Local

Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach commemorated World AIDS Day on Dec. 1 with a ceremony, powerful speakers, and the unveiling of 20 panels from the AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Martina Navratilova is extremely vocal in her transphobic views. Now, she’s feeling the backlash. 

The tennis icon was planning to attend the Wilton Manors Holiday Spectacular on Monday where her wife, “Real Housewives of Miami” star Julia Lemigova, was set to perform.

Now, Lemigova has been uninvited and, presumably, Navratilova will be a no-show.

The Wilton Manors Business Association (WMBA) produces the event and once they realized the situation, they took a stand for the trans community and repudiated Lemigova.

“WMBA is dedicated to fostering an inclusive LGBTQ+ community and unwaveringly supports our trans members. We firmly believe that every individual deserves to be treated with dignity, respect, inclusion and equality, regardless of their gender identity,” they said in a statement. “As such we will only work with performers that share in our values and beliefs. WMBA’s board has directed our entertainment partner to remove Julia Lemigova from participating in the upcoming Holiday Spectacular.”

The ex-tennis star was a trailblazer when she came out as a lesbian in 1981. Once a community icon, her virulent anti-trans speech made her a pariah in some LGBTQ+ circles.

There were rumors that Navratilova was getting four VIP seats. WMBA says no tickets were ever issued. Her comments were enough for Holiday Spectacular host FayWhat?! to speak up.

“As a proud, out lesbian, I will always stand in solidarity with my trans sisters,” she said. “Martina's view that trans women aren't lesbians is incorrect. Her assertion that trans girls cannot participate in girls' sports teams is equally misguided. These statements defy the very essence of my beliefs. Trans women are unequivocally women period!”

Navratilova’s attacks on trans people have included saying that trans women are just a “parody” of a woman, that trans women can’t be lesbians, and that trans men aren’t men and trans women aren’t women.

But her most damaging campaign is against trans athletes. She’s said that allowing trans women to compete on women’s teams is a form of “cheating.” Navratilova has called for the governing bodies of sports to formally ban trans people from competing.

This week, she reposted a clip of Queer News Tonight that called her out for her rhetoric. The post quickly went viral, garnering 141,000 views. 

This isn’t her first high profile Twitter feud. She’s gone at it with soccer star and out lesbian Megan Rapinoe. Navratilova also went on an anti-trans rant towards “Harry Potter” star Daniel Radcliffe, telling him to “be quiet.” Radcliffe wrote an essay for The Trevor Project in support of trans rights.

RELATED: Martina Navratilova Slams OutSFL Reporter Over Trans Athletes 

Miami-Dade County is known as one of the world's premiere vacation destinations. Annually, 1.65 million LGBTQ U.S. visitors from outside the state generate an economic impact of $1.7 billion on Miami-Dade’s local economy, according to a recent study by Community Marketing & Insights (CMI). Now the Greater Miami LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) is working to ensure that it is a destination that is a safe and welcoming place for LGBTQ visitors with the Pink Flamingo Hospitality Certification Program.

Hanukkah, the celebration of unwavering faith and miracles, is upon us. The eight-night observance is Dec. 7-15 and will be marked by Jewish families and their allies throughout South Florida.

OutSFL

Phone: 954-514-7095
Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 2PM
Editorial@OutSFL.com
Sales@OutSFL.com

Calendar@outsfl.com

Corrections: corrections@outsfl.com

2520 N. Dixie Highway,
Wilton Manors, FL 33305

Navigate

GOT A TIP?

Got a juicy lead or story idea? Let us know! You can also submit an anonymous news tip by clicking here.

GOT A TIP

   

Out South Florida

Hello from OutSFL! We hope you'll consider donating to us. Starting a business can be a scary prospect, but with your support so far, we've had tremendous success. Thank you!

donate button