For Matthew McWatters, pride is not about making his identity the center of every room he enters. It is about never having to leave part of himself outside the door.
“To me, being out and proud means living authentically without feeling the need to hide or apologize for who I am,” said McWatters, a 41-year-old West Palm Beach resident. “It's about having the freedom to be honest about my identity, my relationships, and my experiences while knowing that I deserve the same respect and opportunities as anyone else.”
That commitment to authenticity has guided McWatters through a career and civic life defined by public service. He currently sits on the board of directors for the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council, where he helps interview political candidates and evaluate their willingness to support policies improving the lives of LGBTQ people.
McWatters has also served as legislative director for the Palm Beach County chapter of the National Organization for Women. In July 2026, he participated in the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund’s Candidate and Campaign Training, continuing to build the skills needed to advance equality through politics and public policy.
His political involvement stretches back two decades. McWatters served as secretary of the Palm Beach County Democratic Party from 2006 to 2008 and was named Young Democrat of the Year in 2017. In 2026, the Palm Beach North Chamber of Commerce nominated him for its Edward Tancer Community Leader of the Year award.
McWatters’ professional path has been just as distinctive. A former zookeeper, he now works as a fundraiser for Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, combining his interest in community service with his commitment to wildlife. His personal motto neatly captures those priorities: “Serve your community, protect wildlife, and always lead with authenticity.”
Being gay, McWatters said, has strengthened his appreciation for resilience, empathy and inclusion. It has also shaped the way he approaches leadership.
“Professionally, my identity has reinforced my commitment to creating welcoming, respectful environments where everyone feels valued,” he said. “It has also influenced my involvement in community organizations and my belief that diverse voices lead to stronger organizations and better outcomes.”
McWatters believes LGBTQ visibility can challenge stereotypes, encourage meaningful conversations and show younger people that they are not alone. Visibility, in his view, is both personal freedom and a form of community-building.
His message to LGBTQ youth begins with a reminder that can be difficult to believe in hostile environments: They are already enough.
“Your identity is something to embrace, not something to hide,” he said. “There may be moments when the road feels difficult, but there is a community that sees you, supports you, and wants you to thrive.”
He also urges young people not to let anyone diminish their ambitions or convince them that their perspectives do not matter.
“Your future is full of possibilities,” McWatters said. “The world needs your talents, your perspective, and your courage.”
For McWatters, pride is ultimately expressed through action. It means showing up authentically, helping others do the same and working toward a South Florida where every LGBTQ person can feel safe, respected and empowered.
