Bobby Blair is an LGBTQ media pioneer and leader known for his philanthropic work on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community. A Florida native, he lives in Fort Lauderdale with his longtime partner, Brian Neal. Blair was inducted into the GLBT Hall of Fame in 2015.
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On a vibrant stretch of Wilton Drive, where community and culture intersect, a new café is quickly becoming a neighborhood favorite. The Bean Espresso Bar, founded by entrepreneur Nadia Cutillo, is more than just a place to grab a morning coffee — it’s a reflection of heritage, ambition, and a deep commitment to creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels at home.
On the iconic stretch of Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, creativity, culture, and community intersect at the Friendship Center Gallery, founded by Stacy and Ely BenHayon. Located at 1406 E. Las Olas Blvd., the gallery has quickly emerged as a unique destination where contemporary art and meaningful community engagement come together.
When regimes crack, history reminds us that the fault lines are never only political — they are profoundly human. For LGBTQ people living under authoritarian rule, a regime change is not an abstract geopolitical event. It can mean the difference between fear and freedom, between invisibility and dignity, between life and death.
Tucked gently between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, just off A1A, lies one of South Florida’s most peaceful treasures: Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. For those of us who know it well, it is more than a park — it is a sanctuary. For first-time visitors, it feels like discovering a secret garden hidden in plain sight.
In every strong community, there are a few individuals whose steady generosity, tireless work ethic, and genuine compassion leave a lasting mark. Scott Schramm is one of those people. Through his leadership and creative force behind the FLoatarama organization, Scott — alongside his husband Roderick — has helped build more than events; he has helped build unity, visibility, and pride.
In every strong local community, there are professionals who quietly serve as anchors — individuals whose knowledge, consistency, and integrity help residents and small businesses move forward with confidence. In Wilton Manors, Sean P. McCoy has become one of those trusted figures, combining deep tax expertise with a genuine commitment to the people he serves.
Every February, the United States observes Black History Month, a national recognition of the achievements, resilience, and transformative contributions of Black Americans. More than a ceremonial observance, it serves as both a celebration and a correction — ensuring that Black history is recognized as essential American history, not a footnote to it.
Once an overlooked pocket of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Flagler Village has quietly — and now confidently — emerged as one of South Florida’s most exciting and inclusive urban destinations. What was once industrial has transformed into a vibrant, walkable neighborhood that blends modern living, culture, and community, while standing out as one of the most LGBTQ-friendly areas in the region.
The LGBTQ community has long been defined by its fierce loyalty to the underdog. We rally for the kid bullied at school, the artist rejected by the mainstream, the candidate counted out before the race even begins. We know what it feels like to be dismissed, silenced, underestimated — and that shared memory has fueled decades of activism, creativity, and cultural change. It is one of our greatest strengths.
As we reflect on 2025, it is important — essential, even — that we pause to celebrate. Too often, conversations about our LGBTQ community focus on challenges, setbacks, and fears. While those realities exist, this moment is about something else entirely: joy, progress, resilience, and pride. This is a celebratory piece, written intentionally to honor how far we’ve come and the strength we carry forward together.
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