Print Icon
 
https://campaign-image.com/zohocampaigns/133052000002457092_zc_v50_last.png

Holy Cross Health's long-standing commitment to South Florida's LGBTQ+ community has earned another national recognition.

Like this newsletter? We’re now offering newsletter management and email marketing services to our advertisers and business community. Email Jason@outsfl.com for more information.

Independent journalism doesn’t run on clicks — it runs on community. If our work matters to you, help sustain it through advertising or contributions. Partner with The Islander and put your brand in front of readers who show up, pay attention, and trust what they see.

- Kim Swan, Editor

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

Feature

Holy Cross Health Earns Top LGBTQ+ Healthcare Honor

By Staff

Holy Cross Health's long-standing commitment to South Florida's LGBTQ+ community has earned another national recognition. 

The Fort Lauderdale-based health system has been named an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, making it the only acute care hospital in Florida to receive the distinction in the organization's 2026 Healthcare Equality Index. 

Holy Cross is one of just three healthcare organizations in Florida to earn a top-tier designation in this year's index, which evaluates hospitals and healthcare systems on policies and practices that support LGBTQ+ patients, visitors and employees. The recognition builds on decades of outreach to South Florida's LGBTQ+ community. 

Holy Cross opened its Wilton Manors medical practice over 25 years ago, becoming one of the first major healthcare providers to establish a dedicated presence in the city's LGBTQ+ community. 

Today, the health system continues to provide LGBTQ-focused primary care through its Wilton Manors practice while offering HIV prevention services and broader community outreach throughout South Florida. Nearly 750 healthcare facilities participated in the 2026 survey, with 343 earning the High Performer designation. 

"At Holy Cross Health, we are committed to providing every patient with access to safe, respectful, compassionate and dignified care," President and CEO Pierre Monice said in a statement. "We are proud, once again, to have earned the High Performer designation from HRC." 

The Healthcare Equality Index, published every two years by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, is considered the national benchmark for LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare settings. 

For more information, visit holy-cross.com.

News

Nominations Open for 'Your Choice Awards'

Out South Florida is opening up its annual Your Choice Awards nominations – where our readers get to nominate favorite local people, places, and things. Nominate here.

John Castelli: The Visionary Who Helped Put LGBTQ South Florida on the World Map | Opinion

There are pioneers who build businesses, and then there are pioneers who build communities. John Castelli was one of those rare visionaries whose impact reached far beyond the walls of the clubs, restaurants, hotels, and businesses he helped create. His passing marks the end of an extraordinary chapter in LGBTQ history, but his legacy will continue to shape South Florida for generations to come.

ICYMI

More Than a Running Club: Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale Builds Community One Step at a Time | Opinion

Some organizations change lives through speeches. Others do it through advocacy. Front Runners & Walkers Fort Lauderdale does it one mile, one friendship, and one encouraging step at a time.

Weekly Events

TODAY: Yoga

Gentle Yin-restore and stretching yoga allows you to drop deep into the meditative aspects while loosening tight muscles and joints.


WEDS: Bootcamp

Break a sweat, have fun, and achieve your fitness goals at Lucks’ Fitness Bootcamp. 


THURS: Glam Girlz

An evening filled with one-of-a-kind drag experiences.


FRI: Cirque of Chaos

Get ready for a wild night of rock, acrobatics, and dinner all rolled into one crazy Cirq of Chaos experience.


SAT: Art Party

Celebrate fierce Art Gallery's 3-year anniversary.


SUN: Breakfast with Strangers

Build your community through this brunch series and leave with new connections.


Job Opportunities

Social Services Assistant -- Fort Lauderdale

FT LAUDERDALE HEALTH AND REHABILITATION CENTER is hiring a Social Services Assistant to participate in discharge planning, development and implementation of social care plans and resident assessments, and more. From $22 an hour. 


Afterschool Site Supervisor -- Fort Lauderdale

Daisy's Academy is seeking an Afterschool Site Supervisor to create a safe, fun, and engaging environment, and more. $20 - $32 an hour.

Mike's Deal

Fall Brightline deal! Book by Oct. 17 travel through Nov. 1 with 14-day advance purchase!

Our mailing address is:

The Islander | PO Box 23817 • Oakland Park, FL 33307

Would you like to change how you receive these emails?

Please update your preferences or unsubscribe from this mailing list.

 
OUTSFL | 2520 N. Dixie Highway