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Published by OUTSouthFlorida, 2023-06-17 07:56:51

OutSFL Magazine June 2023

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OutSFL's magazine June 2023.

Vol. 1 Issue 1 • JUNE - SEPTEMBER 2023 • OUTSFL.COM OUT & PROUD PRESENTED BY

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and visit BIKTARVY.com. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: Those in the “Most Important Information About BIKTARVY” section. Changes in your immune system. Your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight infections that may have been hidden in your body. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new symptoms after you start taking BIKTARVY. Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Your healthcare provider should do blood and urine tests to check your kidneys. If you develop new or worse kidney problems, they may tell you to stop taking BIKTARVY. Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), which is a serious but rare medical emergency that can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: weakness or being more tired than usual, unusual muscle pain, being short of breath or fast breathing, stomach pain with nausea and vomiting, cold or blue hands and feet, feel dizzy or lightheaded, or a fast or abnormal heartbeat. Severe liver problems, which in rare cases can lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get these symptoms: skin or the white part of your eyes turns yellow, dark “tea-colored” urine, light-colored stools, loss of appetite for several days or longer, nausea, or stomach-area pain. The most common side eects of BIKTARVY in clinical studies were diarrhea (6%), nausea (6%), and headache (5%). These are not all the possible side eects of BIKTARVY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any new symptoms while taking BIKTARVY. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.FDA.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY. HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY 1 time each day with or without food. GET MORE INFORMATION This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY. Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist to learn more. Go to BIKTARVY.com or call 1-800-GILEAD-5 If you need help paying for your medicine, visit BIKTARVY.com for program information. MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY may cause serious side eects, including: Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Your healthcare provider will test you for HBV. If you have both HIV-1 and HBV, your HBV may suddenly get worse if you stop taking BIKTARVY. Do not stop taking BIKTARVY without first talking to your healthcare provider, as they will need to check your health regularly for several months, and may give you HBV medicine. ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in adults and children who weigh at least 55 pounds. It can either be used in people who have never taken HIV-1 medicines before, or people who are replacing their current HIV-1 medicines and whose healthcare provider determines they meet certain requirements. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV-1 is the virus that causes AIDS. Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains: dofetilide rifampin any other medicines to treat HIV-1 BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you: Have or have had any kidney or liver problems, including hepatitis infection. Have any other health problems. Are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if BIKTARVY can harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking BIKTARVY. Are breastfeeding (nursing) or plan to breastfeed. Do not breastfeed. HIV-1 can be passed to the baby in breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take: Keep a list that includes all prescription and over-thecounter medicines, antacids, laxatives, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and show it to your healthcare provider and pharmacist. BIKTARVY and other medicines may aect each other. Ask your healthcare provider and pharmacist about medicines that interact with BIKTARVY, and ask if it is safe to take BIKTARVY with all your other medicines. IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment. (bik-TAR-vee) BIKTARVY® is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you. Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. ONE SMALL PILL, ONCE A DAY Pill shown not actual size (15 mm x 8 mm) | Featured patient compensated by Gilead. #1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT* *Source: IQVIA NPA Weekly, 04/19/2019 through 05/28/2021. Scan to see Chad’s story. CHAD LIVING WITH HIV SINCE 2018 REAL BIKTARVY PATIENT BIKTARVY, the BIKTARVY Logo, GILEAD, the GILEAD Logo, GSI, and KEEP BEING YOU are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc., or its related companies. Version date: February 2021 © 2022 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved. US-BVYC-0008 01/22 Because HIV doesn’t change who you are. KEEP BEING YOU. US_BVYC_0008_BIKTARVY_A_8-375X10-875_TheMirror-Chad_r1v1jl.indd All Pages 5/26/22 11:08 AM

June - September, 2023 • Volume 1 • Issue 1 2520 N. Dixie Highway • Wilton Manors, FL 33305 OutSFL magazine is published 5 times a year. You should not presume the sexual orientation or gender identity of any featured individuals solely based on their names, appearance, or inclusion within this publication. Any opinions shared within stories, columns, graphics, or letters to the editor should not be assumed to represent the opinions of OutSFL, its Publisher, or its co-founder. Any stories or content, either in print or online, and also including any articles that are featured in conjunction with any media partners, are protected under federal copyright and intellectual property laws, and this ownership is carefully and jealously guarded by this media group. Nothing that is published may be reprinted, either in whole or in part, without first receiving written consent from the Publisher, Jason Parsley. OutSFL is owned by Jason Parsley and Justin Wyse, and is represented legally by Russell Cormican. As a private corporation, OutSFL reserves the right to enforce its own standards regarding the suitability of advertising copy, illustrations, and photographs. Copyright © 2023 J&J Media Group. PUBLISHER Jason Parsley [email protected] CEO Justin Wyse [email protected] EDITORIAL ASSISTANT TO THE EDITOR Kimberly Swan ART DIRECTOR Julie Palmer GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kyle Willis • Craig Tuggle • Greg Bistolfi GRAPHIC DESIGN CONSULTANT Brendon Lies SENIOR FEATURES REPORTER John McDonald • John Hayden A&E EDITOR JW Arnold FOOD EDITOR Rick Karlin PHOTOGRAPHERS J.R. Davis • Carina Mask SPECIAL COLUMNIST Gregg Shapiro • Larry Printz • Jesse Monteagudo PUBLISHING CONSULTANT Pier Angelo SALES & MARKETING For ad placement, call 954-530-4970 SALES MANAGERS Edwin Neimann [email protected] Silvio Carvana [email protected] Cory Livengood [email protected] DISTRIBUTION SERVICES Richie Wilson & Johnathan Rey NATIONAL ADVERTISING Rivendell Media 212-242-6863 FROM THE COVER Cover photo courtesy of Nadege Green. OUT & PROUD WELCOME TO OUT & PROUD 50 Page 8 PALM BEACH Page 32 - 37 MIAMI Page 44 - 53 A&E Page 54 -55 BROWARD Page 10 - 31 THE KEYS Page 38 - 42

INSIDE THIS ISSUE INTERVIEW GARY BREMEN Page 56 - 58 INTERVIEW AMY RAY Page 60 - 62 HEALTH BENEFITS OF A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Page 64 TRAVEL ALPINE ADVENTURE Page 66 - 70 CARS THE ACURA INTEGRA Page 72 - 73 PEOPLE ME & MR PRESTON Page 74 - 76 GADGETS THE NETTEC WIFI BOOSTING DEVICE Page 78

Those are so many individuals in our LGBTQ community that are deserving of recognition it’s hard to choose just 50. Actually we might have a few more than 50 this year’s but I won’t tell if you don’t. OutSFL is proud to tell these stories and honor them in this year’s OUT & PROUD list. Stories of gay men like Jimmy Cunningham, a noted realtor; lesbians like Faywhat, an online television show host; a mental health coordinator like Ryan Papciak, who also happens to be transgender; and Kevin Tisdol, a local LGBTQ faith leader. Those are just four people in this issue. Make sure to read through them all. These folks aren’t important because they are LGBTQ, they’re important because of their accomplishments and the work they do. But because they are LGBTQ they serve as role models for our community — and future generations. These individuals prove that we are no longer a sideshow, but nowadays, the main show. I hope these people inspire you – as they have inspired me. So welcome to the 2023 South Florida OUT & PROUD, a list of activists, business leaders, organizers, and others who are out and proud members of our local LGBTQ community. Jason Parsley Publisher WELCOME TO OutSFL’S FIRST OUT & PROUD 50 LIST BROWARD PALM BEACH MIAMI THE KEYS A&E OUT & PROUD Denise Royal • Kim Swan • John McDonald • John Hayden Mary Rasura • Amancio Paradela • Sean Conklin Deon C. Jefferson • JW Arnold • Jesse Monteagudo THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR WRITERS WHO WORKED ON THE OUT & PROUD 50

10 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION Dr. Harvey Abrams has a passion for preserving and sharing LGBT history at his job at Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library. “It feels a bit unreal as I never expected to be recognized for something I love doing so much,” he said. Abrams is a volunteer co-chair of the development committee for SNMAL located in Fort Lauderdale. He helps the staff and board of directors to raise money to support its current and future program initiatives and mission. “I believe that SNMAL’s mission of acquiring, organizing, preserving, and sharing LGBTQ culture and history is vitally important. The source of our community’s strength lies in our rich culture and our glorious history of struggle, accomplishment, and contribution,” he said. “Raising the money that allows SNMAL to fulfill its mission and to expand its reach to others who seek a connection to their LGBTQ past gives me energy and a sense of purpose.” The work he was most proud of, however, was his job as a dermatologist from 1989 to 1995. The HIV/AIDS epidemic was hitting the gay community hard, he said, and men were exhibiting “head-to-toe” purple lesions of KS and other AIDS-related skin diseases, but no dermatologists would treat them. “My parents helped me out with some money and I set up an office specifically to welcome and care for HIV/AIDS patients,” Abrams said. “It was the hardest and most fulfilling time in my life.” He urges everyone to become a member of SNMAL. “I want to thank OutSFL for this honor. I also would like all your subscribers to go to SNMAL’s website (Stonewall-museum.org) and become a member. The programs, exhibits, and service to the LGBTQ community here in South Florida and beyond are well worth the low cost of membership.” - KIM SWAN Photo by Carina Mask. DR. HARVEY ABRAMS THE HISTORIAN NIKI LOPEZ THE ELEPHANT TRAINER Niki Lopez is a work of art. Her creations, like her, are bright, colorful, and vibrant. Lopez is a visual artist who creates across several mediums, including mixed media, painting, sculptures, mixed media sculptures, video, digital, and poetry. Her best creation, by far, is her teenage son Marley. Lopez, an Afro-Latina who identifies as lesbian/queer, is also an advocate, art curator, podcaster, and social justice warrior. She’s also a teacher, mentor, and healer. Some of her art is permanently displayed at the YMCA in Fort Lauderdale. Newer pieces have been displayed so far this year in Delray Beach, North Miami, and Fort Lauderdale. Lopez created them after going through a challenging year in her personal life, including the passing of her younger sister, Mery. “One of the pieces is in honor of her passing and becoming an ancestor,” Lopez said. “All of my work is personal to a certain level. I used a lot of deeper processes to make that. Some of my personal work shares some of the traumas that I’ve survived. Growing up in a cult, being sexually abused, and different forms of abuse that I’ve lived through and healed from.” Lopez, a New York native, has called South Florida home for 20 years. During that time, she founded a personal passion project called What’s Your Elephant – where she uses the arts to create a safe space to dialogue about life’s uncomfortable topics. Visit linktr.ee/nikilopez19 to see Lopez’s art and https://whatsyourelephant. org/ to learn more about What’s Your Elephant. – DENISE ROYAL Photo courtesy of Niki Lopez. BROWARD OUT & PROUD

Photo Courtesy of Nic Zantop. Nic Zantop is a South Florida native who works to make a difference in the community. “I believe in advocacy,” they said. “I’m really proud to work with an amazing team that’s doing really im - pactful work.” Zantop, who identifies as trans and non-binary, is the Deputy Director of Transinclusive — a trans-led organiza - tion focused on serving trans people of color. Transinclusive provides various services, from emergency financial assis - tance to rideshare vouchers to essential destinations, like medical appointments or job interviews. “We do a lot of advocacy around the big pressing issues here in Florida, like gender-affirming health care, access, education, reproductive rights, and more,” Zantop said. It comes as trans rights and health care needs are in the crosshairs of Flor - ida Gov. Ron DeSantis and the state’s GOP-led legislature. “They’re trying to legislate LGBTQ plus folks out of existence,” Zantop said. “But legislation and policies don’t have any control over who we are; that is innate. We are who we are. And there are no policies that can change that. But what they can do is make life re - ally challenging for queer folks here in Florida, especially for trans folks.” Those challenges keep Zantop fo - cused on their goals. “That’s one of the big drivers why I believe in doing this work. We will always have our trans siblings’ back. No matter what happens, there will always be people fighting for their well-being.” Read more about transinclusive at https://www.transinclusivegroup.org/. – DENISE ROYAL NIC ZANTOP THE TRANS ADVOCATE BROWARD OUT & PROUD 12 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

14 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION DAVE GERVASE THE HOUSING ADVOCATE As a fierce advocate for his clients, colleagues and the LGBT community, Dave Gervase is constantly working toward a goal. “We are working for a world without housing discrimination,” said Gervase, 2023 Past President and Chairman of the Board of the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance. “That’s our big audacious goal.” Leveraging his multiple board of directors positions, Gervase is pushing for national and state real estate groups to endorse political candidates who support diversity, equity and inclusion programs as well as private property rights. The 54-year-old said he will not rest until the Equality Act becomes law. “It’s not only time, it’s good for business,” he said. Gervase also serves on the board of directors for the LGBT Housing Initiative, an upstart organization with a mission of building LGBT home ownership rates while getting at-risk queer youth off the streets. A Keller Williams agent since 2006, Gervase’s Reside Oceanside team was No. 1 in sales volume and units sold in the Fort Lauderdale Market Center in 2020 and third in 2021 and 2022. A native of Ohio, Gervase moved to Florida in 1994, where he met his husband of 26 years, CBS News’ Ted Scouten. The couple call Hollywood home. Photo courtesy – JOHN MCDONALD of Dave Gervase. A Reiki Master. An entrepreneur. A certified Holistic Life Coach, Franchesca D’Amore does everything she can to leave an impact on the community. “There are so many individuals in our community who deserve recognition. I am beyond honored to be selected as an Out & Proud 50,” she said. She is the entrepreneur of The Health and Wellness Industry and offers private sessions and group workshops in her practice. She also works with doctors doing research and offering support remotely. “I love what I do in my professional career. When I think of ‘the work’ I do, I think of my love for community work.” D’Amore is the Secretary for Safe Schools South Florida. With the anti-LGBT legislation rising, she said their mission is stronger than ever. They are creating new programs to create a safer space for students. She is also the Entertainment Director for My Hollywood Pride. D’Amore wants to give back to the community with her work, and has always been part of her life’s philosophy. “It’s funny, people assume that I’m independently wealthy because of the volunteer work that I do,” she said. “I do it because it feels great to be involved with our community and experience the richness and diversity of our LGBTQ+ siblings.” Her vision is to create an inclusive and respectful community. “It’s important for the trans community to have a seat at different tables. I believe we have to start within our own community to unite the L, the G, the B, the T, the Q and the + to create a unified LGBTQ+ community.” - KIM SWAN FRANCHESCA D’AMORE THE EVERYTHING WOMAN (THE HOLISTIC GURU) Photo courtesy of Franchesca D’Amore BROWARD OUT & PROUD

16 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION Photo via Steven Crawford, Facebook. JEFF OLIVERIO THE HOLLYWOOD PROMOTER Jeff Oliverio has made an impact on many people’s lives. As the founder and treasurer of Hollywood LGBTQ+ Council and My Hollywood Pride, Oliverio hopes to inspire young people to be active in the community. “I am honored to be chosen as part of the Out & Proud 50,” he said. “In the face of the attacks against LGBTQ people, it is important to show that we exist, we contribute to our community and employers and that we deserve equity and inclusion in all spaces.” He is also the current Co-Chair for the 2023 National LGBTQ Task Force Gala, and serves as Co-Chair for Truist South Florida Pride BRG. He’s an anchor for Queer News Tonight. “As a father of a 14-year-old my involvement and activism are motivated by my hope to (in some small way) to create a better world for him to grow up in,” Oliverio said. - KIM SWAN Photo by Carina Mask Steven Crawford is an organizer, planner, and fundraiser. He’s the Founder and President of FlockFest events, a non-profit event planning and promoting organization. It allows companies to work on their programs and services instead of worrying about planning fundraisers. “We’ve all been to events where you pay $20 and get one drink ticket,” he said. “You listen to someone speak, and the event is not as much fun as you’d like. We avoid all that by stepping in, making the events more fun, so people want to donate more.” Crawford works with several small non-profits in our area, such as the Renand Foundation, Julian’s Foundation, and the United Dog Rescue. “They don’t get all the grant money, like larger charities, so we help them with requests and stuff,” said Crawford. A South Florida transplant by way of Texas, Crawford has called this area home for a decade. He’s a change agent who uses his project management skills to make fundraising more impactful for everyone involved. “I want to make sure we support our sponsors by pushing business back to them,” he said. “I also want to ensure that volunteers know how much they’re appreciated. And we have so many non-profits within our community, it’s very important that we work together. So I’m trying to create a community calendar that will promote everyone’s events.” When he’s not planning or attending events, Crawford and his partner Jason are at home with Parker, their 18-month-old Jack Russell terrier. -DENISE ROYAL STEVEN CRAWFORD THE EVENT ORGANIZER BROWARD OUT & PROUD

Photo by Carina Mask. An accomplished realtor, Jimmy Cunningham is also a community-minded philanthropist. “I love the ability to make a difference in this town,” said Cunningham, who calls Wilton Manors home. “I’ve been really lucky in real estate to have done well and I pride myself on trying to give back.” Cunningham works for RE/MAX and, in 2018, was inducted into the company’s hall of fame. In 2022, Cunningham received the Legacy Award from the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. He makes it a point to tell visitors and prospective homebuyers that Wilton Manors is so much more than just bars and shops. “We have two local gay-owned and operated theater companies, we have inclusion services for Latinos, one of the largest Pride centers in the country and the list goes on and on,” said Cunningham, who is on the board of directors at Our Fund. Born in Iowa, Cunningham, 60, grew up in New Jersey and attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was an active member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Cunningham arrived in South Florida in 2000 and operated a catering and events staffing business before getting his real estate license. – JOHN MCDONALD JIMMY CUNNINGHAM THE REALTOR BROWARD OUT & PROUD 18 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION | OUTSFL | 19 Rob Eldredge is a noted figure in his own right, not just for his partner of 21 years Kris Fegenbush, who is a well known commodity in the LGBT community having worked at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors for many years. Eldredge, 51, is the the real estate broker and President of RWE Real Estate Services and serves on the board of the Birch Park Beach Homeowners Association. He’s also a Founder’s Circle member of the Pride Center, and a continuing participant of the Smart Ride for the past 14 years where he has raised tens of thousands of dollars. Together they’re raising their son 12-year-old son Benny. Photo via Facebook. ROB ELDREDGE THE JACK OF ALL TRADES In addition he’s a member of the Dolphin Democrats, a Human Rights Campaign donor, a Trevor Project donor, as well as a 2017 participant of the AIDS Lifecycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles. “I was surprised, humbled and grateful to be selected as one of the Out & Proud 50 honorees. I’ve never won so much as a church raffle,” he said. “I also want to express how proud I am to be part of the LGBTQ+ community of Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors. There are so many hard working activists and advocates that work so hard, volunteering their time to fight for the rights of others. So many of them go unnoticed doing the tough work every day.” – JASON PARSLEY TEDD DAVIS THE ARTIST Tedd Davis is an artist and philanthropist. He is best known for his collages and mixed media assemblage art. “He is an amazing artist,” said Dennis Dean of Arts United, where Davis previously served on the Board of Directors. He currently serves on the Board of Wilton Art. Artist Joseph Cornell is Davis’ most significant influence. His pieces are whimsical and spirited. Davis’ work hangs in homes from Palm Springs to Pennsylvania and Miami to Maryland. Davis is known as much for creating amazing art as for helping and nurturing other artists. “I have met many wonderful artists because of Tedd,” Dean said. “I’ve showcased their work in my gallery, and it’s all because of Tedd. He’s all about lending a hand to established and up-and-coming artists.” Davis previously operated Tedds ART Works, an Art Gallery in Wilton Manors, Florida, where he showcased more than 200 established and emerging artists and curated more than 65 Art Exhibitions. Davis currently curates exhibits at Island City Stage Theater and Pride Corner Art and Frame on Wilton Drive, where his current artworks are also on display. A native of Philadelphia, PA, Davis and his husband Brad have called Wilton Manors home for ten years. “My slogan has always been “different is good,” making sure that the art I present is different and perfect for discerning individuals and the spaces where they live and work,” Davis said. To keep up with Davis, follow him on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/teddsartworks/. – DENISE ROYAL Photo courtesy of Tedd Davis. When it comes to volunteering, Kevin Clevenger is always ready to lend a hand. “It’s what I love the most,” Clevenger said. “Volunteering is my hobby. I love working with nonprofits, helping people and making our community strong.” Clevenger was recently tapped as Development Director for FlockFest, the annual float party on Fort Lauderdale Beach. The 51-year-old Melbourne, Florida, native said he was drawn to the upstart organization after coordinating an all-inclusive pool party while serving as executive director of Pride Fort Lauderdale. “Each event gets bigger and better every time with all body sizes, colors, trans, people of color and non-binary people attending,” Clevenger said. “We made the parties affordable starting at just $10 for general admission. Being part of this amazing community has made me realize how fortunate I am to live in a welcoming environment.” Since 1997, Clevenger has worked in mobile marketing, visiting 48 states behind the wheel of custom vehicles while working for companies such as Disney, Nintendo, Oxygen, the Air Force and National Guard. Locally, Clevenger has become a major fundraiser with a proven track record for Poverello, SMART Ride and the Florida AIDS Walk. – JOHN MCDONALD KEVIN CLEVENGER THE FUNDRAISER Photo courtesy of Kevin Clevenger. BROWARD OUT & PROUD

20 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION FayWhat?! is here to be seen and heard. An outspoken advocate for the LGBT community, she is constantly moving up and down I-95 in South Florida to represent and rile up. In 2022, she was voted Best Local TV Personality in SFGN’s “Best Of.” She brings a sense of sass, love, and advocacy everywhere she goes. She hosts The FayWhat?! Show every Monday, the first and only lesbian morning talk show in the world. She is also an anchor on Queer News Tonight every Monday and Wednesday as well as the most fierce panelist on the weekly talk show It’s Happening Out. All are available on Happening Out Television Network. Fay is also an animal advocate and owner of Fay’s Fur Family. In addition to caring for dogs, she supports animal advocacy groups including The Pet Project and Paw Patrol. She also recently adopted a kitten, Pepa. A woman of deep faith, she is a leader every Sunday at Unity on the Bay in Miami. Fay also can be spotted introducing concert performers, judging drag queen pageants, and hosting events. Fay also specializes in overcoming adversity. She fought breast cancer two years ago and continues to win that battle. Fay also has more than eight years in recovery for alcoholism, regularly attending meetings and giving support. – JOHN HAYDEN FAYWHAT?! THE TV SHOW HOST Photo via Facebook. BROWARD OUT & PROUD

22 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION KEVIN TISDOL THE REVEREND The Reverend Kevin Tisdol found the family vocation later in life. “I come from a long line of preachers on my mother’s side. My maternal grandmother told me I was going to be a preacher – that wasn’t ever going to happen,” he said. Tisdol felt disconnected from the Baptist Church he grew up in, however he did hold on to the message of Justice. “That meant justice for everyone.” When he found the Metropolitan Community Church, he felt reconnected to his faith and gave his first sermon in 1997, sharing with the congregants, “You and I are on a Journey.” Tisdol came to South Florida in 2012, and serves the community at the post-denominational MCC Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale where that shared journey of justice, equality, and love continues. As Minister of Education at the Cathedral’s Samaritan Institute—which confers degrees in Theology – he instills in upcoming ministers that “God is pure love – anytime someone tells you something different, they’re not sharing the word of God.” For his part, Tisdol credits honesty as the catalyst for driving change. “My mother said I was the bravest child she had. My honesty has allowed others to be as honest as they can be.” Tisdol added that when it comes to combating the current anti-LGBTQ climate, “There is a different story out there. What’s happening here in Florida is not good for the rest of the world… We are speaking for ourselves. We’re not afraid of speaking truth to power… [the community is] not powerless. They have an ability to change their part of the world if not the world. It’s not Pollyanna, but we do serve a purpose.” – AMANCIO PARADELA Photo via sunshinecathedral.org. RYAN PAPCIAK THE MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATE Ryan Papciak is Director of Mental Health services at SunServe, a nonprofit that provides mental health services to the LGBT community in South Florida. He is also an out transgender man. “I think I am a role model for other trans individuals that are looking to make an impact in the community,” Papciak said. “I also see myself as a changemaker and someone that is trans that is of leadership role in an organization.” According to McKinsey Quarterly, more than half of trans workers are not out at their jobs and two-thirds are in the closet during professional interactions outside of their place of employment. “You don’t see that very much, especially in mental health organizations. So being able to have the opportunity to serve our community on such a broad scope is hugely important to me,” Papciak said. “And it’s my way of giving back to the LGBT community by sharing not only my personal knowledge, but also my clinical expertise in working with trans and gender diverse populations.” While the general community can experience mental health issues as well, Papciak said that the LGBT community experiences added stressors due to marginalization. “So it makes it even more challenging to do everyday tasks because you have this additional stigma against you. Maybe it’s even from yourself, in addition to society. And so there’s a lot of barriers to doing everyday things that the general population does with little issue.” Photo by Carina Mask. – MARY RASURA BROWARD OUT & PROUD

Photo by Carina Mask. Preparing for her seventh SMART Ride, Dr. Jana Jaffe is determined to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic. “Many people I love are living with HIV,” Jaffe said. “In the 80s and 90s, I lost some of my closest friends. No more. It is time we end it and we have the ability to do so.” As the Community Relations and Events Manager for Broward House, Jaffe puts her many skill sets to good use for the agency that provides transitional housing to people living with HIV/AIDs who have little to no income. “It’s an incredible organization that doesn’t say no to anyone,” said Jaffe, who was hired as a clinician. Jaffe, 60, had a private sex therapy practice for 10 years before joining Broward House. Prior to that she counseled adolescents in the Broward Public Schools for 25 years. “Dr. J” as she is fondly called by colleagues, was raised in Albany, New York. She is engaged to her partner, Julia Treriber. The couple reside in Pompano Beach. “I believe we are here to help one another and love one another – that is truly our sole purpose in life,” Jaffe said. “That is why we are here.” – JOHN MCDONALD DR. JANA JAFFE THE CLINICIAN BROWARD OUT & PROUD 24 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

26 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION Photo via Facebook. Claudia Castillo is a Wilton Manors based artist and business owner. “I fell in love with the Wilton Manors community, since I founded Claudia Castillo ART studio in 2017,” she said. “My motivation comes from the energy of this diverse community, from the local residents to the tourists that come from all parts of the world to enjoy the welcoming experience they do not receive in other cities.” Castillo keeps herself busy serving on or being involved with a multitude of boards and organizations including the Wilton Drive Improvement District; Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce; Broward Art Guild; Broward Cultural Division; Island City Art Advisory Committee; Wilton Manors Business Association; City of Oakland Park Business Association; City of Pompano Beach & Lighthouse Point Business Association; Weston Art Guild Association; Gold Coast Watercolor Society; Equality Florida; and Wilton Manors Historical Society. “I enjoy being a champion for diversity and culture for this community and engaging with other colleagues to learn and strive to make a difference in society,” she said. In the past six years Castillo has spearheaded or been involved with many local art initiatives including painting the local street parking meters; creating the ‘Rainbow Manatee’ in honor of the late Mayor Justin Flippen; painting the ‘Pride’ Mural at the Pub Restaurant; painting the ‘Be Proud’ Mural at the Wilton Discount Liquor; and co-founded the Justin Flippen Annual Manatee Contest for local elementary students. “It is rewarding to be recognized for the efforts I try to make each day to better our LGBTQIA community and hope I can be a voice and an encouragement for Hispanic women and for small business owners that we can make a difference in this world if we persevere, believe in ourselves and create a network of support from one another,” she said. – JASON PARSLEY CLAUDIA CASTILLO THE GALLERY OWNER BROWARD OUT & PROUD

OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION | OUTSFL | 27 Larry Davanzo has been volunteering with the Smart Ride, an annual two-day bike ride in South Florida that raises funds for local HIV-related non-profits, for the last 17 years. Back then he was living in California and would fly to South Florida to volunteer as a member of the crew. For the Smart Ride’s 10th anniversary he decided to finally ride the 165-mile trek from Mami to Key West. He also served as the rider rep manager for four years. “I’m old enough to have experienced losing my friends and acquaintances through the 80s and early 90s. I lost a partner in 1993 from AIDS,” he said. “So it was definitely something that was close to heart.” He moved back to Florida in 2014 and now lives in Fort Lauderdale with his husband. He looks forward to riding this year. “I keep saying that maybe it’s my last and then you do it and the experience is just so wonderful,” he said. “Seeing what that money can do, it just drives you to do it again.” The ride has raised almost $15 million since its inception. Larry is also a founding member of Floatarama, an annual LGBT boat parade now in its fourth year. The organization also raises funds for at-risk LGBTQ youth. “I was never really an at-risk youth. But you know, I went through trauma as a gay youth, either being bullied, or afraid of who I was, and not really facing it,” he said. He likes the fact the money raised by the organization isn’t being spent on overhead and administration and the event relies on volunteers. Last year they donated $50,000 to their at-risk LGBTQ+ youth fund managed by the Our Fund Foundation. Professionally, he worked in technology and retired from Wells Fargo in 2016. These days he continues to work part time. – JASON PARSLEY LARRY DAVANZO THE SMART RIDER Photo courtesy of Larry Davanzo. Photo by Carina Mask. Helena Hantzes knows how to go hard in the paint. Hantzes, 69, has been organizing a women’s basketball league at the Pride Center since 2004. “We emphasize including those of all skill levels, sizes, and ages,” she said. She retired from the Department of Homeland Security. These days Hantzes is a regular organizer. During the pandemic she helped start a Wilton Manors pickleball group. “This created a wonderful space for people to engage in physical activity, and to socialize during a very difficult time,” she said. Hantzes is a member of Wilton Manors’ Parks and Recreation advisory board. Most recently she launched the Friends of Wilton Manors Parks, a community-based volunteer organization dedicated to supporting the resources of the local parks, recreation, and preservation of green spaces. As for being out and proud she said, “We are all involved in the community when we are out and open. We become the ancestors of those who can’t speak at this point in their lives.” – JASON PARSLEY HELENA HANTZES THE SPORTS ORGANIZER BROWARD OUT & PROUD

Now that we have the right to marry in Florida, and you have chosen your husband or wife, there are legal issues to consider in addition to the when and where of your wedding plans. First, while there are over one thousand rights conferred by the act of legal marriage, your marriage also comes with a serious set of obligations - one way of pro-actively dealing with the obligation end of a marriage is to consider a pre-nuptial agreement. Next, contrary to popular belief, even after marriage, the “estate planning” documents we previously relied on to give us rights to inherit and act on behalf of our partners are still needed to assure that your assets and your care in event of disability and death are managed according to your wishes, and not by default under the law, which most often is NOT as you would have chosen. And finally, with the current excitement about Gay Marriage, for deeply personal, philosophical, political, and economic reasons, many, if not the majority of same-sex couples will choose to remain in unmarried committed relationships - our community will continue to benefit from the legal status conferred by “domestic partnership” legislation. PRENUPTIAL AND POSTNUPTIAL AGREEMENTS Most of us believe it won’t be us - but, statistics say approximately half of marriages end in divorce. In the absence of a legally binding pre-nuptial agreement, should your marriage end in divorce, your assets (real property, personal property, bank accounts, brokerage accounts, and retirement savings accounts) may be subject to being divided between you and your ex by Florida’s rule of equitable distribution. In order to avoid that potentially devastating outcome, many couples agree in writing to give up all or most of the rights to the other’s separately acquired assets, retirement plans, and assets earned during the marriage. The agreement can be entered into either before the wedding - a “pre-nuptial” agreement, or after the wedding - “post-nuptial” - but, should comply with some basic rules that ensure it won’t be overturned in a nasty divorce. For example, both parties should be represented by an attorney so that neither can assert that she didn’t realize the legal implications of signing the document, that the document wasn’t presented on the “eve” of the wedding, avoiding the argument that it was presented at the last minute and that it was signed under the pressure of the imminent nuptials. Pre-nuptial Agreements are regarded by many as a very unromantic proposal to make upon the acceptance of the marriage proposal. However, the effect of entering into the agreement in advance of a possible divorce, is that your behavior when you are at your worst, that is, at the divorce settlement table, will be governed by your agreements made when you were feeling sane, in love and respectful of your spouse to be. Marriage shouldn’t be encumbered by a coerced financial liability to your spouse, but, should be a consensual union based upon mutual love and respect. That being said, the decision to create a “pre-nupt” should be jointly reached and not coerced and negotiated with love and mutual regard. For example, if you intend to be the working spouse and your betrothed the stay-at-home parent, then, your agreement should include provisions assuring that your partner who is forgoing advancing his or her career, etc., be compensated for his “sacrifice” to your joint marital plan. As for planning for disability and death, essential documents are still needed. First, a will and or a revocable living trust to ensure that your assets are managed according to your wishes upon your death. Marriage provides some inheritance rights, but, does not ensure that your spouse will inherit as you both might imagine. To assure that your wishes be carried out in the event of disability, a Durable Power of Attorney (for finances), a Living Will, a Designation of Healthcare Surrogate, and a Preneed Guardian Designation, may be prepared. DOMESTIC PARTNERSHIP Domestic Partnership is a subject close to my heart: I worked on the Los Angeles County Domestic Partnership legislation with Tom Coleman in the 1980s and, with his blessings, I imported it to Broward County in 1997. The rise of the importance of domestic partnership as a status for unmarried committed couples reflects the sea change in the way people live and configure their families in the United States. In the fifties, 78% of households in the US were headed by married couples. Now more than 50% of all households in the US are headed by unmarried people. 42% of the workforce is unmarried. Across the US we have seen a trend towards inclusive domestic partnership benefit packages provided by employers, that is, gender-neutral, encompassing both gay and straight domestic partnerships. To say that “you must marry” in order to obtain equal treatment at work, including pay, family leave, insurance, taxation, is just wrong. I think the current debate over the demise of domestic ADVERTISING PRE-WEDDING PLANNING: TO MARRY OR NOT TO MARRY?

partnership legislation in the wake of gay marriage is necessary and that ultimately, domestic partnership recognition in the corporate world will definitely continue to grow. It is necessary to stay competitive in an industry where almost half of the workforce chooses to remain unmarried. Gay Marriage is necessary, but the fact is that most gay couples are not married, and many will choose for personal, economic, political, and philosophical reasons not to marry but live in committed relationships: they deserve equal rights to pay, and benefits that domestic partnership legislation offers. Planning your life as a couple should be undertaken as an act of love, the cost should be affordable, and your attorney should be chosen with an eye to experience and of course, respect for our LGBT community. Planning your life as a couple should be undertaken as an act of love, the cost should be affordable, and your attorney should be chosen with an eye to experience and of course, respect for our LGBT community. - Robin Bodiford Attorney Robin L. Bodiford is an estate planning, probate, and bankruptcy attorney in Fort Lauderdale, FL. M.S.W., J.D.

As a Broward House care navigator, Derald Robertson sees people living with HIV/AIDS who are often at their most vulnerable stages of life. Greeting them from a relatable position is why colleagues attest some will wait hours for his guidance. “My secret is just meeting clients where they are with non judgment,” Robertson said. “Having conversations with them and understanding the different things they go through in life tends to bring them to ease and then I share my story and it helps them understand they aren’t fighting this alone and there’s someone who has been somewhat down their road.” Diagnosed with HIV at the age of 16 and struggling to take medication, Robertson has turned his life around and now helps others to do the same by distributing toiletries and snack bags to people living on the streets. Off duty, Robertson is the President of Onyx’s Deep South chapter. Onyx is a leather fetish organization for people of color and Robertson recently captured the Florida Rubber and International Rubber titles. Robertson, 40, is married to Lorenzo Robertson, coordinator of the Ujima Men’s Collective, a network for Black same gender loving men. The couple resides in North Lauderdale. – JOHN MCDONALD DERALD ROBERTSON THE HIV CARE MANAGER Photo courtesy of Derald Robertson. BROWARD OUT & PROUD 30 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

Jameer Baptiste is busy. As an activist he’s known for his work in the HIV, Black, and LGBT communities. “I’m a South Florida local who has championed LGBTQ+ rights for most of my adult life,” he said. In his professional life he wears many hats including CEO of his family roofing company, D&B roofing; events manager for Hotspots! Events; and Operating Manager of the Hotspots! Happening Out Art Gallery with Dennis Dean. Baptiste also serves on several boards including community co-chair of the MSM Advisory Group, a Broward Department of Health workgroup that advocates for the treatment, prevention and education for men who have sex with men; executive committee member of the Broward County HIV Prevention Planning Council (BCHPPC); a board member of the Hollywood LGBTQ+ Council; and a committee member of My Hollywood Pride. He has no plans to slow down. “There is so much more to do, especially now,” he said. “So I hope we can all band together for the battle we have ahead of us.” And that’s what the 39-year-old is currently doing. His resume is extensive. He started his activism in college pledging to gay/bisexual fraternity Delta Lambda Phi and serving as the Vice President of the college’s Gay/ Straight Alliance, among other roles. After graduating, he became the Field Director of SAVE. He’s also worked with Miami Beach Pride, FunMaps, Guy/Next Magazine and OutClique, Web Editor for KWIR. – JASON PARSLEY JAMEER BAPTISTE THE LGBT RIGHTS ADVOCATE Photo courtesy of Jameer Baptiste. BROWARD OUT & PROUD OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION | OUTSFL | 31

x Rudolph “Rudy” Galindo moved to West Palm Beach in 2016 and quickly became a local institution. Over 10 years ago, Galindo suffered a near fatal accident that forever changed his life. This near-death experience drove Galindo to get involved in LGBT service, mentoring LGBT youth and leading running groups. This passion drove Galindo to found the Night Runners West Palm Beach running/walking group and join the Compass youth mentoring program. Galindo served as the LGBTQ+ Liaison for the City of West Palm Beach while he served as the assistant director of Parks and Recreation for the City. He currently serves as the Director of Leisure Services and as LGBTQ+ Liaison for the City of Lake Worth Beach. Galindo has a call to arms for the LGBT community: “Be an advocate and push voter registration and voter turnout as your top priority. Our voices together as a community make us stronger. We have seen our strength tested throughout history and it is the power of unity that leads to a win each and every time. VOTE and BE VISIBLE.” -SEAN CONKLIN RUDOLPH ‘RUDY’ GALINDO THE MENTOR Photo via LinkedIn. X X Photo via Facebook. ALLAN HENDRICKS THE ARCHITECT Allan Hendricks is a resident of Boynton Beach and has been active and involved in LGBTQ advocacy and culture for decades. An architect by trade, Hendricks has been involved with Equality Florida on LGBT advocacy issues and served as the organization’s MeetUp organizer for many years. The Boynton Beach Pride Crosswalk was dedicated to him for his years of tireless service to the community. Hendricks founded The Pride Tribe, which runs the Connie House, the state’s first and only LGBTQ focused assisted living facility. In fact, the Connie House may be one of the only ones in the entire country. Hendricks will continue to serve the LGBTQ population in Palm Beach County and Florida with his impressive set of skills and his unwavering passion. – SEAN CONKLIN Nicholas Coppola is a retired electrical contractor who has 35 years of experience in the construction industry. He and his partner David call Delray Beach home. Coppola also serves as Vice President and Treasurer for the Sherwood Park Civic Association, the community where he and his partner David reside. Coppola is one of the silent heroes of the community. He currently serves as Board Chair for Compass Community Center. Fun Fact: On May 10, 2018, as a member of Gay Men Health Crisis’ Community Advisory Board and Board of Directors, Coppalo was awarded the “The Dukes/Rolfe Award” from NICHOLAS COPPOLA THE CHAIR the NAACP for HIV advocacy in the Black and Latino community. “It is such a wonderful honor and I am truly grateful to OutSFL and the community. HIV advocacy in the Black and Latino communities has been my main focus,” Coppola said. “This is something I am very passionate about and with so many hateful political distractions, my concern now is that our community’s health is at risk and those concerns are very real. By far my fondest moment is in my current service as Board Chair for the Compass LGBTQ Community Center. I can see first-hand the amount of life-saving work that occurs every day at the Center.” – DEON C. JEFFERSON Photo courtesy of Nicholas Coppola. PALM BEACH OUT & PROUD 32 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

Rhonda Williams is a popular transgender and gender nonconforming blogger and board member of the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council. She grew up with an innate understanding that she did not fit into any gender binary, and instead enjoyed to flow between the various was of expressing gender. Rhonda’s blog, “Rhonda’s Escape” focuses on fashion, style, travel news, and accepting being transgender and living a full life. Rhonda is inspired to write her blog to challenge the binary standard of the fashion industry as it applied masculine and feminine binaries to clothing. The blog has over three million views. Rhonda also participated in Compass Community Center’s “The Legacy Project,” which pairs older, more experienced members of the LGBTQ community with youth in order to share their stories and learn from one another. – SEAN CONKLIN RHONDA WILLIAMS THE BLOGGER Photo via Facebook. Joseph Kolb and Michael Hoagland met in Washington DC in the Fall of 1976, as two of the founders of the Washington Gay Hotline. Moving to Florida nine years ago, they both have become active members of the local faith-based LGBTQ community. Both are part of the Interfaith Gender & Sexuality Coalition of Palm Beach. In March 2018 they were tasked with starting a social group for LGBT Seniors, Coffee Clatch, with Compass Community Center. Kolb has served on the Host Committee for the Stonewall Ball for the past three years. At last year’s Ball, both were presented Compass’ the Michael Brown Memorial Faces of the Community Award. - SEAN CONKLIN JOSEPH KOLB & MICHAEL HOAGLAND THE FAITH ACTIVISTS Photo via Facebook. PALM BEACH OUT & PROUD 34 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

With the type of historic win Penserga had, it was only a matter of time before the Boynton Beach Mayor received our OUT and Proud 50 award. Currently, there are three openly gay mayors in Florida. Penserga happens to represent the first out mayor of Boynton Beach, and the city’s first out LGBT Asian American mayor elected in Florida. Penserga’s much-publicized win came on the heels of the passing of the “Don’t Say Gay” law. It’s also important to note that Penserga teaches Chemistry at the International Baccalaureate Program, which is considered to be one of the nation’s top ranking schools. As a public servant, some of his priorities include but are not limited to enhancing public safety for all communities, promoting affordable/workforce housing, and promoting entrepreneurship. Penserga is slowly changing the way we look at our political officials and impacting the future LGBT leaders of tomorrow. – DEON C. JEFFERSON TY PENSERGA THE MAYOR Photo via Facebook. As a 3rd generation Floridian, born and raised in Palm Beach County, Bill Bone is a champion of many causes and communities. It is hard to put this exuberant human into one category and the same applies to his identity. Bill Bone is a Board-Certified Trial Lawyer, winning hundreds of millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements for his clients. He is highly regarded by the many diverse organizations he supports with his time, talent, and fortune, including the Compass Community Center in Lake Worth, The Kravis Center, The Chamber of Commerce, THE FUND for West Palm Beach Police, SMART Ride, Legal Aid, Palm Beach Dramaworks, and Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies. As a community activist, he’s held leadership roles in dozens of charities, service clubs and not-for-profit organizations. As a gifted and sought-after public speaker, he’s wowed audiences with his local knowledge of history and people. His Alma Mater named him to the UF Hall of Fame, and Palm Beach County School District declared him a Distinguished Alumnus. He is listed in the book: Best Lawyers in America, and Super Lawyers calls him one of the nation’s best in his field. He produces dozens of athletic events every year like the Bill Bone Tropical Triathlon and the Bill Bone 5K. But of all the things he has done, he notes that raising 4 children as an authentic LGBTQ father is his greatest accomplishment. - SEAN CONKLIN BILL BONE THE LGBTQ FATHER Photo via Facebook. PALM BEACH OUT & PROUD 36 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

RAMSAY MACLEOD THE FIGHTER Ramsay MacLeod is a fighter. “I feel like we’re at the moment where it’s time to get back up and put the boots back on and go into battle,” MacLeod said. The current culture wars in Florida remind MacLeod of her time in the Air Force when she was the target of an investigation into her sexuality while stationed in Okinawa. She called the investigation a “witch hunt” and the events surrounding her discharge still give her PTSD. “I paid a big price for some of my decisions, but I wouldn’t change a thing,” MacLeod said. “I enjoyed being in the military.” MacLeod moved to South Florida in 1988 and found work in the medical billing profession as a contractor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. Recently, she participated in the intergenerational Legacy Project, presented by Compass LGBTQ Community Center and Palm Beach Dramaworks. MacLeod used the platform to advocate for school support groups for LGBT youth. “We need to have gay social clubs in school and transgender social clubs in school and the school systems need to support that,” MacLeod said. MacLeod, 68, calls Lake Worth home. She enjoys riding her motorcycle and working on her home, built in 1924. – JOHN MCDONALD Photo courtesy of Ramsay MacLeod. Michael Riordan is a trailblazing trans woman and Director of Marketing at Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach. Riordan has worked at Compass for seven years, and also lives in LWB. Out & Proud 50 is not her only award. Riordan was voted as the “Reader’s Choice: Best Trans Advocate” from the South Florida Gay News in 2022. If you’ve gone to any Compass event, it’s possible you were there thanks to her marketing efforts. Along with marketing, Riordan has been a speaker for several community events throughout the city and has lent her voice to a number of workshops and major Compass media campaigns. Fun Fact: Riordan has a lot of tattoos, but not everyone may know that the upper body tattoos tell the story of her transition. If you see her and want to know more, ask! She is an open book when it comes to tattoos. “Of course, I am deeply honored to be included with so many amazing people and advocates for our community. It is more important than ever for us to be seen. Seen as the decent people we are,” Riordan said. “We are mothers, fathers, cousins, siblings, and neighbors. To be chosen from all of the amazing people out there makes me feel amazing.” – DEON C. JEFFERSON MICHAEL RIORDAN THE MARKETER Photo courtesy of Michael Riordan. PALM BEACH OUT & PROUD OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION | OUTSFL | 37

Photo courtesy of Janiece Rodriguez. JANIECE RODRIGUEZ THE POWERHOUSE Described by her colleague as a “Powerhouse,” Janiece Rodriguez arrived in Key West looking for a new start. “I wanted a change. Situations presented the opportunity to try something new and flourish.” What she found was an inclusive island and yet “so many roadblocks for basic things.” Rodriguez spent much time looking for local gender-affirming care providers. “In transition, I was denied by doctors. I compiled all the LGBT resources, but it wasn’t there. It doesn’t make sense that it’s this hard.” The LGBTQIA+ struggle, shared with her fellow Queer Keys Co-Founder, led her to act, “As outsiders coming into Key West, we were struck by the difference between how it’s advertised and the resources … If it took me so much work to find it, and I’m an adventurous and resourceful person, other people might not.” Rodriguez sees her community-focused work as “gratifying at the most basic level.” “I call myself a wounded healer. It’s my way of taking what happened to me – the injustice – and making it into something good. I never feel that my work is done.” She added, “Right now in Florida, with all this legislation being passed, I’m not going to just lay here.” – AMANCIO PARADELA Fritzie Estimond is out and proud. “I live as a proud lesbian Black woman every day,” she said. Estimond, 38, is the Event Coordinator at the Key West Business Guild as well as the Box Office Manager at the Waterfront Playhouse. “I also serve on boards that directly or indirectly impacts the LGBTQ+ community,” she said. Those include Queer Keys Board of Directors, an LGBTQ community organization that supports, educates, empowers, and celebrates the queer community in the Keys; and Friends of the AIDS Memorial, a memorial donated to the City of Key West in 1997 – the first municipal AIDS memorial in the world. “Last year I started this journey of self-discovery, doing the things that scare me,” she said. “That has opened doors to so many opportunities and new discoveries for me.” – JASON PARSLEY FRITZIE ESTIMOND THE EVENT COORDINATOR Photo courtesy of Fritzie Estimond. The dream of residing comfortably in the Conch Republic is what did it for Dorian Patton. “We moved to Key West to enjoy the more inclusive community that the city has to offer,” said Patton, who arrived on the island with his partner of 27 years, Kevin Theriault, in 2015. Born in Ocala, Patton, 48, wears many hats in the community in addition to his employment in the city manager’s office. He serves as a volunteer with the Key West Business Guild, is a board member of FOAM (Friends of the AIDS Memorial) and Learning Center daycare and a former Vice President of the Key West Police Department Love Fund. Shortly before moving to Key West, Patton and Theriault were married in Hawaii. Theriault is the Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild, which produces monthly luncheons and mixers and assists with annual events such as Pride, Tropical Heat and Headdress Ball. “We have participated in events and helped many organizations over the last eight years, which helps make Key West what it is for LGBTQ+ visitors,” Patton said. “Being able to see what happens from both sides has really opened our eyes to the great people that help make Key West what it is today.” – JOHN MCDONALD DORIAN PATTON THE KEY WEST PROMOTER Photo courtesy of Dorian Patton. THE KEYS OUT & PROUD 38 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

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George Fernandez has been out and proud in Key West for decades as coowner of the Key West Butterfly & Nature Conservatory, which opened in 2003. “To me, it’s unique… magical is Disney, but this… It is an audio-visual sensory experience,” George told the Florida Weekly in 2018 of his creation. “I want you to have a warm, fuzzy feeling from the minute you walk in.” He’s collected quite a few awards along the way including being named a Men of Valor honoree from Samuel’s House; the Venture Award and Piece of Rock Award from the Key West Chamber of Commerce; the Frank Romano Associate Award for Excellence from the Lodging Association; The Richard Heyman Award from the Key West Business Guild; the Rooster Awards from Key Weekly; the Unsung Hero from the Key West Pops Orchestra; and Humanitarian of the Year from the American Red Cross. “I can’t say enough about Key West. I am kind of a social butterfly for the business. There isn’t a fundraiser I usually don’t buy a table.There isn’t an event, I’m not there to support,” he said. “I’m very honored to be a part of this community. I truly believe in giving back. It’s karma. Good things happen to good people. This is my forever home and I am very honored to be a part of this community.” He’s also served on many local boards and committees including the Duval St. Revitalization committee; Key West Chamber of Commerce; Tourist Development Council of Monroe County; Cuban American Heritage Festival; San Carlos Institute; Key West Art and Historical Society; Key West Film Society; Tennessee Williams Founders Society; Key West Pops Orchestra; and Key West Attractions Association. – JASON PARSLEY GEORGE FERNANDEZ THE BUTTERFLY MAN Photo via Facebook. CHRIS MCNULTY THE KEY WEST ACTIVIST Chris McNulty arrived in Key West from Cleveland and was surprised to find that such an inclusive island was lacking basic support services for the LGBT community. “The money was spent on bringing people in, but was not necessarily available to support the community.” It was a chance encounter with a soon-to-be friend that led to the formation of Queer Keys – the only support organization to serve the community in the Lower Keys. “There’s something to be built here. The community and the money is here — let’s see what we can do.” Having a conservative upbringing that McNulty credits for delaying his own self-acceptance and journey of exploration, McNulty tries to hold space for others so they don’t need to share in that experience. “You don’t have to know where you’re at right now. Let’s celebrate where you are on your journey.” McNulty’s ethos isn’t limited to the island either, though he has taken the Island’s motto to heart, “One Human Family.” “I look at it as saving humanity on a planet we’re actively destroying. Getting into human thought and understanding ourselves – understanding queerness as a norm – is a way of changing our worldview. That love and acceptance helps us to live together on the planet.” Photo courtesy of Chris McNulty. – AMANCIO PARADELA THE KEYS OUT & PROUD 42 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

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As Executive Director of Safeguarding American Values for Everyone (SAVE), Orlando Gonzales has the difficult assignment of countering an increasingly hostile political climate. But giving up is not an option. “We always fight back,” said Gonzales when asked if the pendulum can swing back in the Sunshine State. “We just need more resources.” Gonzales assumed the ED position at SAVE in the fall of 2019, and has continued the Miami-based organization’s mission to promote, protect and defend equality for people in South Florida who are LGBT. Prior to landing at SAVE, Gonzales served as Chief of Staff and Communications Operations Manager at the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) in Washington D.C. The non-profit, created out of Obamacare, works to empower patients and others with actionable information about their health and health care choices through funding comparative clinical effectiveness research. A native of El Paso, Texas, Gonzales earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology from Georgetown University and a Master in Public Administration with honors from City University of New York’s Austin W. Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at The Bernard Baruch College in New York City. – JOHN MCDONALD ORLANDO GONZALES THE DEFENDER OF EQUALITY Photo courtesy of Orlando Gonzales . May Reign is a poet, author, International Spoken Word artist, and entrepreneur. She’s also a proud Black woman, lesbian, wife, mother, and grandmother. Reign recently joined the Human Rights Campaign as the Co-Chair of Membership Outreach and Volunteer Engagement. These days, Reign spends half of her time traveling the country performing as a spoken word artist — recently opening for Malcolm Jamal Warner. Nurturing her passion project, Moonflower Essentials occupies the rest of Reign’s time. “Moonflower Essentials is blooming,” Reign said. “I created the candle bar to facilitate a safe space, offering a unique candle-making experience that would foster inclusion, diversity, and creativity for every person who attends, no matter their background or orientation.” It has two locations — a kiosk at Pembroke Gardens Mall. The other in Miami Gardens is a brick-and-mortar store featuring candle-making classes. It’s becoming a popular venue for candle-making parties. It’s the first LGBT-owned or Black-owned candle bar in Miami Gardens. Reign plans to restart her spoken word events at her Miami Gardens store at 17942 NW 27th Ave. Reign’s brand, Moonflower Essentials, takes its name from moonflowers, the beautiful plants that only bloom at night when the moon is out. “When you come from a bit of struggle, I definitely want people to know that you can survive,” Reign said. “Not only can you survive, but you can thrive and make it out of some dark places just like moonflowers.” To learn more about May Reign and Moonflower Essentials, visit https://www.mayreign.com/. – DENISE ROYAL MAY REIGN THE CANDLE MAKER Photo courtesy of May Reign. MIAMI OUT & PROUD 44 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

NADEGE GREEN THE STORYTELLER Nadege Green is a writer, community historian, researcher, and editor. A Miami native, Green’s work focuses on Black Miami’s past and present. At her core, this queer millennial mother of two is a storyteller sharing the narratives of people largely ignored from mainstream accounts of history. “I nerd out on history,” Green tells OutSFL. “I love empowering other storytellers to interrogate history — and the way history is defined and by whom.” Her latest project shines a spotlight on those missing narratives. It’s called “Give Them Their Flowers — An Exhibit of Black LGBTQ+ Miami History.” The Little Haiti Community Center exhibit includes Green’s historical research, videos, and portraits of Black LGBT Miamians. “It was clear that there was a gaping hole around Black Queer history in Miami,” said Green. So Green, a former journalist with the Miami Herald and WLRN, got to work collecting oral histories and unearthing photos and archival records. Filling in the gaps is crucial because Black history overlooks its queer community, and Queer history seems to forget the Black participants. “It’s looking at history through an intersectional lens and accounting for the stories that have not been told,” said Green. “It’s about correcting the record but also celebrating them. It’s called ‘Give them Their Flowers’ because it is a celebration of Black queerness in Miami.” The exhibit runs from March 19 through April 23. To learn more about it and Green’s other work, visit https://www.blackmiamidade.com/ or follow on Instagram at blackmiamidade. – DENISE ROYAL Photo courtesy of Nadege Green. MIAMI OUT & PROUD OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION | OUTSFL | 45

46 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION Photo courtesy of Rocco Carulli. ROCCO CARULLI THE CHEF What started as an once month community gathering has blossomed into a sought-after entertainment destination for travelers near and far. Chef Rocco Carulli said he never envisioned the effect R House’s drag brunch would have. “People started coming in from all over the country and thanking us for having this safe space and giving them the time of their life,” Carulli recalled. “Some of them were from places like the middle of Iowa and they’d never seen anything like this and that’s when we realized we were touching people’s souls, hearts and spirits and were like wow this is something more than just running a restaurant. It’s an obligation now. We feel vested for it.” Carulli opened R House in 2013, turning an art gallery in Wynwood into one of Miami’s best restaurants. He revamped the menu after COVID, adding his own take on Latin-inspired dishes, including a mother’s approved moqueca (Brazilian fish stew). A native of New Jersey, Carulli, 57, operated Edwige Restaurant in Provincetown, Mass. for many years before moving to Miami to start R House with his husband, Owen Bale, a lawyer from London, England. “We built this together,” Carulli said. “It’s our restaurant.” – JOHN MCDONALD MIAMI OUT & PROUD

Bella Dunbar grew up in Vero Beach — a town she describes as less than inclusive for LGBT and Latinx people — where she and her brother struggled in finding their identity, community, and acceptance. Just out of college in 2017, she credits a friend for inviting her to her first Gay8 (GayOcho) gathering where she found her people, her place, and a chance to explore her identity. It was aligned with her Cuban roots and gave her a sense of family. “I just started crying, I didn’t know any of these people, but it felt like home to me … I just never left,” she said. “So much love in one room … We all have a place here.” Dunbar describes this feeling and its transformational power as “the Gay8 Magic.” From that first gathering, Dunbar began volunteering. She quickly began managing social media — a skill she turned into her business, Vida Digital — and came to lead LYNN’s Girl Central party, recently renamed to honor the party’s late founder Lynn Bove. “Our party is such a beautiful melting pot of what we are and what we can be … [Lynn] was so loving and kind,” she said. “I do everything I can to still make it exactly how she would like it.” Dunbar sees her work and its continuation as transforming the community. “Gay8 makes it about acceptance and love. Little Havana was not somewhere you went with your partner — now there’s always something rainbow,” she said. “We’ve given [our community] an opportunity to be accepting.” –AMANCIO PARADELA A family law attorney, Nora Rotella represents clients who are going through divorce proceedings, paternity cases and adoptions, but is most proud of her work advocating for children’s best interests before judges. “I love the area that I’m in because I have the opportunity to speak for those who sometimes are forgotten in a divorce – specifically the kids,” Rotella said. “Everybody else is fighting and mudslinging and children are on the sidelines taking a beating.” In 2020, Rotella received the prestigious Ray H. Pearson Guardian Ad Litem award for the 11th Judicial Circuit by the Miami-Dade County Family Court Judges. In her Guardian Ad Litem work, Rotella said she often works with LGBT youth and undocumented children. After 12 years in practice, Rotella said she is grateful for not having lost the intentions that led her to pursue a career in law. “What makes me warm and fuzzy inside is that I’m able to come into this office every day and help someone else,” Rotella said. “That’s why I became a lawyer.” Rotella, 37, is married to Patricia Hernandez, who is also her law partner. The couple met at St. Thomas University College of Law and reside in Kendall. – JOHN MCDONALD NORA ROTELLA THE FAMILY LAWYER Poet, curator, activist, and philanthropist, Tom Healy’s accomplishments are many, but it is his lifetime of service that warrants his inclusion in the Out & Proud 50. Healy served as chairman of the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board under former President Barack Obama, member of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS under former President Bill Clinton, and as President of the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. He is currently Curator of Public Programs at The Bass Museum, Board Chair of O, Miami, and a trustee of PEN America. While the superlatives abound, Healy sees urgency in his work and in protecting free expression and the LGBT community. “It’s an urgent time for the queer community in South Florida to be more visible,” Healy said. “We have a governor … that want[s] to erase our community and … There are so many queer voices that have so many beautiful things to say.” To Healy, who also works with Equality Florida in fighting against legislative hate, it’s his duty to give back to his community. “I have immense privilege in my life, but there are many, many people that don’t, and their livelihoods and housing are on the line. Maybe we all have to do drag to get the governor’s attention … We just have to fight back — and do so with the style, humor, and creativity that our community has always had.” – AMANCIO PARADELA TOM HEALY THE POET Photo courtesy of Nora Rotella. Photo courtesy of Bella Dunbar. BELLA DUNBAR THE SOCIAL MEDIA GURU Photo courtesy of Tom Healy. MIAMI OUT & PROUD 48 | OUTSFL | OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION

Photo courtesy of DJ Citizen Jane. As a critical care nurse practitioner on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin Cho Tipton fulfilled what he called a “selfish desire to be useful.” “The intent was always to save as many lives as possible and when challenged with a historic event like that, I think we did the best we could,” said Tipton, adding a lesson learned was medicine’s need to focus more on human outcomes rather than headlinegrabbing statistics. Born in South Korea, Tipton was adopted by an American family and raised Catholic. He enlisted in the Army during the era of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell,” but didn’t come out publicly until last year during testimony on the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Tallahassee. “I felt it was the least I could do,” he said. “To try to put a face on what we look like and that we are everywhere. Being gay is not an identity, but part of who we are – a part that cannot be divorced from the rest of us.” A vocal advocate for Medicaid expansion, Tipton, 34, serves as a Captain in the National Guard and adjunct nursing instructor for Miami Dade College. He lives in downtown Miami with his partner Bruno, an animator for Netflix. – JOHN MCDONALD KEVIN CHO TIPTON THE NURSE Photo courtesy of Kevin Cho Tipton. Jasmine Mckenzie came to find her work in advocacy long before she knew the work had a name. “The work started in 2008 in my home in Liberty City. I opened my doors to people who were in need. I didn’t know this is what advocacy work was — 17 people in a 2-bedroom house. That number grew to 35.” As her new family — and their needs — grew, she relied on her entrepreneurial spirit. She founded Color N Raw in 2016 as a Black LGBTQ community-based modeling agency with a talent pool of 18. “It was about capturing beauty and creativity … Everyone was self-sufficient and living their lives.” McKenzie’s next chapter, one where she would not compromise herself or her own goals, led to the creation of The McKenzie Project. “It was supposed to be a shelter. I had to put some work and some time in,” efforts she saw as saving trans women by reducing the number of trans women engaging in sex work. “Now look at me. I’m a business woman. I have a lot of different stuff going on to bring in income.” Her empire grows with one ultimate purpose, to keep those under her care on a path of success. “Trans women are being murdered at a very alarming rate. I have 30-something children. If anything goes wrong, every one of those children has something they can keep going … No one else is doing the work for Black trans women,” she said. “I’m not talking about sitting on a board. I’m going to hotel rooms, I’m at the hospital by the bedsides … It goes unnoticed, but it’s always a trans girl that tells me ‘Thank you. You are a support system for me…’” – AMANCIO PARADELA JASMINE MCKENZIE THE BUSINESS MAVEN Photo courtesy of Jasmine Mckenzie. MIAMI OUT & PROUD OUT & PROUD 50 PRESENTED BY OUR FUND FOUNDATION | OUTSFL | 49

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