I always tell my friends back in the UK. that I moved to Miami’s South Beach some 25 years for all the wrong reasons. This destination has a dazzling blend of glamour, sophistication and unyielding spirit, but what attracted us most was sheer diversity of the queer community that we loved the best. To us Brits it seemed like London BUT with sun!
I was however very fascinated to discover how Miami, and the rest of South Florida became such a gay mecca and thanks to Historians Fred Fejes and Rick Karlin I now know much more about the past of my new home town, and its surrounds.
The pair have meticulously researched the growth of teh LGBTQ+ community from Palm Beach to Broward, and Miami-Dade to Key West. Last Call South Florida: A History of 1001 LGBTQ-Friendly Taverns, Haunts & Hangouts details an era from Prohibition to the present day. They capture the essence of a very vibrant community that has withstood the test of time and adversity, and even sent Anita Bryant packing.
We know its not perfect…… after all we currently have one of the most homophobic Governors in the States history and the Man With The Orange Face still lives here (for the moment) but we love being part of this community that over the years we have come to call home.
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Call-South-Florida-LGBTQ-Friendly/dp/1955826684
Labels: 2024, Fred Fejes, LAST CALL SOUTH FLORIDA :, queer history, Rick Karlin, South Florida
