Our third trip around the sun brought Out South Florida Newspaper and Magazine to new heights, proving once again that when a community comes together with purpose, incredible things can happen.

Creating meaningful community events is never easy. Every organizer, volunteer, nonprofit leader, entertainer, and advocate takes a leap of faith, hoping their efforts will inspire, educate, and strengthen the people they serve. To everyone who dedicates their time and energy to creating opportunities for our LGBTQ+ community, thank you. Your work helps move our community forward, one event, one conversation, and one act of service at a time.

As part of our scholarship program and year-round commitment to community engagement, Mizz Out South Florida 2026 returned to the United Church of Christ in Fort Lauderdale on May 4. Produced by Out South Florida Newspaper and Magazine, the pageant was created to celebrate service, advocacy, and leadership while raising awareness and support for the Melissa St. John LGBTQ+ College Student Scholarship Fund. Established in honor of one of our community's beloved pioneers, the scholarship helps LGBTQ+ students pursue higher education and build brighter futures. Since its inception, the scholarship fund has raised more than $35,000 to support LGBTQ+ students in achieving their educational goals, demonstrating the lasting impact our community can make when it comes together in support of education and opportunity. In many ways, the pageant reflects the same values Melissa embodied throughout her life: compassion, perseverance, community involvement, and a commitment to helping others succeed.

This year's event exceeded expectations, selling out and reaching standing-room-only capacity. Five outstanding contestants took the stage, each prepared to showcase not only their talents and artistry but also their dedication to serving others. The evening was made possible through the generous support of our Presenting Sponsor, Grieco Ford of Fort Lauderdale, and our Entertainment Sponsor, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, whose commitment to community engagement helped create an unforgettable experience for everyone in attendance.

While pageantry often celebrates glamour and performance, our focus has always been on something much deeper: community service, activism, and philanthropy.

This year's event was made even more special through the participation of more than 19 nonprofit organizations, each contributing to a night filled with legacy, honor, education, and community spirit. Their presence served as a reminder that the strength of South Florida's LGBTQ+ community is built upon the countless organizations and volunteers working tirelessly behind the scenes every day.

Pageantry is always a gamble, regardless of the stage you choose to stand on. While our contestants certainly enjoy the opportunity to dress up, express themselves, and celebrate their individuality, Mizz Out South Florida was never created to be another competition centered solely on beauty or expensive gowns. Our competition includes interview, community presentation, talent, formal wear, on-stage garment, and question-and-answer categories, each designed to highlight the complete individual standing before our judges.

Unlike many traditional pageant systems, the majority of our scoring emphasizes interview, community presentation, and question-and-answer. We intentionally built our program this way because we wanted the crown to represent more than appearance. We wanted it to represent leadership, advocacy, service, and the ability to inspire others.

South Florida is home to countless talented entertainers who dedicate their time to raising money for charitable causes, supporting local nonprofits, mentoring young people, advocating for equality, and providing a sense of belonging for those who need it most. Yet too often, that work goes unnoticed. Mizz Out South Florida was created to shine a light on those efforts and celebrate the individuals who continue to keep the doors open, the lights on, and the spirit of our community alive.

The pageant was also founded with a broader vision: to help change lives. Through scholarship opportunities, community partnerships, and public recognition, we strive to elevate drag entertainers and transgender individuals whose contributions are often overlooked despite the profound impact they have on our community. By investing in these leaders, we invest in a stronger and more compassionate future for all of South Florida.

We are proud to congratulate our 2026 titleholders and award recipients:

Winner: Angie Ovahness Pryce 
1st Runner-Up: Lupita Hollywood 
2nd Runner-Up: Kimberly Venom

Additional Contestants: Jamie LaChoy and Amy Drymouth 
Marsha P. Johnson Award of Excellence: Lupita Hollywood

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our distinguished panel of judges, whose time, expertise, and commitment helped make this year's event possible:

Kevin Scott – Head Judge, Chris Rhoades, Cathy Craig, Darcel Stevens, Alyson Thomas, Jose Vega, Arianna Lint, Julie Seaver, Fay Albernas

As we look toward another year of service, advocacy, and community engagement, we remain committed to the mission that inspired Mizz Out South Florida from the very beginning: recognizing those who give back, uplifting those who lead by example, and ensuring that philanthropy, activism, and community service remain at the heart of everything we do.

Thank you to our contestants, sponsors, nonprofit partners, volunteers, judges, and supporters. Together, we continue to prove that a crown can represent much more than a title—it can represent a commitment to making our community stronger for generations to come. Save the date for May 3, 2027.