Thursday, May 30 Opening Reception Serves as the Official Kickoff Event for Stonewall Pride and Celebrates 10 LGBTQ+ Take Pride Honorees
In honor of PRIDE Month (June 2024), History Fort Lauderdale will present the exhibition “Take PRIDE! A 100-Year Retrospective of LGBTQ+ Milestones” at Galleria Fort Lauderdale throughout the entire month of June. This enlightening exhibit will highlight major moments in LGBTQ+ history that have impacted South Florida’s arts, culture, business, media, and politics. A ticketed preview reception at Galleria Fort Lauderdale on Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m., will be hosted by FayWhat?!, host of The FayWhat?! Show on the Happening Out Television Network and include special performances and a presentation to honor 10 business and community leaders.
The 2024 Take Pride honorees who have made lasting impacts on the community are: Artistic Director of Island City Stage, Andy Rogow; President/CEO of The Our Fund Foundation, David Jobin; renowned entertainer, Erika Norell; President/CEO of South Florida Symphony Orchestra, Jacqueline Lorber; On Air Host at It’s Happening Out Productions, Josie Smith Malave; Board chair at OUTshine Film Festival, Mark Gilbert; Transgender advocate and director at SunServe, Misty Eyez; Chief Executive Officer at Pride Center at Equality Park, Robert Boo; Celebrity Host, Shawn Palacious (Kitty Meow); and Owner and Publisher of OutClique magazine, Steven Evans, Ph.D. Additionally, the event will feature a Miss Florida F.I. Pageant Wall of Fame, showcasing 53 years of winning titleholders.
“History Fort Lauderdale is honored to stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community in commemorating their rich history and celebrating their resilience,” said Patricia Zeiler, executive director of History Fort Lauderdale. “As we reflect on their contributions, we are reminded of the importance of inclusivity and acceptance. We remain committed to preserving and sharing these stories and championing diversity in our city and beyond.”
This historic exhibit will highlight major moments in national, state and local history. The exhibition runs from June 1 to 30 at Galleria Fort Lauderdale, located near Swarovski. The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular mall business hours.