The Parliament House will once again be featuring a number of the top girls fromRuPaul’s Drag Raceduring Gay Days weekend in Orlando. We chose to sit down with the incredibly talented Aquaria for this exclusiveHotspotsinterview.
Have you been to Parliament House before, either in or out of drag?
I have never. But I’ve seen that many girls perform there, and I am very excited to make my way to Orlando.
You’re infamous for your fashion. Have you planned what you will be wearing at Parliament House?
I wish I had. But I am definitely going to wear something that is weather appropriate: I always keep my costumes in line with what I am performing, but I’m sure I will show some skin in Orlando. And, trust me, you willnotbe disappointed.
Are you excited to be performing with your sisters, Miz Cracker and The Vixen?
I amsonot in the loop on who’s performing. but I love working with the two of them. Now that I know they’ll be there, I’m looking forward to it even more. They are my “Untucked” drama sisters.
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What should the thousands of Gay Disney fans expect from your performance at Parliament House?
I love to keep the energy up. I am a club queen, so I know how to engage my audience and have a good time. I love to feel off the crowd’s energy.
Why should you winRuPaul’s Drag RaceSeason 10?
Do you have cable? And do youwatch? The proof is in the pudding, America.
For more information on Aquaria, check out her website: Ageofaquaria.com.
If you attended the Tampa Pride parade back in March, you may have heard that a new bar was coming to town. Less than two weeks later, Jacqueline McRae, Rick Hill, and their newly hired staff welcomed friends and patrons to Cristoph’s, located at 2606 N. Armenia Avenue in the old West Tampa area.
For several years Jacqueline had wanted to open a bar that catered to the LGBT community, and when the opportunity arose, she and Rick jumped on it. They had a simple vision: not only to bring a new LGBT establishment to the area but to bring back a concept that the Tampa area had been missing for quite some time.
Cristoph’s has been up and running for almost two months now, but, as with any new business venture, getting there wasn’t easy. When Jacqueline and Rick took over the infamous 2606 location in January, they gave the property a much-needed facelift. Jacqueline and Rick are proud to say there’s not one area of the building that was overlooked during the renovations. “We wanted people to know how much we care about this business,” Jacqueline says.
When you enter Christoph’s, you’re greeted by one of their handsome and friendly staff members. Once your ID has passed muster, you descend to the lower level that features a large bar, a dance floor, the DJ booth, and a stage area that will host some of the finest entertainers in the Tampa Bay area.
The upstairs has been transformed into a multipurpose space that can be booked for private events, but will primarily be used to entertain Cristoph’s patrons with theme parties or experiences that Tampa has never seen — or hasn’t seen in quite a long time. Many of these events will cater to the LGBT bear, leather, and fantasy/fetish communities.
If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new venue, the Cristoph’s family asks you to give them a try: “We’re very excited to bring our vision to the area,” says Jacqueline. “We’re excited to open our first bar that caters to the LGBT community, and we have absolutely enjoyed our experience so far. We’ve met so many amazing people!”
She and Rick give credit to their amazing Cristoph’s team, who strive to make the club better each and every day. “Rick and I are so fortunate to work with a group of people who are like a family to us now,” Jacqueline says.
The Cristoph’s team has been working very hard to bring the Tampa area some great new ideas and concepts for the LGBT community. Their daily (and lengthy!) happy hour features half-off drink specials from 2pm to 9pm, and they offer a variety of events and specials every night of the week.
Cristoph’s is located less than 5 minutes from Hyde Park Village, 10 minutes from the Downtown Tampa neighborhoods, and the bar is only a short drive or Uber ride away from St. Petersburg and Clearwater.
Cristoph’s. 2606 N Armenia Ave, Tampa. For more info, news of future event, and to get on Cristoph’s VIP list, visit cristophstampa.com.
The first weekend in June is affectionately known as Gay Disney weekend with major events taking place from One Magical Weekend and Gay Days. For more information see the expanded feature in this month’s mag or go to: OneMagicalWeekend.com or Gaydays.com. In addition, for our gay sisters, check out Girlsinwonderland.com.
Friday, June 1
Stonewall Bar Orlando in association with Navada present “The Blackout Rave” with co-host Lacie Browning. The night features DJ Egho as well as a body paint contest, a twerk off, and drag performances. There is a $10 cover after 8pm.
Saturday, June 2
Neema’s Upscale Latin night, Amor, at Stonewall Orlando presents live in concert at 12am, the iconic legend Iris Chacon. In addition there will be performances by Nouba Soleil, Lisa Lane, Rochelle Mon Cheri, Angelica Sanchez, Yeisa Jovavich, and Aaliyah Valentino.
Amalie Arena presents Shania Twain, in her global tour for her album “Now.” In what promises to be one of the most anticipated tours of 2018, Global superstar Shania Twain has announced that she will hit the road next year in support of her new album, NOW. Shania is a five-time GRAMMY Award-winner and the reigning Queen of Country Pop. With more than 90 million albums sold worldwide and U.S. sales topping 34.5 million, Shania remains the top-selling female country artist of all time Tickets start at $36 atamaliearena.com.
Tuesday, June 5
The Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents Rent: 20th Anniversary Tour from today until June 10. In 1996, an original rock musical by a little-known composer opened on Broadway… and forever changed the landscape of American theatre. Two decades later, Jonathan Larson’sRentcontinues to speak loudly and defiantly to audiences across generations and all over the world. And now, this Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award®-winning masterpiece returns to the stage in a vibrant 20th anniversary touring production. A re-imagining of Puccini’sLa Bohème,Rentfollows an unforgettable year in the lives of seven artists struggling to follow their dreams without selling out. With its inspiring message of joy and hope in the face of fear, this timeless celebration of friendship and creativity reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters—love.Ticketsstart at $34 at Drphillipscenter.org.
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents the return of“The Sound of Music” starting today and going through June 10. The beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family will once again thrill audiences with its Tony, Grammy and Academy Award-winning Best Score, including “My Favorite Things,” “Edelweiss” and the title song. Tickets start at $31 at StrazCenter.org.
Wednesday, June 6
Southern Nights Orlando and Kitana Gemini presents Orlando’s Drag Race Live. 11 girls will be battling for the title and the prestige of being Orlandos next drag superstar. This is an 18+ event.
Friday, June 8
Stonewall Bar Orlando presents a “Tops and Bottoms Underwear Party” from 10pm to 2am. The cover is only $5.
The 7thannual Florida LGBT-Allies Diversity Summit takes place from 8am to 12 noon and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality (9907 Universal Blvd, Orlando). The event is sponsored bu UCF Division of Continuing Education and the Keynote speaker will be Barbara Poma (owner of Pulse Nightclub, and Executive Director of the One Pulse Foundation). For more info go to: LGBTASummit.com.
OrlandoJobs.com will be hosting the first ever Hire Day Orlando at the Amway Center. Hire Day Orlando will feature over 100 employers, 7,000 jobs, ten community career resource partners, and seven career experts. The goal is to connect job seekers with great employers, and showcase the area’s community resources that provide training, assistance, and education to help many overcome weaknesses that may prevent them from landing a great job. Hire Day Orlando is a no-cost event for job seekers with free parking in the GEICO Garage. Over 7,000 open jobs will be available in education, healthcare, defense, hospitality, engineering, construction, law enforcement, manufacturing, and 12 other sectors. Universal Orlando Resort, Kennedy Space Center, Visit Orlando, Florida Hospital, Disney, Nautique Boat Company, Orange County Sherriff, and Avis Budget Group are just a few of the 100 high-merit employers attending. Updated information about employers, schedules, events, and registration is located atHireDayOrlando.com.
Monday, June 9
June is Pride in many places around the world, andPrideis about celebrating all the strives made towards equality, but it is also about remembrance and solidarity. In honor of the 2ndAnniversary of the Pulse Nightclub shooting, theonePULSE Foundationinvites runners from all over the country – and the world – to join in a 4.9K Virtual Run from their own locations. Net proceeds from this event will benefit the onePULSE Foundation founded by Barbara Poma, the owner of the Pulse Nightclub. The foundation was established in order to create a sanctuary of hope around this tragedy that happened June 12, 2016. This fund is intended to support construction and maintenance of a memorial, community grants to care for the survivors and victim’s families, an educational program, an endowed scholarship in the name of the 49 angels and ultimately a museum showcasing historic artifacts and stories from the event.For more information – and to REGISTER for the 4.9K Virtual Run – visitCommunityrainbowrun.com.
Tuesday, June 11
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents David Blaine Live. David Blaine is an American magician, illusionist and endurance artist. He is best known for his high-profile feats of endurance, and has set and broken several world records. Tickets start at $50 at Drphillipscenter.org.
Thursday, June 13
Polk Pride will take place from today through June 16 and features a variety of events for all members of the family. “This year’s Polk Pride is sure to be the biggest yet,” said Scott Guira, President of the Polk Pride Committee. “Every year we have grown in vendors and participants and this year is guaranteed to be the best yet.” Polk Pride includes events for youth, the pride kickoff event, Pride After Dark, and the main event: Pride in the Park, which will feature vendors, food trucks, and live music and entertainment on June 16, from 10 a.m. – 3p.m., Munn Park, Lakeland. For more information, emailinfo@PolkPrideFL.comor visit PolkPrideFl.com.
Friday, June 15
The Straz Center for the Performing Arts presents The Illusionists – Live from Broadway for three days only, from today until June 17. This mind blowing spectacular, showcases the jaw dropping talents of five of the most incredible Illusionists on earth. The Illusionists – Live from Broadway has shattered box office records across the globe and dazzles audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever to be seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions.Tickets start at $35 at Strazcenter.org.
Saturday, June 16
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents AC2: An Intimate Evening with Anderson Cooper & Andy Cohen. Join Cohen and Cooper for an unscripted, uncensored and unforgettable night of conversation. The late night talk show host and the journalist, longtime friends, interview each other and take questions from the audience. It’s a live, interactive look behind the scenes of pop culture and world events. Tickets start at$65 at Drphillipscenter.org.
Amalie Arena presents Maroon 5 live in concert in conjunction with the release of their highly anticipated new studio album, Red Pill Blues. Maroon 5 stand out as not only one of pop music’s most enduring artists, but also one of the 21st century’s biggest acts. To date, the universally renowned Los Angeles band have achieved three GRAMMY® Awards and become “the most successful group in the history of the Billboard Hot 100” with 12 Top 10 entries, sold over 20 million albums and 48 million singles worldwide. The band has additionally earned gold and platinum certifications in more than 35 countries. Maroon 5 won over fans and critics alike with the hybrid rock/R&B sound they introduced on their debut album, Songs About Jane and their double platinum album. Tickets start at $46 at AmalieArena.com.
Sunday, June 17
Cinema icon Jason Mewes, who is best known as the potty-mouthed vocal half of Jay and Silent Bob, the on- screen comedic duo who first appeared in Kevin Smith’s seminal 1994 indie film Clerks will appear at the Orlando improve tonight and Tampa Improv on Monday, June 18. Mewes would reprise the character five more times on the big screen from 1995 to 2006, becoming a sort of James Bond of mid-90’s low budget film—a fast talking, foul-mouthed, over-sexed but ultimately harmless and likable guy. But it’s in the insanely popular award-winning podcast Jay & Silent Bob Get Old where Mewes truly shines. For nearly seven years, in what’s been described as “Lake Wobegon days with anal jokes”, Jason has told the story of his tumultuous life on stage every week. Show time is 7pm in Orlando and 8pm in Tampa with general admission tickets $22 at both locations.
Wednesday, June 20
Southern Nights Tampa presents the Semi-Finals for So You Think You Can Drag (Amateur Talent Contest) with the theme “Denim and Diamonds.” The night is hosted by Gia Banks and Jade Embers and features $250 cash prize and a booking at Savage Saturdays. This is an 18+ event and there is no cover for 21 and up.
Thursday, June 21
Dr. Phillips Center Presents A Night Out With Chelsea Handler. Join comedian, activist, and author Chelsea Handler as she returns to Orlando for the first time in 8 years for an evening of entertaining and engaging conversation – no topic is off limits. The way it works is like this: Chelsea and her to be announced guest will spend about 45-60 minutes onstage engaging in conversation. After that, it’s your turn. We want to hear from YOU, so for the next 20-30 minutes, get ready for an in-depth audience Q+A. Think about your questions and comments, and expect to learn a little, be surprised, and enjoy yourself! Tickets start from$45 at Drphillipscenter.org.
Friday, June 22
The annual St Pete Pride Weekend takes palce staring today through June 24. For more information, see the feature int his months mag or go to StPetePride.com.
Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train live in concert makes two stops in Central Florida: tonight at Amalie Arena and Tuesday, June 26 at Amway Arena. This marks the first time legendary duo Daryl Hall & John Oates will tour together with fellow award winning hitmakers, Train. Fans can expect full sets from both Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train, followed by a show stopping joint set.
Saturday, June 23
All American Goddess National Pageant, celebrating 12 years of immortalizing beauty, takes place today through June 25 and features the step-down of Antwanette Chanel Roberts, All American Goddess 2017. The weekend will also feature Jeffrey Kelly, All American Gent 2018, and Adriana Fuentes, All American Goddess at Large 2018. AA will be hosted by Celeste Holmes, and takes place at Hamburger Mary’s Daytona Beach (180n beach st). For more information contact: Scott Gonyaw at 859.749.5506 orpftc@bellsouth.net. Tickets are available at BrownPaperTickets.com.
Sunday, June 24
The Tampa Bay Times presents the Tampa Bay Bridal Show at the Amalie Arena. Make it easy on yourself and spend the afternoon with the area’s bridal experts! Look for great fashions, tips and wedding advice plus door prizes, giveaways and more. The Bridal Show takes place from noon to 4 pm and admission is only $5.
Thursday, June 28
Tampa Bay Diversity Chamber of Commerce presents theirAnnual Luncheon with Speaker: Mayor Rick Krisemanfrom 11:30am to 1:30pm at The Club at Treasure Island (400 Treasure Island Causeway). Admission is $35 for Chamber Members and $45 for Non-Members. For more information or to register, go to: Diversitytampabay.org/
Friday, June 29
Dr. Phillips Center presents Bring It! LIVE. After two consecutive years of bringing down the house, “Bring It! LIVE” is back by overwhelming demand in Orlando. Miss D and her Dancing Dolls, the stars of Lifetime’s hit seriesBring It!will be coming with an all new “Bring It! LIVE” 2018 summer tour. With hotter-than-ever, never-before-seen performances on deck for the 2018 tour, there has never been a better time forBring It!fans. Tickets start at $37 at Drphillipscenter.org.
HOT 101.5’s Miguel and Holly officially announced Meghan Trainor, Liam Payne, Alessia Cara, Sean Paul, Kent Jones, Madison Beer and In Real Life will perform at Summer Jam 2018 at Amalie Arena. The station plans to kick off the party outside on the Ford Thunder Alley beginning at 4pm with special performances and live entertainment. For up-to-minute information on HOT 101.5 Summer Jam 2018, visit Hot1015tampabay.com. Tickets start at $25.
Saturday, June 30
The Parliament House is celebrating America’s birthday with an American Idol as they present the one and only Ada Vox! If you are a big fan, like I am, you will want to get the VIP/photo op by going to ParliamentHouse.com.
Dr. Phillips Center Presents Donny & Marie Live. Donny and Marie mix the spirit of their early television specials and recordings with a nostalgic look back on their storied career in a dynamic stage show showcasing fan favorites including “A Little Bit Country, A Little Bit Rock ‘n Roll,” “Paper Roses,” “Puppy Love” and “It Takes Two.” . Entertainment Weekly raved that their live performance is “INSANELY ENTERTAINING, A song and dance spectacular.” With their trademark show-stopping production numbers, Donny & Marie feature hits from their illustrious careers, all mixed with the irresistible chemistry that made them international stars. Tickets start at $55 at Drphillipscenter.org.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Elle Taylor lived in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois for a short time before finally making her way down to paradise — Key West — in July of 2009. Just two years later Taylor joined the cast of characters at Club Aqua, where she’s been a mainstay ever since.
Taylor’s prodigious talent is obvious to anyone who’s seen her perform. But what really sticks with her audiences is this queen’s out-of-the-box creativity. Elle often leaves crowds in awe, asking: “What was that? No. really, whatwasthat?!” But the bigger questions more important, wondering: “Whatisdrag, exactly? And what can it be?”
Ellle’s husband of four years, Brian, is just as sweet as she is talented. Together, they make the perfect couple (don’t be jealous, haters!), driving all over the country together hitting the pageant circuit.
Brian was gracious enough to let me ride shotgun with Elle just long enough for this exclusiveHotspotsinterview.
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What was the first drag show you saw?
The first-ever drag show I actually went to — as just a spectator — was at The Yacht Club in Birmingham, Alabama during Central Alabama Pride.
When did you decide you wanted to do drag?
I started doing drag when I was 15, without anyone knowing.
When did you realize it would be a profession?
Over the years, I performed in many amazing places, but it wasn’t until I moved to Key West that I found out this could be my profession — a career where I work seven nights a week!
Who is your drag mother?
My drag mother is Trinity Taylor.
Aside from your drag mother, who’s your favorite queen and why?
Besides Tiffany, I would have to say my favorite drag queen is Morgan McMichaels because Ialwaysknow I’m going to have fun when I work with her.
What’s your favorite number to perform and why?
Any of my aerial-silk [acrobatic] performances. I love being different, evoking emotion, and bringing smiles to faces in the audience.
What’s the best thing that’s happened to you in drag?
This will probably come as a surprise to no one, but the biggest thing that’s happened to me in my drag career was getting the role of Donatella Versace in this past season ofAmerican Crime Story.
What sets you apart from other queens?
I like to be different: from doing aerial silks, to swallowing swords, to eating and breathing fire. I want to show that there’s more to drag than just standing on stage lip-synching. It’s an art form and a platform for you to be as creative as you want. I encourage everyone to be as creative as they can.
What does the future hold?
No one truly knows what the future holds. But for me, I hope it includes winning a few national titles, leaving an everlasting impression on our community, and continuing to do films.
So, keep a close eye on both your TV and the movie screen because you never knowwhereI might show up — or who I’m going to be!
OnRuPaul’s Drag Race, the expression “She done already done had herses” might be something of a colloquialism-meets-a-non sequitur, but it has more or less come to mean that Ru’s already done whateveryouthought about doingandmade money from it. And if you were thinking of starring in your own Netflix series about a drag queen who travels the country with a tough-talking orphan, then you can think twice about that one, too.
RuPaul Charles will star in a new one-hour comedy series calledAJ and The Queen, co-produced by Ru and Michael Patrick King (Sex and the City). The Supermodel of The World will play against type as a down-on-her-luck queen traveling in a wheezing old RV with an unlikely child stowaway, performing in drag clubs all across this great gender-illusionist–loving land, and teaching lessons about love along the way. She’s going to sing in every episode, too, just like a one-drag-queen Partridge Family.
Listen, we can’t believe it’s real either, but we’re sure as hell going to watch. And that fascination factor is exactly how Miss Charles keeps getting hers(es).
Ezra Miller Says Hello toDali
Ezra Miller, star ofJustice League, isn’t sitting around waiting for the DC Cinematic Universe to keep his career afloat. He’s no stranger to the arthouse world, with films likeWe Need to Talk About Kevin, and now he’s signed on to the latest from director Mary Harron (American Psycho), the biopicDali Land.
Miller will star in flashback sequences as the young Salvador Dali (Ben Kingsley will play the legendary artist as an older man) for a story set in New York and Spain in the early 1970s, and told from the perspective of a gallery assistant played by Frank Dillane (Fear The Walking Dead).Phantom Threadbreakout star Lesley Manville will play Dali’s formidable wife, and Tim Roth the artist’s best friend. Expect this one to kick off big festivals when it’s finished.
In the meantime, do your surrealism homework, and then you can annoy all your friends by pedantically explaining what is and is not surreal in everyday life.
Romeo San Vicente refuses to work with children or animals.
A groundbreaking modernist, Stella, at 82, is one of America’s greatest living artists.
With Memorial Day weekend in the rearview mirror, there’s only two places I want to be for the next four months: beside a pool or somewhere inside with the A.C. blasting.
While the first option is a perennial favorite — and if you pick your swimming hole (and companions) carefully, the visuals can be quite rewarding — lounging poolside can be a little limiting if you want to stimulate areas above the neck. Summers in South Florida are l-o-n-g, and there’s only so many books you can read.
So, I was excited to hear that NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale, a local leader in, among other things, air conditioning, had extended its critically acclaimed exhibit,Frank Stella: Experiment and Change, all the way through July 29.
Stella, as you probably know, is a groundbreaking modernist and, at 82, one of America’s greatest living artists. The Whitney Museum in NYC staged a massive Stella retrospective just three years ago, and while the NSU Museum’s show, which opened last November, is smaller, it is no less comprehensive.
Experiment and Changeboasts more than 300 works covering every facet of the New York artist’s 60-year career, from paintings Stella did as a Princeton student in the late 1950s to the present, including iconic early geometric works such as his Black Paintings, shaped canvases, andProtractor Series, and all stages of his output since the 1980s, as Stella’s wall-hung works have become increasingly three-dimensional, bounding off the canvas (often with the help of computer modeling), and he has continued his explorations with free-standing sculpture and prints.
NSU Art Museum Director and Chief Curator Bonnie Clearwater worked closely with Stella on the show, and it features extensive materials from the artist’s “working archive.” In fact, one large gallery is filled to bursting with notes, sketches, and models of larger works — including some material never exhibited before — that shed light on Stella’s trajectory from the minimalism of his immediately recognizable early works to the exuberant, expressionist maximalism of today.
If modern art is your thing — or you simply have a taste for color, form, and joy — get to this show. There will certainly be a few rainy days between now and the end of July. Peel yourself away from the pool!
Frank Stella: Experiment and Change.Through July 29 at NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale (1 E Las Olas Blvd, Ft Lauderdale). Admission: $12/$8 seniors and military/$5 students with ID/FREE for members & kids 12 and under. For hours and info: NSUArtMuseum.org.
OutMiamipresents “Mix and Mingle” with LGBTQ professionals and friends while supporting your local community. The miser takes place from 6 to 9pm atAloft Miami Doral(3265 NW 107thAvenue). Tickets are free for members (at Outmiami.org/mixer) and $10 for non members in advance and $20 at the door.
Friday, June 1
Twistpresents their monthlyFlamboyance Partystarring SuperstarDJPower Infiniti.
Saturday, June 2
Magic City Casinopresents their annualUltimate Miami Drag QueenhonoringAthena Dion(Ultimate Miami Drag Queen 2017) and starring RuPaul Drag Race AlumniAdore Delano, Chad MichaelsandNina Bonina Brown, as well as many of the formers. Tickets are just $25 and can be purchased at TheUltimateMiami.com.
Stonewall Library & Archives(1300 East Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale) presents their
Stonewall Library Week Long Book Salestarting today and going through Saturday, June 9. Get great deals on hundreds of overflow LGBT books ALL on sale for a bargain. Book sale hours:Saturdays from 11 am – 4 pm; and Monday – Friday from 11 am – 6 pm.
Beginning tonight,Matt’s Yoga classeswill improve your mind, your body and your life. Bend and stretch through a series of yoga poses while embracing elements of deep breathing and inner strength. Classes are 60 minutes and for all yoga levels. Feel free to arrive 5-10 minutes before classes to meditate and stretch. The classes will take place atHagen Park Community Centeron Saturdays 10-11am and Wednesdays 6:30 to 7:30pm. The cost is $10 per class; or $40 for 5 classes. Bring your own Yoga mat and wear comfortable shoes.
The RamrodpresentsPig Dance #118(first Saturday of the month), withDJ Herbie Jamesplaying deep and dirty house from 10p.m. to 3a.m.
The Club Fort Lauderdalefeatures their bi-monthly (1stand 3rdSaturday of the month)Res-Erection Naked Blackout eventat 10p.m. This is always a sold-out event, so get there early!
Enjoy the authentic sights, sounds and flavors of the Caribbean during the 2018 “Taste the Islands Experience” at theFort Lauderdale Historical Society.Food and spirits enthusiasts with a taste for island indulgences will enjoy an all-inclusive evening featuring celebrity cooking demos, an artisan shopping village, live music and more at the second annual celebration to take place on the Riverfront on the lawn of theNew River Inn(231 SW Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale) from 4-10pm. All-inclusive tickets are $95 advance and $125 at the gate and are available atttiexperience.com. Price includes gourmet and authentic Caribbean food and premium drinks.
Sunday, June 3
Flip Flops Dockside Eaterypresents their monthly T Dance (first Sunday of the month) from 4 to 7p.m., hosted byAmanda AustinwithDJ Robert Lavallespinning and this month’s special guests:Ruby Boxomm, Rianna Petrone,andAdelaide.
The PubpresentsBrut Nears Bearnecessi-T Dancefrom 4-9pm starringDJ Guy Degiacintoandgo-go bear dancers.
Monday, June 4
The Pubpresents the new “Stilettos” at 8pm hosted byRae Jean Coxand featuringCandy Cox, Mitzi Ross, Melissa St John, Velvet LeNore,andVerandah Lanai.
Tuesday, June 5
ArtsUnitedpresentsUnited & Proud, their annual pride month art exhibit. The event, which presents the diversity of artists and art in South Florida, will kick off with a reception tonight from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. atBroward County Main Library, 6th floor, 100 South Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale. For more information, visit:artsunitedflorida.com.
Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Barpresents “Lights, Camera, Charisma,” an open Mic night hosted byCharisma Adorestarting tonight and every first Tuesday of the month thereafter. Showtime is 9:30 and will feature special guests every week.
MangosandStarlet Skyeinvites you to her birthday bash featuring VJ Barry and performances by Erika Norell and Electra. No reservations required and admission is free.
Wednesday, June 6
Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Barpresent the first annualMiss Alibi Pageant,an official preliminary toMiss Florida F.I. 2018. The pageant starts at 9pm and is hosted byNikki AdamsandMichael Cavowith performances from the Miss Florida court:Kalah Mendoza, Antonio EdwardsandNoel Leon,as well asJose Vega(Mr. Florida Emeritus). Categories include Evening Gown, Swimsuit, Talent and Q&A. Registration is at 6pm and there is no entry fee!
Hot Stuff
Georgie’s Alibi/Monkey Baronce again presents their summer deal “LoCo 4 Locals…Customer Appreciation Months” During the months of June, July and August, locals get20% offtotal purchases from 11am to 3pm (with Florida ID).
This is HOT
Shot entirely on the iPhone 6S Plus,Happiness Adjacentwas written and directed by Rob Williams, and produced by the Guest House Films team of Rodney Johnson and Rob Williams. Happiness Adjacent stars Adam Fried as Hank Eisenberg; Ian Dick as Kurt Dimmeldorf; Rachel Alig as Kate Dimmeldorf; and features Jorgie Goico. Traveling alone on a tropical cruise, gay Hank develops a strong friendship and an intense physical connection with Kurt, a bisexual man vacationing with his wife. Hank can’t help but wonder if this is just a vacation fling, or if it’s a chance for both men to find true happiness. The DVD is now available at Guesthousefilms.com for only $19.99.
Does your life sometimes feel like a never-ending series of chores that brings you plenty of aggravation and grief but precious little joy? If so, you’re one of the millions of people who have let stress take control of their lives.
Almost 77% of Americans suffer from physical symptoms of stress. If you struggle with excessive fatigue, stomach upset, headaches, muscle tension, or poor sleep, you may be one of them. Nearly 73% of Americans experience psychological difficulties related to stress, including nightmares, panic attacks, and depression.
Stress at work and at home can take a daunting toll, but there are things you can do to beat stress before it beats you!
Manage stress by figuring out what brings you joy — and then taking measures to bring more of those joyful things into your life. A new workout, a coffee break with a supportive friend, enjoying a home-cooked meal with someone you’re dating or your spouse: These are all great ways to enhance your life. Life is too short to skimp on the experiences that bring genuine joy to your heart.
On the flip side, reflect upon what you need less of in your life, so you can become more peaceful. Days lost nursing hangovers, quality time wasted on relentlessly negative friends, hours spent beating yourself up over things you wish you had done differently: These are all behaviors you can happily kick to the curb — or at least curtail.
Don’t start off too grand. You can’t simplify your life and manage stress overnight. Take baby steps. Instead of blowing up when friends or family members upset you, take a walk on the beach. If on the job you feel overwhelmed by forces beyond your control, choose one drawer of a file cabinet and reorganize it.
Try some simple self-care techniques to calm and relax you. Have a cup of hot lavender or peppermint tea or use the scent of a little essential Mandarin or bergamot oil to soothe your frayed nerves. When you feel like you’re absolutely going to “lose it,” pause and change the rhythm of your breathing: Inhale deeply, relaxing your shoulders, and then exhale slowly. Repeat this five or six times to regain your composure.
Always make room for exercise. Physical activity, whether it’s walking the dog or taking a group fitness class, can make you feel more creative, more alive, and better about life in general. Working out, doing cardio, and playing sports are dynamite ways to build a great body, burn calories,andblow off steam! Exercise is the only real fountain of youth we’ve got, and it’s available to everyone.
Finally, don’t forget to work out your mind. Reading, travel, playing bridge, solving crossword puzzles, visiting a museum, and attending a concert are all activities that sharpen your cognitive skills by challenging you — and can help you tune out needless stress and anxiety that age you.
Granted, I’ve never been in prison, but one doesn’t actually have to spend time behind bars to know it’s awful. I’ve been conditioned my entire life to recognize that prison is not somewhere I ever want to go. And so it’s a pretty good motivator to be a law-abiding citizen (recognizing, of course, that being a cisgender white woman gives me plenty of unearned and unfair advantage).
There is, unfortunately, a perception in America that prison should be horrific, the more horrible the better. We have a very punitive prison justice system, where the goal of putting people in prison is to punish them not rehabilitate them. We want people who break the law to suffer (unless those people are white and have lots of money; those people apparently get to be president).
And boy do we love to lock people up! The United States has the largest prison population in the world. I’m not talking per capita, I mean total.We’re No. 1!We also love to try children as adults and put them in adult prisons. Which is sick.
But for those of us not in prison, it’s really easy to say something like, “If you can’t do the time, don’t do the crime,” and, “It’s prison, it’s not supposed to be a resort.”
It’s easy to forget that the people in prison are, well, people. They are human beings.
So you can imagine that it’s especially hard for trans men and women to be in prison. Because even trans folks who arenotin prison have to constantly defend their very humanity against constant assaults.
The Trump administration has been a disaster for transgender people. An already marginalized and relatively small group, they’ve repeatedly been singled out for harm by this administration. All of the gains made for trans rights under Obama are being rolled back for no other reason than that the Trump administration doesn’t like trans people, and they don’t like black people, and they’ll be damned if they let a black guy tell them how they should treat trans folks. And so we’ve seen direct attacks on transgender service members and transgender students from Trump and company. And now it’s prisoners.
Unlike service members and students, prisoners don’t have the advantage of being part of a group that many people like or even admire. They have few advocates in actual power. Transgender prisoners are the most marginalized of the already marginalized.
Which is probably why the Trump administration decided to undo rules put in place during the Obama Presidency that allowed trans prisoners to be housed in facilities that aligned with their gender identity. The intention behind the Obama-era rules was to protect trans prisoners from sexual and physical assault. A transgender woman, for example, would not be placed in a men’s prison.
Trump’s rule change was prompted by a lawsuit brought by four evangelical Christian prisoners in Texas. These women argued that being housed with “men” (as they refuse to acknowledge or accept trans identity) put them at risk and made them feel “icky” (that’s a legal term, obviously). And Trump and his ilk were more than happy to throw trans inmates to the wolves.
This has, not surprisingly, drawn criticism from the LGBTQ community.
“Once again, the Trump Administration is turning its back on those most vulnerable,” Lambda Legal Staff Attorney and Criminal Justice and Police Misconduct Strategist Richard Saenz said in a statement. “There is no justification for this policy shift; it is a deliberate recipe for violence against transgender people based in inexcusable prejudice.”
While I agree with Saenz, I don’t really think its accurate to say that the administration is “turning their backs” on transgender people. After all, in order to turn away from someone you have to acknowledge they exist in the first place. Instead, Trump and his minions want to erase them entirely. As for “deliberate recipe for violence,” that’s exactly what this is. Remember, if prison is supposed to be hell for cisgender folks, it follows this sick line of reasoning that it should be especially hellacious for trans people the system barely sees as human.
Also, “Based in Inexcusable Prejudice” would make a great title for a book about the Trump presidency.
Being yourself can take you places. If you’re Adam Rippon, born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, it can take you all the way to Pyeongchang, South Korea, where the 28-year-old set fire to the ice last February, becoming the first openly gay male athlete to win a medal — a bronze — for Team USA in a Winter Olympics.
Rippon’s mere existence as a brazenly gay global inspiration with a tongue as sharp as the blades on his skates is notable. Writer Peter Moskowitz recently celebrated Rippon in a piece for Splinter titled “The Faggy Magic of Adam Rippon.” And at a Stars on Ice show in Detroit, Michigan, in April, Rippon garnered by far the most enthusiastic response, winning applause from tween girls, a squadron of proud queers, and suburban moms, alike. Reese Witherspoon loves him. So does Elmo. And like any good mother, Sally Field tried to set him up with her gay son.
Rippon would make hisDancing with the Stars(DWTS) debut a couple weeks after our call, slaying aVogue-fortified cha-cha to RuPaul’s “Sissy That Walk.” I caught up with the phenom via phone as he put on his face inside the locker room of a Rhode Island arena (a Stars on Ice stop). Rippon opened up about how booze kills his wit game and what he tells guys on Tinder who want a second chance, all the while, being his irresistible self.
WATCH:
[Editor’s Note: This issue of Hotspots went to the printer before ABC’s live DWTS finale, so as you may know, Adam Rippon and his partner Jenna Johnson won the Mirrorball Trophy]
I want to give you a phone hug and say thanks for giving this 35-year-old man a new level of realness to aspire to.
I’m hugging you back.
You stood next to Britney Spears at the GLAAD Media Awards recently for a pic. I hear she liked the way you smelled.
Yes, she did. I congratulated her on her award, and she was like, “You smell really nice,” and I was like, “Thank you so much, ’cause that’s so important to me.”
Your fellow gay Olympian, [freestyle skier] Gus Kenworthy, kissed you on stage that night. How exactly would you describe your relationship with Gus at this point?
Umm [laughs], so, I mean, we’re just friends, obviously. His boyfriend was backstage laughing at him, and so he was just trying to be funny. Gus is a nut.
But you’re so close. And both of you being gay Olympians, it seems you’ve really bonded.
Oh, absolutely. We’re just like brothers — brothers who kiss, I guess. But no, I love him. He’s so nice, and we’re very good friends.
What was it like competing against Tonya Harding onDancing with the Stars?
It’s not a super big deal, but I think she’s got a lot going on, so I’m just gonna let her do her own thing, probably. Probably best.
Team Tonya or Team Nancy?
Well, I mean, Tonya tried to kill someone, so I’m Team Nancy, probably.
What did you think ofI, Tonya?
I loved it. I thought Margot Robbie [who played Harding] was great. Amazing.
Who would you cast as Adam inI, Adam?
Well, Margot did so well. So, maybe Margot Robbie?
Who inspires your on-ice style?
The skating world inspires it a little bit, and then… you’re gonna know that I’m trashy. I look at like, um, sex stuff and stuff people wear — harnesses and stuff — and the design is quite amazing. I bring [stuff] to my costume designer, and we make them more appropriate for a competition.
For a PG audience?
Yes. Actually, it’s notforthat audience. But I make it for them.
That harness you wore to the Oscars in March: Where is it?
It’s in [fashion designer] Jeremy Scott’s office. The suit was by Moschino, so it was from Jeremy’s office and he lent it to me. I’m obsessed with Jeremy. He’s amazing.
Do you get to keep these costumes?
I keep myowncostumes. Because, like, I bought them, outright. But the Oscars outfit was for the runway — so, from the red carpet back to the office.
Hard to give that up. So many opportunities to wear something like that.
I know! Like to a wedding. The grocery store.
Were you a sassy kid?
I don’t think I realized how sassy I was till I was at the Olympics and people were like, “Ahahaha, you’re so sassy.” And I was, “Ahahaha… you think so?” And they’re like, “Oh yeah, you’re, like,sassy.” And I was like, “I just thought I was fresh?” And they’re like, “No, you’re sassy.” Oh. OK.
Who inspires your sassiness?
The person who inspires me to be sassy is my mom.
So it’s in the blood.
[Laughs.] Yeah, it’s definitely in the blood. It’s something I can’t control.
Born this way.
Born this way, for sure. Genetics.
Your future: What’s off the table? Where do you draw the line?
Like, I’m not gonna do porn. That’s drawing the line, I guess. I don’t think I would do a reality show — I mean, I didDancing with the Stars. That’s a reality show. I’m not gonna do, like,Big Brotheror anything.
You’re getting a lot of offers. What percentage are you turning down?
I’m talking a little bit to everybody. But honestly, my schedule’s so crazy right now, I barely even know where I am.
The media loves getting you drunk.
Here’s the thing: I don’t drink a lot. Barely anything. And so everyone’s like, “Haha, come on the show and just have drinks!” And I’m like, “OK.” So, I’ll have a little bit, but I feel like I’m way funnier not drunk. I’m not as sharp, I’m not as witty; I’m notmyselfwhen I’m drunk. I mean, I like to be in the moment. If I’m in the moment, I can focus, and then I can be quick and witty.
You’ve been on this wild ride: the Olympics, Stars on Ice,Dancing with the Stars. How will you spend a day off when you finally get one?
Um, probably napping.
The whole day?
Thewholeday.
You have a new man, Jussi-Pekka Kajaala. He’s very good-looking.
I do. He’s super cute, but more than that, he’s super nice and funny.
Before you met, what criteria did you have for a boyfriend?
I really wasn’t looking for anybody. I was on Tinder just for fun. If you’ve ever been on Tinder, you know how you swipe left and right, and it basically turns into this game?
Oh yeah. It’s like the new Hot or Not.
It’sabsolutelythat. My criteria for a good boyfriend would be somebody who has passion. Passion is super important to me because, no matter what you do, if you have passion for it, then that’s kind of what life is all about — that you have passion for something. [Laughs.]
I’m being so serious. Usually when I get asked this question, I’m like, “a job, goes to the gym” — which isalsoimportant.
How many people on Tinder believed you were really Adam Rippon?
Nobody gave a shit that I was Adam Rippon. But I can tell you thateveryoneI ever matched with who ghosted on me has messaged me since the Olympics. My favorite is, “Oh, it’s been a while. How ya doing?” And I’m like, “Bye.”
You give them more than they deserve, honestly.
Usually I don’t answer.
Do you expect there will be a day when an openly gay figure skater can just be a figure skater?
Yeah. And I hope there’s a day that an openly gay Olympian will just be an Olympian. But I think right now it’s important to share your story.
For me, it’s not being gay that I share; I share my coming out. It’s not like, “Oh, I’m gay and I’m powerful” — which is, like, so true. It was [during] my coming out experience when I started to really own who I was and that’s where I found a lot of power. I was always me, but I didn’t alwaysownit. And when I owned it, that’s when I found I was my strongest.
Have you had any particularly moving exchanges with young queer fans?
Yes. There’ve been many. I’ve run into a few young people who told me they tried to kill themselves at one point, which is incredibly hard to hear, especially from really young kids.
It’s bizarre to be thanked for just being who you are, and for someone to tell you that you really helped them, it’s incredibly humbling. I was not expecting that kind of response after the Olympics.
Do you feel pressure to act or be a certain way because of that?
No more than the way that I’ve been acting.
Good. To end, which Golden Girl are you?
Probably Blanche. Isn’t everyone Blanche? And I’m a little — OK, I’m mostly Dorothy.
GayDayS is the event that started it all 28 years ago, when thousands of queers descended on Walt Disney World on the first Saturday in June, decked out in red shirts for visibility.
Today, that one Saturday has grown into almost a full week of events, and many find GayDayS provides the ideal home base for all their Orlando shenanigans. The cocktail-fortified pool parties at the host hotel run from 10am to the wee hours every day, GayDayS practically sets the itinerary for the entire gay gaggle’s migration from theme park to theme park, and diversity is built right into a program that features twice-a-day bear pool parties, pageants (dragandleather), bingo, diva impersonators, and a massive LGBT expo.
Host Hotel
DoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld (10100 International Dr, Orlando)
Welcome & Information Booth
Main Lobby. Tue 11am–6pm, Wed 10am–8pm, Thu–Sat 9am–9pm, Sun 9am–5pm.
GayDayS ambassadors will greet you and answer any questions you may have. Don’t leave without your free GayDayS 2018 Welcome Bag.
The place to buy tickets and exclusive merch, including the #RedShirtDays official GayDayS 2018 red shirt. Purchase individual tickets and pool-party bands or spring for a Platinum Pass ($500) or 3-, 4-, or 5-Day Pool Party Passes ($105–$200, $70–$140 in advance). For advance tix and host hotel information: GayDays.com.
GayDays Expo
Off Main Lobby.Thu 11am–7pm, Fri–Sat 10am–7pm, Sun 10am–4pm.
Businesses from all over the world showcase a variety of goods and services. Your host, Harmony Breeze, Miss GayDayS 2014, keeps the giveaways and free-prize raffles coming.
Those Legendary Pool Parties
Free for hotel guests. Tix (except Wednesday): Daytime $25 advance/$35 at event; Evening $35/$45.
Wednesday, May 30
Main Bayou Pool
Daytime: 12pm–5pm. $10/$15. DJ Sean Michael.
Evening: 5pm–3am. $15/$20. DJ Chris Tavi (5–10), DJ Rob Moore (10–3).
Thursday, May 31
Main Bayou Pool: Thirsty Thursday
Daytime: 10am–5pm. DJ Aracely Manterola (10–4), DJ Sean Michael (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–3am. DJ Sean Michael (5–10), DJ Chris Adams (10–3).
Bear Bayou Pool
Daytime: 10am–5pm. DJ Chris Tavi (10–4), DJ Mike James (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–2am. DJ Mike James (5–10), DJ DeGiacinto (10–2).
Friday, June 1
Main Bayou Pool: Splash!
Daytime: 10am–5pm. DJ Chomper (10–4), DJ Cajjmere Wray (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–3am. DJ Cajjmere Wray (5–10), DJ DeGiacinto (10–3).
Bear Bayou Pool: Kona Luau
Daytime: 10am–5pm. DJ Robert Scott (10–4), DJ Barney Philly (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–2am. DJ Barney Philly (5–10), Pumpkin Spice (10–2).
Saturday, June 2
Main Bayou Pool: Glow Pop
Daytime: 10am–5pm. DJ Sushiman (10–4), DJ Cindel (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–3am. DJ Cindel (5–10), DJ Chi Chi LaRue (10–3).
Bear Bayou Pool
Daytime: 10am–5pm. DJ Sinna-G (10–4), DJ Chomper (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–2am. DJ Chomper (5–10), DJ Aracely Manterola (10–2).
Sunday, June 3
Main Bayou Pool: Tea Time
Daytime: 10am–5pm. Pumpkin Spice (10–4), DJ Dani Toro (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–3am. DJ Dani Toro (5–10), DJ Joe Ross (10–3).
Bear Bayou Pool
Daytime: 10am–5pm. DJ Sinna-G (10–4), DJ CChris Adams (4–5).
Evening: 5pm–2am. DJ Chris Adams (5–10), DJ Barney Philly (10–2).
Extra-Special GayDayS Events
The Voodoo Showroom is located inside theDoubleTree by Hilton Orlando at SeaWorld (10100 International Dr).
TUESDAY, MAY 29
Official GayDayS Kick-off Party
6:30pm–10pm.Sleuths Mystery Dinner Show (8267 International Dr). $10 advance/$20, VIP $50/$75.
Hosted by Coco Montrese ofRuPaul’s Drag Race All-Stars 2and Steve Erics, GayDayS Creative Director of Entertainment.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30
GayDayS Fabulous Drag Bingo!
7:15pm–9:15pm. Voodoo Showroom. $15 advance/$25.
An exciting evening of bingo filled with high-energy performances and DIVA-rated prizes. Hosted by Voodoo Queen Roxy Brooks, who promises special guest appearances.
THURSDAY, MAY 31
Taste of GayDayS
6pm–10pm.Voodoo Showroom. $40 advance/$50.
Sample nibbly bits from local restaurants as you sip delightful beverages and enjoy live entertainment and the musical stylings of DJ Lu-S.
Who will have you under their special GayDayS spell in 2018? Watch these queens bewitch and beguile until only one remains!
SATURDAY, JUNE 2
GayDayS XXX Porn Bingo
1pm–3pm. Voodoo Showroom. $25 advance/$35.
Play some of the most exhilarating bingo ever in the exxxtremely fine company of Chi Chi LaRue and adult film stars Seth Santoro, Woody Fox, and Wesley Woods.
ICONS at GayDayS
7:30pm–9pm. Voodoo Showroom. $20 advance/$30.
Central Florida’s Diamond Divas— Summer Holiday, Twila Holiday, Viktoria D. Sommers, Dede Taylor, and Cherilyn Matthews — present ICONS, a high-energy illusion production that pays tribute to legends including Whitney, Cher, Bette, Barbra, Rihanna, Adele and more.
SUNDAY, JUNE 3
Mr. GayDayS Leather Competition
2:30pm–5pm. Voodoo Showroom. $25 advance/$35.
Who will succeed Chip Wegner, Mr. GayDayS Leather 2017? Back for a second year, this event is an educational and entertaining afternoon of men and leather you won’t want to miss.
Your Theme Park Itinerary
THURSDAY, MAY 31
9am–9pm. Walt Disney World’s Animal Kingdom
A zoological theme park covering 580 acres. Check out the all-new Rivers of Light and Pandora: The World of Avatar. Go on a safari, meet your favorite film characters, and thrill to the rides.
9am–6pm. SeaWorld
Enjoy live shows, free concerts, and, of course, up-close encounters with animals. Rollercoaster fiends should be sure to check out Mako.
FRIDAY, JUNE 1
9am–9:30pm. Walt Disney World’s Hollywood Studios
You’re a star, baby! Check out the all-new Star Wars Launch Bay as well as classic attractions like Beauty and the Beast: Live on Stage and The Tower of Terror.
9am–10pm. Islands of Adventure.
A park full of thrillsandways to cool down. Ride the all-new Skull Island: Reign of Kong, The Incredible Hulk Coaster, or visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter!
SATURDAY, JUNE 2
9am–10pm. Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom
From Thunder Mountain to Space Mountain, this park continues to thrill guests young and old. Check out new attractions and shows: Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire, The Seven Dwarfs’ Mine Train, and Muppets Present: Great Moments in American History. The spellbinding finale is the all-new fireworks show, Happily Ever After.
9am–9pm. Universal Studios Florida.
Go behind the scenes — or beyond the screen — and leap right into the action of your favorite movies. Battle alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in Transformers: The Ride—3D, take The Simpsons Ride through Springfield, and join Gru and his Minions at Minion Mayhem!
SUNDAY, JUNE 3
9am–9pm. Walt Disney World’s EPCOT
Enjoy the exciting rides of Future World; Test Track and Mission: Space, and the newly re-imagined Soarin’! Or just drink your way around the globe at the World Showcase.
9am–5pm. Discovery Cove
Get your wetsuit ready… and dive into paradise! Discovery Cove offers an intimate, resort-style experience. Interact with dolphins, snorkel with rays, and feed exotic birds. Or just take it easy, grab a bite, and lounge by the tropical river.
One Magical Weekend: The Circuit Experience
If GayDayS, with its emphasis on hitting the parks and hanging by the pool, is the beating heart of Gay Disney week in Orlando, One Magical Weekend (OMW) is the quintessential circuit-party experience transplanted into Walt Disney World itself. The location has its perks, including shuttles to all events andbus service to all the Walt Disney World Resorts theme parks.
Like GayDayS, OMW has its own host hotel and daily pool parties, of course, as well as a Gay Biz Expo. But the event’s calling cards are its round-the-clock schedule and its showpiece mega-parties. OMWownsthe late, late time slot with its nightly Cadabra after-hours parties, and #Riptide, an EDM-scored hijacking of Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Waterpark, takes the pool party experience to its logical — and spectacular — extreme.
OMW Home Base
Host Hotel
B Resort & Spa (1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista)
Gay Biz Expo
B Resort & Spa. Fri–Sat 11am–6pm, Sun 11am–2pm.
If shopping is on your One Magical Weekend agenda, don’t miss the Gay Biz Expo & Welcome Center where you can purchase tickets to all of your OMW events for the weekend.
Welcome & Ticket Center
Inside the Gay Biz Expo. For advance tix and host hotel information: OneMagicalWeekend.com.
The Therapy Pool Parties
B Resort & Spa (1905 Hotel Plaza Blvd, Lake Buena Vista).Weekend Pass: $70.
For its signature event, OMW takes over the entire 52-acre waterpark so that 6,000 guests can dance under the stars. This year the Crush ’n’ Gusher water-coaster stays open all night, and you canboard the Miss Adventure Falls treasure raft — the longest ride in the history of the Disney waterparks — if you feel the need to get away from it all.
Saturday, June 2
RED Volume III: #STRUT
9pm–2am. House of Blues at Disney Springs. $71/$142 VIP.
DJs Ivan Gomez and Nacho Chapado
The dress code is red, and strut is the attitude. What more do you need to know?
Cadabra After Hours
Old Town — Sun on the Beach Nightclub (5770 W Irlo Bronson Memorial Hwy, Kissimmee). Weekend Pass: $191.
Friday night, June 1
2am–8am. $71.
DJ Alyson Calagna
Saturday night, June 2
2am–8am, $71.
DJ Alex Acosta
Sunday night, June 3
Midnight–6am. $71.
DJs Paulo and Alex Ramos
The Best of the Rest: Orlando’s Finest
We’ve dedicated a lot of ink to two major gay events that helicopter into Mousetown (fabulously!) for one week a year, but Orlando is an LGBT hotspot with a vibrant scene all year ’round. When the rainbow hordes descend on the city each June, local bars and clubs are fully committed to the celebration. They step right up with their own nightly extravaganzas. Here are just a few of this year’s top offerings, where you can get a taste of the authentic (monorail-free!) Orlando.
Stonewall
741 W Church St, Orlando
Saturday, June 2
Amor
Doors 9pm, show @ midnight. 21+, valet parking.
Stonewall’s weekly upscale Latin extravaganza gets supercharged on the weekend’s biggest night. The midnight show features a bevy of local divas — Nouba Soleil, Lisa Lane, Rochelle Mon Cheri, Angelica Sanchez, Yeisa, and Aaliyah Valentino — plus a very special appearance by the one-and-only Puerto Rican bombshell, Iris Chacón.
Southern Nights
375 S Bumby Ave, Orlando
Thursday, May 31
Southern Nights goes all in on drag for its Days of Gays long weekend, and kicking things off a day early are Axel Andrews, Roxxxy Andrews, Kai’ja Adonis, and MR MS Adrien.
Friday, June 1
It’s Kitana Gemini’s birthday, so you know you better show up with a gift! Helping Kitana get the party started: Roxxxy Andrews, Maya Andrews, Tasha Long, Sassy Devine, and Tasha Royale Sherrington.
Saturday, June 2
On the busiest night of the weekend, Baby Blue and Ivy Les Vixens somehow managed to snag the stage all for themselves. Is it a victory of quality over quantity? You be the judge.
Parliament House
410 N Orange Blossom Tr, Orlando.
Thursday, May 31
PI@PH
8pm–3am. Free before 11.
Miami favorite DJ Kidd Madonny kicks off the weekend at this legendary Orlando entertainment complex. You can also expect performances by Michelle du Soleil and The Minx and Company, a Latin Diva Revue, and a countdown at midnight. Meanwhile, down in in the Footlight Theater, Orlando’s Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence present A Night of Perpetual Comedy at 10pm — that’s all the improve you can eat for $15.
Friday, June 1
8pm–3am. $15 advance/$20 door/$40 VIP.
Get there early tonight becauseRuPaul’s Drag Racesuperstar Alaska Thunderfuck is in the house for ana-liveperformance. Kidd Madonny is back on the wheels of steel once more, this time with an assist from resident DJs Scott Robert and Brianna.
Saturday, June 2
8pm–3am. $20 advance/$30 door/$50 VIP. How did you get here? Nobody’s supposed to be here!Nobody except the inimitable Deborah Cox, that is. Deb will be performing her greatest hits. Will she wear her hair in a ponytail? I’s guess… absolutely not! Meanwhile, it’s Brianna back on the decks, as is Kidd Madonny, who must have taken a room for the weekend.
Sunday, June 3
8pm–3am. Free before 6pm/$20 after/$50 VIP.
It’s a foam party tonight, so maybe don’t wear your best shoes. Only problem is, there’s also aDrag RaceSeason 10 trifecta tonight: Aquaria, The Vixen,andMiz Cracker will all be in da hizzouse. And you know at least one of them is gonna read you for that sad, second-string footwear. Brianna and Madonny supply the tunes.
Obviously you all remember that time in the year 2000 when Lindsay Lohan was a child star and she was in that TV movie calledLife Size, which is the one where little Lindsay’s Barbie-esque toy doll comes to life — as Tyra Banks. It wassogood. And because it was so good, media mogul Tyra Banks has decided that things can only get gooder and now there’s going to be aLife Size 2.
We need this.
Tyra’s producing it. The world is quivering in anticipation. And Tyra needs Lindsay. Ms. Banks is talking about the project out in public and more or less confirming that it’s happening with the now-grown Lindsay, which may mean Lohan is in negotiations and very close to signing. Or it could also just be one of those SoulCycle things about putting your intention into the universe and manifesting the reality. (Listen, I have no idea what those words mean, either, but they sound productive.)
If you saw Lohan on Wendy Williams’ couch not long ago, it’s clear she’s in a good place and ready to be enjoyed as an actor again, so maybe we all just need to chant to the universe a little louder.
The Pain and Glory of Almodóvar
In 2019 the world of cinema will get lucky again, because that’s when legendary Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar drops his next movie. Here’s everything we know so far.
It’s about a filmmaker whose past choices come back to haunt his present day life as he works on a new project. It’s calledDolor y Gloria(“Pain and Glory”) and it will star his longtime muse Penélope Cruz (Broken Embraces) and his other longtime muse, Antonia Banderas, an actor who goes all the way back to 1982 with Almodóvar and the filmLabyrinth of Passion. Even the supporting cast is vintage Almodóvar, with Spanish actresses Kiti Manver fromWomen on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdownand Julieta Serrano, who goes back even further than Banderas, to 1980’sPepi, Luci, Bom y Otras Chicas del Montón.
Will it be a comedy? A drama? Both? We don’t care, we’re just ready for the calendar to flip.
Some like Paris in the springtime. But you may prefer it in the summer — especially this summer, when The City of Light (et L’Amour!) plays host to Gay Games 10 from August 4 to 12.
Held every four years, the Gay Games are the world’s largest sporting and cultural event open to all.Paris 2018 will welcome more than 10,000 participants from over 80 countries to take part in 36 sports, 14 cultural events, conferences, and festivities, all under the Gay Games guiding principles: Participation, Inclusion, and Personal Best.
Sports on offer run the gamut: from swimming, diving, track and field, judo, and bowling, to team sports including basketball, softball, beach volleyball, rugby, and football (by which they mean “soccer”), to a couple of winter sports (figure skating and ice hockey), and even local favorites pétanque and roller derby. (OK. OK. I made that last part up. While itispart of the Games, roller derby isnotun thang français.)
There’s even an event called Urban Dance Workshop, a series of three noncompetitive classes highlighting styles such asvoguing, waacking, hype, locking, and hip hop. And one workshop is specifically adapted for an audience with disabilities — which reminds me:Gay Games welcomes everyone to participate in their own way. Registration is open to all people from 18 to 99 years old, without discrimination based on gender or sexual orientation, ethnicity or disabilities, and also without any selection requirements.
Whatdothe Games discriminate against? Tardiness.
So, if you want to participate in a sport —or perform in cultural offerings such asballet, chorus, orchestra, or cheerleading (Gimme a C! For Culture.) — you must visit the Paris 2018 website and register by June 30.(By mid-May almost 8,900 had already signed up!) Registration is €205 plus a specific fee for each sport or cultural offering. Those are generally in the €20 to €60 range (sailing tops out at €285). And the site will tell you not only the fees, but also how many spots are left for participants in each sport or cultural activity (golf is already filled).
If you don’t want to jock out or rock out, butdoplan to be one of the 300,000 spectators descending on Paris for the Games, there is no deadline: Attendance at almost all sporting events is free. But there are entrance fees for the ceremonies, parties, and some performances during the Games.
Which means: If you want tickets for the opening ceremonies atJean Bouin Stadium (site of Stade Français rugby matches; perhaps you’ve seen the calendars?),the after-party at Le Grand Palais featuring Israeli DJ Offer Nissim, the women’s party, or any of the choral and orchestral concerts, dance performances, or other limited-capacity events, get thee to the website. Now!
At press time, only 160 tickets were left for Pink Flamingo, the over-the-top, costumed aquatic show that serves as the grand finale to the aquatics competition and has become a Gay Games centerpiece. And that is one wet bird you really do not want to miss, hunties!
To register, purchase tix, or get more info:paris2018.com.
, Kennedy Space Center, Visit Orlando, Florida Hospital, Disney, Nautique Boat Company, Orange County Sherriff, and Avis Budget Group are just a few of the 100 high-merit employers attending. Updated information about employers, schedules, events, and registration is located at
