OutClique Magazine March 2026

COMING UP IN FT. LAUDERDALE, MIAMI BEACH & KEY WEST

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.

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

Steven O. Evans, PhD1 (Publisher and Editor in Chief)

Sach Advertising Group (Director of Graphic Design & Information Technology)

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

Savannah Whaley (Senior Writer / PR & Editorial Consultant)

Chandler Scott (Director of Social Media, Writer)

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); 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

Fort Lauderdale Commissioner Steven Glassman

The past is prologue as he channels lifelong passions into policies

By Savannah Whaley

Commissioner Steven Glassman, who is currently serving his third and final term as the District 2 commissioner, is often a dealmaker but what sets him apart from many other politicians is that he is also the real deal whose achievements can be traced back through his lived experience and life passions.

Arts Advocate

Born in New York City and raised on Long Island, Glassman earned his undergraduate degree and Master of Education from SUNY in Buffalo, New York after which he was an instructor at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts.

“Before I was actually elected, my entire working career has pretty much been in arts and culture,” Glassman said. “A teacher for almost 20 years at a visual and performing arts magnet school in Buffalo, I also spent about a decade at the Broward County Cultural Division. I worked on establishing the ArtsParks throughout our county and was the project manager for the Hollywood Young Circle ArtsPark, Miramar, Pembroke Pines and Lauderhill. I carried that passion through in my elected office. I was instrumental in creating a public art ordinance for the city of Fort Lauderdale and that also meant that we have a public art advisory board now. We also have, for the first time ever, a cultural affairs officer.

Glassman’s district includes The Broward Center for the Performing Arts, The Parker, the Museum of Discovery and

Science, NSU Art Museum Fort Lauderdale and numerous theaters and galleries.

An Educator on the Dias

“All the years that I used to observe the Fort Lauderdale City Commission, I was always amazed at how sort of hands-off we were when it came to education,” Glassman recalled. “We just let the school board handle all of that. That changed in 2018 when I was elected and two other commissioners had a background in education. We hired a chief education officer and we really re-energized our educational advisory board so now we are not just passive observers of what happens in the schools.”

We Create Community

“District 2 is the most diverse - ethnically, culturally, you name it - that's my district,” Glassman said. “Along with that comes a very special responsibility to make sure that we're serving that constituent and we do.”

Glassman is a proud part of the community having moved here in 1994 with Rande, his spouse of 53 years.

“We fit together because whatever's a strength of mine is pretty much a weakness of Rande's and then vice versa,” Glassman said, interlocking his fingers. “It really works because we take care of each other in a way that we probably would not be able to take care of ourselves if we didn't have the other half.”

Fort Lauderdale has been active in fighting Florida’s demand to remove the rainbow street art.

“We're still negotiating with the state and still have a variety of avenues that we're pursuing to try and make our case but, bottom line, we are the last city standing,” Glassman reported. “If we just give in right now, what does that say for the future? Are they going to come and be able to say, ‘Hey, we don't like the art that you put on your lifeguard stands on the beach, it’s too LGBTQ?’”

Visit Lauderdale

“I have been coming to South Florida since I was10 years old,” Glassman recalled. “We used to go to all of the hotels in Miami Beach and then my parents decided to actually have a second home in the area and purchased in Palm Aire right around the mid ‘70s.”

He is now active in making Fort Lauderdale a destination city for others as well as enhancing the quality of life for residents with projects that include the Aquatic Center with the tallest dive tower in the Western Hemisphere, the

Jimmy Evert Tennis Center, the planned aquarium that will be a Fort Lauderdale first, lifeguard towers on the beach wrapped in art, and a vertiport on the planned Holiday Park garage where six-passenger air taxis will ferry passengers to Palm Beach, Miami, and beyond.

“The Aquatics complex and War Memorial Auditorium with the Panthers’ presence and the ice rinks’ creation, Holiday Park and the Parker Playhouse renovation, this is all in my district,” Glassman said. “These are projects that I've been working on for eight years now. Some of them have come to fruition and are really successful, but we have others that I'm working on like reimaging Breakers Avenue. I put together about $12 million in funding for that main artery that runs parallel to A1A to make it a beautiful, beautiful people street. These are big, sexy projects, but the dayto-day is also just very much helping people deal with neighborhood issues."

Building a Future

“Our goals for the foreseeable future as a city will always be dealing with infrastructure,” he noted. “Water, storm water, and sewer are always going to be priorities. Our city is still growing and we have to make sure that that growth is sustainable.”

Before taking office, Glassman served on the City of Fort Lauderdale's Beach Redevelopment Advisory Board and the Planning and Zoning Board.

“Affordable housing will continue to be a challenge. There are building projects that you would never know are workforce housing or affordable housing because of the beautiful job that they are doing. We have some tools in the toolbox with regard to incentives to build that kind of housing.”

Making

a difference

“I've always been a civic activist my whole life,” Glassman said. “As a young student, I always ran for student council. There's a lot of amazing work that's going on with our agencies and our organizations in Fort Lauderdale and I would welcome people to be a part of that. Just get involved and find an organization that you think really speaks to you and to your passions and give it everything you've got.”

Glassman clearly relishes his role.

“I'm the commissioner of District 2 and I don't say this objectively, but District 2 is the home of all of the action. I mean, my district is busy, busy, busy, busy because we're always looking to do better.”

In Troubled Times Latinos Salud’sGala

Will Be a Celebration!

Feel like hearing some good news for a change? Latinos Salud’s signature Gala this month will be a celebration of community resilience and big wins for community health, all expressed through stories, live performances and videos.

Over the past year, the federal government has targeted organizations and clinics that serve LGBT communities, minorities, or immigrants, by stripping grants and closing programs that serve these populations. Latinos Salud prioritizes all these community groups.

Despite major funding impacts that shook Latinos Salud, this past year, the non-profit LGBT health center actually

increased its services, in every category. More people received HIV tests at Latinos Salud’s four locations, started on PrEP, got their STDs treated, received HIV care, accessed case management, received Pride Scholarships, got health insurance premium payment support, and enjoyed fun Health & Culture social events.

Latinos Salud’s Gala celebration will take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026 in the Broward Center's opulent Riverview Ballroom. Clients and members will share powerful stories that reveal the inspiring impact the agency has had in their lives. Amazing musical performances by Stefano May accompanied by Hued Songs will wow the audience. And the agency will reveal a game-changing

surprise for its 2026 programs. The night will finish with guests dancing al fresco by the riverfront with the event’s own private bar.

To welcome all who want to attend, Latinos Salud has continued its “no-inflation” ticket pricing for the seventh year in a row; the agency has not increased its Gala ticket prices!

Personalizing the experience, guests who purchase tickets before March 5 can pre-select from up to five delicious dinner options (three options for regular ticket holders).

One other way that Latinos Salud’s gala events differ from most is the diversity of community attending, with a wide range of ages and guests coming from both Broward and Miami Dade. You’re sure to see old

friends, and also meet new people at this event.

The Broward Center does not allow ticketing at the door. As this issue of OutClique was going to press, Latinos Salud’s Gala event was already 90% sold out.

South Florida’s LGBT community always arrives in style, so many will ask, “What should I wear?” Latinos Salud’s Rafaelé Narváez recommends anything that reflects your style while fitting the evening. “That could be a suit, a tux, or anything you would wear to an upscale dinner party. If you want to play with color, for a 17th anniversary, the colors are gold or sometimes yellow and the flower is red carnation. Some may want to wear a gold or yellow tie, or pocket square, or add a carnation. It’s all up to you!”

Don’t miss your chance to feel the excitement at Latinos Salud’s 17th Annual Gala this month.

Saturday, March 21

Riverview Ballroom | Broward Center for the Performing Arts

Holy Cross Health Foundation

Receives High Performer Designation from Association for Healthcare Philanthropy

Holy Cross Health Foundation has received the High Performer designation from the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) 2025 Report on Giving, placing the hospital among the nation’s leading health system foundations for fundraising outcomes, stewardship and community impact.

The AHP High Performer designation is awarded to not-for-profit health care systems in the top 25% for net fundraising revenue in the United States and Canada. The AHP stands as a leading authority in celebrating excellence in health care philanthropy. Earning the ‘High Performer’ designation reflects the extraordinary dedication of the team and the generosity of the community. This award underscores Holy Cross Health’s commitment to cultivating a strong culture of philanthropy and its success in securing essential resources that enhance patient care.

“At Holy Cross Health, we believe that philanthropy is the driving force behind transformation, and we are deeply honored to receive this award from AHP”, said Laura Denoux, Vice President and Chief Development Officer of the Holy Cross Health Foundation. “This award reflects the hard work and dedication of our Foundation team, board members, clinicians and leadership team and the remarkable generosity of our donors. The recognition reflects the power of philanthropy and the trust our donors place in us to turn generosity into meaningful impact for patients.”

Holy Cross Health Foundation approaches philanthropic giving with care and transparency, guided by faith-based values and a commitment to those most in need. Each

gift strengthens innovation, expands access to care and improves outcomes for patients.

Beyond major gifts, donor-funded programs and projects provide critical services across the health system. From providing specialty care, pediatric therapies and community workshops at the Family Health Center to early breast cancer detection through the Dorothy Mangurian Comprehensive Women’s Center mammography upgrades, donor support reaches patients at every stage of care. It also invests in the future of health care through the Institute of Nursing Excellence, supporting advanced degrees, certifications and leadership development, while the Patient Medical Debt Relief Fund removes financial barriers so patients can focus on recovery and well-being.

“Through initiatives like Healing Heroes and our Giving Societies, donors are connected to the impact of their support,” Denoux said. “These programs extend care and innovation across Holy Cross Health, ensuring that philanthropy continues to transform patient experiences.”

This recognition from AHP highlights the impact of philanthropy at Holy Cross Health. Every gift strengthens care and supports the health system in meeting the evolving needs of South Florida. Together, these efforts reflect Holy Cross Health’s Mission to serve as a compassionate and transforming healing presence, making a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families across the community.

For more information about giving, please reach out to Holy Cross Health Foundation at Donations@Holy-Cross. com or 954-542-8562 or visit Holy-Cross.com/Giving.

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.

Preventing Colorectal Cancer

Simple Steps You Can Take

Why Colorectal Cancer Awareness Matters for Everyone

Colorectal cancer affects the colon or rectum, and it often starts as small, noncancerous growths called polyps. If these polyps aren’t removed, they can turn into cancer. The best way to prevent this cancer is through early detection, which is why awareness is so important. Every March, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of preventing and catching cancer early.

Why should you care?

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the U.S., and it doesn’t just affect older people.

More cases are now being seen in younger adults, especially those with a family history of the disease or certain genetic conditions.

The good news is that when it’s found early, colorectal cancer is often treatable. That’s why it’s important to take steps now to prevent or catch it early.

Who is at risk?

Anyone can develop colorectal cancer, but some people are more at risk than others. Age is a big factor—people over 50 are more likely to get it.

However, there’s been an increase in cases among younger

adults, especially those with a family history of colorectal cancer or conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Knowing your personal risk helps you decide when you should start screenings.

What can you do about it?

There’s a lot you can do to lower your risk of colorectal cancer:

1. Get screened – The best way to catch colorectal cancer early is by getting regular screenings. The American Cancer Society recommends starting screenings at age 45 for most people, but your doctor will help you figure out the right time based on your risk.

2. Eat a healthy diet – Eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while cutting back on red and processed meats can lower your risk of colorectal cancer.

3. Stay active – Regular exercise is important. Just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can lower your risk.

4. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol – Smoking and heavy drinking increase your risk of colorectal cancer. Cutting back or quitting can help your health.

5. Know your family history – If colorectal cancer runs in your family, or if you have certain genetic conditions, talk to your doctor about starting screenings earlier than the usual recommended age.

Your health center is here to help.

This year, Care Resource is pleased to announce that we may provide the Cologuard® colorectal cancer screening test to all our eligible patients. This test is performed in the comfort and privacy of your home with no trips to the doctor’s office. It is highly sensitive and has previously been available only to those with medical insurance. Please discuss the ColoGuard® with your provider on your next visit. -Director of Medical Care Services, Douglas Steele

We know talking about cancer can be tough, but here’s the good news: colorectal cancer can be prevented, and the earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat.

Your health center is here to give you the resources, screenings, and support you need. Don’t wait—make this March the month to act. Schedule your screening, talk to your doctor, and take steps to protect your health.

For more information call 305.576.1234 or Pre-Register to become a patient.

Spring Reset

Letting Go of Emotional Weight Through Mindfulness

By Francine Marks-Weinstein, LMHC

As winter fades and spring begins to emerge, nature offers a gentle invitation that renewal is possible. Longer days, warmer air, and signs of new growth remind us that change doesn't have to be forced. For many in the LGBTQA+ community, however, emotional weight can linger well beyond the seasonal shift. Stress, burnout, grief, and the quiet exhaustion of navigating a world that doesn't always feel safe or affirming often remain.

Spring isn't about becoming someone new. It's about releasing what no longer serves you.

Emotional weight tends to build quietly. It may show up as tension in the body, persistent anxiety, disrupted sleep, or emotional numbness. Minority stress, microaggressions, and the need to remain vigilant can keep the nervous system on high alert. Over time, this chronic stress makes it difficult to feel grounded, rested, or fully present.

Mindfulness offers a compassionate way to begin letting go without judgment or urgency. Instead of asking, "What's wrong with me?" mindfulness gently reframes the question to, "What am I carrying that I no longer

need?" This shift alone can reduce self-blame and create space for healing. In my work as a mental health counselor, I often see how small, consistent moments of mindful awareness, especially sensory-based practices help regulate the nervous system and restore a sense of emotional safety.

A simple spring reset practice begins with the senses. Step outside or open a window. Notice the temperature on your skin, the sounds of birds or wind, the scent of fresh air. Grounding in the present moment sends a signal of safety to the body. Pair this with slow breathing, inhaling through the nose and extending the exhale through the mouth allowing the shoulders and jaw to soften. Practices like these, explored throughout my book, Live Mindfully 52 Ways , are designed to be realistic, accessible, and woven into everyday life.

Spring also invites emotional decluttering. Just as we clear out closets, we can gently release outdated beliefs and internalized messages that no longer align with who we are today.

For some, this process is easier with support. Whether through personal reflection or working with an affirming therapist, now more accessible through telehealth, mindfulness can be a steady companion during seasons of change.

As spring unfolds, consider one gentle question: What am I ready to release? Healing happens quietly as we create space to breathe, soften, and grow.

Francine Marks-Weinstein is a licensed mental health counselor providing telehealth services. She 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

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TRIMIX/BIMIX

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Just Use It!

AHF Celebrates International Condom Day

By Ged Kenslea, AHF

AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) celebrated International Condom Day (ICD) on February 13, 2026 with the simple message — “Just Use It!” — to put condoms, one of the most powerful and cost-effective tools in HIV and STI prevention, back in the spotlight. Worldwide commemorations across nearly 50 AHF country teams combined fun, creativity and education with free condom distribution, reinforcing the message that protecting sexual health should be accessible, stigma-free and empowering for everyone.

The surge in STI rates worldwide, particularly syphilis, was not a mystery — it was what happened when global funding diminished and condoms were not prioritized for prevention. Without an immediate course correction, HIV would soon follow. Each condom used helped safeguard decades of progress in the global HIV response and avoided far more costly setbacks. Sustaining HIV prevention and reversing rising STIs did not require new scientific innovations — it required political will, sustained investment and a renewed commitment to ensure condoms were free or affordable and widely available to those who needed them most.

“Condoms still work! We have the proven formula to stop HIV/AIDS after 40 years: Get tested. Get treated. Use condoms — it’s as basic as that. We can’t stop HIV/AIDS without condoms. The continued spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections is not a failure of science — it’s a failure of leadership and commitment to prevention,” said Terri Ford, AHF chief of global advocacy and policy.

“Condoms are effective, affordable and proven, but too often they are sidelined by stigma, underinvestment and policy choices that limit access. Condoms must be treated as an essential public health good, backed by sustained funding, education and promotion. It does not make any sense not to champion the free distribution of condoms. They are cost-effective. They work. Let’s all make it happen to save lives!” Ford added.

Launched by AIDS Healthcare Foundation in 2009, International Condom Day (Feb. 13) celebrated condoms as the world’s best option for preventing HIV, other STIs and unplanned pregnancies. ICD reminded the public that condoms are safer, sexy and must be kept at the center of protecting sexual health worldwide: “Just Use It!”

Visit LOVEcondoms.org to learn more and to check out AHF’s Global Public Health Revolution podcast episode, “Safer Is Sexy: Condoms & Creative Health Campaigns,” for a conversation about condoms — their role in saving lives, breaking taboos and shaping public health campaigns worldwide.

Since 2022, AHF has also toured a free burlesque show bringing safer-sex messaging as part of its celebration of International Condom Day to enthusiastic, sold-out audiences across the United States. This year’s encore burlesque spectacle, “Ohh Mamma!” played off the international ABBA-inspired film juggernaut “Mamma Mia!” Throughout February, AHF brought “Ohh Mamma!” — with its bold performances, jaw-dropping costumes and show-stopping routines — to appreciative audiences in New York City, Washington, DC, Chicago and Columbus, Ohio.

My Hollywood Pride

Stronger With Time A Holy Cross Approach to Healthy Aging

By Von Biggs

Getting older is a privilege. Staying healthy while we do it is the real work. If there is one thing I have learned from my own journey and from working with adults across Broward County it is that healthy aging is not about perfection, but about paying attention.

Most people think aging sneaks up on them, but it does not. It leaves clues. It whispers before it shouts. Maybe your knees talk back when you stand up. Maybe your sleep is not as sweet as it used to be. Maybe you bend down to pick something up and stay there a little longer than expected. These moments are not failures. They are reminders. They tell us it is time to take better care of the body that has carried us this far.

Movement is the first reminder. Our bodies are meant to move. Not to win marathons. Not to hold yoga poses for an hour. Just to move. A 20-minute walk, a few stretches in the morning or lifting light weights while you watch television can renew strength and protect balance. Every bit of movement is a vote for longevity. When we stop moving the body remembers. When we begin again the body remembers that too.

Food is the next reminder and in South Florida with every restaurant calling our name, it takes intention to make better choices. The goal is not to deny ourselves. The goal is balance. Add more color to the plate, drink more water and choose food that fuels your life instead of filling space. When we nourish the body, the body carries us forward.

Routine medical care might be the reminder adults avoid the most. Many of us wait until something feels truly wrong before we reach out. But the real strength of aging well is prevention. A simple checkup or screening can change the entire course of our health story. When we know our numbers, we know how to protect ourselves. Aging is not the time for guesswork.

Connection is another form of medicine. It keeps us grounded. Friends, family, community groups, faith

communities and social clubs all serve a purpose in our lives. People who stay socially engaged age better and live longer. They remain more active and more resilient and more joyful. Loneliness is a quiet threat. Connection is the antidote.

The final reminder is sleep. Real rest and renewal. Sleep is when the body repairs itself and when the mind processes the day. First sleep is often the first thing we sacrifice. Improving the quality of our sleep is one of the most powerful ways to improve the quality of our health.

At Holy Cross Health, we see aging as a whole person journey. We look at physical health, emotional well-being and the social ties that support a meaningful life. We meet people where they are and help them build a plan that fits their real life. Healthy aging works best when it is accessible, practical, and compassionate.

The truth is this. Aging is not something to fear. Aging is something to honor. Every wrinkle has a story, every scar has a lesson and every year is a reminder that we are still here and still growing.

Being stronger with time is not about age. It is about intention and the best time to set that intention is today.

Live long, live strong and let your future self thank you for the choices you make right now.

Introducing PrEP Direct from CAN Community Health

CAN Community Health is excited to introduce PrEP Direct: Our newest way to bring long-acting injectable PrEP directly to you, wherever you are!

Taking control of your health starts with understanding your options. PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) is a proven, highly effective HIV prevention strategy for people who are HIV-negative, reducing the risk of HIV from sex by more than 99% when taken as prescribed. With PrEP Direct, you now have the option to receive long-acting injectable PrEP in the location most convenient for you, providing the same powerful protection, with even greater flexibility.

Long-acting injectable PrEP is an HIV prevention shot administered either every two months or twice a year, depending on the medication. It’s an ideal choice for anyone who prefers not to take a daily pill and wants continuous, long-lasting HIV protection without worrying of missing doses.

Getting started is simple:

● Receive your lab work

● Consult with a nurse

● Get your PrEP injection on the spot

Everything you need, all in one visit.

To learn more about PrEP options or schedule your PrEP Direct visit: Call (786) 800-5631 or visit cancommunityhealth.org. Discover how PrEP Direct can bring HIV prevention straight to you: PrEP Direct To You.

BIG SMILE ENERGY

From routine checkups to advanced care, we provide accessible dental services that prioritize your comfort, health, and confidence.

Genesis Health Institute

Spreads Holiday Cheer and Support with $13,816 Donation to Two Local Charities

On December 11, Genesis Health Institute hosted its much-anticipated annual Holiday Party—an evening designed to celebrate the season while giving back in a real, tangible way to the community. Guests enjoyed festive bites, warm conversation, and classic holiday cheer throughout the night.

This year’s celebration raised $13,816.62 in donations, which were distributed between two organizations close to the Genesis team’s heart. Continuing its longstanding support of Abandoned Pet Rescue (APR), Genesis donated $7,108.31 to help provide care, shelter, and second chances for pets in need. Genesis also donated $6,708.31 to SunServe, supporting the organization’s mission to provide life assistance and professional mental health services for economically disadvantaged and marginalized youth, adults, and seniors across South Florida.

Reflecting on the impact of the evening, Dimitri Bakoulis, Chief Operations Officer of Genesis Health Institute, shared, “Our holiday party is always a celebration—but it’s also our chance to turn gratitude into action. We’re proud to support APR and SunServe again this year, and we’re thankful to everyone who helped make these donations possible.”

Year after year, Genesis Health Institute continues to champion local causes and invest in the well-being of both people and pets throughout South Florida. The success of the December 2025 Holiday Party is a powerful reminder

that when a community comes together for a night of celebration, it can also create meaningful change that lasts well beyond the season.

Abandoned Pet Rescue is a Fort Lauderdale-based no-kill animal shelter dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming abandoned and neglected cats and dogs—while also promoting responsible pet ownership and animal welfare across South Florida. Learn more, adopt, or support their mission at abandonedpetrescue.org or call (954) 728-9010.

SunServe provides critical life assistance and professional mental health services, with an emphasis on supporting economically disadvantaged and marginalized youth, adults, and seniors throughout South Florida. To learn more about their programs or get in touch, visit sunserve.org or call (954) 764-5150.

Showtime with Jennifer McClain!

By Charles Baran

If the words effervescent and bubbly bring to mind a bottle of vintage champagne, they also describe Wilton Manors reigning queen of nightlife, Jennifer McClain. South Florida theater impresario Ronnie Larsen calls McClain “The Meryl Streep of Dixie Highway.” Jennifer entertains us up and down Wilton Drive with her ribald tunes and musical theater standards. Her shows are “lovefests” where audience members are welcomed with open arms.

I ZOOM-ed with this busy diva and discussed everything Broadway!

Charles Baran: Hi Jennifer! You are busy! Every night you are doing a show.

Jennifer McClain: December was crazy. I did 29 shows in one month!

Charles Baran: Where can we catch you?

Jennifer McClain: I’m at Alibi every Saturday at 7pm. On Monday’s I have my Cast Party at Aquaplex at 8:30. Twice a month, I’m with Miss Bouvèé at Alibi in our Boozy Belters show. For Pride, I’ll be in Key West.

Charles Baran: You do a lot for the theater community in South Florida.

Jennifer McClain: I love to promote my friends!

Charles Baran: When did you discover your love of musical theater?

Jennifer McClain: I was seven and taking tap lessons. We did a performance in these shiny green overalls. I knew right away performing was my life.

Charles Baran: What new Broadway shows do you love?

Jennifer McClain: Death Becomes Her is amazing. I’d love to play the Megan Hilty role.

Charles Baran: You’d be perfect! Let’s find out who your favorites are. Sutton Foster or Kelli O’Hara?

Jennifer McClain: Kelli O’Hara. If you’ve never heard her sing They Don’t Let You in the Opera (If You’re a

Country Star), pull it up on YouTube.

Charles Baran: Broadway leading men?

Jennifer McClain: There’s so many. Ramin Karimloo… Josh Gad!! And Mandy Patinkin. He’s just the best.

Charles Baran: Favorite composers?

Jennifer McClain: Kander and Ebb!

Charles Baran: Thank you Jennifer for a great interview!

Jennifer McClain: Thank you Charles!

Mia Starr

at Ed Lugo

Eagle Wilton Manors Winter Waves

Casa Del Rio

Jesus Would Fly the Inclusive Progress

Pride Flag

By Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

Honestly, I have no idea if Jesus would be a flag waver of any sort. I do know that according to our sacred stories he welcomed children (the vulnerable), touched untouchables (lepers), engaged women in a patriarchal culture, fed people even when he seemed to have limited resources (feeding 5,000 with a sack lunch), affirmed Samaritans (a group that people in his tradition minoritized and otherized), confronted commercial enterprises that exploited pilgrims (turning over tables of the moneychangers), and that when a centurion’s man “servant” was ill, Jesus healed him and praised the faith of the pagan soldier (moreover, the cultural context and the Greek word used in the story suggest that the servant was a lover).

I also know, according to biblical tradition, that Jesus was

born in scandal, was temporarily homeless, and spent time in his childhood as a refugee.

And I know from his Sermon on the Mount that he said, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Everything I know about Jesus shows him to be compassionate, committed to justice-love, welcoming of the marginalized, and annoyed with hypocrisy and with hyper-religiosity that caused people to be less kind, less generous, or less willing to confront injustice.

You know what? I am sure that Jesus would fly the Inclusive Progress Pride Flag after all.

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.

Courtesy of Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min.

In an Age of Burnout, Spiritual Practice Is a Radical Act

By Father Rich Vitale

There’s a growing assumption in modern life that spirituality is just decorative. Pleasant music, soft lighting, maybe a comforting story for people who cannot quite handle reality. In a world run by algorithms, data, and deadlines, faith is often dismissed as a relic.

That assumption is wrong, not sentimentally wrong, but measurably wrong.

We are living through a sustained stress experiment. Constant notifications, endless news cycles, social media outrage, and the quiet pressure to be reachable at all times are steadily eroding our nervous systems. Anxiety is rising. Burnout is common.

This is where spiritual practice stops sounding quaint and starts sounding like neuroscience.

Practices rooted in spirituality activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the part responsible for rest, digestion, and emotional regulation. What religion has long called prayer, sacred silence, and compassion, science increasingly recognizes as nervous system repair.

Centering prayer is a clear example. It is not about thinking harder or asking for miracles. It is about intentional

stillness. Sitting quietly, returning to a sacred word or the breath when the mind wanders, trains the brain to disengage from constant threat scanning.

Meditation works in much the same way. Whether framed spiritually or secularly, regular meditation increases gray matter density in areas associated with focus, empathy, and self-awareness.

Acts of kindness and compassion matter too. Altruistic behavior releases oxytocin and dopamine, reinforcing social bonding and emotional stability. Compassion pulls us out of the isolating spiral stress feeds on. Doing good quite literally grounds us.

Human beings regulate emotionally through connection. Faith communities provide rhythm, belonging, and shared meaning. Isolation amplifies stress. Shared ritual and presence reduce it. This is not poetry, it is physiology.

Spirituality is not an escape from reality. It is a way of staying present without being consumed. If you have drifted away, consider this an invitation rather than a correction. Start small. Practice stillness, compassion, and connection. In a culture that profits from your distraction, this is a quietly radical act.

PRISM Helps Students Find Their Place In The Rainbow

By Savannah Whaley

“My generation is tired and fired up,” said Maxx Fenning, the 23-year-old executive director and founder of PRISM FL, Inc. “We know that we deserve better than what we've been handed and we are ready to take the mantle and fight for that.”

The non-profit dedicated to expanding access to LGBTQ-inclusive education and sexual health resources for youth has House Bill 331 and Senate Bill 1492 in the current session of the Florida legislature. The bills aim to return the approval of sexual health curricula to local school districts after it was moved in 2023 to the State Department of Education. That department did not approve submitted plans as it took 18 months to provide one of its own.

“In some cases, out of Orange County for instance, they couldn't use the words consent or abuse or fluids, and that reproductive health curriculum could not include diagrams of human anatomy,” Fenning reported. “They

could not talk about specific types of sex and essentially, in the plainest terms, teach abstinence-only sexual health education.”

Advocacy is nothing new for the University of Florida graduate, who seven years ago this month first met with three other students at their Boca Raton Community High School to launch a genders and sexualities alliance (GSA). One year later, that evolved into registering PRISM as a non-profit organization.

“Our Fund Foundation has been a supporter of PRISM for a number of years now,” Fenning said. “There has been a stagnation in individual donorship and we have seen a real significant pullback on the corporate side especially to the support of LGBT organizations as we see attacks on DEI. A lot of our funding does come from the support of organizations that have the backs of the LGBT community. Our Fund has been a phenomenal supporter of PRISM and the work that we do.”

Among the programs that received direct support from Our Fund is the STI clinic search and network resource that assists anyone of any age to find free and low-cost STI testing across Southeast Florida.

“We've expanded it over the years to include things like PrEP, PEP and Doxy-PEP as well as preventative medications for HIV and bacterial STIs. Last year we implemented the STI clinic search helper that is essentially just a questionnaire that, of course, is anonymous and not retained. They get tailored information and resources that are going to best support their needs while also giving them what we like to call micro-education as there are aspects of STI testing that young people may not be aware of and may not even know to ask about.”

PRISM’s services directly align with the findings of the Our Fund Community Needs Assessment undertaken in 2024 that noted “Youth voiced: Give us support to be seen, understood, valued, and safe.” Toward that end, Our Fund has also supported PRISM’s student ambassador program.

“PRISM isn't just a youth serving organization, we're a youth-led organization,” Fenning said. “It's always been a founding doctrine of our organization that the people that are closest to the problem are the closest to the solution. Our student ambassador program, which we call P-SAP for short, is a support network for GSAs and other LGBT student organizations. We give young people the resources that they need to run student organizations effectively from recruiting and retaining members, to social media strategies, to knowing the law and what protections and restrictions that they have. This is really how we're able to build a new generation of leaders.”

Born decades after Stonewall, the leaders of PRISM have joined the struggle to promote LGBTQA+ equality, create safe spaces, and fight for social justice.

“I’ve been told as a young, big nonprofit executive that I'm inspiring, that the folks are so excited that I'm doing this work,” he said. “What that often feels like is ‘I'm so excited you're doing this work because I don't have to anymore.’ We cannot allow ourselves to become complacent, thinking that this generation will save us. Gen Z is not a savior. We're a co-conspirator.”

The Art of Community

A prism bends white light into a rainbow of colors comprised of different individual wavelengths. It is a fitting name for a nonprofit that operates under the banner “For every color, for everyone.”

A prism is also often in the shape of a triangle, the symbol Nazis used to mark gays for extermination in World War II, and which was later adopted by ACT UP, the activist group at the height of the AIDS epidemic.

The cultural and civic organizations that the Our Fund Foundation supports honor LGBTQA+ history as they continue fighting to preserve and expand hardwon rights while also creating brand new avenues for our community to thrive into the future. By highlighting these vital pillars, we invite you to learn more and join with us by volunteering, donating and taking action.

David Jobin The Our Fund Foundation President & CEO

Photos Courtesy of PRISM

Adam DeRosa Is Upbeat From the Downbeat

By Savannah Whaley

Many arts leaders have been said to toot their own horn, but perhaps none do it as literally as Adam DeRosa, Ph.D., the self-effacing president of South Florida Pride Bands’ board of directors, who plays French horn with its concert band.

“I moved down to South Florida in ‘99, and I ended up joining the band in 2000,” he recalls. “It was really just an opportunity to pick up the instrument again and get involved with something socially.”

A year later, DeRosa joined the board as secretary and, over the years, has served as its treasurer as well as in a previous presidential term from 2004-2011 before reassuming that position in 2017. As he plans to step down from leadership at the end of this season, he remains relentlessly optimistic about the organization he joined when it was known as the Flamingo Freedom Band.

“We became the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble in 2006 and ‘pride’ was intentional because we felt it was a much more inclusive term,” DeRosa explained about the nonprofit that now operates under the umbrella South Florida Pride Bands. “It is really a corporate identity that gives us the space to have all of these different groups with their own identity. Having these other groups that are smaller gives us an opportunity to reach further into the community and partner with other organizations and people who either can’t afford or don’t have the space for an 80-piece concert band.”

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, South Florida Pride Bands includes a concert band, jazz band, youth band, marching band, steel band, and tropical winds band with a brass quintet and clarinet quartet.

DeRosa, who received his doctorate from the FAU Educational Leadership Program, is the co-founder and coordinator of the South Florida Pride Youth Band that is so successful it has led to the creation and this year’s debut of the group’s seventh ensemble, the South Florida Pride Youth Jazz Band.

“When we decided to create the youth band, we were getting high school kids who were very openly out and about and wanting to join,” he said. “At the same time, there was just an onslaught of national news about LGBTQ youth who were committing suicide if you remember the It Gets Better campaign. The majority of the people in our organization identify as LGBTQ+ and work in a variety of professions. We wanted the students to know that, yes, it does get better. This is the first time we’ve had a lot of students who've come in with a lot of jazz band experience and these students will be learning a completely different set of music and be their own little musical ensemble.”

DeRosa has been instrumental in raising the more than $250,000 in college scholarships that have been awarded to youth band members. He has also expanded the repertoire for youth bands worldwide by commissioning three new works: River of Grass by Robert Sheldon, Las Olas by Chandler Wilson, and Proud of Me by Michele Fernandez.

“Outside of the youth band, I would say I’m most proud of how we have been able to weave into the fabric of our community,” DeRosa said. “We really have to say a big thank you to the organizations that have invested in such as The Our Fund Foundation, the Community Foundation of Broward, Broward County Cultural Division, Bears of South Florida, Funding Arts Broward, FLotarama and the Warten Foundation. We certainly wouldn't be anywhere near where we are today. We aren't just constrained to LGBTQ+ events or organizations, although that's important. We have been invited into spaces that probably wouldn't have happened when this organization started.”

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

Surround Sound

PATRICK DUPRE QUIGLEY, CONDUCTOR

The full forces of Seraphic Fire close out this celebratory year with a surround-sound, polychoral experience imported directly from the Basilica of San Marco in Venice, Italy. You’ll be at the center of the action as we sing from every corner of the room. An experience you can only get at Seraphic Fire, our season closes with this aural explosion.

BOCA RATON | Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 PM | St. Gregory’s Episcopal

CORAL GABLES | Friday, April 10 at 8:00 PM | Church of the Little Flower

FT. LAUDERDALE | Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 PM | All Saints Episcopal

MIAMI BEACH | Sunday, April 12 at 4:00 PM | Miami Beach Community Church

RENT in Concert

March 11 at the Adrienne Arsht Center

Tickets at ArshtCenter.org

March 12 at the Kravis Center

Tickets at Kravis.org

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Tony Award-winning musical with a full symphonic score.

by

Our Fund Foundation

South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards

The Our Fund Foundation hosted the seventh annual South Florida LGBTQ Philanthropy Awards Presented by Bank of America Private Bank on February 7,2026 at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

The signature event celebrated five outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions in philanthropy, volunteerism and emerging leadership to lift up South Florida’s LGBTQ community.

“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 included:

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. Each individual has spent a lifetime giving generously to strengthen South Florida’s LGBTQ community. But what makes this recognition especially powerful is the way their philanthropy has deepened in recent years.

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. A longtime supporter of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Don continues to build

spaces for representation and community building for gay men in South Florida, honoring the legacy he built with his late husband, Doug Pew.

Vance has been among the pioneering donors bringing sustained, strategic resources to LGBTQ philanthropy in our region. In the years since the passing of his late husband, Eddie Schwartz, Russell has deepened his philanthropy, stepping forward with significant gifts that support arts, culture, and equity organizations at a moment when public funding has sharply retreated.

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, supporting LGBTQ organizations that strengthen community, culture, and care. His recent work includes hosting community-giving events and affirming that legacy philanthropy means both scale and heart.

Commitment to a Cause Award

Karen Kelley 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. Her insight into “what the community needs” is rooted in lived experience and is focused on futurefacing equality for lesbian and transgender women alike.

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. Under his leadership, the chorus has produced bold concerts that have received critical acclaim and expanded audience access to queer arts. Jonathan’s work blends artistic excellence, operational leadership, and generational vision.

5 Ways To Be Green With (Fabulous) Envy!

By John Hayden

Kermit The Frog famously intoned “it’s not easy being green.” He was so very wrong. Being green this time of year is very easy. The question is: are you willing to work for it?

Sure you can drop some green food coloring in your beer or some Midori in a martini on Saint Patrick’s Day. But Martha Stewart would say that’s “for basic bitches.” Here are five ways to out bougie the bougiest green queens in South Florida.

1) The Classic Green

The greenest day of the year is on a Tuesday so step one to a good St. Paddy’s day is to schedule Wednesday off. Next is a bougie cocktail. I love The Last Word cocktail. It was first concocted a century ago during prohibition using bathtub gin and only got better with the reintroduction of the real McCoy.

Add lime juice, gin (I prefer Nolet’s Reserve), chartreuse, and maraschino liquor. Shake for about thirty seconds. Don’t skimp on the shaking, it’s worth the work.

Pour into a coupe glass (like the old fashioned champagne glasses) and add a lime wheel and plenty of cherries.

2) A Splash of Green

Big shamrock sunglasses and a green jacket stained with beers of St. Patrick’s Days past are fine for frat boys. A little green can go a long way.

The Tom Ford Frame Pocket Square is a deep green with a dark border to draw the eye. At $290 do not use it to mop up beer spilled on a frat boy’s green jacket.

Pair the square with a pair of Tom Ford’s Ribbed Crew Socks. These are more of a lime green and will contrast with the dark green square.

3) The Green Thumb

It’s South Florida, everything is lush green every day. Let’s forget landscaping and focus on our actual thumbs and accompanying digits. I don’t paint my nails often but when I do I find colors that will make a statement. The Vert Égyptien shade of Hermés Nail Enamel is perfect for every day of March.

Add a little tone-on-tone flair with some green gems from the Nail Rhinestone Luxury Green Kit. You’ll have nails that would make St. Patrick himself proud.

4) The Green Party

Don’t worry, I’m not getting political. I’m talking crazy insane green parties. Plenty of places will have happier-than-usual happy hours but there are a couple special events worth your attention.

Fort Lauderdale’s parade is Saturday, March 14, 2026 but the official bar crawl is Tuesday afternoon. The most fun will be creating your own bar crawl. Work your way from The Well to Tropics. If you make it all the way, you’ll understand why it’s called a “crawl.”

5) The Green Screen

The Lucky Charms leprechaun is magically delicious. The Leprechaun of big screen lore is maliciously murderous. This 33-years-old cult classic is a must-watch. While Warrick Davis is supreme as the titular creature, it’s fun to see a pre-Friends Jennifer Aniston.

A great night to stream the film while wearing your Tom Ford square and socks and sipping on a The Last Word. Happy March!

Anthony Cabrera

Steps to the Podium for GMCSF’s ABBA: Thank You for the Music

By Megan Fitzgerald, PhD

As the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida prepares to take the stage for ABBA: Thank You For The Music on March 20, 2026, at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale and ABBA: Mamma Mia, Here We Go Again on March 22, 2026 at Sunshine Cathedral, assistant conductor Anthony Cabrera will step in to lead the performance. In this Q&A, Cabrera reflects on his musical background, his work with LGBTQ+ choral organizations and what lies ahead for the chorus this season.

Can you share some of your musical background and describe how you became interested in conducting?

Music has been part of my life since childhood. My mother often tells the story of my sitting up in my bed, in my sleep, and conducting. The very real experiences at the podium

began in high school, when I was the student conductor of the symphonic band.

You work full time as a teacher while maintaining an active conducting career. How do those two roles inform and support each other?

Ultimately, it is all teaching. It is all creativity. It is all inspiring people to perform, whether musically or academically. Both require a deep understanding of people — how they absorb and interpret information — and how to get the best out of them to reach the desired goal one has in mind.

How did you first get involved with the Chorus?

I actually have a long history with GMCSF. When the organization was first formed, as the conductor of another

GALA chorus, I wanted to be sure that those involved knew they had the full support of their extended music community. I reached out to Bill Spinoza and let him know, in no uncertain terms, that I would be there to help support the growth of the organization in whatever capacity he needed — mostly sheet music at the time.

Over time, GMCSF and the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, for which I was the artistic director for 14 years, collaborated on several concerts — local choral festivals and, finally, a full concert performed in Broward and Miami-Dade called UpRiseSing! (2019). Fast forward to 2023, and I was thrilled to be hired as the assistant conductor of what had become, by then, one of the premier and largest LGBTQ+ choruses in the Southeast.

What has working with LGBTQ+ choral organizations meant to you, both personally and artistically?

It is work with a very specific mission. At the heart of LGBTQ+ choral organizations is not only the building of community that provides support and sustenance — particularly in times of uncertainty and, quite frankly, fear — but also the development of chosen family, the maintenance of shared history and a very loud voice for advocacy and protest.

I have sat, for the better part of seven years now, on the New Harmony Taskforce of GALA Choruses. With that group, I have worked to develop resources — now two published workbooks — that strengthen the internal fabric of choral organizations, enabling them to be effective voices for the LGBTQ+ community in their own cities and towns. I love that I get to be a part of all of that. I love that I get to make music to make it happen.

You have been conducting Tropical Wave for the past five years. How did that opportunity come about?

Working with Tropical Wave is part of my responsibility as the assistant conductor. I initially applied for the artistic director position and didn’t get it. Truth be told, that was a blessing. So I called the office and said I was aware that the chorus was also looking for an assistant conductor and that I would be more than happy to cross the Miami-Dade/ Broward line to work for the chorus in that capacity — and here we are.

What have been some particularly meaningful or memorable moments during your time leading Tropical Wave?

A couple of years back, we did a concert centered on sacred music and spirituality. The programming was really about reappropriating what, for so many in our community,

is a very sore spot. Having grown up in churches, being people of faith, many of us have been turned away from the very institutions whose teachings we hoped to live out.

The music reflected a feeling that even if the institutions have failed us and told us we should have no part in faith and spirituality, these things belong to each of us as individuals and cannot be taken away. For some, that concert was cathartic. This was a concert that, as a result of conversations afterward, made a difference.

You will be conducting the upcoming ABBA concert. What excites you most about this program?

I am just excited to get this program on stage. For every choral organization, some concerts include the familiar and unfamiliar, and sometimes the audience may walk away with a “meh”: that was a nice song, but there is no connection. There is no way this could happen at this concert.

Every song triggers a memory, a feeling, a desire to move. Everyone who attends this concert will have had an experience with an ABBA song, whether it was actually watching Eurovision in 1974 when they introduced the world to “Waterloo,” dancing at the discos in the ’80s or, for a younger generation, through the musical Mamma Mia! To assess the impact of this music, all one has to do is attend a wedding — gay or straight — and watch everyone scream their way to the dance floor for “Dancing Queen.”

Is there an ABBA song or musical moment in the

concert that you are especially looking forward to conducting?

I hope I can conduct instead of dancing. This is becoming a greater challenge as the rehearsal process moves on and the pieces begin to come together.

The upcoming Pride concert is titled Invincible. What does that theme represent to you in the context of music and community?

This theme speaks to resilience. While, as individuals, some of us may be more or less resilient — and in some cases some have not been at all — as a community, we are just that: resilient.

At the center of this concert is a work commissioned by GMCSF to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Pulse massacre. This was a seminal moment in our LGBTQ+ history. As such, GMCSF has chosen to commission a work not only to honor those lost but also to make it very clear that our community will continue to move forward and do so in unity.

Looking ahead, what are you most excited about as the chorus moves into the rest of the season, including the Pride concert?

We are making excellent music. Whether it is ABBA, the jazz concert Tropical Wave will offer in May, Invincible or the number of community outreach presentations, professional sports game national anthems or celebrations of life — whatever comes our way in the next few months, we are making excellent music, and we are doing it together.

The Bold And Boisterous Amy Armstrong

By Megan Fitzgerald, PhD

On March 31, 2026, Cabaret singer and comedian Amy Armstrong returns to Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts as part of its 17th season. Known for blending powerful vocals with irreverent humor, Armstrong promises a night of music, laughter and connection.

1

You’re returning to Sunshine Cathedral as part of its 17th season. What does it mean to you to be part of that series?

“I have to tell you, every time I go to Sunshine Cathedral, I have the best feeling when I walk into this cathedral. I think it has incredibly good vibes, good people … The acoustics are unbelievable. I have to tell you that.

“For them to ask me back so many times in a row is a blessing to me and it just makes me so happy. As soon as they’re like, ‘Do you want to come back?’ I’m like, ‘Yes.’ There’s not even a, ‘Let me get back to you.’ I’m like, ‘Absolutely.’”

2

How would you describe the show for someone who hasn’t seen you perform yet?

“I think that some of the songs you’re going to know, some of them you won’t, but I think you’re going to be very interested. And I think the time will go by quickly. That’s what everybody says.

that and about getting older. A lot of my stuff is improv comedy.”

3

What kind of music can audiences expect to hear this time around?

“I do old school stuff as far as singing. And then like I said, I love ’80s because I’m an ’80s generation baby. That’s why I decided on Billy Joel as well with the old school stuff.

“I do Motown, ’70s, ’80s, standards. I think no matter what age, you’re going to find something that you like.”

5

“My whole thing is to make you laugh … I talk about my crazy life in Mexico and how I’m not fluent in Spanish, and that brings along a lot of problems.

“It is generational comedy … I do a lot of fun comedy about

4

For those unfamiliar with cabaret, how would you explain your style?

“If you expect some old lady in a sequined gown with a flower behind her ear, that’s not me. I like to tell jokes. Sometimes they’re a little bawdy. I like to sing songs that remind me of good times.

“I’m not just a singer, I’m not just a comedian, I’m both. So I think that makes you an entertainer. And to me, that’s the best thing you could be.

“I want you to say to me, you made me forget my troubles and I had a blast and I laughed and I cried.”

What do you ultimately hope audiences take away from the night?

“You’re going to laugh, you’re going to cry, you’re going to sing along, you’re going to have a good time. I just want to make people happy.

“I want you to forget your troubles for an hour and a half and just have a good time with me.”

Saturday, Mar 21, 2026 at 8:00 PM

Sun Sweat and Bear Energy

Inside Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week

By Chandler Scott

Every spring, Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors transform into a vibrant, sun-soaked playground for one of the most anticipated events on the LGBTQ+ calendar, Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week. From March 31 through April 5, 2026, thousands of bears, cubs, admirers, and allies will gather for six unforgettable days of rooftop pool parties, themed dance nights, beachfront celebrations, live performances, and community-driven experiences.

This year’s excitement reached new heights in January 2026, when Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week made a major entertainment announcement that ignited buzz across the global bear and circuit communities: Horse Meat Disco would headline one of the festival’s marquee events.

What began as a passionate vision has evolved into a full-scale destination experience, blending South Florida’s tropical energy with world-class entertainment and a deeply rooted sense of community. With a lineup spanning iconic venues, outdoor festivals, and high-octane nightlife, this year’s Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week promises its most dynamic and immersive celebration yet.

At the helm of it all is Chuck King, the driving force behind the festival. We sat down with him to talk about the upcoming entertainment, themed parties, venues, and what makes this year’s Bear Week one for the history books.

Chandler: In January, you made a huge splash announcing Horse Meat Disco as part of this year’s entertainment lineup. What does that booking represent for the growth and global recognition of Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week?

Chuck: Well, Chandler, we decided to really pull out the stops this year and focus hard on our entertainment game, especially the DJ lineup. The growth has allowed us to take bigger risks towards gaining a wider audience, who identify with some well-known brands across the world. We made some bold changes to Bear Week, revamped some events to allow for bigger attendance, and added even more surprises to lots of events. Horse Meat Disco, which will be the headline act at the Bears in the Park event, will attract a wider age range and other LGBTIQQ subcultures who will come to bear week to take part in some events, admire others they may be too shy to meet and chat with, or jump right into the middle of the mix. Most gays know what HMD is, and many have patronized one of these events, but we are putting a whole new spin on HMD by hosting it in an open-air plaza, surrounded by nature in the evening while the sun is setting. It promises to be a magical experience.

Chandler: This year kicks off with a VIP Reception overlooking the ocean at the Sonesta. What inspired this elevated opening event, and how do you hope it sets the tone for the entire week?

Chuck: So, the Sonesta Hotel on Ft Lauderdale Beach is a perfect location for our second host hotel. While a little bit more expensive, the panoramic views are unbeatable. The top floor ballroom is designed with beauty and elegance that blends into the ocean as you scan the waterfront beaches. Sonesta also offers its own section of the beach, and it’s in walking distance to the all-new and revamped closing Beach Party on Sunday, April 5th at Birch State Park. We are thrilled to be working with this beautiful property. It’s the best place for vivid tropical views, and the inspiration

spoke for itself the first moment we stepped onto the glasswrapped ballroom.

Chandler: The schedule moves seamlessly from daytime pool parties to high-energy dance nights. How do you design that flow so guests feel energized and engaged from morning through late night?

Chuck: Well, to be honest, you have to pace yourself, and siestas are definitely needed daily by the pool or in a hammock on the beach. Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week is what you make of it. Some guests attend select events throughout the week. Some hit them all, with breaks in between, yet some love to hit one event a day, curl up to a good book, and secretly hook up with a bear who just happened to be staying next door to their hotel room or just a floor down. LTBW is meant to be a free-flowing stacked week of events where you likely can’t do them all, because every event is designed to get the maximum amount of fun, sun, entertainment, adrenaline, and social time.

Chandler: Events like BEAR POP at LIT Bar bring drag, music, lawn games, and a more social party vibe. How important is it for you to offer experiences that go beyond the traditional dance floor?

Chuck: This event is one of the new additions to bear week. Lit is not holding back, and they are ready for the bear invasion with drag performances by Nicole Halliwell and Friends, some vendors to browse before the big market on Saturday at the park, music from the 80’s, lawn games like cornhole (a FAV PAST TIME OF MINE), giant connect 4, amazing tiki inspired drinks and cocktails, and some adult game surprises in a dark corner! This is going to be a wonderful addition to bear week’s diverse venue lineup of events. Bear week should be a lot more than just a stage with a terrible entertainer and a bar that’s a block long. Gays are complex, and we expect more when we attend events like this. It needs to be memorable, fun, and outside the box, or it just becomes stagnant. Bear Week is everything but that. Our success has hit globally, with invitations for LTBW to host events in other countries, so we must be doing something right.

Chandler: The Tropical Splash rooftop party has become a signature moment of the week. What makes rooftop events such a key part of the Bear Week experience?

Chuck: Well, who doesn’t love a beautiful pool, 10 stories above Ft Lauderdale, that is packed with everyone and anyone at this event. It’s definitely one of my favorite events, and we always sprinkle in a little surprise entertainment, which always pleases a crowd.

Chandler: Bear Cabaret at Gray Box Theater introduces

live performance and comedy by the fabulous Beardonna, into the mix. How does this theatrical element enhance the overall energy of the festival?

Chuck: Well, first of all, the new Grey Box Theater is an awesome venue for seeing a live cabaret. It’s newly revitalized and really well decorated inside. Beardonna is a hysterical parody performer who sexifies sleaze into comedy like no other. The over cabaret show will be produced by the infamous Prouder Together team, and last year’s cabaret was such a successful surprise that it got a standing ovation, and the bears have grown to absolutely love this somewhat cultural, crazy, and beautiful entertainment. The plans are already underway to bring the audience one hell of a show.

Chandler: Camo Pool Party at Ed Lugo Resort offers a playful, carefree atmosphere. What kind of mood were you aiming to create with this event, and how does it complement the rest of the week’s programming?

Chuck: The Camo Pool Party at Ed Lugo Resort is a revamp of a highly successful event that sells out every year. We moved this event to be an evening pool and adultthemed party for those who want to let it all hang out and opt to only wear their birthday suits. This is our darkest party of the week, as to make everyone feel comfortable and free to go “COMANDO”! What happens at base camp stays at base camp. This is one of our most popular events, and this time it will blow your mind.

Chandler: Furrball, Megawoof, and Beefcake XXL are two of the biggest dance nights on the schedule. What makes these branded parties such powerful cornerstones of Bear Week nightlife?

Chuck: Well, a lot of bears and leather bears have been to one of these events, and what a better place to host these but at the best music and dance venue in Wilton Manors! World Class Sound and Lights, Multiple DJ’s and more choices for your music tastes, and the hottest Bear & Leather Bar around. Eagle Wilton Manors has won Best Leather and Bear Bar 6 years in a row, and the fans are not wrong. You're guaranteed to have an amazing time!! Come early on Friday or Saturday, as the lines tend to get long after 11 pm. Gold and Silver passes, or online prepurchased passes, allow you to skip the main line, so buy early and buy online to save time and money. Eagle Wilton Manors is a major sponsor of Bear Week, and the support from this venue is incredible.

Chandler: Bear Village at Richardson Park is the heart of the daytime festival experience with vendors, food, and entertainment. How does this event help strengthen the

sense of the community that defines Bear Week?

Chuck: Bear Village at Richardson Park is definitely the pinnacle event of the entire week, but don’t overdo it just yet. This year, we have completely changed the style of entertainment and the setup of the village. We will, of course, have vendors with everything from clothing to jewelry and art to sell. We will also have some amazing food vendors and food trucks, DJ’s all day in TWO locations this year, thanks to the support of Red Bull, and of course, the Horse Meat Disco Sunset Tea Dance. This event gets packed by the afternoon, and will get even more packed once the Sunset Tea begins. This is an event you do not want to miss!!

Chandler: With venues ranging from rooftop pools and theaters to parks, clubs, and beaches, what makes Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors the perfect home for such a diverse and expansive event?

Chuck: We are so lucky to have these beautiful cities, which support LGBTQIA events and allow them to grow and thrive. Gay Tourism is growing, despite Florida Politics, which really doesn’t affect South Florida. We are lucky to live in a tropical oasis bubble, and the best thing we can share is our amazing hospitality with other LGBTQIA Folk and Allies. LTBW is for everyone who appreciates a large social event filled with world-class entertainment, in a world-class setting. Without the support of city leaders in Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale, the RBK Productions team, the Sponsors like Visit Lauderdale, Outclique, and many others, the gay community, and the amazing army of volunteers who help make this huge undertaking a reality, we could never pull it off. It takes a Village. A Bear Village! Thanks, Chandler and Outclique Magazine, for spotlighting this action-packed event!

As the final DJ set fades into the ocean breeze and the last rays of Florida sun disappear behind the skyline, Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week leaves more than memories; it leaves a lasting imprint of connection, celebration, and community. Each poolside laugh, dance floor moment, rooftop toast, and beachside embrace becomes part of a shared story that continues long after the week comes to an end.

With its masterfully curated blend of entertainment, venues, and themed experiences, Lauderdale Tropical Bear Week has firmly established itself as one of the world’s premier bear gatherings. And if this year’s lineup is any indication, the future of this tropical tradition is only getting brighter.

For many, it’s not just a vacation. It’s a homecoming. And the countdown to next year has already begun.

‘Everything Beautiful Happens at Night’ Comes to Life at

By Denny Patterson

Island City Stage

At Island City Stage from April 2 through May 3, 2026, Everything Beautiful Happens at Night invites audiences into an intimate, emotionally resonant world where creativity, loyalty, and love quietly collide.

Written by Ted Malawer, known for Amazon Prime’s Red, White & Royal Blue fame, and directed by Carbonell and Silver Palm Award winner Bruce Linser, the production offers a tender meditation on the stories we tell and the relationships that shape them.

Everything Beautiful Happens at Night is a funny, moving, and deeply human story about the life you have, the life you want, and who remains when the world finally grows quiet.

Linser took some time out of his busy schedule to talk more about production with OutClique

Denny Patterson: How excited are you to direct this production?

Bruce Linser: I've had this piece on my artistic radar for several years, and I'm thrilled that I get to help bring it to full production. I've also been an actor with Island City Stage several times, and I adore this theater and the people who run it, so I'm very pleased that I get to don my director's hat with them this time around.

Denny Patterson: Everything Beautiful is very much about human connection. Why do you think that is so important right now?

Bruce Linser: I believe that human connection is the reason that all of us are alive on this crazy planet together. It may very well be the greatest lesson we can ever learn. Do you know Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs - a triangle of basic things that human beings need to survive? Love/Belonging and Esteem are the third and fourth pillars of that, right after Physiological (food, water, shelter) and Security (feeling safe). We can't truly achieve the fifth and final level of Self-Actualization without having the previous four in place, and I think this play and its relationships explore that in a very clear and beautiful way.

By Lillian Hellman

By Ted Malawer

By Dave Osmundsen

cordially invites you to our 4 annual gala th

Presented by :

Join us as we celebrate our distinguished honorees : FRIDAY, APRIL 17, 0 6

6:00 PM - :00 PM

Thank you to our sponsors :

Reception, libations, handcrafted international culinary feast by marc martorana & commissioner don d’arminio

Go to artserve .org or click QR code for tickets

OUTShine Film Festival & The Eagle Bar Wilton Manors

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