Stonewall Pride Guide 2022 by Hotspots Media Group

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grand marshalls 2022

Steve MacLaughlin Misty Eyez and

By: Scott Holland & Mike Jeknavorain

Renaissance man Steve MacLaughlin does it all: meteorology, winning Emmys, singing and songwriting, animal philanthropy, plastic surgery advocate, and some self-effacement. But what story did he cover that still haunts him to this day? And how did he loose two of his Emmys, read on to ﬁnd out! What's your claim-to-fame? That I get paid to be a television meteorologist and reporter for NBC6. I'm

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also a musician, but I have never made a dime doing it. Come to think of it, it has actually cost me money over the years. Guess that makes music my true passion. Where did you grow up? I grew up in a beautiful town called Maplewood, New Jersey. It's just west of Newark Airport and a thirty-minute train ride from New York City, but it's a world away. It's a perfect New England town that feels like a Dickens' novel in the winter, and Middle America on the Fourth Of July. I

didn't know it growing up, but it votes like 90% Democrat in national elections. What's something special about Maplewood that isn't common knowledge? Maplewood, and its sister town, South Orange, have a very high Italian population, and, I believe, the best pizza on the planet. What people call New York pizza was perfected in North Jersey and Southwestern Connecticut. I'm a vegan, and my cheat food is one and only one thing—pizza from my hometown maybe twice a year when I visit. What do you miss about Maplewood? I miss autumn up north the most. October, November and Christmas in Maplewood are all pretty amazing. Especially years when the Yankees are in the playoffs. What I don't miss is January 2nd and beyond. At that point, it's three or four or ﬁve months of dry, cracked skin, pasty white skin, and putting on weight that you have to start working off in the spring. How long have you lived in South Florida? I've lived in South Florida for ﬁve years. Why did you move here? I moved to South Florida to work at NBC, but also because I have family here part of the year. What part of South Florida do you live in? I live in Broward County, near Fort Lauderdale. What do you like most about living here?

The easy answer is the weather. I mean, the winter is incredible, and even the summer humidity feels pretty good to me. I love living ﬁve minutes from the beach and always being tan and always having moist skin. I love that the whole world comes here to visit. And I love forecasting hurricanes. I ﬁnd hurricanes to be fascinating, and—here at NBC Miami—we cover every hurricane like it could affect South Florida. I really enjoy that aspect of my job, especially when they don't actually make landfall. Where do you hang out in South Florida? And I really enjoy spending time at my home. But now that things are getting safer, I love Wilton Manors and Fort Lauderdale Beach. When you have those two places a few minutes away, why go anywhere else? What's your favorite venue or restaurant in South Florida? I don't spend a ton of time in Miami, but as a vegan, Planta is heaven. Even my meateating friends agree. In Fort Lauderdale, I'm sorta obsessed with Green Bar and Kitchen. What South Florida venue do you miss that's gone? Nothing now but during the bad part of the pandemic I missed the Broward Center the most. I love musicals and have a season ticket to all the touring shows, but even more importantly to Slow Burn Theatre. They're the most incredible local theater group that I've ever seen, and I am excited they are back. I got to introduce a performance of Groundhog Day; ironically,

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grand marshalls 2022 the last show before the shutdown. But my real dream is getting a walk-on role where I can sing with these crazy-talented stars. If you had to live somewhere else other than here, where would you live? Philadelphia is my favorite city on the planet. It's everything that's great about New York, without all the stuff that makes New York so awful. I lived there a few years and would happily live there again. I also lived in Pittsburgh, and thought the people were so sweet. And visually it's the most beautiful city in America, and they have the best ballpark. If I had to leave the country, it would be Barcelona or Mexico City—wait. Maybe Amsterdam. Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? I was a bag boy at Kings Food Market. I suppose it taught me how to deal with angry people that think I suck at my job, so in that sense, it was perfect for a future weatherman. But other than that, nothing to do with my real life. I delivered newspapers brieﬂy with my dad. I guess that gave me the journalist bug. And I was an usher and bartender at The Papermill Playhouse, and that gave me my love of musicals. And I worked at the Maplewood Library, but I'm obsessed with learning and reading to this day. So only my bagboy job seems like it's not like the others. What story that you covered still haunts you to this day? When I cover news stories, they usually have a weather or science angle. And honestly, the most-disturbing ones are post-hurricane stories. Like traveling down to The Keys right after Irma or visiting The Abacos two years after Dorian. Seeing the destruction is heartbreaking. You try to focus on the positive stories, but you can't get the visuals out of your head. But easily the worst story ever was 9/11. I was working in Philadelphia and got taken off weather that week and turned into a general assignment reporter. Covid might

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“I've won four Emmys, but only have two in my possession, because I'm an idiot. I was having a really bad day about six or seven years ago. I mean, I had a meltdown and I started throwing things out.” be the biggest story ever when we look back, but 9/11 was like a year of Covid packed into a day of shocking visuals. What's the strangest thing that ever happened to you when you were on the air? I was covering Hurricane Bonnie in Virginia Beach. It was my first big job after college, and my first five-day live in-the-field experience. I was tired on the fifth day. Some guy told me a story about how he witnessed a dog being pulled way up into the sky by the wind and dropped off in the ocean. I believed him. I reported it. I got a phone call from my boss saying the guy called the station and felt horrible because he was just teasing me and trying to be funny and didn't think I would actually say it on the air. What a jerk. There was no dog. Certainly not a dog carried into the sky by the wind. I moved on like it never happened, and it was never spoken of again (laughs). But I have never

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forgotten it. Big lesson: always get a second source! Either living or dead, who's the best news media journalist? Richard Engel is, hands down, the best journalist in the business. He puts his life at risk every day and makes the mostcomplicated stories easy to understand. And he's smooth as butter. He never rattled, never stumbles, and never misses. And he's equally as sharp back home as in the studio. He can report on literally any topic and will go anywhere to get the story. And Rachel Maddow seems to love him, which is good enough for me. Where do you keep all your Emmy Awards? I've won four Emmys, but only have two in my possession, because I'm an idiot. I was having a really bad day about six or seven

years ago. I mean, I had a meltdown and I started throwing things out. Some silly, foolish, cathartic cleansing thing. I threw two Emmys down the garbage chute in my building in East Liberty, Pittsburgh. So, there's some lucky Yinzer that probably has my Emmys on display. The other two that I won are on my nightstand in my bedroom. They're a big hit when I have a new guest. I play it cool. I let them see it on their own, so I don't have to be the one to point it out. It's more humble that way. In 2018, I had the

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Emmy that I won sent to my mom as a Christmas present. Apparently, she showed it off to everyone. She's probably prouder of it than I was (laughs). When she died, I brought it back to Florida. The week after she died, I won the fourth Emmy, which I won't ever throw out. That's the one she really wanted me to win but didn't get to see. Who's the most interesting person that you've met at the Emmys? Since it's the local Emmys and not the primetime national one, honestly, nobody interesting goes to the event. Just a bunch of self-centered, boring, local news people like me. They cheer at winning stories about awful events they covered, they make terrible speeches, and they leave after they lose to get drunk at the bar. I'm one of these people. What's your dream gig in the news media? Being the weatherman for The Today Show has always been my dream, but I would also love to be a national or international climate reporter, traveling the planet to talk about the most important issue of our time. Sophie's choice: if you could make the same amount of money from a career in the media or music, which would you choose? Music. Easy choice. When did you become vegan? I became a vegan on February 22nd, 2011. I just celebrated my eleven-year veganniversary. Do you have any pets? I don't have any pets right now, but growing up I had a cat, a ﬁsh, hamsters, and a rabbit. And I had a pug when I was older. What animal activism event that you were involved with was the most special to you? The most special thing I get to do with animals is getting them adopted. There is nothing like hearing that somebody saw a cat or dog on my NBC6 segment and then

grand marshalls 2022 adopted them. What would your drag name be? “Derecho.” Weather geeks will appreciate it. What did you do to keep yourself busy during the quarantine? Early on, there was a lot of drinking. Then when gyms started opening with mask requirements, I got back to being healthy and feeling normal. Obviously, I watched a ton of Netflix and Prime. My first binge show was The Office, which I had stopped watching when it was on the first time. And I realize why. It stopped being funny when Steve Carell's character became nice. That's not how Ricky Gervais wrote the original version. And of course, I knew that Joe Exotic wasn't actually the one singing on all his videos. Will you ever retire? Retire? Oh gosh, no. I'm a weatherman. It's the best job on the planet. I'm gonna do it till they tell me to stop coming in. A little plastic surgery here and there. This is Miami. What's the weirdest question that a fan has asked you? If I could be the father of her children. What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? Derek Jeter made me turn into a little weirdo when I met him. But he handled it like he handles everything—with total grace and ease. What's your current state-of-mind? Honestly, I've never been happier. I love my job and my house and my car and my neighborhood. I finally started saving some money for the future. I'm vaccinated

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and healthy and feeling handsome. Life is good. What's your idea of perfect happiness? I suppose I feel that I have perfect happiness, but if I could do anything, I suppose making a living in a band or as a pro baseball player. Either living or dead, who's the greatest political ﬁgure in America? Living, it's Mr. Obama. Dead, it's Bobby Kennedy. What talent would you most like to have? Speed reader. What's the best place that you've ever visited? Barcelona, Mexico City, and Amsterdam. What are you an expert at? Math. I love numbers, and I love stats. Math is the basis of science. And science is truth. I'm also really good at craps and blackjack. but again, that's just math. I think I love baseball because of all the stats. If God were to take you tomorrow, how would you like to be remembered? Steve was not perfect. He made some bad decisions along the way, but never tried to hurt anybody. He seemed to enjoy life and try to make those around him happy. Looks like he was blessed with a pretty cool life. What do you want to live long enough to see? Climate change being reversed. If vampirism was real and you could live forever, would you do it? Yes, absolutely. What's something that you learned in life only when you got older? That stress is stupid and unnecessary. Don't stress over the little things. Oh, and sleep as many hours as possible.

What did you learn from your parents? Everything. My mom taught me to be kind and to follow the rules. My dad taught me to be sarcastic and to not always follow the rules. I'm not sure that they really liked each other, but they were in love with my brother and me. They're both gone now, but always in my heart. What's your best characteristic? Honesty, for better or for worse. What's your favorite quote? "There's always money in the banana stand." How do you enjoy spending your time? I go to the gym every day. I'm a vegan and have accepted that I'll never have a six pack, but the gym makes me feel good. I watch lots of movies at home. I love sitting by the pool or going to the beach. I love wine and vodka, but not at the same time (laughs). What celebrity do you have a crush on? Tracie Thoms from Rent and Death Proof. Who do you admire? Greta Thunberg. If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Besides my dad, my mom and her mom, I would probably love to talk to President Lincoln or party with President Kennedy. Where would you go in a time machine? As long as I could get back to 2022 whenever I wanted, I'd love to travel back to the 1960s and 1970s and go to every rock concert or festival that was going on. What would your last meal be? North Jersey Pizza. What do you worry about? I try not to worry about things. If something worries me, I ﬁx it. Covid worried me, I guess, until all my friends and family and co-workers and I were vaccinated. What are you afraid of? Honestly, I don't really have any real-life fears. I fail all the time but have never been scared to fail. Oh, but I am afraid of snakes. If you were a musical instrument, what

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would you be? A vuvuzela, because I'm fun and interesting and bold and noticeable at ﬁrst, and then people usually get tired of my nonsense and ask me to shut up. Who depends on you, and for what? Anybody I consider a friend can count on me. I don't believe in best friends. All my friends are best friends, and they can all count on me.

“My mom taught me to be kind and to follow the rules. My dad taught me to be sarcastic and to not always follow the rules....” Who are you closest with? There are three people that think they are the answer to this question. So, I will pass on this one, as to not hurt any feelings. Obviously, I know the answer. What would your autobiography be called? Steve MacLaughlin: He Always Thought He Was Funnier Than He Actually Was. What's on your bucket list? I really want to travel to every Spanishspeaking city in the world. I have a lot of catching up to do.

grand marshalls 2022 What's your greatest regret in life? I had an opportunity to move back to New York, but because it would have been a big pay cut, I turned it down. I feel like if I had said “yes,” a world of new opportunities would have opened to me. In the end, that decision and a couple other choices that seemed bad at the time got me to where I

am now, and I'm as happy as I've ever been. Where can we see you? You can listen to all my music on "SteveMacMusicPage" on Facebook. All my NBC and personal stuff is on my "SteveMacNBC6" Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages.

............................................................................. Misty Eyez Alicea is a highly celebrated and award-winning entertainer, emcee, keynote speaker, educator, and trainer whose accomplishments have been featured in popular TV and print vehicles, including the New York Times. She is currently featured prominently in promotional videos and print campaigns for The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau highlighting Fort Lauderdale's welcoming environment. As an ever-evolving woman striving to better herself and her community, Misty has put entertaining on the back burner as her heart and passions have moved her into Social Services, advocating for her clients and continuing her education. She followed her calling into community service and joined SunServe in 2015 as an educator and trainer to help create and launch the LGBTQ Diversity Equity and Inclusion Proﬁciency Training and Consulting Program. Soon afterward, she

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added on the responsibilities of case management for transgender clients, linking clients to biomedical preventions, mental health therapists, and other vital services. Little by little, and before she knew it, Misty was promoted to the Director of three departments: Education and Training, Transgender Services, and Women's Services. She is currently furthering her education as an Executive MBA Student at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. As an entertainer, Misty Eyez has been a staple in the South Florida area since she started calling this home in October 2001. Misty was the creator of “Tranny Palace," which not only featured female impersonators and transgender entertainers but provided a safe space for the brand-new entertainers that needed a venue both to get their feet wet, and hone their craft. "Tranny Palace" ran consecutively for 13 years and became one of the biggest drag shows in South Florida. Misty was/is the creator and

producer of the Mr. & Miss Stonewall Pageant since its inception in 2005. Misty truly believes you can change the world, one person at a time, and is often seen giving back to her community. Misty has emceed many prestigious events, including the Fort Lauderdale Gay Pride Parade and Stone Wall Street Festival most years since 2005 and the Wicked Manors Block Party every year since its inception in 2007. Misty is always glamorous and sexy as an entertainer but is also known for her over-the-top club-kid persona. With the heart and soul of a mother, she is a quickwitted, amphibious, energetic, and loyal entertainer. Misty is an artist, model, emcee, journalist, hostess, promoter, and mentor, but most importantly, she has become a friend and role model to so many in South Florida. You can still see Misty Eyez in drag at momentous community events and is often hired for Drag Queen Storytimes and other private parties. What's your claim-to-fame? Funny, people often "Fan Girl" when they meet me, and it always catches me off guard. But I guess my claim to fame depends on how you found me. I was known for Theatre or Solo and Ensemble singing competitions in high school. In college, I was known as a performer on a ministry team. After college, it was for being a drag queen, and that was divided between people ﬁnding me in nightclubs or on YouTube giving advice on selfacceptance or teaching DIY makeup to future drag queens. In recent years it would be from keynote speaking at mental health conferences. However, internationally I'm often recognized from YouTube. Where did you grow up? Home is Anchorage, Alaska, and most of my family are still there. I try to go back from time to time to visit, but my family doesn't understand me, and where I may feel love, I don't quite feel acceptance. So,

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it is more of a childhood memory than a home feeling that I long for. What's something special about Anchorage, Alaska that isn't common knowledge? Alaska is the opposite of FL in every way. FL is high maintenance beauty, ﬁllers, highlights, tanning beds, etc. Everywhere you go here has A/C, and everywhere you go in AK has heat. AK is all about the outdoors, hiking, skiing, and hunting. Speaking of hunting, everyone in AK has a

gun, and there is no need for a conceal/carry permit, but if you get pulled over, you have 30 seconds to tell a cop there is a gun in the car.

“No stage is too big or too small. I even did training for three people once. I love each of these speaking engagements. I will not turn down an opportunity to teach, share and change the world one person at a time.”

What do you miss about Anchorage, Alaska? Summers, and the view. Alaska is the home of the midnight sun, and it's always daylight. It took a long time to get used to the FL horizon without mountains. It felt like something was missing or out of place for years. How long have you lived in South Florida? I moved to Naples in October 1999 (right before Y2K), and that was scary cause if the

grand marshalls 2022 world ended, I wouldn't have known anyone there. But I soon realized Naples was not for me, and I moved to Fort Lauderdale in October 2001. Why did you move here? Interesting story. I left home to go to Oral Roberts University from 1994 to 1998. ORU's motto was to expect a miracle, and I did. I wanted to be healed or made normal. I was kicked out my senior year for having premarital sex; yes, it was also gay sex, but either way, I broke the honor code. I called home, and mom said I could come home to Alaska when I returned to Jesus and repented my LGBTQ lifestyle. I picked up a Genre or Out magazine, and in the back were many advertisements for Fort Lauderdale's welcoming LGBTQ environment, and I slowly but surely made my way here. What part of South Florida do you live in? I was a proud Wilton Manors Resident until 2017 when my husband and I moved to Oakland Park. What do you like most about living here? I love the melting pot culture and diversity of South Florida. I believe our diversity makes us stronger, and our unity gives us power. Where do you hang out in South Florida? As a married woman who is very dedicated to her non-proﬁt work and schoolwork, my idea of "Going Out" is going out to eat. I love getting together

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with friends to enjoy a meal, especially trying new places to eat and building new memories. What's your favorite venue or restaurant in South Florida? Drag became my full-time job in 2005 and was my only job until 2015, when I started to pick up some parttime work as a trainer and educator at SunServe.org. I performed at almost every gay bar between Jax and the Keys in those ten years. All of our clubs are unique experiences, and each offers something special. It is too hard to choose my favorite today. My favorite restaurant is Cheesecake Factory, but I have often gotten a craving for Moe's. What South Florida venue do you miss that's gone? For a regular hang out and chill bar, Bill's Filling Station, and for a guilty pleasure, Cupids. Yes, I said Cupids, and yes, I was a single woman at one time. If you had to live somewhere other than here, where would you live? That is tough; I have never really thought of moving. Even though this is a RED state, I very much Love South FL. But, If I had my litter of children (they seem to run in my family), I might be drawn to go home to be close to family. However, I'm not sure that would even be an option short of a miracle. That being said, I would only consider moving for a career/money. If someone offered a salary I couldn't refuse, well, I wouldn't refuse.

Which one of your old jobs least prepared you for what you do now? My ﬁrst thought was ALL of them, as I am now so far removed from my previous jobs. However, if I were to honestly think about it and analyze it, all my previous jobs helped prepare me for what I do today. For example, in 2005, I was a Friday Night Shot Girl at Elements for a night called Noche Latina Fridays (which years later moved to Manor and is now Noche Latina Saturdays). That job helped me mingle, network, and talk to strangers. It helped me learn how to navigate people that were severely intoxicated. The bar manager then

Q&A. Quite possibly, from working in nightclubs daily for 23 years, I can handle them with respect as I would a belligerent intoxicated patron. The strange thing is that I can often pull out a miracle answer to help them and the rest of the audience better understand. Understand who and what we are as an LGBTQ Community. I realize that they do not understand and often fear what they don't understand, but we as a community are nothing to be afraid of. Either living or dead, who's the best drag queen ever? The best at what? In South FL, we are privileged to have the creative and amphibious talents of Electra. We are also advantaged to be exposed to the sultry and exotic beauty of Erika Norrell. These two South FL Icons continue to inspire me.

“I don't mind being honest and vulnerable while speaking, but I don't particularly like crying, especially in public. I often get homophobic or transphobic hecklers who try to trip me up...” nicknamed me the "South FL Sweetheart" because I didn't see any point in arguing with someone in such a state, even someone belligerent needs to be handled with respect and grace. What's the strangest thing that ever happened to you in your current position at Sunserve? There are so many. Personally strange, I was on stage speaking at the behavioral health conference, and in the middle of my talking, I got a bit emotional and shed several tears. I don't mind being honest and vulnerable while speaking, but I don't particularly like crying, especially in public. I often get homophobic or transphobic hecklers who try to trip me up during the

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However, the First drag queen to ignite something deep in my soul to essentially motivate me to become an entertainer myself and might be the best in my heart even if I haven't seen her in 22 years would be Catia Lee Love. Who is your mentor(s)? I have a couple of mentors that I look up to, respect, and seek guidance from. Tony Lima, CEO SunServe; Karen Costello, Chair of the Board Aqua foundation for women; Rosemary Wilder, Partner of Marlow Connell Abrams Adler Newman & Lewis Law Firm; Mavi Ramirez, founder of ReEnvision Harmony. I respect each of them signiﬁcantly and consider them my personal board of directors. I have often sought their guidance for the last several years. What's your dream on stage?

grand marshalls 2022 Great question, but I am not sure how to answer. I have spoken on stages for 3,000 people, 800 people, and 50 people. No stage is too big or too small. I even did training for three people once. I love each of these speaking engagements. I will not turn down an opportunity to teach, share and change the world one person at a time. However, the bigger the stage, the less interactive it can be. If I had to pick a dream stage, it would be Tedx. Do you have any pets? Yes, I have two Ragdolls. Princess Snowbelle or “Bella” is a SealPoint Ragdoll, and Prince Wynter is a Cream Point Ragdoll. They are our babies, and you can tell they are spoiled by all the cat trees in our house. What animal activism event that you were involved with was the most special to you? I have helped in several events for the Pet Project over the years. Everyone deserves love and a cuddly friend. What did you do to keep yourself busy during the quarantine? As a social worker there was not a lot of downtimes. We were picking up food from food banks and delivering them to clients. What's the weirdest question that a fan has asked you? When did I know I wanted to be different? This caught me off guard because I never wanted to be different. I always wanted to be normal. Upon realizing that the world's normal is hetro-normative and cisnormative, I gave up on that goal. The more I learned to love myself, the less

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value I put on others' opinions of me. I believe I was born unique and special on purpose, and like Dr. Suess once said, "Why blend in when you were born to stand out." What celebrity did you act like a “fan” around? I was a server at the Cheesecake Factory in Aventura, and I met and served dozens of celebrities. Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Brandy, Hulk Hogan, Missy Elliot, and Whitney Houston, to name a few. As a drag queen, I have worked with and met hundreds more like Dennis Rodman, Jennifer Coolidge, Katy Perry, Monique, and most of RuPaul's Drag Race girls. But knowing how uncomfortable it makes me when someone "Fan Girls" around me, I intentionally do not act like a fan. For the sake of being transparent in this article, my favorite singer is Anastasia. Who is a recent South FL transplant, and I had a complete freak-out fan girl moment when I almost met her. For real, what do I wear, how do I do my hair, etc. Unfortunately, the event was canceled due to covid, and we have yet to meet. What's your current state of mind? I am determined, optimistic, and hopeful. Politically speaking, I feel we are moving two steps forward and one step back. What's your idea of perfect happiness? I believe in working hard and playing hard. I love travel, and my happiness comes from exploring, learning, and enjoying cultures and places that I have yet to be.

“I want to be known for helping others and making a difference in this world as someone who never stopped fighting for social justice.” What talent would you most like to have? To play the piano. If I had learned to play the piano, I think my career as an entertainer would have taken a very different turn. What's the best place that you've ever visited? I think my favorite place I have ever visited was Edenborough, Scotland. WOW, it is a magical city. However, I did try to move to London the first time I visited. What are you an expert at? Expert, maybe not, but I am empathic and can usually read people very well. How would you like to be remembered if God were to take you tomorrow? As a kind and loving woman who gave her heart and soul to her community. She was an enjoyable person who quickly made friends and never knew a stranger. As a patient, companionate, empathic leader

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who wants to change the world one person at a time. As one who had a great heart for her community and constantly advocated for marginalized communities, especially LGBTQ and the black and brown communities. I want to be known for helping others and making a difference in this world as someone who never stopped fighting for social justice. What do you want to live long enough to see? I would love to see a transgender President. Yes, I imagine I would be very old, but that would be awesome. If vampirism was real and you could live forever, would you, do it? YES! I would have gastric bypass and facial feminization first so that my forever body would be a bit slimmer and more feminine. What's something that you learned in life only when you got older? Your opinion of me is none of my business. Unless you are paying my bills, I honestly don't care if you approve or disapprove of anything I am doing. What did you learn from your parents? Morals and ethical behavior. I would probably be either a drunk or dead if I had different parents. What's your best characteristic? Understanding. What's your favorite quote? “Why blend in when you were born to stand out.” How do you enjoy spending your free time? What free time? LoL….I enjoy spending time with friends and family. What celebrity do you have a crush on? The wrestler Roman Reigns for the one most viewers will recognize. But my true crush is an Egyptian fitness model on Instagram with the handle @Mostafa.rok (I don't know his name) Who do you admire? I admire anyone who dares to live their life authentically.

grand marshalls 2022 If you could bring one person back from the dead, who would it be? Marilyn Monroe, I both love and respect her and want to help her. And I want to be her friend. Where would you go in a time machine? I would go back to 1986, when I was ten years old, and force my parents to understand the gift that I am. I would also get on puberty blockers before testosterone could permanently alter my height and voice. What would your last meal be? CARBS…either Café Vico's Four Cheese Tortellini, their Lasagna Bolognese, California Pizza Kitchen's Chicken Tequila

Fettuccine, or Chicago Deep Dish Pizza. Hmm, I might be hungry. What do you worry about? Right now, my grades. I graduated undergrad on the Dean's list. I got my first C in Accounting last semester. What are you afraid of? Honestly… Vomit. I can't hear it, see it, or smell it. Who depends on you, and for what? My husband, I think, is the obvious answer. For love and emotional support as well as financial support. Our cats. Who are you closest with? With a blood family who has difficulty understanding and/or accepting me, I

have become comfortable with a select few chosen family members. I will not be listing them here. But I love and value them, even if I often get too busy with work and school to reach out to let them know I appreciate them. What would your autobiography be called? To Hell and Back. The memoirs of a Christian, transgender woman who not only survived religious abuse but learned to love herself even though the world didn't understand or accept her. What's on your bucket list? I'd love to visit all 50 states and at least every continent. What's your greatest regret in life? Not learning to love and respect myself at a younger age. Also not graduating college in the '90s. Where can we see you? Many of my Trainings or speaking engagements are not open to the public unless they are conferences. And with my schedule, I rarely take drag bookings. But you can see me at the 18th annual Mr./Miss Stonewall Pageant on June 14th at the Eagle Wilton Manors. In addition I will be a the The Stonewall Street Festival and Pride Parade on June 18th, and I will also be reading Drag Queen Storytime to the children at the Museum of Discovery and Science on Saturday, June 25.

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Broadway In Fort Lauderdale Broward Centers 2022/23 Season

Photo: Joan Marcus

ank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale is proud to announce its 2022/2023 season at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The season includes four South Florida premiers; Six, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird and Beetlejuice. The season also features the return of Hamilton and two subscriber choice options, Chicago and Mean Girls. Riverdance will also be available for purchase as a season option. “It’s another fantastic season for Broadway fans at the Broward Center,” said Kelley Shanley, President & CEO of the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, “and we’re delighted to bring such great entertainment to our South Florida audiences. We know everyone is ready to be back at the theater, and with eight exciting shows in the 2022-2023 Broadway in Fort Lauderdale season, we are sure to delight fans with dynamic music, drama, dance and great storytelling. There’s never been a better time to gather for the magic of the theater, and we’re thrilled to introduce four South Florida premieres – and the return of HAMILTON - to devoted audiences who love the experience of Broadway at the Broward Center.”

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Six - Oct 11 – 23, 2022 From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, the Six wives of Henry VIII take the mic to remix five hundred years of historical heartbreak into an exuberant celebration of 21st century girl power! This new original musical is the global sensation that everyone is losing their head over. The New York Times says Six “TOTALLY RULES!” (Critic’s Pick) and The Washington Post hails Six as “Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for! The Broadway season got supercharged!” Hamilton - Nov 22 – Dec 11, 2022 Hamilton is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, Hamilton has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had

Photo by Jeremy Daniel

Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show Jan 13 – 15, 2023 The critically acclaimed 25th Anniversary North American Tour was shut down in March 2020 during a sold-out return engagement to New York City’s Radio City Music Hall due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, Riverdance celebrated a return to the stage in the United Kingdom, where the iconic show played to sold out audiences in 27 cities across the country. Then followed its debut at Expo 2020 Dubai with a special production of Riverdance presenting a multi-cultural experience including artists from the Middle East region

Photo by Manuel Harlan, 2021

a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, Hamilton is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony, Grammy, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical Jan 17 – 29, 2023 An uplifting comeback story like no other, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner has won 12 Grammy Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. Featuring her much loved songs, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is written by Pulitzer Prize – winning playwright Katori Hall and directed by the internationally acclaimed Phyllida Lloyd. Chicago Feb 14 – 19, 2023 After 25 years, Chicago is still the one musical with everything that makes Broadway shimmy-shake: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz, with one show stopping song after another and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen. No wonder Chicago has been honored with 6 Tony Awards, 2 Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and thoustonewallpride.lgbt | 97

Photo: Julieta Cervantes

sands of standing ovations. As it celebrates its 25th anniversary — you’ve got to come see why the name on everyone’s lips is still… Chicago.

Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird Mar 28 – Apr 9, 2023 All rise for Academy Award winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. The New York Times Critic’s Pick To Kill A Mockingbird is “the most successful American play in Broadway history.” (60 Minutes). Rolling Stone gives it 5 stars, calling it “an emotionally shattering landmark production of an American classic,” and New York Magazine

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calls it “a real phenomenon. Majestic and incandescent, it’s filled with breath and nuance and soul.” With direction by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, To Kill A Mockingbird is — “the greatest novel of all time” (Chicago Tribune) — has quickly become “one of the greatest plays in history” (NPR). Emmy Award - winning actor Richard Thomas will play the role of Atticus Finch in the National Tour. Mean Girls May 2 – 7, 2023 Direct from Broadway, Mean Girls is the hilarious hit musical from an award-winning creative team, including book writer Tina Fey (“30 Rock), composer Jeff Richmond (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), lyricist Nell Benjamin (Legally Blonde) and director Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon). Cady Heron may have grown up on an African savanna, but nothing prepared her for the vicious ways of her strange new home: suburban Illinois. Soon, this naïve newbie falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies led by the charming but ruthless Regina George. But when Cady devises a plan to end Regina’s reign, she learns the hard way that you can’t cross a Queen Bee without getting stung. New York Magazine cheers, “Mean Girls delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor and joyful inside- jokery.” USA Today says, “We’ll let you in on a little secret, because we’re such good friends: get your tickets now!”

Photo: Matthew Murphy

Beetlejuice June 13 – 25, 2023 It’s showtime! Based on Tim Burton’s dearly beloved film, this hilarious musical tells the story of Lydia Deetz, a strange and unusual teenager whose whole life changes when she meets a recently deceased couple and a demon with a thing for stripes. With an irreverent book, an astonishing set, and a score that’s out of this Netherworld, Beetlejuice is “screamingly good fun!” (Variety). And under its uproarious surface (six feet under, to be exact), it’s a remarkably touching show about family, love, and making the most of every Day-O! Season tickets for the 2022/2023 Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale six-show package are currently available and range from $279 - $945*. To renew or purchase a new subscription please visit BroadwayInFortLauderdale.com. Broadway fans can enjoy unique hospitality experiences at the Broward Center once again this coming season including dinner and weekend brunch at the onsite restaurant, Marti’s New River Bistro. Marti’s threecourse prix fixe dinner menu is perfect for theatergoers who want to savor a relaxed dinner before the curtain rises. There’s an extensive wine list and a selection of contemporary cocktails to complement the menu. Marti’s is ideal for those attending a performance, seeking a waterfront experience along the Intracoastal, or planning an outing with friends and family. With indoor and outdoor seating, this setting for a

pre-theater dinner can’t be beat. For information, visit www.BrowardCenter.org/dining. By purchasing Spirit Club Level tickets, theatergoers enjoy an all-inclusive experience with complimentary valet parking, fine food, premium open bar (which includes mixed drinks, beer, wine, coffee, tea and soft drinks), access to an exclusive lounge, extra-roomy theater seats and attentive service throughout the evening. The Spirit Club Level lounge is open one hour prior to curtain and remains open throughout the performance and for 45 minutes after the show. A full season subscription is also available, which will guarantee the same luxurious Spirit Club Level theater seat for each show in the AuRene Theater and the full range of amenities. Request Spirit Club Level seating when you purchase your tickets for this unique experience. Another option for Broadway patrons to enhance the theater experience with drinks, appetizers and desserts one hour before the performance and during intermission at the UM Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Intermezzo Lounge. A separate ticket for the lounge allows patrons to enjoy a selection of delicious hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and desserts and complimentary beverages (soft drinks, seasonal craft and premium beer, wine, champagne, coffee and tea) in a spacious lounge offering ample indoor seating and a private outdoor veranda. To purchase tickets for the Intermezzo Lounge for any Broadway performance, visit www.BrowardCenter.org/dining.

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