The gift list was easy this year.

Chris Colfer is planning many return trips to the Land of Stories.

Described as a gospel-centered approach to leading in 2020, a panel of church officials offered viewpoints on Florida’s family culture. 

To recognize the crucial role LGBT writers play in shaping the world, Lambda Literary created the Annual Lambda Literary Awards to showcase the best LGBT books of the year.

(WM) James Randi, a magician who later challenged spoon benders, mind readers and faith healers with such voracity that he became regarded as the country’s foremost skeptic, has died, his foundation announced. He was 92.

During this time of COVID-19, when many of us are forced to stay in our homes, we search for books that would entertain and inspire us.

The ‘49 Indian: A Novel By Craig Moody; Vivid Imagery Publishing; 284 pages; $12.99. The book is available in paperback and Amazon Kindle editions at Amazon.com, The49Indian.com and BarnesAnNnoble.com

Craig Moody is that rare species, a native Floridian. Born in Pembroke Pines, “a suburban community that edges the beautiful Florida Everglades,” Moody enjoyed a career as a model and actor before he turned to what he calls “his life’s true calling: acting.” “The ‘49 Indian” is Moody’s first novel, published by his own company, Vivid Imagery Publishing.

Brielle Roundtree, the founder of Bridging The Gap, prides herself in finding impactful and thought-provoking literature that sparks introspection and riveting conversations among queer and trans youth of color on a biweekly basis.     

In honor of the 16th anniversary of Matthew Shepard's passing, SFGN takes a look back upon some the books, plays and films that have attempted to explain his unique place in history. 

Prolific nonagenarian author, actor and lyricist David Leddick is not slowing down. His oeuvre ranges from a series of critically-acclaimed illustrated volumes about the male nude and steamy novels to commentary on gay culture.

For nearly four decades, Miami Book Fair has been one of the largest literary events in the country, attracting thousands to readings, panel discussions, workshops and the popular street fair where thousands of titles were on display.  

There are few topics that aren't included in the new anthology book “Bodies and Barriers: Queer Activists on Health.” Edited by Adrian Shanker, a Pennsylvania-based queer activist, Shanker was inspired to put the book together because of his own experiences with seeking out health care as a queer man living in a largely straight world.  

John Amero was there at the very dawn of the porn industry. At a time when working in porn carried a huge stigma, at a time when people in the business worked under assumed names out of fear of being "discovered,” Amero and his late brother Lem proudly put their real names in the credits of early X-rated classics such as "Every Inch a Lady" (1975) and "Blonde Ambition" (1981).

Miami Model and gay news columnist, Mark A. Turnipseed is sharing his personal coming-out story in the new LGBT memoir, “My Suicide Race,” a gritty and tragic story that ends with the promise of a new life.

Michael Callen (1955-1993) is not as well-remembered today as he deserves to be. But during the peak years of the AIDS crisis, Callen was known the world over not only for his AIDS activism, but also for his music.

Thursday, 7/17

Books

Miami Beach writer David Leddick introduces his new book, “I’m Not for Everyone. Neither Are You,” tonight at the Stonewall National Museum and Archives Wilton Manors Gallery, 2157 Wilton Dr. An effervescent octogenarian author, playright and performer, Leddick asserts himself a role as everyone’s favorite gay life coach in this smart, savvy and hilarious new book. Discover your signal inner style and apply it to your personal and professional relationships with Leddick’s unapologetic approach. Reading and book signing begins at 7 p.m. For more information, go to StonewallNationalMuseum.org.

A Sprouts Farmers Market grocery store could soon be on its way to Oakland Park Boulevard, as well as residential and green space.

(WM) A Murray teacher read a book about a transgender child to a class of third graders last month — which set off a backlash from parents.

That man there? He's just a nice guy. 

You didn't need the extra heat.

What defines beauty? Does it differ from "pretty" or is it just another degree based on the look of ones' skin or depth of the eyes?

The last time you went riding, the weather was perfect.

There's time for one last round. One for the road, as they say. A tip for the barkeep, a final toast before you go, one more clink before you drink, and, as in the new book "Last Call" by Elon Green, be careful on your way out the door.

Assume this position. Feet up, head back, fingers laced over your belly. Eyes shut. Teeth unclenched. And there you are: ready for a nap — if you dare, if you have your work finished, if you can ignore the nagging feeling that there are things left undone, if you can stop feeling judged.

The place is filled with balloons. They're floating near the ceiling, strings just out of reach for now, some on the floor.

And just like that – boom! – the awkwardness began.