October 2014 LGBT Events in Fort Lauderdale Blog

On this Blog, I will post a highlight of some of the LGBT non-profit and political events that are going on in Ft. Lauderdale each month, so folks who want to attend can put them on their Calendars.

Wednesday, October 1 – Breast Feast! Hosted by Women with Pride – Pride Center – 6:30pm – 8:30pm. The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL. A Celebration and Education about Breast Health. Triple Touch Instructor, Booths & Vendors, Fascinating Speakers, Breast Health Information for Women & Men, Live Entertainment with DJ Citizen Jane! And meet MMA World Champion Fighter and our online LBT Health Directory advocate, Jessica Aguilar! Foods and drinks provided by.... Blue Martini, PF Changs, Sidecar Kitchen, DoubleTree, and Hotel Biba !!

https://www.facebook.com/events/985877011438348/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Thursday, October 2 – GLLN CLE Luncheon – 11:45am – 1:15pm. Tee Jay Thai Sushi – Wilton Manors, 2254 Wilton Drive,Wilton Manors, FL 33305. http://www.glln.org/events/

Thursday, October 2 – Equality Florida Fall Mixer for Major Donors – 6:00pm-8:00pm. Please join us for a special appreciation event for you, our Florida Council members and your friends, at the beautiful ocean-view apartment of Scott Bennett. Our very special guest for the evening will be Gina Duncan, Equality Florida’s Director of Transgender Inclusion. Our Florida Council Mixers are special appreciation events for you, our major donors, community leaders and special friends. Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, refreshing beverages, and great company. Please invite a friend or two. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce them to the important work of Equality Florida. RSVP Questions? Contact Row: row@eqfl.org / 305-335-2102. 

Monday, October 6 – Broadway, Boys & Briefs – 7:00pm. The Manor, 2345 Wilton Drive, Fort Lauderdale. On October 6, Jonathan Hawkins will thrill a Fort Lauderdale audience in a special benefit performance. Presented by Push Fitness, all proceeds benefit jointly the Stonewall National Museum and Archives and Brian Neal Fitness and Health Foundation. A classically-trained singer, Hawkins, 28, was born in Oregon, schooled in Los Angeles and studied vocal performance at Azusa Pacific University. He now resides in New York City.  Artistic director of the event is the fabulous Shawn Palacious, better known as the larger-than-life national personality Kitty Meow. The event will take place at The Manor complex on Wilton Drive. Among the evening’s features will be a silent auction and a fashion show featuring male models wearing the latest swimwear and underwear. http://www.pushfitnessftl.com/ticket-sales/

Monday, October 6 – PrEP Town Hall #2, Hosted by the Pride Center – 6:30pm – 8:30pm. The Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, FL. We want to help. At our first townhall we examined the research on PrEP. This time, we will explore the practical details for those taking action. Join our panel of local physicians and community members who recently have begun to take Pre Exposure Prophylaxis. Learn about their personal experiences with PrEP. Bring your questions! https://www.facebook.com/events/707079432679317/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Tuesday, October 7 – Pembroke Pines Special Event for Equality – 6:00pm– 8:00pm at Las Vegas Cuban Cuisine, Pembroke Pines, FL. Join Equality Florida for a very special celebration as we honor local heroes, Pembroke Pines Commissioner Iris Siple and Pembroke Pines Police Captain Al Xiques! Las Vegas Restaurant is generously providing complimentary appetizers and happy hour specials on wine and cocktails. There is no charge for this event, so bring a friend! Equality Florida staff and local community leaders will join us for this special event. https://www.facebook.com/events/1558378187725550/?ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Tuesday, October 7 – Mack Power Lunch – 11:30am – 1:30pm at The Capital Grille, 2430 East Sunrise Blvd., Lauderdale, FL. At the beginning of every Power Lunch we offer approx. 30 minutes to introduce yourself and chat with fellow attendees in a social setting. There may be a very brief presentation by an event sponsor to share insights and industry information. Then the rest of our time is enjoying lunch and breaking the ice to develop professional friendships with everyone around you.  $33.00, Advance Registration required: www.mackplanet.com

Thursday, October 9 – I AM JAZZ – Author Presentation with transgender youth activist Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel, Director of Stonewall National Education Project – 7:00 pm, FREE, Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. I AM JAZZ is a book co-authored by transgender youth Jazz Jennings and Jessica Herthel. This stunning addition to children’s literature tells, in a simple, clear way, Jazz’s real-life experience being diagnosed as transgender and is an inspiration to children, their parents, and teachers alike. http://www.stonewall-museum.org/

Friday, October 10 – SunServe Silver Serve Luncheon – 11:00am – 1:00pm (Second Friday of the Month). ArtServe, 1350 E. Sunrise Blvd. Fort Lauderdale, FL. Every Second Friday of the Month. SunServe is a model 501(c)(3) nonprofit social service agency serving the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning (LGBTQ) community in South Florida. We provide high quality, compassionate, and progressive care for all, including those in financial need, minorities, youth, seniors, families, and those with life-challenging physical or emotional conditions. We also perform numerous education and outreach projects. Kindly RSVP by calling 954.764.5150 ext. 114.

Friday, October 10 – LPAC Cocktails & Conversation with Special Guests: Martina Navatilova – 6:00pm – 8:00pm. Olive Watson & Joanna Grover-Watson. Cordially invite you for Cocktails & ConversationWith Special Guests: Martina Navatilova and LPAC Board Members Laura Ricketts, Alix Ritchie, Sarah Schmidt, and Urvashi Vaid at the home of Olive and Joanna, Miami, FL. $150 Individual. For more info RSVP: mcarrol@civitapublicaffairs.com

Saturday, October 11 – TEN YEAR PLAN presented by Stonewall National Museum & Archives as part of the Ft. Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival – 7:30 pm. Gateway Theatre, 1820 Sunrise Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale. Myles, a handsome and successful lawyer – as well as a hopeless romantic – wants nothing more than to find the man of his dreams to share his life with. His best friend Brody, a hunky and hot Los Angeles police officer, sleeps with every man he meets in an attempt to avoid feeling unloved. Fearing what will become of them when they get older, the two friends make a pact: to be a couple in ten years if neither one has found true love. http://www.flglff.com/

Saturday, October 11 – Sparkle, The 18^th Annual National Gay & Lesbian Task Force Miami Recognition Dinner, Honoring Philanthropist, Jim Pepper – 7:00pm. Fountainbleau Hotel, Miami, Florida. The Miami Recognition Dinner is the premier annual celebration of South Florida's lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community. The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force produces the event and donates a significant portion of the proceeds to other nonprofit organizations serving the Miami-Dade LGBT community. http://www.miamirecognitiondinner.org/

Sunday, October 12 – Eat With Me presented by The Pride Center as part of the Ft. Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival - 5:00 pm. Gateway Theatre, 1820 E Sunrise Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale. Feeling invisible in her bland marriage, Emma moves in with her son Elliot, who lives in a downtown L.A. loft. Elliot, a young gay chef, is facing foreclosure on his lackluster Chinese restaurant. Emma’s disapproval has made strangers of mother and son, but the two need each other now more than ever, as Emma explores her newfound freedom, and Elliot confronts his fears of intimacy. In this deliciously emotional and redemptive story on life and love, words may fail Elliott and Emma, but they find a common language through food.http://www.flglff.com/

Monday, October 13 – Dining With Pride – 11:30am – 10:00pm. Red Cow, 1025 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale. You must mention “The pride Center” or “Dining with Pride” to your server. A portion of your check will to The Pride Center. Good for Food and Beverages. Reservations Suggested! http://www.pridecenterflorida.org/

Tuesday, October 14 – Mack Mixer Fort Lauderdale – 6:30pm - 9:00pm. The Ritz Carlton - Fort Lauderdale, N Ft. Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL. There’s no doubt MACK continues to redesign how business people create new relationships and establish friendships - regardless of sexuality. MACK aims to be the most reliable business and social network for the Gay and Lesbian Community of South Florida. Join their mailing list, register for a lunch, swing by one of the mixers, but most important - bring your friends! Everyone is welcome. MACK is less about orientation and all about discovering untapped opportunities! For information, visit: www.mackplanet.com

Tuesday, October 14 – Lincoln Avenue by Gregg Shapiro – Stonewall Author Reading – 7:00 pm. Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. With its twelve sharply observed stories filled with memorable characters and dialogue imbued with the pop music of the day, Gregg Shapiro reflects on what it meant to grow up gay in Chicago during the 1970s and 1980s. Relationships —family, boyfriends, and otherwise—are explored in stories such as “Lunch with a Porn Star,” “Marilyn, My Mother, Myself,” and “Your Father’s Car.” Only a gay Chicago native with a keen eye could give us such an insider’s view of the Windy City from a more innocent time not too long ago. http://www.stonewall-museum.org/

Wednesday, October 15 – The Equality Garden Club – The Equality Park Garden Club meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month except December.  It is a Gay and straight friendly garden club with a variety of plant related events.  Meetings include a guest speaker with a horticultural topic, plant exchange, raffle table, and refreshments. For more info contact for Chuck Nicholls at canick@aol.com

Wednesday, October 15 – Island City Stage and Stonewall National Museum and Archives Open Rehearsals for POZ – 6:30-8:30pm. Stonewall Museum at 2157 Wilton Drive in Wilton Manors. Island City Stage will open it's rehearsals for the world premiere of Michael Aman's POZ. People will be allowed to come in, take a seat and observe Carbonell Award-winning and Tony Award-nominated director Michael Leeds work with the actors as they develop their characters, relationships and staging. Due to the nature of rehearsals and the need for minimal interruptions those interested will be asked to arrive no later than 7:00. Observers will be allowed to leave when they like. This is nothing new for Stonewall Museum Executive Director David Jobin. As the former Managing Director of the City Theatre in Pittsburgh he often brought donors to observe the rehearsal process. "Being a great fan of Island City Stage, I am excited to share the creation of their art with Stonewall visitors in hopes that we can expand the circle of culture users in Fort Lauderdale. RSVP's are requested by calling 954-519-2533. To find out more about Island City Stage and the Stonewall National Museum and Archives you can visit their websites asislandcitystage.org and stonewall-museum.org. 

Friday, October 17 – Stonewall Museum Mixer with World AIDS Museum – 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm. Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Experience both of Wilton Manors’ world-class museums on the 3^rd Friday of each month.  Free admission and free Hopper Shuttle Bus service to/from Stonewall Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive and the World AIDS Museum, 1201 NE 26^th Street (in Wilton Station).The exhibit Transcending Gender: Bodies and Lives will be on exhibit at the Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery until October 30.

Galleries open & shuttle service from 7 – 11 pm. Refreshments served. http://www.stonewall-museum.org/

Friday, October 17 – Island City Art Walk – Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., November through April, along the 1.1 mile Wilton Drive, in the Wilton Manors Art and Entertainment District. The official participants include galleries, eclectic stores, cafes, boutiques and upscale restaurants, which will host over 40 local artists. This is a grassroots collaboration bringing culture and business together for the public to enjoy. http://www.islandcityartwalk.com/

Wednesday, October 22nd – Equality Connection at Chill Wine Lounge – 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  Chill Wine Lounge, 1828 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. On October 22nd, please join us at Chill Wine Lounge for an Equality Connection in Fort Lauderdale! Equality Connections are always open to the public and are designed for Equality Florida members, LGBT equality supporters and those new to our organization to gather, mingle and learn more about the work of Equality Florida and how to support equality in Florida. There will be delicious complimentary light bites and unique drink specials, graciously provided by Chill. We’ll be joined by Equality Florida staff and our local South Florida leadership team who will give us an update on the march toward full equality and more information about our work in Broward County and across the state. There is no charge for this event, so please bring a friend! Our Equality Connections are a great way to introduce new people to the work of Equality Florida. http://eqfl.org/equalityconnection/broward3

Thursday, October 23 – The Pride Center’s Founders Circle Reception – 6:00 – 8:00pm. Mayor’s Jewelry Store, 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The Founder's Circle are individuals who make a monthly gift of $100 to the Pride Center. If you are interested in attending the event to see what it is all about, just email Roger Roa at Rroa@PrideCenterFlorida.org and he will put you on the Guest list. There is no commitment to become a Founder, just a chance to meet folks and hear about the great work the Pride Center is doing.

Thursday, October 23 – GLLN Happy Hour – 6:00pm – 8:00pm. PROGRESS BAR (formerly New Moon) 2440 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, FL 33305. Progress Bar is offering all drinks Two-for-One and $4 Three Olive Vodka drinks (ANY FLAVOR!!!). Finger foods will also be provided. Happy Hours are on the 3rd Thursday of every month at various locations. The mission for the Gay & Lesbian Lawyers Network is to provide a social network in which gay, lesbian and gay friendly lawyers can develop their practices through friendships, referral relationships and professional development. Our intention is to fully realize a true business and social network and to provide the opportunity to our participants to support one another in our practices, to promote ourselves within our firms, and to offer a helping hand to each other when needed. http://www.glln.org/uncategorized/happy-hour/

Thursday, October 23 – Mala Mala presented by Stonewall National Museum & Archives as part of the Ft. Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Film Festival  - Film Screening and discussion with filmmakers Dan Sickles and Antonio Santini –  7:00 pm. Gateway Theatre, 1820 E Sunrise Blvd, Ft. Lauderdale. "The new documentary explores the Puerto Rican trans world with amazing wit and grace.” – OUT Magazine. A film about the trans experience and the power of transformation. In a celebration of the trans community in Puerto Rico, the fissure between internal and external is an ever-present battle. A unique exploration of self-discovery and activism, featuring a diverse collection of subjects that include LGBTQ advocates, business owners, sex workers, and a boisterous group of drag performers who call themselves The Doll House, Mala Mala portrays a fight for personal and community acceptance paved with triumphant highs and devastating lows. Through riveting cinematography that encapsulates the candy-colored, vivacious personalities as well as their frequently dark personal experiences, directors Antonio Santini and Dan Sickles dynamically present the passion and hardships reflective of this distinctively binary human experience. Tickets: $15. http://www.flglff.com/

Monday, October 27 – Stonewall National Museum & Archives Opening Reception Queer Kids: Coming Out In America Photographs by Michael Sharkey – 6:00pm – 8:00 pm. Stonewall Museum – Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. The US premiere of this exhibition will be on view October 30, 2014 – January 4, 2015. For the past 8 years M. Sharkey has been documenting queer youth across the US and in Europe. Sharkey’s photographs are intimate testaments to his subjects’ powerful self-awareness; at once empathetic and opulent, they are the visual counterpart to the voice these young people have struggled—and lately succeeded—to find. Rooted in the long tradition of portraiture, Sharkey’s images grant his subjects a full measure of the dignity with which they deserve to be seen. . http://www.stonewall-museum.org/

Friday, October 31 – The Pride Center presents, Wicked Manors – Freak Show – 7:00pm – Midnight. Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. Décor, Music, Flash Mobs, Costume Contests. Main stage Diva Emcee: Miss Misty Eyez. All proceeds of this event go to support the vital programs and services of the Pride Center. Please consider donating at www.wickedmanors.org

To see a listing of other events, check out OutClique, South Florida’s newest and most fabulous site for Gay South Florida. They feature gay and gay-friendly events. Drink specials, social events, charity functions, leather themed groups, dance parties, whatever is going on, its there. OutClique is your one-stop-shot for the gay happenings in South Florida. http://www.outclique.org/index.php/event-list

Save the Date:

Saturday, November 8 – National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Broward Event – 7:00pm – 9:30pm. At the home of Dr. Russell Sassani & Michael Schneider, 139 Fiesta Way, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Pease join us for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and hear from Rea Carey, Executive Director, about the Task Force’s exciting vision to achieve full LGBTQ equality. $50 suggested donation. For more information, visit www.thetaskforce.org/ftl

Monday, November 10 – Our Fund presents The 4^th Annual National LGBT Leadership Forum and Reception – 5:00pm 7:00pm. Horvitz Auditorium, adjacent to the Museum of Art - Fort Lauderdale, One East Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. Join us for an in-depth discussion with national LGBT leaders regarding the future of equality, one week after the mid-term elections. Complimentary wines and hors d’oeuveres will be served after the Forum. http://www.our-fund.org/

Thursday, November 12 – Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Gay and Lesbian Business Xchange (GLBX) Business After Hours – 5:30pm - 7:00pm. Stonewall National Museum & Archives - Wilton Manors Gallery, 2159 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305. Broward County's premiere gay-friendly networking organization, maximizing our member’s business profitability. The GLBX Business After Hours receptions are a key element in creating and fostering these relationships. The GLBX meets either the second or the fourth Thursday of each month, depending on venue. Members: $10 pre registered Non members $20 pre registered add $5 at the door. http://www.ftlchamber.com/index.php?submenu=Councils&src=gendocs&ref=GLBX_home&category=Groups

Friday, November 14 & Saturday, November 15 – SMART Ride – The SMART Ride is a 2-day, 165-mile bicycle ride from Miami to Key West. What makes this ride unique is the 100% guarantee that every penny you raise as a participant will go to AIDS Service Organizations in Florida. Since 2003, The SMART Ride has raised more than $5.2 Million! Another unique aspect of this ride, is that you have some control over the distribution of the funds you raise, to AIDS Service Organizations listed. If you have questions or want additional information send us an email at info@thesmartride.org

Sunday, November 16 – Equality Florida's Annual Broward Gala – The 12th Annual Equality Florida Broward Gala will once again be held in the beautiful Waterfront Panorama Ballroom at the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 in Fort Lauderdale on Sunday, November 16th. The Gala is a “must attend” event that brings together over 400 of our county’s political, business, and civic leaders to celebrate and support the work of Equality Florida, the largest civil rights organization dedicated to securing full equality for Florida’s LGBT community. This wonderful event that includes drinks, delicious hors d'oevres, an exciting program, including a special address by Equality Florida Executive Director Nadine Smith. Sponsorship opportunities begin at $500 - only $41.67 per month. Please contact Row, South Florida Development Director, at 305-335-2102 or row@eqfl.org for more information.

Island City Art Walk – Held on the 3rd Friday of each month, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m., November through April, along the 1.1 mile Wilton Drive, in the Wilton Manors Art and Entertainment District. The official participants include galleries, eclectic stores, cafes, boutiques and upscale restaurants, which will host over 40 local artists. This is a grassroots collaboration bringing culture and business together for the public to enjoy. http://www.islandcityartwalk.com/

Wednesday, December 3 – The Pride Center’s Founders Circle Reception – 6:00 – 8:00pm. Gallary One Hotel, 2670 E. Sunrise Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. The Founder's Circle are individuals who make a monthly gift of $100 to the Pride Center. If you are interested in attending the event to see what it is all about, just email Roger Roa at Rroa@PrideCenterFlorida.org and he will put you on the Guest list. There is no commitment to become a Founder, just a chance to meet folks and hear about the great work the Pride Center is doing.

Sunday, December 7 – Impulse Group South Florida Presents: "Rise" – TBD. Impulse Group South Florida is a non-profit organization that focuses on the sexual and overall health of the gay community in South Florida (Palm Beach, Broward, & Miami-Dade Counties). We are an organization dedicated to education about HIV, whose rates continue to rise in our demographic group in our geographic location, despite falling in other demographic groups. Impulse encourages HIV prevention by facilitating testing opportunities, providing condoms and other materials for safe or safer sex. Finally, we help promptly link any individuals that test positive with medical care. http://impulsegrp.org/chapters/south-florida/

December 11 – Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Holiday Party – 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Blue Martini, 2432 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. http://www.glln.org/events/

Thanks,

Lee Rubin

rubinlee@yahoo.com

Want to know what events are happening in the Ft. Lauderdale LGBT Community?

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