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In a time when visibility, safety, and authentic representation matter more than ever, FL BlaQ Out Pride Weekend arrives in Wilton Manors as more than just a celebration.
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- Kim Swan, Editor
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Pride Month Opens with Black Queerness in Wilton Manors | Opinion
By Terry Dyer and Rev. Skip Jennings
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In a time when visibility, safety, and authentic representation matter more than ever, FL BlaQ Out Pride Weekend arrives in Wilton Manors as more than just a celebration. It is a declaration of joy, liberation, culture, and community for Black LGBTQ people across Florida and beyond.
Taking place over four dynamic days, FL BlaQ Out Pride Weekend transforms South Florida into a vibrant cultural destination centered on the beauty, brilliance, and full spectrum of Black queerness. Rooted in celebration yet grounded in purpose, the weekend creates intentional space for connection, healing, visibility, representation, artistry, empowerment, and belonging.
From live performances and nightlife experiences to wellness activations, leadership conversations, and cultural programming, the weekend reflects the many layers of Black LGBTQ identity and expression.
Organizers describe the event as “a national celebration of Black LGBTQ+ brilliance” and a direct response to the ongoing need for affirming spaces that center Black queer and trans communities.
FL BlaQ Out Pride Weekend comes on the heels of the groundbreaking success of Back to BlaQ 2025.
In June 2025, Back to BlaQ debuted in Wilton Manors not simply as a party or one-time event, but as a bold proclamation that Black LGBTQ people deserve to exist at the center of Pride celebrations and not on the margins of them.
With more than 1,200 attendees traveling from across Florida and beyond, the inaugural event surpassed every expectation, creating an electrifying atmosphere where joy, liberation, culture, expression, and community unapologetically took center stage at The Manor.
Back to BlaQ became more than an event; it became a moment of reclamation, visibility, and affirmation.
The response was overwhelming. According to the 2025 Back to BlaQ Impact Report, attendees praised the atmosphere of safety and inclusion, the visibility of Black LGBTQ performers, artists, and vendors, and the authentic representation of Black queer joy in all its forms. Most powerfully, nearly every attendee asked for more.
Now, FL BlaQ Out Pride Weekend builds upon that momentum with an even larger vision: positioning Wilton Manors and South Florida as a national destination for Black LGBTQ Pride celebrations in the South.
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Artificial Intelligence Is About to Revolutionize Publishing | Opinion
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For more than 15 years as a publisher, I’ve had the unique opportunity to watch the media industry evolve at extraordinary speed.
From print, to digital, to social media, to video content and mobile engagement, I’ve witnessed firsthand how technology continually reshapes the way consumers receive information and how publishers monetize audiences.
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Did He Respectfully Walk Away Or Low-key Shame Me? Help! | Advice
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I could write a whole book about boundaries and the feelings they leave in their wake.
You’re asking the right question: how do you separate a legitimate health boundary from a moral judgement? When you’re confronted with a situation like this, use this test: Did he change his behavior, or did he try to change yours? He broke it off with you. He didn’t lecture you.
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Velvet Green Summer is Lush
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Velvet Green Summer is all about family; the one we are born into and the one we create as we pass through life. That is perhaps a theme that resonates even more with the LGBTQ community, as so many of us have had to move away from our biological families and had to create new ones as we move through life.
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TODAY: Paint & Sip Grab your favorite drink for a chill night of painting, laughs, and good vibes!
WEDS: Light Switch Join Island City Stage at GLBX Social/Mixer for good vibes, great chats, and new connections in person.
THURS: LOL Live Get ready to laugh all evening, while supporting a local charity at this hilarious comedy night!
FRI: Cigar Cutting & Lighting Workshop
Get the lowdown on how to perfectly cut and light your cigars like a pro in this chill, hands-on session.
SAT: Saturday Nights Live Get ready for Saturday Nights Live — nonstop fun, music, and good vibes all night long.
SUN: Mermaid Cookies Mermaid tails, shells and starfish are taking to the sea for this fun cookie class.
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Real Estate Project Manager -- Fort Lauderdale
Maimone Legal is hiring a Real Estate Project Manager to lead and manage end-to-end projects for real estate developments, including acquisition, planning, design, construction, and delivery, and more.
Title Sales Rep -- Fort Lauderdale
The Title Sales Rep will develop and grow relationships with real estate agents, lenders, brokers, and other referral partners, and more. $40,000 - $150,000 a year.
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I’ve proudly called Wilton Manors home for the past 14 years and truly love being part of this vibrant community. As a Realtor® with Castelli Real Estate, powered by Better Homes & Gardens, and with over 25 years of experience in condo and HOA management, I bring a unique perspective when helping buyers and sellers navigate the South Florida market. Our office is conveniently located right on Wilton Drive, and whether you’re buying or selling in Wilton Manors or anywhere in South Florida, I’m always happy to help.
southfloridadreamhomes.net |
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Our mailing address is: The Islander |
PO Box 23817 • Oakland Park, FL 33307
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