4,217,940 Minutes | 4,000,000 sheets paper | 500 pounds of ink
By Savannah Whaley
As the saying goes, “It takes a village to raise a child.” But how do you develop and nourish that village — especially one as dynamic, proud and varied as the spectrum of colors on the flag it flies?
With this milestone 100th print issue, OutCliqueⓇ¹ continues to meet this challenge.
Take a Chance on Me
OutClique began when Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Steven O. Evans², the holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Mathematics Education from Asbury University, a Master’s of Arts in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary, and a PhD in Educational Policy Studies and Evaluation with an emphasis in Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) and Pediatrics from the University of Kentucky College of Education, found himself at loose ends after projects at Broward College concluded. Someone who loves the arts, choral and sacred music, handbell ringing, and most of all, being a church organist, Evans and his then roommate, decided to launch an arts and event website catering to the LGBTQA+ audience.
“Click is the sound of the camera, a computer mouse, and the name of a group of people who like to do the same thing together,” Evans revealed about the origins of the magazine’s title. “The website didn’t really take off and Michael Cook, the publisher of Metro Guys, suggested we should start a magazine. He did not view us as competition and I could call and say, ‘What do I do?’”
LGBTQA+ publishing pioneer Alan Beck also offered advice and brought in the legal expertise of Ken Keechl, the first out gay member of the Broward County Commission. The late politician became the agent of record and got the publication off the ground with its first issue in December 2016.
“When I started this, I wanted to give people the Lexus experience in a magazine as best I could,” Evans recalled.” It drives amazingly, but it’s the experience they give to their customers. They know how to keep you satisfied, yet wanting more. Two of my most honored possessions are my 2010 ISC convertible and 2019 RXL – both in Matador Red Mica.” (Special thanks to Majestic Carwash for keeping them clean.)
The Hustle
With the second issue in January 2017, Evans felt OutClique was truly road ready with the sexy Steve Grand at Grand Resort and Spa on the cover and a magazine that was sexy and oozed class and style.
Evans and his best friend, Arthur Wood, worked out of his house (at a 4’x4’ table) managing content, color correcting photos, invoicing clients, and doing all the day to day operations (everyone takes out the trash).
Tom Pence, who also led “Celebration of Friends,” was in charge of distributing the print magazine. “Tom was an absolute delight,” Evans laughed. “He pushed those carts around in the blazing sun and spoke about it with such pride.
Thanks to the hard work of current Distribution Director, Jason Eakin, and his sidekick, Dany, the magazine is everywhere today.
“OutClique is a magazine that we all enjoy reading and picking up at the grocery store when we’re checking out,” said Charles Baran, OutClique senior writer. “You never know what you’ll find. We select people who are leaders in their field whether it’s a composer, chef, restaurant owner or DJ.”
An interior designer from Manhattan who made a mid-life transformation into an actor and the man behind the Rhoda Rage drag persona and the mystery Rhoda Rage and the Goldfish Letter, the gregarious Baran is a living example of the mutual relationship between OutClique and its community.
“I was down here doing a show and I said to the producer, ‘You know, we should do some advertising’ and I called Steven,” Baran said. “He doesn’t remember this, but he was so nice. I told him we were doing an opening night party at Rosie’s and asked if he would give us a page for pictures. He said, ‘Absolutely.’”
Part of the arts community supported by OutClique, Baran now beats the drum for others as an OutClique Brand Ambassador along with Arnie Cuarenta and other enthusiastic Brand Ambassadors.
“Whether it’s just saying hello to the host and letting them know you’re there at an opening or basically meeting people, we take some photos to get some PR for the places we go,” Baran explained.
I Love the Nightlife
Baran is joined by longtime contributors such as Senior Lifestyle Writer Denny Patterson and Senior South Florida News Journalist, John Hayden, who have covered celebrities, the arts, and nightlife in their many articles. Publicists like Kip Hunter, Gary Schweikhart, Michael Goodman, Jan Mitchell, and their colleagues from across the country have introduced their clients to OutClique readers through engaging and insightful interviews.
Art lovers have been treated to exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses with local creatives, including Dr. Gary Keating, founder of the original Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus, as well as organizations such as Empire Stage, Island City Stage, Slow Burn Theatre Company, New City Players, and Men Who Dance. OutClique has also taken the lead in announcing performances by Florida Grand Opera, South Florida Symphony Orchestra, The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Gold Coast Jazz, Symphony of the Americas, South Florida Pride Bands, Master Chorale of South Florida, and NOVA Singers.
Readers have come to know and love a diverse array of talented performers, from local favorites like Jennifer McClain, Miss Bouvèé, Lenora Jaye, Antonio Edwards, Candy Cox, Joe Posa, and Randy Roberts to nationally recognized names such as The Golden Gays NYC, Tom Goss, Miss Richfield 1981, Kathy Griffin, Kristin Chenoweth, Mayim Bialik, Vicki Lawrence, Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Bianca Del Rio, Dixie Longate/Kris Andersson, Well Strung, Jinkx Monsoon, Randy Rainbow, John Waters, Dan Levy, Fortune Feimster, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Theresa Caputo, Darren Criss, Neil Patrick Harris, Kevin Bacon, Carrie Preston, Bernadette Peters, Charo, Belinda Carlisle, Latrice Royale, Chita Rivera, Belinda Davids, Alan Cumming, Ben Platt, Michael Carbonaro, Carson Kressley, Mike Ruiz, Margaret Cho, Lewis Black, Melissa Etheridge, Jeanne Robertson, Hal Sparks, Paula Poundstone, Lea DeLaria, Bruce Vilanch, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Johnny Mathis, Roxxxy Andrews, Stormy Daniels, Ginger Minj, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Varla Jean Merman.
The magazine has served as an all-access pass to premier events at top-performing arts venues, including The Broward Center, The Raymond F. Kravis Center, The Adrienne Arsht Center, The Center in Coral Springs, Lauderhill Performing Arts Center, Key West Theatre, SunShine Cathedral, Empire Stage, The Dr. Phillips Center, Pompano Beach Amphitheater, La Te Da, Savor Cinema, and Gateway Theater.
OutClique has also collaborated with esteemed organizations such as Broadway Across America, ArtServe, Stonewall National Museum & Archives, the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science, Bonnet House Museum & Gardens, the Museum of Discovery and Science, Broward County Public Libraries, the Art and Culture Center/Hollywood, OUTshine Film Festival, the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival (FLiFF), Sanctuary of the Arts, FLoatarama, and FlockFest.
In addition, the magazine has been a proud supporter of major LGBTQ+ events, including Stonewall Pride Wilton Manors, Key West Pride, Orlando Pride, Wynwood Pride, and Space Coast Pride, along with vital community organizations such as Pet Project for Pets and Poverello.
As the lively crowd gathered in the Broward Center’s lobby for the South Florida Symphony Orchestra’s dazzling production of Candide, they could pick up the January 2025 issue of OutClique beneath a framed, poster-sized cover featuring the concert. Evans’ date that evening nudged him and quipped, “You won’t find your competitors’ publications in the Broward Center lobby.”
South Florida Symphony Orchestra CEO and President Jacqueline Lorber affectionately refers to Evans as his “Jewish mother”—a dynamic that works both ways. “She has looked after me and the magazine with genuine care, and I’ve called her for advice more times than I can count,” Evans shared. “She works three times as hard as I do, and when I see that, I think, ‘I’m not giving up.’ She also half-stalks my social media and will call me up to suggest that maybe I take something down.”
That OutClique cover proudly displayed at the Broward Center wasn’t even the magazine’s most groundbreaking moment. In June 2023, the famously image-conscious Walt Disney Company made history by approving the use of key art for OutClique‘s first-ever cover without a real person—featuring Disney Pride in Concert, presented by The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.
Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough
Exactly one year later, OutClique hit the stands with its only cover featuring shirtless men — celebrating the clothing-optional resort of Island House Key West.
“I was talking to resort managers Jeff Smead and James Braun one evening,” Evans recalled. “They have done so much for people who come from places where they feel ‘different’ every day. It’s incredible to go somewhere like Island House and simply feel like a normal human being.”
Over the years, OutClique has lifted the velvet rope and opened the doors to the nightlife at Rosie’s Bar & Grill, Mangia-MangiGeorgie’s Alibi Monkey Bar, Aquaplex (formerly LIPS), Eagle Bar Wilton Manors, Pub on the Drive, LeBoy, LIT Bar, Bourbon Street Pub Key West, Club Fort Lauderdale, and more.
Helping guide the way were visionaries like the Key West Business Guild, Virgin Voyages, and Richard Gray—now retired Senior Vice President of Visit Fort Lauderdale. Another indispensable travel expert is Source Journey’s CEO, Craig Smith, who understands that for many, travel is more than just a night out — it’s a deeply personal escape.
“I had a trip planned to Tahiti, but my dachshund of 18 years had just passed,” Evans shared, recalling his grief at the time. “I told Craig I just didn’t want to go. After five days, in his loving way, Craig convinced me to take the trip. Because of him, I had an amazing experience. The way he connects with people is truly special—not just with me, but with all his clients.”
Evans fondly remembers feeling his dachshund’s presence, almost as if he were saying: “Daddy, you’ve cried enough. I’m running and playing. I can see again. I’m having a peepee and poopie on Jesus’ lawn. Go on this trip. I’m here, waiting for you, and I’ll see you when you get here.”
Travel doesn’t stop, as the Big Coconut Guesthouse, Alexedar’s Guest House Key West, The Perry, and others have also been part of the OutClique journey.
Turn the Beat Around
Starting as an online arts guide, OutClique has transformed into a dynamic platform that highlights leaders making a significant impact. It has featured influential figures such as Visit Lauderdale’s President and CEO Stacy Ritter, Broward County Cultural Division Director Phillip Dunlap, and Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis, who has appeared on the cover twice.
Jorge Perez, OutClique’s ambassador in Palm Beach, emphasizes the magazine’s expansion beyond arts coverage as increasingly vital. “Without OutClique, people would likely be left scrambling for information during what’s shaping up to be four challenging years,” Perez noted. “There are subtle aggressions at play, and OutClique serves as a reliable source for people to stay informed.”
OutClique is also leading the way in providing vital medical information, covering the important work of organizations like AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), CAN Community Health, SunServe, Latinos Salud, The Pride Center at Equality Park, Jackson Health System, Care Resource Community Health Centers, Broward House, Broward County Health Department, Beachcomber Family Center for Addiction Recovery, and Holy Cross Health.
Rivendell Media has helped the magazine keep readers up-to-date on new pharmaceuticals, while advertisers like UberLube announce their latest products.
“I had a friend visiting from another country—no citizenship, no insurance, and no resources whatsoever,” Evans recalled. “I sent him to Latinos Salud, and he tested positive for syphilis, gonorrhea, and HIV. Within two days, they had him on medication for everything and quickly became undetectable (U). Getting people on PrEP or ‘U’ is the only way we’re going to eradicate this disease.”
True Colors
While OutClique is an essential resource for the LGBTQ+ community, Publisher Steven Evans emphasizes that not every article must have an LGBTQ+ focus. The magazine’s mission is broader—celebrating diversity, inclusivity, and the many voices that make up South Florida.
Not every OutClique staffer is a member of the LGBTQ+ community either. Take OutClique editor and writer Megan Fitzgerald, PhD, for example. As the communication program director and an associate professor at Nova Southeastern University—a minority-majority institution—she deeply understands the importance of representation.
“You can pick up the magazine and get a real sense of the strengths of this community,” Fitzgerald said. “I did a story on a food bank and the problem of homelessness in Wilton Manors. OutClique is truly serving the community—and that means everyone.”
Over the years, the magazine has featured inspiring leaders on its covers, including Bishop Durrell Watkins, D.Min. & Bishop Robert L. Griffin, D. Min of Sunshine Cathedral, BSO LGBTQ+ North Regional Liaison Captain Paul Auerbach, Our Fund Foundation CEO and President David Jobin, and the philanthropic duo of Wilton Manors Commissioner Don D’Arminio and his husband, Marc Martorana.
Beyond its covers, OutClique has also championed the important work of organizations like the Miami Foundation, Funding Arts Broward (FAB), the Community Foundation of Broward, United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale, First United Methodist Church Fort Lauderdale, Christ Church Fort Lauderdale, and the Better Business Bureau.
Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now
OutClique grew as the LGBTQA+ community thrived. The physical dimensions of the magazine changed through the years from its original 9”x 6” digest size (December 2016) to 10”x 6” in the December 2020 issue. A year later in December 2021 it evolved to its current size of 8.5“ x11.”
Once a New York City car service chauffeur, Gary now drives press runs printing the magazine since the first issue.
“It was a smaller magazine at the time, but it’s become a massive success,” he said. “Now, honestly, it’s a magazine you’d see in a bookstore. It’s far above a typical rack-type magazine. In the more than eight years I’ve been printing with them, it’s been a pleasure.”
Director of Graphic Design Sach Chokami joined OutClique five months before the first issue, and with his team, has worked on the design and layout of more than 12,000 pages. Approximately 70% of those are designed in-house.
“Looking at the final version of a project is always joyful and interesting,” Sach says. “We’ve always strived to maintain our core standards while continuously improving the quality of our work, our client relationships, and the messages we deliver to our readers. I see publications and platforms like OutClique as amplifying the community’s voice, making sure it’s heard and seen.”
Sach has the advantage of photos by Stephen Lang, director of photography.
“I call him our ethnological photographer,” Evans said. “Those pictures are worth so much because they show what people were wearing and doing on those days. We are creating that history that we’ve not been able to before, both in print and digital form.”
Although it has found success in print, OutClique hasn’t forgotten its early digital roots. Director of Social Media Chandler Scott, who also serves as assistant to Dr. Evans, has been behind the growth of its powerful media presence.
“I love hearing from followers who appreciate our content,” Scott said. “It’s great to know that our work helps bring people together. Collaborating with local influencers and using targeted ads helped us reach a wider audience. Even though OutClique is a magazine, our social media presence should have personality.”
We are Family
Whether in print or online, a woman who served as a legal assistant at a local attorney’s office, assistant to a Judge on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, and staff support at the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission renders final judgment on all content. Evans’ proud mother, (now 78 years old), created the magazine’s style guide and continues to proofread the articles.
“When I proofread an article and if it contains language I think is unsuitable, I omit it,” she confirmed. “‘Keep it clean,’ I always say. We want a magazine that everyone can enjoy reading and not be offended.”
Evans added, “I tell clients, if my mother doesn’t approve, it doesn’t go in. And no one argues with a gay boy’s mother. But it also instills a high level of trust, they know mom has approved, and it will be correct and appropriate. I’ve made more money from this paradigm than any other since starting the magazine.”
Evans’ father, at 82 years old, played a significant role in inspiring the publisher to launch the magazine. “My dad was a banker and loan officer in downtown Versailles, KY. He was well-known, liked, and respected by everyone,” Evans shared. “I wanted to create something that would allow me to be active in the community and connect with people like he did.” Notably, his father’s default rate was just 10% of the national average. If you borrowed money from Evans’ dad, you were expected to repay it, driven by a sense of reputation and respect.
Today, the OutClique family is composed of committed and diverse staffers. They deliver each issue with the vital assistance of knowledgeable advisers, leaders who champion a vibrant LGBTQA+ community, dedicated physicians and businesses that support it, inspiring artists that give it voice, and gathering places that uplift it.
Evans said that the community welcoming OutClique is the most rewarding aspect of the magazine’s success.
“The numbers that I have in my phone are worth more than anything,” he said. “I had a particularly challenging and disturbing situation with a public figure. I posted it on Facebook without any identifying information. The quantity and quality of leadership that jumped up and said, ‘We’ve got your back’ was absolutely overwhelming. I cannot get any higher honors than these same people trusting me with their personal cell phone numbers and answering the call when I need it.”
Evans hopes the print magazine, website, social media, and email blasts continue to create more laughter over cups of coffee, at sunsets, at midnight, in times we cry, in truths we learn, celebrating our lives as friends, remembering the love, and the warm season of South Florida. How do you measure a year in a life? “Life is short, happiness need not be.”³
¹OutClique is a registered trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Contact Miriam Richter, Richter Trademarks.
²Evans, S. (2012) Pediatrics education in an AHEC setting: Preparing students to provide patient centered medicine. A research study of ways that medical students learn patient centered medicine through their rotations in AHEC clinical settings. McEldowney Jensen, PhD.,J. Director of Graduate Studies, Educational Policy Studies & Education. University of Kentucky, College of Education. (Doctoral supervisor).
³Easterday-Holder, A. DMA (former Chair and Professor of Music at Carson-Newman University and choir member Immanuel Baptist Church, Lexington, KY). (www.ibclex.org)
