What’s Hot South Florida: September 28 – October 11, 2023

Friday, September 29

Starting today from 7-8pm and going through December 1, The Stonewall Museum and Archives presents: If You Could See Me Through My Eyes Exhibition – at the Ross Gallery. Some of us wake up every morning in the hope of seeing “ourselves” in the mirror, that is, seeing ourselves as our internal camera sees us, not as we appear when we open our eyes. Imagine seeing your own reflection and being certain it is not really you. Then imagine being forced to wear clothes that make you more uncomfortable because they make you self-conscious as they misrepresent who you are to the world around you. All this muddling your brain before you are old enough to understand why. This exhibition takes a look at how trans individuals are conditioned to feel bad, fearful, and abnormal. It is no surprise that trans children commit suicide at rates far above that of others. Legislation has targeted access to healthcare, their ability to tell their stories, and their responsibility to care for our youth.

Saturday, September 30

In honor of September being National Yoga Month WEAM ends the month with “Yoga For Better Sex” from 11:30am to 1pm. This movement workshop, taught by sexologist and yoga instructor Dr. Sonjia Kenya, combines aspects of yoga and chakra-awakening strategies to provide a sacred, safe place where learners are guided through postures and techniques that encourage connecting with their inner sensual self. Participants will learn to align their physical, mental, spiritual, and sexual powers while increasing flexibility and strengthening muscles used for sexual stimulation. Thoughtful infusions encourage students to explore the healing powers of self-love, release limitations, and become more comfortable expressing intimacy. Ticket includes admission to museum galleries. BYO mat.

Sunday, October 1

The 51st annual Miss Florida F.I. Pageantry weekend takes place on Sunday, October 1 (Mr., at Large and Supreme) and Monday, October 2 (Miss Florida) in the beautiful “Crystal Room” at the Venue Fort Lauderdale with doors opening at 7pm and pageants starting at 8pm each night. Tickets are now on sale at https://MissFloridaFIPageant.com. For more info call 954-478-4587.

Symphony of the Americas presents Curtain Up: The Music of John Williams conducted by Pablo Mielgo at 2pm at the Amaturo Theater at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. Also being performed on Tuesday, October 3 at 7:45pm.

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Holy Angels National Catholic Church will present a healing service for breast cancer. Participate in person (1436 NE 26^th St, Wilton Manors) or send a picture to be placed on the Altar at Holyangelsfl@gmail.com. For more info go to Holyangelsfl.org.

Monday, October 2

The very best of Boca Raton beauty, style, fashion, and wellness come together for BeautyBoca, a unique one-day showcase and celebration of the city’s Top 50 brands, businesses, and personalities in the industry.  To be held at The Addison in Downtown Boca Raton, the leading names in their respective disciplines will showcase and demonstrate their creativity, products, and services for attendees in a fun and fabulous wonderland of creativity and imagination. Tickets and VIP packages are now officially on sale at https://beautyboca2023.eventbrite.com/

Thursday, October 5

Tonight, is the monthly Pride Skate (first Thursday of the month) at Xtreme Action Park (5300 Powerline Road, Ft laud) from 7-10pm, and this month it’s a Halloween theme. The night will star Velvet LeNore, Rianna Petrone, DJ Tpro, and a full liquor bar and lots of fun! Pride Skate Nights are a benefit for Stonewall Pride.

Pride Fort Lauderdale presents their monthly Drag Bingo, this month with a Halloween theme and is hosted by TP Lords and London Adour at The Pride Center at Equality Park. Seating is at 5:30 with daubers up at 6:30pm. This is a 21 and up event.

Friday, Oct. 6.

Starting tonight and going all weekend, the City of Oakland Park presents their annual Oktoberfest Celebration with 3 days of Oompah fun at Jaco Pastorius Park. There is a $5 entry fee (12 and under is free) and for more info go to: Oaklandparkfl.gov/Oktoberfest

Marking a successful year featuring all kinds of artists from South Florida and beyond, ArtServe turns its final exhibit of 2023 exclusively over to its members and resident artists with a focus on the inherent interconnectivity of their individual creativity.  Titled “Sole Perception,” the exhibit opens with a free, public reception from 6pm to 9pm. Thanks to a grant from Broward Cultural Division and Florida Arts & Culture, the exhibit itself is also free to attend and runs through Saturday, December 30.  ArtServe is located at 1350 E. Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 10am to 6pm.

Saturday, October 7

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and the Bears of South Florida present ‘The Wilton Manors Community Sing-Along” at 2:30pm at Hunters Nightclub. Sing along to some of your favorite showtunes, Disney, and other classic musical theater music. Doors open at 2pm with Music by DJ Richie Rich, and a $10 cover. For more info go to GMCSF.org.

Speaking of Hunters, the pet Project features their “Push Up For Pets” outside in the parking lot from 3-5pm, with he after party inside of Hunters. For more information go to Thepetprojectfl.org.

Hotspots/Happening Out Art Gallery with Dennis Dean is celebrating Breast Cancer Awareness month with our opening reception from 6-9pm featuring art by: Suzanne Barton, Sami Davidson, Penny Fraser, Patti Doolittle, Rosaria Vigorito, Caryn Frishman, Pia Dugger, Fraklyn Sinanan, Silvana Arbak, Morgen Chesonis-Gonzalez, Maxine Poupko, and Monica I. Salis. The event will be hosted by Fay What of the Fay What show. For more info go to Hotspotsmagazine.com/artgallery.

The Manor Complex celebrates Hispanic Heritage Months with music by Superstar Festival DJ/Producer Jackinsky in the main room; VJ Gio in the Windsor lounge and Noche Latina Saturdays with DJ Duniel in the Ivy Dance Room and Patio. Doors open at 11pm and admission is only $5 for FL res until midnight!

Sunday, October 8

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Holy Angels National Catholic Church will present blessings of animals in honor of St. Francis. Participate in person (1436 NE 26^th St, Wilton Manors) or send a picture to be placed on the Altar at Holyangelsfl@gmail.com. For more info go to Holyangelsfl.org.

HOT STUFF

Last week was the official start of Brightline’s passenger rail service between Orlando and Miami. The first train, Bright Pink, was greeted by more than 500 elected officials, business leaders, community partners and company leaders from across the state. The celebration put an exclamation point on the boldest private infrastructure project in the nation and marks the revitalization of Henry Flagler’s original vision for the Florida East Coast Railway. A decade in the making, Brightline’s launch is poised to reinvent train travel in America and offers a blueprint to connect city pairs that are too short to fly and too far to drive. Brightline covers 235 miles between Miami and Orlando and the new route will take between 3 and 3.5 hours depending on South Florida station stops.

Safeguarding American Values for Everyone (SAVE), South Florida’s preeminent LGBTQ+ advocacy organization, has announced the appointment of Todd Delmay as its new Executive Director. Delmay, a distinguished LGBTQ+ advocate and community leader, brings a rich history of activism, including his role in securing marriage equality in Florida. With Orlando Gonzales continuing in his position through the end of 2023 to ensure a seamless transition, Delmay is poised to lead SAVE into the future, championing equality, outreach, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community.