Thursday, April 23, The Outshine Film Festival’s Spring Edition started and went through Sunday May 3rd in Miami and Fort Lauderdale. If you missed the festival, don’t worry as Outshine at home goes through May 10 at OUtshinefilm.com
Also on the 23, The Amerant Bank Arena presented “The Boss” Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band in their Land of Hope and Dreams American Tour. Once again Bruce Springstein was AMAZING.
Starting on the 23 and going through the 25, The Gay Polo League GPL’s 16th annual International Gay Polo Tournament took place in Wellington. The event featured a cross-section of more than 1,000 attendees and 16 players from around the world. This was my first time attending and its now a must attend!
On Friday April 24 was the iconic Las Olas Wine and Food Festival with more than 40 top restaurants and 200 wines and spirits. The event raised more than $450,000 in support of the American Lung Association.
On Saturday, April 25, The MDGLCC presented The Legends Award Cocktail Reception and Ceremony, which was the Chamber’s signature celebration of legacy, leadership, and community. This annual event honors five outstanding individuals who uplift Miami’s LGBTQ+ and allied community and fosters visibility, connection, and economic empowerment. They were: Legend Award (Highest Honor): George Neary,(CEO, Tours “R” Us); Excellence in Business Leadership Award: Ralph Cutié, (Director & CEO, Miami International Airport); Performer of the Year Award: Maryel Epps, (vocalist and performer); Civic Impact Award: Gabriel J. Páez, (Executive Director, Miami-Dade County LGBTQIA+ Advisory Board); Emerging Leader Award: Officer Vanessa Gonzalez, (City of Miami Police Department LGBTQ+ Liaison) And a special recognition to Commissioner Alex Fernandez for his dedication to public service. Congrats to Lisette, Jason and the entire team on another great gala!
Also on the 25, Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library’s presented renowned singer-songwriter Janis Ian for a screening of her documentary film, ‘Janis Ian: Breaking Silence’as well as a conversation and audience Q&A
On Monday, April 27, The Our Fund Foundation and the Community Foundation of Broward awarded a total of $300,000 in grants to 13 nonprofit organizations through the 2026 LGBTQ+ Social Justice & Equity Fund. This strategic partnership brings together the resources, reach and expertise of both foundations to support innovative projects addressing discrimination and disparities impacting the LGBTQ+ community in Broward County. Since its inception in 2022, the collaborative Fund has awarded more than $1.21 million
On Thursday, April 30, The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood and Danne Montague-King presented Harvey Milk Honors: Grand Prix Edition at the Seminole Ballroom. The night was hosted by ABC anchor Jacey Birch and included entertainers from R House Wynwood, and honored Lance Bass, Jessica Hawkins, Heated Rivalry Creator/director and Hotspots Happening Out’s own Fay Albernas. Congrats to Stuart and his entire team on a hugely successful event!
