Pridelines is gearing up for its annual masquerade gala fundraiser Saturday, August 17, in Coral Gables. Much of their time is being spent defending their VIP honoree: Lady Bunny.
The queer icon has become a polarizing figure in LGBTQ politics, including harsh criticism for Vice President Kamala Harris, who’s running for president, and President Joe Biden.
The drag entertainer is receiving Pridelines’ National Icon Award. OutSFL first reported on the controversy, including Executive Director Edward Summers’ statement saying this is not a political event and that Bunny is being recognized for her decades of commitment to the LGBTQ community.
That has not quieted critics.
On Monday of this week, Summers issued a statement reinforcing the organization’s beliefs, and his own.
“We understand that Lady Bunny’s public remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris have been a source of controversy,” he said. “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.”
He emphasized that honoring her work is not the same as honoring her views.
“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.”
Summers goes on to say her views are definitely not his.
“I disagree with Lady Bunny’s statements about Kamala Harris and have communicated that to her, but our Gala is about Pridelines.”
Bunny’s comments on social media have been blunt. One recent post says, “Good news for RuPaul, corporate Democrats and Republicans. They can continue to destroy the planet for their short-sighted greed under a Harris administration.”
She also posts about Israel’s response to the attack by terrorist group Hamas, health care, and calls large “gay organizations” corrupt.
Pridelines was also trying to get Harris to come to the gala and says they were working with her staff, but the schedule just didn’t work out.
Meanwhile, Summers hopes that people will separate the message from the messenger, and touted Pridelines’ bona fides.
“Pridelines works closely with organizations such as SAVE LGBTQ, Equality Florida, Centerlink, and The National LGBTQ Task Force to advocate for our community. Earlier this year, 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 receives the health services support it needs in a challenging state such as Florida.”
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