 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.
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 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:
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
 #1 Sandspur Beach Located in Bahia Honda State Park on Big Pine Key in the Florida Keys, Sandspur Beach, with its achingly beautiful, crystal clear turquoise water and baby powder white sand is most certainly my favorite place in Florida. With no waves and no lifeguards, this secluded paradise on the Atlantic Ocean is certainly sensational. #2 Key West One of the most popular gay destinations in America! Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, beaches, activities, Caribbean suntans, tropical climates, museums, theatres, and nightlife that lasts until sunrise… Need I say more? #3 Daytona Beach Whether you’re a local or a visitor, chances are you will have a car. Daytona Beach offers something unique! There’s no need to find public parking and lug your beach bag, towel, and chair, the hard packed sand allows you to drive and park right on the beach, just steps from the Atlantic Ocean. Daytona is also famous for annual events such as speedweek and bikeweek! #4 Marco Island Described as magical, mystical and alluring, this world-class resort destination is surrounded by miles and miles of pristine, uninhabited islands, bays, creeks, and the Gulf of Mexico. Take a catamaran tour or ride on a 105’ long paddlewheel boat that serves lunch and dinner. #5 Miami Located on the Atlantic Ocean, Miami offers a first class paradise. Home to the ‘rich and famous,’ with million dollar properties, yachts, and a beach that is known for its sexy bodies, art deco décor and neon nightlife on Ocean Drive, which are unmistakable. #6 Disney World Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Blizzard Beach, Animal Kingdom, Hollywood Studios and Typhoon Lagoon create the scene for the most epic of vacations! From breakfast with Cinderella in her castle to the spectacular lightshow where Tinkerbell flies through mid-air, thrill seeking rides and a variety of water filled fun, entertainment at these parks is limitless. #7 Ft. Lauderdale Ft. Lauderdale offers its own culture of shopping and beach life with a suburban feel. It is not hard to comfortably nestle right in to this slightly calmer version of its neighboring city of Miami. It has all the benefits without the "glam" effect. #8 The Palm Beaches Known as America’s first resort destination (1894), the Palm Beaches of Florida, offer everything from a fascinating array of cultural venues, to celebrity chef-owned restaurants, and golfing on world-class courses. Located on the Atlantic Ocean, just an hour north of Miami and complete with a state-of-the-art, world class marina. #9 Tampa Ybor City today is one of only two National Historic Landmark Districts in Florida, with its red brick buildings, wrought iron balconies and narrow brick streets. Tampa’s "Latin" Quarter" is an exotic blend of aromas, flavors, sights and sounds. Cuban coffee, Latin music, salsa dancing, Spanish, Cuban, Italian, Greek & French cuisine, as well as authentic tapas are just the beginning! #10 Seaside Leave your car keys at the bedside when you explore the quaint, local flavor of Seaside, Florida. There seems to be a slower pace in this small beachside town located on the Gulf of Mexico. Enjoy specialty art galleries and unique accessory shops, along with cozy café’s and shrimp shacks, all in walking distance from just about anywhere in town. As featured in Connextions Magazine, Read it free here --> Issue 6.
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