“Temperamental” was code for “homosexual” in the early 1950s, part of a created language of secret words that gay men used to communicate.
“The Temperamentals” tells the story of two men — the communist Harry Hay and the Viennese refugee and designer Rudi Gernreich — as they fall in love while building the first gay rights organization in the pre-Stonewall United States. Written by Jon Marans, and directed by David Simson, the play opens Aug. 9 at Empire Stage Theater and runs through Aug. 25.
Hay conceived the idea of a gay activist group in 1948. He met Rudi Gernreich in July 1950. The two became lovers and Hay showed Gernreich The Call. Gernreich, declaring the document "the most dangerous thing [he had] ever read," became an enthusiastic financial supporter of the venture, although he did not lend his name to it (going instead by the initial "R").
Finally on November 11, 1950, Hay, along with Gernreich and friends Dale Jennings and partners Bob Hull and Chuck Rowland, held the first meeting of the Mattachine Society in Los Angeles, under the name Society of Fools. James Gruber and Konrad Stevens joined the Society in April 1951, and they are generally considered to be original members. Also, that month, the group changed its name to Mattachine Society, a name suggested by Gruber and chosen by Hay, after Medieval French secret societies of masked men who, through their anonymity, were empowered to criticize ruling monarchs with impunity.
Members of the Mattachine Society in a rare group photograph. Pictured are Harry Hay (upper left), then (l–r) Konrad Stevens, Dale Jennings, Rudi Gernreich, Stan Witt, Bob Hull, Chuck Rowland (in glasses), and Paul Bernard. Photo by James Gruber.
PrideFête is Back!
PrideFête on Saturday, Aug. 10, celebrates the music, food, and spirit of the Caribbean culture in a safe space for the LGBTQ community and their allies. At last year’s PrideFête, the community celebrated the music, food, and spirit of the Caribbean culture at Richardson Historic Park & Nature Preserve. Guests “whined” to reggae, kompa, bachata, and more from South Florida’s hottest LGBTQ DJs and entertainers! Check out our featured photos from the event. This year, general admission is $10 at the gate. VIP Tickets are $75 at the gate and include: hors d'oeuvres, access to indoor air conditioning, and five (5) drink tickets.
Cruising in Europe
South Florida Symphony Orchestra (SFSO) has announced its first “Great Composers Along the Rhine River” cruise aboard the “The Gentleman” from June 19 – 26, 2025, through a partnership with Transcend Cruises. This unique and highly immersive cruise will feature world-class service, fine cuisine, and destinations that the classical masters called home. This creative alliance with Transcend Cruises will bring together like-minded travelers and will serve to bridge SFSO’s funding gap resulting from the State of Florida’s 2024-2025 arts budget cut.
“South Florida Symphony Orchestra annually budgets $150,000 unrestricted operating funds toward its community outreach and educational programs, however, the arts and culture funding budget cut in Florida has challenged our ways and means,” said Jacqueline Lorber, CEO and president of SFSO, on their website. “To continue providing diverse and vibrant musical experiences, foster upcoming musicians, and contribute to the economic vitality of our region, we needed to get creative with alternative funding sources. We are grateful for our wonderful new partner, Transcend Cruises, who has graciously designed this incredible luxury European cruise that speaks to both classical music and travel lovers. This venture will help make our budget whole.”
This seven-night upscale river cruise, limited to just 76 staterooms, will serve as a floating hotel, enabling guests to enjoy some of the finest cuisine, art, architecture, and classical performances in the region. The cruise departs from Amsterdam, Netherlands, with planned stops in Bonn, Koblenz, Rüdesheim, Mainz, Wertheim, Wurzburg, Bayreuth, and Nuremberg, Germany. An optional Amsterdam pre-cruise and Prague post-cruise extension program are also available and provide several exquisitely curated experiences for guests in these two iconic cities.
Pricing starts at $3,999 per person based on double occupancy when booking by Friday, Aug. 30. Included are roundtrip private transfers, the seven-night cruise accommodation aboard The Gentleman, gourmet meals, complimentary beverages, shore excursions, entertainment, exclusive gifts, and more. For additional information and to book a room aboard SFSO’s “Great Composers Along the Rhine River” cruise, please call Transcend Cruises at (954) 737-4709, or visit transcend-cruises.com/SFSO.
