OutClique Magazine September 2026 Edition 2 by OutClique® Magazine

September 2026 | Volume 10, Issue 10

Edition 2

Marks Years of Ministry and Two Decades of Leadership Under

Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin Bishop Robert Griffin, DMin

2026/2027 SEASON

A Season That ROCKS!

OCT 10-25, 2026

FEB 13 - 28, 2027

DEC 12-27, 2026

APR 10-25, 2027

JUNE 12 - 27, 2027

SINGLE TICKETS ON SALE NOW SUBSCRIBE TO THE FULL 5-SHOW PACKAGE AND SAVE 20% 5-Show Season Subscriptions: 954.468.3280 BrowardCenter.org/SlowBurn

Major support for the Slow Burn Theatre Company is provided by the Broward County Cultural Division, the Cultural Council, and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners.

@BrowardCenter @SlowBurnTheatre

Steven O. Evans, PhD1 (Publisher and Editor in Chief) Sach Advertising Group (Director of Graphic Design & Information Technology) Megan Fitzgerald, Ph.D. (Sr Associate Editor; Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences) Savannah Whaley (Senior Writer / PR & Editorial Consultant) Charles Baran (Senior Writer & Editorial Consultant) Jason Eakin (Director of Distribution) Stephen Lang (Director of Photography and Editorial Consultant) Trantalis & Associates (Legal Oversight) Richter Trademarks, P.L. (Copyright and Legal Consultant) Rivendell Media (National Advertising) Editorial Team and Contributors: Tony Adams (Key West and Travel Expert); Josh Estrin (Travel), Claudia Castillo; Paige Feigenbaum; Fran Folic; John M. Hayden (Senior South Florida News Journalist), Rev Aaron Lauer; City of Ft Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis; Fr. Rich Vitale, Bishop Rev. Durrell Watkins, D.Min.; Jonathan Welsh, MPA Brand Ambassadors: Joe Akin, Doug Ames, Charles Baran, Arnie Cuarenta, Clayton de Oliveira, LeNora Jaye, Patrik Gallineaux, Luka Gotsiridze, Alejandro Kalaf, Raﬁ Maldonado, Jorge Perez OutClique Contributors: Christopher Michaels, Matthew Tippins, Jeff Smead, James Braun, Spark Media, Stephen Fallon, Ph.D., Paige Feigenbaum, BaxterMartin, Fran Frolic, Samantha Rojas

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(954) 294-8560 | Info@OutClique.com A publication of OutClique LLC www.OutClique.com | www.Facebook.com/OutClique | www.Instagram.com/OutClique OutClique® is a registered trademark

OutClique LLC is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed in advertisements or articles. Some events may be 18+ Contact venues for official information, requirements, and specifications. All event dates, locations, times, and prices are subject to change. All images are original photos taken/owned by OutClique®; or are courtesy of SLR Media, ShutterStock.com, DreamsTime.com or the sponsoring PR agency, unless noted otherwise. OutClique® Is a registered trademark with the United States Trademark Office and not to be used without prior written consent from OutClique LLC and/or Miriam Richter, Attorney at Law, P.L. 1 McEldowney Jensen, PhD.,J. Director of Graduate Studies, Educational Policy Studies & Education. University of Kentucky, College of Education. (Doctoral supervisor) Dissertation title: Pediatrics education in an AHEC setting: Preparing students to provide patient centered medicine. A research study of ways that medical students learn patient centered medicine through their rotations in AHEC clinical settings.

OPEN DOOR. OPEN MIND.

Real Estate Bankruptcy Wills & Trusts Landlord / Tenant Probate & Estates Foreclosure Defense Business Transactions

Dean J. Trantalis, ESQ Attorney at Law 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite C1-A, Wilton Manors, FL 33305

954.566.2226 Dean@trantalis.com | TrantalisLaw.com The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not only be based on advertisements. Before you decide ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualiﬁcations and experience.

A Look At November Referendum On Property Taxes By Mayor Dean Trantalis Photo Courtesy of the CIty of Fort Lauderdale

I hope you enjoyed your summer! With the school year underway, the city is alive with activity.

the city may have to take to maintain the standard of services the city’s residents have come to expect.

The start of schools also comes with the additional expenses families incur. Our country faces a serious affordability crisis involving housing and family necessities. So, the debate has focused attention on what state and local governments can do and whether we have been good stewards of the tax dollars entrusted to us.

Property taxes are the primary source of funding for local government services.

Fort Lauderdale has worked steadfastly to be fiscally responsible as we address our residents’ most important needs as well as to improve our overall quality of life. Blaise Ingoglia, Florida’s chief financial officer and leader of the statewide DOGE project to examine local spending, complimented our city for being a “good steward of taxpayer dollars.” The Legislature placed a measure on the November ballot that would fundamentally alter property tax exemptions. If approved by voters, it would reduce property taxes for residential homeowners. It would also significantly reduce revenue available to fund local government and to provide the services you depend on. It is estimated that the measure would cut property tax revenue for Fort Lauderdale by $17 million in its first year and $27.3 million in its second as the homestead exemption grows. While the city loses that money, the average homeowner would save about $824 in city taxes. I share the Legislature’s concern about affordability and tax reform. As mayor, I have championed initiatives to encourage construction of more affordable homes and have ensured that our tax rates are as low as possible. The city of Fort Lauderdale has one of the lowest millage rates for a city of its size in the entire state. And, it has not raised the rate for the past 20 years. In preparation for the possibility of a cutback in property tax revenue, the city has analyzed the tax reform-ballot measure’s possible impact on services and the steps

Some services have separate funding sources. Water, sewer, stormwater and garbage collection services are exclusively paid for through utility billing. Special service charges fund building permitting, development review and construction inspections. And, the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport is financed through its own operations, not taxpayer support. That said, almost half the money that pays for General Fund city programs and services comes from property taxes. The state shares a limited amount of sales tax revenue. Franchise fees, fines and forfeitures provide only small revenue streams. Tourism taxes go exclusively to the county, and Florida has no state or local income tax. State and federal grants have been shrinking and cannot be relied upon for day-to-day operations. If the initiative passes and the city were to cut services proportionally, it is estimated that the Police Department would lose $9.8 million, Fire-Rescue $6.7 million and Parks and Recreation $3.7 million. All other services and programs would be cut by $7.2 million. As a result, the Legislature’s proposed tax reform could cut deeply into our ability to fund vital services. These include police protection and the ability to respond to 911 calls as well as fire protection and our ability to jump into action when the alarm is sounded. Other potential impacts are emergency planning for hurricanes, disaster relief and recovery. Our parks could be less supervised and maintained, and we may have to reduce their hours of operation or close some of them. As the November election approaches, I encourage everyone to weigh the arguments on both sides and, most importantly, vote. Yours, Dean

OutClique.com | 7

9/26 | AIDS Walk Atlanta Music Festival & 5K Run | AHF | Atlanta, Ga

10/15 | National Latino AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD) | Latinos Salud

12/1 | World AIDS Day Concert | AHF

2027 3/20 | Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival | Fort Lauderdale Beach 7/TBD | AIDS 2027: The 27th International AIDS Conference | International AIDS Society

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

Photo Courtesy of Dreamstime.com

2026

Latinos Salud Awards Nearly $50K in Health & Support Pride Scholarships By Megan Fitzgerald, PhD

Geovany Barrueta $7,500

“If it wasn't for Latinos Salud, I wouldn’t have been able to keep going with my education journey,” Junior in nursing program

Now in its fourth year, Latinos Salud’s Health and Support Services Pride Scholarships are providing more support to South Florida’s LGBT community than ever. In its inaugural year, the South Florida community clinic awarded $12,500 in total. This year, eight recipients will receive scholarships totaling $48,000. The scholarships are also helping students from more institutions than ever before. This year, Latinos Salud awarded scholarships for the ﬁrst time to students from Barry University and Florida Atlantic University. Other scholars are attending Broward College, Florida International University, and Miami Dade College.

Sandy Rodriguez Correa $5,000

“The Pride scholarship helps me a lot with my goals because for grad school, there isn't much funding available to students.” PhD student in Marriage & Family Counseling.

The goal of the Pride Scholarships is to develop the next generation of culturally attuned scholars in professions that will serve South Florida's LGBTQ community. Dr. Stephen Fallon, Latinos Salud’s Executive Director, explained that “Each of our scholars is a member of the LGBTQ community who is pursuing higher education in careers such as nursing, psychology, social work, public health, or other helping professions, and each intends to work in South Florida upon graduation.”

Matthew Leith $6,000

“Growing up as a gay black man in South Florida, I didn't always have outlets to turn to, and I had to hold a lot of things in. After learning about Latinos Salud, I found a community that accepted me as I am. And that’s what motivated me to ﬁnish my degree in nursing so that one day I can be that outlet for the younger generation who need help.” Junior in nursing program. Some are surprised to learn that Latinos Salud’s Pride scholarships are not only open to Latinos. Last year’s Pride scholars included an international student from Vietnam attending FIU, while this year’s scholars include an immigrant from Russia pursuing a master’s degree at FAU.

Alexander Mamikonyan $6,000

“When I was interviewed as a ﬁnalist, I was a little bit nervous, I will say because it is not common for me to speak about my identity and my life journey based on the country I am from (Russia). The staff made me feel comfortable, and I was able to speak about my life path. And when I found out that I was accepted for the scholarship, I was really excited and happy, and thought this a great honor and responsibility.” Master’s program in clinical mental health counseling.

Board member, Sam Angarita, described the impact the program makes, both on the students and on the selection committee. “Since we launched this scholarship program, our goal has been to invest in community-minded leaders from diverse backgrounds who embody our mission of improving health outcomes and the lives of our community, which is being hit hard by a lot of the issues of the day. It's especially encouraging to see, year after year, so many applicants of diverse backgrounds who have transformed personal challenges into a genuine commitment to making life better for others.”

Andy Ramirez $5,000

“Last year I was starting law school, so I still had some savings that I could rely on. … I'm incredibly happy and grateful that I was able to get it a second time. In total, Latinos Salud has awarded me $10,000 in scholarships for my education. That has made all the difference in the world, and I wouldn't be able to continue school without their support.” JD law program. The Pride Scholarship program is entirely funded by Latinos Salud. No county, state, or federal funding is used for this program.

Kevin Davila $5,000

Latinos Salud, for me, is a roadmap and a guideline to what it means to do people-centered business, to put people ﬁrst, before proﬁt and before politics.” Master’s in Psychology student.

This year’s lucky scholars made it through a rigorous selection process. Applicants submit an essay describing their academic journey, career goals and ﬁnancial need. “Every year, I'm deeply moved by the stories our applicants share, and somehow the selection process becomes even more difﬁcult,” said Board Chair, Dr. Franco Chevalier. “This year was no exception. We received a record number of applications, making it incredibly challenging to narrow the pool to those we would interview and, ultimately, select as scholarship recipients.”

Anthony Membreno $7,500

“Latinos Salud really looks into what a scholar does and follows through with it because they care about what is being put out there in the community.” MD student.

This year, Latinos Salud implemented a new “critical need” supplement for ﬁve of its scholars, adding an additional $1,000 to $2,500 to each award for those in greatest ﬁnancial need.

Carlos Silva $6,000

“I was so happy when I got the scholarship, and I couldn't believe that I got $1,000 extra to pay for my tuition. When I started college, I had two full-time jobs to cover my tuition. And now that I have been awarded with this scholarship for the third consecutive year, I have only one full-time job and that means a lot because I have time to focus on my career and have better results.” Master’s program in Architecture, with plans to continue to earn a JD in law.

LatinosSalud.org Photos Courtesy of Latinos Salud

From Stigma to Support

How Care Resource is Helping End HIV Stigma in South Florida By Jonathan Welsh MPA, Care Resource Despite decades of medical advances, HIV stigma remains one of the biggest barriers to prevention, testing, treatment, and overall well-being. Misinformation, fear, and judgment can discourage people from accessing the care and support they need. According to the CDC, HIV-related stigma continues to negatively impact health outcomes and can prevent individuals from seeking testing, prevention services, and treatment. At Care Resource, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, afﬁrming, and high-quality healthcare. Through education, prevention programs, comprehensive HIV treatment, and community outreach, we are working to create a South Florida where people can access care without fear of stigma or discrimination. Five Ways Care Resource Is Reducing HIV Stigma 1. Creating Welcoming and Inclusive Care Environments Care Resource fosters a judgment-free healthcare experience where patients are treated with dignity, respect, and conﬁdentiality. We recognize that everyone’s healthcare journey is unique, and our team is committed to meeting patients where they are. 2. Providing Comprehensive HIV Education Misinformation continues to fuel HIV stigma. Through community outreach, health education initiatives, and

prevention programs, we help individuals understand the facts about HIV transmission, treatment, and prevention. By promoting accurate information, we empower people to make informed decisions about their health and challenge outdated misconceptions about HIV. 3. Expanding Access to HIV Testing and Prevention Knowing your status is a critical step in protecting your health. Care Resource offers HIV testing services and prevention resources, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis), which can signiﬁcantly reduce the risk of acquiring HIV when taken as prescribed. Increasing access to testing and prevention helps normalize HIV conversations and reduces fear around HIV status. 4. Supporting People Living with HIV Through Comprehensive Care Modern HIV treatment allows people living with HIV to lead long, healthy lives. Individuals who achieve and maintain an undetectable viral load through treatment cannot sexually transmit HIV, a concept known as Undetectable = Untransmittable (U=U). This scientiﬁc advancement helps combat outdated stereotypes and supports a more informed understanding of HIV. Care Resource provides comprehensive medical care, case management, behavioral health services, and support programs designed to help patients thrive. 5. Engaging the Community Through Outreach Care Resource works throughout South Florida to raise awareness about HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. Through outreach events, community partnerships, and health education initiatives, we help individuals access services and connect with trusted healthcare resources. By meeting people where they are and promoting open conversations about HIV, we help reduce stigma and encourage healthier communities. Building a Healthier, More Compassionate Community Ending HIV stigma requires all of us to play a role. Whether through education, prevention, treatment, or advocacy, every action helps create a more inclusive and supportive community. At Care Resource, we remain committed to advancing health equity, expanding access to care, and supporting individuals affected by HIV throughout South Florida.

CareResource.org

Holy Cross Health Is Florida’s Only Acute Care Hospital to Earn “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” Designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Holy Cross Health announced it earned the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation from the Human Rights Campaign Foundation (HRC). The honor was awarded as part of HRC’s 2026 Healthcare Equality Index (HEI), the industry standard benchmarking tool for LGBTQ+ inclusion and equity practices in the healthcare ﬁeld, conducted every two years. Nearly 750 health care facilities actively participated in the HEI 2026 survey and scoring process. Of those participants, 343 received the “LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer” designation.

digniﬁed care,” said Pierre Monice, MBA, FACHE, President and CEO of Holy Cross Health. “We are proud, once again, to have earned the High Performer designation from HRC.” The Human Rights Campaign Foundation is the educational arm of the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization. “It’s vital for all LGBTQ+ people to get the most accurate information we have on access to care across the country, and we are proud of the ways in which the HEI helps the community understand this,” said Kelley Robinson, president of the Human Rights Campaign.

Holy Cross Health is one of only three health care organizations statewide to receive a top-tier HEI 2026 designation, and the only acute care hospital in Florida to do so — underscoring the health system’s distinct role in delivering LGBTQ+-inclusive, full-service acute care to South Florida. “At Holy Cross Health, we are committed to providing every patient with access to safe, respectful, compassionate and

Holy-Cross.com

Content courtesy of Paige Mara Feigenbaum Photo: Members of the Holy Cross Health community outreach team at the 2026 Stonewall Pride event in Wilton Manors, Florida | Courtesy of Holy Cross Health

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LGBTQA+

Travel 2026 9/18 - 9/26 | Big Gay Cruise | Royal Caribbean - Adventure of the Seas | Orlando / St. Croix / St. Thomas / San Juan / Perfect Day at CocoCay

10/5 - 10/14 | Splendors of Morocco | Source Journeys | Casablanca

/ Rabat / Fès / Volubilis / Merzouga / Ouarzazate / Ait Benhaddou / Marrakech

10/7 - 10/19 | Mekong River Cruise: Vietnam & Cambodia | Brand

g | Siem Reap / Kampong Cham / Wat Hanchey / Angkor Ban / Phnom Penh / Gieng Island / Hong Ngu / Sa Dec / Cai Be / My Tho / Ho Chi Minh City

10/17 - 10/25 | Luxury Galapagos Cruise | Source Journeys | Guayaquil / San Cristobal Island / Española / Floreana / Santa Cruz / Bartolome Island / South Plaza / North Seymour Island

/ Grand Turk / Bimini Beach Club

12/16 - 12/25 | New Years Mexico City | Source Journeys | Mexico City / San Miguel de Allende / Guanajuato

12/28 - 1/7 | Madagascar & Seychelles Cruise | VACAYA

2027 1/14 - 1/21 | Treasures of Egypt | Source Journeys | Cairo / Luxor / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan

Castle / Kilkenny / Waterford / New Ross / Midleton / Blarney Castle / Dingle Peninsula / Cliffs of Moher / Galway / Aran Islands / Shannonbridge

6/8 - 6/15 | Castles of the Rhine River Cruise | Brand g | Amsterdam / Utrecht / Cologne / Cochem / Koblenz / Rüdesheim / Mannheim / Speyer / Strasbourg / Basel 9/11 - 9/19 | Luxury Galapagos Cruise | Source Journeys | Guayaquil / San Cristobal Island / Española / Floreana / Santa Cruz / Bartolome Island / South Plaza / North Seymour Island

9/28 - 10/6 | Burgundy & Provence River Cruise | Brand g | Lyon / Chalon-sur-Saône / Tournus / Mâcon / Villefranche-sur-Saône / Vienne / Tournon / Tain-l'Hermitage / Avignon / Arles

10/6 - 10/18 | Mekong River Jewel Cruise | Brand g | Siem Reap / Kampong Cham / Wat Hanchey / Angkor Ban / Phnom Penh / Hong Ngu / Sa Dec / Cai Be / My Tho / Ho Chi Minh City

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

22 | OutClique.com

Bars Clubs & Nightlife

West

10/18 | Zombie Bike Ride After Party: AFTERLIFE - a Sensual Kickoff | Bourbon St. Pub | Garden Bar, Key West

10/19 | Tops or Bottoms Underwear Party | Bourbon St. Pub | Pool & Garden Bar, Key West

WEEKLY EVENTS

10/20 | Tu Tu Tuesday | Bourbon St. Pub | Key West

Mondays | Jockstrap Night | CODE Bar | Eagle Wilton Manors

10/21 | Desire Fetish Party | Bourbon St. Pub | Pool and Garden

Tuesdays | CODE Tuesday: Happy Hour All Night | Eagle Wilton

10/22 | EXXXPOSED Party | Bourbon St. Pub | Key West

Manors

Tuesdays | The Groove Session w/ LeNora Jaye | Georgie’s

Alibi Monkey Bar

Tuesdays

Drag Bingo w/ London Adour

Georgie’s Alibi

Bar, Key West

10/23 | Pool Parties & Street Fair T Dance | Bourbon St. Pub | Key West

10/24 | Pool Parties | Bourbon St. Pub | Key West

Monkey Bar

10/24 | VIP Balcony Parade Bash | Bourbon St. Pub | Key West

Tuesdays | Happy Hour All Night | Eagle Wilton Manors

11/26 | Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner | The Pub on the Drive

Wednesdays | Underwear & Singlet Night | CODE Bar | Eagle

12/13 | Santa Sip & Strut (Bar Crawl Stop) | The Pub on the Drive

Wilton Manors

Wednesdays | Pitch Please! w/ Natasha Ricketts | Georgie’s

Alibi Monkey Bar

Wednesdays | Strip for a Tip: Get Paid to Dance | Georgie’s

Alibi Monkey Bar

Wednesdays | Leather & Fetish Night | CODE Bar | Eagle

12/24 | Christmas Eve: Naughty or Nice Party | Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar

12/25 | Christmas Day: Open for the Community | The Pub on the Drive

12/27 | Diva Royale Drag Show | Revenge Nightclub | Miami

Wilton Manors

12/31 | New Year's Eve: Black & Gold Ball | Eagle | Wilton Manors

Thursdays | Harness & Fetish Night | Eagle Wilton Manors

12/31 | New Year's Eve: Masquerade Ball | Georgie's Alibi Monkey

Thursdays | EDM Night w/ DJERMO | Eagle Wilton Manors

Bar

12/31 | New Year's Eve: Ring in the New Year | The Pub on the Drive

Thursdays | Big Cigar Night (7 PM) | Smoking Lounge | Eagle

2027

Saturdays | Megamix Saturdays: Natasha & Brian | Georgie’s

1/1 | New Year’s Day: Pajama Brunch | The Pub on the Drive

Saturdays | Diva on Demand w/ Jennifer McClain | Georgie’s

2/14 | Valentine’s Day: Hearts & Hunks | Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar

Wilton Manors

Alibi Monkey Bar

1st Sunday | Showtune Sundays | The Pub on the Drive

3/17 | St. Patrick’s Day Block Party | Georgie's Alibi Monkey Bar 3/17 | St. Paddy’s Day Shenanigans | The Pub on the Drive

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

26 | OutClique.com

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

Pride, Scene & Circuit FEBRUARY 2027

SEPTEMBER 2026 2 - 6 | Womenfest Key West | Key West Business Guild | Key West

14 | Pride Fort Lauderdale | Las Olas Intracoastal Park

OCTOBER 2026

14 | Gay8 Festival (Gay Ocho) | Little Havana | Miami

1 - 4 | Aqua Girl Miami | Marseilles Hotel | Miami Beach

10/28 - 11/1 | Key West Bear Weekend | Island House Key West 31 | Wicked Manors | Wilton Drive

Beach

27 - 28 | Palm Beach Pride Festival | Bryant Park | Lake Worth Beach

1 - 4 | Leather Totem Bear Weekend (LTBW) |

14 | Florida Leather Week: Mr. Eagle Contest | Eagle | Wilton Manors

15 | Eagle 7th Anniversary Party | Eagle Wilton Manors 165-Mile Bicycle

Journey

10 - 11 | Miami Beach Pride Festival |

Lummus Park | Miami

Beach

The Pub on the Drive, Wilton

JUNE 2027 3 - 7 | Bear Jamboree | Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts | Orlando

JULY 2027 7 - 11 | Bone Island Bare It All Weekend | Island House Key West

AUGUST 2027 11 - 15 | Tropical Heat | Island House Key West

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

36 | OutClique.com

Eagle Wilton

Manors

5 - 8 | Palm Springs Pride | Palm Springs

TBD | Hollywood Pride | Hollywood, FL

5 - 8 | Winter Party 2027 | National LGBTQ Task Force | Miami

APRIL 2027

NOVEMBER 2026

JANUARY 2027

MARCH 2027 20 | Florida AIDS Walk & Music Festival | Fort Lauderdale Beach

22 | Headdress Ball | Fantasy Fest | Key West

Guild

16 - 25 | Fantasy Fest | Key West

20 - 21 | The Joy Ride: Orlando to St. Pete |

14 | Gay Ocho Festival | Little Havana | Miami

Bears of South Florida Bears at the Movie (Spider-Man) Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

Arts & Culture SEPTEMBER 2026

4 | Women's Night at the Theatre Sponsored by PJ Hitchins | Eureka Day | Island City Stage, Wilton Manors

27 | BENISE: 25 Years Of Passion! | Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

9 | Cocktails & Cinema: We'll Find Happiness | OUTshine Film

27 | Michael Lives Forever: Rodrigo Teaser | The Parker | Ft Lauderdale

10 | If The Shoe Fits | National Search for the 29th Annual Queen of New Years Eve Shoe Drop in Key West | The Gay 90's, Minneapolis

28 | Lab Playwright & Actor Incubator | New City Players | LauderAle

12 | If The Shoe Fits | National Search for the 29th Annual Queen of New Years Eve Shoe Drop in Key West | The Abbey Food & Bar, West Hollywood / Los Angles

29 - 10/18 | Hamilton | Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for

12 | CANDance Sarasota | CAN Community Health | Ritz-Carlton,

Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

Festival | O Cinema South Beach

Sarasota

Brewery, Fort Lauderdale

the Performing Arts, Orlando

29 - 10/4 | Buena Vista Social Club | Broadway in Miami | Adrienne

12 | Tejano Queen Forever | Coral Springs Center for the Arts | Coral

Springs

9/30 - 10/24 | Social Justice: LOI Submission Window | The Our Fund Foundation

15 | Orchid Care Basics | Bonnet House Museum & Gardens | Ft

TBD | LGBTQ Arts & Culture Fund | Funding and Grant Award

Lauderdale

Announcements | The Our Fund Foundation

18 | Films at the Center: The Brittney Griner Story | OUTshine Film

TBD | William Shakespeare's Measure for Measure / Adapted & Directed by Ronnie Larsen | Swivel Theater | Ronnie Larsen Presents, Wilton Manors

Festival | The Pride Center at Equality Park, Wilton Manors

19 | Matthew Darren presents A Night at the Theater for the Sunshine Pride House | Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts | SunShine Cathedral, Ft Lauderdale

OCTOBER 2026

20 | If The Shoe Fits | National Search for the 29th Annual Queen of

1 - 25 | Who Killed Joan Crawford | Island City Stage | Wilton

24 | OUTspoken, A Conversation With Dr. Anthony Fauci | Gray

3 | River City Pride Festival | CAN Community Health | Riverside

24 | If The Shoe Fits | National Search for the 29th Annual Queen

3 | Unlimited Devotion: Celebrating The Music Of The Grateful Dead | Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

New Years Eve Shoe Drop in Key West | InCahoots, Jacksonville

Box Theater | Wilton Manors

of New Years Eve Shoe Drop in Key West | Hunters Nightclub, Wilton Manors

Manors

Park, Ft Lauderdale

4 | River City Pride Parade | CAN Community Health | Wilton Manors

24 | Cocktails & Cinema: an Island Away from You | OUTshine Film Festival | Paradign Cinemas: Gateway Theater, Ft Lauderdale

10/8 - 11/1 | Mel Brooks: Young Frankenstein the Musical | Wick

25 | First Coast Gala | Equality Florida | BCBSFL Conference Center, Jacksonville

9 | Colin Mochrie & Brad Sherwood | Coral Springs Center for the

Orlando

Theatre | Boca Raton

Arts | Coral Springs

10 | The Science Behind Pixar | Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science | Miami

26 - 27 | Love Out Loud Cabaret with Daisy Dior, Mimi Batista, Cesar De La Rosa & Josh Rotman | Hunters Nightclub | Wilton Manors

for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

13 - 18 | Buena Vista Social Club | Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

44 | OutClique.com

10 - 15 | Monty Python's Spamalot | Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

10 - 22 | Hamilton | Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

16 | The President's Own United States Marine Band | Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

11 | Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 & Shostakovich 12th Symphony | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | The Parker

16 - 18 | Fall Mix (Balanchine/Robbins) | Miami City Ballet | Adrienne

12 | Taste of the Island | Richardson Park | Wilton Manors

17 | Backyard Bash: The Wailers Featuring Julian Junior Marvin |

13 | Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 & Shostakovich 12th Symphony | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | New World Center

Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

17 | Serenade to Music | Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal, Ft

Lauderdale

13 - 14 | Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert | The Parker | Ft Lauderdale

18 | Serenade to Music | Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory's Episcopal

13 - 14 | Mamma Mia! | Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall at FSW | Ft Myers

20 - 25 | Buena Vista Social Club | Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

14 | A Charlie Brown Christmas Concert | Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

21 | Murray & Peter Present Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue | Florida Theatre / Jacksonville

14 | A Musical Night with Gabe Salazar | Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts | Ft Lauderdale

23 | Halloween at The Moss Center 2026 Featuring The Spooky Symphony | Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

14 | Dimensions Dance Theatre Of Miami: Fall Performance | Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

23 - 25 | OUTshine Film Festival: Fall | Miami Edition

15 | Fall Concert | South Florida Pride Bands | The Parker

24 - 25 | Fall Mix (Balanchine/Robbins) | Miami City Ballet | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

19 | Blue Notes | Seraphic Fire | Moorings Presbyterian

26 | Lab Playwright & Actor Incubator | New City Players | LauderAle

Performing Arts - Terry Theater | Jacksonville

Brewery

19 | Kristin Key: The Ca-Caw Tour | Jacksonville Center for the

27 | David Sedaris | The Parker | Ft Lauderdale

19 - 21 | Lucia di Lammermoor | Florida Grand Opera | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

10/28 - 11/1 | Dirty Dancing: The Musical | Kravis on Broadway |

11/19 - 12/20 | Oliver! | Wick Theatre | Boca Raton, Coral Gables

Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

11/19 - 12/20 | The Sound of Freedom: A Celebration of American Music & Musicians | Symphony of the Americas | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

5 - 8 | FLIFF Shorts Film Festival | Savor Cinema

11/20 - 12/20 | True Art | GableStage, Boca Raton

5 - 22 | God of Carnage | Zoetic Stage | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

21 | Blue Notes | Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal, Ft Lauderdale

Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler Bay

7 | Broward Gala | Equality Florida | Broward County Convention Center, Ft Lauderdale

7 | Matt Fraser | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

OutClique.com | 45

28 & 29 | Men Who Dance | Broward Center for the Performing Arts | Ft Lauderdale

TBD | Casual Encounters | Ronnie Larsen Presents | Plays of Wilton, Wilton Manors

TBD | St. Oscar | Ronnie Larsen Presents | Plays of Wilton, Wilton Manors

Miami | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

1 - 6 | Death Becomes Her | Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips

Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando

13 | Holiday Concert: "A Very Merry Afterglow" | Orlando Gay Chorus | The Plaza Live, Coral Gables

1 - 12 | World AIDS Day & Memorial Quilt | Compass LGBTQ+ Community Center | Lake Worth Beach

13 | Noel Christmas | Seraphic Fire | St. Sophia Greek Orthodox

1 - 13 | Hamilton | Broadway in Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts,

14 | Broward Women's Choral Holiday | Sunshine Cathedral Center

3 | Holiday Magic | Bonnet House

15 | Noel Christmas | Seraphic Fire | Church of the Little Flower,

3 | Social Justice: Final Application Deadline | The Our Fund

for the Performing Arts

Coral Gables

Foundation

15 - 27 | Death Becomes Her | Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward

5 | A Merry Motown Christmas | Symphony of the Americas | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

15 - 27 | Noel Christmas | Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory' Episcopal /

Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

Boca Raton

17 | Noel Christmas | Seraphic Fire | The Moss Center

Orchestra | The Parker,

18 | Noel Christmas | Seraphic Fire | Moorings Presbyterian

5 | Holiday Magic | Bonnet House

19 | Treble & Tidings: A Cappella Holiday | Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts

5 - 6 | The Nutcracker | Dennis C. Moss Cultural Arts Center | Cutler

Bay

6 | Handel's Messiah & Holiday Pops | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | Barry University, Miami

7 | Chamber Orchestra Europe | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 8 | Chamber Orchestra of Europe | Adrienne Arsht Center for the

29 | A Drag Queen Christmas / Hosted by Nina West | Murray & Peter Present, Jacksonville

Performing Arts

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

46 | OutClique.com

JANUARY 2027

FEBRUARY 2027

6 - 10 | The Great Gatsby | Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts, Boca Raton

2 - 14 | Mamma Mia! | Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center

7 - 24 | The Inheritance, Part Two | Zoetic Stage | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

3 - 28 | Wicked | Straz Center for the Performing Arts | Tampa

10 | Yo-Yo Ma and Solon Gordon | Adrienne Arsht Center for the

Performing Arts | Miami

12 - 17 | The Great Gatsby | Broadway in Miami | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

1/14 - 2/14 | Wicked | Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for

the Performing Arts, Orlando

for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

6 | 8th Annual LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards | The Our Fund Foundation | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

9 | Florence Price's Violin Concerto No. 1 | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | New World Center, Miami

15 | One for All | Seraphic Fire | St. Philip's Episcopal, Coral Gables

Orchestra | The Parker, Ft Lauderdale

15 - 16 | Naked Magicians | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall |

12 | Mr. & Miss Palm Beach Pride Pageant | Lake Worth Playhouse | Lake Worth Beach

Sarasota

16 | One for All | Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal, Ft Lauderdale

13 | Pride Pageant | Lake Worth Playhouse | Lake Worth Beach, Naples

13 | Florence Price's Violin Concerto No. 1 | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | Tennessee William Theatre, Key West

13 - 28 | Mean Girls | Slow Burn Theatre | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

13 - 28 | The Great Gatsby | Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

| Symphony of the Americas | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

26 - 31 | Beethoven's Fifth & Bottesini | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | Tennessee William Theatre, Key West

26 - 31 | The Sound of Music | Broadway in Jacksonville | Jacksonville

Center for the Performing Arts, Jacksonville

1/30 - 2/1 | Beethoven's Fifth & Bottesini | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | The Parker, Ft Lauderdale

1/30 - 2/1 | Don Giovanni | Florida Grand Opera | Adrienne Arsht

16 - 21 | The Sound of Music | Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

20 | Gala | Equality Florida | Suncoast

TBD | Health & Wellness Grant Awards | The Our Fund Foundation

20 | Northern Lights | Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal, Ft Lauderdale

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

OutClique.com | 47

23 - 25 | A Sacred Symphonic Celebration | Symphony of the

20 | Beethoven's Ninth & Grand Opera Arias | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | Tennessee William Theatre, Key West

23 - 25 | Randy Rainbow | Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall | Sarasota

21 | American Poets | Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory's Episcopal, Coral Gables

Americas | UCC Fort Lauderdale, Naples

23 - 28 | 16th Annual Youth Pride Band Season Finale | South Florida Pride Bands | The Parker, Coral Gables

21 | Garden Party | Equality Florida | Wilton Manors

23 - 28 | Six | Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center for the

21 | TUSK: Fleetwood Mac Tribute | The Parker

Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

TBD | Love & Legacy: 85th Anniversary Gala | Florida Grand Opera Boca Raton

9 - 14 | SIX | Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing

Arts

23 | Yuja Wang | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts | , Ft Lauderdale

9 - 14 | The Notebook | Broadway in Ft Lauderdale | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

11 | Shostakovich's Leningrad: Courage & Resilience | Symphony of the Americas | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

12 - 14 | Alice's Adventures in Wonderland | Miami City Ballet |

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

13 | Latinos Salud 17th Annual Gala | Latinos Salud | Broward

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

3/30-4/4 | BOOP!® The Musical | Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts

8 | Misa Criolla | Seraphic Fire | Moorings Presbyterian

Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

9 | Misa Criolla | Seraphic Fire | St. Gregory's Episcopal

14 | Brunch | Equality Florida | Miami

9 - 11 | Jersey Boys | Broadway in Jacksonville | Jacksonville Center

for the Performing Arts

14 | Equality Florida Miami Gala | Miami Beach

for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

14 & 16 | A Night at the Opera | Symphony of the Americas |

11 | Misa Criolla | Seraphic Fire | All Saints Episcopal, Ft Lauderdale

Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

16 - 21 | The Sound of Music | Broadway in Orlando | Dr. Phillips

Center for the Performing Arts, Orlando

18 | American Poets | Seraphic Fire | Moorings Presbyterian, Naples

12 - 14 | BOOP!® The Musical | Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

14 | Brahms' Fourth Symphony | South Florida Symphony Orchestra | The Parker

All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

48 | OutClique.com

24 | Classic Albums Live: Pink Floyd | The Moss Center 27 | Pass the Baton: 2nd National Undergraduate Conducting

Competition | Symphony of the Americas | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

4/29 - 5/16 | John Proctor Is the Villain | Zoetic Stage | Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts, Miami

11 - 16 | Oh, Mary! | Kravis on Broadway | Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

15 - 16 | Swan Lake | Miami City Ballet | Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Ft Lauderdale

22 - 27 | Juneteenth All dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Please contact the venues or organizers for official information, requirements, and specifications.

Sunshine Cathedral 55

Marks Years of Ministry and Two Decades of Leadership Under Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin

& Bishop Robert Griffin, DMin

By Savannah Whaley

Sunshine Cathedral was founded in Fort Lauderdale just two brief years after Stonewall. Today it is known as the world’s leading progressive Queer church and this October it celebrates its 55th Anniversary while it also raises a glass to Senior Minister Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min. and Executive Minister Bishop Robert Griffin, D.Min., the married couple who have led the congregation for the past 20 years. Here’s the Church “We're in vestments, we have a sermon, it starts at one time and ends an hour or so later,” Watkins said. “It looks like a church, and it is a church, but it isn't your grandma's church. We are culturally Christian, but spiritually unlimited. And our openness is not just about sexual orientation. It's openness to the diversity of humanity.” The majority of the congregation is made up of progressive Christians who enjoy weekly fellowship alongside those from many religions including Muslims, Jews and even agnostics. “We're not trying to make you believe anything in particular other than in yourself and in the goodness of human potential,” Watkins stressed. “We are happy to help you on your journey discovering, embracing, celebrating or even doubting the God of your understanding. We're not going to give you one. We're going to create a safe space where you can find yours and celebrate it and then change your mind about that if you need to.” Historically and predominantly an LGBTQ+ community, the church embraces same-gender loving people as well as transgender and gender non-binary people. In addition, heterosexual and cisgender people can be found in every area of service and leadership. It is remarkable that Sunshine Cathedral has continued to thrive and grow when a Pew Research Study found 46% of lesbian, gay and bisexual Americans say that religion does more harm than good in American society. “We agree with them,” Watkins surprisingly said. “Their experience is valid. They've had a horrible experience with religion. If they say it's just too broken to fix and it hurt me too badly that I don't ever want to go back, who can blame them? But people like me, I'm just religious. It's like queer is part of my

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identity. I need religious community, but I also need it to be sane, kind, compassionate, pluralistic and open to other people's experience of the sacred. That's what we try to offer.” Featuring nondogmatic sermons and often showtunes instead of hymns, Sunshine Cathedral holds services both in person and online every Sunday at 9:00 and 10:30AM. “We're offering spirituality your way,” Watkins said, trying out a hamburger chain’s well known pitch to customers. “Hold the pickle, hold the lettuce and we'll give you the rest.” Here’s the Steeple Church steeples can serve as a beacon helping people navigate their way to worship. Sunshine Cathedral traces its roots as a queer church to the living room of Rev. Troy D. Perry, who would go on to become a leading gay rights and human rights activist. Defrocked as a priest for being gay, Perry held the first service on October 6,1968 in Huntington Park located in Los Angeles County, CA. The coffee table was the altar and a vinyl record of the Mormon Tabernacle served as the music. “Troy Perry had sort of a religious revelation or a spiritual transformation where he realized we're who we're meant to be,” Watkins said. “We are the queer children of God. Not just people who can be accepted or even rejected. Who we are is our gift to the world. He gets that and he starts the Metropolitan Community Church.” Soon other major cities wanted to replicate Perry’s mission and what is now Metropolitan Community Churches (MCC) began. “From 1968 to 1972, it was super radical to say there is a church that not only accepts gay people, but it was founded by gay people, it celebrates gay people,” Watkins recalled. “It says the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people are blessed by God to be who they are. Since it was the only one doing that, people said, ‘Oh, yeah, I'd like to be part of that.’” Sunshine Cathedral was established in 1971 as the Metropolitan Community Church of the Holy Spirit in Fort Lauderdale by a group that had been worshiping at an MCC in Miami. Services first began in the home of Bob Horton, the original organist and first deacon. It would change its name to Sunshine Cathedral around the time of the new millennium. Sunshine Cathedral honors its history as a progressive

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beacon by its associations with the Metropolitan Community Churches, Divine Science Federation, International Council of Community Churches, the International New Thought Alliance and the Center for Progressive Christianity as well as new partnerships with the Global Justice Institute, the Execution Intervention Project, Latin Pastoral Ministries of the Anglican Free Communion International, and St. Oscar Romero Old Catholic Church in Little Rock, AR. Following early years led by different pastors, trailblazer John Gill became the first longtime pastor in the mid-70s. Trained as a Presbyterian minister he was ordained by Metropolitan Community Church. He was succeeded by Grant Lynn Ford, a Pentecostal minister who had become a priest in the independent Catholic tradition. “He was here for 22 years and I actually thought that was an eternity,” Watkins confessed. “Except now I'm here at 20. So, okay, that happens.” Holding degrees from Henderson State University, Goddard College, Union Theological Seminary, and the Episcopal Divinity School, Watkins joined the staff in 2006 as the Canon Precentor before being elected as the senior minister the next year. One of the appeals of the job was that he would be able to serve alongside his partner and future husband, who also joined the staff in 2006, first overseeing the religious education program, and then the social justice ministries before finally becoming the Executive Minister. Previously, Griffin had managed chapels on military bases for a decade as a Religious Programming Specialist, established a church in Hagerstown, Maryland, spent two years as the HIV field coordinator for MCC and served as the Assistant to the Presiding Moderator of MCC. Open the Doors As a biracial couple who are both HIV-positive and who have parented a boy born in Brazil, the two bishops are uniquely qualified to welcome people into the diverse community of Sunshine Cathedral. Watkins, who identifies as nonbinary, has been HIV positive since 1991, and Griffin tested positive for HIV in 1987 while he was in the military and before there were any medical treatments. Of 42 people in a group Griffin joined at that time, he and only one other are still alive. “I think that being positive helped shape or craft my ministry,” Griffin said. “I think it helps people to identify

that there are people who have lived experience such as HIV, such as depression, such as high blood pressure. We're part of all this and it puts us into the thick of things in a different way when we advocate for the AIDS walk and things like that.” The couple also has a personal understanding of the many ways in which immigration laws can fracture families. Their son, Mario, came to them as an exchange student from Brazil only to have to leave to attend college abroad because he couldn’t come back to the U.S. Now, at age 25, he has graduated from film school but has remained in the U.K. due to immigration difficulties in returning to be with them. “We tried to adopt him at 17, but it wouldn't have helped with his immigration status,” Watkins shared. “Eventually we will make it official, just for personal gratification, in an adult adoption. I mean, he’s our kid.” While Mario’s father wasn’t in the picture, his mother was supportive of her gay son and was grateful that he found a family with the two men. “She swears it’s an answer to a prayer,” Wakins said. “We have all bonded together like an extended family. She calls us The Dads. Robert and I met in 1996, got together officially in 2000, and were married in 2015. We’ve been a couple the whole time, long before it was legal. It’s the same thing with Mario. He’s been our kid long before we make it official.” Watkins says it a miracle that he and Griffin now work together and insists that it never gets old. “Our relationship basically took place on Amtrak,” Watkins recalls. “I was in Central, he was Eastern. Then we got to live together for one year before we were separated. I had a church in New Jersey and he was in Maryland and then he moved to Massachusetts and I moved to New York. It's such a gift to work together even after all these decades. We were made bishops on the same day. Sometimes people forget that we are individuals, they just think of us as ‘us.’” See all the People From those the world over who enjoy the services online, to the unhoused LGBTQ+ Youth in Fort Lauderdale who find a safe haven at The Sunshine Pride House, to the many facing food insecurity in our community served by the Loaves and Fishes Ministry, the Sunshine Cathedral makes a lasting impact.

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“We do a whole food pantry that has a brown bag program and delivery component taking food out to various people,” Griffin said. “On average we’re serving over 1,000 people a week. We served 55,000 people last year and I think we’re pretty much close to it again already at the end of July. We just recently learned that $17 million has been cut from a lot of the feeding programs provided by the state or by the federal government and we can see the impact here locally. The unique thing about our feeding program is that we don't ask for proof of residency or income. We don't do that.” Countless other people have been touched by Sunshine Cathedral without ever attending a service by going to an event at the Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts which will soon launch its 18th season. “When the renovations happened at the cathedral back in 2006, one of the things they wanted to elevate was our performance presence in the community,” Griffin remembers. “We still have bragging rights in that our stage is one foot larger than the Amaturo Theater stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. We’ve had a lot of performances over the years from organ concerts to people like Leslie Jordan, Vickie Shaw, Varla Jean Merman, Randy Rainbow, Sharon Gless, Margaret Cho, and Judy Gold. It may be a comedy show, a Gay Men's Chorus concert or the Symphony of the Americas and people will experience that in a space that's nonthreatening and welcoming. When we have performances, that is also a way of worship .” The Sunshine Cathedral’s reach has extended into Russia, China and other conservative anti-LGBTQ+ countries through the online streaming of its Sunday services. “We went online in COVID at the very beginning, and I think that shifted a whole lot of people's accessibility to worship and to connection,” Griffin said. “Our footprint in the global community or even in the social media world is much larger than what it was. The biggest thing that shifted for us is the realization of how quickly everything went to social media when COVID happened. That's when I noticed a significant shift in people who want bricks and mortar versus people who prefer online viewership.” In fact, one of Sunshine Cathedral’s major supporters, Gen Hickey, has never been to the church. A heterosexual with a Roman Catholic background, she found the church online when she was in New Jersey and has stayed

“Our openness is not just about sexual orientation. It's openness to the diversity of humanity.” – Bishop Durrell Watkins

through moves to Georgia and North Carolina. She is just one of the people who has found the church through its many open doors. “What we are trying to achieve is community,” Wakins added. “We are not pushing dogma. We're not trying to convert anyone. If what you want is to come to a luncheon, a ﬁlm showing. a performing arts event, a worship service or a special event like Christmas Eve, if we're offering it then you're part of it. It is just one more way to gather people together to afﬁrm them and to experience joy which, for us, is completely on brand.”

some old timers who are still around, and new people who joined along the way,” Watkins previewed. “Religious participation is on decline and then COVID accelerated that. Along with ﬁnancial issues, churches are merging, closing and declining daily. Fifty-ﬁve years into it, we're still around. That's something to celebrate and we're going to do it up pretty big.”

Anniversary Celebration

From 1971— with rampant homophobia, no legalized abortion and an unpopular war — to today, it may seem that the more things changed the more they stayed the same. Yet, no matter the year or the challenge, Sunshine Cathedral has been at the forefront of leading and serving the community.

“There's going to be some community celebrities there,

“We've had all different kinds [of leaders], from Presbyterian to Pentecostal to Episcopalian, but the queer-focused justice seeking, inclusive vision has remained constant through all these years and I'm very proud of that,” Watkins said.

The anniversary celebration will take place at the Coral Ridge Yacht Club on Saturday, October 3, 2026. It begins at noon with a gathering reception followed by a seated dinner at 3:00PM.

Sunshine Cathedral's cover and cover story photos courtesy of Dennis Dean

A Spiritual Tapestry My Journey Through Progressive Christian Thought By Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin.

As a Progressive Christian, I try to follow rather than worship Jesus. I believe Ultimate Reality ("God") cannot be contained in any creed or tradition, and that the combination of Jesus’ love ethic, concern for the hurting and marginalized, and call to make our world here and now kinder, more peaceful, and more just while recognizing the sacred value of every person is the "Good News" we are meant to embody and proclaim. I am a Monist, understanding that there is but one Substance in the universe, and all that is must be part of that Divine Substance. As Emerson said, "I am a part and parcel of God." I am a Spiritual Humanist. I believe human beings are innately good, and I reject the notion of original sin. We make mistakes, but none of us is a mistake. Through human means—science, reason, ethics, poetry, and the arts—we can improve the human condition and make meaning in our lives. I am a Universalist, meaning I do not believe anyone is damned for any reason. I am a Panentheist ("all-in-God"). We emerge from and are nurtured by the Ground of Being, living and moving within one omnipresence. We are inextricably part of the interconnected web of existence. I am also a Perennialist, trusting that many faith traditions share truths that beneﬁt the world. Perennialism recognizes a single, universal source (similar to monism and panentheism), variously called God, Brahman, Divine Mind, Spirit, or Ground of Being. Perennialists view the true Self as an enduring divine spark, “that of God in all people” (a la Quaker founder George Fox), prioritizing direct inner experience through meditation, contemplation, and introspection over rigid

SunshineCathedral.org

dogma. This realization of interconnectedness leads to a shared moral framework centered on compassion, justicelove, and the Golden Rule. Each of these philosophies is open to and fully inclusive of LGBTQ+ lives. While still connected to my Anglican/Episcopalian background, my spiritual path integrates these philosophies into a unified way of experiencing the world. A school of thought tracing back to the 1880s called Divine Science allows for all these belief systems. Divine Science practices "affirmative prayer" and views scripture largely as allegories for living more effectively and joyfully and understands God to be a power and a presence, specifically, omnipresence. For six years, I’ve served as President of the Divine Science Federation International, having previously served as VicePresident. This is my final month as DSFI’s president. I share my personal journey to offer insight into my path and to highlight the rich diversity of thought found at Sunshine Cathedral. We identify as “progressive” and that is a very large umbrella. Many kinds of people fit under it. I also share this as an invitation to the Divine Science Federation’s Biennial Conference, held at Sunshine Cathedral on September 21–22, 2026. All are welcome. Registration information is available at www.divinesciencefederation.org/events. May you find in the God of your understanding indomitable hope, lasting peace, and abundant joy. Love and blessings, +Bishop Durrell

Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin. is the Senior Minister of the Sunshine Cathedral. Sunday worship is at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM Photo Courtesy of Bishop Durrell Watkins, DMin.

How We Carry One Another

South Florida is changing. How we carry one another through that change will say something about who we are. By Fr. Rich Vitale I have noticed recently that conversations in Wilton Manors have grown sharper.

Before ﬁnancial pressure appears in an ofﬁcial report, it often shows up in an entertainer’s tip bucket.

Familiar places are closing. New businesses, developments, and ideas are coming into the neighborhood, with no shortage of debate about what they will mean for the city. There have also been betrayals and false promises. Add an election year, and beloved neighbors can ﬁnd themselves in the kind of spirited arguments only local politics can create.

This is not a group-hug piece. In thirteen years of ministry, I have found that telling people to simply be nicer can dismiss the concerns that made them angry. Some wounds are real. Betrayals should be confronted. Decisions that reshape a neighborhood deserve scrutiny.

I am in most of the Wilton Manors Facebook groups, as many of us are, and more than a few group chats. By the time a disagreement reaches Facebook, it is rarely long before the screenshots arrive on my phone.

Jesus told us to love our neighbor. Love does not require silence or endless agreement. It does require us to remember that the person across from us remains human.

You know the three fastest forms of communication: telephone, television, and tell a gay. I laugh, but only partly. People are worried about the future of the neighborhood. Money is tighter. Tourism has shifted. Tallahassee politics has returned to queer life with an ugliness many hoped had been left behind. Wilton Manors gets hit twice: LGBTQ people are targeted politically, while travelers who oppose those policies sometimes stay away. The money they withhold does not come from Tallahassee. It disappears from restaurants, bars, hotels, show tickets, and performers’ tips.

The question is how we do that without losing one another.

Community means supporting one another where we can. For some, that means spending money, tipping generously, sharing an event, or bringing a friend out on a Thursday night. For others, it means volunteering, offering encouragement, or refusing to join an online pile-on. Resilience is not simply the ability to withstand hardship. Communities endure by distributing the weight. Wilton Manors will change. Some changes will bring new life; others will require resistance, grief, or repair. Through all of it, we still belong to one another. Our task is to tell the truth without destroying people, ﬁght for what is beloved without becoming cruel, and refuse to leave anyone carrying the whole weight alone.

Father Rich Vitale is an Old Catholic priest, writer, and media creator whose work focuses on resilience, spiritual practice, and emotional health in a hyperconnected world. Through his publication Message from the Margins, he blends theology, psychology, and lived experience to help people stay grounded without abandoning reason. You can ﬁnd his daily reﬂections at FatherRichV.Substack.Com

MessageFromTheMargins.com Photo Courtesy of Father Rich Vitale

EVERY SUNDAY AT 10:30 a.m.

Rev. Aaron Lauer Senior Pastor

Photo by Suzie Alvey

Worship

“Outrageous, campy, bawdy and surprisingly endearing. As madcap as Mame and insightful as Miss Marple.” —Charles Busch

author of Vampire Lesbians of Sodom and The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife

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United Church of Christ

Fort Lauderdale

2501 NE 30th Street Fort Lauderdale FL 33306 954-563-4271 uccftl.org • Facebook/uccftl Available on Amazon • Barnes & Noble • Goodreads

Beyond the Canvas

Pompano Beach’s Creative Transformation

Photo Courtesy of Claudia Castillo

By Claudia Castillo

Welcome to Beyond the Canvas, a new monthly column exploring the people, places, and ideas shaping Broward County’s creative future. Each month, I’ll look beyond the artwork itself to discover how creativity transforms our communities and enriches everyday life.

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For this inaugural column, I chose Pompano Beach because its cultural transformation is one of Broward County’s most inspiring stories and reﬂects how art can shape a community. While many people know the city for its beautiful beaches, a growing investment in arts and culture is creating a destination that offers visitors a reason to return again and again.

That vision is already taking shape. The City of Pompano Beach has invested in cultural landmarks including the Pompano Beach Cultural Center, Bailey Contemporary Arts (BaCA), the Blanche Ely House Museum, the Ali Cultural Arts Center, and The Hive Black Box Theatre. As Tabing describes it, “Beautiful facilities gave us the canvas. Now we’re ﬁlling them with life.” Community events such as Old Town Untapped have become gathering places where live music, artists, food, and creativity come together, while public art continues to deﬁne the city’s identity. “As cities grow, they start looking alike,” Tabing explains. “Public art keeps that from happening. It gives a city its personality and creates moments people remember long after they’ve departed.” Looking ahead, Pompano Beach continues to build on its cultural momentum with new public art installations, expanded programming, and opportunities for artists and residents to become part of its creative future. As Tabing puts it, “Beaches brought people here. Culture gave them a reason to linger longer and to come back.” Those interested in upcoming exhibitions, performances, artist opportunities, and cultural events can learn more by visiting PompanoBeachArts.org. After learning more about Pompano Beach’s journey, I left with the feeling that its greatest work of art isn’t found inside a gallery. It’s a community that has embraced creativity as part of its identity, proving that when a city invests in culture, it creates experiences that people remember long after they’ve gone home.

Photos Credit: Jasmine Barrett

The more I learned about Pompano Beach's cultural journey, the more I realized there is a clear vision driving its success. That vision is led by Cultural Affairs Director, Ty Tabing, who describes himself as “more of a city builder than an arts administrator.” With a background in urban planning and economic development, his goal extends beyond galleries and performance venues. His vision is simple yet ambitious: “Art everywhere you look. Great programming every week. A city where culture isn’t something you visit, it’s just part of everyday life.”

Networking Event at Gray Box Theater Presented by CAN Community Health Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

Retired Broward County Judge

Robert Lee

Changes Course as a Devoted Volunteer to Map the Past for our Digital Future

Photo credit: Robert Lee

Photos credit: Sallie James

By Fran Folic for History Fort Lauderdale

Photo credit: Sallie James

What does a 32-year-veteran Broward County judge do once he steps away from the bench? If you are the Honorable Robert Lee, you devote your time as a volunteer to preserving South Florida’s rich history and making it accessible to all online at History Fort Lauderdale!

LGBTQ bench members. He’s presided over nearly 350 jury trials and issued over 500 published legal decisions during his career. He’s served as the head administrative judge for the county court in Florida's 17th Judicial Circuit where he’s received numerous honors, including the Chief Justice Award for Judicial Excellence.

While most people recognize Judge Lee for serving as the chair of the Broward County Canvassing Board during the notorious Bush v. Gore 2000 U.S. presidential election recount, what they don’t know is that his service to the county, the state and to future generations of historical researchers worldwide is a continuing passion project.

And now, not content to watch history stay “only recorded in the books,” Lee has devoted his free time to scanning, compiling and organizing scores of valuable resources more than 2,300 historical volumes archived since 1962 (but dating back much further), covering Broward County and Florida, the Everglades, Seminole Indians, nature, architecture, biography, antiques and artifacts, locally themed ﬁction and signed editions by famous authors - to make History Fort Lauderdale’s library catalog completely digitized, searchable, and available online.

A history maker himself, Lee was the ﬁrst openly LGBTQ individual appointed to the state court bench in the State of Florida in 1997. His legacy paved the way for subsequent

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“I’d say I spent about 230 hours on this project, alone,” joked Lee. “We’re talking eight-hour days; working on weekends to get this done. And this labor of love was not without its challenges!” What started as an idea for a commemorative America250 and 25th anniversary exhibit chronicling the Bush v. Gore "hanging chad" recount case, turned into a much larger research project that ultimately resulted in Lee’s curated “Justice from the Sea to the Sawgrass — A History of the Broward County Judiciary" exhibit. This deep dive into our region’s storied past, complete with photos, news ephemera and historical artifacts, recently debuted at History Fort Lauderdale in May and will be displayed soon at the Broward County Courthouse. It was during this arduous research process (another 350 volunteer hours) that Lee struggled with ﬁnding text titles and resources in an antiquated card catalog drawer. With the blessings of History Fort Lauderdale’s Executive Director Patricia Zeiler and Managing Director Ellery Andrews, Lee tackled the Herculean task of digitizing the extensive archives. “A volunteer of Judge Lee’s stature and expertise is immeasurable,” shared Zeiler. “History Fort Lauderdale regularly receives calls from researchers across the nation seeking speciﬁc, niche requests. Prior to digitization, our team would physically have to search a paper card catalog and stacks. Now, in less than 30 seconds, they have access to the whole Hoch Library with Library of Congress numerical and bibliographical references. With so many volumes, we never thought this was possible. We are grateful and appreciative of his incredible gift!” “I’m the kind of person that always needs to be doing something,” laughed Lee. “I have all this energy that needs to be channeled somewhere. And when I was in the process of researching the Bush v. Gore case materials, I realized this was something much bigger. In this online day and age, we need to think about how people consume information and conduct research. So, I gave myself a deadline, rolled-up my sleeves and just dove into it.” A self-proclaimed “history nerd” and “book guy,” Lee’s background in historical education and humanities made him the perfect candidate for the project. He’s focused on the preservation and interpretation of other historic sites including Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale and the McLean Farmhouse at Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek. During his time as a judge, he also volunteered for more

than 15 years at the Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library where he was trained by the late LGBTQ philanthropist and former New York Public Library System archivist Paul Fasana, to catalogue the organization’s library collection of more than 25,000 volumes and archival items. He also gained valuable insight from David Fairchild from Fairchild Tropical Gardens. In the process of poring over thousands of book titles, Lee made some surprising discoveries. “We found 100 books in the collection that are so rare and valuable…worth more than $1,000 that it would be difficult to locate these elsewhere.” He continued, “While Broward became a county in 1915, we existed as a city in 1911. I found the schoolbooks used for kids in 1912 when Broward wasn’t even on the map. Who knew they made books in color back then? Speaking of maps, I found all kinds of interesting ones - from drainage systems to how to grow crops and 100-year old oversized fold-out maps including highway illustrations before there was an interstate system!” According to Lee, the most rewarding aspect of this passion project was realizing the depth of historical books that History Fort Lauderdale possesses. “As libraries go, HFL’s collection on the Seminole tribe is truly outstanding and comprehensive and people should know about this,” he said. “There’s even a whole section on citrus. A fun find was cataloging the large number of Florida cookbooks going back to the 1920s. Cookbooks were big fundraising tools for nonprofits back in the day. I actually took my first stab at sweet potato biscuits from a recipe I found in one. It came out pretty good! And travel… we uncovered travel literature going back to the 1950s including trips to Cuba. Apparently, the first judicial court conference was held in Havana. The state paid for people to fly there from Key West, but by 1961, materials related to Cuba just sort of disappeared.” Judge Lee encourages history buffs and the next generation of researchers to delve into the online catalog and make some discoveries of their own. “There’s a wealth of information just waiting to be accessed!” Visit https://hub.catalogit.app/history-fort-lauderdale to browse the new digitized catalog or see the actual books in-person at the Hoch Research Library on History Fort Lauderdale’s campus located at 231 SW 2nd Ave. in Fort Lauderdale.

OutClique.com | 67

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1101 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33132 | 305-434-9600 | frostscience.org | @frostscience The Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science is supported by the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners of Miami-Dade County. This project is supported by the Building Better Communities Bond Program and the City of Miami. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture, the Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and the National Endowment for the Arts. The museum is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and a member of the Association of Science and Technology Centers.

Plan your day at frostscience.org

Jacob Aronin

Alexa Kuve

The Carbonell Awards

Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors

Jacob Aronin and Alexa Kuve By Gary Schweikhart, Board President of the Carbonell Awards

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Jacob Aronin

Alexa Kuve

As Director of Education for the Broward Center for the

The recipient of last year’s Ruth Foreman Award, Alexa

Performing Arts, Jacob Aronin oversees a comprehensive

Kuve is the founder, executive producer and artistic

portfolio of arts education initiatives serving learners of all

director of Arca Images, a nonprofit artistic production

ages, including the nation's largest free arts-in-education

organization based in Miami since 2001. Under her

program. In partnership with Broward County Public

visionary leadership, Arca Images has produced more

Schools, the Broward Center's award-winning Student

than 100 theatrical works, including world premieres

Enrichment Through the Arts (SEAS) program provides

by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Nilo Cruz and

more than 100,000 free student matinee tickets each year

other internationally acclaimed artists. As an actress,

and has served more than 3.8 million students since its

her

inception. Aronin leads the Center's expansive education

productions for networks such as Telemundo, and she

programs connecting students, educators and families

has delivered performances on stage in celebrated

with transformative arts experiences through workshops,

plays by authors such as Ionesco, Lorca, and more.

television

career

includes

performances

master classes and performing arts instruction for children, teens and adults. "With our historic 50th annual ceremony coming in 2027, the Carbonell Awards is excited about the deep commitment to theatrical excellence and cultural diversity that our two new members are bringing to the Board,” said Schweikhart. The Carbonell Board of Directors Broward

Palm Beach County

Jacob Aronin (Broward Center for the Performing Arts)

Debbie Calabria (Cultural Council for Palm Beach

Terry Colli (retired diplomat & Board secretary)

County)

Don Walters, P.A. (attorney & Board treasurer)

Bill Nix (retired Cultural Council VP of Marketing &

Zaylin Yates (Broward County Cultural Division & Brévo Theatre)

Gov’t Affairs) Bernie Pino (Kravis Center for the Performing Arts) Gary Schweikhart (PR-BS & Board President)

Miami-Dade Dale Edwards (Arsht Center for the Performing Arts) Ricardo Gonzalez III (Carbonell Sculptures)

Avery Sommers (Broadway, cabaret, movie &TV star) Ellen Wedner (retired theater & ﬁlm festival producer)

Alexa Kuve (Arca Images) Javier Siut (South Florida Cultural Consortium & Board VP)

The 49th annual Carbonell Awards Ceremony will be held on November 16, 2026, at FAU’s University Theatre in Boca Raton, at which honors will be presented in 20 competitive categories. Hundreds of actors, musicians, performers, writers, directors, back-stage technicians, producers, reviewers, designers, specialty artists, and diehard theater fans are expected to attend this year’s glittery, entertainment-packed event that is South Florida’s version of Broadway’s Tony Awards®. Tickets for the ceremony and after party are only $45 and will go on public sale in mid-October. Photos Courtesy of Omar Amador

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If the Shoe Fits National Competition Returns to Crown the New Queen for the 29th Annual Key West New Year’s Eve High Heel Shoe Drop

The national touring competition “If the Shoe Fits" has returned for its second year, once again seeking the next Queen of New Year’s Eve to star in Key West’s worldfamous High Heel Shoe Drop. Launched in 2025, the pageant-style series gives professional entertainers and drag stars across the United States the opportunity to headline one of the globe’s most iconic New Year’s Eve celebrations—now entering its 29th year and covered internationally by CNN. Presented by Bourbon Street Pub and the Monroe County Tourist Development Council, with support from Island House Key West, the 2026 tour has expanded to visit seven U.S. cities from August-October 2026. The competition seeks performers with exceptional stage presence, charisma, and the ability to command crowds of thousands. The finalist who best embodies the glamour, professionalism, and spirit established by legendary Queens of New Year’s Eve—including Sushi, who reigned for 25 years, Christopher Peterson, Randy Roberts, and reigning national champion Mulan Alexander of Dallas, Texas—will earn the title of 2026 Queen of New Year’s Eve. The winner will star in the three-hour New Year’s Eve stage show on Duval Street and descend in the iconic red high heel during the countdown to midnight. “I am so honored to be the first crowned If the Shoe Fits Queen,” said Mulan. “Bringing in the new year in Key West was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience—one I will hold in my heart forever.”

All six national finalists receive round-trip airfare to Key West for the October 10 Finals courtesy of Bourbon Street Pub and the TDC, plus five days and four nights of accommodation at New Orleans House, home of the famous VIP New Year’s Eve balcony party where the Shoe hangs each year. The National Champion also receives an additional 5-day/4-night stay at New Orleans House for New Year’s Eve plus a $2,000 appearance fee. In what is now a much-anticipated annual tradition, the winner receives a custom couture costume designed by Sushi, the original Queen of New Year’s Eve, to be debuted on December 31. “I never imagined 29 years ago that when we lowered that first perilously suspended paper-mâché red heel over the balcony at midnight, the tradition would not only continue but expand so vastly nationwide,” said Joey Schroeder, creator of the Key West High Heel Shoe Drop and owner of New Orleans House and Bourbon Street Pub. “We’re grateful to partners like the TDC for recognizing how special and inclusive this event has become, drawing thousands of people to Duval Street for our annual stage show and Shoe Drop.” New for 2026, each city winner receives a $500 cash prize and a premium gift basket courtesy of Island House Key West, which also provides airfare for the National Champion to return to Key West in December and sponsors additional production costs.

This year’s tour has added two new cities, Minneapolis, MN and Jacksonville, FL, and kicked off Wednesday, August 19, 2026 in Dallas, TX at The Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall, home of reigning champion Mulan Alexander. The tour returns to West Hollywood/Los Angeles, New York City, and Fort Lauderdale/Wilton Manors, concluding with the National Finals on Saturday, October 10, 2026 in Key West.

“It’s an honor for Island House to support such a renowned event curated by Bourbon Street Pub,” said Jeffrey Smead, Director of Marketing for Island House. “The Shoe Drop is one of the most identiﬁable events on the island and brings visitors back year after year for what is easily the most in-demand week annually. When iconic businesses like 5-star gay men’s resort Island House and Bourbon Street Pub/New Orleans House collaborate, great things happen.”

“Spreading a little of the New Year’s Eve magic from Key West across the country is such a joy,” said Patrik Gallineaux, Show Emcee and Director of Production. “One of the best problems last year was discovering multiple entertainers who would be fabulous in the Red Shoe. I’m truly glad I’m not a judge!”

2026 Tour Schedule September 10 — Minneapolis, MN September 12 — West Hollywood, CA September 20 — Jacksonville, FL September 24 — Wilton Manors, FL National Finals: October 10 — Key West, FL

“If the Shoe Fits” additional information can be found at https://bourbonstpub.com/iftheshoefits/ and www.facebook.com/iftheshoefitskw. Follow @iftheshoefitskeywest on instagram. Visit https://fla-keys.com to discover why the Keys are “Close to Perfect—Far from Normal.”

All prizes courtesy of the TDC, Bourbon Street Pub, and Island House Key West. Must be 21+ to attend and compete. Content courtesy of Outclique Staﬀ | Photos Courtesy of Larry Blackburn Photography

ISLAND CITY STAGE

The Beginning

2012

Celebrates 15 Years OF THEATER

Island City Stage launches its inaugural production in partnership with Empire Stage, introducing a bold new voice dedicated to LGBTQ+ storytelling in South Florida.

TWENTIETH CENTURY WAY

SHORTS GONE WILD

2013 A New Tradition

The first installment of what would become seven annual collaborations with City Theatre, celebrating new voices through short-form theatre.

THE TIMEKEEPERS

Carbonell History

Wins six Carbonell Awards, including Best Production of a Play, establishing Island City Stage as one of South Florida’s premier theatre companies.

2014 HAVE I GOT A GIRL FOR YOU

On October 1, Island City Stage, Wilton Manors’ preeminent professional theater company, will begin its fifteenth season. For anyone familiar with the precarious world of theater arts, this is no small feat. It takes just the right mix of discipline, creativity, marketing and talent to last longer than one or two seasons. From all appearances, Island City Stage seems to have concocted the perfect recipe. For the past fifteen years, the stellar South Florida theater company has brought a superior level of talented artists, staﬀ and board members to their organization. Most of the performers appearing in Island City Stage productions have credits that include Broadway, Oﬀ-Broadway, National Tour, Regional Theater, Film and Television not to mention performing arts degrees from prestigious universities. by Charles Baran

Breaking Through

2015

The company’s first Sun-Sentinel Showtime cover story generates its largest single-day ticket sales to date, signaling growing regional recognition.

OCTOPUS

Critical Acclaim

Another Carbonell-nominated production continues the company’s remarkable artistic momentum. THE LITTLE DOG LAUGHED

Building a Reputation

Island City Stage earns additional Carbonell recognition while expanding its audience with provocative contemporary theatre.

World Premiere Success

Michael McKeever’s groundbreaking new play premieres at Island City Stage before going on to national productions. The company earns its second Carbonell Award for Best Production of a Play.

ANGRY FAGS

A Permanent Home

Island City Stage opens its new theatre at 2304 North Dixie Highway, establishing the Wilton Manors venue that continues to serve as its artistic home.

Interactive Story

Exclusive behind-the-scenes video, additional photography, interviews, and more from Island City Stage’s landmark 15th season. Scan the QR code or visit: OutClique.com/ICS15

DANIEL’S HUSBAND

Photographed by

Matthew Tippins

Creative Direction by

Christopher Michaels

Who WhoKilled Killed Joan JoanCrawford? Crawford?

2016 2016

PERFECT PERFECT ARRANGEMENT ARRANGEMENT

Award-Winning Award-Winning DesignDesign

ReceivesReceives the Carbonell the Carbonell Award forAward for Best Costume Best Costume Design, highlighting Design, highlighting the company’s the company’s commitment commitment to to exceptional exceptional production production values. values.

October October 1 - 125, - 25, 2026 2026 Looking Looking ahead ahead at theatupcoming the upcoming shows shows in Season in Season 15, Island 15, Island City Stage City Stage has crafted has crafted another another crowd-pleasing crowd-pleasing line-up. line-up. There’s There’s comedy, comedy, the hysterical the hysterical and clever and clever mystery mystery

WhoWho Killed Killed JoanJoan Crawford Crawford written written and directed and directed by Island by Island City Stage’s City Stage’s Associate Associate Artistic Artistic Director Director Michael Michael Leeds, Leeds, and and

DrewDrew Droege’s Droege’s equally equally sidesplitting sidesplitting Messy Messy White White Gays. Gays. For For musical musical theater theater loverslovers there’s there’s GreyGrey Gardens, Gardens, a Broadway a Broadway

hit from hit from 20072007 aboutabout that notorious that notorious and wacky and wacky East Hampton East Hampton mother mother and daughter and daughter team,team, “Big”“Big” and “Little” and “Little” Edie Beale. Edie Beale. And And in keeping in keeping with Island with Island City Stage’s City Stage’s commitment commitment to feature to feature

new works new works from from up and upcoming and coming playwrights, playwrights, therethere is Paper is Paper Cut by Cut Andrew by Andrew Rosendorf, Rosendorf, a riveting a riveting drama drama aboutabout a young a young gay soldier gay soldier returning returning from from Afghanistan Afghanistan as anas amputee an amputee and and reuniting reuniting with his withestranged his estranged gay twin. gay twin. The play The deals play deals not not only with only the withphysical the physical carnage carnage of war ofbut warthe butemotional the emotional

scarsscars of a damaged of a damaged family. family. The season The season will end willwith end awith rarely a rarely seenseen classic classic from from the 1960s, the 1960s, The Lion The Lion in Winter in Winter written written

by renowned by renowned screenwriter screenwriter and playwright and playwright James James Goldman Goldman (Follies, (Follies, OliverOliver Twist,Twist, Nicholas Nicholas and Alexandra). and Alexandra). The 1968 The 1968 ﬁlm won ﬁlm Katherine won Katherine Hepburn Hepburn her third her third Academy Academy Award Award for for

her portrayal her portrayal of Eleanor of Eleanor of Aquitaine. of Aquitaine. She later She won later one wonmore one more time for time On forGolden On Golden Pond.Pond. The Lion The Lion in Winter in Winter also starred also starred

PeterPeter O’Toole O’Toole as a merciless as a merciless Henry Henry II andIIaand youthful a youthful Anthony Anthony Hopkins Hopkins as Richard as Richard the Lionheart. the Lionheart. It’s clear It’s clear that Season that Season 15 15 has ithas all. it all.

Island Island CityCity Stage Stage - How - How it allitbegan… all began… BackBack in 2012, in 2012, Wilton Wilton Manors Manors had not hadyet notestablished yet established a a

vibrant vibrant arts scene. arts scene. ThereThere werewere bars,bars, clubsclubs and aand handful a handful of popular of popular restaurants. restaurants. EachEach year, year, however, however, the LGBTQ the LGBTQ

community community kept growing, kept growing, bringing bringing with itwith a need it a need for more for more

Written Written & Directed & Directed by by Michael Michael LeedsLeeds

diversity diversity and entertainment and entertainment options. options. FromFrom Miami Miami to West to West

PalmPalm Beach, Beach, therethere wasn’t wasn’t a successful a successful SouthSouth Florida Florida theater theater

ZANA ZANA DON’T! DON’T!

company company that speciﬁcally that speciﬁcally served served the needs the needs of anof LGBTQ an LGBTQ community. community. You could You could say Island say Island City Stage City Stage camecame alongalong

GOLDBERG THE GOLDBERG 2016 2016THEVARIATIONS VARIATIONS

PICTURED PICTURED

BRUCE BRUCE LINSER LINSER

2018 2018

Championing Championing New Voices New Voices

Playwright Playwright Stuart Meltzer Stuartreceives Meltzer receives the Carbonell the Carbonell Award forAward Best New for Best Play,New Play, reinforcing reinforcing Island City Island Stage’s City Stage’s dedication dedication to originalto work. original work.

A Musical A Musical Milestone Milestone

Island City Island StageCityproduces Stage produces its first full its musical, first full musical, broadening broadening the company’s the company’s artistic range. artistic range.

Grey Gardens

2020

Altar Boyz

The final production before live theatre temporarily went dark during the pandemic.

THE FINAL CURTAIN BEFORE COVID

January 14 - February 14, 2027 at the right place at the right time. The company’s very ﬁrst production in 2012, The Twentieth Century Way, was a

two-hander based on a true story about an out-of-work pair of actors who hired themselves out as “vice specialists” to

the Long Beach Police Department in 1914 to entrap social deviants in men’s public restrooms. It was presented not at

the current home of Island City Stage on Dixie Highway, but a

few miles away at Empire Stage. Leading South Florida theater critic Christine Dolan came to see it, loved it, and the rest is history. In fact, the show was such a big hit that Island City Stage revived it in their new home ten years later in 2022.

Founder and Artistic Director Andy Rogow, in retelling the

history of Island City Stage, said that right from the beginning, “I made a conscious decision that I wanted to be a different

kind of gay theater. I wanted to do a broad range of topics; how gay people function in broader society. I wasn’t speciﬁcally

interested in gratuitous sex and drag. There were other venues fulﬁlling that need. I wanted Island City Stage to be different.” Trained as a musical theater performer, Andy never had any

intentions to start a theater company, however, looking back, it was to the community’s beneﬁt that he did. “Obviously, it became very rewarding.”

Every year, Andy, with input from Michael Leeds and feedback from the Board of Directors, builds a season that is all about

Music by Scott Frankel

balance. “It’s always about balance; I don’t want the season to

be all drama or all comedy. There’s also the balance of classical

Lyrics by Michael Korie

cover the same themes over and over. Plus, consideration

Book by Doug Wright

works to new, adding in a musical, and making sure we don’t is given to cast size, as our space does have its limitations.”

Directed by Andy Rogow

Asked how he decides on the shows to present, Andy states, “I read it. If I get to the end of it, it’s a good play. If it doesn’t hit me

A New Tradition Begins

right away, then I put it aside. I read a lot of stuff I don’t ﬁnish.”

Launching what becomes an annual tradition of presenting an American theatrical classic each season.

DIXIE’S HAPPY HOUR

The Return

PICTURED

LINDSEY COREY

Dixie Longate welcomes audiences safely back to live theatre during the pandemic, reminding the community that performance and connection endure even in extraordinary times.

2022

SUDDENLY, LAST SUMMER

Paper Paper Cut Cut

Award-Winning Award-Winning Direction Direction

ONE ONE IN TWO IN TWO

One in Two Onewins in Two thewins Carbonell the Carbonell Award Award for Best Direction for Best Direction of a Play,of a Play, recognizing recognizing the company’s the company’s continuedcontinued artistic excellence. artistic excellence.

March March 11 -11April - April 4, 2027 4, 2027 SinceSince the pandemic, the pandemic, premiering premiering new plays new plays has also has become also become moremore of a focus of a focus for Andy for Andy and the andIsland the Island City Stage City Stage team.team.

Michael Michael Leeds, Leeds, who directed who directed that very that ﬁrst veryproduction ﬁrst production of of

The Twentieth The Twentieth Century Century Way Way ﬁfteen ﬁfteen yearsyears ago, added ago, added his his memories memories to thetostory. the story. “Andy“Andy calledcalled me up me back up back in 2012 in 2012

and asked and asked me tome help to him helpstart him start IslandIsland City Stage. City Stage. We had We had

previously previously known known eacheach otherother and always and always shared shared similar similar tastes tastes in theater. in theater. My passion My passion is really is really well-made well-made classical classical playsplays that that

speak speak to usto now. us now. In theInpast the few pastyears, few years, we have we have expanded expanded our our

mission mission statement. statement. We’ve We’ve donedone Edward Edward Albee, Albee, LillianLillian Hellman Hellman and Terrance and Terrance McNally. McNally. It’s a It’s verya exciting very exciting time.”time.”

Michael’s Michael’s favorite favorite part of part starting of starting to work to work on a play on a is play theis the

research. research. “I read “I read the play, the play, then then reread reread it, then it, then read read it again it again and and ﬁgureﬁgure out what out what I wantI want to say. toAsay. lot A oflot theofrecent the recent productions productions I’ve directed I’ve directed at Island at Island City Stage City Stage havehave beenbeen aboutabout familyfamily

and, also, and, also, obliquely obliquely aboutabout politics, politics, the state the state of theofworld, the world, our our

society. society. The Lion The Lion in Winter, in Winter, whichwhich I’m directing, I’m directing, ﬁts this ﬁtsbill. thisIt’s bill. It’s all about all about family, family, money money and power, and power, plus there’s plus there’s the gay theaspect gay aspect with the withcharacter the character of Richard of Richard the Lionheart.” the Lionheart.”

Both Both AndyAndy and Michael and Michael are passionate are passionate aboutabout bringing bringing mindmindblowing blowing theater theater to Wilton to Wilton Manors’ Manors’ audiences. audiences. Mind-blowing Mind-blowing

theater theater to Andy to Andy is where is where everyevery element element worksworks amazingly amazingly well, well, to perfection. to perfection. Where Where everyevery actoractor has been has been well-cast well-cast and the and the set they’re set they’re in functions in functions to serve to serve the story the story and the andlighting the lighting

creates creates mood. mood. “The“The moments moments I most I most remember, remember, however, however, are are

the amazing the amazing performances performances I’ve seen.” I’ve seen.” Andy’s Andy’s all-time all-time favorite favorite performance performance was seeing was seeing a young a young Laurie Laurie Metcalf Metcalf in Balm in Balm in in

Gilead Gilead at Steppenwolf at Steppenwolf in Chicago. in Chicago. It wasIt before was before she became she became

famous. famous. “She“She had an had unbelievable an unbelievable 15-minute 15-minute monologue monologue that that

by Andrew by Andrew Rosendorf Rosendorf

blew blew me away. me away. I still remember I still remember it to this it today.” this day.”

Directed Directed by by Andy Andy Rogow Rogow

A Historic A Historic Cast Cast

PICTURED PICTURED

ALEX ALEX SHAW SHAW

2024 2024

PULP

Island City Island StageCitypresents Stage presents the first all-female the first all-female cast cast in the company’s in the company’s history. history.

Messy White Gays May 20 - June 13, 2027 When asked why theater is important, Andy took a few

seconds to respond. “That’s a hard question. We, theater

professionals, like to convince ourselves how important we

are. I think, in the grand scheme of things, we are completely unimportant and that we have to continually appreciate

and be humble that we are fortunate to get to do this and

be paid to do it. Yes, we are giving the patrons a gift. But I

want to make sure that we give the patrons something that they are going to be entertained by. That doesn’t mean it

can’t be enlightening, but at the end of the day, they have to be entertained. We are not teachers. We share stories

and hopefully patrons get something out of those stories.

Theater remains because people want that live experience

of storytelling.” But Andy does hold out a little hope. “Maybe at times, we can change the world.”

Are there any shows that Andy is particularly excited about? “Grey Gardens! Seven or eight years ago, I wouldn’t even

have considered Grey Gardens. But we have the actors

who can do it, and a great set designer. Our Wilton Manors

audience loves those two characters, “Big” and “Little” Edie. We have Lindsey Corey as “Little” Edie, and Laura Turnbull

as her mom. I’m also really excited about The Lion in Winter. We’ve cast terriﬁc actors.”

Running a theater company is not all creative fun. Someone

has to handle the day-to-day operations. And for that, Island City Stage is fortunate to have found Martin Childers as its

Managing Director. Marty, a Kentucky native, started 2016

by Drew Droege

A Collaboration At its Best

2025

FAT HAM

Directed by Christopher Michaels

A landmark partnership with GableStage, Brevo Theatre, and the Warten Foundation demonstrates the power of regional collaboration. RUTHLESS!

PICTURED

KALEN EDEAN

Technical Innovation

Features the company’s first fully transforming set, dramatically changing between acts.

The TheLion Lion ininWinter Winter

2025 2025

THE LITTLE THE LITTLE FOXES FOXES

The Biggest The Biggest Production Production Yet Yet

July July 8 -8August - August 1, 2027 1, 2027

The company’s The company’s largest cast largest cast to date takes to date thetakes stage,the stage, continuing continuing Island City Island Stage’s City Stage’s artistic growth. artistic growth.

after after answering answering an ad,anthinking ad, thinking he’d never he’d never hear hear back.back. “I was“I was

unhappy unhappy working working at a theater at a theater company company in Kentucky in Kentucky and applied and applied to Island to Island City Stage City Stage on a whim, on a whim, on a day on awhen day when I wasI particularly was particularly unhappy unhappy with my withpresent my present position. position. AndyAndy calledcalled me. We me.spoke We spoke

on the onphone, the phone, and soon and soon after after had ahad more a more formal formal interview. interview. NextNext thingthing I knew, I knew, I got the I gotjob. theWhen job. When I started I started at Island at Island City Stage City Stage in in 2016,2016, I wasn’t I wasn’t passionate passionate aboutabout it. It was it. It just wasajust job.aI job. feel Imuch feel much

differently differently now. now. IslandIsland City Stage City Stage is committed is committed to excellence to excellence in in whatwhat we dowe and dothat andmakes that makes me enjoy me enjoy working working here.”here.”

WhatWhat exactly exactly is involved is involved with being with being a Managing a Managing Director Director of of

a theater a theater company? company? Practically Practically everything everything it seems. it seems. “I work “I work on grants, on grants, havehave meetings meetings with donors, with donors, and oversee and oversee the the

maintenance maintenance of theoftheater. the theater. WhenWhen I started I started I did everything, I did everything, I I

answered answered the phone, the phone, I ran the I ranbox theofﬁce, box ofﬁce, I did the I didbanking. the banking. It’s a It’s a little different little different now. now. We just Webrought just brought on Christopher on Christopher Michaels Michaels as as our Marketing our Marketing Director, Director, so it’ssogreat it’s great to have to have someone someone bringing bringing their their theater theater expertise expertise to that toarea.” that area.”

Without Without a doubt, a doubt, IslandIsland City Stage City Stage will be will celebrating be celebrating another another

milestone milestone in ﬁfteen in ﬁfteen years.years. With With a dedicated a dedicated groupgroup of individuals of individuals working working in harmony, in harmony, it’s impossible it’s impossible to think to think otherwise. otherwise. It willItbe will be exciting exciting to seetothe seeshows the shows and actors and actors appearing appearing on the onstage the stage in in the seasons the seasons ahead. ahead.

To enjoy Tothe enjoy upcoming the upcoming showsshows in Island in Island City Stage’s City Stage’s ﬁfteenth ﬁfteenth

season, season, consider consider purchasing purchasing a Flexpass. a Flexpass. There There are twoare options; two options; Flexpass Flexpass 3, for $150, 3, for $150, which which lets you lets select you select three out three of the out ﬁve of the ﬁve

productions productions with the with ability the ability to exchange to exchange your seats yourat seats no-charge at no-charge and a Flexpass and a Flexpass 5 for $250 5 for for $250 all ﬁve for all shows ﬁve shows and which and which also also

by James by James Goldman Goldman

for each forproduction. each production. The season The season runs from runsOctober from October 1, 2026 1, to 2026 to

Directed Directed by by Michael Michael LeedsLeeds

allowsallows no-charge no-charge exchanges. exchanges. Individual Individual ticketstickets are also are available also available AugustAugust 1, 2027. 1, 2027. For additional For additional information, information, visit the visit Island the Island City City Stage Stage website website at IslandCityStage.org at IslandCityStage.org

SEASON SEASON

15 15

PICTURED PICTURED

AARON AARON BOWER BOWER

2026-2027 2026-2027

LookingLooking ForwardForward

Five productions. Five productions. Five unforgettable Five unforgettable stories. stories. One fearless One theatre fearlesscompany theatre company continuing continuing its mission its to mission entertain, to entertain, challenge,challenge, provoke,provoke, and celebrate and celebrate its community. its community.

TICKETS AT ParkerPlayhouse.com Ticketmaster I 954.462.0222

Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office Group Sales I 954.660.6307 Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. #TheParker

The Chic and Unique Ball Returns with Elegance By Edward Otto Zielke The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) proudly announces the return of The Chic and Unique Ball on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood. This year's theme, "Wild Elegance," invites guests to dress daringly and arrive glamorously for a night of jungle-inspired celebration. The event opens GMCSF's Season 17, themed "Believe." Since it made its debut in 2023, GMCSF's Chic and Unique Ball has become a dazzling highlight of South Florida's social season, known for its unique entertainment, fast-paced programming, and incredible, immersive experiences. The Ball welcomes over 400 guests each year. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood returns as our Season Sponsor and the host venue for this year's gala. What began as a landmark holiday concert partnership in December 2016 has evolved into a dynamic ten-year relationship rooted in music, visibility, and community impact. Today, Seminole Hard Rock continues to amplify GMCSF's mission as the Amplified Season Sponsor and home of The Chic and Unique Ball. CAN Community Health joins as an Amplified Season Sponsor for Season 17. “The Chic and Unique Ball was the best ball of 2025,” said Kal Gajraj, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of CAN Community Health. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with GMCSF and support an event that brings our community together in such a powerful way. Supporting initiatives that strengthen and celebrate our community is central to CAN Community Health's mission.” The Bears of South Florida and Brand g Vacations also return as proud sponsors of the ball. Brand g has donated a spectacular seven-night all-LGBT+ Burgundy and Provence river cruise for two as a featured live auction item, valued at $14,398. Ball Co-Chairs Robert Beaulieu and Erick Eldridge lead this year's event, bringing a shared vision for an unforgettable evening. "Wild Elegance captures everything GMCSF represents: boldness, artistry, and community pride," said Robert Beaulieu, Ball Co-Chair and GMCSF Board Member. "We are honored to celebrate ten years of partnership with

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Seminole Hard Rock. The energy of this night will launch our Season 17 in spectacular fashion." "The Chic and Unique Ball is where our community shows up for each other," said Dr. Kerry Waldee, GMCSF Board Chair. "Every ticket, every sponsorship, and every bid directly fuels the music and outreach that change lives across South Florida. We are deeply grateful to the community that continues to stand with us." The evening comes alive beginning at 6:30 p.m. with a red-carpet arrival, open-bar cocktails, a curated silent auction, and instant-win surprises throughout the night. Guests will savor a gourmet dinner before a captivating live performance, a live auction led by auctioneer Whitney J. Dutton, and the iconic Golden Ticket Drawing. Non-stop entertainment continues as a live band takes the stage and guests dance the night away. Curated by GMCSF Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, the night's entertainment features the Chorus and special guest artists, including dueling electric violinists, The Synergy Twins. VIP guests arrive at 6 p.m. for an exclusive reception featuring an open bar, gourmet hors d'oeuvres, and a premium raffle. VIP tickets are $500 per person or $5,000 per table. Premium Admissions are $300 per person or $3,000 per table. Tickets are available now at thechicanduniqueball. com. Sponsorship opportunities range from $500 to $50,000 and can be explored at thechicanduniqueball.com/ sponsorship. The Chic and Unique Ball will also serve as an official welcome for GMCSF's new Executive Director, Justin Fyala, who takes the helm on October 19, 2026. Fyala brings a decade of leadership from the Gay Men's Chorus of Washington, DC, along with arts management experience spanning the Kennedy Center, IMG Artists, and the Dallas Opera. "Nothing reflects the spirit of GMCSF quite like The Chic and Unique Ball," said Fyala. "This night brings our mission, our partners, and our community together in full force. Stepping into this role at such a defining moment is an absolute privilege, and I'm excited to celebrate the amazing people who make our powerful music possible."

Get ready for a night of unscripted, razor-sharp comedy as the legendary Paula Poundstone takes the stage at the Amaturo Theater on Saturday, November 14! Known for her iconic regular appearances on NPR’s Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me! and her brilliant, spontaneous crowd work, Poundstone delivers a uniquely hilarious performance where no two shows are ever the same. Don’t miss an evening with one of comedy’s finest analytical minds and masters of wit. SCAN FOR TICKETS

TICKETS at BrowardCenter.org

Ticketmaster | 954.462.0222 Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Office Group Sales | 954.660.6307 Performances at the Broward Center and The Parker are supported by the Broward Performing Arts Foundation. Follow us:

BrowardCenter

MEN WHO DANCE Festival Returns to the Broward Center for

Lucky 7 Saturday, NOV 28, 2026 at 8PM Sunday, NOV 29, 2026 at 3PM Broward Center for the Performing Arts

By Charles Baran Photos Credit: Simon Soong

ovember in Broward County is an exciting month. There’s always lots to see and do, especially in the arts. And “lucky” for us, one of November’s most treasured events, the annual Men Who Dance festival, will be returning to the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts for two extraordinary performances, Saturday, November 28, 2026 at 8PM and Sunday, November 29 at 3PM. Once again, Artistic Director, Raﬁ Maldonado-Lopez has assembled a spectacular group of dance companies and guest artists, some of whom will be returning to the festival and some who are new. The festival will feature many of our premier local dance companies; Miami City Ballet, Dimensions Dance Theater of Miami, Dance NOW! Miami, Syncopate Dance Collective and Arts Ballet Theater of South Florida alongside phenomenal male dancers from Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

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Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Saturday, NOV 28, 2026 at 8PM | Sunday, NOV 29, 2026 at 3PM

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Saturday, NOV 28, 2026 at 8PM Sunday, NOV 29, 2026 at 3PM Broward Center for the Performing Arts

The festival, which began in 2020, has grown from 15 dancers from eight companies to last year’s 50plus dancers from over ﬁfteen companies. This year, as in the past, audiences can expect a wonderful array of dance styles and music; from Classical and Neoclassical Ballet, to Contemporary, Modern, Hip Hop, Jazz and Funk. Returning after a three-year absence, will be identical twins and award-winning Ballroom Tango champions, German and Nicolas Filipelli. Also returning will be Tropilla Malambo, a high-energy Gaucho trio that stopped the show last year with their impressive mastery of drumming, folk dances, whips, and “boleadoras.” And for the many returning audience members who have come

to expect a thrilling opening number, Rafi Maldonado-Lopez promises not to disappoint. “Folks waiting in the lobby are frequently overhead saying, ‘I wonder how the show will start this year.’” Maldonado-Lopez adds. “From musicians to opera singers, to acrobats, to Native American nations, one doesn’t know what to expect. This year will be no exception as we continue to build another exciting lineup of dancers.” “The goal of the Men Who Dance festival remains the same as it was the very first year, which is simply to ‘normalize the presence of men in dance,’” states Maldonado-Lopez. International Production Manager, Clayton de Oliveira adds, “One of the most exciting parts of the festival is seeing how each company draws inspiration from the previous edition. Men Who Dance is also about creating space for the new. We are thrilled to continue welcoming emerging choreographers and presenting original, never-before-seen works. There is something very special about watching an artist take a risk, create something from scratch, and then see that work come alive on the stage of the Amaturo before a live audience.” Maldonado-Lopez and de Oliveira start planning the show each year in January. “With more than 45 artists traveling from different parts of the world, there is an enormous amount of planning behind what the audience ultimately experiences as a seamless performance,” De Oliveira explains. “When the audience sees what looks like effortless magic on stage, we know the countless hours of planning, precision, and teamwork were worth it!” Whether you are a dance aficionado or just enjoy a thrilling evening in the theater, Men Who Dance is for you. It’s an event that historically sells out fast, so get your tickets today by visiting the Broward Center for Performing Arts website at www.BrowardCenter.org.

Saturday, NOV 28, 2026 at 8PM Sunday, NOV 29, 2026 at 3PM Broward Center for the Performing Arts

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SUPPORT THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION THROUGH LEGACY GIVING + ESTATE PLANNING.

JOIN THE MOVEMENT. EMPOWER + ENRICH THE LIVES OF SOUTH FLORIDA’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY FOR YEARS TO COME LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION LEGACY PLANS — EMAIL LEGACY@THEOURFUND.ORG

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