Pride Goes Afloat

Miami Beach, meet Gay Pride. Gay Pride, Miami Beach. After being touted the homosexual Riviera, a LGBT mecca, and a place with some of the fiercest drag queens around, our lil’ sandbar to the east is joining the ranks of cities such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco and getting its very own, official Gay Pride Festival. Rainbow flags, hot bodies, and unabashed comfort in a lifestyle that is somehow still labeled "alternative" will abound at this inaugural celebration created to promote unity and awareness. This Saturday, join grand marshals Patti LaBelle and Richie Rich as they lead the main event: a parade up Ocean Drive from Fifth to 15th streets. Beginning at noon, there'll be floats; South Florida lesbian, gay, bi, and transgender families; and Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower, all putting their feet to the pavement for this historic fest.

Lummus Park will host the PROUD Festival & Expo, a place for you to support local vendors, eat fab food, and dance to live music like no one is watching — except people will certainly be watching. India and Fanny Lu will perform.
Sat., April 18, noon, 2009