Marlin Beach Hotel (Fort Lauderdale Gay Resort/1972-1992)

Marlin Beach Hotel in Fort Lauderdale was America’s first openly gay resort hotel, debuting under that identity in 1972 following decades as a conventional beachfront property (originally built in 1952) . With its iconic “Poop Deck” poolside tea dances, disco lounge, and celebrity guests—including Sylvester and Sylvester in the elevator—Marlin became a tropical mecca for gay vacationers through the ’70s and early ’80s .

Despite opposition from local officials who saw it as a threat to family tourism, the hotel thrived—grossing over $2 million a year by the mid‑1970s . It weathered the initial waves of the AIDS crisis but lost its footing after rebranding as a spring-break resort in 1986; by 1992, Marlin went bankrupt and closed amid a farewell blowout attended by over 5,000 people. Soon after, the building was demolished to make way for Beach Place, marking the end of a regal era in queer leisure .

I use Bella + Canvas 3001 Unisex tees for all of my designs. They are a soft and light cotton. If you love another brand, please let me know and I can see if I can source it. I can also do my designs on tanks, long sleeve tees, sweatshirts, hoodies and posters. Just reach out with any custom requests and I'll gladly help you out. I do like large prints, but if you want the design scaled down, please contact me before placing an order and I can send you some mock ups.

Bella + Canvas 3001 UNISEX JERSEY SHORT SLEEVE TEE

Sizes:

Small: 18" chest/28" body length

Medium: 20" chest/29" body length

Large: 22" chest/30" body length

XL: 24" chest/31" body length

2XL: 26" chest/32" body length

3XL: 28" chest/33" body length.

Standard colors: 100% Airlume combed and ringspun cotton Fabric blends: Ash and Heather Prism colors - 99% Airlume combed and ring-spun cotton, 1% polyester;

Heather colors - 52% cotton, 48% polyester;