The film opens with a luxurious aerial sweep of Fort Lauderdale beach; paradise laid out below. The ocean sparkles and palm trees sway in the tropical breeze. As the camera sails up crystal blue canals we hear Connie Francis’ inimitable croon: “Where the Boys are…” The talented teenager was peeking into the future.

where the gays are ft. lauderdale

Beginning in the halcyon days of the early sixties, Fort Lauderdale has emerged as one of the world’s great gay destinations. As a laissez-faire place to play and live for gay men and women, Fort Lauderdale has it all:

The sun, the ocean, the entertainment and the tanned distractions proved an irresistible combination that manifests the perfect storm of gay bliss.

Stonewall celebrates Fort Lauderdale’s rich gay history in its next exhibition, Where The Gays Are: Fifty Years in Fort Lauderdale. The exhibition is a historical overview of gay Fort Lauderdale and a celebration of both the 50th anniversary of the release of the film, Where the Boys are and the 100th anniversary of Fort Lauderdale’s incorporation.

Where the Gays Are: Fifty Years in Fort Lauderdale will be on view in the Stonewall Museum’s George Hester Gallery, June 1-30. The opening reception is on Monday, June 7, 6:30-8 p.m. at Stonewall.

Stonewall Library is located at 1300 E. Sunrise Blvd, Fort Lauderdale.

For more information call 954-763-8565 or visit www.stonewall-library.org.—FA