
Dr. Harvey Abrams has a passion for preserving and sharing LGBT history at his job at Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library
Welcome to OutSFL’s first OUT & PROUD 50 list. Those are so many individuals in our LGBTQ community that are deserving of recognition, it’s hard to choose just 50.
Actually we might have a few more than 50 this year’s, but I won’t tell if you don’t. OutSFL is proud to tell these stories and honor them in this year’s OUT & PROUD list.
Stories of gay men like Jimmy Cunningham, a noted realtor; lesbians like Faywhat, an online television show host; a mental health coordinator like Ryan Papciak, who also happens to be transgender; and Kevin Tisdol, a local LGBTQ faith leader. Those are just four people in this issue. Make sure to read through them all.
These folks aren’t important because they are LGBTQ, they’re important because of their accomplishments and the work they do. But because they are LGBTQ, they serve as role models for our community — and future generations. These individuals prove that we are no longer a sideshow, but nowadays, the main show.
I hope these people inspire you – as they have inspired me.
So welcome to the 2023 South Florida OUT & PROUD, a list of activists, business leaders, organizers, and others who are out and proud members of our local LGBTQ community.
- Jason Parsley, Publisher
Dr. Harvey Abrams has a passion for preserving and sharing LGBT history at his job at Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library
As Executive Director of Safeguarding American Values for Everyone (SAVE), Orlando Gonzales has the difficult assignment of countering an increasingly hostile political climate.
As a Broward House care navigator, Derald Robertson sees people living with HIV/AIDS who are often at their most vulnerable stages of life.
Doors are opening for DJ Citizen Jane and the Miami recording artist wants to keep them that way for future generations.
As a 3rd generation Floridian, born and raised in Palm Beach County, Bill Bone is a champion of many causes and communities.
Nicole Alvarez found her passion for the law as a 16-year-old driver. “It was a speeding ticket … I took it to court and I won.”
Nicholas Coppola is a retired electrical contractor who has 35 years of experience in the construction industry.
Unlike most of the retirees who find their way to South Florida, Steven Some has not slowed down one bit. He’s just getting started.
Chris McNulty arrived in Key West from Cleveland and was surprised to find that such an inclusive island was lacking basic support services for the LGBT community.
“I am a feminist artist, nonprofit leader, educator, researcher, author, and grant writer,” Thinking Cap Theatre Co.’s Artistic Director Nicole Stodard stated unapologetically.
Poet, curator, activist, and philanthropist, Tom Healy’s accomplishments are many, but it is his lifetime of service that warrants his inclusion in the OUT50.
FayWhat?! is here to be seen and heard. An outspoken advocate for the LGBT community, she is constantly moving up and down I-95 in South Florida to represent and rile up.
Tedd Davis is an artist and philanthropist. He is best known for his collages and mixed media assemblage art.
Described by her colleague as a “Powerhouse,” Janiece Rodriguez arrived in Key West looking for a new start.
Ed Sparan works as HIV educator in charge of The PrEP Program at Broward Health. He also does HIV advocacy for the homeless population.
As a fierce advocate for his clients, colleagues and the LGBT community, Dave Gervase is constantly working toward a goal.
A Reiki Master. An entrepreneur. A certified Holistic Life Coach, Franchesca D’Amore does everything she can to leave an impact on the community.
With the type of historic win Penserga had, it was only a matter of time before the Boynton Beach Mayor received our OUT 50 award.
Jameer Baptiste is busy. As an activist he’s known for his work in the HIV, Black, and LGBT communities.
Steven Crawford is an organizer, planner, and fundraiser. He's the Founder and President of FlockFest events, a non-profit event planning and promoting organization.
Ryan Papciak is Director of Mental Health services at SunServe, a nonprofit that provides mental health services to the LGBT community in South Florida. He is also an out transgender man.
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