Dear Pridelines Family, I hope this letter finds you well. As we approach Pridelines’ Annual Masquerade Gala on Saturday, Aug. 17 in Miami, Florida, I wanted to address a concern that has recently surfaced regarding one of our guests, Lady Bunny.
We understand that Lady Bunny’s public remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris have been a source of controversy. It is important to clarify that Pridelines, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, can not endorse or support any political figures or candidates. Our mission is to be non-partisan in the political arena and to focus on the vital work we do for the South Florida community.
Pridelines has been a beacon of support and service for 42 years, addressing critical issues such as homelessness, food insecurity, and providing safe spaces for youth and adults alike. Our Annual Masquerade Gala is a celebration of our history and accomplishments, as well as an opportunity to honor other organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to our community. This year, we are excited to honor The Our Fund Foundation, The Miami Foundation, The Miami Girls Rock Band, and unsung hero Michael Roman.
Our commitment is to support democracy and respect every individual's right to express themselves, as guaranteed under the First Amendment. Vice President Harris has expressed these same sentiments at her rallies. A critical component of her campaign is protecting freedom and Democracy. While Lady Bunny will be honored at our event for her previous advocacy work for our community, it is important to emphasize that her presence does not reflect an endorsement of her personal views or statements. A vital aspect of Democracy, which is often forgotten in American politics is the ability to listen, even when we disagree. I, disagree with Lady Bunny’s statements about Kamala Harris and have communicated that to her but our Gala is about Pridelines. The focus of our Gala is on celebrating Pridelines’ achievements and the critical support we provide to those in need.
To note, Pridelines works closely with organizations such as SAVE LGBTQ, Equality Florida, Centerlink, and The National LGBTQ Task Force to advocate for our community. Our Gala represents our dedication to these efforts and our ongoing mission to create a safe and supportive environment for everyone we serve.
Earlier this year, Pridelines announced that a member of the Biden Administration visited our community center. Secretary Becerra of Health and Human Services came to our Liberty City Center to kick off Pride and discuss how our local community can work with the federal government to ensure our community receive the health services support it needs in a challenging state such as Florida. Simultaneously, we were working with Vice President Harris’ office to visit South Florida. Due to Vice President Harris’ travel schedule, she will not be able to attend our Gala but we will read a signed letter from Kamala Harris. Again, as a nonprofit organization, we cannot publicly endorse a candidate but it is clear, which presidential candidate supports the LGBTQ community and where our loyalty and commitment lie.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to further our mission and celebrate our collective accomplishments. Thank you for being a valued part of the Pridelines community. We look forward to seeing you at our annual Gala this Saturday.
Sincerely,
Dr. Edward Summers, Executive Director of Pridelines
