
Nicholas Coppola is a retired electrical contractor who has 35 years of experience in the construction industry.
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
Nicholas Coppola is a retired electrical contractor who has 35 years of experience in the construction industry.
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.
Doors are opening for DJ Citizen Jane and the Miami recording artist wants to keep them that way for future generations.
Joseph Kolb and Michael Hoagland met in Washington DC in the Fall of 1976, as two of the founders of the Washington Gay Hotline.
Jameer Baptiste is busy. As an activist he’s known for his work in the HIV, Black, and LGBT communities.
Dr. Harvey Abrams has a passion for preserving and sharing LGBT history at his job at Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library
Nic Zantop is a South Florida native who works to make a difference in the community. “I believe in advocacy,” they said. “I’m really proud to work with an amazing team that’s doing really impactful work.”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Rob Eldredge is a noted figure in his own right, not just for his partner of 21 years Kris Fegenbush, who is a well known commodity in the LGBT community having worked at the Pride Center in Wilton Manors for many years.
A Reiki Master. An entrepreneur. A certified Holistic Life Coach, Franchesca D’Amore does everything she can to leave an impact on the community.
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.
May Reign is a poet, author, International Spoken Word artist, and entrepreneur. She's also a proud Black woman, lesbian, wife, mother, and grandmother.
Ed Sparan works as HIV educator in charge of The PrEP Program at Broward Health. He also does HIV advocacy for the homeless population.
Phone: 954-514-7095
Hours: Monday - Friday 9AM - 2PM
Editorial@OutSFL.com
Sales@OutSFL.com
Corrections:
PO Box 23817 • Oakland Park, FL 33307
Got a juicy lead or story idea? Let us know! You can also submit an anonymous news tip by clicking here.
Hello from OutSFL! We hope you'll consider donating to us. Starting a business can be a scary prospect, but with your support so far, we've had tremendous success. Thank you!