CHEERS TO 29 YEARS! Dine, drink, dance and discover at an event like no other at the 29th Annual Bank of America Wine, Spirits and Culinary Celebration. The event’s legendary Grand Tasting takes place from 6:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. VIP access starts at 5:30 p.m.
WHEN: October 17, 2025
WHERE: Museum of Discovery and Science
Your ticket includes a grand tasting of cuisine from South Florida’s premier restaurants, an array of wine and spirits from around the world, an outdoor beer garden, music & dancing and a silent auction. Adults 21+ only event.
HOST PACKAGES:
• $2,850 Group VIP Platinum Package (12 people)
• $1,100 Group Grand Tasting Package (10 people)
• $300 Individual VIP Platinum Ticket Includes early admission to the event at 5:30 p.m. and access to the Platinum Lounge
• $150 Individual Grand Tasting Ticket
For sponsorship opportunities or additional information, please contact Hillary Wallace at 954.713.0918 or hillary.wallace@mods.org.
Join South Florida Symphony Orchestra, as we explore beauty in contrasts –where the bold and the sublime intersect, the familiar meets the new, and music becomes a portal to a world of wonder.
Brahms’ First Symphony & Saint-Saëns’ Cello Concerto No. 1
With Massenet | Beethoven
Wed., Nov., 5, 2025 • The Parker
Handel’s Messiah & Holiday Pops
Sat., Dec. 6, 2025 • The Parker Sun., Dec. 7, 2025 • Barry University
Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2 & Ravel’s Piano Concerto in G major
With Vaughan Williams
Wed, Jan. 21, 2026 • The Parker
Thurs. Jan. 22, 2026 • New World Center
Sat., Jan. 24, 2026 • Tennessee Williams Theatre
Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio espagnol & Mozart’s “Ha ner” With orchestra premieres by Joachim | Simon
Tues., Feb. 17, 2026 • New World Center
Wed., Feb. 18, 2026 • The Parker
Sat., Feb. 21, 2026 • Tennessee Williams Theatre
Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8 & Sibelius’ Violin Concerto With Schubert
Tues., March 10, 2026 • New World Center
Wed., March 11, 2026 • The Parker
Sat., March 14, 2026 • Tennessee Williams Theatre
Mendelssohn’s “Italian” & Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4
Wed., April 8, 2026 • The Parker
Photo: Nick Donner
Leadership Team
Connie Evans (Chief Copy Editor / Mother of the Publisher)
Sach Advertising Group (Senior Director of Graphic Design & Information Technology)
Megan Fitzgerald, PhD (Associate Editor, Senior Writer; Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences)
Chandler Scott (Director of Social Media, Writer)
Nicole Ackerman, MA (Sr. Sales Response)
Writers
Tony Adams
Charles Baran
John M. Hayden (Senior South Florida News Journalist)
Denny Patterson (Senior Lifestyle Writer)
Bishop Rev. Robert Griffin, DMin (Senior Associate Pastor, SunShine Cathedral)
Savannah Whaley (Senior Writer)
Distribution
Jason Eakin
Photography & Editorial Consultant
Stephen Lang (Director)
Brand Ambassadors
Joe Akin
Doug Ames
Charles Baran
Arnie Cuarenta
Clayton de Oliveira
Luka Gotsiridze
Rafi Maldonado
Jorge Perez
Richard Rodríguez-Pérez
Legal Oversight
Richter Trademarks, T.L. Trantalis & Associates
National Advertising Rivendell Media 1
Mayor Trantalis on Public Safety, Homelessness, and Fort Lauderdale’s Future
As summer comes to an end and our children have returned back to school, it seemed as if heading into the fall season would find ourselves mostly focused on our main priorities: our efforts to combat homelessness, strengthen our infrastructure, and preserve our beloved waterways.
But come to learn, our state government decided that these were not their priorities, but in fact, their most pressing concern is painted intersections in our roadways. Like most cities in our state, highlighting intersections and crosswalks with bright images leads to fewer pedestrian and vehicular accidents.
This is proven not just empirically, but the folks at Bloomberg did a major study and the results clearly show how brightly colored intersections and sidewalks greatly enhance public safety.
Nonetheless, the state demanded that it and every other painted area on our streets be removed. Imagine. This is what keeps them up at night, besides corralling immigrants in the swamp.
But your City Commission decided this was too much and has refused this effort by the state to dictate what we do here in our home city. In particular, Sebastian Street is not a state road nor under the state’s jurisdiction in any manner.
Back to priorities. As we look to fiscal year 2026, the budget plan is community-focused and forward-looking. Here’s how it champions our shared priorities:
We are deeply committed to public safety — the bedrock of a thriving city. The budget makes clear that law enforcement and emergency services are the foundation of the work we do. Of the general fund, about 36 percent is dedicated to the Police Department and 25 percent to Fire Rescue. That adds up to nearly two-thirds of your tax dollars dedicated directly toward keeping you safe and our city secure.
Beyond the basic funding for our first responders, this budget takes further action to increase safety. We’re buying
more CCTV cameras to observe high-traffic areas along with more vehicle stop devices and more license plate reader message boards. We also will open the new police station and launch a pilot program to enforce speed limits in school zones with traffic cameras.
We’re also making meaningful progress on homelessness response by allocating resources to pathways out of homelessness and into stable housing.
The third pillar of our priorities is infrastructure and resilience—essential for adapting to climate impacts and ensuring we keep pace with growth. We accelerate infrastructure projects to improve the water, wastewater, stormwater systems and make us more resilient to sealevel rise and extreme weather.
Fourth, our public enjoyment of waterways remains a treasured tradition in Fort Lauderdale—and a formal Commission priority. We intend to continue fostering vibrant and environmentally responsible waterfront spaces for all residents. After all, it’s our waterways that make Fort Lauderdale truly unique.
We expand our program that regularly provides reports on the quality of waters in the city’s canals and rivers so recreational enthusiasts have all the information they want when they venture out for a day of activity.
The budget is balanced, responsive, and ambitious — built for today’s needs and tomorrow’s opportunities. Together, we’re building a safer, more caring, more resilient, and water-loving Fort Lauderdale.
Sincerely,
Dean
Courtesy of Mayor Dean Trantalis | Photo by Dennis Dean, Courtesy of Office of Mayor Dean J.
IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY®
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment. (bik-TAR-vee)
MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine.
ABOUT BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements.
BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS.
Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:
dofetilide
rifampin
any other medicines to treat HIV-1
BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY
Tell your healthcare provider if you:
Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection.
Have any other health problems.
Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY.
Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks of breastfeeding during treatment with BIKTARVY.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:
Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist.
BIKTARVY and other medicines may a ect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines.
POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY
BIKTARVY may cause serious side e ects, including:
Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section.
Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY.
Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY.
Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat.
Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain.
The most common side e ects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%).
These are not all the possible side e ects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY.
You are encouraged to report negative side e ects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.
HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY
Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food.
GET MORE INFORMATION
This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more.
Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5.
If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information.
Count on Us Your Questions Answered
Latinos Salud’s healthcare providers answer some of the community’s most pressing concerns. This month, Latinos Salud’s provider in its North Miami location, Kensy Chavez, DNP, APRN, provides guidance on how DoxyPEP can prevent most sexually transmitted infections—but not all. Read on for more!
OutClique: We’ve been hearing a lot lately about patients using DoxyPEP. Does it work, and how effective is it?
Kensy Chavez, DNP: DoxyPEP (doxycycline for postexposure prophylaxis) has shown real benefits in clinical studies. The idea is simple: you take a single 200 mg dose of doxycycline within 72 hours after condomless sex, and it reduces the risk of certain bacterial STIs. (DoxyPEP, in other words, taking doxycycline after sex to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs)).
Here’s what we know about DoxyPEP’s effectiveness in
www.LatinosSalud.org
preventing STIs, according to the most recent data:
● Chlamydia: Around a 65% reduction in infections.
● Syphilis: About a 70–77% reduction.
● Gonorrhea: The results are mixed; here protection is weaker because gonorrhea already has higher antibiotic resistance.
So yes, it sure works, especially for chlamydia and syphilis. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t provide a high level of coverage against gonorrhea, but it does reduce overall STI burden in high-risk populations.
One important point is that DoxyPEP does not replace PrEP to prevent HIV; that’s a separate medication altogether. (DoxyPEP is an antibiotic; PrEP is a specific antiretroviral). It’s also not meant to replace condoms, or take the place of your routine STI screening. DoxyPEP is just another tool in the prevention toolbox, especially for people who already have frequent STI exposures. Think of it as “damage control” rather than a cure-it-all.
OutClique: If DoxyPEP is that effective, why not just take doxycycline all the time? Couldn’t I just stay on it like a daily pill?
Kensy Chavez, DNP: That’s also a common question, and the short answer is: No, it’s not safe or effective to use it that way.
Here’s why:
● Overuse leads to antibiotic resistance. Doxycycline is used to treat many bacterial infections, not just STIs. If people start taking it daily or in higher doses than recommended, bacteria can adapt and become resistant. That means in the future, the drug may no longer work, not just for you, but for the wider community.
● It won’t protect you from everything. DoxyPEP doesn’t cover gonorrhea well, and it doesn’t prevent viral infections like HIV, hepatitis C, HPV, or herpes. Overusing it can give a false sense of security.
● Side effects add up. Taking doxycycline too often increases your risk of nausea, esophageal irritation, photosensitivity (sunburn risk), and long-term gut microbiome disruption.
The right way to use DoxyPEP is targeted: one 200 mg dose, within 72 hours of condomless sex, not more than once every 24 hours. It’s designed to be after-the-fact protection, not a daily antibiotic routine.
Another risk we watch out for is “stacking” doses. Some patients mistakenly believe that taking even more doxycycline pills will give them more protection. That’s
not true. Going beyond the recommended dose doesn’t make it more effective; it just increases side effects and accelerates bacterial resistance.
So, when I prescribe DoxyPEP, I emphasize balance. It’s a valuable prevention tool, but like all antibiotics, it needs to be used responsibly. Paired with regular STI screening, HIV prevention (PrEP), and open conversations about risk, it can play a big role in reducing infections if we avoid misuse.
OutClique: So what’s your advice for patients who are interested in trying DoxyPEP?
Kensy Chavez, DNP: First, talk to your healthcare provider openly about your sexual health and risk profile. If you’ve had repeated bacterial STIs, DoxyPEP may be an excellent option for you. If DoxyPEP is right for you, and you are currently HIV-negative, you would absolutely benefit from starting PrEP to avoid acquiring HIV.
The good news is that you can get tested for HIV, screened for STIs, treated with DoxyPEP, and started on PrEP (or HIV care) all in one visit to Latinos Salud’s Wellness Clinic!
Second, follow the dosing instructions exactly: one 200 mg dose within 72 hours after condomless sex, never more than once a day. That’s it.
Finally, remember that DoxyPEP works best as part of a broader prevention plan, not a standalone solution. Keep up with your HIV prevention strategy (PrEP if you are HIV-negative, or if you're living with HIV, by maintaining an undetectable viral load through antiretroviral treatment), get regular STI screenings, and use condoms when possible.
At the end of the day, DoxyPEP is not about taking antibiotics endlessly; it’s about using them smartly, in the right situation, to lower your risk while keeping antibiotics effective for the future.
Author: OutClique Staff | Photo Courtesy of Latinos Salud
Concierge Medicine COMING TO Genesis Health Institute
Personalized Care, Anytime You Need It
Imagine a healthcare experience that prioritizes you, your schedule, and your well-being. Genesis Health Institute will soon be introducing GHI Concierge— a personalized approach to healthcare that offers unparalleled access, comprehensive care, and a deep commitment to your health journey. With the GHI Concierge medicine program, you receive immediate access to your physician, longer appointment times, and a level of care tailored to your unique health needs.
Genesis’ GHI Concierge is designed to foster a stronger patient-doctor relationship, emphasizing preventive care, early diagnosis, and proactive health management. Whether it’s coordinating specialist care, managing chronic conditions, or simply ensuring you get the attention you need without the wait, their program elevates your healthcare experience. From same-day appointments to customized wellness plans, you’ll experience a higher standard of care that puts you first.
Join the Genesis Health Institute family and discover the peace of mind that comes from having a trusted healthcare partner by your side.
Take control of your health with a concierge approach that provides you with comprehensive, continuous, and compassionate care — every step of the way.
To learn more, call 954-561-3175 or visit ghinstitute.com.
Learn More
(954) 561-3175
Genesis Health Institute
• Free STD Screening & Treatment
• HIV Testing & Linkage to HIV care
• PrEP Services
What Recovery Looks Like and How to Get Help
Recovery isn’t a straight line. It’s a journey filled with small wins, tough days, and moments of real growth. During National Recovery Month, we celebrate those who are walking that path, whether they’re just starting or have been on it for years.
In 2024, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that 74.3% of adults aged 18 or older who perceived they had a problem with alcohol or drug use considered themselves to be in recovery or to have recovered. But what does recovery actually look like?
Recovery Is Personal
For some, recovery means learning to manage cravings. For others, it’s rebuilding relationships, finding stable housing, or simply waking up and choosing to keep going. There’s no one-size-fits-all version of recovery. It’s about progress, not perfection. At Care Resource, we see recovery every day. It looks like someone showing up for their first counseling session, a peer support specialist walking alongside a client, or a community member picking up Narcan to help save a life.
Why Support Matters
Recovery is possible, but it’s not something anyone should have to do alone. Support makes all the difference. Whether it’s emotional encouragement from loved ones or professional help from a health center, having someone in your corner can turn hope into healing.Recovery Month reminds us that treatment works, recovery is real, and that every individual deserves a second chance, and (sometimes) a third, and a fourth, if that’s what it takes. Recovery varies from person to person, reflecting individual experiences and needs. We value meeting individuals where they are at and walking alongside them with a variety of treatment options. Recovery is not a destination. It is an individualized lifelong journey. –Thomas Smith, Chief Behavioral Health Services Officer
Here’s how you can start:
● Talk to someone you trust. A friend, family member, or peer can help you take the first step.
● Reach out to professionals. Care Resource offers medical and behavioral health services tailored to your needs.
● Join a support group. Groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous provide a safe space to share and grow.
● Explore therapy. Licensed counselors can help you understand the root causes and build coping strategies.
● Contact The SPOT. Our mobile clinic provides syringe exchange services, Narcan, and compassionate care in Broward County.
What Care Resource Offers
We’re here to walk with you through every stage of recovery. Our services include:
● Behavioral health counseling
● Medication-assisted treatment
● Peer support
● Risk reduction tools
● Mobile outreach through The SPOT
Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or someone you care about, we’re ready to support you.
How to Get Help
Call us 305-576-1234 or visit one of our health centers in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, or Fort Lauderdale. Contact The SPOT at 954-566-SPOT (7768)
Recovery Is Possible
Let’s celebrate the strength it takes to recover, and the support that makes it possible. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re here. Recovery isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving.
FLORIDA MEN’S CLINIC Your Partner in Sexual wellness
“At Florida Men’s Clinic, we believe every man deserves a fulfilling sex life — and that starts with open conversation and real solutions. Our approach is built around personalized, concierge treatment plans designed specifically for you.”
Our extensive experience has enabled us to develop a holistic system that addresses a range of concerns—from erectile dysfunction and testosterone optimization to size enhancement and increased libido. When you choose Florida Men’s Clinic and Menspro™, you gain a trusted partner committed to guiding you on your personal health journey.
JASON CROSS –Clinic Owner
TREATMENT OPTIONS
SUBLINGUALS – Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil
PDE5 inhibitors dissolve under the tongue, offering faster onset and improved absorption compared to oral versions. This method enhances convenience, reduces gastrointestinal side effects, and allows for more spontaneous use, making them a preferred choice for many patients.
TRIMIX/BIMIX
Advanced injectable erectile dysfunction medications are renowned for their high effectiveness, boasting success rates of up to 94%. They are considered the best-performing options available, making them reliable choices when confidence and reliability are paramount.
SOUNDWAVE THERAPY
Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) harnesses targeted energy to stimulate the release of angiogenic factors, promoting the development of new blood vessels in the treated tissue. This process enhances blood supply and may improve the functionality of tissues that expand during an erection.
NEUROMODULATORS
Therapeutic neuromodulators offer a groundbreaking approach to enhancing erectile function. By temporarily relaxing the smooth muscle in the blood vessels that supply the penis, these injections increase blood flow and improve the capacity for erections
AROUSAL MEDS – PT-141, Oxytocin, Apomorphine
This therapy enhances sexual arousal by targeting specific neurotransmitters and hormones. PT 141 acts on the brain, while oxytocin promotes bonding and intimacy, and apomorphine influences dopamine pathways for increased desire.
CAN Community Health Announces World AIDS Day Concerts Featuring Broadway
Icons Anthony Rapp & Adam Pascal
CAN Community Health, the nation's leading resource in ending epidemics, will host World AIDS Day Concerts headlined by Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, the original stars of the Tony Award-winning Broadway phenomenon RENT. The concert will be in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 30, 2025, and in Tampa on Monday, December 1, 2025, on World AIDS Day.
In this special two-stop engagement, themed “No Day But Today!” Adam and Anthony bring their friendship and history together for an unforgettable and celebratory night of music in honor of lives affected by HIV and AIDS and inspire the continued fight toward ending the epidemic.
“World AIDS Day reminds us that compassion, community, and care aren’t just values, they’re actions,” said Kal Gajraj, PhD, Senior Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer, at CAN Community Health. “We’re honored to showcase Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, artists whose work in RENT helped change the conversation around HIV, and to bring our communities together for a night of remembrance, hope, and impact.”
Photo Courtesy of Michael Allan Galvez
Event Details:
Fort
Lauderdale
Date: Sunday, November 30, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Venue: Las Olas Oceanside Park, 3000 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Ticket Pricing: General Admission $10, VIP: $150
Tampa – World AIDS DAY
Date: Monday, December 1, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM (Doors 5:00 PM)
Venue: CAN Community Event Center, 2105 N. Nebraska Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
Ticket Pricing: General Admission: $20, VIP: $150
www.nodaybuttoday.org
Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Susan Terry Foundation, which is dedicated to empowering individuals living with HIV by providing essential resources, education, and support. Learn more at www.susanterryfoundation.org.
About Adam Pascal & Anthony Rapp
Pascal and Rapp originated the roles of Mark Cohen and Roger Davis in Jonathan Larsen’s groundbreaking musical RENT, which brought national attention to HIV/AIDS crisis through the power of storytelling and song. Both artists continue to champion causes of inclusion, dignity, and public health. Expect songs from various projects throughout their careers, music that has influenced their lives, and of course a few iconic hits from where it all began meeting at RENT.
About CAN Community Health
CAN Community Health is the nation's premier resource in ending epidemics.
Headquartered in Tampa, Florida, CAN Community Health operates clinics and pharmacies across Arizona, Florida, Nevada, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. CAN Community Health delivers high-quality care to those affected by HIV/ AIDS, Hepatitis C, STI's, and more. For more than 30 years, CAN Community Health has been empowering wellness for all through outreach, integrated clinical practice, advocacy, education, and research. For more information about CAN Community Health and its services, please visit www.CANCommunityHealth.org.
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Aquaplex Protects and Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Culture
By John Hayden & Steven O. Evans, PhD
When Gloria Gaynor sang “I Will Survive,” she may as well have been foreshadowing the resilience of South Florida’s drag scene. After nearly closing its doors, one of the region’s most iconic LGBTQIA+ venues has not only endured—it has reemerged more dazzling than ever.
Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale—formerly known as Lips— just celebrated its one-year anniversary under the ownership of husbands Jon and Michael Barrett. Already proprietors of Aquaplex Key West, the couple seized a pivotal opportunity to preserve the venue’s legacy, fully aware of the essential role drag entertainment plays in queer culture.
Today, the transformation is undeniable. The stage sparkles with Broadway-level productions, the décor glows with fresh sophistication while still winking at Lips’ beloved kitschy flair, and the sass-infused service remains delightfully intact. Entertainment Director Velvet Lenore captures it best: “The new owners are really in tune with taking care of us. They want to hear from us. That’s more than we can ever ask for.”
The anniversary was marked in true theatrical fashion with the premiere of Off Off Broadway in August 2025—a high-energy spectacle featuring powerhouse numbers from Chicago, Wicked, and Cats. General Manager Rianna Petrone reflects: “We were basically a dying club, and they saved us. Now, customers walk in and say, ‘Oh my God, it looks gorgeous in here.’”
Building a Global Vision
But the story doesn’t end at one nightclub. The Barretts’ triumph in Fort Lauderdale has inspired a broader mission:
the creation of Pride Holdings, a venture committed to rejuvenating struggling LGBTQIA+ venues across the U.S. and Europe. Under the Aquaplex and Bird Cage Cabaret brands, performers will have opportunities to tour, share their artistry with wider audiences, and uphold production values that rival any professional stage.
International Show Director Velvet Lenore will oversee talent across all venues. “I’ll make sure every brand has the same energy and quality, while letting each city add its own local flavor,” she explains. From innovative choreography to signature moments—like every curtain call ending with The Golden Girls’ anthem “Thank You for Being a Friend”—the formula marries consistency with creativity.
Yet Pride Holdings reaches beyond the stage. The company is also expanding Johnson’s, a brand synonymous with high-end male revue entertainment, and curating the Pride Hotels Group, a hospitality brand devoted to LGBTQ-inclusive travel. Its crown jewel is Castello di Camino, an 11th-century castle in Italy’s Piedmont region, where centuries-old history now joins a new era of queer visibility and celebration.
Jon Barrett distills the vision to its essence: “The whole point of our community is inclusivity. There’s no room for discrimination—we face that every day as queer people. Our mission is to create spaces that welcome everyone.”
From Fort Lauderdale to the World
The effort to preserve a single nightclub has now grown into a broader commitment to community and culture. Aquaplex’s first year shows how preservation and care can open the door to new possibilities.
By Chandler Scott
Honey, the moon is serving face tonight, Silver spotlight, full-glam fright.
Pumpkins lit like runway queens, Serving looks in orange sheens.
Witches cackle, “Work that spell!” Vamps are posing, oh, they smell Chanel. Ghosts are floating, wigs on tight, It’s RuPaul’s Drag Race: Fright Night.
Cobwebs sparkle, glitter drips, Skeletons shake their bony hips. Even zombies rise with sass, Clutching martinis made of glass.
Children shriek for tricks and treats, While ghouls are dancing in the streets. Broomsticks twirl, the cauldrons pop, This party, darling, will not stop.
Candy corn? That’s couture. Haunted houses? Très allure. Every scream’s a standing O, Every monster steals the show.
So sip your brew, let’s raise a cheer, For the fiercest night of all the year. Halloween is camp, it’s queer, it’s right. We’re boo and boujee, living for the fright.
Healthy Housing Foundation’s Stadium Hotel Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Photos
Halloween Horror Nights Promises a Hauntingly Good Time
It’s the most horrifying time of the year as Universal Orlando Resort’s Halloween Horror Nights 2025 unleashes new levels of fear and nightmare-inducing terror for 48 select nights through November 2, 2025.
As nighttime falls in Universal Studios Florida, guests will descend into their darkest nightmares as they encounter a terrifying slate of all-new haunted houses, eerie scare zones, and new street experiences that range from sinister scareactors preying upon guests anywhere in the event to an undead DJ.
Plus, when guests need a break from the scares, they can enjoy live shows, shop the latest merchandise in this year’s Halloween Horror Nights Tribute Store, savor scary-good food and beverages and so much more.
Tickets and event-inclusive vacation packages for Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights are on sale now. Available products include single-night tickets, Fear Passes – which allow fans to experience
the horror on multiple event nights (with access and benefits varying depending on the pass type), and event upgrades such as Halloween Horror Nights Express Passes, the R.I.P Tour and the Behind the Screams: Unmasking the Horror Tour.
Guests can also stay close to the screams with special vacation packages that include hotel accommodations, daytime admission to Universal’s theme parks and more – with savings available depending on the length of stay. Hotel guests also receive exclusive benefits, including Early Park Admission during the day and access to a dedicated Halloween Horror Nights entry gate by night, complimentary resort transportation, and more. Hotel guests can also enjoy access to exclusive activations and experiences that are inspired by this year’s event – including spooky photo opportunities in the hotel lobbies with select locations featuring Augmented Reality overlays for an even spookier interactive experience, Halloween-themed specialty drinks at select hotels, and more.
For more information about Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights and to purchase tickets, visit www.UniversalOrlando.com/Halloween.
Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden Appoints Andre Bogsan as Director of Development
By Gary Schweikhart
Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden, the nonprofit organization that operates the 20-acre tropical oasis in the heart of the Palm Beaches, has appointed Andre Bogsan as its new Director of Development.
“We are thrilled to welcome Andre to the Mounts Botanical Garden team,” said Executive Director James May. “His expertise in donor engagement, grant strategies, and fundraising will be instrumental in advancing our mission and ensuring the Garden’s continued growth and sustainability.”
As Director of Development, Bogsan will lead initiatives to strengthen philanthropic support for the Garden, including helping to advance its Master Plan — a dynamic, longterm strategy to enhance the visitor experience, expand community impact, and solidify Mounts Botanical Garden’s role as a cultural and horticultural treasure for Palm Beach County and beyond.
“Our Master Plan vision is for a Mounts Botanical Garden that is bolder, more welcoming, and more sustainable— without ever losing the magic of what makes this place special. We envision Mounts to be the go-to destination to discover, enjoy and be moved by nature,” adds May.
Bogsan is a seasoned institutional advancement and fundraising executive with more than two decades of international experience driving growth and impact for global nonprofits and mission-driven organizations. He has held senior leadership positions at prominent organizations including Greenpeace International, The Nature Conservancy, and La Amistad, managing multimillion-dollar fundraising portfolios, cultivating major donor
relationships, and leading strategic growth initiatives across Latin America, the U.S., and Europe.
His private sector experience includes nearly a decade with The Walt Disney Company Latin America and founding a successful social impact agency in Brazil, where he led high-impact campaigns for UNICEF, Save the Children, and Plan International. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, Bogsan brings a unique global perspective, strategic insight, and operational excellence to his work.
“I am honored to join Mounts Botanical Garden and help advance its mission to nurture meaningful connections with nature through immersive experiences and educational offerings,” said Bogsan. “I look forward to engaging with our supporters and our community to build a sustainable thriving future for this extraordinary place.”
About Mounts Botanical Garden of Palm Beach County
With a mission to nurture meaningful connections with nature through immersive experiences and educational offerings, Mounts Botanical Garden is Palm Beach County’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Visitors to this 20-acre tropical oasis will see an acclaimed collection of 25 unique garden areas containing more than 7,000 species of tropical and sub-tropical plants, including Florida natives, exotic and tropical fruit trees, herbs, palms, roses, cactus, bromeliads, and much more. Mounts Botanical Garden is part of the Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Department, in partnership with the University of Florida and the nonprofit Friends of the Mounts Botanical Garden. Mounts Botanical Garden is located at 531 North Military Trail in West Palm Beach.
Summoning Spirits
This Halloween
By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.
Halloween is back this month. It’s practically an LGBTQ+ High Holy Day. Costumes, street parties, haunted houses, scary movies, and tons of candy fill the month. It really is all a lot of fun.
But there is a backstory to the merriment. Ancient Celts believed October 31 was when the veil between worlds was thin and spirits could cross over to our side. They would make bon-fires and wear masks to frighten away the ghosts that might come to call.
Eventually, the Church got in on the act and appointed November 1 a day to celebrate martyrs (saints, hallows), and November 2 to remember “All Souls.” October 31 then became known as All Hallows Eve, shortened in common usage to “Halloween.”
I like macabre movies, disturbing costumes, and streets filled with outrageous joy. But this year I’m hoping some spirits will sneak through the veil and pay us a visit.
Perhaps the spirit of civility will show up. I would welcome the spirit of generosity, the spirit of kindness, the spirit of empathy, the spirit of compassion. Some of these qualities have seemed dead, asleep, or in hiding, but they may yet stir again. We’ve been haunted by cruelty and discord long enough; I’m ready for sanity and gentleness to take their place.
This year, I’m burning a candle for Halloween, not to frighten but to attract certain spirits, spirits of nobler days, kinder hearts, and angelic intentions. Happy Halloween.
Bishop
is the Senior Minister of Fort Lauderdale’s Sunshine Cathedral.
Durrell Watkins
Photo Courtesy of Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.
Crosswalks In The Crosshairs Breaking Down A Florida Nonemergency
By Charles Baran
In mid-August, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) dropped a metaphorical bomb on counties across the state. A new directive demanded the removal, within fourteen days, of all street art and markings from roads and crosswalks that FDOT deems out of compliance with state statute—whether on state or city roads. It’s no secret the FDOT is acting under the direct orders of Governor Ron DeSantis. His name even appeared in the letterhead of an internal FDOT memo dated June 30, 2025, that seems to have set this in motion.
In Fort Lauderdale, FDOT’s August 21 letter targeted four specific locations: Sebastian Street at SR A1A, Breakers Avenue at Riomar Street, Breakers Avenue at Terramar Street, and East Las Olas Avenue at Almond Avenue. Mayor Dean Trantalis convened a special City Commission meeting on August 27 to review the directive and hear public comments.
Trantalis reminded attendees that these installations were not random acts of painting. They had existed for years and were completed with proper procedures and county notifications. “It wasn’t like we went out willy-nilly and started painting things up,” he said.
FDOT is labeling the directive a “public safety” issue.
But at the meeting, Milos Majstorovic, the city’s Director of Transportation and Mobility, confirmed there have been no major accidents at the locations since the art was installed. Commissioner Steven Glassman pointed to the national Asphalt Art Safety Study by Bloomberg Philanthropies, which found accident rates drop when markings are present. Two Fort Lauderdale streets—Terramar and Riomar—were even included in the study.
City Attorney Paul Bangel clarified that FDOT only has jurisdiction over “traffic control devices” that do not conform to standards. Whether colorful crosswalks qualify remains in question. The rainbow flag painted on Sebastian Street, for example, is not in a crosswalk at all but on a small side street near the beach.
Federal opposition isn’t new. Since 2011, the U.S. government has discouraged crosswalk art, arguing— without data—that bright colors create a false sense of security for pedestrians. This directly contradicts Bloomberg’s findings. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took it further, saying, “Taxpayers expect their dollars to fund safe streets, not rainbow crosswalks.” Critics argue this is part of a broader effort to erase LGBTQ+ and minority visibility.
Photo Courtesy of Alfredo Olvera
The FDOT memo also suggested the policy is tied to automated vehicles: “Uniform and consistent application of pavement surface markings is critical for the overall effectiveness of automated vehicle operation.” But as many pointed out, vehicle technology could easily be programmed to navigate colorful markings.
Regardless of the reasoning, DeSantis is not backing down. “Regardless, whatever the policy was then, it’s not the policy now,” he said. Trantalis called the policy “draconian.”
The commission then opened the floor to the public. Speaker after speaker voiced strong opposition to FDOT’s order.
Troy Liggett, president of the Middle River Terrace Neighborhood Association, said residents he spoke with were outraged. “It’s hateful, and it’s hurtful,” he said, urging the city to pursue every legal avenue.
Fred Fejes, FAU professor and LGBTQ activist, stressed that this is not simply about paint. “It’s a matter of visibility and affirmation of the LGBTQ community. Not only here in Fort Lauderdale, but in our society in general.”
Father Rich Vitale of Holy Angels National Catholic Church, whose congregation is largely LGBTQ, spoke to safety beyond traffic concerns. “They came to Fort Lauderdale because they knew they could be themselves with pride. That is what this rainbow crosswalk means. It means when you come to our community, you are safe.”
Fort Lauderdale resident Kate Driscoll delivered one of the most impassioned statements. “We all know that it isn’t about crosswalks. This is about groups of people who over the years have been bullied, disenfranchised, discriminated against, beaten, and even killed. The Pulse crosswalk in Orlando was not just a crosswalk; it was a memorial. Forty-nine people lost their lives because of hate.” She added that marginalized communities have always had to fight for rights. “So, if we want to paint a crosswalk, wear a button, or put up a monument, and it offends fragile egos, that’s too bad— we’re not going away. They may have started this fight,
but we are all together now, and we are determined to finish it.” Her words drew thunderous applause.
Not all agreed. Resident Lester Zalewski said the art had deteriorated and become unsightly. “Due to hot and cold weather, they are now all cracked up. They are no longer items of value.” His comments, however, missed the broader point.
Alfredo Olvera, President of the Dolphin Democrats and a State Committee Man for the Florida Democratic Party, framed the directive as part of a larger Republican strategy. “This is a slippery slope. Republicans start testing things to see how far they can get. People didn’t believe Roe v. Wade could be overturned, and here we are. Then it was books. Books kids have been reading for decades suddenly banned because narrowminded people said they were bad. We have to fight.”
Olvera questioned the real motives: “Are painted crosswalks a real threat to safety, or is this about appeasing car manufacturers? I don’t know. Follow the money.”
He also urged action, noting the Republican supermajority in Florida’s legislature. Of 40 state senators, only 10 are Democrats. “The upcoming midterms are a chance to change that,” Olvera said, pointing to potential flips in Broward County, including Jason Pizzo’s Senate seat and District 101, where Hillary Cassel switched from Democrat to Republican.
Olvera’s closing remarks were blunt: “If you are going to vote Republican, you know what you voted for. Don’t come back later and say you didn’t know. And if you don’t vote, you are giving up your power.” He reminded residents that in 2018 DeSantis won by only 33,000 votes. “If one more Democrat in every precinct had voted, he wouldn’t be governor.”
Finally, he stressed the importance of mail-in ballots. “Over 80% of people who request a ballot, vote. But every two years you must reapply. The ballot comes about thirty days before the election. Educate yourself about the candidates. Staying home, doing nothing, waiting for change—it won’t happen.”
Forever Proud March
By Luka Gotsiridze
We could already feel the heaviness of the Miami humidity when my husband and I, along with hundreds of queer community members and allies, spilled out of 1130 Washington Avenue on Miami Beach. Banners lifted, voices charged, we shouted into the early morning air: “These are our streets!”
Organized by City of Miami Beach Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the Greater Miami LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and a coalition of local organizations, the Forever Proud March rose up in response to an act of calculated cruelty: the removal of the Pulse Memorial Crosswalk in Orlando. That rainbow crosswalk, painted in 2017, had stood as a living tribute to the 49 lives stolen in the 2016 massacre. And yet, this August, a directive from Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) ordered it erased, hiding behind the sterile bureaucratic jargon: “non-uniform traffic control devices.”
Instead of uniting us in remembrance, the state chose division. If even a memorial is too much for them; if even the murdered cannot rest in peace without being erased, then we are not talking about safety. We are staring at the absence of humanity.
FDOT went further, calling decorative crosswalks “distractions” and “safety hazards.” As if painted asphalt were the real danger in a country where gunfire is normalized, where carrying weapons is framed as liberty, but carrying color is somehow a threat…
For some, a rainbow on the pavement might seem insignificant. Even frivolous. But for most of us, these symbols are profound. We feel it in our bodies: the way our shoulders unclench, our chests loosen, our breath finally comes easier when we are in a space that explicitly welcomes us.
It’s not abstract. It is physical.
Our bodies carry the memory of growing up in a culture where heterosexuality is the unquestioned default, and anything else is branded deviant. When I show even the smallest sign of that so-called deviation - a gesture, a tone, a symbol - I still wrestle with self-doubt, with fear, because I know what it means to be mocked, bullied, shamed. And let’s be honest: nobody likes to be shamed. That cuts across politics, across parties, across ideologies. We all live in bodies that crave safety, that long for belonging. We deserve, like anyone else, the
fundamental human right to breathe freely in our own skin. And if someone doesn’t understand this, they should just step back, and feel the weight of their own humanity.
As we exited the LGBT Visitor Center on Washington Avenue and made our way toward Ocean Drive and 12th Street —home to one of the targeted rainbow crosswalks — we shouted, waved banners, and… yes, found some time to pose for tourists and journalists. I can’t speak for everyone, but some of us, gays? We do love a lil’ exposure. Truth be told, my husband and I were a bit miffed later that day —nobody had captured us on social media. “We were at the epicenter! How come nobody caught us? Carajo!” But just as we were sulking, friends and family started sending clips in the evening. There we were. On TV. Framed perfectly in all our glory…
As we stand up against the absurdities of power and claim our livelihoods, it’s crucial to nourish our capacity for joy. Showing up to resist can be exhausting. It wears you down. But showing up isn’t only about shouting at power or claiming space, it’s about seeing each other, feeling the pulse of community, and reminding ourselves that we are held.
That reminder came later that afternoon at a new place on
Washington Avenue called Wanderlust, where we were just looking for food and air conditioning. Soon, the room filled with other wanderers from the march, strangers greeting each other, venting, laughing, and cooling off from the Miami heat. And then, like a blessing we didn’t know we needed, Maryel Epps swept in. Acclaimed singer, songwriter, performer, the diva of South Beach herself, she sang through the crowd, calling us her babies and honoring the day. “Today was magnificent. And totally needed. And totally what we have to do,” she said as the crowd erupted in applause.
Watching people sing, dance, and laugh, I realized how vital it is to nourish one another. If we only pour out, we run dry. We must replenish, we must laugh, sing, release, connect, gospel through it, or systems of power will exploit our exhaustion.
In the chaos of politics, in the absurd cruelty of attempts to silence, deny, and invisibilize, something stronger is emerging. We are amplifying ourselves. Carving spaces to heal, to remind each other of our power, to go sane together in a world that often feels insane.
The march ended, but the healing did not. It continues every time we show up, every time we create beauty in the face of brutality, every time we sing, dance, laugh, and choose love.
Photos Courtesy of Luka Gotsiridze
Key West’s Rainbow Crosswalks Paved Over — But Pride Endures
By Tony Adams & Steven O. Evans, PhD
On September 9, 2025, a transportation crew working shortly before 3 a.m. covered the rainbow crosswalk at Duval and Petronia streets in Key West, FL with blacktop (asphalt). The move ended a three-month battle over issues of street art, the principle of home rule (a city’s right to govern itself in local matters
without outside interference), and the broader struggle over local expression in Florida.
The removal in Key West is part of a wider effort to limit street art across Florida, despite many years of officially approved and compliant rainbow crossings installed in
cities such as Key West, Orlando, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, and Miami — none of which have reported accidents attributable to those designs.
While the blacktop may have erased the rainbow on the pavement, it cannot erase what the crosswalk symbolized — visibility, pride, and the enduring presence of LGBTQ+ people in Florida. Already, local leaders, residents, and allies are speaking out, finding new ways to ensure that their streets, their businesses, and their
lives continue to reflect inclusivity, hope, and pride.
Key West has always been a place of resilience, a community that embraces difference and thrives on it. The rainbow remains in the hearts of its people and will return in one form or another — whether in art, in celebration, or in the very spirit of the island. For every attempt to pave over progress, Key West reminds the world that pride is not just painted on asphalt; it lives in people, and it shines brighter than any act of erasure.
Tony Adams is the author of the book Ending Anita: How Two Key West Bartenders Won Gay Marriage for Florida
If The Shoe Fits! Key West Searches Far And Wide For The Next Sushi!
By Tony Adams
Bourbon Street Pub owner Joey Schroeder, global LGBTQ+ ambassador for Stoli Group Patrik Gallineaux,, Island House Key West, and the Key West Tourism Development Council (TDC) put their heads together to create a national star search contest for a drag queen to replace the venerable Sushi. For nearly three decades, Sushi has been aboard the giant high-heel shoe that drops from the roof of Bourbon Street Pub on Duval Street every New Year’s Eve.
Semifinal competitions to find Sushi’s successor have been held in major cities including Los Angeles and Dallas.
On Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, Red Eye bar in New York City hosted a semifinal that featured four fiercely talented queens. Each dazzled the crowd with performances, competing for the chance to advance to Key West. The winner was awarded a trip to join other semifinalists on Oct. 4, when a new Sushi will be crowned.
The New York judges included Schroeder, drag star Porsche, and Stacy Lentz, CEO of The Stonewall Inn Gives Back Initiative.
Serving as emcee, Gallineaux delivered a flawless event, guiding contestants through interview and talent segments as well as an uproarious “Let’s pretend it’s New Year’s Eve in Key West and you are in the shoe” challenge. The segment tested the queens’ ability to shine in fabulous “Sushi-style” couture gowns. Schroeder even provided a mock-up of the actual seat inside the fabled shoe, and each contestant proved to be a perfect fit.
The crowd at Red Eye — including members of New York’s Imperial Court — cheered and whistled while sipping Stoli cocktails and applauding powerhouse vocalist Leanne Borghesi, who performed between segments.
Between acts, Gallineaux also introduced local bartenders, each of whom created an original Stoli cocktail for the event. The judges sampled their concoctions and attempted to choose a winner for the Island House–sponsored cash prize, but a three-way tie meant the bartenders split the award.
The evening ended with the selection of voluptuous Norma Tears (as in “No More Tears”) as the winner. Known as “the lungs of NYC” for her ability to hold a note, Norma’s charisma and talent will make her a strong contender at the finals in Key West.
Schroeder and Gallineaux plan to make the competition an annual event. Each year, CNN cuts to Key West for the shoe drop, giving the winning queen international exposure.
Prizes
All finalists receive three nights and four days of airfare and accommodations in Key West, Oct. 2–5, 2025, plus a premium gift basket courtesy of Island House Key West.
The new “Queen of New Year’s Eve” will receive four nights and five days of accommodations in Key West, Dec. 29, 2025–Jan. 2, 2026, courtesy of the TDC and Bourbon Street Pub; round-trip airfare for two from Island House Key West; and a $2,000 performance stipend from Bourbon Street Pub and the TDC.
Photos by Tony Adams for OutClique
ArtServe Goes Big In Season Finale
By Savannah Whaley
The award-winning arts incubator ArtServe closes out its 2024 - 2025 season with a dynamic members only exhibition that encourages its visual artists to go for more, lots more.
“The very big, brash, and bold type of visuals of the Gilded Age in Florida are my vision and intention for the show,” said ArtServe Gallery Manager and External Curator Finn Casson.
“Florida Opulence” will be on view October 17 – December 12, 2025. Like the gallery itself, the opening night reception from 6:00 – 8:30 PM is free and open to the public and will feature the jazz band Totem Cave.
“When I'm thinking of the words Florida Opulence, I think of the late 19th century, very early 20th century architecture that can be found in Florida such as Vizcaya, the Ringling Museum or some of the Flagler buildings up in North Florida,” Casson explained.
In fact, Casson confessed their love of that architecture is one of the reasons they chose to go to Flagler College in St. Augustine with its grand centerpiece of Henry Flagler’s Ponce de Leon Hotel. ArtServe’s much more modest footprint is the only thing limiting ArtServe members’ creativity as they deliver their takes on the beauty, wealth, and historical significance of Florida’s past.
“There are no restrictions on what type of medium people can submit for the show,” Casson previewed. “I'm anticipating around 20 to 30 pieces, if not more. I'm expecting to see a mixture of standard two-dimensional pieces, threedimensional sculptural pieces, and everything in between.”
ArtServe visitors will also be able to enjoy two concurrent solo exhibitions awarded through the Broward County Cultural Division. Casson described “Please Touch” by interdisciplinary fiber artist Cary Dunlap Daley as a multimedia exhibition touching on topics that are quite personal to the artist. “Marking the Moments” by LuRu will be another multimedia show that will use specialized lighting to create an immersive experience in a space within blacked out windows and doors.
ArtServe’s new season opens January 23, 2026 with “Journey
to Mount Athos,” a traveling exhibition that incorporates works by ArtServe members. It will be followed by “I’m Still Here: Exploring Mental Wellness” beginning March 27, “The Art of Language: Celebrating the Aesthetic and Intellectual Beauty of Words” opening June 26 and “Member’s Only: In Memory Of” that wraps up the season and begins October 2. The non-profit’s Fourth Annual Impact Awards and gala will be held on April 17.
“Florida Opulence” crowns a successful season of increased attendance, which resulted in the gallery capping opening night reservations for two exhibitions for fear of exceeding its stated capacity.
“I will continue to make the opening receptions more interesting and enticing,” Casson said. “I want to be a destination with programming that people seek out. We are really focused on building our community and getting people immersed in the arts in whatever way that looks like for them.”
Reservations for the opening reception of “Florida Opulence are recommended. ArtServe is open to the public weekdays from 9 AM – 6 PM and 10 AM – 6 PM on Saturday. Parking is free and no appointments are necessary.
Claudia Castillo, Courtesy
Funding Arts Broward Is Flying High With Dynamic Pilot Programs
Grant
applications now available
By Savannah Whaley
During its 22-year history, Funding Arts Broward (FAB) has told countless nonprofit cultural organizations to take the money and run.
Run 10 theater programs. Four dance programs. Eighteen music programs. Five film and visual arts programs. Nineteen arts education programs. And that’s just the programming taking place in 2026 that will be supported by $405,000 in grants awarded by the privately funded nonprofit organization through the support of its members, corporate partners, and allied foundations.
“We at FAB vet these organizations so thoroughly that we have not lost $1.00 of donor support, not one, ever,” said FAB Director of Operations Katiuska “Kat” Sierra. “You can trust us to know where to put that money and how to pump it back into the community so that it makes sense and really affects community impact.”
Everybody into the funding pool
FAB will begin accepting grant applications this month for visual arts, performing arts, and arts education initiatives presented in 2027. The organization has streamlined its grant process and will host an informational grantee training workshop on October 22, 2025 from 1 – 3PM at ArtServe.
“We're going to welcome everyone in the community to join us,” Sierra previewed. “Cathy Brown from the Community Foundation of Broward is going to teach us
and take us through some really important steps on how to write grants in today's times. Some of our leadership will address program changes and our sensitivities to limited state funding as well as changes to our grantee contracts and how to read a contract.”
Back to the future
Since its founding more than two decades ago by local artist and philanthropist Francie Bishop Good, FAB has evolved from a core group of women philanthropists into a diversified membership from all walks of life. While the organization’s purpose remains the same, it recently took measures to ensure its mission remains relevant.
From May 2023 to April 2024, FAB undertook a study, Enriching the Arts Opportunities in Broward County’s Arts Community, to identify challenges facing the local arts community and the possibilities of expanding the types of initiatives it funds. The study identified five main areas: funding and grantmaking, marketing and communication, arts education, public art, and advocacy.
Too cool in schools
One of the study’s key findings was the need for additional support for arts education. With the aid of a matching grant from the Community Foundation of Broward, FAB made its first multi-year grants late last year to support music and creative writing programs in Broward County Public Schools.
Kat Sierra Fast Forward
by Rosanna Kalis
Rosanna Kalis
Arts Access grants totaling $300,000 were awarded to South Florida Symphony Orchestra and Art Prevails Project with each organization receiving $50,000 annually over three years.
“South Florida Symphony Orchestra is doing music education, classical music education and sound theory,” Sierra explained. “Darius Daughtry [Art Prevails Project Founder and Executive Artistic Director] does a really great job relating literature and education of literature in a way that's understandable to kids today. He really knows how to get to that inner circle of youth that may not have access to these kinds of things.”
A side show
If you were on Federal Highway across from The Parker any time between January and April of this year, you were treated to 3-D projection mapping on its west side wall featuring works by Rosanna Kalis and Miguel Gonzalez.
It marked the launch of FAB Goes Public, a pilot resulting from the study’s findings on public art and made possible in partnership with Mad Arts and through collaboration with The Parker, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and the Broward Performing Arts Foundation.
“This progressive way of doing and receiving art also integrates a younger demographic,” Sierra noted. “What we've learned through data study is that those 40 and younger subscribe to technology, AI and digital reference in art as opposed to Generation Xers like myself and others who came from a more traditional standpoint.”
The pilot included a workshop with Mad Arts that gave the 30 emerging artists who participated hands-on experience with international artists who are projection mapping experts.
Kalis kicked off the pilot with “Fast Forward,” in which a digital portrait of a Korean American woman undergoes a multitude of changes over approximately six minutes while never altering her direct gaze nor her challenge to viewers not to look away.
“I love public art because it is extremely accessible to people, sparking conversation and creating connections,” Kalis shared. “I'm a Korean-American person and the fact that I can show something that has a reference to Korean-American culture is very meaningful. I think it also
brings some inspiration to a lot of other folks that aren’t necessarily represented in these kind of opportunities to say, ‘I have a different viewpoint and I can still be accepted in this community.’”
Kalis appreciates the new support of artists.
“Not only was the opportunity huge and meaningful for me personally, but the portfolio expansion that I'm able to get because of that opportunity is pretty amazing,” Kalis said. “I think it’s fantastic what FAB is doing by increasing outreach to local individual artists, as well as just supporting arts institutions overall because it's pretty scary to see what's going on in terms of funding.”
Taking its best shot
That individual support continues as FAB presents its inaugural photography exhibition and juried competition, “The Living Lens,” at MAD Arts November 14 – 16, 2025.
Photographers of all levels, backgrounds, and artistic influences will compete for juried art prizes totaling $6,000 and retain 90% of the proceeds from sales of their work. Unsold works will remain available for purchase online and artists will have the chance to be featured in a coffee table book.
“I started my career on the other side of the fence as a photographer,” Sierra recalled. “I went to school for many, many years, was trained professionally and worked professionally in commercial fine art and fashion photography. ‘The Living Lens’ is a great avenue to support and help other artists learn how to really sustain themselves through professional development and good business practices.”
Collaborating on a new course
In another response to the study, FAB created the Broward Arts Advocacy Council at the end of last year with representatives from other foundations, Fort Lauderdale Cultural Affairs and the Broward Cultural Division.
“We as funders and providers are missing a step.” Sierra recognized. “It’s more transactional and we're not really looking at their needs. The talent is there and we need to nurture that talent. We need to offer more professional development and more opportunities for self-sustainability for artists, rather than the grant funding model that used to exist. We have an opportunity to really take our artists to the next level as a community.”
Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library President & CEO Speaks Out on Removal of Pride Crosswalks in Florida
By Adrienne Mazzone
As rainbow-painted intersections and public art installations are being removed across Florida, advocates say the actions represent more than just a change in street design- they signal a broader rollback of visibility and First Amendment rights.
Robert Kesten, President and CEO of leading LGBTQA+ history beacon Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library in Fort Lauderdale, said the removals are part of a troubling trend.
“Yes, we are experiencing trying times here in Florida, in the United States, and in countries around the world,” Kesten said. “That is not unusual for our community. Yet, in other ways, this experience is very different from what we have experienced before.”
Kesten said the LGBTQA+ community has a long history of resilience, citing the fight for recognition during the AIDS crisis and the struggle for marriage equality among others.
“Our community's collective history and muscle memory comes with a great many battle scars,” he said. “We are not novices when it comes to battle.”
He pointed to recent medical advancements, such as improved HIV/AIDS treatments, as examples of progress born from activism.
“When you know your history and celebrate your culture, you can never be erased. “Knowledge is power and history is vital to the future.”
The current state battle over rainbow crosswalks, he said,
sends a clear message of exclusion, one comparable to past efforts to suppress LGBTQA+ visibility, including the campaigns led by Anita Bryant in the 1970s.
“These installations are more than art. They’re memorials, welcome signs, and indicators of safe spaces,” Kesten said. “Removing them tells marginalized people they are not welcome.”
“Had we understood the dangers of complacency, we would have remembered the words and deeds of Anita Bryant,” he said. “Every LGBTQA+ person should know that history, and how it has manifested in Florida once again.”
While legal protections for such installations vary, community mobilization remains key to combatting censorship and civil rights rollbacks. Local communities are responding with grassroots efforts, including art, protests and storytelling, with education playing a central role in preparing for a more inclusive future.
To those feeling disheartened, Kesten offered encouragement.
“Success doesn’t mean you can relax. It means you get to fight another day. Use your voice, your art, your presence. You are powerful. Every storm ends with a rainbow, and this one will be no different.”
Kesten added, “We envision a future where Pride Month celebrates the Queer Millennium — 1,000 years of LGBTQA+ culture. So let’s raise our voices; We are the world’s unifiers, and with your help, we can lead the way to a better future for all.”
Mazzone,
Thursday
October 23, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Tickets & Info: monique@stonewall-museum.org
SPONSORSHIP + TICKETS AVAILABLE AT STONEWALL-MUSEUM.ORG
Join Eugene Daniels, MSNBC’s Senior Washington Correspondent, co-host of “The Weekend” and first Black and Gay president & host of the White House Correspondents’ Association and dinner.
HOW DO WE TRUST MEDIA in a world where trust is at an all-time low? Join the conversation and support Stonewall’s national education programs, supporting young people across the U.S.
Not Just an Event...It’s a Movement…make some good history!
EUGENE DANIELS co-host of MSNBC’s “The Weekend”
Joao & Shaun Gnekow • Tom Jones
Golden Ghouls - Picture it: Halloween 2025
at Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts
By Megan Fitzgerald
The Sunshine Cathedral will transform into a glittery haunted house of laughter and nostalgia when The Golden Ghouls take the stage October 25, 2025. The Halloween drag show reimagines the beloved Golden Girls with a spooky, campy twist — complete with live singing, costumes, and audience engagement.
I caught up with Jason Schmidt, producer of the show who also plays Dorothy, to talk about the origins of Golden Ghouls, what audiences can expect, and why Golden Girls fandom never dies.
For those who haven’t heard yet, what is The Golden Ghouls?
“So it’s a Golden Girls Halloween drag show. The way our shows work is we’ll usually come out to a group number, and then each girl will do their number. Since it’s Halloween, each girl is dressed up in whatever costume they might wear. I think I start as a mummy, Blanche is a cat, and Rose gets confused — she comes out as a Christmas elf. And in all of our shows, the role of Sophia is always played by an audience member. By the end of the show, we’ll have crowned our new Sophia, with the hair, glasses, and handbag, and then a big photo moment together.”
How do you decide who becomes the new Sophia each night?
“We have a song called — you know the RuPaul song — You Better Work. We do You Better Walk. We bring up a couple of contestants, and then we walk them around the theater on a walker, or like you have a bad back or hurt your knee. By the end we’ve whittled it down, and then the audience decides. It’s usually a short lady of a certain age, but sometimes it’s not.”
Why does Halloween pair so well with the Golden Girls?
“There are so many drag Hocus Pocus shows, and we definitely did not want to do Golden Pocus. I’m a huge fan of the Paul Lynde Halloween special, which you can watch on YouTube. And the Golden Girls never did a Halloween episode, so we thought, hey, let’s. It also gave us something to do in October — there was a need, and if there’s an itch, scratch it.”
How do you keep the characters recognizable while letting each actor add their own flair?
“It’s best to cast an actor who’s already sort of that archetype. The pragmatic, sarcastic one is Dorothy. Someone a little naïve is Rose. Someone sexy and vampy makes a good Blanche. Once you cast that way, you start layering on the character, and the actors have seven seasons of source material to draw from. We give the performers a semi-blank canvas to create their numbers, so they end up doing something they’re excited about.”
What do you hope audiences take away from the show?
“The biggest thing is to just be able to have fun — just let loose. Our shows are a great opportunity for people to dress up themselves. A lot of our fans already come dressed as Sophia because they know there’s going to be a competition. It really is a community. The Golden Girls fans are wonderful and welcoming — kind of like Comic Con, but for Golden Girls. It creates a queer space that’s also open to anyone who loves drag, Halloween, or just having fun.”
For a spooktacular night, join the Golden Ghouls at the Sunshine Cathedral on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025 at 7 PM.
Author: Megan Fitzgerald, PhD, Associate Professor
Step Into Burlesque Celebrates Diverse Community
By Bryce Johnson
The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, an LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization, will hold its annual Chic & Unique Ball on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025 at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Edward Otto Zielke, GMCSF director of marketing and sponsorship, said this year’s theme is Step Into Burlesque, and guests can dress up according to the theme.
“We're hoping that people will feel free to just express themselves tastefully, but in a very unique way that they have never dared dressed before. We're hoping that maybe people will feel that freedom that comes with that,” Zielke said.
The Chic & Unique Ball is an annual fundraiser to raise money for the season. Zielke said between 400 to 500 guests attend annually.
With the Premium Admissions ticket, priced at $300,
the ball begins at 6:30 p.m. Guests can walk the red carpet, participate in an auction and have dinner at 8 p.m. With the VIP Experience ticket, priced at $500, the ball begins at 6 p.m. The ticket offers an open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, early access to the red carpet and more.
“They get a private reception that will also include their own personal silent auction on three luxury items that they'll get to bid on,” Zielke said. “Then the after party comes, where there'll be a light show by the Guitar Hotel at the Bora Bora Cabanas. The VIPs will have their own special cabanas to watch the show, as well as the premium people who will also be there.”
The ball will have live and silent auctions, where guests can bid on different items and experiences.
“Our live auction has our vacation experiences. Brand g Vacations has donated a $22,000 trip. Impact Encounters has donated a $13,000 trip to Iceland. We also have two prizes from Seminole Hard Rock itself, that will also include a Party Like a Rock Star package, as well as a VIP performance for our holiday concert in December,” Zielke said.
At the Chic & Unique Ball, the VIP event will include performances from Gabe Salazar, artistic director of GMCSF, as well as Matt Alber, a singer-songwriter in the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, nonprofit organizations will receive awards during the ceremony. The Bears of South Florida will receive the Community Leadership Award Honoring Douglas J. Pew, and CAN Community Health will receive The Corporate Crescendo Award.
Zielke, who has been working with GMCSF for four years, said the organization hopes to elevate the ball every time it’s held.
“Going into the third Chic & Unique Ball, we tend to raise the bar every time we do it. I can already say even before we've had the ball experience, that it's already heightened by all of the wonderful things Seminole Hard Rock is doing for us in terms of the event space, helping with some of the entertainment, the food, the after parties, the VIP parties that we're going to have that day,” Zielke said.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 1 •
By Lillian Hellman
By Ted Malawer
By Dave Osmundsen
Book and Lyrics by Joel Paley Music by Marvin Laird
By Jonathan Spector
Lindsey Corey Gets ‘Ruthless’ in Island City Stage’s Season 14 Opener
By Denny Patterson
Island City Stage is diving headfirst into campy chaos with its Season 14 opener, Ruthless!—a hilariously twisted musical that proves talent and ambition can be a killer combination.
Playing Nov. 6 - Dec. 7, 2025, this cult classic is packed with razor-sharp wit, outrageous characters, and shocking plot twists that will take audiences on a wild ride through the cutthroat world of show business, where even an 8-year-old starlet isn’t afraid to eliminate the competition.
At the center of the madness is South Florida actress Lindsey Corey, whose performance helps bring Joel Paley and Marvin Laird’s delicious satire to life under the direction of Andy Rogow. Promising laughs, gasps, and pure theatrical fun, OutClique caught up with the star to talk more about her role, the joys and challenges of playing over-the-top comedy, and why this show continues to slay audiences decades after its Off-Broadway debut.
Denny Patterson: Hi, Lindsey! How excited are you to be involved with Island City Stage’s production of Ruthless!?
Lindsey Corey: I’m beyond thrilled to be a part of Ruthless!! I’ve loved this show since I saw it 12 years ago at Actors’ Playhouse, starring some of my very close and incredibly talented friends. I remember laughing the entire time and walking out of the theatre thinking, ‘I have to do this play one day. I want to make people laugh like this!’
Denny Patterson: Ruthless! is described as Gypsy meets The Bad Seed with jazz hands. How would you personally describe the show to someone who has never seen it?
Lindsey Corey: (Laughs) That’s a fun description! I would describe it as a witty, campy, fast-paced, dark comedy that explores the lengths we’re willing to go to in order to get the life we think we want. It’s a laugh-a-minute, tongue-
in-cheek musical that has it all. Tap dancing children, stage mothers, more plot twists than you can count, and of course—murder!
Denny Patterson: Without giving away spoilers, what can you share about the character you’re portraying?
Lindsey Corey: My character is Judy Denmark, and she would describe herself in two words, “Tina’s Mother.” I think that says a lot about her and how she sees herself. She is a devoted housewife and mother, a la Mrs. Cleaver. She dotes on Tina, and her most notable quality is her consummate politeness. As the show progresses, Judy goes on quite a journey. Judy in Act II is a very different woman than who we meet in Act I. No spoilers, but the transformation is exciting.
Stay up to date and connect with Corey by following her on Instagram, or visit her official website. For more information and to purchase tickets for Ruthless!, visit IslandCityStage.org.
Photo Courtesy of Anthony Joseph Photography
Savor Tropical Flavors & Illuminate Lives for the Blind
11th Annual Dining in the Dark benefits Lighthouse of Broward
Laid-back, island inspired music, food and fun highlight the 11th Annual Dining in the Dark: Island Edition, presented by the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation and benefiting Lighthouse of Broward, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Margaritaville Beach Resort in Hollywood.
Dining in the Dark guests will be swept away to a vibrant escape where senses take the lead. During the cocktail reception, guests will savor tropical hors d’oeuvres, sip island libations, browse a fabulous silent auction, strike a pose at the photo booth and soak in the ocean breezes. They will then enter an authentic dark dining experience with dramatic, bold and breathtaking moments that awaken the senses. They’ll wear blindfolds during select portions of the evening to feel firsthand the challenges the blind and visually impaired face every day. Dinner is highlighted by a tropical feast, sun-kissed cocktails, live musical entertainment by ReaXtion, high-energy dance floor antics and an exciting live auction. Emcees for the evening are 101.5 LITE FM morning hosts Tamara Gant and Julie Guy.
“We are thrilled to host this year’s Dining in the Dark at the beautiful Margaritaville Resort, for a beachy night filled with good vibes and greater purpose,” said Lighthouse of Broward President and CEO Ellyn Drotzer. “This is a night to relax and enjoy the music, food and company while raising funds for our programs and initiatives that benefit the blind and visually impaired in our community.”
During the cocktail reception, guests will be treated to a special performance by American Heritage School students, under the direction of Orchestra Director Kris Winselmann. They will perform a full rock-reggae set complete with electric instruments and a brass section.
Guests are encouraged to dress in tropical chic attire. VIP tables and tables of 10 are available. Individual tickets are $250 per person, with limited seating available. 100% of the proceeds will benefit Lighthouse of Broward’s mission to serve individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Exciting times are ahead for The Joy Ride, Florida's cherished cycling fundraiser, as it embarks on an inspiring new journey this year
After traveling from Miami to Key West for two amazing decades with The SMART Ride and another year with The Joy Ride, Florida’s favorite cycling fundraiser is charting a new course. This year, The Joy Ride will span from Orlando to St. Petersburg, offering a fresh route while maintaining its signature two-day, 165-mile adventure.
“Leaving the Keys was a tough decision,” said Tom Manning, President of FAB Adventures, Inc. “There’s no place like the Florida Keys, but as we navigate rising production costs and safety considerations, this decision aligns perfectly with our vision to expand The Joy Ride statewide.”
The 2025 Joy Ride will take place on November 21–22, 2025. Cyclists will embark on an exhilarating 100-mile trek from Orlando to Lutz on Day 1, followed by another 65 miles of excitement into vibrant downtown St. Petersburg on Day 2. Organized by FAB Adventures, the ride continues its unwavering commitment to return 100% of all participant fundraising directly to five benefiting HIV agencies: Broward House, Compass, Empath Partners in Care, Miracle of Love, and Pridelines.
The Joy Ride welcomes cyclists of all levels—no need
to be an athlete to participate. An enthusiastic and dedicated volunteer crew supports riders every step of the way. In addition to fueling stations and support vehicles, riders can expect the same camaraderie and celebration that made The SMART Ride so memorable.
Joy Winheim, President of EPIC, added: “We are beyond thrilled to welcome riders into our backyard in beautiful St. Petersburg. Ending The Joy Ride here offers participants a chance to experience the vibrant energy and stunning scenery of our city. This new route reflects a new chapter—one filled with hope, connection, and a renewed sense of joy.”
Every mile you pedal helps enhance lives across Florida, supporting essential initiatives for housing, healthcare, HIV prevention, and mental health services—together, we can make a difference!
About The Joy Ride:
The Joy Ride is dedicated to producing communitybased events that return 100% of participant-raised funds to nonprofit organizations. Our mission is to empower everyday people to push their limits, raise vital funds, and help build a more inclusive, compassionate future—one mile at a time.
Learn more at www.thejoyridefl.org
November 21-22, 2025 Registration is now open. To learn more or sign up, visit www.TheJoyRideFL.org.
Content Courtesy of Tom Manning, Board President, FAB Adventures, Inc. | Photos Courtesy of Jose De La Cuesta
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Photo by Israel Zavaleta Escobedo
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Miami Artzine
Daily PrEP • Injectable PrEP (bi-monthly or bi-annual)
