Out With Scott – By Scott Holland

August 13, 2026

On Friday, July 31, The Stonewall National Museum, Archives and presented “Bear Witness Exhibition’s” opening reception. The term “Bear” first appeared in a gay context in 1966 Los Angeles, long before it became widely recognized. What emerged was a vibrant, affirming space where people who once felt isolated could finally see themselves reflected and celebrated. Go and learn how those early threads grew into a powerful movement of belonging, visibility, and pride as the exhibition is on display through Aug. 31.

Large sign reading BEARS with rainbow-orange gradient, overlaid on a muscular black-and-white torso image in a display window of vintage bear magazines below.

On Saturday, August 1, Arts United Gallery presented the opening Reception for “Harmony & Balance: The Essence of Asian Art.”

Gallery wall with several colorful paintings: left abstract blue-yellow piece, center-top green meditating figure under a tree, and a rainbow-tree work below.

On Sunday, August 2, Dania Improv presented “Suzie with a Z: Suzie Toots one woman show” The acclaimed actor, singer, dancer, and RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 17 breakout star presented her one-woman cabaret show to a sold-out audience of fans and friends.

Group of five people posing together in front of a brick wall with a Fort Lauderdale sign visible in the background; one person in the center wears a bold jacket, red accessories, and heels, resembling a drag performance costume.

On Thursday, August 6, The Greater Fort Lauderdale LGBT Chamber of Commerce featured their Quarterly Luncheon, which was presented by Holy Cross Health, at AC Hotel Fort Lauderdale Airport. This was a beautiful location right next to Dania Pointe, and it was great to see some movers and shakers in the LGBTQ+ community and some of our allied friends.

Group of people seated at round tables eating during a formal dinner in a conference room in a hotel banquet setting.

Wilton Art Works presented the opening reception for John Bata from 5:30 to 8:30.

On Saturday, August 8, there were many events. In the afternoon, Hunters presented a Car Wash where all the proceeds went to the former Staff of Aquaplex. Mark Hunter is always giving back to our community…a true Icon!

Two young men posing for a photo by parked cars, one holding a bright green Planet Printer bucket with towels. The scene appears to be at a car wash or outdoor event.

Afterwards, Can Community Health, presented the 5^th anniversary of Pridefete (Lgbtq+ Caribbean Festival) which took place from 6 to 11pm at Richardson Historic Park. Once again, the Caribbean Aura filled the air, and it was a wonderful event!

Also, at 6pm, the Bears of South Florida presented a Night Pool Party at the Soltice Resort. Lots of bears everywhere, some without clothing.

Group of drag pageant contestants posing on stage in glamorous dresses with sashes, under twinkling purple lights.

We ended the night at Scandals, where Alyson Thomas and Miguel Leija presented a Continental Appointment Ceremony. The night was hosted by the queen of Scandals Jessica Channing and honored Monica Simpson and Jose Manuel Vega. In addition, the night featured performances by Alyson Thomas, Miss Continental Gadfrie Arbulu, Aaron Andrews and Erika Norell. This was a great show with some amazing talent, where many Continental supporters came out to support.