On June 7, West Palm Beach spilled over with queer joy, colorful performances, and unstoppable community spirit as Pride on the Block 2025 returned for its sixth — and “fiercest” — year yet.

Hosted at The Peach, a vibrant arts collective, the annual event brought together hundreds of attendees, over two dozen performers, local vendors, drag royalty, and even first-time Pride-goers. At its heart was a mission of healing: raising funds for Transpire Help, a nonprofit that connects LGBTQ+ individuals with affirming addiction recovery, housing, and mental health support.

This year’s celebration faced no shortage of challenges — from funding cuts to the lingering fear of past gun threats — but the community responded in full. Organizers raised over $10,000 (with final numbers still being tallied), including a vibrant raffle auction offering prizes such as Reiki healing, massages, gift certificates, wine tastings, and beach bundles.

And for the first time ever, The Peach donated its venue space, offering a powerful act of allyship in a state where safe queer spaces are increasingly under attack.

Transpire Help: Recovery With Respect

Founded in 2016, Transpire Help offers treatment scholarships, affirming sober-living placements, gender-affirming care, essential medications, and consistent mental-health support for LGBTQ people in recovery. The nonprofit also leads “LGBTQ Cultural Awareness” trainings for rehab staff across South Florida. Learn more at transpirehelp.org.

“We create this incredible safe space for LGBTQ+ folk who have been previously isolated in their drug and alcohol use,” said Leah Rothschild, Vendor Coordinator for Pride on the Block and a Transpire Help Volunteer. “This safe space that we get to create is really important for that context.”

“It feels good to be supported by the allies in the community,” she added. “Allyship is lifelong and non-wavering.” 
 
A Strategic Shift Pays Off

In 2024, Pride on the Block raised $26,000, with $10,000 in expenses, netting a $16,000 profit that funded direct services for queer people in crisis. To continue that momentum in a tighter funding environment, 2025 marked the first year the event charged for admission. 
 
“We are hoping to really make some serious money,” said Chris Rhoades, the event’s Show Producer and CEO of Next Level Talent. “As everyone knows, funding has been cut this past year with a lot of organizations — and especially in Transpire and the work that they do. We’re looking to really recoup that money that got cut from the government.” 
 
Still, the atmosphere was celebratory. “Everything has been smooth so far,” said Rhoades. “The performers are all so sweet and just so endearing — they want to be here, and they want to give back to the community.” 
 
With over 25 performers on the schedule and temperatures climbing, hydration was key. “It’s a little warm, but we are keeping everybody hydrated and cool,” said Rhoades. 
 
Pride Firsts and Deep Connections 

For many attendees, Pride on the Block was more than a party — it was their first ever Pride celebration, especially for 16-year-olds Stella and Neo Sproesser.

“This is my first pride,” said Stella Sproesser. “It’s really cool, it’s really nice. Everybody is so nice.”

Neo Sproesser, who came out publicly just days before the event, said, “It is really exciting to be able to go to Pride!” 
 
Vendors, Allies, and Community Care

The vendor village featured queer artists, local businesses, and community resources — each contributing to the event’s mission of empowerment. Among them was Deep Purpose, founded by jewelry maker Dorothee Kumpe, who donates 10% of rainbow-item proceeds year-round to Transpire Help.

“[Transpire Help] is a need that the community has, regardless of what your ‘community’ is,” said Kumpe. “When you're in a community, you're part of a whole — regardless of how you identify or how you think somebody else should. That’s what makes [Transpire Help] so incredibly important.”

Also present was Craig McInnis, artist and studio owner of the Craig Art Studio at The Peach. “It’s great,” he said of being part of Pride on the Block. “We’re glad to host it here — it ties into what we’re doing already. We’re very much about collaboration, we’re very much about community.”

Food, Fun, and Glowing Ears

On the food front, local restaurant El Segundo served up tacos, guacamole, and traditional Mexican street fare. While tasty, the food options were limited for those with dietary restrictions.

“All the intentions are there,” Rothschild noted when asked about the limited food options. “It’s something for us to improve on in the future.”

As night fell, volunteers handed out flashing and glowing headbands shaped like devil horns, bunny ears, cat ears, and neon glasses — keeping the party lit long after sunset.

From Local Legends to Drag Royalty

The energy on stage never waned. Drag artist Rella Vixx described performing as “Amazing. It feels surreal. It is exciting, exhilarating — it feels amazing.”

Ground Zero, a drag king and co-host of the event, was ecstatic about the experience. “It’s one of the first large hosting opportunities I’ve gotten down here in South Florida … this is amazing!”

Performer Ariel Rimm was both “excited” and “enthralled” to be performing. “Anything that is going towards queer representation in any sort of direction is a direction I want to be in. Period.” 
 
A Star Returns Home

Headliner Suzie Toot, fresh off “RuPaul’s Drag Race” Season 17, returned to her hometown for two show-stopping performances.

“Incredible,” Toot said backstage after her first set when asked how she felt. “It’s so cool to be in the place where I grew up, and Pride changed my life when I was younger. It feels really cool to be a part of it — and one of the many reasons that people are here. It’s a full circle moment.”

Of the changes to the venue, Toot said “this little courtyard” and “outdoor moment” is both “fierce” and “fabulous” and gave her a better stage to perform.

“This is a great year to be here at Pride. Please keep being queer and keep voting nasty, horrible people out of office because that is what we are here to do. And keep on loving each other,” Toot concluded.

Pride on the Block: Bigger, Braver, and Back Again 

More than a party, Pride on the Block 2025 was a declaration: that queer joy can thrive, even in hostile territory. That community care can outlast budget cuts. That pride isn’t just a month — it’s a movement.

Whether it was someone’s first Pride, a drag performer’s biggest stage, or a volunteer’s breakthrough moment — this was the kind of celebration that leaves a mark.

And next year? Pride on the Block will be back — stronger, louder, and even more unapologetically queer.

“Keep living and keep loving — because that’s the big fuck you to them!” exclaimed Toot in a fiery farewell after her final performance.