
Michael Riordan is a trailblazing trans woman and Director of Marketing at Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach.
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
Michael Riordan is a trailblazing trans woman and Director of Marketing at Compass Community Center in Lake Worth Beach.
As Executive Director of Safeguarding American Values for Everyone (SAVE), Orlando Gonzales has the difficult assignment of countering an increasingly hostile political climate.
Artist Najja Moon came to Miami in 2009 and has developed a creative practice that uplifts and holds space for her community.
As a critical care nurse practitioner on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kevin Cho Tipton fulfilled what he called, "an overwhelming desire to find purpose."
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.
As a Broward House care navigator, Derald Robertson sees people living with HIV/AIDS who are often at their most vulnerable stages of life.
Larry Davanzo has been volunteering with the Smart Ride, an annual two-day bike ride in South Florida that raises funds for local HIV-related non-profits, for the last 17 years.
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 member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, Horacio Sierra is tasked with advising President Biden on cultural policy.
Doors are opening for DJ Citizen Jane and the Miami recording artist wants to keep them that way for future generations.
Bella Dunbar grew up in Vero Beach — a town she describes as less than inclusive for LGBT and Latinx people — where she and her brother struggled in finding their identity, community, and acceptance.
“I am a feminist artist, nonprofit leader, educator, researcher, author, and grant writer,” Thinking Cap Theatre Co.’s Artistic Director Nicole Stodard stated unapologetically.
What started as an once month community gathering has blossomed into a sought-after entertainment destination for travelers near and far. Chef Rocco Carulli said he never envisioned the effect R House’s drag brunch would have.
Nicholas Coppola is a retired electrical contractor who has 35 years of experience in the construction industry.
Joseph Kolb and Michael Hoagland met in Washington DC in the Fall of 1976, as two of the founders of the Washington Gay Hotline.
Described by her colleague as a “Powerhouse,” Janiece Rodriguez arrived in Key West looking for a new start.
As a fierce advocate for his clients, colleagues and the LGBT community, Dave Gervase is constantly working toward a goal.
Welcome to OutSFL’s first OUT & PROUD 50 list. There are so many individuals in our LGBTQ community that are deserving of recognition, it’s hard to choose just 50.
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.
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.”
A family law attorney, Nora Rotella represents clients who are going through divorce proceedings, paternity cases and adoptions, but is most proud of her work advocating for children’s best interests before judges.
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