More than 170,000 people gathered in Miami Beach, Florida for the annual Pride parade, held on the city’s Ocean Drive. However, this year’s event took place amidst the backdrop of an expansion of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” law, supported by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, which bans gender-affirming care for transgender children in the state. The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature is also considering a bill that would prevent children from attending drag shows.
The parade provided a platform for protesters to confront State Rep. Fabián Basabe, a Miami Beach Republican, over his support of anti-LGBTQ bills in the Florida House of Representatives. The controversial legislation has prompted Equality Florida and the Florida Immigrant Coalition to issue a travel warning for the state.
“As an organization that has spent decades working to improve Florida’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive place to live, work and visit, it is with great sadness that we must respond to those asking if it is safe to travel to Florida or remain in the state as the laws strip away basic rights and freedoms,” said Nadine Smith, Executive Director of Equality Florida.
Despite these challenges, the Miami Beach Pride parade drew an enormous crowd, demonstrating the resilience and determination of the LGBTQ community in the face of adversity. As the parade wound its way through the city streets, participants proudly waved rainbow flags and danced to music, celebrating the progress that has been made towards greater LGBTQ rights, while also acknowledging the ongoing struggle for full equality.
The event served as a reminder that, even in the face of discriminatory legislation, the LGBTQ community will continue to fight for its rights and for a more inclusive society. As one participant put it, “We’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere.”