Welcome to ‘Ask John Porter’ – a column sharing a source of wisdom, support, and empowerment in the colorful world of LGBTQ+. Porter’s advice column is a safe space where questions, concerns, and curiosities about life, love, identity, and everything in between are welcomed with open arms from contributing writer, John Porter. Your voices matter, and your experiences can inspire and help others on their journeys

During last week’s GOP presidential debate, the candidates punted on climate change. Vivek Ramaswamy exuberantly declared, “climate change is a hoax.” Nikki Haley, whose debate performance was otherwise reasonable, thinks China and India should reduce their carbon output first. Ron DeSantis, who rejected the form of the question, has called climate change “left-wing stuff,” and blames “wokeness” rather than escalating climate claims for the disappearance of property insurers in Florida.

Sebastian, our Aussiedoodle puppy, arrives this week. He’s named after St. Sebastian, the unofficial patron saint, or icon, of gay men. Perpetua and Felicity are the unofficial patron saints of lesbians.

Congregation Etz Chaim (CEC) is one of South Florida’s LGBTQ success stories. On the surface it does not seem that way: In its 49-year history, CEC has had more ups and downs than a roller coaster.

Introducing our new advice columnist - Kelly Ghweinem. Queerly Beloved is an expertly curated column dedicated to the world of LGBTQ sex, intimacy and relationships that provides education, insights and actionable tips for the reader to enhance their pleasure journey. This column will answer questions and provide advice to readers to deepen intimate connections, elevate pleasurable experiences, and empower people.

In America’s latest iteration of law vs. scofflaw, Fani Willis has brought the most consequential prosecution in US history. Her 41 count indictment against Donald Trump and 18 of his closest co-conspirators threads the infinitesimal needle between free political speech and fraud, sewing Trump’s falsehoods into a cloak of criminal enterprise beyond the protection of the First Amendment.