Two years. One hundred issues. A whole lot of heart.
When Justin Wyse and I launched Out South Florida on June 1, 2023, we didn’t know what would happen. We were grieving the loss of South Florida Gay News — and of its co-founder, Norm Kent, who had passed just months earlier. We didn’t expect to be mourning both a mentor and a media outlet in the same year.
And we certainly didn’t expect to be here today: celebrating two years and 100 issues of a new legacy. But here we are — stronger, prouder, and more committed than ever.
We didn’t want just a newspaper. We wanted a platform. A company. A mission. Something that would uplift and reflect the diversity and brilliance of South Florida’s LGBTQ community.
Since then, OutSFL has grown into so much more. We’ve launched a website, a magazine, a business directory, and signature events like the Mizz OutSFL Pageant — which honors our legendary drag community. Queens like Melissa St. John, Erika Norell, and Velvet Lenore have helped us showcase decades of beauty, resilience, and talent.
Our Out & Proud list, Valentine’s Day issue, and Reader’s Choice Awards have spotlighted the people and places that make our community shine. OutFAU, our student-focused project, gives a voice to the next generation of LGBTQ leaders — those fighting on the frontlines for our rights.
But at the center of it all is you — our readers. From day one, your support has kept us going. Without you, there would be no us. Thank you.
This has truly been a village effort. We’re blessed with an incredible team:
- Our design crew — Julie Palmer, Kyle Willis, Craig Tuggle, and Brendon Lies — make every issue a visual joy.
- Photographers JR Davis and Carina Mask, along with Michael Cushman and Stephen Lang, capture the moments that matter.
- Sales associates Edwin Neimann and Silvo Carvana bring in the ads that keep us alive.
To our editorial family—thank you for your words, wit, and wisdom:
- John Hayden, our indefatigable Community Editor.
- Rick Karlin, who’s been eating (and reviewing) his way across South Florida for years.
- Writers like John McDonald, Deon C. Jefferson, Aurora Dominguez, Denise Brown, Terry Schlichenmeyer, Gregg Shapiro, Kennedy McKinney, Larry Printz, David Nahmod, Michael Cook, Clinton Engelberger, CJ Walden, Amancio Paradela, Mike Nemerof, Dooney Potter, Mary Rasura, Robert Cole and Kevin Assam. (Apologies to anyone I’ve missed — you’re loved.)
We’re honored to publish journalism legend Steve Rothaus, even in his well-earned retirement. And on the other end of the spectrum, we’re proud of student editor CJ Walden, whose leadership on OutFAU continues to impress. We’ve already had more than a handful of students contribute to the publication such as Kenny Ruff, Ximena DiPietro, Kayla Barnes, Lewis De Berry, Ky Walker, and Andrew Zerrato. We’re thankful for Mary Rasura who launched the publication in January 2024.
Our columnists add even more color and commentary: Jesse Monteagudo (Jesse’s Journal), Brian McNaught (The Wise Snowy Owl), Sabrina Haake (The Haake Take), John Porter (Ask John Porter), Kelly Ghweinem (Queerly Beloved), Fred Fejes and the duo Terry Dyer and Rev. Skip Jennings (Gritz and Glitter) — we’re grateful.
A new addition this year is Bobby Blair of Bobby Blair Unfiltered, former publisher of Florida Agenda. We’re deeply grateful for his support, encouragement, and community-focused columns. Having someone once seen as a rival now championing our work is more than meaningful — it’s a reminder of how far we’ve come, and how strong we are when we lift each other up.
For our online team we have social media director Andrés Echavarria, and Kim Swan — our multi-talented webmaster, assistant to the editor, and newsletter guru.
Behind the scenes: Richie Wilson, Jonathan Rey, and Tyler Brayton keep the issues moving across town. Chris Grobels handles the books. Russell Cormican keeps us legally sound. And FlockFest, our fiscal sponsor, along with Our Fund, have backed us with crucial support and partnership.
Finally, a special shout-out to Pier Angelo, the co-founder of South Florida Gay News, who is now a columnist and consultant for OutSFL. His guidance and belief in us have meant everything.
To those who’ve moved on, like Christiana Lilly and J.W. Arnold — thank you, and best of luck in your new chapters.
And of course, thank you to my business partner, Justin Wyse. None of this could have happened without you.
We’re proud of what we’ve built. But this isn’t just a look back. It’s a thank-you. A celebration. And a call to action.
If you believe in what we’re doing, please consider donating. Every dollar — yes, even five bucks — helps us stay independent, proud, and queer.
With gratitude,
Jason Parsley
