In Florida’s never ending culture wars, Miami Beach Pride is an outlier.
The 2024 edition saw record attendance and sales, said Pride Board Chairman Bruce Horwich.
“It was the best Pride ever,” Horwich said. “Our entertainment lineup was superb, the weather was fantastic, and people from all walks of life came out to show their support.”
Miami Beach Pride’s successful showing came as a new report, conducted by the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA) Foundation, found there are still considerable obstacles to LGBTQ tourism in the Sunshine State.
The study, titled “State Policy Impact on LGBTQ Tourism,” found an astonishing 80% of respondents perceive Florida as somewhat or very unwelcoming. Furthermore, half of planners surveyed indicated hesitancy or outright refusal to book meetings in the state.
IGLTA President/CEO John Tanzella said travel destinations worldwide should view the report as a cautionary tale.
“While this report arose from the negative legislative actions in Florida, the takeaways are applicable globally, to any destination facing governmental challenges that impact its ability to attract LGBTQ+ travelers,” said Tanzella, in a prepared statement.
Horwich told OutSFL that efforts from activist organizations to discourage LGBTQ travelers from visiting Florida is not a workable solution.
“I don’t agree with the concept that people should stay away,” Horwich said. “I feel just the opposite. We need to rally our people and get them to vote. By staying away, [you're] letting them win the battle.”
Horwich pointed to actor Billy Porter as an example. Porter, the parade’s grand marshal, urged the LGBTQ community to come together to “fight the forces of evil that are trying to destroy us.”
The “Pose” star made those comments while receiving the Key to the City from Commissioner Alex Fernandez.
“His artistry, activism and unwavering commitment to equality inspire us,” said Fernandez.
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