Our streets pulsed with love, pride, and unstoppable resilience as thousands gathered for the Stonewall Pride & Street Festival on June 14.
This was far more than a festival. It was a powerful declaration that decades after the Stonewall riots, our fight for equality, dignity, and acceptance remains as urgent as ever. In a time when diversity and inclusion still meet resistance, our gathering sent a clear message: we refuse to be silenced.
Walking through the festival, you could feel it: unity in its purest form. Friends embraced, families cheered, and allies joined us arm in arm — all bound by a shared promise that love is love, and freedom belongs to us all.
This unforgettable celebration was made possible by the flawless planning and tireless dedication of Jeff Sterling, Scott Holland, and their extraordinary team. To Jeff, Scott, and everyone who poured your hearts into this event — thank you for making history. And to the incredible city of Wilton Manors — thank you for standing with us, for championing our right to celebrate openly, and for helping pave a future defined by true equality, acceptance, and freedom.
A heartfelt thank you to Khan Bashir, Ray Henderson, Mohammad Kaada, John Maloni, and Greg Horine for believing in my dream of an outdoor seven-hour concert at The Tropics Grille — possibly the longest concert ever held at a South Florida LGBTQ Pride event.
To our remarkable team at The Tropics Grille — you are the heartbeat behind every smile and every memory made. Our outdoor venue came alive with thousands enjoying our stage, our bustling bars, and our mouthwatering barbecue.
A standing ovation to Ry Rivers for delivering a concert that kept the crowd on their feet from the first note to the final encore.
Thank you, Rick Leonard, for crafting and performing a beautiful two-hour showcase with our gifted Tropics Grille entertainers.
To Velvet Lenore — an extra-special thank you for your extraordinary show with your family and friends. You are a world champion, a community leader, and an entertainer beyond compare — it is a privilege to call you my friend and collaborator.
And a big shout-out to the Aquaplex “Commandos” from the Velvet Lenore show. Your performance was awesome.
A very special thank you to my dear friend Kitty Meow (Shawn Palacious) for hosting our 7-hour concert.
A concert of this magnitude could never happen without a world-class DJ like Daniel Blanco. Thank you for your talent and incredible passion for your craft.
Yes, the day was sweltering, but nothing could dampen the joy, the love, or the unbreakable spirit that filled every street and stage. This year’s Stonewall Pride reminded us all: there is no better time than now to stand tall, speak boldly, and defend our right to live and love freely.
