A celebration of drag and journalism kicked off Pride month in South Florida. The Mizz OutSFL Gala, the follow-up event to the pageant, brought the community together for a second night in the week.
“This allows different community members to participate in different community events,” OutSFL Co-Founder Justin Wyse said during the party. “We wanted to separate the events so we can provide a different experience for those that enjoy the pageantry system of our community’s drag and trans performers while being able to throw a cocktail reception party to celebrate them and their accomplishments.”
The party went down at The Venue in Wilton Manors, with a VIP area in the upstairs of the Crystal Ballroom. Cocktails and lite bites were served throughout the night.
Velvet Lenore, the newly crowned Mizz Out South Florida, relived the night she won the title.
“It was an amazing experience. I had all my kids there, and it’s something I’ve wanted since last year. It was an amazing feeling.”
OutSFL’s Queen of Queens Melissa St. John and Wyse hosted the night. Lenore reprised her talent from the pageant on May 19, while outgoing Mz OutSFL Erika Norell and Tiffany Fantasia performed.
Lenore says she will be very visible during her reign.
“I’m going to start having monthly charity events at Aqua to raise money.”
Funds raised from both events as well as Velvet’s work as Mizz OutSFL will benefit the Melissa St. John Scholarship Fund.
The art of drag has long been a passion of Wyse.
“I’ve always had a unique passion for drag. When I was a young gay boy, I dabbled in drag for about three years. I did fundraising work through that and really saw the need and benefit of doing that.”
Grieco Ford Fort Lauderdale was the Presenting Sponsor, and parked several shiny new cars on the gala floor. They were joined by Midland Health as a Presenting Sponsor as well.
Gold Sponsors were Medical Anti-Aging and Our Sister’s Place. Community Partners were Our Fund Foundation, FlockFest, and Stonewall Pride by Hotspots! Happening Out.
Mizz Out South Florida 2025. Screenshot via OutSFL Live, YouTube.
