Diversity Rules Magazine

3 Diversity Rules Magazine May 2020 Joey Amato is the publisher of Pride Journeys, the premier source for LGBT travel. Joey publishes des na on reviews in addi on to life- style content that is both insigh ul and engaging to LGBT readers. Joey has spent the majority of his career dedicated to the LGBT community, hav- ing contributed to numerous publica ons around North America. In addi on, he owns Agency33 Public Rela ons, a full-service firm specializing in LGBT outreach. If you live in a cold weather climate like I do, there is no be er feeling than visi ng a warm des na on towards the end of the winter season. And what be er place to visit than one of my old stomping grounds and the place where I officially came out, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. From the moment I exited the plane, I felt like I was in store for a leisurely, sun-filled holiday. I stayed at The Grand Resort & Spa, which is located just steps away from the beach and in close prox- imity to some wonderful restau- rants. The Grand is a gay-owned and operated and is always ex- tremely welcoming whenever I stay there. From check in, to check out, the staff caters to your every need. The resort offers dis nct outdoor spaces, one being clothing op onal as well as a full-service spa. One of the jewels of the greater Fort Lauderdale area is Wilton Manors. A mecca for the LGBTQ com- munity, Wilton Manors is home to dozens of shops, restaurants and nightlife venues all owner and/or operated by members of the LGBTQ community. My first stop in Wilton Manors was Rosie's Bar & Grill. Having worked a few blocks from Rosie's when I was editor of South Florida Gay News, I frequently dined at Rosie's. The food is consistently good and a quick lunch there is fairly inexpensive. If you go, order the She BOP Wrap with a side of sweet potato fries. It's one of my favorite items on their menu. Wilton Manors is pre y casual during the day, so strolling up and down 'The Drive' is not uncommon. On my stroll, I came across Wilton Creamery, a cute ice cream shop that also offered a variety of bubble tea items, so of course I had to try one. The laven- der milk tea was really good. I was a bit hesitant to order that flavor, but the owner said it was one of top picks among his staff. If you are looking for some shopping therapy, head over to Mix Menswear or Ball Sportswear, both located in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors. The retailers have a variety of clothing from high-end suits to skimpy swimwear, perfect for a pool party or day at the beach. Also, in the shopping center are Hunters Night- club and Georgie's Alibi. Ironically, both venues also have establishments in Palm Springs. Fort Lauderdale is known for being one of the most LGBTQ-friendly des na ons in the world. That can be seen while vis- i ng The Stonewall Na onal Museum and Archives (SNMA), one of the larg- est gay archives and libraries in the United States. SNMA presents an ongoing 12-month schedule of exhibi ons on LGBTQ themes and public programs, Journeys - Con't on page 6 Pride Journeys Fort Lauderdale By Joey Amato

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