May's Best LGBTQ Events in Miami

Pride might of been last month, but May in Miami is gayer than ever. An LGBT art festival, the world's largest lesbian fundraiser, and Sizzle round off what might be the beginning of the queerest summer on record.
 
Out in the Tropics Panel at the LGBT Visitor Center - Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. 

Come meet the artists invited to participate 2015's Out in the Tropics festival, along with local LGBT community activists, and leaders. The event will spearhead a week of poetry readings, film screenings and live performances meant to highlight the gay experience. After the talk, there will be an informal reception were you'll get to hobnob with the artists, and pick which events to check out. The talk is free, but please RSVP to [email protected].

Bette Midler Divine Intervention at The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino - Wednesday and Thursday, May 8 and 9, 8 p.m. 

Bette Midler made her name playing to the towel-clad men of St. Mark's Baths. When the announcer asked her, how she wanted to be introduced she told him, "tell them I'm divine." The name stuck, and through her career the Divine Miss M has continued to wow straight and gay fans alike. If you cried during Beaches, or can sing all the music to Hocus Pocus you should totally check her out. Tickets start at $165, and can be purchased through Ticketmaster. 
Aqua Girl VIP Cocktail Reception at The Cadet Hotel - Friday, May 15, 7 to 10 p.m. 

Aqua Girl self-describes itself as the "largest charity in the world for women who love women." The week-long festival features various pool parties, night club events, and mixers, but the place to be seen at is Friday night's cocktail reception. Details are still hazy, but if you're interested you can purchase your tickets in advance for $85, or wait till the day-of and shell out $100 at the door. Either way it all goes to a great cause. Proceeds from Aqua Girl benefit the Aqua Foundation for Women, a not-for-profit foundation whose primary mission is to serve as the funding catalyst for lesbian, bisexual, and transgender wellness and equality in South Florida through grants, scholarships, and initiatives.

LGBT Center Mixer at Epic Hotel- Thursday, May 21, 7 to 9 p.m. 

Miami Beach's LGBT Visitor Center invites you to celebrate the launch of their new website while you socialize with the town's gay luminaries, and their straight allies, on the rooftop of the Epic Hotel. Cocktails will be provided courtesy of Stoli, and hors d'oeuvres include beef short rib empanadas, mango and watermelon salad shooters, and risotto arancini, all for the reasonable price of free. Valet parking is available at a reduced $10 rate, RSVP to [email protected].

Beach Bodies at Virginia Key Beach Park- Sunday, May 24, noon to 7 p.m.

Every year Sizzle gives Miami what it needs, gorgeous gay black men. This year the five day festival is centered around their first official beach party on Key Biscayne. Organizers have rented out a large patch of Virginia Key Beach Park to produce a Beach Party complete with obstacle courses, fashion shows, frozen drinks and eats. General admission is $30, but free to packaged ticket holders. For more information check out sizzlemiami.com.