Jason R. Hughes is the executive director of ArtServe. For more than half of his life, he’s been at the cutting edge of LGBTQ art and media. Prior to living in South Florida, Hughes was the first director of marketing and sales for Pride Vision TV, now known as Out TV in Toronto.
Out & Proud 2024
It’s never easy to narrow down the many incredible individuals in our LGBTQ community to just one list — but we’ve done our best.
OutSFL is honored to share these stories and celebrate the remarkable people featured in this year’s list.
You’ll read about folks like Don D'Arminio, a dedicated commissioner in Wilton Manors who consistently gives back to the community; Maxx Fenning, a dynamic Gen Z change maker; Donna Weinberger, who is making strides in tackling addiction within the queer community; and Ximena Dipietro, a trailblazing transgender student and activist.
These are just a few of the inspiring individuals we’ve highlighted. Be sure to explore the full list.
What makes these people truly significant isn’t just that they are LGBTQIA — it’s their accomplishments, their dedication, and the impact they’ve made. They embody the spirit of being Out & Proud, serving as role models not only for our community but for future generations. They remind us that we are no longer on the sidelines; we’re front and center, leading the way.
I hope these stories inspire you as much as they’ve inspired me.
Welcome to the 2024 South Florida Out & Proud list, a celebration of activists, business leaders, organizers, and more — individuals who are out, proud, and making a difference in our local LGBTQ community and beyond.
Jason Parsley, Publisher
Thank you to all of our writers who worked on the Out & Proud list.
Project Managers
John Hayden & Mary Rasura
Writers
Denise Brown • Kim Swan • John McDonald • John Hayden
Mary Rasura • Amancio Paradela • Deon C. Jefferson • Jesse Monteagudo
Check out our list below:
Bree-Anna Obst - The Theatre Maker
Stephen Kitsakos - The Operatic Visionary
Ximena Dipietro - The Trans Christian Activist
Von Biggs - The Advocate for the Underserved
Tom Lander - The Fighter for Queer Youth
Terry Dyer - The Agent of Change
Steven Butterman, Ph.D. - The Educator of LGBTQ Topics
Stephen Tendrich - The Prostate Cancer Awareness Advocate
Ryan Young - The Talk of the Flock
Ryan Thompson - The Night Runner
Robert Cole - The Public Service Patron
Q-Mitch Jones - The Benevolent Showman
Nicole Halliwell - Mrs. Go-Getter
Michelle Santos - The Protector of Youth
Michael Goodman - The Publicist
Maxx Fenning - The Gen Z Change Maker
Maxine Lemarr - The Musical Lesbian Thespian
Marc Martorana - The Generous Kitchen Maestro
Lali Safavi - The Lesbian Publisher
Kim Blandon - The Community Organizer
Karen Kelley - The Preserver of LGBTQ History
Justin Jones - The Peace Preacher
John Mather & Ryan Maloney - The Social Butterflies
Jenn Stefanacci Portier - The Entrepreneur
Jason R. Hughes - The Art Champion
Edward Otto Zielke - The Melodic Marketer
Edward Summers - Supporting Homeless Youth
Douglas Houghton - Trailblazing Nurse Leader
Donna Weinberger - The Addiction Recovery Advocate
Don D’Arminio - The Commissioner
Diane Pappafotis - The Women’s Community Coordinator
David Jobin - The Philanthropy Leader
Dan Rios - The Brand Ambassador
Chuck King - The King of The Drive
Caridad Moro-Gronlier - The Poet
Avion Goordeen - The Compassionate Cyclist
Auntie Maim - The Audacious Aunt
Alison Burgos & Michelle Alexis Gaber - The Ultimate Power Couple
As the Director of Marketing and Sponsorship for the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF), Edward Otto Zielke combines his life's passions of marketing and music. A New Jersey native, Zielke spent his formative years performing in theater productions, national tours, and summer stock. He majored in musical theater at New Jersey City University.
Robert Cole is a native Floridian that serves as the Executive Director for Our Sister’s Place, a thrift store that supports victims of domestic violence.
She’s not just the talent, she’s the boss, and Ms. Halliwell doesn’t wait for an opportunity to come to her. “I'm not going to sit around and wait for anybody to throw me a bone! You know, a lot of people just sit and wait for work. I will create it.”
In almost two years serving as the Community Outreach Coordinator at Holy Cross Health, within the Community Health and Well-Being Department, Von Biggs has accomplished so much for the LGBTQ community.