In 2005, Blackburn opened Mary’s Resort near downtown Fort Lauderdale, a guest house catering to a specific LGBT clientele. When he opened Mary’s, Hurricane Wilma had recently wreaked havoc in parts of Broward County, and Blackburn’s new resort was without power for six weeks. One of the first key relationships Blackburn would forge would be with Roger Handevidt, at that time the owner of the Orton Terrace guest house and the energizing force behind the Rainbow Carpet Lodging and Hospitality Association (RCLHA), an organization that promoted gay tourism to South Florida, and which would become the Rainbow Alliance.

“Roger was one of those who promoted everyone in this community,” Blackburn offers in praise, adding, “He has been a great influence.” After having his “boots on the ground” for a while, Blackburn says that he and other interested business owners and community leaders saw an opportunity to promote Greater Fort Lauderdale and its “gay village,” Wilton Manors, to the wider international gay and lesbian community.

Partnering with other, like-minded movers and doers in the LGBT business community, they floated the idea of establishing a more permanent organizational structure to promote the area to tourists and to coordinate efforts with allied agencies and organizations. “I saw that there was a great potential, and I also looked at other business professionals who operate in the area,” recalls Blackburn.

“We teamed up, and really felt a need to build a ‘Gay Chamber of Commerce,’ and that is what we have built.” The organization that grew from that dream, GFLGLCC, was formed in 2011, as a 501 c (6) non-profit, with a mission to “promote business and economic opportunities for the LGBT and LGBT-friendly community, and to serve as “an advocate and resource for all member businesses that promote equality.”

Blackburn says that the task of GFLGLCC is too big for any one person or organization, and to this end, he and his board members, along with active partners in the local business market, have built close ties to other groups, including the Miami Beach Gay Pride, the Fort Lauderdale International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, and International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), in order to better get the message out about the beauty and fun of Greater Fort Lauderdale.

“We have affiliate chambers [of commerce] throughout the country,” says Blackburn, who notes just how much the gay tourism dollar means to the area’s economy. “Nearly 28 percent of travel in South Florida has been related to the LGBT community—that’s huge,” says Blackburn.

“I just came back from Berlin with the IGLTA, and am getting ready to go to Orlando Gay Days in June,” an event he predicts will be “the biggest ever.” Blackburn and his fellow chamber members have high hopes for the organization they have built and its plans for the future, including stronger ties to other like-minded organizations. For more information about the Greater Fort Lauderdale Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce, visit gogayfortlauderdale.com.

The parade, which began at noon, included Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower and openly-gay North Miami City Councilman Scott Galvin, as well as a cavalcade of floats, entertainers, political figures, human rights activists, and volunteers. Drag performer Elaine Lancaster performed a duet with “Real Housewife of Miami” Lea Black. The float for Coral Gables Congregational Church depicted the pastor, Laurinda Hafner, presiding over a faux gay marriage rite.

Although 60,000 people were expected to attend what has become the largest, single-day event of the year in Miami Beach, event organizers are still tallying the numbers. In 2011, more than 40,000 people attended Miami Beach Gay Pride, which began as an event in 2009. That year, 7,000 people were anticipated to attend, but 20,000 turned out.

“When I first took office, I was shocked that a city as progressive as Miami Beach had never had a Gay Pride parade,” Mayor Bower recalled. “So the city offered to host it and now we have a wonderful parade.”

Founded in 1999, ArtsUnited is a Fort Lauderdale-based gay and lesbian arts organization. The group has a mission is to utilize the arts to break down barriers which have historically prevented lesbians and gays from contributing fully and openly to the cultural, social, and economic success of South Florida.

The April show will feature artists working in different mediums and styles. All presenting artists have won awards in the prestigious “United and Proud Exhibition” or “ArtExplosion,” two annual exhibitions presented by ArtsUnited. Some of the artists exhibiting will include realistic painters Alfred Phillips and Gregory Little, photographers Timothy Leistner and Nancy Goldwin, and expressionist Keith Clark.

Miami Beach Gay Pride’s fourth anniversary event will take place at Lummus Park, located on Ocean Drive between 10 and 14 St. from noon to 7 p.m.

“This year’s line-up of entertainers certainly has something for everyone,” said Babak Movahedi, president of the Pride Board of Directors. “From dance to pop and from Broadway to gospel, the Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival will be a musical sensation.”

The scheduled entertainers include international dance club icon Kristine W—who holds the world’s record for most consecutive Number One Billboard Club Hits, last summer’s certified three-time Platinum artist (“Dirty Talk”) Wynter Gordon, Miami native Jessica Sutta from the Pussy Cat Dolls, former teen sensation JoJo (“Leave [Get Out]”), now age 20 and with multiple hits to her name, as well as many others, including internationally-renowned club and circuit party DJ/artists.

In 2011, Miami Beach Gay Pride was the city’s largest, single-day event, attracting over 40,000 visitors, and featuring a parade with 66 entries and 1,200 participants. For more information as events and activities are confirmed, visit miamibeachgaypride.com.

For the fourth event, we look forward to having Paolo add his distinctive touch and take Pride to a whole new level.”

In his new role, Pincente will help plan and oversee all elements of next year’s Miami Beach Gay Pride event as well as related activities leading up to Pride.  Now in its fourth year, Miami Beach Gay Pride will take place Sunday, April 15, 2012, along Miami Beach’s famed Ocean Drive.

In addition to his responsibilities for Pride, Pincente currently works and produces events for top-tier venues and well-known brands including, Space Nightclub, Miami, as general manager; Mova Lounge, Miami Beach, as operations and marketing consultant; Svedka Vodka, throughout Florida, as event producer; Source Events, Miami, as event manager; and the Surfcomber Hotel, Miami Beach, as event producer.  His previous experience in the hospitality industry has also included Crobar Nightclubs in New York City, Chicago and Miami Beach; Mia Biscayne, Miami; Exit 66 Nightclub, Ft. Lauderdale; and Cameo Nightclub in Miami Beach, where he has served in diverse operations, management, marketing, training and event-related capacities.

The mission of Miami Beach Gay Pride is to bring together members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community, their friends, allies, and supporters in celebration of the unique spirit and culture of the LGBT community by producing free, safe, quality mass-appeal events that are open to all, including the Parade, Festival and allied Miami Beach Pride sanctioned events. For more information; www.miamibeachgaypride.com.

If you are addicted to scandalous, in-your-face reality television, then you must absolutely love this man. Bravo’s Andy Cohen, host of Watch What Happens, will lead this year’s Miami Beach Gay Pride Parade beginning at noon on Saturday, April 16th, at 5th Street and Ocean Drive. With a slew of hit shows such as the Real Housewives franchise, Top Chef and Project Runway under his belt, Cohen and his network have amassed an extremely broad, loyal fan base. He recently spoke with Mark’s List about his role in Miami Beach Gay Pride, his job at Bravo and what he thinks keeps viewers tuning in every week.

You will be in Miami Beach very soon. What kind of message do you want to send as the Grand Marshal of Miami Beach Gay Pride and what does pride mean to you?

I love Miami and I love South Beach, and April is always a fun time to be in Miami. I think Miami was built for pride, and I’m very excited to be a part of the event. To me, pride means being exactly who you are and walking tall in your shoes and not compromising who you are in order make someone else happy. I want to show everyone how far we have come as a community.

You get to work with many aggressive and interesting personalities on the shows on Bravo.

Wow — too many to count. Mainly it’s talking to people and getting to them and having fun with them.  Being on Watch What Happens, I don’t even think of that as a job. My Mom came to the show with me recently and when we left I said, “Can you believe this is even considered work?” It’s just fun.

And at the same time, what is your least favorite part?

I hate negotiating contracts.  It gets very personal and sensitive sometimes.

Why do you think the shows on Bravo have become so popular? Do you think that there is a right or wrong formula for making good
television?

I think they are popular because of the characters. We have amazing people doing amazing things. The shows are really fun and addictive. I think Bravo has a very specific vibe and way that we present humor. We also have a very sophisticated, smart audience, and I think they connect with our characters. The lifestyles that are being portrayed are very interesting and something to aspire to be.

Were there any shows that were surprise hits on Bravo?

The Real Housewives! It was something we all thought could be interesting, but not really sure if people would catch on. You never know what’s going to resonate.  Also, Top Chef. I didn’t expect either of the shows to become as big as they did, and we are very proud of them.

What do you think about the use of pop culture to fight prejudice and homophobia?

I think it’s great. There were not a lot of gay role models on television when I was growing up. I’m really proud that there are kids around the country who see gay people on Bravo as talented, creative people with strength, courage and pride in themselves. We show a world where gay people are thriving alongside straight people. The kids across the world who see this will feel differently in their communities. I think it’s very positive.

What other shows or networks out there have done a good job at making the same statement?

I think The Real World on MTV was very revolutionary for its time. I remember watching Season One and there was a gay character in that cast, and they have had one in almost every season. I can’t understate what that show did as a groundbreaking show. It really was at the forefront of representing gay people at a time when it wasn’t really happening anywhere else on TV.

Best Day Spa: The Grand Resort and Spa

Everyone likes to be pampered every now and then and no one does it better than The Grand Resort and Spa located near Fort Lauderdale Beach. Lay back and relax as you receive one of their specialty facials, body wraps, body scrubs, massages, manicures and pedicures, waxing, derm-abrasion or hair styling. You can also enjoy their oversized heated pool which is great for lap swimming or carelessly floating on mats soaking up the South Florida sun. The hotel also boasts a fully-equipped fitness center.

Favorite Clothing Designer: D & G

Dolce & Gabbana, also known as D & G, is a famed Italian fashion house started by the Italian designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana in Milan, Italy. Their clothing designs are usually black in color and geometric in shape. Dolce & Gabbana actually includes two fashion lines: Dolce & Gabbana and D & G. Dolce and Gabbana specializes in luxury items more influenced by designers and is more formal and “timeless,” responding to long-term trends rather than seasonal changes. The D & G line is the more casual line and attempts to set trends. The line includes jackets, pants, denim, swimwear, underwear, eye glasses and fragrances.

Sexiest Underwear Brand: 2(X)ist

It’s not surprising that 2(X)ist hit the top of the list as it was one of the first underwear designers to target the gay community. (About the same time that Marky Mark showed us his tighty-whities for Calvin Klein.) Known for its cutting-edge fashion, contoured shapes and superior comfort, 2(X)ist creates fashion-forward designs to fit men’s lives. Since its founding in 1991, 2(X)ist has grown to become an iconic men’s lifestyle brand with a style and fit for every occasion and leads the evolution of fabrics, materials and technology to create better fitting underwear, apparel and accessories for the fashion-forward.

Best LGBT Boutique: Bottoms & Tops

Bottoms & Tops has two stores – the main boutique in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors and its outlet store a few blocks down Wilton Drive next to Sidelines. Both stores offer the top trends in fashion at the lowest prices on denim, shirts, swimwear, underwear, watches, jewelry and gift items. Owner Jon Anthony knows the value of a dollar and negotiates the best possible prices when purchasing for his stores and passes those savings on to his loyal customers. There are also great sales always going on, so keep an eye out for the sales racks. Of course, Bottoms & Tops also includes the D & G and 2(X)ist brands along with dozens of other designers.

Best LGBT Guest House: Royal Palms Resort (Fort Lauderdale) and Island House (Key West)

We don’t think anybody realized the impact Richard Gray would have on Ft. Lauderdale when he opened the Royal Palms Resort in 1991. Gray and his Royal Palms turned Fort Lauderdale into a major gay destination and one of the most desirable places for the LGBT community to live, work and play. Now, 20 years later, Gray is reinventing and greatly expanding his property by adding several additional locations in the same area, which will include a bar, full gym, spa, a café and much more, all within a few steps from Ft. Lauderdale’s famed Sebastian Street Gay beach.

Imagine a place where everyone is gay – and you have the Island House in Key West. Island House is a very tropical and a not-so-far away all-male compound that’s safe from the influences of the outside world. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner poolside and is one of the most complete resorts in Key West offering a steam room, sauna, weight room and both an indoor and outdoor Jacuzzi.

Florida’s Most Entertaining Pride Festival: Miami Beach Gay Pride

Though only looking toward its third year, Miami Beach Pride has become the most-anticipated gay pride festival in the state. A spectacular parade moves north along Ocean Drive with plenty of floats, marching bands and walking groups. After the parade is finished, take a few steps east to the beach and enjoy the festival with live entertainment, food, drinks and more “pride” than anyone can imagine. Learning how to dance in the soft sand does takes a little getting used to but you will catch on rather quickly. If people watching is more your thing, muscle boys with their shirts off (it’s Miami Beach, after all), walk along proudly displaying their physics. Plenty of costumes and other gaiety can also be expected. Check out the exhibition booths on the dunes while the DJ’s keep the crowd and excitement levels high.

It’s also a full day of family activities as tourists bring their children out to enjoy the excitement of this all-encompassing community event.

Best Gym: Island City Fitness (Wilton Manors) and David Barton Gym (Miami Beach)

After a day of tanning your body on the beach, you’re ready to tone that body, and there are two fitness gyms that were voted the best by our readers.

Island City Health & Fitness in the Shoppes of Wilton Manors on Wilton Drive is the choice in Fort Lauderdale. Here you can transform your body, mind and spirit in their state-of-the-art facility. They offer experienced trainers and professional equipment. This spacious club offers incomparable amenities in a comfortable atmosphere which makes becoming fit a truly inspiring adventure.

The David Barton Gym won out in South Beach, and you have your pick of three locations. The first step to a healthy body is just walking through the door — any of their three doors. The equipment is top notch: a huge selection of free-weights, top-shelf equipment from Hammer Strength and Cybex (among others) and the cardio equipment, such as elliptical trainers and treadmills.

Best Abs: Brady Frost

Brady Frost

Are they real? Has this been photoshopped? These two question come to mind when hearing abs and Brady together. Well, after 3 years of using silver, blue, purple, and all the gay flag colors to showcase his abdominals, Brady has achieved the REAL look. There’s no more faking them now that he’s got ‘em. Showing off those abs with the 2(x)ist line, you can truly see why the voters have chosen Brady Frost.