Lexus International Gay Polo Tournament Returns to Wellington, April 6-9

The National Polo Center, Wellington's destination for polo and equestrian sports, will transform into a colorful five-day fete with celebrants coming from around the world to support the LEXUS International Gay Polo TournamentPresented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate (GPL) from April 6-9. Creating a culture of community, togetherness, and high fashion, the event inspires and empowers lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals in sports and beyond.

“As our world continues to evolve, we remain a constant at the forefront, working to create inclusiveness and equality in not only polo and equestrian sports, but in the community as a whole,” shared Chip McKenney, founder of the Gay Polo League. “We are honored to have so many friends and allies join us each year.”

The robust itinerary for the 2023 event kicks off with the GPL Polo Players Welcome Reception (by invitation) on Thursday, April 6. Players gather for camaraderie, joie-de-vivre and much fun before the weekend's festivities fully begin. Everyone's favorite pre-event, the GPL Polotini Wigstock cock tail reception will take place on Friday, April 7 at The National Polo Center and will feature a hair-raising extravaganza and exciting special guests, cocktails, and light bites. Wigs are highly encouraged for this event!

Saturday, April 8 is the main event tournament and tailgate competition. Sixteen polo players from around the world will compete on the Isla Carroll West Field for the prize (and bragging rights) during both The Senator's Cup and The

Founders Cup beginning at 1pm. Not to be missed is GPL's world-famous tailgate competition. Tailgaters are already dreaming up their whimsical tablescapes and decor in preparation for the fun-spirited competitiveness that lines the polo field, with each tailgate becoming its own experience that collectively contributes to the overall flare and exhilaration of the day. Coveted awards for Best in Show, Best Cuisine, Best Cocktail, Best Single Tailgate, and Best Multiple Tailgate are up for grabs. All in attendance are anxiously waiting to see what themes tailgaters will bring to this years' competition. Favorites over the years have included themes from Steel Magnolias, Gray Gardens, Brunch at Tiffany's, Gay Polo League (GPL) yacht club, Gert's 1950's Beauty Salon, Wizard of Oz, and more. While each tailgater and team might be in competition, it is the desire for equality on and off the field that resonates with all in attendance. The impact that The Gay Polo League has made can be seen in the receiving of the Champion of Equity & Diversity in Sports award from the Palm Beach County Sports Commission in 2022. The first award from a non-gay organization, the recognition symbolizes that GPL has become an instrument of change and oftentimes introduces gay people into the lives and consciousness of people who may not have known gay people firsthand.”

Back again this year after a wildly successful launch is Haute House-- an exclusive tent filled with social influencers that add to the stardom of the event's attendees. The energy from the jovial groups and vibrant scenes will once again uplift the athletes on the field feverishly pursuing title championship.

Acting on its vision of providing equality, pride, inclusion, and confidence for those who face discrimination simply due to having non-traditional sexual or gender identities, the tournament will once again be nefit the OnePULSE Foundation. In 2022, this GPL event raised $135,000 for the nonprofit organization, born after the tragic events that unfolded at Pulse Nightclub, where 49 people lost their lives in 2016. Aiming for even more money raised in 2023, the GPL is working tirelessly to support efforts by onePULSE to fund scholarships while creating a sanctuary for and to honor the victims who lost th eir lives.

“While triumphs in financial impact, anticipation, and attendance each year are always highlights, it is the thousands of athletes, supporters, and attendees celebrating diversity together as one that is truly what makes this event so special,” ended McKenney.

This year's event sponsors include Cherry Knoll Farm, Village of Wellington, Woodford Reserve, Churchill Downs, 3 Graces Dressage, and NOMAD. GPL members, players, and attendees will receive a GPL Preferred Rate of $199.00 per night, including Continental Breakfast, when they stay at the Hampton Inn Wellington. To receive the special GPL rate, reservations must be made directly with Robert Colletti, Robert.colletti@hilton.com, or by calling 561-472-9696.

Tickets and additional information can be found by visiting www.gaypolo.com.

By Scott Holland

March 31 to April 16

Miami Beach Pride returns for its 15th anniversary with events running from March 31 - April 16. What originally began as a parade down Ocean Drive has now transformed into programming spanning 17 days that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The festivities include lavish floats, a queer art showcase designed to support local artists, social justice night as the community faces increasing legislative attacks, celebrity guests of honor, live performances and much more. This year's 2-day festival presented by Celebrity Cruises has grown tremendously and promises to be the biggest and best iteration of Miami Beach Pride to date. With Miami Beach recognized as one of the most welcoming LGBTQ+ communities in the world, this year's theme of 'Growing Stronger Together' honors the progress made and the defiance needed for the future.

“With over 16 days of exciting events, there is truly something for everyone and we have maintained our commitment to keep much of our programming free for the community to be as inclusive as possible,” says Bruce Horwich, Chairman of Miami Beach Pride.

“Growing from a 15,000person event in 2009 to now being one of the most celebrated Prides in the country with more than 170,000 attendees from all over the world, our goal is to honor our community all while having the message of unwavering resilience and uniqueness on full display along Miami Beach.”

The very popular Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant takes place on Tuesday, April 4 at 7pm at Exchange Miami. Your current Miss Miami Beach Pride is on the current Rupaul's Drag Race season and a Miami native, Malaysia Babydoll Foxx. The formers are TP Lords

2014 Athena Dion 2015

Kalah Mendoza 2016

Joanna James 2017

Elisahly D' Witches 2018

Mhyia Iman Lepaige 2019

Estephania St Lords 2020.

The OG Miss Miami Beach Pride is Tiffany Fantasia 2013, when I asked Tiffany about this year's pageant, she said: “Miami Beach Pride is having its 10th Miss Miami Beach pride pageant. I can't wait for everyone to see what surprises are in store.”

The VIP Beach affair takes place on Friday night, April 14 at 7pm at Lummus Park and is hosted by the iconic Sandra Bernhard. It was a pleasure to sit down with Sandra for this exclusive Hotspots interview:

At what age did entertaining become an interest of yours or were you just born an entertainer?

I think I was born an entertainer, but I first articulated that I wanted to be a comedian at 5 years old. I was the youngest of 4 kids (Sandra has 3 older brothers) so I got used to entertaining people and I loved the response.

When did you know, entertaining was going to officially be your career?

When I was 19 and started at the comedy club circuit. It felt like things were evolving and this would be it. There were discouraging times, but I powered through them. I knew for sure I was going to focus on this when I was making enough to leave my manicurist job.

Who were your inspirations in the entertainment industry? There were so many, some of them are: Carol Channing, Mary Tyler Moore, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, Carol King, Joannie Mitchell, Barbara Streisand, Lily Tomlin, and Bette Midler.

You have performed all over the world. Do you have some favorite cities or venues?

I think in terms of my actual performing it would be NYC as it's my center. However, I do love performing

Line up of Events

* Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Miami Beach City Hall on March 31, at 6pm.

* Pride Lights the Night Flip the Switch Event at Euclid Oval (600-700 block Lincoln Rd) on March 31, at 7:30pm.

* Fun Dip by Sweet Spot Official Kickoff Pool Party featuring DJ Deanne and DJ Abel at The Clevelander on April 1, at 1pm.

* Angel's Dinner at Baia Beach Club on April 3, at 7pm.

* Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant at Exchange Miami on April 4, at 7pm.

* Pride Movie Night at Rooftop Cinema Club on April 6, at 6pm.

* 'In The Wyld' A Garden of Eve Preview Party at Gaythering on April 7, at 8pm.

* Easter Family Picnic at Pride Park on April 8, at 10am.

* Queer Art Showcase at Moxy Hotel on April 10, at 6:30pm.

* MDGLCC Spotlight Mega-Mixer on April 11, at 6pm.

* Social Justice, Health & Wellness Evening at O Cinema on April 12, at 6pm.

* VIP Beach Affair at Lummus Park hosted by Sandra Bernhard on April 14, at 7pm.

* Miami Beach Pride Festival at Lummus Park happening on April 15 and 16.

* Miami Beach Pride Parade on Ocean Drive will take place on April 16, wherever there is a smart interesting audience.

You are a comedian, actress, singer, radio host, author, etc. Is there one you like better or are they equally satisfying to you?

I love them all equally and it's fun to keep shifting from one to another, so I don't get bored. It keeps life interesting for me. Tell me about your experience working on multiple projects with Ryan Murphy? When I met him, he told me he was a fan of mine form the 80's. He is a powerhouse and always thinking of new ideas and pushing things to the limit. He is a champion of the LGBTQ+ experience and has brought a lot of eyeballs to us. He is very important now more than ever.

I love it when you are on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Is it as fun for you as it is for us watching?

Andy and I go way back, and my radio show is on his channel. We also see each other at the gym. He gets me and he has always been a big supporter and fan so we can just relax into it, and we always have fun together. Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.

I love washing dishes and doing laundry and I am a huge organizer in my apartment. I fold my clothes and my girlfriend's clothes. I spend a lot of time organizing and its very relaxing to me as I like cleanliness and organization. Describe yourself in three words. Loyal, loving, and funny. What do you do for fun?

I love to cook, and hang out with friends, and of course go on vacations. I really do love to travel to exotic places.

How excited are you to host the VIP Beach Affair for the 15th anniversary of Miami Beach Pride?

I am very excited as I love Miami. Politically Florida is not on my list for destinations, but I am hoping I can elevate the f*cking conversation so we can change things. What does the future hold for you?

Hopefully a bunch of stuff. I have been writing a scripted project with my good friend Judy Gold. I recently signed a new manager and am getting new gigs, so that's exciting. In addition, I will continue to do my radio show and I will keep putting out the word to let people be and flourish.

Is there anything else you want to talk about?

I think our politicians are very caught up in petty drama all while our planet is in trouble and we are hanging in peril environmentally. Why is that not more of an important issue?

>> For more information on the talented and super nice (she really is down to earth) Sandra Bernhard check out her website: SandraBernhard.com

>> Other Featured Talent for the weekend will be:

Jonathan Bennett, Todrick Hall, Shangela, Jaymes

Vaughan, Inaya Day, Albita

Rodriguez, DJ Dan Slater, DJ Tony Moran, DJ Whitney Day ft. Mindy Jones, DJ Alex Ramos, DJ Tatiana, DJ Alex Ferbeyre, DJ Josh Riptide, and many more, so don't miss out!

>> For more information about these events and to purchase tickets, visit Miamibeachpride.com