The “T” in LGBT was well represented at Miami Beach Pride.
The Gilead Trans Pride Pavilion — a trans-inclusive space highlighting transgender-centered exhibitors, DJs and drag performers — returned for the free multi-day festival on April 5 and April 6. Trans icon Vanessa Monroe once again hosted the tent this year with DJ Jessimixx mixing beats and drag performances from transgender entertainers Monroe, Poizon Ivy Lords, Kimberly Venom, Kahtya Tehnsion and this year’s newly crowned Miss Miami Beach Pride Akasha O'Hara Lords.
“I am excited to be back this year once again hosting the T-Tent and performing with fabulous entertainers with shows all afternoon for both days,” Monroe said prior to the festivities. “The T-Tent was created by Miami Beach Pride for transgender people as a safe space and where everyone is welcome. It is a fun place where we have many organizations giving us information about what they do for our community, such as Transsocial, Boriquen Clinic and many more.”
O'Hara Lords, a trans woman from the legendary House of Lords, and Oscar Gonsalez, known for his audition with trans twin sister Tiffany Gonsalez on Got Talent Global, won the 2025 Mr. and Miss Miami Beach Pride Pageant, held on April 2 at Palace Bar, 1052 Ocean Dr., Miami Beach.
The theme of the night was “Palace in Wonderland,” as the iconic drag bar transformed into a “lavish wonderland, where glamour met fantasy in a fierce battle for the crown,” read a statement from Miami Beach Pride officials. “This isn’t just a pageant. It’s a show-stopping spectacle filled with drag excellence, breathtaking performances and Miami Beach glamour at its finest.”
Indeed, contestants dazzled through categories including evening wear, talent and Q&A, embodying the magic and mystery of “Alice in Wonderland” in a way that only Palace Bar could deliver. The pageant was hosted by legendary drag entertainer Tiffany Fantasia, herself a former Miss Miami Beach Pride, and featured performances by fellow drag queens and former Miss Miami Beach Pride titleholders Athena Dion, Joanna James, Kalah Mendoza and TP Lords, among others.
Last year’s winners Jose Vega and Tiara Luv Dupree were on hand to crown this year’s Mr. and Miss Miami Beach Pride. As one of their first duties as the reigning titleholders, Gonsalez and O'Hara Lords walked in the Miami Beach Pride parade on April 6 and were introduced from the Grand Stand Stage and performed on the Main Stage.
The free two-day festival at Lummus Park featured two stages with world-class celebrity entertainers, DJs and special events. Performers and invited guests included DAYA, KIESZA, Alyssa Edwards, Jewels Sparkles, Eliad Cohen, Crystal Waters, Luxx Noir London, Gabby B, Jules Liesl, Rimarkable, Grant Knoche, Shannon, Debby Holiday, SANTI, Danny Verde, Mary Mac, Vikina, Joshua Ruiz, José Alfredo, and Miamibloco: Samba Percussion Collective.
The free Pride parade on Sunday, presented by CAN Community Health, featured Grand Marshals Sasha Colby and RaeShanda Lias. The length of Ocean Drive along the Art Deco district was closed to traffic and open to proud South Florida LGBTQ families, friends, co-workers and allies. The parade ran from Fifth Street to 14th Street. After the parade, attendees walked the sand and browsed various tents of Pride sponsor businesses and organizations, including SAVE.
“This past weekend, the SAVE family showed up loud, proud, and united at Miami Beach Pride. We’re still glowing from the joy, strength, and solidarity that filled Ocean Drive,” said SAVE Executive Director Todd Delmay. “From the moment the parade participants and spectators started to gather, the energy was undeniable. Our volunteers, supporters, and allies came ready to represent, carrying signs and waving Pride flags with purpose. Some were marching for the first time, while others have been part of this tradition for years.”
Celebrating its 17th year, Miami Beach Pride welcomed more than 170,000 attendees from across the globe and honored the LGBTQ community with a dynamic lineup of events, performances and activations.
The festivities started March 27 with the traditional Pride Flag Raising Ceremony at Miami Beach City Hall, followed by Pride Lights of the Night at Soundscape Park. Along the way, there were daily events culminating with the free two-day festival and parade. Among the special events were a family picnic at Pride Park on March 29, the Social Justice, Health & Wellness Evening, held at South Shore Community Center with Unity Coalition and PRISM, and the Queer Art Showcase at the Moxy South Beach on March 31, featuring the work of 10 South Florida queer artists, including Jevon Brown, Sid Daniels, Patrick Louis, Carlton Maloney, Junior Mendez, Angelica Rodríguez, Scott Schneider, Michael Todd, Facundo Yebne and Sherman Yee. Also in attendance were writer Rick Karlin and Deejay Smeejay, who mixed classic throwback beats.
The theme for Miami Beach Pride 2025, “Embrace Your Journey,” invited attendees to explore and honor their unique paths through a whimsical, immersive experience inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.” Guests stepped into a world of wonder with themed decor and characters from the classic story, offering an imaginative and inclusive space to celebrate individuality, unity and self-expression.
There was something for everyone, including the Jack Daniel’s Garden of Eve Women’s Pavilion, a special tent for ladies with music from an all-female lineup of DJs, and the Lawn at the Calming Pavilion, a safe space for all differently abled attendees with games and activities for all ages. This activation also featured brand-new art exhibits and on Sunday included "Tea with Elders," an opportunity to gain generational understanding through conversation.
“Pride isn’t just about celebration. It’s about showing up for each other, claiming space, and reminding the world that LGBTQ+ people in Florida are here, thriving, and more powerful together,” Delmay said.
Published with permission from miamilgbtnews.wordpress.com.
