Hotspots Magazine: 14th Annual Spa Edition by Hotspots Happening Out

On Monday, September 29, Dean Trantalis, the Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, invited everyone to come out as he delivered his annual State of the City address at The Parker. He discussed the city's accomplishments of the past year and the plans for 2026. It was great to see so many movers and shakers of Fort Lauderdale!

On Wed October 1, Salvo and his team presented the grand opening of Salvo’s Osteria Romana, and much of the community showed up for this to support Salvo including Mayor Scott Newton and Commissioner Chris Caputo. Congrats to Salvo and wishing him many years of continued success!!

On Friday, October 3, there were a few events. In Miami Celebrate Orgullo celebrated their 15th anniversary by

honoring 15 community leaders at the beautiful and scrumptious Sea Spice in Miami (Orgullo Honor 15 Gala). I am still ﬂabbergasted that I was honored with 14 other incredibly deserving people. It was a fabulous event, and one that I will not forget for the rest of my life. Thanks to Herb, George, John, Melba and the entire Celebrate Orgullo and Unity Coalition team. I would also like to thank my good friends Howard Andrew, Harry Demasiado, and Dale Stine who took time out of their busy schedules to celebrate with me. I would also like to thank fellow honoree, and good friend, Fay What?!

That night, Pinecrest Gardens was proud to be one of the ofﬁcial host sites for the 50th anniversary celebration of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and they

State of the City Address at The Parker

Salvo’s Osteria Romana

marked the milestone with a one-night-only experience. The interactive experience included: A live shadow cast with many fan-favorite characters, a costume contest with cash prizes, and an interactive screening in the open-air Banyan Bowl. Seen there, was local favorites TP Lords, Jennifer McClain, and Eric Restivo.

Late that night it was off to Leboy as in conjunction with Fabscout

Entertainment they featured Men.com exclusive Leo Levine performing live!

On Saturday, October 4, The Bears of South Florida and the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida presented The Wilton Manors Community Sing-Along at Hunters Nightclub. How fun was it to see Bears and their admirers singing along in this packed audience!!

Orgullo Honors 15 Gala

Pinecrest Gardens

Hunters

Leboy

Friday October 10

Entr’Acte Theatrix presents Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show from today through October 26. It’s never too early to think about Halloween, and who better to celebrate the fast-approaching holiday with than the denizens of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s home-sweet-castle in Richard O’Brien’s beloved cult-classic, The Rocky Horror Show. For true fans, Survival kits will be available for purchase. The Rocky Horror Show will run for 12 performances at The Cast Theatre (7429 S. Military Trail, Lake Worth). Tickets are on sale online at https://linktr.ee/entractetheatrix.

Empire Stage presents Death Trap by Ira Levin starting tonight and going through Nov 2. In Deathtrap, Sidney Bruhl, a writer of thrillers whose recent offerings have

been ﬂops, is prepared to go to any length and use anything devious to improve his fortunes. This is an ingeniously constructed play that offers a rare and skillful blend of gasp-producing thrills and raucous laughter. Deathtrap holds the record for the longest-running comedy thriller on Broadway! Tickets are $40, but $35 with code, EARLY at Empirestage.com

Saturday, October 11

Equality Florida presents their 2025 Palm Beach Brunch from 11am to 1:30pm at Hilton West Palm Beach (600 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach) featuring Emcee Geanny Ruiz, Speaker Stratton Pollitzer; their Voice of Equality Honoree Melissa St. John and their Equality Means Business Honoree H.G. Roosters. To purchase tickets, go to: EQFLpalmBeach.givesmart.com

Empire Stage Ramrod

The National LGBTQ Task Force Gala transforms this year into the “Be You Ball” and takes place tonight at the Diplomat Hotel & Beach Resort in Hollywood Florida. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: Thetaskforce.org

Starting today and going through October 26, Slow Burn theatre presents “Catch Me if You Can.” Based on the hit DreamWorks ﬁlm, Catch Me If You Can is the high-ﬂying musical comedy about chasing your dreams and not getting caught. Nominated for four Tony awards, including Best Musical, this delightfully entertaining show was created by a TonyAward-winning "dream team.” For more information or to purchase tickets, go to Browardcenter.org.

Sunday, October 12

The Ramrod presents the annual Mr. Ramrod competition from 9pm to 12 midnight. The event is hosted by David Howell, with MC Elimination Onyx, and stars Mr. Ramrod 2025 Sam Sanna.

The annual Stanley and Pearl Goodman lecture on Latin American art takes place from 3-4pm at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale. Ticket included with paid museum admission. RSVP required as there is limited seating. Join August Uribe, renowned authority on Latin American Art, as he shares insight into Stanley and Pearl Goodman's 40-year pursuit of exemplary works for their extensive collection. For tickets or more information, go to: https://ci.ovationtix.com/34755/production/1251269

actionpark.com or purchase them at the door.

Tuesday, October 14

Tonight is the monthly Pride Skate, NOW the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Pride Skate is a beneﬁt for Stonewall

Pride and takes place at Xtreme Action from 7-10pm and stars DJ T-Pro with performances by Velvet Lenore and Rianna Petrone. Buy your tickets online at Xtreme actionpark.com or purchase them at the door.

Thursday, October 16

Flockfest presents a Fashion show in conjunction with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood from 6:30 to 11pm at Daer Nightclub and stars ﬁnale designer on this season of Project Runway Utica (Ethan Mundt) and hosted by Faywhat?! and Athena Dion. The night will also feature International DJ GSP, live vocal performers, and performances by amazing local queens. For tickets go to Flockfestevents.org

Flockfest presents a Fashion show in conjunction with the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood from 6:30 11pm at Daer Nightclub and stars ﬁnale designer on this season of Project Runway Utica (Ethan Mundt) and hosted by Faywhat?! and Athena Dion. The night also feature International DJ GSP, live vocal performers, and performances by amazing local queens. For tickets go to Flockfeste vents.org

Tonight is the monthly Pride Skate, NOW the 2nd Tuesday of every month. Pride Skate is a beneﬁt for Stonewall

Tonight is the start of the Outshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival’s Fall Edition in Fort Lauderdale. The FTL part of the festival goes to the 23, and the Miami part of the festival is Oct 24-26 with the at home part

Outshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival

from Oct 27-Nov 2. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to Outshineﬁlm.com.

R House Wynwood and Osmany Caballero present Drink & Draw (the third Thursday of every month). The night features artist instructors, rotating models and music by DJ Cesar Romero. $20 includes art materials and 1 cocktail.

Friday, October 17

Latinos Salud presents the 13th annual Hispanic Heritage Food Bazaar starting at 6pm. At least a dozen countries will showcase tables with local foods and decorations, prepared from the heart. Participants will serve as community judges and award prizes for best food, best decorations, and best traditional dress. The $20 admission gets you food, soft drinks, and 2 drink coupons. The $30 VIP tickets get you early entry at 5:30 and an additional drink ticket.

The 29th annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits and Culinary Celebration takes place today from 6:30 to 10pm at the Museum of Discovery and Science. This ticketed event includes a grand tasting of cuisine from South Florida’s premier restaurants, an array of wine and spirits from around the world, music and dancing, as well as a silent auction. VIP access starts at 5:30pm, and this event is 21 and over only. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to mods.org/event.

Pridelines presents HALO, Phoenix Rise — a night of elegance, transformation, and Community from 8-10pm at the Overtown Performing Arts Center, Miami from 8-11pm. This year’s theme embodies rebirth, resilience, and triumph over hardship—a powerful reﬂection of our community’s strength and the enduring spirit of Pridelines. Step into an evening where ﬁre meets grace, and every detail honors the beauty of transformation. Reserve your place today and be part of an unforgettable evening of inspiration, impact, and celebration. Admission is complimentary; donations in support of their mission are appreciated — donor tiers available. pridelines.harnessgiving.org/events/3337

Saturday, October 18

The New World Dance Theater (25 NE 2nd Street, 8th ﬂoor, Miami) presents the 15th Annual Daniel Lewis Dance Sampler featuring seven Florida companies and choreographers with free pre-show reception with honored arts journalists. The show starts at 8pm with the preshow at 7pm. $25 general admission, $15 students; reception is free with ticket. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at Dancenowmiami.org and at the theater box ofﬁce night of the event.

The Pride Center at Equality Park presents the 16th annual Active Aging

Museum of Discovery and Science

The New World Dance Theater

Expo, which provides LGBTQ+ adults a unique and comprehensive overview of community resources. The event takes place from 10am to 2pm and features lots of free stuff. For more information go to: Pridecenterﬂorida.org/active-aging

Prism presents their annual Gala, this year entitled “Queer as Punk” and takes place at 6pm at Artserve. For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to: Prismﬂ.org

Tonight Brooklyn- and Miami-based interdisciplinary artist Miguel Anggelo brings Celia Cruz 100: Icons to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. The performance not only pays tribute to the Queen of Salsa, but also shines a light on queer identity, resilience, and community celebration. Icons brings together an all-star lineup of live musicians, dancers, and Miami drag royalty Adora and Ebonee Excell—queer voices that reﬂect the same fearless self-expression that made Celia Cruz an icon across generations. For more information, or to purchase tickets go to Aventuracenter.org

of his own. He has released several record-breaking comedy specials including “Vicious Circle,” “Isolated Incident,” “Harmful if Swallowed,” “Retaliation,” “Tourgasm,” and “Rough Around the Edges: Live from Madison Square Garden.” To purchase tickets, go to: casino.hardrock.com

Tuesday, October 21

Join the Bears of South Florida for Bear Bowling at Manor Lanes. Happy Hour and lane selection begins at 5pm inside the Sports Den Pub at Manor Lanes, with bowling starting promptly at 6pm. $38 per Bowler Bear includes bowling shoes, bowling, food and soda. Not bowling but want to cheer on your fellow Bears? $18 per Non-Bowler Bear. For more information or to purchase a space go to: BOSFL.org

The Seminole Hardrock Hotel and Casino Hollywood presents Dane Cook at 8pm. Comedy trailblazer and actor, Dane Cook, is known for his legendary stand-up comedy specials, unparalleled stage presence, and outrageous observational humor. Having had his catalogue of content streamed over a billion times worldwide Cook is in a league

The GFLGLCC presents their October Networking event, which this month will be sponsored by The Our Fund Foundation and double as M&M Casino Party beneﬁtting (at press time, but more to add) Lucky Lightyear, Equality Florida, Yes Institute, and Lantera. The event is from 5:30pm to 9pm at Island City Cultural Center (600 NE 21st Court), and admission is $25 which includes $20 play money, and 2 complimentary beverages. To purchase tickets, go to GFLGLCC.org.

Starting today and going through Sunday, October 26, the Boward Center presents “Life of Pi.” Winner of three Tony Awards and the Olivier Award for Best Play, the Broadway and West End sensation “Life of Pi” is “an exhilarating evening of theater” (The Wall Street Journal).

Based on Yann Martel’s best-selling novel that sold more than 15 million copies and

Aventura Arts & Cultural Center

became a worldwide phenomenon, “Life of Pi” is an epic story of perseverance and hope that speaks to every generation and “gives new life to Broadway” (The Today Show). Told with jaw-dropping visuals, world class puppetry and exquisite stagecraft, Lolita Chakrabarti’s stage adaptation of “Life of Pi” creates a breathtaking journey that will leave you ﬁlled with awe and joy. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to Browardcenter.org

Starting today and going through Sunday, October 26, the Kravis Center presents “The Wiz.” The Baltimore Sun raves “Powerhouse performances. Stunning choreography. Visionary sets” and the Chicago Sun-Times proclaims “The Wiz” is “An eye-popping and high-intensity revival!” This groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz changed the face of Broadway—from its iconic score packed with soul, gospel, rock and 70s funk to its stirring tale of Dorothy’s journey to ﬁnd her place in a contemporary world. Everybody rejoice—this dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road! For more information or to purchase tickets, go to Kravis.org

This is HOT

In the beginning of October, marked the 35th anniversary of the iconic ‘90s hit series “Beverly Hills, 90210.” To celebrate this milestone, Paramount Home Entertainment will release all 10 seasons and a complete series bundle on Digital in 4K UHD for the ﬁrst time on October 20. Created by Darren Star, “Beverly Hills, 90210” became a must-watch global TV phenomenon on October 4, 1990,

Austin Green and Tori Spelling. “It’s hard to believe it’s been 35 years since ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ ﬁrst premiered,” said Darren Star, creator and executive producer of the series. “I’m so proud of the show’s lasting impact and grateful to the cast, crew, and fans who have kept its legacy alive.”

All episodes* have been fully remastered in 4K Ultra High Deﬁnition, sourced from original ﬁlm elements, with enhanced color grading, modern sound remastering, and updated aspect ratios.

Ramrod

Photos: JR Davis

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Body-Blow

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival

Launches Its 17th Annual Fall Edition

October 16 – November 2

In a time when rainbow crosswalks across Florida are being erased, the OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival stands taller than ever, returning for its 17th Annual Fall Edition with a bold lineup of queer storytelling, world premieres, special events, and unforgettable celebrations. Running October 16–23 in Fort Lauderdale, October 24–26 in Miami, and October 27–November 2 on OUTshine At-Home, OUTshine continues its legacy as one of the largest LGBTQ+ cultural festivals in the world, bringing together audiences to laugh, cry, and shine in the face of adversity.

This year’s festival opens with Blue Moon, starring Ethan Hawke, a moving portrait of love, memory, and longing set on Broadway’s most historic night. The premiere takes place at Savor Cinema in Fort Lauderdale, followed by an afterparty at Masa & More. From there, OUTshine moves through two vibrant Spotlight nights, featuring The Children of Silverstreet and The Little Sister, both followed by a lively celebration at J.Marks. At the midway point,

audiences will gather at Regal Dania Pointe for the Centerpiece presentation of The Captive, where survival and freedom take center stage in a story of Miguel de Cervantes, followed by a catered afterparty at Allura MD Aesthetics + Wellness. The festival will close with Jimpa, starring John Lithgow, a heartfelt family drama set in Amsterdam, screening at Silverspot in downtown Miami with a festive afterparty in partnership with Miami Film Festival to cap the Fall Edition. Beyond these marquee screenings, OUTshine packs its schedule with special events and community favorites. The popular Cocktails & Cinema series returns with Four Stars, Bear Week Diaries, and a 25th anniversary screening of Psycho Beach Party, complete with a retro-themed patio bash. The Shorts programs—Men’s, Ladies’, and the Best of Shorts compilation—bring together powerful and diverse stories that highlight the creativity and complexity of LGBTQ+ ﬁlmmakers.

The

Captive

The Fall Edition will feature 55+ ﬁlms with 21 premieres from more than 25 countries, underscoring OUTshine’s commitment to global queer cinema. Highlights include the World Premiere of Red Light (a local production), the International Premiere of Tethered Wings, and North American Premieres of Brown, Girls & Boys, Four Stars, Out Of Love, and Away.East Coast Premieres of Newborn, Only Good Things, 3670, Army of Lovers, My Heaven Your Hell, and Body Blow. Together, these ﬁlms create a kaleidoscope of stories that span continents, cultures, and identities, ensuring

OUTshine continues to serve as a platform for the voices and visions our community needs most.

“Florida’s rainbow crosswalks may be under attack, but OUTshine reminds us that our stories, our culture, and our community can never be erased,” said Mark Gilbert.

“Now more than ever, it is vital to support LGBTQ+ and arts organizations that create spaces where we are seen, heard, and celebrated. OUTshine isn’t just a ﬁlm festival—it’s a beacon of resilience and visibility in a time when both are urgently needed.”

Best Friend

Psycho Beach party

“This year’s lineup is one of our most dynamic yet—21 premieres, ﬁlms from more than 25 countries, and stories that are both deeply personal and universally resonant,” added Joe Biancio [Programming Director]. “Whether audiences come for the groundbreaking dramas, the joyful romances, or the bold new voices, they’ll leave reminded of why queer cinema matters now more than ever.”

Tickets and passes for OUTshine’s Fall Edition are now on sale to the general public at OUTshineFilm.com, with full program details and trailers available at outshineﬁlm.com/program.

The OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival is made possible through the generous support of The Warten Foundation, Miami Dade County, Miami Beach, OurFund Foundation, Broward County Cultural Division, Gilead, Comcast, Google, Paradigm Cinemas, Regal, Tito’s Vodka, and many more community and media partners.

Ticket subscription packages and individual tickets start at $15. OUTshine passholders and Producer Circle members receive priority advance ticket purchase opportunities. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit outshineﬁlm.com.

Bear Week Diaries

Queens of the Dead

Four Stars

Night Stage

IRecommend PRODUCTS

By Scott Holland

Anyone who knows me knows I am a product whore, and I especially love Spa products. Keep in mind, it doesn't have to cost a lot to pamper yourself at home. Here are a few of my favorites this year.

Avalon Rose Botanicals

Avalon Rose Botanicals - Lumina

Revitalize Value Bundle – starting at $75avalonrosebotanicals.ca

This skincare set's key ingredients are multi-molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HMW + LMW), Nutrient-rich sea kelp, Silk peptides, Niacinamide, Calming botanicals like chamomile and cucumber, which supports real skin goals: hydration, glow, barrier repair, and even tone. Made with all natural ingredients.

• Lumina Antiox CF - Mix in a pinch to serum to boost radiance and ﬁght free radicals

• Lumina Hydration Serum - oil-free facial serum leaves skin feeling fresh and dewy

• Reﬂexology Face Massage Wandprovides no mess powder application and gentle acupressure massage

CielementsMD Daily DNA / UVA Defense Cream - $120 - Cielementsmd.com

Backed by rigorous science and clinical research, this non-nano Daily DNA / UVA Defense Cream harnesses the groundbreaking combination of CannaXR and Z-pod Technology to transform skin protection and rejuvenation. This patented delivery system is designed to penetrate deeply, maximize absorption of active ingredients and ensure their stability for long-lasting results. With this advanced formulation, the CBD in CielementsMD is 12 times more potent than other products, even six hours after application, providing unparalleled mitochondrial defense against UVA-induced damage.

CielementsMD

Melon Daze SPF30 Face & Body Cream$20 - BytheBeachsuncare.com

By The Beach

Embrace the carefree spirit of summer with this luscious formula that not only shields your skin from harmful UV rays but also leaves your skin feeling soft & smelling like a juicy, sun-kissed melon.

Carrot Turmeric Soap - $18Majenye.com

The Lymphatic Brush

The Lymphatic

Brush - $130CecilyBraden.com

An awardwinning draining device that is speciﬁcally designed to provide an easy, ergonomic, economical and effective way to incorporate lymphatic drainage into your professional and selfcare routine.

Mellow Moments Candle - $77Majenye.com

This is your invitation to pause, breathe, and embrace ease. Hand-poured with sustainable coconut wax, this cleanburning candle delivers a longer, soot-free ﬂame—perfect for c reating calm in chaotic times.

Carrot Turmeric Soap

Crafted with antioxidantrich turmeric, carrot-infused olive oil, and kojic acid, this organic, coldprocessed soap targets hyperpigmentation, balances uneven skin tone, and supports a healthy, radiant complexion. Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and melanin-rich skin.

Mantra Silk Pillowcase

Manta Silk Pillowcase - $85mantasleep.com

Experience the luxury of pure mulberry silk for revitalizing beauty sleep with this 100% pure, 22 momme mulberry silk. It's

crafted for unmatched comfort and elegance and has a zero-friction surface that keeps hair smooth and tangle-free, while helping retain moisture to minimize wrinkles and ﬁne lines. Naturally breathable and hypoallergenic, this silk keeps you cool through the night and is gentle on all skin

Sugar Plum Gourmet Chocolate Snack - $59.95 - Sugar-plum.com

Treat yourself to the ultimate self-care day with this chocolate gift basket. This beautifully arranged gift basket features a premium selection of chocolate-dipped popcorn, chocolate-covered potato chips, and chocolate-dunked pretzels, blending sweet and savory ﬂavors into a rich, satisfying snacking experience. Each treat is artisan-crafted to ensure the highest quality and maximum ﬂavor in every bite.

Y'OUR Skincare - $69 for 3-month supply (ﬁrst supply only $39)Yourskin.com

This brand was born when beauty entrepreneur Jenny and a MIT data scientist Hannah discovered their shared frustration with ﬁnding the right skincare and mutual desire to help people feel their best. They wanted every person to have the

confidence that comes with having great skin. You go on their website and take a short quiz to get a skin care set specifically designed for your skin type. Personalized skincare does wonders to your skin as each product is personalized specifically just for you. Y'OUR personalized skin care uses data science and human expertise to create an effective skincare regimen that evolves with your biology, your environment and your lifestyle. They take the guesswork out of your skin care routine, so you don't have to go through trials-and-errors and risk damaging your skin. The set includes Day Cream, Serum, Night Cream and a Cleanser.

Luxe Trio - $79Naplessoap.com

Elevate your skincare routine with this

Verbena

Sugar Plum Chocolates

Skincare

spa-worthy, lemony-fresh Luxe Trio. This premium self-care set features a rich body butter, exfoliating body scrub, and a ﬁzzy bath bomb crafted with natural, skin-loving ingredients. Designed to nourish, soften, and refresh, this luxurious trio delivers relaxation and ahh-mazing skin beneﬁts.

J. Cohen Skincare - Jcohenskincare.com

Jimmys Skin Care line offers a premium selection of high-quality skincare products designed to nourish, protect, and revitalize your skin. Crafted with natural ingredients and advanced formulas, his collection caters to all skin types, helping you achieve a radiant, youthful complexion.

Organic Wash - $45

Vegan-Natural skincare wash, Gently removes dead surface cells. Hypoallergenic and repairs the natural moisture barrier.

100% Hyaluronic Acid $99

This is a potent formula enriched with Organic Adansonia Digitata Fruit Extract and Baobab leaf extract. This powerhouse combination nourishes and protects skin, promoting collagen synthesis and defending against UV damage.

The Antidote$124

Experience the ultimate skincare antidote infused with 100% Hyaluronic Acid and Viper Venom Peptide. This potent formula targets wrinkles for a youthful, radiant complexion. Mimicking the effects of Walgerin1, found in Temple Viper venom, it's your secret weapon against aging.

Diamond Bright Toner - $50

Experience this luxurious Toner, which is a vegan and natural formula packed with powerful antioxidants and micronized diamonds. This toner improves skin texture, enhances collagen production, and provides natural UV protection for a radiant complexion.

Skin Recovery Moisturizer - $45

This Moisturizer is infused with organic extracts and niacinamide. This formula improves blemishes, redness, and ﬁne lines for a rejuvenated complexion. Great for sensitive skin with powerful antiinﬂammatory and antiaging properties.

J.Cohen Skincare

Palmyra

Photos: JR Davis

Autumn is a season of reﬂection and renewal, and these standout singles from four remarkable gay artists embody the dualities of the season: melancholy and joy, endings and beginnings, solitude and community. They remind us that music, like the falling leaves, has the power to comfort, inspire, and spark transformation. Each track drifts into the air like a leaf on the wind, carrying stories of love, loss, resilience, and rebirth that showcase queer artistry at its most luminous.

“FEELIN’” - BOBBY NEWBERRY

After stepping away from music to care for his late husband, TJ, who passed from cancer, Bobby Newberry returns with a song that is both profoundly personal and universally resonant. Co-produced with Theory, Feelin’ shimmers with warmth, capturing the carefree spirit of the love that deﬁned their relationship. From its opening lyric, “you feel like Capri summer and breezy,” the single radiates childlike happiness—the joy of being with someone who brings out your best self. More than a love song for TJ, Feelin’ is an anthem for anyone who has known love, laughter, and the ﬂeeting magic of perfect moments, transforming grief into celebration.

BEAT BOXBEAT BOXBEAT BOX BEAT BOX

Bobby Newberry

“ZIGGY” – ROGER KUHN

Roger Kuhn’s Ziggy is a transcendent gift to music lovers—a cosmic yet achingly human meditation that honors queer identity, resilience, and the power of love. Produced by Velvet Code and inspired by David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust legacy and James Brandon’s Ziggy Stardust & Me, Kuhn draws on these touchstones but creates something wholly his own: an ethereal symphony woven with atmospheric strings, ambient textures, and celestial soundscapes. The result is vast and otherworldly, yet rooted in vulnerability, as Kuhn reﬂects on aging, loneliness, and the courage of self-acceptance.

“MEET ME” – MIKE MAIMONE

Born from a chance encounter that evoked memories of his late husband, Mike Maimone’s Meet Me is both a tribute to love lost and a celebration of love found. Musically, it dazzles with vintage spark, blending a bluesy 1950s shuffle with playful swing energy that nods to Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis. Lush horns, lively piano, and radiant backing vocals create an atmosphere that feels nostalgic yet fresh—like the soundtrack to a carefree autumn afternoon filled with first kisses and hopeful beginnings. Anchored by Maimone’s warm vocals and piano, the song brims with joyful precision, carrying the thrill of discovery and the enduring hope of connection.

“FEEL IT ALL” – DAVID HERNANDEZ

David Hernandez’s feel it all is more than another addition to his impressive catalog—it’s a turning point. Vulnerable, cathartic, and utterly inspiring, the single underscores the courage it takes to face one’s truth and share it openly. Hernandez reminds us that connection is the antidote to isolation and that music, at its best, can heal. With his signature pop-soul vocals soaring over a sweeping mid-tempo arrangement, Hernandez lays bare his journey through addiction and sobriety, transforming pain into a universal message of resilience and hope. The result is raw, honest, and triumphantly human.

David Hernandez

Roger Kuhn

Mike Maimone

FINDING THE SWEET SPOT

When it comes to ﬁtness, it’s not just about showing up at the gym and moving weight around. It’s about ﬁnding the sweet spot in each exercise. That magic place where your muscles light up, your form feels just right, and you know you’re building strength, power, or endurance without wasting energy or risking injury.

Think of it like tuning a guitar: a tiny twist on the string can turn noise into music. In ﬁtness, a small tweak in your grip, stance, or angle can turn “meh” into maximum results. Here’s how to start hitting that sweet spot in some common exercises:

1. Squats – Depth Meets Comfort

The squat sweet spot isn’t about forcing your hips to the ﬂoor or barely bending your knees. For most people, it’s when thighs hit

parallel (or deeper if mobility allows), your heels stay planted, and your torso stays upright.

• Tools: Try a goblet squat with a dumbbell for better balance.

• Angles: A wider stance ﬁres up glutes, while a narrow stance lights up quads.

2. Bench Press – Angle of Power

Too shallow and your chestdoesn’t get enough work; too deep and your shoulders pay the price. The sweet spot is when the bar hovers just above your chest, elbows tucked at a 45° angle, and your chest (not your joints) is doing the heavy lifting.

• Grips: A wider grip targets chest, closer grip shifts load to triceps.

• Tools: Swap barbell for dumbbells to ﬁnd a more natural pressing path.

Leo Harley

3. Deadlifts – Hinge, Don’t Hunch

The deadlift is all about ﬁnding harmony between hips, hamstrings, and spine. Your sweet spot is when your back stays ﬂat, the bar hugs your shins, and the lift feels powerful, not painful.

• Tools: Use hex/trap bars to take pressure off your lower back.

• Grips: Overhand for control, mixed grip for heavier loads, hook grip if you’re feeling hardcore.

4. Planks – Shaky but Steady

If you’re planking so easily you can scroll TikTok, you’re not working hard enough. If you collapse in seconds, you’ve overshot it. The sweet spot? When your core is trembling just enough to know it’s working, while your back and hips stay in a straight line.

• Angles: Forearm planks hit deep core, side planks torch obliques, incline planks are great for building up endurance.

• Tools: Add sliders or stability balls to ﬁnd a new challenge.

5. Cardio – Talking, Not Singing

Your cardio sweet spot is called the “conversational zone.” If you can chat with a

buddy but can’t sing along to your playlist without gasping, you’re right where you need to be for endurance and fat burn.

Tools: Inclines on a treadmill, resistance on a bike, or intervals on a rower can help you dial in that intensity.

Angles: Hills, ramps, or even stairs change muscle activation and keep your workouts fresh.

The sweet spot is your happy place, and here’s why

• Efﬁciency – You’ll get better results in less time.

• Safety – Proper alignment, grips and angles protect your joints.

• Progress – Small tweaks keep your muscles guessing and growing.

Final Rep:

Your sweet spot isn’t one-size-ﬁts-all. It’s personal, and it often shifts as you get stronger, more mobile, or try new tools. Don’t be afraid to experiment, adjust your stance, play with grips, or tilt the angle just a little. You’ll be surprised how those tiny changes can unlock massive gains.

So next time you hit the gym, tune in. Listen to your body, feel the movement, and adjust until you ﬁnd that golden balance. That’s the sweet spot, and it’s where real progress lives.

What’s a Jonty, you ask?

Good question, one that has no immediate answer beyond it being the title of a new ﬁlm from director Lorene Scafaria (“Hustlers”). We also know that A24 is behind it, and that there’s a script from “Succession” scribe Jesse

Armstrong and BAFTA

winner Sam Bain (“Four Lions). Of course, for queer audiences it’s a Cole Escola moment. The queer Tony Award-winning creator and star of “Oh, Mary!” and nonbinary cultural powerhouse will take a leading role alongside Jesse Plemons (“Bugonia”), who may not be queer himself but who made all of us want to run out and buy a pair of little red gay

sunglasses after he wore them to unhinged glory in “Civil War” as an psychotic soldier. Is one of them going to be Jonty? Is Jonty a character’s name? A thing? A planet? A pastry? We’ll be waiting. Impatiently.

Willow Smith dives into the ‘Slime’

It’s been a while since 10-year-old Willow Smith whipped her hair back and forth on the pop charts and now, at 24, she’s stepping into the shoes of her parents and starring in the upcoming animated sci-feature, “Slime.” The queer actress/singer/ dancer will voice the lead role alongside musician Scott “Kid Cudi” Mescudi and an impressive roster of co-stars including Teyana Taylor (“One Battle After Another”), John Boyega

(“The Woman King”), Anna Sawai (Emmy-winner for “Shogun”) and John Cho (“Tempest”). The story, from Sundance Film Festival award-winning animator/director Jeron Braxton, involves monsters and slime injections and a dystopian future landscape, and that means the anime fans — a powerful box-ofﬁce force — should eat this right up.

‘A

(“The Woman King”), Anna

Long Winter’ is coming from Andrew Haigh

The heartbreaking queer British indie ﬁlm “All of Us Strangers” found writer-director Andrew Haigh nominated for multiple BAFTAs, and for his follow-up feature he’s teaming with young star Fred Hechinger (“Thelma,” “Gladiator II”) for the family drama “A Long Winter.” Adapted from the story by novelist Colm Tóibín, the premise involves two adult sons (one played by Hechinger) who wind up in a search party for their middle-aged alcoholic mother after she gets lost in a snowstorm. What Haigh does very well is pinpoint deep emotional connections between his characters, and when he leans into the sorrow of it all he makes audiences cry without heavy-handed tactics. “A Long Winter” is a new production so it’s early in the process. Casting and script details can change along the way. But the source material is solidly in the serious vein, so it’s safe to say you should get out your handkerchiefs.

Elliot Page takes a ‘Second Nature’ walk

The word “unnatural” is one every queer person has heard in their life, always delivered by someone who has no idea what they’re talking about. And what you never learned in high school biology class is that the animal world, on land and sea, is very queer. Documentary ﬁlmmaker Drew Denny explores this subject in the new ﬁlm “Second Nature,” narrated by Elliot Page and featuring transgender evolutionary biologist Dr. Joan

Roughgarden. Joined by a variety of other queer scientists, Roughgarden presents some of the over 1,500 species that bond — and often parent — in same-sex pairs, that change sex in the course of their lives (like the clownﬁsh), live in matriarchal communities and generally behave in ways that are not heteronormative at all. Go see it and lay some facts on your drunk uncle at Thanksgiving. The ﬁlm takes its world premiere bow at New York's NewFest on Oct. 18.

Romeo San Vicente is the Lion Queen.

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