OUR COMMUNITY: 16TH ANNIVERSARY LATINOS SALUD GALA ARTS & CULTURE: FLAMENCO FESTIVAL MIAMI HEALTH & WELLNESS: HOW TO AVOID A HEART HEALTH SYNDROME
RUSTIN SCARBROUGH COVER MODEL
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
6. PUBLISHER'S CORNER: MIAMI BEACH PRIDE
The 17th Miami Beach Pride will feature ten days of diverse events that have something for everyone.
8. ARTS NEWSIE: THE LION KING AND MJ
We preview the Broadway musicals The Lion King at the Broward Center and MJ at the Arsht Center.
10. COVER MODEL: RUSTIN SCARBROUGH
Meet our attractive cover model Rustin Scarbrough and enjoy his eye-catching photos by Anthony JV Rufolo.
16. ARTS & CULTURE: FLAMENCO FESTIVAL MIAMI
The Adrienne Arsht Center presents the 16th Flamenco Festival Miami.
18. OUR COMMUNITY: LATINOS SALUD GALA
Attend the 16th Latinos Salud Anniversary Gala and support the services they provide to our community.
20. HEALTH & WELLNESS: AVOID A HEART HEALTH SYNDROME
Learn about the four core factors that will help you avoid a heart health syndrome.
Information
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Magazine is published, produced, and owned by Wire Media Group L.L.C. All Rights Reserved. Distributed in print in Miami, The Beaches, and Fort Lauderdale, and digitally worldwide through wiremag.com The views, opinions or positions expressed by contributors to and interview subjects of Wire Magazine are theirs alone and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions or positions of Wire Magazine, its staff or publisher. Cover photo by Anthony JV Rufolo AJVR Photography. www.ajvr.photography Model: Rustin Scarbrough Instagram: @rusangel_
PUBLISHER’S CORNER MIAMI BEACH PRIDE IS COMING IN APRIL
Our LGBTQ Community is under threat from politicians in Washington and several states who are trying to take away some of the rights we have fought so hard to obtain. Therefore, it is very important that we come together as a Community to celebrate Pride and show our power in numbers. This year, the organizers of the 17th Miami Beach Pride have put together 10 days of diverse events that have something for everyone leading up to the Festival and Parade weekend. March 27 through April 6 the Pride celebration will honor our LGBTQ+ community with a varied lineup of events, fun performances, and lots of activations. So, get ready to celebrate Miami Beach Pride with over 180,000 attendees from across the globe.
The theme for 2025 is ‘Embrace Your Journey’ and it invites attendees to explore and honor their unique paths through a whimsical, immersive experience inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Attendees will go into a world of wonder with themed decor and characters from the classic story, that will offer them an imaginative and inclusive space to safely, and happily celebrate individuality, unity, and self-expression. Sasha Colby, one this year’s Grand Marshals, will lead the famous Pride Parade and then deliver a show-stopping performance on the main stage. RaeShanda Lias will also be a Grand Marshal, and Eliad Cohen will be one of the 2025 entertainers.
During the 17th Miami Beach Pride attendees can enjoy a diverse lineup of events that will include the following:
March 28: In the Wyld Official Women's Event with DJ Zehno, Chicky Lulu and hot new dancers by LezChic.
March 29: Free Family Picnic featuring bounce houses, crafts, dog adoptions from the Humane Society and a new farmer's market, all in Pride Park.
March 30: Pride Movie Night showing Layla, in Partnership with OUTShine Film Festival at the Rooftop Cinema Club.
March 31: Free Queer Art Showcase 5th Anniversary, where you can mix and mingle while shopping and supporting queer artists at the Moxy SoBe Hotel.
April 4: Mad Hatter's VIP Tea Party on the beach to preview the Festival with complimentary cocktails and live entertainment.
April 5 & 6: The free 2-day Pride Festival & Parade with three stages, pavilions, exhibitors, and the entire LGBTQ+ community and allies celebrating together in sunny Lummus Park in Miami Beach.
See you at Miami Beach Pride!
Best regards,
Rafa Carvajal Publisher & Editor in Chief rafa@wiremag.com
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By Rafa Carvajal
GET READY FOR THE BROADWAY MUSICALSTHE LION KING AND MJ
THE LION KING
Disney Theatrical Group and Bank of America Broadway in Fort Lauderdale Series are bringing The Lion King to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts March 6-30. This fourweek engagement provides you several different times to see this beloved musical. Make sure you visit BrowardCenter.org to buy your tickets because they are selling fast. The Lion King is celebrating 26 years performing on Broadway and continues to be one of the most popular musicals seen on the stage around the world—28 global productions seen by over 120 million people. The Lion King is produced by Disney Theatrical Group, under the direction of Andrew Flatt, Anne Quart, and Thomas Schumacher.
The Lion King is the winner of six 1998 Tony Awards for Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical. It has also received over 70 major arts awards that include the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year
and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design. Director, costume designer and mask co-designer Julie Taymor, who is the first woman to win a Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical, remains actively involved in The Lion King, launching new productions, and maintaining the prized show on Broadway. The Broadway score features Elton John and Tim Rice’s songs from The Lion King animated film, plus three new songs by John and Rice; additional musical material by South African Lebo M, Mark Mancina, Jay Rifkin, Julie Taymor and Hans Zimmer; and music from "Rhythm of the Pride Lands," an album inspired by the original music in the film, written by Lebo M, Mark Mancina and Hans Zimmer. The sound of The Lion King fuses Western popular music with the distinctive sounds and rhythms of Africa, ranging from the Academy Award-winning song “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” to Lebo M’s rich choral numbers.
MJ
Michael Jackson is world-renowned for being one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled originality is coming to the Adrienne Arsht Center March 18-23 in the multiple Tony Award-winning exceptional musical MJ. This thrilling Broadway show is centered around the making of Michael Jackson’s 1992 Dangerous World Tour. MJ was created by Tony Awardwinning Director/Choreographer Christopher Wheeldon and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage, and the show goes beyond the singular moves and signature sound of Michael Jackson by offering a rare look at the creative mind and collaborative spirit that propelled him into legendary status. MJ has thrilled sold out crowds on Broadway, in cities across North America, and in London’s West End. Now MJ is startin’ somethin’ in Miami as it makes its premiere at the Arsht Center this March.
Photos by Matthew Murphy. Provided by Broadway Across America & Broward Center
Photo by Matthew Murphy. Provided by Broadway Across America & Arsht Center
Rafa Carvajal: What do you like about being a model?
Rustin Scarbrough: I love the thrill of it, honestly. Something about being seen, or more-so being paid attention to. I have had many photographers tell me that I am an exhibitionist, which after confirming the definition of, I would proudly say that I am! Along with the desire of being seen, I am also a creative. I love to collaborate with talented photographers and create interesting and dynamic photographs that showcase the beauty of the male form.
RC: Where are you from and where do you live?
RS: I am from South Louisiana, specifically a small town called Berwick. Currently, I live in Tampa, Florida.
By
RUSTIN SCARBROUGH
Rafa Carvajal
Instagram @rafa_carvajal
Photos by Anthony JV Rufolo
Photography
RC: What inspired you to model for photography?
RS: I have wanted to become a model since I was about 17 years old. I used to do research on the industry and the process of becoming a model. I was not in the right place, at the time, physically, mentally, or location wise to break into the industry—being that I was in the bayous of South Louisiana. However, I believe that success occurs when preparation meets opportunity, and that is exactly how I found my way into the industry now. I was always enamored by the men I would see online, specifically names like Reno Gold, Eric Smith, and, more recently, Hazel Hoffman. It takes an enormous amount of work and discipline, but I would say that I have figured out my own special formula in the pursuit of my standard of health and beauty.
RC: What do you do for work?
RS: I am the Head Coach of the Orangetheory located in Downtown Tampa. At Orangetheory, we coach heart rate based group fitness classes where you powerwalk/jog/run on the treadmills, row on our water rowers, and lift on our strength floor! Being the Head Coach, I am in charge of up-skilling the coaches on the fitness team and maintaining/improving our membership base’s experience. I also have headed a few events for charity and fundraising through our location!
RC: What are your favorite three exercises?
RS: The Bulgarian Split Squat (used on my hypertrophy days—on strength days I swap these for backloaded barbell step-ups!); the Barbell Row (strength and hypertrophy days); and the Seated Incline Dumbbell Curl (strength and hypertrophy days). Also, my favorite hobby is swimming: swimming laps, swimming competitively, swimming leisurely. Anything that involves water and sunshine, you can almost always count me in—that goes for fishing, tubing, snorkeling. You name it!
RC: How do you stay in such great shape?
RS: I studied Kinesiology in my undergrad at Louisiana State University. I also interned with the LSU Athletics Strength & Conditioning Department, where I worked with assistant strength and conditioning specialists in training Division 1 athletes with exercises that were sport-specific; with that, I learned a great deal about exercise science/ physiology and biomechanics. I used this knowledge to create a program for myself that I have followed with great discipline for just over three years now. I use an undulating split working on strength and hypertrophy for each 3day mesocycle. I also take an unpopular approach with my split, hitting chest and back one day, legs the next, and finish with the entirety of my arms the last day, followed by a day of rest. I also run 3-12 miles a week, always on the days I work upper body. Oh, and teaching 15 hours, weekly, of group fitness classes also keeps me in check as I accumulate a significant amount of training volume through demonstrating exercises and getting ‘dirty’ with my members as I level with them on the strength floor.
RC: What is your best-loved food?
RS: My best-loved food is not going to make you into a model, at all, but it is my mom’s chicken stew. If you have never experienced a true Cajun roux made from scratch, you are missing out!
RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?
RS: My message to the world is that there are three things you should prioritize before anything else to be successful in whatever you do: 1) Always have a clear conscience and pure intentions. 2) Know your purpose in this world and stay focused on it as to not let distractions pull you into disarray and chaos. 3) Be of service to others. People are the most valuable ‘resource’ in our lives, so be of service to them and you will be shocked by how many opportunities come your way. You must be prepared to cease those opportunities as well!
& CULTURE
By Rafa Carvajal
THE 16TH FLAMENCO FESTIVAL MIAMI AT THE ARSHT CENTER
The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts will present the 16th Flamenco Festival Miami March 5-9. This edition of the Festival will gather together the most prominent stars of contemporary flamenco from Spain with a new generation of artists who are redefining this transformative art form. Opening Night will be at the Knight Concert Hall on March 5 with Manuel Liñán’s provocative new creation Muerta de Amor , followed by flamenco legend Eva Yerbabuena’s reflection on her decades-long career entitled Yerbagüena (Oscuro Brillante) on March 6. Closing night on March 9 will showcase Patricia Guerrero and Alfonso Losa’s exploration of identity called Alter Ego. Visit arshtcenter.org to purchase your tickets to the 2025 Flamenco Festival Miami.
We sat down with Festival Founder Miguel Marin to preview the 16th Flamenco Festival Miami for our readers.
Rafa Carvajal: Please tell our readers what they should expect to see at this year's Flamenco Festival at the Arsht Center.
Miguel Marin: This year’s Flamenco Festival at the Arsht Center is dedicated to Granada, the cradle of flamenco, and the diverse artistic approaches that emerge from this homeland of the immortal poet Federico García Lorca. Audiences can expect breathtaking performances that span the deeply rooted traditions of flamenco, embodied by the queen of flamenco, Eva Yerbabuena, as well as the groundbreaking artistry of another queen—Manuel Liñán, the reigning icon of queer flamenco, returning to Miami after the massive success of his previous production, VIVA! The Festival also highlights flamenco’s contemporary evolution, featuring Patricia Guerrero and Alfonso Losa, two of the most virtuosic and innovative artists of today. With world-class dancers, exceptional musicians, and powerful vocalists, the Festival offers a dynamic and multifaceted celebration of flamenco in all its forms.
RC: Why do you think the Flamenco Festival has achieved such great popularity?
MM: Flamenco has an emotional intensity that transcends language and culture. It speaks directly to the heart, touching on universal themes of love, struggle, resilience, and joy. The Flamenco Festival has gained popularity because it presents the best artists of the genre while embracing flamenco’s evolving identity. It is a celebration of artistry, creativity, and cultural exchange, appealing to audiences from all backgrounds. The Festival’s success also lies in its commitment to showcasing both legendary figures and the new generation of artists who are redefining flamenco for the future.
RC: Why did you decide to found the Flamenco Festival?
MM: I founded the Flamenco Festival because I strongly believe in flamenco’s power to connect people across cultures. Flamenco is more than just an art form—it is a universal language of human expression that transcends borders. My goal was to create a platform that not only brings the best of flamenco to international audiences but also fosters collaboration between artists from different disciplines and cultural backgrounds. I also wanted the Festival to serve as a window into Spain’s rich cultural landscape, allowing audiences to experience the inspiration and creative drive behind both established artists and the new generation of flamenco innovators.
RC: Why should readers of Wire Magazine who have not been to the Flamenco Festival purchase tickets to see it this year?
MM: Flamenco is an art form that thrives on emotional connection, individuality, and freedom of expression—values that resonate deeply with the LGBTQ+ community. This year’s Festival offers a powerful and inclusive celebration of identity, diversity, and artistry. Many contemporary flamenco artists challenge conventions and redefine what flamenco can be, making it a perfect experience for those who appreciate artistic innovation and boundary-pushing performances. Whether you are new to flamenco or a longtime admirer, the Festival promises an unforgettable journey into one of the most expressive and moving art forms in the world.
RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?
MM: Flamenco has always been a space for self-expression, defiance, and storytelling. It is an art form rooted in the fight for identity and belonging, which is why it continues to resonate so strongly today. Many of the most exciting voices in flamenco are bringing new perspectives to the stage, breaking stereotypes, and redefining traditions. I invite Wire Magazine readers to come experience the energy, passion, and creativity of Flamenco Festival—it is an invitation to connect, to feel, and to be inspired.
Photo by Marcos G Punto. Provided by Arsht Center
By Rafa Carvajal
CELEBRATING THE 16TH ANNIVERSARY LATINOS SALUD GALA
Latinos Salud is an organization that helps many members of our community with their health needs. As they get ready to celebrate their 16th Anniversary Gala, I interviewed Latinos Salud Exective Director Stephen J. Fallon, Ph.D. to discuss how this great organization helps so many people and why you should purchase tickets to their 16th Anniversary Gala and support Latinos Salud. The 2025 Latinos Salud Gala will take place Saturday, March 29th 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. in the Riverview Ballroom at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The VIP Cocktail Hour will start at 5:30 p.m. followed by the main event at 6:30 p.m. Regular tickets for the Gala are $175 and VIP tickets are $225. Visit gala.lsalud.org to purchase your tickets and join us for an unforgettable evening to support our community.
Rafa Carvajal: Please tell our readers how Latinos Salud takes care of people in our community.
Stephen Fallon: We provide judgment-free counseling, testing, and outreach in both Miami-Dade and Broward County. Four years ago, we expanded our portfolio to serve the community with even more vital services. We now offer same-day PrEP, STD treatment, vaccination, and healthcare for HIV, hepatitis C, diabetes, hypertension, and more. It’s super easy to get services at Latinos Salud. We almost always have same day or next day appointments available, and we like to say that “we take the wait out of waiting rooms.” Most important, we want Wire Magazine readers to know that we’re here for the entire LGBT community. Though we focus our marketing on the underserved gay Latino population, you don’t have to be Latino to get served here!
RC: Why is the Latinos Salud Annual Gala so important to help you fulfill the mission of Latinos Salud?
SF: The Gala is both a community celebration and a fundraiser to support our free services. Every year, we invest over $600,000 in lab fees for PrEP eligibility and STD screening,
and another $600,000 paying the health insurance premiums for our patients in greatest need. Most of all, we invest by not charging out-of-pocket costs to our PrEP patients. By not collecting co-pay fees, we’re covering $1.1 million each year that most clinics pass on to their patients!
RC: What should attendees expect to experience at your 16th Anniversary Latinos Salud Gala?
SF: Gala attendees can look forward to a dynamic evening of pride that moves through the Broward Center complex. We’ll start al fresco and under the bistro lights in the Peck Courtyard, with open bar and networking. Then we’ll move into the Riverview Ballroom for an amazing three-course dinner, along with live entertainment, and a brief video spotlighting Latinos Salud’s efforts this past year to serve the community. Then follow us down to the Wendt Terrace down by the water, which will be roped off just for our guests to dance along to a live DJ and drag queen performances, while continuing to enjoy the open bar in the connected Mario’s Bistro restaurant. VIPs will get early access to the cocktail hour, and free valet parking.
RC: Why should Wire Magazine readers purchase tickets to attend this year's Gala?
SF: We invite Wire Magazine readers to purchase tickets to our Gala for two things they won’t get! First, they won’t get any speeches from outside sponsors or politicians or awardees. Second, they won’t get any inflation on tickets: we haven’t raised our Gala ticket prices in three years! What will they get? In addition to the program of community and connection we have planned, readers will get the reward of knowing that they’re helping to keep our services free and easily accessible. Though our ticket prices just barely cover the costs of throwing a Gala, we’re passing all ticketing through our Florida AIDS Walk team page, which means your ticket price comes back to Latinos Salud matched!
Photo by SRL Media, Inc. Provided by Latinos Salud
Photo by J.R. Davis Provided by Latinos Salud
RC: What if you can’t make the Gala, or just don’t want to drive up if you live in Miami?
SF: Here’s another reason to purchase tickets anyway: we’ll pay it forward, by giving your spot to one of the next generation of LGBT philanthropists who could not otherwise afford to attend a Gala. Just think of it: your generosity may start someone on the path to supporting free services to the community as they rise in their career. In this year especially, we can see how we have to ’take care of our own.’
RC: How can our readers benefit from the services provided by Latinos Salud?
SF: We have four South Florida locations, so one is close to you, and we stay open later than any HIV/STD agency or clinic in the state of Florida. Three of our locations (Miami SW, North Miami, and Wilton Manors) have plenty of free parking, and we even have free parking for just a couple of cars at a time in our Miami Beach location. For that one, you just have to ring us when you’re pulling up so we can direct you in. All of our counselors are gay and bilingual, so this is a safe space. Most of all, while it’s hard to get appointments at many clinics— especially for PrEP—it’s as easy as a few clicks here at Latinos Salud. Just go to latinossalud.org/aboutus.
We also take walk ins, though appointments definitely zip through faster. And, again, we don’t charge co-pays. We have patients coming to us all the time because the clinic they used to get their PrEP from now has a two week (or even two months!) wait for appointments, or it started charging lab fees, or raised its co-pays, or done all of these things to them. We want to make getting on PrEP (or getting into HIV care) easy, because we all win when the community is protected and healthy! Maybe the best benefit of all? We’re nice. Don’t take our word for it. Look up our Google reviews.
RC: Is there anything else you would like to share with Wire Magazine readers?
SF: Come dressed as you like: black tie, club chic, or sporty. Our Gala is for you!
Photos by SRL Media, Inc. Provided by Latinos Salud
& WELLNESS
By Family Features
KNOW THESE FOUR CORE FACTORS TO AVOID A HEART HEALTH SYNDROME
In the U.S., one in three adults is at risk for a newly recognized syndrome that comes from a combination of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and excess body weight. This cluster of conditions, called cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, is an example of how problems in one part of your body can affect other parts. To avoid CKM syndrome, health experts suggest paying close attention to four of the American Heart Association’s Life’s Essential 8 – blood pressure, lipids, body weight and blood sugar level – which are core health factors that impact your metabolic health.
Good metabolic health means your body uses energy well and keeps these factors in a normal range. However, when numbers are off in one area, it can affect others, raising your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes. Consider the tips below from the American Heart Association to help keep your core health factors under control.
make vitamins and hormones. You may also get cholesterol from eating animal products. If there’s too much cholesterol circulating, your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke may increase. For optimal CKM health, your LDL cholesterol should be below 100 and triglycerides below 150. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. If your triglyceride level is 135 or higher, talk to your doctor about decreasing your risk. Losing body weight and increasing physical activity decrease triglyceride levels. In addition, DASH and Mediterranean (plant-based, high-fiber, low-fat) eating patterns support healthy LDL and triglyceride levels.
Body Weight
Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Because high blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, the only way to know you have it is to get your blood pressure checked. Healthy blood pressure is below 120/80. If your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher, talk to your doctor about checking your other core health factors. Lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood pressure. One example is a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern that’s low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lowfat dairy products. Losing 10 pounds and reducing alcohol consumption can also reduce blood pressure.
Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes then circulates in the blood where your body uses it to build cells and
Healthy weight may be determined by body mass index (BMI), a number that represents your weight in relation to your height. Extra body fat can mean a higher risk for many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. CKM syndrome starts when BMI is 25 or higher and waist circumference is 88 centimeters or higher for women and 102 centimeters or higher for men. Aim for a BMI between 18.5-25. To lose weight and keep it off, start by setting realistic goals. Understand how much and why you eat, manage portion sizes, make smart snack substitutions and be physically active.
Blood Sugar
High blood sugar can slowly damage the kidneys. In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, and it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Blood sugar is measured in two ways: a fasting blood glucose test (short term blood sugar) and an A1C test (long term blood sugar control). A normal fasting blood glucose level is 70-99 and a normal A1C level is below 5.7%. Fasting blood glucose above 125 and A1C of 6.5% or higher means you have diabetes.
Habits that help you avoid high blood pressure, weight gain and high cholesterol also keep your blood sugar in check. These are especially important if you have a family history of diabetes. You can learn more about CKM syndrome and how to manage your risk at heart.org/CKMhealth.
Photo by Mockup Graphics on Unsplash
Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash
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