“TAKE PRIDE!” 2026, A History Fort Lauderdale Benefit Reception And Exhibition

“Galleria Fort Lauderdale is a proud supporter of our community and the immeasurable contributions of this year’s ‘TAKE PRIDE!’ honorees,” said Tatiana Juarez, Regional Marketing Director at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “As a welcoming environment for all, we invite guests to shop and dine while learning more about our dedicated leaders and local history.”

This year’s “Take PRIDE!” honorees who have made significant contributions to the South Florida community are:

Chris Caputo, Commissioner and Vice Mayor of the City of Wilton Manors; Dennis Dean, Executive Director of ArtsUnited; Robert Griffin and Durell Watkins, the Bishops of Sunshine Cathedral; Ronnie Larsen, Actor, Director, Playwright, and Producer; Rafaele Narvaez, Co-Founder and Director of Health Programs for Latinos Salud; Jason Parsley, Owner and Publisher of Out South Florida; William C. Schultz, Police Chief, City of Fort Lauderdale; Nicole Stodard, Artistic Director of Thinking Cap Theatre; and Tatiana Williams, Founder and Executive Director of TransInclusive Group, Inc.

The “Take PRIDE!” 2026 exhibit “Coming Out of the Shadows” will feature photos and ephemera that tell the stories of the tumultuous political climate of 1960s pre-Stonewall Fort Lauderdale. The exhibit, a collaboration with Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library and Florida International University, is curated by Fred Fejes, professor emeritus of multimedia studies at Florida Atlantic University and Julio Capo, Jr., an author and associate professor of history at Florida International University.

“History Fort Lauderdale is proud to be a beneficiary of this important event that showcases the valuable legacies of our LGBTQ+ businesses and influential leaders across a variety of disciplines,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director, History Fort Lauderdale. “Education and tolerance is paramount as we continue to build upon these touchstones and safeguard our progress to ensure that Fort Lauderdale remains a welcoming place to live and visit for all…during PRIDE month and beyond.”

The exhibition will be free and open to the public during mall hours.

Previous “Take PRIDE!” honorees have included Dean Trantalis, Richard Gray, Sebrina Maria Alfonso, Craig Stevens, Rod Stafford Hagwood, Tiffany Arieagus, Gary Keating, John Castelli, Andy Rogow, David Jobin, Erika Norell, Jacqueline Lorber, Josie Smith Malave, Mark Gilbert, Misty Eyez, Shawn Palacious (Kitty Meow) and Steven Evans, Ph.D.

“Take PRIDE!” is presented by Galleria Fort Lauderdale with support from HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network, OUT SFL, Hunters Nightclubs, Gulf Stream Distillery, Ethos Greek Bistro, and GPR | Goodman Public Relations.

Tickets for the May 28 “Take PRIDE!” reception are $50 and are available at: www.historyfortlauderdale.org. Guests will enjoy a preview of the exhibit, surprise performances, cocktails and light bites.

For more information about Galleria Fort Lauderdale or for a complete list of retailers, call: (954) 564-1015. Or visit: www.galleriamall-fl.com.

About Galleria Fort Lauderdale

Galleria Fort Lauderdale, recognized as one of South Florida's premier shopping destinations, features a variety of popular dining and retail options. Macy’s, Dillard’s and H&M anchor the center which also is home to Altar’d State, Apple, Banana Republic, Free People and Pandora. The center features a fine roster of dining establishments such as Seasons 52, The Capital Grille and P.F. Chang’s. Powerhouse Gym can also be found at the property. Just steps away from Fort Lauderdale’s world-famous beach, it is minutes from the airport, port, downtown, hotels and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention Center with easy access from Sunrise Boulevard, U.S. Highway 1 (Federal Highway), Interstate 95, Interstate 595, and U.S. Highway A1A (Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard). Located at 2414 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 it is open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. Restaurants and anchors enjoy varied hours. More information is available by calling: (954) 564-1015. Or by visiting: www.galleriamall-fl.com.