Hotspots Year In Review 2010

Whether you thought it was good or bad, 2010 sure was an exciting year. This year, almost every contestant from the two seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race entertained us (and we loved it), the 33-year ban on gay adoption in Florida was lifted, we were told to boycott Target and Best Buy, continued to worship Gaga, became “Gleeks”, showed the world “It Gets Better” and said goodbye to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

Whether you thought it was good or bad, 2010 sure was an exciting year

This year, almost every contestant from the two seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race entertained us (and we loved it), the 33-year ban on gay adoption in Florida was lifted, we were told to boycott Target and Best Buy, continued to worship Gaga, became “Gleeks”, showed the world “It Gets Better” and said goodbye to Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

JANUARY 2010

The New Year is rung in with Lady Gaga and her Monsters Ball at the James L. Knight Center in Miami from New Year’s Eve through Jan. 2 and at the Hard Rock Orlando on January 3.

Halo in South Beach and in Washington, D.C. changes its name to Mova with a kick off party starring Mike Manning of Real World D.C. on January 8.

Saturday, January 9- Cynthia Nixon (Miranda from Sex and the City) comes to South Beach on behalf of the ACLU to help kick off a three year campaign to end the ban on gay adoption.

Real Housewife Kim Zolciak isn’t Tardy to the Party at Living Room in Fort Lauderdale on January 22. Her appearance with Miami’s Tracy Young fuels rumors of a romance.

Saturday, January 16- Atomic Boom in Wilton Manors celebrates its 9th anniversary in style.

Miss Noche Latina Pageant take place on January 18 at The Manor in Wilton Manors, and the winner is… Sheenah Devine Hawkins.

On January 19, Hamburger Mary’s opens in Tampa and brings juicy burgers and shows.

The Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of the Wilton Manors City Hall and Public Safety Building is held on January 21 and draws a crowd of over 200 people.

The two year anniversary of Steam at Honey Pot in Tampa takes place on January 22, featuring D.J. Johnny Vicious and a performance by Miss Gay America, Coco Montrese.

Figureskating phenomenon Johnny Weir performs to Lady Gaga’s Poker Face at Nationals and continues to woos fans at the Winter Olympics in February.

On Monday, January 25, Bill’s in Wilton Manors has a celebration of life for Travis Hensley, who lost his yearlong battle with Lymphoma on December 13, 2009.

Twist in South Beach celebrates its annual Warsaw Party on January 29 with a performance by Robin S.

Connie Francis, star of the movie “Where The Boys Are,” appears on Fort Lauderdale Beach to mark the 50th anniversary of the film on January 29.

Crystal Waters gives 100% Pure Love to the crowd at Alibi St. Pete on Saturday, January 30.

The Hookies take place at Johnny’s Fort Lauderdale on January 30. Rawy “Kid Power” is the winner of Mr. Florida Escort of the Year.

Ay, matey! The Gasparilla Parade in Tampa takes place the last weekend of January.

FEBRUARY 2010

February 2- The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) congratulated the creative teams and casts of “Precious: Based on the Novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire” and “A Single Man” which received a combined seven Oscar nominations during today’s announcement of nominees for the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. Lee Daniels, honored for his work on “Precious,” became the first openly gay African American director to receive a nomination.

On Friday, February 5, Living Room Nightclub features a performance by Kaya Jones from the Pussycat Dolls. That same night, The Manor features a performance by American Idol’s season 6 first runner-up Blake Lewis.

Discotekka in Miami opens their new mainroom Mekka on Saturday, February 6.

Tim Tebow created controversy when he stars in an commercial for Focus on the Family, an antigay group, which is shown during the Superbowl on Sunday, February 7.

Rostam Batmanglij, keyboardist/songwriter/producer of the band Vampire Weekend comes out on February 9.

Gasparilla continues in Tampa with a Softball Classic from Feb. 11 to 14.

February 12- The Manor features another former American Idol contestant- Frenchie Davis.

On February 14, gay and lesbian couples gather at Jungle Island for the Commit 2 Love Commitment Ceremony and Reception hosted by Miami-Dade Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce.

Monday, February 15, Samantha Perez presents the 12th Annual Miss Florida Continental, Plus and Elite Pageants at the Voodoo Lounge.

On Monday, February 22nd the annual Miss Gay Black USofA pageant was held at J’s- Champagne Bordeaux wins the title.

The Pride Factory celebrates their 14th year anniversary.

MARCH 2010

Sexy men travel to Miami from all over the world for Winter Party, which benefits the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, kicks off March 3 and runs through March 8.

On Friday, March 5, Living Room Nightclub presents a special live event with Bebe Zahara Benet, the 2009 winner of the RuPaul’s Drag Race, and her “I’m The S#!T” tour.

Hot D.J. Manny Lehman spins at The Honey Pot on Friday, March 5.

The Stable in Fort Lauderdale celebrates the Lady Fancy Show one year anniversary on March 8.

Sean Hayes of “Will & Grace” fame officially comes out of the closet on March 8.

Tampa Museum of Art finally opens on March 6 after almost 10 years of planning.

There’s glitz, glamour and gorgeousness at The Academy Awards on March 7. Also that same night, The Manor presents the Besties Awards. Hotspots own Peter Clark wins Best Publisher.

The annual Sleazy Awards take place at Sea Monster in Fort Lauderdale on March 8. Sleaziness ensues. . .

Scandals Fort Lauderdale celebrates their 5th Anniversary the weekend of March 12 through 14.

PrideFest takes place at Jaco Pastorius Park for the first time the weekend on March 13 and 14.

March 17th was world famous Boardwalk Bar’s 25th anniversary!

Bill’s has its first Turnabout Event on March 20 to benefit Florida AIDS Walk.

The Pride Center hosts their annual Stars of the Rainbow on March 21.

Cozmos/Club Oz opens in Fort Lauderdale.

Dance music aficionados rejoice! Winter Music Conference takes place on March 23 to 28, with Ultra Music Festival on March 27 at Bicentennial Park in downtown Miami.

Ricky Martin reveals on his official website late March, what we all knew for years: “I am proud to say that I am a fortunate homosexual man. I am very blessed to be who I am.”

PrideFest of Palm Beaches takes place March 27 and 28.

Rosie’s rolls out a new, expanded menu.

APRIL 2010

Georgie’s Alibi Wilton Manors celebrates its 13th anniversary on the weekend of April 2.

Lesbian power couple Melissa Etheridge and Tammy Lynn Michaels call it quits after nine years together on April 14.

Yeehah! The Sunshine Stampede takes place April 16 through 18 at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie.

Glee’s Madonna episode premieres. Gleeks rejoice and future episodes featuring music by Gaga and Britney make it Glee’s year.

The second annual Miami Gay Pride draws record crowds on April 17. Robin S. and Crystal Waters are among performers. Earlier that day, AIDS Walk Miami takes place.

The Miami Gay & Lesbian Film Festival takes place April 23 through May 2 and features appearances from stars Sharon Gless and Wilson Cruz, An Evening With Coco Peru, elaborate parties and of course, films.

On April 29, Dining Out For Life, the international fundraiser which benefits non-profit HIV/AIDS service agencies, takes place. Florida organizations that benefit include Care Resource in Miami and AIDS Service Association of Pinellas (ASAP) in Tampa Bay.

MAY 2010

Country singer Chely Wright comes out as a lesbian on May 3.

Equality Florida presents the 2010 Tampa Gala on May 8.

Sidelines Sports Bar celebrates their four year anniversary with a four day blowout May 9 through 12.

Wilton Manors turns 64 on May 15th. Alibi WIlton Manors throws it a birthday party!

Noche Latina Florida presents their 12th Anniversary extravaganza on May 15 at The Manor.

Also, on May 15, Nina Flowers of RuPaul’s Drag Race performs at Parliament House.

The first annual Green Dog Festival takes place on May 16 and benefits The Pet Project, which raises money to allow people who are terminally ill to continue to care and keep their pets.

The fabulous foursome are back! Sex and The City 2 premieres on May 27 to mixed reviews. Liza Minelli performance of “Single Ladies” at Stanford and Anthony’s wedding makes up for the ho-hum plot.

May 27 to 30 is Pensacola Pride.

The always hilarious Bruce Vilanch tickles funny bones May 27 and 28 in Key West.

On Memorial Day Weekend, The 2010 White Fort Lauderdale Event takes place at The Manor and features an appearance by Janice Dickinson, singer Amuka and deejays Manny Lehman, Tony Moran and Chris Cox.

Voodoo Lounge in Fort Lauderdale presents Ultra Nate at the White Wear Party on May 30.

Living Room has Silver Party and Discotekka has White Wear Party on Memorial Day Weekend, both featuring Kim Zolciak and Tracy Young. Rumors of a romance between the two continue.

Morgan McMichael’s and Sonique from RuPaul’s Drag Race perform at Georgie’s Alibi in St. Pete on May 28.

The ladies of RuPaul’s Drag Race continue to dominate Florida! Jessica Wild and JujuBee hit Orlando hotspot Parliament House on May 29.

Matty’s in Wilton Manors has a water balloon fight fundraiser for Poverello on May 30.

White Party Tampa takes place at Honey Pot on May 30 and raises funds for the GaYBOR District all Memorial Day Weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend is time for the International Mr. Leather (IML) contest in Chicago! Tyler McCormick wins!

JUNE 2010

Gay Days, the biggest gay party of the year, is here! The party starts June 3 and goes through 6 and features numerous over-the-top parties and performances by Deborah Gibson, Taylor Dayne, Blake Lewis and Frenchie Davis! This year, its at Doubletree and for the first time, guys and girls are together at the same hotel!

Mark Baker returns to Gay Disney with a circuit party.

Hombre opens for business on June 4.

ArtsUnited presents United & Proud at Broward County Main Library on June 7.

Key West Pride Fest takes place June 9 to 13.

June 12 marks the one year anniversary of the Jackhammer Tea Dance at its new location – Atomic Boom!

Miss Alibi Turnabout Pageant wows on June 14 in Wilton Manors. The event is a fundraiser for The Poverello Center and Broward House.

Stonewall Pride takes over Wilton Drive with a parade and entertainment by Jennifer Holliday, Kevin Aviance and many more.

Adam Bouska & Jeff Parshley, founders of the national NOH8 campaign come to Wilton Drive on behalf of the Stonewall Street Festival. After a day of photo shoots, several Facebook profile pics change and money is raised to spread the word against Proposition 8, the ban on same sex marriage.

In mid-June, President Obama releases a statement regarding the passage of the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act. “My administration continues to be prevented by existing Federal law from providing same-sex domestic partners with the full range of benefits enjoyed by heterosexual married couples,” Obama wrote. “That is why, today, I renew my call for swift passage of an important piece of legislation pending in both Houses of Congress—the Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act. This legislation, championed by Senators Joe Lieberman and Susan Collins and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, would extend to the same-sex domestic partners of Federal employees the full range of benefits currently enjoyed by Federal employees’ opposite-sex spouses. I look forward to signing it into law.”

The search for Mr. Noche Latina takes place on June 21 and David “Freklz” Hunter takes the crown. Hunter goes on to win Mr. Gay USA.

The humongous St. Pete Pride takes place in the Grand Central District on Saturday, June 26.

Miami Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce presents The Blue Gala awards celebration on June 26 at Hilton Miami Downtown Hotel

June 30 through July 5 is GaYbor days! Six days of fun in Ybor City!

Father William Collins, of the Poverello Center Food Bank, celebrates 50 years of service to the community with a Golden Jubilee at Broward Convention Center on June 26.

The legendary Twist – the oldest gay bar in South Beach – celebrates its 17th anniversary on June 30.

Florida became the 12th state to institute patient waiting lists for AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP). There are 605 Floridians on the waitlist, with new patients added at the rate of up to 300 a month.

JULY 2010

Mona’s has a fundraiser for The Pet Project on July 4. The cookout and raffle raises $12,420 for the non-profit.

A new month, more of RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant continue to take over Florida! Pandora Boxx performs live at Hamburger Mary’s in Tampa early this month. Nina Flowers of RuPaul’s Drag Race performs at Georgie’s Alibi St. Pete on July 9.

Ramrod hosts International Mr. Leather Tyler McCormick on July 9.

The 5th Annual Miami Beach Bruthaz takes place July 15 through 18.

The legendary Score Bar on Lincoln Road celebrates its 12 year anniversary with deejay/producer Pablo Ceballos spinning.

Bartenders, Boxers and Briefs- oh my! The popular fundraiser takes place at Bill’s on July 19.

Monkey Business has the Female Impersonator of the Year contest on July 19. Kennedy Davenport wins!

Target and Best Buy lose many gay customers by contributing to antigay GOP candidates.

Jessica Wild and Jujubee are the latest RuPaul Drag Race contestants to come to South Florida. The ladies perform at Living Room.

The Worthington Guesthouse celebrates 10 years in business!

Parliament House celebrates its 35th anniversary with a weeklong party which finishes off with a performance by Exposé.

Lesbian comedian and jazz chanteuse Lea DeLaria performs live at The Manor July 30 and 31 as a fundraiser for Rising Action Theater.

AUGUST 2010

Smarty Pants has a Trailer Trash Weekend August 6, 7 and 8. Partiers enjoy Moonshine Punch and a potluck!

The annual Poverello Bowl-a-thon moves to Sawgrass Lanes for its 20th year on August 7. With over 200 participants, over $40,000 was raised.

Broward Bares It- a fundraiser for Broward House takes place at Passion Nightclub at the Seminole Hard Rock in Hollywood on August 13.

On August 18, it’s the Miss Divine 2010 Pageant at Mekka with Noel Leon getting high honors.

It’s August- where are RuPaul’s Drag Race performers this month? At Georgie’s Alibi St. Pete! Shannel and Ongina bring the glamour Aug. 20.

The 3rd annual Summerfest breezes into Miami Beach Aug. 20-22. The National Gay & Lesbian Task Force and some of Miami’s greatest venues come together for this huge affair.

August 27 is the beginning of the first anniversary weekend of Flamingo Resort.

The first annual Prideon7th takes place in Tampa on August 28.

Georgie’s Alibi St. Pete celebrates its10 years anniversary with Morgan McMichael’s from RuPaul’s Drag Race on August 29.

Many gather to see Kevin Aviance “Give It Up” at Lucky Tuesday in Orlando on August 31.

Latinos Salud won a $1.3 million grant from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to initiate new HIV/AIDS prevention programs that will serve the Latino gay and bisexual community in Broward County.

Gay entertainers sweep the Emmys this year- Glee’s Jane Lynch, Big Bang Theory’s Jim Parsons are two standouts.

SEPTEMBER 2010

The 8th Annual Black Fort Lauderdale Event takes place at the Manor with the theme – Freak Show. D.J. Manny Lehman spins.

Kelis’s “Milkshake” brings the boys to Parliament House on September 4.

D.J. Tracy Young spins at Blackwear Party Labor Day Weekend at Discotekka. The party hosts are Flavio Nisti, Alan T, and Vegas Dion.

Voodoo presents Blackwear Party with hostess Daisy Deadpetals on Sunday, Sept. 5.

It’s Insomnia at Nocturnal on Sept. 5 and Salvation the night before with D.J. Abel at Score.

Rainbow Business Coalition of Greater Fort Lauderdale presents the first annual Fort Lauderdale Bar Hop event this Labor Day weekend.

Pridelines Youth Services presents Boogie Nights- a flashback to the 1970s-as the theme for their Adult Prom, which is at Jungle Island on September 11.

On September 22, the 33-year ban on gay adoption in Florida is lifted,

September 23 is an important day in Healthcare Reform – changes take effect in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).

The Folsom Street Fair, the largest leather event in the country takes place in San Francisco on September 26.

Johnny’s celebrates 30 years in business on September 30 with a huge weekend party!

OCTOBER 2010

D.J. Peter Rauhofer brings Work to The Manor on October 1.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force presents a 2010 National Leadership Award to Tony Award-winning actor and human rights activist Alan Cummings at the 14th Annual Miami Recognition Dinner on October 2nd.

The second annual Fort Lauderdale Gay & Lesbian Film Festival takes place October 7 to 10 and The Tampa International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival kicks off October 7 with nearly two week’s worth of festivities.

Shannon and Anthony’s Corner Pub’s grand opening is on October 8th through 10th.

Discotekka presents Pandora Boxx of RuPaul’s Drag Race on October 9.

The much anticipated Click Reunion takes place at Score on Saturday, October 9.

Mr. Ramrod is chosen on October 9. Rich Rodriguez wins!

Bubba’s 3rd Annual Country Fair, which features a dunk tank, mechanical bull, hot dog eating contest, a bake off and a lot more is on October 9 and 10 at Scandal’s Saloon.

The Stable presents the Backwood Bear contest, in conjunction with Bubba’s County Fair, with host, Russell, and the Miss Korn Queen Pageant with hostess Miss Korn Queen Candy Cornhole-Cox.

Pride Orlando takes place on 10-10-10! Martha Wash headlines and Greg Louganis is a grand marshall.

10-10-10 also marks V.J. Barry Browder’s 10th year at Alibi Wilton Manors!

Planeta Macho at Score celebrates Hispanic Heritage Day on October 12.

After numerous gay suicides are reported, a nation-wide memorial takes place in honor of the the teens who took their lives on October 20. Famous and not so famous people start the popular “It Gets Better” campaign.

October 23 is the grand opening of The Bay.

Wicked Weekend 2010 Halloween Festival spooks on October 29 through 31 with the theme Fantasea Island.

Save Dade presents Hellrotika Circus of Lost Souls at The Awarehouse in Miami on October 30.

NOVEMBER 2010

Equality Florida’s Broward Gala takes place at beautiful Museum of Art on November 14 where they will honor Martin Gill, their 2010 Voice for Equality Award Winner, whose fight to adopt his foster sons has led the courts to strike down Florida’s adoption ban.

The SmartRide takes place November 18-20. More than 500 participants ride from Miami to Key West.

November 20 marks the annual Transgender Day of Remembrance, memorializing those lost to anti-transgender violence over the past year.

Burlesque premieres! Starring Cher and Christina Aguilera- gay men fill theaters nationwide for this divalicious film.

Care Resource’s White Party Week takes place November 24 through 29. November 27 is the last time the party will be at Vizcaya.

The Leather Masked Ball’s 5th Anniversary on Friday, November 26 at Sea Monster features D.J. Paul Kraft.

Sugar in Miami celebrates its one year anniversary with a party that features D.J. Tracy Young on November 26.

Gigantic muscle god Zeb Atlas comes to Boardwalk on November 25, 26, and 27.

America’s Got Talent contestant Prince Poppycock performs at Steam Fridays on November 26 at Honey Pot in Ybor City.

Chi Chi LaRue spins at G Bar in YBor City and brings hot Channel 1 Releasing Models along to the party on November 27.

On Saturday, Nov. 27, gay softball players from all over the U.S. head to Fort Lauderdale for the annual Hurricane Showdown tournament and the kickoff party at Sidelines Sports Bar.

DECEMBER 2010

December 1 is World AIDS Day. All of the state vigils are held.

2010 Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Red Carpet Gala “The Beach Ball” is on December 4.

Parliament House’s Winter Party lights up Orlando on December 4.

PrEP, aka Pre-exposure Prophylaxis is in the national news. A controversial study among shows that HIV-negative gay men who took Truvada daily had less of a chance of contracting HIV.

December 6- actress Amber Heard, who can be seen in the films “Pineapple Express” and “Zombieland” comes out of the closet.

Hotspots Magazine presents our third annual Holiday Celebration, a benefit for The Pride Center on December 7. It also marks Hotspots 25th anniversary and the rebranding of Latino Boys as Genre Latino.

Sundance Channel premieres their new reality show “Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys.”

Dudes Bar on Fort Lauderdale has a grand reopening in mid-December.

Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale, the non-profit organization who brought you Stonewall Street Festival and Wicked Manors 2009, has decided to cease operations. They are donating physical assets to the Pride Center this month.

“I Love You Phillip Morris” starring Jim Carrey and Ewan McGregor as a couple in love, opens in select cities this month.

We end our year with a huge victory! On December 18, the senate voted to end “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.”

S. Elfman

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