Southwest Florida Vol 4

THE PREMIER LGBTQ BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Vol. 4

SCAN QR CODE TO VIEW THIS ISSUE ONLINE Bar Guide & Event Schedule

TABLE OF CON TENT S

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ABOUT SOUTHWEST FL

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RESTAURANT GUIDE

10

BAR GUIDE

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EVENTS SCHEDULE

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LGBTQ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS

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BUSINESS DIRECTORY

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ABOUT SOUTHWEST FL LGBTQ Southwest Florida Naples is known for its great shopping and dining on Fifth Avenue, excellent fishing and world-class golf courses, not necessarily for being a gay hotspot.

But that doesn’t mean that gay bars and gay-friendly accommodations can’t be found. With more than a hint of cosmopolitanism, Naples attracts its healthy dose of gay and lesbian travelers every beach season.

Fort Myers’s gay scene might not be as loud as in Florida’s larger cities, but it’s definitely there!

Neighborhood bars are casual and tend to cater to a friendly crowd.

And expect to get your game on, as some several of the bars now offer space for gaming tournaments.

Fort Myers is just a short drive away from Port Charlotte, if you’re looking for more local fun.

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RESTAURANT GUI DE BHA! BHA! Persian Bistro Elegant, white-tablecloth restaurant offering Persian specialties such as kebabs & duck fesenjān.

865 5th Ave S, Naples, FL

Cracklin’ Jack’s Steak, ribs, seafood & fried chicken plus Southern-style sides dished out in a down-home setting.

2560 39th St SW, Naples, FL

Mediterrano Bright, turquoise-hued eatery offering upscale Mediterranean cuisine & umbrella-shaded patio tables.

336 13th Ave S, Naples, FL

Fancy’s Southern Cafe Cozy eatery featuring familiar Southern fare such as chicken & waffles, sweet potato soufflé & more.

8890 Salrose Ln #101, Fort Myers, FL

Harold’s Warm, casual venue featuring hearty, locally sourced meat & seafood & a large wine menu.

15250 S Tamiami Trail #107, Fort Myers, FL

Romeu’s Cuban Restaurant Humble dining room serving a large menu of homestyle Cuban fare, from Cubanos to oxtail plates.

6800 Dykes Rd, Southwest Ranches, FL

Petar’s Restaurant Sophisticated American cuisine & wines are presented in a polished setting with an open kitchen.

3300 Bonita Beach Rd SW #120, Bonita Springs, FL

Artisan Eatery All-day American cafe with weekend brunch, coffee, beer & wine served up in a comfy setting.

8951 Daniels Pkwy, Fort Myers, FL Fuse Global Cuisine Easygoing, airy eatery serving a range of eclectic global fusion such as BBQ bao, plus beer & wine.

2500 Tamiami Trail N #115, Naples, FL

A Table Apart Buzzy but unfussy nook serving a sustainable menu heavily influenced by Hawaiian flavors.

4295 Bonita Beach Rd SW, Bonita Springs, FL

Lehne Burger Burgers with many toppings & sauces, plus shakes & beer, in a bright retro-style space with a patio.

1232 Cape Coral Pkwy E, Cape Coral, FL

Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood Spacious, contemporary venue featuring upscale seafood dishes, a bar & a fish market.

1229 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL

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BAR GU ID E Bambusa Bar & Grill Informal American tavern with small plates, Tex-Mex dishes, pizzas, burgers & happy hours.

Empire Plaza, 600 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL

7th Avenue Social Modern Southern dishes & craft cocktails are the draw at this sophisticated restaurant with a patio.

849 7th Ave S #101, Naples, FL

Rascals Lively, modern gay bar featuring drag shows, karaoke, DJs & pool, plus happy-hour specials.

3758 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL

Whiskey Park Energetic tavern featuring craft beers, whiskey & bar grub, plus pool tables, live music & a patio.

3380 Mercantile Ave, Naples, FL

Cruiser’s Lounge Easygoing gay bar serving up cocktails, drag shows, karaoke & dance nights, plus happy hours.

1517 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL

Dylan’s Drafthouse Easygoing bar & grill offering pub fare from sandwiches to entrees, along with many beers on tap.

1258 Airport-Pulling Rd, Naples, FL

Yabba Island Grill Airy setting with outdoor space serving seafood, steaks & other casual eats, plus cocktails.

711 5th Ave S, Naples, FL

The Real Macaw Restaurant Caribbean-inspired bar/eatery with tropical decor & seafood fare, plus outdoor seating & live music.

3275 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL

Sea Salt Modern seafood dishes with global salts & spices served in a hip, upscale space with patio seating.

1186 3rd St S, Naples, FL

The Parrot Bar & Grill Burgers, fish sandwiches & American bar bites pair with tropical drinks in colorful, laid-back digs.

1100 6th Ave S, Naples, FL

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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE MAY

that takes place at ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa! DJs and drag queens, pride cocktails and pool party, bottomless drag brunch with bottomless mimosas, beach party with floating DJ, and exclusive pride merch! For more information, please visit tween-waters.com/captiva-prideweekend.

MAY 11

HAITIAN & HILARIOUS COMEDY TOUR: NAPLES

2nd Annual Haitian and Hilarious Comedy Tour. Featuring some of the funniest Haitian Comedians in the country. 10 Cities. 10 Opportunities for laughter and a great time. Tickets on HNHTOUR.com

JUN 04

4TH ANNUAL NAPLES PRIDE FEST

MAY 15

Naples Pride celebrates diversity and unity, educates the community on LGBTQ issues and promotes equal rights for all. This all-inclusive, familyfriendly and open to the public event will combine entertainers, speakers, musicians, performers, vendors, exhibitors, kids activities, food and drinks for a day of fun and celebration. www.naplespride.org.

DINNER IS A DRAG

We are bringing in the areas most talented drag queens for this event! This selection of Queens will be bringing the good times while you sit back and enjoy our great food and specialty cocktails!

Make your reservations now, this dinner is limited and it will sell out fast. Dinner starts at 7:00, and Drag Shows to follow.

Please note that parties of 2 or less may be placed with other parties. All cancellation requests must be made 48 hours prior to the start of the event.

Complete details at eventbrite.com.

JUN 05

NAPLES PRIDE TEA DANCE

Naples Pride and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites have partnered up for this years Tea Dance. Come relax by the pool in your most chic caftan or your most scandalous bathing suit.

While having a refreshing cocktail, be marveled by the amazing drag queens as they do what they so best...entertain and represent! For more information, please visit tinyurl.com/ye25spak.

MAY 18-22

FORT MYERS FILM FESTIVAL

The Fort Myers Film Festival’s opening night film premiere of “Calendar Girls” takes place at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center located at 2301 First St., downtown Fort Myers; other films take place at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center with some screenings around town in other venues. Tickets start at $20 and purchased at sbdac.com or by calling 239-333-1933. For more information: fortmyersfilmfestival.com.

For more on the film and the filmmakers head to the Florida Weekly story here. Follow us on Twitter and join our Facebook page for updates.

JUN 11

2ND ANNUAL PRIDE THEMED TROLLEY EVENT

Join South Cape Hospitality and Entertainment Association for a PRIDE themed trolley event on June 11 from 7-11pm and enjoy drink samples and appetizer samples at various South Cape hotspots! Tickets for the 2nd Annual South Cape PRIDE Trolley Event are available for purchase online via Eventbrite (bit.ly/pridetrolley22) and inperson via South Cape Hub (cash only / no fees), located at 909 SE 47th Terrace.

JUNE

JUN 03-05

CAPTIVA PRIDE WEEKEND

Captiva’s first celebration of pride

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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE JUN 17

can apply what you learn to your own garden. After the class, attendees will be able to tour the Demonstration Garden and observe the mature Florida Friendly Landscape. For more information, please visit tinyurl.com/22pny4du

DRAG QUEEN BINGO @ 7PM

Come out and enjoy fantastic food, great drinks and have a blast with drag queen bingo while supporting local charities! $15 per person. Please Call for Reservations 239-931-1240! The Standard Restaurant, Fort Myers, FL

JUL 23

DRAG BRUNCH BINGO ON FIRST STREET!

JULY

Get ready for Drag Brunch Bingo on First Street! We will be celebrating every Saturday from noon to 3pm with bingo, entertainment, 50/50 raffle, 069 jello shots, and much more! If you sign up online, you will receive an extra final game sheet for free! From mimosas, to Bloody Mary’s, drink specials, eggs benedict, pancakes, the list goes on and on with fantastic food and staff.

Proceeds are to benefit nonprofits in our community. We look forward to seeing you there! firststreetdowntown.com

JUL 03

DRAG BRUNCH BINGO @ BBCO!

Get your plant buzz with Botanical Brewing for Drag Brunch Bingo! We offer drag, brunch, and plenty of bingo to keep your plant buzz going every Sunday from noon to 3pm. Tickets are $2 per card per game. Half goes to charity and half goes to the winner.

Proceeds are to benefit multiple nonprofits that support our community in SWFL. You entertainment will be a variety of drag kings and drag queens from A Haus of Drag. We look forward to seeing you soon! Botanical Brewing Taproom, Cape Coral, FL

JUL 31

WICKED BIKE NIGHT @ DUVAL STREET

Wicked Dolphin & Duvall street are teaming up to bring you Wicked Bike Nights! Join us the last Thursday of each month for great food & drink specials and bands playing from 6-9pm. For more information and a list of bands, please visit www.duvalstreetcc.com

JUL 16

THE WINE ROOM COMEDY NIGHT

Join us for an intimate night of laughs as The Wine Room transforms into a Very Limited Seating Comedy Club.

Comedians seen on TMZ Live, MTV and The Howard Stern Show. Very Limited Tickets. First come, first serve seating.

Seating at 6:30 PM. Showtime at 7:00 PM. Price goes up $5/ticket day of show.

For more information and tickets, please visit tinyurl.com/2p9fn6hy

AUGUST AUG 04

RUNNING SHOES & BREWS @ HOPSIZED

The Running Shoes & Brews Run Club is a group created in order to inspire people to get out, be active, and have fun! All are welcome to join! This is a FREE event but we kindly ask that all interested in participating reserve their ticket in order to assist us in organizing the group routes. For more information, please visit tinyurl.com/2p8evtwu

JUL 22

BASICS OF FLORIDA FRIENDLY GARDENING 2022

Join us for a free Florida Friendly Landscaping (FFL) class to learn the nine principles that guide Florida friendly landscaping in Lee County.

Each principle is covered in class so you

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GOOD FOR BSINESS U S I NESS GOOD FOR BU Protecting LGBTQ Americans from Discrimination is Good for Business Business leaders know that protecting every American from discrimination is good for the economy.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults have a combined buying power of $884 billion dollars, and business leaders know that today’s generation of consumers prefer to shop at businesses that support gay and transgender people.

Business leaders across the nation are leading the charge to secure nondiscrimination protections for gay and transgender people.

Fairness for All Hardworking Americans • Gay and transgender people are our neighbors, co-workers, friends, and family.

Hardworking Americans deserve to be treated fairly and equally under the law.

Sadly, too many hardworking Americans are facing discrimination in areas like employment, housing and public accommodations, just because they are gay or transgender.

• America is a land of opportunity and freedom, where people who work hard and meet their responsibilities have the chance to get ahead. Everyone deserves the freedom to achieve the American Dream, including gay and transgender citizens.

Respecting Our Coworkers and Getting the Job Done • What’s most important is focusing on what we have in common, taking pride in our work, respecting our coworkers, serving customers, and getting the job done.

• Employees should be judged on their qualifications, experience, and the job they do – nothing more, nothing less.

Non-Discrimination Protections Are Good for Business • Business leaders across the nation, including conservative leaders, agree: Discrimination is bad for business. Today’s top job creators seek states and communities that are welcoming to everyone, including their families, employees and customers.

• When every American is given the opportunity to work hard and earn a living, our economy, communities and nation succeed.

To download a PDF version of this resource, go online and visit: freedomforallamericans.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/BusinessBackgrounderFFAA.pdf

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Excerpt from freedomforallamericans.org

LGBTQ COM MU NI TY ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS

LGBT COMMUNITY FUND OF SOUTHWEST FLORIDA Engages like-minded individuals and organizations to increase philanthropic support in Southwest Florida for the unique challenges and opportunities facing Southwest Florida’s LGBT. lgbtswfl.com NAPLES PRIDE CENTER To unite and empower the LGBTQ+ community of SWFL, to educate and foster equality for all. naplespride.org SOUTHWEST FLORIDA HARMONY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The SWFLHCC exists to promote networking within the existing LGBTQ and LGBTQ friendly business and professional community, to promote business opportunities for chamber members, to promote Southwest Florida as a year-round LGBTQ and LGBTQ friendly tourist destination, to provide resources for our members and to provide outreach from our community to community organizations. swflhcc.org

VISUALITY FLORIDA The mission of Visuality is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer plus communities and our allies by providing activities, programs, educational events, and services that create community, empower community members, provide essential resources, advocate for civil and human rights; and embrace, promote and support out cultural diversity. We strive to end violence, harassment, and discrimination based on real or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or sexual expression. visualityflorida.org

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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE SEPTEMBER

AUG 12

COMEDY NIGHT @ STOGIE PAIRING CIGAR LOUNGE

SEP 01

FT. MYERS CAREER FAIR 2022

Comedians seen on TMZ Live, MTV and The Howard Stern Show. Very Limited Tickets. First come, first serve seating.

Showtime at 7:00 PM. Seating at 6:00 PM. Price goes up $5/ticket day of show.

Visit tinyurl.com/3y4cfb6e for tickets and more information.

JobFairX virtual job fairs connect you directly with local employers. Interview with 40+ companies in just 3-hours.

How does it work? First, register for free.

Second, schedule interviews. Last but not least, get hired ON THE SPOT! Visit our Evenbrite for more information and registration: tinyurl.com/2p94a8uk

AUG 14

K-POP CHOREOGRAPHY CLASS @ RESIDENCE

SEP 03

SATURDAY NIGHT TRIVIA @ LIKI TIKI

Residance is the first and only choreography and fitness adult dance studio in SWFL focused on inclusion, diversity, and (most of all) fun! During our 90 minute K-Pop Classes we learn a fun 45-60 second choreography to the most popular K-Pop songs. With our without dance experience you’ll be able to follow along to the instruction of one of our expert choreographers step by step. Visit tinyurl.com/hhfy3wun for more info and registration.

Grab your friends and join us every Saturday for Spotlight Trivia! Test your knowledge and speed while competing for great prizes. Every round has a winner and, as always, the game is FREE to play! Will your team win?! Liki Tiki BBQ, Naples, FL

SEP 14

MEDITATE WITH WOLVES!

If you’ve ever heard about Shy Wolf Sanctuary and wanted to visit, this is a unique opportunity to meet and connect with the exotic animals we rescue. Join one of our trained guides for a private walk through the sanctuary to meet and commune with the animals in guided meditation. For more information and events, please visit us at www.shywolfsanctuary.org

AUG 23

OPEN MIC NIGHT @ KAVA CULTURE

Open Mic from 8pm-2am, every Tuesdays! Plant base brews, Delta 8 on tap and and an assortment of vendors.

Come and drop the MIC! Kava Culture Kava Bar, Fort Myers, FL

AUG 26

SEP 14

BALLROOM & LATIN DANCE PARTY @ ALLSTAR DANCE

OWN THE PLATFORM LIVE: “THE ROOFTOP PARTY EXPERIENCE”

Join us for Ballroom, Salsa, Bachata, and Swing dancing at our weekly dance party at Allstar Dance Studio in Naples, FL. Beginner Bachata classes every Friday 6:45 PM - 7:30 PM, Dance Party 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Call (239) 304-9013 or visit tinyurl.com/a4bbza6 for tickets and more information.

FRESH PRESENTS “The Rooftop Party Experience” At Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center Rooftop. Featuring a Live DJ, the OTP Band & friends. Every 2nd Wednesday of the month! Bar opens at 6pm, show starts at 8pm. Food and drink specials all night, dress to impress!

For more information, please visit our event link at tinyurl.com/ynp2767t

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BUSINESS D IRECTO RY MORTGAGES Maxwell Mortgage Team................................. 5 JD Cortese- Guaranteed Rate.........................13

AUTO DEALERSHIP Sutherlin Nissan of Fort Myers........................ 3 ELECTRICAL SERVICES All Phase Electric Service of Fl Inc...back outside cover

PATIO FURNITURE The Outdoor GreatRoom Company................. 1

ELECTRICIAN All Phase Electric Service of Fl Inc...back outside cover

REMODELING The Lykos Group.............................................. 7

FINANCIAL PLANNER Moran Wealth Management........................8-9

RESTAURANT Il Cielo Restaurant.........................................11

FIRE TABLES & PITS The Outdoor GreatRoom Company................. 1

SHUTTERS High Wind Shutters.......................................13

HURRICANE SHUTTERS High Wind Shutters.......................................13

WEALTH MANAGEMENT Moran Wealth Management........................8-9

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2022 EVENT SCH E DULE SEP 17

PAINTING CLASSES WITH PALAK TEENS & ADULTS

Welcome to Palak StudioInk’s Art Class in Cape Coral! This free painting class is open for all ages. You are welcome to this class as a beginner as well. We will be doing a painting on nature and learn how to blend colors. I will be walking you through a few techniques to make blending easier. I have different versions of the same painting so it suits all ages. Please visit the event link (tinyurl. com/4tswjsxe) for more information and tickets. Seats are limited!

OCTOBER OCT 01

SW FLORIDA HISPANIC HERITAGE & TASTE OF LATINO FESTIVAL Celebrate Hispanic Heritage at the Southwest FORD Cuban Sandwich & Taste of Latino Festival is Saturday, Oct 1st, 2022 in SW Florida, Ft. Myers, FL. Free Festival when you register for a ticket! - Limited Quantities! For more info: www.TasteOfLatino.com

OCT 04

4TH ANNUAL WCR FASHION SHOW: HONORING BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS

Join Women’s Council of Realtors Naples our annual fashion show, our biggest event of the year! This year, we are honoring Breast Cancer Survivors.

This event is open to the public, but please reserve your tickets early at tinyurl.com/4sw2h584 as there is limited seating!

OCT 07

4TH ANNUAL SOUTHWEST FALL OPEN 4th annual Southwest Fall open in support of Humane Society Naples.

Catch and release picture tournament for Snook and Redfish. For location,

time, and other information please visit tinyurl.com/3wweukbj

OCT 22

4TH ANNUAL MR. & MRS. SWFL DRAG COMPETITION

This will be our 4th Annual Mr & Mrs SWFL Drag Competition! Every year we get bigger and better. This year, your celebrity judge is Dragula’s Season 3 Monster Winner Landon Cider!

Contestants will be competing for a sash, crown, some cash, and the title of Mr or Mrs SWFL Drag.

There are sponsorship opportunities, general admission, VIP Seating, & much more. Proceeds are to benefit nonprofits in our community here in SWFL. There will also be a 50/50 raffle, and raffle prizes up for grabs. We hope you help us make this competition a success!

Cruiser’s Lounge, Cape Coral, FL. For more information and tickets: tinyurl. com/2usub44r

OCT 28

A CONVERSATION ABOUT STRUCTURAL RACISM & IMPLICIT BIAS

The day-long conversation about structural racism and implicit bias is for everyone, providing an overview of the history of racism, including local history, and concepts related to implicit bias. When we don’t understand and are afraid to talk about something, we cannot make the changes needed for a better future.

We hope to create a shared foundation of understanding and begin a conversation about racism to empower others to continue, learn more, and take action. For more information, please visit futuremakerscoalition.com.