Just last week North Carolina passed an egregious law stipulating that you can only use the restroom of your assigned gender at birth. This law effects gender nonconforming individuals and specifically the transgender community making it illegal for them to use any public restroom of their expressed gender.

Question: How could we, the LGBT community, have allowed this law to pass and become law? Where were our activists at the time and our protesters and outrage?

Mia Patricyk St. Louis

“As a community, we need to rally together to fight discriminatory laws against ANY member of our community (LGBTQ) and stand our ground for what’s right,” Mia Patricyk St. Louis, a server and entertainer, said with vigor. “We need to push harder and actually go out and vote on these issues. And focus on what’s really important.”

Vasti Love Montana

“I feel that the LGBTQ community did not stick together as one on this but yet the law did pass very quickly. I believe that’s why the LGBTQ community is divided and didn’t stick together to fight this law,” said Miss Golden State Closet Ball 2015 and 2016, Vasti Love Montana. “Personally, I’m very uncomfortable entering a men’s restroom. It’s wrong that we cannot use the restroom that we feel comfortable using.”

Aryah Lester

“The atrocious law of HB2 harkens back to the days where those of color had to use separate facilities, judged to be ‘of color’ by the prejudicial public,” mentioned Aryah Lester creator and director of TransArt. “This law, passed in the darkness while we were distracted by political divisiveness, effects not only transgender individuals but all people displaying gender nonconforming characteristics. We must stand against such an affront to our inalienable rights as American citizens!”

Angel Lopez

“I think the law is preposterous, but really who is going to check your genitals to really determine your biology,” questioned Angel Lopez, a licensed mental health counselor. “I can’t comment on the actions of the LGBT community in North Carolina but chances are the heteronormative, conservative, lower-educated, prejudiced people prevailed on this one. We’ll see how long the law lasts and whether other states are able to accomplish the same thing.”

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#StreetBeatAgenda

Q: How do you feel about pre-assigning a baby’s gender through modern day scientific medical advances?

With the advancement of modern medicine we are now able to pre-assign a baby’s gender and other humanly features like eye color. But some people take reservation with the new science. On February 24, pregnant model and wife of John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, took to twitter to defend her decision to pre-assign her baby’s gender against the naysayers.

Nikki Star

“I’m the Mom and the Dad and I want what I want,” said the fabulous entertainer Nikki Star. “Are we interfering with gods work, f*&# that. He interfered with us. He has been the almighty powerful guiding the ship. Well now, we are steering the ship.”

Monica Anastasiadis

“What I would want to know first is whether it causes the fetus to be deformed in anyway or any mortality issue,” a concerned pet and house sitter Monica Anastasiadis inquired.  “If I learned it was totally safe and didn’t cause any pain or harm to the embryo, then why not.”

Hans Smith

“I am all for people assigning the gender of their baby before it’s born,” commented a social worker Hans Smith. “As long as you can afford it, why not? No restricts or guidelines, just as long as the individual themselves pay for it and not the government.”

David Clift

“I don’t agree with it. I believe everyone should have a naturally born baby in regards to changing their gender,” remarked David Clift who is idle at the moment. “Everything should be natural, eye color and all. It should be the kid’s decision later on when they can make the decision for themselves.”

James Wilkerson

“I just don’t agree with it at all. Why do people keep trying to change stuff,” pondered model and actor James Wilkerson. “We shouldn’t tamper with fate. If anything, we should leave the decision to the child. They should be the one to decide and make the decision.”

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#StreetBeatAgenda Week 2/15

What do you like about Miami Beach Gay Pride (MBGP) and what would you like to see implemented in this years MBGP?

Miami Beach Gay Pride is gearing up for its 8 annual event and before the largest free weeklong LGBT street festival kicks off we would like to hear from you, the locals, on what you all would like to see new this year.

Marco Perez

“When they started MBGP seven years ago, it brought everybody together and we needed that kind of party,” said Entertainment Coordinator Marco Perez. “I want to see even more of us get together, not only the LGBT community but also kids and the straight community. Most importantly, I want to see people happy. That’s it.”

Alexis Lords

“Want I like about pride is the fact that the whole community gets together for one giant party and everyone smiles for one entire day. There are no fights, no real problems and we just have the best time,” smiled Alexis Lords, the founder of the House of Lords. “I would like to see more people joining us. A lot of the people from Broward/Fort Lauderdale, I don’t know why they don’t come down. We need to reach out to them more.”

Yukioh

“The fact that we are free, it’s a great opportunity to show yourself and find friends and come together. That is the best part of pride. Everyone is marching with the same feeling,” expressed the dynamic singer, actor and dancer Yukioh. “For 2016, I would like to see new people. New People, New Faces and New Concepts!”

Ivette Sierra

“My favorite part is that it’s free and it’s offered to everyone in the state of Florida and internationally. The diversity of the parade is overwhelming and it just keeps on growing,” remarked Ivette Sierra, a service coordinator. “I would like to see a wider variety of entertainment, clean entertainment that families can enjoy. And bring in a youth play for the children so we can make them a part of this great community.”

Humberto Calero

“Pride is very enjoyable and I feel really happy that we all get to experience many different things that pride has to offer. I really like it all,” said college student Humberto Calero. “What I would really like to see is a lot of new entertainers and dancers. Also something out there that can show the meaning of gay pride.”

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Year after year we, consumers, collectively spend billions of dollars on different holidays to show that we care for one another. But is that really the reason or have the corporate giants manipulated us into spending for no apparent reason? We hit the street to find out what consumers have to say when it pertains to V-day.

How do you feel about Valentine’s Day? Do you see it as a day to celebrate love or just another way for corporations to make money off of consumers?

Matthew Eaton

“I believe Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to really reflect on each other and celebrate love with happiness and authenticity,” conveyed Program Coordinator Matthew Eaton. “With that said, I do think some companies love to use this day as a sales pitch with a lot of over the top products.”

Monica Salgado

“Well, I think that Valentine’s Day is a great way to keep your relationship refreshed and interesting,” commented a humble Customer Care Specialist Monica Salgado. “It’s a great way to have a date night with such a busy schedule.”

Zachery Jefferson

“Googling Valentine’s Day it states it’s a day when people traditionally send a card to someone they are romantically attracted to,” said Zachery Jefferson, a Sales Advisor for H&M. “So yes, I think it’s another way for corporations to make money off of consumers. Forget love, buy me diamonds – LOL.”

Princess Trina

“To be honest with you, it’s just another way for them to get us to spend our money,” said the hopeless romantic Princess Trina who is a taxi driver. “True love is celebrated or at least recognized everyday. And not to be extreme but in my mind every second of the day.”

Ricky Green

“Valentine’s Day is another corporate creation to make money,” said DJ Ricky Green. “Personally, when I love someone my first thought isn’t a heart-shaped box of chocolates. Honestly, I wouldn’t know what would come to mind… It depends on the person and longevity of the relationship.”

We want to hear from you! Search #StreetBeatAgenda on Facebook to share your opinion on the above topic. Florida Agenda also welcomes Letters to the Editor, up to 400 words. E-mail your submissions to Editor@floridaagenda.com. Your opinion matters!

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When you’re touched by the love bug you just can’t help but think it’s going to be everlasting. But once the honeymoon stage ends, the real work begins. Here’s advice from one of the five couples we asked that have withstood the test of time and are still going strong.

Robert Lamas and Milancita Rodriguez

5 years strong

Robert Lamas, a RN, and Milancita Rodriguez, owner of Milancita.com, have been together for five blissful years. And this month on February 21, they will be celebrating their sixth anniversary. Here’s their advice for a long-lasting relationship.

“The Secret to a good relationship is to keep dating as if it was your first time out,” advised Robert. “Love is important in any relationship, the second part is RESPECT.”

“It takes two to make a relationship work, so leave the “me, me, me” out of the equation, unless you want to do some major problem solving,” says Milancita. “Making sacrifices for your significant other and your relationship is considered to be a sign of commitment.”

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When you’re touched by the love bug you just can’t help but think it’s going to be everlasting. But once the honeymoon stage ends, the real work begins. Here’s advice from one of the five couples we asked that have withstood the test of time and are still going strong.

Jerry Chasen and Mark Kirby

16 years strong

Jerry Chasen and Mark Kirby are no stranger to long-lasting love. They have been together since 2000 and decided to show their love for each in 2006 with a commitment ceremony and then again in 2011 when they legally wed.

Together they both agree that there are four things that contribute to an everlasting relationship. “Honesty, respect, laughter, and great sex!”

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When you’re touched by the love bug you just can’t help but think it’s going to be everlasting. But once the honeymoon stage ends, the real work begins. Here’s advice from one of the five couples we asked that have withstood the test of time and are still going strong.

Ben and Bruce Horwich

16 years strong

Ben and Bruce Horwich, owners of Miami’s gay retail store Creative Male, had this to say about longevity in a relationship:

“The Secret to a long-term relationship is really understanding the other person and accepting who they are,” conveyed Bruce. “Don’t look to change them. Enjoy and respect each others differences.”

“Bruce and I have formed a trusting positive partnership mainly because we respect, understand and appreciate each other,” commented Ben. “Plus, we never sweat the small stuff.”

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When you’re touched by the love bug you just can’t help but think it’s going to be everlasting. But once the honeymoon stage ends, the real work begins. Here’s advice from one of the five couples we asked that have withstood the test of time and are still going strong.

Michael Cushman and Velvet Lenore

9 years strong

Photographer Michael Cushman and Entertainer Velvet Lenore not only love together they work together too. Here’s how they’ve kept their relationship going strong.

Q: What is the secret to a long-term relationship?

A: “Know each other, learn each others nuances and work as a team,” suggested Michael. “Working together helps with getting though any situation that might arise. And listen, effective communication also helps.”    

“Respect and communication are key. Always know each others whereabouts and respect each other space,” said Velvet. “Talk about everything and listen to how the other one feels so you both are on the same page. Lastly, make time to do nice things together even if your schedules get crazy.”

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When you’re touched by the love bug you just can’t help but think it’s going to be everlasting. But once the honeymoon stage ends, the real work begins. Here’s advice from one of the five couples we asked that have withstood the test of time and are still going strong.

Nadine and Andrea Smith

11 years strong

For Nadine and Andrea Smith, who have been married for 7 years out of the 11 years they been together, love endures when a couple is supportive, truthful and forgive.

Q: What is the secret to a long-term relationship?

A: “We support each other’s dreams, tell the truth even when it isn’t the easiest path and we forgive more than we quarrel,” said Nadine. “Love comes first.”

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After multiple failed attempts to have religious Kentucky Rowan County Clerk Kim Davis issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in her county, Federal District Judge David L. Bunning held her in contempt of court on Thursday, September 4, 2015 and ordered her to stay in jail until she agreed to comply with the law.

“I’ve got young people who were ignorant of the law serving five years in prison for drug possession partially due to their circumstances,” said Geoffrey Vancol, a substance abuse counselor. “Why not put this grown woman in jail for purposeful discrimination and breaking the law?”

“Yes it was,” says RJ Hadley, an activists and blogger. “Anyone for personal reasons who hides behind a cloak of religious beliefs, externalized fear or ignorance would do better to learn A: their job, B: let peace prevail over all.

“When elected officials don’t do their job, they should be punished within the rights of the law,” commented Bridgette Wynn, a higher education administrator. “If she was unable to uphold her duties based upon her faith, she should have resigned prior to this incident.”

“In my opinion, no one should be forced to do anything that is against their faith, their spirituality or their religion,” confessed Eric Lumb, a restaurant manager in West Palm Beach. “If any law violates a person’s belief then they have every freedom in the world to resign. However, to be jailed for your beliefs is not a proper action.”

“Kim Davis, like Donald Trump, is trying to destroy the wonderfully diverse and complex nature of American culture by using bigotry to remake this country in their vision,” replied Neil De La Flor, a professor and writer. “Davis swore an oath to carry out the duties of the government official. In her capacity, her duty is to her boss, which is our government, not God. Resign.”

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