There was a vibe in the air. You could feel it. A sense of stubborn-solidarity-in-the-face-of-division filled the ballroom at the Seminole Hard Rock. Tables were filled with representatives of South Florida’s LGBTQ service organizations.

From media outlets (including OutSFL) to the fab flotilla FlockFest to SunServe and more, people gathered to celebrate successes and learn from defeats. The event is produced by The Pride Center at Equality Park, and the Harvey Milk Foundation, which honors Milk’s legacy as an openly gay official who was assassinated for demanding LGBTQ rights.

His nephew, Stuart Milk, led the night’s program, which included two well-known stars in the LGBTQ world.

Belinda Carlisle and Billy Porter were both awarded the Harvey Milk Medal for their long and storied support of the LGBTQ community.

Carlisle has been an LGBTQ ally since the days of her Go-Go’s fame in the 1980s. The cause took on extra meaning for her when her teenage son came out.

The key moment of the night came when Porter accepted his medal. Dressed in a sparkling outfit, his clothes caught the eye, but his voice captivated the soul. He talked about losing his mother just days ago, and how she was always his champion.

Porter also talked about the fight for LGBTQ rights. While many feel defeated in the face of bigoted lawmakers that dominate statehouses, Porter had a message of hope.

“We’ve already won. Now we just have to do it again.”

Also honored was Spencer Battiest, a Native American (Seminole/Choctaw) entertainer, local club owner and philanthropist Mark Hunter, Transinclusive Group co-
founder Tatiana Williams, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.

While they each represent a different part of the LGBTQ community, they are similar in their dedication to the cause. Whether it’s donating money, supporting family, or making sure everyone can see themselves in Hollywood, they stand together.