Most Americans don’t spend a lot of time thinking about this country’s court system. If you’re lucky, you don’t have a lot of direct contact with the courts. The most privileged among us don’t even really have to think about it. The judicial system is like a sewer system: if it’s working okay then it’s largely out-of-sight out-of-mind. But when it gets clogged up with garbage everybody is sorry they didn’t take better care of it and check on it sooner.
And clogging our courts up with garbage is just what Donald Trump is doing. He’s outsourced the judge-picking to far right groups who have been giving him names of extremists that he is dutifully nominating. They are unfit for the bench, but when you’re the president, they let you do it.
One of these nominees is Jeff Mateer who has been nominated for a lifetime seat on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas. And he is a nightmare.
In a video put together by the People for the American Way, Mateer calls homosexuality “the elephant in the room” and bemoaned “the agenda that this small group is seeking and imposing on the rest of us.”
“I’ve read the 14th Amendment thousands of times,” he says in a recording. “I don’t see anything about right to same sex marriage; I don’t see anything saying right to homosexuality, I don’t see anything about right to privacy.”
No doubt he thinks it perfectly all right to tell a lesbian couple, “We’re not going to rent to you” or refusing to make a cake for a gay couple’s wedding citing religious freedom.
He also believes in so-called “reparative therapy,” which has been thoroughly debunked by medical experts but is still embraced by those who believe that you can just “pray the gay away.”
The worst is what he has to say about transgender kids and their audacity to fight for the right to use the restroom at school.
Mara Keisling, the executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality, isn’t having it. “How dare he?” Keisling asks. “How dare anyone talk about children this way?
Republicans have been rubber stamping Trump’s nominees. The Democrats are opposing them, but they are in the minority.
In a letter signed by 278 parents of transgender children from 36 states, Mateer is encouraged to apologize and invited to withdraw his nomination. Of course, that’s like imploring the fox to be nice to the chickens now that he has the key to the coop. The radical right doesn’t exactly have a history of showing mercy to LGBTQ people.
Elections have consequences. And when Trump is finally gone his legacy will live on in conservative anti-LGBTQ judges across the country and in the Supreme Court that will shape the legal landscape for generations to come. Some of the battles we thought we won will have to be fought again. The most effective weapon against this? Vote.
The Rainbow Flag, the international symbol of LGBT liberation and pride, will be unveiled in a special ceremony on Wednesday, October 11 at 12:00 Noon at the historic Stonewall National Monument, where, thanks to the efforts of activists, it now claims a permanent home. This historic event marks the first time that the LGBT flag waves over federally-funded land, under the permanent stewardship of the National Park Service.
Stonewall National Monument is located in Christopher Street Park in New York’s Greenwich Village. The park is on the corner of Christopher Street and 7th Avenue South.
The event will be emceed by Gay USA television co-host Ann Northrop. Performers will include Telly Leung, who plays the title role in Disney’s “Aladdin on Broadway” and Cantor Steve Zeidenberg of Congregation Beit Simchat Torah. Speakers will be Leslie Cagan, an organizer of the 1987 March on Washington for LGBT Rights, National Park Service’s Chief of Interpretation, Education and Visitor Services Barbara Applebaum, Kiara St. James, Executive Director of New York Transgender Advocacy Group, and LGBT and AIDS activist Michael Petrelis who spearheaded this initiative.
“It is a victory for our Community to have these symbolic colors flying majestically over our Stonewall, designated as a National Monument by President Obama, even as our LGBTQ brothers and sisters are under attack by the current regime in power,” said Michael Petrelis. He went on to say, “As we gather today, we are reminded of another October 11, thirty years ago, when the names of our fallen comrades were symbolically celebrated on another national monument – the AIDS Quilt — during the reign of another President who waged an attack against us.”
October 11 marks the thirtieth anniversary of the historic 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian Gay Rights–when the NAMES Project AIDS Quilt was unfurled on the National Mall. The date also marks the annual National Coming Out Day, a day celebrating the idea that all members of the LGBTQ community should be able to live their lives openly, honestly, and with pride.
The flag, which was originally designed by the late artist and activist Gilbert Baker, consists of six stripes: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. The flag is typically flown horizontally, with the red stripe on top, as would appear in a natural rainbow.
Support for the ceremony is being generously provided by Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS helps men, women and children across the country and across the street receive lifesaving medications, health care, nutritious meals, counseling and emergency financial assistance. broadwaycares.org
Gilbert Baker died in New York City on March 31 at the age of 65. Memorials to the internationally known activist were held across the globe in subsequent weeks.
The Stonewall Inn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999.
Hosted by Andrea Burns (On Your Feet!), The National LGBTQ Task Force Gala-Miami at Fontainebleau-Miami honored Gloria Estefan with the National Leadership Award, and local heroes Alberto Arias & Wood Kinnard with the 2017 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award. View the full gallery: 2017 National LGBTQ Task Force Gala-Miami
The 2017 OUTShine Film Festival hosted their annual Opening Night Party at the NSU Art Museum in Fort Lauderdale. The event celebrated the Japanese movie “Close Knit” and featured Taiko Drumming demonstrations. View the full gallery: OUTShine’s Opening Night Party at NSU Art Museum
The Annual Oktoberfest was held in Oakland Park filled with Bavarian dancing and music, Dachshund racing, and plenty of German food and beer! View the full gallery: Annual Oakland Park Oktoberfest 2017
Ramrod, a Leather and Levi Cruise bar in Fort Lauderdale, hosted their Annual Mr. Ramrod 2017 where contestants competed in a leather-inspired competition. Congrats go out to Scott Blumstein! View the full gallery: Mr. Ramrod 2017
Both the Straz Center for the Perfoming Arts and The Dr. Phillips Center For the Performing Arts presents the hit Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET!– based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time GRAMMY winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan. The first national tour will celebrate its Grand Opening in the state of Florida hitting the Dr. Phillips Center from October 17–22 with tickets starting at $34.25 at DrPhillipsCenter.org, and then hits going to the Straz Center from Oct24 – Oct29,with tickets starting at $45 at strazcenter.org.
Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records and sold out stadiums around the world. Emilio and Gloria Estefan together have won 26 GRAMMY Awards – but their music is only half of the story. From the heart of Havana to the streets of Miami came a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the music industry had ever seen. ON YOUR FEET! is the new Broadway musical that follows the Estefans’ journey to superstardom, set to their chart-topping, smash hits, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” Don’t Want To Lose You Now,” and “Reach,” in addition to an original song written by Gloria and her daughter Emily Estefan.
ON YOUR FEET! is directed by two-time Tony Award® winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) and choreographed by Tony Award nominee & Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis), with an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman, The Bodyguard Musical). The musical began performances on Broadway on Monday, October 5, 2015, with an opening night of Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.
Completing the creative team are four-time Tony-nominated Scenic Designer David Rockwell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), Tony-nominated Costume Designer Emilio Sosa (Porgy & Bess), Tony Award-winning Lighting Designer Kenneth Posner (Wicked, Hairspray), Tony Award-winning Sound Designer Steve Kennedy (Lady Day, Guys and Dolls), Projections by Darrel Maloney, and Hair & Wig Designer Chuck LaPointe (Beautiful, Newsies). With Music Direction by Lon Hoyt (Hairspray), ON YOUR FEET! features Orchestrations by Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, Dance Arrangements and Dance Orchestrations by Oscar Hernandez (The Capeman).
James L. Nederlander, Estefan Enterprises, Inc and Bernie Yuman have announced that Cuban-American Broadway actress Christie Prades will star as seven-time GRAMMY® winning international superstar Gloria Estefan, and acclaimed stage and television actor Mauricio Martinez will play her 19-time Grammy-winning producer and husband Emilio Estefan, in the First National Tour of the Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET!.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Danny Burgos, born and raised in Florida, who is in the ensemble and the Emilio understudy.
At what age did you begin singing/acting?
I started singing when I was around 7 years old in church, but acting didn’t come about until I was a junior in high school. My best friend wanted to audition for a musical, but was too nervous to audition on her own, so I went with her and I get cast as the lead.
What was your first Professional/Paid gig?
It was at Flat Rock Playhouse after my freshman year at the musical program at Florida State University. I was in the ensemble for Guys and Dolls.
You were born in Florida. Do you get back often and how excited are you to be touring in Florida?
I’m very excited as I don’t get back as often as I would like. I was born in Hialeah and my dad still lives in Miami. In addition, the Adrienne Arsht Center is where I saw my first musical, so I am so excited to be performing in that theater.
I see that Pizza is one of your hobbies, which is your favorite kind of Pizza and why?
This is an ongoing joke that I have with my friends. I just love pizza, and every Friday my mom would bring us pizza. Papa John’s Pepperoni pizza with the garlic sauce really makes me happy, but in New York, I went to Artichoke Pizza in Chelsea and I have to admit it’s the best pizza I had in my life.
Other than this show, what role has been your favorite to play and why?
My favorite musical that I have been in, other than “On Your Feet” is “In the Heights.” I was cast in three versions of the show and each time it becomes more familial as it is a Latin based show and I feel an attraction to my culture. The show is just about 1 day in the life of a Latin American in New York, and to me it’s so special. The characteristics of being Latin are stripped, and they are just shown as people. Its so special to me!
What should the Central Florida audiences expect out of this touring company ofOn Your feet?
I always tell everyone that this is an important story because you get to know the life of this important couple. Most people do not know the behind the scenes story of how they got to where they are now. Ultimately you leave the theater singing and dancing to the songs you love. I promise, you won’t leave without a smile on your face.
For more information on Danny, either go to his website at: DannyBurgos.com.
Whether it’s knowing the already-established history of her sexuality or recalling that time a man had a very visible erection on stage as she performed, Demi Lovato appreciates Demi-schooled journalists.
“Thanks for doing your research,” the 25-year-old singer-actress tells me. “I really appreciate and respect that.”
Her warm send-off caps our frank exploration of queer topics, including the Disney alum’s desire to maintain an air of mystery regarding her own sexual orientation.
While promoting her sixth studio album, Tell Me You Love Me, Lovato talked artists who pander to the LGBT community, daddy issues and Mariah Carey, meanwhile thoroughly explaining her mindful decision to remain tight-lipped to the press about the gender of the person she’s dating.
Because many people will likely not have the opportunity to experience this, what is it like to perform at an NYC gay bar with gay porn playing and a man gyrating on a pole who very clearly has an erection?
(Laughs) You know what, it was very interesting. I wasn’t paying much attention to what was going on behind me, but it was definitely a first-time experience… and it will probably be the last. Actually, who knows? It might not be the last!
You weren’t paying attention to it? And by“it,”you know what I mean.
I definitely noticed it, but I was trying to perform!
It was being called one of the most cringe worthy stage invasions ever.
Yeah, it was pretty cringe worthy.
While we’re on the topic of wangs, tell me how the first thing out of your mouth while accepting the GLAAD Vanguard Award last year ended up being about Nick Jonas’penis, when you said yours is bigger than his.
It was a joke that I was thinking about saying before I went on because I know that everyone in the audience was totally daydreaming about Nick.
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Was it even more special to have Nick present the award to you?
It definitely meant something that it was being presented by somebody who has been very, very close to me for almost 10 years of my life, but also, it felt really amazing that I was being awarded by a whole community of people. I wasn’t seeking an award. I was just doing what is right. And people should be accepting of the LGBT community. It’s a no-brainer for me. So, defending and standing up for the LGBT community is something that I’ve always been fearless to do because it’s just the right thing to do.
You’ve headlined many Prides and you even filmed your video for 2013’s “Really Don’t Care” at LA Pride. What has been your most proud Pride moment?
I think my most proud Pride moment would be getting the Vanguard Award. It was just amazing. It was just a good really feeling and I was so honored to get that award.
When in your career were you first aware that you had an LGBT following?
I was aware at the very beginning because I came out with a song called “This Is Me” for a movie called Camp Rock (in 2008) and I had gay guys tell me, “This song helped me come out to my family because this song represents who I am.” That was when I was 15, and that was really beautiful to me and really unbelievable and powerful.
You have become a staunch advocate for the gay community. I bet your late, gay grandfather would be really proud of your LGBT activism. I love what you said about him in 2014 onTrailblazers, a Logo TV special honoring LGBT civil rights pioneers. How did he influence the way you grappled with your own sexuality?
He definitely influenced me a lot. I actually would not like to talk about it just because I feel like – I think I outed him, actually, to some relatives, so it’s kind of a sensitive subject.
You didn’t know he wasn’t out?
No, I had no idea.
How about other queer trailblazers that you’ve looked up to?
No – you know, I love who I love and I feel like I look at everybody who is outspoken about who they are as an inspiration and that’s it.
Your sexuality has been thoroughly dissected by the Internet after you alluded to being open to both genders. I want to give you the opportunity to speak on it as directly as you’d like.
Thank you for the opportunity, but I think I’m gonna pass.
“Cool for the Summer”became an anthem for people in the LGBT community, but AfterEllen, a lesbian pop-culture website, got the impression you were suggesting that same-sex intimacy has to be a secret. Was that message your intent and how would you respond to their feedback?
My intention with the song was just fun and bi-curiosity. I think people look at song lyrics – they look too into it. I wish I could tell that website to “chill the fuck out” and “take a break,” because it’s just a song.
I think we live in a world today where no matter what you do, you’re doing something wrong, whether it’s cultural appropriation or it’s being insensitive to certain groups of people. We just live in that age where everything we do is wrong and, unfortunately, everyone’s looking for a reason to have their voices heard, and sometimes it’s not always in the most positive way.
As someone who is an LGBT advocate, is there a reason you choose not to speak openly about your sexuality?
I just feel like everyone’s always looking for a headline and they always want their magazine or TV show or whatever to be the one to break what my sexuality is. I feel like it’s irrelevant to what my music is all about. I stand up for the things that I believe in and the things that I’m passionate about, but I like to keep my personal life as private as possible when it comes to dating and sexuality and all that stuff just because it has nothing to do with my music. Unfortunately, we live in a world where everyone is trying to get that soundbite and I am purposefully not giving the soundbite. Watch my documentary.
Oh?
I have a documentary coming out on October 12 (on YouTube called Demi Lovato: Simply Complicated) and I answer a lot of questions in my documentary.
About your sexuality?
Yeah, some about that. Because if ever I want to talk about it, I want it to be on my own terms.
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Then can we talk about how the drag queens are about to be practicing every song from this album for their routines? Because you guest judgedRuPaul’s Drag Race. You know drag. What performance advice do you have for a drag queen who wants to do your new song“Daddy Issues”?
Ohh, I was thinking that would be a fun song for drag! I think a lot of people can relate to the lyrics, so just relate to it and then pour your heart and soul out into it.
Is it important to have daddies on stage?
No, no, no. It’s actually coming from the point of view where it’s like, “I have daddy issues,” so you don’t have to dress as a daddy. I mean, you can if you want! (Laughs)
Do you have a desire to be a gay icon?
If it happens, amazing. I think sometimes people can abuse that opportunity by trying to win over the gay community. It’s something that if it happens, amazing, and I’m more than willing to be that for people. But I don’t go out trying to win over a certain community just so I can say that I have that fan base.
Have some singers tarnished the“gay icon”label?
No. Nobody has tarnished the label, but I’ve heard people say with certain people they are kind of using the fan base just get to that demographic. I never want my music to be for anyone. I want my music to stand up for them.
You don’t want to pander is what it seems you’re saying.
Yeah. I’ll never do that. If the gay community loves my music because they love it, then awesome.
When it comes to gay icons, the Chers, Madonnas and Gagas of the world, which do you most want to share the stage with?
I would love to share the stage with Gaga and Cher. I’d love to share the stage with RuPaul as well! I kind of did, but I want to perform with him.
How about Mariah?
(Laughs) You’re funny.
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Even though you called her“nasty”for her J. Lo shade and her response when asked about you was“I don’t know her,”you both have GLAAD awards and I want to see you two kiss and make up and record a song together.
I think she’s got an incredible voice and, you know, yeah, I’d love to share the stage with her.
As someone who has overcome obstacles to be the sober, confident and empowered woman you are now, what would you tell a young, struggling LGBT person also trying to triumph over similar substance-abuse hurdles and body-image issues?
I think a lot of people drinking and using in the LGBTQ community has to do with finding their identity. The most important thing to know is that you are never going to find your identity through drugs and alcohol, so don’t even go there. You are not going to find the answers through drugs and alcohol.
On June 12, 2016, Orlando was changed forever. Throughout the days, weeks and months that followed, the community took action to rebuild and strengthen. People helped one another. They showed the world our ongoing spirit that neither hate nor violence could ever extinguish us and we kept dancing.
Last November, Come Out With Pride gathered people together to remember and honor the lives that were taken from us. This year, Come Out With Pride will continue to honor their memory by keeping the music going. There will be dancing in the parade, dancing throughout the festival, and even an entire dance area called the #KeepDancingOrlando Zone.
Here is your guide to an unforgettable weekend:
To kick off Orlando Pride weekend, stop by The Veranda from 6:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 12th for The Pride Launch Party. The countdown to pride weekend ramps up with energetic performances in a dazzling social setting that’s not to be missed. General admission is free and VIP options are available. The Veranda is located in the beautiful Thornton Park neighborhood at 111 North Summerlin Avenue.
On Friday at 8 p.m., Get ready to party as Hamburger Mary’s and Pride Orlando presents “Pride On Church Street”. The event is free admission and features various live entertainment throughout the night, including Miss Sammy, DJ JB Burgos, The Minx, Carol Lee and many more!! Hamburger Mary’s is located at 110 West Church Street in Downtown Orlando.
Before heading over to the Come Out With Pride Festival on Saturday the 14th, grab your boyfriend…or your girlfriend…or your parents…or all of your closest friends…or all of the above and head over to The Abbey for the Big Gay Brunch, presented by Orlando Immunology Center. The Big Gay Brunch features an amazing brunch spread, bottomless mimosas, Tito’s Bloody Marys, DJs and live performances. You can purchase your tickets at biggaybrunchorlando.com. The Abbey is located a block away from Lake Eola at 100 South Eola Drive. Eat, Drink and Come Out With Pride!
Between noon and 10 p.m. on Saturday the 14th, join the LGBTQ+ community members and allies as we all come together for an unforgettable day long festival!
Be sure to visit more than 100 vendors at the Pride Marketplace and SponsorWalk between noon and 7 p.m.
Gather your friends to watch The Most Colorful Parade at 4p.m. Come Out With Pride is looking forward to having a very moving and uplifting parade, and this is your chance to get excited and show thanks to the individuals who have devoted so much energy to strengthening and supporting our community. In order to ensure that all of this year’s attendees have a perfect spot to watch the parade, the route has been expanded all the way down to Orange Avenue. Come Out With Pride is also offering a special grandstands seating option along with the VIP Experience.
Every great event deserves a great finale, and shortly after 9p.m. Come Out With Pride will continue the tradition of saying goodnight with a dazzling spectacle of fireworks above Lake Eola. With nearly a mile of walkways around the water, there’s room for everyone to get a prime viewing spot.
The festival, parade and fireworks spectacle are all free of charge and open to the public with VIP tickets for sale featuring exclusive opportunities throughout the day. Entertainment, special events and more surprises will commence throughout the day.
Come Out With Pride is always a fun event as it is a safe place where everyone can feel welcomed with the most colorful parade and best entertainment. However, Pride is more than that. The Pride legacy is about fighting for our community’s rights, especially for those who don’t always have a voice. Pride is also about taking action – Throughout this year’s festival, you’ll will see many organizations and businesses that are committed to making our society better. You’ll find some engaged in helping people live healthier lives, others who are charged with changing our political landscape, and so much more as you will have an opportunity to meet and join forces with these groups. Come Out With Pride is dedicated to helping you find and connect with them. We’ve seen countless examples in recent times of how ignorance and inaction can have devastating consequences. Come out this October 14th with plans to celebrate, but also with the mission to help the entire Come Out With Pride team make a real difference.
Every year, Come Out With Pride truly makes a difference by allocating funds towards grants and scholarships for the Central Florida community. Their board evaluates the needs of local LGBTQ+ organizations, LGBTQ+ students and that of allied organizations doing an outstanding job at educating and providing services to our community towards acceptance and equal rights. Come Out With Pride does not provide grants to political or activist groups. Their focus is on those organizations that might be struggling to meet their goals and those with a mission aimed at educating and assisting members of our community. Last year, Come Out With Pride provided $30,000 in scholarships, cash grants and promotional/logistical assistance to various organizations within the community.
In closing, I would like to thank the entire Come Out With Pride team: Brian Riha, Patrick Burke, Jose Luis Dieppa, Cedric Linton, Deb Ofsowitz, Jeff Prystajko, Matt Riha, Holly Strout, Kesia Antunes, Bob Azzarito, Karen Brown, Robert Carnes, J.D. Casto, Conor McKeever, Dani Ring, Alex Ruble, Kevin Sayre, Billy Sisco and the amazing group of volunteers that help make this an unforgettable event every year.
All of us are making a difference in our community! Let’s #KeepDancingOrlando.
The 45th anniversary of the Female Impersonator Miss Florida Pageant will be taking place on Monday, October 16 at the beautiful Bahia Mar on Fort Lauderdale beach. The pageant is nicknamed “The Social Event of the Season” attracting some of the top named female impersonators, and Movie, TV and Fashion stars from across the USofA and beyond.
In the past Miss Florida had celebrity judges including KC and Sunshine Band, Boy George, and Sylvester. This year we have Trinity Taylor form Ru Paul’s Drag Race Season 9.
Although many pageant systems have started since, they have followed the lead of Miss Florida F.I. Although Miss Florida F.I. is a state title, the system has always been recognized as a national pageant.
Former winners have gone onto great careers in TV, movies, and coveted lead roles in shows and cabarets including Las Vegas and P-Town, and have traveled not only across the state of Florida but around the world.
The current owners plan to uphold the vision of original owners Keith Landon and Rene Rodriguez include, they are:
Alyson Thomas, a seasoned professional in the art form of female impersonation herself for 40 years, brings professionalism, style, stability, and experience to the pageant. She is also known throughout the country as a leading promoter and supporter to many who have gone on to become national title holders and a coach to newcomers. Well respected by everyone in the art form, a hands on owner with an eye for detail, coupled with personality, hospitality and vision.
Scott Holland, whose knowledge and experience in the Florida market includes: media and editorial experience, judge to many pageantry systems, a pageant coordinator, public relations, professionalism, and a love for entertainment that cannot be touched.
Victor Zepka and Gary Santis who have owned the pageant for the last 25 years have stayed on as owners to keep the history of the system alive. They bring 25 years of hands on working knowledge of the system, and the experience that’s makes Miss Florida F.I. rich in history, and memories. Victor brings long standing established relationships with sponsors, vendors and local business and community leaders to the pageant. Gary continues to create amazing sets, outrageous productions, state of the art sound and lighting, encompassing a show and a night of entertainment not to be missed.
When asked about any new things happening in the Miss Florida System, Alyson Thomas, President, said “We have many exciting plans in the years to come that I think the community is going to love. So far, since resurrecting the Miss Florida system 4 years ago, we have also brought back the Miss Florida F.I, at Large pageant 2 years ago that we produce at the Parliament House, and this year we are excited to be producing for the very first time, the Mr Florida Male Entertainer pageant that will be held that day before Miss Florida, on Sunday October 15 also at the Bahia Mar Hotel.”
I asked Miss Florida F.I. 2016, the beautiful Shantell D’Marco, why it was so important for her to become Miss Florida F.I and she said: “Entering Miss Florida FI was a life goal of mine. I grew up in Miami and Miss Florida was the event of the year. Gowns, fashion, trendsetters, just to name a few. One day I knew I would be a Miss Florida. But Life happened, and I moved away from Florida. IYears later I moved back to Florida but this time to Central Florida, Orlando. Everything just blossomed for me from there, career, marriage, and most important growth. Miss Florida F.I. came back to mind and I knew I only wanted to do it one time. I checked all my boxes and I knew I was ready. It was important for me to return and finally do Miss Florida, not only because it was a life goal, but ultimately just to show the world what I was now made of and that the glow outside now finally matched inside.”
The Mr. and Miss Florida F.I. pageant will be held Sunday and Monday, October 15 & 16 at the beautiful Bahia Mar on Fort Lauderdale beach starting at 8 p.m. To reserve your hotel room go to call the Bahia Mar at 954-764-2233 and ask for Cherlie and tell her you want the Miss Florida discount. To purchase tickets go to MissFloridaFIPageant.com or call Scott at 954-478-4587.
NeiBEARhood Takeover returns to Southern Nights Tampa with DJ JB Burgos and Adult Video star, Fernando Del Rio. Strip contest begins at 1am. Admission is free before 11 and $5 afterwards.
The 2017 Fabulous Independent Film Festival, a production of Harvey Milk Festival, will take place in historic downtown Sarasota today and tomorrow at Burns Court Cinema. This year, the festival’s opening night film ‘Dreamboat‘ follows the lives of 5 gay men setting sail on a gay-only party cruise. This sometimes intimate, sometimes frolicking documentary offers audiences a passionate and hopeful glimpse into each of the men’s dreams and political/personal desires. For more information or to purchase tickets in advance, go to: fabulousiff.com.
The Tampa Bay International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival is celebrating a renewed focus on both sides of the Bay for 2017. During this 28th year they are excited at the opportunity to bring unity between both Hillsborough and Pinellas within the CommUNITY. They look forward to welcoming back beloved guests from over the years and prepare for the best LGBTQ+ festival films, parties and festival goodness ever. The festival runs from today until October 14. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to TIGLFF.org.
An emulsion of fashion and culture, CITY is the signature fashion event at the Tampa Museum of Art that raises funds annually to bring art and arts education programs for visitors of all ages to our community. This year, CITY will be a “fashion event” in performance art style, a departure from a typical runway show, with Susanne Bartsch at the epicenter. Interactive vignettes – each created and styled by a different designer – will feature new looks inspired by Bartsch’s eccentric, avant-garde style and her impact on club kid culture, past and present. There will be a special guest performances by Tony Arias. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to: tampamuseum.org.
Saturday, October 7
The Straz Center presents “AC²,” An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen: Deep Talk and Shallow Tales. Unscripted. Uncensored. This night of conversation between Emmy-winning journalist Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, the host of Bravo’s late-night talk show Watch What Happens: Live and the executive producer of the Real Housewivesseries, promises to deliver an unforgettable evening. Longtime friends the two interview each other and take questions from the audience in this off-the-cuff, interactive look behind the scenes of pop culture and world events. Tickets start at $59.50 at StrazCenter.org.
One of the most popular and highly recognized standup comedians on the road today, Chris Tucker will make a stop at AMALIE Arena in Tampa with special guest D.L. Hughley at 8p.m. Tickets start at $25 and are available at: AmalieArena.com.
The Parliament House presents PINK, benefitting Libby’s Legacy Breast Cancer Foundation. The event will feature raffles, giveaways, and Pink Drink specials.
The Flamingo Resort presents “Monster Mash” with a ghostly drag show at 11:30pm in the Blu Theater with hostess Iman.
Sunday, October 8
TIGLFF presents The Lavender Scare at Tampa Theater. Based on the groundbreaking book by USF professor David K. Johnson, the parallels in this historical documentary are more relevant today, than any of us want to think about. A movement started with assumptions born in bigotry and fueled by fear, and led to the persecution of thousands of gay men and lesbians that lasted for decades.
Wednesday, October 11
The Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce presents their Autumn CocktailSocial at The Mill St Petersburg, which USA Today recently called, “an instant hit” since it opened its doors in 2015. There will be a small plate buffet, craft cocktails and a raffle. The event takes place from 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, October 12
Movies in the Park at Straub Park, St Petersburg presents Some Like it Hot, staring Marilyn Monroe. Two Chicago musicians, Joe & Jerry, witness a gangster shooting and need to get away. To do so, they land a gig as women with an all-girl band heading to Florida – the laughs never end! For more information visit GrandCentralDistrict.org. After the showing, dance the night away at the Red Hot After Party at Enigma featuring by DJ Blake Blaze, drink specials, and no cover!
Orlando Pride Launch Party at The Veranda in Thornton Park from 6:30 to 10p.m.. The countdown to Pride Weekend ramps up with energetic performances in a dazzling social setting that’s not to be missed. Admission is free with VIP $35.
The Straz Center presents The Naked Magicians. The show features magic, mirth and more than a touch of mayhem as these two hot and hilarious magicians say abracadabra and take magic to a whole new level. Left without sleeves or pockets, the Naked Magician’s (Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne) saucy magic is baffling and entertaining, bringing a new meaning to “now you see it.” This boisterous R-rated magic show strips away the top hats and capes, promising full frontal illusions. Good magicians don’t need sleeves, and great magicians don’t need pants. Price Level 1 tickets include a premium seat and a post-show meet and greet with the magicians. Tickets start at $45 at StrazCenter.org.
Friday, October 13
Get ready to party as Hamburger Mary’s and Pride Orlando presents “Pride On Church Street” from 8 to 11:30p.m. The event is free and features a fabulous list of entertainers.
Tim Evanicki Productions presents “Jeffrey” by Paul Rudnick, and directed by Eric Pinder at the Footlight Theater at Parliament House. He show runs until October 28 with Industry night on October 16.
Also at the Parliament House tonight s “Free Pride Friday” featuring from RuPaul’s Drag RaceLaganja Estranja.
Saturday, October 14
Returning for the third year, the Big Gay Brunch presented by Orlando Immunology Center at The Abbey features an amazing brunch spread, bottomless mimosas, Tito’s Bloody Marys, DJs and live performances. You can purchase your tickets at BigGayBrunchOrlando.com.
Come Out With Pride Festival is between noon and 10p.m. Join the LGBTQ+ community members and allies as we all come together for an unforgettable day long festival! Be sure to visit more than 100 vendors at the Pride Marketplace and Sponsor Walk between noon and 7p.m. Gather your friends to watch The Most Colorful Parade at 4p.m. Come Out With Pride is looking forward to having a very moving and uplifting parade, and this is your chance to get excited and show thanks to the individuals who have devoted so much energy to strengthening and supporting our community. Shortly after 9 p.m., Come Out With Pride will continue the tradition of saying goodnight with a dazzling spectacle of fireworks above Lake Eola. With nearly a mile of walkways around the water, there’s room for everyone to get a prime viewing spot. For more information: ComeOutWithPride.com.
The Parliament House celebrates PRIDE with special guest RuPaul’s Season 9 finalist Shea Coulee performing live. They will also feature free parking and shuttle to Lake Eola from 1 p.m. to 10p.m., Footlight Players at 10p.m.and 12a.m. and DJ Brianna spinning till 3 a.m.
The Flamingo Resort presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 11:30 p.m. at the Blu Theater with hostess Iman and sexy rocky dancers. In addition, they invite you to meet the Rocky Singers form Orlando poolside at 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 17
Country royalty comes to the Van Wezel stage with Willie Nelson! During his lengthy, award-winning career, he has brought us some of the most iconic country songs of all time – “Georgia On My Mind,” “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain,” “On the Road Again” and countless others. One of his recent chart-toppers was “Beer For My Horses,” which was a duet with Toby Keith. Don’t miss this chance to hear the original Country rebel making waves with his unmistakable voice at 8p.m. To purchase tickets go to: VanWezel.org.
Wednesday, October 18
The Adore Tour hosted by Pardon Moi French takes place at Southern Nights Orlando (and tomorrow Oct 19 at Southern Nights Tampa). See Adore Delano like you’ve never seen her before as she headlines The Adore Tour featuring brand new music from her third studio album, Whatever! This will be an incredible concert featuring opening acts from some of your favorite entertainers. Get your tickets today at TheAdoreTour.com. Doors open at 7p.m. with a meet and greet at 7:30p.m. with showtime at 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, October 19
Grammy Award winner and world-renowned, multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer/director/musician, Bruno Mars, brings his The 24K Magic World Tour to Tampa’s Amalie Arena at 8p.m. Tickets start at $75 and are available at: amaliearena.com.
Southern Nights Orlando presents the 10th Annual Blood Bath Party hosted by Kitana Gemini. The night will star DJ Dlux and StudPuffin Hookah with a 10:30 Freshman Lineup show hosted by MrMs Adrien and a 12:30a.m. Main Dance floor show hosted by Axel Andrews.
Friday, October 20
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill bring their “Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017,” to Tampa’s Amalie Arena at 7:30p.m. Tickets start at $69.50 and are available at: amaliearena.com.
Saturday, October 21
Nick Fradiani, the American Idol Season 14 winner and (re)turned indie artist, will be at The Attic in Tampa. Fradiani is releasing his independent EP Where We Left Off in the middle of October. The new album gets back to his East Coast roots with an Americana country spin on modern pop. The first single “I’ll Wait For You” is available now.
The Flamingo Resort presents “Thriller Night” starring Dani Panic and featuring the Flamingo’s Cast of the dead with special appearances by Bobby York and Ozzy Dave. The MC and hostess for the evening is Alexis De La Mer.
The Parliament House presents special guest Sherry Vine performing with the Footlight Players at 10p.m. and 12a.m. The night will also be the official after party for RuPaul’s Drag Race Werq the World, with free admission for anyone that shows their ticket.
Sunday, October 22
Metro Wellness hosts Big GAY Brunch at Mise en Place. Between 12 and 2pm, prepare to GAY it up in high class at one of Tampa’s premier restaurants for Modern American cuisine. Enjoy an exciting and dynamic fare, whose flavors reflect the Chef’s insatiable love of food.
Wednesday, October 25
Back by overwhelming demand for its fourth year, ‘Hocus Pocus Live On Stage’ brings The Sanderson Sisters to life before your eyes in this dazzling live-action movie spectacle. Join this trio of wacky witches (Starring Nicole Halliwell, Calypso Monroe and Nicky Monet) along with all your favorite movie characters as they run amuck – now for the first time in Orlando at Southern Nights!
Friday, October 27
The Dr Phillips Center in association with Live Nation present the band Chicago who performs at in the Bob Carr Theater. Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock and roll era” by former President Bill Clinton, the legendary rock and roll band with horns, Chicago, came in at #9, the highest charting American band in Billboard Magazine’s recent Hot 200 All-Time Top Artists. Chicago is the first American rock band to chart Top 40 albums in six consecutive decades. Tickets start at $50.50, and are available at DrPhillipsCenter.org. You can also catch Chicago on Monday October 30 at the Van Wezel in Sarasotta . To purchase tickets go to VanWezel.org.
Ten time Grammy-Award, three time Latin Grammy-Award winning rock icon and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Carlos Santana and his band Santana will bring The Transmogrify Tour to Tampa’s AmalieArena at 8p.m. Tickets start at $66.25 and are available at: AmalieArena.com.
Saturday, October 28
So You Think You Can Dance, the 14-time Emmy Award-winning show that sparked America’s fascination with dance, is set to captivate Orlando audiences with their live on tour show from 8 to 11 p.m. Tickets start at $47.50 at Ticketmaster.com.
The Parliament House features Orlando’s biggest Costume Contests with $5000 in cash to the best costume! Footlight Players take to the stage at 10p.m. in the theatre. DJ Brianna spins till 3 a.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 18+ Welcome!!
The Flamingo Resort presents a Halloween Costume Contest Party with $3,000 in cash and prizes with the winner getting $2,000 in cash. Sin up at the Cabana Stage at 10p.m. with the show hosted by Iman and the Blu Theater players at 11:30 p.m.
Tuesday, October 31
The Parliament House features Orlando’s biggest Costume Contests with $3000 in cash to the best costume! DJ Brianna spins till 2 a.m. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door. 18+ Welcome!!
Just weeks before celebrating the third year anniversary of his ownership of Southern Nights Orlando and less than a year after opening his third Southern Nights location in Fort Lauderdale, Rick Kowalczyk announced via social media that he is trying something different: Southern Craft – A true gay oriented craft cocktail bar and lounge.
This won’t be your typical bar where you place an order and the bartender whips up a cocktail in 30 seconds or less. All future customers should know that all featured craft cocktails are to be muddled or infused with natural fruits and ingredients.
“This concept is something that you don’t really see anywhere else in the surrounding area. You won’t even see our bartenders using concentrated juice from a beverage gun while preparing your drink order,” said Rick. “Everything will be made to order from scratch. If someone orders a strawberry martini, they will see the bartender muddle fresh strawberries into a cocktail shaker along side the vodka – there are no shortcuts by using a type of flavored vodka. I want each and every customer to enjoy a delicious infused or muddled craft cocktail every time they visit.”
Southern Craft will also feature an extensive selection of Whiskey, Tequila and Rum that will allow them to offer traditional guest favorites, such as an Old Fashion, a Margarita, or a Mojito while adding their own personal craft to the cocktail. Besides the various craft cocktails, champagne cocktails will also be available for customers to enjoy as well as a variety of craft beers and wine.
“If you’re looking for a place to grab a Bud Light or Miller Lite, I would suggest going next door to Southern Nights” Rick stated. “However, we will be featuring various craft beers from local breweries as well as different regions from around the world, depending on the season and what is in production at the time”.
Rick and his management team are in the process of finishing up the remodel where Southern Craft will be located and training their newly hired “Craft Staff” with an expected opening date to take place over Orlando Pride Weekend (October 13th – 15th).
Be sure to stop by and show your support by trying the soon to be famous Blackberry Bubbles. According to Rick, you won’t be disappointed. Happy Hour will take place between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., Thursday through Sunday.
Southern Craft is located at 2045 East South Street, right around the corner from Southern Nights Orlando in the Orlando Milk District. For more information and updates, visit the Southern Craft Facebook page.
Congrats to Rick and his entire team on their latest endeavor. It has to make you wonder what will they come up with next…
The 9th Annual Fort Lauderdale edition of the OUTshine Film Festival will kick off on the evening of October 6th with an Opening Night Film, red carpet event, and Opening Night party at NSU Art Museum.
As part of OUTshine’s Opening Night events, they’ll be awarding Tommy Dorfman the Lavender Award for outstanding contributions to LGBTQ film. Tommy plays the role of Ryan Shaver in Netflix’s knockout hit, “13 Reasons Why”, which has quickly become a knockout hit for the network and has a played a major role in spotlighting the issues of bullying in the age of social media.
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In Dorfman’s short time on camera, he’s been vocal about the importance of positive LGBTQIA portrayals in film. “LGBTQIA inclusion in media, especially TV and film, is not just important, it’s essential. It would be reductive and unrealistic to exclude us from the narrative. We exist, and our truthful portrayals in TV and film bring life to the stories being told, as well as educate, inspire, and validate viewers.”
And one of the areas that the show “13 Reasons Why” really shines is in how it portrays characters like Ryan Shaver, for whom being a gay teenager is just part of who he is – not the entirety of his character. “So many shows and movies that are being made today are all about coming out, which is an important story to tell and has been told, so to have the opportunity to play a character that is just comfortable with himself and advocates for gay people…we owe that to Bryan [Yorkey, who developed the story for Netflix] and the rest of the writers.”
OUTshine’s star-studded opening night event will start with the screening of “Close Knit” – a Japanese film that won the “Teddy Jury Award” and the “Panorama Audience Award” at the Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year.
OUTshine Film Festival’s Opening Night kicks off at 8pm at the NSU Art Museum Theatre in downtown Fort Lauderdale, followed by a celebrity studded red carpet and gala.
The OUTshine LGBT Film Festival is a bi-annual film festival with a mission to inspire, entertain, and educate the public and encourage a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video and other media that offer historical and contemporary perspectives on the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender experience.
For more information or to purchase event tickets, go to outshinefilm.com.
Alan Cumming is chill as can be in a hotel bed in Los Angeles, where he’s tugging on his crotch, illustrating to me the surprisingly flirty exchange he just had with tennis great and LGBT pioneer Billie Jean King.
“She just made a joke about my dick in the corridor,” Cumming says, amused. “I’m like, ‘Billie Jean!’”
King’s quip was a reaction to the loose nether-regions fabric of Cumming’s drop-crotch pants, which had the sports icon asking, “What are you packing down there?”
“I was like, ‘No complaints so far, Billie Jean.’”
Cumming obviously knows King fairly well, as the two met before he was offered a role in Battle of the Sexes, the film centered on her legendary win in 1973 against boastful chauvinist Bobby Riggs (Steve Carell plays Riggs, while Emma Stone depicts King). The Scottish actor portrays Ted Tinling, a designer who fashioned dresses for many female pro tennis players, including King’s outfit for her match against Riggs, and who was also a British intelligence spy during World War II.
Recently, Cumming told me I could keep my shoes on as I lay beside him in his king-size bed to talk about gay spies, King’s obsession with The Good Wife and why he feels like Emma Stone’s “big brother.”
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Having known Billie Jean King for a while now, what do you admire most about her?
I mean, I think she’s a legend. She’s amazing, when you consider what she’s done and what she’s lived through and how she’s paved the way for so many people, both as a woman and as a gay woman.
She really was a critical stepping stone in queer and women’s liberation.
I think if she had lost this match it would’ve put the cause back years. And it’s hard because it’s so kind of show-business-y and frothy in the way it was presented. It really was a huge thing in terms of the women’s movement. It’s crazy.
What’s it been like to get to know her while making this film?
I knew her quite well. She came to my house for dinner right before I got the part. I did something for her foundation, but we also met over the years at this Amazon thing—this retreat Amazon does – and so I’d see her regularly. And she’s also such a sort of geek. She loved The Good Wife. She’s obsessed with The Good Wife, and she’d totally geek out to me about that, which was so hilarious.
But she’s such a darling, and she talks a lot about what she had to deal with. But the Battle of the Sexes thing – it wasn’t till after I got the part that I actually started to talk to her about it and also her relationship with Ted, which was so lovely, and he was obviously very beloved by her and all the (tennis) girls. There were a lot of them last night (at the premiere) – the other girls, the real people, and they were all sort of cooing about Ted.
He passed away in 1990, so did you learn about Ted through Billie Jean?
You can look things up on YouTube, but he’s not there very much. For example, he was a spy and, like, how am I going to get that into this (movie)?
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There could be an entire biopic about every person in this film.
Yeah, they’re all fascinating. But basically, he’s there in the story to provide some sort of humor, but also to show the audience that (Billie Jean) has an ally to guide her, and then to deliver the big message at the end.
Your last scene with Emma really resonated with me as a gay man. It was really special.
It’s beautiful, isn’t it?
What was it like to shoot that scene with Emma?
It was lovely. The great thing about the film was it kept changing. It was actually really fluid, rewriting all the time, and in a very positive way. Everyone had ideas and things were being shifted and the way they shot it was very kind of fluid and not rigid. Often I didn’t even know we’d been covered in the scenes. It was like, “OK, we’re moving on,” and I’d be like, “What? Am I not in the scene?” “Oh, we got you.”
Did you feel how emotionally powerful that scene was while shooting it?
Yeah. I love Emma, and I do feel a bit like her big brother. When she was doing Cabaret on Broadway with me, she was a little nervous and I was kind of the old soul, so I think it made sense for that sort of dynamic between us (in this movie) and also it felt like, “This is a big moment in the film.”
Do you hope this movie speaks to new generations of queers who may not be familiar with Billie Jean, and how so?
On so many levels, oh my god. Just attacks on women and gay people again and massive persecution and hate crimes going up since Trump, and that’s what’s interesting. Obviously, when we made it, it was before all that. It felt like we were telling this really great story, but now it’s even more pertinent because a lot of the themes and a lot of the things that Bobby stands for are back in our society again and being endorsed by the highest officer in the land, which is horrible.
You are portraying a gay ex-CIA agent on CBS’s forthcoming drama Instinct. Do you feel playing gay characters in film and TV right now is a political resistance of sorts?
I do. And gay spies – that’s my new thing. I definitely feel like…
More of a call to action?
Absolutely. The fact is, it’s fun. I solve murders and blah, blah. But it’s the first-ever network drama to have a gay character in a leading role – that’s huge in this country, that’s massive. And I love the fact that his gayness is the fourth thing about him. I mean, he has a good relationship with a guy and it’s not angst-ridden. It’s just, also, he happens to be gay. We need more and more and more things like that, so the fact that CBS has decided to do this now makes me really grateful.
Broadway in Miami is pleased to announce that the hit Broadway musical based on the life story of seven-time GRAMMY winning international superstar Gloria Estefan and her husband, 19-time GRAMMY winning producer-musician-entrepreneur Emilio Estefan – will celebrate its Grand Opening of its first national tour in the Estefans’ home city of Miami, Florida at the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts from October 5–15, 2017 (Photo/Matthew Murphy).
Tickets to will be available through the Arsht Center Box Office in person at 1300 Biscayne Blvd. Miami, FL 33132, by calling (305) 949-6722, or online at ArshtCenter.org, and start at $29.
Gloria Estefan has sold over 100 million records and sold out stadiums around the world. Emilio and Gloria Estefan together have won 26 GRAMMY Awards – but their music is only half of the story. From the heart of Havana to the streets of Miami came a cultural phenomenon unlike anything the music industry had ever seen. ON YOUR FEET! is the new Broadway musical that follows the Estefans’ journey to superstardom, set to their chart-topping, smash hits, including “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You,” “Conga,” “1-2-3,” “Get On Your Feet,” “Mi Tierra,” Don’tWant To Lose You Now,” and “Reach,” in addition to an original song written by Gloria and her daughter Emily Estefan.
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ON YOUR FEET! is directed by two-time Tony Award winner Jerry Mitchell (Kinky Boots, Hairspray) and choreographed by Tony Award nominee & Olivier Award winner Sergio Trujillo (Jersey Boys, Memphis), with an original book by Academy Award winner Alexander Dinelaris (Birdman, The Bodyguard Musical). The musical began performances on Broadway on Monday, October 5, 2015, with an opening night of Thursday, November 5, 2015, at the Marquis Theatre in New York City.
Completing the creative team are fourtime Tony-nominated Scenic Designer David Rockwell (Kinky Boots, Legally Blonde), Tony-nominated Costume Designer Emilio Sosa (Porgy & Bess), Tony Award-winning Lighting Designer Kenneth Posner (Wicked, Hairspray), Tony Award-winning Sound Designer Steve Kennedy (Lady Day, Guys and Dolls), Projections by Darrel Maloney, and Hair & Wig Designer Chuck LaPointe (Beautiful, Newsies). With Music Direction by Lon Hoyt (Hairspray), ON YOUR FEET! features Orchestrations by Gloria Estefan and Emilio Estefan, Dance Arrangements and Dance Orchestrations by Oscar Hernandez (The Capeman).
James L. Nederlander, Estefan Enterprises, Inc and Bernie Yuman have announced that Cuban- American Broadway actress Christie Prades will star as seven-time GRAMMY® winning international superstar Gloria Estefan, and acclaimed stage and television actor Mauricio Martinez will play her 19-time Grammy-winning producer and husband Emilio Estefan, in the First National Tour of the Broadway musical ON YOUR FEET!.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Danny Burgos, born and raised in Florida, who performs in the ensemble and the Emilio.
At what age did you begin singing/acting?
I started singing when I was around 7 years old in church, but acting didn’t come about until I was a junior in high school. My best friend wanted to audition for a musical, but was too nervous to audition on her own, so I went with her and I get cast as the lead.
What was your first professional/paid gig?
It was at Flat Rock Playhouse after my freshman year at the musical program at Florida State University. I was in the ensemble for Guys and Dolls.
You were born in Florida. Do you get back often and how excited are you to be touring in Florida?
I’m very excited as I don’t get back as often as I would like. I was born in Hialeah and my dad still lives in Miami. In addition, the Adrienne Arsht Center is where I saw my first musical, so I am so excited to be performing in that theater.
I see that pizza is one of your hobbies, which is your favorite kind of pizza and why?
This is an ongoing joke that I have with my friends. I just love pizza, and every Friday my mom would bring us pizza. Papa John’s pepperoni pizza with the garlic sauce really makes me happy, but in New York, I went to Artichoke Pizza in Chelsea and I have to admit it’s the best pizza I had in my life.
Other than this show, what role has been your favorite to play and why?
My favorite musical that I have been in, other than On Your Feet is In the Heights. I was cast in three versions of the show and each time it becomes more familial as it is a Latin based show and I feel an attraction to my culture. The show is just about 1 day in the life of a Latin American in New York, and to me it’s so special. The characteristics of being Latin are stripped, and they are just shown as people. It’s so special to me!
What should the South Florida audiences expect out of this touring company ofOn Your Feet!?
I always tell everyone that this is an important story because you get to know the life of this important couple. Most people do not know the behind the scenes story of how they got to where they are now. Ultimately you leave the theater singing and dancing to the songs you love. I promise, you won’t leave without a smile on your face.
For more information on Danny, either go to his website at: DannyBurgos.com.
The National LGBTQ Task Force is pleased to announce that actress and singer Andréa Burns will host and perform at their annual Task Force Gala-Miami at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach on Saturday, October 7.
Burns recently received an Outer Critics Circle Award nomination for her portrayal of Gloria Fajardo in the Broadway run of On Your Feet!, based on the lives and music of Gloria and Emilio Estefan. She won a Drama Desk Award for her portrayal of the saucy hairdresser “Daniela” in Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony Award-winning musical In The Heights. Other roles include “Carmen” in Douglas Carter Beane’s The Nance alongside Nathan Lane, and “Mrs. Spamboni” in the 2009 television series The Electric Company.
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“This year’s Gala was already set to be one of the most exciting to date with Gloria Estefan, whose talent is matched only by her generosity and compassion, as their national honoree. With Andréa Burns hosting and singing, October 7 is going to be one of the most memorable evenings the South Florida LGBTQ community has ever seen. Her portrayal as Daniela in In the Heights is one of my favorite Broadway performances,” said Josue Santiago, Chair of the Gala.
Twenty-six-time Grammy Award winner Gloria Estefan will be presented with the National Leadership Award for her work to support lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people and the issues that affect their lives every day. As an outspoken activist around racial and economic justice, immigration equality, and marriage equality, Ms. Estefan has been an ally to the LGBTQ community through her partnership with the It Gets Better Project. Most recently, Ms. Estefan, along with her husband, Emilio, produced an LGBT-themed movie titled A Change of Heart, which premiered at the OUTshine Film Festival in Miami.
Also being honored at the Task Force Gala – Miami are local heroes Alberto Arias & Wood Kinnard, who will be presented the 2017 Eddy McIntyre Community Service Award.
“Every day, the National LGBTQ Task Force fights the injustices happening around the country. From challenging the Texas legislature’s attempt to discriminate against trans youth to standing side by side with our allies in Charlottesville to confront white supremacists to countering the barrage of anti-LGBTQ actions coming from the current administration, every day is a fight. But for one night in Miami we will step back to celebrate our community, our allies and leaders. We are humbled to have Gloria Estefan join us in this fight, and proud to honor such an exceptional leader and ally for the LGBTQ community at the Task Force Gala – Miami. We know the next day we will continue the fight for full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people around the country and in South Florida, energized by coming together in Miami in solidarity and love,” said Rea Carey, Executive Director, National LGBTQ Task Force.
Individual tickets to the awards gala are $450 and include an intimate cocktail reception, a gourmet three-course dinner and the awards ceremony, as well as live music entertainment. Attendees will also have the opportunity to bid on a variety of silent auction items. Proceeds from the National LGBTQ Task Force Gala – Miami and the Winter Party Festival support the National LGBTQ Task Force’s work to secure full freedom, justice and equality for LGBTQ people and their families. A significant portion of the proceeds also funds multiple organizations serving the LGBTQ community in South Florida.
For sponsorship information and to purchase tickets, please visit them online at: thetaskforcegala.org.
LGBT History Month celebrates the achievements of 31 lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender Icons. Each day in October, a new LGBT Icon is featured with a video, bio, bibliography, downloadable images and other resources.
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration and teaching of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders. They selected October because public schools are in session and existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11), occur that month.
View All 31 LGBT Icons:
Gay and Lesbian History Month was endorsed by GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, the National Education Association and other national organizations. In 2006 Equality Forum assumed responsibility for providing content, promotion and resources for LGBT History Month.
The LGBT community is the only community worldwide that is not taught its history at home, in public schools or in religious institutions. LGBT History Month provides role models, builds community and makes the civil rights statement about our extraordinary national and international contributions.
Equality Forum is a national and international LGBT civil rights organization with an educational focus. Equality Forum coordinates LGBT History Month, produces documentary films, undertakes high-impact initiatives and presents the largest annual national and international LGBT civil rights summit. For more information, visit EqualityForum.com.
The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLCC) presents an information sharing and networking at the HUB of the LGBT Visitor Center, 1130 Washington Avenue, Miami Beach from 10–11a.m. Whether you are a new, existing or potential new MDGLCC member, learn how to maximize the use of all the Marketing tools and Programs available through the Chamber. Learn about the Chamber’s website and access to features as well as bounce ideas and ask questions to chamber staff and Membership Committee on how to engage the LGBT consumer with your products and/or services. Free admission. RSVP at gaybizmiami.com, rsvp@gaybizmiami.com or 305-673-4440.
Friday, October 6
The Outshine Film Festivals 9thannual Fort Lauderdale edition premieres tonight and goes for 10 days. For more information or to purchase tickets, go to OutShineFilm.com
Oakland Parks Oktoberfest presented by Funky Buddha Brewery is 3 days of Oompah fun: today (6-11 p.m.); Saturday (1-11 p.m.; and Sunday (1-7 p.m.) at Jaco Pastorius Park (4000 North Dixie Highway in downtown Oakland Park). The event will feature live german music, Dachshund Dash, a Funky Buddha Biergarten, German food, rides, entertainment and lots of fun. Admission is $5 and free for children under 12. For more information, go to OaklandParkFL.gov.
Saturday, October 7
The annual National LGBTQ Task Force Gala Miami takes place tonight at the beautiful Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The night will be honoring Gloria Estefan with the National Leadership Award and Alberto Arias and Wood Kinnard, longtime activists and philanthropists. For more information, see the feature in this week’s magazine or go to TaskForceGala.org.
Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Bar presents, direct from London, Twisted: unleash the inner deviant. The party which goes from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. features UK DJ Paul Coals as well as Beefy Go-Go Bears, and no cover.
The Ramrod presents Pig Dance #110 (first Saturday of every month) featuring the sounds of DJ Richie Rich. In addition they invite you to come meet Major Ty, International Leather Sir 2017 up front in their tent from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m.
Noche Latina Saturdays inside the Ivy Dance Lounge and Patio at the Manor Complex celebrates the 13thAnniversary of Viva Mirage as a Female Impersonator. The night also stars special guest Lady Charisse, resident DJ Larry Larr and sexy Latin Go-Go papi’s. Saturdays at the Manor are from 11pm to 4am and feature NO COVER before midnight and only $7 with Manor card after midnight and $10 without (18-20 is $12 all night).
Sunday, October 8
Rolando Chang Barrero will host the Boynton Beach’s 6th Annual Golden Fest, which is a token of appreciation to the artists and community and began in 2011. The festival has become a day long showcase of art, music, and performances by young emerging artists and musicians in South Florida. All are invited to stroll the district embellished with murals, visit with the various resident artists studios, meet with some of the best talent in Palm Beach that will be setting up tents throughout the area and enjoy treats from the food trucks and specialty vendors.
The Ramrod presents the annual Mr. Ramrod Contest at 10 p.m. If you want to enter, you must sign up behind the bar before Saturday. In addition, they will be giving away free Ramrod Anniversary pins throughout the night.
Stonewall Gallery (2157 Wilton Drive) presents Six Necktiesby Johnny Diaz as part of their Stonewall Author Series at 4p.m. This is Free to attend, with a suggested donation $5, with refreshments courtesy of Barefoot Wine & Bubbly. Signed copies will be available for sale. Monday, October 9
The Village Pub will be celebrating their 5th anniversary with a different event every day for 7 days. Tonight features Electra in “From Bathhouse to Broadway, direct from P-Town show at 9 p.m.
Tuesday, October 9
The Village Pub will be celebrating their 5th anniversary with a different event every day for 7 days. Tonight features a benefit for Mr. Village Pub, Efrain Reyes to send him to Mr. Florida Male Entertainer. The benefit starts at 9 p.m. and features many guest performers.
Wednesday, October 11
The Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (MDGLLC) & GALLA presents its monthly networking program tailored for attorneys, judges & legal professionals sponsored by Kauffman Rossin, but open to the public, and takes place from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Perricones Marketplace and Café (15 S.E 10th Street, Miami). Guest speakers will be David Treece (David Treece Financial), Joan Schaeffer (LAMBDA Living / JCS), and Vicki Brail (Vicki Brail and Company). Topics to be discussed include: The need for long term care in the LGBT community, issues of isolation, and available services/facilities. Admission: $35 (members) and $45 (others). RSVP at gaybizmiami.com, rsvp@gaybizmiami.com or 305-673-4440.
Once again Equality Florida and The Village at Gulfstream Park are teaming up to host a mouthwatering exciting evening, packed with great raffle prizes, tasty treats, savory sips, and an opportunity to learn about what Equality Florida is doing to bring about LGBTQ equality in Florida. Bring your friends… and make a few new ones along the way. Your ticket entitles you to a pairing at any or all of the participating hosts! Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door and can be purchased at EqualityFlorida.org.
Upcoming events
The Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce is starting a quarterly networking Breakfast, presented by Northwestern Mutual: The Striano Financial Group premiering today at the Westin Fort Lauderdale. Registration & coffee is at 8:30a.m. with the breakfast from 9 to 9-45 a.m. They invite you to enjoy a plated breakfast with bacon, eggs, and potatoes served with pastries, muffins, and orange juice. The cost for the breakfast is $20 for members and $25 fir future members, which includes tax and gratuity. Parking is free. Advance registration is required at emailing keith@gflglcc.org
The 45th anniversary of Miss Florida F.I. takes place on Monday, October 16 at 7 p.m. at the beautiful Bahia Mar Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The night will honor the current reigning Miss Florida F.I. Shantell D”Marco, as well as Tasha Long who is celebrating her 15th anniversary, Electra celebrating her 20th anniversary, Stephanie Shippae celebrating her 25th anniversary, Sandy Laurent celebrating her 30th anniversary, Dana Douglas celebrating her 35th anniversary and Emore Dubois first time she has been back at Miss Florida in over 25 years) celebration her 44th anniversary. For tickets go to: MissFloridaFIpageant.com and for hotel rooms call the Bahia Mar, and ask for the Miss Florida discount. For more information about the pageant call 954-478-4587.
This is HOT
International pop icon P!NK is back with her highly anticipated seventh studio album, Beautiful Trauma, which is available for pre-order now and set for release on October 13th.
While P!NK co-wrote all 13 tracks on the album, she worked with a variety of songwriters and producers including Steve Mac, Johnny McDaid, Max Martin, Shellback, Jack Antonoff, Julia Michaels, Greg Kurstin, busbee and so many more (full track list below).
Since her debut in 2000, P!NK has released six studio albums, 1 greatest hits album, sold over 42 million albums, over 75 million singles, over 2.4 million DVDs worldwide and has had 15 singles in the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (four at #1). In addition, she is the recipient of three Grammy Awards, one Daytime Emmy Award, three Billboard Music Awards, six MTV Video Music Awards, two MTV Europe Awards, two People’s Choice Awards and was named Billboard’s Woman of the Year in 2013.
P!NK is a huge supporter of various charities, including: Make a Wish Foundation, Autism Speaks, Human Rights Campaign and No Kid Hungry. She was formerly a spokesperson for COVERGIRL and remains on the UNICEF team as an Ambassador.
In sixth grade, sitting in a room with only girls and female teachers, we were encouraged to write anonymous questions about sex on a piece of paper. The teachers randomly selected some to answer.
An older woman unfolded a square of paper and read,“What is a drummer?”She looked at her fellow grown ups, all of whom shrugged. There was uncomfortable laughter from both kids and adults.
“Well, what IS a drummer?”I wondered. I was as clueless as the teachers and waited for someone to solve this mystery. The teachers asked if any of US knew the answer. We did not. Or, at least, no one admitted to knowing. It must be something really bad, I thought.
After the meeting I learned the truth: Bella (not her real name) had submitted the question. And she’d written,“What is a rubber?”But her loopy sixth grade girl handwriting was apparently illegible. Anyway, she said, she already knew what it was and submitted the question on a dare.
This same girl would later accuse a boy of trying to rape her at sixth grade camp, which was quite the gossipy scandal for at least a day. What actually happened I don’t know. But neither she nor the boy were sent home from camp early.
Later still, eighth grade maybe? There was a rumor that Bella had pubic lice that she’d gotten at a party after using the bathroom and, not able to find toilet paper, grabbing the cat to dry herself. For a long time I was stymied by this. Could you get crabs from pets? And who would use a cat as TP? This was long before Google.
I didn’t know I was gay in sixth grade. But I knew something about me was different. It would take me years to figure out what that different thing was and more years to understand and accept it. I had no idea that gays and lesbians existed and certainly no idea that they were capable and deserving of love. And that’s a very hard thing to figure out by yourself.
I don’t know whatever happened to Bella. I hope that she is living a happy life somewhere. My point is not to single one young girl. My point is that sex ed in the school Bella and I both attended failed us both.
This is what I thought of when I read Mychal Massie’s Sept. 25 column on a radical right website that urged parents to pull their children out of public schools in order to save them from the so-called gay agenda.
“What parents who ill-advisedly leave their children in public schools fail to realize is that this is not about education,”Massie writes,“it is about the desensitizing of future generations to depravity. It is also the naked undermining of traditional families by the homosexual-activist agenda.”
This statement makes perfect sense if you think sex is sinful and LGBTQ people are monsters, not human beings. But even under a Trump presidency, it takes a concerted effort to believe that is the case.
Learning in public schools, which the vast majority of American children attend, about how to use condoms, about consent, about how to protect against STDs, and about sexual orientation and gender identity doesn’t undermine families. If anything such knowledge strengthens families by empowering young men and women to make informed decisions about their sexual lives and health. The goal of this“agenda”is less unintended pregnancies, a decrease in sexual assault, and fewer LGBTQ people growing up feeling broken and alone.
I agree with Massie that parents should know what their children are learning at school, and I urge parents to advocate for comprehensive sex education. Get involved. Get informed. A good place to start is The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States (http://www.siecus.org).
Oakland Park’s 13thAnnual Oktoberfest celebration will take place October 6, 7 and 8at Jaco Pastorius Park, 4000 N. Dixie Highway.
“Oktoberfest has become one of Oakland Park’s signature events and is a major draw for our city which continues to evolve with the park expanded this past year to include a beautiful grand plaza fountain,” says the City’s Mayor John Adornato III. “We have created a true hometown festival with strong support from the Oakland Park business community such the Funky Buddha Brewery and Central Bark Doggy Day Care.”
Presenting sponsor Funky Buddha Brewery will be cooking up tasty culinary pairings such as their signature bratwurst with house-made ale mustard, tap room pretzels and specially-crafted Oktoberfest beer.
“We’re extremely excited to bring a high level of food and drink service to Oktoberfest,” said Funky Buddha Brand Director John Linn. “Oakland Park is our home and our pride, so to be able to play a big part in such an important community festival is truly rewarding for us.”
Oakland Park’s Oktoberfest is considered one of the largest in Florida and the city looks forward to welcoming thousands of residents and visitors. Oktoberfest hours are Friday,October 6thfrom 6 to 11 p.m., Saturday,October 7thfrom 1 to 11 p.m. and Sunday,October 8thfrom 1 to 7 p.m. at the downtown park turned “Biergarten” just north of the Dixie Highway/ NE 38th Street intersection where Funky Buddha will host the “after party” each night. Oakland Park always adds a creative twist in the traditional Oktoberfest festivities.
“Oktoberfest is truly meant to be a celebration of all ages and we encourage a lot of singing and dancing. This is the time of year when many of us can dress up in our dirndls and lederhosen and get ready to party,” says the City’s Parks and Leisure Services Director Heidi Burnett. “We also engage our audience with fun Oktoberfest games and contests, such as our popular Central Bark Dachshund Dash, beer stein races and apple strudel-eating contests.”
In addition to its renowned craft beers, Funky Buddha will produce the event’s food from its Craft Food Counter & Kitchen located inside the brewery. Other items on the menu include “Kartoffelpuffer” (potato pancakes), chicken schnitzel, and sauerbraten. Apple strudel and dessert pretzels will satisfy snack and sweet tooth cravings. Children’s meals and carnival food will also be available.
Funky Buddha’s featured tap offerings will feature a special batch of “Marzen” – an amber Bavarian lager traditionally served at Oktoberfest celebrations — and a German-style “Jaco Pilsner” along with its best-selling “Floridian Hefeweizen,” “Hop Gun IPA” and several of their specialty beers like “Last Snow” – a coconut & coffee porter brewed with natural ingredients. Oktoberfest revelers can also enjoy the traditional “Prosit” toast with wines and other spirits from Oakland Park’s Big Dog Station.
Another Oakland Park Business that helps make Oktoberfest so popular is Central Bark Doggy Day Care which conducts the entertaining “Central Bark Dachshund Dash” on Saturday afternoon. Dachshund owners must register their dog in advance by calling Central Bark Doggy Day Care at 954-568-3647.
Oakland Park Oktoberfest offers a festive atmosphere with German cuisine, beverages and music. The event also features a carnival midway of rides & games and the new “Spielzelt” with children’s activities and crafts. This year will also debut Oktoberfest’s “Kulinarisches zelt” which will present a Brewmaster Workshop, Sausage Making Demonstration and Home Brewing Seminar (all three activities will be presented both Saturday and Sunday).
The large “Schottenhamel” tents will replicate a festive Bavarian village celebration, including a stage and dance floor. Scheduled entertainment includes the Oktoberfest party band Euro Express, as well as German musician and singer Sepp Diepolder whose talents include the accordion, jodler and zither. Performances by theAuerhahn Schuhplattlersdancers will delight attendees on Saturday with their colorful attire and dancing displays.
The Downtown Culinary Arts District provides free parking along Oakland Park Main Street with shuttle service. There will also be paid premium parking north of Jaco Pastorious Park and affordable parking in close walking proximity to the main entrance through the Jaco Grand Plaza. Festival admission is $5 with accompanied children 12 and under admitted free.
For sponsorships, volunteer opportunities and other information, please visit:oaklandparkfl.govor call the City’s Parks and Leisure Services office at954-630-4500.Other sponsors include Brown Distributing, Hot Spots, Mark’s List, South Florida Gay News, and SunSentinel
