There’s nothing like Sunday Brunch in the gayborhood, except when it’s to honor and thank the community. On June 8, Marc Martorana and Wilton Manors City Commissioner Don D’Arminio opened their home and hosted a brunch celebrating the success of the second annual Mz OutSFL Pageant and first gala.
A community leaders and entertainers, both LGBTQ and allies, packed the home and patio (it was too hot and sunny to even stand by the pool) to celebrate relationships both personal and professional.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping us do what we do every day,” OutSFL co-founder Justin Wyse told the crowd. “I saw a need for us to step up and provide our drag artists and trans performers throughout our community to Key West to provide them with an opportunity that allows them to shine and showcase the things they are doing for our community.”
For everyone involved, it’s about meeting the moment head on.
“Without you, we would not be here,” co-founder Jason Parsley said. “In our climate, the First Amendment is under assault and under attack. Freedom of the press as well. It’s so important that you support us so we can support you, and we will be here for a long time to come.”
Longtime entertainer and LGBTQ stalwart Velvet Lenore is the reigning Mizz OutSFL. “We can’t be who we are without you guys continuing to support the community and everyone that needs you. At the end of the day it’s not about what we do, but how we do it.”
This is a special month for the OutSFL team, which is celebrating the publication’s two-year anniversary. Over that time, the paper and website has made a point to support the entire LGBTQ acronym as well as Black and Brown members and women, all of whom fight every day to make sure the community is proudly seen and heard.
“The drag community is under assault from our government. I understand that some people think that drag is niche. The reality is it’s the first amendment. When the government takes those rights away from us, it will affect the entire LGBTQ community.”
