Anderson Cooper with his son.
Credit: Anderson Cooper/CNN. Accounting Services by CG Bookkeeping
Printing by Sun Coast Press
IN THESE TIMES OF
TROUBLE TO TRY TO and for the doctors and nurses and everyone
involved in my son’s birth.”
from the family tree of his mother Gloria
Vanderbilt. She died last year.
Cover: Deputy Shannon Bennett.
Photo via the BSO.
HOLD ON TO MOMENTS The news came as a big surprise to CNN
viewers, as Cooper had not spoken publicly
“I do wish my mom and dad and my
brother, Carter were alive to meet Wyatt,”
OF JOY AND MOMENTS about his plans to have a baby.
Cooper’s father, who died when he was 10
Cooper said, “but I like to believe they can
see him. I imagine them all together, arms
OF HAPPINESS.” years old, was named Wyatt. Now Cooper around each other, smiling and laughing SFGN Winner of
& 5 Florida Press Club Awards
is passing the name to a new generation. “I and watching, looking down on us. Happy
- Anderson Cooper hope I can be as good a dad as he was,” he to know that their love is alive in me and in
CNN And runner-up for
said during the announcement. Wyatt... and that our family continues. New
His son’s middle name, Morgan, is a name life and new love.”
NLGJA Journalist of the Year
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
Cover: Photo via Adobe, edited by Brendon Lies. or pictorial representations. Furthermore the word “gay” in SFGN
should be interpreted to be inclusive of the entire LGBT community.
All of the material/columns that appears in print and online, including
articles used in conjunction with the AP, is protected under federal
copyright and intellectual property laws, and is jealously guarded
by the newspaper. Nothing published may be reprinted in whole or
part without getting written consent from the Publisher, at his law
office, at Norm@NormKent.com. SFGN, as a private corporation,
reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the
suitability of advertising copy, illustrations and photographs.
Associated Press
Copyright © 2020 South Florida Gay News.com, Inc.
2 • 5. 7. 2020
ASK US ABOUT:
Repeat Guest Discounts
Military & Veteran Discounts
Spa Specials & Memberships
Florida Resident Discounts
Student Discounts
Call us at 1-800-818-1211 or
visit grandresort.net for
more information.
Dr. Cunningham and his office is available for
your needs during this crisis. Please call
or email at OPdental@aol.com
5. 7. 20 20 • 3
NEWS NATIONAL
TERRY FLEMING, GAY DEMOCRATIC
ACTIVIST, DEAD AT 58
John McDonald
T
erry Fleming, a longtime
Florida gay rights activist,
died Tuesday.
Fleming was 58.
The cause of death had yet to be disclosed to the public.
Fleming died in Gainesville, where he was a well-known
activist and Co-President of the Pride Community Center of
North Central Florida.
He was described in a local NPR report as a “patriot in the
best sense of the word.”
“He was always so busy, so vibrant, doing multiple
things and doing them well,” said Susan Bottcher, a former
Gainesville city commissioner.
Bottcher met Fleming in 2004 on the John Kerry
presidential campaign. She quickly noticed his commanding
presence in the political arena.
“Terry was a presence,” Bottcher recalled. She considered
Fleming one of her political mentors, but was intimidated
when they first met. In joining the fight for equal rights,
Bottcher said she learned to appreciate Fleming’s skills for
planning and solutions.
“Terry always kept a finger on the pulse of the opposition,”
Bottcher said.
Terry Fleming. Photo via PBCHRC, Facebook.
Fleming held many distinctions in North
Florida and statewide. As Horacio Sierra, a
Florida historian notes, he created the Stonewall
“CARRYING “We are all in shock and mourning the loss light years ahead of other municipalities on LGBTQ equality
Democrats of Alachua County and helped bring
the LGBT Florida Caucus meeting to Gainesville.
ON TERRY’S our dear friend and dedicated colleague, Terry
Fleming,” Palm Beach County resident Stephen
— not just in Florida, but across the country. The Florida
LGBTQ+ Democratic Caucus sends our condolences to
“He ran the Pride Center there,” said Sierra, WORK WILL Gaskill said. Terry’s husband and family, his community and colleagues.”
a faculty member at Bowie State University in
Maryland. TAKE ALL Gaskill now serves as president of the caucus
Fleming once led. Fleming served as vice
Added Michael Albetta, caucus past president and Fort
Lauderdale resident:
Fleming was a founding member of the
Gainesville area’s first center for the LGBT OF US.” president and president of the caucus. During
the 2016 presidential campaign, a bow-tied
“Terry had everything you wanted in a leader: a steady
hand, a smart political mind, experience, compassion and
community almost 20 years ago and according - Tamara Perry-Lunardo
Fleming introduced New Jersey Senator Cory empathy, a humble heart for service, and an infectious spirit
to a prepared statement from the organization, CO-PRESIDENT OF THE Booker at a Democratic party gala in Hollywood. that inspired people to work together for a common purpose.
“remained a driving force behind its services PRIDE COMMUNITY “He was one of the giants of our community For more than 20 years, I’ve counted on Terry for his counsel,
and events, which grew substantially under his CENTER OF NORTH who dedicated his life and career to service,” hard work, and belief in our mission of equality for all. We’ve
CENTRAL FLORIDA
leadership.” Gaskill said, in a press release. “First as a Navy lost one of the greats.”
“Carrying on Terry’s work will take all of us,” veteran, then as a mentor and supporter of Tampa resident Sally Phillips, who handed the caucus
co-president Tamara Perry-Lunardo said in the statement. LGBTQ youth, as a policy advocate fighting for LGBTQ reigns over to Fleming, had this to say about his death:
“Not just the Board and our regular volunteers, but everyone equality, and as a Democratic activist electing pro-equality “Terry moved the Florida LGBTQ+ Caucus to another level
in our local community who shares the passion Terry had for candidates. of influence within our state,” Phillips posted on Facebook.
serving others, working for LGBTQ+ visibility and equality, “Terry is a leader who can never be replaced. He brought “He is loved by so many, including me, and he will certainly
and creating a safe space for people to be themselves.” decades of experience and institutional knowledge combined be missed. Ercilia and I send loving condolences to his
News of Fleming’s death began to spread on social media with a humble spirit and ‘get it done’ attitude. Because of husband, his entire family and all who love him. We pray
Wednesday, disrupting Democrats across the Sunshine State. Terry’s leadership, Alachua County and Gainesville have been they find peace in this very difficult time.”
4 • 5. 7. 2020
5. 7. 20 20 • 5
NEWS STATE NEWS LOCAL
DAILY TRACKING OF COVID-19
IN SOUTH FLORIDA
Sean McShee
Daily Increase in Total Known COVID-19 Cases
in Three South Florida Counties
Apr 22 through Apr 28
Total
Total
Rates of Increase in Total Total
Known Known
Known
Known
COVID-19 COVID-19
COVID-19
COVID-19
cases from 4/22Cases
Cases in inin
Cases
to 4/28
=Three
Palm Beach = 0.2, BrowardThree South
South
0.1, Miami =Florida
Florida
Dade Counties:
0.2 Counties: A mural on Wilton Drive. Photo credit: Carina Mask.
Three South Florida Counties:
85 CASES OF COVID-19
Apr
Apr 2929 through
through MayMay
5 5 11,831
Apr 29 through
10,926 11,005
May 11,351
5 11,570
Rates of
Rates ofIncrease
IncreaseininTotal
Total Known
Known
10,588 COVID-19
COVID-19 cases
cases from
from 4/294/29 to 5/5
to 5/5
Rates of Beach
Palm
Palm Increase
Beach in Broward
10,153 ==0.2,
0.2,Total Known
= 0.1,
Broward COVID-19
Miami
= 0.1, MiamiDade cases
=
Dade = 0.1from 4/29 to 5/5
0.1
13,092 13,092 13,224 13,224
Palm Beach = 0.2, Broward = 0.1, Miami 12,389 Dade =12,632
12,389 0.112,632 12,77512,775
13,224
12,063 13,092
IN WILTON MANORS;
11,927
11,927 12,063 12,775
12,389 12,632
11,927 12,063
77 IN OAKLAND PARK
4,659 4,729 4,794 4,847
4,431 4,591
4,228
5,257 5,312 5,312 5,383 5,383 5,492 5,492
4,953 5,144
5,144 5,257
4,898
4,898 4,953
2,697 2,763 2,877
2,554 2,600 2,614
2,403 3,390 5,492
2,911 2,963 3,0415,144 3,080 5,257 3,130
3,130
5,312 3,311 3,311 5,383 3,390
4,898
2,911 4,953
2,963 3,041 3,080
3,311 3,390
3,080 3,130
2,911 2,963 3,041
Jason Parsley
4/22
4/29 4/23
4/30 4/24
5/1 5/24/25 5/3 4/26 5/4 4/27 5/5 4/28
4/29 4/30 5/1 5/2 5/3 5/4 5/5
C
Palm Beach Palm Beach Broward
Broward Miami-DadeMiami-Dade
Palm Beach Broward Miami-Dade
onfirmed cases of COVID-19 rose to 85 appropriate response, given that Florida,
4/29 4/30 5/1Source: Florida5/2
Dept. of Health.5/3 5/4 5/5 in Wilton Manors and 77 in Oakland Broward County, and Wilton Manors
Palm Beach Broward Miami-Dade Park as of Sunday. Last week those continue to see cases climb and more people
numbers stood at 74 and 73. are dying from this virus,” Resnick said.
“I know people are anxious to get back to In Fort Lauderdale there have been 1,240
work and to their active lives, but continued (1,100) cases. (The numbers in parenthesis
SFGN has been there for you social distancing is necessary not only for are from last week.)
through the good and bad... our own safety but for everyone with whom Meanwhile there are 36,078 (32,138)
we are in contact,” said Wilton Manors City confirmed cases in Florida, more than 1.2
Commissioner Gary Resnick. million (1 million) in the U.S., and globally
According to the Florida Department more than 3.5 million (3 million). So far there
of Health as of Sunday, 5,312 people have have been 1,379 (1,088) deaths in Florida,
tested positive in Broward County, up from 69,000 (56,000) in the U.S. and globally
4,794 a week ago. more than 250,000 (211,000).
On Monday, Florida entered phase 1 of its Looking at the four individual zip codes
reopening, but that does not include Miami- that include some portion of Wilton Manors
Dade, Broward or Palm Beach counties. 33305 has 69 (62) cases; 33306 has 8 (6);
Locally in Wilton Manors some parks 33334 has 84 (75), and 33311, which includes
reopened Monday including Hagen Park, a large part of Fort Lauderdale has 319 (273).
Mickel Park and all boat ramps, which will All of the zip codes include portions of
be open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. neighboring cities.
Guidelines for visiting the parks are as Wilton Manors City Commissioner Julie
AND WE’RE STILL HERE follows: Carson is encouraging those that have
the ability to donate money to give to
FOR YOU NOW. — All visitors must practice six-feet social
distancing and wear a face covering
this GoFundMe page, set up to assist the
employees of Wilton Manors businesses. So
when social distancing is not possible far it has raised $6,926.
Manor Pines Convalescent Center, an
assisted living facility in the city, has 59
— Tennis courts may be used for singles current cases among residents and staff.
play only This number, however, is not cumulative.
Last week that number was 65. It was
— Limited restroom facilities and water updated May 1.
fountains will be open Carson previously said, “These numbers
Visit SFGN.com and stay up to date on remind us that we must continue to be
health alerts, event schedules, and everything “The measured opening of some parks diligent in social distancing, wearing masks,
you need to know in our community. in the City which took effect Monday, is an and washing hands.”
6 • 5. 7. 2020
KIM LEHRMAN, ATTORNEY
I believe that good people deserve
a fresh start.
(954) 385-3330
• 20+ Years South Florida Bankruptcy Experience
• Personalized And Caring Service
• Call For A Free Consultation
• Office located at Fed Hwy and NE 26th Street in
Ft Lauderdale
www.LehrmanLaw.com
5. 7. 20 20 • 7
NEWS NATIONAL
LOCAL ACTIVIST TO LAUNCH A
PRIDE CENTER IN WEST TEXAS
Damon Scott
Bryan Wilson is ready to go west.
The 33-year-old LGBT rights activist is said, to online meetings with entrepreneurs
planning the launch of a Pride Center in his to help them strategize to start or grow a
hometown of Odessa, Texas. business.
The story of his South Florida activism “Businesses are bad if they don’t evolve.
and entrepreneurism is one of preparation One of the big issues we’re seeing: people
and adaptability. are trying to just hold on instead of
Late last year Wilson opened Fort adjust,” Wilson said. “We help people open
Lauderdale’s Access Granted in downtown businesses, so we got ours going fast.”
— a co-working space and social club. It
resonated with the gay community and GO WEST, YOUNG MAN
business became brisk.
Enter the pandemic, which abruptly, to But even while keeping 4 A New Dawn,
say the least, forced the closure of all but Wilson and husband Clint Acosta Wilson
essential businesses like grocery stores and have moved up plans by a few years to launch
pharmacies across most of the country. a dream project: open up a Pride Center in
Those closures not only meant an West Texas in Odessa. Bryan Wilson. Photo courtesy Bryan Wilson.
immediate loss of revenue, but also a grim Wilson, who is from Odessa, said his time
outlook for businesses like Wilson’s. As in South Florida has prepared him for it. Not only that, but Wilson has also been Odessa didn’t host its first Pride celebration
the future became so unpredictable, so “We’ll go to Texas for the foreseeable more heavily involved in LGBT nonprofits, until 2018. There were protestors, Wilson
did the long-term prospects for businesses future to get it up and running,” he said. specifically, for the past decade, and for the said, but not many. Almost 1,000 people
that fundamentally rely on face-to-face “We’ll eventually be going back and forth last two years with 4 A New Dawn. came — not a lot by South Florida standards,
interaction like Access Granted — the [from Florida].” “My husband has decades of experience in but a big breakthrough for West Texas.
opposite of social distancing. The center will offer many restaurant management, too,” he said. “They are ready for this and they need it.
“Our lease is coming up in of the programs and services Wilson married Clint Acosta on Feb. 8 in It feels great to go out to part of the country
June and we decided due to
COVID-19 it didn’t make sense
“ALL OF one sees — and Wilson said
sometimes takes for granted —
Baltimore in front of about 50 friends and
family. They were engaged in 2018 after
where I feel brave again,” he said. “All of my
time in LGBTQN+ volunteering was for this.
to re-up,” Wilson said.
Access Granted was one of
MY TIME IN at the Pride Center in Wilton
Manors.
meeting on Grindr.
They’d later take a multi-location
Fort Lauderdale has produced a couple who
wants to go into an area where it can be
the first businesses to close LGBTQN+ He said Pride Center honeymoon that would land them in Italy. dangerous to do what we do. But it’s because
before the official April 1 orders
took effect in Fort Lauderdale. VOLUNTEERING West Texas will host trauma
support groups, an LGBT
“Two days after we got back, they started
shutting down,” Wilson said of coronavirus.
of our experiences here that we’re ready.”
Wilson is raising money through
“We wanted to take it very
seriously — older adults are
WAS FOR youth social group, Alcoholics
Anonymous and Narcotics
Businesses would soon start closing in
Fort Lauderdale, too.
CenterLink, grants and general fundraising.
There’s not an exact date set for a grand
part of our social club. We THIS.” Anonymous gatherings for opening, but he expects one within a few
said, ‘even if we lose members, - Bryan Wilson LGBT individuals in recovery, ‘WE’RE READY’ months.
we’re closing.’ Members were trans and non-binary social Wilson said if he had $2 million sitting
incredibly supportive with the groups and a happy hour for Wilson is securing two office spaces now, around, he would open an LGBT shelter in
transition of meet-ups online,” Wilson said. queer people of color. one at 1,000-square-feet and another at South Florida. He said it’s one of the few
While Access Granted did quickly pivot There will be mental health services 1,400-square-feet to soft-launch the center. services that doesn’t exist here.
to online events — its tarot card club, available as well as support and social groups His founding board members are already “That’s what we might return for
Dungeons & Dragons group, gay Bible study for people living with HIV/AIDS. in place. someday,” he said.
and LGBT mixers — the ease of monetizing Wilson’s been working in the nonprofit “People will soon see things like Pride In the meantime, Wilson said he’ll
those offerings, especially for the long term, management sector since he was 13 years old flags in businesses — a visual cue that you’re definitely be back in the late fall to help
isn’t an easy road. including a long stint at SunServe. Now 33, safe,” he said. coordinate the rescheduled AIDS Walk.
However, Wilson’s business consulting he’s got two decades of nonprofit experience
arm — 4 A New Dawn — did remain intact as — much of it in management — under his
the virtual world lent itself more naturally, he belt. More information is at PrideCenterWT.org.
8 • 5. 7. 2020
NEWS LOCAL
Photo via Karen Smith, HD Drag on Demand.
DRAG QUEEN, TAINA NORELL,
SERVES UP ‘HD DRAG ON
DEMAND’ SATURDAY
Denise Royal NOW BEING DELIVERED
LOOK FOR IT IN A RED BOX NEAR YOU!
B
reaking news! Karen Smith, aka blues. You’ll sing, dance, laugh, and take
Reporter Thunderpuss, is about your mind off of the outside world.
to spill the tea on the world of “The purpose of the show is to transport
entertainment and give the lowdown viewers to a happy place,” Norell said. “I
on what’s happening during this crazy want to educate viewers and let them know
quarantine. Don’t worry if we are talented. If you look at the S O U T H F L O R I D A G A Y N E W S
you aren’t sure who Smith lineup, there’s nothing like it!” Vol. 9 Issue 2
is, or why she’s known as “THE PURPOSE Some of Norell’s other
March - April 2020
Thunderpuss. You can find creations will join Thunderpuss
out on Saturday. OF THE in the show. There’s R&B singer
Thunderpuss is one of
Taina Norell’s alter egos. SHOW IS TO Vio’Lisha. She’s a wig designer
(with dental challenges) who
“She lives in a virtual studio,”
Norell said. “She’ll introduce
TRANSPORT works in a virtual hair salon.
“She’s my ghetto character,”
the show and discuss what’s
happening in the world. But
VIEWERS TO A Norell said. There’s also a nun
named Sister Consuelo. “She
only the good stuff.”
It’s all part of “HD Drag on
Demand.” The show will air
HAPPY PLACE.”
- Taina Norell
may do a number, or she could
deliver a message.”
The lineup also includes
A WORLD
live this Saturday at 9 p.m.
Let’s face it — to get your
mind off the coronavirus,
PERFORMER
performances from French
performer Joan Julian, South
Florida fave TP Lords, vocalist
UNITED
you’ve binge-watched “Tiger King,” “Ozark,” Antonia Edwards, dancer MyKul Jay
and “We’re Here.” “HD Drag on Demand” Valentine, comedian Tabatha from
promises 90 minutes of outstanding Quarantine, and famed drag performers
entertainment produced by Taina Norell. Sasha Fierce Collinwood, Asheria Pryce,
Think of it as the cure for your self-isolation and Tiffany McCray.
To catch Saturday’s show, visit Eventbrite and search Taina Norell. READ IT ONLINE AT THEMIRRORMAG.COM PHOTO VIA ADOBE.
5. 7. 20 20 • 9
CARE RESOURCE PROVIDES
T E L E H E A LT H M E D I C A L A N D
B E H AV I O R A L H E A LT H S E R V I C E S
REMAINING COMMITTED TO QUALITY AND
ACCESSIBLE CARE DURING COVID-19
In these challenging times, our emotional and physical health is compromised by the risk of COVID-19. In the
face of this pandemic, Care Resource is even further committed to providing access to quality and comprehensive
healthcare. We consistently strive to keep our patients’ holistic health in balance. In order to serve our patients
while protecting them from COVID-19 by adhering to the practice of social distancing, we have expanded our
telehealth medical and behavioral health services.
Telehealth services are being covered by most commercial insurance carriers, including Medicaid and Medicare.
Some insurance plans, such as Aetna and UnitedHealthcare, will cover telehealth services at no cost. Uninsured
patients will be charged for the service on a sliding-scale basis. Those enrolled in the Ryan White program will also
be able to benefit from telehealth services.
In order to initiate a telehealth session, patients must call the health center and specifically request a telehealth
appointment. Next, patients must download the Zoom application on a mobile device, or visit www.zoom.us in
order to connect with a provider via video conference.
Care Resource’s Behavioral Health Services Department will also offer all counseling services via telehealth. Our
licensed behavioral health specialists are available to discuss the heightened levels of anxiety that our community
is experiencing during this time and to offer coping mechanisms. Virtual support and social groups will replace
in-person meetings. Emergency counseling services will be provided at all locations in Broward and Miami, but
clients are encouraged to call prior to going in for services.
For those patients in our Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program, medical appointments will be scheduled
as usual. If individuals are exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19, they should contact their provider prior to coming to
their appointment in order for alternative arrangements to be made on a case-by-case basis.
ABOUT
CARE RESOURCE:
“We are pleased to offer telehealth services to our patients as
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) a flexible way of having their healthcare needs met, whether
nonprofit organization and a Federally it be questions about their symptoms, starting PrEP to prevent
Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with HIV, management of chronic illness, or other questions. We
four locations in Midtown Miami, offer new and existing patients access to our telehealth visits,
Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort thereby reducing all patients’ risk of exposure to COVID-19.”
Lauderdale. The health center provides
— DR. STEVEN SANTIAGO, CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
comprehensive health and support
services to address the full health care
needs of South Florida’s pediatric, If you have questions, require assistance, or would like to schedule
adolescent and adult populations. an appointment, contact us at (305) 576-1234 ext. 623 or 635.
Please visit www.careresource.org for more information.
10 • 5. 7.20205. 7. 20 20 • 11
NEWS INTERNATIONAL
CANADA TO BUILD MONUMENT
FOR SERVICEMEMBERS UNJUSTLY
KICKED OUT OF MILITARY
Andrew Dier
I
n 2017, Canadian Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau tearfully apologized to the
thousands of Canadians whose military
careers and lives were upended by a Cleaning staff disinfects and cleans a bus stop during the quarantine in Bogotá, Colombia.
Photo credit: Sebastian Barros Salamanca, via Flickr.
Cold War policy of purging the armed forces
of suspected homosexual service members.
LGBT PEOPLE FACE
This past week, as part of the country’s
reckoning with this shameful chapter of Volunteers with the LGBT Purge Fund meet to discuss
its recent history, it was announced that the monument’s details. Photo via @lgbt_fund, Twitter.
DISCRIMINATION IN COLOMBIA
a memorial will be built to recognize the
thousands of victims of this “gay purge.” to the servicemembers who were affected
DURING SHUTDOWN
The monument will be built in the by the policies that stayed in place until the
country’s capital of Ottawa with funds 1990s, with about $8 million designated for
received from a $145 million (Canadian the National Monument.
dollars) settlement in a class-action lawsuit An international design contest is
on behalf of LGBT service members. Over underway for the memorial, and it’s expected
$110 million of those funds will go directly to be completed by 2024.
Andrew Dier
For updates on the progress of the monument, check the LGBT Purge Fund website: lgbtpurgefund.com.
T
he progression of the COVID-19 virus in communities has also been expressed by
Colombia has been a slow one, thanks international organizations such as the
in great measure to early precautions Organization of American States (OAS) and
— such as drastic stay-at-home orders — the UN Human Rights Commission. The
taken by local and national governments. OAS created a guide for Latin American and
With citizens confined in their homes, Caribbean governments on how to fight the
however, many LGBT persons have reported virus while respecting the rights of LGBT
experiencing homophobia and transphobia. persons, for example.
To serve these communities in this time Of particular concern there has been a
of crisis, rights groups Colombia Diversa gender-based restriction on movement in
and Fundación Santamaría, Bogotá. Trans-rights groups
both based in Bogotá, have have expressed fear that these
promoted hotlines for LGBT SOME VIOLENCE will give the national police,
persons who have been subject AGAINST TRANS an organization with a dubious
to harassment and are offering human rights record when it
free mental health counseling PERSONS — comes to LGBT persons, ample
for those experiencing PARTICULARLY authority to harass.
problems with their families So far, implementation of
who may not be accepting of
AGAINST SEX the measure has led to only
their orientation or identity. WORKERS — HAS a handful of human rights
For those who do not feel BEEN DOCUMENTED violation complaints, and
safe in their families’ homes, as those are currently under
a last resort, a “Casa Refugio” DURING THE investigation by authorities.
remains open as a safe place for QUARANTINE IN Some violence against
LGBT persons to stay in the city. BOGOTÁ. trans persons — particularly
and The need for this kind of against sex workers — has
intervention became evident been documented during the
as, according to reports received from quarantine in Bogotá. But one particularly
Mexico by Colombia Diversa, during the first shocking event took place recently in Medellín.
days of that country’s quarantine, 15 youth A well-known social activist, Jhon Restrepo,
were expelled from their homes because of was brutally beaten as he was delivering food
their sexual orientation or gender identity. to those affected by loss of income due to
As governments battle the virus with the quarantine in one of the poor comunas
various restrictions, concern for vulnerable (neighborhoods) of the city.
12 • 5. 7.2020Fully Operational
During the COVID-19
100% Online Arraignments
BURIAL PACKAGES CREMATION PACKAGES
Simplest Package
$1855 $555
DIRECT BURIAL OR VETERAN DIRECT CREMATION
Simpler Package
$2455 $825
GRAVESIDE FUNERAL SERVICE CREMATION WITH A FINAL GOODBYE
Simple Package
$4255 $2255
TRADITIONAL CREMATION
TRADITIONAL FUNERAL SERVICE (Cremation with a Viewing)
5. 7. 20 20 • 13LIFESTYLE TWO GUYS AND A DOG
THE SELF-INDULGENCE OF SOUL WORK
Brian McNaught
Photo via
PxHere.
S
ince childhood, I’ve been a spiritual seeker. My focus was men, or did I? This story was about being sexually abused, or
very different then. It has changed as I’ve aged and grown was I?
wiser as to where to focus my attention. As a youngster, Why sign up for both experiences? Because, my global travel
my spiritual goal was to be a holy person, a saint, guided by to do corporate LGBT diversity training had ended, by my
my angel. That would be achieved by perfect moral behavior. choosing, and I now had time to figure out my next storyline.
Now, the goal is to be an awakened warrior, a Snowy Owl gay Would I start working with dying gay and transgender people,
elder, and my own angel, if you will. I think now not what I’ll as I imagined? Did I have gifts that had yet to be discovered?
be when I grow up. I’m grown. Now, I think of how I can let go Might I be able to use my hands to heal, as I secretly fantasize
of collected old stories that no longer serve me, and of how to doing? What is it, God, that you have in mind for me?
move on to the next level of awareness. One very gifted spiritual guide had helped me assemble
My kindhearted husband has patiently supported me over key words from my consciousness to answer my hunger for
the past few months, not to mention the past 44 years, as I’ve identity. With August Gold’s guidance, I conjured, deleted,
plunged, literally head first, into experience after experience in condensed, and ardently assembled the words, “My innocent
search of a new consciousness. compassion, and my grateful love, are my God nature.” Perfect.
“Formulate your question,” the white witch instructed But how next will I be an instrument of the Universe? What
as I prepared to pull from the cloth bag three Runes for her form will it take?
interpretation. I began attending the Tuesday, noontime presentations
“How will the divine next manifest itself by this Tao te Ching mentor, August Gold,
through me in my service to others?” I asked and I joined the Center for Spiritual Living in
after some thought.
Before I arrived at that Runes reading, I had,
BUT HOW Oakland Park, where the growth in awareness
is guided by Chris Michaels. Now, I was away
only a few months earlier, declared myself a NEXT WILL from home on Tuesdays, on Sunday mornings, dressed up to play the role of a former gay porn star, and I sang
Snowy Owl warrior during an intense, weekend
initiation by The Mankind Project. Surrounded I BE AN and on whatever day I met with my new friend,
an 80-year-old gay man I volunteered with
Christmas carols in the Coral Ridge Mall, Rosie’s restaurant,
and the Alibi bar in mid-March. That was our Shadow Night,
by straight and bisexual men, I cried, as rarely
before, as I walked my 8-year-old self through INSTRUMENT SAGE to see as a “Friendly Visitor.”
“What are you learning about yourself?”
a group activity, scripted by Jack to release the unexpressed-
selves we carried with us.
his fear and confusion as a teenager, his suicide
attempt and job loss at age 26, subsequent
OF THE asked Ray. I hunger for identity, mission, and
community, and I need to feel useful in service.
“What are you learning about yourself?” Ray asked
patiently, as he watched me stick to a daily regimen of exercise,
bullying, and death threats, but ultimately, I
assured him, he’d experience great fulfillment
UNIVERSE? And then there was the intensive nine-week
Jungian “rite of passage” project, during which
journaling, and meditation. As we processed our feelings about
our earliest childhood memories, our mothers, our fathers, a
and joy as a gay man. I sought that weekend WHAT FORM I’d meet with the project-designing therapist, death of significance, a traumatic experience, and our dreams,
WILL IT
to confront my suspicion of straight men as Jack Miller, on Monday afternoons and we were encouraged to finger paint, and pound the mattress,
bullies, and I walked away with old storylines of Thursday evenings, plus extra time creating if necessary.
abuse dropped or rewritten.
Ray was glad to have me tell him about what TAKE? bonds with the other participants. We were
dedicated to healing the wounds of our souls
The Runes reading was quite clear. From the three Runes,
drawn from the bag, and placed on the cloth from right to left, I
had happened during the ritualized initiation so that we could be liberated to move forward, was repeatedly referred to as a “spiritual warrior,” and advised
into manhood, and what I got out of it. “What did you learn unencumbered by that which we might not have been able to that this was my winter. “Be patient,” the white witch told me.
about yourself?” was his question. I learned that I share with name. In all that time, more stories were told, and in the light “You are where you are supposed to be. Your path will become
straight men the hunger for masculine camaraderie, for of scrutiny by myself, the therapist, and the group, many of the clearer with time.”
understanding, and for full support from other men of my stories seemed outdated, and maybe not so accurate anymore. “What are you learning about yourself?”
hero’s journey. “In lots of cultures, fathers and sons shower together. You I’m learning that I have a wonderful, very supportive
A few weeks later, I was lying on the floor of a person’s home, were invited into the realm of the adult male,” the therapist husband, who respects my search for answers and guidance
with a dozen other souls, men and women, mostly straight, told me. “What gay boy wouldn’t love that?” in these final years of my physical life. I’m also aware that
engaged in heavy-duty, tantric breathing, led by Christian de la “Love? What? Are you sure?” my questions are my answer, that my quest is my arrival, and
Huerta, and focused on a major wound of the soul. With full To enter the realm of sacred time, and return to our earliest that I as the messenger is me as the message. My hunger for
attention and effort, I purged as best I could every ounce of the consciousness, we colored, molded Play-Doh, and built sand awareness is the meal itself. The form I’ll next take in service
confusion, shame, and anger that surrounded my unresolved castles. We wrote letters and burned them. I created tributes to others is the form I’m now in as a 72-year-old gay man who
memories of showering and napping with my father, from age to my deceased best friend, and to my younger brother searches for new understanding. I’m the messenger. That’s the
8 to 13. “I’m sorry. I never meant to have you hurt,” I clearly whose close friendship, according to my old story, I had lost. I message. I’m the angel. Nothing more is required of me.
visioned my father now saying in tears. “I forgive you,” I told
him. He smiled gratefully.
“What did you learn about yourself?” Ray asked again. I
learned to let go, to forgive, and to focus on the many wonderful Brian McNaught has been a leading educator on LGBTQ issues globally since 1974. He has made his
qualities and behaviors of my father. The first story, carried to many books and DVDs available for free at Brian-McNaught.com. The New York Times named him “The
The Mankind Project, was how I had good cause to fear straight Godfather of gay diversity training.”
14 • 5. 7.2020DUE TO COVID-19, CLERGY ASK THAT YOU STAY
Join us on Facebook Live for our Shabbat service
SAFE AT HOME. PLEASE WATCH SERVICES ON
Friday night at 8pm
Please join us virtually until we can be together again, holding
FACEBOOK AND/OR ONLINE. FIND DETAILS ON
hands and singing our beautiful prayers
HOW TO WATCH ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGES
AND WEBSITES. THANK YOU AND BE WELL!
Congregation Etz Chaim
2038 N. Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, FL 33305, on the Pride Center campus
For more information: www.EtzChaimFlorida.org or 954-564-9232
SPIRITUALITY All Services LIVE-streamed on Facebook,
Church of Our Savior, MCC
and posted on website
2011 s. Federal Hwy.,
Boynton Beach, FL “Love without judgement”
Holy Angels
SOUTHFLORIDAGAYNEWS.COM 561-733-4000
National Catholic Church
www,churchofoursaviormcc.org
LISTINGS
Until further notice: Due to the 2917 NE 6th Ave
current COVID-19 pandemic, our Wilton Manors, FL 33334
worship services are streamed on Facebook.com/HolyAngelsFL
Facebook Live every Sunday at www.HolyAngelsFL.org
10 AM, rather than held at our
church property. 954-633-2987
ALL SOULS EPISCOPAL FOUNTAIN OF LOVE https://www.facebook.com/
CHURCH MINISTRIES ChurchofOurSaviorMCC. Visit our
A home for your spirit.
4025 Pine Tree Drive. Miami Beach 5481 FL-7, Tamarac, FL 33319 web site for more details & updates. Mass Schedule: Sabado 6:00 PM misa en español •
Sundays at 8am and 10:30am. 954-486-5959 Sunday Mass at 11 & 3 in English • All are welcome!
305-520-5410 | allsoulsmb.org fountainofloveonline.org
Pastor Dallas Walker-Green LIFESTYLE PHOTOS
CONGREGATION Worship: Sunday Mornings at 11:00 am
ETZ CHAIM
2038 N. Dixie Hwy (Pride Center Building OPEN HEART MEDITATION
B), Wilton Manors Saturdays 3:30 - 5 p.m.
954-564-9232 - etzchaimflorida.org Pride Center - Room #200
RabbiNoahKitty@etzchaimflorida.org www.heartofthemystery.com
Friday Night Shabbat Service 8p.m.
ST. NICHOLAS EPISCOPAL
HOLY ANGELS CATHOLIC CHURCH
COMMUNITY 1111 E. Sample Road, Pompano Beach
2917 NE 6th Avenue 954-942-5887 - stnicholasfl.org
Wilton Manors office@stnicholasfl.org
954-633-2987 - HolyAngelsFL.net Sundays 8:00AM & 10:30AM (9:30AM only
Sunday Mass at 11AM from Memorial Day through Labor Day)
CHRIST LUTHERAN CHURCH FIRST CONGREGATIONAL
1955 E. Oakland Park Blvd., UNITED CHURCH OF
Ft. Lauderdale CHRIST
(954) 564-7673 - christlutheranfl.org 1415 North K Street, Lake Worth
pastordeborah@christlutheranfl.org 561-582-6691 - fcclw.org COURTYARD CAFE
COMBATS COVID-19 CRISIS
Worship: Sunday 10:00am office@lakeworthchurch.org
Service Time: Sunday 10:30AM
CHURCH OF OUR SAVIOR,
MCC UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST
Church of Our Savior, MCC FORT LAUDERDALE On Saturday, May 2, Courtyard Cafe in Wilton Manors donated 500 free meals
2011 S. Federal Hwy. Boynton Beach. 2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale on a first come first serve basis. The free food was meant as a way to ease
churchofoursaviormcc.org | 561-733-4000 (954)563-4271 - uccftl.org the burden of those who had suffered financially due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Sunday Service 10AM revpatrickrogers@gmail.com Pictured: Inside, the hardworking staff pose together during preparation.
Service Times: Thursdays 10:30AM (Elliot Photo credit: J.R. Davis. To see more, visit SFGN on Facebook.
Hall) & Sundays 10:30AM (Sanctuary)
5. 7. 20 20 • 15LIFESTYLE FOOD
ISN’T THAT SPECIAL!
Rick Karlin
W
hile the shutdown has made
things difficult for folks all
around, there is a bit of a
silver lining here. In order to drum
up business, local restaurants have
been offering specials for pick up
or delivery orders. Here’s a list of
specials running the gamut from A
to Z (literally) that have crossed our
literal desk. As always, it’s best to
check and see if the specials are still
Chicken Cyriac, a signature dish at Bona Italian
in effect when you place your order. Restaurant. Photo via Bona Italian, Facebook.
AMERICAN SOCIAL WHAT THE PHO?
This Las Olas destination is offering a 20% Wilton Manors’ Vietnamese eatery is offering
discount on take-out orders. Also offering $5 sushi rolls daily, as well as its regular menu.
delivery and curbside service. Call 954-870-6060. mywhatthepho.com
Call 954-764-7005. americansocialbar.com
AMBRY ZUCKERELLO’S
If you’ve got a hankering for hassenpfeffer, the The Commercial Blvd. trattoria is offering a
Ambry is offering take-out orders featuring its special take-out menu for $8.95. Such popular
hearty German fare, on Tuesdays, Thursdays dishes as Caesar salad with grilled chicken,
and Saturdays. and rigatoni ala vodka are included in the
Call 954-771-7342. ambryrestaurant.com choices available. Add a salad for $3 more
and a choice of four desserts (tira misu, cannoli,
BONA ITALIAN Key lime pie or chocolate cake) for $5 more.
That makes it a three-course meal for $16.95!
On Tuesdays through Thursdays get a Call 954-776-4282. zuckerellos.com
complimentary dessert with your order. Bona
will serve up a one of its newest dessert options, CANDELA
a sfogliatella. This hard to pronounce, but easy
to eat, pastry features layers of flaky dough The popular Wilton Manors spot offers up
stuffed with sweet ricotta cheese flavored with a special menu featuring complete meals
hints of orange and cinnamon. You get one of (most priced between $10-$15), served with
the yummy treats with an order of $20 (two two sides and sandwiches ($8.50), as well
for $40; three for orders of $60). The popular as pastellas and fresh juices from noon until
Wilton Manors’ spot is also offering a large 8:30 p.m. Among the offerings are grilled
two-topping pizza for $16.95 (includes a two- chicken breast, pulled roasted pork, picadillo
liter bottle of soda) and all bottled wine is 40% Habanera (ground beef Havana style), vaca
off, if you order between 4 to 8:30 p.m. frita, shrimp Creole and oven roasted branzino.
Call 954-565-7222 for more information. bonaitalian.com See the menu at Candelarestaurant.com or call 954-563-8088.
Full Charge Bookkeeping Services
VISIT SFGN.COM/COVIDFOOD FOR MORE RESTAURANTS
Rick Karlin is SFGN’s food editor.
Visit SFGN.com/Food to read his previous reviews. Have a culinary tip to
share? Email Rick at RickKarlinFL@gmail.com.
16 • 5. 7.2020CONVICTIONS Off The Wall
WITH A LITTLE HELP
FROM YOURSELF
Pier Angelo
I
t is hard to be locked up at home. Every Deep-clean your oven, dishwasher, coffee
day looks and feels the same, we lose maker and outdoor grill, as well as drapes,
track of time. upholstery, cabinets, floors, vents and
We don’t know if it is Tuesday or baseboards, clean your mudroom, garage
Wednesday or what the actual date of the and outbuildings, and, in the process,
month is. inventory items that need replacing, make
Food, drinks, TV, Zoom, FaceTime, books, sure your will is up-to-date, make a list of
help a bit but in the end we do miss our your closest contacts with phone numbers
physical friends and family, and and email addresses and pin it to
our favorite hangouts, and even the refrigerator with a magnet,
our offices that at times we hated so
much to go to. ONE WAY keep a digital inventory of your
photos, receipts, and documents,
One way to snap out of it is trying
to stay active. A sort of Self-Help
TO SNAP create a home maintenance
schedule program, and manage
Therapy, and it is free. OUT OF IT remodeling projects.
I suggest you set up at least one
task to be accomplished every day. IS TRYING Only handle projects yourself
that you feel you’re truly qualified
Do those chores you have been
putting off for months or years. TO STAY to do. You may be better off
leaving projects with electrical
Here are some of the things you
can do, start with the list and stick
ACTIVE. components or those at heights,
for example, to professionals
to it: take a daily walk but avoid high who have the right equipment
density spots, gain a green thumb by working and skill set. Start your spring cleaning
in the backyard if you have one, otherwise but it’s important to remember there are
start tending to indoor plants and take care common household cleaning products you
of them, empty out closets and drawers and should never mix, or drink for that matter,
discard things you haven’t needed or used such as bleach and ammonia or bleach and
in years but that sit idle around the house, rubbing alcohol.
change and/or service your furnace filters, Unless you listen to the QUACKSALVER-
HVAC, smoke and CO detector batteries, in-Chief.
5. 7. 20 20 • 17CONVICTIONS Publisher's Editorial
THE EYE OF THE STORM IS WITHIN US
America goes back to work
x
Norm Kent Publisher Norm Kent spent Sunday
norm.kent@sfgn.com working out so he can be ready
for the start of the baseball season.
I
Photo credit: Duke Snider.
can’t say I am surprised about what is though, is as arrogant as it is defiant. We never
happening. locked down in unison.
I saw it coming six weeks ago. When the death toll topped 50,000 a week
In war, there are acceptable casualties. ago, we had 21st century militiamen storming
In the invisible war America fights today, a state capitol with AR 15’s, declaring “give me
I am in the age bracket where I am likely to liberty or give me death.”
become one of them. They were no Patrick Henrys, though.
The messaging battle has been framed They were mobsters maniacally following
correctly for all of us to see. It has come to us their Fuhrer’s White House lead.
slowly, but the lines have been drawn in the We did it wrong, America. Too many have
sand. died because we have not listened to science
Either we open our society, and delicately or reason. Warnings, admonitions, and
negotiate the vicious dangers of the virus, advisories were ignored. It could not “happen
or we collapse our economy, destroying our here.” It did — just look at the death tolls
livelihoods, ending society as we know it hourly. Can any of us say we could not have
anyway. done better?
It should not have been this When you read that
way. We should have had more 3,000 fellow Americans
testing and better tracing,
more advisories and better
THERE IS MORE are dying daily, how does
that number sink in?
warnings. We should have
had better leaders educating
UNCERTAINTY Imagine if news anchors
were reporting on 20 plane
us about the hard choices. THAN crashes daily, every day, for
Instead, we have had a comedy three months in a row, with
of horrors. UNDERSTANDING, no survivors?
“So, it goes,” as the Little
Prince once wrote in that AND THAT, MY What if there was
another 9/11, not once in
excellent little book by that
name.
DEAR FRIENDS, IS 20 years, but once every 20
hours? What if the city of the pool guy clean the pool or the fish guy the Our citizens are rushing headfirst into
The result for seniors is that
if you are over 64 years old,
EXPONENTIALLY Fort Lauderdale and every
one of its citizens were just
aquarium? Shall I let a plumber in to replace
the toilet?
waters much deeper than we think, in lakes
full of alligators, with incoming tides we may
and living with compromising
health conditions, you might
UNSETTLING. swept off the face of the
Earth in 60 days?
Normally, you go to the doctor to get better, not be able to ever negotiate. The news reports
but do you want to go to visit a place where you will come in daily, of those who rode the surf
want to experiment right Does anyone believe know other people are sick? It is not surprising and survived, more still who were sucked
about now with spending the rest of your life that an economic package from the House of to hear hospitals are getting less visitors, not under, never to surface again. Those of us who
on house arrest. Representatives or the U.S. Senate will restore more. Nothing makes sense yet. There is more survived the AIDS era know of those days.
If you go outside, you are taking a chance our lives to normalcy? It’s simply like giving uncertainty than understanding, and that, my Don’t expect an ending to this column. It’s
that a cough, a sneeze, or a laughing friend chipped beef to the brave American troops dear friends, is exponentially unsettling. unfolding, like the days in my life, in your life,
might be a fatal connection. An unwanted before they hit Normandy Beach on D Day in I could see defying the doctors and taking and in our lives. I simply know that we cannot
encounter, or a delivery man showing up at World War II. Many knew it would be their last risks if I was 25, 35, or even 45 years old, but spend our days worrying about what we can’t
the wrong address can push a lethal button. meal. when you are 70, you generally don’t go sky control. We can shift our energy to what we
When you are struggling to breathe on a I am sitting here at home in the living diving daily. If you are my age, it’s just wiser can create. Be a force for the future, and what
respirator, and using an iPad to say goodbye room where I have lived for the last 40 years, not to walk barefoot on a wet river bank. can still be. Out of adversity comes honor.
to your loved ones, you will probably have thinking it is simply just not safe to go out I am just a columnist, and I have only come Those of us who live in South Florida know
a moment wondering how and where it anywhere any longer. I am trying to piece this to write. I want to give science and research of hurricanes. Every storm has an eye; a place
happened to you. Does not matter. You won’t all together, but there is no way. a chance to find a protocol that can tame the where there is tranquility and peace. In these
know for sure — the virus is invisible. Until there is a vaccine, and every potential virus. A vaccine would even be nicer. I can times, it is the only place to be. Journey to it.
Across the globe, more prudent societies asymptomatic carrier is tested, or wears an wait. America does not have the patience. The Find that place, and anchor yourselves there.
wisely heeded the scientific call. Our America N-95 mask, how can I protect myself? Do I let handwriting is on the wall.
18 • 5. 7.2020Your smile Celebrating our 10th
CONVICTIONS Editorial Cartoon should leave Year on Wilton Drive!
a great New Patients
EDITORIAL CARTOON
By Mike Luckovich
impression!
$69($312 Value)
Comprehensive Exam,
Digital X-Rays &
Cleaning*
*In the absense of gum disease.
Not applicable to insurance benefits.
General & Cosmetic Dentistry
State of the Art Facilities • Most Insurances Accepted
Always Plenty of Free Parking • Located Conveniently on Wilton Drive
954-565-7666
Dr. David K. Warner, DDS, FAGD
1946 Wilton Drive • Wilton Manors • FL 33305
www.IslandCitySmiles.com
5. 7. 20 20 • 19CONVICTIONS Jesse’s Journal
CORONAVIRUS JOURNAL Jesse Monteagudo Photo via PxFuel.
W
hen I first heard about COVID-19 (Coronavirus),
I was on a cruise ship, sailing with thousands
of other on gay men on Atlantis Events’ annual
Caribbean cruise.
I was lying on my bed, halfheartedly listening to BBC
news, when a reporter announced the existence of a new
virus that was discovered in Wuhan and was now spreading
to the rest of China.
Chinese authorities, concerned by this new development,
were starting to restrict travel and to quarantine those who
were infected. Those of us who sailed on the Atlantis cruise
couldn’t care less. We were more interested in deciding
what to wear to the dances, the entertainers on board and,
of course, the beauty of the other sailors. If any of them
carried COVID-19 with them I do not know, though it would
not surprise me if they did, like some of the men who
attended the recent Winter Party in Miami.
I have a special affinity for cruise ships and for sea cruises,
and not only because I have sailed on a few of them.
Though retired, I still have a part time job with a
company that provides shoreside and
port services for cruise ship passengers
in Port Everglades and the Port of Miami.
Though I was aware of the spread of IT WAS ONLY A
gastrointestinal and other diseases MATTER OF TIME
among cruise ship guests and crew, I was
not ready for the worldwide spread of
BEFORE ALL CRUISE
a new virus by way of cruise ships, now SHIP TRAVEL CAME
called “floating petri dishes” by comedian TO A (HOPEFULLY
Bill Maher and other critics.
I began to read and watch horror stories
TEMPORARY)
about cruise ships that were not allowed STOP, AND I WAS
to debark in various ports and forced to OUT OF A JOB. to cancel group gatherings and impose curfews my condo a long-delayed spring cleaning.
sail the seas indefinitely like the Flying
Dutchman. It was only a matter of time BUT THAT WAS and lockdowns to prevent the spread of the I also read, write, watch television, buy stuff online and do
before all cruise ship travel came to a THE LEAST OF OUR virus. Social distancing became the order of the other things that people do when they are by themselves.
day. Though I am over 65, and thus part of a high-risk group,
(hopefully temporary) stop, and I was
out of a job. But that was the least of our
WORRIES. Unlike other governors, Florida’s Ron DeSantis I am not a diligent stay at home type: I go out for walks, to
worries. (a friend of the president) refused to institute a shop, and to visit friends. Thankfully, though I have not been
By the time all cruise ship companies total lockdown. Nor did he cancel or postpone tested, I remain healthy, and I will do my best to keep it that
agreed to cease operations, COVID-19 has spread around this state’s presidential primary, which at least gave me way.
the world: to South Korea and Japan, to Iran and Italy another day of work. (Being a poll worker is one of my various Like all of you, I must adjust my life to this new normal,
and Spain and of course to the United States. Medical part time jobs.) Since then I have been at home, with no work hoping for the day when COVID-19 becomes a thing of the
authorities were alarmed by the new pandemic but not our to do outside of my writing. Being at home gave me the time past, or at least something we can control. We have a long
president who, at least initially, called the “Chinese virus” a and impetus to do things I would not otherwise do, like give way to go.
“hoax” perpetuated by Democrats and the media to forestall
his re-election.
Though he later came to accept COVID-19 as the
worldwide disaster that it is, he did not make matters better Jesse Monteagudo is a freelance writer and journalist. He has been an active member of
by holding daily press conferences that were exercises in South Florida's LGBT community for more than four decades and has served in various
self-service and misinformation. A much better job was community organizations.
done by city mayors and state governors, who proceeded
20 • 5. 7.2020Social Distancing
Social Distancing
for Infectious
InfectiousDisease
Disease
FloridaDepartment
Florida DepartmentofofHealth
Health• •FloridaHealth.gov
FloridaHealth.gov
to
Social
Socialdistancing
distancing p
measures aretaken
measures are taken
Sototorestrict
restrictwhen
whenand
and where
where people
people cancan gather
gather to stop
to stop
arg
ororslow
slowthe
thespread
spread of infectious
e
of infectious diseases.
o
diseases. Socialdistancing
Social distancing measures
measures include
r
include limiting
limiting large
large s
groups
groupsof ofpeople
people coming together,closing
coming together, g
closingbuildings
buildingsand
and canceling
canceling r
events.
events. o
Protect
Protectyourself
yourself and
and your community.
P
your community. Change
Change your
your rdaily
daily habits.
habits. o
Wash
Washyour yourhands
hands often with soap
often with W
soapandandwater
water Avoid
Avoid shopping
shopping at peak
at peak hours as
hours
ER
for
for
Y
atatleast
least20
20seconds,
seconds, especially
f
especially aftergoing
after going o and
and take
take advantage
advantage r
of delivery
of delivery or or DELIVERY
a
DELIVERY
totothe
thebathroom,
bathroom, before eating,
t
before eating, andafter
and after o pick-up
pick-up services
services withwith retailers.
retailers. t h
blowing
blowingyouryournose,
nose, coughing
coughingb orsneezing.
or sneezing. l o w
IfIfyou
youdon’t
don’thave
havesoap
soap and water,
I
and water, use
use f Work
Work with
with your
your y
employer.
employer. o
y ananalcohol-based
alcohol-based hand
hand sanitizer
a
sanitizer with
with n
Cooperate with leadership to change company a
atatleast Cooperate with leadership to change company
least60%
60%alcohol.
alcohol. Avoid close
a
Avoid close t
practices,
practices, set
set upup flexible
flexible shift
shift plans,l
plans,
e
contact
contactwithwithpeople
people who arec
who are sick,
sick, o
have employees telecommute, n
and have employees telecommute,
andstay
stayhome
homewhenwhen you’re sick.
a
you’re sick. n
and
and cancel
cancel anyany
largelarge meetings
meetings or or
d
conferences.
conferences.
Look
Lookfor
forcommunications from
communications fromL universities
universities o o
and
andcolleges:
colleges: a Staynwithin
Stay within six feet of other people.
six feet of other people. d
Regarding
Regardingsuspending
suspending classes,
R
classes, goingto
going to Avoid
Avoid shaking
shaking ehands
hands as aassocial
a social greeting.
greeting. g
web-based
web-basedlearning
learning and canceling
w
and canceling alllarge
all large e b
campus
campusmeetings
meetings and
and gatherings.
cam
gatherings.
6 feet
6 feet
Avoid
Avoidpublic
publictransit
transit ifif possible.
A
possible. vAvoid
Avoid crowded
crowded places.
places. o
y Don’t
Don’ttravel
travelto
toareas
areas with active
with active D outbreaks.
outbreaks. Sporting
o
Sporting events,
events, community
community n
festivals,
festivals, andand concerts
concerts
Learn
Learn more:
more:
ngs tinyurl.com/CDCgatherings
tinyurl.com/CDCgatherings
tion tinyurl.com/FLcdcprevention
tinyurl.com/FLcdcprevention
Florida Health Office of Communications 03-05-20
Florida Health Office of Communications 03-05-20
5. 7. 20 20 • 21You can also read
