Rainbow Pages 2022

SUPPORT IN SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

EQUALITY INCLUSION UNITY

INSIDE:

Business Directory

Nonprofit Listings

Events/Things to Do

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Inside

About the Rainbow Pages

The Rainbow Pages features a business directory, nonprofit directory, events, information and resources that promote and support equality. Print copies are mailed to subscribers and are made available at locations throughout Southwest Florida.

In addition to the print publication, there is an app for iPhone & Android, a website and a monthly newsletter. Businesses and nonprofit agencies are invited to share events on the Rainbow Pages website, which are also available in the app and are promoted in the newsletter.

A portion of the Rainbow Pages profit supports nonprofit organizations and events that support equality.

The Rainbow Pages is published by Rainbow Pages/MLH Creative Concepts. For more information, visit rainbowpagesswfl.com, email info@ rainbowpagesswfl.com or call 239-234-2420.

Rainbow Pages Team

Keep moral compass pointed toward equality despite obstacles

Equality, inclusion, and unity are strong values most of us share. No matter the path life takes us, our moral compass points to equality and respect.

In fact, within these pages you’ll find many local businesses and organizations that are proud to let everyone know they support eqaulity. They do not discriminate against anyone.

But, unfortunately, not everyone feels the same way.

This year we’ve faced some serious setbacks to LGBTQ+ rights in Southwest Florida, the state, and the nation. From “don’t say gay” to protests at Pride events, the Sunshine State has been in the national spotlight.

This negative attention has an impact on our quality of life and our local economy.

People are questioning whether they want to visit or move to Florida at all.

At the Rainbow Pages, we’ve seen a significant increase in calls from people who are looking to relocate to our area. They want to know if Southwest Florida is a gay-friendly place to live.

Although we always tell people this is a great place to live, we can understand their concern. We only hope that soon our state and our community will be known for its inclusiveness and not its divisiveness.

Our community can be paradise for all of us if our compass is always pointed toward equality.

Here is a brief look at some of the things that have happened this year to impact equality, inclusiveness and unity.

‘Don’t Say Gay’ bill becomes law

In March, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis signed the “Parental Rights in Education” bill, which has been called the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

It took effect July 1, and was the only state to have such a bill.

The law bans lessons, books, and materials on sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade.

In upper grades, it restricts what teachers can say to what is developmentally appropriate, without saying what that is.

Educators, school officials and opponents of the law have all expressed concern over what could be deemed inappropriate. It isn’t exactly clear.

The law also invites parents to file lawsuits against districts with inappropriate material.

The White House encouraged Floridians to challenge the law, saying it is part of a disturbing trend to discriminate against the LGBTQ+ community.

In a statement, the White House said in part: “This is not an issue of ‘parents’ rights.’ This is discrimination, plain and simple. It’s part of a disturbing and dangerous nationwide trend of right-wing politicians cynically targeting LGBTQI+ students, educators, and individuals to score political points. It encourages bullying and threatens students’ mental health, physical safety, and well-being. It censors dedicated teachers and educators who want to do the right thing and support their students. And it must stop.”

Inaugural Youth Pride Conference Protested

One of the most positive things to happen in our community this year was the inaugural Youth Pride Conference hosted by GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network). It was designed to empower and educate LGBTQ kids ages 12 to 18 on topics such as mental health, inclusive sex education and other issues they are likely to face.

Daniel Selvey Shaw, who serves on the GLSEN Collier County board, said the event was so successful they are planning another one for next year. They want it to become an annual event.

During the conference, which had about 50 youth attending, protests took place outside. Although some protestors had to be removed from the premises, there was no violence or injuries.

Group Opposes Drag Shows

A group of people attended a Collier County Commissioners meeting following this year’s Naples Pride to complain about the drag shows at the event. They called the performances inappropriate for kids.

Naples Pride was held at Cambier Park in July this year after having to postpone due to weather in June. It included drag queen performances, the same as it has every year. The performances are also at most other Pride events.

A group of people upset with what they called “lewd performances inappropriate for kids,” took their complaints to the county and voiced them during an open meeting. However, the county commission had nothing to do with the event and isn’t even the entity responsible for approving permits for the event. The Naples City Council

gave the green light for the event and only received 1 complaint.

Despite the small number of complaints, it became a story that made it into the news far beyond Southwest Florida.

Schools Decline to Recognize LGBTQ+ History Month

On the other side of the state, the Miami-Dade School Board voted in September against recognizing October as LGBTQ+ History Month. Part of the recognition would have included teaching 12th graders about two Supreme Court cases that impacted the LGBTQ community.

Last year, the board recognized LGBTQ History month but did not discuss the Supreme Court cases. Other months are recognized to teach students about history including, Hispanic Heritage, Black history and women’s history.

Community loses an advocate

The Southwest Florida community lost a strong advocate this year with the recent passing of Ron Penn. He was truly a kind person who led by example and worked hard to make a difference.

He believed everyone should be treated with respect and he did all he could to fight for fairness and equality not only in Southwest Florida but also other states. Anywhere he lived, he got involved and made a difference.

Ron passed away at the end of July.

In 2018, the Rainbow Pages named Ron Penn as Advocate of the Year. He received the award in at Naples Pride.

Ron was one of the founding members of the LGBT Fund at the

Southwest Florida Community Foundation. The Fund provides grants that support issues facing the LGBTQ community. He was also a founding member of the Southwest Florida Harmony Chamber.

Ron had recently retired from the Southwest Florida Community Foundation, where he worked as the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer for more than 10 years. He came to the Foundation after a 30-year career in the banking industry in Colorado and five years

as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer of a nonprofit in Hilo, Hawaii.

He served as a member of the Board of Directors of The Alexander Foundation, a charitable organization serving the LGBTQ community in Denver, Colorado. During that time served as President, Vice President for Fundraising and Vice President and Treasurer.

He also served as a member of the Board of the Historic Hilo Preservation Association, a 501(c) (3) charitable organization in Hilo, Hawaii renovating a historic theater, and served as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer for The Arc of Hilo, a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization in Hilo, Hawaii serving developmentally disabled persons.

SWFL Businesses Supporting Equality, Inclusion & Unity

Accounting

Leslea Ellis, LLC

CPA, Certified Fraud Examiner

6326 Presidential Ct., Suite 2

Fort Myers, FL 33919

239-690-6500

lesleaellis.com

Page 8

Advertising

ActiveData Digital Marketing

1004 Collier Center Way, Suite 206

Naples, FL 34110

239-465-0310

activedatadigital.com

Page 9

Attorneys

CKing Justice Law, LLC

1400 Colonial Blvd., Suite 202

Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-362-1406

ckingjusticelaw.com

Pages 14-15

Henderson Franklin

Starnes & Holt, PA

Serving Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, Naples & Sarasota (by appointment only)

1715 Monroe St.

Fort Myers, FL 33902

239-344-1100

henlaw.com

Pages 16-17

Attractions

Butterfly Estates

1815 Fowler St.

Fort Myers, FL 33901

239-690-2359

thebutterflyestates.com

Page 11

Colleges & Universities

Hodges University

Campuses in Fort Myers & Naples pathways.hodges.edu

888-920-3035

Pages 18-19

Hodges University

4501 Colonial Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33966

239-482-0019

Naples Campus: 2647 Professional Circle

Naples, FL 34119

239-513-1122

Dentists

Deborah Ruddell, DDS, PA

49 Barkley Circle

Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-936-8616

ruddelldental.com

Page 32

Entertainment

Bambusa Bar & Grill

600 Goodlette-Frank Road

Naples, FL 34102

239-649-5657

bambusaonline.com

Broadway Palm Dinner Theater

1380 Colonial Blvd.

Fort Myers, FL 33907 239-278-4422

broadwaypalm.com

Page 26, 27

Financial

Brad Jessen, Edward Jones

Financial Advisor

12016 Matlacha Blvd., Suite C

Matlacha Isles, FL 33991

239-283-2582

edwardjones.com

Page 13 Fitness

Increase the Peach Health & Fitness Studio

7181 College Parkway, Suite 10

Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-888-3720

increasethepeach.com

Health & Wellness

Cederquist Medical Wellness Center

1575 Pine Ridge Rd, #19

Naples, FL 34109

239-593-0663

cederquistmedical.com

Page 21 Hotels

Inn at Pelican Bay

800 Vanderbilt Beach Road

Naples, FL 34108

239-597-8777

800-597-8770

innatpelicanbay.com

Page 28

Jewelers

Dunkin’s Diamonds

877-343-4883

dunkinsdiamonds.com

Page 10

• Fort Myers: 11500 S Cleveland Ave.

Fort Myers, FL 33907

239-277-1011

• Gulf Coast Town Center: 9918 Gulf Coast Main St.

Fort Myers, FL 33913

239-267-4547

• Mercato: 9118 Strada Place, Suite 8120 Naples, FL 34108

239-431-6807

• Port Charlotte: 1441 Tamiami Trail Port Charlotte, FL 33948 941-255-1999

Leather Repair

Leather Medic

Lee & Collier Counties

239-482-2027

leathermedic.com

Page 6

Pet Care

The Dogwash: It’s All About the Bath

939 Pondella Rd. North Fort Myers, FL 33903

239-574-9274

Real Estate

Todd Swaney, Realtor®

Berkshire Hathaway

6700 Daniels Parkway, Suite 4

Fort Myers, FL 33912

239-470-2973

ToddSwaney.com

Page 31 Shoes

New Balance Naples

8799 N. Tamiami Trail, Suite 101

Naples, FL 34108

239-596-8788

Page 22

239-236-1007

captivaspirits.com

239-261-1177

800-523-3716

• Naples: 5811 Pelican Bay Blvd., #201 Naples, FL 34108

• Bonita Springs: 3960 Via Del Rey Bonita Springs, FL 34134 To

Setting up your business the right way is key to success

The greater Fort Myers area has seen a tremendous amount of growth, both in terms of population and in infrastructure, over the last few years. As more and more people begin to call this area home, the demand and opportunities for business ownership is at an all-time high. It has literally never been a better time to make your dreams of owning your own business come true!

What is the first step of starting your own business? VISION! Every business owner once had a thought of starting their own business and went from there. Thinking of what types of goods or services you will offer, where your business will be located, what you want to name your business, what your space will look like, who your target client is, what a basic business plan might look like - those are all basic steps toward forming your own business. When do I need help and who should help me?

If you have created a vision for yourself of what your business offers, where it will be located, and are ready to start exploring spaces and offering goods or services, you are likely ready to consult with a business attorney and take some concrete steps toward opening your business.

A business attorney is best suited to help you meet the legal requirements of starting a business and guide you through other parts of the start-up process, including:

Incorporation: This is a vital and important part of the business start-up process. Understanding the different types of corporate business structures (Limited Liabil-

ity Company vs. Corporation) and the reasons for selecting a specific type of business structure for your unique business is crucial. Different business structures have different protections for the business owner, different tax benefits, and other differences that will impact your businesses, either positively or negatively, over the lifetime of your business. Choosing the most appropriate way to incorporate, and having an attorney assist you with the paperwork necessary to file at the state, federal, and local level, will set you up to reap the most benefits as an entrepreneur!

Contracts: As a business owner, you will have multiple moments where drafting a contract or reviewing a contract presented to you is a necessity. By and large, approaching contracts should be seen as a positive thing. Contracts govern so many aspects of business ownership, from your lease agreement to agreements with vendors/ supplies/contractors, to licensing agreements, franchise agreements,

and even the sale of your business. Selecting a Florida business attorney to help you review and draft contracts can help you best protect your interests and avoid potential pitfalls.

Networking: No business owner makes it alone. One of the keys to success is understanding that your focus needs to be on the day to day aspects of running and enjoying your business. Hiring and aligning with experts to help you with things like marketing, insurance, legal issues, and tax preparation are smart ideas that will save you time and generate abundance in the long term. A good business attorney will help point you toward the people and services that can best support your business.

— By Christine E. King, Esq. Christine King is the founder of CKing Justice Law, LLC, a local Fort Myers law firm helping new businesses flourish. She may be reached at 239-362-1406 or service@ckingjusticelaw.com.

Attorney Christine King (center) and Roxanne Janecki (right) meet with a client.

Family Law & Lesbian Parental Rights

In the divorce of a lesbian couple, can a family court judge deny parental rights to one partner of a child born during the marriage? According to an Oklahoma family court decision, the “non-gestational” partner has no parental rights if she failed to adopt the parties’ child, notwithstanding that the child was born during the parties’ marriage, and the parties co-parented the child since his birth.

With the stroke of a pen, the family court judge ruled that the non-gestational partner’s name should be removed from the child’s birth certificate, and the parent should be treated as a stranger to the child she helped raise.

Oklahoma Divorce Proceeding

This case involved a same-sex couple who married in 2019. They decided to have a child together using one of the partner’s eggs, fertilized by a sperm donor, and implanted in the gestational partner’s womb. Both partners’ names were listed on the birth certificate. Both partners lived together and co-parented their baby until they separated and filed for divorce two years later

A child custody dispute arose when they not agree on a holiday time-sharing schedule. As a result, the case went from a dispute about holidays to a court decision that found the non-gestational parent had no parental rights, denied her any custody or visitation with the child, and ordered her name to be removed from the birth certificate.

Rehearing Granted

The non-gestational partner filed a motion to reconsider. Finding in favor of the non-gestational partner, the Oklahoma judge reversed her

previous order which found that the non-gestational partner would have to adopt her baby boy to have legal standing as a mother. The judge’s recent order ultimately restored the non-gestational partner to the status of “legal mother” alongside her partner.

Florida Divorce and Gay Rights

Florida legally recognized samesex marriage on January 6, 2015, giving same-sex couples the same rights as heterosexual couples with regard to divorce, parenting, and time-sharing. Same-sex couples can file joint tax returns, adopt children, and enter into prenuptial agreements before marriage.

Nevertheless, same-sex couples confront unique challenges in divorce. For example, if a same-sex couple lived together -- before they were able to legally marry in 2015 -- and accumulated assets together, under Florida law, the family law court is under no obligation to consider anything that happened prior

to the couple’s legal marriage.

The length of the couple’s marriage for purposes of alimony is calculated from the date of their actual marriage, even if they were in a long-term committed relationship prior to marrying. As with any divorcing couple, same-sex partners can overcome these challenges by proceeding on an uncontested basis and resolving their divorce with a written marital settlement agreement.

While Florida law is clear that a child born or conceived during a heterosexual marriage is a legitimate child of the mother and the “man to who she is married,” it is less clear whether this principle applies to same-sex marriages.

At least one Florida appellate court has applied the presumption of legitimacy in a same-sex marriage case. That court held that the non-biological spouse may enforce her parental rights with respect to children born prior to the date of the parties’ marriage where the parties married after the children were born, based upon Section 742.091, Florida Statutes, which provides that if the mother of any child born out of wedlock and the “reputed father” subsequently marry, the child is deemed to be the child of the husband and wife. McGovern v. Clark, 298 So. 3d 1244 (Fla. 5th DCA 2020). Since this is the only reported Florida appellate decision on the issue, it is an area of law that should be closely watched.

— By Beth T. Vogelsang, a stockholder at Henderson, Franklin, Starnes & Holt, P.A. She is a Florida Bar Board Certified expert in Divorce, Marital and Family law. Beth may be reached at beth.vogelsang@henlaw.com.

Beth T. Vogelsang

What’s New at Hodges U?

One of the many advantages of being a private, non-profit university is our ability to respond quickly to the workforce needs of our region. By constantly working with area organizations, both profit and non-profit, we build programs, both degree and non-degree, that provide the education and training that organizations want, and our students need.

It’s common knowledge that the demand for healthcare professionals will only continue to grow in our region. Our newest program is the bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, the first and only of its type in Florida. Other programs are at the associate degree level. Why did we do this? Our students will have the added advantage of a bachelor’s degree, which opens even more professional doors and pathways for them. Starting in January 2023, we will open our community dental clinic, which features 20 treatment rooms, x-ray machines, and consultation space. Our dental hygiene students will perform oral mouth health screenings, take dental x-rays, and perform dental cleanings for patients – all for a low cost. The students will be overseen by the program faculty who are experienced professionals in the field, and area dentists.

Hodges University also has a quick-training path. One is a seven-week course to become an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Another is a six-week course to learn the foundations for dental assisting. If a student is a Lee County resident, he or she can potentially qualify through ARPA to take either program at no cost. There is a high demand for EMTs and dental assistants.

There is always a need for organizational managers. We’ve re-introduced The Wheel program. Students that bring previously earned credits from a college, university or the military can apply them towards a bachelor’s degree in organizational management, and can graduate in as little as one year. Classes are once a week on campus or in Port Charlotte. More to come!

We also see an increased need for Certified Public Accountants (CPA). We developed a master’s in accountancy that can be completed in one year. It also includes two years of

the Becker Review, the gold standard in CPA exam preparation.

Our average student is 33 years old, the majority are female, and identify as Hispanic. Additionally, about 15 percent of the student body are military veterans. Hodges University was established in 1990 and now has over 14,000 alumni making a difference locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The University’s faculty are masters at teaching online, which has been available for students since 1995. As the first designated Hispanic Serving Institution in the region, Hodges University has been teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to students for over 20 years.

We continue listening to the needs of our region so that we can educate and train the professionals our community needs to thrive.

— By Dr. John Meyer, President, Hodges University

Dr. John Meyer

It’s that moment when you close your eyes and imagine your life. A brighter future for you and your children. Treasured time with family and friends. Vacations. A home. That car you’ve always wanted. A career you love.

SWFL Nonprofits Supporting Equality, Inclusion & Unity

Abuse Counseling & Treatment (ACT)

ACT offers a 24-hour helpline, 3 safe shelters, children’s program, counseling, financial and health literacy, life skills education, job skills evaluation and training along with GED assistance and ESOL.

24-Hour Helpline: 239-939-3112

Administration: 239-939-2553

Website: actabuse.com

ACLU Collier County Chapter

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) works daily in courts, legislatures and communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws.

Address: PMB 194, 6017 Pine Ridge Rd, Naples, FL 34119

Phone: 941-270-3907

Email: collieraclu@gmail.com

Website: collier.aclufl.org

After the Rain

After the Rain of SW Florida Inc. provides housing for women recovering from substance abuse, homelessness and domestic violence. The mission is to help women develop healthy character in order to succeed in all areas of life through supportive services.

Phone: 239-333-8947

Email: atrswfl@gmail.com

Website: aftertherainofswfl.org

Alliance for the Arts

The Alliance for the Arts is a nonprofit visual and performing arts center with year-round events, including gallery exhibitions, inspiring art classes and stimulating theatre productions. The Alliance is a creative space that spurs and supports self-expression, imagination and equity.

Address: 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

Phone: 239-939-2787

Website: artinlee.org

Avow Hospice

Avow provides comfort, care, understanding and dignity to those who are seriously ill and their caregivers, as well as those mourning a loved one’s passing. The LGBT bereavement support program provides a safe, compassionate environment to share thoughts and feelings, receive sup-

port and embrace healing. Avow also provides education and outreach to elder care facilities, care givers and others concerning eldercare issues facing the LGBT community.

Address: 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples, FL 34105

Phone: 888-484-AVOW

Email: info@avowcares.org

Website: avowcares.org

Center for Progress and Excellence

It provides social and behavioral health services to the Southwest Florida region, in order to promote self-sufficiency and personal progress throughout the community, regardless of race, religion, gender, nationality, sexual orientation and economic status.

Address: 6360 Techster Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33966

Phone: 239-223-2751

Website: progressandexcellence.com

Collier Resource Center

The Center helps families and adults in need obtain assistance and navigate their way through the maze of health and human service organizations in Collier County. Utilizing Collier 211 line and other resources, the organization is able to provide personalized information and referrals.

Address: 2355 Stanford Court #701, Naples, FL 34112

Phone: 239-434-2030

Email: info@collierresourcecenter.org

Website: collierresourcecenter.org

Collier Freedom

The Collier Freedom Movement is a grassroots nonpartisan organization based in Naples. Its mission is to create an inclusive community for a common vision of freedom, equality and social justice.

Address: P.O. Box 7392, Naples, FL 34101

Website: collierfreedom.org

David Lawrence Center

The center provides innovative, comprehensive inpatient, outpatient, residential and community-based prevention and treatment services for children and adults who experience mental health, emotional, psychological and substance abuse challenges.

Address: 6075 Bathey Lane, Naples, FL 34116

Phone: 239-572-9070

Website: davidlawrencecenter.org

Deputy Dogs

The Deputy Dogs program, founded by Carmine Dell Aquila, provides children’s education and awareness on topics such as safety, health, proper treatment of animals, crime prevention, and other issues. Education programs include books, coloring books, posters, and other materials.

Website: deputydogs.com

Equality Florida

Consists of two organizations - Equality Florida Institute, Inc., a 501(c)(3) educational charity and Equality Florida Action, Inc., a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization.

Website: eqfl.org

Gender Equality Trust Network Foundation

The GET Network provides support and education for transgender individuals and their families. The organization’s mission is to empower, inspire, and facilitate trust and equality for everyone regardless of gender assigned at birth.

Phone: 239-443-6385

Email: info@get-it.network

Website: get-it.network

GLSEN Collier County, PMB #8

GLSEN was formed to improve an education system that too frequently allows its lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender,

queer and questioning students to be bullied, discriminated against, or fall through the cracks.

Phone: 786-671-2390

Email: CollierCounty@Chapters.GLSEN.org

Website: glsen.org

Hope Hospice

With specialized knowledge in pain and symptom management, a hospice team of professionals assists an individual and their family when a cure is no longer possible.

Address: 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Phone: 855-454-3104

Website: hopehospice.org

Laboratory Theater of FL

The Theater is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts, through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation and ensemble work.

Address: 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Phone: 239-218-0481

Website: laboratorytheaterflorida.com

Lee County Legal Aid Society

They assist Lee County residents by providing legal representation while promoting financial and emotional stability.

Address: 2211 Widman Way, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Website: leecountylegalaid.org

RESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONS

Legal Aid Service of Collier County

This private nonprofit law firm provides free civil legal services to Collier County residents facing matters of life-changing significance, allowing them to protect their livelihoods, their health, and their families.

Address: 4436 Tamiami Trail East, Naples, FL 34112

Phone: 239-775-4555

Website: collierlegalaid.org

LGBT Community Fund of Southwest FL

This is a fund of the Southwest Florida Community Foundation that engages like-minded individuals and organizations to increase philanthropic support for the LGBTQ community.

Address: Collaboratory, 31 Jackson St., Fort Myers, FL 33901 Phone: 239-274-5900

Website: lgbtswfl.com

McGregor Clinic

The McGregor Clinic, Inc. is a nonprofit providing a holistic approach to health care for those living with HIV. In addition to primary medical care, the clinic provides case management services, food and clothing assistance, mental health counseling and prevention education and testing.

Address: 3487 Broadway, Fort Myers, FL 33901 Phone: 239-334-9555

Website: mcgregorclinic.org

My Autism Connection, Inc.

The organization assists individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder with building friendships through social interaction while developing skills that promote productivity, employment and independence within the community.

Address: 8359 Beacon Blvd., Suite 311, Fort Myers, FL 33907 Phone: 239-201-8133

Website: myautismconnection.net

NAMI

The National Alliance on Mental Illness provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness so that all individuals and families affected by mental illness can build better lives. NAMI offers a variety of programs and resources, including support groups and peer-to-peer programs.

NAMI Collier County

Address: 6216 Trail Blvd., Naples, FL 34108

Phone: 239-260-7300

Website: namicollier.org

NAMI Lee, Charlotte & Hendry Counties

Address: 7275 Concourse Dr., Suite 300, Fort Myers, FL 33908

Phone: 239-337-9024

Website: namilee.org

RESOURCES/ORGANIZATIONS

Naples Pride

Naples Pride is a volunteer based grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that started in 2017. The organization operates The Center, a safe, supportive space for the inclusive LQBTQ+ community to gather, unite and create change. Through support and social groups, the Pride Center helps people empower one another, so they live to their full potential, all while educating the larger community.

Address: 2248 Airport-Pulling Rd. South, Naples, FL 34112

Website: naplespride.org

Naples Vet Center

The mission of Naples Vet Center is to welcome home and honor those who served, those still serving, and their families by providing them with quality readjustment counseling.

Address: 2705 Horseshoe Dr. S., #204, Naples, FL 34104

Phone: 239-403-2377

PFLAG

Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) works to make sure all people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer are not only valued by society, but take pride in and value themselves.

PFLAG‚ Fort Myers

Website: pflagftmyers.com

PFLAG‚ Naples

Meets at the Pride Center

Website: pflagnaples.org

Planned Parenthood

Planned Parenthood provides LGBTQ information, education and services.

Website: plannedparenthood.org

Naples

Address: 1425 Creech Road, Naples, FL 34103

Phone: 239-262-0301

Fort Myers

Address: 6418 Commerce Park Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33966 Phone: 239-481-9999

Pride SWFL

The organization plans the annual Pride Fest in Fort Myers. The mission is to provide the citizenry of Southwest Florida with a positive image of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and to create functions and events promoting educational, civic, and cultural activities.

Email: info@prideswfl.org

Website: prideswfl.com

Project Help

A state-certified Sexual Assault and Rape Recovery Crisis Center in Collier County. The agency also works with the Collier County Medical Examiner’s Office to quickly identify families and children that are affected by sudden death. Counselors work with clients on a mostly individual basis, but also provide family and couples counseling.

Phone: 239-262-7227

Website: projecthelpnaples.wordpress.com

SalusCare

A Fort Myers-based not-for-profit mental health and substance abuse service provider, SalusCare has seven locations throughout Southwest Florida. Fees are affordable and may be adjusted to the means of patients.

Address: 3763 Evans Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

Phone: 239-275-3222

Website: saluscareflorida.org

24/7 Emergency Care: 239-275-4242

Shelter for Abused Women & Children

Leading and collaborating with the community to prevent, protect and prevail over domestic violence and human trafficking through advocacy, empowerment and social change.

Phone: 239-775-3862

Email: info@naplesshelter.org

Website: naplesshelter.org

United Way of Collier County

A volunteer-driven organization, they partner with hundreds of volunteers and more than 40 local charities to provide hundreds of human service programs. They also run Collier 211, a free 24-hour non-emergency human services helpline available by dialing 211, or text your zip code to 898-211.

Address: 9015 Strada Stell Court, Suite 204, Naples 34109 Phone: 239-261-7112

Website: unitedwayofcolliercounty.org

United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades

The organization is a partnership of more than 100 agencies providing services for the community. United Way can help put people in contact with the right resources. To get help, dial 2-1-1.

Address: 7273 Concourse Dr., Fort Myers, FL 33908

Phone: 239-433-2000

Website: unitedwaylee.org

Visuality

The mission of Visuality is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus by providing activities, programs, educational events and services.

Website: visualityflorida.org

Nonprofit Groups & Clubs

Flamingo Auto Group Gulf Coast

The members of this nonprofit organization share a common interest in automobiles but ownership of a classic car is not required. The Flamingo Auto Group Gulf Coast is a chapter of Lambda Car Club International. The group plans trips to car events, hosts a chapter car show and takes road trips. Founded in 1982, LCCI now boasts more than 3,000 members in more than 35 local chapters in the United States and Canada.

Website: lambdacarclub.com

Gay Social Network of Southwest Florida

Since 1994 The Gay Social Network has provided Southwest Florida’s gays and lesbians with a neighborly outlet for making friends and socializing. Activities include, monthly

socials, often at private clubhouses; weekly cocktail hour at local establishments; dining at the area’s fine restaurants; and bowling.

Phone: 239-434-1612

Website: gaysocialnetwork.com

Southwest Florida Gay & Lesbian Chorus

The Southwest Florida Gay and Lesbian Chorus, formed in 1993, is a member of GALA Choruses. GALA is a nonprofit that supports LGBTQ choruses to change our world through song. Every four years, GALA has a festival in which Gala Choruses across the world gather for a week of music, workshops and reaffirming their vision of the future.

Phone: 239-410-2025

Email: swflgaychorus@gmail.com

Website: gaychorus.org

Broadway Palm Celebrates 30th Anniversary Season

Located in Fort Myers, Broadway Palm is Florida’s Premier Dinner Theatre and currently celebrating its 30th Anniversary Season!

The theatre is open year-round and features nationally selected performers, dazzling sets and costumes, and a live orchestra.The show is just part of the package, as the chef puts his talent to work creating a delicious menu that changes with each production.

Broadway Palm’s main stage features the best of Broadway combining your favorite shows of the past along with the most recent musical hit sensations.

The smaller Off Broadway Palm Theatre showcases comedies and small musicals. In addition, Broadway Palm features four children’s theatre productions each season, an annual concert series, and special events throughout the year.

Broadway Palm is part of Prather Productions which also includes Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre in Lancaster, PA, now in its 36th season, along with an international and national touring company. The entire company entertains a half a million guests each year and employs over 300 people.

Prather Productions’ mission is “Providing exceptional entertainment and customer service that creates a fun and memorable experience while enriching the communities we serve.”

Submitted by Broadway Palm

UPCOMING SHOWS

Here are a few of the upcoming shows at Broadway Palm, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907. For all shows and to buy tickets, visit broadwaypalm.com. Call the Box Office at 239-278-4422.

Show times

Matinee: 11:30 Lunch, 1:00 Show

Evening: 5:30 Dinner, 7:30 Show

Twilight: 5:30 Dinner, 7:00 Show

A Chorus Line

Nov. 18 – Dec. 30

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Oct. 7 – Nov. 12

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Jan. 6-Feb 11, 2023

Jersey Boys

Feb. 17 – April 9, 2023

Sister Act

April 14 – May 20, 2023

Footloose

May 26 – July 1

The Little Mermaid

July 7 – August 12, 2023

Sister Act is one of the upcoming shows at Broadway Palm. You can see it starting April 14, 2023.

More at Broadway Palm: Off Broadway Palm Theatre

Here are some of the upcoming shows at Off Broadway Palm Theatre, 1380 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33907. For information, visit broadwaypalm.com. Call the Box Office at 239-278-4422.

Not Now, Darling

This madcap farce features mistresses, minks, mobsters, mistaken identities, misguided shoppers, suspicious wives, and scantily clad women hiding in cupboards. A London fur salon owner sells his new mistress’ husband a fur coat for an extremely low price in order to win her affection, but things go array when the husband decides to give the coat to his own mistress!

Sept. 22 - Nov. 5

HA! HA! HO! The Holiday Show

Celebrate the season with this ha, ha, ho holiday revue! Enjoy lots of laughs and traditional holiday favorites you know and love. Join Santa, his elves,

a few reindeer and maybe even an Elvis or two!

Nov. 10 - Dec. 25

Just Desserts: A Musical Bake-Off

It’s sweet. It’s savory. It’s five strangers putting their hearts, reputations, and baking skills on the line to become the crème de la crème of bakers at a county fair. There’s a little mystery, a little romance, some potential cheating, and some back-stabbing and the results are deliciously satisfying!

Jan. 12 - Feb. 18, 2023

Doublewide, Texas

In this hilarious, fast-paced comedy, the inhabitants of one of the smallest trailer parks in Texas are thrown for a loop when they realize the nearby town of Tugaloo is determined to annex them. Watch these colorful residents work on various ways to save their little community.

Feb. 23 - April 9, 2023

EVENTS/THINGS TO DO

Cape Coral Oktoberfest

WHEN: Oct. 21-23 & 28-30

WHERE: German-American Social Club, 2101 SW

Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral, FL 33991

INFO: capecoraloktoberfest.com

Bell Tower Car Show

Corvette and Open Car & Truck Show

WHEN: Oct. 15, 8 am – 4 pm

WHERE: Bell Tower Shops, 13499 S Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33907

INFO: premiumcarshows.com

JEEP-O-WEEN

WHEN: Oct. 8, 4-10 pm

WHERE: Millenial Brewing Company, 1811 Royal Palm Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

INFO: millennialbrewing.com

Trunk or Treat

WHEN: Oct. 31, 5-8 pm

WHERE: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

INFO: artinlee.org/event/trunk-or-treat

Rooftop Halloween Party

WHEN: Oct. 28, 8-11 pm

WHERE: Sidney’s Rooftop Sculture Garden, Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

INFO: sbdac.com

Taste of the Town

WHEN: Nov. 5, 2022, 11 am - 6 pm & Nov. 6, 2022, 11 am - 6 pm

WHERE Centennial Park, 2000 W First St, Fort Myers, FL 33901

Retro Rooftop Dance Party

WHEN: Nov. 25, 8-11 pm

WHERE: Sidney’s Rooftop Sculture Garden, Sid-

ney & Berne Davis Art Center, 2301 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33901

INFO: sbdac.com

Arts and Ends Holiday Craft Show

WHEN: Dec. 3, 9 am – 1 pm

WHERE: Alliance for the Arts, 10091 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33919

INFO: artinlee.org/event/artsale

MORE EVENTS

More events are available on the Rainbow Pages app and online at RainbowPagesSWFL.com. You can also register online for our monthly newsletter to keep up on upcoming events.

SUBMIT EVENTS

Submit your events at RainbowPagesSWFL.com.

Pride Celebrations Around the State

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA

FORT MYERS

Pride Southwest Florida was scheduled for Oct. 1, but has been postponed until 2023. INFO: prideswfl.com

FORT LAUDERDALE

Pride of the Americas

WHEN: February 10-12, 2023

WHERE: Fort Lauderdale Beach Park

INFO: pridefortlauderdale.org

HOLLYWOOD

My Hollywood Pride

WHEN: Jan. 29, 2023

WHERE: Downtown Hollywood

INFO: myhollywoodpride.com

ORLANDO

Come Out with Pride

WHEN: Oct. 15 (Events Oct. 1016)

WHERE: Lake Eola Park, 512

E. Washington St., Orlando, FL 32801

INFO: comeoutwithpride.org

MELBOURNE

Space Coast Pride

WHEN: Sept. 2023

WHERE: Downtown Melbourne

INFO: spacecoastpride.org

MIAMI BEACH

Miami Beach Pride

CAPE CORAL

Pride Cape Coral

WHEN: March 2023

WHERE: 909 SE 47th Terrace INFO: pridecapecoral.com

NAPLES

Naples Pride

WHEN: June 2023

WHERE: Cambier Park, Naples INFO: naplespride.org

WHEN: April 15-16, 2023

WHERE: Various event locations

INFO: miamibeachpride.com

PUNTA GORDA

Peace River Pride

WHEN: Feb 25, 2023; Noon - 7 pm

WHERE: Gilchrist Park, 400 W. Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

INFO: allrainbowandalliedyouth.org

TAMPA

Tampa Pride Street Festival & Diversity Parade

WHEN: March 25, 2023

WHERE: Historic Ybor City

INFO: tampapride.org

VENICE

Venice Pride Annual Community Festival

WHEN: November 12, 2022; 11 am – 4 pm

WHERE: Centennial Park, downtown Venice

INFO: veniceflpride.com

For more events, visit rainbowpagesswfl.com.

FAITH/SPIRITUALITY

All Faiths Unitarian Congregation

• Address: 2756 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901

• Phone: 239-226-0900

• Website: allfaiths-uc.org

Fort Myers Congregational United Church of Christ

• Address: 8210 College Parkway, Fort Myers, FL 33919

• Phone: 239-482-3133

• Website: fmcucc.org

Iona-Hope Episcopal Church

• Address: 9650 Gladiolus Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33908

• Phone: 239-454-4778

• Website: ionahope.org

Naples Alliance Church

• Address: 2504 Estey Ave., Naples, FL 34104

• Phone: 239-774-0320

• Website: naplesalliancechurch.org

Naples Jewish Congregation

Meets at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples

• Address: 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples, FL 34116

• Phone: 239-431-3858

• Website: naplesjewishcongregation.org

New Day Metropolitan Community Church of Naples

• Address: 975 Imperial Golf Course Blvd., Suite 111, Naples, FL 34110

• Phone: 239-529-3977

• Website: gowiththecurrent.org/new-day-mcc

Redeemer Lutheran Church, ELCA

Meets at the Laboratory Theater in Fort Myers.

• Address: 1634 Woodford Ave., Fort Myers, FL 33901

• Website: redeemerfortmyers.org

Saint John the Apostle

Metropolitan Community Church (MCC)

• Address: 3049 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers, FL 33901

• Phone: 239-344-0012

• Website: sjamcc.com

United Church of Christ in Naples

• Address: 5200 Crayton Road, Naples, FL 34103

• Phone: 239-261-5469

• Website: naplesucc.org

Unitarian Universalist Church of Fort Myers

• Address: 13411 Shire Lane, Fort Myers, FL 33912

• Phone: 239-561-2700

• Website: uucfm.org

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Greater Naples

• Address: 6340 Napa Woods Way, Naples, FL 34116

• Phone: 239-455-6553

• Website: uunaples.org

Unity Church of Bonita Springs

• Address: 28285 Imperial Parkway, Naples, FL 34135

• Phone: 239-947-3100

• Website: unitybonita.org