By Rachel Galvin
Galleria Fort Lauderdale held a special benefit on May 28 to kickoff Pride Month and reveal their newest exhibition called “Coming out of the Shadows.” The project is curated by Fred Fejes, professor emeritus of multimedia studies at Florida Atlantic University, and Julio Capo, Jr., an author and associate professor of history at Florida International University. It is on display until June 30. It encapsulates many of the tumultuous pre-Stonewall moments in the lives of LGBTQ+ people in Fort Lauderdale during the 1960s. The event also benefitted History Fort Lauderdale.
Besides perusing the exhibit, guests could grab a bite to eat from P.F. Chang’s or Ethos Greek Bistro, which had samples available, or try some spirits before the presentation began.
The event honored LGBTQ+ leaders in the community and was emceed by FayWhat?! Albernas. Patricia Zeiler, the executive director of History Fort Lauderdale, spoke followed by deputy director Ellery Andrews, who read a proclamation on behalf of the mayor. Next, each honoree came up to receive their award and do a quick walk on the catwalk.
This year’s honorees included:
- Chris Caputo, Commissioner and Vice Mayor, City of Wilton Manors
- Dennis Dean, Executive Director, ArtsUnited
- Robert Griffin and Durrell Watkins, Bishops, Sunshine Cathedral
- Ronnie Larsen, Actor, Director, Playwright, and Producer
- Rafaelé Narváez, Co-founder and director of Health Programs, Latinos Salud
- Jason Parsley, Owner & Publisher, Out South Florida
- William Schultz, Police Chief, City of Fort Lauderdale
- Nicole Stodard, Artistic Director, Thinking Cap Theatre
- Tatiana Williams, Founder & Executive Director, TransInclusive Group
In addition, the newly crowned Mizz OutSFL, Angie Ovahness Pryce, gave her first public performance.
Sponsors for the event included The Our Fund Foundation, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network, OutSFL, Hunters Nightclubs, P.F. Chang’s, Ethos Greek Bistro and GPR | Goodman Public Relations.
The Coming Out of the Shadows exhibition is now free and open to the public during mall hours.
The Galleria Fort Lauderdale is located at 2414 E. Sunrise Blvd. in Fort Lauderdale.
