Big News for Fort Lauderdale!
New York-based G Worldwide plans to break ground on a 700,000 square-foot resort at an estimated cost of $80 million in Wilton Manors. The luxury resort, scheduled for completion in 2011, will bring over 500 new jobs to the area and is the first in a series of projects for the company catering to the LGBT community.

David Holzapfel, COO of G Worldwide, is enthusiastic about the project. “The reason we chose Wilton Manors for our first project is because we felt that South Florida is a wonderful location.” Holzapfel likes the community of Wilton Manors, stating that the company has already garnered a great deal of support for the project.

The resort will feature numerous lavish amenities. “We will have a fitness center, spa, nightclub, and a variety of dining options, all on property,” Holzapfel says. In addition, the resort also plans to offer a rooftop lounge and garden, as well as an art gallery and banquet center.

G Worldwide  also plans to bring its brand to other markets in the future, including New York, Palm Springs, Las Vegas and San Francisco.

 

The company  plans to be the first-ever LGBT luxury-lifestyle resort and brand with a goal of amassing a collection of hotels, resorts, and vacation clubs specifically designed to fulfill the needs and desires of the LGBT traveler.

The Lauderdale property, located at 1224 NE 24^th Street, will only be a short walk from the Wilton Drive entertainment district, offering visitors an array of shopping and nightlife options.

G Resort  will feature a timeshare component, allowing visitors to purchase units in the building. “Timeshare brings a lot of value to the property, especially from the developer’s point of view,” states Holzapfel. “That component of the resort will only be about 20 percent of inventory, but will provide us with a steady stream of customers.”

The 172-unit, all-suite resort will feature four unique floor-plans. Most notable are the three-story, 3,000 square-foot penthouse suites, which promise to offer visitors superior luxury amenities.

The Wilton Manors property will surely impact local business. Reece Darham, managing director of Island City Health & Fitness, is excited about the project. “I believe it will be a fantastic opportunity for all LGBT businesses. This luxury hotel will bring a level of tourism that otherwise may not have come to Wilton Manors.”


The Best of Gay Fort Lauderdale

        

        

Dates Set for PRIDEFEST 2010

PRIDEFEST will be held on
Saturday and Sunday March 13 & 14 from Noon till 7pm. 
This year’s event is planned to take place at Jaco Pastorius Park,
Dixie Highway & 40th Ct. in Oakland Park.


Lots of GREAT ENTERTAINMENT this year!
Cece Peniston, Pepper MaShay, Lori Michaels and MORE!


See you  there!

        

Gianni Versace was murdered  in 1997. 

I really view that as a turning point for South Beach.  Within a couple years that followed, South Beach was changing. And not in a good way.

I was last there in 2004 for the famous Winter Party, which attracts  several thousand gay people. Even with that many gays in town, my partner and I DID NOT feel safe walking  the streets at night.  Straight kids in cars drove past and yelled  "faggots"  at  us   and one car even hurled a bottle at us. We walked in somewhere for a slice of pizza late night and straight teenagers  mumbled "gay this" and "fag that"  under their breath, but loud enough to hear.

We were told by locals at that time, that many gays are starting to relocate to Fort Lauderdale. 

I have not been back to South Beach since.



It has just gotten worse in the last 5 years as the area has become a late night drinking straight town. This month in the news, gay bashings are on the rise there. State of Florida records stated that 75% of the anti-homosexual hate crimes in Miami-Dade County in 2009 occurred in South Beach/Miami Beach. It's still chic and expensive there. Major developers have invested billions there. But the gays are getting out.

"South Beach isn't the free-spirited haven of gayness it once was." says writer Natalie  O'Neill from  Miami New Times.

Fort Lauderdale continues to reign supreme as one of the most popular gay destinations in North America.  Lauderdale has been a haven for gay and lesbian travelers for decades. But in the last 5 years, it has seen tremendous growth as South Beach shifted.  In addition to being a  very gay friendly city ,  Fort Lauderdale has more than 100 gay-owned establishments including hotels/guesthouses, bars, clubs and restaurants, plus the second largest Metropolitan Community Church congregation in the United States and three gay and lesbian publications. Gay Ft. Lauderdale has three popular gay beach areas on Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of wide, sandy beach.


Read more on SoBe  from Natalie O'Neill.

Visit Fort Lauderdale       Sunny.org info       Get a Free Fort Lauderdale calendar/planner!




The Best Gay Travel Guide

        

Researchers in Texas say they may have found a way to kill the HIV virus. The idea would be used, not only to control the disease for people already infected, but actually prevent infection for anybody who might be at risk!

There is going to be  a  HUGE piece of news released  on  December 1st - World  Aids  Day!

And check this out - Several Actors, performers, comedians, HIV activists, and scientists come together for this  PSA  to show support for Covalent Immunology, and Dr. Sudhir Paul. The Cast includes Lady Bunny, Justin Bond, Ben Andrews, Angie Pontani, Kristen Renton, Thea Gill, Wilson Cruz, The Pixie Harlots, and Hydeia Broadbent.  

$5 is all it takes - lets face it, a cure and vaccine isn't gonna come from the big pharma, its gonna come from a brilliant scholar/researcher...DR. PAUL!!


WATCH THE VIDEO


END  HIV  Covalent Immunology Foundation


READ MORE AT FOX NEWS

        

 

 

In the  late  80's and  early  90's  Miami was  gay, gay, gay! But by the end of the 90's,  South Beach had  turned  straight, straight, straight. As usual, the gays went in, cleaned up an area,  and the straights flocked there.

While this boom  was happening in  Miami, just up the coast, Richard Gray opened the Royal Palms Resort in Fort Lauderdale. 1991 was really the beginning of a little gay resort town, not as crowded or expensive as South Beach. As gays left South Beach, many went to Fort Lauderdale.

Richard  sold the resort last year to a couple who were former guests.  But he has stayed on in his role  promoting gay touism to Fort Lauderale as the gay liaison to the Greater Fort Lauderdale  Convention & Visitors Bureau.

He deservedly earned a Gay + award from Logo this month.   Here’s the official press release from Greater   Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. :

 

Known as one of the country’s top GLBT  travel destinations, Greater Fort Lauderdale earned two honors from Logo’s first ever “TripOut Gay  Travel Awards.” Richard Gray, gay liaison to the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors  Bureau and owner of Richard Gray Consulting, received "The Gay+ Award for Achievement in

Making Our World Gayer.” Fort Lauderdale was also nominated as the "Sexiest Place on Earth," which will be voted on by the website’s readers. Logo, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks, is the world’s leading cable, satellite, online, mobile and digital entertainment gay and lesbian-themed network.

 

Gray is the first  ever to receive “The Gay+ Award for Achievement in Making Our World Gayer,” which is given to a professional who has increased awareness of the GLBT consumer in the world of travel, tourism and hospitality. As the founder of Greater Fort Lauderdale’s first five-star gay guesthouse, The Royal Palms Resort, he is a pioneer and leader in the field of GLBT travel. He was influential in bringing the gay market to Greater Fort Lauderdale and his efforts to create the Rainbow Alliance, a marketing coalition to support the GLBT community in Broward have been recognized by the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association.

“Richard’s forward thinking has been instrumental in making our destination one of the top GLBT vacation destinations, with more than 1 million gay travelers visiting our beautiful beaches and the 'gayborhood' of Wilton Manors each year,” said Nicki E. Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“Gray is credited with being fundamental in inventing the GLBT travel market and his model of marketing has become a standard in other destinations around the world, which is why we are proud to recognize him as our first-ever "Gay+" winner,” said John Polly, editor, LOGOonline.com.TripOut also nominated Fort Lauderdale for the “Sexiest Place on Earth” reader’s choice award, along with other destinations including Mykonos, Buenos Aires, Paris and Madrid. Greater Fort Lauderdale encourages fans to visit TripOutGayTravel.com to cast their vote for Fort Lauderdale as the “Sexiest Place on Earth.” Vote early and vote often, winners will be announced in early November.

GLBT travel in Greater Fort Lauderdale

        

There is LOTS  to do in Fort Lauderdale - whether you visit  Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter.

Check out these upcoming and
ongoing events and specials....

2-FOR-1 SUMMER OFFERS   
Through September 30, 2009 
Greater Fort Lauderdale     954-765-4466      
Admission: 2-for-1
Double your pleasure, double your sun. Greater Fort Lauderdale offers 2-for-1 summer savings on segway tours, scuba, sightseeing cruises, spa treatments and more.




BROADWALK FRIDAY FEST    Ongoing
Location: Hollywood Beach Theatre
East of A1A at Johnson St and the ocean
7-10pm       954-924-2980         Admission: Free

2nd and 4th Friday of every month. Live jazz, blues, pop and everything in between along Hollywood's signature 2.5 mile Broadwalk. Charming oceanfront cafes and restaurants serve up delicious innovative cuisine while you enjoy the best array of live music and tropical ocean breezes.


IT'S A DOG'S LIFE   Through August 16, 2009
Location: Art & Culture Center of Hollywood
1650 Harrison St, Hollywood     Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4pm
954-921-3274
Admission: $7 for adults; $4 for students, seniors and children ages 4 to 13; and free to Center members as well as children age 3 or younger with an adult. Group discounts and free parking are available.

This exhibition is a collection of dog-themed, contemporary artworks in a variety of mediums from the private collection of Francie Bishop Good and David Horvitz.

KATHY GRIFFIN - August 12, 2009 
Location: Hard Rock Live
One Seminole Way, Hollywood    8pm    954-797-5531

See More  Fort Lauderdale events!


Best of Gay Fort Lauderdale

        

        

In 1992, the first Grabby Erotic Gay Video Awards were published in Gay Chicago Magazine .

Seven years later, the first live Grabby Awards Show  was held at Man's Country Bathhouse.

As the Grabby Awards grew, it moved to larger venues and now includes events that span  the entireMemorial Day weekend in Chicago.

Hosted by Chi Chi LaRue, some of the biggest names in porn flock to the Windy City for a fun weekend, that is piggy-backed with the IML leather Weekend.

If you can't get up to Chicago, at least Fort Lauderdale will have a couple stars spending their holiday weekend here!   BRENT EVERETT  and JASON PITT will be at Boardwalk!

 

        

Gay Beach Season
is just weeks away!


and if you want something NO ONE ELSE has yet, this hot new line from Barcelona is what you need! 

ES COLLECTION

Previously only available in Spain, it is spreading worldwide this year, but still in limited quantities.

Now going into its fourth  year of production they will be unveiling the 2010  underwear collection this fall in the US. I just got back from Barcelona and bought a couple of the swimsuits from the 2009 collection - VERY HOT! Clean lines, fresh styles, bold color combinations and amazing fit!

This swimwear and underwear for men, is honestly some of the hottest styles we have seen with PERFECT construction and craftsmanship. Made in Barcelona, "ES tries to be unique, different and fresh in a market that is fast and more brands are joining this fast market every day. Made in Barcelona with the best fabrics that we can get from the EU market but still we can be competitive with any other brand out there on quality, price,design and delivery."


     
                      

Their designs have a wonderful cut to them, accenting your body perfectly!  I purchased some of  their men’s underwear and men’s swimwear, and they fit comfortable and like a glove!  Many of the swimsuits  features the "Pack Up" system which can easily be removed if aren’t in the mood for extra padding however is perfect for giving you that perfect "beach bulge" if you want it! It does not make your package look HUGE or anything. But it just accentuates your own package nicely and provides a wonderful  smooth fit.


One of the great things about ES Collection Swimwear is the high quality of craftsmanship.  With extras like the metal grommet holes and the plastic tips on the drawstring you’ll never have to "fish" out the drawstring. They also use high quality zippers, rubber logos, and just overall high quality finishing.

Word of advice for  Americans - As for sizing, I would suggest, if ordering from the US, order 1 size larger than usual. Both my partner and I are 32-33" waist, and would normally buy  Medium - but  their Large fits perfect.  I always find European clothes run smaller than most US brands are labeled.

And who doesn't love a  SALE!  Each collection features "X" number of pieces in so many sizes. Each year when the new collection is launched, anything that did not sell from the previous collection, is marked down! So when you visit their website ES COLLECTION, make sure you check out the SALE OUTLET.

MUST SEE - VIDEO of the NEWEST ES STYLES and all of their HOT models!


If you are visiting Barcelona, stop by their main store and see the entire collection on display.
Consell de Cent, 218  and right around the corner is ES4U, the outlet store at Casanova, 56!

They also have a shop at 35007 Las Palmas de G.C., Carnary Islands and soon will  have stores in Bilbao, Valencia, and Madrid!
And of course, you can order  worldwide via their ES COLLECTION site!


The New Gay Travel Guides  and  Best Gay Cities

        

 

These days when Nicki Grossman, president of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB) meets with local hospitality industry colleagues, she anticipates questions of welcoming spring breakers back to the destination.  To her pleasure, the collective answer continues to be a steadfast “no.” 

For more than 20 years, this former South Florida student getaway has hung a philosophical “No Vacancy” sign for the wild and rowdy college crowd and a welcome mat for couples, families, friends on a getaway, international visitors and convention delegates. 

Also during that time, gays flocked to Fort Lauderdale. In addition to being gay friendly, Gay Fort Lauderdale has more than 100 gay-owned establishments including hotels/guesthouses, bars, clubs and restaurants, plus the second largest Metropolitan Community Church congregation in the United States and three gay and lesbian publications. Gay Ft. Lauderdale has three popular gay beach areas on Fort Lauderdale's 23 miles of wide, sandy beach.
 
“Returning to spring break as a quick tourism fix in a tough economy,” said Grossman, who has been at the helm of Broward County’s tourism marketing organization since 1995, “is clearly not the answer. 

Our decision to end spring break in 1986 has driven visitor growth from one half million annually to 10.8 million visitors in 2008.  It has allowed us to attract a significant investment in hotel, retail and restaurant development and build a first-class airport and convention center. And, a very small part of the visitor mix is about 15,000 students who visit each year in the springtime to enjoy our beaches.”

The big bonanza for Greater Fort Lauderdale is Super Bowl XLIV in 2010.  For the first time in all of the years that the Super Bowl has come to South Florida, Greater Fort Lauderdale will host NFL headquarters, as well as the National Media Center.  In addition, for the first time in 30 years, the NFL Pro Bowl is moving from Hawaii to South Florida for play on Sunday, January 31, one week prior to Super Bowl.  The expected economic impact of these events is $375 million.


The Best of Gay Fort Lauderdale and the New Gay Travel Guides

 

        

 

I actually met LEVI KREIS when I was in New York City five years ago. We were in a bar having a drink together and he said he was a singer on the brink of signing "something big"  but was at not a liberty to talk about it.  He  could not tell me, for legal reasons, he had just appeared on Donald Trumps Apprentice and had been offered a record deal!  But the show had not aired yet.

About 6 weeks later it aired!  And  Levi Kreis was "discovered" as a singer!  (Previously he had done his share of acting). He actually turned down the deal with a label and went out on his own.

 

 Levi Kreis released his debut album "One of the Ones" in 2005 following an appearance on The Apprentice.
 
Combined with an exlusive CD premiere on XM Radio, the world's introduction to Levi began a firestorm of conversation. Songs from his debut CD have been featured on The Apprentice, Days Of Our Lives, and The Young And The Restless spawning national television appearances and radio rotation.

His sophomore CD released in 2006, "The Gospel According To Levi", garnered more television and film placement and a music video for the single "We're Okay" which held the #1 position for nine weeks on Mtv's Logo network. With nearly 300 appearances in 2006-07, Levi has shared the stage with Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Snoop Dog, Pharrel, Collective Soul, and opened for Cyndi Lauper.


 Watch  for the  new  album,  WHERE I BELONG     MAY  4th!

Levi has come into his own with a sound nostalgic for his gospel roots and southern soul, "Where I Belong" promises to be the most defined chapter in this young prolific singer/songwriters promising career. I think it's a bit Harry Connick, a bit Todd Rundgren, and a lot of Levi Kreis!


IN  FORT LAUDERDALE,  the  Gay Visual Arts Exhibit is coming to end. Don't miss  LEVI KREIS at the finale!

Saturday, February 21, 2009 7:30 PM 

      ArtExplosion Finale featuring Lea Delaria
      with Scott Ryan and Musical Guest Levi Kreis
      Presented by ArtsUnited, Inc. 

    Broward Center for the Performing Arts /   Amaturo Theatre
      201 SW 5th Avenue         Fort Lauderdale     33312
     Tickets      $30/45         ph. 954.462.0222 
   

                      LEVI on YouTube   LEVI on MySpace

          

The Best of Gay Fort Lauderdale    and  the  New Gay Travel Guides

        

 

The 32 anniversary of
Pridefest
is scheduled for Saturday,March 21 and Sunday March 22, 2009 at the very popular Holiday Park/War Memorial Auditorium @ 800 North Fedearl Hwy in Fort lauderdale.

Pridefest is a celebration and tribute to the LGBT community and its unique culture. The weekend-long event includes a special tent and dance floor for your dancing pleasure!

Also featured are over 250 vendors, music, comedy shows, food, and games. As usual, there will be non-stop entertainment both days, local DJ’s and many more surprises!

Official Pridefest events will be held at several of the nightclubs and venues in town starting on Monday the 16th, and continuing through Sunday night with The After Pride T Dance.

Here's what you need to know...

When:      
12:00 noon – 7:00 p.m.  
Saturday, March 21st  & Sunday, March 22nd

Where:     
Holiday Park /
 War Memorial Auditorium 
      730 North Federal Hwy, 
      Fort Lauderdale, FL
  
All ticket proceeds benefit our community 
     $8 per person per day    
     $5 per Student per day
        (w/valid ID)

• Great DJ’s!
• Dance Tent with Dance Floor
• Food Court and Cocktails
• Outside Stage
• Indoor Stage
• Fabulous Merchandise and Vendors
• GLBT Support and Education Information
• Performers  Richard Cortez,  Howard Tonkin,  Lori Michaels,  Brian Ricci and MORE!
• Games
• Florida’s Largest AIDS Memorial Quilt Display

The  Best of Gay Fort Lauderdale and the New Gay Travel Guides

 

        

 

Move over CHER !

Dame Edna continues her own Farewell Tour! 

 

Good news, possums! Tony Award winner Dame Edna Everage — international housewife, therapist, gigastar, fashion icon, guru and swami — is currently on the road again with her latest touring show.

Dame Edna - Live and Intimate in Her First Last Tour,

Dame Edna Everage is probably the most popular and gifted woman in the world today. The widely-loved international home-maker, talk show host, gigastar, fashion icon, swami and most sought-after friend to the rich, famous and royal, is making a return to the United States with what she describes as her First Last Tour.

Everage's First Last Tour had been scheduled to kick off in January 2008 but was postponed due to illness. Barry Humphries — the 73-year-old creator of the beloved Everage — had suffered complications due to appendix surgery and was ordered to rest for six months. This past fall, the tour started up again and will be in  FORT LAUDERDALE  in  March!

Tuesday, 3/10/2009 -      Saturday, 3/28/2009 
Tickets: $15 - $58                 BUY TICKETS ONLINE     Venue: Parker Playhouse


The Best of Gay Fort lauderdale and the New Gay Travel Guides

        

 

BACK IN THE NEWS  this month....The Gay, Lesbian and Bisexual Community Center of Central Florida in Orlando hosted "Days Without Sunshine: Anita Bryant's Anti-Gay Crusade".  The show was successful and drew lots of people!


If you didn't get there, but want  to wear a  fun Anita shirt this summer, James Anthony Apparel presents an artistic revival of the popular “ANITA SUCKS FRUITS” Tshirt of the late 70’s, developed to counter Anita Bryant’s campaign of hatred towards the LGBT community and equal rights (think this is ancient history, think again).

The updated version of this historic image is printed on a 100% Cotton shirt with Ms. Bryant’s freshly PIED face on the back and the words “ANITA SUCKS FRUITS” on the front angled on the waistline. All inks used are non-toxic and cured to avoid fading or running of colors/imagery. The proceeds of the sale of this shirt go to the LGBT Community Center in New York City and the Human Rights Campaign.
 
Available in mens and womens sizes s/m/l/xl.


*James Anthony Apparel offers Men's, Women's, Children's and Baby Clothing featuring hand printed illustrations from the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries!  We specialize in large screen images and intense ink colors! Reintroducing the fine art of line drawings, etching, woodcuts and early ink illustration to a new generation of fashion conscience- art enthusiasts.


Visit  James Anthony @  ETSY  or  MySpace to  order and  see more!

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