There’s a change in the gala calendar: the annual Diversity Honors is not happening this year. However, The Pride Center is stepping up with The Pride Center Honors.
“We are taking a break with Diversity Honors this year,” Pride Center CEO Robert Boo said.
The event will be a drag brunch to kick off Pride month. Like the Diversity Honors before, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel will host the party.
“I really want to shine a light on the Hard Rock,” Boo said. “During this time when so many corporations and organizations have had to pull back their support, the Hard Rock dove right in head first.”
The event will give out three honors: one local, one state, and one national. Nadine Smith of Equality Florida is the state hero. She founded the group and has been a leader in the community in good times and tough times.
Ana Navarro, co-host of The View, is recognized as the national hero.
“She’s been an advocate and supporter of the LGBTQ community as way back as 2013 when she was pushing for marriage equality,” Boo said.
The local hero is the Our Fund Foundation. Our Fund’s David Jobin is grateful, saying, “Any time to be honored is certainly great and we appreciate it. But in this environment, to be recognized is important. We have to set an example of what resistance looks like and stay true to our values.”
He’s also glad that The Pride Center is getting the spotlight.
“The Pride Center has always been worthy of its own stand alone gala.”
As for why the Harvey Milk Foundation, which usually produces the event, is pulling out, it was a confluence of issues. Spokesperson Miriam Richter told OutSFL “it just didn’t happen. It’s been one of those years where people were very busy.”
The party is June 1, from 1-3 p.m. Scheduled performers include Christopher Peterson, representing AquaPlex Key West, and Michael Dean as Cher, plus South Florida drag icons Daisy Deadpetals, Velvet LeNore, Erika Norell, and Aaliyah Jae.
Local TV reporter Alex Miranda will host the party.
Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at GiveButter.com.
