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... We have what you might expect; a plethora of gay and lesbian bars and nightclubs, over forty at last count. Should you manage to exhaust the local possibilities, South Beach is 30 minutes away and Key West is an hour by plane.

Culturally, we have what you might not expect; a world-class museum, an international film festival, two symphonic orchestras, a ballet company, the largest in-water boat show in the world, a water taxi system, dozens of theatrical venues, a jazz scene, and a thriving arts community.

Employment opportunities are terrific, with one of the largest school systems in the country, the second largest library system, the second busiest cruise ship port, an International airport, a huge tourism and marine industry, and a strong economy overall.

Broward County is one of two counties in Florida that legally recognizes domestic partnerships. Key West is the only city in Florida that offers domestic partnership. The only state in the U.S. that offers domestic partnership is Vermont. Broward County allows registration of two people who wish to be considered part of a domestic partnership.

Legally, this gives the couple a legal basis to acknowledge to the world that they are in a committed relationship and domestic partners. It also grants hospital and jail visitation rights, and designates each partner as a health care surrogate in the event either person is incapacitated.

There are limits to what a county level bill can offer, however, when Broward County does business with private contractors, it gives a financial advantage to any business if they offer domestic partnership benefits within the company. All of this is a good starting point. Broward County has become a model for the expanding the rights of gays and lesbians. The Gay and Lesbian Community Center provide services and networking opportunities.

The Broward County Public Library has an extensive gay and lesbian collection, thanks to an alliance with the G.L.C.C. Anything you need can be bought through gay and lesbian owned businesses. Live discreetly or be out and proud. Regardless of your income, there is a home for you. Prices range from condominiums for $50,000 to deepwater mansions priced in the millions. A three-bedroom house can still be had for $150,000. Discover why greater Fort Lauderdale is an exceptional place for gay and lesbians to call home.