Take Pride 2025 - Public Exhibition To Feature Highlights From Zorita's World And "Last Call South Florida"

“We are proud to honor this year’s LGBTQ+ advocates whose leadership, advocacy for equality and contributions to the South Florida political, business and arts landscapes are revered and innumerable,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “South Florida has prospered and grown on the wings of their commitment to inclusivity and acceptance for all. We are grateful for their perseverance and sharing their stories so that we may continue to champion diversity in our city and beyond.”

The 2025 “Take PRIDE!” Honorees who have made significant contributions to the South Florida community are: Steve Glassman, City of Fort Lauderdale District 2 Commissioner; the Honorable Robert Lee retired Judge; Scott Holland, Vice President of Operations and Associate Publisher of HotSpots! Magazine and Happening Out Network; Michael Berry, Complex General Manager at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort; FayWhat?! Albernas, of The FayWhat?! Show on the Happening Out Television Network; Velvet Lenore, Entertainer and Philanthropist; T.P. Lords, Entertainer and Choreographer; Tony Lima, CEO and Executive Director, SunServe; Franchesca D’Amore, Founding President and Executive Director of TransEd and Ed Hashek, Arts Advocate and Philanthropist.

The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort “Take PRIDE!” 2025 exhibit will feature photos and ephemera from Zorita’s World, the life and career of famed burlesque dancer and icon Zorita, as well as her same-sex relationships and networks of friends. The performer and entrepreneur pushed boundaries in Miami and beyond in the 1940’s, ‘50s and ‘60s - a time when so much of what she did was often controversial and illegal. Today, perhaps more than ever, her legacy and influence offer important lessons on the power of individuals in shaping history and making necessary waves towards progress. Also featured will be selections from “Last Call South Florida - A History of 1001 LGBTQ-Friendly Taverns, Haunts & Hangouts” by Fred Fejes and Rick Karlin, Co-Curated by Ellery Andrews, Deputy Director at History Fort Lauderdale and Julio Capó, Jr., an Author and Associate Professor of History at Florida International University.

“Galleria Fort Lauderdale is grateful for the support and sense of community that this year’s ‘Take Pride!’ honorees have fostered,” said Melissa Milroy, Senior Marketing Manager at Galleria Fort Lauderdale. “Our city’s remarkable growth is due, in part, to the contributions of these illustrious and dedicated community leaders who strive to ensure equality and representation. We welcome our shoppers to learn more about them during their visit.”

Additional contributors to this year’s reception and exhibit are Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library and Florida International University. Capó curated a different exhibition on Zorita’s life in 2024 for Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library.

The exhibition, located near Swarovski, between Macy’s and Dillard’s, will be free and open to the public during mall hours.

Previous “Take PRIDE!” honorees have included Dean Trantalis, Richard Gray, Sebrina María 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, Robert Boo, Shawn Palacious (Kitty Meow) and Steven Evans, Ph.D.

History Fort Lauderdale’s “Take PRIDE!” is sponsored by co-presenter Galleria Fort Lauderdale and title sponsor The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, The Our Fund Foundation, HotSpots Media Group/Happening Out Television Network and GPR | Goodman Public Relations. Additional funding is provided in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale - Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Tickets for the June 18 “Take PRIDE!” reception are $50 and are available at: www.historyfortlauderdale.org. Guests will enjoy a preview of the exhibit, special performances, an open bar and light bites courtesy of Dom Caruso’s.

History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “Fashion & Musical Theatre,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River,” Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology” and “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture.”

For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call: (954) 463-4431. Or visit: https://historyfortlauderdale.org. Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory - On Instagram: @ftlhistory. And on Twitter: @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.toutube.com/user/FTLhistory.