There are many storylines involving Miami Beach Pride from the world-renowned entertainment to the festival’s accessibility to the celebration of commitment.
Whatever your interest, you have a good chance of finding it amid the swaying palm trees and sandy beaches this weekend.
“It’s a celebration of being yourself,” said Miami Beach Pride Board Chairman Bruce Horwich, now in his sixth year of leading what is unarguably one of the most successful Pride organizations in the Southeast.
“We try to run a tight ship,” said Horwich, an accountant by trade. “We pay attention to the numbers and the budget, and we have a formula of what we should be spending on certain things. We also have a very, very good person who works well with our sponsors and tries to get us new sponsors.”
Now in its 16th year, Miami Beach Pride offers a two-day festival at Lummus Park, headlined by entertainer extraordinaire Billy Porter, that is expected to draw more than 150,000 people. Admission is free and that’s something Horwich is proud of.
“There are some Prides that charge to get into their festivals, we don’t,” he said. “I want to keep it that way forever. Whether you have money or don’t, you should always be able to come to Pride.”
To illustrate this point, Horwich references the many community-based groups that set up shop during the festival to offer services to those in need.
“Someone might be homeless because they got kicked out because they are gay,” Horwich explained. “We want them to come to Pride and see life is worth living and maybe meet someone who can help them find housing or a job. If we start charging, we shut out a certain element of our community, and I’m not willing to do that.”
On the other end of the spectrum is a community that demonstrates the progress and perseverance highlighted in this year’s theme. Miami Beach Pride’s Legacy Couples program recognizes same-sex couples who have been in committed relationships of 10 years or longer.
Currently, there are 103 couples in the program. Gregg Shapiro and Rick Karlin are members of the Pearl group — together for 32 years.
“In the LGBTQ+ sphere, we often talk about how much representation matters,” said Shapiro, a freelance journalist. “We think that the visibility of long-term, committed relationships also deserves recognition. We’re honored and grateful to be a part of the Legacy Couples through Miami Beach Pride and the representation and visibility they provide.”
The Legacy Couples breakfast takes place on Sunday before the annual parade on Ocean Drive. Porter, who won an Emmy for his role as drag ball emcee Pray Tell in Pose, is this year’s parade grand marshal.
Other talented performers on Sunday include JoJo Siwa, Madison Rose and Mila Jam.
For a complete lineup of events or more information, visit www.miamibeachpride.com.