OutClique Magazine February 2026 Edition 2

Col.1 Steven O. Evans, PhD2 (Publisher and Editor in Chief)

Sach Advertising Group (VP for Graphic Design & Information Technology)

Megan Fitzgerald, Ph.D. (Sr Associate Editor; Associate Professor, Nova Southeastern University, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences)

Savannah Whaley (Senior Writer / PR & Editorial Consultant)

Chandler Scott (Director of Social Media, Writer)

Nicole Ackerman, MA (Sr. Sales Response)

Jason Eakin (Director of Distribution)

Stephen Lang (Director of Photography and Editorial Consultant)

Trantalis & Associates (Legal Oversight)

Richter Trademarks, P.L. (Copyright and Legal Consultant) Rivendell Media (National Advertising)

Writers: Tony Adams; Charles Baran; John M. Hayden (Senior South Florida News Journalist); Denny Patterson (Senior Lifestyle Writer); Bishop Rev. Durrell Watkins, DMin

Brand Ambassadors: Joe Akin, Doug Ames, Charles Baran, Arnie Cuarenta, Clayton de Oliveira, Luka Gotsiridze, Rafi Maldonado, Jorge Perez, Richard Rodríguez-Pérez

Contact us (advertising, editorial ideas, feedback, join our email list, or questions) (954) 294-8560 (call, text, WhatsApp) | Info@OutClique.com

A publication of OutClique®, LLC www.OutClique.com | www.Facebook.com/OutClique | www.Instagram.com/OutClique OutClique® is a registered trademark

OutClique®, LLC is not responsible for statements or opinions expressed in advertisements or articles. Some events may be 18+ Contact venues for official information, requirements, and specifications. All event dates, locations, times, and prices are subject to change. All images original photos taken by and owned by Outclique Magazine, or are courtesy of SLR Media, Jason Sapp, Keans LLamara Photography, ShutterStock.com, DreamsTime.com or sponsoring PR agency, unless noted otherwise.

OUTCLIQUE® Is a registered trademark with the United States Trademark Office and not to be used without priort written consent from Dr. Steven O. Evans and/or Miriam Richter, Attorney at Law, P.L.

1

LATINOS SALUD

Finding Yourself

By Megan Fitzgerald, PhD

Everyone seems to have it together: throngs of perfect friends, eye-popping parties, and stunning good looks.

But what happens when anxiety, self-criticism, or even loneliness creeps in? Some people seek out a support group; others schedule a session with a therapist. Most, though, just keep pushing through their busy lives, hoping that negative feelings will pass.

Recently, OutClique magazine sat down with several community members who were surprised to discover how a shared meal, an infectious laugh, or a supportive pat on the back could lift them out of these darker spaces.

Each said that their newfound outlook came simply through joining one or more of the free “Health & Culture” events produced by Latinos Salud, the region’s most innovative non-profit community health clinic.

Samuel C

My name is Samuel. I’m an architect. As such, I designed an ideal life… or at least that’s what I thought. This past year pierced through me with changes that broke me from within. It began with a deep rupture and continued with a difficult move from Venezuela to Texas, and later to South Florida. I arrived carrying broken pieces of myself—lost, inhabited by doubt, fear, and uncertainty. I looked at myself and didn’t

recognize who I was; I held myself and felt nothing. I didn’t know where I was or where I was heading.

That was when I found Latinos Salud. From the very first moment, I felt genuinely welcomed and understood. There I met Miguel, who introduced me to the (Wilton Manors location’s) Health & Culture group—a community that became family. Through them, I regained meaning, purpose, and hope. Today, with deep gratitude, I can say: I am Samuel Castro, and I have found myself again.

Victor A.

I was living a very intense lifestyle, marked by drugs and sex—the perfect combination to fall into addiction and end up on the streets of Miami, rejecting any kind of help.

When I decided to stop using drugs, I started looking for healthier alternatives to have fun. That's when I found Latinos Salud, where I was able to access PrEP and other important services, such as the Health and Culture group.

It wasn't a rehabilitation center in the traditional sense, but it helped me immensely during my recovery process. To my surprise, I found a place where I felt calm and accepted without judgment. I met talented, intelligent, and fun people who participated in these activities.

I remember when I attended my first event, I was a little shy at first, but everyone was very kind to me. I was lucky to meet several people from my own country, and beyond that, no matter where anyone was from or their culture, we all shared the same interest: having a good time in a friendly and fun environment. Most importantly, I felt safe.

The Health & Culture group that I attend at Latinos Salud’s North Miami location is led by Angel, an admirable member of the Latinos Salud staff, who always made sure the space remained a place of creativity, exploration, and enjoyment.

Today, I've been drug-free for three years, and I continue to participate in Latinos Salud's activities because it remains a safe space for all.

Anonymous:

I attended the Latinos Salud beach volleyball picnic event this past Sunday and, for the first time, I felt genuinely comfortable and relaxed while meeting a group of people, which meant a lot to me as someone who experiences anxiety in new social settings.

All the members there were incredibly supportive and welcoming. I want to use this opportunity to say I truly appreciate Latinos Salud for creating such a warm, inclusive community and a safe space for LGBTQ+

individuals to come together, feel supported, and build meaningful connections.

Erik J:

In November, I attended the Latinos Salud Miami SW Health & Culture group’s ice skating event; which was very exciting and fun! However, the part of the event that I loved and appreciated the most was hanging out and meeting new people, spending time with friends who you’ve met already through past events, or strengthening the community through these outings.

In this past year, Latinos Salud events have become something to look forward to—not just personally, but as a shared community experience. New friends I’ve made now plan how to get there and make a point of seeing one another.

In times when being queer and Latino is difficult and scary, Latinos Salud and its team make spaces and moments for us to have fun and express ourselves openly and proudly.

Your Way to Connect

Each member who shared their story invites OutClique readers to visit the “Events” tab on Latinos Salud’s website or follow the organization on social media to register for upcoming free events.

Author: Megan Fitzgerald, PhD, Associate Professor

Heart Health Is Everyone’s Business Why February Matters for All of Us

By Von Biggs, Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator at Holy Cross Health

February is often associated with love, but it is also American Heart Month. This is a time to focus on the health of the organ that keeps us alive and thriving. Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States, and while it affects everyone, certain communities including LGBTQ+ individuals face unique challenges that deserve attention.

As someone who has spent years advocating for health equity, I have seen firsthand how conversations about heart health often take a back seat in LGBTQ+ spaces. We talk about HIV, mental health, and stigma because these issues are urgent and real. Yet the stress and discrimination that come with those realities also increase the risk of heart disease. I have met people who avoid care because they fear judgment. I have listened to stories of isolation that weigh heavily on the heart in more ways than one. These experiences remind me that heart health is not just about numbers on a chart. It is about the lives behind those numbers.

American Heart Month is for everyone. It is a reminder that caring for your heart means caring for your whole self physically, emotionally, and socially. That means regular checkups, knowing your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers, and making lifestyle choices that support long term health. It also means advocating for inclusive healthcare systems where LGBTQ+ patients feel safe and respected.

At Holy Cross Health we are committed to breaking down barriers and creating spaces where every person regardless of identity can access compassionate and comprehensive care. Heart health is not just about avoiding disease. It is about building a life where wellness is possible for all.

This February let us make heart health a shared priority. Talk to your doctor. Encourage your friends and family to get screened. And remember the strongest communities are built on healthy hearts.

At Holy Cross Health, we believe every person deserves compassionate, high-quality care delivered with dignity, respect and understanding. We’re proud to offer an inclusive environment where all individuals and families feel safe, supported and valued. From our diverse care teams to our community health initiatives, we’re here to walk alongside you on your journey to wellness in body, mind and spirit.

Let us be your trusted partner in health. To learn more or to make an appointment, scan the code or visit holy-cross.com/lgbtq.

Health and Wellness in 2026 Tips for Mind-Body Balance

A new year brings fresh opportunities to prioritize health and wellness, both inside and out. Many of us set goals to exercise more, eat healthier, or finally stick to a sleep routine. But at Care Resource, we know true wellness encompasses far more. Lasting well-being requires nurturing your mind, heart, body, and maintaining a healthy weight.

The CDC observes that both mild and major depression significantly elevate a person’s 10-year cardiovascular disease risk, with younger adults showing heightened lifetime risk. For example, adults with mild depression face substantially greater long-term risk than those without, emphasizing how emotional distress can shape heart health.

Caring for your mental well-being promotes physical health: better sleep, more energy, fewer aches. The American Heart Association is increasingly highlighting this psychological-physiological link, noting that emotional health can accelerate the development of cardiovascular risk factors like hypertension and plaque buildup.

The American Heart Association updated its framework to “Life’s Essential 8,” outlining eight key elements for lifelong cardiovascular health: healthy diet, physical activity, nicotine avoidance, sleep, weight, cholesterol, blood sugar, and blood pressure.

Wellness isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress. When you care for your mental health, maintain a healthy weight, and protect your heart, you’re investing in your future. Small steps like moving more, eating balanced meals, and managing stress can transform your life. – Dr. Vanessa Rojas, MD, Primary Care Provider at Care Resource

Maintaining a healthy weight, typically a BMI under 25, is vital. It alleviates strain on the heart, lowers diabetes risk,

boosts metabolism, and supports self-esteem. Balanced nutrition rich in whole foods, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats help regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and body weight. Regular physical activity, about 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, helps manage weight, reduce heart disease risk, and lift mood through endorphin release.

Practical Steps to Thrive in 2026

Start with achievable daily habits that nourish both mind and body:

● Prioritize moments of self-care, whether reading, journaling, quiet reflection, or walking, to alleviate stress and build resilience.

● Move your body in joyful ways. Yoga, dancing, gardening, or brisk walks support heart health, foster energy, and ease anxiety.

● Choose balanced meals filled with colorful fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and stay hydrated.

● Nurture social connections through conversations, shared activities, or support networks.

● If you feel overwhelmed, it’s okay to ask for help. Counseling, support groups, or mental health resources can be transformative.

● Set practical goals: for instance, aim for three 15-minute walks per week or screen-free wind-down time each night. Small steps build momentum.

Improving health doesn’t require sweeping changes consistently; small actions deliver big results. At Care Resource, we support your journey with counseling, nutrition guidance, exercise planning, and heart-health resources. We’ll help you strengthen your mind, maintain a healthy weight, protect your heart, and foster overall wellness.

Let’s make 2026 the year you feel better inside and out, one mindful choice at a time.

How to Calm Your Gay Social Anxiety (Without Losing Your Sparkle)

By Steven O. Evans, Ph.D.

We as gay men know social anxiety in a way that deserves its own musical number. We walk into a gay bar, a brunch, or our favorite drag show, and before we’ve even found a place to stand, our brains are already doing the absolute most. One moment we’re just trying to exist, and the next we’re convinced the entire room is watching us walk in, thinking our belt and shoes don’t match, wondering if we’re giving more Will or more Jack today, and wondering if we’re that dude they were chatting with on Grindr last night.

Because of course they are, right?

A lot of us have spent years walking into rooms like undercover agents, scanning the place to see who’s friendly, who’s hot, and who we should avoid like last year’s ex. It’s practically a superpower… except it feeds our anxiety like bottomless mimosas feed brunch chaos.

But here’s the good news, sweetheart: social anxiety

doesn’t get to run your gay social life. You can soften it, laugh at it, sass at it, and shimmy right past it. Below are five fabulous, easy-reading, light-hearted tips — in perfect order — to help you feel more relaxed and a whole lot more you in the spaces we share.

1Don’t Believe Every Dramatic Thought

Gay anxiety LOVES drama. It turns the tiniest fear into a full Broadway tragedy.

“They hate me.”

“I look ridiculous.”

“Everyone noticed me breathing weird.”

But honey… thoughts aren’t facts. They’re guesses with flair.

The moment your brain starts spiraling, ask:

“Is this actually happening, or am I auditioning for a soap opera?”

Try replacing the drama with something softer:

“I’m nervous, but I belong here.” “I don’t have to impress everyone.”

You’re not rewriting Shakespeare. You’re simply editing the script your brain wrote without permission.

2 Breathe, Honey. Just… Breathe.

Before walking into any gay social environment — bar, brunch, drag show, game night, you name it — do a quick reset.

● Inhale for 5 seconds

● Hold for a beat

● Exhale for 7 seconds

This simple trick signals to your body, “Relax, diva, we’ve got this.”

It’s quiet, it’s classy, and it works better than half the selfhelp books out there.

Think of it as emotional glitter — subtle, but fabulous.

3

Build Confidence Through Tiny Moments

You don’t need a grand entrance worthy of a reality show. You don’t need to charm every man in the room. You don’t need to be the funniest or most stylish or most talkative.

Start tiny:

● Say hi

● Compliment someone’s shirt

● Ask where they got their drink

● Laugh at the drag queen’s joke

Confidence isn’t a makeover — it’s a collection of micromoments.

Every tiny interaction whispers to your brain: “Oh. That was fine. That was actually cute. Let’s keep going.”

Small steps build big comfort. And small steps are so much easier than giant leaps (unless you’re in heels, in which case: bless you).

4 Remember: You’re Not the Center of Attention (tragic, I know)

We swear every man in the room is analyzing our entire existence when we walk in.

But most guys are thinking:

“Is this shirt working?”

“Do I look approachable?”

“Dear lord… that IS my ex.”

We’re all too busy worrying about ourselves to judge anyone else.

If you spill, trip, mumble, or walk into the wrong group, it’ll be forgotten faster than who got 4th place on RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Relax — nobody is grading you. You’re free to just… be.

5

Try Something New (Even If It’s Silly)

Anxiety loves routine. It thrives on sameness.

Break the cycle gently:

● Try a drag brunch

● Join a game night

● Try a hiking group

● Attend a class

● Go to a different bar on a slower night

You don’t have to shine or sparkle or stun. You just have to show up

New experiences teach your brain the world is bigger, softer, and far friendlier than your anxiety wants you to believe.

Final Takeaway

Social anxiety inflates everything. But when we slow down, breathe, think kinder thoughts, take small actions, and stop acting like the whole room is waiting for us to fail… things get lighter. Softer. Fun.

We as gay men deserve joy. We deserve connection. We deserve community.

And we belong in every room we walk into — heels, flats, sneakers, nerves, sparkle and all.

This is your permission slip to relax, sweetie. You’re doing great.

Love Beyond Romance

Mindful Ways to Nurture Connection in the LGBTQA+ Community

By Francine Marks-Weinstein, LMHC

February often centers love around romance, heartshaped cards, couples' dinners, and grand gestures. While romantic love can be meaningful, it is only one expression of connection. For many in the LGBTQA+ community, love has always been broader, deeper, and more creatively defined. It lives in a chosen family, enduring friendships, community bonds, and the relationship we cultivate with ourselves.

As a licensed mental health counselor, I often see how Valentine's Day can stir up loneliness, grief, or a sense of not fitting into traditional narratives of love. Mindfulness invites us to expand the definition, to notice and nurture the connections that already sustain us.

Chosen Family as a Practice of Love

For many LGBTQA+ individuals, the chosen family provides safety, affirmation, and belonging. Mindfully nurturing these relationships begins with presence. This may look like putting your phone down during conversations, listening without planning your response, or simply acknowledging someone's importance in your life. Small acts of attentiveness build emotional trust and deepen bonds over time.

Friendship as Emotional Intimacy

Friendships often carry profound intimacy in LGBTQA+ lives, yet they are rarely celebrated publicly during February. Mindfulness helps us honor these connections by slowing down and appreciating them. Try a simple practice: think of one friend who has supported you through a difficult time. Pause, breathe, and silently offer gratitude. You might even express it directly.

Connection grows when appreciation is shared.

Community Care and Collective Healing

Love also lives in community. LGBTQA+ spaces, whether social groups, support circles, or advocacy efforts offer shared understanding and resilience. Being mindful within the community means noticing when you need support and when you can offer it. It also means respecting boundaries, practicing compassion, and remembering that everyone carries unseen stories.

The

Often-Forgotten Relationship: Self-Connection

Mindfulness reminds us that the most enduring relationship is the one we have with ourselves. February can be an opportunity to practice self-love without pressure or perfection. This may include gentle self-talk, honoring your limits, or creating rituals that bring comfort-lighting a candle, journaling, or taking a mindful walk. Self-connection strengthens all other forms of love.

Expanding the Narrative of Love

When we move beyond romance as the sole measure of love, we allow space for authenticity. Love becomes inclusive, accessible, and grounded in real human connection. For the LGBTQA+ community, this expanded narrative is not new, it is lived wisdom.

This February, consider shifting the question from "Who am I celebrating?" to "How am I connecting?" Through mindfulness, love reveals itself in presence, compassion, and the quiet moments of being seen and understood exactly as you are.

Francine Marks-Weinstein is a licensed mental health counselor providing telehealth services. She is an educator dedicated to helping people navigate anxiety and everyday stressors. Francine is also the author of Live Mindfully 52 Ways, a practical and accessible book offering simple tools to live with presence and clarity.

FrancineMarksWeinstein.com | francinemarksweinstein@gmail.com Livemindfully 52 Ways Facebook/Instagram/UTube/TikTok

Balance

Glow

FLORIDA MEN’S CLINIC Your Partner in Sexual wellness

“At Florida Men’s Clinic, we believe every man deserves a fulfilling sex life — and that starts with open conversation and real solutions. Our approach is built around personalized, concierge treatment plans designed specifically for you.”

Our extensive experience has enabled us to develop a holistic system that addresses a range of concerns—from erectile dysfunction and testosterone optimization to size enhancement and increased libido. When you choose Florida Men’s Clinic and Menspro™, you gain a trusted partner committed to guiding you on your personal health journey.

JASON CROSS –Clinic Owner

TREATMENT OPTIONS

SUBLINGUALS – Sildenafil, Tadalafil, Vardenafil

PDE5 inhibitors dissolve under the tongue, offering faster onset and improved absorption compared to oral versions. This method enhances convenience, reduces gastrointestinal side effects, and allows for more spontaneous use, making them a preferred choice for many patients.

TRIMIX/BIMIX

Advanced injectable erectile dysfunction medications are renowned for their high effectiveness, boasting success rates of up to 94%. They are considered the best-performing options available, making them reliable choices when confidence and reliability are paramount.

SOUNDWAVE THERAPY

Acoustic Wave Therapy (AWT) harnesses targeted energy to stimulate the release of angiogenic factors, promoting the development of new blood vessels in the treated tissue. This process enhances blood supply and may improve the functionality of tissues that expand during an erection.

NEUROMODULATORS

Therapeutic neuromodulators offer a groundbreaking approach to enhancing erectile function. By temporarily relaxing the smooth muscle in the blood vessels that supply the penis, these injections increase blood flow and improve the capacity for erections

AROUSAL MEDS – PT-141, Oxytocin, Apomorphine

This therapy enhances sexual arousal by targeting specific neurotransmitters and hormones. PT 141 acts on the brain, while oxytocin promotes bonding and intimacy, and apomorphine influences dopamine pathways for increased desire.

Spreading Love on International Condom Day

AHF brought bold, vibrant, and unforgettable events to life this International Condom Day (ICD), bringing latex LOVE to thousands of people in nearly 50 countries! Teams showcased AHF’s wildly popular "Just Use It" artwork, making the celebrations even more eye-catching and engaging while reinforcing the message of safer sex in fun and impactful ways.

Founded by AHF and observed annually on February 13, ICD highlights the importance of condoms and other vital sexual health issues. On ICD and beyond, we remind everyone that condoms are safer, sexy, and your best protection against HIV, other STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.

Across Asia, AHF teams turned up the energy for ICD with dynamic celebrations that made sexual health the star of the show! They amplified their impact through influencer collaborations, lively concerts, thoughtprovoking art exhibits, and educational seminars – with one team partnering with Miss Universe 2015.Mobile testing units, parades, and a massive 15-foot inflatable condom installation brought free tests and condoms to communities, while bike and car taxis handed out condoms in Love-branded jackets.

In five U.S. cities, AHF launched its Mamma Mia!-inspired burlesque show – Ohh Mamma! – a seductive celebration of safer sex, starring Kylie Sonique Love, winner of season six of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, a popular TV competition show, alongside several former dancers of music icon Prince. Meanwhile, AHF advocates took ICD nationwide with dynamic activations—distributing condoms, hosting panel discussions on relationships and safer sex, and providing home testing kits and counseling for university students. A food drive offered essential

nutrition and condoms, while free HIV testing ensured safer sex was accessible to all.

From vibrant parades to condom fashion shows, communities across Africa embraced ICD with passion and purpose. Youth engaged in lively Q&A sessions, interactive workshops, and social media challenges, while dance competitions brought people together in celebration of safer sex. Police forces received HIV counseling and condom demonstrations, taxi drivers gained essential knowledge to share with passengers, and stakeholders united to push for greater condom accessibility. The momentum continued with the launch of a Wellness Center, expanding healthcare access and leaving a lasting impact on underserved populations.

In Latin America and the Caribbean, our teams brought essential health resources to at-risk and rural communities, offering testing, education, and healthcare services.

ICD celebrations energized cities, featuring artistic interventions in bustling plazas, public health outreach at metro stations, and national press conferences and podcasts highlighting the need for accessible condoms. Youth engaged in rap sessions and educational games, while collaborations with LGBTQ+ bars and drag shows distributed condoms, expanding access.

AHF Europe brought the message that condoms are sexy to life with vibrant activations, where drag queens distributed condoms, theater premieres sparked conversations about sexual culture, and university sessions tackled prevention and the media’s influence on sexuality.Events blended education with entertainment, featuring a popular Brazilian singer, while teams amplified the message through social media and outdoor ads, filling cities with bold reminders of sexual health.

Fuel Your Training

The 4 Nutrition Rules for Muscle Growth

The 4 Most Important Components of Nutrition for Muscle Gain

When most people think about building muscle, they immediately focus on workouts. While training is essential, muscle growth does not happen in the gym. Training only provides the stimulus. Nutrition is what allows your body to recover, adapt, and actually build new muscle tissue.

One of the biggest reasons people struggle to gain muscle is that they approach nutrition casually or inconsistently. Others fall into the opposite trap, following extreme bulking diets that lead to excessive fat gain and poor long-term results. The key to successful muscle gain is not extremes, it is structure, consistency, and sustainability.

Rather than thinking in terms of a short-term “bulk,” it is more effective to develop a muscle-focused nutrition plan you can maintain for months at a time. Below are the four most important components of nutrition for building muscle efficiently and effectively.

1

Caloric Surplus: Fueling Growth

Muscle gain requires energy. If your body does not have enough calories available, it simply cannot build new tissue, no matter how hard you train. This is why the most important nutritional requirement for muscle growth is being in a caloric surplus, meaning you consistently consume more calories than your body burns.

The size of that surplus matters. Too small, and muscle growth will be slow or nonexistent. Too large, and excess calories will be stored as body fat. For most individuals, a moderate surplus of approximately 250–500 calories per day above maintenance is ideal for lean muscle gain.

Finding your maintenance intake does not require perfection, but it does require awareness. Tracking your intake for a short period of time can help establish a baseline. From there, gradual increases allow your body to adapt while minimizing unnecessary fat gain. Consistent bodyweight trends, strength increases, and

visual changes are better indicators of success than dayto-day scale fluctuations.

Muscle growth is a slow process. A controlled surplus maintained over time will always outperform aggressive overeating.

2 Protein Intake: Building the Foundation

Protein is the cornerstone of any muscle-building nutrition plan. It provides the amino acids your body needs to repair muscle tissue damaged during training and to synthesize new muscle fibers during recovery.

For muscle gain, protein intake must be adequate and consistent. Most individuals aiming to build muscle benefit from consuming roughly 0.6–1.0 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight per day, spread relatively evenly across meals. This steady intake helps keep muscle protein synthesis elevated throughout the day.

Beyond muscle growth, protein also supports:

● Faster recovery between training sessions

● Preservation of lean mass during periods of increased training volume

● Improved satiety, which helps control excessive fat gain during a surplus

High-quality protein sources such as lean meats, eggs, dairy, fish, and plant-based proteins should form the backbone of your intake. Supplements like protein powder can be useful, but they should complement whole foods, not replace them.

If calories are the fuel, protein is the raw material your body uses to build muscle.

3 Carbohydrates: Performance and Recovery Fuel

Carbohydrates play a critical role in muscle gain by fueling training performance and supporting recovery. Resistance training relies heavily on glycogen, the stored form of carbohydrates in your muscles. When glycogen levels are low, strength, endurance, and training intensity suffer.

Consuming sufficient carbohydrates allows you to:

● Train harder and lift heavier

● Perform more total volume

● Recover more efficiently between workouts

● Support the hormonal environment needed for growth

The amount of carbohydrates you need depends on training volume, intensity, and overall activity level. Individuals training multiple days per week or performing high-volume sessions will generally benefit from higher carbohydrate intake.

Quality matters as well. Prioritizing complex carbohydrate sources such as rice, potatoes, oats, fruits, and vegetables provides sustained energy and essential micronutrients. Simple sugars can have a place around training, but relying on them excessively can displace more nutrientdense foods.

For muscle gain, carbohydrates are not the enemy. They are a powerful tool when used appropriately.

4 Recovery Support: Fats, Hydration, and Consistency

Muscle growth does not occur during training, it occurs during recovery. Nutrition must support this process beyond calories and macros alone.

Dietary fats play an important role in hormone production, joint health, and overall recovery. Including adequate healthy fats from sources like olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish helps support testosterone levels and overall physiological function.

Hydration is equally important. Water supports nutrient delivery, muscle contractions, digestion, and recovery. Even mild dehydration can negatively impact strength and performance. Consistent hydration throughout the day improves training quality and overall recovery capacity.

Finally, consistency ties everything together. Muscle gain is not achieved in weeks, it is achieved over months and years. Eating well 90 percent of the time will always beat eating perfectly for a short period and then burning out. A plan you can repeat day after day is the most powerful one.

Fall in Love With Your Reflection:

The February Confidence Edit at Genesis Health Institute

February has a way of inspiring reinvention. It’s the month of romance, fresh energy, and a subtle reminder that confidence is its own kind of attraction. This year, Genesis Health Institute is celebrating the season with a curated aesthetic promotion designed to deliver the ultimate glow-up: lifted contours, smooth skin, balanced features, and radiant skin quality.

But unlike overdone trends of the past, the Genesis approach is modern, precise, and natural. The philosophy is simple: Tighten first. Then perfect.

Step One: Tighten, Lift & Sculpt (Without Surgery)

One of the biggest secrets behind naturally youthful faces isn’t “more filler”—it’s stronger collagen support. That’s why Genesis begins the February Confidence Edit with advanced skin-tightening treatments that improve definition and structure:

Genius® RF Microneedling

A powerful combination of microneedling and radiofrequency energy that tightens, refines pores, improves texture, and boosts firmness.

Ultherapy®

A non-invasive ultrasound lift that targets deeper layers to enhance facial structure—especially along the brow, jawline, and lower face.

These treatments help the face appear leaner, more lifted, and more sculpted, often requiring less volume overall.

Step Two: The Finishing Touches That Make All the Difference

Once the foundation is lifted, Genesis adds the artistry:

Wrinkle Reducers soften expression lines for a smoother, more rested look.

Dermal Fillers restore balance and symmetry— used strategically to enhance natural proportions, never to change your face.

And new this season:

SKINVIVE™ by JUVÉDERM®

A skin-quality injectable that improves hydration, smoothness, and radiance—creating that coveted “lit from within” glow without adding traditional filler volume.

The Final Touch: Laser Refinement

For the ultimate polished finish, Genesis offers laser treatments that refine tone and texture— helping reduce sun damage, dullness, and uneven skin tone. It’s the step that takes “better” to flawless.

Genesis Health Institute believes beauty should feel authentic—never artificial. This February, discover a treatment plan designed around balance, proportion, and a refreshed appearance that still feels like you… just upgraded.

Cruise With Pride

Why Big Gay Cruise Is the Ultimate LGBTQ+ Vacation Experience for 2026 & Beyond

By Chandler Scott

Travel isn’t just about where you go; it’s about how you feel when you get there. It’s about the people you meet, the moments you share, and the memories that stay with you long after you unpack your suitcase. For LGBTQ+ travelers seeking more than just a vacation, Big Gay Cruise offers something truly extraordinary: a floating celebration of identity, joy, and connection.

If your dream getaway includes sun-soaked decks, unforgettable parties, breathtaking destinations, and a ship filled with community, creativity, and pride, then Big Gay Cruise should be at the very top of your travel list. Recognized as the ultimate LGBTQ+ group cruise experience, Big Gay Cruise delivers far more than an itinerary; it delivers belonging. It’s a celebration. It’s a community. And for many travelers, it quickly becomes a tradition.

With departures from Florida, Texas, and California, and exciting sailings already announced for 2026 and 2027, Big Gay Cruise makes it easier than ever to pick your port, gather your chosen family, and experience what it truly means to Cruise With Pride.

40+ Hours of Exclusive Onboard Experiences

What truly sets Big Gay Cruise apart is the onboard atmosphere. Guests enjoy over 40 hours of private, exclusive Big Gay Cruise programming, including daily shows and special guest performances, group dining experiences, themed dance parties, nightly DJ events, karaoke, trivia, bingo, interactive game shows, beach parties in port, meetand-greets, social mixers, and Q&A sessions with the stars. The fun never stops, from sunrise to well past midnight.

Big Venues. Big Fun. Bigger Energy.

From dazzling drag shows to electrifying nightclub experiences, Big Gay Cruise delivers entertainment on a massive scale with drag shows, private events, theme nights, game shows, onboard activities, star dinners, and curated excursions. The result is a nonstop celebration that blends world-class cruise amenities with LGBTQ+ culture, creativity, and connection.

More Than a Cruise, It’s a Community

Big Gay Cruise isn’t just about travel — it’s about belonging. It’s about stepping aboard a ship where you can be fully yourself. Where friendships form over cocktails and dance floors. Where strangers become chosen family. Where every laugh, hug, and shared memory becomes part of a journey you’ll carry long after you return home.

More Must-See Sailings for 2026–2027

Upcoming sailings include Adventure of the Seas (September 18, 2026), the Big Gay Halloween Cruise aboard Liberty of the Seas (October 31, 2026), Freedom of the Seas (February 3, 2027), Voyager of the Seas (April 8, 2027), and Symphony of the Seas with a fivenight Western Caribbean (October 30, 2027) all offering unforgettable experiences across iconic destinations.

Ready to Set Sail?

Whether traveling solo, with friends, or with your chosen family, Big Gay Cruise offers an experience that goes far beyond the ordinary. Your next adventure is waiting.

CRUISE CRUISE

W I T W I T

The ultimate LGBTQ+ group cruise experience is here! Sailing from Florida, Texas, and California — pick your port, grab your crew, and let’s cruise with pride! With incredible dates already set for 2026, and 2027, there’s always a Big Gay Cruise waiting for you.

The Tryst Wilton Manors A

New Era of Gay Luxury on Wilton Drive

Tryst Hospitality, the global leader in luxury LGBTQ+ travel and nightlife, has announced its next hotel with The Tryst Wilton Manors, a new gay luxury boutique hotel and social destination planned for Wilton Drive. Founder and CEO Tristan Schukraft has entered into an agreement to purchase land in the heart of Wilton Manors, bringing the world’s first gay luxury hotel brand’s signature blend of indulgence, design, and big gay energy to one of America’s most beloved queer neighborhoods.

With existing and upcoming hotels in Puerto Vallarta, Fire Island, Rio de Janeiro, and San Juan, Tryst Hospitality is redefining LGBTQ+ travel by creating high-end, community-driven hospitality experiences in iconic queer destinations around the world.

The Tryst Wilton Manors will enter its design and development era once the real estate transactions close early next year. Tryst Hospitality will be working with community leaders to keep everyone informed, engaged, and a little bit excited as the project comes to

life. If you like a little tease, follow along at @trysthotels on social media.

To book your next escape at a current Tryst Hotel, please visit trysthotels.com and follow @trysthotels on social media.

About Tryst Hotels

Tryst Hotels are a collection of luxury boutique hotels that offer an upscale, inclusive experience for guests seeking high-end accommodations with a vibrant, social atmosphere. Part of Tristan Schukraft’s Tryst Hospitality family of LGBTQ+ venues, Tryst Hotels are in some of the world's most popular LGBT destinations, providing guests with unique experiences, exceptional service, and a commitment to community and sustainability. Each property offers a one-of-a-kind stay where you can experience your best self, even on your worst behavior. Book your tryst in Puerto Vallarta, San Juan or Fire Island by visiting trysthotels.com. Follow all the poolside glamour and brunchtime drama by following @trysthotels.

Love, Preheaded

By Chandler Scott

Love begins like butter left on the counter, softening slowly, learning how to yield.

It’s measured in teaspoons of courage, cups of laughter, and that reckless extra splash of vanilla because the recipe feels right.

We preheat our hearts to 350°, no shortcuts, no microwave miracles, only the warm promise of something rising.

You fold into me like egg whites into sugar gentle, deliberate, refusing to break the air we worked so hard to whip.

Some days we crack. Some days we collapse. Some days the dough sticks, the timer lies, and the oven light flickers with doubt.

But then flour-dusted hands find each other, we scrape the bowl, taste the batter, laugh with chocolate on our lips and decide to keep going.

We proof in the quiet moments, expand in the heat, learn the patience of yeast and the bravery of bloom.

Our kisses are brûléed sugar torched until the surface shatters and the sweetness underneath stays molten.

We ice each other with soft promises, drizzle the future in caramel plans, sprinkle hope like nonpareils because everything looks better with a little sparkle.

When the world turns bitter, we add honey. When it’s too dark, we zest an orange. When it’s too cold, we bake again.

And when the timer finally sings, we pull each other from the oven golden, imperfect, cracked in the right places, still warm enough to share.

So here’s my heart, served on a chipped plate, still rising, still sweet, still yours.

Happy Valentine’s Day.

Courtesy of dreamstime.com

Voda Cleaning and Restoration Keeps Miami Dry When Storms Hit

By David Schuler, Nova Southeastern University

When a pipe explodes at 3 a.m. or a condo floods from top to bottom, Gabriel Nerys doesn’t hesitate. When the phone rings, he’s out the door—often before homeowners realize they’re facing an emergency.

“I’ll get calls at midnight, sometimes at four in the morning,” said Nerys, the owner of Voda Cleaning and Restoration in Miami. “And if I’m not going, my team is. I make sure someone’s always there. We don’t leave people waiting when their home’s underwater.”

For the past eight months, Nerys has managed Voda, which serves areas from Pompano Beach to Key Biscayne. The company specializes in cleaning and restoration services for homes and vehicles, including water, fire, mold, carpet, and upholstery damage.

Before entering restoration, Nerys spent years in the car industry, primarily in sales, gaining experience in how businesses operate.

“My background has always been franchise,” he said. “I started in the car business when I was 18 years old.”

That background led him to purchase the Voda franchise, a company based in Madison, Wisconsin. He said the franchise model appealed to him because of its built-in support.

“I like franchising because it feels like your holding someone else’s hand,” Nerys explained. “You have a system, a team, and a network to rely on. And when you’re dealing with disasters, that support means everything.”

Nerys frequently travels across Florida to assist other franchise owners.

“If something happens in Tampa and they need help, I’ll go up there,” he said. “But even when I’m helping others, I still have to manage what’s happening here. It’s all about balance and knowing you’re not alone.”

Not all emergencies stem from storms. Many begin with everyday household mishaps.

“It’s crazy how many refrigerator leaks we get,” he laughed. “Sometimes, that tiny unattended leak in a humid environment can lead to mold spreading through the whole house.”

Some calls, however, are emotionally challenging. Nerys recalled a biohazard cleanup following a death inside a home.

“The man had been deceased for about three weeks,” he said quietly. “Once the coroner removed the body, we went in and cleaned what was left. There’s blood, fluids, maggots… you have to be fully suited up.”

“I thought I was going to throw up in my mask.” he said. “But I didn’t. The odor, though—you never forget it. Humans are the smelliest mammals on earth.”

Those experiences shaped his approach to the work.

“In the end, we’re human before we’re business owners,” he said. “People call us on their worst days. You have to show up with compassion.”

That philosophy extends to pricing and safety.

“If a job costs $5,000, that’s what I charge,” he said. “I’m not interested in what the insurance cap is.”

“Every product we use is kid- and pet-friendly,” he said. “We use hospital-grade, green cleaning solutions—even if it costs more.”

For Nerys, the long hours are worth it.

“When someone’s standing in a flooded living room and they see us walk in, you can see the relief on their face,” he said. “That’s what this is about—helping people feel safe again.”

City of Wilton Manors Celebrates 12 Years of Perfect 100 Human Rights Campaign Score

The City of Wilton Manors has achieved a flawless score of 100 from the Human Rights Campaign’s (HRC) Municipal Equality Index (MEI), marking the twelfth consecutive year the city has earned a perfect rating. The MEI evaluated 506 cities across the country on 49 different criteria that measured how inclusive municipal laws, policies and services are for LGBTQ+ people. Wilton Manors is one of just 132 cities to earn a perfect score in 2025. The MEI score reflects the city’s comprehensive approach to LGBTQ+ inclusivity in five main categories: nondiscrimination laws, municipality as employer, municipal services, law enforcement, and leadership on LGBTQ+ equality. “We are proud to say that for the past twelve years, Wilton Manors has been recognized among the nation’s most inclusive municipalities,” said Mayor Scott Newton. “This honor is a direct reflection of our unwavering commitment to equality and ensuring our city remains a welcoming place for all.” For more information on the City of Wilton Manors, visit https://www.wiltonmanors.gov/.

Further information about the HRC can be found at www. hrc.org/mei.

Wilton Manors was laid out in 1925 by Edward John “Ned” Willingham, a land developer from Georgia, as an upscale residential community. It was recognized as a Village in 1947 and incorporated as a city in 1953. Today, the City of Wilton Manors offers all the benefits of a big city from shopping, to hip restaurants and bars, a burgeoning arts community and tons of community events, yet still maintains a cozy, community-feeling offering miles of natural waterways perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and other outdoor activities. In 2018, Wilton Manors was named the “Second Gayest City” in the United States, celebrating a diverse population of approximately 12,000 residents. To learn more about the live, work and play opportunities in Wilton Manors call (954) 390-2100 or visit www.wiltonmanors.com

The 11th Annual Dining in the Dark Raises Record-Breaking $268,000

The 11th Annual Dining in the Dark: Island Edition, presented by the Josephine S. Leiser Foundation, raised $268,000 for Lighthouse of Broward, making it the most successful Dining in the Dark in the non-profit’s history.

The funds raised will support programs and initiatives at Lighthouse of Broward that empower those of all ages who are blind or visually impaired.

“This record-breaking year is a testament to how deeply our community believes in the people we serve,” said Ellyn Drotzer, President & CEO of Lighthouse of Broward.

“Every dollar raised helps someone gain independence, confidence and hope. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who came together to make this our most impactful Dining in the Dark yet.”

Dining in the Dark came to life at Margaritaville Beach Resort with a signature blindfolded dining experience, offering attendees a powerful glimpse into the challenges faced by individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Guests also enjoyed island-inspired food and libations, vibrant silent and live auctions and live entertainment by the electrifying ReaXtion band. The program also included a special performance by Grammy-nominated artist Shannon, who

was presented with a gold record album by Dining in the Dark Co-Chair Von Freeman. Julie Guy, morning show cohost of LITE FM, was the evening’s emcee.

Lighthouse of Broward honored Robert Judd as its Outstanding Supporter of the Year, recognizing his longstanding commitment and the profound impact he has made on clients and staff alike. Judd’s support and encouragement have helped shape the organization’s mission and uplift individuals navigating vision loss.

The island chic festive atmosphere was kicked off during the cocktail reception with the American Heritage High School Rock Band singing an array of Jimmy Buffett tunes. A steel drummer provided the welcome for blindfolded guests as they entered the ballroom.

Proceeds directly support Lighthouse of Broward’s lifechanging programs for children and adults, including the Bright Beginnings Early Intervention Program, the David & Jean Colker KIDS Program, TeenLIFE Program and the Ready to Work Program, which all empower individuals of all ages to live independently, pursue their goals and thrive. To learn more or make a gift, visit https://www.lhob.org/donate.

BLANC ET ÉTOILES

White & Stars Anniversary Charity Dinner

Hosted by Oliver Chen & John Bult

The Antidote is Love

By Bishop Durrell Watkins,

St. Paul wrote in the mid-first century, “There are three things that endure: faith, hope, and love, and the greatest of these is love.”

February is known as the month of love, but it may be a good time to remember that love is more than romance. Indeed, love is what we need most right now in this time of aggression, cruelty, and dwindling empathy.

Scripture relates to us the necessity of love. One ancient teacher wrote, “A [true] friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17.17). We also read that love requires action: “Dear ones, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth” (1 John 3.18).

Jesus reportedly said that his friends and followers could be identified by their lovingness; “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13.35).

Quoting the Torah Jesus taught “Love your neighbor” and in the Sermon on the Mount, he even encouraged the faithful to love their enemies!

My favorite statement about love in the bible is very simply, “God is love” (1 John 4.8, 16).

The LGBTQ community has worked hard to protect the right to celebrate love. We of all people know Love’s healing power.

There’s a lot of hatred in the world, but we have the antidote. It’s just love, and we are the lovers.

Durrell Watkins holds a Doctor of Ministry degree, is an auxiliary bishop of the Global Justice Institute, and is the Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale.

Love in the Real World

By Father Rich Vitale

February arrives wrapped in red ribbons and glossy romance, full of roses, chocolates, and carefully staged table-for-two dinners. And somewhere in all that glitter, a quiet message creeps in: if your life doesn’t match the postcard, you’re somehow missing out.

For many people, Valentine’s Day does not feel like a celebration. It can stir grief, loneliness, complicated memories, or the ache of relationships that never quite turned out the way we hoped.

And still… this day belongs to you.

Because love is far bigger, deeper, and braver than anything that can fit into a greeting card.

In the Christian tradition, love is a way of living. It lifts the weary, restores dignity, and binds a community when life scatters us in every direction. Love is the courage to care when the world says, “You’re on your own.”

Love is found in friendships that carry us through loss. In chosen family that welcome us when others closed the door. In the neighbor who says, “Sit down, you’re safe here.” In the quiet companionship of a pet who curls up beside us.

If you are single, your life is not on pause. Your love is present in the way you show up for friends, your community, and your own healing.

If you are grieving, your love has not ended. It has changed shape, and you carry it with you. If your relationship is struggling, you are not a failure. You are human.

And if you are in a season of joy, share that love.

This Valentine’s Day, ask not “Who loves me?” but “Where is love already alive in my life… and how can I nurture it?”

Rich

Hued Songs Adding Black and Brown to the Rainbow

By Savannah Whaley

“I don't think there's anybody in the world, any artist out there or young person, who thought ‘One day I'm going to be the executive director of a nonprofit organization,’” mused Hued Songs Executive Artistic Director Kunya Rowley. “What happens very often, especially for marginalized communities, is that initiatives are started because there's a void. As someone who is Black, queer and Caribbean, I really wanted to see stories that reflected my own. The Our Fund Foundation saw our work and believed in us at a time when we were still very nascent and growing as an organization. Their support has been invaluable over these formative years.”

The North Miami-native and New World School of the Arts graduate helms this non-profit company which amplifies Black culture through performances of music, dance, multimedia, and spoken word. Hued Songs makes a concentrated effort to build an ecosystem for Black and Brown LGBTQ artists and organizations by pursuing a three-prong mission of: providing opportunities where artists of color can be seen, heard and paid; ensuring access by producing performances in various locales; and building empathy in the community.

Hued Songs is now ready for its next chapter as it begins its first year of residency at the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center and as the newly named operator of a Sistrunk arts venue. Our Fund is once again fueling its evolution.

“Our most recent grant from Our Fund was to support embedding LGBTQ identity across all of our work including our organizational framework,” he explained. “Very often Black identity and LGBTQ identity exist but not in the same space. It's deeply important to me as someone who holds both of these identities that those intersect.”

Audiences of all ages will have the opportunity to experience that connection in the inspiring new production Songs of Freedom: A Music Journey of Liberation which traces the evolution of protest, praise, and liberation music.

“One of the things that I'm really interested in is how the sounds of freedom have evolved over the course of many decades,” Rowley previewed. “This is going to include songs, spirituals, work songs, jazz, blues era, and songs

from the civil rights movement. It will include four artists: one hip-hop artist, one musical theater artist, a classical soprano, and one gospel singer, along with a really incredible band. Folks can expect a 75-minute performance that is music-focused, multimedia, and educational.”

Funded by a WLW Catalyst Grant and the Community Foundation of Broward, this production is open to the public and will be seen by thousands of students through a partnership with the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center and Broward County Public Schools.

“It will feature the contributions of [trans activist] Marsha P. Johnson and Bayard Rustin, the openly gay architect of the March On Washington, Stonewall and liberation,” he said. “We are in an era where Black history and LGBTQ history is being revised and removed. I hope that this reinforces these key pieces of history and learning that young people may not be getting and they walk away with a broader sense of how this isn't about one single decade or one single group. Groups have been fighting for freedom for decades and they're very much linked to each other right now.”

Yet, it is just this type of programming that has caused many funders to step away from arts organizations nationwide and Hued Songs has lost support from the National Endowment for the Arts and the State of Florida.

“As an organization, we have to be steadfast in what we believe in, our values and the work that we're doing,” Rowley said emphatically. “One of the things that still boggles my mind about Our Fund is just how plugged into the community they are. They have this ecosystem of organizations that they want to foster but also recognize there are some organizations they don't know yet and they make sure that they get to know those folks.”

The Art of Community

"If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?"

Our community is facing significant obstacles as political movements seek to undermine our rights, erase our history and end our progress.

The art and cultural organizations that The Our Fund Foundation support are raising their voices to be heard as these woodsmen sharpen their axes.

Yet, they can be easily silenced. Their very existence is in danger without our community’s support.

Please join us by attending, volunteering, and donating as we work to sustain the artists and organizations that amplify LGBTQ voices as they share their LGBTQ stories, promote LGBTQ equality, and fight for social justice.

David Jobin

The Our Fund Foundation President & CEO

Norman Extract

is Building Bridges Over Troubled Waters

By Savannah Whaley

On June 10 of last year, the exact date centuries later from when Ben Franklin famously flew his kite, the City of Wilton Manors proclaimed it to be Norman Extract’s Day, recognizing that Extract has also managed to catch lighting in a bottle with electrifying results as he strives to unite the LGBTQA+ community.

“I want to be involved in everything and I want to build bridges within our community,” Extract said. “That is my passion. That's my joy.”

Building Bridges

The man who continues to help thousands make connections through his Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ Social Meetup Group is now turning his networking skills to his new Building Bridges initiative which will help nonprofit organizations and other entities that support the LGBTQA+ community meet current challenges.

“Theaters and other arts groups are not getting state and federal funding and a lot of major corporations have pulled their support,” Extract said. “We need to support our cultural institutions and other organizations in our community. I don't think we're terribly united and there's a lot of infighting and competition. The community can suffer from that. I’d like to be one of the people that can unite all of these splintered nonprofits as well as other organizations and groups.”

Extract recently launched the campaign by bringing together leadership from Plays of Wilton (POW), Island City Stage, Lesbian Thespians, Kutumba Theatre Project, Pigs Do Fly Productions, Grey Box Theater, Arts United, Inc., Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library, Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, South Florida Symphony Orchestra, Human Rights Campaign, Warten Foundation. Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc., CAN Community Health, Our Fund Foundation and members of Wilton Manors City Commission Vice Mayor Chris Caputo and Commissioner Don D’Arminio.

“I've kind of gone from being an organizer of a group to being, I guess I have to use the word, an influencer,” he laughed. “But I am free of charge and I want to work with everybody.”

His interest in uniting groups in the community sprang from

his experiences as a volunteer with cultural institutions such as Island City Stage and POW with Ronnie Larson, among others. Building Bridges was a direct result of what occurred after he made one of the largest individual donations that POW has received to date.

Extract earmarked that donation specifically to underwrite POW’s production of The Sound of Music that was presented May-June 2025 free to the public in Richardson Park in Wilton Manors. That site-specific production, in which audience members were seated in swivel chairs, was such a success that on closing night 2,700 people were still on a wait list for tickets.

“Ronnie had me at swivel chairs, which had never been done and certainly can’t be done on Broadway,” he said. “Every night he had me on that stage and that kind of opened doors to me personally within the community. I've gotten involved with a lot of amazing people from the Wilton Manors government, group leaders, and the movers and shakers.”

That visibility led to his introductions to more organizations and to the proclamation from the City of Wilton Manors acknowledging his journey as “one of leadership, innovation and connection.” Extract will also be the subject of an upcoming documentary.

“I received a request from somebody on the Facebook

page for my personal contact information,” he recalled. “I thought it was a scam. Well, a week later, I got an e-mail and I don’t know how this person found my personal e-mail. She's a Cornell grad student and her final project is a documentary on me and the group. She also plans to submit it to festivals. I'm like, ‘No, really?’ I mean, I'm just a person with a passion.”

A man of the times

That filmmaker should have plenty of material. Building Bridges will not be the first time Extract has successfully evaluated changing social, political and economic trends and guided others on how to navigate them.

Having attended Cornell and the Fashion Institute in Manhattan, he recognized a business opportunity in the fashion industry

and founded Norman Stephen Enterprises LTD when he was only 21.

“We specialized in established, non-American designers of very expensive women’s clothing,” he recalled. “We taught them how to be their own importer, because the duties were less. We did their sales, their marketing, and their merchandising. I opened my own PR company within my business for these designers and we did our own advertising and professional fashion shows.”

Extract started planning an early retirement at age 36 when he saw a tidal shift in the marketplace as financial companies bought out ownership of large retailers.

“They had no idea what to do with the designer business because they only know about making money,” he explained. “I became an accountant, which is what my father was and what I didn't want to be. That’s not what I was signed up for. I found jobs for all my employees,

wrote business plans for all my clients on how to continue without me, and just shut my door.”

Meeting the moment

As they say, when one door closes another one opens. After retiring, Extract moved to South Florida in 1997 and became involved in the Gay and Lesbian Community Center, now more commonly known as the Pride Center. Four years later he left for Brazil, and upon his return 17 years later he became the third member to join the Fort Lauderdale LGBTQ Social Meetup Group started by his friend Tom Bates.

“When I moved back, I couldn't find anybody I knew,” Extract shared. “Believe it or not, I'm what I call ‘first word’ shy and will never start a conversation with someone. But if you say hello, I'll talk for hours. I'm allergic to the gym, so I don't have networking there and then this group came my way. Unlike Fort Lauderdale, it's not a cliquish group at all. They're very welcoming and it was the way that I was able to get back into friendship.”

Wilton Manors nonprofit arts organizations Art Frenzie - artfrenzie@gmail.com | Arts United - ArtsUnitedFlorida.com | Niki

When Bates moved away four years ago, he turned the keys to the group over to Extract who has grown it from 400 members to the largest network of its kind in South Florida with 2,300 on the Meetup app (MeetUp. com/Fort-Lauderdale-LGBT-Social-Group-MeetUp/ Events/) and 2,900 on Facebook (Facebook.com/ groups/880293353343820).

“We're not a dating group in the sense that we don't match people although we've made marriages as people meet and fall in love,” he explained. “We're not a sexual group. We've been approached to do naked pool parties. No, that's not what we're about. We're about bringing people together.”

The group offers opportunities to participate in 12-15 events a month that serve a variety of interests including theater, mahjong, canasta, pickleball, and bowling as well as a monthly brunch, lunch, dinner and gourmet dinner. He advises that the best way to meet the group is at the

events held the first Tuesday of each month at Hunters Nightclub.

“It's a meet and greet for men and women, couples and singles,” Extract described. “We take over the dance floor room and they put high top tables and chairs. We usually get about 150 people and encourage new members. We work with name tags and the new member name tags have a green star. I'm at the door giving out the name tags and if it's a new member, I try to introduce them to two or three members to break the ice and hopefully they feel welcome. The events do enable people to build friendships outside of the group.”

Even though the events promote these new interactions, Extract noticed a divide between lesbians and gay men over the age of 55 in the group dynamics.

“The reason that the ‘L’ is first in LGBTQ is because the lesbian community saved the gay community during the

AIDS crisis.” Extract said. “They are the ones that took care of AIDS people, they are the ones that raised money. A lot of them come out of straight marriages, some of which were abusive. Some have had a hard time with their kids accepting them. They weren't, and they're still not, paid equally and can’t retire like men do. Lesbians think the men don’t want them. The truth is, we don’t think about it. Especially in today's world, if we can't unite as a community, how do we expect to get the respect that we should have, we began to have, and that they're trying to take away from us.”

There are currently nearly 700 women in the group that now offers numerous women only events. The group also welcomes trans members and allies with events where money is not a barrier to anyone’s participation.

“There's no cost to them to join the meetup app or our group,” Extract stressed. “Other than a venue cost or a show cost, we don't make any money on anything. Our group doesn't have a bank account, nor do we want one. Once a month, we ask for a couple of bucks contribution at our main event to pay for the meetup app fee we pay as a group as well as other supplies and stuff.”

A view from the bridge Extract continues to find more ways to create connections.

“I like making marriages and I like creating things,” he said. “Recently, I brought the first woman female impersonator to the Drive for a dinner show and then, for the second time, arranged for a comedic hypnotist to perform at the Grey Box as a benefit for Lesbian Thespians.

“I have more plans and events in the works and I'm very hopeful. I truly believe in our community, not just here, but in general. I wish we would present ourselves in a different light. The media picks up on almost naked boys on top of trucks and stuff. We need to work on presenting ourselves as who we really are and, yes, naked boys is part of it, but we've got police and we've got teachers, doctors, lawyers, we are everywhere. We're not going anywhere except up.”

Nonprofit arts and civic organizations

Black LGBTQ+ Liberation, Inc. - Blinc.love

Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida - GMCSF.org

Human Rights Campaign - HRC.org

South Florida Symphony Orchestra SouthFloridaSymphony.org

Stonewall National Museum, Archives, & Library Stonewall-Museum.org

Inaugural “Spirit of Giving Night” at Dillard’s at Galleria Fort Lauderdale Honors Star Community Leaders

Hundreds of festive philanthropic guests turned out to honor local community leaders during Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s inaugural “Spirit of Giving Night” at Dillard’s on December 4, 2025. More than $18,000 was raised to support seven nonprofit organizations: Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center, FLITE Center, Florida Children’s Theatre, Handy, Henderson Behavioral Health, Leadership Broward Foundation, and South Florida Symphony Orchestra.

Guest host Fay Albernas of The FayWhat?! Show was joined onstage by Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s Marketing Manager Melissa Milroy to celebrate distinguished honorees and shining stars Don D’Arminio and Marc Martorana, Carey Warburton, Javier Iglesias and Amanda Martin, Eileen LaMarca, Jamie Wasserman, David and Doreen Vozzola, and Jen Klaassens for their dedication to giving back and for championing causes that strengthen the South Florida community. Each received an art

glass award commemorating their achievements and dedication.

All enjoyed a festive evening with culinary tastings, wine and spirits, live entertainment, shopping, and raffles. Attendees also were treated to a special Dillard’s shopping pass for the evening and a weekend shopping pass for other Galleria Fort Lauderdale retailers, including an exclusive dining offer from The Capital Grille.

Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Spirit of Giving Night” was presented in collaboration with Dillard’s, The Capital Grille, and BBX Capital. Food and beverages were provided by Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale, The Capital Grille, Epazote, Ethos Greek Bistro, and Gulf Stream Distillery.

For additional upcoming events and information about Galleria Fort Lauderdale, call (954) 564-1015 or visit www.galleriamall-fl.com.

By Lillian Hellman

By Ted Malawer

By Dave Osmundsen

Island City Stage Extends Run of The Little Foxes

Lillian Hellman’s The Little Foxes , a searing Broadway and silver screen classic, storms into Island City Stage with all its ruthless ambition, razor-sharp dialogue, and Southern gothic splendor until February 8, 2026.

“ The Little Foxes has always been high on my bucket list. And I especially wanted to do it now because of how relevant it is to what’s going on in our country,” said Michael Leeds, director of the play at Island City Stage. “The play is about a dysfunctional family and the lengths they’ll go to achieve wealth and power. It’s dramatic and funny and has a terrific climactic surprise. Our award-winning cast is top tier, and our production team has really outdone themselves. I know our audiences will love it as much as I do.”

Set in the Deep South at the turn of the 20th century, this gripping drama follows the wealthy but morally bankrupt Hubbard family, bound by blood but torn apart by greed. At the center is Regina, a calculating and charismatic woman determined to get her share of the American Dream—no matter the cost. Together with her cruel brothers Oscar and Benjamin, the Hubbards will stop at nothing to secure a fortune. But when Regina’s ailing husband refuses to fund their scheme, the claws come out and the lies begin to spiral. With money on the line and family loyalty up for sale, the Hubbards prove one chilling truth: some people eat the earth—and some just stand by and watch.

The original Broadway production of The Little Foxes

opened in 1939 at the National Theatre and ran for 410 performances. It originally starred Tallulah Bankhead as Regina Hubbard Giddens who went on to win awards and reprise her role in the 1941 radio adaptation. It was Bette Davis, however, who starred in the film adaptation alongside the other Broadway stars making their film debuts. Over the years and many incarnations of the play, the coveted role of the malevolently, ruthlessly scheming Regina Giddens has been played by notable actresses including Greer Garson, Anne Bancroft, Geraldine Page, Stockard Channing, Marg Helgenberger, Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon.

Austin Pendleton directed a production at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale for three weeks that transferred to the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., for six weeks before opening on Broadway in 1981, at the Martin Beck Theatre for 123 performances and eight previews. The cast included Elizabeth Taylor as Regina, Tom Aldredge as Horace, Dennis Christopher as Leo, Maureen Stapleton as Birdie, and Anthony Zerbe as Benjamin. Taylor received nominations for both the Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Play and the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actress in a Play. Tony nominations also went to Pendleton for Best Direction of a Play, Aldredge for Best Featured Actor in a Play, Stapleton for Best Featured Actress in a Play, and the play itself for Best Revival.

Island City Stage’s production of The Little Foxes is directed by Leeds and stars Mia Matthews, Margery Lowe, Christopher Dreeson, JohnBarry Green, Cary Brianna Hart, Christian Cooper, Jeff Burleson, Mallory Flory, Randy Coleman, and Steve Trovillion.

From twisted tales to touching human stories, Island City Stage's upcoming season invites you to expect the unexpected. Upcoming bold productions, each delivering unexpected twists, inventive storytelling, and unforgettable theatrical moments Everything Beautiful Happens at Night by Ted Malawer from April 2 – 26; Light Switch by Dave Osmundsen from May 21 – June 14 and Eureka Day by Jonathan Spector from August 20 – September 20.

Island City Stage will also be offering two Flexpass options this season. The Flexpass5 ($225) offers five tickets that can be used all for one show or one for every show (no processing fees) and $5 off additional tickets purchased. The Flexpass3 ($136) offers three tickets that can be used all for one show or one for every show (no processing fees) and $5 off additional tickets purchased. Discounts are available for groups.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.islandcitystage.org, call (954) 928-9800 or email boxoffice@islandcitystage.org. Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at facebook.com/IslandCityStageFL and on Instagram at @islandcitystage1.

History Fort Lauderdale Celebrates Black History Month with a New Art and Photography Exhibit

History Fort Lauderdale, committed to preserving our collective heritage, promoting historical literacy, and fostering a sense of pride and stewardship for the vibrant tapestry of our region’s history, is proud to present “Shifting Perspectives,” a new art and photography exhibit honoring Black History Month. This year’s free annual exhibit will feature works rooted in social justice, the Black experience, women’s stories, and nature from artist Constance Ivana plus archival photographs from the History Fort Lauderdale collection and an art show and sale from Dillard Center for the Arts’ Advanced Placement (AP) students and instructors, from February 1 – 28, 2026.

"History Fort Lauderdale is proud to showcase the creative imaginings and visual commentaries of emerging artists in our African American community,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “From selfaware artists like Constance Ivana to Dillard Center for the Arts’ young prodigies just finding their voices, we are gracious for their contributions. We thank instructor Celestin Joseph for his commitment to enriching our community through art and instruction and we invite the community to celebrate Black History Month with us.”

History Fort Lauderdale artist-in-residence Constance Ivana is passionate about creating bold, vibrant works of art that spark reflection, conversation, and joy. Her creative journey is fueled by a desire to connect people through art—whether it’s through large-scale murals, interactive art workshops, or painting parties that bring communities together. Her pieces blend acrylic paint, spray paint, wood, and mirrors that not only transform spaces but also remind us that art heals and reflection fosters growth. She aims

to make art accessible, meaningful, and powerful, while inspiring others to discover their own creativity.

The archival photography component chronicles African American life in South Florida from the 1900s through the 1960s. From family and school life to segregation, peaceful protests and triumphs, the selected photos offer insight into how our community has evolved and overcome.

Curated by Dillard instructor Celestin Joseph, the advanced placement student showcase illustrates a cultural reflection of today’s issues as seen through the lens of upcoming young artists.

Joseph received his master’s in fine arts in painting from the University of Pennsylvania. He received a bachelor’s in fine arts, cum laude, from the University of Hartford as a painting major, with an art history minor, and concentrations in printmaking and graphic design studies. Joseph also received a prestigious Yale/Norfolk Art and Music Scholarship to further his studies. Currently, he is teaching Advanced Placement studio art classes at his alma mater Dillard Center for the Arts where he has been strengthening the visual arts program since 1999.

History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with docent-guided tours offered daily at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors; and $7 for students (through age 22 with a valid student ID). Admission is free for members, military personnel, and children aged six and under. Tickets are available online at HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets.

The Our Fund Foundation's Seventh Annual South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards Recognizes

Philanthropists, Volunteers and Leaders

The Our Fund Foundation announced the seventh annual South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards Presented by Bank of America Private Bank, which celebrates outstanding philanthropy, volunteerism and emerging leadership, will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Honorees and guests will enjoy a cocktail reception starting at 5:30 p.m. in the lower courtyard prior to the ceremony in the Mary Porter Riverview Ballroom.

“We are proud to celebrate these exceptional leaders whose generosity and vision continue to transform our community,” said David Jobin, President and CEO of The Our Fund Foundation. “They embody our mission to advance philanthropy and help make South Florida the nation’s most vibrant and welcoming place for LGBTQ individuals.”

The 2026 class of South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy awardees includes:

Philanthropists of the Year

This year, The Our Fund Foundation is proud to recognize three remarkable men Don Croxton, Russell Vance and Peter Zimmer as our Philanthropists of the Year. Croxton has been a steadfast champion of South Florida’s LGBTQ community, investing his time, talent and resources to strengthen the region’s performing arts and community institutions. Vance has been among the pioneering donors bringing sustained, strategic resources to LGBTQ

philanthropy in our region. Zimmer, together with his late husband Jim Stepp, has been a powerful force in South Florida and national LGBTQ philanthropy. Through their donor-advised fund at The Our Fund Foundation, Peter has carried forward the generous vision he and Jim shared.

Commitment to a Cause Award

Karen Kelly is a South Florida native and longtime realtor who has emerged as a key leader in the lesbian and women’s scene. As Board Chair of the Stonewall Museum & Archives, she has shepherded exhibits and communityengagement efforts that protected and broadcasted LGBTQ history; this includes a recreation of the original Stonewall Inn riot site with actual Stonewall uprising participants.

Next Generation Philanthropy Award

Jonathan Sanz serves as President of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and is actively involved in broadening the organization’s reach, performance impact, and community engagement.

American Folk

PATRICK DUPRE QUIGLEY, CONDUCTOR | CHOIR A CAPPELLA

This Land is Your Land, Simple Gifts, Farther Along, My Darlin’ Clementine, and more! Bring the whole family to this American folk song celebration. The pure-toned voices of Seraphic Fire take you on a 75-minute journey through America’s folk music roots. We’ll also sing Ingram Marshall’s Hymnodic Delays, perhaps Seraphic Fire’s most requested piece, based on 18th century American folk hymns.

NAPLES | Thursday, February 19 at 7:00 PM | Moorings Presbyterian

CORAL GABLES | Friday, February 20 at 8:00 PM | Church of the Little Flower

FT. LAUDERDALE | Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 PM | All Saints Episcopal

MIAMI BEACH | Sunday, February 22 at 4:00 PM | Miami Beach Community Church

Candlelight

ARIANNE ABELA, CONDUCTOR | CHOIR A CAPPELLA

Seraphic Fire’s annual candlelight concerts—Florida’s most celebrated musical experience— blend ancient music with contemporary masterpieces, creating an ethereal, immersive experience. Featuring music throughout history with thematic connections to water and nature, the finest singing ensemble set in candlelight will take your breath away. Guest conductor

Arianne Abella makes her Seraphic Fire debut in this ethereal sonic feast.

NAPLES | Thursday, March 19 at 7:00 PM | Moorings Presbyterian

CORAL GABLES | Friday, March 20 at 7:30 PM | St. Philip’s Episcopal

FT. LAUDERDALE | Saturday, March 21 at 7:30 PM | All Saints Episcopal

BOCA RATON | Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 PM | St. Gregory’s Episcopal

Connecting with Jai Rodriguez

By Megan Fitzgerald, PhD

Emmy Award–winning performer Jai Rodriguez brings An Evening with Jai Rodriguez to the Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts as part of its 17th season on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026. Best known for his breakout role on Queer Eye and his work on Broadway, Rodriguez uses the intimate cabaret-style setting to reflect on his career and connect with audiences in a way that feels personal and conversational. Ahead of the show, he spoke with OutClique about what makes this night different and why live performance continues to matter.

OutClique: For audiences coming to An Evening with Jai Rodriguez , how would you describe the experience?

Jai Rodriguez: “I’ve built a show where, whether you’ve followed my career for the past 20-some-odd years, you have no idea about my professional work at all, or you know the TV stuff but don’t know me as a singer, this show is built for you. If you’ve never heard of me, you can come in blind and have a great evening of exceptional storytelling and fabulous music.”

OutClique: How did you shape the flow of the evening?

Rodriguez: “I begin at the beginning. The opening number sets up that I’m going to tell this story through the lens of TV, from my upbringing on Long Island to Broadway and then Queer Eye. So much of what

people don’t know is what I lean into — what happened after.”

OutClique: What’s different about connecting with an audience in an intimate live setting?

Rodriguez: “A live performance is a conversation, full stop. An evening like this is me taking you by the hand on this journey, but we’re going together. I tell stories and share pieces of myself that scripted roles don’t allow me to do.”

OutClique: How do you balance nostalgia with where you are creatively now?

Rodriguez: “People want to hear about Rent. They want to hear about Queer Eye. But what don’t they already know? If you begin a story, you have to end a story. My biggest inspirations are performers who tell their own stories, and I like to believe I’m walking in their footsteps.”

OutClique: What do the post-show meet-and-greet moments mean to you?

Rodriguez: “People have a lot of options for how they spend a Friday night, and they chose to come out and see me. That time is one of the biggest gifts. The meetand-greet is where you get to ask the things I maybe didn’t cover — it’s where you get the really good stuff.”

Friday, February 13, 2026

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 14 • 7pm

Join South Florida Symphony Orchestra, as we explore beauty in contrasts – where the bold and the sublime intersect, the familiar meets the new, and music becomes a portal to a world of wonder.

Rimsky-Korsakov’s

Capriccio espagnol & Mozart’s “Ha ner”

With orchestra premieres by Joachim | Simon

Featuring Seth Parker Woods, violin

Tues., Feb. 17, 2026

New World Center

Wed., Feb. 18, 2026

The Parker

Sat., Feb. 21, 2026

Tennessee Williams Theatre

Dvorák’s Symphony No. 8 & Sibelius’ Violin Concerto With Schubert

Featuring Siwoo Kim, violin

Tues., March 10, 2026 • New World Center

Wed., March 11, 2026 • The Parker

Sat., March 14, 2026 • Tennessee Williams Theatre

Mendelssohn’s “Italian” & Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 4

Featuring Tao Lin, piano

Wed., April 8, 2026 • The Parker

MAKING HISTORY

Stonewall National Museum's Annual Gala Adds Three Heroes

It is never too late to recognize that we Stand on the Shoulders of Heroes, and on February 21, 2026, Ft. Lauderdale based Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library will host its 4th Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes Gala, a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community’s accomplishments, determination and success in combating prejudice nationwide.

Set at The Venue in Wilton Manors, this year’s Gala honors the achievements of three powerful individuals. Each will be immortalized in the Museum’s Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes Traveling Exhibit:

● Jon Stryker, Founder of the Arcus Foundation has contributed more than $700 million dollars to critical social and environmental justice causes around the globe. Stryker has also donated more than $300 million to LGBTQ+ organizations- alongside his husband, Slobodan Ranjelović. The couple provided funding for the ACLU’s LGBTQ & HIV Project and established the Audre Lorde Visiting Professorship at Spelman College, the first-ever queer studies chair at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

● Janis Ian, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, author, and lifelong advocate best known for her hits Society’s Child and At Seventeen. Since the start of her career, she has gracefully stood strong against controversy and attacks from others in the entertainment world, cementing herself as a powerful voice shaping American culture. Her unflinching commentary and criticism of American life resonated with millions, leading her to become one of the first Saturday Night Live musical guests. To this day, At Seventeen is covered by top performers and she is a regular columnist in The Advocate, where her resilience and history of political activism play an essential role.

● Barney Frank, Former Congressman, who made history when he came out as gay in 1987. The first member of Congress to do so voluntarily, he would later go on to marry his same-sex partner in 2012 while in office. Throughout his political career, Frank served as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Massachusetts from

1981 to 2013, where he served as chairman of the House Financial Services Committee. He was a leading cosponsor of the 2010 Dodd–Frank Act.

Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes has traveled to Philadelphia, PA; NYC; Washington D.C.; New Orleans, LA; New Jersey; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Rockland County, New York; Arlington, TX; West Palm Beach, FL. and other cities and states across the United States. It continues its travels celebrating LGBTQ+ heroes from coast to coast and is updated, highlighting new icons using their platforms to improve LGBTQ+ visibility and impact.

Robert Kesten, SNMAL’s President and CEO, stated, “Deeply impactful and culturally transformative, Stryker, Frank and Ian will be memorialized among other LGBTQ+ trailblazers in one of our proudest human rights exhibits. It is an incredible experience to unveil their exhibition panels and celebrate their achievements with event guests.”

“Our three honorees continue to be transformative figures in all aspects of our society. They uniquely represent what is best in us simply by being themselves. Jon has impacted the planet with his one-of-a-kind foundation, his board service, and commitment to building our society. Barney can synthesize what is going on in the world and keep it in perspective and in his colorful and expressive way, let us know our current crisis can be resolved. And then there is Janis. Her vulnerability in words and music takes you in and her wicked guitar riffs keep you emotionally engaged; it’s almost like being hypnotized and transformed. I am thankful that in today's world, these three will join us and provide a window in which we can see what is possible.”

A tradition born in 2023, Stonewall’s Gala has welcomed thousands of attendees since it began, sparking muchneeded hope in a time marred by intense division. 2026’s celebration paves the way for powerful acceptance by generating financial support for the Museum’s upcoming initiatives.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: https://stonewall-museum.org/2026-gala/

Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes

Don

Saturday, February 21, 2026

6:00 - 9:00 PM

The VENUE Wilton Manors 2345 wilton dr., wilton manors, FL 33305

On this night, we honor JON STRYKER, one of the global LGBTQ+ movement’s most visionary, generous, and steadfast champions, THE HONORABLE BARNEY FRANK, whose more than 30 years of fearless leadership in the U.S. Congress transformed the landscape of LGBTQ+ rights in this country and JANIS IAN, a trailblazing artist whose voice, activism, and unapologetic authenticity have inspired generations.

Together, Barney, Jon, and Janis join the distinguished ranks of our Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes traveling exhibition — a testament to their legacy, brilliance, and the countless lives they’ve changed for the better.

South Florida Pride Youth Band Celebrates 15th Season

By Diana Hanford

The South Florida Pride Youth Band will celebrate its 15th season with a special matinee concert presented by FLoatarama on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 2 p.m. at The Parker. Tickets are $45 and available at tinyurl.com/ SFPYB15.

Comprised of more than 80 students representing dozens of public and private high schools across Broward, MiamiDade, and Palm Beach counties, the South Florida Pride Youth Band offers young musicians the opportunity to work with an outstanding artistic team and professional mentors, connect with peers, unite against bullying, and celebrate diversity through music.

The first act will feature performances conducted by Dr. Erika Svanoe, conductor of the University of Wisconsin–Stout Symphonic Band, alongside members of the South Florida Pride Concert Band, the bridge-building musical powerhouse which has been entertaining the South Florida community for 40 years.

New this year will be the inaugural Youth Pride Jazz Band. Conducted by Edgar Rubio, jazz band director for the South Florida Pride Concert Bands, students will perform jazz selections during the second act.

Dan Bassett, who has served as artistic director of the South Florida Pride Concert Band for the past 20 years and is a founding member of the South Florida Pride Youth Band, reflected on the program’s origins. “We founded the Youth Band 15 years ago after receiving an overwhelming response from marginalized teenagers searching for a safe and inclusive space where they could simply play music,” he said.

The South Florida Pride Youth Band was founded in 2010 during the turbulent “It Gets Better” movement,

when there was a clear need to respond to rising incidents of bullying and suicide attempts among LGBTQ+ youth.

“We’ve put tremendous effort into making this four-week honor band experience a memorable one for these talented young musicians,” said Dr. Adam DeRosa, board chair of the South Florida Pride Concert Band. “In addition to receiving invaluable musical mentorship and performing alongside members of our band — including many former professional musicians — students build friendships and experience performing on a professional stage.”

During the Season 15 concert, the South Florida Pride Concert Band will award more than a dozen individual $1,500 scholarships to local high school band students. FLoatarama, a South Florida all-volunteer non-profit organization dedicated raising awareness and funds to support the youth who identify as LGBTQ+, will award a $2,500 Jazz Director's scholarship to a member of the inaugural Youth Jazz Band and a $7,500 scholarship to the recipient of the Fifth Annual FLoatarama Youth Pride Band Soloist competition. This musician will also be a featured as a soloist during the South Florida Pride Concert Band’s May 2026 concert.

“We are incredibly proud to continue our commitment to the South Florida Pride Youth Band through the FLoatarama LGBTQ Youth Fund,” said Floatarama president, Scott Schramm. “It is incredibly gratifying to champion these talented young people by providing them with the financial resources they need as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.”

The South Florida Pride Concert Band is celebrating its 40thseason and remains the oldest LGBTQ+ arts and cultural organization in the state of Florida.

Sunday, February 22, 2026

Kim’s Convenience

By Phala Murray

The Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts will present a special engagement of the heartfelt and humorous play that inspired the CBC / Netflix TV series Kim’s Convenience, February 25 through March 8, 2026 with Soulpepper Theatre Company and Adam Blanshay Productions In association with American Conservatory Theater and Just for Laughs, You Productions, Henderson Theatrical Productions. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at Kravis.org, at the Box Office MondaySaturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. or by calling 561.832.7469.

About Kim’s Convenience: Set in Toronto, Canada, 2012.

Mr. Kim, a first-generation Korean immigrant, dispenses fatherly wisdom, history lessons and potato chips from behind his convenience store counter in the up-andcoming Regent Park neighborhood of Toronto. Wholly

original, hysterically funny and deeply moving, Kim’s Convenience tells the story of one Korean family struggling to face the future amidst the bitter memories of their past. But no matter what, humor and heart find their way onto every aisle in this award-winning play that is now a hit series on Netflix

Called “the most successful Canadian play of the last decade” by ClassicalFM, Kim’s Convenience was originally produced as part of the 2011 Toronto Fringe Festival. The premiere production was produced by Soulpepper Theatre Company in Toronto, ON and became an internationally successful TV show on CBC and Netflix following its original run. Everything Theatre called the U.K. tour, an “achingly funny… Hilarious, heart-warming story of love, family and survival through change and challenge.”

February 25-March 8, 2026

Raymond F. Kravis Center for the Performing Arts | Kravis.org

Photo Courtesy of Dahlia Katz

Slow Burn Theatre Brings The Music of Carole King to Life

By Bryce Johnson

Slow Burn Theatre will perform Beautiful: The Carole King Musical from February 14 to March 1, 2026 in the Amaturo Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

Based on the life of musician Carole King, Beautiful tells the story of her career, from her early years as a teenager to when she plays at Carnegie Hall.

Parick Fitzwater, Slow Burn co-founder and director of Beautiful , was already a fan of King’s music before working on the musical.

“She's just a fascinating woman with an incredible brain and so much heart. And this story is really about strong women and finding their own path in an industry at a time that was not very woman-driven,” Fitzwater said.

Fitzwater said so far, casting has been his favorite part about putting together "Beautiful." Actress Monet Sabel plays King in the musical, and Fitzwater found her character interesting to cast.

“You're looking for an actor that can play the youth of it, but also play the wisdom at the end of the show, of the journey that she goes through,” Fitzwater said. “Trying to find an actor like Monet, that can embody that whole

journey and be vulnerable, but yet be strong, and then have such an iconic, powerful voice like Carol King, is really important to the role.”

Beautiful features multiple songs from King’s life, including “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “Up on the Roof” and “So Far Away.”

Fitzwater said King’s songs are a staple in the music industry and looks forward to the cast performing them live.

“I think that everyone could use a story of strength, a story of resilience, a story of making your own way in the world,” Fitzwater said. “I'm really just excited to have the audience be wrapped up in a warm hug that only Carol King can give.”

After Beautiful , Slow Burn will also perform “Hairspray” from April 11-16, 2026 and “Alanis Morissette’s Jagged Little Pill” from June 13-28, 2026.

“We're very excited about the other remaining shows that we have this year. It's a great season,” Fitzwater said.

February 14 to March 1, 2026

Coral Springs Center for the Arts Celebrates the Legendary Billy Joel and Elton John with a Tribute Show

By Megan Fitzgerald, PhD, Nova Southeastern University

On Friday, February 27, 2026, the Coral Springs Center for the Arts will celebrate two of music’s most iconic “Piano Men” with Yellow Brick Joel, a high-energy tribute show honoring the legendary catalogs of Billy Joel and Elton John.

Q: What first drew you to Billy Joel’s music, and what made you decide to start performing as him?

David Clark: “The Stranger album came out in 1977. Now, I was 10 when that album came out. I had already been taking piano lessons for about three to four years, but my discovery of Billy Joel’s music back then is probably similar to what Billy’s was when he discovered the Beatles… ‘That’s what I want to do!’ That’s what happened to me.

‘Just the Way You Are’ was the very first song I learned how to play on the piano.”

Q: With so many songs to choose from, how do you build the set list?

Clark: “When I started this thing, we delved more into

album cuts, and I kind of got away from that, because the audience sort of tells you that.”

Ultimately, he says, “The audience wants that. They want to hear ‘Crocodile Rock,’ they want to hear ‘Uptown Girl,’ they want to hear ‘Still Rock and Roll to Me.’”

Q: What’s the biggest challenge of performing as Billy Joel?

Clark: “The challenge was, and no longer is a challenge, don’t try so hard to make the audience think you’re him.”

He explains, “I don’t say that I’m Billy. He doesn’t say that he’s Elton. They know we’re not. But we want to have enough of a party with it.”

Q: What do Florida audiences mean to you?

Clark: “We love coming to Florida. I love the audiences down there. I cannot wait when any Florida show shows up on my schedule.”

Witchy Ways Actress Candis Cayne Talks About Queer Love

By Bryce Johnson

Candis Cayne became the first transgender actress to play a recurring role in primetime television with the series “Dirty Sexy Money” in 2007. Now, almost 20 years later, she stars as Penny in “Witchy Ways,” the latest film from writer/director Jane Clark.

“She asked me to be a part of this and I, of course, said yes. Whenever she does anything, I say yes because I know I’ll have a good time,” Cayne said.

“Witchy Ways” is a supernatural queer love story between a brand manager named Eve (played by Diora Bard) and a witch named Danni (played by Marem Hassler). Their growing relationship is put to the test when Danni’s neighbor threatens her home.

“It’s heartfelt, because as much as it’s a little spooky, at the end of the day, it is a love story. Two characters who have had trauma in their lives, they find each other, and it’s kind of love at first sight,” Cayne said.

Cayne’s character, Penny, gives Eve advice throughout the film. Cayne said she loved Penny when she read the script.

“She says what she wants and what she means. She’s totally unapologetic about who she is and I feel the same way,” Cayne said.

Cayne hopes movies like “Witchy Ways” can normalize the portrayal of queer love stories.

“I loved the queer love story in it. That’s beautiful. People aren’t apologizing about being gay or trans. They’re just love stories,” Cayne said. “Everything is changing right now. All of our communities deserve to have stories told and our voices heard.”

“Witchy Ways” is available to watch on Apple TV, Amazon Prime Vide and Fandango at Home.

Symphony of the Americas Performs Haydn’s Masterpiece In March At The Amaturo

By Charles Baran

By 1798 at age 66, composer Franz Joseph Haydn was a superstar. His body of work, which included symphonies, chamber music, string quartets and even a few operas, were known far and wide across the major cities of Europe. His benefactors, the super-wealthy Esterhazy family of Hungary, had kept him steadily employed as their Kapellmeister or household music director—yes, wealthy people employed full-time music directors back then—for over 30 years writing compositions to be performed on a weekly basis by an in-house orchestra for the entertainment of Prince Paul Anton and his family. Thanks to Haydn’s business savvy and ability to negotiate with top-tier music publishers that handled only the biggest composers of the day, these masterful compositions made their way out into the world beyond the palatial Esterhazy gates and were performed regularly in the best concert halls in London and Vienna. In the mid-1780’s, hardly a London concert did not feature work by the gifted composer.

However, Haydn, while enormously successful, still felt isolated and alone at the Esterhazy compound. He longed for exposure to the music the other composers of his time were creating. It was around this time, 1784, that Haydn began traveling regularly to Vienna. On one of his visits, he began an important friendship with Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The two musical geniuses admired each other so greatly that they would often complement each other publicly. In fact, Mozart thought so highly of Haydn that he dedicated six string quartets to him.

Haydn, a humble, well-liked man from a modest background—his father was a wheelwright and his mother a cook—could not have asked for greater success and fame. So, it came as a surprise, when on March 19, 1799, at the old Burgtheater in Vienna, Haydn debuted for the public what came to be known as his masterpiece,

an oratorio based on The Book of Genesis called Die Schopfung or The Creation. Unlike an opera, which is usually a secular story staged with costumes and scenery, oratorios are concerts with biblical or spiritual themes. Haydn, after hearing Handel’s monumental oratorio The Messiah, longed to create such a piece, one of lasting importance. There is no doubt among music scholars that he succeeded in doing just that.

And how lucky are we, that on March 22 and 24, 2026, South Florida audiences will be able to hear Haydn’s entire three-part magnum opus at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Luke Frazier, artistic director of The Symphony of the Americas will lead SOTA’s preeminent orchestra as Haydn’s glorious music tells the story of God’s creation and Adam and Eve. Joining them are three accomplished soloists: Peter Barber, Jordan Costa, and Metropolitan Opera soprano Maureen McKay. Frazier is especially excited about featuring a chorus of paid collegiate singers from across the region with several from other parts of the country. “This continues the tradition of the era–assembling fabulous soloists into a chorus to heighten the energy and emotion of the work. This also tends to lead to a more dimensional sound, a unique approach to a well-loved classic.” And wait. That’s not all. To further elevate the experience, breathtaking LED visuals will be added to the stage surrounding the orchestra and singers which will undoubtedly increase the dramatic effects of the music.

Enjoy Haydn’s The Creation this spring at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts. For classical music lovers of all ages, it is an event not to be missed. The two performances are Sunday, March 22 at 2pm and Tuesday, March 24 at 7:45pm. Tickets may be purchased by visiting the SOTA website at www.sota.org.

March 22 and 24, 2026

Every

Calendar of Events

February 2026

1/17-2/14

1/6-2/25

17-21

Bears of South Florida Celebrity Summit: 4 Nights Key West & Bahamas Key West & Bahamas

18 Adrian McGrady: A Flutist Journey

Cathedral Center for the Performing 18 Bears of South Florida: Happy Hour at Eagle Eagle Wilton Manors

19 GENVAS Musical Presentation

Cathedral Center for the Performing 19 The Philadelphia Orchestra

Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

19 Seraphic Fire: American Folk Moorings Presbyterian, Naples

20 Seraphic Fire: American Folk St. Philip's Episcopal, Coral Gables

2/21-3/14 Trio: Interpretations in Abstractions

21 Seraphic Fire: American Folk All Saints Episcopal, Ft. Lauderdale

21 Stonewall Gala 2026: Standing on the Shoulders of Heroes Stonewall National Museum & Archives

21 Masterworks III South Florida Symphony Orchestra Tennessee Williams Theatre

21 Il Divo by Candlelight Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

21 Seduction: Music by TDON Eagle Wilton Manors

26 Pink Nail Society’s Second Annual Masquerade in Pink Ball Hunters NightClub

26 Arrival From Sweden: The Music of ABBA Broward Center for the Performing Arts

22 Seraphic Fire: American Folk

Beach Community Church, Miami Beach

22 Youth Concert South Florida Pride Bands / The Parker 28 A Flutist Journey with Adrian McGrady

Cathedral

2/28/264/5/26

2/21-3/14 Trio: Interpretations in Abstractions

2/14 - 3/1 Beautiful: The Carol King Musical Slow Burn Theatre / Broward Center for the Performing Arts

2/28 - 4/5

At CAN Community Health, we make prevention easy and accessible:

• Free STI and HIV testing

• A ordable access to PrEP and DoxyPEP services

• Personalized care - no shame! Skip the daily pill. Stay protected for months with PrEP injectables!