Spring ushers in not only a change in the weather but also the Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival and annual parade, returning for the eighth year. Last year's festivities attracted more than 100,000 attendees over three days, and nothing less is expected this year. Grand marshal is
In anticipation of the fest this weekend, New Times presents the ten most memorable moments in Miami's gay history:
10. Club Baths Opens (1974)
John W. Campbell opened the Miami branch of the Club Baths more than 40 years ago. The gay bathhouse was a place where men could enjoy typical spa amenities such as saunas and
9. A Place to Congregate (1970)
Christ Metropolitan Church was founded as a congregation for gay and lesbian Christians in Miami.
8. Miami's First Gay Pride Parade (2009)
Miami Beach's first Gay Pride Parade, established by Miami Beach Mayor Matti Bower in collaboration with the Miami Beach Gay Business Development Council, drew an estimated 15,000 spectators. Now it attracts out crowds greater than 130,000.
7. The Purple Pamphlet (1964)
A Florida legislative committee led by Sen. Charley Johns published the pamphlet "Homosexuality and Citizenship," also known as the "Purple Pamphlet." The document attempted to portray gays and lesbians as disease carriers worse than child molesters. It was part of a larger effort to identify closeted queer folks in schools, universities, and government jobs. Luckily, the local reaction to Johns' letter was swift. Dade County officials threatened legal action against the Florida attorney general's forced distribution of the Purple Pamphlet.
6. Democratic National Convention (1972)
The Democratic and Republican national conventions were both held in Miami in 1972. The DNC featured the first public speech concerning gay rights by openly gay San Francisco activist Jim Foster. The RNC, on the other hand, was met with extensive antiwar protests, women's marches, and shows of solidarity from the gay-rights movement.
5. Adoption Rights Extended to Gay Parents (2010)
In 1997, thanks to the success of the Save Our Children campaign, the Florida Legislature passed a law prohibiting gay adoption. But in 2010, that law was overturned by the courts in In
4. Nondiscrimination Ordinance Passes (1977)
Miami became one of almost 40 cities in the nation to pass nondiscrimination ordinances against gays and lesbians.
3. Save Our Children (1977)
Anita Bryant’s Save Our Children campaign overturned a law prohibiting workplace and housing discrimination against gay men and women. As a former Ms. Oklahoma,
2. Versace in Miami (1992-1997)
Fashion designer Gianni Versace relocated to Casa Casuarina, setting off a queer renaissance in South Beach. The newly converted 1930s apartment building became a symbol for the city's gay-led revival. Left ravaged by the drug wars of the '80s, a wilting senior population, and a fleeting economy, SoBe became a low-rent haven for creatives and artists from around the nation. Bars began popping up on every corner, most notably Warsaw (currently Jerry’s Famous Deli), Paragon (on Washington Avenue), and Salvation (on West Avenue).
Barely five years after he moved to Miami Beach, Versace was murdered on the front steps of his iconic Ocean Drive mansion. His violent death sent shockwaves across the community, bringing to a close the decades-long queer boom that began in the late '80s. Drawn by cheaper, more casual beachfront living, much of the town’s graying gay demographic moved to Fort Lauderdale, taking the clubs, stores, and bars with them.
1. Florida Legalizes Gay Marriage (2015)
In Brenner v. Scott, a U.S. District Court ruled that Florida's 2008 law banning same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Gay marriage has been legal in the state since January 6, 2015, when the court's temporary injunction took effect.
Miami Beach Gay Pride Festival
Friday, April 8, through Sunday, April 10, at various locations in Miami. A large parade will take place Sunday beginning at noon along Ocean Drive. Visit miamibeachgaypride.com.