 As the Sarasota Film Festival (SFF) marks its 25th anniversary, SarasotaOUT.com is proud to announce its seventh consecutive year of partnership with SFF, shining a spotlight on the LGBTQ programming and hottest parties featured during the festival. Joshua Beadle, Founder of SarasotaOUT.com, expressed his excitement, stating, "It's such an honor to partner with the Sarasota Film Festival each year, and it's always so exciting to see films with significant LGBTQ characters included."
SarasotaOUT.com features the official 'Gay Guide to the Sarasota Film Festival,' a comprehensive online guide to all the films that features LGBTQ characters and the most anticipated festival parties. This year, we are thrilled to partner with SFF for a special showing of "It's Only Life After All," a documentary about the Indigo Girls on April 1st, 2023. The event will include a special pre-party and a live Q&A session with the Indigo Girls and the director, Alexandria Bombach. Here are some of the must-see LGBTQ films being showcased at this year's festival:
Join us in celebrating the 25th Sarasota Film Festival and the incredible lineup of LGBTQ films and parties. Don't miss out on these fantastic cinematic experiences and unforgettable celebrations!  Looking for something fun to do on Saturday, March 18th? Bring your lawn chair to MLK Jr. Memorial Park near the pavilion for an afternoon of captivation, education, and entertainment! Modern Marimba, in partnership with the Newtown Farmers Market, presents "Friends of Dorothy," a free outdoor concert featuring Spectrum Ensemble. Spectrum Ensemble, comprised of Jaime Esposito and SA Hall, is an exciting percussion duo that strives to increase visibility of talented Queer musicians and composers. For this event, they have prepared something special: music that showcases famous and up-and-coming Queer composers and their music. The idea for Spectrum Ensemble had been incubating in Jaime Esposito's mind for years. After noticing that there was a distinct lack of LGBTQIA+ representation in classical music, Jaime realized their passion was to give the Queer community a platform to create and make music together. Co-founder SA Hall jumped on board with the project, and together, they have created a unique and exciting ensemble that celebrates the talents of Queer musicians and composers. The program for "Friends of Dorothy" includes talented Queer musicians and composers such as "Maria" from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein, "Ah Yes, The Three Genders" by Alex Temple, "Aesop’s Fables" by SA Hall, "Kidd Gunner Brother" by Darian Donovan Thomas, "Mi Cosa" by Wes Montgomery, "Golden Gate" by Kevin Rosacias, and "Dorothy Fragments" by Derek Tywoniuk. The concert takes place at Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, located at 2523 Cocoanut Ave in Sarasota. The event is free to attend, and parking is also free. Free parking is available in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park lot and in the grassy lot at Cocoanut Ave and 25th St. "Friends of Dorothy" is presented with support from the Newtown Farmers Market, Fabulous Arts Foundation, and Project Pride SRQ. This event promises to be a celebration of diversity, inclusion, and talent, and a wonderful opportunity to come together, learn, and enjoy some amazing music.  Get ready to experience Sarasota's most entertaining and fabulous event, as Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza returns to McCurdy's Comedy Club with a new host, Tamiami Trials. This event promises to be an unforgettable night of fun, laughter, and excitement.
Tamiami Trials is a vibrant and glamorous drag queen known for her impeccable style and wicked sense of humor. As the new host of Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza, she's taking the event to new heights of entertainment, with her unique energy and charisma. This event features three games of bingo, each with its own set of prizes sponsored by local businesses such as Kinky Kitty. But these aren't your typical bingo games, as each round is filled with surprises and twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats. But bingo is just one part of the entertainment at Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza. The event also features performances by special guests from all over Florida. These drag queens are some of the most talented performers in the state, bringing their unique personalities and styles to the stage. Their performances are sure to leave the audience in awe. It's important to note that this event is rated AB (Adult Bawdy), with adult humor, language, and themes that may not be appropriate for everyone. However, for those who are looking for a night of over-the-top entertainment and fun, Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza is the perfect choice. Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza is back and better than ever, with Tamiami Trials as the new host. This event promises to be an unforgettable night of fun, laughter, and excitement, with three rounds of bingo, performances by talented drag queens, and a lively atmosphere at McCurdy's Comedy Club. So put on your best outfit, gather your friends, and get ready to experience the magic of Drag Queen Bingo Bonanza.  On February 18th, ALSO Youth held its annual Youth Prom at the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, and it was a night to remember. With almost 200 youth in attendance, the event was a huge success, and it was all thanks to the hard work and dedication of the prom planning committee, volunteers, and sponsors. The theme for this year's prom was disco, and the attendees had a blast dancing the night away while enjoying fun crafts and contests. But the prom was much more than just a night of fun and dancing; it was an opportunity for LGBTQ+ youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties to come together in a safe and inclusive environment and celebrate who they are. ALSO Youth is a non-profit organization that provides advocacy, leadership, support, and outreach programs for LGBTQ+ youth in the area. The prom is just one of the many events and programs they offer to support and empower LGBTQ+ youth. Leading up to the prom, ALSO Youth hosted a prom closet where youth could come and pick out jackets, dresses, and shoes to wear to the prom, all for free. They also offered free services at the ALSO Youth Prom Salon to help youth look and feel their best on prom night. While the youth partied disco-style, parents and guardians had an event of their own. ALSO Youth and PFLAG hosted an event for parents of youth attending the prom to relax and enjoy some light bites and beverages at the ALSO Youth Sarasota Center, located just half a mile away from the Sarasota Municipal Auditorium. It was a chance for parents to connect with others in a similar situation and get access to valuable resources. Volunteers, like Stephen Lasher, were moved by the event and the positive impact it had on the youth in attendance. He said, "Being of a certain age, some of us shed tears of joy knowing that these kids can dress, talk, laugh, and dance safely. We remember when in our day, this was not usually possible. Thank you, ALSO Youth." The success of the ALSO Youth Prom would not have been possible without the support of sponsors like the Hurlburt Foundation, the DeBartolo Family Foundation, Cindy Barnes of Sarasota Pride, Sights and Sounds AV, Macy's, Georgia Moore, Selby Gardens, and many more. The ALSO Youth Prom is a reminder of the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for LGBTQ+ youth to thrive and be themselves. It's a celebration of diversity and inclusion, and it's an event that youth look forward to every year. Thanks to ALSO Youth, LGBTQ+ youth in Sarasota and Manatee Counties have a place to go where they are accepted and celebrated for who they are. Do you wish you had a service like ALSO Youth when you were growing up? Let us know in the comments section below. Please Note: For the privacy of the youth, there are limited photos from the event.
 Manatee Pride is an annual event that celebrates diversity and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. This fun family event is organized to raise funds for ALSO Youth, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that supports LGBTQ+ youth by providing advocacy, leadership, support, and outreach programs. The event features an incredible lineup of live entertainment, music, delicious food, refreshments, health checks, and more. It's a celebration of unity and acceptance that brings people of all ages, genders, and sexual orientations together to celebrate their differences and support the LGBTQ+ community. One of the talented entertainers set to perform at Manatee Pride is Hovercar, an up-and-coming indie pop band known for their catchy, danceable tunes and energetic live performances. Their music is sure to get attendees up and moving, and their unique sound is not to be missed. Another performer who will take the stage at Manatee Pride is Brittany Zeff & Crew, a local favorite who is known for her powerful voice and dynamic stage presence. Her blend of rock, pop, and soul is sure to captivate the audience and leave them wanting more. Momma Ashley Rose from Rose Dynasty is another exciting addition to the lineup, known for her high-energy drag performances and her commitment to creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals in Sarasota and beyond. She is sure to bring the house down with her dazzling costumes and impressive stage presence. Grace Cespedes is a talented singer-songwriter who will also be performing at Manatee Pride, known for her soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Her music is a blend of pop, R&B, and soul, and she is sure to captivate the audience with her powerful performances. Finally, Diversity: Voices of Sarasota is a local choir group dedicated to celebrating diversity and inclusivity through music. Their performances are always uplifting and inspiring, and they are sure to be a highlight of Manatee Pride.
Manatee Pride will take place on March 11, 2023, from 12-5 PM at the Riverwalk Pavilion & Event Area in Bradenton, FL. This is a great opportunity to come out and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community, have some fun, and make a difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth. In addition to the event itself, Manatee Pride offers a chance for volunteers to get involved and make a difference. If you're interested in volunteering at the event, email info@alsoyouth.org to get started. Volunteers play a crucial role in making this event a success, and they help to ensure that ALSO Youth can continue to provide the vital support and resources that LGBTQ+ youth need. Manatee Pride is an important event for the LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. It's a celebration of diversity, support, and acceptance that brings people together from all walks of life. By attending, volunteering, and supporting this event, you're helping to make a positive difference in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth in our community. Overall, Manatee Pride promises to be an unforgettable event with an incredible lineup of entertainers, delicious food, and refreshing drinks, this is an event you won't want to miss.  SarasotaOUT.com and CAN Community Health are excited to announce the second annual Big Gay Weekend event, taking place at the Golden Host Resort from August 25th to 27th, 2023. With attendance expected to double from last year, the resort is preparing for a big turnout and is eager to show off its recent renovations.
This year, most of the events will take place at the Golden Host Resort, making it an even more special experience for guests who stay at the hotel. The weekend will feature multiple pool parties, a party at Oasis Restaurant and Bar, A lesbian event including a book reading and signing by critically acclaimed author of GIRL, STOP PASSING OUT IN YOUR MAKEUP: THE BAD GIRL'S GUIDE TO GETTING YOUR SH*T TOGETHER, and former Senior Writer for Elite Daily and Executive Editor of GO Magazine, plus a themed party at the world-famous Bahi Hut located at the resort and LOTS more! In addition, hotel guests can participate in a door and balcony decorating contest. This is a fun opportunity for guests to showcase their creativity and add to the festive atmosphere of the weekend and win prizes. Hotel rooms are on sale now, and with the event expected to sell out, it's recommended to book early. Big Gay Weekend promises to be an exciting and memorable experience, filled with fun and festivities for all who attend. Whether you're a local or coming from out of town the event hosts invite you to join in the celebration of diversity, love, and pride! Visit Big Gay Weekend's website HERE If you would like to sponsor this years Big Gay Weekend, please MESSAGE SarasotaOUT.com. SarasotaOUT.com Founder Joshua Beadle Nominated for Prestigious Awards by Downtown Sarasota Alliance2/2/2023  Joshua Beadle, the founder of SarasotaOUT.com, has been nominated for two prestigious awards by the Downtown Sarasota Alliance. The Walking on Sunshine 2022 Annual Party recognizes businesses and individuals in the Sarasota community for their contributions and impact. Beadle has been nominated for the "Community Impact Award" and the "Young Professional of the Year Award." The Community Impact Award honors businesses that have shown strong support of the community through their involvement, resources, and time. With his website SarasotaOUT.com, Beadle has made a significant impact on the community by promoting diversity, inclusivity, and support for the LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota. The website provides a platform for members of the LGBTQ+ community to connect and find resources, events, and support. Beadle has also been nominated for the "Young Professional of the Year Award," which recognizes outstanding leadership among young professionals in Sarasota. As a young professional, Beadle has demonstrated a strong commitment to changing and influencing the community both personally and professionally. With his dedication and hard work, Beadle has become a leader and an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community in Sarasota. Sarasota's LGBTQ residents are proud to recognize Beadle for his contributions and impact on the community. The Walking On Sunshine event will be held on February 21st at 6PM at Tamiami Tap and will provide an opportunity for the community to celebrate and recognize the nominees. Joshua's nomination for the "Community Impact Award" and the "Young Professional of the Year Award" is a testament to his hard work and dedication to positively impacting the Sarasota community. The entire SarasotaOUT.com family wishes him the best of luck and is proud of his accomplishments regardless of the outcome. Click HERE for tickets to the event.  ALSO Youth, a local organization that supports and empowers LGBTQ+ youth and their families, is thrilled to announce the grand opening of their new Manatee drop-in center on January 21st. This milestone marks a significant achievement for the organization. The new drop-in center will provide a safe and welcoming space for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, offering a variety of resources and services such as counseling, peer support, and education. The center will also provide a place where young people can connect with others with similar experiences and identities. In addition to the drop-in center, ALSO Youth has implemented essential new programs, including parent and teacher support groups. These programs aim to provide education and support for the adults in the lives of LGBTQ+ youth and to help create a more inclusive and accepting environment for all. The leadership of ALSO Youth stated: "We are so excited to share this milestone with you-- the community that made it all possible." The grand opening of the Manatee drop-in center is a testament to the hard work and dedication of ALSO Youth and the community that supports them. The organization is committed to creating a more inclusive and accepting environment for LGBTQ+ youth and their families, and this new drop-in center is an important step towards achieving that goal. In addition to the grand opening of the Manatee drop-in center, ALSO Youth is also excited to announce their upcoming annual youth prom event, which will take place on February 18th, 2023. The event, which averages over 250 kids from Sarasota and surrounding areas, is a highlight of the year for attendees and parties involved. The theme of this year's prom is a Disco Party, reminiscent of the days of ABBA and the Bee Gees, providing a fun and entertaining experience for LGBTQ+ youth ages 14-20. This event serves as an opportunity for youth to come together and celebrate in a safe and inclusive environment. If you are interested in supporting ALSO Youth, please check out their website or for more information.  Flamingals, a new group for LGBTQ+ women in Sarasota, is excited to announce that they have officially received 501c3 non-profit status. The group aims to create a supportive and inclusive community for LGBTQ women in Sarasota and raise funds for local LGBTQ+ charities. According to President Alysha, "After months of Flamingals starting to host amazing gatherings for women in the Sarasota area, the mounds of paperwork paid off! We are officially a 501c3 nonprofit! Can’t wait to see what 2023 holds for our flock!" The group's non-profit status will enable them to expand its reach and impact in the community, as well as access funding and resources to support its mission and programs and provide tax benefits for donors. The Flamingals community is open to all women who identify as lesbian, bisexual, queer, trans, questioning and straight. The group welcomes new members and encourages anyone interested in attending an event to visit their Facebook for more information about upcoming events and how to get involved. Flamingals is an exciting new addition to the LGBTQ community in Sarasota, with a unique focus on raising money for local LGBTQ+ charities. Their official non-profit status is a major milestone for the group and we can't wait to see the positive impact they will have on the lives of local women and the community as a whole with their upcoming events and activities!  CAN Community Health is excited to announce their annual Red Ribbon Gala, taking place on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at the Tampa Museum of Art. The event, which will be a black tie cocktail reception, dinner, and entertainment, will raise funds to support the organization's mission to provide medical, social, and educational services to those living with HIV, hepatitis C, STDs, and other diseases. The highlight of the evening will be special guest speaker, Laverne Cox, who will share her personal story and speak on the importance of raising awareness and providing support for those living with HIV and other diseases. Laverne Cox is a well-known actress, advocate, and LGBTQ+ icon. She rose to fame for her portrayal of Sophia Burset on the hit Netflix series "Orange is the New Black" and has since become an influential voice in the LGBTQ+ community. She has been an advocate for the rights of transgender individuals and has been a vocal advocate for HIV and AIDS awareness. As a transgender woman of color, Laverne Cox is particularly aware of the intersectional challenges faced by marginalized communities and is committed to using her platform to raise awareness and advocate for change. Her presence at the Red Ribbon Gala will bring an important perspective to the event and will help to raise awareness about the ongoing need for support and resources for those living with HIV and other diseases. We are honored to have her at our event and look forward to hearing her story. The funds raised from the gala will go towards opening clinics in areas where HIV and other STD-related professionals are scarce, including Arizona, New Jersey, South Carolina, Virginia, and Puerto Rico. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the gala, ranging from $100,000 to $5,000. Individual tickets for the event are priced at $500. This is a great opportunity to support an important cause while enjoying an evening of great food, entertainment, and company. Please consider sponsoring or purchasing a ticket to support CAN Community Health's mission to improve the health and wellbeing of those living with HIV and other diseases. |
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