On May 18, we held the first ever Mz OutSFL Pagaent where OutSFL gave out three awards: Community Leadership, Hero, and Community Impact.

We honored John Michael Gordon with the Hero Award.

Real heroes aren’t identified by costumes and capes. Real heroes are identified by their smile and their attitude. Gordon is one of them. He loves his community and, since moving here 17 years ago, Gordon has worked to improve himself and South Florida’s LGBTQ community.

In addition to being one of the most sought after massage therapists around, the LMT is frequently seen at events: helping set up, take tickets, tear down, and anything needed in between.

“The past year and a half has been learning about myself by giving back,” he said. “Volunteering has been a blessing and a classroom.”

Events like community concerts, fundraisers, and parties don’t just happen. They require an army of volunteers. Gordon is constantly looking for ways to be a part of them, and always goes about his work with determined optimism.

Recently, he publicly talked about a sizable donation he made to an event that never happened. He knew he wouldn’t get his money back, and he wasn’t motivated by anger. Gordon wanted to make sure others didn’t get duped.

“Through volunteering, I’ve learned about commitment, patience, and loyalty. Giving back to others has also helped me give back to myself.”

Donate to the Out South Florida Melissa St. John College Student Scholarship here.

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