By Rachel Galvin
This week is your last chance to check out the Take Pride! 100-year retrospective of LGBTQ+ milestones. The exhibit consists of photos and videos showcasing important moments in history within the community. The exhibition opened May 30 with a kickoff celebration honoring local leaders:
- Robert Boo, CEO, The Pride Center at Equality Park
- Steven Evans, Ph.D., Owner & Publisher, OutClique magazine
- Misty Eyez, Transgender Advocate & Director, SunServe
- Mark Gilbert, Board Chair, OUTshine LGBTQ+ Film Festival
- David Jobin, President & CEO, The Our Fund Foundation
- Jacqueline Lorber, President & CEO, South Florida Symphony Orchestra
- Erika Norell, Renowned Entertainer
- Shawn Palacious (Kitty Meow), Celebrity Host and Entertainer
- Andy Rogow, Artistic Director, Island City Stage
- Josie Smith Malave, Former “Top Chef” Contestant & Owner, Bubbles + Pearls
The event was emceed by FayWhat?! of the “FayWhat?! Show” and included performances by Velvet Lenore and Vauz Allen with music by DJ Jay McCracken of Spiked Entertainmment. Mayor Dean Trantalis issued a proclamation as well.
The event was presented by History Fort Lauderdale and sponsored by Galleria Fort Lauderdale, Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, OutClique, HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network, Holy Cross Health, JM Family Enterprises, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Additional funding was provided in part by Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council, Visit Lauderdale – Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, Institute of Museum and Library Services and The Our Fund Foundation.
All photos by Rachel Galvin