December 2014 LGBT Events in Ft. Lauderdale

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.

Tuesday, December 2 – Mack Power Lunch – 11:30am – 1:30pm at Thasos Greek Taverna, 3330 E. Oakland Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. 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

Tuesday, December 2 – VIP Reception for An Evening of Celebration for the World’s AIDS Museum– 6:00pm. Join us in supporting the grand opening of the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center at An Evening of Celebration. The event will begin with an exclusive VIP cocktail reception at 6:00 pm in the new, waterfront Huizenga Pavilion at the Broward Center. Healthcare professionals who have dedicated their lives to helping those with HIV / AIDS will be honored. The highlight of the evening will be a concert at the Amaturo Theater by the renowned 60-piece South Florida Symphony Orchestra featuring Conductor Sebrina Maria Alfonso and an internationally acclaimed soloist. Proceeds from An Evening of Celebration will benefit the World AIDS Museum and Educational Center. Sponsorship and program advertising opportunities are available. For event information call 954.390.0550 or email worldaidsmuseum@aol.com

Wednesday, December 3 – The Pride Center’s Founders Circle Reception – 6:00 – 8:00pm. Gallery 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.

Thursday, December 4 – GLLN CLE Luncheon – 11:45am – 1:15pm. TBD http://www.glln.org/events/

Thursday, December 4 – Stonewall National Museum and Archives Lavender Salon – 7pm. Stonewall National Museum Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. “What¹s Wrong with Queer? The Politics of a Word” The Lavender Salon – hosted by Dr. Fred Fejes. Co-Presented by Florida Atlantic University. Over the last 30 years there has been numerous academic, activist, and artistic efforts to articulate a specifically “queer” identity that is affirmative and distinct from earlier notions of a “gay” or “lesbian” identity. To many members of the LGBTQ community for whom “queer” is a derisive term (like “fag” or “homo”), this use of the term “queer” is puzzling and even offensive. For other members it is a proud badge of their LGBTQ identity. The goal of the forum is to address what  “queer’ identity represents as a sexual identity as opposed to a “gay” ‘lesbian” or “trans” identity. It will explore how the term has been used as a form of verbal abuse and as an affirmation of identity. Panel participants will be drawn from the LGBTQ academic, artistic and activist communities. The Lavender Salon is a series of forums devoted to the discussion LGBTQ issues, topics and scholarship. Stonewall-Museum.org

Saturday, December 6 – Sunshine Cathedral Holiday Concert – 7:00pm. Sunshine Cathedrall MCC, 1480 SW 9^th Ave, Fort Lauderdale. The Sunshine Cathedral Mcc Music Ministry invites you to join us for our Holiday Concert - Portraits of Christmas under the direction of Rev Katy Peterson. https://www.facebook.com/events/612700945507355/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Tuesday, December 9 – Mack Mixer Fort Lauderdale – 6:30pm - 9:00pm. Beauty & The Feast. Atlantic Hotel, 601 N. For Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale. 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, December 9 – Hotspots Holiday Celebration to benefit the Pride Center – 7:00pm. W Fort Lauderdale Hotel, 401 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Mark your calendar and get your ticket for this fantastic holiday celebration hosted by Hotspots Media Group at the W Fort Lauderdale and in benefit for The Pride Center. Do not miss out on the event of the season. Ticket are $20 and purchases can be made at: http://www.pridecenterflorida.org/2014/12/hotspots-media-group-holiday-celebration/

Thursday, December 11 – GFLGLCC Quarterly Networking Luncheon – 11:30am – 1:30pm. SAIA, 999 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Please join us for our GFLGLCC Quarterly Networking Luncheon, presented by MetLife. You'll meet new friends, make business connections and enjoy a wonderful luncheon prepared by the renowned chef at SAIA, located at the Sonesta Hotel on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Luncheon Details: SAIA will serve lunch, choice of coffee or iced tea, inclusive of tax and gratuity. Cocktails, wine and beer are available. https://www.facebook.com/events/391066137717969/?ref=2&ref_dashboard_filter=upcoming

Thursday, December 11 – Gay and Lesbian Lawyers Holiday Party – 6:00pm – 9:00pm. Blue Martini, 2432 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. There will be a $10 cover charge. There will be a Complimentary Buffet and Drink Specials will be featured. http://www.glln.org/events/

Thursday, December 11 – SAGEWorks Career Tune-up Series – 7:00pm. Pride Center, 2040 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors. Need a job? Want a better job? Read for any lay-off? Join the Pride Center for another in our Free SAGEWorks Career Tune-up series, “Strategize with Linked-in” presented by Chris Caputo, CEO/Founder of MetroMedia Works and Pride Center Board Member. To register, contact Bruce Williams 954-463-9005 ext. 109 or bwilliams@pridecenterflorida.org

Friday, December 12 – 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.

Thursday, December 18 – GLLN Happy Hour – 6:00pm – 8:00pm. TBD. 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/

Friday, December 19 – 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). Galleries open & shuttle service from 7 – 11 pm. Refreshments served. http://www.stonewall-museum.org/

Saturday, December 20 – Island City Art Walk – 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/

Sunday, December 21 – Santa Pride South Florida – 3:00pm - 10:00 p.m. Our Community here in Wilton Manors and all of South Florida is famous all over the country for our Stellar Events! What better time is there than the Holiday Season to create a new event for all of us to enjoy in the city that we all love so much. The most important part of this event is having a great team to make it happen. We need team members and would like to hear from everyone who has an interest in helping us to create, promote, produce, advertise and sponsor this fun new event. We chose the name "Santa Pride" to make this an all inclusive open invitation to celebrate and have "Fun" http://www.santapridesouthflorida.com/about.html

Monday, December 29 – Gamma Mu Foundation Bingo – 7:00pm. Tropics, 2000 Wilton Dr., Wilton Manors, FL. Presented by Nikki Adams. The Gamma Mu Foundation was established to provide financial grants to organizations that serve clients and communities primarily in the rural and/or underserved United States. The Foundation makes available direct assistance through HIV/AIDS services, community services, or research and public education. www.tropicswm.com 

Save the Date:

Island City Art Walk – Held on the 3rd Saturday 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/

Saturday, January 3 – Sunshine Cathedral Performance: Melinda Doolittle – 8:00pm. Sunshine Cathedral MCC, 1480 SW 9^th Ave. Fort Lauderdale. The SOBs at Sunshine Cathedral MCC - The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus - Tickets: $25.00. On All-Hallows’ Eve in 1938, twelve of the sweetest voices at Yale University converged at Mory’s Temple Bar to form an a cappella group unlike any other. This group went without a name until they capitalized on a backhanded compliment they heard at a party: “These SOBs are good!” And thus the Society of Orpheus and Bacchus was born. Armed with the mellifluous talents of Orpheus, the soulful minstrel of Olympus, and the care-free revelry of Bacchus, god of merry-making, our society has seamlessly fused our ancient traditions of musicianship and festivity with a professional flair for 75 years. For more information and tickets click here:
http://sunshinecathedral.org/?page_id=7898

Thursday, January 8  – Stonewall National Museum & Archives and Congregation Etz Chaim Movie Screening – 7:00pm. The Classic Gateway Theatre, 1820 E Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304. Stonewall National Museum & Archives and Congregation Etz Chaim are pleased to partner for a screening and discussion of the feature length documentary titled RUTHIE & CONNIE: EVERY ROOM IN THE HOUSE (Updated Release). Etz Chaim and Stonewall National Museum & Archives. A discussion with film subjects Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz will take place at the Gateway Theatre following the film. Ruthie Berman and Connie Kurtz are available for interviews. http://www.stonewall-museum.org/

Thursday, January 8  – Ft. Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Gay and Lesbian Business Xchange (GLBX) Business After Hours – 5:30pm - 7:00pm. TBD. 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

Saturday, January 10 –Sunshine Cathedral Performance: The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus – 8:00pm. Sunshine Cathedral MCC, 1480 SW 9^th Ave. Fort Lauderdale.
Melinda Doolittle became a household name on season six of American Idol continues thrilling audiences with her powerhouse vocals and charm. In 2013 alone, Melinda was featured on 5 studio albums, including her sophomore release You’re The Reason. Her latest album offers listeners a true glimpse into Doolittle as an Artist, as she wrote and performed half of the songs on the album. Melinda told the Hollywood Reporter that she approached the album “from the aspect of love. It’s what shapes my life daily. I wanted to be transparent and honest.”
Ticket Prices: $25.00 Online/$35.00 Door. All tickets sales are final. For more information and tickets click here: http://sunshinecathedral.org/?page_id=7643

Wednesday, January 14 – 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

Saturday, January 17 – Revelation too, Presented by the Gamma Mu Foundation – 6:30pm. Riverside hotel, E. Las Olas Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale. Please join us for a fun evening from 6:30 until it’s over. Cocktails, hors douvres, dinner, dancing entertainment. Business dress/ black tie optional. Celebrate another successful year for the foundation and support our ongoing awards for scholarships and grants. Making your annual fund drive donation?? Mention “revelation” and you will be invited to the donors’ lunch on Saturday at Noon. Your donation is applied to your annual total. Register online at: www.gammamufoundation.org
 

Saturday, January 23 – Performing at Sunshine Cathedral: Suzanne Westenhoefer – 8:00pm. Sunshine Cathedral MCC, 1480 SW 9^th Ave. Fort Lauderdale. Suzanne Westenhoefer in a word: Candid. She’s refreshingly candid, disturbingly candid and oh-my-god-she-just-said-that candid. Happily, she’s funny, too. For over two decades, this bold and brazen out lesbian comedian has been traveling the world, sharing her heart and soul with audiences. Whatever is going on in Suzanne’s life, you’ll get an earful of it. She doesn’t tell jokes. She tells the truth. Or the truth as filtered through her uniquely twisted life experience. Ticket Prices: $25.00 Online/$35.00 Door. All ticket sales are final. For more information and tickets click here:
http://sunshinecathedral.org/?page_id=7683

Saturday, February 14 – Stonewall National Museum & Archives presents Broadway Star Cheyenne Jackson at the Parker Playhouse – 6:00 pm open bar and silent auction. 8:00 pm performance. Parker Playhouse, 707 NE 8th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33338. Tickets are either: $200 VIP seating, pre-show open bar, post-show champagne reception and photographs with Cheyenne Jackson; or $100 pre-show open bar and orchestra seating. ONLY tickets purchased directly through this page benefit Stonewall.

http://www.stonewall-museum.org/support/cheyenne-jackson/

Saturday, February 21 – Pride Center’s Evening in Paradise – 7:00pm – 9:30pm. Richardson Historic Park and Nature Preserve located at 1937 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida. http://eveninginparadise.org/

Thanks,

Lee Rubin

rubinlee@yahoo.com

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

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