Hotspots! June 10, 2021 (Issue 3612)

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36th Year

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Front

A LETTER F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

HotspotsMagazine.com Publisher Peter Jackson Associate Publisher Scott Holland ART Art Director Frank Mendez DIGITAL PUBLISHING Digital Manager Troy Maillis Special Projects Manager Austin Rahn ADMINISTRATION Business Manager Alyson Thomas ADVERTISING Account Executives Anthony Verrico Nicole Covar Franco Urrutia EDITORIAL Special Projects/ Editor at Large Jameer Baptiste CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Chris Azzopardi | Tom Bonanti Katina Caraganis | S. Elfman Mike Jeknavorian | Andreus Quinones STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER J.R. Davis

Published alternate Thursdays (26 issues/year) by

CEO | Jeff Sterling President | Peter Jackson VP Operations | Scott Holland VP Development | Fr. Jamie Forsythe 2435 N Dixie Hwy Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Telephone (754)200-2979 Copyright 2021, WMEG Community Marketing and Events. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without written permission by the Publisher is prohibited. Publication of the name or photograph or any person, living or dead, is not to be construed as any indication of the sexual orientation of such persons or organizations.

WMEG Community Marketing and Events is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to promoting South Florida, and especially Wilton Manors, as a welcoming LGBTQ+ destination through marketing and events.

WMEG produces close to 50 events a year, including the annual Stonewall Pride Parade and Festival in Wilton Manors. Monthly events include Art Walk on Wilton Drive and Vibes On The Drive. Visit WMEG.org for more information.

Stonewall: Be there!

LGBTQ+ Americans enjoy a level of freedom and acceptance today that would have been unimaginable just 52 years ago when a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City’s West Village, ignited a riot and the LGBT community’s fight for equality.

The affirmation in 2015 by the U.S. Supreme Court of the freedom to marry was a crowning achievement in that struggle — and, certainly, gay Americans today are visible and living authentic lives in all sectors of society including television, politics, government and business.

But also visible today are endless incidents of hate, intolerance, discrimination and violence, especially against trans women. The fact is it’s still legal to discriminate against LGBTQ+ people in almost 30 states where there are no state protections from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity in employment, housing and public accommodations.

Even more concerning, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is on the rise.

“Federal legislation is needed to protect the community as a growing number of states are passing laws restricting LGBTQ rights, and a more conservative Supreme Court has signaled its desire to strengthen religious freedom protections,” warns USA Today.

That federal legislation, in the form of the Equality Act, would amend the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964 to extend protections for LGBTQ+ Americans. It’s faced a years-long battle on Capitol Hill but is expected to be considered by Congress soon.

Political observers believe it’s passage is unlikely.

That’s why the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival on June 19th is so important. Despite the progress the LGBTQ+ community has made since the Stonewall Inn riot in 1969, the struggle for equality isn’t over.

So come out, celebrate and be visible!

Here’s wishing everyone a Happy Pride!

Peter Jackson Publisher

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By Scott Holland

The LGBT+ Housing Initiative started as an idea from a meeting of the Keller Williams Rainbow Network at a company event in 2019. The topic was how they can give back to their community. As realtors, one of the ways they, as a group, can give back is to encourage home ownership in the LGBTQ+ community. Home ownership in the United States is at 64%. However, in the LGBT+ community that number is 49%. Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream. Their group decided that they needed to put a program together to promote and encourage more of their community to participate in this part of the dream.

They took a page out of other organizations that encourage homeownership in other communities, like 28 | HotspotsMagazine.com

the Hero community. What they agreed to do is to give their LGBT+ homeowners an extra advantage to make owning a home a little easier.

Here's how it works. If an LGBT+ homebuyer works with one of their agents who participates in the Initiative, that agent agrees to donate 25% of their commission to the LGBT+ Housing Initiative. 20% is then given to the home buyer or seller within 10 days after closing.

One of our advertisers, Dave Gervase, not only participates in this program but is on the Board of Directors of the LGBT Housing Initiative. I thought it appropriate, in the Pride Edition, that we sit down with Dave as we are so proud of what he does.

How long have you been a Real Estate Agent?

I have been selling real estate in Fort Lauderdale full time since 1999 with a twoyear break from sales in 2013 to serve as Asst Manager of my firm focused on recruiting and training. This gave me the opportunity to invest in equity ownership of the Keller Williams Coral Springs office and our In-house title company, Title Alliance professionals.

Have you ever represented anyone famous?

Yes and a few that are notorious. Seriously I have worked with many local news and sports personalities.

What was your favorite property that you represented and why?

About a decade ago I sold a town house in Weston. Afterward I sent out a postcard and soon got a call from Pearl Klugerman.

She was 94 and told me that she thought I had a kind face. She needed to sell her condo and go into assisted living and asked for my help. I listed and sold her condo furnished, arranged for help to pack, and drove her to her new life at the assisted living. It certainly wasn't the sexiest property that I ever sold, but it by far my favorite and most meaningful.

Why did you decide to get involved with the LGBT Housing Initiative?

The LGBT Housing, Initiative was the

brainchild of a colleague of mine in Cleveland. Studies have shown that 40% of homeless teens identify as LGBTQ. Another fact is that homeownership in the LGBTQ community is nearly 20% lower than overall homeownership. Mike Zinicola came up with an idea that would help on both fronts.

The formula is simple and works the same way the Homes for Heroes does. The agent gives 25% of their commission to the Initiative. 20% goes back to the client to help with their expenses. 5% goes into the fund that is distributed to organizations that help get LGBTQ kids off the streets. Of course, if the client doesn't need the assistance, we are happy to give it all to the kids.

You are on the Board of Directors. How did that happen?

It was kind of a natural evolution. Agent participation in the LGBT Housing initiative is only open to agents in the Keller Williams Rainbow network which I have held various leadership roles in over the years. The network is the largest LGBT Agent to Agent referral and mastermind group in the real

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estate industry. It enables LGBT KW Agents to refer clients to like-minded agents all over the world. Anyway, at the beginning of the pandemic we began a weekly KW Rainbow Zoom Mastermind call to help each other build and sustain our businesses through challenging times. It was also when the idea of the initiative came to be. Zinicola did the filing for the 501(c)3 and the board was formed with a diverse group of top producing agents from all over the county.

I also serve on the National Board of Directors of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance and local Chapter advisor. The Alliance is the largest LGBTQ Trade Organization in the Real Estate Industry.

We've partnered with NAR, Every Major real estate brand, Other Affinity real estate trade organizations and boards with a mission to end housing discrimination. Serving on both boards is quite a privilege that I don't take lightly. We have a lot of work to do, and I am excited to be part of it.

How fulfilling is it to be a part of this program?

Look, I am in business to make money and money is only good for the good that it can

“

Home ownership in the United States is at 64%.

However, in the LGBT+ community that number is 49%. Homeownership is a major part of the American Dream.”

do for people Giving back is part of my DNA and this is a simple program that can do amazing things.

Why should someone choose you as their realtor?

Hopefully to participate in the initiative!

Beyond that there's a bevy of talented professional agents in this town who I respect. Why someone should work with me I guess can be summed up in my most recent and favorite Christmas gift from my husband. He gave me a cuff bracelet with "Fierce Advocate" engraved in it. He said that for the last 22 years he's listened to me on the phone advocating for my clients, keeping the best interests and goals as my focus. It was the best gift I've received, and I wear it every day to remind me that I have to advocate for my clients and my community.

For more information ion Dave Gervase go to Resideoceanside.com or call him at 954224-3663, and for more information on the Initiative go to: lgbthousinginitiative.com.

HOT Talk

THE BEST LGBTQ+ CHATTER ON SOCIAL MEDIA

THAT’S NOT WHAT YOU PROMISED, GOVERNOR

“Let’s be clear about what this is: Governor DeSantis has declared war on Florida’s LGBTQ community.

Before the 2019 Remembrance Ceremony, Governor DeSantis stood on hallowed ground, steps from where I escaped the building in 2016, and promised me that he would always support those of us impacted by the Pulse nightclub shooting.

Today, almost two years later to date, he vetoed mental health services for us. I will never forget.”

— BRANDON WOLF, Media Relations Manager for Equality Florida and survivor of the Pulse Massacre.

NOMINEES FOR ‘MOST HOMOPHOBIC AND TRANSPHOBIC GOVEROR’ AWARD ARE...

“Yesterday marked the first day of Pride Month and Governor DeSantis has once again proved that he is one of the most homophobic and transphobic Governors in the United States.”

— Dr. GEORGE A. WALLACE, Executive Director of the LGBT+ Center Orlando, Inc., in a statement on social media after the Governor vetoed all $150,000 in funding for the Center’s United Assistance Center.

FIRST LESBIAN AT THE PRESS ROOM PODIUM

“It’s a real honor to be standing here today. I appreciate the historic nature, I really do, but I believe that being behind this podium, being in this room, being in this building, is not about one person. It’s about what we do on behalf of the American people.”

— White House Principal Deputy Press Secretary KAINE JEAN-PIERRE, the first openly gay and only the second black spokesperson to address the press on behalf of the Oval Office.

WE’RE HERE, WE’RE QUEER, WE’RE EVERYWHERE

“I appreciate the fact I was able to provide some LGBT representation on Jeopardy, especially at the beginning of Pride Month.

There is no better time for me to be on.”

— KEVIN HIRSH, Jeopardy game show champion and Wilton Manors area resident, quoted in SFGN. —By Hotspots Staff Writers Photos via Facebook

WHAT ALL LGBTQ+ CHILDREN DESERVE TO HEAR FROM PARENTS

“To my beautiful and fabulous son EJ, Happy Birthday!!

Continue to change and educate the world!

— Sports legend EARVIN MAGIC JOHNSON, on Twitter, a huge supporter of his gay son.

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Photo via Twitter

Photo: Wikimedia.org / Mrs. Charles Stephenson (Grace Murray)

JUNETEENTH stands for PRIDE 38 | HotspotsMagazine.com

Juneteenth Emancipation Day Celebration on June 19,1900 in Texas.

By Jameer Bapiste Pride comes in many forms and Juneteenth is one representation of it that lives within our nation's understanding of acceptance and equality.

The day June 19th will forever be seared in our history as a day when the United States came one step closer to realizing that all people are created equal and thus should be treated with respect and dignity. It was on that day in 1865 that slaves were declared free in Texas. The proclamation of freedom was announced by the Union Army General Gordon Granger upon his arrival in the Lone Star State.

The Emancipation Proclamation transmitted that day as a general order of the famous General Order No. 3 came two years after the official United States Proclamation 95 that declared the abolition of slavery in 1862. However, the memory of the General Order No. 3 proclamation, which was announced more than a month after the Civil War ended, lives on year after year as an honored American holiday.

Before the Freedom Day celebration reached national recognition, it stayed within the confines of the Lone Star State – practically in churches within Texan black communities. The meaning of the celebration always stayed the same but the pride behind it took on multiple purposes. The first Jubilee Day that occurred just a year after General Granger's official proclamation acted as an informative event with the purpose of educating newly freed slaves on how to vote.

The June 19, 1866, inaugural Jubilee Day was organized by a group of freed slaves called Freedmen. The group's pride ran deep as it wasn't just by emancipation that some of them, both men and women (Freedwomen), were legally freed Black Americans. Some gained their freedom through self-purchase, a process in which enslaved people were

The Freedom Day radiated with pride intermingling serious aspects of Black American liberation with that of celebratory components like food festivals that represented Black American cuisine.

Photo: Wikimedia.org / Seattle Municipal Archives from Seattle, WA

becoming an annual affair within black communities throughout the United States by the 1940s, true equality still eluded Black Americans. Occurrences of segregation, inequality and unrest caused moments of decline throughout the pride celebration's existence. But like that of human will, Black Americans continued to fight with pride for inalienable freedom.

It's a fight that's no stranger to any marginalized community. Till this day, Black

Photo: Wikimedia.org / VCU Libraries

legally unfettered by their own ability to acquire enough funds to negotiate a price for their freedom.

Overtime by 1872 the Freedmen, specifically 4 members of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and the Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, were able to garner enough money as a group to purchase land in Houston, Texas, which acted as the grounds for the annual Jubilee Day celebrations. What is known today as Emancipation Park is not only the oldest park in Houston but also the oldest park throughout the state of Texas.

The pride event officially changed names from Jubilee Day to Juneteenth sometime in the 1890s, a decade in which Black American pride was reversed in the Confederate States that enacted disenfranchising laws against black people. And yet again, Juneteenth took on another purpose – an annual event where black people could come together in camaraderie and acceptance. At one point, an estimated 30,000 Black Americans attended an 1898 Juneteenth celebration at Booker T. Washington Park.

The annual Texan Juneteenth celebrations gained in popularity and by the 1920s and 30s, the prideful day became an honored tradition within black communities throughout the Southern States of America.

The Freedom Day radiated with pride intermingling serious aspects of Black American liberation with that of celebratory components like food festivals that represented Black American cuisine.

Although the Liberation Day continued to increase in attention making its way from just a celebration in Southern States to

Emancipation Day celebration in Richmond,VA, 1905.

Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, LGBTQ+ people, and the list goes on, fight for true equality. Juneteenth is a reminder of that fight. But it's also a moment of pride, a moment to celebrate Black American Culture, Black American Resilience and Black American Determination.

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COVER Story

HOTSPOTS Photo by DENNIS DEAN, DENNIS DEAN IMAGES

The LGBTQ+ community and its supporters will gather on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on Saturday June 19th for the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival.

STONEWALL PRIDE IS BACK!

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ilton Manors will be awash with all the colors of the rainbow on Saturday, June 19 when an estimated 35,000 spectators are expected at the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival, one of South Florida’s largest Pride celebrations. Wilton Drive, the city’s milelong shopping, dining and entertainment artery, will be closed to traffic in order to accommodate six stages, all-day entertainment, a festival marketplace, and the highlight of the day — a colorful parade with the theme ‘Out of the Darkness, Into the Light’! >> 46 | HotspotsMagazine.com

STONEWALL PRIDE 2021 EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE STONEWALL PRIDE PARADE AND STREET FESTIVAL Q: When is the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival?

A: The Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival takes place on Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors on Saturday, June 19, 2021. The festival and all-day entertainment starts at 3 p.m. followed by a twilight parade at 7 p.m. The event ends at 11 p.m.

Q: Do I have to buy a ticket to attend?

A: Yes, there is a $5 admission for adults and children aged 12 and over.

We accept cash or credit cards. This money is needed to pay for public safety and security and the $500,000 price tag of producing the event. If you are unable to attend, Happening Out Television Network will be livestreaming from the event. Check their website at www.HappeningOut.com for more information closer to the event.

Q: What’s the theme of this year’s parade?

A: This year’s theme is “Out of the Darkness, Into the

Light”, symbolizing the start of the nation’s return to normalcy after COVID. The parade will be at twilight. Participants are encouraged to use glow sticks, battery-operated candles, neon fabric and other means of illumination.

Q: How many stages will there be?

A: There will be 6 stages spread out on Wilton Drive.

The center stage, called the Black Excellence stage in honor of Juneteenth, will be located at the intersection of N.E. 6th Avenue and Wilton Drive.

Q: Who will be performing?

A: There will be 6 stages and 16 bars all offering a diversity of local entertainment throughout the day.

More information about specific performers will be announced closer to the event.

Q: Will Wilton Drive be closed to traffic for the event on June 19th?

A: Yes. Wilton Drive will be closed at 4 a.m. Saturday from NE 21st Court to Five

Points and will not be reopened until 4 a.m. on Sunday morning.

Q: Where do I park? Is there free parking?

A: There is no free parking.

Parking is available at Hagen Park and numerous private lots. The community is encouraged to rideshare and carpool.

Q: Is this a family-friendly event?

A: Yes, we invite the entire community to attend.

Q: What the COVID precautions?

A: Although the mask mandate has been lifted by the State of Florida, we strongly encourage people to wear masks. Hand sanitizing stations are available throughout the festival area.

Q: Are there security precautions — and what is NOT allowed?

A: No weapons, illegal substances or nudity of any kind are allowed at the event. Drones, skateboards and electric vehicles are also prohibited. Any large

bags are subject to search.

Q: Who are the parade Grand Marshalls?

A: At presstime, organizers had announced one of an anticipated two Grand Marshalls. Emmy award winning NBC6 meteorologist Steve MacLaughlin was confirmed as one of the parade’s leaders.

Q: I’d like to be in the parade. How do I do that?

A: Simply click the “Join The Parade” button at www.StonewallPride.lgbt and follow the instructions.

Q: I’d like to volunteer.

How do I do that?

A: Simply click the “Volunteer” button at www.StonewallPride.lgbt and follow the instructions.

Q: If I’m in the parade, do I have to pay to enter the festival?

A: Yes. Q: I registered for the parade. Where is the line-up?

A: The parade line-up will be at the Fort Lauderdale High School on NE 4th Ave at 4

p.m. Parade participants will be e-mailed detailed instructions in advance of the event.

Q: It is too late to buy a booth at the festival to promote my business?

A: No, but space is very limited. Fill out the Vendor Application form found online at StonewallPride.lgbt.

Q: If I buy a booth, will I have to bring a canopy?

A: No, your covered booth space is provided. Vendor booths will be a single line along Wilton Drive, with no back-toback booths or booths across from and/or facing each other. Booth prices are based on location.

Q: If I buy a booth, do I have to pay to enter the festival?

A: Each vendor is provided four passes for workers.

Q: Is the event ADA compliant?

A: Yes. Q: Can I bring my own alcohol?

A: No. We invite the community to drink responsibly and support our local bars.

• For the latest information, visit www.StonewallPride.LGBT

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HOT Tickets UPCOMING EVENTS FOR YOUR CALENDAR

‘BEARS IN LAUDERDALE’ WEEK TO END SUMMER WITH A BANG 4 15 events in 6 days bring together local bars, Bear Community

F

as Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors welcome major event

ort Lauderdale Beach is famously known as Where The Boys Are, but this Labor Day weekend, it will be Where The Bears Are! Tickets are now on sale for Bears In Lauderdale, South Florida’s first annual international celebration of the Bear Community which kicks of Sept. 1 and ends with an over-the-top Labor Day pool and dance party on Sept. 6.

With 15 themed events at bars and venues including a dance party on Fort Lauderdale Beach featuring recording superstar Deborah Cox, internationally acclaimed DJ Dan DeLeon as well as club favorite DJ Rentboy, the week-long event is expected to attract hundreds of Bears and their admirers to Wilton Manors and the City of Fort Lauderdale to end the

summer with a bang.

Among the other events taking place during Bears In Lauderdale week are a VIP Kickoff Party featuring a performance by hilarious comedian Pam Ann, a Bear & Leather Ball, the first annual Mr. Lauderdale Bear Contest and a Furball Underwear Party.

COLLABORATION “This is a first-of-itskind event and a major collaboration between nine gay bars in Wilton Manors who are hosting the events, the Bear Community, and dozens of sponsors and supporters. It’s a true community-driven initiative,” said Peter Jackson, president of WMEG Community Marketing and Events, who created Bears In Lauderdale. “We are reaching out to Bear groups and gay

BEARS IN LAUDERDALE WEEK SCHEDULE WEDNESDAY, SEPT 1 Furball Underwear Party Eagle Bar Wilton Manors 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Private Passholder Kickoff Party LeatherWerks 9 p.m. - midnight

THURSDAY, SEPT 2 Official VIP Party Featuring Pam Ann Hunter’s Nightclub 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Mr. Lauderdale Bear Contest and Victory Party Georgie’s Alibi 8 p.m. - 2 a.m.

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FRIDAY, SEPT 3 Bears At The Beach Bear Day at Sebastian Beach noon - 4 p.m.

Warmup Party LeatherWerks 9 p.m. - midnight Bear Dance Block Party The Pub and Gym Bar 9 p.m. - 3 a.m.

4DEBORAH COX 4DJ DAN DELEON 4RENTBOY 4PAM-ANN

Recording superstar Deborah Cox (left) will perform during Bears In Lauderdale Week at a concert and dance party Sept. 4 on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The event also features mega DJ Dan DeLeon (below) as well as club favorite RentBoy.

media all over the country to promote this event and let the world know that Fort Lauderdale — and Wilton Manors, specifically — is a fun and welcoming destination for the Bear community and that ‘Bears In Lauderdale Week’ is the Bear event of all Bear events!”

Themed events are scheduled so far for Eagle Bar Wilton Manors, Georgie’s Alibi, Hunter’s Nightclub, The Manor, Drynk Bar,

Ramrod, Lit, The Pub and Gym Bar. LeatherWerks will be the official ticket pick-up location and leather store.

The official host hotel of Bears In Lauderdale is the fabulous new Hyatt Centric Las Olas where an ‘over the top’ Labor Day Pool and Dance Party, overlooking Fort Lauderdale’s beautiful downtown, will be the place to celebrate.

Special package rates are available for CONTINUED >

SATURDAY, SEPT 4 Fort Lauderdale Beach Spectacular with Deborah Cox, DJ Dan DeLeon and RentBoy Fort Lauderdale Beach 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Drinks at Drynk Drynk Bar 9 p.m. - midnight Pig Dance Bear Party Ramrod 10 p.m. - 3 a.m.

VIP Party at The Manor Balcony at The Manor Midnight - 4 a.m.

SUNDAY, SEPT 5 Bear Tea Dance Lit Style Lit Bar 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Bear and Leather Ball Eagle Bar Wilton Manors 9 p.m. - 2 a.m.

MONDAY, SEPT 6 LABOR DAY End of Summer Pool & Dance Party Hyatt Centric Las Olas 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Schedule is not final and is subject to change.

Other events may be scheduled.

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BEARS IN LAUDERDALE WEEK ENDS SUMMER CONTINUED >

out-of-town Bears. (See web site.)

VISIT LAUDERDALE Bears in Lauderdale has won the support of Visit Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale’s Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Greater Fort Lauderdale is the LGBT+ capital of Florida, and we are proud to have a thriving resident Bear community that is ready to welcome Bears of all ages to our authentic and inclusive paradise,” said Richard Gray, Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for Visit Lauderdale.

“We have the wonderful possibility of this becoming one of the largest Bear events in the world and are thrilled for all Bears to experience first-hand what makes Greater Fort Lauderdale so inclusive and so very special.”

LIMITED TICKETS “There’s a maximum capacity at all our events and tickets are selling fast, so we encourage people interested in attending all or any of the events to buy their tickets

online at the official website now as we expect Bears In Lauderdale to be a sellout,” said Chuck King, a co-producer of event and general manager of Eagle Bar Wilton Manors.

Bears In Lauderdale is produced by WMEG Community Marketing and Events in collaboration with the Bear Community, promoters Chuck and Greg King, Eagle Bar Wilton Manors, LeatherWerks, Hotspots magazine, Visit Lauderdale and more than two dozen sponsors and business partners.

WMEG Community Marketing and Events is a 501( c)(3) nonprofit based in Wilton Manors that produces more than 50 events per year including the Stonewall Pride Parade and Street Festival and publishes Hotspots, one of America’s iconic LGBTQ+ magazines and Florida’s largest LGBT media network, now in its 36th year.

For more information, visit wmeg.org/Bears. Note: Tickets will be sold only on wmeg.org/Bears.

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G

iven the number of people that wear Chris Lopez’s apparel in South Florida, it would seem that many reading this column are at least familiar with the work of this local artist. But what’s less known is the subtext of some of Lopez’s work, as well as the origin of his popular logo.

What do you miss about it?

The cultural life.

What’s your claim-to-fame?

I’m a multimedia artist.

What part of South Florida do you live in?

Oakland Park.

Where did you grow up?

In a small town 20 minutes north of the Barcelona coast.

What’s something special about the Barcelona area that isn’t common knowledge?

That you have to be bilingual in order to work there.

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How long have you lived in South Florida?

For 20 years.

Why did you move here?

For the weather and the big gay community.

What do you like most about living here?

The amazing quality of life and our gay neighborhood.

Where do you hang out in South Florida?

At our local bars.

What’s the story behind the subject in your logo?

It’s a man, but no one in particular. That’s the main subject of my body of work. The anonymity of it.

How did you end up having a new mural at the Shoppes of Wilton Manors?

That was an amazing idea of Johnny Pak from Alibi. He commissioned it and gave me the freedom to do what I wanted to do. It definitely is better than those black panels that were there before. I’m so thrilled to see my illustrations in that big size.

What’s your dream project?

A big mural for a tall building.

What South Florida venue do you miss that’s gone?

The Sea Monster.

NAMES & FACES

Chris

BY MIKE JEKNAVORIAN

LOPEZ The Artist.

If you had to live somewhere else, where would you live?

In Berlin.

Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now?

A driver.

Which photograph that you took is the most special to you?

One of my parents.

Who’s your favorite artist?

Ramon Casas and much more.

Who’s your favorite photographer?

Cristina Garcia Rodero.

Will you ever open a physical store?

Maybe… I did have one for ten years.

Who would you love to photograph or do an illustration of?

Bill Goldberg.

What have you been doing to keep yourself busy during the quarantine?

Designing, painting, drawing, and printing.

Will you ever retire?

I will when my brain does.

What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around?

I’m not a teenager anymore (laughs).

Who would you like to be for a day?

A child, so I could find everything around new and fascinating.

Do you think that this is the most amoral time that’s ever existed?

No.

What’s the weirdest question that a fan has asked you?

“What do you do?”

If you were a dictator with unlimited powers, what would you do first?

I’d abolish religion.

Who or what is the greatest love of your life?

My husband for 20 years.

What’s the last thing that you looked at online?

Twitter.

CONTINUED >

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CHRIS LOPEZ — THE ARTIST

CONTINUED

Would you ever pose nude?

I’m not interested in doing that.

What’s the best place that you’v e ever visited?

Paris.

What are you an expert at?

Teaching, drawing and painting.

If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered?

For my work.

What do you want to live long enough to see?

The end of human stupidity.

If vampirism was real and you could live forever, would you do it?

Yes. What’s something that you learned in life only when you got older?

To work less and to enjoy myself more.

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What did you learn from your parents?

To be responsible.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be?

Drums.

Who’s your favorite performer?

VNV Nation.

Are you more like a sheep or a wolf?

Independent and fearless as a wolf.

What’s your best characteristic?

That I’m very constant.

Who depends on you, and for what?

My husband does; I’m his family.

What’s your favorite quote?

“Everything you can imagine is real.” Picasso said it.

How do you enjoy spending your time?

Creating and/or playing with my artwork.

What celebrity do you have crush on?

Chris Meloni and Steve Carrell.

Who do you admire?

Pedro Almodóvar.

Who are you closest with?

My husband.

What would your autobiography be called?

Dreams Are Real.

What’s on your bucket list?

A lot of travel.

What’s your greatest regret in life?

Nothing. I learn from my mistakes.

What do you worry about?

Getting older.

What’s something about you that people don’t know?

My spiritual life.

What are you afraid of?

Alzheimer’s.

Where can we see you?

Shopping at Trader Joe’s.

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By S. Elfman

Nowadays Gay Pride parades and festivals are amazing parties and events where you can celebrate your pride and be loud and proud.

But it took a while to get here as the first Pride was a demonstration.

On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Riots took place in New York City. Considered by many to be the birth of the gay rights movement, they were a spontaneous series of demonstrations against police raids and many other injustices that were being done to the LGBT community. The Stonewall Riots took place at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in the early morning hours.

Back then, it was illegal to perform homosexual acts in almost every state. The police departments kept lists of known LGBT people, their favorite places to go and their friends; LGBT bars were shut down and customers were arrested and exposed in newspapers; and cities performed sweeps to rid neighborhoods, parks, bars and beaches of LGBT people.

After the raid at Stonewall Inn, several protests and demonstrations took place and within weeks activist groups were 92 | HotspotsMagazine.com

“For us, every month is

Pride month.” organized to establish places for the LGBT community to gather together and be open without fear of being harassed or arrested.

One year later, on June 28, 1970, the first gay pride march took place in New York City and was called Christopher Street Liberation Day in honor of Stonewall Inn's location and it drew thousands.

After that, Pride celebrations took place in more and more cities and the event grew and grew. And now, over 50 years later, gay pride celebrations are held all over the country.

To further research the birth of Pride, Fort Lauderdale's own Stonewall National Museum & Archives has more than 28,000 books and over 6 million pages of LGBTQ history.

“For us, every month is Pride month,” Hunter O'Hanian, Executive Director of Stonewall National Museum & Archives said.

You can celebrate your pride at Stonewall Pride Street Parade and Festival on Saturday, June 19. The theme this year is “Out of the Darkness, Into the Light.” The festival starts at 3 pm and the parade starts at 7 p.m. This annual event, now attracts 35,000 people.

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