Embrace Magazine — The Travel Issue

SUMMER CAMP

Pitching a tent with the season’s hottest queens

WE’RE WORTH YOUR VISIT.

Are you ready to experience a dealership that puts you first? That’s what you’ll find here at BMW of Ocala. Whether you’d like to explore our fine selection of new BMW models or schedule a service appointment for your current vehicle, we’re committed to meeting your automotive needs and exceeding your expectations.

We love the BMW brand and would love to help you choose a vehicle that suits your lifestyle. We’re always happy to discuss any model in further detail and answer any of your questions. We also provide a variety of convenient perks that you’re sure to love. These include Xpress Shopping (our exclusive program that allows you to shop and buy from home), BMW of Ocala To Go (a service that delivers your new purchase to your home or wherever is most convenient) and a three-day exchange policy to ensure that you’re completely satisfied with your new BMW.

And when you need to schedule a service appointment, you can rely on us to deliver the highest level of care for your vehicle. We work on all makes and models and even offer a valet service, so you won’t even have to leave your home.

From our showroom to our service center, our team looks forward to serving you. We invite you to come try our White Glove Experience today.

Discover a dealership unlike the rest.

At Porsche of Ocala, our customers come first. We’re committed to your satisfaction, whether you’re searching for the perfect Porsche or need to schedule an appointment for service and repairs. No matter what brings you here, you can always rely on us to take care of your automotive needs.

We offer our exclusive Xpress Shopping program, which allows you to shop and buy from wherever you prefer, as well as our home delivery service, which brings your new Porsche straight to your door. We even offer a three-day exchange policy, in case you change your mind. After all, we want you to be completely satisfied with your new Porsche.

Not only do we offer a stunning lineup of luxury vehicles, but we’re also dedicated to keeping your Porsche in the very best condition. We provide a convenient valet service when your vehicle needs maintenance or repairs. We’ll pick your vehicle up and drop it back off when service is completed, so you won’t have to leave your house.

You can rely on us to deliver the highest level of customer service every time. We call it the White Glove Experience.

Let us exceed your expectations today.

Now More Than Ever, Live the Life You Want…

IRONWOOD FARM

“This is simply one of the finest estates I’ve seen in my career. The backyard overlooking the pond is so beautiful that it looks like it is straight out of the movies.” — ROB

WHISPERING OAKS FARM

“From the road you would think this is just a cute little farm cottage, but as soon as you walk in you realize how large and stunning this home and setting is.” — CHRIS

Offered at $ 7, 900 , 000

This magnificent 119 acre estate is located in Central NW Ocala’s acclaimed horse country. Wind up the paved drive to the spectacular home site sitting high on a hill overlooking the beautiful grounds. This property is recognized as one of the most prominent estates in horse country.

Offered at $ 799 , 000

This beautifully kept 6+ acre farm is just what you’ve dreamed of! Located in Central NW Ocala’s beautiful horse country, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by like-minded equestrians! It’s a great location, and just minutes to equestrian venues, including HITS, Live Oak, OBS, and less than 10 miles to the new WEC!

Chris & Rob Desino and Matt Varney (352) 615-8890

DESINO

DESINO

Where You Want!

“This property has the perfect layout and is most certainly why the 13 acres feel more like 25! Not one inch of space is wasted. And I absolutely love the master bedroom — it’s stunning!”

—

“Such a pleasure to experience, as it is nestled back into the quietest part of a lovely equestrian subdivision. It is simply one of the best values on the market today.”

—

Offered at $ 1 , 775 , 000

This 13 acre farm is conveniently located in Central NW Ocala’s horse country; it’s one mile to HITS, and 15 minutes to the new World Equestrian Center! There are 2 large pastures with mature shade trees, and an additional 3 paddocks with 10-foot aisles between. woodwork; it features feed and tack rooms, wash racks, bath and efficiency apt.

Offered at $ 1 , 195 , 000

This farm is located in the beautiful equestrian community of Ocala Downs in NW Ocala’s prestigious horse country. This location can’t be beat for easy access to main roads, parks and riding opportunities, and horse venues, including the new World Equestrian Center.

#1 in Ocala Farm Sales for the Past 13 Years & Counting

MATT VARNEY

LISA ROGERS, OHP BUSINESS MANAGER

CHATHAM GLEN FARM BRIDAL OAKS FARM

C O N T E N T S

MAGNUS

BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR

BY CORY FREEMAN

THE TRAVEL ISSUE 7

SUMMER EMBRACEMEDIA.US

ON THE COVER

Models: Drag Queens Misty Violet and Allusia

Photographer: Magnus Hastings

READER

We want to hear what you think of each issue and welcome your comments and suggestions at john@sotomayormedia.com

FOLLOW US ON facebook.com/embracemagazine.us

CONTRIBUTORS

The mission of Embrace Magazine is to unite LGBTQ+ and straight communities to live, work, play, and pray together. We also wish to provide a platform for LGBTQ+ people to have a voice and share their unique artistry. Therefore, our staff consists of two-thirds LGBTQ+ persons, and one-third straight persons within our 13-member staff of this Special Edition Travel Issue.

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

phy book Why Drag?

Over his 25-year publishing career, Mark has amassed a vast magazine portfolio that includes national titles such as Weight Watchers, Arthritis Today, Digital South, Sensi, and Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Latitudes. His team at Em continues to design award-winning publications, as well as brand and advertising strategies, for a variety of businesses.

Published in 2016 by Chronicle books, it was described by Sir Elton John as “the best fucking photography book in years.” Magnus followed this up with his second book Rainbow Revolution (2020). He has appeared as a guest photographer on RuPaul’s Drag Race and a guest judge on The Boulet Brothers Dragula. Magnus currently lives in West Hollywood.

sic Physique Master’s Over 35 at the 2019 NPC Viking Championship and at the 2019 NPC Masters USA in his rookie year. Cory works as a physical therapist in the home health industry.

teaching English Language Arts in Saint Augustine, FL, specializing in gifted and exceptional education. Prior to attending graduate school, Katie plans to pursue her passion for writing while finding time to travel the world.

Award-winning photographer Magnus Hastings is best known for his work with Drag Queens and the Queer community. Relocating from his hometown of London to Los Angeles in 2011, he traveled across America photographing the best of U.S drag for his bestselling photogra-

Bill Malcolm writes a syndicated LGBTQ+ value travel column which appears or has appeared in publications in Dallas, Chicago, Seattle, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, Charlotte, and South Florida. He was formerly the Round the Ripple columnist for the Broad Ripple Gazette and also founded All Aboard Indiana, the passenger rail newsletter of the Indiana Passenger Rail Association. He focuses on value, going local, and taking public transit, bicycling or walking as well as what's new in cities. He resides in Indianapolis.

Mark Chesnut is a New York City-based writer, editor and public speaker. The winner of the 2019 NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, he's the author of the new memoir "Prepare for Departure: Notes on a Single Mother, a Misfit Son, Inevitable Mortality and the Enduring Allure of Frequent Flyer Miles" (Vine Leaves Press, 2022). His travel writing has appeared in media including Fodor's, Forbes Travel Guide, Hu Post, the Miami Herald, his blog LatinFlyer.com and the New York Times bestseller "1,000 Places to See Before You Die."

Jack Lemnus is a recent graduate at the University of Florida and is currently a reporter for WUFT News. What drew him to journalism was a deep desire to illuminate the realities of underserved communities and engage hard conversations. A Clearwater native, he loves to fill his bookshelves and practice his Spanish while traveling Latin America.

An interfaith minister and life coach, Donna Davis utilizes her life experiences to empower other people to overcome their struggles. Together with her wife, Norma, they manage Your Phoenix is Rising, a transformation coaching service focused on helping others rise from despair and embrace their Light Nature. Donna and Norma raised three biological children and served as legal guardians to several teenaged friends of their children during their time of need.

After completing degrees in literature and education, Michael's first job was teaching Adv. Pl. English Literature to high schoolers. Following that was a period spent teaching English in China and Vietnam. He returned in 2022 and has assisted countless graduate students with GRE, GMAT, LSAT and MCAT preparation. He always makes time, of course, to work on his novel.

Cory Freeman is a two-time first-place national bodybuilding champion, having won both of his first-place titles, The Men’s Clas-

Katie McCullough, graduate of Flagler College, is currently

Donna is a Registered Nurse at Parralion HCA Shared Services and Performance Director at Centers for Spiritual Living Ocala. She studied RN at Rasmussen College and psychology at Florida Atlantic University.

Jamie Ezra Mark Creative Director (He/Him)

Magnus Hastings Photographer (He/Him)

Bill Malcolm Travel Editor (He/Him)

Mark Chesnut Travel Writer (He/Him)

Cory Freeman Feature Writer and Body Health Columnist (He/Him)

Jack Lemnus Contributing Writer (He/Him)

Katie McCullough Mind Health Columnist (She/Her)

Donna Davis Soul Health Columnist (She/Her)

Michael Kurtz Straight Perspective Columnist (He/Him)

Justin Ayars (He/Him)

Justin Ayars is a self-described recovering healthcare trial lawyer turned serial entrepreneur. He has extensive experience in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with diverse demographics, helping businesses authentically engage new markets and cultivating communities through relationship-building and technological innovation. For five years, Justin ran a successful LGBTQ+ marketing, media and events company in the mid-Atlantic region, Q Media. Justin is now the Founder & CEO of EqualityMD, a comprehensive virtual ecosystem that provides the LGBTQ+ community with inclusive, personalized healthcare. Located in Los Angeles, Calif., Ayars represents an overall POV.

Herb Sosa (He/Him) Community activist, historian, preservationist and freelance writer, Herb Sosa is a founding member of, and currently serves as President and CEO of Unity Coalition/Coalición Unida, o ering leadership, protection and promotion of Latino/Hispanic LGBTQ rights (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning) – the only organization of its kind in South Florida since 2002. Sosa brings over 20 years of corporate and not-for-profit leadership experience in the community. Previously Sosa was Executive Director of Miami Design Preservation League and the Art Deco Weekend Festival in Miami Beach. Sosa also is Publisher and Editor-In-chief of AMBIENTE Magazine, the first and only LGBTQ+ publication o ered in English, Spanish and Portuguese. He and his husband reside in Miami, representing South Florida inclusion.

A perfect fit.

Matthew Skallerud (He/Him)

Matt Skallerud, president of Pink Media, has been in the LGBTQ+ digital space for over 25 years now, first with GayWired.com and ShieWired.com, and now with Pink Media and the #ILoveGay network, helping companies reach their targeted LGBTQ+ demographic. In addition, Skallerud is the former Board Chairman of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) and has served on the boards Travel Gay Canada (TGC) and the LAGLCC. He is actively involved with key national LGBTQ+ organizations including the NGLCC, Out Professionals and Lambda Legal, just to name a few. Located in Allentown, Pa., Skallerud represents an overall POV.

emagency.com

Em Agency is proud to be the design team behind Embrace. We build brands we believe in—the brand you believe in can be next.

EDITORIAL

PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

John Sotomayor

FEATURES EDITORS

Magnus Hastings

John Sotomayor

Cory Freeman

DEPARTMENT EDITORS

International Travel

Mark Chesnut

Bill Malcolm

LoAnn Halden

Domestic Travel

Bill Malcolm

John Sotomayor

COLUMNISTS

Mind Katie McCullough

Body Cory Freeman

Soul Donna Davis

Straight Perspective

Michael Kurtz

ADVERTORIALS WRITERS

Jack Lemnus

John Anderson

ADVISORY BOARD

Justin Ayars, Founder/CEO of EqualityMD, California

Matthew Skallerud, President of Pink Media, Pennsylvania

Herb Sosa, President/CEO of Unity Coalition|Coalicion Unida, Florida

ART

EM AGENCY

Creative Director Jamie Ezra Mark

Art Director Rheya Tanner

Designer Wendy Mak

Designer Andrew Ontko

Designer Josh Clark

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Magnus Hastings, A. Harris Photography, Mark Morinii, Embrace Media

CARTOON

Simon and Bryan Steel

VIDEOS

BMW of North America with Goodby Silverstein & Partners, Embrace Media

OPERATIONS

DIRECTOR OF LOCAL SALES AND ADVERTISING

John Sotomayor

john@sotomayormedia.com

NATIONAL ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE

Rivendell Media (212) 242-6863, sales@rivendellmedia.com

EMBRACE MEDIA WEBSITE

Designer A Great Idea

Video Producer Alexander Sotomayor

PRINTER

Good Time Printing, Ocala

OUR MISSION To unite LGBTQ+ and straight communities to live, work, play, and pray together.

of Hedon Garden

LET IT ALL HANG OUT IN THE GARDEN OF HEDON.

I have done more than my fair share of travel. Throughout my lifetime, I have set foot in North and South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. My favorite stays have been at gay resorts. There, I am relaxed and excited at the same time. Attractive gay men are comfortable being themselves, which in turn, makes me comfortable being myself. Those in recent memory include Sawmill Camping Resort in Dade County, Casa de Merman at GayStPete House in St. Petersburg and the Equator Resort and Island House, both in Key West. All four in Florida. And all four, like most gay resorts, are clothing optional.

I visited Key West in June 2022 on assignment for FORUM the magazine of Florida Humanities to cover the historic impact of LGBTQ travel on the local economy. My story in FORUM was titled “At the End of the Rainbow, published in the Fall 2022 edition. I was given permission to do another version of the same story, which is published in this Travel issue called “West Pride Story.” Arrangements were made with Visit Key West and Newman PR for me to stay at the Equator Resort on Fleming Street, at the heart of Old Town Key West.

Upon my arrival at the Equator Resort, I was given the premier experience. Too late in the day to begin my research, I took advantage of the amenities, which included 24-hour front desk sta , two pools, two hot tubs, four complimentary Happy Hour drinks daily, complimentary brewed Starbucks and Tazo Teas, and onsite massage available for booking. The grounds were among the most immaculate and newly renovated in Old Town.

At the time, I needed a more quiet, relaxing experience, and I got that there. I met some wonderful guys and gentlemen. Some came from afar, while others were frequent visitors from the mainland.

I found the larger crowds at Island House the next day, there to interview Gordon Ross, the general manager. A long-time resident and author of the book, “Key West: Dancing at the End of the Rainbow, 1970 — 1990,” Ross is one of the leading historians of LGBT history on the island. After our interview, Ross o ered me a complimentary day pass. I made plans to return when my research was over. On my nal day, I had a few hours before my ight, so I returned. It was a party. More so, it was a gay man’s paradise. Island House was around for a long time and is considered “Best in the World.” A combination of resort and bathhouse with naked men everywhere and every hedonistic pleasure at one’s reach, it was clear to see why.

I visited St Petersburg in January 2022 to meet with the publisher of OUTCOAST travel magazine, Rachel Covello. I arranged to stay at Casa del Merman at GayStPete House, for a quaint guest house experience rather than the usual large hotel. I was glad I did. Located close to the Grand Central District, the heart of the St Pete gayborhood, Casa del Merman o ered a clothing optional heated pool, sauna, massage table, and free continental breakfast as well as free beer and wine happy hour. Minutes after my arrival, I booked a massage as the masseur was immediately available. I felt the stress melt away. The sta and guests were all friendly. I made friends with the general manager, Bill Kody who introduced me to the owner, Brian Longstreth. I had to return to St Pete to cover the Equality Florida St Pete Gala

John Sotomayor Publisher and Editor-in-Chief

Publisher John Sotomayor at Equator Resort, Key West

in May 2022, and did not think twice where I wanted to stay. Happy to see me, Brian invited me to take part in a merman photoshoot for a promotion he had scheduled at the pool. I accepted. One of the models was Frank Piscopo, who does drag as The Lady Liemont in the St Pete local bar scene. He and I became friends. The photos were published in our July 2022 Arts issue.

Over the years, I have stayed at Sawmill Camping Resort many times. Usually on a day pass. Sometimes for an overnight stay, especially when they had a special weekend. Big Bang July 4th weekend, Sawmill Bear Splash, ManSplash Pool Party, Sawmill Decadence, and Grand Halloween are some of the more popular. Recently, I attended a Sunday, known as Sunday Funday, for poolside T-dance. Sawmill, rated as the number one gay campground in the nation, has it all. A clothing optional pool, an adjacent volleyball court, Splash Café for food and drinks, Cigar Bar, and Lucy’s General Store.

They usually hold the T-dance drag show by the pool, but the weather was colder than usual, and it rained the night before, so they moved the show indoors inside Woody’s, the onsite nightclub. I had an 80-minute CBD massage at The Spa, a new addition to Sawmill, by Curtis. This massage uses the highest grade organically

grown CBD oil for an overall sense of wellness. It was amazing. Thank you, Curtis!

Immediately after, I attended the T-dance drag show inside Woody’s, conveniently located right next door to the Spa. To my delight, the headliner was none other than The Lady Liemont. For me, the best part of LGBTQ travel and gay resort stays are the friends, and memories you make.

john@sotomayormedia.com

summer camp

World-renowned drag photographer Magnus Hastings pitches a tent with Misty Violet and Allusia in his new photo series.

STORY JOHN SOTOMAYOR PHOTOS MAGNUS HASTINGS

after the success of the collaborated photo-essay, “Icons Gone Wild” in Embrace’s Arts issue last summer, I contacted Magnus Hastings to team up again for another comic romp.

The idea of “summer camp” popped into my head for a photo-essay and thought it would be very funny to depict drag queens enacting rugged outdoorsmanship in the woods — with a campy twist. Magnus agreed, thinking it would be silly and fun.

Magnus was given complete creative control on the shoot. He contacted two of his closest drag queen friends from his hometown of West Hollywood, the legendary Misty Violet and Allusia, the latter of whom participated in “Icons Gone Wild.” He pitched them the concept and were instantly game.

with that, Magnus and the girls set o in search of the ideal campy environment. “Being that we shot in LA, I wanted it to look like anywhere but LA,” Magnus said. “I looked at Malibu, but it didn’t feel right. I started looking at campsites and asking around.”

A friend suggested Franklin Canyon, on the north side of Beverly Hills and Bel-Air. “It is bizarre,” Magnus said. “One minute you’re in the middle of Beverly Hills, then you turn down a side road and suddenly you’re in an endless expanse of woods, with a cli side on the rightand a huge lake and mountains in the backdrop. It’s insane.”

it was an amazing spot. It would have been the perfect spot, if not for one small problem: permit enforcement. “Permits are $250/hour. We scratched that,” he said. “But with this shoot, we had to set up a tent, so it wasn’t like we could snap and run. I’ve been chased away from places by the police before. It’s not fun.”

On day one of shooting, they

pitched their tent and kept an eye out. Luckily, the permit enforcing ranger passed through just as they were arriving, meaning they were not spotted—at least, not right away.

“He showed up again at our third setup, the shing shot,” said Magnus. “He stopped us and went on about permits, but was nice enough to allow us an hour and a half to shoot.”

After such a close call on day one, they chose to play it safe day

two and did a setup in Misty’s garden. It just had just a tuft of grass, but it was enough for backgrounds.

Needing one last location for variety, they chose to take the risk and ran secretly into another park area Magnus had scouted the day before. They shot the scene where they are dragging their bags, as well as the shots of them doing their washing.

The outcome is hilarious drag camp at its nest.

Rediscovering Adventure The Story of

Gay Camping Friends

By John Anderson

Gay Camping Friends (GCF) has come a long way. From a simple idea, it has grown into the world's largest LGBTQ+ camping community, with over 200,000 members on Facebook and Discord and boasting one of the top 5 largest LGBTQ+ Facebook groups in the world. But the story behind GCF is one of community, built over time. I am John Anderson, the founder of Gay Camping Friends.

A LONGING FOR ADVENTURE

As the Executive VP and Senior Partner of a Dallas-based software corporation for over a decade, I helped grow the company from a few employees to over 50. Beyond work I also grew a sizable social media following that I used to organize events, petitions, and worked with non-profits focused on doing good things for the LGBTQ+ community. Yet, I felt confined by the four walls of my o ice and the monotony of my life.

After watching a documentary about an individual who embarked on a one-year RV journey, my then-boyfriend Jarrett and I were inspired. It seemed so easy. After years in the city, we longed for the freedom to travel and experience new things. We needed an escape.

For the next two years we planned. The company I had helped grow experienced an exit and I sold my house. I paid o all my debts and bought an RV trailer and truck with some of the exit money. Thus, we began our full-time adventure.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

When we decided to embark on a full-time RV adventure, I knew I had to document it online. Instead of creating just another cliché travel blog, I decided to create an en-

vironment where people who were on similar journeys or were interested in camping could share their own adventures, learn more about camping and traveling, make new connections, and be a part of a community of like-minded people. With that, Gay Camping Friends was born. The photos, stories, and experiences were inspiring. Members would post their favorite campgrounds and campsites, their tips and tricks, selfies of their outdoor escapades. Our GCF Mountain Logo became a symbol for the gay camping community. As the newsfeed grew, so did the feeling that this was more than just a Facebook group. Gay Camping Friends was a movement. It became a sort of friendly counterculture to the normal bar scene. People of all types shared

photos of themselves without judgment or cliques, posting comments on open-ended questions that meld camping with deep thoughts and reflections about themselves and our community. As much as I was the founder, I found that I too was a consumer of this movement.

Gay Camping Friends didn’t create gay camping. The community was always there. It just needed a home.

THE IMPORTANCE OF LGBTQ+ SAFE SPACES

Gay/LGBTQ+ campgrounds have long served as safe spaces for the LGBTQ+ community, providing a haven where individuals could socialize, celebrate their identities, and find belonging. We believe it is import-

JOIN US at gaycampingfriends.com, Facebook: facebook.com/groups/715945572395578 (Or search for Gay Camping Friends)

PHOTOS BY JOHN ANDERSON

GCF garden flags are often found at members' campsites.

ant to support gay/LGBTQ+ campgrounds as safe spaces for our community. As other safe spaces like gay bars are dwindling, these campgrounds provide a unique and vital sanctuary for the community, especially those who may not have access to LGBTQ+ resources in their local areas. It has become a core part of our mission to do what we can to promote and preserve these spaces for many years to come.

Gay Camping Friends has become an online version of these vital spaces. It's a place where people come together, be themselves, forge friendships, and create lasting memories. GCF is more than just a camping group; it's become a critical part of LGBTQ+ culture, just like the LGBTQ+ campgrounds we support.

It is the escape I didn’t know I was longing for all along.

THE EXPLOSIVE GROWTH OF GAY CAMPING FRIENDS

By our count, Gay Camping Friends was the

fastest growing LGBTQ+ Facebook group in the world. As we grew, it became clear we needed to do more. We expanded our reach by adding an online store that o ers t-shirts, stickers, and merchandise with the iconic GCF Mountain Logo. We created a website that features a comprehensive map of gay, lesbian, LGBTQ+, and LGBTQ+owned campgrounds.

As our members continued to interact online, we organized large regional meetups at LGBTQ+ campgrounds across the US and Canada to help them connect in person. We also launched our GCF Local Meetups program, low-barrier events such as hikes, house parties, and bar meets, that allow members to connect in their own communities and plan their own camping trips together.

THE

GCF

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Gay Camping Friends has connected me with amazing individuals from diverse backgrounds, whose stories and experiences have been truly inspiring. One member,

who su ered from a stroke, found encouragement from the group to work up the strength to go camping again, after feeling that he never could. Stories like these are a testament to the impact GCF has had on its members' lives.

For LGBTQ+ individuals living in rural areas, GCF provides a unique opportunity to learn more about their own culture and connect with like-minded individuals, either virtually or in person. We value inclusivity, diversity, and LGBTQ+ rights, and are proud to o er a safe space where all members can be themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. While we avoid being political in terms of specific candidate or political party advocacy, we have spoken out in support of the trans community and other LGBTQ+ issues, as we believe it is our duty to advocate for our community. As one of the largest LGBTQ+ groups in the world, we stand firm in our belief that every member of our community deserves a voice and a safe space to call their own.

Group photo at the 2023 Gay Camping Friends Southeast Regional Meetup at Oz Campground in Unadilla, Georgia.

THE FUTURE OF GAY CAMPING FRIENDS

Gay Camping Friends is committed to expanding our reach and impact by exploring new ways to support our members, such as organizing more events, providing educational resources about camping, and advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity in outdoor spaces. We are also working on partnerships with LGBTQ+ organizations and businesses to do even more for our members. There are so many di erent directions we can go. This is an adventure into uncharted territory, and no one has taken this same

journey before.

I am incredibly proud of what Gay Camping Friends has become and the impact it has had on the LGBTQ+ community. It is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering spirit of adventure that lives within all of us. If you're looking for a place where you can connect with fellow LGBTQ+ campers, share your stories, and create unforgettable memories, I invite you to join us at Gay Camping Friends. Together, let's continue building a safe community of adventure and making a positive di erence in the world.

2023 GCF REGIONAL MEETUPS

SOUTHEAST - May 11-14

Oz Campground - Unadilla, GA -

NORTHEAST - June 15-18

Camp Out Poconos - East Stroudsburg, PA

CANADA - July 28-30

Cedars Campground - Millgrove, ON

MIDWEST - August 25-27

Campit Outdoor Resort - Saugatuck, MI

SOUTHWEST - October 19-22

Anza-Borrego State Park - California

SOUTH CENTRAL - Nov 17-19

Rainbow Ranch - Groesbeck, TX

TOP PHOTO BY JOHN ANDERSON; CAMPGROUND PHOTO BY ROSAMAR

John Anderson, founder of Gay Camping Friends.

BY THE NUMBERS

As Of May 15, 2023…

MEMBERS: 202,400

DAILY ACTIVE MEMBERS:

73,200

DISCORD USERS: 4,800

LGBT/LGBT OWNED

CAMPGROUNDS: 72

JD Dunkle, Nick Wasilonsky, and Tyler Galles at the 2022 Gay Camping Friends Midwest Regional Meetup at Freedom Valley in Ohio.

EXPLORE LGBTQ FLORIDA

The Beauty. The Weather. The Fun. The Love.

WEST PRIDE STORY

The history of LGBTQ travel and tourism on Key West is a representation of its impact on all of Florida.

BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR

ocated at the southernmost tip of the Florida Keys, surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, Key West holds the honor of being one of the original gay vacation destinations. With about 300,000 LGBTQ+ visitors feeling its warm, welcoming embrace each year, the city remains a top-ranked LGBTQ travel destination. But Key West’s tourism history ebbs and ows, often only staying a oat thanks to the gay travlers who visited once — and never left.

Gordon Ross (then Bondesen) arrived in Key West from Cleveland, Ohio in the 1970s when he was 18 years old to attend what was then called “a Junior College” and what is now called the Community College of the Florida Keys. He planned to study Marine Biology. Instead, he was drawn to the budding artisan scene on Duval Street.

In short time, Ross dined with Tennessee Williams, and listened to Diana Ross records with James Leo Herlihy, the author of Midnight Cowboy. He witnessed Jimmy Kirkwood help write A Chorus Line and celebrated a New Year’s Eve party with Leonard Bernstein. He befriended locals John “Ma” Evans and Ricki Fessler, who introduced Ross to the local drag scene. Before he knew it Ross had been swept away by the allure of Key West, and redirected his life to one fully immersed in its LGBTQ scene.

A shuttered, close-to-bankrupt town, Key West was on the verge of a revival in 1978, thanks to savvy South Florida gay businessmen who saw potential in the grand Victorians and charming conch houses that dotted the entire town. But the ultimate catalyst for city’s LGBTQ+ tourism revival, if you ask Ross, was the arrival of The Monster in January 1976.

Like the original Monster on Fire Island — the summer playground for elite gay Manhattanites — The Monster of Key West was a restaurant/gay nightclub that drew gay and straight crowds alike. In his book, Key West: Dancing at the End of the Rainbow, Ross wrote, “the rst thing a visitor would realize after their rst visit to The Monster was that sooner or later everyone in Key West stopped by. Gay men, gay women, straight men, straight women, college kids, grandmothers, grandfathers, service men and women, politicians, teachers, police, remen, visiting celebrities … everyone, everyone stopped by at some point.”

But the all-inclusive vibe of The Monster wasn’t found everywhere. There was backlash from some old-time Key Westers, who had already lived through the seismic shifts brought by the Navy occupation in the ’40s and the hippie movement in the ’60s. They saw “the gays” as nothing more than the newest upenders of their way of life.

A New York Times article from April 1979, titled “In Key West, the Latest ‘Invaders’ Have Set O a Backlash” sets the stage well with its opening vignette:

“You could see the potential of these old conch homes and buildings, but no one at the time seemed to be interested in doing any renovation.”

—Gordon Ross, author, Key West: Dancing at the End of the Rainbow

“This place is really wild,” the young man in blue jeans and a tank top undershirt was telling a newly arrived acquaintance one night recently on Duval Street, the main thoroughfare here. “You can do anything and everything.”

“That’s what he thinks,” another man of about the same age — early 20s — muttered disdainfully to the young woman on his arm as they overheard the remark in passing.

A few steps later, in front of Shoe Fly, one of the street’s chic new shops, he looked back over his shoulder. “Go back to Greenwich Village, you creeps,” he said.”

In order to survive then thrive, gays and lesbians needed to weave their own unique culture into the existing fabric of the Key West they rst fell in love with.

The First Wave

During World War II, all Americans joined the war e ort after Pearl Harbor was bombed, with enlistments happening at a rate of 14,000 per day in 1942. Gay and lesbian individuals also joined. There were many opportunities for same-sex scenarios because the males lived in same-sex dorms and the ladies who were volunteers with the Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Services (WAVES) found themselves working in factories at home.

The naval base fostered the need for gay establishments, such as Gate Bar, aptly named

HISTORIC WONDERS OF THE WEST

Ten locations and events that had a significant impact on Key West’s rich LGBTQ history.

1. DUVAL STREET

The epicenter of the city’s arts and gay culture, Key West’s main drag is home to some of the city’s most iconic establishments, from nightclubs to museums, guesthouses to gardens. It is also the location of longstanding institutions Captain Tony’s Bar (est. 1970), Sloppy Joe’s (est. 1933), and the oldest bar in Key West, Green Parrot Bar (est. 1890).

2. TENNESSEE WILLIAMS MUSEUM

The house that playwright Tennessee Williams lived in the little yellow house at 1431 Duncan Street from 1948 until his death in 1983. His beloved home has been converted to a museum honoring his life and literary achievements.

SOURCE: MODIFIED FROM FLA-KEYS.COM/GAY; GAYKEYWESTFL.COM

“There was a large portion of South Florida who were gay and saw an opportunity to move to… Key West, buy the property pretty cheap and x it up.What they did is create the next wave of tourism for all of us.”

—Cori Convertito, PhD, Curator, Key West Art & Historical Society

due to its proximity to the Navy base front gates, and Jack Gray’s Rum Runner Room (later Delmonico’s Bar), all of which had a large shrimper and servicemen clientele.

Meanwhile, the allure of the tranquil island life as an escape from the fast-paced hectic mainland life attracted authors, playwrights, composers and their ilk. The rst was composer and conductor Leonard Bernstein, best known for his iconic musical, West Side Story. He rst visited Key West in 1941, and wrote his rst published opus, Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, during his stay. He would later write a ballet, Conch Town, as a salute to Key West natives. Author and playwright Tennessee Williams arrived in Key West in 1948 and spent the last 34 years of his life there. Many of Williams’ world-renown plays such as The Rose Tattoo and Night of the Iguana were written in Key West. Both world-famous openly gay men were instrumental in drawing national and international attention to Key West.

The city’s lively gay and artist mecca status lasted until early 1970. Then Old Town became quiet. “The town was one of the last bastions of ‘hippiedom’ after a large part of the Navy pulled out” wrote Ross. The closure of the naval base caused a population of 45,000 to drop to 15,000 seemingly overnight. “Most of the buildings, especially downtown, were old, weathered and dilapidated,” wrote Ross. “You could see the potential of these old conch homes and buildings, but no one at the time seemed to be interested in doing any renovation.”

Cori Convertito, PhD, the curator of the Key West Art & Historical Society, said in her presentation, “Florida Keys or Bust: A History of Tourism” that the closure of the naval base had a domino e ect. Businesses could not sustain themselves from a drop of population from 45,000 to 15,000 so they

shuttered. Tourists stopped coming because the businesses were closed. With tourism at a halt, hotels and restaurants closed.

“There was a large portion of South Florida who were gay and saw an opportunity to move to the keys, speci cally Key West, buy the property pretty cheap and x it up,” said Convertito. “What they did is create the next wave of tourism for all of us.”

The Second Wave

Ricki Fessler lived in Coconut Grove, Fla. in the mid-70s where he worked as a bartender. He met a Norwegian patron named Sven Christensen whom he learned owned The Monster on Fire Island, NY. Christensen saw something in Fessler. He asked him if he would be interested in helping him open a gay bar in Key West.

“I said, well, I don’t know. It doesn’t seem very gay to me,” said Fessler. At the time, Key West was mainly populated by shrimpers and Navy men. “He said you only have to do it for six weeks.”

Fessler was instantly attracted to the offer. Then he was hooked by the beauty of Key West, and the appeal of The Monster he helped open there. “It became an instant hit. All of a sudden, people started coming down because [Christensen] owned the one on Fire Island,” said Fessler. The Monster on Key West was considered Studio 54 South.

“Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote used to sit at the end of the bar at happy hour,” added Fessler. “Tennessee drank his whiskey and Truman sipped white wine while they did poppers.”

Drag queen phenomena Divine was a dear friend of Fessler and former roommate in New York City brie y. Divine lived in Key West for a short time. One of the most memorable and still talked about drag performances was the one given by Divine

QUEERING THE WAY

South Florida is far from the only place to feel the impact of LGBTQ+ tourism. In his book, The Queering of the Redneck Riviera, Jerry T. Watkins III focuses on the Florida panhandle, depicting the complex history of how its growing LGBTQ+ population overcame the reactionary push for “family-friendly” environments and turned the Redneck Riviera into the Gay Riviera. The book is part of a growing body of research on how LGBTQ+ presence changes the cultural fabric of cities, often leading to economic growth.

By the middle of the 1970s, there were more than 30 same-sex guest homes that catered to gay men thanks to a consistent supply of gay tourists, including Key West’s only all-male guesthouse on Duval Street, New Orleans House.

at The Monster when she came down from New York and performed her Disco hit, You Think You’re a Man.

Politicians frequented The Monster too. “Senator John Spottswood and his wife used to come into The Monster quite a bit,” said Fessler. “I had been working there for a couple of years and [Mrs. Spottswood] came in one night and asked me, ‘Ricki, do you like living here? Do you think you want to stay here?’ I said, yeah. And she said, ‘I have three words for you.’ And I said, ‘what’s that Mary?’ And she said, ‘buy real estate.’ However, at the time I was more interested in getting Quaaludes and martinis.”

Other gay and lesbian business people had the same thought regarding real estate. It started at Zero Duval Street with the construction of the Pier House—the island’s rst high-end, all-inclusive resort. It was built by gay local Key Wester David Wolkowsky, a marketing whiz who invited travel journalists and publicists from all over the world to stay at the Pier House and experience Key West’s beauty and allure. Local media aptly called Wolkowsky “Mr. Key West” and the “Father of Key West Tourism.” By the middle of the 1970s, there were more than 30 same-sex guest homes that catered to gay men thanks to a consistent supply of gay tourists, including Key West’s only all-male guesthouse on Duval Street, New Orleans House. Fleming Street had four or ve highly popular gay guest houses on it, including Equator Report, Alexander House, and Island House. “We nicknamed it Flaming Street,” joked Fessler.

Soon gay-owned and gay-friendly businesses appeared everywhere. Establishments such as La Te Da, Papillion, The Mermaid Lounge, The Copa, Beach Bar at Pier House and Delmonico’s Bar on Duval Street entertained the throngs of LGBTQ and straight visitors with drag performances while gay-owned galleries and stores provided venues to shop.

The Impact

Gay merchants on the island came together in 1978 to discuss the special task of marketing to LGBTQ tourists. It was clear that gay tourists were enthusiastic, exible travelers with disposable means. As a result, the Key West Business Guild was established as the rst LGBTQ chamber of commerce and destination marketing organization in the nation.

Steve Murray-Smith, at the time, Steve Smith (1950 - 2022) was the marketing director of the Key West Business Guild and pioneered Key West as a premiere Gay Destination. Murray-Smith traveled the coun-

3. THE MONSTER

Founded by Sven Christensen and local bartender Ricki Fessler, the popular restaurant/ gay club is considered one of the catalysts for the revitalization of LGBTQ+ tourism in Key West

4. RICHARD HEYMAN

When he was elected Mayor of Key West in 1983, he became America’s first openly gay mayor.

5. ONE HUMAN FAMILY

The mantra and philosophy, created by openly gay local artist J.T. Thompson, was adopted as the o icial philosophy of Key West in 2000.

6. THE KEY WEST BUSINESS GUILD

Established in 1978, the Guild is the oldest LGBTQ chamber in the USA and one of North America’s oldest gay and lesbian destination marketing organizations.

“It became an instant hit. All of a sudden, people started coming down because he owned the one on Fire Island. Tennessee Williams and Truman Capote used to sit at the end of the bar at happy hour.”

—Ricki Fessler, cofounder, The Monster

THE CASTRO-FICATION OF ST PETERSBURG

The influx of gay residents and visitors — and the culture and industry they brought with them — to San Francisco’s Castro District in the ’50s is what sparked its nationwide rise to fame. So when similar industry emerged in St. Petersburg around 2002, it led local media to ponder: was the Grand Central District becoming the new Castro?

The Grand Central District, located in central St. Petersburg, had recently become an unusual blend of residential and commercial areas thanks to a city-wide zoning change that took place two years before. The district was re-zoned as an “Urban Village,” meaning both the district and its individual properties can be mixed-use—for example, a residential complex above a ground-floor commercial space. Small businesses were then encouraged to open in these urban villages and target the customers who lived nearby.

The redevelopment plans for the Grand Central District were created with input from the residents of the adjacent neighborhoods — the equally gay-friendly Historic Kenwood and Central Oak Park districts. Both the Grand Central Lofts and the Urban Village Townhouse project were developed at this time. Storefronts that were once boarded quickly transformed into thriving minority-owned enterprises.

When St Pete Pride was founded in 2003 by Brian Longstreth and George Kessinger (the founder of George’s Alibi gay nightclub), the Grand Central District quickly became its home base.

try and the world promoting the concept of Gay Key West. “I would say that he’s single handedly made Key West,” said Ross. “He was the next jump of making Key West known to the world.”

Four openly gay businessmen who were friends gathered one year later, in 1979, to create one of the island’s most signi cant economic engines. In the late 1960s, Joe Liska and his business partner Frank Romano relocated to Key West and founded the now-famous skincare company Key West Aloe.

Owners of the renowned department store Fast Buck Freddie’s, Tony Falcone and his business partner Bill Conkle, were good friends of Liska and Romano in 1971. The end of October had traditionally been a dormant season in Key West, but Halloween had grown to be a treasured festival in the LGBT community. The four men founded Fantasy Fest, one of the most well-known festivals in the US that takes place the week before Halloween and brings millions of dollars to the island’s economy every year.

The International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), a global organization with more than 1,200 members and expanding, was founded in 1983 by local tourism agencies and hoteliers to support Key West’s reputation as the inventor and early pioneer in LGBTQ travel promotion. Hans Ebensten, the “Inventor of Homosexual Travel” and the rst openly gay tour operator in the United States, was a major force in the establishment of the organization. He and his longtime companion Brian Kenny relocated to Key West in the early 1970s. In 1972, Ebensten organized the rst ever authorized gay men’s tour, which included an exhilarating journey down the Colorado River. Soon after, Ebensten organized the rst vacations for gay men to Egypt, the Galapagos Islands, and other destinations.

Over the years, the Key West local economy and LGBTQ culture exploded, mainly due to the waves of travel and tourism the local LGBTQ community attracted.

“We would estimate that 30% of the visitors coming in our visitor center on Duval Street identify as LGBTQ+,” said Kevin Theriault, Executive Director of the Key West Business Guild/ Gay Key West Visitor Center. “We also track the number of visitors that attend our events – Key West Pride, Tropical Heat, and Womenfest. We receive that information from our ticketed events, LGBTQ+ guesthouses and hotels, and our event hosts. There is de nitely an increase of LGBTQ+ visitors during these events.”

“Beyond Key West, other regions of the Florida Keys Island chain also welcome

LGBTQ+ travelers looking for a wide range of experiences found only in the Florida Keys,” said Stacey Mitchell, director of the Florida Keys & Key West tourism council. “I believe the Keys’ lengthy tradition of having an all-welcoming and accepting mindset is an important reason for our success. The tourism council’s longstanding marketing e orts support that philosophy and communicate that all-welcoming mindset.”

The positive impact of LGBTQ travel and tourism is evident everywhere in Key West. The traditional gay scene on Duval attracts gay and straight visitors alike, day and night. Gay bars such as Bourbon Street Pub, 801 Bourbon Bar, Aqua Bar and nightclub, and Bobby’s Monkey Bar welcome and are visited by gay and straight, as are the straight bars that are gay-friendly, such as The Bull, clothing-optional Garden of Eden, Chart Room Cocktail Lounge, Durty Harrys, and 22&Co; including the long-standing institutions Captain Tony’s Bar, established in 1970, built in 1851; Sloppy Joe’s, established 1933; and the oldest bar in Key West, Green Parrot Bar, established 1890.

Created in January 2000 then adopted as the island’s o cial philosophy in October 2000 and by the whole of the Florida Keys in 2001, One Human Family, by openly gay, local artist J.T. Thompson is meant to unite people regardless of their race, nationality, sexuality, and other di erences that the artist believes “are super cial distinctions and cannot be allowed to be twisted into cultural divisions.”

“The phrase ‘One Human Family’ reclaims the word ‘family’ from being an exclusive word by the religious right to being an inclusive word,” said Thompson. “Like ngers on a hand … we are all di erent and unique. We are all of equal value. We are all created to work together. And although we appear separate, we are all linked to — and a part of — each other.”

That is profound thinking. Whereas “family-friendly” promotes the exclusion of gay people, “One Human Family” advocates the inclusion of all people.

Today, no one on the island looks back over their shoulder and mutters “Go back to Greenwich Village” anymore. In the tidal change of human culture, that is an advancement, not a retreat. Life at high tide. An advancement carried to shore on the backs of LGBTQ visitors. An advancement invited by the LGBTQ who were there rst.

Editor’s Note: A version of this article by the same author was published in the fall 2022 edition of FORUM, the Magazine of Florida Humanities.

7. FANTASY FEST

Conceived in 1979 by gay businessmen Bill Conkle, Tony Falcone, Joe Liszka and Frank Romano to celebrate Key West’s creativity and attract LGBTQ tourists during the otherwise dormant month of October. The world-famous festival is now a fundraising and awareness leader for people living with HIV and AIDS.

(a.k.a. Drag Queen Drop) debuted on New Year’s Eve 1996 at Bourbon Street Pub. Drag queen Sushi was perched in a giant red stiletto and lowered from the balcony at midnight. The event was broadcast live on CNN for many years.

9. AIDS MEMORIAL

Completed in 1997 and believed to be the only o icial municipal monument of its kind, the Key West AIDS Memorial bears the names of more than 1,200 people who died from AIDS.

10. PRIDE MONTH

A 1.25-mile-long, sea-to-sea rainbow flag was unfurled along Duval Street during Key West’s 2003 Pride celebration to commemorate the flag’s 25th anniversary. Sections of the massive flag have since appeared at Pride events around the world.

“The phrase ‘One Human Family’ reclaims the word ‘family’ from being an exclusive word by the religious right to being an inclusive word. Like ngers on a hand … we are all di erent and unique. We are all of equal value. We are all created to work together.”

—J.T. Thompson, local artist, creator of “One Human Family”

8. THE RED SHOE DROP

CONGRATS

TO THE BOYS OF POPWRAPPED ON 25-BILLION SOCIAL MEDIA IMPRESSIONS! FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT SOTOMAYER MEDIA

L2RCHRIS WILLIAMS, DARIUS SNACK, TYLER SCHRAGE, BRYAN WILLIAMS

AThat’smore

Embrace columnist Cory Freeman vists his boyfriend’s homeland. There, they experience the sweet life — Italian style.

BY CORY FREEMAN

My boyfriend, Giulio Barteselli, is Italian.

And I don’t mean Jersey Italian. I mean he was born and raised in a suburb of Milan, where his entire family still lives. He's Italian Italian. After seriously dating for over a year, we decided it was time for me to meet the family and see the places he is from. So, we packed our bags and invited four of our closest friends to join us on an adventure-packed trip through Northern Italy. The rst stop, of course, was Milan. After spending a couple days meeting Giulio’s wonderfully inviting parents and (may I say loud?) large Italian family, I realized I really need to learn to speak Italian.

After we met up with our friends in their strangely eclectic hotel where the lobby decor was somewhere between thrift store antiques and museum exhibit. Milan is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and everywhere you go you see its in uence. High-end boutiques house the world’s leading fashion designers— most of which were by appointment only, so my shopping spree had to be postponed.

We found our way over to the Duomo di Milano. I was not prepared for how breathtaking this 14th century cathedral is inside and out. Even if I had a year, I wouldn't be able to appreciate all the intricate detail in its construction. With so much walking and standing all day we were ready for some refreshment. On the same plaza are museums and the famous Galleria Vittorio Emanuele mall. When in Italy, you must refresh with an Aperol Spritz. Save the Negroni Sbagliato…with Prosecco, for your after-dinner cocktail. Trust me on this.

The next day, we went o to the coast to see the Cinque Terre. These ve quintessential coastal Italian towns built on the steep mountain cli s along the coast are accessible only by train, by boat, or on foot. (We chose the train.) Walking up the steep streets lined with shops, cafés, and bistros, time seemed to slow down. I found myself taking deeper breaths of the salty air coming o the Mediterranean, reminding myself that we have all day to explore with people I love. Each of these towns had unique aspects to them, but all of them had that same e ect on me.

After some time on the coast, it was time to travel up into the mountains. We traveled by car to Vezza D’Oglio, a small town nestled in a deep narrow valley of the Italian Alps. The homes and businesses are built up either side of the steep mountain. Flower planters hung on every fence and from every window and balcony. Now I understand Giulio’s compulsion to always buy more houseplants when there is no more space for them — and how he always

nds a space for them. We decided to take a mountain lake hike that Giulio's family took each summer when he was a kid. The sign at the trailhead described the trail as “moderate,” but I think we all took a hit to our egos after nally arriving, exhausted, at the lake. But our e ort was rewarded with spectacular views of the valley and mountains all around us. I felt like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music. Maybe I didn't have guitar, but I did have an iPhone, and that speaker was good enough.

All too quickly, we parted ways with our friends, but Giulio and I continued on to the Dolomites. We had planned to camp in a tent and hike, but possible snowstorms led us to book a hotel at the last minute. Sure enough we woke up to the rst snow of the season. It was stunning, and we were stunned; we had not prepared for snow. We dug through our luggage and put multiple layers on, both determined to make the best of this situation. We decided to keep with our plan to hike around the Tre Cime, the most iconic of the Dolomites. There were moments during this hike, where the snow blew in our faces and we were only wearing sweatpants and sweatshirts, that I really questioned our sanity. But the sun eventually came out, and we got to appreciate the grandeur of these mountains and work through a tough experience together.

Our next stop was Venice, home to warmer weather — and people. So many people that we were shoulder to shoulder walking down the street, struggling to get anywhere. Frustrated and overwhelmed, we retreated to the hotel room until nighttime, and see if that made a di erence. This plan worked. Not only were there very few people on the streets, but St Mark’s Square and Rialto Bridge were lit up. It was quiet and gave us time to talk and maybe sneak a few kisses.

We traveled on to the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence. Everywhere you turn in this city there is a point of interest, far more to than can be seen in a few days. We chose to start at Florence Cathedral, a building whose ceilings appear to reach the heavens. It gave me pause to re ect on the lives of the individuals who built this structure and of the countless individuals who have walked through and worshiped in this space over the centuries. I felt a moment of connection across time. We walked across the Ponte Vecchio admiring all the art and jewelry. We made our way up the hill to Piazzale Michelangelo to take pictures as the sun set over Florence, only to nd a massive crowd of people who had the same idea. We managed to push our way to the overlook to snap a few photos and then simply enjoy the moment.

We moved on from Florence into the Tuscan countryside. We had reservations at a farmhouse at a vineyard and winery. We drove through the rolling hills with vineyards expanding in every direction, cypress trees lining the roadway. The farmhouse was old, and the accommodations were modest, but in a way that added to the charm.

While relaxing by the pool, we chatted with other farmhouse guests. We were all from di erent countries, but used English to communicate. We did the wine tour and the charcuterie pairing, and ventured to the nearby medieval town of San Gimignano. And in the middle of this old town built up on a hilltop with a wall around it, there was a quaint little gelato shop that neither of us could resist. We walked along the wall at the edge of the town and appreciated the views of endless Tuscan vineyards in every direction, gelato in hand.

While in the car to Rome I planned out everything we were going to see and in what order we would see them based on location. What can I say? I like e ciency. There is so much to see and only a few days to see them.

We spent the rst day at the Vatican museums and St Peter’s Square. One day was not enough. The museum collection is so vast that we had to choose which sections we might nd the most interesting and miss out on the others. We had to see the Sistine Chapel and the renaissance period paintings and sculptures. We also prioritized going inside St Peter’s Basilica. Once again I found myself in awe at the size and intricate detail —not to mention the artwork. Even as you enter the doors, to your right is Michelangelo’s Pietà.

We try to hit all the major sites: Piazza di Spagna, Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, the Roman Forum, and the Colosseum to name a few. On our nal day in Rome, and the nal day of our trip, we were exhausted. So, we decided to just sit down and have a drink at a little gay bar we found called Coming Out (a few of the reviews complained of long wait times, but that’s probably no big deal). We ordered some drinks and sat outdoors so we could chat about our trip with a view of the Colosseum in the distance. We spent close to an hour talking, connecting more deeply than we ever had before at this relaxing spot in the middle of Rome. I wondered: Was it Italy, seeing where Giulio is from, that gave me greater insight and appreciation for him? Or was it simply that we had not left each other’s side for an entire month?

But perhaps most important thing I wanted to know after that hour of connection was: Where was my damn drink!?

Your World

Gay Games in Guadalajara

Guadalajara Gears Up for the LGBTQ Travel Spotlight

BY MARK CHESNUT

Guadalajara is home to many things uniquely Mexican: mariachi music, tequila and charrería rodeos, to name a few. Now, Mexico’s second largest city is staking another claim to fame, as the rst place in Latin America to host the Gay Games.

The 11th edition of Gay Games, the global LGBTQ sporting and cultural event, will take place in Guadalajara November 3-11, 2023, with the city serving as cohost with Hong Kong. Competitions will range from water polo and diving to basketball and golf, from wrestling and powerlifting to tennis and gure skating. This year, there will even be an exhibition of Mexican lucha libre wrestling. This year’s Gay Games promises to be like no other sporting event.

Considering that some 10,000 participants attend Gay Games events, which occur every four years, it’s no surprise that Guadalajara will be in the spotlight like never before within the global LGBTQ community.

“Guadalajara is an amazing city, full of life, culture and warm spirit, and we know that the enthusiasm from all walks of life will bring a scintillating atmosphere to the Games,” says Adrian Hyyrylainen-Trett, vice president of external relations at the Federation of Gay Games. “The Board were in Guadalajara last November, and the welcome was so convivial, with the host organization working hard alongside local and regional governments in order to put on the best Games ever.”

Even if you can’t make it to the Gay Games, Guadalajara is a great place for an LGBTQ vacation. The city has long been a favored destination for LGBTQ travelers looking for a sophisticated urban destination with great food, culture, and a welcoming environment for LGBTQ people. The city’s warm climate, welcoming atmosphere, and convenient proximity to Puerto Vallarta (which is also located in the state of Jalisco) has helped make it a favored destination for an increasing vacation destination for LGBTQ travelers, and with good reason.

Same-sex marriage has been legal in the state of Jalisco since 2016 and the city hosts not one but two pride celebrations every year: Guadalajara Pride is slated next for June 3, while the Marcha de Orgullo GDL takes place on June 10.

Guadalajara’s LGBTQ fabulousness goes beyond its annual events. The city reportedly has the largest LGBTQ community per capita in Mexico, according to the National Statistics and Geography Institute, with more than 340,000 LGBTQ people and 230,000 LGBTQ households. The fact that the city’s tourism o ce proudly shares this information on its general website — and also maintains a dedicated LGBTQ section — is yet another sign of just how welcoming this magni cent metropolis really is.

MARK CHESNUT

is a New York Citybased writer, editor, and public speaker. The winner of the 2019 NLGJA Excellence in Travel Writing Award, he's the author of the new memoir "Prepare for Departure: Notes on a Single Mother, a Misfit Son, Inevitable Mortality and the Enduring Allure of Frequent Flyer Miles" (Vine Leaves Press, 2022). His travel writing has appeared in media including Fodor's, Forbes Travel Guide, Hu Post, the Miami Herald, his blog LatinFlyer.com and the New York Times bestseller "1,000 Places to See Before You Die."

Getting Around

Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport is served by several U.S. Airlines from major hubs, primarily in the Midwest and western United States. Mexican carriers Aeromexico, Volaris and Viva Aerobus also connect the city with the United States (discount carrier Volaris ies nonstop from Orlando International Airport to Guadalajara, for example).

After landing, stop at a taxi kiosk and pay a at rate, determined by neighborhood, to get into the city; currently, Uber is allowed to drop o at the airport but not pick up.

Once in the city, Uber is the most e cient way to get around, but I’ve also made good use of the bus and the metro system — although the metro doesn’t connect many parts of the city that are popular with tourists.

What to Do

The historic city center is square one for learning about Guadalajara’s rich history, which dates to 1542. The soaring Catedral de Guadalajara (Guadalajara Cathedral) is an iconic landmark, with its twin spires and dramatic interior that features Gothic vaults and gold-leaf pillars. Nearby, the Teatro Degollado (Degollado Theater; Calle Degollado s/n, Zona Centro is an elegant, neoclassical venue that dates to 1856; it’s worth checking the schedule to see if you can catch a performance of music, dance or theater.

A few blocks away is another must-see attraction: Hospicio Cabañas (Cabañas 8, Tapatía, Zona

Centro, the city’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Constructed in the 19th century as a home for the disadvantaged, it is today a stunning architectural attraction as well as a noteworthy art museum that hosts temporary exhibits as well as permanent displays of the works of one of the city’s most revered artists: Jose Clemente Orozco (1833-1949), who was known for its eye-catching murals depicting everything from religion and politics to national identity.

Clockwise from Left: Orozco mural in Hospicio Cabañas; Lucha Libre street art; Degollado Theater; Traditional mariachi.

Clemente Orozco’s work is also on permanent display at the Museo de las Artes Universidad de Guadalajara (Avenida Juarez 975, Americana), the art museum of the University of Guadalajara, and the Palacio de Gobierno (Government Palace), a gorgeous, 18th-century government building with public areas that are usually open to the public during business hours.

Art lovers may also want to visit Tlaquepaque, a smaller city that lies adjacent to Guadalajara. Known for its art galleries, shops and restaurants that line its squares and pedestrian walkways, it’s a pleasant place to stroll and shop for gifts. If you’re a fan of Sergio Bustamante, whose striking sculptural work graces the waterfront of Puerto Vallarta, be sure to stop at his gallery in Tlaquepaque.

Lovers of spirits, meanwhile, should plan a side trip to Tequila, the historic town that’s the birthplace of the eponymous beverage. Located less than an hour from Guadalajara, Tequila is home to multiple distilleries that o er tours and tastings, including Casa Sauza and Mundo Cuervo, which o ers “tequila train” service from Guadalajara.

Another rewarding side trip destination from the city of Guadalajara is Lake Chapala, Mexico’s largest freshwater lake. Boat excursions are o ered from the town of Chapala, while nearby Ajijic is a picturesque lakefront town that attracts many expats.

Nightlife

Guadalajara is home to vibrant LGBTQ nightlife, although it tends to be quieter during the week. For a fun, early-evening outing from Tuesday through Sunday, I recommend Sin Fin (Calle Emeterio Robles Gil 43, Americana, a laidback venue located in the trendy Americana neighborhood that features a light food menu and occasional drag shows.

For dancing and larger-scale excitement, downtown Guadalajara o ers the greatest concentration of LGBTQ night clubs. Popular choices include California’s (Avenida 8 de Julio 652, a lively dance club that won’t win any design awards but still wows with its packed crowds and dance pop music every weekend.

Also packed on weekends is Xico (Calle Prisciliano Sánchez 43, a newer LGBTQ dance club with go-go boys and drag performances. Drag is an even bigger draw at Cabaret VIP (Calle Galeana 277), where the shows are the main attraction. And for a unique and fun ambiance, you can’t beat La Gozadera (Calle López Cotilla 611), a multi-story venue where the compact ground oor bar area pumps pop music to accompany drag and go-go shows, while the second oor is called the Zona Cowboy, with many patrons dressing accordingly.

Depending on when you visit, you may even be able to enjoy a live performance of mariachi music and dance with an LGBTQ twist. A music/ dance group called Diversidad Jaliciense features trans and gay male members, and stages performances at various times throughout the year.

Where to Stay

You’ll nd accommodations to t every budget in Guadalajara. Among the city’s newest hotels are the JW Marriott Guadalajara (Mar Báltico 2242, Country Club), which provides a predictably upscale JW experience, and the Voco Hotel Guadalajara Neruda (Av Pablo Neruda 2828, Providencia), the rst Latin America location of one of

From Left: Tlaquepaque; GDL Pride Calles

IHG’s newest hotel brands. I enjoyed a supremely comfortable stay in a handsomely decorated room at the Voco, as well as a tasty lunch at its beautiful restaurant, Querido Luna which o ers inspiring city views from its large terrace.

The DoubleTree by Hilton Guadalajara Centro Historico (Calle C. Colón 73), meanwhile, is ideal for those looking to stay in the heart of the historic city center. Even if you don’t stay there, the rooftop bar restaurant is a perfect place to stop after a day of downtown touring, to enjoy a drink and admire the view of the cathedral.

If you prefer a hipper vibe in an upscale neighborhood, you’ll do well in the area called Americana, where decidedly design-conscious boutique hotels include Demetria (Avenida de la Paz 2219) and Casa Habita (C. Miguel Lerdo de Tejada 2308). And, for old-school luxury, I’ve also enjoyed a lovely stay at the Quinta Real (Av. México 2727-P. B, Vallarta Norte), where the large suites and lush gardens exude old-fashioned hacienda elegance.

Where to Eat

Guadalajara is known for its regional culinary specialties, including tortas ahogadas (literally, “drowned sandwiches,” bathed in a sauce made with dried chili pepper). Tortas Toño (multiple locations) is one of the most recommended places to dig into one.

Another local favorite is birria, a meat stew made with goat, beef, lamb, or chicken. I’ve savored the dish at the appropriately named Birria Las Nueve Esquinas (Calle Colón 384).

The city is also home to myriad upscale dining venues, where celebrated chefs serve fresh creations with international air. Among my favorites is Hueso (Calle Efraín González Luna 2061), a visually stunning eatery bathed in white (the curiously creative decoration features thousands of animal bones) where stylishly dressed diners choose from a menu of contemporary Mexican and international cuisine.

New restaurants garnering positive reviews include Octo, an upscale venue with a sophisticated seafood menu, Señor Tanaka, a favorite for Japanese cuisine, and Tintoretto, which blends Italian traditions with Mexican in uences. And for deepdish, Chicago-style pizza, my favorite is the recently expanded Vulcanos (Avenida Hidalgo 1302).

Tips for Attending Gay Games

If you aim to visit Guadalajara during the Gay Games, it’s a good idea to plan well in advance. Hyyrylainen-Trett notes that the event’s website can help with accommodation ideas. “On the site there are details [about] the venues and accommodation, so if you have a particular venue to visit… then you may want to choose your hotel nearer to the venue,” he advises. “There are lots of options, but if you are visiting for the games, then really think about the sports you like watching and how you can make your own timetable for the games.”

For more information. see the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors O ice website, visitguadalajara.com

Clockwise from top: Tortas Ahogadas; Guadalajara Pride; California's 1288; Arbol Adentro by artist José Fors; Tacos Gay 1403.

Gay Bar-celona

Your holiday: great food and nightlife as well as a vibrant LGBTQ neighborhood.

BY BILL MALCOLM

With stunning architecture, interesting art and fashion, and an endless supply of sights, sounds and experiences, Barcelona , Spain —and the Eixample gay neighborhood in particular—is perfect for a vacation. Restaurants, bars, and transit are steps from each other, and you can even walk to some of the main attractions.

It's basically a big-city experience in a tropical paradise at a bargain price. Enjoy a fancy meal with wine for under $25. Drinks at a bar are just $5. Get the special 5-day transit pass for just $20. The one thing that takes some getting used to is their odd hours. Nothing is open before 9am on weekends – even co ee. Siesta is 2 to 5pm, and dinner is at 8 or later. But the bars don’t close until 3am or later, so they are indeed night owls.

PHOTOS (FROM LEFT) BY PAJOR PAWEL

/ BY DARIA PUDENKO

Stay at the Axel Hotel and enjoy the nightly events at the Sky Bar, make new friends at breakfast, work out at the huge gym, and more. Axel is a LGBTQ hotel chain with hotels all over Europe and in Miami Beach. However, everyone (gay or straight) is welcome there. Their motto is “we are hetero friendly”. Sta is very helpful with travel tips and things to do.

Getting There

American Airlines rerouted me onto Iberia Airlines by Level, a low-cost budget carrier that has great food (Indian beef stew) and great service but uncomfortable seats. I spread out to sleep in the nearby unoccupied seats as the plane was not that full. The fares are very low too. The way home I took American Airlines which had great service and o ered free wine and beer, a delicious lunch (choice of meatballs or pasta dish) followed by British ice cream and then a pizza type sandwich. Service was great and the plane was on time. Their terminal 8 at JFK in NYC is new and very nice. However, Kennedy su ers from long TSA lines so leave plenty of time for your connection.

I also took EZJet—Europe’s equivalent to Southwest or Spirit— from Barcelona to Milan. The fares are cheap, but they charge for everything, and service was so so. We waited for 20 minutes in the jet way to board and then faced a one-hour delay due to a sta ng snafu.

Getting Around

Take the Metro (line 9 Sud (South) from the airport and buy a 5-day pass for just $20 (including from airport). Then take a short bus ride to the hotel. They also have street cars and buses. The pass is good on all of them.

BILL MALCOLM is North America’s only syndicated value LGTBQ+ syndicated travel columnist whose column appears or has appeared in publications in Chicago, Washington, Los Angeles, Seattle, Toronto, Fort Lauderdale, Charlotte, Atlanta, Dallas, and other cities.

From left: Beautiful Sunrise In Barcelona Seen From Park Guell; Sitges carnival, 34 minutes from Barcelona

What to Do

• Visit La Sagrada Família. You can walk to the historic but still un nished church from the hotel and stop at the Gaudi house (Casa Batallo Gaudi). along the way.

• Grab lunch at the St. Joseph’s marketplace also known as La Boqueria. It has 300 food stands and is located in the historic Las Ramblas. The market dates to 1840 and its origins date back to the 13th century. Try the fresh fruit juices.

• Head up to Parc Montjuic, a mountain park with city views. Enjoy the botanical garden which features Mediterranean plants from around the world. Barcelona has a Mediterranean climate similar to California, Chile, and Australia.

• Walk around the Arc de Triomphe and nearby park, Parc de la Citudella.

• Play at Playa de la Mar Bella, a clothing-optional (and very gay) beach.

Nightlife

There are lots of clubs and bars in L’Eixample just steps from the hotel. Try the nearby Dmen’s, Gin Bar, the Boxer Café, and more. Dance the night away at the Safari. The bar on the 7th floor of the Axel Hotel (Sky Bar) has a rooftop balcony and events almost every night. Try the cava for just 5 euros (Champagne). They also have a bar next to the roof top pool on the 8th floor during the day. Both are a lot of fun.

What to Eat

I enjoyed the empanadas which are seemingly everywhere. The Cava (champagne) is very refreshing not to mention the sangria. And of course, Barcelona is famous for its tapas. The Spanish Omelet at La Cova de La Mari (across the street from the hotel) is very good. Ask for a café colletta (co ee with milk) or have a Café Americano or a double espresso. There is no such thing as a 12-ounce cup of co ee in Spain.

Travel Tips

• Use the LGBTI Barcelona o cial gay map. You can pick up a copy at the airport metro station or read it on line at visitbarcelona.com. Published by the city of Barcelona, it even includes listings “bars fetish” and “cruising/dark rooms”. This is one LGBTQ+ friendly city.

• Visit the nearby Jespac Market for some Gazpacho soup or snacks. You can get local food to go (cheeses, yogurt, fruit, and more) for a quick and a ordable bite.

• Buy a cable converter for your cell phone charger as Europe has a di erent electric voltage. Just 5 Euros.

• Get Euros out of an ATM. or use your credit card. Banks don’t convert U.S. dollars.

You will want to return to Barcelona, and this is only a sampling of the many things to do in this great city. It’s arguably the most gay friendly city in the world and it’s very walkable. And affordable for all.

City of Sitges gay friendly destination near Barcelona

+ 1,000to 2,000people usethe 5acre Equality Parkcampus daily

+ Over 65 support,recovery, educationand socialgroups meetregularly

+ Popular,inclusiveeventslikeWickedManors, theRainbow5k,DiversityHonors,ActiveAging HealthExpo,andmore

+ Fast,free,andconfidentialHIVtesting, condomdistribution,andPrEPreferrals

+

andsame-gender-lovingmenlivingwithHIV + InnovativeprogrammingfortheLGBTQ+ communityandourallies

+ Rentalopportunitiesincludingweddings, businessmeetings,lifecelebrations,trade shows,officespace,andmuchmore

+ LargestweeklygatheringofLGBTQ+active agersinthenation

IGLTA’s Global Convention in Milan Breaks Records

LGBTQ+ tourism thought leaders gathered in Italy for IGLTA’s largest convention outside of the U.S. in the association’s history.

The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association’s 38th Global Convention, 26-29 October at the UNAHotels Expo Fiera Milano, was IGLTA’s largest convention outside of the United States to date, with more than 500 delegates representing over 40 countries and territories from around the world. The convention, the premier educational and networking

event for LGBTQ+ tourism, was the association’s rst European convention since Madrid in 2014. The event was originally set for 2020, but had to be rescheduled due to the pandemic, making it a cause for greater celebration.

Given the current political climate for LGBTQ+ issues, this year’s convention became even more important, strengthening ties between the global LGBTQ+ tourism community and the business community of Italy.

THE INTERNATIONAL LGBTQ+ TRAVEL ASSOCIATION is the global leader in advancing LGBTQ+ travel and a proud A iliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization. IGLTA’s mission is to provide information and resources for LGBTQ+ travelers and expand LGBTQ+ tourism globally by demonstrating its significant social and economic impact. IGLTA global network includes 12,000 LGBTQ+ and LGBTQ+ welcoming accommodations, destinations, service providers, travel agents, tour operators, events, and travel media in 80+ countries. The philanthropic IGLTA Foundation empowers LGBTQ+ welcoming travel businesses globally through leadership, research, and education. For more information:  iglta.org, igltaconvention.org or iglta.org/ foundation.

STORY LOANN HALDEN PHOTOS MARK MORINII

“As we continue to see increasing opposition toward LGBTQ+ communities globally, IGLTA’s convention—built around business networking, education and inclusivity—could not be more critical,” said IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella. “The incredible outpouring of support for this year’s convention further strengthens our ability to elevate LGBTQ+ voices in the tourism industry and to continue working to ensure LGBTQ+ travelers have access to safe and welcoming experiences as they explore the world.”

Convention Highlights:

• The Opening Reception, held at Sforzesco Castle, where guests had the opportunity to visit the Rondanini Pietà, the last work by Michelangelo.

• IGLTA’s Buyer/Supplier Marketplace was the most successful to date, generating 1,330 appointments with buyers that conduct over US$100 million in LGBTQ+ business annually.

• The IGLTA Foundation Think Tank, uniting global tourism leaders to discuss how the tourism industry can support LGBTQ+ travel in emerging markets facing cultural, governmental or infrastructure challenges.

• Main stage content that ranged from discussions of responsible tourism strategies and future LGBTQ+ marketing trends to meaningful conversations about transgender and nonbinary inclusion in hospitality and intersectionality within the queer travel community.

• Voyage, the IGLTA Foundation Fundraiser, drew a sold-out crowd of 250 attendees and raised over US$50,000 for IGLTA Foundation initiatives.

IGLTA’s 40th Anniversary Global Convention is set for 20-23 September 2023 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Your Community

Greater Fort Lauderdale

A top destination for LGBT+ travel and events

Photos courtesy of Visit Lauderdale

Visit Lauderdale, the o icial destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale in South Florida, is the vanguard in global LGBT+ travel and destination marketing.

The destination isn’t known only for its 24 miles of golden beaches, countless dining options and fun-filled ways to explore our waterways, it’s equally renowned for its commitment to inclusion and its welcoming, authentic vibe.

Known as Florida’s LGBT+ capital and one of the most progressive destinations in the world, Greater Fort Lauderdale welcomes more than a million LGBT+ visitors every year. Here you’ll find 31 municipalities with a thriving local LGBT+ community and the highest concentration of samesex couple households in the country.

You’ll also discover hundreds of gayowned and operated businesses on Fort Lauderdale and Wilton Manors’ pedestrian main streets, featuring drag brunches, shopping and luxe gay guesthouses. And nestled in Fort Lauderdale beach is Sebastian Beach, the top-rated gay beach in the United States.

“With demand for travel to LGBT+ friendly destinations at an all-time high, our reputation for welcoming ‘everyone under the sun’ is attracting visitors from all over the world,” says Richard Gray, Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President, Inclusion & Accessibility. “We celebrate diversity and inclusion in every way, every day. It’s where Pride is the daily way of life.”

As a community that embraces diversity and celebrates everyone under the sun, LGBT+ individuals and allies are all wel-

comed with open arms. With its unrivaled enthusiasm for Pride, Greater Fort Lauderdale is the perfect destination to celebrate love and acceptance. A variety of signature events such as beach bashes, film festivals and concerts take place throughout the year. Here are a few upcoming events where you can join the celebration:

FlockFest, July 7-9, 2023

Bring your decorated winged floatie to Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and join this celebration of LGBT+ culture, dubbed “The Hottest Beach Party in Fort Lauderdale.”

The fun for everyone under the sun culminates on Sunday in a Flamingo Splash T-Dance Pool Party from noon to 5pm at The Easton Rooftop Pool & Lounge at the Courtyard Fort Lauderdale Downtown.

“OUR GOAL IS TO MAKE EVERYONE FEEL SEEN, SUPPORTED, COMFORTABLE AND SAFE, SIMPLY PUT, GREATER FORT LAUDERDALE IS MEANT FOR EVERYONE UNDER THE SUN."

—

Richard

Gray, Visit Lauderdale’s Senior Vice President

FlockFest supports a variety of charitable organizations and businesses that work to create social justice and equality for all, so if you like having fun while helping others, join the Flock!

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale, October 19 - 29, 2023

Critically and internationally acclaimed, OUTshine serves as a platform for numerous premieres and is the largest LGBTQ+ cultural arts event in South Florida. Its mission is to inspire, entertain, and educate; encouraging a sense of community through international and culturally diverse film, video, and other media that o er historical and contemporary perspectives on the LGBTQ+ experience.

OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival Fort Lauderdale will screen films at three noteworthy cinemas throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale, the recently renovated and

Cannonball Bash, October 26November 1, 2023

Predicted to be the largest bear, chub and chaser event weekend in the United States. Cannonball organizers have been hard at work planning a fun-filled extended event weekend, complete with exciting surprises for everyone. Between the beautiful beaches of Fort Lauderdale and a host of other attractions, it will be a weekend that no one will soon forget.

Wicked Manors, October 31, 2023

Always a wicked good time and a party to remember, Wicked Manors returns for its 10th annual Halloween spectacular in Wilton Manors. With Wilton Drive closed to vehicular tra ic, Wicked Manors draws more than 40,000 costumed revelers who

pack the bars and line the sidewalks. In addition to spotting some incredible Halloween costumes, there’s live entertainment on three stages. As usual, many bars expand outside and set up service areas on the sidewalks while DJs pump beats up and down The Drive.

“Our goal is to make everyone feel seen, supported, comfortable and safe,” said Gray. “Simply put, Greater Fort Lauderdale is meant for everyone under the sun.”

classic Gateway Theatre, the NSU Art Museum and Savor Cinema.

T R AV E L

Castro Still Going Strong

Your weekend in the City by the Bay

BY BILL MALCOLM

You can’t help leaving your heart in San Francisco. The Castro neighborhood and San Francisco itself were once the mecca for the LGBTQ+ community, and still have a draw today. Whether it be the rst lesbian organization in the U.S., the Daughters of Bilitis, the rst gay community center in the U.S. by the Society for Individual Rights, the rst rainbow ag, the rst Gay Games, the in uential Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin, or the tragedies of the twin assassinations of gay Supervisor Harvey Milk and Mayor George Moscone, or AIDS crisis, the City by the Bay is steeped in LGBTQ+ history. And the bars are as popular as they ever were. In a word, the City continues to be a magnet.

What To Do

Enjoy a hike on the new Presidio Tunnel Tops (presidiotunneltops.org) with stunning overlooks including the Marin Headlands and the Golden Gate Bridge. The Presidio is now an o cial National Park. A free shuttle provides service from the Embarcadero BART station downtown.

Take a hike with a LGBTQ hiking club. The San Francisco Hiking Club (which I founded) and the Rainbow Sierrans do mainly weekend hikes at the many parks throughout the region. From February through April, the hills are ablaze with native wild owers including California poppies.

Other things to do:

• Get a day pass and work out at SF Fitness at Market and Noe Streets.

• Catch a show at the historic Castro Theater.

• Enjoy Golden Gate Park which includes the DeYoung Museum. Don’t miss Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs.

• Visit the LGBTQ History Museum on 18th Street.

Where To Eat

• The Santeria. Great food and Margaritas.

• Alice’s. Great Chinese food in the Noe Valley.

• Starbelly. Comfort food, cocktails and brunch.

• La Mediterrannee at 288 Noe is very good.

• Orphan Andy’s. A mainstay in the Castro with great breakfast and dinner.

Nightlife

The Castro features many of the bars. My favorites include the Midnight Sun which has great (strong) drink specials and more. They feature Boogie Wonderland, a disco dance club party and beer bust every Sunday.

But that’s far from the only bar where you can dance. Toad Hall nearby has Karaoke while Harvey’s had drag queens performing the night I was there. Beaux (beauxsf.com) had Latin Night on Wednesday and a DJ and the Beaux-torious GoGo Beasts on Friday.

Other great bars in Castro include:

BILL MALCOLM lived in the Castro in San Francisco for 12 years and graduated from UC Santa Cruz. He founded the San Francisco Hiking Club which is still o ering weekend hikes today. Special thanks to San Francisco native (and San Francisco architectural historian) Richard Brandi for his edits.

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP): BY NICKOLAY STANEV; ROLF 52; SUNDRY PHOTOGRAPHY

Clockwise from top: San Francisco City Hall iluminated in rainbow colors in honor of Pride Week; Vintage car parked on Hartford Street in the Castro District; SF Pride Parade on Market Street in downtown San Francisco

• The Twin Peaks tavern. Famous for being the rst openly gay bar in San Francisco, the Twin Peaks tavern was a hit because it was one of the few that had big windows, and those on the street could see who was inside—scandalous at the time! Now an o cial San Francisco Landmark, it’s still a great place to scope out the Castro scene.

• The Lookout. Another bar with a large balcony where you can peruse the crowds.

• Moby Dick. Very popular thanks in part to its huge aquarium. You will nd it on 18th Street.

• The 4440 Castro. The bar had $3 beer the night I was there and was packed.

• High Tops. A gay sports bar which also serves food. It’s a fun crowd.

Where To Stay

I always stay in the Castro at the Beck’s Motor Lodge (2222 Market Street), owned and managed by Brittany Beck. The family-run motel has been around for 50 years and includes free parking (although you will not need a car.) The Peets Co ee is across the Street as is the High Tops bar. Nearby Rosenburg Deli (276 Noe) has everything you need including an It’s It (a San Francis-

co treat which is ice cream covered by 2 graham crackers and smothered in chocolate).

Travel Tips

• Grab a Clipper Card. It’s easy, one-tap admission to all the transit in the Bay Area, including the historic streetcars, the Muni Metro (an intown subway), BART, cable cars, Caltrain, and more.

• Read the papers. The Bay Area Reporter (aka The BAR) reports on weekly local events and news. The SF Bay Times is the monthly LGBTQ periodical and also features a calendar. Gloss Magazine is also a good source of nightlife information.

• Don’t be deterred by what you’ve heard. Yes, San Francisco has too many homeless, the streets are dirty, and property crime has skyrocketed (don’t leave anything in your car). That doesn’t change how great Castro neighborhood and San Francisco itself are to visit. They’re so walkable, and the mild climate (with lush green hills in the spring after the winter rains) cannot be beaten.

And don’t forget your heart on the way home.

Clockwise from left:Twin Peaks sign in Castro; Two legs in black fishnet stockings and red high heels sticking out of the upstairs window of the Piedmont Boutique in the Haight and Ashbury District; Crowded second floor balcony of the Lookout bar in the Castro District

PHOTOS (CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT): BY NAEBLYS; JOSEPH M. ARSENEAU; LYNN FRIEDMAN

O the Chain

By Jack Lemnus

While establishing himself as a young, queer professional, Wesley Smoot, was inspired by the convergence of ideas he witnessed at festivals like South by Southwest in Austin, Texas.

To glimpse the latest innovations in culture and industry was galvanizing, Smoot said. He would always leave entranced by the energy. When he couldn’t a ord to go, he’d always find a way to work the event, simply to be among the modern minds of education, technology, and entertainment.

After immersing himself in the world of cultural trailblazers, as a creator himself, Smoot, 39, envisioned a similar event for the LGBTQ community.

He wanted to create a safe place for LGBTQ professionals to meet, network and showcase their work, whether that be their next screenplay or AI software.

That’s when he founded Unleased LGBTQ, an extensive festival catering to LGBTQ professionals to connect and share their freshest projects and ideas.

“Even when this was just a concept, folks would tell me ‘I can’t believe something like this doesn’t already exist,” Smoot said.

Spanning the 92-thousand-square-foot Gilley’s Dallas venue hall in Dallas, Texas, the first in-person Unleashed LGBTQ will take place September 22-24, 2023.

With an assortment of keynote speakers, panels, workshops, performances, net-

working mixers, cocktail hours and more, people from various industries can walk away with something.

Aside from the many venues at Gilley’s Dallas, eventgoers can also head next door to the Alamo Drafthouse to view screenings of the newest LGBTQ content. Independent producers can even submit their works for the Unleashed LGBTQ 2023 Film Festival on the event’s website.

For celebrity talent, Unleashed has booked rising LGBTQ icons like Antoni Porowski from the Emmy-winning Netflix series, Queer Eye, who is expected to perform a live cooking demonstration. Others include Dyllón Burnside, who’s known for his roles in Pose, Prideland and American

The extensive three-day festival, Unleashed LGBTQ, allows eventgoers to glimpse the latest in entertainment, technology, and culture.

Horror Stories. Also featured is actor and model Indya Moore, who will discuss their experience rising up as a Black, transgender actor in Hollywood.

“We’re going to have all di erent kinds of conversations,” Smoot said. “We have some great celebrity talent.”

Smoot is particularly excited about comedian and actor Billy Eichner’s attendance, whose works include Billy on the Street and Parks and Recreation.

Various corporate partners have also signed on to Smoot’s mission, like iHeartMedia and Gilead Sciences.

But it’s not just leaders in the entertainment industry who will be making an appearance. Among the dozens of scheduled speakers are LGBTQ advocates and activists, such as former Pennsylvania state representative Brian Sims, and president and CEO of Empowering Di erences, Ashley Brundage.

Also on the roster are survivors from the

Pulse Nightclub shooting, Patience Murray and Angelica Jones, who’ll share their experience the night of the shooting and their work with the onePULSE Foundation, which is fighting to raise awareness of hate crimes and gun violence and build a memorial for the tragedy.

“I think this event is something the gays kinda need, you know?” Smoot said. “We’re constantly under attack. I feel like we’re always having a conversation about surviving and not thriving, and I think this is a really good platform for us to do that.”

Reflecting on the anti-LGBTQ political climate in states like Texas, Smoot is embracing the chance for the LGBTQ community to come together and celebrate their identity and culture.

“I’ve had people say, ‘I can’t believe you’re doing this in Texas,’ and I say, ‘Well, we need to do this in Texas,’” he said. “We need to do things like this in Florida. We need to do things like this in places where we’re being a ected.”

But whether it’s celebrity appearances, expert panels, networking opportunities, or simply the sense of community in troubling times, Smoot is confident there will be something for everyone at Unleashed.

For example, leading thinkers from companies like Meta and Microsoft who specialize in marketing, advertising and AI will present their visions for the future of technology.

“People will have their own reasons for attending,” Smoot said. “We always say Unleashed LGBTQ is creating a space for brands, entertainers and LGBTQ professionals to connect.”

After testing his vision with a virtual three-day event during the COVID-19 pandemic, Smoot and his team were energized to take the project a step further. Despite the rigors of planning a captivating event remotely, their success paved the way for this year’s festival.

“I’m overall floored by what we’ve been able to accomplish in year one,” he said. “I think our partners are satisfied to see how well it’s been received by both the public and the business community.”

Wesley Smoot, founder and president of Unleashed LGBTQ

PHOTO BY ADRIAN LOPEZ

The Big Easy Made Easy

Vue Orleans, Bananas Foster and the Voodoo Lady: highlights from a visit to New Orleans

BY BILL MALCOLM

Itfeels like Mardi Gras on Bourbon Street every day in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Between the great food, the charm of the French Quarter, the amazing history, and the great LGBTQ+ nightlife, you can’t go wrong with a visit at any time of year, especially for LGBTQ travelers. I recently visited New Orleans myself, and learned a lot about the city as well as ideas and tips that will help you plan your own trip.

Getting There

I ew Southwest to the new Louis Armstrong Airport. From there, I took the E1 Je erson Parish Veterans-Airport bus to downtown for just $2. The Marriott on Canal Street was where I booked my stay, but there are a variety of chain and boutique hotels to choose from. Bargain hunters may also like the nearby LaQuinta.

Getting Around

New Orleans is a very walkable city, but if you want to get from one end to the other in a hurry, take a streetcar. Streetcars travel along St. Charles Avenue and to Audobon Park. The red ones on Canal Street go all the way to City Park’s Sculpture Garden and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Get an all-day streetcar “Jazzy Pass”—it’s a steal at $3.

BILL MALCOLM is North America’s only syndicated LGBTQ+ value travel columnist. Special thanks to New Orleans and Company for their travel tips and passes to VUE Orleans.

PHOTO BY SUZANNE

C. GRIM

What to Do

Did you know: Red beans and rice was a dish that was created to eat on Mondays while doing your laundry. Why? It’s easy to make.

That’s just one of the interesting tidbits I learned at VUE Orleans (vueorleans.com), the new rooftop interactive museum atop the Four Seasons Hotel at 2 Canal Street. The interactive immersion goes into the diverse cultures—Spanish, Haitian, African, Italian, Native American, and French, to name a few—that converged to create the New Orleans we love today. The Voodoo Lady, the baby Jesus miniatures in the King Cakes, how the Po Boy sandwich got its name are just some of the things you will learn about.

If you prefer a more hands-on experience, you can take a class at the New Orleans School of Cooking at 524 St. Louis Street (nosoc.com). Lean how jambalaya, gumbo, pralines, and white chocolate bread pudding are really done.

The Nightlife

New Orleans has a lively party atmosphere 24/7 that extends naturally to its LGBT scene. Bourbon Street is at the center of it all, with several well-established gay bars. The Bourbon Pub, which features a balcony over Bourbon Street, is celebrating its 47th anniversary, and Café LaFitte in Exile, the oldest gay bar in the U.S., is still going strong. The Oz Bar is another Bourbon Street staple, with drag shows every Freaky Friday.

There are of course plenty of other bars with a great LGBT-friendly atmosphere, especially if you’re looking for live music. The House of Blues

at 225 Decatur has great live music, while the Ritz Carlton Davenport Lounge has a house jazz band that o ers a nice break from the honky tonk noise of Bourbon and Canal Streets.

Where To Eat

• Neyow’s Creole Café. Try the barbeque shrimp. Also on the menu: shrimp creole, fried Gulf oysters, pasta on the bayou (fresh Gulf shrimp and craw sh), stu ed crab, and gumbo.

• Landry’s. The red beans and rice and salmon are excellent. They have a great $18 lunch box special.

• 33 Galatorre’s Bar and Steak is a great option.

• Café du Monde. The co ee in New Orleans contains chicory, giving it a unique avor. This cafe features café Americano and beignets (the fried donut treat).

• The Napoleon House Restaurant. The 200-year-old building is a French Quarter landmark. The building’s rst occupant was the mayor of New Orleans from (1812-1815), who o ered the residence to Napoleon in 1821 during his exile. Napoleon never made it, but the name stuck. When you’ve nished your meal, you can walk around the French Quarter and along the Mississippi River front.

Travel Tips

• Read the paper. New Orleans’ weekly, Gambit, is available online (bestofneworleans.com) and in print. Pick up the latest copy to see current events and what locals are thinking about.

• Get the LGBTQ inside scoop. The o cial New Orleans website has a dedicated LGBTQ+ section (neworleans.com/things-to-do/lgbt) with a specially curated list of LGBTQ+ itineraries and attractions. Check out its comprehensive list of gay bars, festivals, and LGBTQ-owned local businesses to patronize.

Best in Business

SEEN

The 2022 Pride in Business Awards Gala held on December 2, 2022, and presented by edgefactory, honored the Greater Orlando region’s stellar LGBTQ and Ally business owners, professionals, and community leaders. An impartial committee made up of national leaders from di erent diversity chambers and members from beyond the local area chose the winners.

SOTOMAYOR is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Embrace Magazine. With nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist for magazines and newspapers, he has written on a board range of topics and subject matter. Specifically on event coverage, business, and travel, Sotomayor has written for numerous publications including, Ocala Magazine, Lake & Sumter Style Elevate Magazine, Florida Travel + Leisure, and Florida Trends.

The Pride Chamber 2022 Pride in Business Awards Gala

STORY JOHN SOTOMAYOR

PHOTOS A. HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY

JOHN

The nominees displayed open support for the LGBTQ community, upheld the best standards in their eld, excelled in their line of work, achieved success, and actively promoted equity, diversity, equality, and inclusivity.

The awards were presented by distinguished guests and business professionals. The Gala, held at Canvas Event Venue and catered by John Michael Catering, included an amazing silent auction and a special VIP opening reception.

Your Self

H E A LT H

My boyfriend, Giulio, and I travel frequently for both work and leisure. While traveling we allow ourselves greater exibility with our typical training frequency and intensity. When planning out trips we search for gyms in the area or if the hotel gym is su cient.

Many gyms have weeklong membership options available; you can purchase them without additional commitment. When training in hotel gyms or small local gyms, be aware that the equipment you are used to may not be available, so try to keep an open mind and be creative with your workouts. You may also need to resort to body weight or calisthenic type exercises. If the usual options are not available, do not be discouraged and not work out.

There is still bene t to training at lower intensity. We also plan our workouts based around the activities we have set. For example, we try not to train legs the morning of or day before a big hike. However, we most certainly are guilty of training pecs and biceps before heading to the beach or the pool. That post workout pump con dence hits di erent on vacation. What is most important is making time and space for exercising and training your body consistently, even when traveling.

BODY

Fit to Travel

BY CORY FREEMAN

If you have been reading this column for a while then you know that I rmly believe that consistency, above all else, is the primary driver behind success with health and tness goals. In keeping with that theme, what I want to discuss is how to maintain consistency when traveling to stay on track with your goals and lifestyle.

Another aspect to this we do not want to neglect is how to maintain some semblance of our diet while traveling. This can become the biggest challenge. In many cases we will try to stay in accommodations that have a kitchenette. This allows us to be able to cook our own food for the majority of our meals.

An important part of traveling and vacationing is, of course, indulging in good food and drinks. What I have found works for me is that I try not to go overboard, and I do not allow myself to feel guilty for eating more or richer foods than my usual diet. I do keep in mind when ordering foods that I still need to have protein rich foods, but that protein rich food may also come with a side of carbohydrate rich and fatty foods as well.

CORY FREEMAN is a two-time first-place national bodybuilding champion, having won both of his first-place titles, The Men’s Classic Physique Master’s Over 35 at the 2019 NPC Viking Championship and at the 2019 NPC Masters USA in his rookie year. Cory works as a physical therapist in the home health industry.

Knowing Where You’re Going

BY KATIE MCCULLOUGH

Iam a queer person who is passionate about traveling. Some of my most memorable moments include eating take-away pasta in the rain beside the canals of Venice, petting a highland cow in the middle of the Scottish Highlands, and driving through what felt like a snow globe in the Colorado Mountains.

Traveling is a transformative, enriching experience, but for LGBTQ+ folks, it can also be challenging. Potential for discrimination, harm, or even death in some parts of the world will undoubtedly put a strain on one’s mental health.

A study by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) found that 72 countries still criminalize homosexuality. Heck - within our own borders, it seems as though many lawmakers are against us, but do not let that discourage you from experiencing all life has to o er. By taking the time to research your destination and being mindful of your safety, you can explore the world and have incredible experiences, protecting and empowering your mental wellbeing.

I was incredibly anxious about traveling to certain parts of the world as a queer person until a friend of mine, a gay man, went to the United Arab Emirates. While I still believe in a healthy dose of skepticism, he shared some tips about

safety that I hope can guide you and I toward more fun, safe traveling experiences.

One of the biggest challenges is nding safe and welcoming accommodations, however, there are resources available that can help. The ILGA provides a map of countries where homosexuality is criminalized, which can be helpful in identifying potential risks when planning a trip. Additionally, websites and apps like Misterb&b and GayHomestays o er LGBTQ+ friendly accommodations, allowing you to connect with welcoming hosts who understand your needs and concerns.

For any travelers experiencing a new culture, it is important to stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts. For groups that are discriminated against, it is especially crucial to do additional research including reading travel blogs for candid cultural information and looking through the U.S. Department of State website for country-speci c information on LGBTQ+ rights to make yourself aware of potential risks. After doing a quick search for additional resources, I found Traveling While Trans, Purple Roofs, Spartacus International Gay Guide, and Queer In The World, to name a few!

It is wholly possible for all of us to explore the world safely and make unforgettable memories along the way.

KATIE MCCULLOUGH, graduate of Flagler College, is currently teaching English Language Arts in Saint Augustine, FL, specializing in gifted and exceptional education. Prior to attending graduate school, Katie plans to pursue her passion for writing while finding time to travel the world.

Staying Grounded When You Fly

BY REV. DONNA DAVIS, RN (YPIR)

Traveling can be a very stressful event or a joyful one. I just recently returned home to Jamaica and decided that I would do it more on a regular basis now. I have a new granddaughter, and she needs to know where her ancestors are from. Truth be told, Jamaica has always held a lot of stress for me simply because of how the country perceived gay people in the past. I’m happy to report that it’s getting better, and that gives me hope for the future. My wife and I really love going to the island.

When I go to Jamaica, before I get on the ight, my heart and my body go through all kinds of stresses. There were a lot of traumas around the negativity from my very Christian family when I came out 17 years ago. There was also trauma in my childhood involving pain around molestation and abuse. I get stressed each time I buy that ticket.

Here are some of the tips to help get you through the stress of travel.

First, breathe. Take deep breaths when the plane takes o and when the plane lands. It helps you to regulate your nervous system. Don’t hyperventilate but allow yourself to look out the window (if this is not too hard), marvel at the earth and the beauty of it all. Notice how different the landscape is from one country to another.

While I’m in line, I sing a song in my head. Jamaica is known for long lines that operate on island time. It can get a little claustrophobic with so many people standing around. This is another time to breathe but also to sing a song in my head. A chant is very helpful. One of my favorites is “I Will Surrender” by Karen Drucker.

Next time you travel, try these tips to get spiritually grounded so you can handle something as bad as a fear of ying, or a healing trip like I did back to my homeland. Just breathe through it all, and just remember the palm trees and blue skies in your future once you get there! Happy trails.

utilizes her to empower other people to overcome their struggles. Together with her wife, Norma, they manage Your Phoenix is Rising, a transformation coaching service focused on helping others rise from the darkness of despair and embrace their true Light Nature. Donna and Norma raised three biological children and served as legal guardians to several teenaged friends of their children during their time of need. Donna is a Registered Nurse at Parralion HCA Shared Services and Performance Director at Centers for Spiritual Living Ocala. She studied RN at Rasmussen College and psychology at Florida Atlantic University.

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A L LY

Somewhere Over the Rainbow: My First Pride

The Night Before

I really had no idea what to expect. Probably a lot of yellow, purple, red and green. A lot of big smiles and high energy. Something like Carnival or Mardi Gras, with shirtless guys hanging over the sides of oats and throwing beads. Loud music and colorful confetti. I expected to get hit on once or twice (or hope for it-- probably an ego thing).

Event

TEXT AND PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KURTZ

I had a feeling that it would be exactly as pictured in my head, thanks to movies, pop-culture, and Getty Stock Images. But I also expected that my reaction won't be your garden-variety straight guy’s anticipation (whatever that may be). I hoped to learn a lot and have a bunch of fun. All the same, it was important that I detail my straight misconceptions then, because — come the next day — I would no longer be able to say that I've never attended a Pride Festival.

Johnny Smoke, Mike Kurtz and Chelsea

The Festival

Jumping into my Lyft, plopping my sneakers on the oor, I just managed to scurry out of the house after collecting my sunscreen, water bottle and two Power Bars. Excited, I considered striking up conversation with my young driver by randomly blurting out that I was on my way to cover a pride parade. “Oh! Maybe I’ll see you there!” he quickly replied a ably. It was then that I noticed the rainbow band on his watch and picked up that in ection in his voice. How wonderfully kismet! I had found my audience.

From there ensued a bit of dialogue regarding formality in terminology and whether I had to say ‘LGBTQ’ each time. “I just say ‘gay’--” he expressed with a chuckle. “Then again, I am gay, so… Just say a ‘pride parade!’ People will know what you’re talking about.” “I’m really not sure what to expect,” I confessed, explaining the magazine and my straight perspective. “If anyone hits on you, just tell ‘em you’re not gay, and they’ll be on their way,” he instructed, akin to some gay, big brother helping me navigate the waters of my initiation.

At 12:36 PM the car stopped in front of Bryant Park in Lake Worth. As an outdoor event, I noted what a beautiful beach-breeze day it was, with a perfect amount of cloud-cover rolling in from the ocean nearby. Still clinging to my last-minute ravelike expectations, I purchased my ticket and let them search my bag, being struck meanwhile by how ostensibly docile everything appeared. In fairness, the event had only just started.

O cially inside, I straightaway spotted all around me individuals in non-gender normative attire (two thin, scru y guys in crop-tops and skirts), beads, face paint, vivid colorations-- but then some families, kids with suckers in their sticky, cherry-red mouths, and a few senior citizens. Old people! Where were the disco balls?!

A realization washed over me: it occurred to me what “pride” meant: a large gathering of like-minded people celebrating, embracing a way of life in a safe, shared place.

Moving farther in, plenty of vendors adorned the landscape: country fair-style snacks and deepfried concessions, sugary drinks and cotton candy, clothing, embroidery, homemade soaps, jewelry, information booths for outreach, involvement, and support. As much as any other event, this was a welcomed space for ready commerce and pro t-mak-

After completing degrees in literature and education, Michael's first job was teaching Adv. Pl. English Literature to high schoolers. Following that was a period spent teaching English in China and Vietnam. He returned in 2022 and has assisted countless graduate students with GRE, GMAT, LSAT and MCAT preparation. He always makes time, of course, to work on his novel.

MICHAEL KURTZ

A realization washed over me: it occurred to me what “pride” meant: a large gathering of likeminded people celebrating, embracing a way of life in a safe, shared place.

ing opportunities. The arena wasn’t never-ending, but it was certainly comprehensive and assorted.

Making my way to the center of the plastic-fenced festivity, small crowds, and pockets of people (maybe two or three hundred) thronged outward from a concrete stage blaring Shania Twain, featuring some glamorous drag queens in sparkly boots and rhinestone-vests, movin’ and groovin’ and hyping up the crowd. A break in the music was accompanied by a few announcements: “HIV services, non-binary collaboration, social-support groups.” That was immediately appreciated and made instant sense. This was a fun day, but one with a purpose and mission as well. I caught the rest of the information, between sets, as I munched on an overpriced hot dog and fries.

A full band took the stage and started up a Rod Stewart song as I threw out my lunch. I noticed small placards driven everywhere into the ground, reading “Compass Community Center” with the organization’s respective logo. The driver had mentioned the organization’s role in the city and its likely a liation with the event, also pointing out the nondescript building to me as we entered downtown Lake Worth. After feeling the vibe and swaying for a few moments to a bluesy Melissa Ethridge song emanating from the speakers and raspy voice of the woman on vocals, I set out to better explore my environs. The hot, South Florida sky was beating down on me in full force.

Kitschy beads glistening under the sun adorned the booth’s bracelets, dreamcatchers, and hacky sacks. A folksy jam pulsing from behind as I browsed, an easy, communal vibe at once overtook me, like some collegiate coed carefree and enjoying the festivities occurring on the campus quad. A perfect, lazy Saturday afternoon by the water.

Walking by, “I like your shirt…” some guy commented playfully, smiling coyly as I thanked him.

He was referring to the new Zelda-tee just arrived from eBay. I almost missed it, my head down in my notebook as I scribbled away like a tourist. The wind picked up a bit and another sweet, pungent whi of cannabis wafted past me.

A voting-signup booth. As good an idea as any — reaching out to a particular subculture of the community to ensure that its voice is heard.

The number of services and interests covered was signi cant. An impressive blend of educational and functional amidst the food, fun, music, and pride.

Poverello — HIV-clinic and related services, food assistance, healthy living education. Two giant baskets — one of apples and the other of oranges — rest atop the table of their station.

“That’s a lot of fruit,” I said in jest to the woman. “Sure is,” she replied. “We’re a food services and health care group, so it’s our role to o er counseling and services to people with HIV- related complications, as well as healthy food stu s and access to nutritional information and living. We advocate ‘food as medicine,’” she explained.

Making my way back to the stage, I caught an exhilarating performance of “What’s Love Got to do With It” — by the one and only Velvet Lenore — and then gured I’d got what I came for: a fun, di erent day outside; an up-close introduction to something newly explored; insight into a world in which regrettably I know much too little about.

When I came across Embrace by chance on LinkedIn, I never imagined I'd be immersed in such a world of writing opportunities, but I'm glad I did, and am, because there's really nothing worse than being trapped in your little bubble, where zero growth occurs, and horizons fail to broaden so spectacularly. What a fun day! I hope the next one will be even bigger!