Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County opened the area’s first LGBT+ Visitor Center to showcase attractions of interest to LGBT+ visitors. Greater Fort Lauderdale has been popular with the LGBT+ community for decades, welcoming 1.5 million LGBT+ visitors who spend $1.5 billion annually. The Visitor Center is a result of a partnership between the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The new center will be co-located with the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce in the heart of Wilton Manors, Broward County’s gay-centric district with the destination’s largest concentration of gay residents and businesses. 

“We are proud to have a long and positive history of supporting the LGBT+ community. The opening of this Visitor Center marks another important milestone in the uniqueness of our area in recognizing the value and needs of the LGBT+ visitor,” said Richard Gray, Vice President of LGBT+ for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are very excited about this latest advancement in calling attention to all of our great attractions, hotels, clubs, bars and restaurants that cater to this important audience.”

The Greater Fort Lauderdale area has hundreds of gay-owned and operated businesses and the highest concentration of same-sex couple households in the country, and is noted as one of the most diverse and welcoming destinations in the world. The LGBT+ community has played a major role in the economic growth and development of the area and is a major tourism draw with its nightlife including some of the most popular LGBT+ bars in the country, such as Hunters Nightclub, and clothing and novelty stores, such as Pride Factory. Gay-owned business, such as Castelli Real Estate, have been drivers of real estate for many years and great ambassadors to draw new residents to Broward County. Many local businesses, such as Thasos restaurant, are active in providing support for LGBT+ causes in the community.

“The economic impact the LGBT+ community locally cannot be understated, especially by LGBT+ visitors that come here from all over the world year after year,” said Keith Blackburn, CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce. “While LGBT+ travelers have many of the same needs as straight travelers, many unique needs exist. This Visitor Center will serve as a place where people can stop in, ask for recommendations and receive information about the community, our member businesses, events and organizations.”

Greater Fort Lauderdale is also home to one of the largest Pride Centers in the country, the world's first AIDS museum, the global headquarters of the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association, and the Stonewall Museum, one of the only permanent spaces in the U.S. devoted to exhibitions relating to LGBT+ history and culture.

Recently, the Greater Fort Lauderdale CVB announced plans to host the first-ever Pride of the Americas Festival in 2020. The 10-day event will draw attention to the issues LGBT+ individuals face in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is expected to attract more than 350,000 attendees and will include a parade, a beach party, arts festival, social events and a human rights conference focused on LGBT+ rights. 

​The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau has been welcoming LGBT+ travelers since 1996, when it became the first Convention & Visitors Bureau with a dedicated LGBT+ marketing department. Since then, Greater Fort Lauderdale has continued to break down barriers and facilitate visibility for the LGBT+ community at large, acting as a pioneer in the hospitality industry and ensuring that the destination is inclusive and welcoming with a diverse, safe and open community for all travelers. For more information on LGBT+ travel in Greater Fort Lauderdale, visit www.sunny.org/lgbt.

The entire Key West community celebrates Pride each year and this year will be even bigger & better. Key West is a small town and the parade has a small town feel, with big surprises. Key West knows how to throw a parade, where the official motto is ONE HUMAN FAMILY! 

Celebrate PRIDE on a tropical island that is legendary for its laid back style and its open and accepting atmosphere.  Whether you’re looking to party with friends, travel with family, or get lost in the magic of this tropical island, rediscover Key West and discover how one island’s One Human Family philosophy has created one of the most integrated and unique communities in the world.  

With Key West’s annual Pride Week (for a list of Pride events click here) taking place June 6-10, The Gates Hotel Key West invites guests and locals alike to celebrate on June 9 from 2-5 pm with the hotel’s first-ever Foam Pool Party. 

Guests can lounge underneath shaded cabanas with signature drinks in-hand from the on-site Prohibition-inspired bar, Rum Row, while cooling off in a pool filled with foam as part of the festivities. 

Those looking to spend Pride at The Gates Key West can book the "Poolside Cabana Package" by calling (305) 320-0930 or online to receive three free rewards including $25 flight credit, high speed WiFi, complimentary coffee, and much more.

Click here for a special Connextions Magazine Poolside Cabana Package Special:
"Poolside Cabana Package" at The Gates Hotel Key West, with rates starting at $189/night:

• 15% off best available rate
• 20% off on a full day cabana rental — includes: butler service, custom daybed, fruit tray, assorted beverages, gourmet fruit pops, and more! 

About The Gates Hotel:
Located at the entry point of the island on North Roosevelt Boulevard, The Gates Hotel is a gateway to all things Key West, providing you with the full island experience at your fingertips. The island of Key West can be accessed by plane, boat and car.

Mixing contemporary design and retro Floridian flair, The Gates Hotel features guestrooms with modern amenities that uniquely combine upscale sophistication and polished service with the island’s casual laidback vibe.
Rum Row, the hotel’s lively pool, bar, and lounge scene, welcomes guests to kick back in true Key West style with live music, handcrafted cocktails, and regionally inspired tapas.
Patrons can channel the days of Prohibition with specialty spirits and the custom Gates Key West Hotel Rum from our exclusive partnership with First Legal Rum Distillery, or experience a taste of Cuban-Key West history at our very own cigar lounge featuring events and products from Rodriguez Cigars.

By David Duran (originally published in Connextions Magazine Issue 21: #Proud2BMe)

Have you ever seen the movie Heartbreakers with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Sigourney Weaver? You know, the one where they are in Palm Beach and trying to con their way into fortunes by marrying rich billionaires who live in the area. So basically, that was my only reference of Palm Beach I had when I decided to fly down for the Gay Polo League’s 7th Annual International Gay Polo Tournament. I didn’t even know gay polo was a thing, and when I heard it was in Palm Beach, I couldn’t miss an opportunity to see what the hell it was all about. I mean…gay polo? What’s not to love?

I arrived to West Palm Beach airport, super convenient FYI, and came in a few days prior so I could explore the Palm Beaches. I didn’t even know the Palm Beaches was a thing, so I was content to explore a few of the cities that made up said Palm Beaches, before hitting up the tournament in Palm Beach. Still with me? 

My first stop was Boca Raton and my hotel, the Waterstone Resort & Marina. This place was awesome; it’s actually a Double Tree by Hilton, so they give you those fresh warm cookies at check-in, although this place was in a category of its own when it came to Double Trees, as it was more of a boutique property, doing its own thing but using the Hilton branding. No complaints here at all, the views from the room, which are standard in every room, are fantastic. The décor was minimal but that was welcomed, as the water views are the main focal point. 

After check-in, I headed to The Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa because who doesn’t need a welcome massage after flying in? This place was over the top, and the spa here is all about indulgences, which was evident by pre-massage champagne and brownies. I didn’t want to leave afterwards, but alas, dinner at The Farmer’s Table was calling, and it was great. The farm to table concept has been overdone now and it’s becoming the standard everywhere, but this place did it better than anywhere I had been lately, and the cocktails that accompanied dinner were just as amazing. 

My second day in the Palm Beaches, I wanted to immerse myself and well, when I read about The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum, my gay self couldn’t resist. The theatre has been presenting musicals for years and the costume theatre, which is curated and changes, currently had original costumes from over 35 Broadway productions and revivals. After my musical geek-out, I headed over to Delray Beach for a little beach time and city tour, by golf cart, nonetheless. 

And dinner that night was my first introduction to Palm Beach itself, with a visit to The Colony Hotel’s Royal Room Cabaret. The hotel itself is a landmark and has some pretty amazing history and rumors attached to it. That night was also gentleman’s night at the bar, so it was fun to take a few laps around the bar and check out what Palm Beach was serving up before the cabaret dinner. The cabaret itself was definitely a Palm Beach rite of passage and it was brilliant and exactly what I would have expected from a cabaret dinner show in Palm Beach! 

Day three took me to West Palm Beach, where all the non-billionaires reside. Here, I did a walking food tour and was pleasantly surprised by the amazing street art I saw. I also met the amazing owners of Pizza Girls, a married lesbian couple, who have been dominating the pizza scene in West Palm Beach for decades. After the tour, I swapped hotels and hit up the Kimpton Tideline Resort & Spa where again, my expectations were exceeded. The rooms were great, but it was the open-air restaurant located feet from the sand that won me over. The turquoise blue umbrellas were a perfect compliment to the white sand and blue waters in the distance and made for a killer Instagram image, because that’s really what it’s all about.

The rest of the weekend was spent attending the Gay Polo League’s events and the actual tournament, which by the way, was probably one of the most fabulous outdoor events I’ve ever attended, and I am so glad I brought the right hat to wear! The champagne was flowing and everyone was dressed up and ready to be photographed. The polo tournament itself was almost as entertaining as the tailgates that were created on the sidelines – people went all out and spared no expense to try and stand out among the rest. 

Before departing, I spent some time with Leslie Diver (www.islandlivingPB.com), who took me on a walking/driving tour of Palm Beach and her insider’s look at the history, architecture and residents was probably the best part of the entire experience because beyond all the fun gossip she relayed, I got to understand a bit more about the area and make sense of it all. I didn’t know what to expect from the Palm Beaches and really didn’t know much about them, but after this trip, I learned that not only are they welcoming to all travelers, but the locals are lots of fun, and the destination isn’t just for the rich and famous. I mean it is, but they are willing to share it with the rest of us.

As seen in Connextions Magazine Issue 21: #Proud2BMe - see full issue below

Set on the oceanfront in Pompano Beach, one of Florida’s finest diving destinations, the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is ideally situated between the cosmopolitan appeals of Boca Raton to its north and Fort Lauderdale to its south. The city is ripe for discovery – named one of the top 10 “up-and-coming” U.S. destinations in 2014 by TripAdvisor, and considered by many to be "The Gay Capital of Florida," it's just minutes from the charming barrier island town of Lauderdale-By-The-Sea.  

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Pompano Beach Resort & Spa is a boutique-style resort that caters to leisure and business travelers alike with the simple pleasures of Florida beach living. Each of the resort’s 194 guest rooms and 25 suites features a private balcony overlooking the Atlantic. Sand and sea are reflected in a palette of cream and gold with pale green accents and warm wood furnishings.  Among the larger accommodations are (16) Executive Oceanfront Suites with a privacy wall separating the bed from the living area and (5) 750-square-foot Presidential Suite with a king bedroom and separate living room. 
Guests enjoy fresh local fare and speakeasy-style drinks at McCoy’s Oceanfront, sea-inspired treatments at SiSpa, poolside relaxation, beach access with water sports, and everything business travelers need for a productive stay. 


McCoy’s Oceanfront is known for its contemporary preparations of seasonal, local and sustainable ingredients, with a focus on Florida seafood, served in a casual indoor/outdoor setting with ocean views.  The beachfront restaurant and lounge pays homage to its Prohibition-era namesake in a drinks menu of classic cocktails with fresh-pressed juices and dark spirits that channel McCoy’s rum-running days.  McCoy’s also offers an extensive wine list and daily happy hour specials from 4-7 p.m., served poolside.  Friday happy hour entertainment often continues throughout the weekend, ranging from an island tropical vibe to mainstream music. McCoy’s is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Pompano Beach is home to a boutique outpost of SiSpa, a seaside sanctuary whose keystone location at the Palm Beach Marriott Singer Island Beach Resort & Spa ranks among Condé Nast Traveler’s Top 100 U.S. Resort Spas.  Inspired by the natural beauty and healing powers of the ocean, the SiSpa at Pompano Beach offers an intimate oasis dedicated to wellness and pampering, including:
• Seven treatment stations, including two separate manicure and pedicure stations
• Separate men’s and women’s spa areas with hydrotherapy showers
• Co-ed spa sanctuary
• Outdoor oasis overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
• 24-hour fitness center with inspiring ocean views, stocked with treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and free weights

Pompano Beach guests can enjoy a wealth of recreational options on land and sea, both on site and nearby. These include:
• Two outdoor heated swimming pools and whirlpool
• Watersport rentals, including jet skis and paddleboards
• Beach cabana rentals
• Beach Volleyball
• Kid’s Club and much more!

The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival Celebrates Pride Month with the Florida Film Premiere of “Ruthie & Connie: Every Room In The House (2014 Update).”

Two screenings at the Mandel JCC: June 10th at Boynton Beach & June 11th at Palm Beach Gardens

The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival presented by Mandel  JCC Palm Beaches,  brings “Ruthie & Connie: Every Room In The House (2014 updated version),“ as part of their WITH PRIDE film commemoration for June Pride month.

RUTHIE & CONNIE  is an inspiring documentary of two women who also happen  to be teachers, community organizers, mothers, grandmothers to 21 grandchildren, friends for 17 years,  then  life-partners for 35 years — and now legally married. This new release will include brand-new footage of Ruthie and Connie getting married in New York City in 2011, as well as an updated interview with them sharing their reflections on their lives since it originally aired on HBO/CINEMAX in 2002.

Directed by highly-acclaimed filmmaker Deborah Dickson, a three-time Academy Award nominee, RUTHIE & CONNIE is a coming out story about love, friendship, passion, politics — and a cry for justice that resulted in a landmark LGBT civil lawsuit for domestic partnership benefits.  The suit, the first of its kind, helped pave the way for what has now become the LGBT community’s crusade for full civil rights and marriage equality.

“Ruthie & Connie” will begin at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10th at the Mandel JCC Boynton Beach, 8500 Jog Rd. and Wednesday, June 11th at the Mandel JCC Palm Beach Gardens, 5221 Hood Rd. Both screenings will have a question and answer session with Ruthie & Connie following the film. Refreshments will follow the presentation.

Doors open at 6pm.  General audience cost is $8 per ticket.  Film Society Members & Sponsors are complimentary.  Cash or credit card is accepted at the door beginning  6:00pm, seating capacity permitting. To purchase tickets, call 561-736-7527 or visit us online at http://www.jcconline.com/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=pbg_a_cult_PBJFF.

Residents of Palm Beach County, Ruthie and Connie can be found about town playing bridge with friends or supporting local organizations such as The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival. 

The Donald M. Ephraim Palm Beach Film Festival is presented by the Mandel JCC Palm Beaches.  The Mandel JCC is a partner agency of the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County. High quality cultural arts programs are a priority of the Mandel JCC. The Film Festival has expanded to year round programming to increase the Jewish film experience for all residents. Our year features a diverse mix of films, speakers and film-related experiences for all.

What: Ruthie & Connie: Every Room In The House (2014 Update)
               Florida Film Premiere for June Pride Month
             Presented by The Donald M Ephraim Palm Beach Jewish Film Festival, Mandel JCC

When: Tuesday June 10 at 7:00pm Boynton Beach
            Wednesday, June 11 at 7:00pm Palm Beach Gardens

Where: Mandel JCC, 8500 Jog Rd, Boynton Beach- June 10
             Mandel JCC, 5221 Hood Rd, Palm Beach Gardens- June 11

Cost: $8 per ticket includes film, discussion and refreshments.
           Current Film Society Members & Sponsors are complimentary.  
         
How:  Credit card orders in advance: 561-736-7527
           Cash or credit card is accepted at the door beginning at 6:00 pm, seating capacity permitting.

Presenting Sponsors: Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, Lifespace Communities: Abbey
                                    Delray. Abbey Delray South  & Harbour’s Edge
Sponsors: Attorney Mitchell Kitroser, Palm Beach Gardens, Mittleman Eye Care of West Palm Beach    
                 Assoicated Financial Services, LLC of Ft Lauderdale.

Community Partners : Compass, Blast, Pflag, FoundCare and Ft Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

Located right on the South Beach strip of Ocean Drive, enjoy dinner, drinks and a whole lot of entertainment at Mango's Tropical Cafe.  The place is easy to find - just look for the parrots.  In front of the restaurant, as well as just across the street, they offer pictures with the beautiful birds... then invite you for dinner. 

The band played Caribbean jams and dancers entertained us while we ate dinner and had a few drinks.  For the record - the place isn't as sleazy as their website makes it look.  My partner and I took our two teenage daughters there and we all had a blast. 

http://www.mangostropicalcafe.com/index.php

Join Connextions Magazine at this year's FAMILY OUTFEST event in Orlando, Florida!

The mission of Family Outfest™, is to celebrate the shared cultural heritage of what all families look like, regardless of who you are, how you identify or whom you love. Our purpose is to celebrate our diverse and authentic kin while exploring the wonders of Orlando.

This event is guaranteed to be an incredible week with fun filled festivities, that will not only excite your little ones, but also pique the interest of parents alike. With Orlando’s world class theme parks, attractions and restaurants, there is no doubt together, we will have a gay ol’ time!

JULY 1-7, 2014
ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Click for more info: www.familyoutfest.com

Sidelines Sports & Video Bar re-opened its doors to the public on August 21st, 2013 after closing for several weeks to give Sidelines a fresh and modern facelift.   Sidelines Sports & Video Bar now has over 24 TV's  placed throughout the 3150 Sq ft  bar and outside patio area where sports fans and non sports fans can be found watching over a dozen various sporting events at any given time throughout the day and evening.  As the night progresses, Sidelines turns into a video lounge with state of the art LED lighting, a VIP bottle service area, and the newest and hottest music videos from around the world can be seen on all 24 TV's. 

There is something for everyone at the all new Sidelines!Since reopening, Sidelines has been busy working on the rebranding as Sidelines Sports & Video Bar which has included new events & drink specials, a new logo, and the newest addition, a brand new website which launched this past weekend.  The website is still located at its original domain www.sidelinessports.com which was launched 7 years ago.  The new site includes an interactive section where viewers can browse through the weekly events, upcoming events & drink specials being hosted at Sidelines, make reservations for a table in the VIP Area, view photos from past events, and so much more.  Soon viewers will be able to purchase tickets for upcoming events such as the highly anticipated  MMA and Pay Per View Boxing Events that Sidelines has not shown in the past.   The new site allows  you to access everything from your computer, ipad, or smart phone  so you can always know what is going on at Sidelines Sports and Video Bar 7 days a week.

About Sidelines Sports & Video Bar
Sidelines Sports & Video Bar has been providing a fun, friendly and a “Cheers” like atmosphere for over 7 years here in Wilton Manors.  Sidelines is a smoke-free environment with an outdoor patio for gay and gay-friendly men and women who enjoy all kinds of sports, as well as some of the hottest music videos and mixes out in the music market.  Sidelines Sports & Video Bar has over 24 flat screen TVs, pool tables, dart boards, Wi-Fi access, and video games for your enjoyment 7 days a week.  Sidelines is a gay owned and operated sports bar that has become one of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s favorite gay venues.  Voted #1 Gay Sports Bar in South Florida this year by Local 10 viewers, and awarded the Best Community Supporter award by Florida Aids Walk.  Sidelines Sports & Video Bar is located at 2031-A Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors, Florida, 33305. Their telephone number is (954) 563-8001 or you can also visit them online at www.sidelinessports.com.