The show must go on. Thanks to ArtsUnited, the shows have been going on for 25 years. The South Florida group threw a rockin’ party at Lips on March 20, celebrating success and generating enthusiasm for the next 25 years.

“We had a great crowd, and they were responsive, and the performances were great,” ArtsUnited Board President Chuck Williams said.

Four honorary hosts, Natalie Tyler, FayWhat?!, Michael Albetta, and Tony Lima welcomed the crowd, sold raffle tickets, and overall spent the night looking fabulous and energizing the crowd.

ArtsUnited was formed in 1999 as a way to promote LGBTQ art at a time when many “mainstream” patrons were steering clear. They strive to create safe and welcoming spaces for artists and art lovers. Williams says when people leave an event, you can’t tell who’s straight and who is LGBTQ, a point of pride for his organization.

That said, Williams and ArtsUnited understand this is a dangerous time for LGBTQ artists and protecting their platforms is an imperative.

“We’re not political, but we are in a political climate. Transgender are under attack, we’re burning books in schools. We just want everybody to feel welcome and safe.”

After an amazing show, which featured amazing performances from Lips’ house queens, it was time for the auction. Original art and a stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Guitar Hotel were snapped up. The crown jewel of the night was something you can’t just go and buy. A ride for two on the Goodyear Blimp stationed in South Florida is, literally, priceless.

The money raised will go towards ArtsUnited’s upcoming projects. As for what’s next, Williams says they hope to hire an executive director to take some work off the board and focus the group’s future.