Kicking off Pride month June 1 was Transpire Help’s 5th annual Pride on the Block fundraiser.
Clematis St. in Downtown West Palm Beach was buzzing with visitors outfitted in their rainbow ensembles, live entertainment, and several prominent organizations tabling such as PRISM, a nonprofit focused on sex ed for LGBTQ youth. PRISM was handing out condoms and emergency contraception.
“I would honestly say the vibe’s been pretty popping. It's been a constant flow of people from all different backgrounds and they've just been bringing this welcoming and inviting energy with them,” said PRISM Outreach Director Avion Goordeen. “So that type of energy and interacting with people who are bringing that welcoming feeling just empowers me to keep going. And everyone is just so happy.”
This year’s event appeared to go smoothly without any disruptions. Last year it rained most of the day so organizers were happy for the clear skies.
“We've had a couple of years where it's one scare after the other,” Goordeen said. “And today, it just seems like everything is going smoothly. Very grateful for that.”
Transpire Help is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 2016 to support LGBTQ individuals struggling with substance abuse. This year’s fundraiser was a success, according to Founder Donna Weinberger.
Weinberger noted the City of West Palm Beach and the establishments on the 500 block of clematis have been “exceptional” to work with.
“We are deeply grateful for their unwavering support and enthusiastic embrace of this event," they said.
This year’s event brought in over $26,000.
“The overwhelming support and vibrant turnout to celebrate Pride, diversity, and our LGBTQ+ community was truly heartwarming. We were delighted to see so many people come together in downtown West Palm Beach to honor and embrace our shared values of love and acceptance,” Weinberger said. “We look forward to continuing this wonderful tradition and further strengthening our bonds with the city and its wonderful residents.”
Visit prideontheblock.com for more information and how to get involved.
