Feb 12: The Straight Story

One of the things I really love about South Florida is the diversity of cultures, nationalities and sexual orientations. It adds flavor to the Fort Lauderdale experience, key spices mixed among the main ingredients of sun and sea. I think it's wonderful the way all of it together makes a single great stew. No one element dominates. 

Sometimes we forget that Valentine's Day is for everyone. Maybe a broader, more inclusive concept of Valentine's Day is called for in today's world.  That's probably especially true living where I live. Here in greater Fort Lauderdale, gays and lesbians are part of the social fabric, fitting comfortably into this multicultural quilt we call South Florida. Wilton Manors and parts of Fort Lauderdale have large resident gay and lesbian populations. Many more gays and lesbians arrive throughout each year as snowbirds and visitors.

It happens that I just read something that seems relevant to all this. The International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association recently picked Fort Lauderdale to host its 2011 international convention.  I also learned that Fort Lauderdale has been chosen as America's favorite gay resort town by Gay.com. I think that's very cool. Because Fort Lauderdale is as family-friendly and straight-couple friendly as it is gay-friendly. On Valentine's Day, we'll be celebrating together, taking romantic walks on the beach or crowding into Las Olas restaurants or dancing Saturday night away in clubs. Whatever it may be. As this holiday of caring approaches, I get a very pleasant feeling from our local live-and-let-live attitude. Happy Valentine's Day - whoever you're with or not with and wherever you are. I hope it's a good one for us all.