HOTspots Magazine: Restaurant Edition by Hotspots Media Group

OUT WITH SCOTT

Thursday was Halloween, Gay Christmas and as usual the community came out…

On Saturday afternoon Mary its Mary productions presented “Night of a 1000 Kamalas” at Pub on the Drive, which was packed. The event featured a one-of-a-kind constitutional contest which featured 6 entries, and, in the end, the winner was Bonnie Builder.

On Saturday evening, The Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida presented the Chic

By Scott Holland

and Unique Ball: Crystal Opulence Unleashed at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort. This was an amazing event, and a big congrats to Edward and the entire Chorus for such a huge success.

Cannonball 2024

Cannonball Fort Lauderdale returned from Wednesday October 30 through Sunday November 3rd at the Westin Cypress Creek. The event was sold out with over 1500 attendees from all around the world.

Halloween

Night of 1000 Kamalas Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida Cannonball

WHAT’S HOT WHO • WHAT • WHEN • WHERE

By Scott Holland

November is Transgender Awareness Month, a time to celebrate, honor, and stand up for our community and our transgender, non-binary, and/or genderdiverse (TGD) friends, family, and neighbors as we work to raise awareness, foster understanding, and celebrate the TGD community's rich tapestry of experiences. Each year during Transgender Awareness Month we mark the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) on November 20. On and around this day, people everywhere pause to remember and mourn the lives lost to hate and transphobic violence, with the days preceding it (November 13 – 19) being commemorated by many as Transgender Awareness Week.

Friday, November 8

Cyndi Lauper's “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour,” produced by Live Nation, will be here in south Florida tonight at The Hardrock Hollywood at 8pm. Check

NOV 7 - 20

out the Hotspots exclusive interview with Cyndi Lauper online at Hotspotsmagazine.com. To purchase tickets, go to: Ticketmaster.com.

From today through November 18th is the 39th annual Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival. They will feature a diverse selection of 100 films representing 35 countries. For more information or to purchase tickets go to FLIFF.com (you can also see the feature in this mag).

The Ninth Annual Friday Night Sound Waves continues at The LOOP with “Backstage Pass” Tribute Act Series, which is a Free Outdoor Concert Series in Fort Lauderdale Beach, Presented by the City of Fort Lauderdale's Beach Business Improvement District. Attendees are invited to come early to enjoy various pre-concert games on the main lawn starting at 5pm, along with local artisan vendors and a rotation of food and drink vendors to sip, sup and shop before, during and after the

Cyndi Lauper FLIFF

PHOTO: Ruven Afanador

show. The free concert series will take place every Friday, Nov. 1 through Dec. 13, from 7 to 9:30 p.m. Optional VIP experiences are available for purchase on select dates. Tonight is Sir Jac as Prince and on Nov 15 its Barry Britton as Rod Stewart.

Saturday, November 9

J Cohens Day Spa invites the entire community to join them today from 1-5pm for the thrilling launch of J Cohen's Signature Skincare Collection! Explore toptier products crafted with clean, vegan, and organic ingredients. Stop by to try them out and enjoy complimentary light bites, a live DJ, and a full bar, all sponsored by Kelly's Pub!

Equality Florida presents their annual Broward Gala at the Westin Resort Convention Center from 6-9pm (exclusive VIP Sponsors Reception at 5:30pm). Purchase tickets at eqfl.org./browardgala.

The Boys of Chokoloskee present Gays in the Glades Drag Brunch #Freedomreigns edition at Havanna Café (195 Smallwood Drive, Chokoloskee, Fl 34138). The event is hosted by Alandra Matthews and Mya Valentine Lords and stars Erika Norell, Nikki Adams, Daisy Deadpetals and TP Lords. There will also be Tea Dance sets by DJ Pako. To make a reservation call 239-6952214.

Riverwalk's 4-legged residents will be pulling their leashes to Esplanade Park for the 18th Annual Riverwalk Mutts & Martinis. A celebration of Riverwalk's furry friends and their two-legged companions, this free, public event features a doggie fashion show, peanut butter eating contest, a variety of pet-focused vendors, food trucks and great entertainment. A VIP Tasting Experience presented by Tito's Handmade Vodka - Vodka for Dog People, will be available for Dog Lovers 21 and over. From 12 pm to 4 pm participants will enjoy specialty cocktails by Tito's. VIP Admission is $30 in advance or $35 at the event.

Attendees must check in at the VIP Tasting Experience prior to the final admission time of 3:15 pm. VIP tickets and additional information is available at GoRiverwalk.com/mutts.

Sunday, November 10

Storks welcomes this month's Artist, Ken Harrison Photography, which will be on display and for sale from today until December 8th. Join Ken for a meet & greet on Wednesday November 20th from 6:30 –9:30pm.

Monday, November 11

The 19th annual Taste of the Island takes place today at Richardson Historic Park from 6 to 9pm (5:30pm for VIP ticket holders). There are over 40 vendor booths to get food or spirits at, and don't forget to get your passport stamped as there are valuable prizes to win! For more information or to purchase tickets, go to Tasteoftheisland.org.

The 47th annual Carbonell Awards, South Florida's Theater & Arts Honors, will be held today starting at 7:30pm at the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center at 3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311. Tickets are only $40 each (including facility fee) and are available for purchase online

Taste of the Island

at https://www.showpass.com/47th-annualcarbonell-awards/.

Tuesday, November 12

The Parker Playhouse presents Sophie Ellis-Bextor at 7:30pm with special guest Hunters DJ Richie Rich. British Pop diva Sophie Ellis-Bextor soared to the top of the UK charts with her glossy, disco and 80's Synth-pop influenced dance sound and her chart-topping anthem “Murder on the Dancefloor.” For more info or to purchase tickets, go to Parkerplayhouse.com.

Wednesday, November 13

Twist presents their annual Turnabout: A Night of exquisite shows by the Twist staff with showtime at 11pm. The night will also star TP Lords, Josefina La Globos and DJ Aulden Brown.

The West End Lounge presents Marieann Meringolo, an acclaimed American vocalist, who is known for her distinctive blend of Broadway, cabaret, and contemporary music. With a career spanning several decades, she has become a celebrated figure in the New York City music scene and beyond, earning a reputation for her soulful interpretations of both classic and modern songs. Her shows are often praised for their heartfelt storytelling, as she blends

musicality with personal narratives, creating intimate experiences for her audiences. She has performed at top venues, across the United States and internationally including Feinstein's/54 Below, Birdland, The Iridium and The Pheasantry, UK to name a few. Tickets to the 7pm show sold out, so they added a second show at 9pm. Tickets are $25 at Thewestendloungewm.com

Thursday, November 14

Drag superstars and dazzling divas will light up the stage during the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood's “The Art of Drag” fundraiser, returning for another glamorous year at Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale (1421 Oakland Park Blvd), at 7pm. This one-of-akind event will feature exclusive performances by local business and community leaders, the talented Aquanettes and a special guest appearance by Michael Dean as Cher in support of the Center's mission to inspire and elevate the arts in South Florida. Tickets are limited, with general admission priced at $100, which includes an entrée, dessert, and a complimentary beverage. VIP Booths are available for $1,000 or VIP Tables for $1,500. To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit artandculturecenter.org/events.

Michael Rapaport, the acclaimed actor

The West End Lounge

The Parker Playhouse Storks

and comedian known for his unique voice and candid style, is set to appear at the Mandel Jewish Community Center in Palm Beach Gardens with An Evening with Michael Rapaport. This event, moderated by Pam Comiter, will be an engaging night of comedy and connection. Rapaport will share his personal experiences both on and off the set and have the audience laughing all night. An Evening with Michael Rapaport starts at 7pm, with General Admission Tickets and VIP Tickets (Meet & Greet and Pre-Event Reception at 6pm) available at: JCConline.com/Rapaport.

Jungle Island, in collaboration with LEKTRIK Art, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Luminosa festival, now entering its third year. Guests will step through a grand archway into the magical world of Luminosa, where this year's fairytale-inspired festival features enchanting installations. One of the highlights is the spectacular book walkway, a portal that transports guests into a storybook journey. The passage is lined with giant, animated books that appear to open and close, while butterflies gently flap their wings, creating a whimsical start to the adventure. This is truly a must-visit experience in Miami!” Adult tickets for Luminosa range from $30.78 on weekdays. Discounts are offered for seniors, students, and military personnel. Plan your visit to Jungle Island, located at 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail. Tickets are available now at Jungleisland.com.

The world-renowned World Polo League, Beach Polo World Cup Miami Beach is back, and it's bigger, bolder, and more glamorous than ever. From today, through Sunday November 17, South Beach will transform into the epicenter of high-stakes competition and unparalleled luxury, where international polo stars, celebrities, and society's elite gather for an unforgettable weekend. For tickets and additional information, visit https://www.miamipolocup.com.

Care Resource will be celebrating the life of Michael Todd Smith with a special memorial service at the midtown Miami locations (3510 Biscayne Blvd) and their Oakland Park location (3160 Powerline Road) from 6 to 8pm. Refreshments will be served following the service. RSVP with location and number of attendees to Marketing@careresource.org.

Saturday

November 16

The Broward Center and Art Prevails Project present The Happening - A Theatrical Mixtape, Volume VI: Power to the People from today through Saturday, November 23 with six performances in the Abdo New River Room. The series is part of Broward Center's Arts for Action: Black Voices, which features a variety of multi-disciplinary discussions, performances and art-making events designed to use the arts as a catalyst to heighten awareness, deepen knowledge and mobilize action on social justice issues. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Broward Center and The Parker. Buy tickets online at BrowardCenter.org.

Art Walk Wilton Manors returns tonight (3rd Sat of every month from Oct-May) from 6-9pm. Artists will be in front of 6 locations: Island City Smoke Shop, Shoppes of Wilton Manors, Castelli Real Estate, 6th Ave Park,

uEmail our NEW address WhatsHot@Hotspots.lgbt to have your items considered for What’s Hot

The Well/Indelible Art + Tattoo, and Dixie Village (2435 N Dixie Highway). For more information, go to AWWM.org.

Sunday, November 17

The Kimpton Shorebreak presents “Escape” powered by Rramon Mia, A Sunset T-Dance on the Rooftop from 5-9pm. This week the t-dance features no cover, discounted parking, DJ AJ Reddy, drag performances by TP Lords and dancing until dark with Fort Lauderdale's best views. For more information go to Theescaperooftopbar.com or call 954-9087301.

Coral Springs Center for the Arts present “A Magical Cirque Christmas.” The ultimate holiday extravaganza will mesmerize, twist, flip, and jingle all the way for one very special performance, at 7 pm. The show's world-acclaimed entertainers take audiences on a winter wonderland journey, immersing them in the spirit of the season and dazzling guests with their incredible talents. Tickets start at $54.73 and can be purchased online at TheCenterCS.com. For more information, visit MagicalCirqueChristmas.com.

Tuesday, November 19

Day of the Dead

Fort Lauderdale

The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce presents their November Mixer at Rosie's from 5:30 to 7pm. The event will feature a complimentary premium well welcome drink, complimentary hors d'oeuvres, complimentary valet and a great networking opportunity. Tickets are complimentary for members with early registration or $5 within 24 hours of event and $10 for future members with early registration and $15 within 24 hours of event. For more info, go to GGLGLCC.org.

Hot Stuff

Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige, a celebrated drag performer and one of the contestants on the 16th season of RuPaul's Drag Race, has been added to the cast of Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale (formerly Lips). The public is

invited to see her perform during Saturday brunch shows and future Latin-inspired theme night on Tuesdays. “We are thrilled to add Mhi'ya Iman Le'Paige to the Aquaplex Fort Lauderdale family which includes an elite cast of entertainers,” said Michael and John Barrett, owners of Aquaplex Key West and Fort Lauderdale. “As part of our significant investment to transform the venue and dining experience, we are also creating new shows that will excite loyal Lips fans and attract new audiences who love and appreciate the art of drag.” Stay tuned for updates on the grand opening and upcoming events at www.lipsfla.com.

The Silverhawks, a Ft. Lauderdale-based softball team, bested 24 other teams to take the Championship in the Legends “D” Division at the Gay Softball World Series (GSWS) in Las Vegas, October 15-19. More than 5,000 ball players jammed the four sport parks outside the Strip to play in 7 different softball divisions.

UltaMed in Oakland Park has year-end specials: 50 units of Botox for only $250; and/or buy 2 Bellafill syringes, get 1 free. Call Laurea at UltaMed today at 954-4882625 for confidential consultation. Prebuy avail now for Jan 2025!

Aquaplex

Taste of the Island

Restaurant Participants

By: Scott Holland

This being the foodie issue I thought it important to focus on some of our local restaurants. It would have been very hard to decide which restaurants to highlight so instead I just focused on the ones that are taking part in the annual Taste of the Island (food and wine festival) on Monday November 11 from 6-9pm. They are in alphabetical order:

Another Perfect Party (143 s cypress rd.notherperfectparty.com/)Full event planner and Catering Company; they are happy to assist you with all the details for all your occasions.

Aroma Joe's Coffee (2690 North Andrews Avearomajoes.com) - Drive-thru Coffee, Energy Drinks, Breakfast and More!

Bagels & Company (1015 NE 26th Streetthebagelsandco.com)Bagels & Company have perfected the art of bagelmaking to bring their customers the perfect bite every time, whether breakfast or lunch!

Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap (525 N Federal Hwybatchsouthernkitchen.com)Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap is a modern casual dining restaurant & bar. They feature scratch-cooked, locally sourced new Southern

Bagel’s and Co

Aroma Joe’s Coffee

culinary menu and gardento-glass cocktails.

Beans n Dough Cookie Company (4530 North Dixie Highwayorder.toasttab.com) - Good tunes, good art, good vibes and some oh so BADASS delicious cookies and uniquely sourced coffees!

Bravo Peruvian Cuisine (2925 NE 6th Ave.bravoperuviankitchen.com)Bravo Peruvian Kitchen serves Peru's Most Treasured dishes made with authentic & fresh ingredients and a modern spirit that is fun, welcoming and unforgettable.

Cafe BVR (4404 Bougainvilla Drivedelacaseas.com) - Their cafe is ﬁlled with Eastern Seaboard touches giving it a comfortable at home feel. Every plate achieves that elusive, cuisine-deﬁning balance of sweet, salty, and sour -- even dessert!

Cake Daddy's (2047 Wilton Drivecakedaddys.com) - After baking a cake for a friend's birthday and another for his boyfriend s father, Victor realized that something that had always given him joy was inspiring and exciting others as well. Seeing friends enjoying his creations and boasting about having one of his cakes was both thrilling and so motivating.

Camille's Pizzeria & Ristorante (4165 North Dixie Highwaycamillesftlauderdale.com)At Camille's their mission is to transport their guests back to the heart of Italy, where every bite tells a story of family, community, and love.

Casa Monarca Mexican Restaurant & Tequila Bar (2800 North Federal Highwaycasamonarcafl.com) - Casa Monarca takes pride in bringing the authentic flavors of Mexico to South Florida. Their commitment to quality is reflected in every dish they serve, as they use only the freshest and finest ingredients to prepare your food. Their ultimate goal is to establish Themselves as the premier Mexican restaurant in the region, renowned not only for their exceptional food but also for their unparalleled hospitality.

D'Liras – (2172 Wilton Drive - dliras.us) – D'Liras has been recognized for its exceptional quality and awarded the title of Best Croissant in Florida 2023 Edition. This prestigious recognition highlights their unwavering commitment to crafting the ﬁnest pastries with precision and care. Their nomination on the global culinary stage is a testament to their dedication to excellence. At D'Liras, they combine tradition with innovation, creating pastries that are both timeless and extraordinary, satisfying even the most reﬁned palates.

Dolce Salato Pizza and Gelato (2406 Wilton Drivedolce-salato.net) – They are thrilled to announce that They've been named **Best Pizza in Fort Lauderdale 2024** by Restaurant Guru! A heartfelt thank you to their amazing customers and their dedicated team who made all this possible.

EATapas – (4140 North Federal Highwayeatapasﬂ.com) - is a new Spanish kitchen creation of

Café BVR

Bravo Peruvian Cuisine

Café Monarca

D’Liras

Image: dliras.us

Batch New Southern Kitchen & Tap

the most experienced in the hospitality industry. The atmosphere is fun, casual and sophisticated with vibrant and colorful settings.

El Guanaco Taqueria y Antojitos (331 NE 44th Street - elguanacooaklandpark.com) - Since 2009, El Guanaco Taqueria y Antojitos Restaurant has been serving authentic Mexican and Salvadorian food. They pride themselves on providing their guests with excellent service, reasonable prices, fresh ingredients, and a family restaurant atmosphere. They strive to keep the same level of quality of food and service that has made El Guanaco a staple in the Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, and Fort Lauderdale areas.

Golden Krust

Caribbean Restaurant (801 East Commercial Blvd.- goldenkrust.com)Golden Krust is known for their family recipes of classic Caribbean food staples, from Jamaican beef patties and coco bread, to jerk chicken, oxtail, and curried goat or chicken.

Heart A Love Creations (801 East Commercial Blvd.- goldenkrust.com)Their homemade Caribbean carrot, cucumber lemon, pineapple ginger, sorrel or fruit juices are refreshing, creamy, and infused with a hint of spices. This “miracle juice” contains a variety of nutrients.

Huey Magoo's (881 E Commercial Blvd -

Hueymagoos.com) - They serve a very high quality Premium cut of chicken and provide upscale Premium service to pair with the Filet Mignon of Chicken!

Inika Foods (2410 Dixie HwyInikafoods.com) - They are a vegan international food cafe that specializes in healthy meal prep options. They have a rotating menu with new dishes made every week.

Java Joes (2230 Wilton Drive) - Java Joes Coffee House is located in the heart of Wilton Manors, within the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. They have created a warm, friendly, welcoming space to enjoy coffee, pastries, or one of their many sandwiches. They are Coffee With A Cause!

Kelly's Landing (1305 SE 17th ST - kellyslanding.com) - Kelly's Landing is a family-owned New England Seafood Restaurant in the heart of South Florida since 1987. They bring fresh seafood daily from the New England area and provide a delicious wide variety of traditional New England dishes and some local seafoods as well.

Nothing Bundt Cakes (2392 N Federal Hwynothingbundtcakes.com) – They bake fresh daily in small batches with 10 different ﬂavors and a monthly featured ﬂavor. Their cakes, which are provided in various sizes are like no cake you've ever had before. Please join them in sampling their delicious cakes!

Nour Thai Kitchen (3554 NE 12th Ave. - nourthai.com) - Their menu is a perfect blend of traditional recipes passed down through generations and contemporary twists that add a unique ﬂair. Each dish is a testament to the rich culinary heritage of the Isaan region in

El Guanaco Tagueria Y Antojitos

Kelly’s Landing

Huey Magoo’s

Inika Foods

Java Joes

Thailand, prepared with the freshest ingredients and authentic spices.

Papa Johns – (2785 N Andrews AvePapajohnsfundraising.com)Quality is at their core. They don't use cheap and more processed ingredients. Whether it's their signature sauce, toppings, their original fresh dough, or even the box itself, they invest in their ingredients to ensure that they always give you the ﬁnest quality pizza.

Prospect Pizzeria (53 NE 44th St.prospectpizzasubs.com)Prospect Pizzeria provides dine in, local delivery and takeout in the Oakland Park and Wilton Manors community. Chef Pablo will provide you more than just pizzas, as their local Italian dishes and desserts are more than a discovered treat!

Pub on the Drive (2283 Wilton Drive - thepubwm.com)Pub on the drive is an icon LGBTQ+ community bar known for great staff, good food, top entertainments and a friendly fun atmosphere.

Sardi Cafe Lounge – ( 2041 Wilton Drivesardicafelounge.com) - SARDI was established in South Florida between two entrepreneurs, Sophia and James. Chef Sophia, born and raised in Peru, celebrates her culinary diversity by making a wide array of delicious food. They are fully

dedicated to providing delicious, individually crafted Peruvian dishes made with fresh ingredients.

Thirsty's On The Drive (2215 Wilton Drive) - They are a healthy protein and hydration bar serving delicious protein shakes and coffee, herbal teas or mocktails! They are open late, so go and try their protein power bowls with fresh fruit to suppress your appetite and allow you to drink more at the local bars!

Union Kitchen & Bar (2309 North Dixie Highway - unionkb.com) - Husband and wife team Roberto and Christie came from different backgrounds and two different parts of the world, each with its own unique culinary history. Christie was born in Peru and Roberto i n Northern Italy. Eight years and 2 children later, their passion for great food and drinks is evident with their restaurant, Union Kitchen & Bar.

Wilton Wings (1428 NE 4th Ave. - wiltonwings.co)Wilton Wings has been doing award winning chicken wings since 2007. The restaurant specializes in offering some amazing sauces and dry rubs, along with homemade blue cheese dressing.

In addition to the 29 restaurants there are 11 Spirit booths and one booth for TAKE HOME Doggie snacks (dogs are not allowed in the park). It's not too late to purchase tickets to Taste of The Island, by going to Tasteoftheisland.org

Prospect Pizzeria

Thirsty’s on the Drive

Union Kitchen & Bar

Wilton WIngs

Pride Center

Active Aging Expo

Photos: JR Davis

Broward Center - November 19-24

Kravis Center – January 7-12

By: Scott Holland

Photos by: Meredith Mashburn Photography

The brand-new production of the Tony Award-winning musical THE CHER SHOW comes to Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Fort Lauderdale for 8 performances November 19-24, 2024. It makes a second stop in South Florida a few months later from January 7-12 at The Kravis Center for the Performing Arts in Plam Beach. THE CHER SHOW is 35 smash hits, six decades of stardom, two rock-star husbands, a Grammy, an Oscar, an Emmy, and enough Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie gowns to cause a sequin shortage in New York City, all in one unabashedly fabulous new musical that will have audiences dancing in the aisles!

Superstars come and go. Cher is forever. For six straight decades, only one unstoppable force has ﬂat-out dominated popular culture - breaking down barriers, pushing boundaries and letting nothing and no one stand in her way. THE CHER SHOW is the Tony Award-winning musical of her story, and it’s packed with so much Cher that it takes three women to play her: the bright-eyed kid starting out, the glam pop star, and the icon.

It was a pleasure to sit down with Tyler Pirrung, who plays Bob Mackie, Robert Altman and Frank in the “The Cher Show” for this exclusive Hotspots interview.

At what age did you begin performing?

I began performing in middle school at around 12 or 13 years old and it happened because my English teacher offered extra credit to perform scenes from Shakespeare plays. I did it and loved it.

What was your rst paid gig and how much did you get paid?

It was with a theater in South Carolina and I made $200 a week for the show the “Hot Mikado.”

When did you know performing would be your career?

Probably Junior year in high school as it just kind of clicked.

Is there extra pressure playing such an Iconic Clothing Designer?

Yeah, I would say so. We recently performed the show for Bob Mackie in Palm Dessert California, which was absolutely terrifying. The thought process for me is I want to do him justice and portray him in a way that honors how legendary he is.

Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?

Last summer I got to play the MC in Cabaret, and I have just wanted to play that role for so long as it’s my favorite show. Even

relevant, and it was a dream come true.

What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but want to)?

I have been lucky enough to play some of my dream roles already, but I feel like this changes daily. Right now, its Stephen Sondheim’s “Company,” which just had the gender swap revival, so the role of Jamie is on my bucket list.

Describe yourself in 3 words?

Ambitious, light-hearted and hard working. What do you do for fun?

I am a big reader, and I am a big movie buff. I am a poor actor in NYC, so I look for free things to do.

What should our readers expect from this touring company of “The Cher Show”?

The Cher show audience members should expect to hear all of Cher’s biggest hits and see some of her iconic fashion moments. They should also expect to learn so much about Cher as a person and all her ups and downs during her career and her personal life. One of the best parts is you get to learn about the woman behind the icon and see how much she fought no matter how many obstacles she faced. There are three different women playing Cher and sometimes they do talk to each other.

If you want to ﬁnd out more about Tyler, follow him at: Instagram.com tylerpirrung

For more information on the show, visit www.TheCherShowTour.com

To purchase tickets for the Broward show go to BrowardCenter.org or call 954.468.0222 or at the Broward Center’s AutoNation Box Ofﬁce located at 201 SW Fifth Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL. 33312.

To Purchase tickets to the Palm Beach show go to Kravis.org or call

561.832.7469 or at the Kravis Centers box ofﬁce located at 701 Okeechobee Boulevard West Palm Beach.

Mike Ruiz's MUTTS AND MUSCLES 2025 Calendar

2025 marks the 11th anniversary of Mike's calendar which has benefitted several animal rescues throughout the years. This year the calendar benefits a remarkable organization called Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue. This year's calendar features some legends of the world of fitness and 14 of the most adorable rescues you've ever laid eyes on. This year's cover model is none other than fitness superstar, Sergi Constance. Sergi's otherworldly physique and massive social media presence has landed him the role of Zeus in Zack Snyder's “Justice League” films and countless endorsements. As always, Mike's vision is captivating and provocative, but his message is timeless… To educate and encourage the public to adopt as opposed to buy from a

breeder or pet store. 2024 saw record numbers of dogs being dumped in shelters like discarded trash. The calendar is an effort to make people understand that for every dog they buy from a breeder or pet store, they are letting one languish and suffer in a shelter.

Photographing their work is quite gratifying to me.”

Each year, Louie's Legacy, one of the largest foster-based rescues in the nation, saves as many animals as it can, as efficiently as possible. This is made possible by hundreds of volunteer foster homes which care for the rescued animals until they are adopted. Emily Gear, President and Founder of Louie's Legacy Animal Rescue says, "We are so grateful and honored to be chosen agai n this year to benefit from Mike's incredible work. His calendars are a fun and flashy way to bring attention to the sometimes dirty and grueling (but also rewarding) work we do behind the scenes each day. Eleven years ago, when we did this calendar for the first time, we raised some $80,000 which went straight back into saving more lives." In the subsequent years, thanks in part to this project, Lo uie's Legacy was able to add thousands of animals to its program, and has currently saved over 25,000 animals since its founding in 2009. "Carrying out our mission costs around a million dollars per year, give or take, so your purchase will literally go to save a life. You can't do better than that," Gear says.

Mike Ruiz is a celebrity photographer whose clients include Jared Leto, Anne Hathaway, Kim Kardashian, Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Billy Porter, Aubrey Plaza, Queen Latifah, Neil Patrick Harris, Justin Theroux, Jim Parsons and literally thousands of others. In addition to his work in Hollywood, Ruiz is known for shooting top male ﬁtness models. “I admire men who have sculpted their bodies into works of art,” he says. “It takes incredible skill and knowledge to form human tissue to near perfection.

Mike Ruiz, is also an animal rescuer. In fact, it was his beloved Oliver, a black Pit Bu ll type dog, that won his heart and the hearts of thousands on social media. The profound connection that Mike shared with his sweet son was the catalyst for Mike's animal advocacy which led to the creation of the annual calendar.

100% of the sales of the calendar go directly to Louie's Legacy for various services beneﬁtting the health and welfare of the dogs. “The calendar makes the perfect holiday gift and also brings awareness to these special animals,” says Mike Ruiz. “Every discarded, neglected and abused dog deserves to be free of suffering.”

Mike Ruiz's MUTTS AND MUSCLES 2025 calendar goes for $29.99 and is available at http://louieslegacy.org/calendar

FORT LAUDERDALE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Celebrates their 39th Festival

Established in 1986 the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLIFF) reels out more than 150 American Indie and international ﬁlms, during the annual ﬁlm festival held this year from November 8 – 17.

During the festival, celebrity and ﬁlmmaker guests from around the world create an aura of excitement as they arrive at their redcarpet premieres, attend over-the-top parties, and greet movie-goers.

FLIFF also programs the latest American Indie and international ﬁlms daily at Broward County's only year-round arthouse theaters, Savor Cinema (Fort Lauderdale) and Cinema Paradiso (Hollywood).

The 501(c)(3) not-for-proﬁt organization is one of ﬁve Major Cultural Institutions (Broward Cultural Council) and is among the highest-rated Film Festivals in the State of Florida (Florida Arts Council).

The kickoff event on November 8th will be at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Ballroom on with a star-studded lineup! At 5:30pm - RED CARPET celebrities include:

Bob Mackie, fashion and costume designer for Cher, PINK, Carol Burnett and Tom Ford; Emily Bett Rickards; Francesca Eastwood; Ray Romano; Greg & Matt Romano (twin sons); Kevin Pollak; John Savage; Joe Cortese; Xander Berkley; Sofia Vassilieva; Cara Buono; Jim Ross (WWE Hall of Famer); Kailey Latimer and Ty Pennington. At 7pm Screening of Opening Night Film, “QUEEN OF THE RING,” the biopic of Mildred Burke, the first-ever million dollar female athlete and champion pro-wrestler who pioneered the sport in a time when all girl wrestling was banned in most of America. Directed by Ash Avildsen, (“Paradise City”, “Human Capital”), who will be joined on the red carpet by cast members. Following the film, a cocktail party with live music by The Jersey Girls and open bar. Tickets are $125 for the film and party ($100 for FLIFF Members). $10 for the red carpet festivities and the FILM only.

There are so many ﬁlms, we decided to

focus on the LGBTQ+ ﬁlms, and they are:

Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion - USA / 2024 / 105 min / English / Documentary

Showcases the six-decade career of awardwinning costume designer, Bob Mackie. And like his costumes, Bob Mackie is wholly unique and unﬁltered, which makes for a compelling and candid subject.

The ﬁlm examines Bob's unique upbringing, those whom he has held dear within his inner circle, and the familial surprises in his life that have all contributed to the optimism and audacity present in his work.

Because the film is fully authorized, Quixotic Endeavors was given access to the full Bob Mackie archive, which has been meticulously kept and curated with many rare and unseen artifacts, including the outfits that didn't make the cut. We also capture the overthe-top costumes as they get sequined and beaded from sketch to stage. Specific highlights include some of the soon-to-be lost art methods by old-world artisans that help make each outfit Mackie conjures something to behold and remember.

The documentary feature includes original interviews with Bob Mackie clients and collaborators, along with those he has inspired – designers, stylists, comedians and actors, as well as Bob's ﬁrst-person account of some of his most iconic looks from The Carol Burnett Show's Scarlett O'Hara dress to Cher's 1986 Academy Awards look with feathered headdress and Tina Turner's iconic concert costumes. Bob Mackie is a truly peerless and timeless costume designer, with interviews from Cher to Pink, to Tom Ford and Miley Cyrus, to Rupaul and Carol Burnett a testament to that fact.

Echoes Of Dreams - USA / 2024 / 84 min / English / Bittersweet LGBTQ Comedy

A newly-out lesbian Filipino woman in her mid-20s, named Reyna, embarks on a journey to chase her dreams of becoming a successful DJ. Along the way, she dates different women via a lesbian dating app while facing various obstacles, from failed attempts at becoming a real estate agent to her aspirations as a web developer. Through determination, self-discovery, and

the power of faith, Reyna learns to overcome adversity and ﬁnds her true calling and love.

The CompatriotsUSA / 2024 / 94 min / English / LGBTQ+ Comedy Romance

Javi, an undocumented immigrant facing imminent deportation, unexpectedly reunites with his long-lost best friend, Hunter, a vivacious bachelor seeking deeper connections. Together, they embark on a heartfelt journey to prevent Javi's expulsion from the only country he has ever called home. A light-hearted comedy with two serious subplots. Really likeable performances by the three leads, Denis Shepherd as Hunter, Rafael Silva as Javi and Caroline Portu as Tracy, win you over. Spencer Cohen puts together a fun romp with just enough obstacles to keep you hopping non-stop from laughs to suspense.

Transformation - Turkey / 2023 / 52 min / English + Arabic & Persian with English subtitles / Documentary

In the following months after the USA

withdrew its troops from Afghanistan, a young Kabul couple found their way to the dark and dodgy Afghan neighborhood, Zeytinburnu in İstanbul. Malika – a transgender woman who together with Mohamed, the love of her life, have ﬂed their families honor killing plan and Taliban's fatal punishments to be able to cultivate their forbidden love for each other, in the hope of achieving a new and better life in Turkey. One day they pass by the young and homeless ”Ilham,” who is sitting on the pavement with nowhere to go, and decide to bring an extra person into their self-made family. Together the three of them are facing poverty, fear of deportation, daily harassment, sexual violence and gender identity crisis. But their self-claimed support towards each other, keeps them ﬁghting for their dreams, whatever it takes. As they obtain residency and move into their own place, their circumstances seem to improve from the outside. But unexpected and darker perspectives surface, revealing a surprising twist of perception, when Ilham runs away and claims they have prostituted him out to other men. >>Transformation

SIM Miami

5894 Sunset Dr. Miami, FL 33143

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Katana Cocina Nikkei

1952 Weston Rd Weston, FL 33326

Mon – Thur 12pm – 10pm Fri – Sat 12pm – 11pm Sunday – 12pm – 9pm 954.385.1212 katanacocinanikkei.com

Get ready for a unique dining experience in the heart of Weston at Katana Cocina, a restaurant with Japanese and Peruvian fusion crafting the best sushi rolls. The decoration is mind-blowing and so is their extensive menu. My choices: Causa Nikkei (potato cake, tuna, avocado, ponzu); Bao Shrimp (Shrimp, honey glazed sauce, vegetables); Tokyo Duck (Duck breast, cilantro rice, Huancaina Sauce, chimichurri) and Porteño Roll (Shrimo tempura, avocado, cream cheese, beef, eel sauce, chimichurri). Lunch specials, happy hour and live music. Do check them out!

Morton's The Steakhouse

500 E Broward Blvd, Suite 127 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33394

Sun 4pm – 9pm Mon – Thur 5pm – 9pm Fri – Sat 4pm –10pm 954.467.9720 mortons.com/location

Located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, just one block from the famous Las Olas, this is a great choice for meat lovers. Morton's boasts a stunning main dining room where guests can indulge in USDA prime-aged beef, succulent seafood, steakhouse sides, decadent desserts and an extensive wine collection. My choices are: Lamb and Prime Pork Chop, Cajun Ribeye and Steak & Lobster Tail. Make sure to order their Tennessee Smash (Jack Daniels, lemon, peach, honey) cocktail and their hot chocolate cake. Valet parking available, reservations suggested.

Sun – Thur 12pm – 10pm Fri – Sat 12pm – 11pm SIM offers the ﬁnest ingredients and friendly Miami vibes all under one roof. From Latin classics to char-grilled steak, each bite a SIM is an explosion of ﬂavor. Savor the perfect harmony of Japanese and Spanish cuisine with their innovative tapas and rolls. Choose from burgers, sushi, ceviche tacos, empanadas or bento boxes lunch specials. SIM is a lot of fun + great food. Enjoy their Happy Hour Tue – Fri 4pm – 7pm.

The House

7301 Georgia Ave. West Palm Beach, FL 33405 561.530.3791 thehousewestpalm.com Wed–Sun 11am–9pm

Offering contemporary American cuisine, The House is located in The Park, West Palm Beach's premier golf destination, unique for small to large events. Open for lunch, brunch or dinner for golfers but also for the whole community. Some menu highlights: The Park Cobb Salad, Shrimp Scampi pizza, Spiny Lobster Corn Dogs, Baby Back Ribs and Crab Cake.

Latinos Salud

Hispanic Food Bazaar

Photos: JR

Miik Martorell

President of Pride Fort Lauderdale, Resigns

By: Scott Holland

By now many of you have heard that Miik Martorell, President of Pride Fort Lauderdale, has stepped down from his position. Since Miik has given so much of his time, money and energy to our beloved South Florida LGBTQ+ community I thought it appropriate to sit down with him for this exclusive HOTspots interview. Before I continue, I must give full disclosure that Miik and I have been close personal friends for over 25 years.

How and when did you get involved with Pride Fort Lauderdale?

Somewhere around 2003, I was asked to DJ and provide printing through my printing company, Planet Printer. In 2013, I got more involved and became a volunteer. I loved being a part of it so much that I volunteered again the next year.

When did you get on the executive board and when did you become president?

I was voted to the board as the treasurer in 2015, and in 2016, I became the president and have been ever since.

What have you implemented since you were president?

I started the Pride Tour, which my company has underwritten. This allowed our team to promote and volunteer at Prides all over America. I have personally volunteered at 85 Prides around the world demonstrating that our community stands in solidarity with fellow Prides. In addition, under my tenure we moved Pride to the beach, and had the first parade on Fort Lauderdale Beach. We also implemented the state's first trans pride. In addition, we hosted our first regional conference for InterPride, The International Association of Pride Organizers.

How did the Pride Tour get created?

We were looking for a way to help promote Pride Fort Lauderdale to other cities, so this was a natural fit. I was able to pay for all the flights with frequent flyer miles and Shawn Manning was able to get incredible deals on hotels, so this made it easier for me to cover the costs.

What are some of your best memories of Pride Fort Lauderdale?

The ﬁrst year we made it to the beach, 2017, I remember just looking at the incredible site of all the attendees who had ﬂocked to the beach. I looked over at Shawn, and just started to cry. It was so rewarding to see all of the hard work payoff.

You have decided to step off the board, may we ask why?

This past summer, my business took a dive losing nearly $50,000 in three months. This was the largest loss we have ever seen in nearly 20 years in business. I realized that I cannot dedicate the time needed to Pride and must step down. I just can't afford to lose everything I worked most of my life for, so I have to put all my focus on my business.

Even though you are not on the board anymore, will you be involved with Pride Fort Lauderdale at all?

Yes, I don't want to leave Pride. Planet Printer will still sponsor and provide ofﬁce and some storage space to Pride. I will offer my help wherever I can.

involvement. Here are some of the examples of his involvement that stand out for me:

Sole sponsor of Pride Tour since his start as President - covered all participants travel and hotel expense, even covering meals. Pride Tours main focus- promoting Florida and Pride Fort Lauderdale. Working with sister Prides, volunteering and learning and seeing what other Prides do. A great resource for meeting sponsors, engaging with staﬀ and pride board members, building lifelong friendships.

Planet Printer - Pride Oﬃce and Workshop Space - giving Pride Fort Lauderdale's Board and Staﬀ a home, a great meeting space with other organizations and sponsors. A unique marketing bonus with resources and creative space and full use of Plant Printer's print shop.

What does the future hold for you?

Hopefully stabilizing my business and seeing more success. We are already doing much better this month with one of our biggest months ever, but it will take a while to recover from those losses we saw this summer. I probably will still visit other Prides and volunteer at them. I will deﬁnitely volunteer at Miami Beach Pride this year, like I have over the past 7 years.

After the interview, I decided to ask, the Executive Director of Pride Fort Lauderdale, Ernie “Pineapple” Yuen, his thoughts on Miik Stepping down and he said:

“Miik has always been a very generous supporter of Pride Fort Lauderdale but always chose to remain quiet about his

Co-Creator and Sponsor of Pride Clack Fans and Build a T Shirt Program allowing Pride Fort Lauderdale the ability to fundraise and add revenue to the general fund for our Annual Pride Festival. His commitment and love for Pride shines here in the State of Florida, throughout all 50 States and Internationally?”

For those of you who want to thank my friend Miik for all his hard work for our community, you can send him a message on Facebook, or if you have printing, get in touch with his company, Planet Printer at (954) 212-1444.

REPEAT Can You Keep up?

By Leo Harley

Repeat after me: we Eat, we Lift, we Sleepand last but not least, we Repeat, and repeat, and repeat… Repetition is the key to consistency, which is the door to the success of your efforts in the gym. But the question is: Can you keep up?

The correct answer is YES! It is the same capacity you used to apply on all the other elements of ﬁtness, that's gonna keep you in it. Everything seems difﬁcult before it becomes easy, but only takes some time and effort until you gain momentum and go swinging for the fences. Suddenly what started as a temporary change becomes part of your daily lifestyle, and over time develops

into second nature.

Repetition, practice, rehearse, that's the natural process of learning anything in life. It all takes time before we can enjoy the results of our dedication, and the same goes for building muscles. Like Britney said: 'You wanna a hot body? You better work! Treat your workouts like any other essential task in your day. Set aside dedicated time for exercise and avoid scheduling other activities during that window. When ﬁtness becomes a priority, you're more likely to stay consistent, and that enables you to train your body and mind to adopt ﬁtness as part of your

identity.

BUT HOW??? I know, it is easier said than done, but in ﬁtness it's quite the opposite. When you say too much, we don't get much done and the excuses are endless:

Lack of Time - with busy schedules, ﬁnding time for ﬁtness takes the backseat. Try breaking your workouts into shorter sessions if necessary, or squeeze in movement throughout the day. Something is always better than nothing, and small bursts of exercise add up.

Losing Motivationmotivation naturally ﬂuctuates, but discipline can keep you going when enthusiasm wanes. Remember why you started, revisit your goals, and ﬁnd new activities or challenges to reignite your passion.

Losing Motivationmotivation naturally ﬂuctuates, but discipline can keep you going when enthusiasm wanes.

consistency in ﬁtness.

Set Realistic Goals

Remember why you started, revisit your goals, and ﬁnd new activities or challenges to reignite your passion.

Plateaus - it's common to reach a point where progress stalls, but plateaus are usually temporary. Try tweaking your routine, increasing your intensity, or adding new exercises to challenge your body in fresh ways.

Plateaus - it's common to reach a point where progress stalls, b ut plateaus are usually temporary. Try tweaking your routine, increasing your intensity, or adding new exercises to challenge your body in fresh ways.

The key to long-term success is setting achievable, realistic goals. Instead of focusing solely on getting a hot body, try to build goals around improving your health and wellness first. This could be something like running a 5K, mastering a new yoga pose, increasing your strength in specific exercises and simply commit to 20 minutes of movement a day, rather than aiming for dramatic results. As you achieve smaller goals, you'll gain the confidence and motivation to push toward bigger ones.

Injury or Burnout - overworking without rest can lead to burnout or injury, which can halt progress. Allow yourself rest days and listen to your body's signals. Recovery is crucial for long-term consistency, so prioritize stretching, sleep, and adequate nutrition (Eat, Lift, Sleep and Repeat)

Finding solutions to problems and becoming more fitness-oriented both requires staying adaptable and approaching challenges with a problem-solving mindset. Start by identifying what holds you back from prioritizing fitness and brainstorm ways to address each obstacle. By approaching your fitness journey as a series of small, achievable solutions, you'll stay motivated and build a sustainable, health-focused lifestyle. So, to help you stick to the plan here's a guide to understanding and mastering the art of

Recovery is a crucial component of ﬁtness. Your body needs time to repair and grow stronger after exercise. Incorporate rest days into your routine, and consider adding activities like stretching, foam rolling, or yoga to aid identity.

Start Slow

If you are new to ﬁtness, start with short sessions and light intensity. Gradually increase the duration and intensity as your body adapts. This prevents injury and burnout, making it more likely that you'll stick to your routine

Progress Over Perfection

Achieving ﬁtness goals is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistency helps you avoid burnout from overly ambitious goals set too quickly. When you show up regularly, even if it's just for a short workout, you create a steady foundation on which real, lasting progress and work ethic can be built.

Prioritize Rest and Recovery

recovery and reduce muscle soreness so you're always fresh for a new workout.

Plan for Balance and Variety

Variety keeps you engaged and prevents burnout, so try alternating between cardio, strength training, ﬂexibility exercises, and other activities like swimming or yoga. Not only does this prevent monotony, but it also targets different muscle groups and provides a balanced approach to overall ﬁtness.

Track Your Progress

Documenting your workouts can be highly motivating. Whether you prefer a journal, an app, or selﬁes on your phone, keeping a log allows you to see how far you've come and stay motivated to keep going.

Find Accountability

Partnering with a friend, joining a ﬁtness group, or even working with a personal trainer can add a level of accountability. When you have someone counting on you, it's harder to skip a session. Plus, having support makes the journey more enjoyable.

Celebrate Small Wins

Consistency in ﬁtness is all about celebrating the journey rather than just focusing on the destination. Recognize every

small victory, whether it's completing a workout when you didn't feel like it or finally mastering a challenging exercise. These small wins will keep you motivated and reinforce your commitment. It is all about showing up, the dedication to small, daily actions always accumulates into transformative change over time. Find activities you enjoy and integrate fitness into your daily life in a way that feels natural. By committing to a regular fitness routine, you're not only working toward physical goals but also cultivating a mindset that values perseverance, discipline, and will power. Remember, consistency is the bridge between your goals and your success. Start small, stay steady, and show up for yourself, that is the real workout.

How have the 4 Elements of ﬁtness been working for you so far? Share your progress, questions, suggestions via email, I would love to help you on achieving the hot body of your dreams: hotbodies@hotspots.lgbt

You can contact me with your questions, share results and suggestions via email, I would love to hear from you: Hotbodies@Hotspots.LGBT

Art and Culture Center/ Hollywood's

“THE ART OF DRAG”

Fundraiser Nov.17 at Aquaplex

Drag superstars and dazzling divas will light up the stage during the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood's “The Art of Drag” fundraiser, returning for another glamorous year at Aquaplex Ft Lauderdale, 1421 Oakland Park Blvd, (Formerly Lips) on Thursday, November 14, at 7pm. This one-of-a-kind event will feature exclusive performances by local business and community leaders, former Lips talented ente rtainers (now called the Aquanettes) and a special guest appearance by Michael Dean as Cher in support of the Center's mission to inspire and elevate the arts in South Florida.

Cher, who has gained a solid reputation for impersonating the legendary singer/actor. Michael Dean, a leading Cher impersonator, has entertained audiences nationwide, with appearances at venues like the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, Lips Fort Lauderdale/Atlanta/Chic ago and Oscar's Cabaret in Palm Springs. Known for his spot-on impersonation and passion for Cher's magic, Dean's performance promises to be a highlight of the evening.

“We value our continued partnership with Aqua/Lips Fort Lauderdale as we unite the community with this guest favorite event to beneﬁt our arts education and cultural programs,” said Jennifer Homan, executive director of Art and Culture Center/Hollywood. " 'The Art of Drag' brings people together to celebrate the creative talents of the divas and raise much needed funds for the Center which is critical at this time due to the State of Florida Arts and Culture funding cuts."

This year's event will feature memorable performances by Art and Culture Center/Hollywood Board Members Gilda Ellison and Amanda Mitchell, as well as the much-anticipated return of crowd favorites Board Secretary John Mabry and Community Leader Michael Berry. Mabry, a seasoned performer, will mark his ﬁfth consecutive appearance at this beloved fundraiser. Each guest diva will present a showstopping rendition of classic hits made famous by popular female icons.

The evening's highlight will be a special guest performance by Michael Dean as

Proceeds from the “The Art of Drag” will directly beneﬁt Art and Culture Center/Hollywood's programs, which include contemporary gallery exhibitions, live stage performances, and enriching educational initiatives for children and adults. The Center remains committed to fostering creativity, innovation, and artistic collaboration throughout the South Florida community. Sponsors to date include The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel and GPR | Goodman Public Relations.

Tickets are limited, with general admission priced at $100, which includes an entrée, dessert, and a complimentary beverage (choice of cocktail, wine, or domestic beer). For those seeking a more exclusive experience, VIP Booths are available for $1,000 or VIP Tables for $1 ,500. Sponsorship opportunities are also available, with tiers including Diva Sponsor for $2,500, Champagne Sponsor for $5,000, and Presenting Sponsor for $10,000.

To purchase tickets or explore sponsorship opportunities, visit artandculturecenter.org/events.

Quinto

Zachary

Finding a gay doctor to address your health needs in real life is hard enough. The same has often been true on TV, where primetime medical dramas have typically opted for straight practitioners in lead roles.

But that’s changing, thanks to Dr. Oliver Wolf, who happens to be openly gay, on the new NBC drama “Brilliant Minds.” Zachary Quinto — not a doctor, but gay — portrays Wolf, who leads a team of interns studying the mysteries of the brain in his neurology department in New York City.

“It's a big deal because it's not a big deal, actually,” says Quinto, 47, best known for playing Spock in the new “Star Trek” movies and his roles on “American Horror Story.” “Oliver Wolf's sexuality is a complex aspect of who he is as it is for any human being. But it's by no means the only aspect of his personality or his experience.”

To embody Wolf, Quinto pulled inspiration from a real-life doctor, the original basis for his character, who didn’t come out until near the end of his life: Dr. Oliver Sacks, who was also a neurologist. Sacks died in 2015, at age 83. Cited as “the poet laureate of medicine” by The New York Times, he practiced during the mid to late 20th century, when being a gay anything, let alone a doctor, was far less accepted by society.

“Oliver Sacks had a very different experience of being a gay man than I have,” Quinto says. “And he was actually celibate for 35 years. I think anybody who learns that about him says, ‘How can someone be celibate for so long?’ And I think the answer to that lies in the fact that at that time, gay identity was a singularly deﬁning issue. And if you were a gay man in particular, then that is what you were — you were ‘a gay,’ whatever you did.”

That’s not true for Wolf, as the series establishes both his professional and sexual identity, with the potential for something more, given the obvious chemistry we see

mid-season between him and a hot high school principal (Christopher Bencomo). Moreover, those exchanges are met as if he were just a straight doctor — that is, this isn’t a show about him being gay.

In speaking with Quinto, you get the impression that his character is not just inspired by Sacks, but an extension of what Sacks’ life may have looked like outside of the doctor’s ofﬁce if he could have been out. What if the stakes hadn’t been so high for Sacks to be openly gay? What if he could have still been a successful genius who published dozens of books about his patients and transformed the ﬁeld of neurology while also being his authentic self?

“He knew that if he was honest about that part of himself, that he might not have been able to do any of that, or if he did it, it might not have been received or accepted by the mainstream to the degree that his work was,” Quinto says about how high the stakes were for someone in Sacks’ profession to be openly gay at the time. Coming out in that era, he added, “had the unfortunate occurrence of limiting your opportunities and diminishing the impact that you might be able to make in a particular ﬁeld because

you were discriminated against or alienated or excised from the process or the conversation.”

“It's a big deal for me, an openly gay actor, to be playing an openly gay character in a primetime network medical drama,” he says. “But it's primarily because that aspect of the character is not really that big of a deal, and we live in a world for which that can be said. And that's the miracle of the progress we've made and the reminder of how much progress we need to continue to ﬁght for to ensure that that narrative doesn't get interrupted or diverted.”

So no, Dr. Wolf will not live a celibate life. “Yeah, that’s a safe bet,” Quinto conﬁrms. It certainly helped to have a team of LGBTQ+ creatives bringing Wolf to life. Greg Berlanti, super-producer and founder of Berlanti Productions, was instrumental in getting “Brilliant Minds” off the ground. Berlanti wrote for “Dawson’s Creek” before going on to a successful producing and writing career for series such as The CW’s “Riverdale” and “Brothers & Sisters” and making many contributions to DC Comics on ﬁlm and TV. Meanwhile, Michael Grassi, also a “Riverdale” producer, is the showrunner.

“The people that you just mentioned are all very sensitive to and organically tied to that exploration and that representation, so it wasn't particularly effortful; it was just a part of the stories that they want to tell and the ways in which they tell the stories,” Quinto says. “And that resonates for me. So there was a throughline and a connection that just made sense, really, with them.”

As for Quinto himself, he’s been publicly out since 2011, when he acknowledged being gay after the suicide of bisexual

teenager Jamey Rodemeyer, who took his own life at 14. “In light of Jamey’s death, it became clear to me in an instant that living a gay life without publicly acknowledging it is simply not enough to make any signiﬁcant contribution to the immense work that lies ahead on the road to complete equality,” he posted on his website at the time.

“I just feel like what I've learned from myself is that ultimately integrating with my authentic self, as complicated as that person might be, using that goal as a motivator in my own life, has transformed the way that I see the world and the way that I experience the world,” he says now. “And if that exploration within myself can resonate for other people and young people, whether they're aspiring to be actors or doctors or pilots or whatever, that's always been really important to me.”

His work speaks for itself, and his success is a marker of the progress we’ve made that Sacks couldn’t experience in his lifetime. Outside of “Brilliant Minds,” Quinto has immersed himself in work that gives clout and voice to the queer experience. Those roles include the 2020 adaptation of “The Boys in the Band” for Netﬂix and “I Am Michael,” the 2015 biographical drama based on The New York Times essay “My Ex-Gay Friend.”

“It’s always been something that's quietly motivated me, recognizing that we do have an opportunity, but we also have a responsibility to a younger generation to be a model of authentic integration,” he says. “That's how I see it. And that was the moment when I made the decision to come out publicly — I could no longer separate those two things. This experience that I was

having in my career with the great good fortune and many opportunities that I was being presented with, and a part of me that was split off from the truth of who I am.”

“That has not always been the easiest thing to integrate or explore within myself, if I'm honest,” he continues. “It generated my own inner conﬂicts and turmoils over the years to try to ﬁgure out how to do that. And I'm not saying I've solved it, but I'm certainly closer to it now than I would've been if I had tried to keep them separate. So that's a big part of this in terms of how it might reverberate for younger people or other people of any age, really.”

profound consequences, reverberating not only across the U.S. but around the world. “It’s urgent and crucial that we recognize the stakes involved,” he adds.

As right-wing politicians continue to exploit queerness for political gain, often at the expense of LGBTQ+ youth, it's crucial for queer young people to recognize that they can thrive in society without sacriﬁcing their identities. Quinto is aware of his role in helping to convey this message.

“What you're seeing is a real battle at the moment, between expanding consciousness and destructive consciousness and fear-based consciousness,” he says. “So for me, this moment to be a part of stories that are very much leaning into the idea of expanding consciousness, that is something that I think is, again, somehow in a larger way, purposeful. And I'm recognizing that as it's unfolding, because it's all very real time. I'm in this moment of only now just having these conversations in such a public-facing way.”

With the election approaching and on everyone's minds, Quinto is using his public platform to address critical issues at the forefront of political discourse. He notes two of them — climate change and artiﬁcial intelligence — and poses an urgent question voters might ask themselves: “How can I participate in these conversations in a way that ampliﬁes my belief that the only way we

These pressing issues, he insists, are fundamentally about the survival of the human race. “I say that anybody who has a meditation practice right now is like DEFCON 5, Red Zone: get to your meditation,” he says. “We have to be focusing on the ways that we can move this conversation in the direction of the light and the direction of what's possible and the direction of how we can achieve things if we really come together and see that the things that are going to confront us don't know sexual identity. They don't know gay or straight or cis or trans. They don't know Republican or Democrat. They don't know American or European. They don't know these things, and they're not going to matter. What's going to matter is that we show up for each other and with each other to overcome the challenges and to solve the problems that we're going to have to solve and the challenges we're going to have to face.”

Chris Azzopardi is the Editorial Director of Pride Source Media Group and Q Syndicate, the national LGBTQ+ wire service. He has interviewed a multitude of superstars, including Cher, Meryl Streep, Mariah Carey and Beyoncé. His work has also appeared in The New York Times, Vanity Fair, GQ and Billboard. Reach him via Twitter @chrisazzopardi.

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HELP WANTED u

FRONT DESK NEEDED

Inquire in person between 9 a.m. and 2 pm. at Pineapple Point Guesthouse 315 NE 16 Terrace Ft Lauderdale FL 33301. 954-527-0094

P/T “H O U S E B O Y” WANTED

pick up palm leaves, mow, clean pool, house, cars. Computer and phone savey a plus. Non smoker with a vehicle. $15/hour cash. Flexible hours afternoons/evenings. We’re located in Coral Ridge/Victoria Park, Fort Lauderdale. Call/text after 12 noon 954 803 0318.

MASSAGE BY JIM

Offering a great massage for Men with a fusion of different techniques; always relaxing, always a great experience. Whether you’re experiencing muscle discomfort or just looking to relax...I have a very comfortable studio conveniently located in Wilton Manors on NE 26th Street. Affordable Rates! 954-600-5843. Licensed and experienced LMT. Lic#MM22293

PROFESSIONAL

NAKED FITNESS

Nude Certified Personal Training (1 on 1), aqua aerobics (small groups) & full body massages for naturists. Personalized fitness programs after 2.5-hour health, fitness, nutritional assessment. All goals. In-calls on beautiful pool deck (Wilton Manors). Affordable rates. Free 30 min consult. http://naked.beyondfitness.info – BJ (323) 270-7121

RED BOX MOVING COMPANY

Affordable, Reliably, & Careful. Licenced & Insured (MV#567) Norbert 954-305-9176 www.redboxmoving.com

RENTALS - VICTORIA PARK u

VICTORIA PARK

Nice area 2 bedroom apartment end unit east of US-1 near beach. Walk to all needs. Washer/Dryer in unit. Private off street parking at your door. Kitchen with stainless steel appliances and D/W. Private rear patio. Same building: Nice studio efficiency with full kitchen. Call 954-523-6757

RENTALS - BROWARD u

HOUSE FOR RENT. FULL KITCHEN. NEW. 1bed/1b All included. Pine Island/I-595. Davie. $1750/month. First/last Call 954-815-1472

APT. FOR RENT. 3/2 PLANTATION.

1 parking. Furnished. Nob-Hill, North of Broward Blvd. All included $2950. Private. First-Last-Sec Dep. Call 954-815-1472

ROOMMATES - WILTON MANORS u

2/2 CONDO TO SHARE IN WILTON MANORS

TAX PREPARATION u

HAROLD J BLOTCHER, EA

Tax preparation and resolution for individuals and small businesses. Help with same-sex marriage issues and IRS matters. Call 781-363-5519 or 561-429-3592 www.haroldjblotchertaxes.com

SEWING/ALTERATIONS u

ALTERATIONS

Clothing repair, trouser hem, sleeve hem, zipper change, clothing adjustments, cushions, curtains, pillows. Everything related to sewing. Exclusive swimwear are made to suit the client, tank tops, t-shirts, shorts, sports wear. Text me at 407-732-1756. Instagram: @Nicolo_ Bivona.B

HOT PUZZLE Be Bold

Some lodge members

5 They're trained to use paddles

9 Lower in rank

Remini of “The King of Queens”

Angelina's tomb-raiding role

_Alice_ star Linda 17 Start of how to be bold, according to King 20 Montgomery Clift's "From Here to ___"

21 Desists

22 Like Elton John's dancer of song 23 German capital

24 Lincoln-Douglas event

27 Low boggy land

28 Small amount in a stallion's mouth?

32 Pg. in a photoc opier

33 Straddling the fence

34 “West ___ Story”

35 More of the quote

39 DeLaria of comedy

40 Tongue ending

41 Drag queen's lid application

42 On the ___ (fleeing)

43 Aachen article

44 Type of seaman

45 Puts behind bars

47 “Dark Angel” star Jessica

48 Kind of orange

50 Like a nervous Nelly

53 Work out nicely

56 End of the quote

58 Sea bottom captain

59 1300 hrs., to Col. Cammermeyer

60 Songwriter Jacques

61 Emcee's platform

62 Remove from power

63 S&M root

64 Queen's "subjects"

Down

1 Peace Nobelist Wiesel 2 Split

3 Danny of “The Court Jester” 4 Anything under 6 inches? 5 Broadway star Stritch 6 C&W singer Robbins

7 Parker of “South Park”

8 Org. for Jodie Foster

9 Out of this world

10 Fruits for condom demos

11 Billie Bean's R.B.I., and such

12 Something to build on

13 Mireille of “The Killing”

18 Hand, when measuring a stallion

19 Sandra Day of Supreme Court fame

23 Baseball great Yogi

24 Covered with a hemispherical roof

25 Use a rubber

26 One type of gay culture

27 "May the ___ be with you" 29 King of tennis

30 Like Everett, as a movie husband

31 Lions and Tigers and Bears 33 "Signs" band 36 Compound of different things

37 Picked up

38 Indian chief

46 Plan of action

47 Highly skilled

48 Came out slowly

49 Concern of Tan France

50 Melville novel

51 Half of Mork's good-bye

52 Barely makes, with "out"

53 Nickelodeon explorer

54 Cut out

55 Head honcho

57 Delivery docs, for short