OutClique Magazine December 2022

Volume 7, Issue 1 December 2022

Revs. Drs. Durrell Watkins & Robert Griffin Sunshine Cathedral SunServe Disney’s Aladdin GMCSF & FTLGMC Big Announcement

Hamilton Hadestown A Drag Queen Christmas

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Leaving a Legacy

By Steven O. Evans, PhD

Dear Readers, I am so blessed to work with our wonderful arts community of South Florida. One of the best is Dr. Gary Keating, Founder and Director of the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus (FTLGMC). If you know Gary, you know he has a heart for music and a heart for people.

He is someone you want to know and spend time with.

Under his leadership, the chorus has resounded as an amazing group for both musicality of performances and fellowship for the members. Gary, I want to personally thank you for this group, and what you have done.

I had the honor of serving on the board for 2 years. It changed my life. I’m not ashamed to tell, I cried when it was my time to rotate off.

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Now at Gary’s retirement, the FTLGMC will combine with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF).

What an amazing legacy Gary will leave. The music, the influence, and the message will resound for many years to come. We are all so proud of these organizations.

This holiday season, pause to give thanks for those who have worked to create great things for us to enjoy.

I hope each of you has a joy filled holiday.

Much love, Steven

Photo Courtesy of Visit Lauderdale

Lauderdale Welcomes Everyone Under the Sun

By John Hayden

R

epresentation matters. Inclusion matters. You matter.

That’s the message of Visit Lauderdale’s new marketing campaign, Everyone Under the Sun. In the works for more than a year, Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale’s President and CEO, unveiled the initiative in spectacular fashion with a multimedia presentation that included a dozen mega-screens, five teleprompters, and indoor fireworks to cap it all off. While the show was good, the message is important and impactful.

“We speak to everybody. That’s why Everyone Under the Sun is absolutely intentional so people know, we hope, that we’re not just checking a box,” Ritter told OutClique. “It’s not at all checking a box because it truly does reflect what you will see when you walk down to the beach. What you will see when you’re in Wilton Manors.”

In the world of marketing, the campaign is unique and boundary-pushing. Print and TV ads overtly reach out to often overlooked groups, including the disabled, seniors, families, and LGBTQIA+. An ad featuring a man and woman walking arm in arm on to a rooftop bar has a twist, the couple arrive at a table and sit with their samesex partners. There’s even a kiss. The twist is all part of the plan. “We wanted people to be intrigued. We wanted people to be surprised,” Ritter said. “You aren’t relegated to specific places because you’re gay. You’re mainstream.

That was a mainstream bar and nobody cared. They’re two couples having a good time.”

After the presentation, Ritter sat down for a relaxed chat.

She describes the Everyone Under the Sun campaign as her “legacy,” a labor of love dedicated to the place she’s proud to call home. She’s had a front row to Greater Fort Lauderdale’s growth and wanted to shout it to the world. “I

wanted to evolve us from a vanilla, kind of boring, springbreaky kind of place where people see what makes the beach so special is the people who live here.”

LGBTQIA+ Front & Center In addition to the ad featuring gay and lesbian couples, featuring a real life gay couple, a trans actor is featured and one of the highlight photos features shows all the actors staring at the beach. In the middle is actor Thurman Brown, a Fort Lauderdale native dressed in white shorts with rainbow colors across the back. “That was me right in the middle of the campaign for the last shot,” he said. “I was very grateful and shocked by that. I didn’t know they were gonna use that last image to close out the campaign. It’s truly an honor to represent my hometown in this commercial because I am all for inclusivity. I feel like this commercial exemplifies that.”

It’s that attitude that Ritter hopes will jump off the screen.

“We don’t care how you identify. What gender, what pronoun you use, if you use a pronoun at all. We don’t care if you’re gay or straight. We just want you to enjoy yourself.”

Using actors from South Florida adds an extra layer of authenticity to the campaign. “We firmly believe that what makes us special are the people who live here. People want to see themselves reflected. We’ve all evolved as we grow up and grow older to realize that there’s so much inequity.

Most people wouldn’t think the travel industry should be the ones to balance the scales. Well, why not?”

Ritter hopes this campaign will inspire other cities to follow suit and celebrate all their citizens unconditionally. “This is what America is supposed to be, a melting pot of people who just live together and accept who they are regardless.”

OutClique.com | 5

O UTC LIQUE Steven O. Evans, PhD

Publisher and Editor in Chief Steven@OutClique.com

Connie Evans

Chief Copy Editor Mother of the Publisher

Sach AD Group

Director of Graphic Design

Chandler Scott

Director of Social Media Assistant to the Publisher

Will White

Senior Associate Editor

Wes Kassulke

Assistant to the Publisher

Jason Eakin

Director of Distribution

Mike Ritzi

Sales Manager

Nick Coltharp

Distribution Manager

Rivendell Media

National Advertising

Denny Patterson

Senior Lifestyle Writer & Assistant Editor

John M. Hayden Writer

Stephen Lang

Director of Photography A publication of OutClique, LLC (954) 294-8560 www.OutClique.com www.Facebook.com/OutClique Info@OutClique.com OutClique, LLC is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed in advertisements or articles.

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Photo Courtesy of The Imperial Sun Court of All of Florida

Stilettos and South Florida Drag Entertainer Mercury Rising-Cox

By Denny Patterson

F

or the last couple months, OutClique has been featuring the fabulous entertainers of Stilettos, a good old fashion drag show taking place every Monday at The Pub on the Drive in Wilton Manors. This time, the spotlight is on Mercury Rising-Cox. Performing alongside Leila Cox, Candy Cox, Verandah Lanai, and Sharde’ L Ross to bring a show that’s unpredictable, but full of classic entertainment and lip syncs, Stilettos has become a one-of-a-kind staple. The show has a loyal following, but newcomers are always welcome.

Rising-Cox took some time to chat with us about her career as a drag entertainer and what makes Stilettos so special.

Denny Patterson: Can you begin by telling us a little bit more about yourself and what Mercury-Rising Cox is all about?

Mercury Rising-Cox: Mercury Rising-Cox is all about community and what kind of stance I can take in it, in a way

22 | OutClique.com

that is inspiring to not only my younger self, but everyone around me. I always strive to be my most authentic version both in public and online because I realized that the influence that we have doesn’t stop just on stage. The world always looks to entertainers for that laugh, moment of hope, and humanity, if you will.

DP: And when did you join Stilettos?

MRC: I came back into Stilettos, I want to say May of last year as a cast member. I had moved away in 2015 from South Florida and when I came back in 2020, Stilettos welcomed me in as a guest entertainer, then as a cast member when a cast spot became available.

DP: Why did you initially want to be involved with this production?

MRC: I have been a Cox sister since its inception 13

years ago. When I saw the impact that the Stilettos cast had, not only at The Pub, but around town, the respect level was already there. I knew it was a good fit for myself and for the cast.

DP: For those who have never attended Stilettos, what can they expect?

MRC: No two people are the same, no two shows are the same, and no two entertainers are the same. We pride ourselves on having a variety of entertainers, and like myself, I enjoy early 2000s/late 90s dance music that were very popular at the clubs. It’s the kind of music I came out to back then, so it really resonates with me.

DP: Because nothing is really ever the same, would you

say that’s how Stilettos is different from other neighborhood drag shows?

MRC: Yes, I would say that definitely sets us apart. You’re going to have something for everyone in one show. It’s not going to be all of the same genre of music or the same type of music. If you’re into show tunes, somebody may do a show tune medley, while somebody else may do a country music song. It’ll appeal to everyone across the spectrum.

DP: Personally, what do you enjoy the most about doing Stilettos and working with the other girls?

MRC: The thing that I love about Stilettos is that it gives

me an opportunity to impact at least one person’s life. If I can make them feel joy for a moment, or even connect to a moment that they may have forgotten about in the past through my artistry, I’ve been successful in that one day. Then working with the other entertainers, it is our camaraderie on the stage and off the stage. We’re able to call each other, connect, laugh, and do duets if we want to. It’s always a very positive experience.

DP: Do you have a go-to song or performance?

MRC: Kind of (laughs). Lately, I’ve been living for the

song “Show Me Love” by Robin S. I think that song has a very good subtle meaning. I connect to it and the audience connects to it.

DP: What kind of impact would you say this production has made on you, as well as your drag career?

MRC: Me as a person, it has allowed me to explore

different versions of myself without being limited. I could try a song that I’ve been thinking about or adjust my look, and everybody is very supportive or encouraging. Then as a drag entertainer, it also helps me to not get stuck in one way of doing things. I’m always continuing to look at how I can evolve my character and how I can be more appealing to the entire audience, instead of just one small subset.

DP: Can you tell us how you discovered your passion for drag? How did you fall into this crazy world?

MRC: It started 13 years ago kind of as a fundraising dare.

I was doing it for softball, and they were like, we need a representative for our team. I was like, well, I’ve never done it, but whatever. I’ll do it. I look back at those pictures and I felt so good. Knowing what I know now, I didn’t look good, but it helped me build that confidence. It was a way for me to explore femininity in a safe way. In society, men are pigeonholed into being a certain way or looking a certain way, and I wanted to explore other versions of myself, and this was a great way for me to do that.

DP: How does Mercury Rising-Cox stand out from the several other South Florida drag entertainers?

MRC: I would say that I stand with them. Not to be politically correct or anything, but I don’t think I stand out.

I stand more with all the other entertainers, but I guess the thing that sets me apart is that the person you see on stage, the person you see as Mercury Rising-Cox, is also the person off stage. I am the entertainer, and the entertainer is me.

DP:: What are some future goals you hope Stilettos achieves?

MRC: I would hope that Stilettos would continue to grow as a show bringing in not only up-and-coming entertainers, but people from out of town as well. Like I said, we showcase all different versions of drag and entertainment value.

DP: What about future goals for yourself?

MRC: For myself, I would say my future goal is to make

it on a national level. I hope to be recognized as that entertainer from Wilton Manors who started at the Stilettos show to bring more awareness and attention to our venue, city, and state in a positive manner.

DP: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming

projects or anything you would like to mention or plug?

MRC: The community extends more than just the Stilettos show and stage. One of the other ways that I give back is through the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida. I was the reigning Miss Gay Florida of the Imperial Sun Court of All Florida for 2021. I recently just stepped aside for my next person in succession, but I’m still very involved with fundraising from the court to the community.

Stay up-to-date and connect with Rising-Cox by following her on Facebook and Instagram @MercuryRisingCox. Visit ThePubWM.com for more information on Stilettos.

OutClique.com | 23

Pub on the Drive

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Raising the Bar With Charles Horton

By John Hayden Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

W

hen most people come out of retirement, it’s often because financial circumstances have changed. That’s not the case for Charles Horton. He was bored.

Now, South Florida’s LGBTQIA+ is benefitting. This year, he bought LeBoy at 1243 NE 11th Avenue, just off 13th Street, in Fort Lauderdale and LIT at 2440 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. After less than a year, both are thriving under new ownership and new vibes.

26 | OutClique.com

Horton says none of this was really planned.

“I came down [to South Florida] to visit, found a house, and stayed with the intention of being retired. A friend worked here and found out that LeBoy was for sale. The serial entrepreneur in me knew it was a great deal. Then LIT came around and it was exactly the same financial deal.”

Early Unretirement When Horton was 18 and just out of high school, he

realized he’s a ‘serial entrepreneur,’ and opened a check cashing company which he sold at age 30, fulfilling his goal of being a millionaire and retiring by 30. Turns out fulfilling that goal wasn’t as fulfilling as he dreamt.

“I thought I was retiring for life. I ended up retired and depressed at 30. I went to a Tony Robbins seminar and realized we needed a purpose in life, so I started a payday loan, title loan, and installment loan business. I got it to 80 locations and sold it three years ago.”

From there, he wanted to open a gay retreat, an idea that was better on paper than in reality.

“I was sitting out there in Marshall, TX, with no friends, nobody, living in a travel trailer. It hit me that this was the worst idea on the planet instead of the best.”

That’s what led him to South Florida, and yet another unsuccessful attempt at retirement.

“I came here to be with a couple of friends and just loved the area.”

Bettering Lives Owning bars, and strip clubs specifically, often means working with young people still getting started in life and trying to find their way and making a lot of cash. Horton works with employees at both bars to help them enjoy their 20s, but plans for the decades still to come.

“I love being involved in the community,” he says. “The big thing for me buying bars is to better the lives of people who are here. One of my first goals was to make

sure everybody had access to health insurance for all the dancers and everyone.”

He’s worked with Midland Medical to set up his employees with PrEP (or medications if they are HIV+) and get the type of regular care that keeps people healthy in their youth through middle and old age. Many dancers move here but find the price of housing expensive, especially when you need to pony up the first month, last month, and a month’s security deposit.

“I’m trying to make sure people have places to live and stay. That’s the current task. I love seeing everything grow.”

Bartenders and dancers can make hundreds of dollars a night, but for dancers, that window isn’t open for long.

Horton started young and invested well and wants his experience to help others.

“What I’d like to do next is to be able to have investment vehicles. There are people here that can make $1,500 in a night and they spend all of their money, as most kids do. I’m trying to work to get a financial advisor to show them how to invest and make plans and give them tools to invest.”

Horton also works to provide a safe, clean environment for his staff. “We’re always looking around and making sure rules are being followed. It’s making sure everyone is in the right mindset.”

As for what’s next for The Drive’s newest power player, he doesn’t know. Horton says he’s looking for the right opportunities and will know it when he sees it. But a third retirement doesn’t seem like it’s on the horizon.

OutClique.com | 27

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Eagle Wilton Manors

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Photo Credit: Steven Menendez

Lady Bunny Puts the X in Xmas

By Denny Patterson

O

lder than dirt and filthy as sin, drag legend Lady Bunny will be making her way to South Florida for the Eagle’s Wilton’s Holiday Wonderland on Saturday, December 3, 2022.

Hosted by Dusty Moorehead, this holiday market and street fair will feature singers, dancers, vendors, delicious food and cocktails, carnival games, and of course, a sexy Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Additionally, Bunny will include her dazzling array of

yuletide classics, complete with their own, naughty twist.

Representing the heart of what drag is all about, Bunny’s routines may be rooted in the gutter, but her quick-witted humor is authentic, smart, and topical. She is best known for creating Wigstock, NYC’s festival of love, peace, and hair grease, which became the subject of Samuel Goldwyn’s Wigstock The Movie (1995) and HBO’s Wig (2019).

Bunny took some time to answer some questions for OutClique.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Bunny! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me. What can we expect from your featured appearance at Wilton’s Holiday Wonderland?

Lady Bunny: Filth (laughs). Something that is not very open to children or Christian. So, you know, the usual!

DP: Do you come down to South Florida a lot to perform?

LB: I do, and I’m so excited for this block party at the Eagle.

Of course, I’ll get to work with Dusty Moorehead again, who is a hoot. I know her from Boston and Provincetown, and her drag is fabulous. I actually think this is Dusty’s return.

They have been dancing as a hunky go-go boy for the Eagle since they moved down there, and I’m glad she’s bringing me down to join her for this event!

DP: Is there anything in particular you look forward to the most when you visit South Florida?

LB: Coarse, Latino studs and nicer weather! I’m in New

York, so I love any chance to go to South Florida, especially in December. New Yorkers have such a strong Miami-Fort Lauderdale connection, it’s our annual southward migration.

me, but now that COVID is somewhat dissipating, I don’t have an excuse. My sister lives in Philly and we sometimes go and have Thanksgiving there, but my folks are now getting a little too old to drive long distances. In fact, it took my mom 25 minutes to park, and then she tried to go down a one way street the wrong way. I noticed it first and I don’t know how to drive!

DP: Do you have any cherished holiday memories?

LB: Getting Barbie dolls when I ask for them at age six.

My parents later said they were afraid to give them to me because they thought it might make me gay. I said, honey, if I was asking for them, I was already gay!

DP: You mentioned the Huluween Dragstravaganza special earlier. How much fun was that?

LB: That was a lot of fun. That was more PG than my act,

but I got to sing a duet with Jackie Beat, who is a comedic legend in the drag community and has written for Joan Rivers, Roseanne Barr, Elvira, Ross Mathews, and many, many more. She’s hilarious, and it was wonderful to perform something that she had written.

DP: What are some future goals you hope to accomplish

DP: What do you enjoy the most about doing holiday

with your career and platform?

LB: I want to write a book, for sure. It will take some time to do because I’ve worked a lot since COVID permitted, so I need to catch up on everything from dentistry to writing that book to paying some taxes. The kind of stuff you can only do when you’re at home. So, I’m looking forward to doing that because when you’re always running on the road, you don’t get to take care of the little things. Like, what is this pain? What is this growth? I need to be in New York to go see my dermatologist! Like I say, who needs hashtags when you’ve got skin tags?

LB: The money (laughs).

DP: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming

DP: Are you usually working during the holidays or do you

LB: I do a podcast every week with Monét X Change called

DP: You have become quite known for your holiday specials

and parodies. Do you have any this year you would like to talk about?

LB: Hmm, let me think. I’m still in Halloween mode since I was involved with the Huluween Dragstravaganza. I do have something coming down the pipeline, and let’s just say it’s going to gag you. And the Eagle’s got an easy audience to gag!

productions?

ever take some downtime for yourself to visit family and friends?

LB: I am going to take some downtime this year. Although, please don’t make me go back to my family (laughs). I just left them in Chattanooga. I had such a good excuse during the three years of COVID because I didn’t have to go down there. Oh, no! I don’t want to have to come off a plane and kill my 86 year old parents, who I’m lucky to still have with

projects or anything else you’d like to mention or plug?

Ebony & Ivory that’s on Starburns Audio, and I’m also in a movie that will start hitting film festivals in the spring called Playland. It’s not going to be a major release, but it will appear in film festivals. It’s fairly artsy, and I play, imagine this, honey. This was so difficult. I had to play an old drag queen! I mean, that took every ounce of my acting chops!

So, make sure to check out Playland, and come party with me and Dusty on December 3 at the Eagle!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Lady Bunny by following her on Twitter @LadyBunny77 and Instagram @Official_Lady_Bunny. For more information on Wilton’s Holiday Wonderland, visit EagleBarWM.com.

Eagle Wilton Manors

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Photo Courtesy of Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, Facebook

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar

Remembering Don Clark

By John Hayden

His love was limitless and his smile was as refreshing as the drinks he poured. Don Clark called South Florida home for decades and touched the lives of thousands either through his hospitality at the bars or his philanthropy. He passed away after a long fight with cancer.

Originally from Kentucky, Clark moved to South Florida and quickly became a recognizable face in the community.

Many people here first remember him from The Hideaway bar. Over the years, bars came and went and Clark went with them. From Bill’s Filling Station, he eventually worked as a manager at Georgie’s Alibi & Monkey Bar. Clark was dedicated to helping his community. He was a member of Tuesday’s Angels, which would collect money for people with HIV. Clark would get more of the community involved by holding fun Underwear Auctions where people bid on underwear from local bartenders. On a good night, Clark and his cohorts could raise ten thousand dollars or more.

Clark was working at Georgie’s Alibi & Monkey Bar when he passed. Fellow manager and longtime friend Ron Wollery summed him up best, saying, “If there’s somebody who’s a better man, I don’t think I’ve met him. Don was always just a great guy.”

He is survived by his husband, Pooch. Don Clark was 66 years old.

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Georgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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Reflecting on the Challenges of 2022 with Local Businesses

By Cinthya Lavin, BBB Rising inflation, a housing crisis, and a challenging economy are some of the issues that small businesses and consumers have been faced with during 2022. In addition to the economic challenges, businesses are constantly having to adjust to the ever-changing social media platforms which are essential to promote their business. We took some time to reflect on this year with local businesses in the area and ask how they have handled this year.

Anna Valencia Tillery, VP of Marketing for White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery As you close out 2022, what has been your biggest challenge?

Anna Valencia Tillery: The ability to attract and maintain help. Even with a shifting real estate market in South Florida, the demand for professional moving and storage services is still high though with a limited labor force, it becomes challenging to give clients what they want.

Social media plays a big part in how consumers evaluate a business, especially local businesses. What changes would you make, if you could, to how social media works?

Anna Valencia Tillery: As the person responsible for my company’s social media presence, I know it is important to have the content there and ready for potential customers to find and for them to review it at their leisure. However, I truly wish that the way content appears to consumers was more organic. It seems all too often; one sees the same people and businesses posts after having liked something of theirs recently versus getting continually fresh posts from similar community partners. Regardless, I believe that having information and pictures that reveal some insights as to the true character of the brand can be a real catalyst in having a customer choose to work with one company versus another. Personally, knowing the median age of our customers and where they spend time, White Glove Moving, Storage & Delivery is active on Facebook, Youtube and Linkedin.

Caroline McGinley, Owner of La Gringuita Cookies As you close out 2022, what has been your biggest challenge?

Caroline McGinley: As a new CPG brand, my biggest

challenge of the year has been to adjust production in order to meet demand and accommodate new wholesale accounts. I was fortunate enough to hire help, and in the process, I have learned how to be a team leader. Although 2022 did present some challenges, it was overall a year of growth for Gringuita Cookies and I am looking forward to what is to come.

Social media plays a big part in how consumers evaluate a business, especially local businesses. What changes would you make, if you could, to how social media works?

Caroline McGinley: Currently, social media is integral to a company’s brand, and even more so for consumerpackaged goods that do not have a brick-and-mortar store, like Gringuita’s bake-from-frozen cookie dough.

For a new business owner like myself, it would be great if platforms like Instagram and Facebook had more accessible information concerning algorithms and their new developments, so that we could more efficiently plan out a marketing strategy.

Christopher Savage, Founder and CEO of Savage Global Marketing As you close out 2022, what has been your biggest challenge?

Christopher Savage: Our biggest challenge in closing out 2022 is overcoming the economic conditions. We have clients in various industries who are impacted by the current economic conditions, so we are providing ways for them to break through and continue to succeed during tough times. The tough times in the market never stopped us from achieving success for our partners. In fact, we delivered for them through COVID and plan to continue doing so through any economic impacts.

Social media plays a big part in how consumers evaluate a business, especially local businesses. What changes would you make, if you could, to how social media works?

Christopher Savage: Social media is not going anywhere, so if you have not adopted at least one platform for your business - you need to. There is a platform now for almost any type of business, such as LinkedIn for B2B and recruiting, or TikTok for e-commerce companies selling to younger audiences. If I had to give you one tip, put lots of effort into YouTube and generating video content for your brand.

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Celebrating the Ministries of Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins & Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin At the Sunshine Cathedral

By John Hayden Cover and Article Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

S

unshine Cathedral has long been the spiritual heart for South Florida’s LGBTQIA+ community. Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins serves as the Senior Minister and Rev. Dr. Robert Griffin alongside as the Executive Minister. They have been together decades after first meeting in theology school and are now a spiritual power couple.

We know them through their professional roles, helping the community through celebrations and sorrow. But they also have very fun and active social lives. When they are not attending to their ministry, they relax at their home in Middle River Terrace or visit their son in London, England. Like many, they are still figuring out the new normal in a post-COVID world. “We were on lockdown for a couple of years,” Watkins told OutClique. With most travel restrictions lifted, they have hit the road with a vengeance, going to Italy, Greece, Turkey and other countries. “We are so blessed to once again have the ability to be traveling the world.”

Griffin agrees saying that traveling has been a boost for the mind and soul. “Getting out of the house and out of the country has been wonderful. We sometimes don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone.”

Family First The two have been a couple since their early twenties. They have worked to continually support each other at every step. Finding a church that needs two new pastors at the same time was a challenge. Early in their careers they committed to a long distance relationship.

Each had ministries in different states that required long hours of travel. “We’ve been doing this in tandem,” Watkins said. “I was supporting his ministry and he was supporting mine until we moved to Fort Lauderdale and were finally able to share a ministry. It’s been such a blessing working under the same roof and being able to live in the same place, functioning as a couple in day to day life.”

Currently, both are in their mid-50s and have settled into South Florida life. They have been serving at Sunshine Cathedral for sixteen years and cannot imagine living anywhere else in the world. “We’ve grown old here,” Watkins said. They’ve both lived and worked in cold climates and say they’re nice to visit, but Fort Lauderdale is just right. Watkins loves wearing shorts all year long and says stormy weather every so often is worth it. “Twice every three years we’ll have to close the storm shutters. But there’s not a single day that we will have to shovel snow or scrape ice off our car windows.” Griffin jokingly says, “I’d rather sweep sand than shovel snow.”

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The ministerial couple will be racking up a lot of miles over the next few years traveling to London to visit their son, Mario. “We have a lot of travel miles and tuition payments.” He came to them just a few years ago when he was a 17-year-old exchange student from Brazil. Mario did not have a dad in his life, so Griffin and Watkins stepped up.

Mario is currently in England studying film.

The reverends are now working on adult adoption and often joke about skipping over the gross parts of parenting. “We never had to deal with diapers or bottle warming. The stork just dropped off this 17-year-old kid one day and he never left our lives.”

waiting but not quite Christmas. It’s still the anticipation of Christmas but the wrapping up of Advent, so it’s like two things in one.”

Spreading the Message In 2019, the pair started a new Christmas Eve tradition by streaming Sunshine Cathedral’s services. “A year before COVID we wanted to do something new and exciting for Christmas Eve,” Griffin said. “Someone suggested live streaming Christmas services. That particular holiday, we had someone use Facebook Live for our second service. Two hundred fifty people watched that night, with 1000 viewers by the end of the week. We thought we were a major television network!”

Holiday Traditions December is their busiest of busy seasons.

“Christmas is a work day for us,” Watkins said.

In addition to celebrating with the Sunshine Cathedral family, they also have their own Christmas traditions. “Our tradition is making other people happy then having a little time off. We usually like to take the week between Christmas and New Year off.” By noon on Christmas day they’ll be sitting outside on their deck enjoying the South Florida winter and a beverage. If anyone is looking for a gift for the pastors, they encourage Belvedere.

Yes we’re talking the libation, not the nine DVD box set to Mr. Belvedere.

It’s the night before Christmas, with the candlelight vigils and songs of anticipation, that they anticipate most. “I like Christmas Eve because everyone takes a pause. They come to worship. They take that pause to be with community, to be with each other.

Sing the familiar hymn, smell the familiar incense that we might burn. It’s almost like you’re bringing the community back together for some spirituality. For what was and what we’re doing again,” Griffin said. Watkins agreed saying “I always love Christmas Eve. It’s the end of advent so it’s the end of

48 | OutClique.com

Over the following years, holiday services were masked with the church only allowed to be at 25% capacity. Some services were held in cars in the parking lot. But Griffin says streaming opened up the service to the world. “Think about that Christmas Eve, then pandemic Christmas Eve, and looking forward to this Christmas Eve. The big picture is, how many more people can we reach and share the message of the Gospel? There’s going to be some child somewhere that will need to hear our message of hope, safety, and that they are not alone.”

Shortly thereafter, they found a production company to stream their weekly, 10:30am, Sunday service and other special events.

Griffin says the more polished, professional look has helped them grow their audience.

“Look at what we were doing going into COVID and comparing it to what we are now producing. Before, we were excited to reach 1200 people or even 5000 people this week.

At that time it looked very different from what we are doing now. Then to realize the importance of making that shift, technologywise, camera upgrades, creating a more professional presentation, and packaging it differently meant a lot not only for us but also

the people that we are reaching. To touch people in parts of the world, that includes numerous countries, small villages, and small country towns that you never thought you’d reach before. We hear back from them and what it means in their lives.”

This is the first Christmas since 2019 with no COVID restrictions, but they wonder if many people have permanently changed their worship habits. Watkins said they won’t know until they look out into the sanctuary on Christmas Eve. “Maybe Christmas and Easter will be like of old, standing room only.” But the services will still be broadcast worldwide. “Even if you have everyone in the sanctuary, that’s still less than 600 people. I would much rather reach 30,000 worldwide than 600 on a local level.

There’s so many people that need to hear that somebody thinks they are OK. That someone thinks they’re wonderful being the unique people they are. Because people need to hear it I’m thrilled that more people hear that and aware that many more need to hear it still.”

Reaching people is their true passion. Both are longterm HIV survivors who were diagnosed at a time when that wasn’t an expected outcome and is a part of their spiritual journey they share with those that need to hear it. Living life as openly gay men in a spiritual and pastoral profession is rare. Together the two have grown Sunshine Cathedral into an even more welcoming place than it already was when they arrived.

“We are by nature, missional, not evangelistic,” Watkins said. “We have a mission and want to be available to as many people as possible. We still live in a time where it is less safe to go to school in some districts and some states.

It’s less safe if your family doesn’t look like a 1950s sitcom family.” The resurgence of stigma against the LGBTQIA+ community is harmful mentally, spiritually, and physically.

“There’s a lot of violence. There’s a lot of discrimination written into law. You go to bed one night with rights and you wake up the next morning with those rights gone. This is a time when people need to know there’s a voice that affirms them and there’s a community that embraces them.

Even when people are saying terrible things about them, there’s another entity saying – they are God’s miracle, not God’s mistake.”

decade or so away, they don’t see the end of the road, they see the start of the road. “What I think we want to do is RV. Keep this place as home but we’ve traveled a lot.

We’ll just hit the road.”

RVing was how they started their relationship. When their ministries were in very different places, Griffin says they would spend their free time exploring America. “We had this 36’ pop up dolphin RV. It’s when I was in Maryland and he was in New York. He would come down and we would take it out for a week or the weekend. Just hit the road and go. Wherever we go is where we would end up.

We would see his family in Texarkana and other stops along the way. If we went to Alabama, we would see my family” Watkins says the travel is very relaxing. “The reason I love RV and cruises is the movement puts me to sleep.

It’s the best sleep I get, which makes me not very helpful with driving. I love trips where I can sleep, sleep, and more sleep. I can sleep in a car. But I can also do it in a queen-sized bed in the back of a 36’ RV.” That means Griffin spends a lot of time at the wheel. “There are many mornings where he will go to bed and sleep in one state and wake up in another. You get out of yourself and everything you’ve been around and you’re on the road and traveling.”

He loves the combination of traveling but still feeling like home. “If we could drive everywhere we go we would. We can cook, sleep, and bring the pets. The RV is our home away from home.”

For now, a return RV life is still down the road. This December they are once again throwing themselves into the spiritual needs of their congregation, either live, in person, or online. “So we’ll see. Is Christmas just different from now on or is Christmas back? We’ll know this Christmas in the room. As long as people are getting the Christmas message of love, generosity, and community. If they’re getting it in the room or outside the room, as long as they’re getting it, that’s what we’re excited about.”

Hitting The Road

By noon on Christmas, the hymnals will be put away, the robes stored, and holiday dinners will be in the ovens.

Griffin and Watkins will then settle in on their deck, drink in hand, and full of holiday spirit.

Griffin and Watkins love traveling. With retirement only a

Remember this holiday season, you are God’s miracle.

OutClique.com | 51

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Celebrate the Season For a Good Cause!

Thursday, December 15 | 5:00-7:30pm at Genesis Health Institute

1001 NE 26th Street, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 Music by DJ Marcio Hors d’oeuvres & Libations from Stork’s Bakery Raffle & Prizes include Wrinkle Reducer and Dermal Filler Facial Treatments, Body Sculpting Treatments, Anti-Aging Medical Treatments, Vampire PRP Treatments, Assorted Skincare Products, and more!

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GHI donates 10% of all gift certificate sales from this event to Abandoned Pet Rescue. *This is a one-day offer. You can call our office at 954-561-3175 and schedule your gift certificate purchase before December 15.

Credit cards will be charged on December 15. You do not need to attend our Holiday Party to take advantage of this special offer.

You can purchase as many $500 gift certificates you’d like.

Photo Courtesy of Baxter Martin

What Are YOU Doing For The Holidays?

Baxter Martin: We are visiting Dr. Ferdinand Cabrera and his husband, Dimitri Bakoulis, owners of Genesis Health Institute. Dr. Cabrera, please tell OutClique readers about your holiday fundraiser.

Dr. Cabrera: We believe in giving back to our community.

So, every year we host a fundraiser at Genesis to support Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR), an organization dear to our hearts.

Baxter Martin: Dimitri, what is Abandoned Pet Rescue, and how long have you been supporting them: Dimitri: APR is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that rescues and shelters abandoned and abused dogs and cats intending to find them new homes. APR is one of the largest no-kill animal shelters in South Florida. They have provided quality care for 6,800 cats and dogs in the past decade. This year’s fundraiser will be our 6th for them.

Baxter Martin: And when and where is it happening?

Dr. Cabrera: The event is on Thursday, December 15, 5:00-7:30 pm at Genesis Health Institute in Wilton Manors.

Baxter Martin: Can anyone attend?

Dr. Cabrera: Yes, of course! We only ask that you please RSVP to our office by phone at 954-561-3175 or email at dbakoulis@ghinstitute.com by Monday, December 12.

Baxter Martin: Dimitri, what happens at the event?

Dimitri: It’s a fun celebration! We have a DJ, hors d’oeuvres, libations, and raffles throughout the evening with wrinkle reducer, dermal filler, and various PRP treatment prizes donated by our aesthetic partners like Ultherapy, SculpSure, EltaMD, and SkinCeuticals. Last year we gave away close to $25,000 in prizes. APR will also attend with adoptable cats and dogs for anyone interested in adding to their family or getting involved with this true no-kill shelter.

Baxter Martin: Anything else you’d like to share with OutClique readers?

Dr. Cabrera: Yes, the event’s real intention and the high point is the APR fundraiser. The highlight of the evening is that existing and new patients may purchase a $500 Genesis gift certificate for $400, saving 20%. This is the only day of the year we offer this special; the gift certificates never expire and may be used for any medical or aesthetic treatment offered at Genesis. And we donate 10% of all gift certificate sales from the event to the APR. Last year, we donated almost $30,000.

BaxterMartin: I’m excited already. Food, music, pets, skin care prizes, savings, and all for a great cause. Thank you both for your time. I’m looking forward to seeing you on December 15.

Schedule a complimentary consultation with Genesis Health Institute, conveniently located in Wilton Manors.

Call 954-561-3175 or visit ghinstitute.com to learn more.

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If you are a person with HIV (PWH), you have the power and responsibility to shape your care. Results from previous surveys guided patient care lead agencies and planning councils in prioritizing community unmet needs and determining where to distribute financial resources.

The survey is available online and will remain open through December 31, 2022.

All responses are confidential.

To access the survey, scan the QR code below or visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RL5FPGP

English

Spanish

Creole

Improving Patient Engagement with Remote Monitoring While the benefits of remote patient monitoring have been known for years, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought many of them back into focus. As the landscape of healthcare continues to change and evolve, remote monitoring promises to deliver advantages to both providers and patients. Post pandemic we have realized the importance of such groundbreaking initiatives, which help patients learn more about their conditions and stay adherent to their treatments. Therefore, we have launched our own remote monitoring program with tools to better serve our patients.

According to the American Hospital Association, one of the major socio-economic hurdles holding people back from seeking care is transportation. They report, 3.6 million people in the U.S. do not obtain medical care due to transportation barriers. Transportation issues include lack of access to vehicles, broken infrastructure, long distances, and lengthy times to reach services, as well as transportation costs.

Remote patient monitoring (RPM), the wave of the medical future, includes devices that allow providers to monitor, report, and analyze their patient’s acute or chronic conditions from outside the hospital or clinic setting. They enable real-time understanding of a patient’s disease state, enabling the provider to make proactive clinical decisions.

According to Steven Santiago, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, “Remote patient monitoring devices help patients engage with and better understand their daily health. When a patient is engaging with their health daily through RPM devices, they are more likely to see lasting positive health outcomes.”

Besides alleviating the transportation dilemma, remote patient monitoring: - Reduces the risk of disease transmission - Frees up limited medical resources - Gives providers access to better patient data - Improves patient outcomes - Allows patients to become a more active member of their care team

- Helps to save money - Can be used to track patients’ health over the long term - Improves patient-provider communication John Sheridan, Registered Nurse of Special Projects, says, “Our kit includes a scale, blood pressure machine, a glucometer, tablet, and a pulse oximeter. These devices are Bluetooth paired with the tablet and sync automatically to a portal, which the providers utilize during business hours to monitor patient progress.

This program will increase patient knowledge of such conditions and increase adherence to treatment, while simultaneously decreasing hospital admission/ readmissions.”

About Care Resource: Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations. For more information, visit careresource.org.

Content Courtesy of Care Resource

Health Advice for Men of all Ages

W

hen it comes to our health, we all can procrastinate, whether it’s putting off our annual physical or waiting for life to calm down before starting a new exercise routine.

66 | OutClique.com

Men are no exception. Studies have found that many men would rather do anything — including clean a bathroom or mow the lawn instead of going to the doctor. But prevention is the best way to catch a medical condition early.

be carefully examined and should be brought to the notice of your doctor.

Abhishek Bhat, M.D., associate medical director of urology at Jackson Health System, who specializes in urological oncology and also sees patients with general urological issues, shares some simple ways men can take charge of their health today.

Why is it so important for men to be proactive about their health?

What are some key numbers, tests, and/or screenings that men should consider?

If we can catch certain conditions, especially cancer, early, we have treatments today to deal with them.

Some of the issues that affect men are often silent, meaning that men do not experience any pain or symptoms alerting them that something is wrong. That’s why it’s so important for men to get regular screenings.

For example, if you can detect prostate cancer early, then it is more likely to be confined to the prostate, and we can surgically remove the prostate or radiate the cancer.

But if you allow cancer to take its natural course, it can metastasize to other organs where local treatment is no longer applicable.

I recommend they do the following: 1. One simple test, when given to men of the right age, can help detect cancer. It is called a ProstateSpecific Antigen (PSA) test. The American Urologic Association recommends men of an average risk obtain a PSA test between the ages of 55-69 years old. However, men who are at higher risk of prostate cancer — either due to family history, like a father or brother who had prostate cancer, or Afro-American men, who are considered to be higher risk — should consider getting a PSA test as young as 45-50 years old. While a PSA test can be done at any testing center and ordered by various doctors, it should be read and interpreted by a urologic oncologist or a qualified primary care physician. They should be able to counsel you on the findings, offer support and discuss the treatment options and next steps. A high PSA score does not automatically mean cancer.

It could mean there is inflammation, it could be an infection, or it could be cancer. Further testing and evaluation may be needed. But it’s the first step in determining if something is amiss.

2. In the older age group, the most common cause of blood in the urine is bladder cancer. So if any man notices blood in their urine, they should immediately talk to their doctor.

3. Also, every male should be educated on and perform a regular testicular self-exam. Testicular cancer is most common in the younger age group, between ages of 20-40. Any palpable mass in the scrotum needs to

The longer you wait, the more you increase the risk of metastasis and increase the chances of death.

As a urologist, what are some common misconceptions you hear from men about their health?

In the clinic working with men, I have noticed a few misconceptions.

First, people equate an enlarged prostate with more symptoms in terms of increased urination or higher chances of prostate cancer, but it just isn’t true.

The prostate can grow throughout your life and different men have different sized prostates, but its size is not directly proportional to the problems or cancer predilection.

Second, many men think that if their father or brothers and other men in their family do not have prostate cancer, that means they won’t get it, too. Just because your father or relatives did not have prostate cancer does not mean you won’t get it.

And third, many men equate their level of testosterone with masculinity. They often come into the clinic asking for testosterone supplements even though their limits are within the normal range. Testosterone supplementation should only be done under specialized care, where a doctor can monitor blood parameters and a lot of other things. It should not be taken without guidance from a doctor.

Content Courtesy of Abhishek Bhat, M.D. and Jackson Health System

OutClique.com | 67

SunServe Gala Kick Off

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 70 | OutClique.com

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Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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SunServe Builds On 20 Great Years

By John Hayden Photo by Steven T. Shires | Courtesy of SunServes

“SunServe is a feeling, a state of mind. It’s a movement.”

O

ver the course of its first twenty years, SunServe

“Part of our strategic plan is to focus on expanding into

touched hundreds of thousands of lives across

Miami-Dade County because we know that the mental

Broward County, FL. Their mantra is ‘We help people.’

health services we provide are very much needed,”

As its third decade dawns, the organization looks to help

SunServe CEO and Executive Director Tony Lima said.

even more people by expanding its reach through more

“We also want to have a presence in southern Palm

of South Florida and the entire state.

Beach County.”

72 | OutClique.com

Lima just completed his first year with the organization

Besides restarting in-person services, Lima’s also

and capped it off with a party at The Manor in Wilton

planning to reach people beyond Broward’s borders.

Manors. The goal of the night was to kick off excitement

“Ultimately, it’s my vision to expand these services

for their upcoming gala, Studio SHINE, which will have

throughout the state. In the more remote areas, these

a Studio 54/disco theme. But at the end, his staff had a

services wouldn’t exist otherwise unless SunServe

surprise. They rolled out a big cake with a staff picture

comes in and starts to provide services for the LGBT

on the icing. Lima was visibly moved by their show of

community.”

support. “My goal is to make us all a family. I want us all to be invested in each other’s work. The pride in their

Being Seen

work is at an all time high.”

SunServe’s programs are wide ranging. Besides mental health treatment, they work with people who

Spreading The Health

have substance abuse issues, food and housing Between coming out of the pandemic and uncertainty

insecurity, the trans and youth communities, and more.

around

have

But there are many people who don’t know that help is

understandably been written off as a rebuilding year. But

available. Lima’s goal is to be out more in the general

Lima and his staff turned it into a launching pad that will

community. “People can expect to intersect with

propel them into 2023 and beyond. It also saw SunServe

SunServe in a more accessible way throughout South

reunited at many levels. Services like youth groups and

Florida. There will be a bigger presence throughout

mental health care are once again face to face. It also

the area.”

leadership

changes,

2022

could

saw founder Dr. James Lopresti return to a very active role in the organization.

They have two major events coming up in March, 2023: the aforementioned gala and the AHF Florida

The pandemic saw services swing towards telehealth

AIDS Walk. “If anything, it’s more visibility as a whole.

treatments. While that was an innovative way to adapt

Being available and accessible is most important to

in a crisis, Lima says it wasn’t optimal. “People felt

us.”

disconnected. They’re back and we’re providing our groups, therapy, all of our services in person.” They still

As the new year begins, Lima says the future is rooted in

offer telehealth, but it’s only responsible for about 15%

the spirit of everyone from clients served all the way up

of mental health cases. “If we have someone who is out

to the Board of Directors. “SunServe is not a brick-and-

of town and doesn’t have the ability to get here, we will

mortar set of buildings. SunServe is a feeling, a state of

absolutely have telehealth. It’s necessary. But I think it’s

mind. It’s a movement.”

important for people to have a safe space. A ‘brick and mortar’ space that they can visit and be able to connect

“We’re all SunServe.”

with clinicians.”

To learn more about SunServe and their programs, visit SunServe.org.

OutClique.com | 73

SunServe Gala Kick Off

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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Wicked Manors

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Wicked Manors

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Eagle Wilton Manors Halloween

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Synergy Twins at Pub on the Drive

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

Stuff their stockings!

This season spoil your furbabies silly at WagPride.

Visit us in Wilton Manors or Scan & Shop

wagpride.com

954-777-6924 | woof@wagpride.com | 2031A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL

OUTShine Closing Film

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media More photos at www.Facebook.com/OutClique

World AIDS Musuem at LIT

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Narratives Exhibit at ArtServe

Credit: Patricia Lopes

Credit: Sheila Fraga

Latin and Hispanic artists from 12 different nations are presenting “Narratives in Latin-American Art” exhibit at ArtServe through Friday, December 30, 2022.

“Exploring the Hispanic and Latin-American cultural influence of these multi-national artists--many of whom have been influenced by Latin American writers--is a good way to embrace the spirit of Hispanic Heritage Month,” ArtServe Executive Director Jason Hughes said. “The ‘Narratives’ exhibit will showcase the ofteninterwoven storytelling aspect of Hispanic and Latin art that gives it so much depth and expression.”

Nations represented at Narratives will be: Puerto Rico, Colombia, Brazil, Cuba, Argentina, Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, Aruba, Chile, Haiti and Uruguay.

Credit: Yudit Vidal Faife

Narratives is curated by Anaibis M. Yero, an art history specialist from Cuba, together with Latin American Art Pavilion founder and director Maria A. Napoles, also from Cuba. Napoles is the former executive director of the Florida Arte Americas Art Fair.

Latin American Art Pavilion is a Miami-Dade-based organization dedicated to promoting Latin American and Caribbean emerging and mid-career contemporary visual artists worldwide.

ArtServe inspires, supports and advances its diverse members, artists and community by promoting artistic development, education and prosperity through the exploration and presentation of the visual and performing arts.

For more information, visit www.artserve.org.

ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Content and Photos Courtesy of ArtServe and Pierson Grant PR

94 | OutClique.com

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Be kind, stay safe and have a very Happy Holiday!

Big Easy Queens at Pub on the Drive

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Photos Courtesy of Marty Kiar’s office

2023 Homestead Exemption All qualified Florida residents are eligible to receive a Homestead Exemption on their homes, condominiums, coop apartments, and certain mobile home lots. To qualify for Homestead Exemption, you must own and make the property your permanent residence on January 1 of the year for which you are applying for this valuable exemption.

Pursuant to Florida law, all assessments and exemptions are based upon the status of the property on January 1.

If you purchased and/or made the property your permanent residence in 2022 and have not applied for Homestead Exemption, you can apply for 2023 exemptions at any time – there is no need to wait until 2023 to file your exemption application with the property appraiser’s office. You can easily apply online at https://web.bcpa.net The timely deadline to file for all 2023 exemptions is March 1, 2023. You must make the property your permanent residence by January 1, 2023, in order to qualify; however, you have until March 1 to timely file your application with the property appraiser’s office. The late filing deadline for all 2023 exemptions is September 18, 2023. For information about all the other exemptions available to qualified applicants, please visit the “Exemptions & Classifications” page on our website https://web.bcpa.net/bcpaclient/#/Homestead Once approved, your Homestead Exemption automatically renews each year provided there is no change in the ownership or use of the property. If you have already applied and been approved for Homestead Exemption at your current property, you do not need to reapply for this exemption. You will receive a Homestead Exemption renewal card next month to keep for your records.

If you have any questions about Homestead Exemption or any other exemptions, please call 954.357.6830 or email me at martykiar@bcpa.net.

Take care,

Marty Kiar, CFA

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Fort Lauderdale Int’l Boat Show Weighs Anchor

By John Hayden

A

rising tide lifts all boats and rising crowds lift enthusiasm. The 63rd Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS) is celebrating a very successful run. This year’s show saw more than 100,000 people from all over come to see the latest in seafaring luxury and technology.

One yacht, named Atomic, comes with its own diving centre you reach through a folding balcony in the hull. This diver-friendly vessel topped asking prices at $63,000,000, which is considered a bargain after a $5,000,000 price cut. In all, more than $4 billion in boats and water sports merchandise were on display.

The world’s largest in-water boat show was the last week of October and people were ready to come aboard. The Broward County Convention Center and the Bahia Mar Yachting Center were among the seven locations where people with big dreams or big checkbooks could come to shop. More than 1,300 boats were on display, ranging from Super Yachts to the top day boats and tenders.

Aside from touring dream boats, there was hands-on excitement to be had. The AquaZone let you try out water bikes, kayaks, and SeaBobs, while also entering the Pedal Kayak Tug of War. Next year’s FLIBS is already scheduled for October 2529, 2023.

Photos Courtesy of Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show (FLIBS)

Big Easy Queens at Pub on the Drive

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Lisa Burgess with an artist from Burgess Modern + Contemporary Photo Courtesy of Shaun Cruz

New River Fine Art Gallery’s Lisa Burgess Making an Artful Impression on South Florida for 24 Years

By Elizabeth Dashiell

E

dgar Degas famously said, “Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” Yet, what would art be then if no one actually sees it? As much as “the world needs more art,” the world also needs more aesthetes like New River Fine Art Gallery CEO, Lisa Burgess.

The successful entrepreneur and arts advocate has just come off the gallery’s Silver Anniversary Season launch of the critically acclaimed, solo exhibition from contemporary wunderkind, Andrew Cotton. Now, turns her attention to the rest of the gallery’s exciting season.

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“We are planning a series of events and exhibitions celebrating the full scope of what the Gallery has been about these past 24 years,” explains Burgess. “We will be presenting, along with the most established and collected artists like Alex Katz, artists that are the ones to watch.”

Next up is a group exhibition featuring Gabriel Delgado and Rex Hausmann. The “ones to watch” contemporary artists knew each other back in Texas and will come full circle together once more at the gallery. “Their work couldn’t be more different but are both unique and interesting in their own rights,” says Burgess.

Burgess planned the future Alex Katz exhibition to coincide with the Russian American artist’s retrospective, which will be on display simultaneously at the Guggenheim. New River Fine Art’s showcase will also feature educational programming, full-color catalogs, and lectures – all free to the public throughout its run. “You don’t just have to see these works in museums,” says Burgess. “They belong in your homes as well. Great works of art will enhance your life and feed your soul.”

The caliber of its artists, the quality of the art, and the accessibility to the public are all what has helped make New River Fine Art one of the most prestigious galleries in South Florida. Located in the heartbeat of Fort Lauderdale on Las Olas Boulevard, the bright, welcoming white space has seen some of the world’s most recognizable names adorn its walls and display stands in the past 24 years: Pissarro, Matta, Jansen, Picasso, Miró – and behind it all – Lisa Burgess.

changes that have taken place in the past decades (not to mention a global pandemic that closed the doors of businesses for nearly a year) but through it all, Burgess and her gallery have thrived.

“E-commerce was not happening 24 years ago, but now it’s a part of life,” Burgess explains. “The pandemic fastforwarded all that. The major auction houses are now broadcasting via the internet and getting even larger bidders. The art world used to be a very closed industry where the information was accessible only to a few, whereas now it’s accessible to almost everyone.”

That belief in making art accessible to all is not just a sound bite to Burgess. She has put her own time and money into helping the local community find their own outlets within the arts through her volunteer work with Funding Arts Broward.

“Art was always an interest to me,” explains Burgess. “I have a great appreciation for people who are brave enough to do this for a living, and to put their hearts and souls out there to express themselves the way they do.” While she claims she is not an artist herself, her extensive background in sales, along with her communications degree and natural appreciation, have lent themselves beautifully to the business side of the art world.

“Funding Arts Broward is a membership-based organization that uses private donations to award microgrants to small arts groups,” explains Burgess. “It has awarded over 4.2 million dollars in grants over the years, and recently began funding educational grants. We are looking ahead to expand the program and seek more corporate members, so we can continue to grow the number of organizations we can help support each year.” That unwavering dedication and passion for the arts earned Burgess a reputation that has taken her all the way to the State Capitol.

“A good day for me is when I spend half my time working with some of the most creative people I know, talking to them about long-term projects, exhibitions, fairs and studio visits,” says Burgess, “and the other half is spent with clients, learning about their stories and helping them to bring culture into their lives.”

Following a recommendation in 2020, Burgess was appointed to the Board of the Florida Council on Arts and Culture. There, she has been able to bring her local advocacy experience to the statewide level, including chairing grant panels for not only visual arts, but also for performing arts groups, museums, and science centers.

The second half of that day is accomplished through her other company, Burgess Modern + Contemporary, a fine art consulting firm specializing in fine art collections management and expert advice on blue-chip, museum quality art collecting, and specially curated projects from leading modern and contemporary artists. Most recently, Burgess Modern was selected as representative for the estate of David Hayes, a prolific artist who left an incredible legacy of work that has been displayed at the Guggenheim, Detroit Art Institute and Fine Art Huston, to name a few.

“It has been an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling experience,” says Burgess. “Over 30 years ago, Florida didn’t have the cultural outlets it does now, and to see it grow and prosper and thrive, and to be a part of that is an honor and a privilege.”

Bringing some of the greatest works of the modern and contemporary art world to South Florida for nearly a quarter of a century is no easy task, especially considering all the

“For every dollar invested in the arts, there is a 287% investment return,” says Burgess. “Now that’s a stock I’d buy.”

While arts advocacy may seem solely altruistic, for Burgess it makes good business sense as well. Considering her successful 24 years in the business of art, her advice is probably worth heeding.

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Action!

Big Easy Queens Films In South Florida

By John Hayden Photos Courtesy of Michael Johns

D

anger! Drama! Deceit! Two of Wilton Manors’

a nod to Austin Powers. “We shot a scene where one of

biggest personalities are taking their talents to

Miss Bouvèé’s assassins has huge machine gun boobs.

the big screen. Jennifer McClain and Eric Swanson,

That’s how she kills her enemies.”

aka Miss Bouvèé, are teaming up for their first movie together: Big Easy Queens. Like Lewis and Martin or

Familiar Surroundings

Hepburn and Tracy before them, they have easy, natural chemistry that lures audiences in.

Despite being set in New Orleans, most of the movie was shot over ten days in October in and around Wilton

In real life, Swanson and McClain are besties who often

Manors. Much of our architecture, such as the community

perform together as The Boozy Belters. But in this movie,

building in Richardson Park, has a similar look to the

they’re mortal enemies. “This project is so much fun, and

Big Easy. Many of our bars and businesses have great

so much work at the same time. Completely different

decorations and bright colors, which help create the New

from anything we’ve ever done before. This isn’t your

Orleans vibe as well. “Wilton people will recognize some

typical Boozy Belters show,” McClain told OutClique.

places but it could be any bar anywhere,” Swanson said.

“The Pub has a lot of decorative things you would see in

Big Easy Queens is set in New Orleans. Miss Bouvèé

New Orleans. The light in the ceiling, the vibrant colors.

is Queen of the Quarter and is in a rivalry with her arch-

Those would be found in any gay bar in New Orleans.”

nemesis, Poodles Makenzie, played by McClain. “At the start of the movie, [Bouvèé is] taking out some of

The Pub on the Drive is often home to Miss Bouvèé

her top tier men to reclaim some territory,” Swanson

performances. On the big screen it will be home to her

told OutClique during a visit to the set. McClain says

den of sin. “The Pub loaned us their space on a business

her Poodles has long been in Miss B’s sights. “Poodles

night and became Dorothy’s, my nightclub. We converted

Makenzie is a tough, no BS boss in New Orleans. She’s

all kinds of things. You will not know it’s The Pub.”

spent the last twenty years building an empire, which she runs out of a salon. She’s been archrivals with Minnie

Community Support

Bouvèé since she arrived on the scene.”

Independent films are tough to get made. Budgets are The movie is a fun, campy romp with two powerful women

tight, so generous fans and visionary producers are key

fighting for supremacy. Director Erynn Dalton says she’s

to getting projects done. The night we visited the set they

going for “Glam Horror,” and thinks this film has the

were in the home of a producer. Don D’Arminio and Marc

potential to reach cult classic status to rival The Rocky

Martorana held a fundraiser for the film and also opened

Horror Picture Show. “This does have Rocky Horror

up their home for a shoot.

vibes. I don’t think there’s been another movie like that.

I feel like, without the flopping part that Rocky Horror did

OutClique publisher Steven O. Evans, PhD, was one of

in the beginning, I feel like we’ve got that.” There’s also

the first to dive in head first to support Big Easy Queens.

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“When [Swanson] mentioned making a film, I could only

month or early next year. Once they have a final cut, Big

imagine something so creative and fantastic, how could

Easy Queens will be submitted to film festivals. That will

I let this opportunity pass by? A fun investment was just

determine a release date. But we’re sure there will be a

something I needed.”

big premiere, or at least a campy screening, in Wilton Manors.

Dr. Evans’ commitment to the arts, especially the local arts scene, is evident in each issue of OutClique. “I believe all the arts make us as a culture better people. Most of all, at the end of the day, like the rest of the world, I just want to dance with somebody who loves me.” Both Swanson (as Miss Bouvèé) and McClain have been featured on the cover and say the mutual respect goes both ways.

“Steven has always been a great cheerleader of me and Miss Bouvèé. As a friend, he will just randomly text me to see how I’m doing, and I really appreciate that. After his visit to our set, on my very first day of filming, he wrote the nicest compliments both publicly and privately to me. Don’t be surprised if they’re on my tombstone (eventually).”

Swanson and Dr. Evans met in Key West and bonded over mutual artistic interests. “He’s an organist, I’m a pianist, and he came to a dueling piano show we were doing. He’s a friend of mine,” Swanson said.

Dalton says they hope to have the movie edited this

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OutClique Halloween at DUNE by Laurent Tourondel

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media 108 | OutClique.com

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Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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SMART Ride Returns Facing New Challenges

By John Hayden

T

he ride is long, the cause is important, the participants are enthusiastic. The annual SMART Ride is 165 miles starting in Miami and ending in Key West. Hundreds of riders are simultaneously training and fundraising for the trip which raises money and awareness for HIV support organizations. Now in its 19th year, the trip is familiar to the South Florida LGBTQIA+ community. But after two years of COVID-19 issues, the ride is facing new challenges. “It’s an interesting year,” SMART Ride founder Glen Weinzimer told OutClique.

“I think there was more enthusiasm the last two years when everybody knew everyone needed help. This is the first full year back, and as a community and as a country, people are exhausted.”

But as the ride draws near, he says everyone involved gets their second wind. “When [riders] get together they renew each other’s energy.”

The ride is the largest that makes sure 100% of donations are given back to the community. And it takes more than trained riders with strong calves and glutes to make it all happen. “The harder of the two jobs is being part of the crew. Because their responsibility is to make sure the riders are safe.” Weinzimer says more than 200 volunteers are needed for everything from manning water stations to fixing flats to serving food. “There’s that sense of family that goes through that group. It goes through the new people who get involved. You can’t explain the feeling that you get on the event until you’ve been on the event.”

Mardi Gras to Miami One veteran rider is going the extra mile this year.

Actually, he’s going the extra 863 miles. Joseph Coyne lives in South Florida but is going to start his ride more than a week early from the home of Mardi Gras, New Orleans. Why start in the Big Easy? “If I was retired and

had more money I’d start further away.” Coyne is a full time nurse who’s on his tenth ride. But a couple of years ago, the event took on extra meaning. His daughter came out to him and asked Coyne to ride specifically for her. Of course, he jumped at the chance.

This year she has helped design his jersey, which notes his status as an RN and comes with a big, rainbow strawberry on the front. “She made me this really cool jersey, probably a little loud to be riding through Alabama and Missouri,” he joked. But his reasoning is serious and sends a message to others.

“I ride for black and queer liberation. We love and support you no matter what you decide you want out of your life.”

Still An Emergency Thanks to PrEP and other drugs available in North America, the AIDS/HIV crisis has subsided and faded from the front page and discussions. Weinzimer says that makes events like the SMART Ride even more important. “If you don’t talk about AIDS then you don’t have a problem. It’s not on the forefront. It’s not in daily conversation in schools. It’s not in daily conversation in homes because it’s no longer the crisis that it was.

So it’s good when I see people come from everywhere because it’s so important to them or they’ve been affected by it.”

This year at least 39 states, from as far away as Hawaii, will be represented. Weinzimer says he’s moved when he takes a step back and sees how far the ride reaches.

“It’s a big deal. That this little thing that started here has reached out. I think years ago there was one point where I wondered what difference we were really making. There’s 750 people. What kind of impact is that? Then I remembered after the event that more than 10,000 people made donations.”

For more information on volunteering or donating, visit TheSMARTRide.org.

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SMART Ride

Photos Courtesy of SRL Media

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Electric Avenue

By John Hayden

N

ortheast Sixth Avenue connects Wilton Drive to Oakland Park and has a sizable volume of traffic.

Soon, a lot of that auto traffic will be bicycle traffic. Carvelle Estriplet is opening a new Carvelle Bikes at 2917 NE 6th Ave. in Wilton Manors. The longtime community activist has been a biking enthusiast for years and is well known for helping newbies and cycling veterans get on the road and stay on the road. “When it comes to bikes, I’m super fired up,” Estriplet said as we talked in the middle of the new space that was still being renovated before the grand opening in October.

Inside, bikers will find top end old school bikes like Cannondale, scooters, and top-of-the-line electric bikes from makers like Aventon. “These new bikes can pair up with your phone, you can charge them, they go up to 35 miles an hour, and are $1999,” she told OutClique.

With electric bikes becoming a less physical but still ecofriendly transportation option, she says 6th Avenue is going to become Electric Avenue.

If the name Carvelle Bikes sounds familiar, there’s a reason. Carvelle Bikes has been at the back of Wilton Collective for nearly two years. It’s been the only bike shop in Wilton Manors and was a great first step. But the space was small and limiting. The new venue is ten times the size of the original shop. In addition to selling new bikes, as well as a few used ones on consignment, she’s also an expert on service. “Service is always going to be here. There will be tune ups, those are never going to change. Whatever you need from flat tires to gears, it’s still a full-service bike shop.”

In a time when people are buying everything from shampoo to cars online, getting a bike is one of those experiences you’re best doing in person. The phrase ‘it’s just like riding a bike’ means it’s something you never forget how to do.

But technology is advancing the experience and there are new skills to be learned. “I don’t know how to explain the feeling of riding an electric bike. When you ride these, you pedal. You need to come in for a test ride.”

Carvelle also points out that bikes aren’t a one-size-fits-all product. “Bikes come in different sizes. You have to come in. With something like a bike, you’ve got to ride it. You have to like it and a picture on a computer screen just doesn’t do it.”

The expanded size of her store means she can not only display more inventory, but it also means it can become a gathering spot as well. “It’s not going to be only a bike shop. It’s going to be my community center.” She’s a leading activist on trans rights and can always be spotted at events geared towards advancing LGBTQIA+ causes.

Now she’s making her profession fit into her platform.

“Anything civic, political, or business. It’s going to be a venue on ‘Electric Avenue.’ This is the hot spot right here.”

To check out her inventory and learn more about biking, visit CarvelleBikes.com.

Photos Courtesy Robert Hadley

ONE HELLUVA SEASON! WILLIAM KENTRIDGE

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Symphony of the Americas Holidays with the Symphony!

DEC

6

Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Special Guest, Kyaunnee Richardson, Soprano

See you at the Symphony!

Buy Tickets Now! SOTA.ORG

(954) 462–0222

Holidays with the Symphony!

December 6, 2022

Artistic Director and Principal Conductor, Pablo Mielgo

Performance begins at 7:45pm Celebrate the Holidays with a musical world tour, celebrating the sounds of the season. Holiday classics come together in this unforgettable musical memory and new Holiday tradition. Nostalgia and history come alive as we delight in the most magical time of the year through this musical journey.

Guest Artist: Kyaunnee Richardson Concert held at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Amaturo Theater.

Season & Single Tickets available now. (954) 335.7002 Kyaunnee Richardson

Kyaunnee made her professional debut as Papagena in The Magic Flute with Festival of the Arts Boca in 2016. Recently, Kyaunnee starred as Calpurnia in the world premiere of The Secret River with Opera Orlando and made her debut as Adele in Die Fledermaus last season.

While completing her masters at Florida State University, Kyaunnee performed the roles of Rose Maurrant in Street Scene and Despina in Così fan tutte. Her performances as a soloist with orchestra include Handel’s Messiah with the Civic Chorale of Greater Miami and the Alhambra Orchestra and Vivaldi’s Gloria with the Delray Orchestra. She has also been a featured soloist with Symphony of the Americas in 2022, the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, South Florida Symphony Orchestra, Hallandale Symphonic Pops Orchestra, Sugar Pops Orchestra, Opera Fusion Orchestra, Coral Gables Chamber Orchestra and the Sunrise Symphonic Pops Orchestra.

Kyaunnee counts among her highest honors singing for President Barack Obama and other dignitaries at the funeral of South Carolina Senator and Rev. Clementa Pinckney.

Content Courtesy of Symphony of the Americas

Angelique Grant, G Wright Muir, David Jobin

Our Fund Foundation Continues to Advocate for LGBTQ Social Justice & Equity

O

ur Fund Foundation, South Florida’s only LGBTQ community foundation, has reaffirmed its fundamental mission of making South Florida the most livable and thriving place in the country for LGBTQ people.

discussions about the basic civil liberties afforded to LGBTQ citizens. It is of critical importance to the wellbeing of our society that we work collectively to end discrimination against LGBTQ people.”

With unprecedented legislative efforts aimed at dismantling LGBTQ civil rights, coupled with ever-growing, socialpolitical forces in Florida and beyond seeking to reverse advances toward full equality, Our Fund is more committed than ever to expand awareness and promote advocacy among the LGBTQ community and its allies so that they remain informed, vigilant, and focused.

Hard-earned advancements which the LGBTQ community forged over the past five decades are now in jeopardy.

This became increasingly apparent over the past year as policies and bills hostile to LGBTQ youth and families and the transgender community became hot button topics as evidenced in Florida’s recent election results.

“Our Fund’s work and mission have never been more important to South Florida’s LGBTQ community than it is now,” said David Jobin president & CEO of Our Fund Foundation. “We are sadly once again enduring a time when the national political discourse is re-engaging

This past year Our Fund was able to successfully rally support, awareness, and dollars to protect and uplift LGBTQ people, especially those most marginalized and vulnerable.

Weeks before the Don’t Say Gay bill was signed into

Nik Harris, Jasmin Lewis and Karen Prescod law, Our Fund partnered with The Miami Foundation and The National LGBTQ Task Force to create a South Florida Youth Equity Fund that provided fast-track grants to LGBTQ youth-serving agencies, knowing that these support services and programs would be crucial in the coming days, weeks, and months.

On the heels of the Supreme Court Roe decision outlawing abortion and the language coming from the Court about the uncertainty of marriage equality, Our Fund pulled together national and local legal and financial experts to share with couples and families steps to take now to protect and preserve legal and financial rights associated with marriage in the event marriage equality is overturned.

In the spirit of and inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, Our Fund worked with the Community Foundation of Broward to provide grants that created pathways for diverse and Black participation and leadership in South Florida’s LGBTQ community.

When the threat and uncertainty of Monkeypox loomed over the community with a preponderance of cases affecting gay men, Our Fund partnered with The Pride

Center to bring together leading medical experts to share lifesaving information with a community at high risk of infection.

“At every turn that put LGBTQ people in South Florida in harm’s way, Our Fund met the moment with financial support, leadership and ingenuity,” says Jobin. “By creating a more informed and empathetic community that is supportive of protecting the civil liberties and expression of LGBTQ people, our goal is to reverse the tidal Red Wave of intolerance that wishes to make invisible again LGBTQ people, families and issues.”

Since its creation in 2011, Our Fund Foundation has grown into the nation’s third-largest LGBTQ+ foundation, awarding more than $18 million in grants to support LGBTQ+ initiatives in Broward, Miami-Dade and Palm Beach Counties. With more than $1.5 million in grants deployed each year in the areas of Social Justice, Health & Wellness and Arts & Culture, Our Fund Foundation improves the quality of life for the local LGBTQ+ population through responsive, relevant, and impactful philanthropy.

To contact the Our Fund Foundation, email info@ourfund.org or call 954-565-1090.

Content and Photo Courtesy of Our Fund Foundation

WITH LEGACY GIVING, WE ENSURE THAT A DONOR’S EXPRESSED VALUES + WISHES ARE ALWAYS MET. THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION is South Florida’s LGBTQ community foundation.

We help individuals plan their estates, so that their philanthropic giving can continue for years—even generations—after passing away.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION CAN HELP YOU ESTABLISH A LEGACY PLAN, EMAIL LEGACY@OUR-FUND.ORG.

1201 NE 26TH ST. SUITE 108 WILTON MANORS FL 33305 954.565.1090 | OUR-FUND.ORG

LIFTING UP SOUTH FLORIDA’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY

Celebrate Five Nights of “Holiday Magic” at the Whimsical and Historic Bonnet House Museum & Gardens

One of South Florida’s most picturesque and iconic attractions, the Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, is already planning its extraordinarily magical Holiday Season line of events that locals and out-of-towners won’t want to miss. The historic and whimsical 35-acre subtropical estate and historic house museum located in the heart of Fort Lauderdale will feature five nights of Holiday Magic beginning Friday, December 2, 2022.

Below are the different Bonnet House Holiday Magic events: Holiday Magic Soirée: Friday, December 2, 2022, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.

Come celebrate the kick-off of the five-night holiday celebration with the Holiday Magic Soirée at the Bonnet House. Enjoy an evening filled with a festival of trees, holiday cheer, sounds of the season, fine food and libations. The house and grounds will be lit up and sparkling during the soirée with live music, a full bar and catered dining by Alexander Event Catering. All the trees, wreaths and centerpieces throughout the house will be lit and designed to delight and available for sale.

• VIP Tickets: $150, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. - Includes exclusive admission to VIP Reception, welcome drink, full bar, live music, a special holiday gift bag and a fully catered affair

by Alexander Event Catering.

• General Admission: $100, 7 p.m.– 10 p.m. - Includes a fully catered affair by Alexander Event Catering, full bar, photo booth, live performance, and festive holiday music.

Holiday Magic Whimsical Wonderland: Saturday, December 3, 2022 - 5:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Join the Bonnet House for a special family-friendly Wonderland of live entertainment, scavenger hunt, interactive activities, letter to Santa, book reading, and plenty of opportunities to capture holiday family portraits.

The house and grounds will be lit up and sparkling, and all the trees, wreaths, and centerpieces throughout the house will be lit and designed to delight as well as be available for sale.

• General Admission (includes two drink tickets): $35, Ages 13 – 17: $15, Ages 6-12: $5, Ages 5 & under: Free.

• To purchase tickets, please visit www.BonnetHouse. org/event/whimsical-wonderland-2.

Holiday Magic Evening Experiences: Wednesday, December 7 through Friday, December 9, 2022, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens will be lit up and sparkling during this holiday celebration with live entertainment each night from Santa and his elves to Christmas storytelling to strolling carolers to Gin & Jazz featuring Davis & Dow, to The Yuletide Carolers and so much more! There will be live music and libations each night.

• General Admission (includes two drink tickets): $35, Ages 13 – 17: $15, Ages 6-12: $5, Ages 5 & under: Free • For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit www.BonnetHouse.org/event/holiday-magic-eveningexperience-3.

For more information on all three events, please visit www.BonnetHouse.org or call 954-703-2614.

Content Courtesy of Bonnet House and Kip Hunter Marketing | Photos Courtesy of Bonnet House

Hamilton Hits the Stage at The Broward Center For the Performing Arts November 22 through December 11, 2022

By Megan Fitzgerald Dunn Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

H

amilton, the musical that revolutionized the telling of American history, commands the stage at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts November 22 through December 11, 2022.

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton, described as the story of America then told by Americans now, has captivated audiences since its Broadway debut in August of 2015.

With sales grossing over $1 billion, the show tells an old tale in a contemporary way. The musical that fuses jazz, hip-hop, rap, R&B, and Broadway, explores the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through the lens of Aaron Burr.

Audiences may also be surprised to see a little bit of themselves in Hamilton.

“There’s more humanity than people may expect,” Perrault said. “There is so much to look at on stage, whether there is a light on it or not. There are so many details for the audience to catch. So, no matter where you’re sitting, there is something for you to discover or lean in on. I really hope that people will see themselves in this show.”

Although Hamilton streams on Disney+, Perrault said that home viewing cannot compare to being in the audience.

“Overall, it’s a story about building what you believe in and fighting to see it through, whether you’re actually around to see it through or not,” said Yana Perrault, who plays Peggy Schuyler in Act I and Maria Reynolds in Act II.

“When you take a Broadway show on tour, it’s taking the magic of New York to other cities. I hope people will take advantage of that,” Perrault said. “Sitting at home is nice.

But, it’s definitely worth, literally, being in the room, right?”

While the story may be history, this message resonates today.

Perrault, who has been on tour with Hamilton for over a year, called touring a “beautiful challenge.” Although the travel can be grueling, the experience has taught her so much.

The cast also experiences the multilayers of Hamilton, as current events continue to contribute to these colors as well.

“Sometimes, depending on what is going on, the way we sing through those lyrics, will hit the audience differently,” they said. “Like the day Roe v. Wade was overturned, you could feel it in the building. That show had its own fire to it.”

“It’s everything I prayed for, wished for, and signed up for,” she said.

As a child, Perrault always wanted to run away and join the circus. I would watch performances on stage and think, “That’s going to be me.”

“So the fact that I get to take a company bow with everyone, I’m like I made it to the circus. And, it’s better than I ever thought,” she said.

For tickets and showtimes, visit www.BrowardCenter.org

Photo Credit: Joan Marcus

“I feel like you can feel those details of what we’re living with and living through now,” Perrault said. “And, it gives totally new colors and shade to Hamilton.”

Megan Fitzgerald Dunn, Ph.D., is a writer and communication professor in the department of communication, media, and the arts at Nova Southeastern University.

What the Constitution Means to Me December 1, 2022 – Preview | December 2, 2022 – Opening Night through December 18, 2022 Carnival Studio Theater Photo by Morgan Sophia Photography

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ity Theatre (@citytheatremia) and the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (@arshtcenter) proudly present the Southeastern Premiere of Heidi Schreck’s What the Constitution Means to Me, a buoyant and provocative examination by one woman of her civil rights and wrongs. A New York Times critic’s pick, a Tony Award nominee, and Pulitzer Prize finalist when it premiered in 2019, South Florida audiences will enjoy City Theatre’s production of the award-winning Broadway hit, What the Constitution Means to Me directed by Margaret M. Ledford and presented as part of the Arsht Center’s Theater Up Close series.

After each Friday night performance, audiences are invited to join a free post-show conversation featuring special guests speaking on topics related to the show..

What the Constitution Means to Me stars Elizabeth Price as Heidi, Seth Trucks as Legionnaire, Melissa Almaguer as the Heidi Understudy, and Janine Raquel Johnson as Debater and Understudy.

Tickets to What the Constitution Means to Me may be purchased at the Adrienne Arsht Center box office by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at arshtcenter.org.

PNC Bank is the presenting sponsor of the 2022-2023 THEATER UP CLOSE series. WLRN is the media sponsor. The Arsht Center’s THEATER UP CLOSE series gratefully acknowledges the founding support of Adrianne and Jerry L. Cohen. City Theatre acknowledges the generous support of Stearns Weaver Miller and DLA Piper for this production

Seth Trucks

Elizabeth Price

Through this production, City Theatre’s Artistic Director Margaret M. Ledford delves into important issues impacting our society stating, “This show is funny, it’s timely, it’s insightful, but it’s also necessary. At a time when our nation is so divided and our rights hang in the balance every day, this play humanizes the document we all revere and challenges the notion that we are all ‘created equal’ while using humor as the great equalizer.”

City Theatre’s production breathes new life into the U.S. Constitution with hilariously entertaining and powerful storytelling. Inspired by real events, a young Heidi wins constitutional debate contests around the country to earn college tuition. However, as an adult she discovers how debate topics become personal when life and its consequences get messy. Surprising, poignant, and achingly human, the play traces the profound relationship between four generations of women, the founding document that shaped their lives, and how it continues to influence future generations.

Content Courtesy of City Theatre and the Adrienne Arsht Center | Photos Courtesy of City Theatre

South Florida Symphony Orchestra to Perform Handel’s Messiah on December 3rd at the Parker and December 4th at Barry University

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beloved holiday musical tradition is returning to South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO)!

Sebrina Maria Alfonso will conduct Handel’s glorious holiday favorite, Messiah! This beloved seasonal masterpiece featuring soloists Neil Nelson, bass baritone; Gerardo Ortega, tenor; Brittany Graham, soprano; Stephanie Newman, mezzo-soprano and the South Florida Symphony Chorus will commence on December 3, at 7:30 p.m., at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale and on December 4, at 4 p.m., at Barry University in Miami.

Smithsonian magazine writes, “A musical rite of the holiday season, the Baroque-era oratorio still awes listeners 250 years after the composer’s death.”

Handel’s popular work, which draws from the Christian Lent and Easter stories, encompasses a musical narrative brilliance that transcends belief systems.”

“South Florida Symphony Orchestra is thrilled to bring back Handel’s Messiah and share the joy of timehonored classics to launch the holiday season in grand musical style,” said Jacqueline Lorber, president and CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra. “With soaring vocals, masterful arrangements and compelling storytelling, this presentation is truly an inspirational musical experience for the whole family.”

To elevate the holiday spirit, the evening opens with glorious sounds of the season including Schubert’s “Ave Maria”, Pietro Yon’s Italian Christmas carol, “Gesù Bambino”, Mendelssohn’s “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” and more followed by Part I of Handel’s Messiah.

The performance culminates with the iconic “Hallelujah” chorus as sung by the South Florida Symphony Chorus, made-up of seasoned chorale singers and community talent. The Chorus is conducted by Dr. Giselle Elgarresta Rios, who will also lead the orchestra at the December

4 concert at Barry University. Rios and Maestra Alfonso collaborated to create the South Florida Symphony Chorus in 2019, which made its debut at the Beethoven 250th celebration in February of 2020.

The esteemed South Florida Symphony, celebrating its 25th anniversary of artistic excellence, launched its 2022/23 season on November 9 at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale and on November 10 New World Center in Miami Beach. This outstanding season will feature classical masterworks including Shostakovich’s final “War Symphony,” No. 9, Brahms’s doubly demanding Concerto for Violin and Cello and an all-Dvořák program with audience favorite – and performer during the Symphony’s inaugural concert - Zuill Bailey.

Additionally, honoring its commitment to presenting new works, SFSO will present its third world premiere by composer-in-residence John Gottsch: the Floridainspired Ocklawaha. The South Florida Symphony Chorus will expand its repertoire, once again, performing one of the greatest large chorale works of its day, Bruckner’s majestic Te Deum.

Tickets for Handel’s Messiah start at $15 for the December 3 concert at The Parker (707 NE 8th St, Fort Lauderdale) and can be purchased online at https:// southfloridasymphony.org/handels-messiah or via the Broward Center for the Performing Arts Box Office at (954) 462-0222.

Tickets start at $20 for the December 4 performance at Barry University’s Shepard & Ruth K. Broad Performing Arts Center (11300 NE 2nd Ave in Miami Shores) and can be ordered online at https://southfloridasymphony.org/ handels-messiah or via phone at (954) 522-8445. Student tickets and group rates are also available by calling (954) 522-8445 or emailing info@southfloridasymphony.org.

Content courtesy of SFSO and Goodman PR

128 | OutClique.com

EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC Celebrating South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s 25th Season!

BRAHMS | SIBELIUS | BERLIOZ Wed., Feb. 15: The Parker Sat., Feb. 18: Tennessee Williams Theatre

HANDEL’S MESSIAH Sat., Dec. 3: The Parker Sun., Dec. 4: Barry University

2022 / 23 Season

SHOSTAKOVICH | GOTTSCH | OPERA ARIAS Tues., Jan. 24: New World Center Wed., Jan. 25: The Parker Sat., Jan. 28: Tennessee Williams Theatre

Concert Venues:

The Parker Ft. Lauderdale

DVOŘÁK MASTERWORKS Wed., March 22: The Parker Thurs., March 23: New World Center Sat., March 25: Tennessee Williams Theatre RACHMANINOFF | BRUCKNER Wed., April 26: The Parker

New World Center Miami Beach

Tennessee Williams Theatre Key West

TICKETS FROM $15 ON SALE NOW!* southfloridasymphony.org | 954.462.0222 *Tickets from $15 at The Parker, $20 at Barry University and $25 at New World Center and Tennessee Williams Theatre Photo: AndrewMeade.com Juanmanuel Lopez, Timpani; Sebrina María Alfonso, Music Director; James Drayton, Oboe; Imanuel Sandoval, Violin.

Hadestown North American Tour 2022. | Photo by T Charles Erickson

Miami’s Alex Lugo Comes Home for National Tour of ‘Hadestown’

By Denny Patterson

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roadway’s critically acclaimed Tony and Grammy Award winning musical Hadestown is coming to Miami’s Arsht Center December 6-11, 2022.

From the creative minds of celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown intertwines two mythic tales - that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. Performed by a vibrant ensemble of actors, dancers, and singers, audiences are invited on a hell-raising journey to the Underworld and back while witnessing industry against nature, doubt against faith, and fear against love.

This is the production’s first-ever national tour, and OutClique had the pleasure of connecting with cast member Alex Lugo, who is a swing and the show’s Assistant Dance Captain. Some of their other notable credits include the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour, An Officer and a Gentleman Musical, Francois & The Rebels: A Punk Opera, and Broadway’s Future Songbook at Lincoln Center.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Alex! How excited are you to be involved with the first national tour of Hadestown?

Alex Lugo: I’m ecstatic! I’ve been here since the beginning of this time last year, and we just welcomed some new company members, so it truly has been the most rewarding gift.

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DP: What has being a part of this production personally

meant to you, and what are you taking away from the experience?

AL: I think what I’m taking away is being a part of a production that makes a commitment to issues and circumstances that we’ve experienced in reality. There’s so much comment on environmentalism, injustice, love as a whole, and the chapters of love that human beings experience regardless of race, gender, or sexual preference. It’s something that’s constantly thought provoking, and no matter how long I’ve worked on this piece, I’ll always find and discover something new. There aren’t many productions that one can be a part of where that is a consistent thing. It’s very fulfilling, all the time.

DP: Would you say that’s what makes Hadestown worth

checking out?

AL: Yes! There truly is something for everyone. I know that sounds like a very cliche thing to say, but it’s true.

That is very, very true. Hadestown is something that every individual leaves with their own interpretation and their own individual experience, which is great.

DP: Can you tell us a bit more about your characters?

AL: Oh gosh, which one? (Laughs). I am an offstage swing

and the Assistant Dance Captain for the show. I cover all the workers that you see on stage, which is our ensemble. That’s about five different tracks, in addition to two of the Fates, as well as Eurydice. It is so challenging, but so much fun. Being

PHOTO BY KEVIN BERNE

TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

ARSHT CENTER | DEC 6 - 11 | arshtcenter.org/Hadestown

able to step into each of these shoes and live a different perspective every single time I’m on, it definitely doesn’t get boring at all. It keeps your mind very equipped to fill into any puzzle piece where you’re needed. The two Fates that I cover in particular are Fate 3 and Fate 2. Fate 2 plays the tambourine and cymbals, while Fate 3 plays the accordion, which is a monster of an instrument! But it’s always fun.

DP: Is there a certain song within the show that is your absolute favorite?

AL: One of my classmates asked me this for a takeover,

but I was so stressed that I just shouted the last thing I heard. I’m glad I get some time to redeem myself! All the music is so good, but if I had to choose, I would say “If It’s True.” I can hear “If It’s True” every single day and hear it differently, and what I think is so wonderful about the piece as well is that when we do have different understudies and covers go on, including the Chibueze Ihuoma who is our Orpheus, there’s just something different about each of the tellings from each individual. It’s something that is a call to action; a call to arms. We need to be working unified against this person who has lost their way, and I feel like a lot of that is very reflective in our history. Unfortunately, it’s still very present today. So, yeah, “If It’s True” always hits me. Anytime somebody sees me crying, they’re like, Alex is probably listening to “If It’s True” again (laughs).

DP: Have you always had a passion for acting and performing?

AL: Yeah, I have. Like I’m sure many of us were, I was

a very highly energetic kid, and my parents were like, what are we going to do? I think I always had a passion for creating things, as well as being super charismatic and wanting to put on plays. I actually attended the Broadway Center’s performing arts project as a younger artist, and that really helped me form my education and what I wanted to do, continuing to NYU Tisch. It’s something that’s always been with me, and I’m so thankful I’ve made a career out of this because there were times I felt like this wasn’t going to work. I’m so happy the universe gave me this.

DP: Doing my research for this interview, I saw that you

were also involved with the Rent 20th Anniversary Tour.

What was that like?

AL: Oh, my gosh. I felt like a rock star! I was also an understudy there as well, however, I did not cover as many tracks as I do now. I was part of the ensemble playing Alexi Darling, which is the character that calls Mark and annoys the crap out of him, and then I understudied Mimi as well,

which I got to perform a couple times. There’s truly nothing like Rent, and I feel very similarly about Hadestown because these are two completely complex and contemplative shows that really reach and touch everybody. I think the great thing about being a part of both of them is that I’ve seen across the country how many people reflect with what we’re doing, and I was kind of worried when I left Rent. I was like, is there going to be anything as good as Rent? I didn’t know, but I feel like Hadestown has been the perfect marriage of all that. It’s great to be a part of the lineage of something, but now I’m truly beginning the family tree of something. It’s been very cool.

DP: Are there any dream roles you would like to play someday?

AL: I always give the very meta answer, being like, the

dream role that I’m looking for hasn’t been written yet, which I think in some ways is definitely true. I am definitely interested in more trans and nonbinary tellings, which I’m hopeful. I was recently part of a theater festival where all the creators were trans, nonbinary, and two-spirit people.

It was wonderful, so I’m very excited to see what the next developments of that are going to be. Also, I’ve been obsessed with Fun Home for awhile, so I’m like, I’ll play anyone! Then you know, who wouldn’t want to be in Wicked?

DP: What are some other future goals you hope to

accomplish with your career?

AL: Oh, good question. I would love to be able to return to Miami and hopefully work with my community and continue to give back to it because it gave me everything. I would also love to work in queer spaces and with our youth who don’t have the accessibility to theatre arts. I remember in high school, I didn’t even have a theater program until I was going to graduate. It would be wonderful to be a part of the developmental progresses of those things, as well as seeing them through to the end. Then in other worlds, I would love to continue my acting career on screen and TV and be a part of some really cool A24 projects, and hopefully I can continue working on developmental musical theater works like Hadestown and Rent, which both started at New York Theatre Workshop and became these huge titans of theater today. I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to be in those rooms and access them.

DP: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming

projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

AL: No upcoming projects, but I do know that Miami always turns out, so I’m excited for Hadestown to perform there!

Stay up-to-date and connect with Lugo by following them on Instagram @AlexMariaLugo, or visit their official website, AlexMLugo.com. Visit ArshtCenter.org for more information and to purchase tickets for Hadestown.

DECEMBER

28 & 29 AU-RENE THEATER

© VStar Entertainment Group Newco, LLC 2022

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is part of the Islands of the Bahamas Imagination Series.

TICKETS at BrowardCenter.org/Holiday 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.

NSU Art + Design Hosts Art Faculty Exhibition December 5, 2022 – February 3, 2023

By Whitney Lehmann

Artist Talk and Letterpress Workshop with Tennille Shuster • Date: Thursday, November 17, 2022 • Time(s): Artist Talk: 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. | Letterpress Workshop: 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

• Location: Don Taft University Center, Room 225, NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus Artist Talk with Tony Alvarez • Date/Time: Thursday, January 19, 2023 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

• Location: Don Taft University Center, UC Room 234, NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus Artist Talk with Kolos Schumy • Date/Time: Tuesday, January 31, 2023 | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

• Location: Don Taft University Center, UC Room 234, NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus

Exhibition

“The Ninth Art Faculty Exhibition will highlight works from the diverse Art + Design faculty since 2019,” said Kandy Lopez-Moreno, Associate Professor of Art + Design in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts. “It will include works in ceramics, video, graphic design, photography and much more. This exhibition will also feature a video installation by the talented dance choreographer, Hattie Mae Williams.”

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NSU Art + Design in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts presents its Ninth Art Faculty Exhibition featuring art, guest lectures and workshops by Art + Design faculty Pablo “Tony” Alvarez (2021 – present), Kolos Schumy (2022 – present) and Tennille Shuster (2008 – 2018). The exhibit, artist lectures and letterpress workshop are free and open to the general public.

December 5th - February 3rd

A r t w o r k b y Ta r y n N i c o l l

G a l l e r y 2 1 7, D o n Ta f t U C O p e n i n g r e c e p t i o n - D e c e m b e r 5 th f ro m 5 -7 p m

Wo r k s h o p s & L e c t u r e s t o be Announced

Exhibition Information • Date(s): Monday, December 5, 2022 - Friday, February 3, 2023 • Opening Reception: Monday, December 5, 2022 | 5 – 7 p.m.

• Location: Gallery 217, Don Taft University Center, NSU Davie/Fort Lauderdale Campus • Free event • Open to the general public

For more information, contact Kandy Lopez-Moreno at klopez1@nova.edu.

Follow NSU Art + Design on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok @nsuartdesign and Gallery 217 on Facebook and Instagram @gallery_217 Photo Courtesy of Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts

NSU Music Presents “Peace: A Musical Celebration”

By Whitney Lehmann, Ph.D., APR

NSU Music in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts presents the holiday concert “Peace: A Musical Celebration” featuring NSU ensembles and soloists.

“The music will appeal to a large variety of listeners,” said Professor of Music and Theatre Voice Bill Adams, D.M.A. “There will be ancient carols, classic holiday tunes, musical theatre, and more.”

Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 | 7:30 p.m.

Location: Performance Theatre, first floor of the Don Taft University Center Free and open to the general public. | Tickets are first come, first served.

For more information, contact Adams at wadams@nova.edu Photo Courtesy of the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts.

Uniting in Song Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus to Become Part of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida In the spirit of unity and collaboration, the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus (FTLGMC) will become one with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) effective January 1, 2023. This exciting transition will strengthen the position of the GMCSF, which has seen amazing growth and development since it started in 2009. ‘‘The time is right to unify our choral community which has an abundance of notable talent and dedication,” said Justin Knight, President of FTLGMC. “The Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus has entertained for 36 years and is proud of its legacy under the direction of its founder, Gary Keating.

We thank our fans and supporters who have made us proud to sing and encourage them to continue with us as part of the GMCSF.” This news coincides with the retirement of the founding director of the FTLGMC, Gary Keating. His last concert of the FTLGMC will be the upcoming holiday performance on December 3 which will be co-directed by Cheryl Barth.

Keating is credited for organizing the Fort Lauderdale chorus 36 years ago, in 1986. It was the first gay performing arts organization in the state and one of the first in the nation.

“We applaud Gary Keating’s vision and commitment to keep the music alive while we also thank the community for supporting both choral groups over the years,” said Mark Kent, Executive Director of GMCSF. “Both organizations have simultaneously served the community well, but now

the focus will be on GMCSF which continues to expand its reach and impact on new audiences. With the LGBTQ+ community’s liberties under threat in this state and across the nation, we have decided to stand together in strength and sing to protect our future.”

GMCSF, under the direction of Gabe Salazar, is a regional arts asset widely recognized for its artistry and commitment to the community. Now in its 13th season, GMCSF has more than 150 members on its roster, making it the largest gay men’s chorus in the southeastern United States.

In recent years, the two choruses have performed together several times. The GMCSF welcomed FTLGMC and the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus as guest artists for their June 2019 concert paying tribute to the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. The South Florida and Fort Lauderdale choruses have also sung together at local community events and memorials.

The FTLGMC will welcome some of the members of the GMCSF to sing a song with them at their final concert on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 8 p.m., at the United Church of Christ (Information and tickets: www.ftlgmc. org). The GMCSF will welcome members of the FTLGMC to join them for a song at their holiday concerts on Friday, December 16, at 8 p.m., at Sunshine Cathedral and on Sunday, December 18, at 7 p.m. at Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood (Information and tickets: www.gmcsf.org/concerts).

Content Courtesy of FTLGMC, GMCSF, and Goodman PR

136 | OutClique.com

CELEBRATE OUR FINAL PERFORMANCE

Presents

Come and enjoy a collection of music that embraces the spirit of peace and unity during this holiday season.

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022 8 p.m.

UCC Fort Lauderdale

2501 NE 30th Street, Fort Lauderdale For Tickets:

FTLGMC.ORG or 954-832-0060

Funding for this organization is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council

47th Concert Season

S ounds eason!

S of the

NOVA SINGERS HOLIDAY CONCERT WITH BRASS & PERCUSSION Chuck Stanley, Artistic Director • Anthony Ciotti, Accompanist

Featuring favorites from “Christmas at the Movies” & Kevin Memley’s “Gloria” A New Arrangement of Silent Night • Hark! the Herald Angels Sing Ocho Kandelikas • and audience favorites including Rudolph • Jingle Bells • African Noel Friday, 8:00 pm • December 2, 2022 St. Matthew Catholic Church 542 Blue Heron Drive Hallandale Beach, FL 33009

Sunday, 4:00 pm • December 4, 2022 St. Paul Lutheran Church 701 W Palmetto Park Road Boca Raton, FL 33486

Tuesday, 7:30 pm • December 6, 2022 St. Sebastian Catholic Church 2000 Marietta Drive Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Friday, 8:00 pm • December 9, 2022 Sunshine Cathedral 1480 SW 9th Avenue Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315

All Performances: $20 Advance Tickets; $25 Ticket on Concert Day Children 12 & Under Free • Students (any age) FREE with School I.D.

Tickets: NOVA.EDU/NOVASINGERS

tickets on sale now!

Scan With Your Camera

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7pm

Box office: 954.344.5990 • thecentercs.com 2855 Coral Springs Drive, Coral Springs, FL 33065

Photo Credit: Justin Patterson

Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 7PM at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Broadway’s Shoshana Bean Joins the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida for Annual Holiday Concert

By Denny Patterson

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he Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is returning Sunday, December 18, 2022, at 7PM for its sixth holiday performance at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Led by Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, the yearly tradition will include classics such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “Silent Night,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and many more.

Accompanying the chorus this year is Tony & Grammy Award Nominee and Billboard Chart Topping Recording Artist, Shoshana Bean, who was most recently seen opposite Billy Crystal in Mr. Saturday Night as Susan Young. The role earned her a Tony Award nomination, and Bean now joins an all-star list of featured GMCSF guest artists, which include Jordin Sparks, Matthew Morrison, Alan Cumming, Linda Eder, and Liz Calloway.

Making her Broadway debut in the original cast of Hairspray, Bean has gone on to have a successful career and previously starred as Elphaba in Wicked and Jenna in Waitress. In music, she has created six independent studio albums and EPs, which have landed her on top of the iTunes and Billboard charts, and she has performed around the globe and lent her voice to countless films and television shows.

Bean took some time to talk more about the upcoming GMCSF concert, her career, and her love for the holidays with OutClique.

Denny Patterson: Hi, Shoshana! Thank you for taking some time to chat with me. How excited are you to perform with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida for their holiday concert?

Shoshana Bean: Very excited! I love gay men, I love gay men’s choruses, and I love Christmas.

DP: Is this your first time performing with a gay men’s chorus?

SB: No, I’ve had the good fortune of singing with quite a few around the nation. Most notably New York and LA, so I’m excited to expand my gay men’s chorus repertoire.

DP: What are you looking forward to the most about this

particular concert?

SB: Oh, man. I just have a very special place in my heart for Christmas/holiday concerts in general. It’s a special, special time of the year, and I think it’s a time of year when people are nostalgic, reflective, and more than any other time during the year, love coming together, connecting, celebrating, and being lovely to one another. The season and the mood that it evokes in people. The thing I love about gay men’s choruses, from city to city, the one thing that doesn’t vary is how much love is in the room. How much support for one another there is and how much community is in the room. It never fails to move me, and I’m humble to be welcomed into that and be a part of it.

So, I just look forward to that feeling of community.

DP: Do you have a Christmas song or carol that is your

absolute favorite to perform?

SB: “O Holy Night.” It has always felt reverent and holy, like a prayer. It feels sacred, and this is going to sound ridiculous, but there’s something about the minor changes in the bridge. It bridges the gap for me because a lot of Hebrew prayers and songs sung in synagogue, the traditions that we have, all our stuff is minor. Everything’s always in a very minor progression and key, so in a way, it kind of felt like home. It has always been my favorite.

DP: How do you normally spend the holidays? Do you try

to take some time off, or are you usually working?

SB: I’m usually forced to take time off because the world shuts down (laughs). I would love to work straight through the holidays. But yeah, I usually spend time with family or take some kind of vacation. When I was younger and lived with my parents, they were not big holiday celebrators.

We would go to friends’ houses or whatever, but we

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were Jewish, and there was very little you could do to decorate and really celebrate, especially in comparison to Christmas. Now that I’m older and obviously independent, I get to create my own traditions, have my own holiday gatherings, and decorate as I see fit. I just love indulging in every corny bit of the season. From ice skating to window shopping, I love all of it.

DP: What are some of the traditions you have started?

SB: My holiday show, this will be the first year we don’t do it, but that was going for four or five years straight.

Then I have another friend who is just as obsessed with Christmas as I am. So, we’ll walk through Central Park late at night drinking hot cocoa, go to the Rockettes show, or go to this restaurant called Rolf’s, where it looks like you’re on the inside of a decorated Christmas tree 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long. It’s extraordinary. I used to have a little wine and cheese night for my closest girls, we would always do that around the holidays, but we’re all spread out now.

DP: Do you have a most cherished holiday memory?

SB: Now they’re around the Christmas shows, but when I was younger, because we were Jewish, we would go spend Christmas with my mom’s best friends. We’d spend Christmas Eve night with them and wake up on Christmas morning. Because my parents were divorced, I’m an only child, and Jewish, we would do like one night of Hanukkah with my cousins, but just knowing that the rest of the world is taking a pause, being able to be with people you love, eat, watch movies, and cuddle it’s just the coziest, most connected beautiful time. I think those are my most special memories with my mom and her two best friends.

The sort of two-day event it would become. One of them even ended up getting married on Christmas Eve. So, I do miss those days.

DP: In addition to singing and songwriting, you’re also an

acclaimed stage actress. Have you always had a passion for entertaining?

SB: I guess so. I don’t know if it was entertaining in a sense of, what can I do to get a reaction from you? I recently worked with Billy Crystal and he always tells the story of how he watched these comedians on TV and saw the reaction that the audience gave them. He said he wanted to make people do that, and then he started messing around in his living room and was like, I like that

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I was making people feel something. I don’t think that was it for me in the beginning. Now that I’m older, I can understand the exchange of energy and what it is we do in a space together as creatives and an audience, how we create together and how important that is. When I was younger, it was innately in me to turn on music, dance, sing, change clothes and costumes, and boss people around. It was just in me to perform. Like, it needed to come out of me, but when I was younger, I actually didn’t like that everyone’s eyes were on me. When I would audition for stuff, I would freeze up and become paralyzed. Performing to me, it wasn’t private by any means, but it was performative. It was just expression. So, wanting to express myself was always, always, always in me. Wanting to be an entertainer came later once I was on stage and performing. I was learning more about the community of people and the fun stuff we got to create.

It wasn’t until way later when I realized I wanted to make people feel something.

DP: I’m glad you mentioned Billy Crystal because that

was my next question. You starred opposite him in Broadway’s Mr. Saturday Night, and that was the first role you originated. What was it like working with Billy, and what did you take away from that experience?

SB: Oh my God, I’ve taken away so much from that experience. Every new experience, if you’re lucky enough, it’s just so expansive because it’s so new and uncomfortable. It’s new territory. So, moving through all those challenges taught me more about myself. It gave me more confidence in every aspect of being a performer, actress, musician, and comedian. I learned so much from Billy about timing, intention, and storytelling. Being in the room with Billy and the other two book writers was such a treat. Watching them work through scenes and dialogue, refining it and tweaking it, it was like watching a scientist solve problems. It was kind of similar in how I approach music, so it was an interesting way to treat dialogue, scene work, writing, and dramaturgy. Watching Billy with comedy and text is how I am with music, so I realized how musical text and comedy can be and is when it’s well-written and wellintentioned. It was honestly the quickest lifetime in one experience (laughs). We started in February and ended in September, so barely eight months, but it was the fastest, most revelatory lifetime in that tiny span. The gifts were and continue to be plentiful.

DP: What are some other future goals you hope to

accomplish with your career?

SB: I want to keep moving into spaces that are uncomfortable, so I think for me right now, that’s more TV and film because it’s not someplace where I’ve spent a ton of time. I’m anxious and excited to get into more spaces like how Mr. Saturday Night was. I totally feel out of my league here and I’m not really sure where I’m going, but you kind of have to figure out how to swim, or else you’ll sink. It’s in figuring out how to swim that lights me up. I really enjoy the challenge in that process, so I want to keep being in those kinds of spaces. I also love being able to tour to different cities and do concerts with new and different people, and I’d love to make more music and albums.

DP: What does the rest of 2022 look like for you right

DP: Before we wrap up, are there any other upcoming

projects or anything else you would like to mention or plug?

SB: I believe sometime in December, they haven’t given us an exact date, but we filmed Mr. Saturday Night, and it will be streaming on Broadway HD. I talked to Billy and he’s very excited about the way it was edited. It’s weird sometimes when you film a stage production because it doesn’t translate all the time, but I think because it was basically a play with music and it was very cinematic in its theatricality, and Billy is also a TV and film director, he feels like it’s very intimate and thinks it was shot well enough. I’m excited about that.

Photo Credit: Ginny Dixon Photographics

now?

SB: It looks pretty mellow. There’s a couple spa dates

here and there and some vacationing, but I’m trying to make sure that the space and time that I have is not filled up with social things so I can actually take the space and time to recalibrate, get quiet, fill my tank, and figure out what I want to create next.

Stay up-to-date and connect with Bean by following her on Instagram @ShoBean, or visit her official website, ShoshanaBean.com.

For more information about the GMCSF and to purchase tickets for the holiday concert, visit GMCSF.org.

Dates Announced for Victorian Christmas Tours at Historic Stranahan House

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istoric Stranahan House Museum will be decking the halls, the walls and more with spectacular Victorian era décor for the Victorian Christmas Tours in December.

“This is a favorite holiday tradition,” said Christine Yates, president of the Stranahan House board of directors.

“The Victorian Christmas Tours are magical and take us back to the holidays in another era. The décor is truly breathtaking.”

Stranahan House will be transformed to capture the grandeur and glamour of a traditional Victorian Christmas.

Costumed tour guides in fabulous gowns and waist coats narrate the origins of many holiday traditions and demonstrate how pioneers celebrated Christmas as they take guests on a whimsical journey of Christmas past amid picture-perfect Victorian era décor.

Tours are one hour and are scheduled from FridaySunday, December 16-18 and Friday, December 23.

There is a maximum of 10 visitors per tour. Tickets are $25 for non-members and $20 for museum members and can be purchased at www.stranahanhouse.org/events.

The museum’s gift shop will also be open featuring unique locally created and commemorative items, perfect for every person on a holiday gift list.

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale at 335 SE 6th Avenue, Stranahan House is open for daily guided tours and offers virtual experiences and in-person events throughout the year. To stay updated with events, visit https://stranahanhouse.org/. For any additional information, please call (954) 524-4736 or email director@ stranahanhouse.org.

About Historic Stranahan House Museum

Built in 1901, the Stranahan House is the oldest and most historically significant surviving structure in Broward County, Florida.

Built by founding father of Fort Lauderdale, Frank Stranahan, the structure served as the pioneer wilderness’ trading post, post office, bank, and gathering place. After marrying the area’s first school teacher, Ivy Cromartie Stranahan, the building became their home and later a boarding house, a restaurant, and now a museum. Sitting on its original location in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, the Historic Stranahan House Museum remains a connection to the past while operating as an educational center, cultural destination, and community event space. The museum is open 7 days a week for tours and is located at 335 SE 6th Avenue in Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit www.stranahanhouse.org or call 954-524-4736 Content Courtesy of Stranahan House and Pierson Grant PR | Photo Courtesy of Stranahan House

Crystal Methyd is Coming to South Florida with ‘A Drag Queen Christmas’

By Denny Patterson

Photo Courtesy of Eric Magnussen

Monday, December 26, 2022 Broward Center for the Performing Arts

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o, ho, ho! Are you ready to spend the holidays with some of your favorite queens from RuPaul’s Drag Race?

Presented by Murray & Peter for the eighth consecutive year, A Drag Queen Christmas will be coming to Fort Lauderdale’s Broward Center on Monday, December 26, 2022. Hosted

by Nina West, the production will include outrageous performances and lip syncs by the likes of Trinity the Tuck, Heidi N Closet, Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Crystal Methyd, with whom OutClique had the pleasure of chatting.

come to be? How did you discover your love and passion for drag?

CM: I came out to my parents when I was 22, and then I didn’t start drag until I was around 24. I was kind of feeling more comfortable being openly gay around my family, and I watched an episode of Drag Race with my mom, and she hated it. Then I was like, oh, I want to do that (laughs). I’ve always enjoyed breaking the rules my parents set, but not in a bad way.

DP: Why did you initially want to be on RuPaul’s Drag Race?

CM: I wanted to be on the show because I had been to drag

DP: What can audiences expect this year, particularly from

shows before back home, but I had never been inspired to do drag or get involved in the community in that way until I started researching and finding out about Club Kids and things like that. I wanted a way to kind of build an atmosphere in my community where people could experience that. In Missouri, people didn’t know what that was. I wanted to create some kind of environment where people could come and be whoever they wanted. We had an event at a straight venue, and the people who were maybe uncomfortable going to see a drag show at a gay club, since this was at a bar they were used to frequenting, they were like, okay, maybe I’ll go check this out. That then made it to where all kinds of people were falling in love with drag, not just at the gay club. Sometimes, straight men were performing because their girlfriends were encouraging them to do so, and everyone always dressed in theme. It was always above the top and people went all in. I love themed parties and a reason to get dressed up.

So, that’s kind of how I fell in love with it. I got active in my community and saw all these friendships that I could make, so I just started pushing more and more. Then it got to the point where I was like, maybe I’ll try Drag Race.

CM: I was trying to be kind of obscure with my picks of

DP: Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic began right

As one of the most recognizable personas in the drag industry, Crystal became an instant stand out on Season 12 thanks to her signature makeup, creativity, and El DeBarge mullet while out of drag. In a time where this special art form depends on displaying fierceness and assimilating beauty standards, Crystal has carved her own path and embraces her uniqueness.

Keep reading to find out what she has to say about the upcoming tour, her Drag Race experience, and more.

Denny Patterson: Thank you for taking some time to chat with me, Crystal! How excited are you to be a part of this year’s A Drag Queen Christmas?

Crystal Methyd: I’m very excited because I’ve done it before, so I know what to expect. I had all of October off to get ready for this. I’m also doing every city. I only did a few weeks last time, but I’ll be everywhere this time, so it’s exciting.

your set?

maybe not picking Christmas music, but still making it Christmas themed. I did have this one idea, but then I found out Kornbread had the same idea. It’s so funny how Kornbread’s aesthetic would cross with mine somewhere.

So, I had to rework it, and now I’m maybe doing a spooky number.

DP: How do you normally spend the holidays? Do you try to take some time off, or are you busy working?

CM: Before Drag Race, I would always spend Christmas at home. We don’t have a super huge family, so we would usually go to Arkansas and visit my grandparents or do something at my parents’ house. Nothing too crazy. I think the only tradition we always did was, my mom would give us matching pajamas the night before.

DP: For those who don’t know, how did Crystal Methyd

when your season was airing, so we didn’t have a traditional grand finale. How challenging was that for you? Even more, how challenging was it to navigate your career during that?

CM: Yeah, it was so strange because as much as I would have wanted to do the grand finale, I think forcing us to do it ourselves in our homes really pushed our minds in trying to figure out what we can do creatively and be different. I tried to lean into that home aspect and use craft supplies and stuff I already had lying around. The cardboard I used for the piñata outfit, that was stuff I already had. I don’t know what I would have put together for a big stage show in front of a live audience, especially at that time because we hadn’t been traveling or anything. I hadn’t built up these connections that I thought I would have at that point, so I didn’t have the team that would be needed to put together something like that. In the end, I think it worked to my benefit, but I would love to do something live on a stage like that again.

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JAN 3 – 8 · ARSHT CENTER arshtcenter.org/ALADDIN

T I C K E T S M A K E G R E AT G I F T S !

©Disney

THE HIT BROADWAY MUSICAL

Jake Letts, Ben Chavez, Adi Roy and Colt Prattes in North American Tour of ALADDIN. Photo by Deen van Meer. © Disney

Ben Chavez from Disney’s Aladdin Talks Theater Magic

By John Hayden Magic is in the air and on the stage! The cast and crew of Disney’s Aladdin are riding their magic carpets to South Florida. The show will be in West Palm Beach at the Kravis Center December 14-23, 2022, and then after a short holiday break, moves to the Adrienne Arsht Center in Miami January 3-8, 2023.

Ben Chavez, an openly LGBTQIA+ member of the cast, talked about the magical role with OutClique. “Going to work every day at Disney’s Aladdin is such a joy. I couldn’t have imagined having a job I’ve dreamed of doing since I was a little kid. I’m basically living out my dream.”

He plays Omar, part of a trio of the titular character’s pals. “Some people aren’t familiar with our characters.

So we have this little trio of friends that accompany Aladdin throughout the show, we’re his street rat gang of friends and we have lots of fun together. We’re his sidekicks. We add some comedy to the show and I think that catches people off guard.”

Besides being a little comic relief, Chavez found some drama in the role that put him on edge. “We do this sword fight in act two. When I first joined the show, I was scared to death of the swords. I had never done that kind of stage combat before and every time we would go to pick up the swords I would have to pray for a second. Am I gonna hurt myself or somebody else? Of course, that never happened.”

Fortunately, all ears, noses, and appendages are still intact, and Chavez says it’s now his favorite part of the show. “Over the years I’ve come to fall in love with that sword fight number. Whenever we get to that now I’m like come on, let me save my friend Aladdin!”

Love On the Road Disney’s Aladdin has made one wish come true for Chavez, he found love. “It really was a fairytale. I could not have imagined it going any better than it did.” The two met while the show was in Houston and did the long

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts

December 14-23, 2022 distance thing for about a year. Then came the true test.

“When COVID began and our show had to shut down, I didn’t have a place to live because I had given up my NYC apartment. I packed my tour suitcases and moved in with him in Houston. We spent the entire pandemic together.

Now I’m back doing the same tour I was when we met, but now I’m doing it as an engaged man.”

This summer they took a Disney cruise, and both got on board with the same idea. “Unbeknownst to each other, we both brought engagement rings on board. And both had our own organic moment proposing to each other.

We were totally caught off guard and surprised. It was such a beautiful, perfect, magical vacation.”

South Florida Spots Chavez and his fiancé are looking forward to their time in South Florida and already know their way around.

“One of our favorite spots to getaway is Fort Lauderdale.

Whenever we need a long weekend getaway we’ll just go to Fort Lauderdale, hang out in Wilton Manors, go to

Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County

January 3-8, 2023

Sebastian Beach. It’s our happy place.”

The cast also likes to go out and hit the bars when they’re in a new town. Keep an eye out because you may spot them taking over the mic somewhere along Wilton Manors.

“I’m so excited. Florida is one of my favorite places to be. We’re working the north and northeast. I’m a Jersey boy so I’m used to the cold but I’m really excited to be in Florida around the holidays. It’s gonna be super special.”

Three Wishes Of course we had to ask what he would wish for if he had three wishes. We assumed that finding love counts as one wish granted, so he gave us two more. “That everyone has a chance to see live theater at some point in their lives. For many, Disney’s Aladdin is the first musical they ever see.

To know that we are sort of christening them into the live theater world is unbelievable and so special. And third, that we all celebrate everyone’s differences. In Disney’s Aladdin we represent all different cultures and identities and that is also what makes this show so special.”

Performances are in West Palm Beach at the Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts (www.Kravis.org) December 14-23, 2022 and at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County (www.ArshtCenter.org) in Miami January 3-8, 2023.

Matthew Darren | Photo Courtesy of Kita Zuleta

World Aids Museum and Educational Center Launches the First South Florida Red Dress, Dress Red Gala On February 4, 2023

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new party tradition is heading south with the debut of The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center’s Red Dress, Dress Red Gala on February 4, 2023, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA) located at 1855 Griffin Road in Dania Beach. With a history of success in other major cities, this inaugural South Florida event will bring awareness to the HIV epidemic and raise funds for quality programming developed by the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center (WAM). Tickets are on sale now.

“World AIDS Museum and Educational Center is excited to host our first signature fundraiser, the Red Dress, Dress Red Gala, which is a historic national dance party known for being an over-the-top evening of fantasy and fun to support HIV awareness,” said Terry Dyer, executive Director of World AIDS Museum and Educational Center.

“Red is loud, proud and a symbol of the strength and unity we seek to foster in our community to eradicate this deadly disease that still silently kills.”

The red theme sets the tone for this high-energy night of fun that leads up to Pride of the Americas 2023 in Fort Lauderdale. An actual dress is not required but all are encouraged to just wear something red and be dressed to impress. Guests will be in everything from red top hat and tails to red sequin and feathers as they dance the night away at DCOTA. from 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Floor-thumping tunes, open bar, and complimentary valet parking make it a fabulous night for all attendees.

A VIP ticket adds a level of indulgence with a 1.5hour reception featuring entertainment by Broadway performer Anne Steele, local sensation LeNora Jaye, award-winning violinists Synergy Twins, and American Idol Season 10-star Matthew Darren. VIP guests will also have an opportunity to meet and greet RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 6-star Trinity K. Bonet and enjoy complimentary beverages, hors d’oeuvres, DJ Ed, and more. All are invited to an official after-hours dance party at Hunters Nightclub.

Trinity K. Bonet | Photo Courtesy of Trinity K. Bonet and RuPaul’s Drag Race

All funds collected through ticket sales and corporate sponsorships up to $500K will be matched dollar for dollar

by AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF).

This event started as a promise kept by a gay male couple after they received HIV diagnoses. They each promised to wear red at funerals they attended, instead of the traditional black attire usually worn, to bring attention to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the United States. Since 2005, Red Dress Parties have become popularized in other larger cities such as Palm Springs, San Diego, Portland, Toronto, Seattle, and San Francisco to benefit HIV and LGBTQ related organizations.

“Hunters Nightclub is proud to be the title sponsor of this themed dance party for a good cause,” says Mark Hunter, proprietor of Hunters Nightclub Wilton Manors and Palm Springs. “We applaud the outreach and education efforts created by WAM and understand the importance of having this global health challenge remain in the forefront of people’s hearts and minds.”

The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center‘s Hunters Nightclub Red Dress, Dress Red Gala is sponsored

by AHF, Citrix, LeBoy/LIT Bar, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Midland/CAN Community Health, Florida Blue, FPL, HRC, Memorial Health System, G21 Fitness, Aaron’s Cremation and Funeral, RE/MAX, CycleBar Fort Lauderdale, SAVE, Spirit Airlines, Pub on the Drive, Pride of the Americas, Visit Lauderdale, CrowdSync Technologies, Flockfest, and Design Center of the Americas. Media sponsors include Lifestyle Media Group/SFBW, OutClique, SFGN, HotSpots!, and It’s Happening Out. Tickets for the highly anticipated event are $250 (VIP includes 6:30 – 8 p.m. special reception with an open bar sponsored by Tito’s, hors d’oeuvres, live entertainment, a private shuttle from Hunters to DCOTA, meet and greet with celebrities, and free valet parking) and $100 (general admission from 8 – 11:30 p.m. includes live entertainment, complimentary beverages, valet parking, or self-parking), and are available to purchase at RDDRgala.eventbrite.com.

For more information about The World AIDS Museum and Educational Center ‘s Red Dress, Dress Red Gala call (954) 390-0550 or visit www.worldaidsmuseum.org Content Courtesy of Goodman PR