Fortitude Weekend, the new GLBT event taking place President’s Day Weekend (Feb. 17 to 21), includes a film festival, comedy night, concert, pool parties, cocktail parties and nightclub events. This new event isn’t just for fun – tickets sales will go to amfAR – The Foundation for AIDS Research, The Pride Center at Equality Park and Fort Lauderdale-Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Party for a cause – Stars light up Fortitude Weekend
Fortitude Weekend, the new GLBT event taking place President’s Day Weekend (Feb. 17 to 21), includes a film festival, comedy night, concert, pool parties, cocktail parties and nightclub events. This new event isn’t just for fun – tickets sales will go to amfAR – The Foundation for AIDS Research, The Pride Center at Equality Park and Fort Lauderdale-Miami Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Fortitude is produced by The L Foundation, Inc., a non-profit corporation organized to raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations that promote and protect human rights, including the rights of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning community, as well as charitable organizations that promote education, health and welfare services in the areas of HIV/AIDS, cancer and other diseases. It was created in the memory of Lydia, who recently passed away from cancer.
Hotspots caught up with the performers of Fortitude, which include Alec Mapa, Ari Gold, Brian Kent, Deborah Cox, D.J. Escape, D.J. Roland Belmares and Taylor Dane to see what to expect.
ALEC MAPA
Hotspots Magazine: Are you excited to come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in Fortitude?
Alec Mapa: I’m THRILLED to be a part of Fortitude weekend in Ft. Lauderdale. I’m a huge fan of both women on the lineup and it’s always great when an event like this is a benefit to our community. I can’t wait!
Hotspots Magazine: What is your guilty pleasure?
Alec Mapa: My guilty pleasures are The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Beverly Hills. I’m totally hooked and completely mortified.
ARI GOLD
Hotspots Magazine: Are you excited to come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in Fortitude?
Ari Gold: I absolutely love Fort Lauderdale! But it’s been a minute since I’ve been back and I’m so excited to debut some of my new songs from my upcoming album including my new single, “Make My Body Rock”!
Hotspots Magazine: What inspires you?
Ari Gold: My gay life inspires me! LOL! There’s a real dearth of pop music that explores living life as a gay person and all that it entails so I love being able to tap into those uncharted territories. It’s very inspiring and so is the response I get from the fans who appreciate hearing things about their life that they don’t normally get to hear in pop music.
BRIAN KENT
Hotspots Magazine: Are you excited to come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in Fortitude?
Brian Kent: I couldn’t be more excited to be back in Florida performing alongside such amazing artists at what is going to be an amazing event! It’s gonna be off the hook and the cause is so very dear to my heart!
Hotspots Magazine: Who are your influences?
Brian Kent: I’ve been influenced by so many different artists it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few. I think the gamut runs from Carol King to Rush and Elton John to Chicane. I’ve been influenced in some way by just about everything and everyone I’ve ever listened to or watched in my young life.
DEBORAH COX
Hotspots Magazine: Are you excited to come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in Fortitude?
Deborah Cox: I’m definitely looking forward to performing in Fort Lauderdale for Fortitude! It will be nice to escape the snow and cold of New York and perform for my fans in Florida.
Hotspots Magazine: What is your favorite song to perform?
Deborah Cox: It’s difficult to pick one song because they all mean so much to me and I love performing each of them for different reasons. My favorite song to perform is the one that will get the crowd on their feet and having a great time. “Absolutely Not” has always been a crowd favorite because it is a song about empowerment and feeling good in your own skin.
D.J. ESCAPE
Hotspots Magazine: Are you excited to come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in Fortitude?
D.J. Escape: Yes, I am very excited to be a part of Fortitude Weekend, it is for a great cause and I am happy to be part of it. It is going to be an amazing party! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on the dance floor.
Hotspots Magazine: What song is guaranteed to get everyone on the floor?
D.J. Escape: I have done my own private mix to “Time of My Life” that is guaranteed to have all hands in the air!
D.J. ROLAND BELMARES
Hotspots Magazine: Are you excited to come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in Fortitude?
D.J. Roland Belmares: I’m totally excited! I’ve been to play in Fort Lauderdale many times, but I’m truly honored to be asked to be a part of the Fortitude event!
Hotspots Magazine: Which dance floor diva do you dream of working with?
D.J. Roland Belmares: Wow, it’s so hard to pick just one. There are so many talented voices out there, and I’d hate to offend anyone by picking just one. But, if I had to pick. . .I would love to work with…
TAYLOR DAYNE
Hotspots Magazine: Are you excited to come to Fort Lauderdale to participate in Fortitude?
Taylor Dayne: I’m very excited to be a part of the Fortitude weekend and the concert is shaping into a fun event.
Hotspots Magazine: What song gets the craziest reaction from fans?
“Tell it to my Heart”, “I’ll always love you”, “Shelter”, and “Love Will Lead You Back”.
For more information and ticket prices, visit www.fortitudeweekend.com
