Two screenings, puppies, a food fest, and a gala, all in four days. The calendar says November but “season” is in full effect in South Florida. The two biggest events featured stalwarts of the LGBTQ community: Latinos Salud and the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.
The chorus held its annual Chic & Unique Ball with this year’s theme being Wild Elegance. About 400 people poured into the ballroom at the Seminole Hard Rock Guitar Hotel. The night opened with chorus members performing on the stage while aerialists spun, dancers danced and stilt walkers dressed as wild animals roamed the ballroom.
During dinner, the Synergy Twins kept the music going as they roamed from table to table. Alexander Zenoz and The Birds of Paradise closed out the night. Often, people leave after the presentations, but Zenoz et al. had people hanging around and packing the dance floor.
Susan Renneisen, a longtime ally and the resort’s Vice President of Community Affairs & Special Events was honored for her decades of work for the LGBTQ community. She was visibly moved as tributes played on the video screens flanking the stage.
The chorus also introduced its new executive director, Justin Fyala. “I am so thrilled to look out across this room and see so many incredible friends, supporters, and champions of the GMCSF. Chorus music has been at the heart of my life since I was eight years old. I’ve spent decades singing in, leading, and loving choruses.”
Like many arts organizations, the GMCSF is dealing with massive funding cuts and limitations from Florida’s anti-DEI law and the federal government. Financially, the night was a success thanks not only to the generosity of sponsors and admission fees, but also to the silent auction and on-the-spot donations.
Food Fiesta
Food from the tip of Peru to the Rio Grande and everywhere in between was on offer at the 14th Hispanic Heritage Food Bazaar at Latinos Salud in Wilton Manors.
“Tonight, what’s here for you, is food from the heart, made by our own staff members,” executive director Stephen Fallon said at the start of the night.
Amazing smells wafted through the air while the people serving up the food were dressed in costumes of their native countries. Fans packed the parking lot behind the building and jostled for their fave foods.
Serena Cox hosted the night, with entertainment including a mariachi band and performances by local drag entertainers.
Film & Fun
A pair of movies made their South Florida premieres. The Drive by local documentarian Dan Hunt debuted Wednesday at the Gateway as part of the Outshine Film Festival. Shot over several years, it takes an unvarnished look at the impact of Florida’s fascists, anti-LGBTQ policies including the public drag ban and Don’t Say Gay.
“I realized there was this weird, horrible moment that was happening,” Hunt said during an interview on The FayWhat?! Show. “I don’t have a lot of money to donate, but I can pick up a camera and show what’s happening around me.”
The next night at Gray Box Theater, the documentary Bea Arthur: I’ve Done Everything Except Porn played to a packed house. The film is based around a never-before-seen interview with her assistant and friend, Dan Watt, from 2004. It includes clips from her one-woman show from the early 2000s and interviews with her colleagues from the off-Broadway days all the way through The Golden Girls.
Afterwards, I led the Q&A with Watt, who revealed more details of his close friendship, including how Arthur was still listed in the white pages and getting her removed.
Puppies On Patrol
Belly rubs and butt sniffs were plentiful outside Next Bar & Lounge Saturday afternoon. Paw Patrol, an animal rescue organization, held an adopt and foster event. There are so many dogs looking for homes that the organization has to turn away some needy canines.
Next laid out some turf for dogs to roam while inside some dogs chilled on the cool tile floor and were open for cuddles. The afternoon netted some donations and people willing to foster. Next plans to hold another event in November.
The 14th Hispanic Heritage Food Bazaar at Latinos Salud. Screenshot via Greater Wilton Manors, YouTube.
